Pisces: Book 1 in a Young Adult Paranormal Romance Series (The Zodiac Twin Flame Series) (8 page)

Putting my hand over my mouth, I tried to stop the hysterical laughter, but it came anyway. I probably was mad. The evening had been a crazy one. I found it hilarious that she thought I had tried to kill myself. The mirth left me as the idea planted in my head. It would be a lot easier if I had killed myself.

‘No, I know her. She’s a friend. Your flat is nearby, will you be okay? I need to get her dry, or she’ll get ill.’

Antony started to drag me away from the girl. She stared after us. I felt bad for ruining her date. Would Antony have kissed her the way he had kissed me? Not that it mattered. In fact, I had no idea why the thought had even entered my head.

‘What happened?’ he said when we were far enough away.

I couldn’t talk. My teeth chattered so much, I couldn’t even form words. He swore and stopped in the middle of the road. I stopped with him, not sure what he was doing. He unbuttoned his jeans, and they fell to the ground.

‘What are you doing?’ I stuttered.

He came over and knelt down in front of me. Picking up one of my ankles, he put my foot in the leg of his jeans. He did the same with the other one. I had to hold onto his shoulder so I didn’t topple over.

‘They’re not going to fit.’ I gasped.

He straightened slowly, pulling the jeans up my legs. They were a bit too long but not as bad as I thought they would be. When he fastened them, they bagged on my waist, but my hips kept them up. I instantly felt warmer.

‘You have very long legs,’ he muttered, putting his arm around me as we started to walk again.

My high heels made my feet hurt. I just wanted to get home. Instead of taking me to the train station, Antony guided me to a hotel.

When he stepped through the door before me I started to laugh again. Luckily his shirt was long and covered his underpants but his bare legs looked ridiculous.

‘Can I help you?’

The receptionist eyed us. I prayed she would let us have a room.

‘My girlfriend just fell into the river and I need to get her out of her wet clothes. I know it’s mad but do you have a spare room, please?’ Antony said, batting his eyelashes at her.

She glared at him before glancing over his shoulder at me. ‘You’re not kidding. Shouldn’t you get her to a hospital?’

‘Why waste precious time when she could be in one of your hot baths in a few minutes?’ he replied.

I tried to smile at her as my teeth jumped against each other.

‘Okay, what’s your name? Go to room twelve,’ she said, throwing me the key. My fingers were frozen under Antony’s jacket. I tried to reach out to catch it but it fell to the floor.

‘Antony Miller.’ He grabbed her hand and kissed it as he gave her his credit card. ‘Thank you!’

‘Just go and get her sorted, she’s about to fall over.’

Antony came to me and picked up the key. I was about to step forward when he swept me into his arms. He used the fireman’s carry which allowed me to nestle into the warmth of his chest.

‘Bring out her clothes. I’ll put them in the dryer,’ the receptionist called.

Antony shouted his thanks but said he would place them on the radiators.

‘You’re bloody mad, you know that?’

I didn’t disagree. I couldn’t. My whole life was mad. My whole existence was crazy. Tears squeezed their way out of their ducts and I couldn’t stop them. I didn’t make a sound as he unlocked the door and dumped me on the bed. He literally dropped me. He shut the door and ran to the bathroom.

‘Crap, there’s only a shower,’ he called.

The rush of water sounded as I sat on the bed. I couldn’t move. My muscles were seizing up and emotion came through me in waves. He came back into the room, acting very business-like as he stood in front of me.

I looked up at him as he wiped a silent tear from my cheek. He tugged me into a stand and pushed the jeans off me. I stepped out of them as he grabbed the bottom of my dress and pulled it up. I yelped in surprise. I hadn’t expected him to undress me. My body shook uncontrollably. As soon as the cool air touched my skin, it made it worse.

‘Arms up.’ He grunted. I was sure his shoulder was still sore but he showed no sign of pain outwardly. I knew he was hurting, his eyes gave it away.

My arms lifted and the dress slid off. I was left in my underwear and high heels. He kept his eyes on my face the whole time.

‘As hot as you look, the heels have got to come off, and so does…’

He still didn’t look down but pinged the back of my bra. I gulped through the shivering and nodded. He pushed me to sit on the side of the bed and knelt in front of me. Taking off my shoes, he threw them behind him.

‘You can do the rest.’

Taking my arms, he guided me into the small bathroom. It wasn’t too steamy but the warmth of the air made me feel a little better. I wobbled on my feet. He had to help me into the shower stall. It was a big one. I struggled to keep my balance before I stepped under the water. My knees shook so badly, I didn’t think I would be able to stay standing.

‘Will you be okay? Can you get your underwear off?’

I really didn’t want him to see me naked but I didn’t know what else to do. He ripped his shirt off when I shook my head. I noticed he still wore a bandage around his gunshot wound. Stepping into the shower, he wrapped his arms around me. He pushed me into the middle of the shower, holding me up as the water ran over me. I groaned at the pleasure of warmth but the pain of the hot and cold contrast hit my nerves.

‘Are you okay?’

‘It hurts. How is your shoulder?’ I whispered as I started to thaw out.

‘I’ll live.’

I leant on him. My head was on his chest as we stood under the shower spray. My muscles started to shake in a different way as I felt the beat of his heart against my cheek.

‘You have to tell me what happened,’ he said, moving my hair back from my face.

The tears came again. He didn’t say anymore as he stroked my back and I started to feel normal again.

‘We need to get you dry.’

It wasn’t a certainty but I was sure he touched his lips to my hair. He let me go and stepped out of the shower. Throwing a towel around his shoulders, he reached back in. The water snapped off, before he wrapped me in a towel and pulled me out. He started to rub the material over my skin vigorously. He moved the towel over the whole of my body, even down my legs.

‘You really need to take these off now,’ he said, rubbing my butt with the towel.

Jolting back, I almost slipped over. I had accepted his help with everything else but I couldn’t let him see me completely naked.

‘Calm down, I’ll leave you to it.’ He chuckled, standing up. He stretched before he backed out of the bathroom.

I quickly stripped off and wrapped my hair in another towel. When I came out of the bathroom, Antony was wearing his jeans and nothing else. His shirt, underpants and my dress hung by the radiator.

‘Quick, get in the bed.’

I did as I was told. My body hadn’t fully recovered yet and I needed warmth.

‘We need to dry your hair. I found this in the drawer,’ he said, holding up a hair dryer.

Sitting up, I released my hair from the towel and discarded it on the floor. The hair dryer burst into life as Antony climbed onto the bed behind me. He aimed the hot blast in my face, making me choke. He laughed and turned it to my hair.

‘Sorry, I’ve never dried someone else’s hair before.’

‘Do you do your own?’

My hair flew everywhere which made me smile. He wasn’t a very good hairdresser.

‘Only sometimes. Not very often,’ he said, turning the dryer on his own hair for a second.

‘So you don’t sit in front of a mirror, styling it every day?’

He pushed my head gently forward so he could dry the underneath. He unfolded his legs so they were either side of me.

‘Nah, I get up and let it rest how it does.’

It was nice to joke together. His hair would never need drying or styling. It was too short.

I yelped as he held the dryer in the same spot for too long. He moved it and rubbed the sore area on my head.

I remembered that his shoulder was still mending and wondered how bad it hurt after lifting me. ‘Is your shoulder sore?’

When he didn’t answer, I turned towards him but he shook his head. He was lying but I didn’t push him.

‘I wonder what our neighbours think about us making so much noise,’ I said, feeling bad.

‘You’ve got to stop worrying about others so much. Just worry about you.’

My muscles started to shake again. My hair was almost dry. Antony switched off the dryer and put it on the side. He climbed out from behind me and wrapped me tightly in the duvet. I froze when his hand delved under the cover and took hold of the wet towel that was around me. He pulled it away. I gasped as it unravelled and came free. I was cocooned but the intimacy of the action sent a hot bolt through me. He threw the towel on the floor and cuddled his body around my cocoon.

‘Go to sleep. When we wake up, we’re not leaving this room until you tell me what happened,’ he whispered.

I felt safe in my protective cover. I thought about revealing all the details of my encounter with the enemy but I instantly drifted into sleep.

Chapter Ten

‘Why didn’t you ring us?’ Aries growled.

I faced the mob in our living room with Antony by my side. I had told him about the previous evening as soon as we woke up. He hadn’t said a word but listened intently. As a woman, that meant more to me than anything.

‘I was freezing to death. It wasn’t like you were bothered when you left me behind!’ I shouted as Aries went into the kitchen. It was his coping technique. If he didn’t walk away, he was going to blow. It was obvious from the way his back muscles were completely straight under his tight T-shirt.

‘We thought you’d jumped into the river,’ Scorpio said, watching the way Antony stuck close to me. When we had turned up on the doorstep, Leo had denied him access. I argued that Antony was the one who’d actually saved my life, and if they didn’t let him in, I was never coming back.

‘I did jump in the river but only after I was confronted by the man who’s trying to stop us.’

The sofa caught me as I sat suddenly. Antony looked at me before taking a step back. He realised that I needed some space. Cancer on the other hand, didn’t care.

‘Who was it? What did he say?’ she said, almost sitting on my lap as she grabbed my hand.

‘Aries you need to hear this,’ Leo called before I could answer.

The others were on stools, cushions and sofas. They all stared at me, waiting for me to tell them what had happened. When Antony had first seen everyone, he had stumbled over his words. We were quite a collection of diverse individuals.

Aries came back into the room and leant against the doorframe, his bulging arms folded across his chest. He had a scowl on his face but it wasn’t directed at me.

‘This grey eyed man followed me and said he’s going to stop us from uniting with our twin flames. He says that if we’re successful with our mission, we’ll bring more love to the planet and he isn’t prepared for that to happen.’

I tried to disconnect Cancer’s hand from mine but she gripped tight. Her intimacy was foreign to me. When she wouldn’t let go, I just let her hold on. It seemed to comfort her in some way, which made me feel better.

‘Any idea who he was?’ Leo asked.

My head shook, giving them my answer. I had never seen him before…although…

‘I recognised him but not from this lifetime. Father said that the Dysfunctionals were originally made up of darker souls that keep coming back. They claim they need to keep things balanced by eradicating true love until it’s extinct.’

Antony shifted on his feet. He was nervous around my brothers and sisters. I glanced up to see him looking at the women. There were six of us and each one was attractive in their own way. I ducked my head when his gaze landed on me. I wondered what he saw and who he thought was the most attractive. Cancer had noticed me staring and now smiled up at my bodyguard.

‘I knew our enemy would be back.’ Aries pushed away from the doorframe and strode into the room. ‘Thank you for helping our sister.’ When Aries offered his hand, Antony nodded once and shook it. The tension broke when Aries released him.

‘What are you going to do?’ Cancer asked.

I sneaked a peak at Antony to see if he was watching her but his gaze was on me. My cheeks flamed as I looked away.

‘Now that Pisces has found her flame, we need to be extra vigilant. Will you consider coming back here?’ Aries turned to look at me directly.

‘Are you talking about the man from last night? I’m sure he wasn’t my true flame, although…’

A flashback to the dance I shared with the handsome stranger made me blush all over again. The room went silent and I sat back on the sofa as everyone watched me.

‘No, I mean him.’ Aries pointed at Antony.

A gasp left me as Antony raised his hands. Antony wasn’t my twin flame! We had done nothing but argue since we had known each other.

‘I don’t think so,’ Antony said when Aries frowned.

The sting in my chest vibrated through me. I didn’t blame Antony for denying it but it still made me bite my tongue all the same.

‘Seriously…? You don’t see it?’ Cancer blurted.

Antony excused himself and went into the kitchen. Aries looked at me before he followed. I wanted to call him back but he wouldn’t listen.

‘You need to step back a bit and feel with your heart…instead of your head,’ Cancer said, stroking my hair. I almost pushed her away. It was getting too intense. I didn’t enjoy the attention.

‘We’re not twin flames. I met a man last night. I think he might be the one.’ I ripped my hand out of Cancer’s grip and got up.

Everyone exchanged looks. Even Scorpio had a frown on his face. Although, to be honest, Scorpio frowning wasn’t uncommon.

‘You’ll be all right, Pisces. Just go with the flow and if he wants to get in your knickers…’

‘Leo, shut up!’ Sagi launched herself at our playful brother.

They wrestled to the ground. She managed to pin him down. He loved to laugh and joke about with the other lads but he was usually serious with us. I could take him in small doses. At least today he took the attention away from me.

‘I can’t believe Pisces has found her twin,’ Aquarius said.

I couldn’t take anymore. I needed space. I escaped to the kitchen. Antony and Aries were talking around the corner in the hallway so I stopped. I should have gone straight into another room but I couldn’t help listening.

‘I can’t be her soulmate. I’m not in a position to be in a relationship. It’s not like that with us.’

My hand came to my chest at his words. Why did they bother me? I didn’t see him in that way either…or did I? The remembered kisses came back to me. Seeing him laugh made my heart sing. I always looked for him when I got up in the morning.

‘Are you sure?’ Aries said.

‘I’m sure. I’m just not able to be everything she wants me to be.’

I tried to swallow the lump that came to my throat but it was no good. The tears flowed down my cheeks silently as his words sunk in.

‘Do you know what she wants you to be?’ Aries’ voice was soft. He was pretty understanding when he had to be.

‘She wants a dream man. The type of man that would slay dragons for her. You know…all that knight in shining armour, crap. I’m not that man. I’m just a bodyguard.’

Being so wrapped up in listening, I hadn’t realised they’d moved until they rounded the corner and came into the kitchen. Aries had an arm over Antony’s shoulder. They both froze when they saw me. I made my escape by running across the room and out the front door, wiping my cheeks as I hurried past. I didn’t know where I was going but I needed to be away from everyone. Especially Antony.

There was a park nearby so I made my way over. It was small and quiet. I sat on a swing and let myself rock back and forth. The childhood memory of my mother pushing me, forced its way into my mind. I wished she was there to advise me on what to do. Her practical way would help me put my emotions into perspective.

‘The universe never fails to surprise me,’ a voice said.

It was my dancing partner from the night before. I had been so wrapped up in my thoughts, I hadn’t seen him approach. His eyes crinkled as he smiled. My own lips lifted as I tried to see the sign for what it was.

‘The universe works in mysterious ways,’ I replied, knowing it wasn’t true.

The universe worked in a concise synchronistic way and that was why I had thought that he could be my twin. However, the others thought it was Antony, so now I was just confused.

‘How are you this morning?’

He came and sat on the swing next to me. He wore a smart suit and his hair was ready for the day.

‘I’m…’ I didn’t really know what to say. Should I tell him that I was confused? That I was sad because the beautiful relationship I had been expecting wasn’t there yet? That I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life? That I was being chased by a gun-wielding enemy?

‘I really enjoyed our dance last night.’ He grinned at me.

I ducked my head when he winked at me. In the light of day, the intimacy of the dance seemed a little embarrassing.

‘Me too,’ I replied. Why did I sound so meek? Why did I get all emotional and attached?

‘Can we do it again?’

My cheeks warmed. At least it seemed like he was ready for a relationship. He also showed an interest in me. Although, I had no idea why.

‘Yes, I’d like that. Let’s hope we don’t get gunned down again.’

‘Yes, I read in the paper he got away… I don’t know what this world is coming to.’

I sighed heavily in agreement.

He took out a business card. I read it as he handed it to me.

‘Daniel,’ I muttered.

‘Yep. My name is nowhere near as cool as yours, I’m afraid.’ He stood and started to back away.

‘I’ll expect a text, or phone call later,’ he called, waving as he started to jog.

I assumed he needed to get back to work. My phone was lost but I would go and buy one. Pushing my feet on the ground, I swung into the air. As I came back down, I saw Antony hovering by the entrance to the park, watching me. Daniel ran past him but he didn’t move. The silly grin on my face dropped when Antony came into the park and approached the swings.

‘Should you be talking to strangers?’ he asked.

He didn’t look amused but it didn’t bother me. I wasn’t going to let him bring me down.

‘He’s not a stranger. I danced with him at the club last night.’

He leant against the pole with his hands in his pockets. I dragged my feet on the ground and brought the swing to a stop.

‘And he just happened to find you here? That seems a bit suspicious.’

Looking away from him, I was glad to see Aries approaching us. He had my handbag over his shoulder. I almost cried in relief.

‘Grabbed this last night. Forgot to tell you,’ he said, throwing it when he reached us.

‘The man she danced with was just here,’ Antony told him before I could say anything.

Aries went still and looked between us. ‘He just happened to be passing?’

Scowling, I got up from the swing. I was about to walk away when Aries gently took my arm. ‘No more running. Your safety is on the line now.’

‘She’s good at running,’ Antony said.

What was his problem? Why was he so grumpy all of a sudden? It wasn’t as if he liked me so why the sulkiness?

‘I know. I don’t know anyone as good at running.’ Aries laughed.

‘I do…’

The female voice cut through the mirth. Aries stiffened beside me. I turned to see a tall athletic female standing with her hands on her hips. She had dark brown hair just past her shoulders.

‘Hello,’ I greeted.

The way she glared at Aries could only mean that he had used her at some point and probably let her down.

‘Hi,’ she replied, looking to where Aries held my arm.

He let go of me and stepped back. Antony covered his mouth with his hand. When our gaze met, we couldn’t help but share a secret smile.

‘What are you doing here?’ Aries snapped.

I blinked at him. He had never spoken to a woman like that before. Well…other than his sisters, anyway. He was usually a charmer. A natural flirt that made the ladies feel special.

‘It’s been a while. I was just going for a jog.’

Sparks flew between them.

‘Pisces, this is my ex-girlfriend.’

My eyebrows shot up. As far as I knew, he’d never had a girlfriend. He attracted lots of women but he was a player. I had never known him to settle for one woman.

‘You’re called Pisces…? Seriously…?’

My hands fisted at my side as my skin flushed. How dare she judge our names?

Aries stepped forward and led her away.

‘Don’t be offended. It is weird,’ Antony said.

Shoving the business card that I’d been clutching into my bag, I started to walk back to the house. I was going to say goodbye to my siblings and head home back to Father. When he got back from his business trip, he would tell me what to do about the men from last night.

‘Where are you going?’ Antony followed me.

‘Home,’ I snapped. ‘Why don’t you go and make up for lost time with the girl you were with last night?’

I was being a bitch. I couldn’t help it. My ego was bruised by his earlier words but I wasn’t sure why.

Father would know. He would confirm that the new man was my twin flame, not Antony.

‘I was bored of her anyway. We already—’

‘I don’t want to hear it!’ I shouted, putting my hands over my ears. I hoped he would get the hint and go away.

‘I can’t leave you alone. It’s my job to protect you. You’d better make your peace with that and get out of that bloody horrible mood you’re in.’

Spinning on the pavement, I faced him. He had a scowl on his face. I was being horrid and he didn’t deserve it. When our gaze met we both froze. I missed our easy banter.

‘I’m sorry,’ I breathed.

He stepped back, his eyes becoming hooded. He shook himself and shrugged his shoulders. ‘Let’s get back to your father’s house.’