Beware The Kiss Part 19

"It is a tradition here at the hacienda I cannot break. If I did so, the people in the valley would be concerned. There are only a few who know about the curse. If this were to get out, they would hunt Raven down. I'm afraid there'd be more bloodshed."

Tayler walked over to where Raven's dagger was still lodged in the rock. She wanted to touch it but couldn't. She looked closely at the women in the room. "Ana, you told me the book of black magic was written in Latin. Did Raven study Latin with you?"

"Only the first semester. She was asked to leave the school after she took a knife to one of our instructors." Ana ran her fingers nervously along the desk.

"Who translated the book for Raven?" Tayler asked.

"I don't know," Ana looked puzzled. "She asked Sterling, but Sterling refused."

"What did the instructor teach, the one Raven took the knife to?"

The room grew tense.

"Latin," Ana's eyes filled with horror.

"Did the instructor live?" Tayler asked persistently.

"Yes, but after the incident the instructor was inst.i.tutionalized. Rumors at school said she went insane." Ana looked at Tayler. "Oh, no-"

"And Devin?" Tayler whispered.

"She and this teacher were lovers." Past memories crashed into the present. "Devin warned us to stay away from Raven, saying she was evil. Sterling and I thought Raven acted peculiar and felt Devin needed someone to blame for her lover's malady. Devin and Raven never got along, so, we figured she was Devin's natural choice for someone to hate. That was until the curse."

The women stared at Tayler.

"Say nothing to Sterling and Devin until we are sure. I could be very, very mistaken."

Twenty.

Tayler stood on the balcony outside her room watching the moon. In two nights it would be full, and in two nights either she would destroy the first part of the curse or the curse would destroy her. She gripped the iron railing.

Moonlight illuminated the patio below her balcony and wispy clouds created eerie shadows on the adjacent buildings. Tayler rolled her head from side to side feeling emotionally and physically exhausted. Even the cool evening temperature had little effect. She took several steps into the room and sat at her desk. She took out a piece of paper and a pen.

"Okay, what do we have so far?" Tayler bit the end of the pen. "We've got a curse that breaks down into three parts. We think we also have Raven's three reasons for the curse -love, pain and grief. We have three potential victims of which we know only one for sure. We have the outcome and we have -me," Tayler leaned back in her chair. "And I'm the only one who can stop Raven. That leaves me as the antidote - "

Tayler got up and began pacing. Downstairs she could hear the guests arriving. Ana wanted to formally introduce Tayler to the people of Puerto Arista. With an anxious sigh, she knew she must hurry.

Her robe collapsed on the bed and she walked to where her dress was hanging. The mirror reflected her anxiousness. She made a face at herself. "Wait! I'm only the antidote for the first part. That's why Raven was in such a hurry to get rid of me." She c.o.c.ked her head to the side. "There must exist an antidote for each part -I help Erica, someone helps Sterling and somebody else helps Devin."

Tayler took her dress off the hanger and put it on.

The strapless midnight blue silk dress revealed Tayler's tanned shoulders and neck. The waistline was nipped in and a silver belt was added to accent her narrow waist. The skirt was streamlined and had a long slit in the front. When Tayler moved or crossed her legs, the slit opened exposing her shapely legs. For accessories she wore a thin, white gold bracelet and the necklace Ana had given her. The crystal pendant sparkled in the light and hung just millimeters from her cleavage. She stood before the mirror examining her transformation. Although the features were familiar, Tayler stared at her reflection in disbelief. Before her stood a confident, sensual woman-but inside she felt differently. She nervously picked at nonexistent lint, smoothed unseen wrinkles, and readjusted the bodice.

She walked to her desk and saw the unfinished letter to her mother. Christina seemed worlds away - too far away. As Tayler pressed her fingers to the paper she felt the sting of tears. She picked up the letter. "Oh, Mother, I wish you were here," Tayler said softly to the night. "I really could use your advice and support right now." The curse was becoming less of a mystery for her, but she wondered if she would ever understand the mystery surrounding these women-Erica in particular.

Hours before in the library, Erica was withdrawn and aloof. She left the room as soon as the discussion had come to an end. Tayler hoped to steal her away for a few minutes, during the party, so they could talk. Tayler crossed her fingers.

Tayler's footsteps on the open, onyx floor were lost in the sounds of the marimba. Small mallets. .h.i.tting hard wooden bars coursed the pulse of the party through the hacienda. Torches were lit around the grounds casting a heated ambiance over the authentic colorful costumes, Mexican blankets and sombreros. With each step Tayler took, the music eased the tension in her body. Her heart wanted to dance. At the end of the corridor she stopped behind a pillar and took several deep breaths. She told herself that she had nothing to fear. Without realizing it, Tayler reached up and touched the scar on her neck.

She walked around the pillar and stepped into the torchlight.

"She es beautiful - " Tayler heard someone say in broken English. She smiled in reaction to the unsolicited compliment.

Ana came forward and kissed her on both cheeks. "You look exquisite," her eyes twinkled with sensual delight. "You bring that dress alive. I'm not sure I want to share you with the others." Ana held out her hand.

"You flatter me," Tayler laughed, noticing how lovely Ana looked. Her black hair cascaded down her back in smooth, thick ripples. One strand on the left side was braided and finished with small beads. The simple peasant dress Ana wore took Tayler by surprise. She had become so accustomed to seeing Ana only in white shirts, black pants and boots. Ana's brown eyes sparkled and danced.

"Simple but elegant," Christina's familiar description floated through Tayler's thoughts. She smiled.

Ana led Tayler under a colorful banner, past several hanging animal-shaped pinatas, to the low wooden stage where the band was playing. When the music stopped, Ana took center stage. Her guests applauded enthusiastically.

"Buenas noches! Welcome. Me allegro mucho de verle. I'm delighted to see you all. From generation to generation, century through century, the history of our community has been richly preserved. This evening's celebration honors our hard work and the harvest of the endless hours and dedication we give to the land. Tonight, I also have the pleasure to introduce to you someone very special to me and to our people - Senorita Tayler Windquest. Please welcome her to our land."

Ana turned and kissed Tayler on both cheeks. The crystal around Tayler's neck grew warm. She looked around for Erica, but could not find her. Disappointed, Tayler turned her attention back to Ana.

As Ana began to make introductions, Tayler saw a tall, neatly dressed woman with black onyx eyes approach. They embraced for a long time without speaking. The woman's facial features looked as though they had been carved by a sculptor.

"Tayler," Ana turned holding the woman's hand, "this is Sterling Navarre."

"The author?" The awe in Tayler's voice and her expression of shock made Sterling laugh.

"Yes," Sterling leaned forward and kissed Tayler on both cheeks.

"I've been a devoted fan since I picked up your first book. It's great to meet you. Hopefully, we can talk later."

"It would be my pleasure," Sterling replied in a low voice before moving on.

Tayler watched the illusive writer blend in with the crowd. Her growing excitement was difficult to contain.

Ana touched Tayler's arm and introduced her to the woman who stood before them. "Tayler, this is - "

"Devin St. Ives," Tayler smiled at the famous auburn hair and blue eyes. Looking into the woman's eyes, reality sent a jolt of pain through Tayler's nerves. So this is the third woman Raven felt betrayed her.

"You know each other?" Ana asked.

"We've never met," Tayler said, "but I know Ms. St. Ives' work very well."

In addition to her phenomenal success as a photographer, Devin also worked as a model. Her clean and cla.s.sic looks were found in magazines and television commercials around the world.

"And I know of Ms. Windquest's work as the writer of many fine articles." Devin replied.

"Good," Ana said. "Then I'll let the two of you get better acquainted."

Marina approached and whispered something into Ana's ear. She nodded her head in response and smiled. "Marina told me that Ricah has just returned from the airport."

"Why was she at the airport?" Tayler asked.

"She went to pick up my partner. Unfortunately, her plane was delayed." Ana squeezed Tayler's hand.

She looked at Ana in surprise. "I didn't know - " Tayler said, but stopped abruptly when Erica and another woman appeared on the steps. Tayler's muscles tensed. Memories came flooding back in rapid succession. Her thoughts were thrown in several directions. She blinked trying to clear her vision, but the woman who stood next to Erica was not an apparition.

She was a tall woman with expressive facial features, and her shoulder length brown hair was heavily streaked with gray. Slightly taller than Erica, the woman's physical stature was overwhelming. She possessed a solid body that exuded strength and control.

Ana approached the woman, wrapped her arms around her lover's neck and kissed her. Ana laughed at something the woman said and then led her over to Tayler.

"h.e.l.lo, Tayler."

"Gabrielle -" Tayler released the breath of air she had been holding since she saw Gabrielle on the steps.

Gabrielle opened her arms.

Tayler stepped into the long-ago, familiar embrace and enveloped herself in the past. "I've missed you."

"It's been a long time. Let me look at you." Gabrielle held Tayler at a short distance and took in the physical changes. She smiled and pulled Tayler back into her arms. Over Tayler's shoulder Gabrielle said to Ana, Devin and Erica, "I thought the Universe had its work cut out shaping a rough-and-ready tomboy into a woman. Now, all I can do is stand here awestruck."

Tayler's face blazed with embarra.s.sment. "I can't believe You're really here." Tears tugged at the edge of memory. The last time she had seen Gabrielle was in the company of her father.

"Why don't we talk later when we've both satisfied our social responsibilities? We've got a lot to catch up on," Gabrielle said.

As the hours pa.s.sed surrounded by new acquaintances and old friends, Tayler found it more and more difficult to concentrate. She made several attempts to talk to Erica, but each time she did, she was either summoned or Erica conveniently disappeared. Finally, when the evening began to wind down, Gabrielle took Tayler by the arm and led her from the crowd to the pool area.

The night was peaceful and serene with wispy clouds floating past the moon and the ocean shimmering in the distance. Despite their years of separation, Tayler and Gabrielle were soon deep in conversation.

"Tayler, I didn't kill your father. He was a good publisher and a wonderful father." Gabrielle turned away.

"Then why did you leave?"

"Because it wasn't safe." Gabrielle looked at Tayler.

"What do you mean?"

"Your father had been receiving death threats for months before his death. One night, he was showing me one of the rare books he had acquired. The letters fell out. I warned him, but he laughed and told me that they were idle threats. He no longer laughed when the last letter mentioned you." Gabrielle stopped.

"This is too weird," Tayler looked around.

"Your father asked me to take the letters to the police. It was the day before he died."

Tayler sat down on a bench as she tried to absorb everything. She placed her chin in her hands.

"He also made me promise that I'd get you out of town. He didn't want you hurt."

Tayler shivered in the cool night air. "The day before father died, I received a call from a woman saying she had damaging information about my father. We arranged to meet in Duluth, but she never showed. When I got back to the city my father was dead." Tayler's eyes widened. "It was you?"

Gabrielle took Tayler's hands, helped her stand and snuggly wrapped her arms around Tayler. "I promised your father. And now you're here saving Ana's life and Erica's future," she smiled.

Tayler placed her head on Gabrielle's chest' "No, I'm just trying to get-"

Gabrielle put her fingers on Tayler's lips; "You're bringing more and more pieces into place. I spoke with Ana yesterday. She told me you tied the loose ends of the curse together to create the larger picture." Her arms tightened around Tayler.

"I found out some more details," Tayler whispered. "Do you think we can slip away to my room so I can show you what I've got?"

"Yes," Gabrielle paused, "but let me at least tell Ana what we're up to."

"Okay, I'll meet you upstairs."

At dawn, Erica found Tayler outside sitting under a palm tree. She could see that Tayler had not slept after the party. She tried to put her hand on Tayler's shoulder' but Tayler stood up and stepped away. Tayler turned toward her. The look in her eyes frightened Erica.

"I've had enough." Tayler stood leaning on the chair for support.

"I don't blame you. This is more than any of us could have imagined." Erica retreated several steps- "I'll arrange for your return to Minnea-"

"No, Erica! You don't understand," Tayler's anger and words only scratched the surface of the rage she felt inside- I've had enough of Raven, her daggers and her snakes. And I've had enough of your distance. You kiss me and then won't come near me for the next thirty-six hours. You a.s.sured me that I'd be safe here, but I'm more at risk here than anywhere in this universe. You treat me like a desired object, but then you push me away. Enough, Erica, I've had enough."

Erica flinched at Tayler's words. She had never seen Tayler so livid.

"We've been here for five days and I haven't once heard you talk about a plan to end this curse. Raven toys with you and the others like a cat playing with a mouse. Are you enjoying this game? What are we going to do, Erica?"

"I don't know," Erica said as the tears rolled down her cheeks.

"You don't know? In two days Raven's coming after you and you don't know?" Tayler's voice grew louder. "Time is running out and no one wants to answer my questions unless I get angry. Well, I'm d.a.m.n angry. Who's going to tell me what to expect? You've refused to talk to me about any of this from the beginning. And yet, you want me to destroy her for you?" Tayler walked toward the hacienda. "Maybe the first thing you should do is decide whether you want to live or not, because - " Tayler stopped and looked Erica directly in the eyes, "from what I can tell, you died twelve years ago."

The gate closed with a slam.

Twenty-One.

Two hours after her explosive conversation with Erica, Tayler sat beside the pool. Tears slid down her cheeks and dropped into the water. Reality pushed aside her denial and splashed her in the face. It was October 30 - the day before Hallow's Eve. She put her head in her hands.

Without a plan, Raven would surely win. Though everyone around her pretended to be calm, Tayler could see the terror in their eyes. Everyone wanted this madness to end, but to Tayler, the price of freedom was the same price as death. From every angle of the curse, she was bound to lose Erica.

Murder - it had a hollow and empty sound. Tayler wondered if she were becoming immune to its lethal repercussions. Her father had been the one who had taught Tayler how to fight, but in the end even he lost. She did not want to follow his path.

Tayler stood up and dove angrily into the pool. She wanted to kill the man who had taken her father's life. She wanted to w.a.n.gle Raven. She wanted revenge for Ana's injuries. She Wanted Erica's freedom.

But most of all, she wanted to go home.

Tayler held her breath and swam to the deep end of the pool. She stayed under water until her lungs felt like they would burst. Unable to avoid the building pressure, she surfaced.