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A Destined Death
A Destined Death
A Destined Death
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A Destined Death

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Elizabeth Tarkson has it all figured out. She has a plan. She knows exactly what she wants and how to get it. At least she does until the day she turns eighteen, and a gorgeous stranger crashes her birthday party.

But this stranger knows things about her that he shouldn’t know, and as he slowly reveals his secrets, she discovers the world she thought she understood is much larger than she'd ever imagined. She is swept into a whirlwind of secrets, death, and attraction all involving him. Will she uncover the truth about her tragic past in time? Or will she be forever bound to...

A Destined Death

LanguageEnglish
PublisherLisa Rayns
Release dateApr 29, 2012
ISBN9781475277104
A Destined Death
Author

Lisa Rayns

Lisa Rayns, author of the Wanted: Vampire Trilogy, lives in a small town in South Dakota. She studied Composition/Literature in college and worked with explosives and as a blackjack dealer before beginning her writing career. An avid reader, she weaves romantic stories rich with action, suspense, and her own personal flavor of the paranormal. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and Siamese cat. For more information about Lisa and her books, visit her website at www.lisarayns.com.

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    A Destined Death - Lisa Rayns

    Running for my life, I darted through the large banquet hall filled with gaudy decorations of graduation caps and birthday cakes. The pink, frilly dress my mother made me wear wasn’t helping matters. Tight, with a low neckline, it suffocated me and made it hard to breathe. After tripping twice, I finally slipped into the small bathroom and locked the door, praying I’d lost my pursuer.

    The image from my tenth birthday party, my last big one, was hard to let go of. Being forced to sit in the middle of all of my relatives, open presents, and thank them in turn was not an experience I wished to repeat––mostly because of the card. Every year for my birthday, I received a card with no note or signature, just Elizabeth written on the front. It always contained a cashier’s check for a thousand dollars in my name. That particular year, my relatives threw a complete fit because they thought someone was trying to outdo everyone else. It was a Tarkson Family nightmare!

    Elizabeth, my mother called through the door, as if to prove her honed tracking skills.

    After a mental groan, I unlocked the door and leaned against the sink.

    Vera fluffed up her short, black hair as she stepped into the room. Her own plain green dress fit loosely which probably made it easier for her to find me. She took one look at my troubled face and closed the door behind her. Can you at least try to enjoy yourself?

    Enjoy myself? Remind me again why you’re doing this to me.

    Her laughter sounded merciless in my ears. Because I’m your mother, and it’s my God-given right to throw a graduation and eighteenth birthday party for my only daughter. You should be glad I’ve combined them. Now give your guests a chance to congratulate you properly. And be polite, she added in a stern tone.

    My unrelenting captor gave no hints of a catch and release, so I stalled. Looking into the mirror over the sink, I combed through my long, straight black hair with my fingers. My heart shaped face and pouty lips made me pretty in an average sort of way, and the light layer of makeup made my green eyes stand out a little more than usual. Even so, I didn’t want to be the guest of honor at any party. You did tell them no gifts, right?

    I wrote ‘no gifts necessary’ on the bottom of every invitation, just like I promised, but it doesn’t seem to have deterred them.

    I frowned and spun around. "It was my only condition."

    My mother fronted an understanding smile. The good news is that you don’t have to open anything tonight. That’s what ‘Thank You’ cards are for.

    Thanks, Mom. I’m sure it’ll be wonderful, I lied.

    You’re welcome, she returned, mocking my sarcasm. When I moaned, she nodded toward the door. Let’s go. .

    Seeing no escape, I forced the expected smile and followed her out into the banquet hall. When I reached the main table, my smile waivered but held as my relatives lined up for cheek kissing, hugging, and the dreaded Happy Birthday song. It was good to see everyone though. Most of the aunts, uncles, and cousins, I only saw once every couple of years at weddings or funerals.

    After an hour, the caterers served the food, and everyone settled into groups as small children ran around shooting each other with toy laser guns. Finally out of the spotlight, I slid to a more comfortable spot near the bathroom and scanned the large room. I noted the only eyes on me at all belonged to a hunk of a man sitting by himself in the far corner near the bar.

    He wasn’t a relative, I was sure.

    He sat in a masculine pose, suave and confident, but casual like a businessman on a coffee break. His dark hair was longer on top, falling just above his eyes. A trace of stubble shadowed his jawline, and he wore no tie with his black dress shirt and jeans. He appeared motionless, but the people moving around him were a blur to me. I’d never thought of myself as having a type before, but I knew on sight, he’d meet my strictest standards.

    The party was looking up.

    He smiled when our eyes met, but I suddenly forgot how to breathe or think or do any other normal thing. My manners slipped away from me. I shook myself out of the daze, but before I could return the smile, movement out of the corner of my eye distracted me.

    The blue form advanced on me at a steadfast pace. I blinked and turned my head, focusing in time to see a glass pressed into my hands.

    You look like you could use a drink, dear cousin.

    Hi, Tina. How are you?

    Oh, the same. Beautiful as ever, she raved, combing back her long, blonde hair with her hands. Tall and thin, Tina made the form-fitting blue dress and pearls look elegant.

    Too bad she could speak. So I see.

    Sorry I wasn’t in line. Nasty formality if you ask me. I felt sorry for you just having to watch it.

    Yeah, I agreed.

    Tina and I were as different as night and day, but we did have an understanding: When we hung out together at family functions, everyone else left us alone.

    So, congratulations and all that, she said dryly, taking a dainty sip of her own drink.

    Thanks. I glanced over at the man still looking my direction. So who brought Mr. Gorgeous?

    Tina turned toward the bar, one eyebrow rising. I’m not sure, but I think it’s worth finding out.

    When she strode off to question a group of guests, I took a drink and groaned. Anyone over eighteen could drink alcohol at our family’s functions. Today was the first for me, but I didn’t enjoy the experience as much as I thought I would. Maybe it’s an acquired taste.

    The man clearly smirked at me as if he’d just read my mind.

    The thought made me uncomfortable enough to uproot my feet and move. I slid into a chair at the closest empty table. Another glance convinced me that he wasn’t staring at the bathrooms earlier, he was definitely watching me. My body tingled all the way down to my toes, and my mind took over, imposing a multitude of hopeful scenarios that all ended with his beautiful lips on mine. I blushed at the thought and looked away.

    I distracted myself by watching Tina weave from table to table, pointing out the man near the bar. Heads shook, but no one appeared to be saying much. Finally, she walked up to his table, shaking her soft mane in front of him, pretending to be hot. It was her famous flirting move. Everyone at the party knew it, but the poor guys she used it on found it hypnotic, as if her long legs and large breasts weren’t enough. Shamelessly, she sat down across from him and leaned in close to his face.

    Rolling my eyes, I tried to ignore the sudden flurry that rushed into my abdomen. He’d never escape Tina’s beauty. Not many men did until she tired of them and dumped them harshly. It was probably for the best, I decided, looking away and leaning back in my seat. After all, I had college and a full time job to keep me busy––not a lot of time to date with my schedule. I choked down the rest of my drink along with my dissatisfaction.

    Minutes later, Tina plopped down across from me and let out an exaggerated whine, I’ve lost it!

    I laughed openly without even a twinge of guilt. What? Is he married?

    No, but he didn’t even look at me!

    He didn’t? The surprise had me peeking over to find him still watching me. I managed a smile while my heart did flips inside my chest.

    No! Tina’s angry eyes looked reminiscent of a three-year-old who hadn’t gotten her way.

    I tried not to smirk at her expression. Well, who did he come with?

    He didn’t say.

    He didn’t say anything?

    "Yes, he did. Actually, he said he just came to wish you a happy birthday. Her words were heavy with disdain that any male specimen would pick me over her. Inconceivable! Tina was not used to being dismissed. I mean, look at me! I’m blonde, gorgeous. And look at you. I mean, you look like Xena… in pink! Her nostrils flared, but she stopped her ranting long enough to look at me with a calm expression. No offense, of course, dear cousin."

    Oh, of course not, I returned with an amused smile. Watching my cousin squirm was actually priceless.

    Don’t you screw this up or I’ll never forgive you. Her eyes narrowed before she stomped off to join a group of relatives.

    Once alone, I contemplated talking to him. Curiosity had me on the edge of my seat, but a strong skepticism kept me from moving. Attention from relatives was one thing but from a complete stranger it was downright odd, especially with someone as beautiful as Tina around. Uncertain of what to do, I closed my eyes and made a wish.

    I wish I had another drink, I wish I had another drink.

    The sound of ice hitting the side of a glass startled my frenzied senses, and I opened my eyes. To my surprise, I found the drink I wished for, held out to me by the man from the bar. I smiled at him and took the drink. Thank you. How did you know?

    It’s a gift of mine, he said in a strong, eloquent voice. Tall with a sturdy, muscular build, every chiseled feature on his face seemed perfectly proportioned. He was handsome––not baby face handsome, but manly handsome. Even up close, he was undoubtedly the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen.

    May I sit down? he asked poetically.

    When I nodded, he sat and stared into my eyes. I returned the gaze only to have an unexpected feeling of peace fall over me. My nervousness dissipated, and I felt a strange longing to touch him. His eyes were chocolate brown, darker than I’d ever seen.

    So where’s your date? I asked, fighting a blush. I mean, who did you come here with?

    There’s no date, he assured me, his confident expression leaving a hint of an agenda in the air.

    Understanding hit me much too slowly. Oh! You’re crashing. That’s cool, although, I’d rather be sneaking out right now.

    You don’t want to be here?

    I shrugged and scanned the room. People stared as they had when I first stepped out of the bathroom, but one by one, they looked away, trying to hide the astonishment on their faces. Tina’s bitter eyes were the only ones that stayed locked on me.

    You deserve a celebration, he offered. You are of age now.

    Of age for what? Nothing in my life is going to change for the next two years except for the name of the school I’m attending.

    His eyes narrowed with what looked like annoyance. Or was it resentment? That is… unfortunate.

    What do you mean?

    He shook his head a little as if to break free of a thought and then responded with a smile and a long, deep gaze that made my body tingle and my mind fog over. I wanted to repeat the question, but at that moment, I’d forgotten what it was.

    So, do I know you?

    The smile disappeared from his face, and he turned away, looking irritated or frustrated, I couldn’t tell. Don’t you screw this up or I’ll never forgive you. My cousin’s warning rang in my head fast enough for me to try a different approach.

    I’m sorry, let me try that again. I’m Elizabeth, and you are?

    His attention and his smile returned when I reached my hand across the table, but he didn’t take it. He seemed content to continue looking at me without talking at all. Interested, he finally said.

    The impact of his single word closed in on me, and my hand retreated to my lap. When I realized my mouth was agape, I closed it and looked away, catching sight of Tina’s curious expression.

    You don’t have to say anything, he offered. I brought you something.

    I snapped my attention back to him, trying not to sound as frantic as I felt. What do you mean, you brought me something?

    A gift, Elizabeth. It is your birthday. He said it like it was the appropriate thing to do, and then he pulled out a square black jewelry box from below the table and set it in front of me. It was a full six by four inches, and for a moment I tried to imagine how he’d concealed it.

    Shaking my head, I stared at him in disbelief. "No, no, no, no, no, no. That looks expensive, and if you had gotten an invitation, you would have seen that it said no gifts. My rule."

    He glanced at the stack of cards on the center table, and the corner of his mouth twisted up. Won’t you make an exception?

    No. I made the blunt declaration and twisted my hands in my lap.

    Frustration ran over his features again, then he shot me the most charming smile I’d ever seen, cocking his head to the right as he leaned closer to me. Please.

    My heart plugged up in mid-beat. I couldn’t help but smile at that. I shook my head again, this time because I felt disorientated and confused. I don’t even know you.

    Not that I don’t want to!

    This… he said, tapping the box with his finger, belonged to a woman who knew how to love very deeply. It belongs to you now.

    I became so engrossed in his words that I didn’t see the helicopter headed toward me at lightning speed. With a quick jerk, the man put his hand up and stopped the flying object from hitting me directly in the head. Unfortunately, the collision sent the toy plummeting to the ground where it broke into pieces.

    Jeffery! my Aunt Cathy yelled. I told you not to aim for anyone. Are you trying to knock the birthday girl unconscious? Come here and sit down!

    The boy started crying and crumbled to the floor to collect the broken mess.

    I had to smirk just a little. Thanks. You saved me.

    When the child wailed louder, Mr. Interested cringed. I’m sorry if I spoiled anything. I will leave you to your guests.

    No, you didn’t. You don’t have to… My heart beat faster when he rose.

    He tipped his head. Happy Birthday, Elizabeth.

    I nodded dumbly, my mind unable to process his departure. Watching him walk away mesmerized me. He moved so gracefully I couldn’t take my eyes off him, even when I heard someone sit down in the chair he’d just left empty.

    Why did he leave? What did you say to him? Tina accused on the verge of anger.

    When he disappeared out the door, I turned a chastising smile on her. He said he didn’t like the way you were staring at him.

    Tina shot me a yeah, right look, tilting her head and squinting. What’s in the box?

    My breath caught in my throat when I realized the gift remained in front of me. Damn it! I told him I couldn’t accept this.

    So what is it?

    I don’t know. Maybe I can catch him and return it before––

    I stood, but Tina seized my hand and pulled me back down to the table.

    At least open it, she pressed.

    I bit my bottom lip, considering the suggestion. After a moment, I decided I was being silly. How expensive could it be if he gave it to a complete stranger? Comforted by the thought, I let my finger trace the gold lettering on the cover that read: Alicia Silviana. I lifted the top, but what I saw made me gasp loud enough to gain the attention of everyone in the hall. At the sudden silence, I slammed the lid shut.

    Geez, she broke a nail! Relax everyone, I’ll fix it. Tina’s hands pulled me out of my chair and pushed me into the bathroom. Let me see, she cried, snatching the box from my shaking hands. Her eyes widened before she shrieked, Oh my God.

    I knew exactly what she saw: a dazzling antique necklace with diamond teardrops running around the neckline; one small ruby heart in the center.

    Spill it, Tina commanded, slapping a hand to her hip. Who is he, and how many times have you slept with him? I can’t believe my mother still thinks you’re a virgin.

    My clouded head started to clear at the accusation. I-I–– What?

    Yeah, you’re a good actress, little missy. Way better than me. I had no idea that our family possessed so much talent. Put it on. She removed the necklace from its case and let it dangle in front of me.

    I shook my head adamantly. No, I can’t.

    Put it on or I will, Tina threatened, holding up the jewels to her neck.

    Fine. I pulled my hair up and turned around, but when the cold metal touched my skin, I felt the ground move below my feet. I steadied myself against the sink and looked at Tina through the mirror. Did you feel that?

    Feel what? She leaned closer, her face serious. Ah, Elizabeth… I think this is real.

    What?

    Yeah, and what was he… twenty-three, twenty-four? Do you think he stole it?

    I giggled into the mirror. Do you think?

    I knew the necklace couldn’t be real, but the thought of someone stealing something to give to a woman was romantic, even if it was wrong. Instinctively, I wondered how I could work that into a story.

    It’s not funny, Elizabeth. If he stole it, you could go to jail. Now do you know him or not?

    Yes, I lied. Fine, I have some classes with him, and he’s rich beyond belief. Happy?

    No, damn it! She presented her best distressed pout. Does he have a brother?

    I smiled at her, blinking my innocence. Only child.

    800x600

    Chapter 2: Sunny Days

    Mr. Interested’s face played through my dreams that night, and I spent the following day in a haze. I was already a month into the summer college term at Portland State, and that meant a doubled workload, but for the first time in my life, school was the farthest thing from my mind. I couldn’t concentrate on my classes. I had so many questions, but the instructors didn’t hold the answers. At noon, I stepped outside to inhale some fresh air, hoping to get him off my mind. Being alone only made it worse.

    Thunder cracked in the sky, rain poured down, and my only response was: I wish he’d call me.

    Of course, he didn’t have my phone number, and I didn’t even know his name, but I wanted to see him again. He was mysterious, a puzzle I needed to solve, and it didn’t hurt that he wasn’t interested in Tina.

    Pulling my raincoat around me, I sat down under the overhang and hugged my precious purse to my chest. Precious, because the necklace nestled safely inside. I wanted to have it with me in case he showed up again.

    When Tesla’s Love Song began to play, I pulled out my cell phone and glanced at the unknown caller display before I said, Hello.

    May I see you again, Elizabeth? the familiar eloquent voice asked.

    My stomach muscles constricted, and the air seemed trapped in my lungs when my name rolled out of the phone. It couldn’t be him, could it? Ahh, uh, who is this?

    Forgive me, we met yesterday. I called your school, and they said you’d be on lunch break.

    I tried to play it cool through my shock. Did they also give you my cell phone number?

    No. That was a bit trickier, he said with a chuckle. May I see you again?

    Yes, I said hastily. I only have an hour, but if you’re… close. The phone fell from my hand, and my jaw dropped when he stepped around the corner.

    He wore black jeans, a blue dress shirt, and a smile that bordered sinful. In one gloved hand, he grasped a black umbrella, in the other, a single red rose that he held out to me. For you, he said when I didn’t move.

    I closed my suddenly dry mouth and cleared my throat. Questions pummeled my brain, too many to focus on just one. Thank you, I managed as I took the rose. I smiled, noting the thorns had been removed.

    I suppose you have a lot of questions.

    You read my mind.

    He smirked and held out his hand to me. Would you care to go for a walk?

    With a nod, I grabbed my phone, jumped to my feet, and slung my purse over my shoulder. The shuffling noise brought the necklace to mind, but nothing seemed more important than taking his hand at that moment. When I did, my whole arm tingled.

    The umbrella sheltered us from the rain as he led me away from the building. The air smelled fresh, invigorating, and his gorgeous brown eyes gazed into mine with an unhidden interest. I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to spend my lunch hour.

    Tell me about your studies, he said.

    I raised my eyebrows and twisted my face. You want to talk about school?

    Most definitely.

    Well, okay. I’m enrolled in a four-year writing program, but I started early, and with all the extra classes I’ve been taking and the summer terms, I think I can do it in two.

    And after that?

    After that, I work at a diner every weeknight for six hours and ten on Saturdays. Sundays I reserve for homework.

    What about after college? What’s your plan?

    I flashed a clever smile. Then I’m going to write a novel about all the life I haven’t lived.

    He lowered his head, appearing absorbed. When he looked at me again, his eyes were distant. This is what you want from your life?

    Intent as he seemed to be about the question, I felt disoriented by the change in his demeanor. His expression suggested he wanted me to say no.

    I-I think so. I mean, yes. Of course it is. Why else would I say it?

    It’s a good plan, he said, without emotion.

    What about you? I don’t know anything about you.

    Pausing on the sidewalk, he faced me and gazed into my eyes. Someday I will tell you everything about me. That day is not today.

    When will I see you again? I asked, sensing a goodbye.

    Your schedule doesn’t allow you much free time, but I should like to meet you for your lunch break every day if the weather permits.

    Excitement washed through my body. What do you mean, if the weather permits?

    I have other responsibilities on sunny days, but I am released from them if… if it’s raining, for instance.

    You’re going to make me hope for rain.

    As do I, he said, holding my gaze.

    Warmth rose into my cheeks. So what do you do?

    I operate several nightclubs.

    That doesn’t make any sense, I thought out loud.

    The smile returned to his face. My work and my responsibilities are two separate things.

    I see. I wanted to delve further into the subject, but with time ticking away, I decided against it. When his hand tightened on mine, I found the gesture reassuring. What’s your name?

    I’m hoping it will come to you.

    Your name? You’re hoping your name will come to me? My brow rose on my forehead. You want me to guess? Like Rumpelstiltskin?

    No. I want you to know it.

    So tell me, and then I’ll know it.

    He chuckled in response and placed the umbrella in my hand. He held my other hand near his mouth. You must get back now, Elizabeth, but I will count the moments until I see you again.

    A

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