Stolen Skye (Book One, The Skye Trilogy) (20 page)

“No, really, I was just interested.
I never did it though, right?” I could picture Finn maybe, out of need for money, but I would have most certainly choked from nerves and guilt before attempting.

“No, but you practiced on us, just the same.
Your expression gave your intent away so we always saw you coming.” Bounce laughed at the memory. “I’m sure Finn isn’t as fast as he used to be anyway… pity.” She continued goading him. Finn laughed, shaking his head.

“Well, if he is indeed the expert, I’d like to see him prove it.”
I couldn’t help myself.

Finn turned to me with a look of surprise on his face. “What’s it worth to you to see me shame you?”
He responded with a glint in his eye.

“Ten pounds
say you muck it up.” Bounce took out her money to show she was serious.

“I’ll match that.”
I smiled wider, counting out my money as well.

He bent close to me, pushing my hair from my ear and whispered, “You’re on, Evelyn.
I hate to take advantage of your innocence, but I will.” His hot breath on my ear made me shiver. He turned and narrowed his eyes, surveying the crowd. Quickly, he was on his feet, making his way down the aisle, moving closer to the entrance of the bus. Midway through, he stopped and waited as the bus signaled for a right turn. As he leaned in against the pull, he disappeared past a large man standing, reading the paper. I heard him ask a young woman seated behind him for the time. She advised him it was just past three. He stood up straight and apologized to the man who he had inadvertently bumped into.

“Crap.”
Bounce put her wallet away, still holding the ten.

“What?
I didn’t see anything?”

“Precisely, nor did anyone else.
He’s got it though, you can be sure.” She gave him a begrudging smile as he moved back to us casually after the stop. Both the large man and the woman were making their way off the bus. Before sitting down, he opened a worn, brown leather wallet and raised the ID within to read it.

“Ladies, my money please.”
Bounce surrendered it to Finn, who wore an arrogant expression, more so than normal. He waited, fighting a smile as he looked down at me. I gave him my ten as well.

“Theodore Wills.
Charming fellow.” Finn tucked our wagered money into the stolen wallet and leaned out the opening of the back of the bus. He shouted, “Theodore, you dropped this.” The man from the bus stopped in his tracks as Finn threw him the wallet in a perfect arch. He caught it easily, but with more than a quizzical look upon his face. Finn laughed to himself and took his seat again, by my side. “You know better than to bet against me, Bounce. However, Evelyn has to reacquaint herself with my talents. She has an excuse. Now, dear Theodore can splurge for a bottle of wine with his newfound money, thanks to you two skeptics.” He straightened his arms to crack his knuckles, pleased with his performance.

I smiled at him in disbelief.

After visiting Trafalgar Square, an ancient bookstore I frequented, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, I gave up trying to retrace the steps of my past. Nothing was coming back to me. Sensing my frustration, Bounce suggested, “Do you guys want to come back to Raven’s house for some coffee? I know it’s getting late, but I need something to keep me going until dinner.”

“Evelyn?”
Finn raised his eyebrows and inquired as to my interest. I nodded with conviction. I still had to pack, but packing at the end of a trip was always much easier. We arrived at the familiar townhouse in Notting Hill. An elaborate wreath hung on the blue door of Raven’s house with a red bow three times the size of any others visible on the block. Bounce bounded up the stairs and waited for us to catch up.

“Raven, we have guests.”
Bounce yelled a warning as she ascended the stairs to the main floor. There was no response, but there was loud music coming from Raven’s bedroom. Bounce went straight to the kitchen area and began grinding coffee beans. Finn took my hand and led me over to the couches where I’d first met Raven’s Kierk a few nights prior. As I pulled off my scarf, I noticed a man’s trench coat hanging off of one of the dining chairs.

“I’m not entirely sure Raven is alone,” I said to Finn, pointing to the evidence.
He chuckled lowly for a second and then went over to Bounce, whispering in her ear. She looked over at the coat and then to me, making a face like our discovery was scandalous. After a couple minutes, they brought the coffee pot and mugs over, sitting beside me.

“It doesn’t look like Kierk’s coat.”
Bounce blew on her coffee, warming her hands against the mug.

“Are there any other studs in the stable?”
Finn questioned. Bounce shook her head, stating she wasn’t sure. We drank our coffee and waited. The music came to an abrupt stop and we each sat silently in expectation. Two minutes later, Raven emerged from her room in a short silk robe, barefoot and bed-headed. She froze instantly when she saw the three of us smiling at her from the living room.

“Aye, crap,” she said as she grabbed one of the green mugs hanging over the sink and padded over to us for part of the pot.

“Not to be indecent, but who might that belong to?”
Finn placed his hand over his heart and bowed his head to her in a mocking fashion, gesturing toward the man’s coat.

“Ugh, he’ll be out anyway…
Luca is here. Save your drama, Finn. We had a talk.” Raven poured a cup and waved her hand at Finn, indicating he could keep his opinion to himself.

“But…
how?” Bounce grappled with Raven’s choice.

“Well, I was very angry and I went and talked to him after the fight last night.
Not too long, but I made my point.” She avoided our inquisitive looks as she sipped her coffee. We heard movement in the hallway and sure enough, Luca emerged shirtless, wearing a pair of finely pressed trousers and shiny black shoes. He carried a button down shirt and tie. He too froze when he realized he had an audience.

“Gang’s all here.
What a pleasure,” he said sarcastically. He placed his tie on the table and strode over to us with confidence, pulling his shirt on slowly. As he neared, I noticed he had a swollen black eye, and moved like he was nursing other wounds. Apparently they hadn’t slowed him down too much in the bedroom.

“It’s strange
, Luca, I don’t remember anyone connecting with your eye last night.” Finn eyed a suddenly uncomfortable Raven.

“Raven was kind enough to instruct me with regards to how rude I was being.
I am hoping today I have made it up to her.” Luca leaned over and took her hand, kissing it with passion.

“You did that?”
The thought of Raven popping him in the eye wasn’t altogether shocking to me.

“Fine, yes.
I hit him. He made me angry and with all the punching, I got carried away.” Raven used both her hands while explaining, sloshing coffee onto the shaggy throw rug. “I told him I was sorry.”

“A fight is a fight, my dear, all in good fun.”
Luca commented, slapping Finn on the back. I saw Finn immediately stiffen.

“A fight is one thing, but going for the easy kill smacks of cowardice, don’t you think?”
Finn turned up to him as Luca buttoned his shirt.

“Finn, don’t get ethical on me.
It was a boxing match. I boxed fairly and won. Is your obvious bad mood about Ari or my kiss with Evelyn? Gheorghe told me you two were back together. I was just fanning the flame. No harm no foul.” Luca finished buttoning and flipped up his collar while he went to retrieve his tie. Finn sheepishly looked toward me.

I didn’t want to hurt Finn’s feelings, but I felt the need to clarify his assumption.
“Luca, not that it is anyone’s business, but Finn and I are friends. I’m not sure why your uncle would have told you that. We are all getting to know each other again.”

Luca raised his eyebrows
. “Oh, so you are still available? I’ll spread the word. Raven, love, walk me out? By the look on Finn’s face I could be in for another beating, and I have a plane to catch. Good evening, everyone.” Raven followed Luca down the stairs. I glared at Finn as he met my gaze with a look of apology.

“Why does it seem like everyone thinks we’re together?”
I didn’t sugar coat it because I guessed I knew the answer. Bounce excused herself and walked down the hall toward the bathroom.

“Gheorghe told Ari we were sharing a room at the hotel.
I went to speak with Ari yesterday morning and he questioned me about it. I told him that it wasn’t true, but I didn’t deny or confirm anything else. I’d had enough, Evelyn. I told him if he scared you away, I was going to leave as well.”

“What did he say?”

“He gave up. He sat down and stared at his hands until I reminded him I was in the room. Finally, he said he couldn’t lose us both again and he would be on his best behavior when it came to you. From how he acted at the party and with him meeting you this morning, I guess he’s trying. I’m trying as well. Trying to get over what he did. Trying to keep it friendly between us. It’s a struggle, Evelyn. Watching you every day. Seeing how much you don’t remember me.” He stared down at the ground, not meeting my eyes.

“Why did you care about me, Finn?
What was it between us?” I broke my own rule and asked him a specific question. I wasn’t sure I was ready for the answer.

“You weren’t who I thought you’d be.
I’m rarely surprised by people. Your humor and intelligence, I wasn’t expecting it. It didn’t take long before I couldn’t get enough of it.”

“What did you think I’d be like when we met?”

“Someone who maybe wanted a villain or two before she went home for a real life. We flirted for fun, but after Bruges, things changed for me. One night you stayed later than the rest of them and we kissed on the back of my boat. There were other nights… other kisses, but we didn’t rush in. I wasn’t going to push, but I wouldn’t give up. Just like now.” Raven came back into view and Finn silenced himself, but kept the same, longing look in his sea blue eyes. After Bounce continued to question Raven about Luca, Finn proclaimed, “It’s getting late. We’ll see you at the restaurant.”

As we walked out of the house, I inhaled deeply.
Chimneys were smoking all along the block. The smell of burning wood mingled with the biting cold of the evening. The scent always reminded me of home. Every special occasion seemed to unfold in front of the fireplace when I was young. Whenever I needed cheering up, I built a fire in Newport, even when it was warm out. Tonight, I couldn’t breathe it in enough. It buoyed my spirits and made me look forward to our dinner together. I was happy to be going home in the morning, but a part of me was missing London already. As Finn helped me into the car, I held onto his hand and pulled him closer to me, shyly kissing him on the cheek.

“I’ll miss you,” I whispered.
It was all I could think to say, but I said it with feeling, smiling up at him as I closed my door.

Chapter
16. A Wish

We were escorted to the Red Room within the restaurant, where a table for seven had been set for us.
There was a roaring fire in the fireplace and piano music softly enveloped the diners in the other rooms. Other than us, the Red Room was empty, leading me to believe Ari had arranged for a private setting. We each took our seats. I was forced to the head of the table, flanked by Finn and Bounce. The other end of the table was kept open.

After the water was poured and we were alone, I asked, “Is someone else joining us?”

Ari responded, “My uncle is going to try and stop by, at least for dessert.” He placed his napkin in his lap and smiled up at me briefly. It was nice of him to try and make the effort, I thought. I wasn’t sure how I felt about him making assumptions on who I was sleeping with, but older people liked to try and figure out who was pairing up.

“Is it because of him and Mirela that you’re going to make this your last job
?” Finn asked what we were all thinking.

“
He hasn’t asked that of me if that’s what you’re asking.”

“What does the rest of the world think that you do?” I responded.

“I inherited money, Evelyn.
Nobody expects me to do anything but spend it.” He gave me a reluctant smile and stared silently into the fireplace. The amber glow danced on his eyes, making the dark green surface ripple like stones cast on a lake.

Bounce interjected, “Ari is well known as a person who deals in art and antiquities; a collector.”
It suited him, I admitted, but I hadn’t seen much love from him for anything he had in his home, apart from the drawing of his mother. Now that we had a more cordial relationship, I took him in as the others reviewed their menus. Ari was handsome, but in a severe way. His dark hair and unique eyes against his fair skin gave him an almost glacial beauty, but his cheeks were always flushed, providing some warmth. His strong jaw and straight nose made his face classically perfect, while the cleft in his chin and his lopsided, albeit rare, grin gave it some character.

Having a conversation with him always proved difficult for me.
It was as if Ari was from another world altogether. He always seemed to be ahead of us all, or shrouded in the past. You couldn’t find him, like he was never breathing the exact same air as you. He was here with us, but part of him was dining somewhere else, like by a gypsy campfire in the fields of Europe centuries ago, or in a private room at a palace. I wondered what type of husband he would be to Mirela. She was like the young girls I had known back home. She was from a wealthy family, wearing designer clothes, with all the reason in the world to look out on life in a very optimistic way. It was difficult to picture any union between them that looked like a loving partnership. They were completely out of balance in my mind.

Ari ordered champagne for the table and waited for the waiter to pour for us all.
Once we were alone again, he stood and raised his glass. “To all of you at this table, thank you for your years of friendship, and for your forgiveness after I put those friendships in jeopardy. And, to Evelyn, for her tenacity in bringing herself back to life.” Ari addressed each one of them at the table and then let his luminous eyes fall to me with a smile. “To Evelyn,” they exclaimed and lowered their glasses to drink. All eyes turned to me when I didn’t lower mine.

Without breaking focus from my glass I recalled, “There was a gray room with black and white chairs, pink pillows and candles on a big, round, pink cake.
You all stood and Ari toasted me as being the best bad idea he ever had. You tried to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in French, with Raven in the lead. She was awful. It was raining outside, but after dinner we walked the streets anyway.” I broke my stare from the champagne glass and looked at each of them. Their faces told me I had gotten it right.

It was my birthday dinner in Paris.
I remembered it all. It wasn’t just a hint of a feeling or a name, this was an event. An actual evening I could recall in detail. I could feel the same emotions I felt then. Love for my friends and the excitement of being in Paris. They each looked upon me with such open sentiment, then and now, except for Ari. He was laughing in my memory and happy. He smiled now as well, but it didn’t reach his eyes. There was concern there as he tipped his glass and looked away.

Bounce was beside herself with excitement.
“Yes, Hotel Vencome. It’s where we stay when we go to Paris. That is exactly what the main restaurant looks like. It’s all going to come back to you!” The rest of the table echoed the same. Even Ari was encouraging, but I could tell he was off somewhere else again… unreachable. Finn squeezed my hand under the table. I remembered that he had sat beside me that night as well. His hair was longer then, but his same, sunny face beamed at me as I blew out the candles. What was troubling me was that I had also remembered my wish.

Four years ago, on my twenty
-second birthday, surrounded by my friends in Paris, I had wished for Ari to kiss me. I had closed my eyes and imagined the intensity of him. How savage his passion for me would be once he allowed himself to feel it. I had wanted his arms around me, his hands on every part of me. I had wondered how potent his kiss would be… how consuming. I’d blown out the candles without looking, and when I’d opened my eyes, he was there, unaware of my desire. He was a friend like the rest, clapping for me extinguishing all the flames with one breath. I was right to tell him earlier that they could trust me. It seems I had been very good at keeping secrets.

Everyone began quizzing me on the details of the memory.
Yes, I remembered the hotel, the restaurant, their faces, and the food. I could recall sloshing through the meandering avenues of Paris, making it to the Eiffel Tower. We had stopped in a brasserie and gotten espresso, busting out more of the pink cake Finn was carrying in a box. We sat on damp chairs in our damp clothes and drank espresso and ate cake with our fingers. I saw us all, laughing wildly together. I knew that Bounce and I shared a room and I remembered waking up to room service late the next morning.

I didn’t share my memory of the wish.
It put everything I had learned about Ari into question. I was beginning to believe we had had some type of friendship, but now I was adrift again. My connection to Finn was obvious. I was going to be careful with him, but the attraction was real and lived in me, then and now. Whatever caused me to make that wish was probably some foolish fantasy, I decided. There was no denying Ari was attractive, and we were all younger and more impulsive then. I was probably high off champagne and the romance of Paris. Clearly, Ari wasn’t looking at me the same way back then, or today, for that matter. I decided it was best to keep the embarrassing recollection to myself.

After our meal and dessert, a complimentary round of brandy was sent to the table.
We all looked at Raven and she swore her inappropriate flirting with the bartender wasn’t the reason. Before we could clink glasses, Gheorghe walked into the room, smiling as usual, pulling out the chair at the head of the table. “Good evening, all. So sorry I missed the meal, but I wanted to give you something. Please enjoy it. It’s bitter cold out there.” Gheorghe took his seat just as the waiter placed a sifter in front of him. He picked it up and inhaled the aroma, swirling the golden liquid slowly as he scanned the table.

“We’re glad you made it.
We were just finishing up.” Ari welcomed him.

“Yes, forgive me for being late, Evelyn.
I wanted to spend more time with my young friends. So, are you anxious to go home?”

“I haven’t been home with my mother for a holiday in a while so, yes.
I’ve enjoyed being with everyone though… remembering some things.”

“What sorts of things have you remembered?”
Gheorghe leaned closer to the table, interested in my discoveries.

“Small stuff, the name of a boat and a birthday cake, but it’s a start.
I look forward to coming back soon.” I sniffed my brandy as well and took a warming sip.

“Well, that’
s encouraging. We were all dismayed when we heard you’d been lost in an accident. I’m thankful you’re safe and sound, back amongst us. Sometimes though, the past is best left there. Focus on friends, family and good brandy.” He paused and took another pull from his drink. He must not have realized that Ari had known all along that I was alive. “So, congratulations again, Ari, on the engagement. I think you are doing a wise thing. She’ll make a good wife.”

Ari nodded in agreement and thanked Gheorghe for his kind words.
I can’t say there was much enthusiasm around the table, though. I was sure Gheorghe noticed.

As the warmth of the brandy spread through me, I realized I was a little tipsy.
Champagne, red wine, and brandy were all mixing together in my system, making me almost silly. I locked eyes with Finn and tilted my head, letting him know I was feeling its weight on my neck. He got the message.

“All, I think Evelyn might need to call it a night.
She has bags to pack. Gheorghe, it was great to see you and thanks for the brandy. I’ll go get the coats and meet you out front, Evelyn.” Finn was out of his chair and shaking hands goodnight with Ari and Gheorghe.

I looked at my four remaining friends and said, “I guess I won’t see you guys tomorrow.
Thank you for tonight and for all the help. Now that it’s time, I don’t want to leave. Please know I’ll be back soon.”

“Yes
, you will. We hope right before the new year, Evelyn,” Bounce stated emphatically, not wanting to share too much in front of Gheorghe.

“Right, well, we’ll see.”
I hugged Bounce tightly and then Brinks and Raven. They were going to stay behind to hang at the bar. Gheorghe kissed my hand and said goodbye as Ari came up beside me to walk me out. We had passed through one dining room when he came to a stop in a narrow corridor. I stood close to him, not sure of what to expect.

“I want you to know that if you c
hoose not to come to Paris, I’ll help the others understand. It’s a lot to ask of someone who is just getting used to us again. You’re welcome, but, as I said, if you prefer to visit with us later in the year, I will make whatever accommodations I can for you. It has been good having you back, like old times, tonight especially.” He looked down on me with the openness of a friend.

“Thank you.
Coming back is going to be tougher. I want to, but I don’t know what to say to people about all of this. I live on my own, but they are going to get curious about my newfound friends. I don’t want to put anyone here in jeopardy or continue to completely lie to everyone back home.”

“Sure, I can understand that.”
He nodded politely. The intensity I’d seen in him that first night in the hotel was all but gone. In its place was reserved calm and acceptance. It didn’t match who I thought he was. The engagement, putting an end to being a thief, it was like he was trying to become someone else. I didn’t know him well, but what I had learned didn’t add up.

“Ari, is there something else between us I don’t know about?”
The brandy was making me braver than I felt. I watched as his calm reserve melted. 

“What do you mean, exactly?”
He narrowed his eyes as if to get a better look at my face in the dim light.

“I’m sorry.
This isn’t really the time and place. I just see such a change in you over the time I have been here, and I’ve had a few flashes that confuse me. It’s all difficult to understand out of context.” I tried to back up, realizing the liquor was talking, and Ari was not one you wanted to toy with.

“What have you flashed on about me?”
My back brushed against the wall, and he stepped closer to keep my focus.

“Nothing
… just your eyes that first day. They scared me.” I chickened out from sharing the rest.

“I’m sure there was a lot about me that scared you that day.”
He visibly relaxed and smiled his half smile. “Evelyn, we were friends, as we are now. I’m sure Finn is waiting for you. Please enjoy your time with your family, and I’ll wait to hear from Finn on when you might return to us.” He was back to Polite Ari.

“That’s the other thing.
I don’t want to upset anyone, but I’m not with Finn. I know he let you believe it and I understand his reasons, but it just isn’t the case. I’m getting to know everyone. I told your uncle that Finn had a key, but he was holding it for me when we went running. It’s not like I don’t like him, I just… I don’t want everyone to think I jumped in bed with him like this.” I was babbling and it felt all wrong telling Ari of all people, but I didn’t sleep with men easily. I, at least, wanted them to know the truth before I left. He took a moment to process what I had revealed to him, his smile fading.

“Evelyn, I’m sure he’
s waiting on us. Let me take you to the door.” He turned from me quickly and led the way through the winding restaurant. Finn was there, leaning against the bar, holding my coat and waiting patiently. He read Ari’s expression and stood up straighter, stepping toward us with a look of concern on his face.

“What’s wrong?”
He looked to me and then back at Ari’s steely stare.

“We were just telling our friend goodbye.
Finn, I’ll see you tomorrow. Evelyn, be safe and Merry Christmas.” Ari pulled me into his arms and held me close to him. His height caused me to tuck my head below his chin and I rested there, against his chest. I closed my heavy eyes for a moment, aware of only the sweater against my cheek and the beat of Ari’s heart. He stepped back from me with his hands on my shoulders, steadying my sway. I looked up into his glistening eyes, unsure of how I could have ever been frightened by them. Now, they had some fire again, not threatening, just focused. This look was more like him, I thought. Well, the him I thought I knew. I wished him a Merry Christmas as Finn helped me into my coat. We waved goodbye and headed out into the winter night.