The Marked One (The Marked Series Book 1) (10 page)

“Native to Pittsburgh. Sorry, the South African slang sometimes messes around.” She took a sip of her wine and continued. “Anyway, she told me…after I told her about tonight.”

He enjoyed the thought that she told her friend, who he had to assume was M. Spencer, and for a second he hoped that she knew about his wife, who he had been separated from for the last year. It was one conversation he was dreading to have with Aaliyah, because he feared she might then solely see him as a cheating womanizer. Bitter thoughts began to fill his mind, but luckily they had to order their mains, as Aaliyah insisted she’d rather have dessert instead of a starter.

“Oh, as I said, she kind of informed me about more of your family, but she was a bit vague with some parts. I suppose it is the artist in her that gets distracted. Or it might have been Trai Byers when she told me all this while we binge-watched some series.” She looked like she was really thinking it over and realising how confusing it all must have been for him. “But, anyway, I do know the story of your parents is quite romantic.”

He sighed. “You have an odd idea of romantic, but I suppose there is something beautiful in their story. To me it seems unfair, and our family back in Europe still wants nothing to do with us. Sometimes, I feel it might be better this way. At least my parents and I are quite close.”

“Your father learned all his skills from his father, correct?”

“Yes, the Gerardo family in Sicily are known for being fish mongers, thus great negotiators.” He felt proud of who he was in that moment.

Aaliyah looked reluctant. “You don’t have to answer if it is too personal, but…money changes people. You couldn’t have been too old when your father made it big, so how did that influence you?”

It felt an odd question, but the honest reason needed to be stated. One thing he was sure of was that he wanted to be open with Aaliyah. Have her see that he meant to be as forthcoming as possible.

“I was spoiled. I took very much for granted. Spent money like I owned the companies my father took ages to make his own. I was a rebel and I was constantly so high or wasted that I made the dumbest mistakes during that part of my life.”

She saw his hurt. “But you’ve learned from them? The mistakes and you’ve fixed them? Because you seem like you’ve got yourself together.”

He thought about it. The truth was that it was still painful to think of Gabriella and what he basically caused. It was now almost eight years since that night, and that time had been the hardest. He felt like he’d never forgive himself and he was fine with that, but Aaliyah was looking at him with a raw hope, and the truth was he couldn’t change what had happened that night, but he had learned from it. And from his wife, who exploited this knowledge and mostly helped him recover.

“It still bothers me,” he finally managed. “I just try to not think about it too much and when I do, I try to use it as motivation. To not be that person again. To not make the same mistakes.”

Her complete understanding made her nod and she smiled, as if she was sensing that the conversation was turning stale. She took a gander out at the night, and after a short while, she softly said, “It looks so different from here, and the evening light also brings a completely different perspective.”

The soft scatter of stars now covered the skies, and as if time stopped, the view was more beautiful than ever. The music held less classical ambience than usual and carried a more electro feel, which Tristan surmised he only noted due to his personal experience being more uplifted at that moment.

Their food arrived and as Aaliyah ate her chimichurri-style Chilean sea bass, he enjoyed his yellowfin tuna with the port wine sauce and bacon. They were quiet through most of their meal, only stating how they were enjoying their food. Tristan nearly dreaded the thought that after their desserts, he was going to have to take her home and say goodnight.

Aaliyah, on the other hand, seemed like she was crawling back into her shell, and it pained Tristan after she had been so open with him for most of the evening. He couldn’t quite tell why she was suddenly far more reserved, but the voice inside his head was shouting at him that she was just being careful, while he feared she wasn’t as taken by him as he was by her.

The fear of rejection, he supposed, grew as Aaliyah bit into her molasses cookie, which came with her crème brûlèe. “Tristan?”

“Sorry, what were you saying?” he asked, confused.

“Something wrong with your cake?” An uncertain smile played along her lips.

He looked down at his angel food cake and said, “No, just too much.”

She didn’t seem to buy it, but clearly had no need to question him any further. He wasn’t sure why, but he was accepting that she had already decided that whatever could happen between them wasn’t going to.

The drive back to her place was near uncomfortable and as he walked her to her door. He was still greatly concerned over her safety in this dodgy area, and it was killing him.

“Thank you very much for this evening. I really did enjoy it,” she said as she faced him. The door to her place stood only a few feet away from him. He knew he might not see her again.

“Aaliyah,” he began. “Have I done or said something wrong?”

She frowned. “No, but you seemed to have…I guess spaced all through dinner, so it feels more like I might have.” He could tell from the look in her eyes that she knew she was the one who had become guarded. She looked at her feet for a moment and then back at him. “I am so afraid of getting hurt. I find it hard to trust anyone, and I’m still just scared that your intentions aren’t what you say they are.”

“I would never—”

“I know you say it, but—” her eyes showed a lifetime of pain and her birthmark was surely the reason “—you are already so different from almost everyone I’ve ever met. I want to give in and just forget about all the hurt people, who were far less kind than you, have inflicted on me, but it is still bugging me over why you would even want to see me, much less why you want to see me exposed.”

“Because you are beautiful,” he said without a second thought. She obviously wanted to protest, so he continued. “Because you are more than just how you look, and in all honesty, I’ve never enjoyed anyone’s presence as much as I do yours. You make me feel like I don’t need to impress you with fancy things and try keeping you around with the most amazing things I can think of. The only thing I do know is that it feels like I am fighting an unwinnable battle.”

Guilt gripped her eyes and showed a truth he was hinting on during the second part of their evening. “I was trying to be cautious. I really like spending time with you as well, and I just don’t want to start falling for you and then open my eyes and realise it was all fake.”

“Do you really think I’d betray you like that?” Her eyes gave the answer. “That is all you are used to?”

She gave a soft nod. “I want to believe you are different and that I’m just being silly, but you need to understand that it is a safety mechanism.”

“I completely understand.” She didn’t hide that she didn’t buy it. “You might have noticed that I do have quite a good amount of money and that usually attracts the type of people who want to use you. So I really am aware of how hard it is to trust people, and while I never want to force you to believe me, I just want you to see that my intentions are good. That I know what it is like, but also because you know what it is like to be afraid to just give in to someone else. I feel like I can truly connect with you and I want to. Aaliyah, I want to—”

“I believe you.” The words were a plea as they crossed her lips. “I…I’m trying my best. How about I make it up to you?” Seemingly determined, she pressed on while he was already decided. “I really enjoyed this evening with you and I am willing to try again.”

He felt his lips curve upwards. “I would love that. And…I will be more open.”

“You don’t need to if you don’t want to.”

“No, I think the best way to show you and to show myself that there is nothing to fear is to be more forthcoming.” She sighed in relief. “So how about tomorrow?”

“So soon?” They were back to the cheerfulness they had lost.

“Why not? I have a meeting until one o’clock, but after that I’m free and I’d really like to see you again, soon. And waiting until next week already has me agitated. Have you been to the National Aviary?”

“Always wanted to go, but…well, you know.” She nearly looked guilty.

“Then I’ll pick you up at one o’clock. We’ll have lunch and see how it goes?”

She laughed. “Deal.” She stuck her hand out to shake his, but almost immediately let it fall to her side and rather leaned in to kiss his cheek.

Soft, supple lips made contact with his flesh and it felt like a thousand volts shot through his body, invigorating him. When their eyes met again, she shyly smiled and seemed a little less and more uncomfortable at the same time.

He cleared his throat. “Thank you for accompanying me this evening. I am looking forward to tomorrow, and not to sound rude or like I’m chasing you away, but I would like to know you are safely inside before I drive away.”

“Still not a fan of my little warehouse?” She turned away to open the door. The movement made her perfume find its way to his nose, and the notes of jasmine and cotton candy stayed with him as she went inside.

“Goodnight, Aaliyah. Now lock the door and do call if you are invaded by fat rats from the labs.”

She chuckled. “I’ll put your number on speed dial,” she said when she faced him again. “Goodnight, Tristan,” were her last words before she began closing the door. He waited for the click of the lock and made his way to his car, smiling like he had not a worry in the world, while he was still hopeful that tomorrow things would change for the better.

Chapter Six

Aaliyah

Aaliyah was excited to see Tristan again when she woke up the following morning with a smile on her face. The day seemed bright as she stared down at the living area, where sunlight filled and lit up the entire space. It was odd, because she was far from a morning person and getting up was usually an ordeal.

She rolled to her side and texted Madeline about how great her date had gone the previous evening and also informing her about the one she was going to have that day. As she was ready to head downstairs, her phone began to ring and the caller ID made her smile.

“Good morning,” she said in a way she thought might have been a little too sexy.

“Good morning, Aaliyah. I hope you slept well?” His husky tone was smooth and inviting.

Butterflies, swift eagles, and even fancy dragons made her feel the flutter of excitement inside. “Thanks to you, I did. I hope the same goes for you?”

“Mhmm, it was one of the better night’s rest I have had in a while.” She smiled at Tristan’s subtle flirting. “I want to apologise beforehand, but something has come up and I can’t make it for our date. The meeting I am having in a few minutes has progressed into one that requires me to do damage control. But I do want a rain check as soon as possible.”

Her mood flattened, but she understood that it was how his world worked, so with a smile she replied, “I completely understand and I’d love the rain check. How about tomorrow?”

He sighed. “I wish. I want to see you as soon as possible, but I have a weekly visit with my parents and well…”

“Family always comes first.”

“Yes, and I will make it up to you with a great gesture you wouldn’t be able to refuse.”

“That only makes me nervous,” she said, her honest opinion slipping out.

“Never be,” he said in a tone that could soothe a heartbroken soul. “I will call you next week so we can plan something.”

“Very well, I will be waiting,” she said in a tone full of anticipation.

“I’m really sorry about this. I—”

“You don’t need to apologise. I’m sure my friend will be happy to spend some time with me instead.” She paused, feeling disappointed and also slightly relieved, because she wasn’t sure she would be able to go through another date being exposed. She began making her way down the staircase and her phone indicated another incoming call.

There was a pause before Tristan spoke again. Background noises dominated his end of the line. “We’ll talk soon.” She felt awful realising that her still detached manner was showing far more than she had anticipated. “Enjoy your weekend, Aaliyah. Goodbye.”

“You too, bye.” The call ended quite abruptly after that, and as she was looking at her phone, she saw Madeline calling but made no move to pick up. She looked out the window.

The city was waking up and the early light silhoutted the city, making shapes she could admire all day long, but she knew she needed to get out of the warehouse and out of her own mind. She picked up the call. “Hello, Madeline.”

“Took you long enough. So what are you wearing?” Madeline was sounding ever excitable.

“Bad news, he had to cancel, so I am free and was thinking I would like to see my best friend,” she chimed.

Madeline was quiet, likely sensing Aaliyah was holding something back, but that might have been her own paranoia. “I first need to know if you two kissed last night and if there are any dirty secrets I need to know of?”

“No dirt, just a cheek kiss,” Aaliyah said easily.

“What? I’m not saying one should put out, but a kiss on the cheek? Legit?” Aaliyah let out a heavy breath, expressing her frustration, which Madeline ignored. “At least tell me that it was more than just okay? Your text said it was okay and that you were having a second date today. So does the cancellation on his part mean you liked it even less? You confuse me sometimes.”

“Are you done? Because I’m still waiting for the ‘hello, friend’ part and the ‘how you doing?’”

This time it was Madeline who sighed. “Hi, friend.
Hah ya doone
? Well? Oh, that’s great, me too.” She paused. “So, now, my turn. Are you going to give me a proper idea of what happened last night? You need to remember that you and dating are comparable to Africa and rain. It rarely, if ever, happens.”

“Don’t joke.”

“What? It is true. Right across the world it is either far too hot or too cold, and even your home country is having one of the worst droughts in thirty years!”

“How do you even know that?” Aaliyah chuckled.

“I like checking in on SA news since I’ve met you, but don’t get me off point. Are you gonna tell me more about last night?” Madeline would never miss a chance to use her persuasive/guilt trip skills to convince a person to give up the goods.

“My date is cancelled now, and I would like to see you so how about—”

“21st Street
in ten minutes?” Madeline sounded far too excited.

“I just woke up. How about in an hour?” Aaliyah really wanted to get her face covered. “Damn, why are you even up already? You never see light before ten?”

“Couldn’t sleep,” Madeline blabbered off and added with frustration, “Okay, fine, and then I need to ask something about the portraits and whatever. But we’ll discuss that later then. Okay, bye.”

If Aaliyah knew one thing about Madeline, it was that this quick ending of a conversation meant she was up to something Aaliyah wasn’t going to like. “Maddy, what—”

“See you later.” Madeline ended the call, which was a dead-on confirmation that Aaliyah needed to prepare herself for something she was most definitely not going to like.

***

An hour later she made her way into 21st Street, happy to have her face less exposed, as it was helping to push her confidence level far higher than the evening before. Madeline was already sitting at the back with her odd drink, and Aaliyah placed her order before she took her seat and looked at Madeline, determined to get her to speak.

“Hey, so your date?” Madeline fell right in.

“Nuh-uh, first, I want to know what you are planning.” Aaliyah could see the displeasure in Madeline’s sea-blue eyes. “Agh, fine! I’ll tell you, but then you tell me why you are looking like an evil bitch.”

Madeline gave her a proud little smirk and then Aaliyah went about to tell her about the date. “It sounds like you aren’t really giving him a chance,” was Madeline’s first response about halfway through. Aaliyah wanted to protest but instead she pressed on, adding that she enjoyed it and hoped Madeline would see she had given more than she ever had. “So when are you seeing him again?”

“Uhm…not sure. He said he’d call, which scares me.” Aaliyah only then realised that she was dreading the idea of not seeing him again.

“I hope it’s soon. He sounds like a great guy and, well, you look a little more confident, which is great, as it would really help for what I want to ask.”

Aaliyah let Madeline’s last compliment slip and focussed on the last part of her comment. “Ask me instead of coming up with a tenth century-style tale to get to the point. I’m already expecting the worst.”

Madeline took a deep breath, making quite a show of it, and said, “You have other marks and I was—”

“No,” Aaliyah flatly replied.

“But please, it will be next level—”

“Maddy, my face is more than what I’d ever want to share with the world, so there is no way I’ll ever consider what you are asking,” Aaliyah stated stiffly.

“Isn’t there any chance that I can just try?” Madeline nearly begged, but Aaliyah was standing her ground on this one. She was not going to expose herself any more than necessary. “Okay fine, I’ll figure out something else.” Madeline sat back in her seat and sighed like a teenager not getting her way.

“So, can’t you maybe paint or draw one of the approved portraits today?” Aaliyah asked.

“Yeah, sure. After this we can go to my place and chill out there, maybe go out tonight? I feel like dancing. It always helps me get inspired.” Madeline made a great gesture as she said this.

Aaliyah still felt the need to get out of her own head, so she smiled and nodded as she received her oolong tea. The idea of going out and aimlessly moving and shaking her body had her excited, because while it inspired Madeline, it always made her feel free.

***

Tristan

Tristan wasn’t at all happy when he had found out Valerie had once more returned the divorce papers unsigned. The prenup’s permittance of divorce after one year’s separation was less than one month from being granted, which would allow him to finally be free of the woman who knew too much and how to use it to her advantage. He decided to not ponder on the mistakes and focussed on the road as he made his way to his parents’ house on Sunday.

Isabella was on the seat next to him and her panting was a staccato in the otherwise quiet of the Sunday noon traffic. It was likely also the strangest image with the large brindle Great Dane sitting on the front seat, only just fitting her head in.

When he pulled into his parents’ driveway, she began bouncing in place, wanting to be released from the confined space. Stepping out of the car, he looked at the house he had spent most of his teen years in. The colonial-style architecture was what one could only associate with being a true home.

It had a white picket fence down and a great lawn in the front, which captured a thousand memories. He recalled the day he learned one of the most important lessons in life while the sun was scorching and the days were still filled with Gabriella’s laughter.

***

In the ’90 s, the world was the best place to be. It was in the dawn of technology’s great rising, and as a teen, these things were all the talk. To him, they were still just dreams. His father was doing well, but Tristan never asked for anything he didn’t truly need.

Then again, he never thought he needed anything when he saw his little sister laughing as she tried catching him while they played in the sprinkler’s mist. He would slow down so she was just out of reach and then give her a chance to catch him. She looked at him with admiration he never knew existed. She was in awe of him like he was the best person out there.

Sadly, at this stage in the Gerardo family’s rise to becoming one of the wealthiest families in the country, they still had little compared to the families in the houses around them. They moved into the neighbourhood only a week before, so the enormous house held little inside, but it was a great investment according to his father. To Tristan, the best improvement was the yard, where he and Gabriella had spent most of their time.

Tristan wasn’t sure what it all meant for the family’s future, but at that time in his life, he was just a kid and the neighbourhood’s teens of his age only knew one thing.

“Hey, reject!” he heard the boy from across the street call. Gabriella’s laughter faltered into silence. “Is it true that you two are mix breeds? Like mutts?”

In Tristan’s mind, there was no explanation as to what the blond teen with the crooked teeth, surrounded by his friends, meant, as they stood on the other side of the fence.

A friend of the boy commented. “My dad said that your family all hate you and your parents.” Tristan drew his hands into fists. “Which is likely why you have nothing other to do all day than to play with your little sister, because you are all mutts…and inbreeders.”

Gabriella’s tiny hand grabbed onto his. Her smile was fractured and her eyes were teary. As a child, she knew very well when they were being made fun of and Tristan feared he wouldn’t always be able to help her avoid these situations, but while he still could, he would protect her from the evil.

He bent down and whispered, “Go inside and draw. I’ll be with you now.” Her big brown eyes were wide, but she quickly scurried into the house. He faced the group of boys and hoped for a miracle.

“We heard your mum works, just like your father, so since none of our mums do, it must mean you are poor. My father said that
you lot
living here is bringing down our property value,” the first boy said.

“That is fantastic. You are able to use big words.” Tristan casually walked to the tap, closed the sprayer, and faced the kid he was already not fond of.

“You’re lucky I don’t want to get your lice on me. Otherwise I would’ve tackled you into next week.” The boy spitefully grunted.

“Don’t get too excited though. I heard you didn’t make the football team.” Tristan’s retaliation didn’t at all impress the boy. “Tackling is still a requirement, if I’m not mistaken.”

“You shut your mouth! My father will get me onto the team. You just wait and see!” Tristan laughed at him. “What is so funny?”

“Just that you are so pathetic, you need to be bought a place on the team.” This infuriated the boy, who then came into the yard and attempted to punch Tristan, but he anticipated it and ducked out of the way. Again the boy’s attempt came up empty as he hit the air next to Tristan’s face. Sadly, his luck had run out and the boy’s friends had grabbed hold of him, allowing the boy to place a solid punch right onto Tristan’s chin and then a second to his left eye.