The Beckoning of Beautiful Things (The Beckoning Series) Read online

  Daniel sucked in a small breath. “Is it?”

  “Yes. It is.”

  The pair regarded one another for a moment. Fear, hurt, sorrow, distrust, caution, and longing swirled between them.

  The giggling in the bathroom ceased, followed by a thumping and a muffled moan.

  “Hope it was good for them,” Daniel said.

  “Me, too.” A million thoughts swirled through her head like flies. None of them sought escape, preferring to abide in the cesspool of conflicted emotions swirling through her brain. “So what’s the problem? Besides the fact that I don’t trust you…”

  He winced before answering. “I’m afraid you alerted El Demonio to your powers.”

  “By stabbing Jason with pins? I hope he got an electric shock, too. That’s the least I could do to him. The guy was pissing me off! He couldn’t keep his hands to himself!”

  “I was well aware of your ex-boyfriend’s attention.”

  “Were you?” A stab of hope bloomed in her chest. “Well, I was aware of Cara’s dripping attention sent your way. She may as well have climbed in your lap.”

  “Were you jealous?”

  “Were you?”

  Neither one answered.

  “So how did defending myself alert anyone?”

  “Anytime you use your powers, you cause a breach in the atmosphere. Cara, being a stupid, mortal woman, might have felt a chill. Your ridiculous ex, well, he felt what he felt, but he probably thinks you did stab him with pins.”

  Marissa ignored the part about Jason. “A stupid, mortal woman?”

  “Yes. If you hadn’t stood up, I was ready to cast my own spell in her direction. She wouldn’t have liked it, and I would have definitely gotten us both in trouble.”

  “In trouble how?”

  “Like I was saying – you using your powers caused a small tear in the atmosphere. That’s all El Demonio needed to confirm his suspicions.”

  “How do you know that’s really the demented sorcerer?”

  “Oh, I know. Trust me. I’ve had far too many dealings with him. All it took was one touch and a look in his foul eyes.” He stared at Marissa for a long, uncomfortable moment. “He may have appeared like he was chatting innocuously with you all evening, but in truth, he’s been observing you very carefully. He’s been looking for confirmation that you are who you are. Now he’s got his proof.”

  A shudder launched up her spine. Marissa let her head fall back against the wall. “Why don’t they tell you these things? Super powers should come with a kit, instructions and warnings in a small, easy to read booklet, complete with pictures.” The thoughts in her head turned into mad hornets competing for attention, shooting fear through her nervous system. One thought kept recurring, bashing against her skull. How do I know Daniel is telling the truth? What if he’s trying to trick me? Her eyes narrowed to slits.

  “You would have known this had you been trained properly.”

  “Well, there’s nothing we can do about that, is there? I’ve been protected through some amnesiac drug, kept from the truth by my sisters and aunts and their stupid secret code and basically just a pawn in everyone’s game but my own. Everyone seems to want to use me for their own selfish gain.” She clenched her teeth together.

  “Dulzura…”

  The word plucked her attention back to the moment. Once again, that small pang of hope poked at her heart. “What?” she asked softly.

  “You’ll have to deal with that – all of that. And you and I need to have a long talk. But right now we’ve got more important things to deal with, like preventing El Demonio from doing any harm to you. I couldn’t bear it.”

  She looked up at him through her lashes. “Really?”

  “Really.” He stilled and gazed at her, his lips slightly parted, no doubt waiting for her to soften and open up.

  “Will I be bronzed in the garden next? Will that keep me safe?” she spat.

  Daniel flinched.

  The wall between them sprang into position. Do not let your guard down. “That old man out there is not El Demonio. I think you’re making this up to get me to be on your side.”

  “No, it’s not like that.”

  “Isn’t it?” Her face flushed with simmering color.

  The door to the bathroom swung open. A disheveled woman looked at Marissa and Daniel, her mouth falling open and closed like a fish gasping for breath. “Oopsy,” she slurred. She sauntered unsteadily from the tiny room, followed by her equally unkempt lover. “I think they’re next,” she said and burst out laughing. “Hope you have as much fun as we did,” she called over her shoulder as she and her lover staggered down the hall.

  “I think the others are going to wonder what happened to us. We’d better get back.” Daniel reached into his pocket and retrieved a small silk-tied jeweler’s box. He handed it to Marissa. “I want you to have these back, even if you don’t want to put them back on.” His face appeared tortured as he proffered the small bundle.

  “What is it?”

  “Just take them, they’re yours. I think you know what they are.”

  She hesitated before reaching for the container. Their fingers touched, causing small sparks to shoot into the air.

  Daniel gave a small smile. “That’s at least a good sign.”

  “Of what?” Her voice came out as cold as icicles.

  “You wouldn’t have sparked like that if you didn’t still…”

  His words were interrupted by Cara, snaking down the hall. “Daniel! Your chair is so empty, and I feel so alone. Whatever is taking so long?”

  “There was a couple in the bathroom,” Marissa answered, holding back from inflicting harm on her boss. Just one flick of the wrist… She dropped the small boxes into her purse. Small poisonous darts. I could shoot them at her neck. Her suspicion-soaked gaze ping-ponged between Cara and Daniel. “Are you hoping to be next?”

  Cara stopped. “Oh, I’d love to be next. Daniel?”

  Jealousy stabbed her heart like tiny icepicks. “Sure, Daniel. Want to have a go with my boss?”

  Daniel’s face darkened. “Should I?”

  “You tell me.”

  “I’d rather not.”

  “Well, I’d rather not be soul bound to a mad man,” she shot back.

  His face froze into that Marine-like mask of non-emotion. “I did it to protect you. You agreed it was a good idea,” he said quietly.

  “You didn’t ask me if it was alright. And you forgot to tell me about your ex in the garden, encased in a bronze statue.” She practically spit the words out, not caring who heard her, not knowing which was greater – her rage or her hurt.

  “Marissa,” he held his hands up helplessly. “I can explain.”

  “Have you forgotten that I’m here?’ Cara interjected. “You two seem to be at odds, talking nonsense. I can help ease your pain, Daniel. Let me escort you back to the table.”

  Without another word, Daniel turned and stalked down the hall, Cara in hot pursuit.

  Marissa took her time in the ladies’ room, trying to regain her composure. I hate Daniel. I love the man. I can’t trust him. She wanted to find out why he did what he did. Maybe there’s a good explanation? Riddled with conflict, she made her way back to the table.

  Daniel chatted with Cara. Jason tried to engage with Cara in dialogue. Mr. Díaz sipped wine, watching everything as if watching a play that only mildly appealed.

  “Ah, you’re back.” He leaned closer to her. “I’d love to see more of your fair city. Would you like to walk along the wharf for a while?”

  She glanced at Daniel. He ignored her, loud and clear. She slid her eyes over to Jason, who held his napkin-wrapped hand aloft. Her heart a frozen lump, she agreed. “Yes, that would be lovely.”

  Mr. Díaz seemed delighted. “Let’s leave these three to their fascination with one another, shall we?” He pushed back his chair and stood up. “Thank you for this delightful meal. Ms. Engles and I are going to take a walk. I’ll see you tomorrow, Cara
?” he asked. He fished in his pocket, procured a gold money clip, and peeled several hundred dollar bills off. “This should cover dinner.” He tossed them nonchalantly on the table.

  “Yes, at my office, 9:15,” she said.

  “And you, Mr. Brown? You were going to show me some of your fascinating techniques tomorrow as well?”

  “Uh, sure. I’ve got a lot of them to show. I’m a master, you know.”

  “I’m sure you are. Daniel, it’s been my pleasure. Until tomorrow then. Goodnight all.” He held Marissa’s coat out to her and slid it on her shoulders.

  I should be leaving with Daniel, she thought. I should give him a chance to explain. She wanted to rip her hair out, one hunk at a time. She gave him one furtive look over her shoulder. He stared at her, revealing hurt, angry bewilderment. Sighing deeply, she took the old man’s arm and sashayed out of the restaurant, with the eyes of the restaurant patrons once more affixed to her goddess-like presence.

  Chapter 33

  The night shone clear, crisp and starry as the pair made their way down to the waterfront. Mr. Díaz chatted amiably with her, but she didn’t register the words. I should be back at the restaurant. I should give Daniel a chance to explain.

  “Ms. Engles? Is something bothering you?”

  His kindness made more of those pesky tears leak out. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “I’m sorry. It’s personal.”

  He handed her a soft handkerchief. “I’m a good listener.”

  “It’s nothing, really.” She dabbed at her eyes with the fragrance laden cloth. An intoxicating scent wafted into her nostrils. “This smells wonderful. What is it?”

  “Something exotic my people created using the flowers of the rainforest. I added my own special touch.” He winked at her. “It’s a soothing fragrance, is it not?”

  The smell actually made her a little woozy. “Yes.” She handed him back the handkerchief. “I’m okay now, thank you.”

  He tucked the cloth back into his suit pocket, a satisfied smile on his face.

  They reached the wharf and gazed out over the darkened waters. “I love living near water,” Marissa said.

  “I can see that.” Mr. Díaz leaned against the damp railing. “You’re a remarkable young woman, Marissa. May I call you Marissa?”

  “Yes.” The guy is so darn polite. What could be sinister about him?

  “Then please call me Alexander. You’ve been so formal with me all evening. Calling me Mr. Díaz makes me feel like an old man. I have enough reminders of that already.” He smiled at her.

  “Alright. Alexander it is.” She returned the smile.

  He turned and began strolling along the water’s edge. “You seem confused about something.”

  She swiftly turned her head and looked at him. “Do I?”

  “A bit. I’ve been watching you this evening and you’re clearly upset about something.”

  “Like I said, it’s personal.” She cast her gaze into a tourist shop window. Seaside trinkets were arranged in a rather cluttered display. She cocked her head. I could arrange that window so things could actually be seen. I could arrange that window so things would sell.

  “I’ll bet you have a good eye for art, am I right?”

  “I suppose so. That’s what I went to school for.”

  “An artist’s eye is inherent. You go to school to learn technique. You’ve got a gift.”

  She turned to look at him again with slightly squinted eyes.

  “Can’t tell who to trust, am I right?”

  “Maybe,” she said cautiously.

  “It happens. It’s a common thing for women your age. You’re trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, and people appear who seem to have your best interests at heart, but they only want a piece of you for themselves. It’s sad.” He cast his eyes at the sidewalk.

  “It seems that way at times, yes.”

  “Me? I’m just an old, old man who loves his coffee plantation and his dog.”

  “You’ve got a dog?” She brightened, thinking of Sober.

  “Yes, she’s a beagle.” He chuckled. “Her name is Rumba.” He put his hands in front of him and took a few salsa steps, humming to himself. “She makes me want to dance, that dog. She reminds me of a woman I once loved very much.”

  “You’re a good dancer.” Marissa laughed. “Were you married?”

  “We wanted to be. But her father had other plans. He decided that she belonged to someone else.”

  “I’m sorry. That’s a sad story.”

  “Yes, it was my greatest tragedy. I later married, but I quickly divorced when I realized that there could never be another one like my beloved. Until now…”

  Marissa didn’t know what to say. The twirls of longing stirred within her, reaching for Daniel. Well, I’m in love with a psycho. How’s that for true love?

  “There’s that frown again, mija.”

  “It just slipped out, sorry.”

  “No need for apologies. Love is complicated sometimes.”

  How do you know what I’m thinking about?

  He stopped at a jewelry store. Seashell earrings, silver necklaces with tiny dolphins and spouting whales, and other sea-inspired charms filled the tiny window display. “Your jewels are much more beautiful than these tacky pieces.” He waved his hand at the dimly lit window. “This is garbage. Who buys these trinkets?”

  “Someone who can’t afford these trinkets, I guess.” She gestured to the sparkling gems on her chest. “I could never afford this kind of jewelry.”

  “So those were a gift?”

  “Yes,” she said, remembering last night when Daniel had given them to her. Oh, I felt so sexy when he put them on my body. She closed her eyes and sought composure. The scent, the jewels…I’m afraid I’m going to burst into flames. She cracked her eyes to ensure that she wasn’t lit up. “They’re not the kind of thing I ever wanted, though.” I only want him, she thought. She shook her head, sending that thought into oblivion. Psycho, remember?

  “You will be rich, mija. When you find the right man, you will. I’ve got a sense about things like this.”

  Her eyebrows shot up. Daniel’s wealthy. Who said I haven’t found him? “It’s never really been a goal of mine to be rich.”

  “Hasn’t it?” He tipped his head and studied her. “No, I imagine it hasn’t. I sense you want something different. You want to know the measure of your worth. You want to be valued for who you are. It will happen, mija.”

  How does he know these things? She pursed her lips.

  “Are you wondering how I know these things?” He laughed. “I have a bit of the sixth sense.” He tapped his forehead between his eyes. “You do, as well, but you think nothing of it.” He began walking again, sauntering in a leisurely manner.

  Her face furrowed. He sure knows a lot about me. Was Daniel right, that he was studying me all evening or is this just his elderly intuition? She mentally scanned her body, looking for signs of unease. Nothing. No alarm bells or warning signs. Nothing. How could this be the demented sorcerer, El Demonio? She hustled to catch up with him.

  “So, tell me about this fellow you’re dating. He clearly wants something from you.”

  “Daniel? He’s a good man.”

  Alexander nodded but appeared skeptical. “I don’t know, mija. I don’t think he has your best interests at heart.”

  “How can you know that?” she shot back.

  He put his hands up in front of him. “Forgive me for intruding. Sometimes I can’t stop myself when I sense something.”

  “No, I’m sorry. We’re in a bit of a disagreement right now. We’ll sort it out.”

  “I hope you do. I’m growing fond of you already. I’d hate to see you put yourself in harm’s way.”

  “Thank you, Alexander. You’re very kind.”

  He waved his hand. “No, just a simple old man, I told you.” He turned to face the water, leaning against a railing. “The sea is calming, is it not?”

  �
�Yes.”

  The pair stood at the water’s edge in amicable silence. The water, coupled with the lingering fragrance on her nostrils, combined with the magnetic pull of the jewels lulled Marissa into a sense of fiery relaxation. She sighed deeply.

  “That’s it. Let your sorrows go. All will be well.”

  “It’s getting late. I should get home. I have a dog, too, and he probably needs to relieve himself.”

  “Oh, of course! Let me not keep you any longer.” He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm again and began walking toward the restaurant. “Would you be so kind as to have lunch with me tomorrow? I’ll be returning home the day after next.”

  “Sure, why not?”

  “Delightful! This time, it will just be you and me. That will be lovely.” He seemed quite pleased at the idea.

  A shadowy thought flickered through her brain. It’s probably Daniel, sensing that I’m not going to heed his stupid warnings. “Yes, it will be lovely.” She realized she felt more relaxed than she had in days. Is it the fragrance? The company? Either way, she didn’t care.

  When they got to her car, he opened the door for her.

  She settled into the seat and asked, “Can I give you a lift somewhere?”

  “Oh, no, I wouldn’t hear of it. I’ll just catch a taxi and be at my hotel in minutes.” He leaned forward to kiss her cheek. “Where shall we meet tomorrow?”

  “There’s a wonderful little café a few blocks south of here. It’s called Sweet Things.”

  “Perfect! Sweet Things it is! I can hardly wait.”

  He looked so much like a child all of a sudden, Marissa laughed. “Until tomorrow, Alexander!”

  “Until then. I’ll sleep like a baby tonight. Goodnight, dear heart.”

  “Goodnight.”

  When Marissa turned on her ignition, La Baleine Bleu began playing. She glanced at the caller ID and tapped the answer button. “What?” she said crossly. “Are you jealous? I had a good time with Alexander.”

  “Marissa, I’ve been worried about you.”

  “Well, don’t worry. You were wrong. He’s just a harmless old man.”

  “That’s what he wants you to believe.”