Read Online Forever Young: Blessing or Curse (Always Young Trilogy) by Morgan Mandel - Free Book Online

skillfully performed their duties, enhancing
but not overshadowing Dorrie’s fresh and innocent qualities. Her shoulder
length honey colored hair sparkled with vitality. The subtle variations of eye
shadow deepened the depths of her warm brown eyes.
    All
those were but appetizers to the main dish, an exquisite body barely contained
in a buttercup colored bikini. Dorrie’s specially designed costume, while
illustrating the pill’s power, emphasized her womanly attributes to advantage,
setting off her taffy colored hair, caramel colored eyes, and legs long enough
to bring a man to ecstasy in their embrace. The sight made the blood rush to
his head, as well as another portion of his anatomy.
    Self-conscious,
like a young girl, she flushed at his appraisal, and eagerly reached for the
turquoise Oriental wrap from the wardrobe mistress. Dorrie wasn’t used to her
new skin, but had all the time in the world to make the transition. For now,
shyness added to her appeal. Every man in the room would dream of erasing that
innocence.
    “You
look lovely,” he said, stating the obvious.
    At
his words, a flush crept from the nape of her neck and upward, covering her face,
making his loins tighten. This would never do. Cameras had a way of ferreting
embarrassing details. With tremendous willpower, he forced his mind from Dorrie
and onto his responsibilities.
    “Off
to the show,” he said.
    Though
he’d like nothing better than to place his arm around her waist and feel the
soft flesh beneath, he resisted the impulse and kept his hands at his sides,
except for motioning the two security guards to accompany them.
    On
the way down the elevator, his glance caught Dorrie biting her lip. The gesture
made her seem all the more vulnerable and alluring, so much so he wished he
didn’t have to share her.  Experience would calm her fears. It wouldn’t be
long before she, like him, would grow accustomed to the attention and crave it. 
    A
hush fell over the room as Roman approached the corner of the atrium. Crimson
velvet ropes secured by gleaming golden poles cordoned off the broadcast area.
The stage was set. The performance was about to begin. Curious onlookers craned
their necks for a glimpse of his magnificence. He reveled in the power of
capturing the crowd’s attention. Soon he’d mold their minds as well. Before
long Dorrie would be the recipient of such favors also, because today a star
would be born. He hated sharing the limelight, but knew it would be for the
greater good.
    Roman’s
nod to the audience resulted in deafening applause. Smiling, he waved to his
prospective customers, then glanced toward the left front apron, where Dorrie
stood, flanked by the security guards. He flashed her a smile and was rewarded
by a shy return. Ignoring a rush of awareness, he faced the audience.
    That’s
when the transition occurred from Roman Remington to the “Angel Man,” hope of
mankind. As he sought his mark under the skylight, sunshine streamed down,
illuminating his shoulder-length blond hair and his shimmering satin shirt.
Arching grape vines formed a verdant backdrop. Roses, oleander and camellias
surrounded him and filled the air with their fragrance. Mourning doves cooed
and finches chirped, as they nestled on the boughs of the citrus trees to
either side of him. Perfect.
    Roman
signaled for his wireless lavaliere mike to go live. As the cameramen took
position, the air crackled with anticipation. “Welcome to the Garden of Eden,
the beginning of a new and wonderful life for everyone.” 
    For
emphasis, he opened his arms wide. Cameras clicked. Applause thundered.
    When
it died down, he assumed a suppliant pose. “I’ve worked long and hard to ensure
the arrival of this momentous occasion. Today, I humbly stand before you, the
vessel of hope for mankind.”
    ***
    Protected
by guards on the apron, Dorrie watched Roman’s performance in awe. He’d make a
great actor, but that would be a waste of his talents.
    “Many
of you