AllFreeNovel
Share Us
After that, I became less afraid because I chose to become less afraid. I realized that we are the choices we make, not just what the world chooses to make us. Even though I still had to face the Brenda Blakes of the world, I always rallied myself and remembered who I was.
This was one of those pivotal moments, and I knew it. Does Danté win and rule me with fear and hatred? Or do I keep myself whole? I stared in the mirror at the timid blue-eyed girl, not recognizing her. I inhaled sharply and lifted my chin a tad higher.
“Right.”
I pulled out the black dress I’d bought on a sale at Saks, but had never worn. It fit elegantly against my body to the knee, but not tight. Classy. With semi-high heels, I felt…pretty. Confident. I left my hair down with a quick, natural application of makeup and stepped back into the living room where Kat waited.
“Much better,” she said with a wink.
We then ran by Kat’s hotel in the Quarter. Three outfits later, she wore a tight red dress revealing a hell of a lot more than mine as if she were dressing up for someone in particular. Somehow, I knew she was.
21
At five fifty-six, Kat careened up to the valet of the twenty-nine-story Hilton overlooking the Mississippi River.
“I would’ve sifted us here, Gen, but it’s best not to do so in public places. Freaks people out when they see someone appear out of thin air.”
“I’m sure it does,” I agreed with a smile, getting out of the car. “We made it. Don’t worry. Why are you worrying? You’re so fidgety,” I said as we were swallowed by the giant, glass rotating doors.
“No reason,” she replied, swinging her sleek ponytail behind her.
We walked past the front desk in the lobby toward the restaurant entrance.
“We have a table under Jude Delacroix,” I told the smiling hostess.
“Oh yes. They are waiting for you.”
She swished toward the quiet din of clinking glass and murmuring voices. I shot Kat a look as we followed.
“They? Who else would be with him?”
Kat’s shoulders straightened and stiffened. Her green-black eyes narrowed into slits. “I’m going to kill Jude.”
“Why?”
The hostess led us past the open-air kitchen, where fire licked through grill grates around thick steaks and oysters on the half shell. I could feel the heat radiating more from Kat than the kitchen as we zigzagged to the far back corner.
“Iknewit. Damn it,” she grumbled.
Jude sat facing out with his back to the corner, definitely a defensive move. Next to him sat a breathtakingly handsome man he engaged in conversation.
Chestnut hair glinted reddish-gold in the candlelight. He had a fine physique nearly matching the height and breadth of Jude’s, and a beguiling, dimpled smile. Both men stood as we approached.
The stranger gazed at us from striking, aquamarine eyes, hinting at secrets untold. He wore a crisply starched shirt the same shade as his eyes, creating a dazzling effect. He seemed to know how to dress and hold himself to the best advantage. He appeared to be in his late thirties, but I knew better. My Vessel Sense had amplified, pulsing brightly the moment we stepped into the restaurant.
Appearances were often deceiving as of late. I forced through the Flamma barrier of protection, seeing the distinct hilt of a sword strapped to Jude’s back. Always prepared.
The hostess nearly wilted as we drew nearer the two men. Jude, dressed all in black from head to toe, the top of his Celtic tattoo revealed in the open triangle of his shirt, didn’t seem to notice. When his smoldering met mine, my knees wobbled.
“Good evening, ladies.” The stranger greeted us with the most charming English accent, very 007-ish with a mischievous grin.
“What are you doing here?” Kat asked nastily.
“My dear Katherine. So delightful to see you. And aren’t you absolutely stunning,” he crooned, pulling out a chair for her.
She glared at him, getting ready to spit fire or something. A rather attractive shade of pink began crawling up her neck to her cheeks. Jude came around to pull my chair out, rested his hand under my elbow and leaned down to my ear.
“How are you feeling?”
