They left the city, drove past an army base, then further out into the country. The two humans were quiet on the drive, and the only thing Virta got out of them was that their names were Harold and Joseph. She finally gave up trying to start conversation, and settled back to look out the window.
The road curved around, suddenly revealing a huge, white house on a lush, well-maintained property. The house was several stories tall, with white railing on each level. Besides the sheer size of the place, Virta thought the most impressive feature was the round portico at the top floor, which rested on four gigantic pillars. Flanking each side of the house were second-story patios surrounded by white railing. Underneath the left side was a silver sports car, and on the right side, a porch.
Behind that was a garage that she knew probably held three cars. In the distance beyond, were servants' quarters and more buildings, including a horse barn. Trees bordered the yard, and in the distance were fields, forests, and a peaceful lake. No other residence could be seen from where Virta stood.
Well, it was impressive and rich, just like she'd imagined. She thought of her small apartment back in Heaven. If this was Athan's home, she was so out of her league... but then she'd known that all along, hadn't she?
A small car with a driver waiting was parked out front. So, Athan had company. Joseph opened the car door for Virta and walked her up the steps of the stately, pillared, front porch. There was a bamboo wind chime clacking gently in the breeze. It was a familiar sound and helped to calm her somewhat. She turned, but her escort was already getting back into the car.
She watched it pull away, leaving her alone. How would she get back to the city? It didn't matter, she realized. She was going to be in Athan's arms in a minute. Then she heard the door opening behind her. She turned around, expecting to see a servant.
Instead, Virta watched a gorgeous demon step through the thick, ornate door. She was tall, with perfect, creamy skin, brilliant, blue eyes, and full, pouty lips. Luscious, blonde locks cascaded down and framed ample cleavage.
Virta couldn't take her eyes from the stunning creature. She didn't see Virta just yet because she was busy adjusting her bra. It was peeking out of the low neckline of the red dress. Virta couldn't help but follow on down the lines of the woman's sensuous, curvy hips, past the short hem of the dress, and those long, long legs that ended in a pair of red stiletto heels.
From the mussed look of her hair and the way she was coaxing the dress back around her curves, it was clear to Virta that the woman had just had sex. Virta's mouth went dry, and she froze to the spot. This other woman had just had sex with Athan. All of Virta's resolve to stop worrying went right out the window.
The bombshell walked slowly across the porch, eyes down, still adjusting her clothes, and almost ran straight into Virta. The woman looked up, and it seemed to Virta that surprised recognition flashed in her blue eyes. And then, they narrowed.
"Ooh, an angel," cooed the fake, sugary-sweet voice. "How adorable. I'm Mara. And you must be the latest conquest. Virta? Your reputation precedes you, unfortunately." Mara giggled softly.
Virta was speechless at Mara's appearance, her words, and her silky laughter.
Mara raked her up and down with laser-intense eyes. "Huh, nice outfit. Pam's doing, I suppose. Oh, and I love those shoes." Then her eyes bore into Virta's chest with a sympathetic gaze. "But Athan likes bigger tits." Mara smirked, sticking out her own voluptuous chest. "Oh well, you're fresh meat. Kinda fresh, anyway. I guess that's all that matters."
Virta couldn't seem to find her tongue, and it made her angry. She should have had enough of sharp-tongued, insulting females by now. Mara flipped her hair, then glided down the steps toward the waiting car. The driver helped her inside. Virta watched until the car was gone. Then she turned back to the door.
Now she felt foolish. Clearly, Athan had just had a special visitor, someone to welcome him back from the battle. Was Mara a girlfriend? Or just some type of... whore? Maybe his way to blow off steam after a battle? And was Virta the next one he'd lined up for it?
Rose's warning came to her unbidden: "What, you think Athan is going to change and become a cuddly little puppy in your arms? Don't be a fool, Virta. Learn from what happened to me. Even if he decided to keep you around a while, you wouldn't make it in his world. Heartbreak awaits you, girl."
Though Athan had told her a lot about himself, she really didn't know what his life was like here. A guy like him couldn't be satisfied with just one woman, she thought. In fact, I'm probably just one in his harem across the Universe. She was going to have to find a way to accept it. Plus, she was still technically his slave. She didn't think she got to make too many choices for herself anymore.
She forced her shaking hand to knock on the door. It opened, and an elderly gentleman welcomed her inside.
"He's been expecting you, Virta" he said. She wasn't surprised he knew her name. "I'm John. Athan is in his office. Please follow me."
John was formal, yet his deep, pleasant voice and warm, brown eyes were welcome and kind in contrast to Mara. He walked her through the foyer, up the grand staircase, and down a hallway to the back of the home.
She noticed a few other servants on the way. They pretended to be working, but Virta saw their curious glances. John knocked gently on a door. He opened it, deposited her inside the spacious office, and left. Virta looked around, nervous. The scent of leather, sandalwood and tobacco filled her nostrils.
She didn't see Athan at first. Her eyes were drawn past the imposing desk to the open French doors. Then she saw him.
Athan was on the balcony, sitting sideways against the railing. He was smoking a cigarette and looking out over the grounds.
She hoped he didn't hear her tiny gasp. She thought he'd never looked so good as he did right then. Her eyes took in his half-naked body - he was shirtless, wearing just pants. Even his feet were bare. Tan, smooth skin glistened in the sun. Dark, damp hair lay every which way. It was clear he'd just had a shower.
Virta swallowed. He just had sex with that blonde goddess. She felt sick to her stomach. But what did she expect? Still, it was harder now that she was stuck down here in a land she didn't know, slave to a man that perhaps she didn't really know. Her mind drifted back to the contract, then to the battlefield. Images of Athan killing angels remained in her head.
"You made it," he said. His voice was a sweet sound to her ears. Then he turned and smiled back in the room at her. Black irises gleamed from his amazing face, and his breathtaking smile caused movement inside her.
"You did too." She was surprised she could still form words.
He laughed softly at that, a beautiful melody of sound. He crushed the cigarette just outside the door and moved inside. But he stopped when he really saw her.
"Damn, Virta." Athan was a massive silhouette in the door frame, just drinking her in. "You're amazing in that outfit. Pam outdid herself."
He was at her side in an instant, holding her against him in the tightest, longest embrace she'd ever felt. When he finally pulled back and looked down at her, she was unable to speak, immediately lost in his nighttime eyes.
He seemed disheartened by her silence. In another second, he stood behind his massive desk, shuffling through things.
Virta shook her head to clear it. What had he been saying a moment before? Oh, Pam. "She was really nice," Virta said in a soft voice. "You know, it's not so bad down here."
"Uh-huh," was Athan's only reply. He seemed distracted, placing the assortment of papers on his desk into orderly stacks. "We have a lot to talk about. You can have a seat." He motioned to the chair in front of his desk.
