Ancient Guardians: The Uninvited (28 page)

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pon being informed by two of the Guardians that were positioned at the front entrance of the villa that Harrison was in the main hotel lobby, Levi walked quickly there in search of him.

He was trying to remain optimistic about all of this, but he really didn’t know how to approach Reece anymore. Her confrontation with Simone proved that she must be reaching her limit with not only him, but her entire life in Pemdas. It also validated that Harrison’s plan may work to give her happiness again.

Talking to her about why she was so upset lately was not an option anymore, in his mind. After so many failed attempts, and now her current demeanor, there was no way Levi would force conversation with her. It was obvious that she didn’t want to be alone with him; why else would she request Harrison join them? He was fairly certain that things wouldn’t be the same between them again; now it was up to him to find a way to let the only woman he could ever love, go.

He walked into the hotel lounge, and rolled his eyes when he found Harrison engaged in a lively conversation with a waitress standing next to him at the bar counter.
Can’t he wait it at least five minutes before he seeks out the first eligible woman?

Levi acknowledged the young woman respectfully before requesting a private conversation with his cousin. Harrison followed him reluctantly to a secluded area in the lounge.

Harrison sat down and narrowed his eyes at Levi sitting across the table from him. “Where’s Reece? I figured you both would be madly in love again, on your way out to dine under the stars.”

Levi exhaled. “Harrison, I already informed you that this may not work. She will hardly even glance in my direction. She has changed somewhat, but she seems extremely uncomfortable in my presence.”

“Is this a joke? She was unimpressed with your piloting her on a helicopter ride? I thought that would’ve definitely done the trick!”

Levi ignored the comment and replied, “She is requesting that you join us this evening.”

“Are you out of your mind? Absolutely not! You should know, I intend to enjoy myself fully on this little getaway as well. I am not here to babysit you two!”

Levi leaned over the table and gazed sternly into his cousin’s irritated eyes. He spoke in a low, authoritative voice. “This was your idea, my friend. I will not have Reece uncomfortable in my presence. I have already told you as much when I agreed to go through with this. If things do not work out between us, I will have to accept it.” He leaned back and relaxed some. “So you will join us until she requests otherwise.”

Harrison’s lips tightened as he glared out of the windows behind Levi. After a moment, he sighed in utter annoyance, and glanced back at Levi, who was patiently waiting for him to respond.

“This is preposterous!” Harrison said in a raised voice. “You better start making more of an effort!” He mirrored Levi’s stern gaze. “And you may want to try smiling every once in a while; that constant look on your face is even making
me
feel weird.” He stood and exhaled in utter annoyance. “Well, shall we then?” He held out his arm dramatically toward the exit. “I believe a table with a prearranged romantic serenade awaits all three of us. This is absurd.”

Levi laughed with disbelief. “You arranged to have us serenaded at our dinner tonight?”

As they strolled out of the lounge, Harrison answered him, “You will be surprised at what I have arranged. Unfortunately, I didn’t believe I would be subjected to any of it at the time I made the arrangements!” He spoke in a loud voice out of frustration.

Levi glanced over at him. “Harrison, quit yelling. As I said—”

“I’m not yelling!” he shouted. His features softened as he grinned at Levi. “I’m unnecessarily raising my voice.” He stated smugly.

Levi laughed in response. He understood his cousin’s frustration; however, Reece’s well-being was his only priority on this trip.

They walked in silence the rest of the way back to the villa. Before they entered, Harrison grasped Levi by his arm.

He eyed him sternly. “I expect you will make your best effort to make Reece comfortable around you again. I will not spend our entire week here, going on the prearranged romantic adventures that I have planned for you. I am serious; you need to find your confidence with her again. I will grant you this favor tonight only. The rest is up to you to figure out.”

If Harrison knew that he would be spending the next three days helping to make Reece and Levi comfortable in each other’s presence, he would have reconsidered making these plans.

It was the third day in Greece, and Harrison, yet again, was required to join Reece and Levi on a prearranged helicopter journey to Venice, Italy. Harrison appeared to be reaching his limit, but Levi didn’t care. Reece seemed to be happier and more relaxed in Harrison’s presence; therefore, Levi would not budge on his demand that Harrison accompany them.

The apparent lack of interest that Reece had been displaying towards Levi over the past few days seemed to validate to him that she no longer loved him. It was difficult for him to accept this reality, but at least he could finally admit it to himself. Returning her to Earth was definitely what she needed. She was smiling and laughing like she used to. She was happy again, and that’s all he cared about. There was no way he would confront her about her feelings toward him; it would only force an awkward situation, and he would not interrupt her newly found happiness.

Even though Harrison was relentlessly vocalizing every ounce of his frustration about having to go on these excursions, it was his usual sarcasm that seemed to keep Reece energetic when she teased him playfully in return. Levi wanted to be more interactive with them, but she displayed no sign that she wished for him to do so. When they did return to Pemdas, Levi had resolved to pull her aside and relieve her of their relationship. Hopefully, that would help her to be more comfortable while living in Pemdas.

While in Venice, they spent the day touring many unique parts of the city before they arrived at the location where Harrison had arranged a romantic gondola ride for Levi and Reece. He had spared no detail with his planning; the boat was decorated with flowers and chiffon, along with two hired musicians who were waiting to board the gondola with them.

As they boarded, Levi observed Harrison’s highly annoyed expression. Up until now, his cousin had managed to conceal his exasperation with everything he had been subjected to; but now, Levi understood that he was beyond his limit.

Levi did his best to ignore Harrison’s demeanor, but this time he failed. Levi was forced to restrain his laughter from the torment he was putting his cousin through, and he was struggling to maintain his composure. As soon as everyone was seated, and the musicians joined them, one glance at Harrison had Levi fighting back laughter. He brought his fist to his mouth to conceal his smile from everyone, and looked away from everyone in the boat as he fought to get a grip on himself. The last thing he needed was Reece seeing him acting like a childish fool.

They were soon moving through the grand canals, and when Levi regained his equanimity, he brought his attention back to everyone in the boat. Harrison sat at the front, facing Reece and Levi, while the musicians serenaded them from the middle of the boat, singing every romantic song Italy had to offer. Harrison was leaning back, legs crossed, resting on one elbow, and clearly annoyed. When he was not looking up into the cloudless sky trying to refrain from making a comment about how ridiculous this was, he would look at Levi, threatening him with his glare.

You don’t know how close I am to throwing the musicians off of this boat so I can reach across and slap that grin off your both of your faces,
Harrison told Levi telepathically.

Levi’s lips tightened in humor.
I must say, I am impressed with your romantic side, Harrison. In all my life, I would have never guessed you had it in you.

Harrison’s eyes narrowed.
I am at my limit with all of this.

That’s your problem. You planned it, so you get to deal with it until Reece says she doesn’t want you around,
Levi ordered.

Harrison gave Levi a harsh expression before glaring up at the innocent musicians, and then pointedly ignoring Levi and Reece by staring out at the water they were gliding through.

This entire five-star vacation was, no doubt, all of Harrison’s planning. Reece caught on to that after all of these wonderful romantic outings they had been on thus far. She still hadn’t found the courage to look in Levi’s direction. He was so somber that she really didn’t know how to approach him anymore. She’d hoped that if he saw her acting normally again, he would start to interact with her again.

She tried to move past the way she’d treated him and his family in order to gain the confidence to apologize; but Levi’s unremitting stolid demeanor reminded her of how horrible she was to him. She wasn’t giving up; she was simply waiting for an open opportunity. Harrison served as an excellent way to relieve the tension, and until Reece knew how she’d approach Levi, he was excellent entertainment for all the tours they’d been on.

It was at dinner that night in Venice, that she became overwhelmed with the fact that things would never be the same with her and Levi again. They dined in a restaurant on an outdoor terrace. It was beautiful and perfect, and she longed to spend this time alone with Levi.

It would have been amazing to have had her arm in his as they toured through the popular sites in Athens, but it didn’t happen. She observed Levi as he engaged Harrison in conversation at their dining table. She watched every expression play out on his face; he was so unbearably handsome. She missed him so painfully that she could hardly stand to be separated from him any longer.
What are you going to do about it, Reece? Should I just tell him I love him and deal with whatever reaction I get?
she thought, as she searched for confidence to talk to him again. She ran her moist palms over the cloth draped across her lap and softly exhaled. She had to get over her insecurities and uneasiness about approaching Levi. She was a stronger woman than this.

She was so distracted by Levi, that she didn’t notice Harrison had been watching her. She was startled when, for no reason, Harrison stood and extended his arm to her.

“Reece, would you mind joining me for a dance?”

Reece looked around. All that surrounded them were couples dining quietly at their candlelit tables. A string quartet played in the corner, and there was a large open area in front of them. It was obvious patrons could dance out on the terrace if they wished; however, no one was doing so.

When she caught a glimpse of Levi, she realized that he didn’t know what his cousin was up to either. Her heart nearly stopped when her eyes locked with Levi’s; she saw that his brilliant eyes were radiant with humor, and for the first time in too long, they were directed toward her.

She eyed Harrison warily. “That would be fine, but no one is dancing. I don’t want to interrupt anyone’s dinner.”

Harrison came around, smoothly pulled her chair back, and kindly took her by the arm. He placed her hand in the bend of his arm as he gracefully led her to the open area. He held her in an elegant dancing frame, and began to lead perfectly to the rhythm of the slow, romantic music.

“Don’t you think this is a little awkward, Harrison? Nobody is—”

“Reece,” he interrupted her, “do not tell me that you worry about what others think. You see, in all my time serving as Guardian on Earth, I have learned that those of Earth instinctively follow others. This dance floor will be full in no time.”

She smiled at him as other couples slowly began making their way to the dance floor.

“So, Reece, I must know; have you fallen madly in love with me?”

Reece nearly choked with disbelief at what Harrison asked her. “Of course not, Harrison. What are you talking about?”

He grinned. “Well, it is obvious that you no longer care for poor Levi over there, so the only other obvious choice is that you have fallen in love with me. Why else are you demanding that I come along on all of these romantic escapades with you two?” He arched his eyebrow in reproach at her.