I'm sorry for the delay. A house full of sick people has made writing and editing a chaotic experience to say the least.
Lucien stood in the darkness a skilled sentential able to mask his existence so well, even someone as talented as Caydn wasn't able to sense his presence. He'd restrained himself from acting as a voyeur. The sounds and breathing he'd heard while sitting casually on the top of the rock wall surrounding Caydn's property had painted a visual image for him of what was happening so viewing wasn't needed.
His heart tightened hearing the sharp gasp that had escaped Gypsy, knowing the purr that followed could've only been created by the pleasure of teeth sinking deep into soft yielding flesh. The erotic sensations that overwhelmed the senses, created that distinctive purr when someone gave themselves during such an exchange. He hoped Caydn knew what he was doing and more so that Gypsy understood what she'd offered and the consequences she'd experience in return.
Protector and guardian was his place in this intricately woven web. One he took seriously and bound his life to its completion and success. Having heard them go inside he stepped through the gate, removing all traces of the lovers tryst, covering the hot tub, gathering forgotten clothing. Hesitating he felt the chill of evil lurking somewhere in the tree line, launching himself to the top of the wall he looked out prepared to meet anything, Damone or the mere mortal Barton sent to harm Gypsy or Caydn either one.
Throwing his head back he released a silent roar, only heard by those of his kind and by those who dabbled in the evil arts. Those of his race would smile knowing a guardian was present. The evil ones would shutter in their skin, understanding he now stood in position ready to face them and remove them from this plane of life to another.
Giving the walled in area one last look Lucien found himself shaking his head. Unlike Caydn, Phillip and Christian he'd chosen his path in life as that of a solitary being. He had the ability to live and walk among each race that lived but he'd not adapted himself to their life styles in order to remain among them.
His time was spent high in the mountains of Romania when he was not doing what ever was possible to assure the safety of one of his own or someone connected to them. From time to time he would come down and join the local people or a gathering of those he'd known for centuries. For the most part he was a loner now. Being one of the elders allowed him this luxury. He thrived in his solitude.
Leaping into the air he planned his surveillance of the surrounding area before retiring to Christian's for the coming day. Chuckling to himself he wondered how the sleek sports car he knew Cadyn kept would respond to his touch. It had been some time since he'd used his friends' adapted mode of travel as opposed to his own.
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Gypsy sat back on the floor looking at the wild chaotic assortment of colors and textures surrounding her. Laughing she glanced at Sophie sitting in a chair frantically writing notes before tossing the paper and pen to the table beside her.
"Can you believe all this?" Gypsy said shaking her head. "I've got to figure out where to put it," she closed her eyes. "It would be so much easier using the shop, but hell I hadn't even had time to have the shelves built there to hold fabric bolts," she fell back on the floor staring at the ceiling.
Sophie glanced at her watch, "You were going to use that young man Vince gave you the number for weren't you?" she asked, smiling when Gypsy nodded yes. "Call him dear. Tell him there has been a change in plans. Have he and some of his crew come out today, and see what he says," she explained.
"Who ever heard of a guest house having three bedrooms anyway," Sophie rolled her eyes, standing up walking to each door. "Have one room for fabric, I'm sure once they moved the furniture out, this room would work wonderfully with the racks you need lining the walls." She smiled, going to the next room, "this one a changing room for your clients."
"Sophie what would Caydn say if I remodeled his guest house?" she asked sitting up. Watching her aunt with her paper and pen, making notes as she walked to each room, "I also have the shop I rented. And it comes with a years lease, leaning heavily on the option to purchase. What would I do with that space when I'm finally free to move around and not be locked behind the gates of the estate?" She made a face, giggling when Sophie frowned at her.
"You know this is for your protection Gypsy. It's not meant to make you a prisoner or anything of those sorts. Surely you understand it's easier to maintain and contain one safe area than it would be two, especially with them so far apart," she explained.
Gypsy stood up, walking over she squeezed Sophie's shoulder before walking to each door. Mentally visualizing what it would look like as she suggested. "I know, but I still can't help but feel that all this disruption is my fault," she sighed leaning against a door frame. "Do you really think Caydn wouldn't mind?" she smiled. "I can see this being where I'd do exclusive work. Maybe some time soon setting the shop up for everyday clothing, like a boutique of my own designs."
"As I said, call the young man now and see if he can come out immediately. Tell him the work's for Vince. I'm sure you'll get a quick response since he's done many repair jobs over the past few years here for us," Sophie laughed when Gypsy pulled her cell phone out and dialed.
"Well it'll be first thing in the morning before they can get here," Gypsy sighed. "But he said he'd bring three or four men with him and they'd be able to get started right then," she laughed. Stopping suddenly, noticing someone standing at the door of the guest house. Glancing at Sophie she nodded to the door, only to gasp when she looked back, the man was gone.
She felt a chill move down her arms, the hair on her neck stood up when Sophie looked back at her questioningly. "I thought I saw someone's all," she said, casually running her hand up and down her arms trying to rub the chill away. "Lets go back to the house, take these lists you've made and see if Vince can help us with some designs for the shelves." She grinned, looping her arm in her aunt's walking toward the main house, her eyes surveying the grounds and tree line around them.
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Gypsy grabbed the car keys, assuring Vince she'd only go to Christian and Megan's coming back immediately with Jaz and Phillip in tow. Caydn laughed at her expression before nodding for Lucien to follow him, glancing at Vince and Sophie he noted their concerned expressions.
Pulling up the drive of the massive estate she smiled when she saw the lights glowing in the darkness. She hadn't left Cadyn's since the last visit from Barton at the shop. Looking around slowly, she chuckled realizing she was acting as if Barton would jump out from behind each bush to confront her.
Jaz met her at the door, "Come in," she smiled. "I have to see if Phillip is off the phone, then we'll be ready to leave," she said starting up the stone staircase. "Micah and Sam went to grab some pizza of all things," she laughed, "they said they'd meet us all there."
