The Devil's Downfall

By Samantha Anderson

It’s been almost eighteen years since Esmeri Taylor was born into a world of darkness. The miracle child brought to life because of an ancient prophecy and the handiwork of an angel. Given to two vampire parents, her sole purpose was to be the key to Lucifer’s undoing.
She is exactly the kind of daughter that any parent would ever ask for, perfect in every way, however Liam and Devrynne hold some dangerous secrets about their daughter’s destiny and the trials she is about to face.
Esmeri has lived her childhood feeling like an outcast in her parents’ exotic life. Never seeing eye-to-eye with her mother, and not understanding why her father is as protective as he is, she meets a mysterious man who holds the keys to everything...
Luc is everything that Esmeri knows she should never want, and she is being handed the decision of choosing the winner between Heaven or Hell. She knows that any sane person would choose Heaven over an eternity with Lucifer but that doesn’t stop her feelings from going deeper than a little case of sympathy for the devil. It also doesn’t help when a face from her mother’s past makes his way into her life, trying as always to save the day.
After all of the years, after all of the things her family has lived through and almost died for, it all comes down to this. So many people in her life are turning out to not be who they seem, it’s hard to know which one of them will be... The Devil’s Downfall

• Language: English
• Publisher: Samantha Anderson
• Release date: May 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463463673

Samantha Anderson

Someone once told me to be 'Profound' in life. At the time I thought that meant being famous, or doing something noble or commendable. As an adult I realize now what that person meant. She meant it in a way that do something with your life that moves you above all else. The first step of me finding what my definition of profound was to become a mother. Two beautiful little girls later, it was time to tackle the next step and that was to become a writer. I had always written poetry and short little dialogues to remember certain vivid dreams I'd had, but I never put any more faith into it. Until 2003 when I started working on a pipedream of a first novel. I got halfway done and had terrible writer's block that I never did recover from with that story. It wasn't until 2005 that I found out why I'd never been able to finish that story. I couldn't relate to on any level because it didn't speak to me. And I found my true love when it came to writing. Not real life, not believable stories of what ifs, but something darker and more imaginative. Vampires, Werewolves, Ghosts, Demons, and Devils. The darker side of the night time really appealed to me in a way I would have never thought possible. Through 5 years now of short stories and ideas about some of the craziest characters my twisted mind can think up, here I am, getting closer every day to completing my first novel about the one character I never tire of writing about... Devrynne Kaine.

Book preview

THE MUSIC WAFTED through the speakers in the dim-lit office, jarring Devrynne Kaine from the paperwork laid out before her and she looked up with a grin as her husband, Liam Taylor, walked towards her. There was nothing to her that meant as much as these moments, the salacious look he was giving her as he walked around the desk and pulled her to her feet, kissing her softly as he moved them to the middle of the room and started to slowly dance with her.

I can do what I want, I’m in complete control, that’s what I tell myself…

He sang softly with the music, his breath dancing across her neck and causing her to shiver in his hold.

Damn your eyes…

What brought this on? she asked with a smile still splayed on her lips as they continued to move to the familiar Alex Clare song.

No reason, except it’s oh, he pulled back looking at his watch, after midnight. Happy anniversary.

Devrynne chuckled against his lips as he kissed her, her thoughts immediately going back to their wedding that was fifteen years ago…

Calm down, Dev, Ava said with a coy grin. Don’t act like this isn’t exactly what you’ve wanted your entire life. Devrynne smiled as Ava hugged her. She wasn’t nervous about marrying Liam, he’d been begging for a few years, and she’d finally given in.

What if… her voice trailed off.

What if, what? Jaime asked as he walked in

This was the only time Devrynne could remember seeing him dressed up. She had to admit, he looked good in a tuxedo. Ava excused herself as Dev stood before Jaime.

If you’re thinking of leaving my son at the altar, you better know I’m an excellent tracker and I will hunt you down, Jaime said with a small smirk.

I would never, Devrynne answered. What if your son wakes up one of these days and realizes the hell I’ve brought into his life and decides he made a mistake?

He won’t, Jaime said flatly and Devrynne turned her back to him, biting her lower lip in worry.

He will.

I ain’t great with words, Penny’s got me beat in spades in the smarts department, everyone knows it too, Jaime chuckled. Liam loves you. Even in your darkest hour, it would still be another hour in heaven for him just because you’re there.

You don’t know that, Devrynne said dismissively.

I do too, I know it because of how he looks at you.

How does he look at me? Devrynne asked, turning back to face him.

The same way I look at his mother.

Jaime offered her a warm smile as he picked the bouquet up off the table and handed it to her.

I’ll die before Penny will just because I can’t live without her, same goes for Liam. Your existence is the only reason for his.

I’d say you’re good with the words.

Devrynne smiled and took the simple bouquet of white and red roses from him, linking her arm through his as they headed out of the guest house into the gardens.

The music was playing as she hid out of view on Jaime’s arm and she watched Ava walk with Esmeri down the aisle, helping her sprinkle rose petals. Esmeri was almost three-years-old, dark reddish-blonde curls pinned up with rosebuds and her dress almost touching the ground.

The music changed to the wedding march and Jaime led Devrynne around the corner to come to the start of the aisle, Liam’s face beaming as they started the slow walk down. Her eyes never left his as she walked towards the rest of her future and as they came to a stop, Jaime kissed her cheek before handing her over to Liam.

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, to bear witness to the joining of this man and this woman as husband and wife, the Officiant started, Devrynne couldn’t stop smiling.

Devrynne and Liam have chosen to spend their lives living for one another, spending an eternity loving one another in the sanctity of marriage. No rain shall be felt for they are vowing today to be each other’s shelter from all storms. No cold shall be endured because they are vowing to be each other’s warmth. Together they are vowing to start the journey of their lives.

Devrynne fought back the tears she wanted to cry for the weight of the words the officiant spoke of. She was vowing her life to him, and her only fear was his regret.

Liam, your vows, the Officiant said as he handed a ring to him and Liam cleared his throat before flashing a wide grin, his whole face beaming.

Devrynne, I can honestly say that I don’t know where to begin. I was a boy when I met you, naïve and stupid, but you changed me, made me into a man and I can’t ever thank you enough for that. You’re all I’ve ever wanted, I knew you before I met you and fell in love with you the first time I laid eyes on you.

Liam took a breath as Devrynne felt the first tears start to spill down her cheeks.

This ring is supposed to be a symbol of my devotion to you, but it can’t possibly mean enough so I won’t say that I give this to you as a sign. I will instead say that I give you my heart, which you’ve already stolen, as a sign that I will never falter, that I will always love you, forever. That I will protect you forever, as long as I’m alive, my heart will only beat for you.

Liam slid the ring onto her finger and she squeezed his hand, taking a shaky breath before the officiant handed her Liam’s ring.

Her lower lip starting to tremble with the emotion she felt rising up inside of her and she took a breath, steadying herself. She gazed at him with pure adoration as she began to speak.

I never thought that there would come a day that I’d be standing here. The road hasn’t always been easy and there have been days when my faith was lost, but through it all, you have been my rock. I have everything I never knew could possibly exist all because of your love for me. You look at me and I know that in that moment, it is exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Liam blinked at her, swallowing hard as the tears slowly slid down her cheeks, her voice shaky as she slid the ring on his finger.

With this ring I promise to love you, cherish you and honor you. I promise to be yours for all of eternity as long as eternity allows. I have given you my soul, now I give you my heart and my promise to be your wife until I have lived my last moment.

Liam smiled and squeezed her hands as the Officiant took over.

You have made your vows, promised your souls to one another for eternity. Liam Taylor, do you take Devrynne Kaine to be your wife, to love, honor and protect her, for the rest of your existence?

I do, Liam beamed.

And Devrynne Kaine, do you take Liam Taylor to be your husband, to love, honor and protect him for the rest of your existence?

I do, Devrynne said, grinning back at Liam.

So long as there are no objections, by the power vested in me by the state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Liam, you may kiss your bride.

Liam barely waited to be told before he had pulled Devrynne to him and she laughed as his mouth captured hers, her arms wrapped tight around him as their guests erupted into applause.

So, Mrs. Taylor, do you regret it? Liam asked, bringing Devrynne back to the present.

Not a single moment, she grinned back to him.

The song ended, but they continued to move and slowly made their way to their suite. Liam laid her down against the satin bedding and stroked the side of her face looking at her.

How many times have I looked into your green eyes and wondered what it was you were thinking? he asked softly and her brow wrinkled slightly as she sighed. Devrynne sat up, pushing him away as she sat up at the head of the bed.

We’ve gone almost eighteen years without so much as a peep out of Nicholas or Luc, she started and Liam’s eyes narrowed. I know that you’ve thought it, so have I, but we never speak of it. The closer it gets to her birthday, the more I feel a sense of panic. It’s always there, they have always been there, what are we going to do?

Shhhh, Liam said as he came closer to her and pulled her into his arms. Ava bound her powers, that’s what they were both after, her power. She doesn’t have any so there is no reason for either of them to come for her.

You don’t believe that, do you? she asked as she cocked a brow at him. Nicholas, maybe I would agree, but not Luc. Luc wouldn’t just leave her be, and you know it.

We have to believe it. You know as well as I do, I’d rather die than let those bastards have our daughter.

Devrynne spent the rest of the evening letting Liam comfort her, but she had played Luc’s games longer than him and knew that if Luc truly wanted something, no one would be able to stop him.

PART I

Sick of all these people talking

Sick of all this noise

Tired of all these cameras flashing

Sick of being poised

Now my neck is open wide

Begging for a fist around it

Already choking on my pride

So there’s no use crying about it…

I’m headed straight for the castle

They wanna make me their queen

And there’s an old man sitting on the throne

That’s saying that I probably shouldn’t be so mean

I’m headed straight for the castle

They’ve got the kingdom locked up

And there’s an old man sitting on the throne

That’s saying I should probably keep my pretty mouth shut

Oh, all these minutes passing

Sick of feeling used

If you wanna break these walls down

You’re gonna get bruised

Now my neck is open wide

Begging for a fist around it

Already choking on my pride

So there’s no use crying about it

Now my neck is open wide

Begging for a fist around it

Already choking on my pride

So there’s no use crying about it…

-Castle by Halsey

Chapter 1

NO, I SAID you were supposed to be with her at all times! Liam growled into the phone. You clearly were not with her because she came home with a tattoo on her leg!

Dad, it’s not that big of a deal. Jenna has one too, Esmeri said indignantly.

She sat in the leather chair in front of his desk as he paced. She typically was not one to anger her parents, but she hadn’t thought it would be that big of a deal. Instead, her father, if he’d had to worry about blood pressure issues, would most likely be having a heart attack right now.

Doesn’t matter, you’re fired. I will send your final check in the mail.

Liam hung up the phone and dropped it on the desk before glaring at her.

Why would you ever want a tattoo on your beautiful body? he asked, his voice only half-masking the anger in his tone.

Why not? Esmeri asked with a shrug. I’m almost eighteen, it’s not like I went and got one that’s distasteful or anything.

Let me see it, Liam said through still-clenched teeth.

Esmeri stood and slipped off her shoe before placing her foot up on the desk in front of him. In small, black script were words in a different language.

What does that say? Liam asked.

What does what say? Clarisse Du Volde asked as she walked in and Liam shook his head.

Her tattoo.

You got a tattoo? she asked as she came around the desk and spoke the French words. Nous sommes tous des anges avec une seule aile.

Esmeri grinned and pulled her foot down and hugged her surrogate aunt.

What does it mean? Liam asked.

We are all angels with only one wing, Riss said.

What made you choose that? Liam asked, still trying to decide what to do with his only daughter.

I liked it, it’s in French which is a language I love, and it’s just, Esmeri shrugged, nice.

Go to your room, Liam said with a sigh as he ran his hand down his face.

Esmeri did as she was told.

It could be far worse, Clarisse said soothingly as she sat down on the edge of the chair.

Liam wasn’t fond of most of Devrynne’s family. They were an odd bunch and over fifteen years of marriage, even though Sebastian had stayed away, there had been others. Clarisse was part of the group and one of the only few that Liam actually enjoyed having around.

Clarisse du Volde had been in Devrynne’s life for far longer than Liam and she typically stayed unbiased towards everything in their lives. She was a simple voice of reason for all of them and had been near them for so long now, even Liam considered her family.

She was of French descent, far older than she looked, a vampire as well. Beautiful, dark tresses hung past her shoulders and her eyes, wide and sparkling, never seemed to miss a thing.

Pointless to get mad now, what’s done is done. Where’s that wife of yours? Riss smirked, trying to change the subject.

I thought I smelled trouble, Devrynne said as she entered the room with a grin and Clarisse stood kissing her cheeks before hugging her.

Yea, yea, yea. So are you as pissed as your husband is here? Clarisse asked.

About what? Devrynne asked, looking between the two of them.

Esmeri decided to get a tattoo, Liam said darkly.

So?

So?! You’re not mad? Liam asked.

Why would I be? It’s only a little ink, Devrynne said with a shrug. And besides, she’s almost eighteen anyway.

Liam threw up his hands in frustration.

The knock at the office door stopped the women’s laughter as Stephen Lonez, one of the entourage of bodyguards employed at the manor, walked in.

You wanted to see me, sir? he asked of Liam.

Yes, he looked to Devrynne and Clarisse, who left the office and motioned for Stephen to sit down.

I had to fire Carlos today, and since you’re second in command, I would like to talk to you about a promotion.

Stephen raised a brow as he sat down and Liam took a seat behind his desk before continuing.

It would be more pay, but you would be required to live here on the property and you, or your second in command, would need to be with Esmeri at all times when she is outside of this house.

Yes, sir.

I thought Carlos was up to the job, but my daughter decided to go get a tattoo tonight and he was nowhere to be found.

Stephen’s eyes widened but he tried hard to fight the chuckle that he felt coming on. He had been a part of the security team for the Taylors for three years now, and had watched Esmeri try to outwit the staff every chance she got. It wasn’t that she did it maliciously, to Stephen it seemed that she just wanted to see if she could. Carlos hated being on babysitting duty as he’d often called it, but Stephen had never minded.

I would need you to start tomorrow afternoon. I can arrange for movers to handle getting you settled, but this is of the utmost importance to me, Liam said sternly.

Stephen nodded in agreement and stood.

I will be back in the morning with the essentials I need to move in and can start then, Mr. Taylor, Stephen said and shook Liam’s hand. Liam’s hand tightened as he looked at him darkly.

I don’t need to stress the value of my daughter to you do I, Mr. Lonez? Liam asked.

Stephen shook his head.

Good. See you tomorrow.

Stephen dismissed himself and Liam took the last swig of whiskey that was in the glass on his desk.

Chapter 2

ARE YOU GOING to lay here and read all afternoon? Jenna asked in her typical whiney voice.

She got this way whenever Esmeri wasn’t paying enough attention to her for her liking.

Reading is good for you, Esmeri said with a grin, her green eyes hidden behind black sunglasses.

She was stretched out on a chaise in the back deck by the pool with a bikini top and shorts on, soaking up the sun that seemed to never tan her pale skin.

We should go to the mall and see if Tyler is working, Jenna asked as she bounced up and down on the edge of the chaise.

I can’t. I’m grounded.

Esmeri had gotten a stern talking-to from her father about the importance of security, especially with what her parents were and their positions in the realm. Jenna Mitchell, Esmeri’s only human friend, was clueless about all of it. Most of the people who knew Esmeri had no idea about the secrets that her family kept.

Her parents were vampires, her mother was a leader in some council, and her grandmother was a witch. Esmeri could mix potions, but had no supernatural gifts whatsoever. It was a sad fact of her life, one she hated daily.

What’s up, Flo-nase? Jenna asked with a grin as Stephen walked out to the pool deck.

Jenna had been spending more time around the manor now that Stephen was employed in Esmeri’s entourage. Jenna was infatuated. Esmeri looked up at him, having to admit that he was a good-looking guy.

Stephen was tall, easily six-foot-three and had a muscular build, but not overly so. He had light, sandy-colored curls, bright blue eyes and a dimple-lined smile that typically sent Jenna into a frenzy. Esmeri hadn’t really paid him that much attention, he was just another face of the staff that her father kept around.

I’ve told you before Miss Mitchell, the name is pronounced Lone-Ezz, just like it’s spelled, he said dryly.

Yea, but my way is funnier, she flirted and took off her sunglasses before heading to the edge of the pool and diving in.

Esmeri rolled her eyes before going back to her book.

What are you reading? Stephen asked as he sat down on the chaise next to hers.

The Count of Monte Cristo, she said marking her page and closing the worn book.

For school? he asked and she shook her head.

It was assigned last year but I’d already read it. It’s a favorite.

Interesting, Stephen said with a nod and then smiled back at her.

What?

Just wouldn’t peg you for the type to enjoy a book like that is all, he said.

Oh lord, you’re talking books too, Flo-nase? Jenna said as she grabbed a towel and started drying her long blonde hair.

Yes, those of us that are capable of reading, tend to enjoy it, he said, flashing her a wide smile.

Esmeri had to snort back the laugher as Jenna’s eyes shot daggers at her.

Well I have to go anyway, call me if you get ungrounded, she said to Esmeri and grabbed her stuff heading back inside the manor.

I’m sorry, I shouldn’t talk down to her, Stephen said guiltily.

Yes you should, she deserves it, Esmeri laughed.

So why isn’t Brandon here bright and early, thought you guys were attached at the hip? Stephen joked and Esmeri’s face fell.

I broke up with him, she said softly.

Now I feel like an ass, sorry.

Don’t be, it was inevitable really.

Why?

Have you read this book? she asked and Stephen nodded. Well he’s Fernand, his love isn’t for me, it is for the status he thinks he will get because of me.

But Fernand loved Mercedes, that’s why he had Edmund captured.

No. Fernand was jealous of the love that Mercedes had for Edmund because Fernand himself was terrible in love. He wanted the adoration, the attention. It’s true even today. People in a relationship usually get ridiculed by those not in one. Fernand’s demise came not from losing that love but because he was humiliated and his faithful fans turned their backs on him.

So that would make you Mercedes? Stephen asked and Esmeri’s face twisted in disgust.

Heavens no! she said quickly. I would never claim to love someone as much as she was supposed to love Edmund and turn my back on them so quickly.

Stephen laughed at her response.

So then why do you like the book so much?

You don’t see the irony of it do you? she asked, grinning slightly and he shook his head.

Of what? Stephen asked, his brow wrinkling in confusion.

Look around, Esmeri grinned. This is the Chateau d’If.

Oh you have got to be kidding me! Stephen exclaimed, laughing and flashing a bright white smile. You think of this place as a prison?

Am I free to leave, to do as I please? she asked solemnly. No, I’m held captive because of someone else’s actions.

You are not being held prisoner.

No? You aren’t the warden assigned to me at the moment? she grinned coyly.

Stephen’s face fell slightly.

You think I’m a warden?

Esmeri instantly felt bad for saying it and sat up.

No, not exactly, it’s just, well…

It’s okay, I don’t know what I’d do having someone watch me all the time either.

Esmeri regarded him for a moment, seeing something in his crystal eyes that she hadn’t seen before, the numerous times he’d been on detail with the others following her. There was a kind of sadness hidden there that she hadn’t noticed before. It was something that led her to believe he wasn’t here just for the money her parents paid him.

I am hungry, you want something to eat? she asked as she stood, pulling a t-shirt over her head.

Sure, I can take you somewhere if you want, Stephen obliged.

No need, I was going to make something here.

She walked into the house and led him into the expansive kitchen that was clear of most of the staff on the weekends except for Mrs. Medina, her favorite cook.

Ah, my favorite child.

The elderly woman beamed as she kissed Esmeri’s cheek.

Are you hungry? she asked.

Yea, but I’ve got it, thanks though, Esmeri grinned. You should be relaxing today, it’s technically your day off.

Yes, but my life is boring, I’d rather be here.

Mrs. Medina was in her mid-seventies and the epitome of a grandmother type. She was a round woman, and almost a head shorter than Esmeri’s slight five-foot-three frame. Esmeri adored her.

So what are you cooking? Stephen asked after Mrs. Medina left them.

He sat on one of the stools at the island in the middle of the kitchen.

Don’t get your hopes up, Costner, I’m just making some sandwiches.

Costner? Stephen asked.

Yea, Kevin Costner, the movie The Bodyguard? Esmeri grinned at him and he laughed.

She proceeded to pull some things out of the refrigerator and place them on the counter before piling meat and cheeses on bread. She handed him one and poured them each glasses of lemonade before taking a seat across from Stephen.

So do you read a lot? Stephen asked in between bites and Esmeri nodded.

Kind of breaks up the monotony of having no life, she smiled. What about you?

Yea, every chance I get.

What’s your favorite book?

I doubt I could pick just one. All of my friends grew up, went to college, got grown-up jobs to pay for grown-up things like houses and families, Stephen laughed. I got a grown-up job to buy more books.

So how much do you hate my parents for the library?

Why do you think I work here? he joked back and she laughed.

They finished their food and spent some time discussing favorite stories and places they would like to travel to. Shortly before sunset they walked to the library.

This is one of my favorite rooms in the house, she said as she looked around at all the books. It’s the only reason I prefer California to Vegas.

She gets that from me, Devrynne said as she walked behind them and Esmeri stiffened.

She wasn’t a typical teenager by any means, but one thing she had in common with the adolescent youth of America was that she didn’t get along with her mother.

Mrs. Taylor, Stephen said with a nod.

Did you have a good day, honey? Devrynne asked Esmeri and she nodded. If you want to go out tonight, you can.

No that’s okay, I have some homework to do anyway.

Okay, well I have some er…um… errands to run, I will be back later. Esmeri nodded and gave a loud sigh when Devrynne left.

You don’t like her do you? Stephen asked.

I love her, she’s my mom, she just…

You don’t have to tell me, Stephen offered and Esmeri shrugged.

You’re one of only a handful of people that know what my parents are. My mother walks into a room and the whole world takes notice. She is pure power and just… extraordinary. I will never be able to compete with that, you know?

Who says you have to? Stephen asked as he perched on the edge of one of the writing desks.

My whole family has all of these talents and things that are impossible to even believe, and here I am, normal, ordinary. It’s sickening really.

Why?

How much do you know about my parents? Esmeri asked as she bit at her lower lip.

Enough. I know what they are, the Order of Ancients, the people who have tried to come after her and your father for years. I know of your grandparents and your one uncle and what all of them are.

Do you know the story of my birth?

No.

They were already vampires when they had me, like something out of a freakin’ horror movie. I was an abomination and some massive magic went down and let them have me. That’s why all the protection is needed because if people learn of my existence, it’s a modern day miracle. Imagine their surprise to find out that the miracle ended with my birth.

Hmmm.

Stephen stood and walked around the library, looking at the titles and pulled one off the shelf, handing it to Esmeri.

Have you read this? he asked.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman, she said, reading the title aloud. No, why?

You should. It’s an interesting read, surprising really.

Okay?

The underlying premise, very simply put, is asking the question if many things exist only because we believe in them, Stephen said with a small smile. So maybe you believe that you are ordinary, but I’m sure that there are far more people who believe you are a miracle.

Chapter 3

OH PLEASE! SHAKESPEARE was a pedophile! Plain and simple! Esmeri exclaimed with laughter. Who else writes the tragic love story of a thirteen-year-old and an older guy? Pedophiles!

It had been two weeks since Stephen had moved into the manor and Esmeri found it hard to stay away from him. He spoke to her instead of about her, instead of down to her even. She felt like someone of importance around him and as much as she hated to admit it, there was a sense of safety she hadn’t felt in a long time. Not since she’d learned what her family was.

It was a way of the times back then, Stephen argued. And I thought you’d love Romeo and Juliet for its tragic love story, seems to be your taste in books.

Why, because I didn’t care for your Gods book?

It was a great book.

No it was a snooze-fest. Remind me never to take literary advice from a 49ers fan, I should have known.

Stephen fake pouted and Esmeri laughed. She couldn’t remember laughing this hard in a long time.

Better than watching Jersey Shore, he said and grabbed the remote.

She tackled him on the couch as he held it above his head, out of reach with one arm, and had her pinned to him with another.

The air seemed to crackle around them, as if time were suspended and Esmeri looked down at him, biting her lower lip. He looked into her eyes, never quite realizing how much like emeralds they were until that moment and she dipped her head, brushing her lips softly against his. Esmeri pulled back immediately, shock and embarrassment filling her features.

I’m s-sorry, she said softly and stood from the couch, leaving the room.

Stephen sat there, confused, cursing himself for kissing her. Well, almost kissing her. Stephen stood, following after her, coming to a stop when he heard Devrynne and Liam talking inside Liam’s office.

Do you really think it’s wise to have Stephen spending so much time with Esmeri? Devrynne asked Liam.

What do you mean? He’s her bodyguard, Liam said, barely looking up from the papers he was reading.

I don’t like the way he looks at her, like she’s not a child, Devrynne said firmly and Stephen swallowed hard outside of the room.

He wouldn’t dare, I know this kid, he’s not doing anything more than his job. It’s good they’re getting along, maybe she won’t try to ditch him all the time like she did with Carlos.

Devrynne was still uneasy about it, the laughter and the late night conversations they seemed to be having all the time. Stephen was a decent looking guy, blonde hair that curled when it was damp, bright blue eyes and a wide dazzling smile. She knew that Esmeri’s friend Jenna had been hanging around less and less now that she was always with Stephen, but it wasn’t like Devrynne could ask either. Every conversation with Esmeri turned into a fight.

Stephen hurried quietly down the far end of the hall to the back staircase, fearful that his bosses would find him snooping.

He came to a stop outside of Esmeri’s door and knocked.

Go away, she said from the other side and he tried the handle, opening the door to find her standing at the balcony.

Why did you run? Stephen asked as he shut the door behind him.

Just go, she said.

Her shoulders were slumped and from the sound of her voice it sounded like she’d been crying.

Talk to me, he pleaded and watched as she turned, her face forlorn, tears dampening her cheeks.

What should I say? she asked with a shrug.

Why did you run?

I’m wrong, I don’t fit anywhere and… her voice trailed off slightly. I don’t need to suck you into that.

You’re still a kid, it’s hard to know where you fit at your age, he said, offering a warm smile and her face fell.

Yea, some stupid kid that tried to kiss you.

That’s not what I meant, he said quickly. He came to her, cupping her face and tilting her chin up. You’re just not expected to know everything yet.

You don’t know what it’s like being here every day Stephen, you really don’t. To feel completely worthless all the time.

She pulled from him and went to sit on her bed, tucking her knees up under her chin.

Well, school is almost over, right? he asked as he came to sit next to her. You won’t be here much longer, surely you’ve thought about college, right?

Yea, she said with a small grin.

What college are you going to?

I got my acceptance letter to Savannah College of Art and Design a week ago. I haven’t told them yet, Esmeri said sheepishly.

Why not? That’s a big deal.

Because they’ll never let me go. Georgia is out of their jurisdiction with the Order so it’s not like they can go, which was initially part of the reason I applied. Also, it’s across the country, Daddy doesn’t even let me go to the mall without a bodyguard.

They protect you because they love you, Stephen said softly. You don’t know how lucky you are to have parents that kiss the ground you walk on.

Esmeri snorted a laugh and rolled her eyes.

So an art school, huh? Stephen asked, quickly changing the subject.

Not just any art school, Esmeri said with a grin. One of the best photography programs, with an internship program in France.

I wouldn’t have pegged you for a photographer, Stephen said curiously.

Really? she asked with a smile. I’m surprised you haven’t seen me with my camera all over the place.

No, I’ve seen you with books.

Well that too, she said.

She stood from her bed and walked to her desk that was set in the corner of the large suite. She put the strap around her neck and turned, holding the Canon EOS Mark III up to her eye and adjusted the lens to see him. His smile went wide as she took a picture, clicking a few more to capture him in motion.

Do you have any pictures? Stephen asked, covering his face with his hands.

Yea, she said.

Setting the camera down, she grabbed a few of her portfolios from a bookshelf and brought them to him.

He flipped through the pages and she felt like a tiny bit of her soul was on display. She was always able to capture the world the way she saw it, but the great thing about looking through a camera lens was that it sometimes caught the things she didn’t see.

These are beautiful, he said breathlessly and she beamed. You definitely have to go to college for this, it’s amazing.

Well, there it was.

Acceptance.

Someone who had seen her heart’s desires that she didn’t show many people, and he liked it. Esmeri didn’t quite know what to think about that, or about the butterflies that started to dance in her stomach.

* * * * *

ESMERI AND STEPHEN spent the next ten days together, sight-seeing and hiking through trails in the hills by her grandparents’ old cabin. She continued to photograph him and occasionally, he would even sneak a few photographs of her. She enjoyed his company more than she ever had anyone else.

Stephen was easy to talk to and he made her laugh. She could let her guard down around him and all of her insecurity seemed to disappear around him.

It was with that thought that the idea of leaving to go across country panicked her slightly. Maybe he had been right by telling her that she was young and wasn’t supposed to know where she fit. Why was it suddenly now seeming like if she left, she wouldn’t fit in anywhere in Savannah either?

Esmeri walked into her father’s office one evening shortly after sunset, her mother and him going over paperwork together as they did every night. She felt bad that they ran the casino from so far away. She understood they did it for her, but it still weighed on her to feel like a burden.

I need to talk to you both, she said and two pairs of eyes lifted, both sets looking worried.

What’s wrong? Liam asked first.

Nothing, I just thought you should know that I applied to a school in Savannah, and I was accepted.

Savannah? Liam questioned. As in Georgia?

Yes.

Liam dropped into his chair, his face looking stricken and Devrynne sat calmly on the edge of the desk.

We always just assumed that you’d enroll somewhere closer to home, sweetie, Devrynne said softly. Why Savannah?

They have one of the best photography programs in the country and there are internships to study abroad in France.

No, Liam said flatly and Esmeri raised an eyebrow at him.

No? she asked.

Yes, the answer is no, he said with a stern gaze. We can hire the best teachers in the world, there is no reason for you to move clear across the country. The answer is no.

Liam… Devrynne said warningly.

Don’t Liam, me! he snapped.

He stood up and went to the bar in the corner and poured a glass of whiskey.

She cannot move to some place that we have no authority or say so of any kind. I won’t have it. She has to stay put, either here or Nevada, somewhere where we can protect her.

I will be an adult, Esmeri said stubbornly.

Adult or not, you’re still my daughter.

What if I had protection, like security all the time? Esmeri asked, a small grin appearing on her lips.

It’s not the greatest, but I guess it would be better than nothing, Liam pouted. Why?

Because, you can just send Stephen with me, she gave him a wide grin and Liam’s face darkened.

No.

Why not? Esmeri asked coyly. You trust him to keep me safe here so he can keep me safe there. Enough said.

Esmeri turned and left the room, her father’s jaw ticking in anger.

Over my dead body! Liam growled as he faced Devrynne who shrugged.

I tried telling you that I didn’t like the way they were spending all their time together. You said it was fine, well now look at what’s happening.

Oh shut it, Liam grumbled. That is not what’s going on.

Oh no? Devrynne asked with an I-told-you-so grin. She wants to move to a state where you and I have no control, no jurisdiction at all, and she wants to take her bodyguard with her. Sure, that’s innocent enough.

Devrynne left the room, off to find Esmeri and try to talk some sense into her.

* * * * *

SO I SAID YOU could come with me, Esmeri grinned and she started taking pictures as she watched the shock register on Stephen’s face.

You did what? Stephen exclaimed and she laughed.

He tried to move toward her in one of the many sitting rooms and she ducked behind a sofa, still clicking away at the camera. Stephen chased her around the sofa, taking the camera from her and turning it on her.

Think about it, she said with a laugh. You have to protect me here, it would be no different, and you’d get to travel. Aren’t you always saying you want to travel more?

He caught up with her, gripping her wrist and she spun, tripping over the edge of the rug and they tumbled. Stephen moved lithely to set her on the sofa before she hit the floor, his face inches from hers.

And if I said I would follow you anywhere, Kid, then what? he asked softly and her green eyes widened, looking deep in to his.

Would you? she asked in a whisper.

His hands were on her face, his mouth pressed to hers and she whimpered against his kiss, getting lost in the taste of him, unaware that anyone had come in.

What the hell is going on in here?

Devrynne’s