Breath of Air (27 page)

When the song came to an end, her father pulled away from her, a slow, considering smile crossing his face.

“I think there’s someone who would like to dance with you, darling.” He said, motioning over to where Rian was rising from his seat and approaching them.

Capri blushed, feeling her heart flutter in her chest as she watched him. He was wearing a three piece gunmetal gray suit with a black tie and shoes, and as usual he walked purposefully, his back straight and his eyes focused intently on her.

She tried to act casual, as though she did this every day. If only he knew how rapidly her pulse was skittering under her skin, and how fast her heart beat just looking at him.

Her father bowed his head just slightly at Rian when he reached them, and then left the dance floor, leaving the two of them alone.

“Would you like to dance?” Rian asked her, holding out his hand to her.

“Okay.” She took his hand and rested her other on his shoulder as he placed his on her waist. It was much more formal than she was used to when dancing with either her father or Liam, but she figured Rian was a much more formal person, and he probably understood that everyone would be watching them very closely.

They turned in a slow circle on the dance floor, neither of them being very proficient dancers, though Capri could care less about appearances. She was just delighted to be there.

“I’m sorry I haven’t been able to talk to you for awhile…I hope you don’t think it’s because I didn’t want to.”

“We have both been busy.” He said simply, his lips curving slightly. “And I imagine certain outside forces may have had a role.”

She sighed, feeling foolish. “Over protective fathers and brother-types are very hard to fool. And I’m already a horrible liar.”

When he laughed, she blinked, startled at the sound of it. Had he ever really laughed around her before?

“I’ve missed you.” He said, his eyes softening. Her heart fluttered even more, and she was pretty much certain he could feel her pulse quickening beneath his hand.

“I’ve missed you, too.” She smiled warmly, instinctively shifting closer to him, until their bodies were touching just slightly.

She felt the hand on her waist pull her in even closer, until she had to tilt her head up to look at him. Her eyes were on his, and for a few moments, neither of them felt any need to speak. Music wafted lazily on the air as Ben E. King let them know he wouldn’t be afraid, as long as they stood by him.

Perhaps it was the mood of the moment, or maybe the lyrics of the song, but she found herself engulfed in an emotion she had never before felt. She felt safe, whole, and above all, she felt wanted. Not just needed, in the way that the people of Euphora needed her for what she was. But wanted, simply because of who she was. It both thrilled and unnerved her to see it so clearly in his eyes that he wanted her.

As the song came to a close, she exhaled softly, not realizing she had been holding her breath. He pulled away from her, but kept his hand over hers.

When a new song started up, this time a fast paced, rock and roll beat, Capri bit her lip against a sheepish smile.

“I don’t really know how to dance to something like this.”

He smirked at her, glancing around at the people around them who were still dancing. They heard Blythe cheer excitedly as she pulled Lucian out to dance, the two of them once again showing off to the less talented dancers.

“Me neither. Want to go for a walk?”

“Sure.”

They left the dance floor, still hand in hand, and headed out into the darkened courtyard, towards a small bench hidden from view by a large tree. They were still within earshot of the party, but far enough away to not be heard or seen.

Capri sat down, brushing at the skirt of her dress, nerves eating away at what was left of her stomach. She watched him sit beside her, noting how he scanned around them, seemingly out of habit, ensuring they were alone.

She reached out for his hand, hoping to relax him.

Around them, fireflies were hovering in the still night air, and she could hear crickets chirping musically from the nearby flowery plants. Moonlight shone down from overhead, cascading through the branches of the tree above them to highlight the grass at their feet. In the distance, she could still hear the music, and the buzzing conversation of those seated at the tables.

They were silent for awhile, both unsure really what to say. It was the first time they had really been alone in weeks, and Capri couldn’t seem to remember any of the things she had wanted to say to him. Except, of course, for one.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you spread your father’s ashes.” She watched him turn to face her, his expression hard to read. “I should have been there for you.”

“It’s alright.” He told her, misery flashing in his eyes just briefly as the memory resurfaced. That final moment of accepting his father’s death and letting go had been by far the hardest thing he had ever gone through. And it had troubled him that it had hurt even more because she hadn’t been there, that he had needed her to be. It was a feeling he had yet to get used to. “Thea said that your father would have been suspicious if you had come.”

“Maybe, but when I found out that he had ‘forgotten’ to tell me about it, I didn’t speak more than two words to him for almost three weeks.” She smiled faintly, shrugging her shoulders. “But we’re past that now. I don’t think he’ll get in the way again.”

“I don’t blame him for not encouraging this. I’m not what most fathers would consider best for their daughters.” He paused, considering. “I have a very…dangerous line of work. I’m sure he would prefer you with the Water Dryad.”

Capri pursed her lips as she stared at him, indignation rising within her. “I don’t care what he thinks, and I don’t care what everyone else thinks. I want you, and that’s all that matters.” Her cheeks flushed at the look he gave her, his eyebrows raised and his serious eyes filled with humor. “That is, as long as you want me…”

He chuckled then, amused by her. “I’ve never understood why you are so unsure of yourself.” He reached out then to cup his hand just below her cheek as he leaned in towards her. “You’re beautiful, kind, smart…how could anyone not want you?”

“They never have before.” She stammered, her heart racing again as he leaned in close enough for his lips to tease hers. Her eyes fluttered close as her breath caught in her throat, the thrill and anticipation washing over her in glorious waves. She leaned into him instinctively, her hands trailing up his chest.

“Lucky for me, then.” He murmured as he kissed her fully, and she felt her heart do one slow, easy tumble. “By the way, you look stunning in that dress.”

Her lips curved against his as she smiled. “Thanks. You don’t look half bad yourself.”

“Mmm.” He deepened the kiss, both hands now cupping her face, reveling in the feel of her soft skin and the warmth of her quiet sigh as she yielded to him, as caught up in the moment as he was.

Her hands clutched his jacket, holding him to her as her mind went blissfully blank.

A sudden scream from behind had them breaking apart, turning in the direction of the party. Capri’s eyes were wide as she tried to see what was happening, and she felt Rian stand up beside her, one hand resting on her shoulder protectively.

She could see people crowding around one of the many tables, and several of them were shouting. When the crowd parted a bit, Capri saw that Rohan had Blythe by the hair and had dragged her to the floor.

“YOU ARE NOTHING BUT TRASH!” Rohan shouted, his face red and madness in his eyes.

“SCREW YOU!” Blythe swung out with her free arm and cold cocked Rohan in the jaw, causing him to howl in pain and release her. She would have stood and taken another swing at him if Liam and Lucian hadn’t held her back, both crouching beside her, holding her arms.

“Oh my God.” Capri murmured, her eyes wide with shock. “Blythe.”

She got to her feet and began to run towards her friend, worry and fear racing through her. Rian grabbed her arm, however, slowing her down.

“She’s fine. I don’t want you going near Rohan.” He said firmly.

“No, I need to go to her.” She pulled her arm out of his grasp, and, despite his hesitation, she lifted her skirt enough so she could run as she raced towards the dance floor, where Blythe was still being restrained by the others.

She could hear Rian behind her, but she didn’t stop, her complete focus on Blythe. When she reached her, she knelt down beside her friend, worry in her eyes.

“Are you okay?” Capri asked, reaching out to touch Blythe’s shoulder.

“I’m fine. Back the hell off.” Blythe spat, her temper at a vicious boiling point. She swatted Capri’s hand away as she stood, her legs shaking from the rage she felt. Without saying a word to anyone, she shook Liam and Lucian off of her and stormed off towards the castle.

Capri watched after her, her face pale with shock. When she felt Rian lay his hands on her shoulders, she jolted at his touch.

“ROHAN!” Thea’s voice thundered over the music as she approached, fury on her face. “Your conduct is outrageous! How dare you disrespect another member of the Council in this manner?”

“I-I apologize, Thea.” Rohan stammered, his face no longer red. Instead it was ghostly pale. “I don’t know what came over me.”

Beside him, his wife, Serendipity, was holding his arm in hers, distress and anger on her beautiful face. A ways away, Capri spotted Rhiannon, who looked numb, her face blank and her eyes glassy.

“Get inside and cool off. I expect you to apologize to Blythe first thing in the morning.” Thea ordered, inhaling deeply to calm herself. Sebastian stood behind her, his expression livid.

Rohan did as instructed without a moment’s hesitation, heading towards the castle, his wife in tow. Capri saw Liam begin to walk towards Rhiannon to comfort her, but she took off before he could reach her, racing after her parents.

Deeply troubled, Capri turned to Rian.

“She didn’t need me, I guess.” She mumbled, tears forming behind her eyes.

“No.” He lifted her chin up, making sure she looked at him. “She doesn’t need you right now. But she will need you tomorrow. Give her time to cool down.”

“I just hate feeling so helpless.” She told him, worry creasing her forehead. “How could Rohan try and hurt her like that?”

“Hate causes even great men to do terrible things.” He watched her closely, hating the sadness in her eyes. “I’d be interested to know what she said to set him off like that.”

Capri couldn’t help the small smile that crossed her lips. “She can be…sassy, sometimes.”

He smirked, pleased to see her lighten up. “Yes, she can.”

“Capri!” Clynn appeared suddenly, looking distressed. He stopped in front of them and tried to catch his breath, bottles in his arms. “I was inside getting more champagne and I heard shouting. Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” She reassured him. “It was Rohan, he attacked Blythe. She’s okay, though, she just went up to bed.”

“Dear God…why did he attack her?”

“I’m not really sure.” She stared off towards the castle, silently hoping her assumption about Blythe being okay was correct.

“Well, it looks like the party is over.” Clynn commented as he glanced around. Most of the people were heading inside, heads together, buzzing with gossip. “Just as well, there’s plenty of work to be done tomorrow. Best to get some sleep. Shall we go inside, Capri?”

“Alright.” She turned to Rian, trying to smile. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” He nodded to her, and based on the way they acted no one would guess they had been exchanging kisses just minutes before.

Capri noticed her father smile and nod at Rian, though it was not entirely friendly. There was still uncertainty there, and it pained her to see it. He wrapped his free arm around her as he led her away towards the castle.

She sighed, resigned with the knowledge that her brief night of peace had come crashing down in glorious flames.

♦ ♦ ♦

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

When Capri awoke the next morning, she lay silent for a long while, her mind filled with worry and her heart heavy with emotion. Morning sunlight filtered in through her gauzy canopy, and through her open window she could hear birds chirping happily. Her chest rose and fell slowly as she breathed, her eyes staring blankly up above her as she lost herself in thought.

Her mother’s dress lay on the wooden chair beside the bed, and when she turned to look at it, her eyes filled with unexpected tears. She shut them resentfully, feeling the tears fall down her cheeks as she rolled over, covering herself with her blankets.

In the darkness under the covers, she could hear her own heart beat, feel her breath warm on her arm. All it did was remind her that she was alive, while there were two people who were not. Her mother and Rian’s father. Both had died at the hands of the same person, and she was powerless to do anything about it.

Seeing Rohan’s outburst against Blythe the night before had shocked the awareness back into her system. There was a real and imminent danger on Euphora, and if Rohan was involved, he might very well target Blythe, or Rian, or Liam. Capri knew she couldn’t stand by and let any of them be harmed. If it was Rohan who was responsible, then Rhiannon was most likely safe, but even then, who knew how deep his madness went. Maybe he would even target his own daughter.

Shivering at the thought, she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Nothing was solved by hiding away, she told herself as she tossed the covers off and sat up in bed. Everything was solved by action. And her first course of action was to make sure Blythe was alright. Then she would find Thea and talk to her personally about the status of the investigation, namely Rohan’s likely involvement in everything.

She stood up and got ready, taking a quick bath and getting dressed. She hoped to catch Blythe before she went down to breakfast, and so she headed out into the hallway just outside her bedroom, shutting the door quietly behind her. A few doors down was Blythe’s bedroom, and when she reached it, she knocked lightly.

She heard a grunt in response, so she opened the door slowly. Blythe sat in her bed, still in her pajamas, throwing what looked like darts made out of fire at a board across the room. Capri watched as she threw one expertly, hitting the bull’s eye dead on. The dart was destroyed in a puff of smoke, leaving behind a black burn mark.