Beneath the Fallen City, Jamie A. Waters [ebook reader .TXT] 📗

moment and then opened her mouth to taste it. “This is chocolate cake with a raspberry sauce,” he explained as her lips closed around the fork.

Her eyes widened, and she looked down at the dessert in amazement. She swallowed and murmured under her breath, “I think my mouth just had an orgasm.”

Alec dropped the fork on the table and turned away laughing. Kayla grinned and pulled the plate closer to take another bite.

“Kayla, your reactions are priceless.”

She closed her eyes and waved Alec away. “Shh. I’m savoring this moment.”

He chuckled. “When you’re finished, I have something I’d like to show you.”

She opened her eyes and put her hand on her stomach. “I hope it’s not more food. I’ve eaten way too much tonight.”

Alec turned to Seara. “Do you mind if I borrow your daughter for a few minutes? I have a small gift I’d like to give her.”

At Seara’s hesitation, Kayla looked up. Tension radiated from Seara, and she darted a quick glance at Edwin. Alec shook his head and placed his hand over Kayla’s. Even though he’d been somewhat flirtatious toward her all evening, the gesture seemed almost protective.

“It’s something from her childhood, Seara. It may bring back some of her memories.”

The older woman looked relieved. “Of course, Alec. I trust you’ll act in Kayla’s best interest.”

Edwin cleared his throat. “While our children are off dallying, I’ll escort you back to your quarters, Seara.”

Seara turned to Kayla. “Don’t worry about your charming friend. I’ll bring Veridian back to our family’s quarters when he’s finished. Go ahead and enjoy yourself.”

Kayla agreed, thankful to get away from the table. There were things going on and politics at play she didn’t understand. Alec said goodnight to everyone and held out his arm for Kayla. She put her arm through his and let him lead her out of the room. She was acutely aware of the looks and comments the two of them were generating.

Although she wasn’t sure about Alec’s motives, Kayla was confident in her ability to handle him. She had doubts about the zapping thing he’d done to her, but he seemed genuinely remorseful about upsetting her. Seara also seemed to trust him, and Kayla liked—even admired—the older woman.

When they left the dining area, Kayla stopped. “Okay, these shoes are coming off. I feel like I’m about to fall over.”

She sat on a nearby bench, and he knelt in front of her. His eyes held hers as he lifted the hem of her dress above her ankles. His hands were gentle, brushing against her skin as he removed her shoes. His touch sent those strange little tingles through her, and she couldn’t decide if she wanted him to keep touching her or ask him to stop.

Once he had removed her shoes, Alec stood up. With one hand holding her shoes, he offered his other hand and helped her to her feet. She swallowed, feeling strangely off-balance. Trying to lighten the mood, she teased, “So is shoe removal part of a Master’s job?”

Alec put his hand around her waist and looked down into her eyes. “If I remember correctly, you instructed me not to let you fall earlier. I’m merely honoring your request.”

“Thanks,” Kayla whispered, caught by his gaze. His eyes were an almost impossible shade of blue with shimmering gold flecks.

“My pleasure,” he replied, taking her hand. He led her down the path and brought her to another ornate door. It was similar to the design outside of her family’s quarters. He pressed his palm against the panel, and the door slid open.

The colors inside the Tal’Vayr family quarters were much bolder than Seara’s living area. Instead of the flowering arrangements Seara preferred, there were several abstract and geometrical pieces of art hanging on the walls. Kayla was surprised at the style. It didn’t seem to represent Alec well.

“The decor is my father’s personal taste. My private quarters are through here.” He pressed a button, and another door opened.

This area appeared to suit Alec better. The colors were softer and more muted. There was a large seating area in the front room and a small food preparation area off to the side. There were several other doors down another hallway.

“Wow, this place is huge.”

Alec looked around, and Kayla got the impression he was trying to see the room through her eyes. “It gives me a bit of privacy since families tend to share living quarters.”

“So what did you want to show me?”

Alec dropped her shoes on the floor and took both of her hands in his. “Think of this as a memory exercise. I want you to close your eyes and imagine the glass globe from your dreams.”

It was a strange request, but she was intrigued enough to play along. She closed her eyes and imagined the sparkling gold and green globe.

“Do you see it?”

She nodded. “Yes, I can see it.”

“Now, hold it in your mind and think beyond the globe. Imagine its location. Is it on top of something? Is it inside something?”

She frowned in concentration as he released her hands. “It’s in a box of some sort.”

“Can you tell where the box is located?”

She reached out with her hand as though trying to touch it, feeling a slight tingle ripple through her.

Kayla’s eyes flew open. She pointed across the room. “It’s there!”

She headed toward a desk in the corner and opened up a small chest. There, on a velvet cushion, sat the strange glass globe from her dreams.

Kayla stared at her hands in disbelief, wondering about the tingle she’d felt. She’d have thought it was some sort of elaborate trick if she hadn’t experienced it. “How is this possible?”

“This is only one of your abilities, Kayla. You’re extraordinarily talented.”

She carefully lifted the glass globe. It was identical to the one from memory. Green and gold flecks swirled inside it. “It’s beautiful.”

“I want you to have it. I should have given it to you years ago.”

Kayla jerked her head up, shocked he was trying to give her such an expensive gift. She put it back in the chest, feeling a twinge of regret, but she couldn’t take it. “I can’t accept this. You’ve kept it all these years. It must mean a lot to you.”

Alec put his hand on hers. “Kayla, it would mean a lot more to me if you accepted it.”

She hesitated but looked at the globe with longing. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” he insisted and stepped closer to her. “I’d like you to have it. It belongs with you.”

She pulled the box toward her and trailed her fingers over the globe once more. She’d never owned anything so beautiful. “Thank you.”

“Kayla,” he murmured. She looked up at him, and he lifted his hand to stroke her cheek. “You’re exquisite.”

He tilted her head back and pressed his lips against hers. She closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss. Her senses went into overload. Everything felt sharper and clearer. His touch sent energy flowing through her.

But he’s not Carl.

She pulled away. “I’m sorry, Alec. I can’t do this.”

He looked at her in surprise. “Because of Carl? Kayla, he’s just a trader.”

“How did you…” her voice trailed off and her eyes narrowed. She’d had her suspicions, but she hadn’t been sure until now. She took a step back. “Are you listening to my thoughts?”

He hesitated for a moment before admitting, “Yes. Not all of them, but I can hear some. You haven’t learned to think quietly yet.”

“All this time?” she accused angrily, mentally kicking herself for letting down her guard. She’d been so focused on all these strange new experiences that she hadn’t been paying enough attention to what was right in front of her. How much had he been manipulating her by listening to her thoughts? For all she knew, he had been directing her like some mindless puppet.

“Kayla, I was waiting for the right time to teach you. Most people can’t communicate with thought. I usually have to be touching someone for them to hear me. You’re one of the rare exceptions.”

Well, didn’t she feel lucky.

“You sick and twisted bastard.” Her hand clenched into a fist and she swung.

He caught her hand easily. “You don’t want to do that.”

She snatched her hand away from him and hissed, “Everyone deserves the right to be a jackass, but you abuse the privilege.”

Alec followed her as she stormed out of the room. “Wait a minute, Kayla.”

She ignored him and headed straight for the door, walking right into Master Edwin Tal’Vayr.

The older man glanced back at Alec. “Is there a problem, Kayla?”

She scowled at him. “Yeah, your son. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m done with this. I’m beginning to see why my subconscious wanted to avoid the towers all these years. At least things make sense on the surface and there isn’t any of this woo-woo crap.”

“You’re planning on leaving the towers?” Edwin’s eyes narrowed.

“I’m definitely thinking about it.”

“Kayla, wait a minute,” Alec protested. “This was just a misunderstanding.”

Edwin gave Alec a hard look and grabbed Kayla’s wrist. “You had your chance, Alec.”

“What are you doing? Get your hands off me!”

She tried to pull away from him, but his grip was ironclad. Suddenly, Kayla felt