Kadj'el (The As'mirin Book 1)

  To Veronique, for her endless patience.

  Table of Contents

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  13

  14

  15

  16

  17

  18

  19

  20

  21

  22

  23

  24

  25

  26

  27

  28

  29

  30

  31

  32

  33

  34

  35

  36

  37

  38

  39

  40

  41

  42

  43

  44

  45

  46

  47

  48

  49

  50

  51

  52

  53

  54

  55

  56

  57

  58

  59

  60

  61

  62

  63

  64

  65

  66

  67

  68

  Cast of Characters

  1

  The silk felt wonderful under her fingers. She could not help but keep stroking it. How long ago was it that she had worn anything so sensuous? She could not remember.

  “Nervous?”

  She shrugged, not looking at Jeffrey, not answering.

  He lifted his hand to pat her leg, in reassurance, but then probably realized where it was going to land, and replaced it on his own knee.

  That brought a smile to her lips, and she nodded. “I should never have let Maire choose this dress for me! It’s far too short.”

  “She’s chosen well. I like it. He’ll like it.”

  She caressed the soft tissue covering her, absently. Jeffrey was right, of course, even though his sense of fashion normally tended towards more classic fare, the dress was perfect for what she had in mind. The problem was not the dress. In the past, she had worn far more provocative things. The problem was her.

  She looked out through the car window. Night was now falling fast. Street lamps were already redefining the city they illuminated, offering a semblance of security.

  Her reflection appeared briefly on the glass window, then vanished, appeared and vanished again. Nothing stable, nothing definite. Like her mind.

  There was a time when she would have accomplished her mission without hesitation, straight to the goal—the crazier, the better.

  Another time. Another life.

  Coming here tonight was a mistake. She was not ready.

  Jeffrey knew her too well not to feel her hesitation. “We don’t have to go if you’ve changed your mind, Shona.”

  She smirked at her reflection in the window. “Bit late for that, don’t you think? We are less than ten minutes away from the party. Fate has helped us this time. You don’t want to contradict it.”

  “We can still go home. There’ll be other opportunities, I’m certain.”

  There. She had a choice.

  She hated choices. They made her head hurt. They made her want a drink, or…

  No.

  She turned her head and looked into Jeffrey’s concerned face. “I won’t chicken out of this.”

  He nodded, briefly, showing a touch of a smile.

  At that moment, their driver slowed down the car. They heard the GPS navigator announce that they had reached their destination.

  Jeffrey lowered his window. The head of a young man, probably some kind of security guard, appeared at the opening. After greeting them, the young man asked for their invitation. Jeffrey handed him the document.

  She was so tense that she was deaf to the rest of the conversation.

  The car started moving forward again. There was no turning back now!

  Jeffrey did pat her naked leg this time. “You’re going to be all right, girl!”

  *

  The driver left them at the entrance of the villa, and drove away.

  “Is he going to stay nearby?” asked Shona, concerned.

  “Yes. Don’t worry about it. What do you think of the place?”

  Oh! Jeffrey knew her, indeed. She focused her attention on the house they were now approaching, slowly walking on a cement path.

  “Mm-hm. That’s certainly something else.”

  What she had so far seen of Zurich houses, she did not really like; they were big, boring concrete blocks, with dull colors and a regiment of unimaginative windows.

  This villa was nothing like that. There were four thin rectangular blocks layered one upon another and integrated with the landscape, with picture windows running from one end to the other. Elegant. Modern. Open.

  “I like it, Jeffrey. Look at the view on the lake!”

  A man, dressed from head to toe in black, suddenly appeared on their left.

  “Amazing, isn’t it? That’s what prompted me to buy the place.”

  She missed her next step. Had Jeffrey not held her arm firmly under his, she would have fallen.

  “I apologize for having startled you, miss.”

  No one would have surprised her like this in the past.

  She managed to put a smile on her face. “No need to. I like your place, Ekbeth!”

  She had no doubt about the man’s identity. They had prepared this little operation thoroughly. There were only two men at this party who had such thick black hair and mesmerizing green eyes, of that she was certain, and the other one was far younger.

  If she had shocked their host with her familiarity, he did not show it. Instead, he gallantly offered her a glass of champagne. “I quite like it myself, miss.”

  Their fingers touched. She looked into his eyes. “Shona. My name is Shona. No ‘miss,’ please.”

  He smiled. “Welcome to my humble home, Shona. I hope you’ll enjoy yourself.”

  Jeffrey accepted his glass and started pulling her away, but she resisted. “I’m sure you have to take care of all your guests tonight, Ekbeth, but I’d really like a tour of the whole place, if you can spare the time.”

  He hesitated only slightly, then nodded, smoothly. “I’m sure I can accommodate you, Shona. Later.”

  She stopped resisting Jeffrey. They entered a vast room, already crowded with guests.

  *

  Ekbeth na Duibhne’s parties had a reputation among the jet set. The events were always a bit of a surprise, as they could happen any time, and anywhere. When you got an invitation, Shona understood, you made room in your agenda to attend them. When Ekbeth was entertaining, you could expect the best, in all regards.

  True, he was a bit of a mystery. No one really knew much about him, or his family, or even his business. His staff was not talking. Even his former lovers—and rumors said he had had quite a few—were not talking.

  What was certain was that he owned one of the most discreet private banks in the world, with its main office based in Zurich, and a very select clientele.

  There were rumors that Ekbeth’s fortune had been built on money laundering, but that had never been proven. Not that his guests really cared anyway. Counting him as a friend was important to some. Some women hoped for more than friendship. He was probably the most sought-after bachelor this evening.

  Shona scanned the room. There were a few potential rivals, but she was certain she had made an impression. Furthermore, she knew the man’s biggest secret. Although it wa
s no help for what she intended to do tonight, it would be, in the end, a serious advantage over the other women.

  Jeffrey requested her attention by pinching her. “What is your game, girl? He’s not the one you are supposed to seduce tonight! Or have you forgotten?”

  She took a sip of champagne before answering. Somehow, all her previous nervousness seemed to have disappeared. She was feeling like her old self again, and it was good. Very good. “I have not forgotten, Jeffrey, but I’ve changed my mind.”

  Jeffrey was not really surprised, of course. They had been through so much together; he was used to her last minute changes to carefully prepared plans.

  Still, he asked, “ the ring? Ekbeth does not have it.”

  She shrugged. “Leave it to me, Jeffrey. I’ll figure out something. As usual.”

  He winced. “Exactly what I was afraid of.”

  She was the one doing the patting, suddenly, and she was doing it with a huge grin on her face. “Come on, Jeffrey! Have a little bit more faith in me! Now, why don’t we do what we promised Maire, and have a professional look at the party? Or were you planning to stay in this corner sipping champagne the whole night?”

  He raised a quizzical eyebrow. “After the speech she gave us? No, ma’am. I’m all ready to take notes.”

  “Good man! Let’s start over by the catering! I am starving!”

  The buffet was at the other end of the room, and the room was crowded, but with a few deft moves they managed to reach it.

  2

  “Seems like this is going to be another of your successes, Cousin! People are enjoying themselves tonight!”

  Ekbeth was quite pleased with the party himself, but knew better than to show it.

  “Thank Lyas for that, Lyrian! She organized everything, not me!”

  His younger cousin smiled. “Ah, of course. Our talented little niece! This is—what— the third event she’s organized for you? Where is she, by the way? Knowing her, I would have expected her to be around to ensure the hired staff is doing its job properly.”

  Ekbeth ignored the sarcasm. “You know as well as I do that Lyas does not like to attend parties—which is a shame, if you ask me. She deserves all the compliments, not me.”

  Lyrian nodded and raised his glass to their absent niece. For a moment, they silently enjoyed the happy crowd surrounding them.

  Lyrian was not the worst member of Ekbeth’s family. In fact, Lyrian reminded Ekbeth much of himself, but he was not going to tell the lout that. Same black hair, same green eyes, same height. Lyrian was maybe in better shape than him, as his cousin jogged at least five kilometers every day—something Ekbeth refused even to consider. Travelling around the world to meet his customers was exhausting enough for his taste. But it was more than only physical likeness. Just like Ekbeth, Lyrian was a wizard with figures—a very handy skill when you are trading millions or negotiating loans and commissions on a daily basis. Even their character had many similarities, with one big exception: Lyrian was quick to anger. He would learn better, eventually. At least, Ekbeth hoped so, for Lyrian’s sake.

  It had already cost Lyrian dearly—his wife, his house and almost his life. He had been lucky that Ekbeth had decided to help him, although that was something they both carefully avoided mentioning. Ekbeth had just happened to need some help with his business and had been glad Lyrian was available at the right time.

  “So, Ekbeth. Any potential fun in sight for tonight?”

  Ah! This was just so Lyrian! He could not keep his mouth shut for long. But Ekbeth decided to humor him. “Actually, yes.”

  Lyrian’s brows went up in surprise. Normally, Ekbeth just ignored his taunts. “Really? Who is she?”

  Ekbeth pointed discreetly with his glass. From where they were, they had a perfect view of the woman. Lyrian whistled his approval. “Very nice! But she’s not alone, in case you’ve not noticed.”

  “I have, but I don’t think he’ll mind. I’ve been watching them, Lyrian. They look to me more like business partners than a couple.”

  Lyrian observed the woman a bit longer. “You may be right. So what’s the plan?”

  Ekbeth allowed himself to smile this time. “She’s asked to see the rest of the house. I am going to oblige her.”

  Lyrian feigned shock, and quickly glanced around, looking for someone. Ekbeth knew who and growled, “And I don’t care what Kalem thinks of my plan!”

  He had nothing against Kalem. The man was just doing his job, protecting him, and he was doing it very well. Sometimes a bit too well.

  Lyrian smiled.

  “Ah! Then you’d better make a move, Cousin, like, now! Because your best friend the bodyguard is busy with one of his own staff and not looking at you, for once!”

  Ekbeth followed Lyrian’s stare. Ah, indeed.

  “Cover for me, Lyrian. I’d really hate to see Kalem appear at the wrong time.”

  Lyrian raised his glass. “You owe me, Ekbeth!”

  *

  Ekbeth took his time crossing the room. He did not want to seem too eager. Plus his other guests wanted to talk to him.

  Why did this woman attract him so strongly? He was not sure. She certainly was not the only one who had flirted with him tonight. She was a bit muscular for his taste, and lacked womanly form in the important places. Still, he felt drawn to her. Sure enough, she was showing some very nice legs. He’d always had a weakness for women with long legs on high heels. He also liked her mane of unruly brown hair. With her silky silver dress, she was something of a siren, he thought with amusement.

  She felt his approach this time and turned towards him, offering an enticing smile.

  “Ekbeth! I almost thought you had forgotten me!”

  He bowed slightly, ever the gentleman. “Sorry for having kept you waiting, Shona. Still interested in visiting the house?”

  She took the offered arm. “Of course. Are we going upstairs? I’m sure the view is even better from the upper floor.”

  Then she whispered in his ear. “And much less crowded.”

  Her partner did not react, did not even seem to have heard them. Apparently, Ekbeth had been right on that account.

  Her breath still warm on his ear, Ekbeth guided her towards the lift.

  “How decadent, Ekbeth! A lift for such a short trip!”

  “But very convenient sometime. The house is big, Shona. I really appreciate being able to go from the garage to my bedroom in less than a minute and at no effort on my part.”

  There was a security man in front of the lift doors. The man did not ask any questions, and called the lift when he recognized the owner of the place. Ekbeth knew, however, that the guard was going to report his actions as soon as the lift doors closed.

  Damn Kalem! Oh, his bodyguard was right, of course. They did not want any guests to start wandering in the private floors uninvited.

  Ekbeth could now only hope Lyrian was going to keep his promise.

  The cabin started climbing. Her hand moved slightly, caressing his arm. “How much time do we have, Ekbeth?”

  He looked at her. She had a nice face. High cheekbones. Large clear grey eyes with long, dark lashes. A full mouth calling for kisses. He touched her lips with the tip of his fingers, playfully. “Enough for what we both have in mind, Shona.”

  She pouted. “I was not aware you could read minds, Ekbeth.”

  “You’d be surprised to know how many things I can do that no one is aware of, Shona.”

  The lift doors opened. Needing only a couple of long strides to get out of the lift, she crossed the main room quickly, towards the huge bay window on the opposite side. “I was right! The view is even better from here.”

  Ekbeth turned on the light. She turned away from the window, looked around her. “And I like the decoration. Are those real jades? You have quite a collection!”

  He simply nodded. No need to pretend, he was quite happy with the place. The soft carpet and the light wooden furniture, as well as the precious yet discreet ornaments,
made the room a quiet place to which he always returned with pleasure, even anticipation. And she was indeed right: the view over the lake was fantastic.

  He had no regret for having replaced his grandfather’s pretentious villa with this one. More than any other place, this was his home.

  He observed her as she walked slowly beside the bookshelves that ran all around the walls, displaying some books, but mostly his personal collection of jade sculptures.

  Before he could think of a smart comment about her attitude, she started walking towards him. With purpose. One small gesture and her dress fell to the floor. Except for a very small G-string, and her shoes, she was now stark naked.

  She stopped at three paces from him, teasingly. Ekbeth did not respond to the obvious invitation immediately. He took his time studying her.

  Her smile grew and she took another step, then another. “Losing time here, Ekbeth! I won’t bite, I promise! Or maybe just a little.”

  He took her in his arms, with a laugh. “Don’t you dare!”

  They kissed. Her skin was incredibly soft and warm under his hands. Ara! She felt even better than he had expected.

  3

  Jeffrey was in deep conversation with an older man when she finally came back downstairs, but he immediately noticed her. She walked outside, onto the terrace.

  People were staring at her—women with forced smiles on their lips. Everyone seemed to know what had just happened one floor higher.

  Maybe she had been a tad too loud, she thought, feeling her cheeks flush a bit. It was all Ekbeth’s fault. The man was a wizard. He had found all her sensitive places. She had lost control. Even now, from the top of her toes to the tip of her head, she was still tingling from his lovemaking.

  It had been far too long since she had felt so passionately alive. She did not want to dwell on exactly how long, or who it had been. Ekbeth did not deserve any unfair comparison. He had been perfect.

  “You were gone a long time!”

  She accepted the glass from Jeffrey. “Some things need time!”

  “True. And if you are wondering why everyone is staring at you right now, yes, they too noticed you were gone with Ekbeth upstairs.”

  She grinned, somehow relieved. “Only that? Good. I thought for a moment they had heard me as well.”

  He shook his head. “God, no! That would have been really embarrassing! So I guess we can call this a success? Even though you’ve changed your target at the very last moment?”