Darkest Risings (7 page)

“Yes.
Still Jenkins. Haven’t found Mr. Right yet.” Unfortunately, but boy had she
found Mr. Sexy.

Marcus
was a beautiful baby with thick, wavy black hair and green eyes that matched
his mother’s. He had perfect golden skin and chubby cherub cheeks. She smiled
when he took another bite of the donut.

“Nice
to meet you, Avril. You too, Marcus.” Wihemina tickled his arm and he squealed
in delight.

“It’s
been a long time, Wilhemina. Are you visiting?”

“Taking
a break would be a more appropriate answer. I needed some time off from
journalism, wanted to try my hand at writing a book. Which reminds me, you
wouldn’t know of anyone renting in town, would you? Something decent, I mean?
I’ve looked at three places today, but they were all a bit rougher than I’d
like.”

Ebony
pursed her lips and shook her head then looked at Avril. “No. Do you happen to
know of anyone?”

“Can’t
say I do. Sorry,” Avril answered.

“I
assume you are staying at the Bed and Breakfast?”

“Yes.
I had hoped to find someplace more private, but I guess that’s not going to
happen.” Wilhemina sighed.

“Mr.
Clark is a wonderful man, but he is lonely and tends to overpower his guests at
times. It’s hard to ignore the sweetie, though.” Ebony took the remaining piece
of donut from Marcus and wrapped it in the napkin Avril handed her.

“Why
don’t you stay with us?” Ebony said to Wilhemina. “We have plenty of room.
You’d have your own space and no one would bother you. You could hole up as
long as you like and write to your heart’s content.”

The quick
frown that slightly pulled at the corners of Avril’s mouth was nearly
unnoticeable, but the stern look she gave Ebony was harder to miss. Maybe Avril
didn’t want her to stay at their place, not that Wilhemina would blame her.
After all, they hadn’t seen one another for years.

“I
wouldn’t mind at all as long as Ashe is okay with it.” Ebony bounced Marcus on
her hip gently.

“Didn’t
you say you live in St. Louis?” Wilhemina had wanted to stay in Plainview, but
she definitely wouldn’t get any work done with Mr. Clark’s constant
interruptions. Bless his old soul.

“Mm
hm. The estate is huge. We have guests in and out all of the time. Besides me,
Marcus, Avril, the hubbys, and our brother-in-law live there. Right now, two
other hun—um, friends—are staying there as well. Another couple of friends are
coming next week. Even with all of them, there is still plenty of room. It’s
like a boarding house already.”

“It
sure would be nice to have more girls in the house for awhile. Break up the fog
of testosterone constantly floating around,” Avril laughed.

Wilhemina
couldn’t believe her luck was changing. The place sounded way too good to be
true. A retreat at an estate? Who in their right mind would turn down an offer
like that? She wanted to jump on the invitation, but Avril’s initial reaction
to Ebony’s invitation made her hesitate.

“Are
you positive I wouldn’t be in the way?” Wilhemina really wanted to get started
on her book, and this would provide her the opportunity to do so. Not to
mention, she could catch up with an old friend in the process.

“Honestly.
There is more than enough space for you.” Avril looked at Ebony expectantly.

“You
would not be in the way, but we definitely need to run it by Ashe.” Now Ebony
frowned.

Was
Ashe one of those controlling types? Maybe that was the issue here.

“I’d
love to stay with you, but if Ashe doesn’t end up wanting me there, no hard
feelings. The offer is generous, but I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes.”

“No.
It isn’t that he wouldn’t want you there, Wilhemina.” Ebony chewed the corner
of her lip. “There are just a few things going on right now with, um, the
family business.”

Ebony
was not a good liar in the least. Wilhemina was good at spotting fibbers, but
Ebony didn’t owe her an explanation about her life, so she let it go.

“I’m
sure he won’t mind,” Ebony said.

“We
can have another girls’ night. It’s been too long since we’ve had one,” Avril
suddenly burst out.

“Girls’
night?” Wilhemina asked.

“Yes.
We watch movies, eat pizza, drink wine, and chow on chocolate,” Ebony answered.

“Girls’
night sounds wonderful.”

“I’m
going to walk back to the bookstore. Why don’t you go with Wilhemina, Avril?
I’ll call you as soon as I talk to Ashe.”

“Sounds
great.” Wilhemena barely contained her excitement at the prospect of the
opportunity Ebony had presented her with.

* * * *

“I’m
so sorry, Ashe. I wasn’t thinking when I invited Wilhemina to stay. Neither one
of us were really thinking about the big picture until afterwards.”

Ebony
watched Ashe. She loved this man more than life itself and hated the thought of
disappointing him in any way. She sighed when he reached for her to pull her
against his chest into a warm hug. He kissed the top of head then nuzzled her
hair.

“There’s
no helping it now. Things happen. I know it’s still hard for you and Avril to
understand how dangerous the situation is that we are in with the drifters. I’m
glad you are able to put it from your mind at times. I hate that I have to
constantly worry about you and the rest of the family.”

“I
worry about you too,” she whispered against him.

He
tightened his arms a bit. “I know you do. And even though I hate for you to
worry about me, I cannot deny that part of me is pleased that you do so. You
and Marcus are the most important things in my life. To know that you love me
as much as I love you is all I need to get through every day.”

“I
should make some reason up to tell Wilhemina she can’t stay.”

“No.”

Ebony
leaned back and looked up into the beautiful turquoise eyes she loved so much
then frowned. “Why?”

“While
the drifters are not known to wander around during the daytime, things have
changed drastically. With their new leader, we cannot expect the norm. If we
are being watched, the simple fact that you and Avril talked to Wilhemina may
make her a target.”

“Oh
my God! I didn’t think about that. I’ve put my friend in danger.”

“Hey.”
Ashe tipped her chin up with one long finger after she rested her forehead
against his chest. “This is not your fault. The best thing we can do for your
friend now is to take her home with us. We will be able to assure her safety.”

“But
what if she won’t come now? Or what if she does and wants to leave? Damn it,
Ashe. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to her because I talked to
her.”

“It
will be okay. We’ll deal with that when and if the time comes. Don’t worry.
I’ll keep her safe.”

“I
know you will. Thank you.” She stood on tiptoe to kiss him. She loved kissing
him. When he touched her, kissed her, she felt safe. She was home.

* * * *

After
Avril got a call from Ebony saying Wilhemina’s stay wasn’t a problem, they both
went to get her things ready to go.

A
tinge of guilt swept through Wilhemina when she saw dismay mar Mr. Clark’s face
after she told him she was leaving. His deep wrinkles were testament of the
many journeys in his long life, and the frown he was bravely trying to hide at
her news was evident.

“You
come back and see me again, girlie. You’re a good one. I’ve been around a long
time, and I know a good one when I see her.” Mr. Clark’s voice held a hint of
unsteadiness that so often came with age.

“You’re
a good one yourself, Mr. Clark.” Wilhemina meant it.

Mr.
Clark might be annoying at times, but she couldn’t fault someone for being
lonely.

“Eh.
I’m an old codger, girl. All my good is worn out. All that’s left now is orneriness.”
He chuckled and promptly coughed.

She
gave him a quick hug and turned to follow Avril from the Bed and Breakfast.
“Are you sure me staying with you guys isn’t a problem for Ebony’s husband?”
Wilhemina asked.

“Nah.
He’s just funny about the security at the place. All of the guys are. Don’t
worry about it,” Avril answered.

Outside,
a black Escalade was parked at the curb. As if the vehicle wasn’t already
expensive enough, it was decked out with tinted windows, oversized tires, and
every other bell and whistle one could dream of. Either Ebony had come into
some money, or her husband was loaded. She figured it was probably the latter
since people didn’t normally make fortunes in Plainview.

When
a tall man wearing dark sunglasses stepped out of the driver’s side door and
came around to get her suitcase and bag, it took every ounce of control to keep
her mouth from gaping. This was the second time she’d seen a man that could
grace the cover of
GQ
in less than twenty-four hours.
Holy hell, he’s a hottie
. Tall, muscled,
golden-skinned, and dark-haired.

He
reached out his hand. “I’m Ashe Aleksandrov. You must be Wilhemina. Pleasure to
meet you.”

Way to go, Ebony.
Her friend had snagged her a looker. A looker with money, no
doubt.

“Yes.
Good to meet you as well.” She met his hand, and he shook hers firmly but
gently.

So
this was Marcus’ father. Ebony was one lucky woman. If little Marcus grew up to
amount to half of his daddy, Ebony and Ashe would be beating off the girls left
and right.

“Avril,
I think your husband is up to something again,” Ashe said with a scowl.

Avril
rolled her eyes. “Damn Aiston and his pranks,” she muttered before looking at
Wilhemina. “Aiston loves to play jokes on people. And when I say
people
, I mostly mean he loves to
torture his brothers. I swear I’m constantly running interference to keep them
from skinning him alive.”

“I
see.” Wilhemina smiled, amused by the admission.

Ashe
took her bags, and opened the back door for Avril and her.

“Oh.”
Wilhemina hesitated. “Do you mind if I run over to Mrs. Chatterfield’s before
we go?” It was only half a block down so she didn’t think they’d mind. “I’d
like to send a little something to Mr. Clark.”

“Take
your time.”

Ten
minutes later, she’d put in an order that would keep Mr. Clark in pastries and
hot coffee for the next month, and was in the backseat of the Escalade. Marcus
was strapped into his car seat in between Wilhemina and Avril. Ashe drove, and
Ebony sat beside him. She couldn’t help but admire what a striking couple they
made. She turned to the window to watch the passing trees as they made their
way to St. Louis, hoping her stay with Ebony proved to be the quiet atmosphere
she craved.

“Wow.
Are you expecting the apocalypse or a zombie invasion? That’s some serious security.”
Wilhemina gaped at the tall fence surrounding the property.

They
had pulled into the drive and were sitting in front of two huge metal gates.
Ashe rolled down the window, punched in a code on the security panel, and the
gates slowly swung open. After driving through, they closed behind them.

“Ashe
takes security seriously. There are a lot of burglaries and…stuff around here.”
Ebony said quickly. “At least you know you’ll be safe.”

“Or
in prison,” Wilhemina mumbled under her breath.

The
estate was no less impressive. A perfectly manicured lawn surrounded the huge
mansion that sat back off the road and away from prying eyes. Although she
doubted prying eyes could make it over that security fence that looked strong
enough to hold a T-rex. She supposed if she lived someplace like this, she’d
want to feel secure as well.

Once
they parked, she stepped out of the SUV and gasped. “It’s gorgeous.”

Up
close, she could see the stone siding of the huge house. The muted gray and
brown colors gave the mansion a look of old world charm while the huge windows
gave it a hint of modernity. The term modern-day castle came to mind.

“Thank
you. I hope you’ll feel at home here,” Ebony said.

Ashe
retrieved her suitcases from the back while Ebony got Marcus from his seat before
they all made their way inside. The view inside was no less impressive. She had
been to some awesome places on the East Coast, but nothing quite this posh. The
grand staircase was breathtaking, and the dark wood, marble, and rich, neutral
colors in the foyer all blended to make a commanding yet welcoming entrance.

“I’m
speechless. It is absolutely stunning. You have the most beautiful home I’ve
ever seen.” Wilhemina was flabbergasted. She twirled around slowly, not
believing that she was getting the chance to stay in a place like this. She
hadn’t been poor by any means. She’d made a decent living, but this was
straight from a dream.