Shadows of Eternity

Chapter Three

L eia was by turns excited and apprehensive on Saturday night as she dressed for her date with Rohan. She hadn’t been this jittery since her first date back in high school, she mused as she applied her lipstick. Maybe she was just a little nervous because she’d never had a date with a man who exuded so much raw masculinity, or who was so blatantly handsome, or one who was famous. She told herself there was nothing to worry about. Janae knew she was going out with him and would sound the alarm should Leia fail to report in when she got home.

When it was time to leave, she took a last look in the mirror, called Janae to let her know she was on her way, and left her apartment.

It was a short drive to the theater. She parked her car, then walked to the stage door. Unlike the other night, he was the first one out.

Rohan smiled when he saw her. “I was afraid you wouldn’t come.”

“Oh?”

He nodded. “I sensed your hesitation last night. If it will make you feel safer, we can take separate cars.” He lifted one brow, waiting for her answer. “Leia?”

She hesitated as Janae’s warning drifted through her mind, then shook her head. Janae was making her paranoid. Smiling, she said, “All right.”

“I was thinking we’d go to Manchester’s. Do you know where it is?”

“Yes.”

“See you in a few minutes.”

Leia felt foolish as she walked back to her car. If she didn’t trust him enough to be in a car with him, why had she agreed to go out with him? Still, better to err on the side of caution. It seemed there were always stories on the news of women disappearing without a trace. Better safe than sorry, she told herself as she drove to the nightclub.

Manchester’s was an upscale club and restaurant with a large dance floor and live music on the weekends.

Rohan was waiting for her at the entrance when she arrived. “Have you had dinner?”

“Yes.” Warmth spread through her when he reached for her hand.

They bypassed the restaurant and found a table in the bar. A waiter came to take their order. Rohan opted for a glass of red wine. Leia asked for a Sea Breeze.

“So,” Rohan said, “tell me about yourself.”

It was hard to think when he was looking at her. His eyes were dark and beautiful. “There isn’t much to tell. I was lucky enough to find a job teaching as soon as I graduated from college and I love it. My parents live in Hollywood. My mother is a script girl. She’s crazy about movies, especially Star Wars . My father is head of security for one of the major studios.”

“Interesting. I guess you’re a big movie buff, too.”

“Oh, yes. Growing up, the walls in my bedroom were lined with posters from blockbuster movies. I have three autograph books, all filled with famous signatures.”

“I would have thought you’d follow in the family footsteps.”

“I wanted to be an actress when I was a little girl,” she confessed. “I even had a few screen tests, but … ” She shrugged. “No discernable talent in that area. What about you? How did you get into Native dancing professionally?”

“Dancing is natural to most of my people. The steps have been handed down for generations. War dances, friendship dances, rain dances, dances to ensure a good hunt.”

“Are both your parents Lakota?”

“Yes.”

“They must be very proud of you.”

Rohan nodded. Perhaps they would have been.

“It must be exciting, traveling around the country,” Leia remarked as the waiter delivered their drinks.

“It’s getting old,” Rohan said. His gaze caressed her. “I’m thinking of taking a long vacation.”

“Oh?”

“I’d like to spend part of it with you.”

It was suddenly hard to think, to breathe.

He reached for her hand, his fingers linking with hers. “Would you like to dance?”

At her nod, he led her onto the dance floor and took her into his arms. He was tall, so tall. He slow-danced with the same lithe grace he used onstage. She had no trouble following his lead. He held her close, making her feel safe, protected, as if nothing could ever hurt her again.

Rohan frowned as he caught snatches of her thoughts. No wonder she was leery of strangers, he mused. She had been kidnapped when she was four years old. Although she had few actual memories of the event, it had haunted her as she grew older, which led to a year or two of therapy, which had helped considerably.

He spoke to her mind, assuring her that she had nothing to fear from him, felt her relax in his arms.

They danced and talked the night away. It was late when he walked her to her car. “Any chance you’d give me your phone number?”

She hesitated only a moment, then quickly recited the number. “Aren’t you going to put it in your phone?”

“I won’t forget it.” His gaze moved over her as he drew her into his arms. When she didn’t resist, he lowered his head and kissed her good night. “Call you soon.”

Murmuring, “Good night,”

Leia unlocked her car door and slid behind the wheel. She smiled all the way home. It had been heaven, dancing with Rohan. She had loved being in his arms, the sound of his voice, the way his gaze caressed her, the way he listened to her. By the end of the evening, she knew she was in danger of losing her heart.

She called Janae the minute she got home. “You can stop worrying now. Mother. I’m safely home, my front door locked.”

“Hey, what are friends for if not to worry? How was your date?”

“Wonderful.” Leia closed her eyes, wishing she were still in Rohan’s arms.

“Are you going to see him again?”

“I hope so.”

“Well, I’m glad you had a good time. Keep me posted.”

“Will do.”

“You’ve got it bad, don’t you?” Janae said, sounding resigned. “I can hear it in your voice.”

“Good night, Janae.”

“Sweet dreams.”

“For sure,” Leia said, and ended the call.

Rohan strolled through the dark night searching for prey. But it was the woman, Leia, who occupied his thoughts. She was young, untouched, innocent, beautiful. And vulnerable.

After the kidnapping, her parents had kept a close eye on her. She had been tutored at home until high school, not allowed to date until she was sixteen. Her parents had enrolled her in a number of self-defense classes, had her trained in the use of firearms. She’d had little freedom until she went to college. Her memories of the kidnapping had faded over the years, but her distrust of strangers remained. He was surprised she had agreed to go out with him.

He fed quickly, then returned to his lair, more determined than ever to see the lovely Leia again.