Falcondell: The Devil's Son (14 page)

Chapter 32

Reaching the Ridge Ash parks the bike and lifting me off says huskily, “Come on let’s take a swim.” It is a warm evening and I can see the fireflies dancing in the moonlight. Reaching the lake Ash turns to me and leaning down kisses me gently and sweetly. Reaching down he lifts my top over my head and helps me out of my shorts. Running his fingers around my neck he unclasps the locket and lays it down on the nearby rock. Stepping back he looks at me in wonder as I escape from my prison. Removing his own clothes he stands before me in just his underwear. His eyes glitter and he says huskily, “My beautiful Angel. I just wanted to look at you. Never before have I ever loved anyone or anything until you came into my life. I will do everything I can to keep you with me. I know that we are different and I hate the way I am, but I can’t change that. I will just have to learn to control it because I don’t want to drive you away.” Reaching up I trace the outline of his face and his eyes darken drawing me in. I kiss him gently and then pull him against me, arching my body into his and running my fingers through his hair. Groaning in desperation he pulls back. “I am not my father Grace and I am not going to make the same mistakes. I want you more than I have ever wanted anyone but not yet. Only once I have proved myself to us both can I allow that to happen. For now I will be happy to just be close to you and protect you.” Raising my eyes to his I allow the love to pour out from them. He gasps as he feels the full force of it and I say huskily. “You may want to wait Ash, but I don’t. I have never been more certain of anything before and it would be on my terms not yours.” Groaning he takes hold of my hands. “Then I will have to be strong for us both. I didn’t bring you here to seduce you Grace. I just wanted to be close to you in our special place. Come on let’s have a swim. I need to cool off before I let both of us down. Lifting me up he then proceeds to jump into the lake with me in his arms. Squealing I feel the icy cold water hit my body and then we are under the water and he kisses me, pulling me tightly against him as we surface. Smoothing my hair back from my face he grins. “You’re a temptress Grace, using your power against me. It won’t work though.” Running my hands down the front of his chest I whisper, “Are you sure about that?” My hands move lower and he grabs hold of them and twists them around my back, “Naughty girl, I have been warned about girls like you, only after one thing.” Laughing I push him away and swimming away call out, “I’ll get you in the end, just you see if I don’t.” Laughing he chases after me and we spend the next half an hour just playing around in the lake and cooling off.

Drying off together I lay with my head on his chest, his arm holding me against him. All I can hear is the sounds of nature and his heart beating in his chest. I breathe in his scent and snuggle closer to him. Closing my eyes I drift off to sleep, happier here with him than I have ever been.

It feels like ages later that I feel him gently shaking me awake. “Come on Angel, I’m taking you home before your Aunt sends Gabe out looking for us.” Bleary eyed I scramble to my feet and he laughs as he sees my dishevelled appearance. Helping me with my clothes he then fastens the locket around my neck. I feel myself being drawn in and he sighs heavily. “You are still the most beautiful girl that I have ever seen, even in your makeshift prison. I just pray that nobody ever finds out your true beauty. I would have my work cut out keeping you safe then.” Arching my eyebrows I say, “You pray huh.” Laughing he says, “Wrong choice of words. You make me say and do things that go against who I am. Like I said before, you are a temptress, sent to bring me down.” As I look at him standing there I think that he is the most beautiful man that I have ever laid eyes on. Reaching over I touch his face gently. “I love you Ash. You are not like your father. Remember you also have your mother in you. There is a side of you that is good and kind and loving. Let me bring out that side of you, the side that has been kept hidden until now.” Grabbing hold of my hand he kisses my fingers gently. “Only with you Grace. Only you see that side of me, because only you bring it out.” Pulling me after him he says playfully, “Anyway, I’m taking you home before my inner bad boy comes out and everything I have said tonight gets forgotten.” As I follow him I sort of wish that his inner bad boy did make an appearance. I am more frustrated than he is.

Luckily the week passes by without any drama. By the time the bell rings on Friday I feel well and truly ready for the weekend. As I put my books into my locker I glance over and stare in total shock as I see Killian at his locker. I haven’t seen him for a few days and my heart freezes as I take in the sight of an enormous black eye dominating his face. He sees me looking and just smiles and looks away. Cally sees my face and coming over says, “I can see that you’ve seen what Ash did to Killian. It was all over the school at lunch. They must have had a fight because I heard that Ash punched him over an argument.” Feeling sick I look over at him as he walks away. Then I see Ash and Jacob sauntering down the hallway like they don’t have a care in the world. Coming over to us Jacob pulls Cally towards him and Ash grabs hold of me. Pushing him away angrily I nod in Killian’s direction. Following my gaze he laughs and holds up his hands. “What?” Angrily I say, “You promised that you would go easy on him.” Grinning wickedly he says, “I did.” Gathering my bag I stomp off down the hall. I can hear him laughing as he runs to catch up with me. Pulling me around he looks at me with a worried expression. “Don’t be angry little Tess. Killian and I are good. He knew that I went easy on him. I promised that I would and I did.” I pull away from him. “Well if that’s going easy on someone then I dread to think what you are capable of.” His eyes flash and he says darkly, “We both know what I am capable of Grace. Like I said before, I can’t change who I am, I just have to learn to control it.” Staring at him angrily I say, “Well you can deal with it on your own tonight. I am going to work and Gabe can take me. I’ll see you around.” Grinning he says, “Gabe has football practice. Come on I’ll take you and then leave you alone. I’ll pick you up later though as I can’t have my girl out on her own at night. You can stay angry with me Grace but I am still going to look after you whether you like it or not.”

Stomping off down the hallway I accept my fate. I am not going to make it easy for him that much is certain.

Chapter 33

Ash drops me off to Violet’s and I don’t look back. He has made me so angry. How on earth does he think that it’s ok to treat his friends like that? Thank goodness I am working; at least it gives me some time away from him. As if sensing my mood Violet keeps me busy. I catch her looking at me from time to time with a worried expression and before long she corners me in the kitchen. “What’s up Grace, is it Ash?” Sighing I lean back against the wall. “Sort of, but if I’m honest it’s more about how I am feeling.” She puts her hand on mine and squeezes it gently. “Tell me honey, maybe I can help.” Raising my eyes I look at her concerned face and find myself telling her what I feel. “It’s just that he has no moral compass whatsoever. I mean he punched his friend today just because he asked me not to tell him something.” Looking thoughtful she says, “And what was this thing that you shouldn’t tell him?”  “His ex girlfriend sort of had a word with me and threatened me. Jace pulled her away and was awful to her, I mean it was brutal what he said and she just ran off. Killian told me that it was better if Ash didn’t find out. The trouble is I can’t get some of her words out of my mind and it worries me.” Frowning Violet asks, “What words are they?” I sigh heavily. “She said that he would get bored with me and go back to her, that only she knew how to handle him and give him what he wants. The trouble is Violet she is probably right. Why is he bothering with me at all? I mean someone like him could have any girl he wanted. I think that she is right and he will soon get bored. I don’t belong with him and it is just a matter of time.” Violet snorts loudly. “Look in the mirror girl. There isn’t a girl here who is a patch on you. Ash isn’t stupid. He knows a good thing when he sees it and that my dear is you. Let me tell you something. I have known him a long time now, since he was a small child. I have never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you. He worships you and you have absolutely nothing to worry about. He was right about his friend. If this girl was threatening you then he should have been told. I know he’s dangerous and I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of him but looking like you do you need someone like him to keep the wolves at bay. Don’t over analyse it and just enjoy the ride because if I’m right he’s not going anywhere.” Smiling at her I feel comforted by her words. She is right of course, I know that he doesn’t like anyone keeping secrets from him and I should cut him some slack, after all he is trying. Cheering up a bit I say, “Thanks Violet, that’s helped me a lot. Sorry to be a burden.” “Nonsense you can come to me anytime at all. Like I said, I know more than most what it’s like to be around that family, who better than me to confide in.”

My shift ends and as I leave I see Ash waiting for me. As I walk over towards him he raises his eyes and looks at me with a worried expression. “Are we good Grace, have you forgiven me yet?” Nodding I sit behind him and wrap my arms around him. Burying my face in his back I inhale the scent that I love. Turning around he pulls my face towards his, “What is it Angel, something’s bothering you?” Looking down I wonder whether to say anything at all but then it all comes rushing out. “When Skylar threatened me Ash she said that you would soon get bored of me and go back to her as only she could give you what you need. I’m just worried that she’s right. I mean we are so different in a lot of ways and don’t share the same outlook on what’s right and wrong.” Looking down I say quietly, “You also have certain needs that I am worried I may not be up to. What happens if we do, you know, and then you’re disappointed? It just worries me that’s all.”

Looking at me incredulously Ash tilts my face up to his. I catch my breath at the sight of his beautiful face and see the love pouring out of it towards me. Softly he says, “You are everything I need Grace and much much more. When the time is right we will be together in every sense of the word but I am not rushing it for your sake. This isn’t about not wanting you though. If you only knew what I am going through trying to be a good person for once you wouldn’t have any doubts. Skylar knows nothing at all about me, she just thinks she does. She’s just angry that she’s not queen bee any more. Her status has gone and she is now a nobody. She will say and do anything that she thinks I want to hear. I used her Grace because she suited my purpose, but I never loved her or promised her anything. In fact I was never faithful to her and just had any girl I wanted. That is who I am Grace, or should I say was. Now I have you I don’t need or want anyone else. Like I said before though, I am who I am and even if I want to change it will be difficult. What worries me the most is that you will tire of me and that my Angel I don’t even want to think about.”

Leaning towards him I take his face in my hands and kiss him gently. Winding my hair around his hands he pulls my lips towards him and leaves me in no doubt at all about the intensity of his feelings for me. By the time we come up for air we both know where we stand. It’s not going to be easy for either of us but at least we both want the same thing.

Chapter 34

As its Saturday the next day I told Ash that Gabe would drop me off at the library on his way to football practice. I could tell it annoyed him but I wanted some time alone with my cousin as I haven’t seen much of him since Ash came along.

As we set off I question him about Piper. “How are things going with Piper Gabe?” He grins at me happily. “She’s great. I never knew just how funny she is, I mean she can have me in stitches with just a quick remark. She’s also so hot, who’d have thought it underneath that cloak of invisibility that you all used to wear, I mean seriously how did I miss that?” Teasing him I say, “You’ve got it bad Gabe.” Raising his eyes up he puts his finger to my lips. “Sshh don’t tell anyone, I’m playing it cool. Anyway how are things with you, you know since Ash?” Sighing I look at him with what I know is a troubled look. “The trouble is Gabe, I think that I have fallen in love with him and that worries me. We are so different and I am not sure that it will work out.” Looking thoughtful Gabe shrugs. “I can’t believe I’m saying this but he is right for you. You calm him down and he protects you. I have never seen him like he is with you with anyone before and I’d say he has fallen heavily for you. Just be careful Grace and don’t give too much of yourself too quickly. If it’s meant to be then you have a lifetime to get to know each other.” Grinning I say, “And is that what you’re doing with Piper?” Laughing Gabe pulls a face. “Mind your own business little cuz that’s between the two of us.”

Gabe pulls into the Gas station and I watch as he fills the tank. I have really grown to love him as the brother that I never had and always wanted. He goes off to pay and then I notice Skylar across the street. Sinking down into my seat I try to stay hidden. The last thing I want is another run in with her. As I watch her I notice that she is looking around her anxiously. Then suddenly the unmistakeable sight of Mr Knight’s car stops beside her and she gets inside, all the time looking around her as if she doesn’t want to be seen. As they speed away I wonder what that was all about. She probably knows him from her time with Ash, but it all seemed so furtive. Gabe comes back but I don’t tell him what I saw. The least I talk about her the better.

Gabe drops me off and it feels like it’s been ages since I was here last. Pushing open the door my eyes adjust to the darkened interior and I can see that Mr Watson is sitting at the desk as usual. He looks worse than normal and I notice how tired he looks. As he sees me I notice that he looks worried and sighing gestures for me to sit down. As I sit across from him he smiles sadly. “I’m sorry Grace but I’ve got some bad news.” I look at him anxiously. “The state have withdrawn my funding and are closing me down.” In shock I can feel the tears welling up in my eyes as I take in what he is saying. “They can’t Mr Watson, this is your life. Why are they doing it?” Looking down he fiddles with his fingers. “Nobody comes here anymore Grace and they don’t have the resources to keep it going. I can’t afford the rent and owe the landlord thousands of dollars in unpaid rent. I have to close it’s the only way. I will have to get a job to afford paying off the debt.”

I stand up angrily. “It’s not fair Mr Watson, why doesn’t anyone come here anymore? It’s a public library for goodness sake. Can’t we get some help and restore it to what it once was? I bet people would come then.” Smiling ruefully Mr Watson shakes his head sadly. “It’s too late my dear. I have heard that the landlord wants the building back to develop into something else, I’m not sure what. It’s better to just cut my losses and move on.” Standing up he looks at me gratefully. “I don’t want you to waste any more of your precious time in helping me Grace. I have enjoyed you being here but as you can see there is no need anymore, I’m sorry, I feel as if I have let you down.” Rushing over to him I hug him which I can tell takes him by surprise. “Please don’t give up yet Mr Watson. I’m sure that we will find a way.” He flushes and looks sadly at me. “You are a kind girl Grace, but as I said it’s too late. I’m sorry.” Watching him sink down into his chair I notice how defeated he looks. I can’t believe that this is happening and as I walk over to the exit my mind is in turmoil. As I leave the library I remember how happy it made me to be here with Ash. Sinking down on to the steps I put my head in my hands and sob uncontrollably as I picture Mr Watson and his wife back when they were happy. How could things go so wrong for such a lovely man?

As I sit there crying on the steps I suddenly hear the roar of a motorbike. Raising my eyes I see Ash screeching to a halt and rushing quickly over to me. “What’s the matter Grace, tell me.” Through my tears I tell him and he looks annoyed. “Now where will I study?” Hitting out at him I say angrily, “This isn’t about you Ash. What will poor Mr Watson do now? He owes thousands of dollars in rent that is probably going up all the time. He’s lost his wife and now his business. This isn’t about you or me it’s about him. Well I’m not giving up. I am going to find a way to help him if it’s the last thing I do.”

Looking thoughtful Ash pulls me up. “Come on, I’ll take you for a coffee. We’ve got time before your shift, maybe we can both come up with a plan.” As I look at him in surprise he grins wickedly. “What? It’s my favourite place to make out with the librarian. What will I do for kicks if it closes?” Raising my eyes up I pull myself behind him on the bike. Sometimes he surprises me; maybe he does have a heart after all.

By the time my shift starts at Violet’s we have mulled over several possibilities. I decide to enlist the help of my Aunt Sarah. She knows lots of people and if we can get enough volunteers we could have the library back up and running and make it a cool place to hang out. Feeling a little brighter I kiss Ash as he drops me off. As I turn to go he pulls me back. “Don’t forget the beach party tonight. I’ll pick you up after your shift and take you home to get ready.” Nodding I race off to work. I am quite excited about the thought of another party. Hopefully it will cheer me up.