Page 66 of The Soul of Archer
“Smart move. I talked to Danny Jameson and Ethan when I came up and from what they told me, Monica may be an even bigger threat than her husband and children were.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of dad.” Lance sighed in agreement.
***
Monica gnashed her teeth as she watched Alora St. James walk out of the house and climb into the truck with an older man. How dare that woman live while Monica’s husband and children lay dead in the ground. All because of this sniveling little bitch. She would pay, and Monica would make sure that Blackout knew her wrath. Slipping on her sunglasses, Monica pulled away from the curb. She still had planning to do and she would need help. Luckily, she had friends in low places and the resources to make her plans for vengeance come to fruition.
***
Alora pushed through the pain and completed one more rep before placing the hand weights on the floor. “Good. Well done Alora.”
“Thanks.” Alora sighed. “The exercises are getting easier.”
“That means the therapy is working.” Lisa, Alora’s therapist replied. “You’ve been making excellent progress in a short time. You’re not trying to do too much too soon, which I see too often.”
“Trust me, a week in the hospital was enough. I don’t want to go back anytime soon.” Alora stated.
Lisa chuckled, “Well, I think we can call it a day. Remember, when you get home take a nice soak. Even though these exercises are getting easier, your muscles have been out of active use for nearly a month and you need to build up their endurance again.”
Alora nodded, rising off the bench. “Oh, Lance wanted me to ask if a gentle massage would be a good idea?”
“Actually, it would be beneficial. I wouldn’t suggest a Swedish or Shiatsu massage, but a gentle rub down would be a good idea now that you’re using the muscles more. I recommend using some kind of oil or cream for aching muscles.” Lisa answered.
“I’ll tell him. See you on Friday then.” Alora replied with a wave and headed off to meet Lance who was picking her up. She stepped out of the therapy office and saw Lance already waiting for her. She climbed in the truck, gave him a kiss, then buckled up. “How was your day?”
“It was good. I supervised Bravo team’s weapon qual today. Filed the report then went to do a check-up on one of our systems in the financial district.” Lance explained.
“Sounds fun. Lisa said I’m making progress. She also said a gentle rub down after my sessions would be fine and would help at this point. She suggested using an oil or cream for aching muscles with the rub down.” Alora said.
“I have something I used when I was in the corps. Hell, still use it sometimes after I do the combat training refresher course each year.”
They fell into a comfortable silence the rest of the drive home. Since Jessi and Alex were staying at Lance’s house, he had practically moved into Alora’s. When Alex came out the previous week, Carmen had flown back to North Carolina to check on things. She was due back at the end of July. By then if everything stayed on course with Alora’s physical therapy and such, she could return to work. It would still be another month before she would be able to do any physical work at the shop like decorating, lifting and such, but Alora just wanted to get her life back to normal. Jessi said she would stick around at least until the bakery at the book shop was complete which would be in mid-September.
Lance eased his truck into the drive beside Alora’s Subaru. He climbed out and went to her side and helped her out. “Why don’t you go on up and soak in the tub. I’ll get things ready in the bedroom for your rub down. Then I was thinking ordering take out from Snow Pea.”
“Mmm, that sounds like a plan.” Alora hummed.
They walked into the house and while she headed upstairs, Lance headed for the kitchen. She entered her bedroom, stripped then headed for the bathroom. She studied herself in the mirror as the tub filled with water. Slowly, she reached up and traced the scar on her chest. Normally, Alora wasn’t a vain woman, never had been, but she had been worried about Lance’s reaction to seeing it. Those worries had been unfounded. The stitches had been removed two days ago, but even before then every night Lance softly kissed the entire length of the scar. The first time he had done so, she had blushed and got teary eyed. Lance told her she had nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of. To him that scar was not ugly but beautiful because she was beautiful. She doubted she would ever get used to seeing it, but now it warmed her very soul when he kissed it. Alora turned off the water and slipped into the steaming tub, sighing as the warmth sank into her body. Vaguely she could hear Lance moving around the bedroom.
About half an hour later, she stepped out of the bathroom and found Lance standing at the side of the bed. The sheets and comforter had been folded down to the foot of the bed and the candles she had scattered around the room were lit bathing the room in a golden glow, with the scent of wildflowers filling the air. Lance held out a hand to her and with a smile, she placed her smaller hand in his.
Lance led her to the bed and eased her down, so she was laying on her stomach. Without a word, he sat beside her, pulled her silky robe down so it pooled at her waist. Once that was complete, he reached for the oil he had waiting on the nightstand, poured some on his hands and began his massage. He chuckled when she moaned as he rubbed her upper back and shoulders, taking care around her left shoulder.
“How does that feel?”
“It feels wonderful.”
He fell silent again as he worked. Under his hands he could feel her body relaxing more and more. He finished up, wiped off his hands then eased down beside her, pulling her into his arms. Alora sighed happily. “I love you Alora.”
“And I love you Lance.”
“Why don’t you get dressed then come downstairs. I’ll call Snow Pea and order dinner. Any requests?”
“I like everything on their menu so whatever you pick is fine by me.”
Nodding, Lance kissed her before getting off the bed and heading downstairs. He walked into the kitchen, picking up the cordless phone as he headed for the coffee pot. He quickly placed their order and hung up as he poured himself and Alora a cup of coffee. He turned with his hands holding the mugs and froze.
“Where is she?” Monica demanded.
