Lost in Embers (Rising From Ash Saga #1)

Chapter 8

CHAPTER EIGHT

M y bed is shaking. This can’t be, not another nightmare. Squinting my eyes, it’s hard to see, but something is reflecting the sun, making it even more painful for me to open my eyes.

“Come on, wake up! Wake up! I have good news.” Sofia’s voice squeaks, and I roll around in search of a clock. At what ungodly hour has she woken me? How is it she’s up so early after being out so late? I got back to the room around midnight, and they were nowhere to be found. She straddles me and shakes me more, and I prop myself up on my elbows.

“I have good news too.” I force a smile. “But you first!” I shimmy around in the bed, and she gets off me. I quickly cover myself with a blanket when I realize I fell asleep without any clothes on. I wrap myself up and stand in front of a bouncing Sofia; her face is beaming and smiling so much it looks like it could break.

“I’m engaged.” My face drops to the floor, and I almost drop my blanket. “David proposed!” She shoves her gigantic engagement ring in my face, proud as can be. What can I say? I knew she was falling for him, but marriage, this soon? I believe the one thing I can never do is tell someone else how they feel, so in light of that, I smile and bounce a bit with her.

“Congrats! Tell me all about it.” My voice is hoarse, given the fact it is first thing in the morning, 6:00 a.m. to be exact, or so says the clock on the wall.

“I know it is soon, but we both just know it is right. He proposed last night as we were walking on the beach after the reception. He said he talked to someone here at the hotel, and we can have it on the pier before we leave. Then I will go to California with him.” It’s nice to see that she can’t contain her excitement, but I’m a bit worried.

“I know this is your celebration, but they had an opening to have the wedding here on the eighteenth, a few days before your birthday. I hope that is okay with you?” She’s sweet not wanting to steal any moment from me, but it is days before, and to be honest, I would rather have the spotlight on my friend than on me.

“If they have an opening here, you have to take it. This place is stunning. Who would have thought one of my best friends would be getting married on this trip!” She laughs at me not being able to suppress my giggle. She glows. “I’m so happy for you, Sofia. We must go find you a dress.”

“Let’s go today!” She goes on to tell me how she feels like she’s in a fairy tale. She just wishes her parents were alive to see this day. They died in a car crash when she was younger, probably one of the reasons why she always lives in the moment. I admire her spirit after having such a rough childhood. Plus, she lives up to her parents’ love story. They met on a plane, flying over to the United States from Spain, and got off the plane and headed to the courthouse to get married.

We had a bond over our lives before college. Things have changed since then. Part of me wants to tell her she’s off-the-walls crazy, but the other part of me is just happy that my friend found the happiness she’s always deserved. Who cares how it happened? This group here with her will be nothing but supportive on her big day, and even though we cannot replace her parents, we can try to be what she needs.

I get dressed and walk into the main living area to see everyone sitting around the breakfast bar. I wobble over, still picking the eye crusties off my lid, and find the only open seat. We go through a recap of the night, blow for blow, starting with the story of how David asked the guys for their permission to ask Sofia for her hand. How old-fashioned. As they retell the story, David was nervous and intimidated to ask them, so much so that he almost threw up. Then again, they tend to spin the web and exaggerate a bit. Sofia brushes off the idea that her strong man would be so intimidated.

Sofia goes on to brag that David is some big-shot football player based out of San Francisco. No wonder he was able to afford such a big ring on such short notice. I hardly doubt he thought he’d meet his future wife here in Mexico.

The proposal was everything she ever wanted, down to the fact he got all choked up. In my mind that would be the natural reaction of a man asking a woman to marry him.

I finally get to see her rock in full effect in the daylight. It is stunning. A bit over-the-top for my taste, but then again, I have simpler tastes, whereas Sofia loves anything that stands out. Her ring weighs her hand down, and the pink diamond is surrounded by beautiful smaller diamonds while a thick gold band holds it all together. She can’t wait to go dress shopping today, just for the fact she gets to show off her rock, and it is my job to be on the ball.

The brothers switch the topic to talk about their conquests that they met at the wedding. I wonder how many girls they have slept with on this trip, but I choose not to ask a question I don’t truly want the answer to. Then, when an open moment of silence comes up and eyes lock on me, Aidan is mentioned.

“Maybe he will be your happily-ever-after…” Sofia is in a hopeful, romantic, mushy gushy mood, considering she’s getting married in a few days.

“You never know.” I smile and grab her hand, mindful not to kill her buzz. The thought surprisingly makes me happy from the inside out.

Dino puts that to a quick stop with a coldhearted look. His brow is lowered and his eyes straight. “Please, Ava. He obviously isn’t the marrying type.” Some of Sofia’s joy should rub off on Dino.

“Oh, stop being such a grump,” Sofia quips and rolls her eyes at him. I love her so much. I, too, playfully smirk in his direction, following her queue.

“Well, I had a great night.” Dino finally tries to turn the conversation around.

“You went back with that smoking-hot brunette bridesmaid. I saw you rolling in this morning, shirt untucked, looking very un-Dino-like with sex hair.” Shawn sounds so proud.

Then the brothers in unison give their approval. “Good for you, bro!” The way they talk about women sometimes gets under my skin. If I could warn the women of Cancun, I would. One day they will find women to tame them.

“Well, Ava and I are off to look for dresses. See you guys later.” Thank goodness, I have never been so happy to go dress shopping. Plus, Sofia looks beautiful in anything she puts on, so that makes my job as a bridesmaid easy, and I will just feed off her energy the whole time. Not to mention, a wedding dress against her olive skin will look superb.

We are waiting out front of the hotel for a cab to take us into town when a familiar touch runs down my arm. He always sneaks up on me without me knowing, but I’m never upset when I’m eye to eye with my gorgeous Mystery Man.

He is dressed in a loose pale-blue button-down and jeans. Does he not own any shorts? I mean, we are in Mexico. Perhaps my crack theory should still remain strong. Lost in my own world, his hands cup around my face, pulling me in for an ever-so-sweet and wanted kiss, one that leaves me craving more. The coolness from orange juice lingers on his lips.

“Delicious,” I mutter accidentally.

“Mmm, nothing compared to how you will taste.” His eyes trail down my body, and heat surges in my core, “I’m ravenous to have you in my mouth.” He seductively says to me as his eyes darken.

Sofia coughs, clearly wanting an introduction.

“How rude of me, I’m sorry.” My smile overtakes my face along with a blush creeping in, praying she didn’t hear his words to me. This man has my heart entrapped in his hands. My face flushes, and words softly come out. “Aidan, this is Sofia. Sofia, this is Aidan.”

Sofia greets Aidan with a welcoming hug, more than David has ever done for me. The surprise on Aidan’s face is priceless, then he laughs. “Nice to meet you, Sofia.”

“Pleasure is all mine. After all, I have heard so much about you.” She leaves him wanting to know more .

“Have you?” Now he grins like a fool, and Sofia nods approval in my direction. Thanks a lot, Sofia, I’m sure he needed to know I cannot stop running my mouth about him.

“Yes—all great things. Glad to see you stuck around after the dream talk.” She giggles. I’m going to kill her, behead her at any moment now. She needs to shut it but doesn’t. “How long are you in town for?” At least now she’s asking questions I don’t have the answers to.

“I leave the same day as Ava. Where are you girls headed?” Well, isn’t that news to me, considering I didn’t tell him what day I was leaving? At this point I just shrug off the fact that he knows everything.

“Town. We are looking for a wedding dress for Sofia. David has just proposed to her last night, and they are getting married in a few days.” It is always easier for me to talk about others than myself; I could go on and on for hours about my best friends.

Sofia doesn’t miss the opportunity to show off her ring, “You should come to the wedding! Ava will give you the details when we get back.” She shoots me a face that says, you can thank me later , which I fully intend to do.

“Well, congratulations are in order. I would love to attend the wedding as Ava’s date. Please take my car and driver into town. It will be much safer than trying to find a cab once you are in town, and you can enjoy some champagne.”

“Thank you! How gracious of you.” Sofia jumps on the offer before I can refuse. How am I supposed to just take his car and driver? Why does he have one here anyway?

“Aidan, you were out here for a reason. Don’t you need the car? We can just take a cab.” Seriously, I try to make myself sound as stern as possible, but based on the look he shoots me with one eyebrow raised, he isn’t going for it .

“Ava, take the car. It is safer. Jay will be your driver. This isn’t up for discussion,” end of discussion, I guess.

“Aren’t you high handed and bossy,” I roll my eyes to him.

His hand splays across my lower back guiding me, and he leans down to whisper in my ear, his breath grazing me, sending heated anticipation down my spine. “You have no idea, my love.” He playfully slaps my ass like he’s been my boyfriend for ages as he escorts us to the SUV and gives me a chaste kiss on the forehead before closing the door of the Hummer. What the actual hell is happening here? Damn, Ava, where did your oversized backbone go?

My legs give out, my body slumps down into the seat, and I take a deep breath. Thankfully, Sofia has already poured us each a glass of champagne. I down mine within two seconds and signal for another before she moves back to sit next to me. Second glass of champagne in hand, I relax a bit more.

“He is intense. I get what you are saying now. That said, he’s incredibly handsome, like woah, check my eyes handsome. It was awesome of him to give us the car for the day. Do you know what he does? Why does he have a driver?” Sofia’s investigation begins.

“I really have no idea what he does for a living.” She shoots me a glance that lets me know she’ll start typing away and finding out every morsel of information on him. “Thanks for inviting him to your wedding. There’s no way I could have invited him, considering Dino doesn’t seem to like him.”

“I know you wouldn’t have invited him, so I did it for you. Dino has a crab in his underwear because he’s totally smitten with you, has been since we were in college. He couldn’t stop talking about you last night. He probably only went back with that bridesmaid to get you off his mind. Look at you, two men after you on vacation. The question is… is he the one to take the precious V Card of yours…”

I nearly spit my drink all over the SUV. The thought of Dino having feelings for me is clearly absurd, but given his recent actions, not out of the park crazy, and Sofia throwing the status of my virginity around so casually makes my stomach churn.

It’s not that I haven’t wanted to sleep with someone, it’s in no way shape or form a religious thing, like I’m saving myself for marriage. I have done some other stuff, but the feeling is hard to explain. Whenever the moment seemed as though it would happen, wild, out-of-pocket things would happen. Like when Lucas and I were going to have sex in his car one time and a tree branch came through the front windshield. There were so many times that it seemed something kept us apart, not to mention my body shutting down completely sometimes. Yet, my desire for mystery man spreads heat throughout my body, an aching that only his touch could satisfy.

We have found the dress! Sofia’s dream dress came at a jaw-dropping price, but her soon-to-be hubby volunteered to pay for the dress and would not have her set a budget. It was whatever her beautiful heart desired. We pack up the bag and carefully haul it into the SUV.

Of course, it is the very last store we go into that she laid her eyes on a beautiful Vera Wang custom wedding dress that another bride failed to pick up. To think it only took us all day to find it and we were about to give up hope. At least during the wedding dress trip, she asks me about Aidan, and I’m more than willing to talk about it all. I leave out the detail of how we have apparently known each other for quite some time and his seemingly murderous threats. That would even freak Sofia out in her over-the-top, happy, loving mood and probably have her calling the police.

All day, I get the sense that people aren’t the same to me as they normally are. Maybe it’s because we are in Mexico and all those fun facts my mother laid on my doorstep creep into my mind. I have been getting strange vibes like I did from the waitress back home, except without the lizard eyes. It feels as though even walking on the street for a brief moment makes me feel like I have 10 sets of eyes staring into the back of me at all times, so there’s a comfort knowing Aidan gave us his car.

As we arrive back at the hotel, Jay opens the door for us. He is quite unrecognizable, minus the fact that he’s bald. I wouldn’t be able to pick him out of a crowd. He takes my hand and I step out of the Hummer to find Sofia already heading into the hotel lobby. I shuffle and move as fast as possible to follow her in.

“Ms. Sofia has forgotten her things,” Jay states plainly, but I didn’t have the heart to tell him she didn’t forget anything. She’s just used to a man always carrying things for her, so she doesn’t give her belongings a second thought. He offers to carry the dress into the building, but I highly doubt that is part of his job description, so I kindly decline and pack myself up like a mule.

Aidan and David wait for us in the hotel lobby. Are they friends? Aidan must have been in touch with his driver and known what time we would arrive. David looks every ounce the jock in his tennis gear and messy dark hair that is held back by an overly flamboyant headband.

“Hey, babe!” David smiles as soon as he sees Sofia at the top of the stairs. She returns the gesture, and he runs over to her and sweeps her into a long, passionate kiss. I look awkward as ever trying to carry this massive dress bag and the purse and other things she left behind. Trying simply to just concentrate so that I do not trip and fall on my face.

“Let me carry that for you. It is bigger than you are.” Yet again, not a question, but I like how forward Aidan is. The bag being bigger than me says something, considering I’m 5’8” and curvy in all the right places, although I might be a bit top-heavy. Not to mention that his voice makes my heart melt; it will never have the reverse effect.

“Thank you. That is very sweet of you.” I submit so easily to him, and at this point, accepting his help is the easy route since he’s going to do it no matter the protest. Part of me welcomes the submission and aggression from him because there is a snowball’s chance in hell my stubborn ass would have asked for the help in the first place.

“Were you guys waiting for us?” My voice finally isn’t as timid around him and somewhat normal. Guess that happens with acceptance.

“Yes. I’ve been in touch with Jay. I wanted to make sure you got back safely. I’m glad to see Sofia found her dress.”

“Are you and David friends?” Or is it just coincidence that they struck up a conversation when Sofia and I walked in?

“He plays for a football team I own. We have met a few times before. I told him that Sofia had invited me to the wedding as your date.” He owns a football team? How he says that so nonchalantly.

“Well, isn’t that fun. You must get great seats,” I joke .

“I rarely get to see the games since I live in New York City. Whenever I’m out west for business, I make it a point to see a game, and yes, I get whatever seats I want.” Once again, he’s speaking in his business voice, so matter-of-fact. How silly of me to ask.

“Alrighty then…” There goes my best Ace Ventura impersonation. Thankfully he cracks a smile, paired with a headshake.

“I was hoping to take you and Sofia for dinner. Now perhaps David would like to join us.”

“Actually, we are supposed to meet the guys for dinner. You are more than welcome to come with us.” This will give him a chance to get to know everyone, and maybe Dino will warm up to him.

David and Sofia catch wind of our conversation and encourage him to come. Of course he doesn’t take much to persuade. We all part ways as we head to get ready for dinner.

I sit on the end of my bed in a short, pink silk babydoll nightgown, recapping the events of the night. It was absolutely fantastic. We all ventured off the compound to a modern restaurant called Tempo by Martin Berasategui, and everything was delightful. I was pleased that Aidan fit in perfectly with the group, as I knew he would. David, Aidan, Shawn, and Ryan talked sports the majority of the evening, not something I chose to dab into. Sofia, Dino, and I spent the evening talking about the wedding plans and perhaps going on a hike around the Aztecs .

Since we went for a late dinner, we thought it best to grab a few drinks at the hotel bar afterwards, instead of going out dancing. Aidan wouldn’t let my hand leave his all night, and I quite liked the idea of him marking his territory in a subtle way. Likewise, it kept the female attention on him to a minimum. Not that women didn’t look, because they did, but only one with brass balls approached him, and he acted like she didn’t even exist. She was supermodel gorgeous, like Sofia, and his eyes only looked at her for a moment to let her know he was taken. There was no Sorry, I’m with someone. He was very serious and stated, I’m taken. It caused a heat sear in-between my thighs.

At the end of the night, Ryan, Shawn, and David gave me a blast of approval. Of course, Shawn went into how Aidan is worth billions; I just shrugged the idea off. I just like how he makes me feel when I’m with him; butterflies never leave my stomach when I’m around him. My thoughts of the evening come to a halt when I see Dino leaning against my door.

“Penny for your thoughts?” he queries.

“Just thinking about how the night went.” The smile across my face reaches my eyes.

“Oh, go on…” His arms are crossed tightly across his chest.

“Sit.” I pat, then gesture to the edge of the bed next to me. “I’m just glad you all approve of Aidan; I really like him.” Happiness oozes out of my mouth.

“I don’t.” He sits down and looks to the ground with disdain.

“Why?” How could he not like him? Everyone else does. “What did he do to make you not like him? There has to be a reason. He has been nothing but a gentleman to me, unless you are seeing something I’m missing… ”

Dino holds up his hand when he sees I’m on the defensive. “Paying for the entire table? Come on, he’s trying to show off. Do you really think it is going somewhere? When you get home, do you mean to tell me you think he’s still going to be interested? Just one search on the internet shows a bevy of beauties on his arm all the time.” Could his tone be any harsher and more hurtful? He didn’t seem to mind when David picked up the tab. He tries to scoot closer; my hand raises in protest.

“Dino, get a grip. I’m having a good time. He hasn’t tried to get in my pants. Who knows what is going to happen when we get home. As for him paying for the table—it was a nice gesture. Let it go. You seemed fine all night. Now you are disgusted with me?” I’m fighting back the urge to cuss him out as he develops his next thought.

“It is called pretending. I wasn’t about to cause a scene in public because I find him vile.”

“Thank you for that.” Now I’m getting snarky. “You know I value your opinion, but seriously, try to be a bit more open. He’s coming to the wedding with me, and I would like it if you would be amicable.”

“That fucker is coming to the wedding with you? What the hell, Ava? Get your head out of the fucking clouds.” He lifts himself and starts to pace, with hands firmly set on his hips. “See him for the monster he is. He just uses women; I’ve seen his type before.” Dino is bitter, and I don’t like it at all. He has never spoken to me like this before, even with Lucas, who by all accounts was a raging asshole.

“Leave. Please. I know you are trying to protect me, but just don’t, not right now.” Tears well in my eyes, and Dino shuffles toward me. “Please, just leave. Maybe we can talk tomorrow when I’m not as upset. ”

“Ava, I’m sorry. I have never made you cry before. I feel horrible. Please forgive me.” Begging really isn’t Dino’s style, but the plea and sincerity in his eyes are real.

“I forgive you. I’m tired. I want to go to bed now. Good night, Dino.” I watch as he turns and walks out my door, shutting it behind him in frustration, cursing at himself. I hate seeing him like this, but talking to me like that is unacceptable. He has no right. His heart might have been in the right place, but I’m not certain. Even if it was, it does not excuse his nasty words.

My door swings open a second later, and I still haven’t moved from the bed. Dino rushes in, like his life depends on it, grabs me aggressively with either hand on the side of my face and kisses me. Not soft or tender, but like I’m his last breath and chance for life. My body doesn’t fall into him and my mouth doesn’t grant him the access he desires. He pulls away, and I’m too stunned to even speak. His eyes linger on my giant eyes then down to my gaped open mouth before he calmly walks back out the door.

“Goodnight,” I can feel the smile as he talks as if nothing just happened.

Are we pretending that didn’t happen? I don’t think he can blame liquor on that one. He doesn’t seem shitfaced.

I need to get out of here. It’s 2 a.m., and I can’t sleep. My mind is overly active. Pink silk short baby doll and all, with no remorse, I step out on the beach.

Something in the cool air eases my tension, the wind dances against my legs, and the ocean captivates me. My toes dig into the sand, scrunching it and playing with it as the water comes up, just to take it away from me. He’s here. I feel his presence like a wave washing over me, he’s close enough that the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, alerting me to him. But as I turn in circles, he’s nowhere to be found. It’s like he not only leeches into my mind, but in the air around me.

“Hi!” Some drunk blonde girl approaches me, in a dress more scandalous than my sleepwear.

“Hey girl, you good?” I smile at her clearly drunken state. “You need help back to your room?”

“Just want to go- sha-wim-ing,” she says clearly more toasted off her ass than I thought with that compilation of sounds.

“That might not be the best bet for you right now.” I go to her and put my arm around her waist. “Let’s get you back to your room.”

“Girls really do stick together.” She smiles at me. “I’m Clara.” Her breathe smells like everything behind the bar.

“Ava…” I smile back to her and look for the hotel. Unfortunately, it isn’t even in close proximity. I didn’t realize how far I strayed letting the ocean path walk me.

Remember, be careful who to trust. My dad lurks back in from the shadows.

We are still far away from the dancing lights of the hotel at the outdoor bar when an attractive man approaches us.

“Which one of you is Ava? Your friend sent me looking for you.” His voice smooth like butter, but there is a darkness hidden behind those eyes. Before I even get the chance to follow-up with him, drunken Clara clearly wanted to get to know him on a better level.

“I’m Ava.” She releases herself to go to him, and even with my fingers trying to keep her close to me, she wrangles out of my grip.

“Good, come with me…” He holds out his stretched hand. There’s no way my friends would send some random for me on the beach and not even tell the person what I look like. The thoughts race in my mind, and I go to reach for her to pull her back to me, but it is too late.

She has taken his outstretched hand, and he has twisted her into him, her back to his chest, and his hands are wrapped around her neck. My feet span the short distance, but it is too late, he has snapped her neck. My neck. He wanted me. He kicks her into the ocean, and she travels away with the tide. I slowly back up, fear flashes in my eyes, and he knows.

Stand and fight, or run? Stand and fight. I will not be the victim again.

He swings at me, but I’m too fast for it and duck, only frustrating him more. We move quickly along. There is no way I can advance on him and win; I have to just be quicker than him. I duck once more, but he brings his leg up. It is inches away from my face, and there is no getting out of this for me. I close my eyes, bracing for the hit to come, but it never does.

Aidan is here, he has grabbed his leg mid-movement, and just as I make eye contact with him, he doesn’t tear his gaze from me as he snaps the man’s femur in two like it was a popsicle stick.

“What the fuck! I just want the girl!” The man’s pleas are soft.

“Yeah, that’s the problem.” His eyes darken as he swiftly grabs the man, in the same position he had Clara. He begs and sobs. Aidan never once takes his eyes off me as he says, “That girl is the reason for my existence. She’s everything.”

And his eyes turn onyx for a moment, never losing that fleck, as he snaps the man’s neck, and just as quickly, they’re back to that blue with gorgeous flecks.

I’m too stunned to speak as Aidan tosses his body into the ocean as though he’s light as a feather and weighs nothing. My head swivels looking for anyone, but it is desolate, and the rager at the hotel still continues, like murder didn’t just happen here.

“Your own pride will kill you! And to think I thought without your powers you wouldn’t be so fucking stubborn!”

Oh, he’s mad. Mad, mad. At me. So much so he isn’t even being logical.

His hands cup my face. “Are you alright?” He scans my body for injuries and there are none. I nod at his questions.

“What just happened? That man wanted me?” How do I even process this? “Do you know why?” The lack of answer tells me the answer. “Tell me!” It’s a demand. “Tell me what the hell is going on, Aidan! I know you’ve been watching me. I could feel you!”

A smile touches his lips. “You can feel my presence, that’s good!”

My eyes shoot him a look that dares him to deflect, yet there is no reason why I should be able to feel him that way.

“We need to leave right now. You have to come with me. I will tell you everything from the jet.”

He grabs my hand, leading me away with a force that I can’t stop no matter how much I dig my heels in. He turns around to pick me up and throw me over his shoulder, but I’m close enough to his ear maybe I can talk some sense into him .

“I can’t go anywhere with you. Not that I don’t want to. Sofia has a wedding, and I will not abandon her. I’m the only family she has left. So, tell me what the fuck that was all about!”

He doesn’t bother responding or putting me down, that is until we hit the private balcony of my room.

“Stay with me,” he pleads.

“I can’t tonight. I need space.” Even as I say it, I don’t believe it, so there is no way he will, but he doesn’t push me.

“Go in and get rest. It is critical for your safety. If you will not come with me, trust me on this. Speak to no one.” His eyes convey a seriousness that I never even received from my own family.

I nod and turn the corner into the room, and he’s on the phone, his voice fading as he walks away. The fact that I’m not more freaked out about watching two people get murdered, should scare the shit out of me.

His tone is harsh and clipped. “They must have found her because of me… She doesn’t remember shit!”

And even though he was gone from my sight, the feeling of his presence was never far away, and that was comforting enough for me to drift into sleep. A nightmare will surely come. Someone died because of me.