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bright smile at Nicole as
he reached forward picking a small twig from her hair then let the back of his
fingers gently slide down her cheek, “Remind me to thank my dear sister later.”
He winked at her and gently said, “Come on, we better get back to the party
before we’re missed.”
    “Go back?  You must be kidding?  How do
you expect me to go back in there when I know everyone is my enemy?”
    “You’re safe, Nicole.  You are my guest
and no one would dare cross me.  They all know that I am expected to bring you
to Loch.”
    “That doesn’t mean everyone in that party
likes it,” snorted Nicole as she started to pace the small trail.  “There are
people in that room who think you are crossing a line by having me here.”
    Slade’s face turned hard as his jaw
muscles flexed with tension.  He was quiet for a few moments, lost in his
thoughts.  “I can’t imagine what you must have heard tonight already but I’m
afraid it may be a good idea for you to go back in there and continue to
listen.” After a few moments Slade’s face returned to its normal, confident
state. “Just listen for anything out of the ordinary.  You know, things that
will help us see if we have any allies who are looking for a way to stop Loch
too.”
    “And what will you be doing while I’m
snooping?” Nicole asked reluctantly, giving in to the fact that she had to return
to the hostile party full of hate-laced glares.
    The corners of Slade’s lips turned up
into a sly grin and a mischievous twinkle lit up his pale blue eyes, “I’m going
to enjoy a few more drinks as I mingle with my comrades.”  He flashed a quick
wink, “All in the name of helping you use your powers.  The foggier my head is,
the clearer yours will be.”
    Nicole rolled her eyes at the obvious
joy Slade was getting out of being able to turn loose and drink all he wanted.
“Men,” she groaned letting him take her hand and lead her back through the maze
of tall shrubs.  When they stepped back onto the cobblestone path Slade stopped
and turned to Nicole.  He pulled her hand to his lips, kissing it gently, “If
the pressure gets to be too much in there, signal me and we will leave.”
    Nicole took her hand back slowly, not
sure how to take his protective attitude and tenderness now that she knew they
were on the same team.  She thought for a moment that all the alcohol he had
downed was bringing a new side of him out.  But as she studied his face she
realized she had seen that longing look in his eyes before.  She smiled
nervously, “I will.”  She took a deep breath then started forward, “Let’s do
this.”
     
    **~***~**
    As soon as they entered the room,
Nicole’s mind was swarmed with questions and racy allegations.  Similar to how
it would feel if a hundred red wasps were buzzing around her, looking for a
vulnerable place to attack.  All she had to do was show one small sign of
weakness and everything would fall apart.
    He’ll lose interest in her fast.  She’s
too easy, Morena’s venom filled voiced cackled in her mind.  Nicole mischievous side
began to creep to the surface as she listened to everyone speculating the
reasons she and Slade had left the party.  She stretched up to whisper in
Slade’s ear, “You’ll never guess what everyone thinks we’ve been up to.” She
giggled.
    Slade flashed the sexiest smile she had
ever seen then pulled her gently against his chest as he moved closer to
whisper back in her ear, “Well, you must forgive me if I don’t rush to put an
end to that rumor,” he pressed a kiss to her cheek before turning his attention
back to the party.  “I think I’ll find another drink, my love.”
    Nicole stared after him as he strode
into the crowd.  She absentmindedly touched the warm spot on her cheek where
Slade’s soft lips had been seconds ago.  Her stomach knotted tight as she tried
to reason out what just happened.  I sure as hell hope he was playing along
for the crowd because I