All's Fair in Love and Lion (13 page)

“I’m simply distracted by your beauty.” I spin her out and twirl her back into my arms.

She giggles. “You’re insane.”

Her laughter buoys me. “Why? Because you’re the loveliest creature here?”

“Definitely.”

“Ah, well, better to be madly in love with you than worry about my silly toes.”

“You’re going over the top.”

“Am I? Then I’m doing something right. You deserve the most extravagant compliments.”

Her cheeks turn red. “You definitely need a padded cell.”

“If it means I get to have you in my arms forever, then, my lady, throw away the key.”

“Honestly,” she begs, “this is more than I can stand.”

“Sasha,” I say, my voice serious. “I love you beyond words. Can you blame me for being reckless?”

She stares at her feet as we move slower and slower. “I don’t deserve such compliments.”

“Why don’t I make that decision and you have fun?”

She leans her head against my chest. “I suppose.”

“I want you to have a nice time.”

“Thank you,” she murmurs.

“My pleasure.”

When the dance ends, I lead her off the floor.

Neru approaches us. “What a splendid couple you make.” He takes Sasha’s hand. “Will you do me the honor of the next dance?”

“He’s mostly harmless. But, Neru, watch your hands. I know the way you are around the ladies. One dance. I don’t like having her out of my arms.”

Neru chuckles. “I promise. She’s safe with me.”

Sasha bites her lower lip. “I’m not a good dancer.”

“Neither am I.” Neru tucks her hand into the crook of his arm. “Come, you’ll be fine.”

“Monroe . . .”

“It’s no use, Sasha. He’ll annoy you until you say yes.”

She looks uncertain as Neru escorts her away.

“You look fantastic tonight, Monroe,” a voice says.

Ice slides down my spine. “Lily.”

“What do you think? Isn’t my dress gorgeous?” She runs her hand over the gold-sequined fabric clinging to her figure.

“It suits you.” Silently I add,
It emphasizes how much you repulse me.

She preens. “I had the gown made especially for tonight.”

“I see.” I rise from my chair, bracing myself.

“Are you going to ask me to dance?” She waves a hand toward the ballroom floor. “If I remember, you’re a masterful dancer.”

“I don’t dance with harpies.”

She steps toward me. “I suggest you join me if you don’t want a scene.” She moves toward me. A sultry tango begins.

I grit my teeth. “If I must.”

As we step onto the floor, her lips curl mockingly. “Your little Firstling seems ill-at-ease. Can’t she dance?”

I glance over at Sasha and Neru. Sasha backs away, shaking her head. Neru moves forward. From our vantage point I can see him using his old charm to try and convince Sasha to stay on the floor.

“Excuse me.” I drop Lily’s hand.

She grabs my arm. “Oh, no, you don’t.” She jerks me back into her arms.

“How many times must we go through this?” I growl. “I am not, nor have I ever been, interested in you.”

Lily pouts, thrusting out her lower lip. “I thought we were getting along so well.”

“It’s your imagination.”

“Is it?” Lily presses herself against me. “I wonder what your precious little human thinks about this.” She runs her foot down my leg. “Perhaps she notices how seductive the dance is and sees she falls short.”

I push her back.

Lily rights herself. “You surprise me, Monroe. I would’ve thought a being who understands the needs of a male Thirdling would appeal to you.”

“I recommend,” I say through clenched teeth, “you don’t come near me and Sasha or I might drag you from the room and rip you apart.”

“My, my,” I hear Lily say from behind me. “You’re testy tonight. I love a challenge.”

I whirl around. “Go away.”

She sighs regretfully. “Very well, Monroe. Another time perhaps.”

“Never.”

“A girl can dream.” She waves her hand. To my horror, she brushes past me and saunters over to Sasha.

I catch up with Lily. “Stop right—”

Lily ignores me. “Hello, Sasha Brighton.”

“Hello,” Sasha says tentatively, her eyes on me.

“I am,” Lily says, thrusting out her hand, “Lily Tygress.”

A cloud flickers over Sasha’s face. “I’ve heard of you.”

“Have you?” Lily regards her haughtily. “How marvelous. My felicitations to you, Miss Brighton. Many a female Thirdling has failed to catch Monroe’s eye.” She winks at me. “It seems we’re all from the wrong realm. Perchance my luck would have been better if I had been born a Firstling.” She appraises Sasha. “Then again, perhaps not.”

“Would you leave already?” I snarl.

“Enjoy the rest of your visit, Miss Brighton.” She returns her attention on me and runs her finger down my chest, her painted black nail digging slightly into my skin. “Good evening to you, Monroe.”

Right as I’m ready to grab her and throw her across the room, she sidesteps me and sashays away from us. At the doorway, she pivots and wiggles her fingers at me. Then, without waiting for a response, she vanishes around the corner.

I count to ten before saying, “I’m incredibly sorry.”

Sasha purses her lips. “You say you don’t like her, but that was quite a show.”

My temper simmers. “I was doing my best to extract myself from the damn harpy.”

“She’s very attractive.”

I fold my arms. “I’ve never been interested in Lily. If she hadn’t left I was going to throw her over my shoulder and rip her to shreds in one of Neru’s arboretums.”

Sasha’s eyes widen in shock. “You’d kill her?”

“I’m tempted.”

Sasha’s face pales. “Doesn’t seem necessary. You could marry her instead.”

“Are you serious?” I can’t wrap my mind around her words. “What can I do to prove you’re the only one for me?”

“I think you just did.”

I sit down, stretching my legs out in front of me. “Are you trying to give me heart failure?”

She unfolds and refolds a napkin. “No. But can you blame me?”

“I suppose not.”

She sets the napkin aside. “Why don’t we talk about something else?”

“Gladly!”

“How are your feet after I stepped all over them?”

“My feet are fine. You doing all right?”

“It’s been interesting.”

“You want to dance again?”

She nudges my foot with hers. “You sure you want to risk injury?”

“I’ll survive. Come, this will give me an excuse to have you back in my arms.”

I help Sasha up and lead her to the floor.

“Do we have to stay long?” she asks, peering up at the dozens of crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

“Neru will never forgive us if we don’t stay for the end of the dance.”

“All right.”

“I promise,” I say, holding her tighter, “nothing else will happen tonight.”

“I hope you’re right.”

Silently I curse Lily. “Forget earlier.”

Sasha doesn’t say anything. Instead, she lays her head on my chest and again I’m flooded with desire. Ruthlessly, I clamp down on my feelings and vow to keep Sasha safe.

When the music stops, I guide her to the door. Despite Neru’s pleas, we say our goodbyes and leave.

In the carriage, she leans her head against my shoulder as we ride back, with the curtains drawn.

“Are you tired?” I ask.

She yawns. “You couldn’t tell?”

“You can go to sleep if you want. I don’t mind.”

She smiles sleepily. “I might. The evening wasn’t so bad.”

“Fancy balls are okay, now?”

“I don’t really like being the center of attention. Fortunately, nobody crowded around me.”

“I think they sensed your disposition and didn’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

“That’s nice of them.” Her eyes close and her breathing slows as the carriage rocks back and forth.

“Sasha?”

“Mmm-hmm?”

“Never mind.”

A soft snore answers me. I move my arm and she slides down until her head rests in my lap. I stroke her smooth cheek, marveling at the peaceful expression on her face. Tugging the clasp out of her hair, I run my hands through the strands. Tangling fingers in the silky depths, I offer up a prayer of thanks to the Creator for her.

When the swaying stops, the footman opens the door. I lift Sasha into my arms and step carefully from the carriage and enter the castle.

Ayres clucks his tongue as I sweep past him.

“I didn’t want to wake her,” I say defensively.

“Best let Serena undress her.”

“I will.”

Gaining Sasha’s room, I open the door and lay Sasha on the bed. She murmurs then turns over, her shoulders gently rise and fall with each breath.

“I can take over, sir.” Serena appears behind me.

“Is it possible for you to get her into a nightgown without waking her?”

“Yes, sir. It’s one of my gifts.”

“Then please, do so. I’m going to retire to my own chambers.”

“Of course, my lord. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

I leave Sasha’s room and enter my own and get undressed. My heart suddenly feels heavy as I remember Sasha will be going home the next day. I run a hand over my face. I’ve gotten far too used to her being down the hall instead of in the First Realm.

Restless, I turn over in my bed. My mind flashes back to the tango with Lily. The menace under her words aren’t idle threats. Exactly what is she plotting?

Chapter 20: Sasha

“Sasha? Are you there?” Carl stands by my desk waving his hand in front of my face. “Where were you?”

“I’m sorry. I was thinking about something. What was it you asked?”

He rubs his chin. “I didn’t think you were the absentminded type. Anyway, are we in agreement Anne is the winner of the contest?”

Oh, right. The essay contest.
I really should stop daydreaming about the Third Realm. “Yes. We can put it into the announcements for tomorrow.”

“Okay. Are your students ready for
The Tempest
test?”

Tossing my trash into the wastebasket, I nod. “I’ve been reviewing with them and they have their quizzes back.”

He sips his soda. “Same here.”

“Next week we can start some poetry and make headway on those assignments before Easter break. Maybe we’ll get in two or three this year despite being behind.”

“It happens.” He smiles and gets up from his chair. “If we’re all set here, I’ll go prepare for my afternoon classes. See you later, Sasha.”

“Thinking about anyone in particular?”
a voice interrupts my thoughts.

“What are you doing here?”

“Don’t you know? I have to be near you. I apologize I couldn’t come sooner. I went hunting with Bast and we took longer than expected.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve been busy, too.”

“Are you having a good day?”

“Not bad. You?”

“I am, now. Alexia sends her regards.”

“How is she?”

“Other than fatigue and an enormous appetite she seems to be doing well.”
He pauses.
“Perhaps a bit more emotional.”

“Sounds okay.”

“
Let’s say Bast is being extra attentive to her.”

“I wouldn‘t expect less.”

Monroe chuckles. “
Despite all her sweet appearances, she has quite the temper. Poor Bast nearly found himself sleeping outside the other day.”

I giggle.
“What did he do?”

“Apparently he didn’t bring her a big enough deer when he went hunting. Alexia wanted the buck for herself and Bast ate it.”
Monroe’s roaring laughter fills my mind.
“I assure you he did not make that mistake this time.”

Before I can stop myself, I laugh out loud. I glance at the shut door. Thank goodness. Maybe nobody heard.
“When you see them again, tell Bast I’m sorry he’s having such a hard time.”

“He’ll appreciate your sympathies.”

The bell rings.

“My lunch hour is over. Will I see you tonight?”

“Quite possibly. I have to meet with Loralyn regarding Lily’s improper behavior. She might make a motion at the next meeting for the Council to do something about Lily. Afterwards, I’m available.”

“I’ll see you then. Have a good afternoon, Monroe.”

“And you, my love.”

As Monroe leaves my mind, my students file into the room. For a minute I stand by the podium refocusing my thoughts. When class begins, I’m ready.

At the end of the day, I’m looking forward to dinner and a comfy spot on my couch.

Carl opens my door. “You ready?”

“Maybe this meeting will go better than the last one.”

Carl smirks. “Don’t let Julie Carson get to you. She’s got delusions of grandeur.”

“Unfortunately.”

Posters for graduation line the walls in a blaze of school colors. I hardly notice them as we stride briskly down to Julie’s classroom. Like mine, it’s an expansive square. Motivational posters cover her back wall. Hemmingway, Shakespeare, Dickens, and Mark Twain deck her sidewalls. A gold plaque with her name engraved on it sits on her desk. Personally, my colleagues and I find the plaque pompous, but no one dares tell her. Her favorite Chanel suit jacket rests neatly over the back of her chair. I shake my head. She tries impressing everybody too much.

Carl and I take seats near the back. I return nods with the other English teachers scattered throughout the room.

“Looks like the only ones missing were us and Julie,” Carl comments.

“Yeah. At least we’re on time.”

“Sasha,” Darla Lynbrook, one of the freshmen teachers, turns around. “How are you?”

“Pretty busy with the Juniors. Are the Freshmen doing okay?”

She grimaces. “Denny lucked out and got some better students than I did.”

“Perhaps the rest of the year will go well.”

“One can always hope,” she agrees.

Julie breezes in. “Sorry I’m a tad late.” She shuts her door and everybody stops talking. “I needed a soda. Is everybody ready to get started? Yes? Good.”

Carl gets my attention and rolls his eyes. I hide a smile behind my hand while Julie continues.

“I’m so proud of my Seniors,” she gushes. “They’re really spectacular.”

Carl leans over to me and whispers, “That’s news to me. Last I heard her seventh period was so rowdy you could hear them all the way down the hall.”

Julie acts like she’s some kind of movie star simply because she’s head of the English department. I squelch the rising annoyance. Her syrupy-sweet voice grates against my nerves.

“Bryant and I can hardly wait for the Senior Awards Ceremony,” she continues.

“Did she call us here to talk about the English Department or to brag about seeing off her little ‘angels’?” Darla mutters.

“Carl tells me he and Sasha have completed their essay contest for the year,” Julie says, throwing a glare at Darla. “You two announcing a winner?”

“Tomorrow,” I say. “It’s Anne Edwards.

Carl grins. “I have to say I’m jealous Sasha has her for a student.”

Julie smiles indulgently. “Wonderful.”

Since when? I’m sure she could care less. How she got Department Chair I’ll never know.

“Well,” she goes on, completely oblivious of everyone shifting in their seats. The Sophomore teachers glance at the clock while Julie keeps her attention on me. “Dean Corrin said to bring him the information.”

“I’ll drop it off in his office before I leave.” Fortunately, Dean Corrin doesn’t have a superiority complex. I hold back a sigh. If it weren’t for my love of teaching and my love for St. James High, I would’ve left the minute Julie was appointed chair. Looking around the room, I get the feeling I’m not the only one.

“Terrific.” Julie clasps her hands together. “Any other business?”

Darla puts up her hand.

“What is it, Darla?”

“Are we going to talk about the Freshmen project?”

Julie frowns. “That’s for the Freshmen faculty to discuss. We’re pretty much finished here. You all have a nice evening.”

“I hate her attitude,” Darla grumbles. “She isn’t interested in any other class except the Seniors. Why is she our English Department head?”

“Don’t let her get to you,” Carl says, his voice sympathetic. “Julie gets carried away.” He turns to me. “You’d better get down to Dean Corrin’s office before he leaves.”

“I’m glad Anne won,” Darla says. “She was a joy to have in class.”

“She still is,” I say.

“I’m not surprised. You have a good afternoon, Sasha. Bye, Carl.”

“Goodnight,” I call to the rest of the teachers as I quickstep down to the hallway to the Dean’s office.

At my knock he calls, “It’s open!”

“Hi, George.”

He twists his chair around. A big smile wreaths his broad features. “Sasha! Long time no see.”

I hand him the note. “Our contest winner is Anne Edwards.”

“Got it.” His eyes run over the words then he raises his head. “Short and to the point.” He winks. “Kind of your style, huh?”

I laugh self-consciously. “I guess so.”

“You doing okay?”

“I’m fine, why?”

He shrugs. “I don’t see you in the halls much. I hear you’ve been cooped up in your classroom.”

“I’m a bit swamped lately, but nothing I can’t handle.”

“Well, I’ll see you around.” He snaps his fingers. “Say! I hear you’re going to be going to the prom with Carl.”

Inwardly I cringe. “It’s not a date.”

“Good guy, Carl Darrenmore.”

I put my hands on my hips. “George Corrin, are you playing matchmaker?”

He lowers his eyes, his tone self-depreciating. “Don’t tell Tanya, okay? She thinks I’m terrible at it.”

“I’m not promising a thing.”

“Please don’t say a word.” His face puckers. “She has big plans for prom this year. Says after five years of the same thing, it’s time I become more spontaneous and romantic.”

“She wants variety.”

He turns pale. “As long as that doesn’t mean a new husband.”

“She wouldn’t trade you in.”

“Yeah, I’m a lucky guy. Anyway, thanks for bringing the announcement. Have fun with Carl. You two make a good couple. See you, Sasha.”

Getting into my car, I hear a voice say, “You should listen to the man, Sasha. You’re not fit for Monroe.”

“What?” I whip my head around, searching the vehicle. Empty. I pinch the bridge of my nose. I really need that comfy couch of mine. The voice sounded like Lily.