Dark Light (The Dark Light Series)(120)
“No. No. I’m sorry,” he murmurs.
I look up, expecting to see him peering at me but his eyes are still shut tightly, his brow furrowed with angst. Again, he mutters something but it’s in Greek, I believe. However, the anguish in his voice tells me that he is urgently pleading. The tone of his voice changes, and so does the language. It is the unnamed language from last night, the one he spoke with Aurora. I can pick up a few words but they are so random that they don’t make much sense to me.
“No…Mine…Don’t…Please.”
I reach out to stroke his cheek to comfort him, and he jerks awake. His eyes are wild, searching, disoriented. He then crushes my body to his, holding me tightly in his arms for several silent seconds. I don’t dare utter a word; who knows what has caused him such distress. When he finally loosens his grip, I look up to give to him a reassuring, yet weak, smile before retreating to the bathroom, leaving him confused and disheveled.
As I brush my teeth, I can’t help but wonder if I handled the situation correctly. Did he expect me to say something to soothe him? Should I have stayed and asked him what he was dreaming about? No. If he wanted to tell me, he would have. I could never reveal the content of my nightmares; why should I expect him to?
After we’re all dressed and packed, we begrudgingly say goodbye to our vacation home. We pile into the van and head into town to have brunch before hitting the road. Dorian didn’t drive his car here so I assume he hired a car service to bring him. I don’t question him, just like I don’t question the heated glances between him and Aurora over waffles, bacon, and eggs. They are not passionate or longing stares. They are...odd, to say the least. Their expressions reflect those of an intense, serious conversation, yet neither one of them says a word.
“So Miguel, what are your sister’s plans after high school? She graduates in a few weeks, right?” I ask, trying to distract my overactive imagination.
“Yeah, she does, but I have no idea what her plans could be. Carmen is adamant about not going to a traditional university. She’s really into fashion design and wants to attend some fashion and art institute. The problem is my parents just can’t afford it. I wouldn’t have been able to go to college if it weren’t for my scholarship. So she’s looking for a job to help her get into that industry. And we all know the Springs isn’t that cutting edge when it comes to stuff like that.”
“What? Not into Mountain Chic?” Morgan chuckles. She gives Miguel a flirtatious smile and I notice him stroking her back. They definitely hooked up last night.
“Well, let me know if she doesn’t find anything she really likes. I might be able to help her,” I say.
I look over at Dorian, who has returned his attention to me, and give him a wink. I told him I’d accept his job offer only if I could do the hiring. And firing. Meaning Little Miss Allison will have to flaunt her perky breasts elsewhere. Not being that fashion savvy myself, Carmen could be just what I need to help me run Cashmere. Plus, I know she’s trustworthy and hardworking. I’d be helping out a friend and helping myself as well.
Once we’ve gotten on the road, I rest my head on Dorian’s shoulder and fold my feet into the seat. We’ve claimed the back row while James, Miguel and Morgan sit in front of us. Jared has offered to drive this time so he and Aurora sit in the front seats. This time the trip is different. Everyone is engaging in lighthearted conversation and getting along. It gives me hope that there will be many more trips together as a group.
“Hey, before I forget, I wanted to invite you to Morgan’s house this weekend,” I whisper to Dorian. “Her parents are throwing her a little get together in honor of her getting her license and landing a great job at such a fabulous salon.”
Dorian instantly becomes rigid. “When is it?”
“This Saturday. And of course, my parents would be there. That is, if you want to meet them.” Yikes. I literally hold my breath until he answers.
“Yeah, you see, I would but I don’t think that’s such a good idea. With me technically being Morgan’s boss, I don’t want it to look like I’m showing her any favoritism. I’m sure other employees of the salon will be there.” Dorian toys with a lock of my hair and twirls it around his finger. “Don’t want to give them the wrong impression.” He plants a kiss on my pouting lips to silence any questioning. He knows the affect he has on me and he’s taking full advantage of my weakness.
“You look younger,” I murmur quietly, once he pulls away.
“Do I?” he asks in an equally hushed voice. I notice Aurora’s head turns just a fraction from the front seat. She must be able to hear our whispers, though I’m positive no one else can.