Free Son of Eden, a Paranormal Romance by Brianna Merrill Page A

fifties. Quite unusual for February.
    “That’s good news. Since the cold weather seems to be taking a temporary break we should take advantage of it.” Alexander gestured with his hand in the direction they were to go.
    “I agree. It’s perfect timing to venture out on foot.” Emily fell in line next to Alexander as they began walking. “So where are we going?”
    Alexander flashed a big grin. “It’s a surprise. I think surprises are always more fun.”
    “That’s okay with me.” She was satisfied to wait and see; she liked surprises.
    “So, when will your violin be ready? Do you know yet?”
    “Actually I talked with Mr. Hunt this morning, and he said Tuesday.”
    “May I still accompany you to pick it up?” Alexander asked.
    “I was hoping you would.” Emily shoved her hands into her pockets, seeking warmth for her chilled fingertips. However, it was also a nervous habit, like hiding her hands would mask her fake and shaky confidence.
    “I’m very excited to see what the old gentleman has done with it… That really is a special violin.”
    “Yeah, I wish I knew a little more about it, but I guess there is no way to tell. It’s not like old violins have VIN numbers or anything.”
    “Yes I guess they don’t, do they?” Alexander chuckled.
    “Will you be able to go Tuesday? Does that conflict with your work schedule?”
    A smile began to slowly creep across Alexander’s mouth, like he knew something amusing but didn’t want to tell. “You would be surprised how flexible my job is. I’m really only needed for big events, other than that I just hang around and wait for things to happen.”
    “Are you a bodyguard for just one person then?” Emily was truly curious about what he did. At the concert he said that he could be referred to as a bodyguard, but had not said that was it exactly. She knew there was more to it.
    “Yes, for right now I guard one person. But there have been times I have guarded whole families.”
    “How long have you been doing this?”
    “Oh, it seems like eons.”
    “Really, you don’t look like you could be a day over twenty-five.” Emily looked down at the ground suddenly embarrassed. It wasn’t her business how old he was.
    “Well, yes it is. I need to know. There is no way I can be hanging out with a thirty-year-old. Daddy would never approve.”
    “ It just feels like I’ve been doing it forever. I guess you could say it’s what I was born to do. It’s in my blood.” Alexander leaned in and hunted to meet Emily’s downward gaze. “And you’re right. I seem to be perpetually stuck below the age of twenty-five, so no worries there.” He smiled reassuringly, like he knew what lay behind Emily’s question.
    Relief washed over her even though Alexander still hadn’t given a specific answer about his age. She was beginning to notice that he seemed to answer questions differently, never being completely direct, but at the same time totally honest.
    “Do you enjoy what you do?” Emily was now looking up with regained confidence.
    “I do. I can’t imagine doing anything else really. The only down side is that it gets a bit lonely at times.”
    “Why is that?” Emily had caught the hint of hurt in the last part of his sentence.
    “Well, as I said the other night, for the most part I am supposed to stay in the shadows, not be seen. I also am not required to have much contact with those I guard. So at times I feel very isolated.” Alexander looked away for a moment as if to make sure he had his emotions in check.
    “I guess that would make someone feel lonely, wouldn’t it.” Emily knew the feeling of loneliness. Her isolation was self-inflicted, but still they shared that common thread.
    “What about you. Do you like living here in New York?” Alexander changed the subject.
    “I do. It’s the only place I’ve ever lived, so I like it for the most part. There are times that being in the city can be a little overwhelming. My family has a place up