I toyed with the idea of marching over there and asking for a cup of sugar, an egg, anything to get inside that house again, a step closer to the man who, for reasons unknown, filled my every waking thought.
My growing obsession with Aerolus was irritating, alarming, and disturbingly arousing.
From what I’d last seen, I knew only Aerolus, his brother, Cadmus, and that unpredictable sorcerer of Tanselm, Arim, were in residence. None of them would recognize me in this guise.
But did I want to take the chance I might be wrong?
Walking to the dresser mirror, I stared at the likeness of Dr. Trudy Warner, a nice if boring forty-nine-year-old woman currently on sabbatical in Europe. House-sitting for Professor Warner had been a no-brainer, a fortuitous circumstance I’d been hoping for when I’d first begun observing Aerolus a year ago.
To Trudy, I’d looked like an eager, naïve college student needing some extra cash. But to the Storm Lords, I remained Trudy Warner, an average neighbor who never attracted attention, the same dull professor day in and day out.
The month I’d been here had been hell, but so worth it if only to see Aerolus naked. No doubt about it, this job had definite perks. And a killer downside. With the source of my attraction so close, it should have been easy to fulfill my needs.
We Shadren saw no shame in admitting to arousal or satisfying our cravings. Though wanting sex with a Storm Lord, a dreaded Light Bringer, might have raised a few eyebrows if anyone at home knew.
The doorbell rang, and I hurriedly adjusted my attitude and mindset to match Trudy’s. As I trudged down the steps, I focused on recalling Trudy’s monotonous voice. Appearances were easy to assume, but voices and mannerisms took skill and practice — both of which I worked hard to improve.
I reached the front door and opened it with a pleasant if dim smile on my face. “Yes? Marcus, isn’t it?”
Aerolus frowned, his silver eyes glinting with suspicion. Oh, yes, he’d definitely noticed me watching him. “Actually, I’m his brother, Aerolus. We’ve never met.”
Thank the Shadows. Now, how to play this to my advantage.
If Arim weren’t in residence, I would have knocked on Aerolus’ door and demanded his cooperation weeks ago. But with the formidable sorcerer at the house, maybe even spying on Aerolus as we spoke, I didn’t want to chance being recognized. Who knew what repercussions I’d suffer at his hands? And if word got back to the Aellei of what I’d been doing before I was ready to face them, I’d be better off dead.
Aerolus stared at me with curiosity, and I realized I’d been silent for a little too long. I flushed and tried to act intimidated, as Trudy would have.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t get much sleep last night, and I’m tired and distracted. Please, come in.” I stepped back and waited until he entered before locking the door behind him.
An idea firmed in my mind, one I’d been toying with in the event I was ever caught. Lies and deception worked so much better when a hint of truth worked into the mix.
“I know why you’re here,” I said in a strangled whisper, peering through my front window nervously before turning back to him.
“Excuse me?” His deep voice sent shivers through me that I worked hard to suppress. Why this happened only around him, I had no idea. He was just a man, albeit the best looking one I’d ever seen.
“It’s that woman,” I whispered dramatically, pleased when he frowned. “I’ve seen her hanging around your house the past few days. I had a feeling I should have told you sooner.”
“A woman.”
I nodded.
His eyes narrowed. “Describe her.”
“She has white hair, though she appears young. Stands a few inches shorter than me, and I guess you could say she’s pretty.” Gorgeous, really. As soon as I thought it, I wanted to smack myself in the head. Vanity at a time like this?
My people, the Aellei, wanted me dead. Arim would transform me into a spotted lizard if he knew I interfered with one of his precious Royal Four, those noble Storm Lords. And by now, Oxcen had told everyone the queen had ordered him away from a Storm Lord. The same queen who’d been in council for the past few weeks.
One guess as to who had the gall to impersonate Her Royal Bitchiness and they’d be inscribing Gorgeous but Stupid on my burial marker.
Oh what the hell? I might be on death’s door, but at least let me be pretty. “Yes, she seemed especially attractive. She looked lovely in white.” I frowned. “But she did have some unique eyes. Maybe she wore those eye things, er, contacts.”
“Her eyes were violet, slumbrous, thickly lashed,” he muttered, his words complimentary though his manner was anything but. He sounded less bowled-over and more annoyed.
“Yes.”
“And you didn’t mention a woman stalking my house because…?”
I blushed and looked down. “You and Marcus are grown men. It would have been silly to presume a woman who looked like that wasn’t invited to your home.”
