Page 14 of One Last Wish (The Elder World)

I was lying on the softest, pure white sand. Darce was above me, his mouth trailing soft kisses across my jaw line.

“We’ve got to stop doing this,” I moaned as he moved lower, licking the swell of my breasts.

“You don’t want to stop,” he murmured, running his thumb across my hardened nipple. I couldn’t control myself and arched into his touch. “You wouldn’t agree to meet me if you didn’t want this.” His hand slipped into my overheated centre. “Tell me you don’t want me,” he challenged, working his fingers against my sweet spot. How could I not want him when he was playing with me this way. “Tell me!”

“I...I...I can’t,” I yearned, rocking to the rhythm of his hand.

“You’re falling for me, admit it.”

“You arrogant, prick! You wish you were that lucky!” I giggled. Darce bit down gently on my right breast, removing his hand from where I needed him most. I pouted in protest. He pulled back to take me in as I lay in the sand, studying my face.

“I’d use my last wish for you to feel what I feel.” Touching his face, I traced the worry lines on his forehead. “There isn’t a world where you’re not mine, Alora.”

“There isn’t a world where we’ll ever be allowed to be together, Darce,” I countered, watching the severity of my words sink into those beautiful eyes of his. Leaning down, he captured my lips with his, taking my breath away.

The kiss was desperate. We might not have forever, but Darce and I had right now.

––––––––

I hated this man, yet I was still dreaming about him! What the hell was wrong with me?

Waking up when my alarm went off, I stretched. Why did it feel as if I’d only just fallen asleep? After rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I yawned and then turned the alarm off as I got out of bed.

Realisation of what happened last night began to dawn on me. Darce lost his resolve for a short time. Tripping over the rug in the kitchen because I wasn’t paying attention, I stumbled into the breakfast bar, and stubbed my toe.

“ Motherfucker !” I seethed, hopping to grab my foot. I didn’t notice Evelyn was sitting on the sofa, laughing at me, until I looked over.

“You are a walking disaster,” she snorted, standing up. “What time did you get back last night?”

“About four in the morning.”

“You closed at two . What were you doing until that time?” More like, who was I trying to do , but I wasn’t going to share that information.

“We had to take all the displays down.”

“It was such a fabulous night. The way you decorated the store...it was really immersive. You did great! Oh, not that you’ll care, but my friend, Charlie, thinks you’re really hot.”

“Which one was he?” I needed options other than Darce after last night. Done! I was fucking done with him! Even after sleeping on it, rage was still coursing around my body.

“The tall, dark guy. He has tattoos, too. You seemed to only have eyes for Darce last night, so I gathered you didn’t notice him. If you ever needed to use him to get Darce jealous, however, Charlie would be up for it.” I had to admit, I liked her plan. “The two of you seemed at a bit of an impasse last night. Is Darce still claiming he’s not into you?”

“I honestly don’t think he is.” I sighed, slumping on the stool at the breakfast bar. “The guy is giving me whiplash. All I want is one fuck. I don’t know what his deal is.”

“Use Charlie! Trust me, if Darce likes you and Charlie is making his intentions clear towards you, Darce will break. Either way, you’ll get a fuck because Charlie doesn’t mess around.”

“Thanks, I’ll consider it. I need to shower. I’ve got to get into work in the next hour.”

“Don’t let me stop you.” Evelyn smiled, moving out of my way. “Oh, are you up for going out this weekend? I could invite Danny and Charlie .”

“Yeah, a night out sounds good. I’ll let you know about inviting Danny and Charlie.” Any distraction would be good right now, but I wasn’t sure if Darce was even the jealous type.

“You could invite some of your workmates . Imagine Theo and Darce watching you make out with Charlie!” Evelyn called as I made my way to the bathroom.

“Let me think about it.” I’d have to see how the next few days played out. Today, I didn’t even feel like talking to Darce. He wanted me. I’d felt that in his soft kisses, and in the way he looked at me. How could that have changed in a matter of minutes, all because I wanted to touch him? Why couldn't I touch him?

I was learning that Darce had his own battles of willpower, and last night, he slipped catastrophically. He’d be beating himself up over it, and keeping his distance today. I was sure of it.

––––––––

“H EY, ALORA,” DAISY chimed as I walked into Bookends. That girl was too happy! “Malcolm said the midnight release was a success. Ned and I have finished tidying up upstairs. We left all the decorations down in the basement. We weren’t sure if you wanted to keep them for the next one.”

“I’m not sure if I’ll be doing another...”

“Oh, you will, Alora.” Malcolm’s voice came from behind me. “I’ve already called the head office and told them how well you did. They have two more dates for you to host a midnight release. They want you to host a book ball here for The Broken Reach Series next year, too. The author will be attending to sign the midnight copies.” Whoa! The Broken Reach was one of my all time favourite fae books.

“But The Broken Reach Series completed last year?” I frowned, looking towards the main door where Darce had just walked in. His eyes met mine and quickly dropped as he slipped out of his coat and made his way downstairs to the breakroom to put his belongings away.

“She has one last book, and wants to do the midnight release here in her hometown.” A ball here ? My mind was racing. It was going to be phenomenal ! “Are you up for the challenge? It’s going to take quite some planning.”

“I’m in!”

Malcolm eyed me suspiciously. “You almost seem excited, Alora.” I gave him a smile. I couldn't deny it. I was going to be planning a grand fae ball ! For the first time ever , I could pretend I was living in one of my books for the night.

“You can count on me. I’ll make this ball spectacular. What’s the date?”

“January. You don’t have long, but I’ll speak with the head office about the budget. They are happy to fund it all.” This was becoming more perfect by the second. “Anyway, I’ll leave you to it. Are you okay to lock up tonight?”

“Of course.” Didn’t I most nights?

––––––––

I MANAGED TO HIDE FOR a few hours, putting all the furniture back into place upstairs before Theo came to interrupt me. “Did you and Darce have a fight?”

“No! Why do you ask?”

“You’re both throwing shit around, and have faces like you might punch someone.” We did? “You can talk to me, you know. You might not be a talker, but I can tell you’ve got stuff going on in that head of yours.” Theo would be the last person I’d confide in.

“I’m good. Last night was a late one, so I’m a little tired. I have no idea what Darce’s deal is.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you don’t.” Theo sighed, watching me for a few moments. “The offer is always there, Alora.” Luckily, I didn’t have to tell him to fuck off. Theo got the message and left me alone.

Once the furniture was back in place, I dealt with a few customers in the fantasy section, advising them on some personal favourites of mine.

By late afternoon, I’d done well at avoiding Darce. When everyone started to finish their shifts, I screamed internally, realising it was only the two of us left to lock up tonight. Being alone with him wasn’t a good plan. I’d have taken Theo over Darce right now, and that said a lot!

“Were you planning on speaking to me at all today?” Darce asked, watching me cash the till.

“Not if I could help it!” I didn’t even look at him as I spoke.

“Alora, last night...”

“No, I got it! Don’t worry,” I interrupted, not wanting to hear his excuses. “I’m done chasing you, Darce. I’m. Fucking. Done! ”

“Things with you and me, well.... they are... complicated .” Did he not hear me? I didn’t care! “Alora, please look at me.” The anger was bubbling to the surface again. Being rejected by Darce last night hurt. It wasn’t a feeling I’d ever allowed myself to feel, but that was what his actions had done. I’d let him in slightly and he’d hurt me. I didn’t want to listen to his excuses. He was gutless; that’s all I needed to know. “Alora!” His tone was annoyed now as I refused to look at him and carried on cashing up. “Why are you always so stubborn?”

That got a rise from me. “ I'm stubborn?” I yelled, finally turning to face him. “You refuse to act on your feelings and come up with some bullshit excuse of why it’s safer if I keep away from you. I did as you fucking asked , and you’re having a go at me ? Fuck you!”

Darce watched me and tried to pick his words carefully. “Can’t we go back to being friends?”

“Mmm... Well, after last night, when you explained you could do anything to my body except penetrate me or kiss me, I kind of think that ship has sailed!”

“I’m not allowed a moment of weakness?”

“That’s the problem! I want you to have more than a moment of weakness. I want you to let that guard of yours down and take me. You want me, that much is clear. It’s why you won’t act on it that makes me go crazy.”

“I’m driving you crazy?” He asked, like it wasn’t an obvious thing.

“ YES! I’m even dreaming about you!” His face altered, and I couldn't read his expression.

“Y...You’re dreaming about me?” Was that fear in his eyes? “What kind of dreams?”

“Oh, me dreaming about you isn't enough? You want all the juicy details?”

“I’m curious.” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Something was troubling him deeply, it was written all over his face.

“Some have been sex dreams. In others, we’re mostly fighting. There was one by a lake, and I could tell my fantasy books were invading my mind because there were two moons in the sky.”

“What about the other dreams? What were your surroundings like?”

“I had a large, white marble bed in one dream, and these two weird dog-like creatures were in my room. They liked you, though. Well, one of them definitely did. It was rubbing up against you.”

“That’s quite an imagination you’ve got,” Darce joked, taking a step back. “I’ll go and start closing things down and turn the lights off.” He wasn’t fooling me—something was deeply bothering him—but I let him go.

“Are you worried that I dream about you?” I asked while we were locking up. “You’ve been acting a little strange since I mentioned it.”

“Your infatuation with me is a little concerning,” he smirked, looking down at me. That playful glint in his eyes was back. “You should probably find someone else to dream about, though.” How could I tell him that I had a feeling I was dreaming about him before we’d even met? It had been so long since those earlier dreams, but the voice was his. I was sure of it.

“My mind is broken. I wouldn’t be flattered that I dream about you.”

“What makes you think your mind is broken?” Darce asked, following me. It seemed like he was walking me home again.

“Oh, I’m not going into that. You already think I’m crazy!” I snorted

“Humour me. What do you think is happening with your mind?”

“It blocks feelings and makes me see things sometimes,” I admitted as we turned to make our way to the bridge.

“What do you mean it makes you see things ?”

“I should have died on that bridge,” I blurted, pointing toward the Brooklyn Bridge. We hadn’t reached it yet, but it dominated the skyline.

“What? You saw yourself die there?”

“No, I’m not a seer,” I chuckled, shaking my head at him. “If I tell you, promise you won’t call me crazy?”

“I already know you’re crazy.”

“I was out with Evelyn one night and her phone fell on the other side of the railings. I’d had a bit to drink, but knew what I was doing. I climbed over, trying to get it. While I was gripping the lamppost, I slipped forward and should have died falling into traffic. Something pulled me backwards and I survived.”

“Who saved you?”

“I have no idea, but my mind made me see this weird shadow-mist when I opened my eyes. It had all mostly evaporated by that point, but I saw it.”

“You really need to calm down on the fantasy books, Alora. That sounds insane. Shadows can’t save you.”

“My mind clearly thinks they can.” We were on the bridge now. I suddenly felt small and insignificant. “Do you think anyone would miss me if I disappeared?”

“Where did that question come from? Suicidal thoughts are a little above my pay grade, but...”

“It’s not a suicidal thought, it’s a question I’ve had for a while. I’ve spent my life watching all these people with connections and friendships. I’m never going to have that. I’m never going to fall in love. Who would miss me if I disappeared? I have nothing to offer, so what is the point of my life? Why am I here?”

“That’s a bit pessimistic to say at twenty-four, that you’ll never fall in love.”

“If you understood my mind, you’d know why it’s easy for me to say that.”

“Have you tried to fall in love?”

“No, I can’t! That’s the point!”

“Do you even know what love feels like?” I’d read it enough in books to think that I was a bit of an expert. “And I don’t mean book romance, Alora. I’m talking about the raw, maddening love that makes your insides weak and strong all at the same time. The kind of love that you would battle time and immortality for. A love that makes you question your self worth. Someone that you can’t clear from your thoughts, no matter how hard you try. That kind of love!”

“Wow! Whoever she is, she’s a lucky lady.”

“Do you know how to fall in love?” He ignored my response, but my mind was reeling, wondering how it must feel to be loved by Darce when he worded it so beautifully. “It’s the little moments, Alora. The ones that catch you off guard. A smile here, the touch of a hand there, watching the way someone lights up when they’re talking about something they’re passionate about. Falling in love captures you piece by piece until, without warning, you’re drowning in them. They are the only light you see.”

“You make it sound wonderful.” I was breathless as I spoke, consumed with his words.

“It can start with a date.”

“Are you offering?” I teased. Darce rolled his eyes.

“Theo.” Ugh!

“You’ve never given him a chance, and I think it’s because you’re scared. He’s a good, decent guy that would love you the right way, and piece by piece, you might start to fall for him.”

“Theo is not my type. How many times...?”

Darce interrupted me. “One date, Alora. Prove me wrong, if you must, but aren’t you curious to see what happens when you let that guard of yours down?”

“Oh, because you always let yours down.”

“We aren’t talking about me right now. My love life is painful. It’s not something I talk about.”

“ Painful ?” Shit! What had happened? Was she dead? The bitch in me was hoping she might be.

“I’m not talking about it!” The deadly look in his eyes, I was sure, was a glimpse of the threatening face Darce had used to scare off the guys at the club. “Why don’t you take Theo to the Orchestra concert on Thursday instead of me?” I’d actually forgotten about that.

“I was looking forward to going with you.”

“I’m not an option, Alora. Please try to understand that.”

“You can’t force me to go on a date with Theo.”

“I know, but I can try and make you understand how safe you are with him.” How many times? I didn’t want to be safe .

“I’m not taking him to the concert, but if I agree to go on a date with him, will that shut you up?”

“It won’t shut me up, but I’d be happy about it. You have to try on the date, though. Look inside and see what a decent guy he is.”

“You really hate me being attracted to you, don’t you?” He was doing everything in his power to make me pull away from him.

“Your safety is important to me. If things were different...” Darce stopped mid sentence. “All I’m saying is that you would be very easy to fall in love with.”

“Well, for someone who’s trying their darndest to avoid that, I’m sorry if I don’t take you at your word.”

Darce let out a loud laugh. We’d reached my street and I hadn’t realised. “Goodnight, Alora.”

“You’re a prick, did you know that?” All I got was a beautiful smile before he walked off.