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RED MARROW, SOUTH EAST Wales
(Time zone 5 hours ahead of Maryland)
“Hm.” Jonathan sat in the office on the third floor of the mansion, tapping the pen on the cherry wood desk. “If he comes by again let me know,” he said into the phone.
Candra stood at the window entranced by the grassy peaks and valleys that surrounded the compound.
“All right, call me if you need to. Bye.” Jonathan set his cellphone on the desk and leaned back into the lavender lounge chair that awoke the luxurious décor of polished wood and fixtures of crystal and glass. “You have something on your mind?”
“How can I not?” Candra gushed. “This place is a dream, Jonathan.” She unlatched the window and a mild, grassy breeze caressed her face. “I can’t believe I’m in the UK. I’ve never even been out of Maryland before.” She hugged herself, the fine silk of the Japanese Kimono electrifying her body. “Why did you choose me to come with you?”
“Because I enjoy your company.” He typed on his computer with one hand. “You bring me peace and that’s what I need.”
She glided her fingers over the stone fireplace. “What’s next in your plan?”
He propped his elbows on the desk, clasping his hands. “For Deidra to be back where she belongs, we get married, and we all live happily ever after. This is what I’ve been working for all this time.” He approached her and took her hands, sending a jolt through her thighs. “To be here in my little kingdom with my family The Circle.”
“And Deidra Quarter as your wife?”
He kissed her hand. “Does that upset you?”
She sighed. “I’d be lying if I said it didn’t, but if Deidra makes you happy I’ll support you.”
He smiled, pulling her into a hug. “You’re so unselfish.”
She pressed her hands to his back, pushing him further into her. “I want to give my life to you, Jonathan. Please make me a part of The Circle.”
He walked around the room filled with Victorian portraits and made his way back to her. “I need you to be sure.”
“I’d die for you.” She touched his cheek. “I’d give anything for your happiness. Isn’t that what you want? Unrelenting love and passion?” She took his hand and laid it over her heart. “This is the happiest I’ve been.”
“You expect more from me than I can give.”
“I realize I have to share you and that’s okay. I want you any way I can get you. Please, let me in The Circle. I’ll spend the rest of my life proving it’s the right decision.”
He gave her a gentle kiss, and she shuddered afterwards. “It’s hard to resist you.”
“Then don’t.” She gripped the side of his shirt. “I wanna be a part of you in every way.”
“I can see it in your eyes.” He caressed her hair. “But, I’m not sure it’s the right time.” He abruptly let her go on his way to the desk. “Deidra is the important thing and I have to keep my mind focused.”
She nodded, swallowing the pain of being rejected by him again. “You don’t find me attractive, do you? Because of my scars?”
“I told you before that’s what I love about you. Your scars make you even more beautiful.”
“Please.” Her nipples becoming tighter and fuller. “Make love to me.”
“I can’t betray the women.”
“You have to initiate me. What we feel for each other isn’t going away.” She drifted to him, his earthy scent rousing the nerves in her clit. “I dream of you coming into my bed, tearing my clothes off and us making love until I can’t take anymore.”
“If I go back on my vows then what good am I? I’d be just like those heathens in the outside world. You don’t want that, do you?”
“Maybe I shouldn’t have come.” She meandered back to the window.
“I wanted you to come. I care about you, Candra.”
She laid her head on the curtain, staring at nature. “Then show it.”
****
“WHOA.” CECE BUMPED into the gorgeous Detective Phelps on his way from the police station lounge. “Sorry.”
“Just the man I wanted to see.” Her strawberry-red hair and dimples could make a blind man fall in love. “You got a minute?”
“Um. Sure. Is there something I can help you with?”
Her hefty breasts pressed against her snug blouse. “Do you know a Jessica Jacobs?”
He almost dropped the burrito and chips. “Jessica Jacobs?”
“Yeah. She’s been missing for about a week and uh, I’m on the case. She worked at the coffee shop across from your apartment building.”
“No.” His palms broke out in a sweat. “Name doesn’t ring a bell.”
“She’s twenty-five, around five-seven and slim with long, curly brownish red hair. Beautiful girl. I got her picture at my desk if you want to see—”
“No.” He squinted. “She doesn’t ring a bell.”
“You’ve never eaten at the coffee shop?”
“Here and there.” He shrugged, scratching behind his ear. “I didn’t notice this girl though. How do you know she’s missing?”
“Her brother reported it when he hadn’t heard from her.”
CeCe straightened the food in his grip. “You think she’s okay?”
“It doesn’t look good.” Phelps twisted toward the doorway. “Usually when someone is missing this long, it’s a bad sign.”