the disgusting things they call shoes today. Too small.' Tashia reached down and took her hand. `She will come when she is ready.'
`Goddess, I hope so.' Nikki looked at Tashia's hands totally encasing hers, hands that had once given so much pleasure. `If anyone asks, Renee's out patrolling the island.' She turned and headed towards the resort, letting Tashia's hand go.
`Ah, you wish for me to lie?' Tashia asked, loping past.
`No,' Nikki said, eyeing her. `Just avoid mentioning anything you saw this afternoon.'
`Ah yes, done. Besides, I think the news you have will ensure the others are distracted.'
`You haven't said anything to the others?'
`That is your task, Nikki. You're the Magi here, not me. The twins won't say anything either.'
`I bet they won't.' Nikki grinned at her. `And how did they seduce you into their world?'
`Only one of them did, little one.' Tashia flashed a smile. `Jealous, are we?'
`No,' she said, looking around as they reached the resort. `I wish we had our unit further away from the main section of the resort.'
`Let them look,' Tashia said, slowing her stride as other people stopped to stare. `Miekia said to say I was a basketball player from Ukraine if anyone asked. The purple hair is my trademark.'
`So very modern of her.' Nikki opened the door to the unit and Tashia ducked as she followed her in.
`Mmm, much better.' Tashia stripped off in the air conditioning. Nikki watched, still amazed by the fine silver lines covering Tashia's body, remembering how they glowed when⦠`Sure you wouldn't like to join me before the ceremony?'
Nikki blinked and blushed. She had been fixated on Tashia's smooth body. `Uh, you already have company.' She nodded at the sounds from the room next door.
`I'm sure she wouldn't mind.' Tashia slipped over to her, putting a hand on Nikki's face. `If we're going to war you should have some time with us. It's been so long, little one.' She traced a finger down Nikki's neck and into her blouse.
`Tashia.' Nikki pulled her hand away. `I can't. Not now.'
Tashia smiled. `Mmm. There's another.'
Nikki fell onto the couch. `Maybe. It's sudden, but intense. So intense it hurts.'
`Is she here? With the others?' Tashia sat down beside her.
`She is here but,' Nikki ran her fingers through her hair, thinking of Ruth, `she's not one of us.'
`Hmm. But she is different enough toâ'
`Yes, very different. More dangerous than intriguing.' Nikki glanced at the conjoining door between their units, which had crept open. `Enough about me. I have to call Mother and Big Ears is waiting for you.'
`Yes.' Tashia glanced at the door and leant forward, her lips brushing Nikki's ear. `Follow your instincts, little one. Listen to Eleanor, but it is your decision whether we stay. Either way you have my support.'
`Thank you.' Nikki kissed her on the cheek. `Go, and don't be late at the club tonight.'
`No chance. Can't wait to meet our unexpected guest â and his wife.' Tashia winked at her.
`Go away.' Nikki threw a cushion at the door as Tashia slipped behind it. `Can't keep anything from you, can I?'
The door closed and Nikki lay back, eyes closed. `All this and it's not even nightfall. What next?' Ruth's face filled her mind's eye.
`Mother is calling. Mother is calling.' Her mobile phone chirped. She sat up and stared at the phone. `Mother is calling. Mother is calling.'
She picked it up, holding it for a moment before answering. `Mother.'
`Are you leaving yet? Have you warned the others?'
`No to both.'
`You need to leave now. Only Tashia and the elder Flowers sisters have any combat experience. Bloodells do not take prisoners, child. Abandon the island.'
`Mason Douglas is here with his family.' Nikki felt odd saying it, almost excited. The silence on the phone unnerved her. `Mother?' Silence answered her and Nikki checked to make sure the call had not been lost. It hadn't. `Eleanor?'
`I did not foresee this.'
`Believe me, it was a surprise for us.' Nikki took a moment,
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