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“More or less,” her husband replied. “I’m sorry we’re so late.” He noticed the cat and chuckled. “Coco,ma vieille salope, you’re back?”
The cat blinked lazily and slid off Linda’s lap. She bounded toward Jean-Paul and rubbed herself against her master’s legs, purring loudly in greeting.
“She’s a wild woman,” he laughed. “How many new nephews will you give me this time?”
Gerard smiled and knelt to stroke the cat, grinning broadly when Coco, instantly in love, climbed into his arms. He winced when she sunk her claws into his shirt and flesh, hoping for a stronger grip.
“Wash your hands and go to the kitchen,” Mariana prompted. “Dinner is ready. Linda and I ate earlier.”
“It’s well that you did. Mariana, you’re a treasure,” Gerard said. “Any man would be lucky to have a devoted wife like you.”
He winked, bending to kiss Mariana’s rosy cheek.
Everyone laughed, including Linda, but his words filled her with envy. He’d never suggested she would make a great wife—not that they’d ever discussed marriage.
Had he ever said those words to another woman? He’d had lovers, but had maintained he’d never fallen in love with them, but… The thought of him married to another woman, touching her, or looking at her with the same passion he reserved for her stabbed her heart, the pain real and almost crippling in its intensity.
From the moment she’d decided to let Gerard into her life, all she’d wanted was an affair, a no strings attached relationship, but now, after a week, she wanted more. She had no rights to this man because she hadn’t wanted him or anyone else to claim any from her.
Suddenly, she was seeing him through fresh eyes. She admired his tall frame and solid, wide shoulders. He was striking, attractive in spite of the fatigue imprinted on his face. Each of his features spoke to his character and powerful personality. That was what had drawn her to him, what had made her fall in love with him. He radiated strength and determination. As she stared shamelessly, she realized something was different about him. What had he and Jean-Paul talked about all day? Now wasn’t the time to ask.
While the men ate the food Mariana had provided, she, Linda, and Coco kept them company. The cat had an endless appetite—no doubt making up for her nocturnal activities. Each time Jean-Paul or Gerard handed her a bit of meat, her mouth opened greedily.
As previously arranged, Jean-Paul and Mariana took them sightseeing. The artist in Linda admired the incredible architecture. The Cluj region was home to more than thirteen hundred national monuments, including the statue of King Mathias outside the gothic St. Michael’s Cathedral and that of Avram Iancu, a Transylvanian Romanian lawyer who’d played a significant role in the Austrian Empire Revolution.
They drove by the State Bank, City Hall, the gorgeous National Theater, and the impressive Orthodox Basilica, with its onion dome reminiscent of those so often seen in Moscow or St. Petersburg. Once they reached the Old Town, Jean-Paul parked the vehicle, and they walked the narrow streets, browsing the shops and souvenir stores.
Since Transylvania had a worldwide, if unfounded, reputation due to misinformation concerning the legends surrounding Vlad Tepes, many of the souvenirs were sinister representations of the ruler, as well as of Bran Castle, the medieval fortress Bram Stoker had used as a model for his infamous Count Dracula’s home. There were other items such as magnets depicting the University of Transylvania, established in 1780, the Romanian national flag, and the Transylvanian coat of arms. In one store, silver jewelry artistically made by Romanian crafters caught Linda’s eye. She was particularly taken by a Transylvanian Vampire Ankh neckpiece. After purchasing a few postcards and a silver brooch for Mrs. Adams, depicting the fern leaf poppy, one of Romania’s floral emblems, they finally headed home.
Coco meowed a greeting in her feline dialect when they entered the house and busily set to work inspecting all of their bags.
After a light snack, they settled down to watch a movie. While the film was well done, Linda soon found herself yawning.
“I’m afraid I’ll fall asleep right here,” she apologized.
“As will I,” Gerard added. “We need to make an early start tomorrow to reach the airport on time for our flight back to London.”
“Of course,” Mariana said. “We understand.”
After saying goodnight, Linda followed Gerard to their room.
“I had a wonderful time,” she said. “I’m really glad you convinced me to join you.”
She undressed slowly, her body protesting all the walking and toting she’d done today. She was in good physical condition, but the day’s exercise hadn’t been what she was used to. Remembering their trip to the market, she shivered.
“Are you cold?” Gerard asked.
Wearing nothing but his boxers, he stepped closer to enfold her in his arms.
She let her head fall back against his chest, thrilling in the reassuring, protective heat from his body.
“No. I just… Something weird happened at the market this morning.” Reaching for his hand, she led him to bed, nestling in his arms under the soft sheets. “As Mariana and I were leaving the market,” she began and went on to tell him about her encounter with the old gypsy.
To her annoyance, Gerard laughed.
“Don’t tell me you bought into her woo-woo mumbo jumbo?” He toyed with a strand of her hair.
Somewhat miffed by his cavalier reaction, she glared at him. Since they were nose to nose, it was hard to look affronted.
