The Mark Series: The Mark, #3

Chapter 1

The door stood open as the wind and rain whipped through it. Danni couldn't believe what she was seeing. It couldn't be him. She had watched his demise unfold before her very eyes. She saw a brief smile on his face. Hello, he said.

Her head started spinning, and she stumbled backward. She tried to catch herself on the arm of the chair. She missed, and hit the floor...

Danni woke this morning as she always did. The sound of the busy city outside her window as the sun was beginning to creep into the sky. She tore the covers off and went to the bathroom to splash water on her face. She looked at her reflection and rolled her eyes. Good morning Danielle. She uttered sarcastically.

She let out a low chuckle as she lowered her face to the sink. She let the cool water run over her fingers for a moment, then filled her hands, throwing the water towards her face. She turned the water off and gazed back into the mirror. The nightmares were at it again the evidence shown on her face.  Her auburn hair tangled around her from another restless night. There were dark circles under her green bloodshot eyes. It had been weeks since she had slept more than three hours a night. She let out a sigh and shook her head. She went to her room and threw on jeans and a T-shirt and ran a brush through her hair. Her next stop was in the kitchen for coffee. It was going to take the usual pot to keep her going throughout the day.  She picked up her day planner off the counter and turned the page to reveal the day’s assignments. She put the book down and went to her dark room cup of energy in hand.

She shut the door and walked over to a line of photographs taken the day before. She looked over them slowly one by one. This is the one, Danni said, taking the photo down.

She set her coffee down and picked up an envelope from the shelf sliding the picture into it. She grabbed a folder from another shelf and put the other pictures that were hanging into it. The first order of business was to get the cover photo; to one of the many magazines, she took pictures for, over to their office. Most people work for a paper or a magazine, but Danielle was a free agent working for many different magazines, newspapers, and companies at once. She didn’t want to tie herself to the politics that went with being an employee of a single place. She liked the freedom to choose where her pictures went.

She grabbed the envelope, folder, and her now empty coffee cup, and headed back to the kitchen. Laying the pictures down by her planner, she went to the kitchen to fill her travel mug full of coffee. When she was done, she grabbed everything she would need for her day and headed out to her truck. Sunny Arizona looked more like a day from Seattle. The clouds were dark gray in the sky and did not show any signs of leaving. The rain was a light mist and the wind though mild bit through Danni’s hoodie and chilled her skin. She actually preferred days like this. She loved everything about the rain from the colors and textures of the clouds to the feel of the rain on her face. She smiled as she got into her truck. She looked at the sky through the windshield. Simply beautiful.

She drove to the magazine office and checked in with the receptionist. She was standing in the waiting room looking out the window. The rain had decided to come down in bigger drops now, and Danni smiled at the sight of it.

I’ll never understand your fascination with terrible weather. A voice laughed from behind her.

It isn’t terrible Miles. It is beautiful. Danni said without turning around. Her smile still etched on her face as her eyes brightened.

Do you have my cover? Miles asked.

Danni turned around and gave him a questioning look. Was there any doubt? She asked with a slight laugh.

Miles smiled. With you ... never.

Miles motioned for Danni to follow him. Danni followed Miles down the hallway to his office.

When she got to his office, she took the picture from the envelope and placed it on Miles’ desk and sat down in a chair. Miles took the picture and sat down on his desk facing Danni, his blue eyes studying the picture carefully. He put the picture down and ran his fingers through his dark brown hair.

There are others I assume? Miles said, holding out his hand. Danni shook her head and handed him the folder.

Why do you always doubt me?

It isn’t doubt. It is called doing my job, Miles said looking through the folder.

His voice was gentle and kind, almost as if he were talking with a friend.

We have been doing this for five years, Miles. I give you the cover, you look at it, ask for the others, then choose the one I picked anyway.

Danni laughed. Miles looked up at Danni briefly and then continued looking through the other pictures.

Miles laughed.  It keeps you on your toes.

He put the folder on his desk and smiled.

When will you come to work for me exclusively?

Danni shook her head. Miles... you know I can’t do that. Danni began strumming her fingers on the arm of the chair.

Miles reached out and took Danni’s hand. You could make a lot of money here with me.

Danni pulled her hand away. It has never been about the money, Miles.

Miles stood up and sighed.

Danni stood up in front of Miles. I like you, Miles, I really do.... But we work well like this.

No strings... not in business or in pleasure. Miles pouted. Danni put her arms around Miles’ neck and gently kissed him. Miles wrapped his arms around Danni and pulled her into him. He kissed her enthusiastically, his hands roaming over her. Danni pulled away, breathing heavily.

You...knew this before we got involved. Danni panted

trying to catch her breath.

I did... but things can change. Miles said with a smile.

Danni rolled her eyes, smiled, and shook her head. Miles sat back on his desk and smiled.

I will wear you down. He laughed.

Danni raised her eyebrow and bit her bottom lip. Are you still coming over tonight?

Miles scanned the length of her body then cleared his throat. I will see you at seven. Miles took Danni’s hand and kissed it.

Until then... Danni winked. She turned on her heel and purposely flaunted her assets as she left the room. She laughed to herself as she heard Miles groan before he shut his office door.

By the time Danni got to her truck, the rain had stopped, but the wind had picked up. It was howling through the trees. Danni sat in her truck looking over her planner. She typed an address in her GPS and headed on her way. She drove for about twenty minutes before she reached her destination. She pulled up to an office building and parked. Grabbing her portfolio and planner, she got out of her truck. This was a prospective client she was going to see. Though she had more than enough work to keep her busy, she was intrigued when Mr. Franklin contacted her.

Danni’s work was well-known through the west coast, but this was an opportunity to get her name established in England. Danni always had a thing about England. She had wanted to go to London since she was a child in fourth grade. She had to do a report on London for class and had fallen in love with it. If she could get a chance to actually visit there, it would be a dream come true.

She made her way into the building and checked in with the receptionist. She waited for a few moments before a middle-aged man walked over and introduced himself. Miss Carter I am Mr. Franklin. It is nice to meet you. Mr. Franklin extended his hand to Danni.

Danni shook his hand, with a smile. It is a pleasure, Mr. Franklin.

If you would like to come to my office, we can discuss things there. Mr. Franklin pointed towards a hallway.

Danni followed Mr. Franklin to his office.

Please have a seat, Miss Carter. Mr. Franklin motioned to a chair.

Danni sat down.

Mr. Franklin shut the door and sat in a chair behind his desk. You come highly recommended.

I do have samples of my work here. Danni held out her portfolio.

Mr. Franklin took it and looked through the pages. I see why you were recommended. These are very good.

Thank you, Mr. Franklin.

Mr. Franklin handed Danni back her portfolio. We have several companies that we work closely with, Miss Carter. You will work with one of our more... interesting models. I won’t lie to you Miss Carter, he has frustrated several photographers during his short time with us. He is very good at what he does, and despite his demeanor, he is quite the commodity. Mr. Franklin laughed.

Danni smiled back at him. I believe you have intrigued me.

Mr. Franklin laughed. I heard you liked a challenge.

Danni cocked an eyebrow. I have been told I can be quite challenging myself.

Mr. Franklin chuckled. I believe Mr. West will have met his match with you.

She folded her hands in her lap to keep from clenching her fist. Are you speaking of Damian West?

Yes. You are familiar with him?

I have never had the pleasure of working with him, but we have met.

Her thoughts drifted to a party she had attended a few years back. Damian took Danni’s breath away when he walked in the room, at least, that was until he had opened his mouth. He was as arrogant as he was charming. He spent the night fighting for Danni’s attention, her rejection only made him try all that harder.

That might be in your favor. Everything you need to know is in here. Mr. Franklin handed Danni a binder.

Danni took the binder and set it in her lap.

There will be a few photo shoots here, one in California, and five or six in London.

I look forward to it. She stood up and extended her hand to Mr. Franklin.

I wish you luck. Mr. Franklin laughed and shook Danni’s hand.

Danni blew out a breath as she left of Mr. Franklin’s office. She hoped the presence of Damian did not foul up her dream job.

When she got to her truck the wind had died down a bit but the rain had started once again. A quick look in her planner and she was off again, this time to a photo shoot. Danni marched in and took command of the scene. She wasn’t cruel and did not bark orders, but her knowledge of what had to be done made the day go smoothly.

She arrived home around five thirty and began preparing dinner for her and Miles. She wondered if she should mention her next assignment would be working with Damian. She quickly dismissed the thought. There was no way that Miles would take that news well. Despite their relationship being No strings, Miles could be utterly jealous; a major reason Danni had concerns about them moving passed a No strings relationship. After dinner was done, Danni showered and changed her clothes. She had just enough time to slip her shoes on when the doorbell rang.

She opened the door. Miles stood there smiling, and holding a bouquet of carnations. Danni smiled and stood aside to let Miles in.

These are for you. Miles handed Danni the bouquet.

Danni took the flowers and smelled them. They are beautiful. Thank you. She hugged Miles.

Danni took the flowers and went to the kitchen to put them in a vase. Come sit down dinner is ready, Danni called from the kitchen.

Miles sat down. Danni came out holding a baking dish and put it down in the middle of the table.

Miles inhaled deeply. It smells delicious. He stood up and put food in Danni’s plate, and then his own.

So how did your meeting go? Miles asked sitting down.

I got the job. Danni swallowed.

His eyes gleamed. That is so great. Do you actually get to go to London?

Yes, as a matter of fact.

His smile slipped. I am happy for you. I know how bad you wanted this.

It isn’t forever. I will be back. Danni chuckled.

London has been a dream of yours since childhood. Given the chance, I am sure you would rather stay there.

Danni shook her head. Miles... I have not been offered permanent residence in London. It is a job. I admit I will love it, but I will come back. Danni put her hand on his.

Miles took Danni’s hand in his. You know I love you, Danielle. I have since we met in fourth grade. I know what I agreed to when we started dating, but now I want more.

Miles... Danni sighed pulling her hand away.

Danni I am not asking you to marry me. I am just asking for us to be exclusive. There was an urgency to his voice that made Danni feel wary.

I won’t promise you anything, but I will think about it. We will talk about it when I get back. Danni hoped that would end the conversation.

It wasn’t that Danni didn’t like Miles. She just wasn’t ready to give up her freedom. She liked traveling with her job. She liked going where she wanted and doing what she wanted to do. The truth was that she had not been seeing anyone else while with Miles, but she didn’t want to admit that fact to him. She had convinced herself long ago, that if she were to be in a committed relationship, then she would have to give up her job; and that is one thing that she was not ready to do. There was another side tugging at her heart. This side wanted to give herself to Miles. He was sweet, very attractive, and he always encouraged her to reach for the stars. The fact that he could seduce her when he spoke French was just an added bonus.

Miles smiled and nodded his head. He seemed content with Danni’s answer for now. They went through the rest of dinner with no mention of her new assignment or their relationship. Danni cleared their dishes after they were finished eating and brought them to the kitchen.

I have something for you, Miles wandered over to her. He held out an envelope.

She smiled and took the envelope from Miles.

You thought I had something else. I can see it in your eyes. Miles laughed. I do actually.

He pulled out a rectangular box and held it out to Danni. She gave him a questioning look, and slowly took the box from him. Danni opened it and let out a gasp. Oh Miles....

Inside the box was a silver charm bracelet. Several charms were hanging from it. The Union Jack was the first one she noticed.

Shall I explain them to you? Miles asked taking the bracelet from the box.

Danni nodded.

The flag is obvious. Here is a camera for your love of photography. The rest of these are Celtic. This is a Celtic cross for our faith in the Lord. The shamrock is for luck. This one is the five-fold symbol. It is the symbol of the elements, fire, water, sun, earth, and air. The last one is the eternity knot. There is no beginning or end. It goes on forever, like how I feel about you.

He took the bracelet and put it on Danni. She looked at it and smiled. She pulled Miles towards her and held him. It is gorgeous. Thank you.

Miles wrapped his arms around Danni. He picked her up, and set her down gently on the counter and began kissing her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. Their kisses became more passionate. Danni could feel Miles exploring her body with his hands. He picked her up and brought her to her room. They both tumbled onto the bed. Danni laughed.

Miles cupped her face gently and gazed into her eyes. I love you, Miles said breathlessly.

I’m not you know.... Danni started.

Miles gave her a questioning look.

Seeing anyone else ... I haven’t.

Miles smiled brightly and began kissing Danni again.

I told you that I’d wear you down, Miles said rolling onto his back. He was breathing heavily. His brow had traces of sweat, and strands of his hair clung to the side of his face.

You play dirty. Danni laughed. The blanket was drawn up to her shoulders, and her hair was disheveled.

Miles laughed. All’s fair in love and war. He rolled to his side to face her.

Danni shook her head. Her fingers were playing with the charms of her new bracelet.

Do you really like it? Miles asked.

I will cherish it always. She placed her hand on Miles' face.

As I will cherish you. Miles took Danni’s hand and kissed it.

She brightened. You are quite the charmer.

Seulement pour toi mon amour, Miles said with a smile.

Her whole face lit up And he breaks out with the French.

Miles laughed.

What does it mean? Danni asked.

Miles scooted closer to Danni and kissed her cheek. Only for you, my love... Miles whispered in her ear. Je veux etre avec toi Mon amour.

The things you do to me. Danni sighed.

Mon Che`ri... Mon ange... Miles whispered kissing Danni’s neck.

Danni ran her nails gently down Miles back.

His eyes burned with desire. Je veux que vous.

She raised a brow. Prenez-moi.

Miles began kissing Danni which lead to another bout of