Always Darkest Read online

  “I was just hoping to sleep on the sofa tonight. I wouldn’t have come down here if I knew you would be down here. I’m sorry.” Tori said as she remembered she was wearing a white cotton nightgown. That while it came down to her ankles, still left her a little too exposed. Especially when Mason was still wearing his dress paints and white button up shirt. She crossed her arms over her chest. Mason reached behind him and got his suit jacket from where he had hung it on the sofa. He reached it to Tori and waited while she put it on. “Thank you.”

  “You are welcome and I’m not sorry. I have been hoping for a chance to speak with you alone. Granny told me what happened to you, everything that happened to you. If that man were here, in this kingdom, I would kill him with my bare hands. I swear to you I would.”

  “Mason, I’m okay really. He didn’t get a chance to do anything. It was scary, but…”

  “You were strong. You fought.” He finished for her.

  “I guess I was. I just hope he gets caught before he has a chance to try anything like that with any other woman. When I get back I am going to report it to the police, give them the best description I can and hopefully they will catch him and put him behind bars.

  Mason’s face held a look of disgust. “Prison is too good for scum like that.”

  “It is how it works on Earth,” she said with a shrug. She had relaxed a bit talking to Mason. She sat facing him with her legs curled under her and wrapped snugly in his jacket. She still wanted to change the subject, she may be a strong woman, but she didn’t want to dwell on the event that brought her here. Her adventure with the guards tonight had brought a lot of those feelings back to her, but it was also empowering in a way she didn’t quite understand. “You and your grandmother seem very close.” She hoped that would get him talking and take the focus from her. She could listen to his deep voice recite the Gettysburg address and it would be comforting.

  “We are very close. She has raised me since I was twelve.”

  “What happened to your parents?”

  A flash of sadness crossed his face. It didn’t linger, just a slight downward turn of those perfectly shaped lips. “My father was a soldier, and my mother was a healer, like Granny. They fought in the war and they didn’t come back from it.”

  She reached out to briefly touch his shoulder. “I’m so sorry.”

  “There is no need. It was a long time ago. Granny raised me well, like I was her own son. I am a very lucky man. She and I are the only one’s left from our family, so yes we are very close.”

  “She is a lovely woman. I am so thankful that she is helping me. And thank you too.”

  “I am thankful that I got the chance to meet you.” He smoothed a piece of her dark hair behind her ear. She reflexively nuzzled her cheek into his hand. It was so warm and large. She realized what she was doing and jerked away.

  “You can sleep in my bed tonight, if you like.”

  “Mason, I’m really not that kind of woman.” She was kind of that type of woman. At least she had been in the past. But if a single touch from him could make her feel this intense, she knew if she spent a night with him her heart would break when she left to go back home.

  “I am that kind of man.” He said winking at her. “But I didn’t mean it like that. I can sleep down here on the sofa and you can take my bed. You really must be exhausted. A lady like you should not have to spend the night on a sofa, especially after having the day that you have had.”

  “I am, but I couldn’t possibly take your bed.”

  “You can and you will. No arguments, I’ll show you to my room.” She really was too tired to argue. He rose from the couch and extended his hand to her. She took it and allowed him to lead her up the stairs. He opened the door to a darkened room. She couldn’t tell much about the décor or the furnishing in the dark, but the shape of the large bed in the center caught her attention. Then he surprised her by scooping her up in his arms as if she weighed nothing, instead of her one hundred and thirty some pounds. She placed her arms around his neck out of instinct and he was so closed she could feel his heart beating. He smelled like a forest, all woodsy and manly. She felt so safe and secure in his strong arms. He carried her across the room and deposited her gently onto the bed. The covers had already been turned down for the night. He pulled the covers over her.

  “Sleep well Victoria.” Mason said as he kissed her lightly on the forehead. “If you need me I will be in the study.”

  “Good night Mason. Thank you.” It was all she could think to say. He was being so nice to her and she was so attracted to him. She swore she could feel her forehead tingling where his lips hat touched it. He left before she could say anything more, gently closing the door behind him.

  She snuggled into his bed. It was so soft and comfortable. She was still wrapped in his jacket and so she wiggled out of it and placed it beside her on the bed. The jacket smelled like him and so did the bed. She inhaled deeply and snuggled further into the comfort of his luxurious bed. She thought of him once more and fell into a peaceful sleep.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Tori awakened to the smell of coffee. The covers were soft and warm around her and she had slept so wonderfully. She opened her eyes and realized where she was. Sitting on the night stand next to her was a cup of coffee and sitting in a chair to the right of the bed was Mason. He was freshly showered and shaved, dressed in a pair of brown pants, and a crisp white shirt. Tori was painfully aware that she always woke up with a horrible case of bed head and even if she would never see this man again after today she didn’t exactly want him to see her in her current disheveled manner.

  “Good morning Tori.”

  “Good morning Mason.” She sat up and pulled the covers as high as she could around her chin.

  “I brought some coffee for you.” He said and indicated the cup on the nightstand. The smell was irresistible and she reached a tentative hand from beneath the covers to retrieve it, the need for caffeine temporarily overpowering any embarrassment. “How did you sleep?”

  “Very well, thank you, and for the coffee.” She took a sip and oh god it was the most amazing coffee ever. “How long have you been sitting there?”

  “Just a little while, you looked so peaceful I couldn’t stand to wake you.” He smiled. “The others are downstairs having breakfast. I brought yours up for you. It is on the table over there.” He indicated a small café style table sitting by the large window. I have to make some arrangements before we leave, so I’ll leave you to eat and get ready.” He got up and walked to the door. Before he walked out he turned back. “Oh and you look even more beautiful in the morning.” Then he was gone before she could give any kind of reply.

  Once she was alone in his room she pulled back the crimson covers and walked over to the table. She sat down her coffee cup on the table and looked at the tray that had been prepared for her. There was an apple and two slices of thick toasted wheat bread, almond butter and honey. There was also a single red rose. She had never gotten breakfast in bed or treatment like this before. It made her want to cry. Why was everyone being so nice to her? She was just Tori.

  After she ate the delicious meal and drank the coffee she felt more awake. She went to the washroom and then went to the room she was supposed to be sharing with Willa. She was there already sitting on the bed beside a dress she had laid out for Tori.

  “So you spent the night in my grandson’s bed?” She knew the old woman was teasing by the way she smiled.

  “I did, but he spent the night on the couch, thank you very much. I just had a hard time getting to sleep last night.”

  “I know dear. I wouldn’t expect anything less from my Mason and I know I snore a little.”

  Tori laughed, “a little?”

  Willa laughed with her. “I got an outfit laid out for you. You get freshened up and I’ll see you downstairs.” She got up and walked out the door.

  Tori bathed and dressed as quickly as she could. She didn’t want to hold everyone e
lse up. She did take a few moments to smooth her hair and apply the make up Willa had thoughtfully laid out for her on the dressing table. The dress Willa had selected for her today was very pretty. It was a red sleeveless shirtdress with a brown leather belt. The outfit was completed by an ivory cardigan. It accentuated her curves perfectly and she was pleased when she looked in the mirror.

  When she went downstairs to the kitchen she found Margie doing the breakfast dishes. “Good morning, Tori. Did you enjoy the ball?”

  “Good morning to you too and yes I did. It was amazing! Thanks again!”

  “I thought you would have fun! I remember my first ball like it was yesterday.” She paused while she was drying a plate and looked wistfully at Tori. “Oh, by the way, everyone just stepped outside into the carriage house. You can get there quicker if you use the door at the back of the pantry.” Margie said as she pointed the way.

  Tori walked through the well stocked pantry and sure enough there was a door at the end that led into what she would call a garage. There was the nice carriage they had ridden in last night. Mason was stroking one of the two absolutely gorgeous black horses and Justin, Willa, and Thomas were standing by the carriage door chatting amicably.

  “You have great timing.” Mason said walking over to her. He had on a leather belt slung low around his hips and it made him look all the more scrumptious. Hanging from the belt was a sword and she wondered if he really used a sword.

  “I tried to hurry.” Tori said thinking she had taken too much time.

  “No really we just finished breakfast. You are fine. Okay this is how we are going to do this. Justin, you are to ride up front with me in the driver’s seat. Granny and Tori will sit in the back. Thomas, you will be under Tori’s seat until we get out of Nathis.”

  Mason stepped into the carriage and fiddled with the rear bench seat of the carriage until it lifted. “It’s not exactly the most comfortable, but it should do until we get out of the city. I will let you know when you can come out as soon as is prudent. Will this work for you?”

  “Yes, I’m not as flexible as I used to be but I think I can manage.” Thomas got into the bench seat and Mason lowered the bench.

  “Ladies, your carriage waits.” Mason helped his granny into the carriage and then he took Tori’s hand to assist her up as well. She was going to miss those hands, but she had a little worry in the back of her mind. What kind of man had a hidden compartment in his carriage?

  Mason and Justin got into the driver’s seat and Mason gave a yell to the horses and they were once again navigating the streets of Nathis. Tori was struck once again at the beauty of the buildings and the resemblance to an older New York City. Within minutes they were at the gate.

  The carriage stopped and Tori took in Mason’s ease as the guard approached.

  “Good morning Ernie.” Mason said.

  “Good morning,” the guard said. “I hate to give you any trouble, but did you hear about what happened at the castle last night.’

  “No, what happened?”

  “You know old Thomas, the king’s tinker. Well he overpowered the guards and escaped.”

  “Really, I thought he was an old man?”

  “Yeah, the guards were still drunk as hell this morning and that’s all anyone knows. The king is furious, says we got to check every single soul going out of the city. Pain in the ass is what it is.” He turned his head and spat something on the ground. “I know you and your granny well enough, but who is it you got beside you, and who is that lovely creature in back with your granny?’

  “This is Justin Bushwhacker and that is his sister Victoria.”

  “What business do they have in Nathis?”

  Mason recounted the cover story he had given them about him courting Tori and Justin being along to chaperone.

  “You old dog,” the guard said shaking his head. “I still need to see their marks.”

  Justin rolled up his sleeve and showed the mark Mason had put their last night. Tori looked quickly down at her arm, hoping she hadn’t scrubbed too hard this morning. Thankfully, it was still there. The guard nodded his approval at Justin and then came around the back of the carriage to see Tori’s arm. He nodded that she was okay as well. “You know if you don’t take to Mason here, I’m single, at this very gate most days.” He winked at her.

  “I’ll take it under advisement.” Tori said as nonchalantly as possible.

  “Ernie, you better quit harassing my fiancé.” Mason said laughing.

  “Fine, fine,” the guard said and stepped away motioning that they could go on.

  The river was amazing in the light of the suns. It sparkled and gleamed far beneath the bridge. Tori let he mind wander as she looked down at the water. He had said fiancé. Tori knew it was just the cover up story, but hearing him call her his fiancé sounded so nice. If only she could just stay here and get to know him… If only she didn’t have to go back to Earth and her real life… She stopped herself. Thinking like this was useless and harmful. She had to go back. Her sister was probably worried sick. So what if she was attracted to him, and he was kind and handsome? So what if she felt amazing at his slightest touch? It just didn’t matter. She had a life and she was going to be back to it soon. He was probably just being nice to her because his granny wanted him to be courteous. As far as the comments and the soft touches, well, he was a man and she was a moderately attractive woman that he wouldn’t have to ever see again. Talk about the ultimate freebie!

  “Whoa girlie, you must be thinking about something pretty hard. You are giving me a headache over here.” Willa said.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I was just thinking about how I was going to explain all this to my sister.” It wasn’t an out right lie.

  “I see. Did you come up with anything?”

  “No.”

  “Well, if it’s your family you should just tell her the truth.”

  “She would have me committed!”

  “Ah, family is a lot more understanding than you think. You should give her some credit.”

  “Maybe,” Tori said. “But this is all kind of hard for me to believe, and I’m here.”

  Willa laughed.

  When they were about a mile out of the city Mason stopped the carriage and came around to the back. “Tori, if you wouldn’t mind moving over beside Granny, I can free Thomas now.”

  Tori complied and Mason fiddle beneath the seat again. Soon the top of the seat was raised and he helped Thomas out.

  “That wasn’t so bad.” The old man said stretching his arms.

  “Tori would you like to switch places with Justin? He’s good company and all, but I prefer yours.” Mason said winking at her.

  “Sure I would love to be with you. I mean ride you. Shit! I mean ride up front with you.” Damn it, Tori thought, she just sounded like an idiot. She knew her face was ten shades of red now.

  Mason laughed heartily and so did Willa. Thomas just looked between the two of them. Mason assisted Tori out of the carriage and into the seat beside him. He got the carriage moving again and Tori stared straight ahead at the lush green landscape of the countryside, trying her best not look at him.

  “So, you would love to be with me?” Mason asked.

  “You know what I meant!”

  “I do. We have a term for when you mean to say something and say something else instead. I read somewhere that there is a term for it in your land as well. What was it called?”

  “It’s called a Freudian slip.”

  “We call it speaking the truth.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Tori was so embarrassed by Mason’s comment she stared directly ahead. What could she say? She could lie and say that none of those things were true. But she wasn’t raised to lie. Mason was driving the horses and each time she tried to sneak a glance at him, he was looking directly at her. Finally, she turned to him.

  “Maybe it is the truth, but it doesn’t matter.”

  “It matters to me.”

  “Why
?”

  Mason looked directly into her eyes. “It matters because I want you. I have fallen in love with you.”

  Tori’s heart sped up and she felt like she couldn’t breathe. “You can’t possibly love me. You barely know me. You wouldn’t even have ever met me if I hadn’t landed in your granny’s geraniums.”

  “Everything happens for a reason.”

  “Mason, you really should just drop it.”

  “If that is truly what you want,” he said still staring into her eyes.

  There was awkward silence for several minutes. Eventually they began to make small talk. They talked about the differences between their two worlds. Tori discovered that Mason was actually quite well read and had read several of her favorite books. They danced together around the elephant in carriage. Tori smiled and laughed, but she felt like she was dying inside. Why did the most wonderful man she had ever met have to be the one she couldn’t have? She tried to imagine herself just staying. But then she thought about her family and how she couldn’t possibly cause them the grief that they would experience always wondering what happened to her, probably assuming she was dead. She had to go home.

  The time passed quickly and soon they were passing by Willa’s cottage, going further east. There was a loud knocking from inside the carriage.

  “Hey, hey,” Willa shouted. “Mason stop at my place I am starving back here.”

  Mason laughed and dutifully turned the carriage around and went to his granny’s home. He stopped and hopped out and then he reached up to assist Tori to the ground. Instead of taking her hand as he did the before, he grasped her around the waist and lifted her to the ground. His hands felt so strong against her waist. When her feet touched the ground he didn’t let go. Instead he held her there for a moment looking into her eyes. They were so close if she moved a mere inch towards him they would be kissing. Then he just let go and walked around to tether the horses.

  Justin and Thomas had assisted Willa out and Tori felt like they were all looking at her.

  “I just thought we all aught to have a meal before we go on to Earl’s place. I’m too old to go too long without eating and I wouldn’t want to send you two away hungry either.” Willa said already walking towards her door.