Part 20
   The Reveal


  Malekai led me into a room where he instructed me to wait for Dominik. I simply nodded as I looked around the place.

I didn't hear him leave, and it could be that my attention was caught up by the decor.

The walls were grey in color with no paintings, or photos.
Perhaps he chose them to be bare. The only thing close to wall art was a huge black framed mirror that leaned against a lonely wall.
  A charcoal grey tuft sofa, and two winged chairs across from it sat in the center of the room.
In between the furniture was a rectangular bevelled glass that was held up by two pedestals shaped like hands.
As a centerpiece, red, and purple orchids filled a silver vase.

  The pieces fit perfectly on a white shag carpet that was surrounded by marble flooring.

Above it all hung a beautiful chandelier with tear drop crystals, and beaded pearls that draped throughout this elegant piece.

  I walked around the quiet room, feeling the texture of the upholstery,
and I found myself standing in front of the large mirror.

  Seeing my reflection, my hair was a nice mess, and my clothes, although quickly thrown together, looked good.

Vanity was never a concern for me, but I have to admit that I liked this look.

I also saw Dominik standing a few steps away, and I was a little embarrassed that he caught me checking myself out.

He came to stand behind me, placing his hands on my hips. His touch made me feel tingly.

He said,
" You are a vision, and one that I can't bare to never see again! "

I didn't know how to respond to that, so I changed the subject.

  I looked around, and showed my appreciation for it's decor, and I guess he was alright with that.
He took a step back, and spread his arms wide.

He asked,
"Do you like it?"

  He stared at me with those eyes that I didn't want to turn away from. His smile was warm, and his lips were inviting.

He said,
"I really hope that you do. I want you to feel at home in my place."

  I really did love it, and he knew it.

A knock on the door brought me back, and Dominik excused himself to answer it.
I could see that it was Malekai.

They were discussing something that apparently had Dominik upset, and Malekai frustrated.

When he returned, I had strolled over to the windows. Placed in between each window were large vases with a scenery of villages. Each one had a different design that was beautifully detailed.

Though it was dark, I could see the shadows of trees that appeared to touch the sky above.

I asked,
" What time is it?"

No expression on his face, I started to ask again.

He quickly said,
" Shannon, if you'll give me tonight without worrying about time, or where we are, I will answer whatever it is you want to know."

It was certainly a good proposal, how could I say no.

I said,
" Ok, deal!"

Looking out the window, I wondered if the shadows were still watching, listening, whispering.
He took my hand, and led me towards the sofa.

I sat down, then he stepped away through a door on the other side of the room.

I began to wonder about the visions that flashed in, and out of my head. I knew they were tied to him.
As I remembered the cards, my heart started to beat faster.
I closed my eyes, and commanded myself to calm down.

Another moment passed, then Dominik
returned with two crystal glasses filled with red wine.
I hesitated as he handed one to me.

He said,
" Take it Shannon, relax, let's talk."

I looked at him with suspicion.

He added,
" All we have to do is talk, if that is what you wish!"

The nervous knots I was feeling didn't seem to fade as I sipped the wine. It was quiet, and I wondered what he was thinking about.
He broke the uncomfortable silence.

He said,
" Now then, what is it that you'd like to ask me?"

  I doubt that he'd be straight with me.

I asked,
"I want a straight answer!
No riddles, no answer in the form of another question!"

He licked his lips, followed by a soft laugh, and I wished he didn't do anything to entice me. This wasn't easy for me, because my body already wanted him.

He said,
" I will give you the best answer that I can."

He sat across from me, and I forced myself to look away.
I needed a distraction, something that I could focus on, because the feeling he brought out had me wanting to explore every inch of him.

Ugh, focus woman! I commanded myself as I scanned for a target. My eyes settled on the centerpiece of beautiful orchids.
They are my favorite, and I used them to organize my thoughts.
Hmm, what question should I start with.

He asked,
"My love, are you ready?"

I looked at him, and decided what my first question should be.

I asked,
" Why do you call me that?"

Dominik didn't look surprised that I asked him that.

He answered,
" It is a term of endearment. Do you wish for me not to call you my love?"

I said,
" No...