Chapter 1: Mystery

Alexandria Thomas pressed against the railing surrounding the upper floor of the dance club and stared down at the dancers below. She loved to watch them, and would have loved to dance herself, if she thought she could. Perching her chin in the palm of her hand, she watched the dark-haired couple that dominated the dance floor. “I wouldn’t mind being that girl,” she thought. “He is so cute, and he can really dance, too.”

“Xandri. Earth to Xandri. Come in, Xandri.”

Startled, Xandri turned to look across the table at her friend Cindy. The blonde was watching her impatiently. Her two other friends, another blonde named Janice and a brunette, Trina, were also watching her. Feeling her cheeks heat, she shifted her chair to face her friends and smiled sheepishly. Xandri tucked a lock of chestnut hair behind her ear and shrugged.

“You’re turning into a voyeur,” Cindy said, rolling her eyes. “You’d think you’ve never seen a guy before.”

“It isn’t that,” Xandri said, staring down at the tabletop. “I like to watch the dancers.”

“Our little Xandri is so innocent,” Janice teased. “Never even been kissed, have you?”

“I ... I have too,” Xandri stammered, her cheeks turning even redder.

There was no use in explaining herself, because they couldn’t understand. When you were raised by nuns and kept out of school, it tended to make one a late bloomer. The first time Xandri had even been in a school was college, and she hadn’t gotten to start until she was twenty. The sisters got the money for me to go, though, she thought, smiling to herself. So maybe it was odd, especially in this day and age. “I can’t help it,” Xandri thought. “People don’t interest me all that much.”

True, she was friends with Cindy, Janice, and Trina, and she liked them; she truly did. And she enjoyed watching the dancers; this was true also. She had just been so disappointed by people. Either they were too reserved, keeping all of themselves in and hiding behind masks, or they were too unreserved, holding absolutely nothing back. There are no shades of gray, Xandri thought, sighing. It isn’t like a picture ... with people, everything is black and white.

“Earth to Xandri,” Cindy said again, starting to sound frustrated. “Did you hear me?”

“Huh? Oh, sorry.” Xandri grinned sheepishly. “What was that?”

Cindy rolled her eyes. “I was asking you who you kissed. You never said you had a boyfriend.”

Oops. When it came to her friends, Xandri had a horrible knack for getting herself in deep. If it weren’t for the fact that she’d seen how much they cared for her, she might have been annoyed by their questions. It was just that she was quiet, always absorbed in the single love of her life: pictures. Xandri hugged her camera case to her chest and shrugged.

“It ... it ... is it really important?” she stammered. “It’s not a big deal.”

“Kissing someone isn’t a big deal?” Janice’s eyebrows shot up. “Then you could just kiss anyone?”

“I ... I guess so,” Xandri replied, not liking where this was going.

“So you could kiss the next guy to walk through the door, then?” Trina teased.

“You know,” Xandri said, scowling. “Sometimes I wonder why I’m friends with you guys...”

They all laughed. Cindy reached over and ruffled her hair playfully. She knew they were teasing her, but she was beginning to feel irritated. Xandri pulled the strap of her camera case up onto her shoulder and stood up. She pushed her chair in roughly; they always stuck a bit to the floor for some reason.

“Fine,” Xandri said, lifting her chin stubbornly. “I’ll do it.”

“Xandri, wait,” Janice called after her. “We were just teasing, Xandri, come back here!”

I’m not going to do it, Xandri thought, rolling her eyes at herself. Of course I’m not, why would I? Her friends already thought she was a wimp. Besides, knowing her luck, the next guy to walk through the door would be some bald, fat guy who wouldn’t even have the redeeming factor of being a nice guy. Xandri had tried, at first, to like everyone, but she’d discovered quickly that bullies lurked everywhere. They weren’t just the people who thought they were better than others because they were rich or good-looking.

She looked up as she approached the door, and her heart stuttered in her chest. He is the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen, she thought, feeling her cheeks burn. Long, dark hair was pulled back into a neat, tidy ponytail. He had a thin, elegant face with high cheekbones and a full mouth, but a slightly long nose that kept him from looking feminine. As Xandri got closer, she could see pale blue eyes, but they were distracted, and he didn’t notice her approaching.

She glanced back at her friends, who were still watching her, then at the man. What the hell? Xandri thought, shrugging to herself. You only live once. Her stomach churned. She wound her way through the crowd and came to a halt in front of the mystery man. He stopped, startled, and turned his pale blue eyes to regard her with mild curiosity. He was much taller than she was. Xandri hesitated for a moment, then stood up on her toes and pressed her mouth awkwardly to his.

The man definitely wasn’t expecting that. His hands caught hold of her wrists, and she thought he was going to push her away. Instead, he dragged her closer, taking control of the kiss. Xandri found it suddenly very hard to breathe. His mouth was warm and passionate. He coaxed her lips open and dipped his tongue into her mouth. The sensation of his tongue sliding up along hers jolted her out of the spell, and she jerked back, heat creeping up her cheeks.

Mortified, Xandri ducked her head and pushed through the crowd and out the door. She raced out into the parking lot, into cool autumn night air, but didn’t stop running until she’d reached her car. Skidding to a halt, she unlocked the door with trembling fingers and yanked it open. Xandri flopped down into the driver’s seat, pulled the door shut, and sat there, panting. What has gotten into me? she wondered, lifting her hands and pressing them to her burning cheeks.

Her friends had only been joking with her, after all. Xandri fumbled with the straps on her camera case. She pulled the camera out and ran her fingers over it, taking comfort in the contours of it. Since she’d started college, it had been her only real passion. She loved taking pictures, especially black-and-white ones. I don’t understand myself, Xandri thought, sighing heavily. I know it’s not really the way I was raised ... I’m just cold, for some reason.

She wasn’t nearly as innocent as some people seemed to think. Her friends thought she was shy and naïve, and that was why she didn’t have a boyfriend. Xandri supposed it was a reasonable assumption; after all, it didn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that she was a virgin. But it’s my own choice, she thought, leaning back in her seat. I just want to focus on taking pictures ... there isn’t anything else that matters.

Then again, maybe she ought to see a psychiatrist or something. It couldn’t be normal, not at her age. I’ll talk to Bea, she thought. She keeps saying I remind her of a friend of hers, so that means there’s at least one other person like me. But she wouldn’t see Bea until class on Monday, so Xandri was going to have to wait.

---

Quinn had decided, after long deliberation, to go to the club Sada and Alastair had gone to, at least for a short while. He’d gone later than they had, though. To be honest, he wasn’t sure he really wanted to be there. Although he’d been trying to get over Sada, it hadn’t been easy. Instead, he was just sinking further into depression. She was a good friend, and the part of Quinn that wasn’t jealous of his brother was happy for him. Unfortunately, the part of him that was jealous was bigger than the part that was happy.

The club was noisy and crowded. He didn’t see Sada and Alastair when he got inside, but they were probably down on the dance floor. Tonight, they were celebrating their engagement, just another thing for Quinn to be jealous of. He searched the crowd as he made his way slowly forward, wondering if he could find some entertainment. He hadn’t done anything of the sort since he’d started developing feelings for Sada, but maybe he could get his mind off her.

Someone came to an abrupt halt in front of him, and he pulled up, startled. Quinn looked down at the girl. Chestnut hair fell down to just below her shoulder blades. She had a pixie-ish face, with a pointed chin and a full, stubbornly set mouth. Too large eyes were dark blue in color, surrounded by long, dreamy lashes. Strawberry freckles sprinkled over her nose and cheekbones, changing her from awkwardly plain to almost painfully cute. She’s tiny, Quinn thought; not just because she was short, but she was also thin, just shy of too thin.

To his complete surprise, she stood up on her toes and kissed him! It was an awkward kiss, as though she didn’t know how. Quinn grabbed hold of her wrists, amazed at how small they were; he could easily wrap his fingers around them. He meant to push her away. He’d fully intended to stop her. Instead, he found himself pulling her closer. He took over the kiss, guiding her lips open with his, and dipped his tongue into her mouth. She tasted so sweet that he pressed forward, determined for more.

The girl pulled away from him before he got the chance. Without looking up, without even saying anything, she pushed past him and raced away. Quinn stared after her, confused, and not just for the obvious reasons. While he’d never been celibate, it wasn’t like him to let his passion get the jump on him like that. In fact, that was one thing he tried to avoid above all other things. Quinn pushed his fingers back through his hair, shrugged, and headed deeper into the club.

A peek over the railing showed that that was indeed where Sada and Alastair were. Well, at least they’re having fun, he thought, dropping down into a seat at an empty table. Normally Quinn loved to watch Sada dance, but it was difficult to enjoy tonight. Even if he hadn’t given up on her, his chances got slimmer by the day. I’m so pathetic, he thought, dropping his head onto his arms. I have to be the most disgusting creature on the face of the earth.

“Quinn, you look like someone kicked your puppy.”

He jumped just a bit. Lifting his head, he looked up to see Sada and Alastair standing in front of his table. Sweat glimmered on their skin, and they were both breathing heavily. Alastair had no problem pulling out a chair and sitting down, but Sada waited until he beckoned for her to sit. Quinn propped his head up in his hands and glared morosely at Alastair.

“We’ve never had a dog,” Quinn reminded him. He glanced at Sada. “Dad’s allergic. He absolutely hates for anyone to see him with his eyes watering and his nose running.”

Sada laughed. “I’ll just bet. Your dad is such a tough guy.”

“That’s what you think,” Alastair muttered, rolling his eyes. “You haven’t seen him around Mom too much. It’s disgusting.”

“And that makes you two what, precisely?” Quinn asked.

Sada giggled, reaching across the table to take Alastair’s hand in hers. Quinn sighed, turning his gaze to stare out at the dance floor. There were plenty of pretty girls here, but suddenly he wasn’t interested in that. A hand rested on his, and he glanced sideways at Sada. Despite his resolution to behave and to stop trying to make his brother jealous, Quinn wrapped his fingers around hers.

“Let’s dance,” Sada said quietly.

“Ah ... but what about...” Quinn hedged, glancing at Alastair.

“Just don’t touch anywhere you’re not supposed to if you want to be able to paint tomorrow,” Alastair warned.

Sada laughed and tugged him along, down the stairs and onto the dance floor. It was a slow song, and he was thrilled that he got to hold her. Quinn rested his head against hers and was sure to keep his hands politely on her lower back. Not because Alastair had threatened him, but because he respected her.

“I can’t get over you,” Quinn murmured.

“You’ll find someone, Quinn,” Sada assured him. “Someone who’s much better suited to you than I am.”

“I...” Quinn began, but paused. He considered for a moment, then found himself telling her what had happened moments before. Although she did seem surprised that some strange girl had kissed him, she didn’t express much else as he explained his reaction to her. Pheromones, Quinn thought, as he reviewed the incident in his head. That’s probably what made me react like that.

“Well, you’ve been pining over me for so long,” Sada teased gently. “Maybe your body is just telling you it’s time to get over it.”

“Something like that,” Quinn agreed. “So, did you see that I’m looking for a new model?”

“Sorry, Quinn,” Sada said. “You know I can’t. Alastair and I are getting ready for the contest ... got to defend our title, you know.”

Quinn sighed. “I know...”

The music changed from slow to fast, then signaling the end of their dance. Even if he had danced to faster music, Alastair came down onto the dance floor. Sada’s eyes lit up when she saw him. Quinn let her go and headed back up to the table he’d been sitting at. He dropped back into his chair with a heavy sigh. I wanted someone who would look at me like that, he thought, but maybe it’s time to change what I want.

If, perhaps, he found someone in whom to seek some solace ... After all, he’d never been very good at emotional relationships. Well, not since that time, Quinn thought morosely. It’s just better if I try not to get tangled in those things. He began searching the crowd for someone who could distract him. A blonde, sitting alone at a table across the room, caught his eye. She looked lonely and vulnerable.

I’d hate myself in the morning, he thought, shaking his head. Quinn fished out his wallet and flipped it open, finding a much battered slip of paper with a phone number on it. He could call her. She was always willing to have some fun with him, even when he hadn’t called her in a while. It’s been over a year, he thought, but she’d probably still want to. Quinn stared at the paper for a long moment, then looked up, toward the exit.

An image flashed into his mind, of dark blue eyes and strawberry freckles. He bet she had a birthmark somewhere in that same color. He bet it would be fun to find it. Such an innocent face, Quinn thought, his eyes drifting shut. He gave himself a shake, then put the slip of paper back into his wallet and put his wallet away. I’ve got to find someone before I drive myself crazy, he thought.

His eyes flicked open. Laughter drifted up from the dance floor. Quinn looked over the railing and saw Sada and Alastair dancing together. He watched as his brother bent to kiss her. Pushing himself to his feet, he began making his way towards the exit. Suddenly, Quinn thought, I’m no longer in the mood to have fun with anyone.

Chapter 2: Model

“What do you think, Xandri, should I go for it?”

Startled, Xandri turned her attention to Janice, who was studying a piece of paper. She glanced over her friend’s shoulder at the paper; it was an advertisement for an artist who was looking for a model. If she hadn’t been waiting for Bea, she wouldn’t get stuck in this. Xandri didn’t like it when her friends asked for her opinion on this sort of thing. She thought it was such a waste of time.

“It’s up to you,” Xandri answered, shrugging.

“But it’s Quinn Wolfe,” Janice sighed.

“Is he famous or something?” Xandri asked.

Janice stared at her. “Of course he is! Well ... maybe not quite as much as he used to be. But still ... he’s supposed to be dreamy!”

Xandri fought to keep from rolling her eyes. So what? she thought. Is he a good artist? That’s what’s important. She turned away from Janice and finished packing her camera away. As she was doing that, Bea approached, heading down the ramp from the second floor. Bea was a petite redhead with a figure even Xandri envied. She had a camera with her, as well, and a folder full of pictures she said she wanted to bring to her friend.

“You’ve got to come with me,” Janice said, grabbing Xandri’s arm.

“What? But ... but I can’t...” Xandri stammered, pulling her arm away. “I’m going with Bea.”

“Where are you going?” Bea asked Janice.

“Look,” Janice replied, handing the paper to Bea.

Bea read it over, then smirked. “Why don’t we go with her, Xan?”

“I guess...” Xandri said, frowning.

Bea flashed a smile that said she knew more than she was letting on. I’d better just go with it, Xandri thought, sighing. She followed Bea and Janice out of the building and down to Janice’s car. This was not how she wanted to be spending her afternoon. Fortunately, it was, at the least, a short ride. Their destination was a large house in the suburbs. That’s a beautiful house, Xandri thought, eyeing it wistfully. It must be wonderful to live in there.

She trailed behind Janice and Bea as they headed to the door. Janice had no problem going up and ringing the doorbell. She chattered anxiously until the door opened. Xandri stared at the man standing in the doorway. It’s him! she thought, her eyes widening. From the club! His hair was down and it was kind of messy, but she wouldn’t ever forget that face. Or those eyes! So pale blue, like the color of the sky in spring.

“Can I help you?” the man asked, looking them over curiously. “Oh, Bea, hello. Alanna’s upstairs.”

“Right,” Bea said, grinning. “Come on Xan ... Xandri? What’s wrong?”

She knew she was staring, but she couldn’t help it. This was the man she’d kissed at the club, and Bea knew him! He looked straight at her, his eyebrows raising, and Xandri felt her cheeks burn. She took a step back, dropping her gaze to her toes, which scuffed at the ground nervously.

“I ... I’m sorry...” Xandri stammered. “The other night ... I shouldn’t have ... it was a dare, you see...”

The man’s eyebrows rose further. “Excuse me?”

“Oh!” Janice exclaimed, suddenly realizing. “Is he the one you kissed, Xandri?”

“Yes,” Xandri said, at the same time the man said, “No.”

Bea started laughing. Frustrated, Xandri looked over at her and scowled. What’s so damn funny? she wondered, glancing from Bea to the man and back again. The man was laughing too, now. He turned slightly, enough to look back into the house.

“Hey, Quinn!” he called. “You’ve got visitors! Get down here!”

Confused, Xandri stared into the house. Soft footsteps came from within, and then another man stepped into the doorway. Oh my, she thought, unable to keep herself from staring. There are two of them! This new man, Quinn, looked just like the other, except his hair was a bit shorter and pulled neatly back. Also, he wore a pair of glasses. These he took off as he inspected him, and when his eyes fell on Xandri, they widened slightly in recognition.

Janice turned to stare at her. “You kissed Quinn Wolfe and you didn’t tell me?” she hissed.

“I didn’t know!” Xandri said defensively, lifting her hands. “Honestly, I didn’t.”

“You have been busy, haven’t you?” the first man teased.

“I’m Janice,” Janice said, cutting into the conversation and offering Quinn her hand. “I saw that you were looking for models...”

“Right,” Quinn said.

His eyes lingered for a moment on Xandri, then he turned and headed back into the house, beckoning for Janice to follow. Xandri’s heart was pounding so loudly that she was afraid that someone else might hear it. She glanced at Bea, who was still grinning, then at the other man. Feeling like she ought to do something, she stuck her hand out.

“I’m Xandri,” she said. “Uh ... Alexandria Thomas...”

“Alastair Wolfe,” the man said, taking her hand. “Quinn’s my twin, as you can no doubt see.”

To her surprise, Alastair lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles gently. She felt her face turn red, and suspected that even her freckles were blushing. Bea was grinning at her still. When Alastair turned and led them into the house, Xandri followed in a daze. She didn’t snap out of it until a girl came bounding down the stairs. She had light brown hair, shot through with streaks of honey gold, and her demeanor was bouncy and cheerful. She looked to be only a year or so younger than Xandri herself.

“Bea!” the girl chirped. “Who’s your friend?”

“Alexandria, this is my friend, Alanna Wolfe,” Bea said. “Alanna, this is Xandri. She goes to school with me. We’re in the same class.”

“Oh, she’s the one you told me about,” Alanna said. “How are you, Xandri?”

“Uh ... um ... well...” Xandri stammered.

“She just met Alastair and Quinn,” Bea explained.

Alanna laughed. “Ah, I see. Come with me, then.”

Bea followed Alanna as she headed up the stairs, so Xandri followed them both. The house was as big inside as it looked outside; upstairs they went all the way down the hall into a room at the end. It was a big room, with a queen-sized bed and numerous bits of furniture. Everything, from the bed frame to the walls, had been carefully painted. The furniture had a more traditional paint job, but each one of the four walls was a giant mural. Looking up, Xandri saw that the ceiling was painted, too.

“Amazing, isn’t it?” Bea asked. “Alanna did all of it herself.”

Xandri glanced at Alanna. “How do you live here?”

She blushed. Xandri hadn’t meant to be so rude, but Alanna just laughed. She beckoned to a giant stuffed cushion on the floor. Bea sat, so Xandri followed suit, perching there nervously. She just listened silently as Bea explained what she had learned, about Xandri kissing Quinn. By the time she was done, Alanna’s eyes were sparkling mischievously.

“Do you have a boyfriend?” she asked.

“No,” Xandri replied, scowling. “I wouldn’t have kissed him if I did. But that isn’t why I’m here...”

Alanna laughed softly. There was nothing malicious in her laughter, and Xandri found she didn’t mind. She relaxed on the cushion and found that it was just about the most comfortable thing she’d ever sat on. Something about Alanna was reassuring and comforting, and Xandri found herself spilling out her whole problem to her. When she was done, Alanna sat quietly for a moment, then nodded.

“How old are you?” she asked.

“Twenty-three,” Xandri answered, blushing. “I ... I was raised in a convent. It’s not that I’m religious, I just ... I’ve never felt any need for a boyfriend or anything ... or even any attraction, really, except...”

“Except my brother?” Alanna teased. “It’s okay, plenty of girls suffer from that. But it isn’t as strange as you think, to not be interested. You’re into photography, right?”

Xandri nodded. “I love it.”

“That’s an art form,” Alanna said. “And a lot of artists don’t ever develop an interest in the opposite sex. My drawing teacher never married, for example.”

That, at least, made Xandri feel a little better. She leaned forward, propping her head up in her hands, and smiled slightly. “So, tell me about your brother...”

---

Quinn sighed. This Janice girl was kind of boring. Okay, she’s really boring, he thought, fighting not to roll his eyes. Sure, she was pretty, but that was about it. He could use her for a model, though. There were only a couple of weeks left until the next showing, and he didn’t have a centerpiece. But she was still talking, and Quinn’s mind kept flitting elsewhere; namely upstairs to the girl who’d kissed him.

It was odd, because she wasn’t nearly as pretty as the blonde. She was somewhat plain, as he’d noticed on the first night, but also cute, in a way. Those freckles were adorable. Compared to someone like Sada, she was an ugly duck, and yet Quinn found there was something attractive about her nonetheless. In an aesthetic sense, he thought, rather than a sexual sense. Except for her mouth. She had the most sensual mouth he’d ever seen in his life.

“So, you live with your parents?” Janice asked, breaking into his thoughts at last.

“No,” Quinn answered. “But I find models are more willing to come to a house than an apartment somewhere. So, your friend up there...?”

“Xandri,” Janice said, smiling sweetly. “She’s a good girl, but really innocent and naïve, I’m afraid.”

Quinn’s eyebrows rose. “Xandri?”

“Her full name is Alexandria,” Janice explained. “But Alexandria is a name for a tall, sophisticated businesswoman ... not a cute little moppet like our Xandri.”

Quinn tried not to wince. Maybe Janice wasn’t a bad friend, per se, but she wasn’t making a good impression on him. She’s Xandri’s friend up until the point where it interferes with something she wants, he thought, frowning. I can’t stand girls like that. With good reason, of course. His brother’s ex-girlfriend, Melissa, had taken that attitude to an extreme level.

“I suppose you’ll do,” Quinn said, interrupting her. “I’ll give you my address. Come see me tomorrow afternoon.”

Janice looked slightly taken aback. “Oh ... okay...”

Laughter trickled down the stairs. He looked up; his sister Alanna, her friend Bea, and little Xandri came trundling down into the living room. Alanna brought them into the kitchen, where he and Janice were sitting. Quinn found himself watching Xandri covertly from beneath his lashes. What the hell is wrong with me? he wondered. I’m never this bad. But there was something about her, all the same. Something in her eyes.

“So Xandri,” Janice said loudly, above the conversation Alanna was having with Bea. “I’m going to be modeling for Quinn. Isn’t that great?”

“Yeah,” Xandri answered, smiling. “Congrats, Janice.”

“Didn’t you want to model?” Quinn asked.

Xandri turned to stare at him. He almost flushed; the words had been out of his mouth before he’d realized what he was saying. Janice was trying hard not to look outraged, and Alanna and Bea were smirking. Damnit, Quinn thought, scowling. That’s a real good way to get myself in deep. Xandri finally smiled, a sort of melancholy smile, and shook her head.

“I’m not suited to that sort of thing,” Xandri said. “I’m too plain.”

“That’s more of a challenge,” Quinn said, hoping to cover up his blunder. “Pretty people can be so boring.”

He winced inwardly. That didn’t work, at least not the way he wanted. Now Xandri was looking irritated, and so was Janice. What the hell is wrong with me? Quinn thought, giving himself a mental shake. I’m usually so smooth with girls. The only girl who ever flustered him was his sister, because she saw through him. No Aura of Smooth could daze Alanna. That’s what it is, he thought. She doesn’t come off as the kind of girl who would be fooled by too much of that.

“What is this, a gathering?”

That was Alastair. He was peeking into the kitchen, his eyebrows raised curiously. Sada must be coming here, Quinn thought, his heart almost stopping. He forgot all about Xandri when he thought about Sada.

“Xandri is in photography with Bea,” Alanna told Alastair. “Bea says she’s even better than her. You should get her to do the photos at your wedding.”

Xandri blushed. “I ... I’m not ... not really...”

“I’ll consider it,” Alastair said, winking at Xandri. “I’d much rather have a cute female photographer than some guy, anyway.”

“I’ll be sure to tell your girlfriend that when I see her,” Xandri shot back, grinning.

Alastair laughed. He grabbed a can of soda from the fridge, then reached out and ruffled Alanna’s hair playfully and left the kitchen. Xandri’s cheeks were a little pink, Quinn noticed, but he was too pleased seeing his brother put in his place. She’s got guts, he thought. She looks innocent, but there’s more than that there. That was it. She had depth, where Janice didn’t. And she wasn’t someone he knew, like his sister or Bea. Give it some time, Quinn thought, and she’ll be just as boring as everyone else.

---

Xandri let out a sigh of relief when Janice finally said she was ready to go. They had been there for hours, and while she liked Alanna, she felt awkward around Quinn. I can’t believe I kissed him, she thought, for what had to be the thousandth time. What was I thinking? I don’t even know him. Plus, Janice’s flirting was sickening. Xandri watched Quinn for the usual behavior guys had around her friend, but he seemed cool and indifferent.

“Come visit again,” Alanna said, smiling. “It was nice to meet you.”

“Same here,” Xandri said.

“I’ll show you out,” Alanna told them, beckoning towards the living room.

They began to file out of the kitchen, Alanna, then Bea, then Janice, who paused to wave at Quinn. Xandri rolled her eyes and stepped into the living room behind her friend. She hesitated, glancing over her shoulder, then sighed. I guess I’d better, she thought, turning and stepping back into the kitchen. Hopefully, she could get this done quickly, before anyone realized she wasn’t behind them.

“Um ... I uh...” Xandri stammered. She cleared her throat, then tried again. “I wanted to apologize...”

“For what?” Quinn asked quietly.

Xandri looked up. “At the club ... I shouldn’t have ... it was really stupid ... and uh ... rude...”

“I didn’t think it was rude,” Quinn murmured, a slight smile tilting the corners of his lips. “I thought it was hot.”

Xandri’s cheeks burned. She turned away; if he didn’t think it was rude, there was no need to stay any longer. Strong fingers caught her wrist. She couldn’t stop him from turning her back to face him. Quinn lifted her hand, but he didn’t kiss it like his brother had. He drew her index finger into his mouth and sucked on it gently. For a moment, Xandri’s mind stuttered. Then she jerked her hand away from him.

“You ... you’re...” Xandri stammered.

“Fair’s fair,” Quinn said, grinning. “You kissed me without my permission, after all.”

Xandri scowled. “Fine. But don’t do it again.”

She spun on her heel and stomped out of the kitchen. Soft laughter followed her. Alanna, Bea, and Janice were waiting for her in front of the door. Xandri, whose cheeks were still red, stared at the floor and brushed past them, mumbling for them to follow her. I can’t believe he did that, she thought, rubbing her fingers. What is he playing at? Her heart was racing, and that was something she didn’t like.

---

After that, even I think I’m an asshole, Quinn thought, leaning back in his chair. He couldn’t help himself. It was so fun to tease her. She turned red and squirmed uncomfortably. Flirting might not work on her for long, but blatant seduction would. Seducing her could prove to be amusing. Ugh, Quinn thought, dropping his head down to the table. I hate what I’m becoming. A hand rested on his shoulder, making him jump. It was Alanna.

“She’s young,” Alanna said quietly. “Emotionally, she’s barely more than a child...”

“So, even you’ve lost faith in me,” Quinn muttered.

“No, I haven’t,” Alanna said. “I know what you’ve been through ... and I know it won’t destroy you.”

“It already has,” Quinn shot back, standing up.

He ignored the look she gave him, the look that always made him feel like such a cad. After all, he had work to do. As he left the kitchen, though, he heard her speak, “You haven’t been destroyed until you deny that you are...”

Chapter 3: Passion

Xandri’s stomach rumbled so noisily that she clapped her hands over it. She was in the car with Janice, Bea, and Alanna, traveling to the museum where the Wolfe family art show was taking place. I’m starving, she thought, sighing. Too bad there’s nothing at home to eat. Xandri needed to get some food, but she didn’t have the money just yet. She didn’t get paid until Tuesday, and it was only Saturday.

“Hey, I’m hungry,” Alanna said suddenly. “You guys hungry?”

“Not really,” Janice answered coolly. She and Alanna, it turned out, did not much like each other.

“Um ... well, I am,” Xandri said softly. “I uh ... well, I was excited this morning...”

Bea laughed. “And you spent all your money this week on film, right?”

Xandri blushed. Bea knew her so well. Alanna laughed softly, but Xandri could see her eyes in the rearview mirror, and aside from humor there was a spark of understanding. Janice huffed and rolled her eyes; she wanted to get to the museum quickly. To see Quinn, Xandri thought, biting her lip. She’s been all over him ... I can kind of understand why Alanna doesn’t like her. Janice didn’t flirt so much as glomp, and it was disturbing to watch.

“All right, let’s just pick up Sada, then we’ll get something,” Alanna said. “Dunkin’ Donuts good?”

“Ooo, croissant sandwich,” Xandri cooed.

Alanna laughed. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

Alastair was helping set up the gallery, so he’d asked them to pick up Sada. They pulled into the parking lot of the apartment the two of them shared and found Sada waiting already. She’s so pretty, Xandri thought, sighing. Janice isn’t even close to being as pretty. It wasn’t just Sada’s physical features; there was a lot of personality that showed through in her face. She liked folks like that.

“Have we eaten yet?” Sada asked, as soon as she had slid into the car next to Xandri. “I wasn’t awake when Alastair left, so I haven’t.”

“We’re stopping,” Alanna told her. “Alastair let you sleep? How sweet.”

“I told him to wake me,” Sada said, scowling. “I’ll get him back for that later.”

Xandri smiled to herself. Although she’d only spent a few afternoons with Alanna, she enjoyed her company, and she liked her family, too. Her mother and father were kind, the sort of parents Xandri herself would have liked to have. And Alastair was very nice, always greeting her when he saw her, and speaking to her as if she was one of the family. Only Quinn remained elusive. Maybe that’s a good thing, she thought, feeling her cheeks heat.

They stopped at Dunkin’ Donuts and went through the drive-thru. Xandri ordered sausage, egg, and cheese on a croissant, and a medium coffee. She didn’t usually drink it, but she’d been so excited last night she hadn’t gotten nearly enough sleep. Sada, Alanna, and Bea shared a box of Munchkins, but Janice refused to eat anything. Trying to keep herself thin, Xandri thought, rolling her eyes. She should try having no money for food, that would work. Although she did bring that on herself to a small extent, always spending money for photography supplies.

They had finished eating by the time they reached the museum. Alanna got special parking and they were able to get inside easily. Xandri couldn’t seem to keep her eyes still; they wandered from exhibit to exhibit as she passed. There were so many different kinds of art here. And the Wolfe family had a whole gallery all to themselves, too. Each was sectioned off for a member of the family: Aislinn, Alanna, Quinn, and...

Xandri frowned and moved away from the rest of the group to inspect the works in the fourth section. It was all sculpture, much of it sort of abstract, but all of it rather lovely, in a rough way. She particularly liked a solid white statue, probably porcelain, that looked somewhat like two lovers intertwined. It’s poetic, Xandri thought, fingering her camera and wondering if anyone would be upset if she took pictures.

“Do you like them?”

Xandri jumped as hands came down on her shoulders. She looked up into the nearly black eyes of Gabriel Wolfe. Oh, my, she thought, swallowing hard, her mouth suddenly dry. He’s gorgeous, too ... and he’s in his forties! The Wolfe family was absolute murder on the female heart.

“They’re very ... expressive,” Xandri responded quietly. “I like how they look ... like the creator just did it because he enjoyed it. Are they yours, Mr. Wolfe?”

“Gabriel, please,” Gabriel corrected, smiling. “Mr. Wolfe makes me feel so old. And yes, they are. When Alastair and Quinn were about five, I took them to do some working with clay as a treat. Turns out I enjoyed it more than they did.”

Xandri laughed. “They must have been so cute at that age.”

“Have Alanna show you pictures next time you’re over,” Gabriel told her. “They are really something.”

Xandri amused herself by traveling through each section, studying the artwork. Aislinn’s work was the most refined, because she’d been doing it the longest. Alanna’s work was more whimsical than her mother’s, often of fantasy creatures and wild landscapes. Quinn’s work was ... well. It lacked something, Xandri thought, fiddling with the strap holding her camera around her neck. It’s really good, but there’s something missing.

Soon the museum was opening up to the public. They’ve got two days, Xandri thought, leaning against a wall out of the way. Plenty of times for fans, but also for critics. She knew there were going to be art critics, too. Alanna had mentioned that sometimes reporters from newspapers came in. Xandri did see some people who looked like they might be more official, but it wasn’t until noon that anyone drew any attention.

“A real shame. He was so talented when he was younger, but now he’s just a hack.”

All attention turned to an older man standing in the section of Quinn’s paintings and drawings. He had to be at least sixty, and he carried a cane, although he spent more time swinging it around as he talked than actually leaning on it. Xandri inched closer to hear what he was saying to the woman next to him, who was probably a reporter, based on the notepad she was holding.

“They seem pretty good,” the woman said, pressing the tip of her pen to her lips.

“Bah, what do you know?” the old man growled. “I’m the one who knows what I’m talking about. There’s no life in these ... no passion. Especially that one, there.”

Xandri winced. The picture he was indicating was the one Janice had sat for, the centerpiece of the show, in a way. It was just as much a picture of her lying on a bed, covered in a thin sheet. I have to admit, it’s kind of boring, Xandri thought. She watched the old man and the woman walk away, then glanced around for Janice and Quinn. Janice was in the middle of a group following the old man, complaining loudly. Quinn stood against a window, away from everyone else, staring out at the street.

Xandri wound her way towards him, mostly because she felt as though she needed to do something, and she didn’t want to talk to Janice. Quinn didn’t even look at her when she approached, though. She wasn’t sure what to say, and the way he scowled down at the street was definitely a deterrent. She was just about to leave when he spoke.

“Do you think he’s right?” Quinn asked quietly.

Xandri didn’t even think before she answered. “I do.”

Quinn looked at her sharply. Oops, Xandri thought, cringing. That was probably not the right answer.

“It’s not that I don’t think you’re good,” Xandri added quickly. “You’re spot on, technically. There just ... there’s something missing.”

“And what do you know?” Quinn demanded. “You don’t paint.”

“But I take pictures,” Xandri said stubbornly. “I know what it’s like when you love doing something. You ... you don’t love this.”

Quinn turned to stare at her. She bit her lip; those pale blue eyes made her feel vulnerable, as if she was standing there naked. Xandri took a step back, lifting her hands up to clutch her camera against her chest. It was her most prized possession, like a child with a teddy bear. Quinn leaned back against the window, facing her, and crossed his arms over his chest.

“I did love it, once,” he said quietly. “Now I don’t love anything.”

Xandri frowned. That’s really sad, she thought, taking a tentative step forward. If he really did love it once, he must have been good. What a depressing thought, that one could fall out of love with something like this. Then an idea exploded into Xandri’s mind, so forcefully that she was surprised no one could see the thoughts moving through her head.

“Do you have a car?” she asked.

“Yes...” Quinn answered, eyeing her curiously.

“Then grab your keys,” Xandri said, spinning on her heel and starting through the crowd. “I have something I want to show you.”

“Now?” Quinn called after her, not budging from his spot in front of the window.

Xandri glanced back over her shoulder and rolled her eyes. “Of course, now! Let’s go!”

---

Quinn wasn’t sure what Xandri had up her sleeve, or why he’d decided to go with her. She gave him directions as they went, and it wasn’t long before they were in the middle of nowhere. She looks cute, he thought, glancing sidelong at her. Just plain blue jeans, a shirt of orange (not bright orange, sort of dull orange), and a jean jacket over it. Her camera hung around her neck. Quinn had never seen her without it.

“I’m not a fashion bug,” Xandri said, scowling and plucking at her t-shirt. “Plain and simple, that’s me.”

“Not a problem, believe me,” Quinn assured her. “Your friend wears so much perfume I thought I was going to die.”

Xandri laughed. “I hate perfume and stuff. Some men’s colognes aren’t so bad, but most guys wear too much, which defeats the purpose. Oh, take a right here!”

Quinn turned the car. They were at the foothills of mountains, although he had never been here before. As soon as he stopped the car, Xandri got out and started up into the hills. He struggled to follow her; it wasn’t that he wasn’t strong, but he wasn’t used to the terrain. She, however, scrambled easily upward without a break in stride. Quinn followed her up and up, and he was panting by the time she stopped.

“I love coming out here to take pictures,” Xandri said, turning back to look at him. “Oh! Are you all right?”

“Not... used to this,” Quinn panted, shaking his head. “I’ll be... fine.”

Xandri shrugged, then started moving again. She had no fear, it seemed, even when the mountainside dropped away abruptly, leaving only a thin ledge for them to squeeze past. She scrambled across in seconds, and had to wait while he inched his way along the wall. It’s not that I’m afraid of heights, Quinn thought, scowling. But any normal person would be wary up here.

“You’ve got to see this waterfall,” Xandri said, grabbing his hand as he reached her. “It’s so pretty, especially for something way up here.”

Quinn stared down at the small fingers closed around his. She seemed to be completely unfazed by him, because she tugged him along like a favorite toy. Like I used to be, he realized. Once I got something in my head, I forgot everything else until it was done. He allowed Xandri to pull him along until they reached the waterfall she’d told him about. It was beautiful, falling from so high up he could barely see the top, and spilling down the side of the mountain.

“I like it up here,” Xandri said, finally coming to a halt. “It’s so peaceful.”

“Do you take pictures?” Quinn asked, gently pulling his hand from hers.

Xandri nodded. “All the time. My teacher finally got frustrated and told me to find other places.”

Quinn chuckled. He watched as Xandri sprang from stones in the stream beneath the waterfall and jumped to the opposite bank. She did it so quickly and easily that she didn’t get wet. He, however, wasn’t quite as lucky. He struggled across, flailing for balance, and got thoroughly soaked by the spray from the waterfall. Xandri watched him, her hands clapped over her mouth in an attempt to stifle her giggling.

“Yeah, yeah, very funny,” Quinn grumbled.

“Come with me,” Xandri said between her giggles. “I know where you can get dried off a bit.”

It was chilly, especially up here, and he tried not to let his teeth chatter. Xandri led him further upward, onto a grassy cliff. Here the sun reached, and it was warmer, at least. Quinn sat down as she did, grateful for the sun, although not pleased by the occasional wind that kicked up.

“So you think I’m a hack too, huh?” Quinn asked, when they were both settled.

Xandri shrugged. “It’s not that ... you have talent. You’ve lost ... feeling. Why?”

“Maybe I don’t want to talk about it,” Quinn muttered.

“That’s fine,” Xandri said. “I won’t push you if you don’t want to talk.”

Startled, Quinn glanced at her. She wasn’t looking at him, but staring out over the foothills. One leg was tucked up against her chest, the other stretched out so her foot nearly dangled off the cliff edge. Crazy girl, he thought, shaking his head. Isn’t she afraid of anything? Quinn figured she was probably afraid of a lot, but she didn’t show it. He sighed heavily.

“Your passions can get the best of you,” Quinn said quietly. “And then you end up hurting people. Isn’t it better to have no passion?”

“No,” Xandri said. “There are some people who maybe need to calm down, sure, but ... for the most part people spend too much time holding themselves in. People are going to get hurt, no matter what you do. If you hold back, you’re just going to hurt yourself.”

Quinn snorted. “Better to hurt yourself than everyone you encounter.”

“No, it isn’t,” Xandri said softly. “You know, Pablo Picasso left behind a lot of damaged people. He had so many wives, kids, and mistresses. It looks bad when you think of it like that. But he shook the world... he did something no one else could. And those people would probably tell you that they wouldn’t do anything different if they could. I’m sure the people who love you feel that way.”

A gentle breeze whipped up as she turned her head to smile at him, bringing a strand of chestnut hair to catch between her lips. Her eyes lit up, silver flecks swirling in the deep blue. Quinn was struck by that picture of her. It burned itself into his brain, as images once did when he used to draw. He wasn’t about to forget the way she looked, and suddenly his fingers burned.

“We should get back,” Quinn said, standing up. “I uh... I forgot, there’s something I need to do.”

“Oh,” Xandri said, jumping to her feet. “All right, I’ll take you back down. Just follow me, I know an easier way down.”

Quinn frowned. “Was it an easier way up, too?”

“Yep,” Xandri responded brightly. “But that’s no fun!”

Quinn groaned inwardly. How typical, he thought, pulling his hair down and running his fingers through it. This will teach me to follow the crazy artist type up into the mountains. And yet a bit of a smile tugged at his lips. Her enthusiasm was somewhat refreshing. Aside from his sister, Quinn was used to more cynical female artists, or artists in general.

His cellphone started ringing as they neared the car. He fished it out of his pocket, not even bothering to see who it was before he answered it.

“Quinn? It’s Sada. Where are you?”

He felt his heart thump. Sada was worried about him; he could tell by the sound of his voice. Quinn cradled the phone against his ear, smiling to himself.

“I’ll be back soon,” he assured her. “But um... not for long. There’s something I forgot to do.”

“Okay,” Sada said. “See you soon, then.”

She didn’t question where he was. And why should she? Quinn thought, sighing. If it was Alastair, she’d probably be tracking him with the FBI by now or something. He slid into the driver’s seat and glanced at Xandri, who already had her seatbelt on. She was staring out the window, but she turned to smile at him when he sat down.

“Who was it?” Xandri asked.

“Sada,” Quinn answered quietly. “She wanted to know where I went.”

“I’m surprised she pulled herself away from Alastair long enough to notice,” Xandri said, rolling her eyes. “Those two would be cute if they weren’t so sickening.”

Quinn laughed. “That’s a good way to put it, yes.”

Xandri’s smile was good-natured. She was just joking around, but Quinn was serious. Of course, he was also a bit biased about the whole thing too. He focused his attention on something else, drawing up the image of Xandri he had burned into his mind. She wasn’t like Sada. But he wanted to do this picture just as badly as any he ever did of Sada, perhaps even more. It was a mystery Quinn would have to figure out what to do with.

He didn’t even speak to Xandri for the last hour he was at the museum; he was eager to get home. Quinn nearly got into an accident, racing back to his apartment. He barely took the time to drop his coat and kick his sneakers off before he dropped down in front of an empty canvas. Quinn pushed his sleeves up and grabbed a pencil to begin the basic sketch.

Normally, a painting could take as long as a month, depending on what he was doing. Quinn didn’t rush, but he didn’t stop, either. He was up through the night working, hardly thinking beyond what colors he wanted to use or when it was a good point to get clean water. Hours ticked by, but he hardly noticed. It was seven o’clock in the morning before he finished.

Chapter 4: Rescue?

Xandri had been uncertain when Alanna had invited her to attend the closing party for their art show. Still, she had come dressed for the occasion, knowing she was unlikely to have a chance to go home before the party. The simple black dress she was wearing was one she had borrowed from Bea, who didn’t like it because it was “chaste”. I think it’s nice, Xandri thought, tugging down her jean jacket, then smoothing down the dress.

“Where is Quinn?” Sada said, for the dozenth time. “He should have been here hours ago.”

Xandri glanced across at her. She looked really amazing in a short, emerald green dress that matched her eyes. Alastair, who had his arms around her, rolled his eyes. I hope this doesn’t cause a fight between them, Xandri thought, frowning. I’ve noticed Sada seemed to talk about Quinn more than she should ... I wonder why? Sada couldn’t see Alastair’s agitation, because her back was against him, but certainly she had to feel it.

The crowd parted suddenly. Quinn walked down the now clear aisle, holding a covered canvas beneath his arm. His hair was in a ponytail, but mussed, and his clothes were rumpled, the same ones he’d been wearing the day before. There were dark circles beneath his eyes. Sada broke free of Alastair’s grip and rushed towards him. Xandri noticed Quinn’s eyes light up, and her frown deepened. They aren’t ... there isn’t something between them, is there? she wondered.

Janice also approached, but Quinn didn’t notice her. He was wholly focused on Sada.

“You look sick,” Sada said, her green eyes worried. “Where’ve you been?”

“Sleeping,” Quinn muttered. “Sorry I was ... up all night. Excuse me for a moment.”

Quinn pushed past her and headed into his section of the gallery. Sada moved to follow after him, but Alastair caught hold of her wrist, pulling her back. Janice followed, however, so Xandri followed her. She watched, surprised, as Quinn took down the painting of Janice. He tossed it carelessly aside, not even noticing (or perhaps ignoring) Janice’s outraged shriek, and put up the new canvas.

Xandri met a very familiar pair of dark blue eyes set in a face she wasn’t sure she recognized. There were the freckles ... but was her mouth really that sensual? And her hair didn’t look like that, did it? She took a step closer, unaware of the press of people around her who were also moving closer to see the picture. Xandri glanced at Janice and found her glaring furiously. Uh oh, she thought, swallowing hard. This is going to be trouble ... but how’d he ... why...?

“Quinn, that’s fantastic!”

That was his mother. She’d been talking to the old critic who’d insulted Quinn’s work yesterday, but became focused on her son’s work with the rest of the crowd. Xandri saw her pause and glance back. Aislinn’s eyes, pale blue like her son’s, swept over her and Xandri felt her cheeks heat.

Quinn shrugged. “Just couldn’t get it out of my head, I guess.”

“Is ... is that me?” Xandri asked. “It ... I look...”

She couldn’t express it. Instead, she glanced at Quinn. He refused to look at her. And Janice was glaring at her so fiercely that Xandri thought her skin might catch on fire. She inched away from the crowd, hoping to escape. The old critic was examining this new picture now, and the crowd was at a tentative distance from what he was saying. Janice, however, was stalking closer, looking somewhat like a hungry shark.

“Now, this is more like it,” the old critic was saying, but Xandri hardly heard him.

“You,” Janice growled. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“I ... I didn’t do anything,” Xandri stammered. “I swear I didn’t.”

“That picture,” Janice hissed. “I can’t believe you would betray me like this!”

Janice shoved her out of the way and stomped from the gallery. Xandri sighed and followed her, but she had disappeared quickly. She spent time looking around for her, searching through numerous galleries, but after a couple of hours, she began to suspect that Janice had left. I wasn’t trying to get Quinn to do a painting of me, Xandri thought. I didn’t even know he did it. But she had to fight down a part of her that grew warm at the thought.

She wandered back to the Wolfe family gallery, where the party was beginning. Xandri didn’t see Quinn anywhere, for which she was somewhat grateful. I don’t know how to react to him right now, she thought, sighing. She wasn’t paying attention to where she was going and bumped into someone. Startled, Xandri looked up at a handsome man with red-brown hair and brown eyes.

“Watch out,” the man said, reaching out to steady her.

“Oh ... sorry,” Xandri stammered, smiling sheepishly. “I’ve got a lot on my mind ... I apologize.”

“Not at all,” the man said. “I’m Andre. What’s your name, cutie?”

Xandri felt her cheeks heat. “I um ... Alexandria. Or ... just Xandri.”

“Alexandria,” Andre repeated, grinning. “Both our names start with the same letter ... maybe it’s destiny.”

Xandri backed up a step. She didn’t really like this very much. Someone bumped into her from behind, and she stumbled, but Andre caught her before she fell. I don’t want him touching me, she thought frantically, pushing away from him. The crowd was beginning to seem far too big. Xandri backed up further, then turned away, heading for the exit of the gallery.

“I need air,” she called back over her shoulder.

“I’ll come with you,” Andre said, following after her.

Please don’t, Xandri thought, sighing inwardly. She didn’t say it out loud, though; it wasn’t in her to be rude. Andre followed her as she headed down a corridor and out into the back parking lot. She sucked in a deep breath of clear air, filling her lungs. It was a bit chilly, and Xandri shivered, but she was so glad to be out of the crowded gallery. Andre stepped up behind her, and she turned, backing into a car.

“You’re jumpy,” Andre said, grinning. “There’s no reason to be so nervous.”

“Don’t crowd me,” Xandri said, closing her arms around herself protectively.

Andre chuckled. “No need to be shy. Any girl who models for Quinn Wolfe has no reason to be shy.”

“I didn’t model for him!” Xandri protested.

Andre made a grab for her. She dodged out of his way, but he caught the end of her sleeve. She stumbled, caught up in the coat, and struggled to get it off. Andre pounced on her before she could get free. Xandri shrieked, trying to slap him, but her arms were pinned to her sides by her jacket. He pulled her down to the ground, pressing his mouth sloppily to hers.

Xandri bit his lip. He shouted, enraged, and slapped her hard across the face. Stars burst behind her eyes, leaving her dazed. Andre’s hands were rough as they yanked her jacket open and pulled her dress down. The sound of tearing fabric reached her ears, breaking through her daze. Xandri flailed, trying to get her hands up. She wanted to jam her knee between his legs, but she was afraid to move them. As long as she could keep them closed, she had a chance to fight him off.

“Stop struggling, damnit!” Andre growled.

“Let me go!” Xandri shrieked.

She’d gotten a hand free, and she raked her nails down the side of his face. Andre howled and slapped her again. Blackness swam up around her. Xandri blinked frantically, trying to keep herself awake. Her body felt weak, and she couldn’t fight back as he shoved the dress up over her hips and pulled her thighs apart. No, no, no, she thought, as tears slid down her cheeks. Leave me alone...

---

“I can’t believe she has the nerve to show her face here!”

Quinn glanced sidelong at Sada, fighting back a grin. He could understand her outrage; Melissa had caused a lot of trouble between her and Alastair. And there was no mistaking those blue eyes or golden blonde curls. She looked lovely, as usual, but it was a beauty that made Quinn’s skin crawl. Don’t come over here, don’t come over ... damnit, he thought, cringing as she started towards him.

“Quinn,” Melissa said, grinning. “Lovely painting...”

“Go away,” Quinn grumbled.

Melissa laughed. “Aww, that’s not nice.”

“Go away, Melissa,” Sada said firmly. “Go attend to Andre.”

“But I don’t know where he is,” Melissa said, pouting. “I saw him trying to get away from ... that girl.”

Quinn glanced over his shoulder to where she pointed. Xandri? he wondered, staring at the painting. Xandri wouldn’t ... would she? But a quick glance around revealed that she was nowhere to be seen. Well, it wasn’t any of his business if she wanted to mess around with Andre. Quinn wasn’t her keeper, after all. Still, he felt a little bit uneasy.

“I’m going home,” Quinn muttered, pushing past Melissa. “I’ve had enough. See you.”

“Bye, Quinn,” Sada called. “I’m gonna go look for Xandri in a few ... let me know if you find her before you leave.”

Quinn nodded and mumbled something incoherent. He wasn’t going to waste his time looking for Xandri. Instead, he headed directly out into the back parking lot, where he’d parked earlier in the day. Cold air rushed up to meet him, and the night was dark, as though it was preparing to rain.

Soft sounds reached his ears, coming from behind a car nearby. It sounded like two people fooling around. Xandri ... Quinn thought, frowning. He couldn’t believe she was actually out here with Andre. Maybe it wasn’t her ... but who else? Both of them were missing, after all. Well, it’s none of my business, he thought, scowling. If she wants to be a slut, that’s her prerogative.

“Let me go!”

That shriek, followed by the sound of flesh smacking against flesh, made him stop in his tracks. Quinn hadn’t been there, but he had nightmares about it almost every night. The struggling had stopped. Something within him snapped, and he turned, racing back to the car and launching himself over the hood of it. He grabbed hold of the man, Andre he figured, and hauled him up.

It was Andre, and his eyes widened in shock and recognition when he saw Quinn. Xandri scampered away, scrambling across the rough cement and collapsing in a heap. Quinn kept his hold on Andre firm as he lifted a fist up to punch him in the face. Andre’s nose gave way beneath his knuckles and blood sprayed. But he wasn’t finished. He slammed Andre back against a car so hard that the alarm went off, and continued punching him.

“Quinn! Quinn, stop it! Stop!”

Arms closed around him, trying to pull him away. The feel of a small, soft body pressed against him startled Quinn, and he let go of Andre. It was Xandri trying to pull him away. Tears raced down her cheeks and a bruise was fast forming along the side of her face. He looked down; her dress was torn open and there were bruises on her breasts. Her stockings had also been torn. Quinn grabbed hold of her and pulled her quickly away from Andre.

Xandri stumbled along with him until they were a safe distance away from Andre. He pulled up short and turned her fully to face him. Quinn pulled her jacket closed to cover her up, then released her.

“You shouldn’t have gone outside with him,” he growled.

“I didn’t!” Xandri protested. “He followed me! I didn’t think...”

“No, you didn’t!” Quinn agreed. “You’re lucky I came along!”

“I know that!” Xandri shouted. “I know! I just ... I didn’t think ... no guy in his right mind would want me that badly...”

She sighed heavily. Oh, she is so wrong, Quinn thought, biting his lip. Well, then again, I wouldn’t consider myself to be in my right mind... Xandri turned away from him. At that moment, thunder rumbled in the distance, and the sky opened up. Rain came down in sheets, soaking them in seconds. Without thinking about it much, Quinn grabbed Xandri’s wrist and pulled her with him to his car.

He opened the passenger’s side first, and she scrambled inside. Then, he got in himself. It was raining so hard at the moment that there was no way he could even drive. Quinn sat back in the driver’s seat and sighed. What the hell? he thought, groaning inwardly. Why does this shit always happen to me? A look at Xandri’s face made him feel as though she were probably thinking the same thing.

“Where do you live?” Quinn asked as he started up the car. He might as well try to drive.

“I... I um... well...” Xandri stammered. “I...”

He looked at her again. She couldn’t answer; tears were flowing rapidly down her cheeks. Quinn sighed. She’s just freaked out, he reminded himself. I have to be patient with her. His windshield wipers kept enough rain off the windshield for him to drive, but he didn’t even try to get her to tell him where she lived. Xandri would just have to come with him for now. Quinn didn’t really want to be on the road too much, and his place was fairly close to the museum.

“Sorry,” Xandri muttered. “I seem to be causing a lot of trouble tonight.”

“It’s partially my fault,” Quinn said quietly. “I probably shouldn’t have brought in that painting of you.”

“Why... why did you?” Xandri asked, her voice hesitant.

Quinn shrugged. “It was interesting. That’s all...”

Xandri glanced at him but said nothing. She didn’t protest about him not taking her home either. Perhaps she felt safe with him, since he was the one who’d pulled Andre off of her. She really shouldn’t, Quinn thought wryly. Anyone with a lick of sense wouldn’t feel safe around me. Especially not someone like little Xandri.

---

Xandri huddled next to Quinn as he opened the door to his apartment. She wasn’t exactly certain why she was going in here with him. After what had just happened, she should have been more wary. But she stepped into the dark room without much thought. Quinn turned on one dim light that hung in the middle of the ceiling, giving himself just enough light to begin lighting candles all over the apartment. Oh wow, Xandri thought, looking around as the room lit up.

Candles were everywhere, on the kitchen counter, on the coffee table of dark mahogany wood, and on the kitchen table. The carpet was black, thick, soft, and deep, and she sank into it up to her ankles. A large leather couch and matching love seat sat in the middle of the living room, and there was a T.V. but Xandri bet it didn’t get used often. Paintings hung on the walls, but there were also tapestries, hanging scrolls of fabric or bamboo, and numerous decorative weapons, like swords, daggers, and sais. Shelves with gleaming pewter or crystal figurines, dragons, wizards, gargoyles, and the like lined the walls, and also shelves full of books.

“Wow,” Xandri murmured. “This place ... it’s amazing!”

“Home sweet home,” Quinn agreed. “Um ... would you like to shower? To get warm, I mean.”

“Um ... well ... I don’t have ... my clothes...” Xandri stammered.

Quinn smiled faintly. “I’ll give you something. You should get warm or you’ll catch a cold.”

“What about you?” Xandri asked, then paused. “I mean ... um ... I didn’t mean ... it’s your place, so you...”

Quinn shook his head, chuckling softly. She felt her cheeks heat. Xandri followed him up a small set of stairs and into his bedroom, and was once again amazed by the beauty of his room. Same dark carpets and dark furniture, including a large bed with sheer black hangings that were pulled back. Candles and incense burners, and little water fountains, ranging from one small enough to fit in her hand to one big enough to take up a corner of the room. This place is huge, Xandri thought. And amazing. I guess this is how you can live, if you have the money.

“Here,” Quinn said quietly, handing her a t-shirt. “The bathroom is through there.”

“Thanks,” Xandri said, taking the t-shirt from him. “I uh ... appreciate it. I didn’t really want to be alone right now.”

Quinn just nodded. Clutching the t-shirt, Xandri stepped into the bathroom. It was as lovely as the rest of the room, with black glass tiling, a large stall shower with a beautiful heron imprinted on the clear glass door, and a large bathtub of black marble. He likes black, she thought. It’s kind of soothing here, too. Xandri folded up her coat and set it aside. She left the t-shirt and her panties on top of the toilet, and dropped her ruined dress and stockings in the garbage. Shivering, she turned on the shower and stepped in. I should feel nervous in some strange guy’s apartment, she thought, but I don’t.

Chapter 5: Talk

Quinn dried himself off and changed his clothes while Xandri was in the shower. If I ever see Andre again, I’ll kill him, he thought, growling beneath his breath. He rolled his clothes into a ball and tossed them into the hamper, then dropped down on his bed with a sigh. She was so innocent. It reminded him, rather forcibly, of things he’d rather not remember. Quinn groaned and rolled onto his stomach.

“Quinn?”

Her voice brought him to attention. He lifted his head and glanced at Xandri, who stood in the open doorway of the bathroom. A towel was wrapped around her hair, and her t-shirt hung down to her thighs. She shouldn’t be allowed to look sexy like that, Quinn thought, biting his lip. He’d tried, briefly, to deny his attraction to her, but it had been completely unsuccessful. He might have loved Sada, but something about Xandri had him lusting after her.

“Feel any better?” Quinn asked, pushing himself up.

“A little,” Xandri replied. “Um ... can I sit?”

Quinn gestured to the bed. “Make yourself comfortable. Although I warn you, you may not want to move once you do.”

Xandri chuckled softly. She clutched her coat tight to her chest as she clambered up onto the bed. Quinn watched her, his body tightening when he caught a glimpse of her thigh. Knock it off, you pervert, he thought, scowling. She’s just an innocent young kid. Although, truth be told, he didn’t know how old she was. Sada had said Xandri was even older than she was, but Quinn found that hard to believe.

“Do you mind if I smoke?” Xandri asked.

Quinn’s eyebrows shot up. “You smoke?”

“Uh ... sort of...” Xandri answered hesitantly. “I have bad nerves, sometimes, and ... well, where I grew up, they didn’t believe in medication...”

Quinn watched curiously as she fished around in the pocket of her coat and pulled out a baggy and a lighter. The baggy had thin, white rolls in them that looked sort of like cigarettes. Ah, he thought, catching a whiff of it as she lit one up. That’s pretty typical, actually. He knew a lot of people who smoked marijuana. Quinn smoked cloves occasionally, when he was particularly satisfied with a painting or just depressed.

“Where did you grow up?” Quinn asked, taking the joint when she offered it to him.

“A convent,” Xandri replied, smiling wryly. “I was left there when I was an infant. One of the sisters ... she was raised in a foster home and had a bad experience. She convinced the state to let them raise me.”

Quinn nodded. “Not as innocent as you look, then. So you’re really older than Sada?”

“Twenty-three,” Xandri said, taking the joint back from him and taking a hit. “And mostly as innocent as I look. They schooled me in the convent until I was eighteen ... probably because of my mom.”

“I thought you said you didn’t know your mom,” Quinn said, his eyebrows raising.

Xandri shrugged. “I didn’t. And that’s why. She had a baby she couldn’t care for and just left. I guess they thought I might be predisposed to that sort of thing, or something.”

Ah, I see, Quinn thought. Of course, no matter how caring religious folks could be, they could also be overzealous. And there were probably a lot of them who wouldn’t believe in medication, especially if Xandri had been stuck in a particularly traditional church. He imagined that being kept away from schools for so long had made it difficult for her to be around people. It explains why she’s so innocent at her age, Quinn thought. Although I suppose it isn’t entirely unlikely ... some people are just late bloomers.

“You’re very lucky,” Quinn said quietly, taking the joint as she passed it to him again. “I guess it’s not your fault, really, but now you know better than to let strange men follow you.”

“I can’t believe he got the jump on me,” Xandri admitted. “I got tangled up in my coat; otherwise, he would have been sorry. I take judo.”

Quinn’s eyebrows raised. “Really? Are you any good?”

“Good enough to take care of creeps like him,” Xandri replied, taking the joint back from him.

Quinn chuckled. It was nice to see that she could relax; he’d thought she might be really uptight. Xandri wasn’t like her friend Janice, who was shallow and one-dimensional. She had a lot of deeper levels, he imagined, judging by the little she’d shown him tonight. Much more interesting to draw, he thought. And much, much more interesting to talk to. Janice had gone on mostly about herself and MTV, which had driven Quinn crazy. Apparently, guys weren’t the only ones who never grew up.

“So how did you get started on this?” Quinn asked, holding up what was left of the joint. “I don’t imagine they were passing it around the convent.”

Xandri laughed. “No, Bea got me started. My first day of college, I had this big panic attack. She grabbed me before I fainted and pulled me outside to her car and smoked with me.”

Quinn nodded. That explains a lot, he thought. Bea is a real wild child. Perhaps she was trying to make up for being named Beatrice, the world’s most horrid name. He knew from experience just how wild she could be. Although nothing had ever come from it, he and Bea had shared a casual relationship for a while. Even now, she and Quinn got together from time to time, although they hadn’t for quite some time now.

“I’m getting tired,” Xandri murmured, stifling a yawn. “I ... I should probably get home...”

“In this weather? I don’t think so,” Quinn said. “Sleep here. At least until the rain stops. I can wake you when it does, if you’d like.”

“I guess so,” Xandri said. “Your couch doesn’t look so bad, anyway.”

“Sleep in my room,” Quinn insisted. “I don’t sleep very often myself ... you might as well...”

Xandri’s cheeks turned red. “Oh, but I ... I can’t...”

Quinn eyed her curiously. Such a mystery, she was. Xandri was definitely nervous, but somehow he had a feeling it had nothing to do with the fact that she’d almost gotten raped. He watched her as she tucked the bag away in her coat, then leaned forward on the bed, getting closer to her. Xandri turned her head slowly, her eyes widening when she realized just how close he was. Quinn chuckled softly.

“Afraid you might get ravished, little Xandri?” he asked, his voice a faint murmur.

“I ... no, I ... uh, uh ... no...” Xandri stammered, her cheeks darkening further.

“Get some sleep,” Quinn said softly. “You’ll be safe.”

He brushed his thumb against her lower lip, which quivered slightly. Safe, Quinn thought, climbing off the bed. From being forced. Seduced? Maybe not... He left the room, leaving her to make her own decision. Somehow he knew Xandri would end up sleeping in his bed. It was so comfortable; Quinn had made certain of that when he’d bought it.

He realized, as he walked into the kitchen, that he was starving. I haven’t eaten since... I don’t even remember, he thought. Quinn made himself a sandwich and ate quickly, then headed back into his room. He paused, looking over Xandri, who was already asleep. In truth, he’d been musing with the idea of painting her while she slept, but it hadn’t been completely serious. Looking at her now, Quinn could feel his fingers itch with need.

She was curled up on her side, with the blankets tucked around her waist and her arms against her chest. Xandri’s chestnut hair spread out over the pillow, contrasting with the black pillowcase. Her face looked so serene. I don’t believe in angels, Quinn thought, sitting at the stool behind his easel. But looking at her, I almost could... It was an odd thought. Aside from Sada, no girl had stirred thoughts like that in him for a long time. Maybe it couldn’t hurt to give in to his passions, just a little bit...

---

Xandri trembled as she climbed under the covers. Quinn’s voice echoed in her head. I’m not afraid of being ravished, she thought, curling up on her side. I’m afraid of not being able to resist. That made her quake straight down to her toes. Attraction was not something she was used to, and having it come up so suddenly and so strongly knocked her for a loop. If Xandri hadn’t been so tired, physically and emotionally, she never would have fallen asleep.

She wasn’t sure how much time had passed when she woke. The room was mostly still and silent, except for a very faint sound she didn’t recognize. Lying still, Xandri eventually realized it was the sound of a paintbrush on canvas. She opened her eyes and looked straight at the alarm clock sitting on the night table next to the bed. It read four o’clock, but her attention was quickly caught by something else. Quinn had set up his easel across from her.

“Did I wake you?” Quinn’s soft, deep voice floated from behind the easel.

“Not really,” Xandri told him. “Um ... is it okay to sit up? I mean ... I don’t want to ruin your picture...”

Quinn chuckled. “It’s fine. I’m almost done, anyway.”

“Done?” Xandri climbed out from beneath the blankets and slid down off the bed. She crept around behind Quinn and looked at the canvas. It was her, as she’d suspected, sleeping in his bed. He makes me look so pretty, she thought, sighing softly. “How long have you been working on this?”

“Since you fell asleep,” Quinn told her. “I was thinking of calling it ‘Temptation’.”

Xandri blushed. “But ... but that’s me ... I’m not...”

Quinn snaked an arm around her waist, quite suddenly, and tugged her into his lap. She shrieked, throwing her arms around him to keep from falling. Xandri peered up from beneath her eyelashes; all she could see, this close up, was his mouth. She sat up straight, her eyes widening. Quinn chuckled and put his paintbrush down. His hands braced on her waist, holding her firmly in his lap.

“There must be something about you,” Quinn murmured, leaning close. “Did he hurt you?”

“N-no ... not really,” Xandri stammered, her mouth dry. “I mean ... I uh, I have some ... bruises...”

“Let me see,” Quinn commanded quietly.

She hesitated. There was nothing sexual in the way he spoke, but still there was something in his eyes. Something beyond the concern that he seemed to be trying to keep from showing. Xandri didn’t think much on it beyond that; she lifted the t-shirt up over her breasts. A second later, she jumped at the gentle touch of Quinn’s fingers. “I ... I thought he was just going to look!” she thought, blushing fiercely.

“These look pretty painful,” Quinn said softly. “Men like Andre ... no appreciation for something so lovely...”

His pale blue eyes were intense, flickering with desire and, unless she imagined it, anger. Xandri glanced down. Indeed, the bruises left behind by Andre were vicious-looking, although they didn’t hurt too much unless, she suspected, they were touched. “I’m not wearing a bra!” she realized. Not that it mattered much. Xandri had rather average breasts, being one of those unfortunate women who was bigger than a B but not as big as a C. Quinn, however, did not seem to think this was a problem.

The first touch of his mouth made her shiver. It started out as little kisses, fluttering lightly over her bruised flesh. Xandri couldn’t think straight. Quinn’s mouth was so warm. She felt his tongue slide along the curve of her breast and around her nipple. His hands were firm on her waist, but moving slowly up over her stomach. “What am I doing?!” Xandri wondered frantically.

“Stop!” she panted. “S-stop ... please...”

Quinn paused, opening his eyes. He watched her for long moments, his mouth still on her skin. “Stop,” she thought, before I can’t resist anymore ... Finally, he pulled back and gently drew her shirt down.

“I don’t even know you,” Xandri explained.

“I see,” Quinn said, sitting back. “One of those romantic types, hmm? Looking for fireworks?”

Xandri frowned. “I ... I don’t know. I never thought of it before. I wasn’t interested, really. But ... I’d still want to know you better. Because...”

“I understand,” Quinn said. “I guess. But I’m going to kiss you.”

“Wh-what?” Xandri stammered, staring at him.

His hands cupped her face. She might have stopped him; Xandri suspected he would listen if she said no. But she was pretty curious herself. She wondered if what she’d felt that first time she’d kissed him had been real. Maybe she’d been caught up in the moment. Quinn drew her mouth down to his, and Xandri let him. His lips were as soft on hers as they had been on her breasts. Despite herself, she felt a need to pull him close, to press her mouth harder to his.

They pulled away from each other. If I didn’t know any better, Xandri thought, stifling a giggle, I’d say he’s as confused as I am. Quinn managed to keep his expression schooled, calm, and cool, but somehow she got the feeling he was buzzing as much as she was. Of course, he hid it behind a sexy, crooked grin and a soft chuckle.

“You shouldn’t look so scared, little Xandri,” Quinn murmured. “People will think they can take advantage of you.”

Xandri blushed. “I’ll remember that...”

“Go back to bed,” Quinn said quietly. “You had a rough night.”

“Y-yeah...” Xandri stammered, sliding off his lap.

I’m so confused, she thought, rubbing her head. The way he makes me feel... It wasn’t just that she was attracted to him. There was something enigmatic and sorrowful about Quinn. Xandri couldn’t help feeling like she wanted to protect him from the world. I don’t know what it is, she thought, but there’s pain in him. So much of it. I can feel it. She wasn’t used to feeling much of anything from people, and it had her confused.

“Hey, uh, Quinn,” Xandri said, pausing. “You were really angry... with Andre, I mean. Why?”

Quinn shrugged. “Why not? I would think what he was doing was reason enough to be angry.”

“Not that angry,” Xandri said quietly. She turned back to face him, smiling wryly. “It’s funny. But for a moment, I felt like... like I was important. Like what happened to me really mattered to someone...”

She caught the way his eyes widened before he hid his expression. “I can affect you,” Xandri thought triumphantly, as she climbed back onto the bed. “You act so cold, but I can affect you!” She wasn’t certain exactly why this made her so happy, but she was inordinately pleased with herself. Xandri curled up beneath the blankets again, smiling, and slowly drifted back to sleep.