Tuesday Tales - Cold

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “cold”. We are back with Dani in my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

“Thank you.”

Julian gave her one more cold glance before he crossed his office and shuffled through a bookshelf full of books and binders. It gave Dani a moment to take in his office. It seemed like everything was made of finished walnut and rich, maroon dyed leather. There were several expensive artifacts, just like the ones she had seen in museums, propped up on every flat surface. A laptop was perched in the middle of his desk. 

For a room that looked warm and inviting, Dani felt like she was in an igloo. She wrapped her arms around herself for warmth. 

Julian pulled free a thick tomb and flipped the cover open. His expensive designer shoes clicked across the wood floor as he thumbed through the pages. As he approached her, he angled the book towards her. “Is this what you want to see?”

She honed into the alien in her head as she studied what he showed her. There were several photos of an ancient tomb along with a spattering of text. Bobo kept quiet. “Yes, I want to see something like this.”

He shuffled a few more pages. “This is another area we could visit.”

Dani didn’t have to wait for Bobo to respond. She recognized the Vigvuth symbols without him. The alien bounced in her skull like a rubber ball. “Yes, absolutely. I would love to see this one.”

She heard Julian suck in a breath through his teeth. His voice sounded like a purr. “This one is one of my favorites. I think we could have a good time here. I will reach out to the lead archeologist in charge of this project and begin to arrange our travel. That is, if you wish to join me.”

The warning bells in her head went off. This guy was sinfully good looking. Something told her traveling to another country with this man could be her last mistake and it wasn't Bobo saying it.

Still, she needed answers, if not for her then at least for Ezra. 

Tuesday Tales - Year

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “new”. We are back with Dani in my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Julian’s grin nearly went from ear to ear. “Well, Bob sent you to the right place. I have been on archeological digs all over the world. Some of the pieces I found are now in prestigious museums. Just last year, I led a team that found a buried ancient city in Crete. Where were you hoping to start?”

Dani took a deep breath. “Egypt. I’d like to see the tombs.”

His smile turned to a scowl. A flirty one, but a frown nonetheless. “Oh, come on. You want a challenge, don’t you? I can take you to see wonders.”

“The tombs would be great. I am interested in hieroglyphics.”

His very friendly demeanor suddenly turned frigid. He reared back a bit as if to get a better look at her. The smile that followed seemed forced, like a mask to hide the truth. “Hmm. Very well. Why don’t you step into my office? I can show you some of the photos I’ve taken and, if you are still interested, we can get that trip arranged. Sounds good?”

“Sure.”

He motioned her towards an open doorway down the corridor then took the lead towards it. Once they arrived, he stepped aside to let her through. She glanced up at him as she passed him and stepped into his office. The look on his face made her shiver. She felt like a lamb in front of a wolf. She bit back a gasp that tried to escape.

It was the same expression that Ezra had when he and Grarkiel tried to kill her with all of their little cloud buddies. Did every man in this city want to eat her alive?

Once they were inside, he nudged the door closed. She caught it before it could slam shut. 

“If you don’t mind, can we keep it open?” Dani questioned. “I’m a little claustrophobic."

“And you want to go into a tomb? Bold choice and one I strongly discourage,” Julian answered. “But yes, go ahead.”

Tuesday Tales - New

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “new”. We are back with Dani in my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Dani slowed her steps as she studied the numbered plaques next to each door. 2122. 2124. 2126.

“May I help you?”

The voice was male, deep and rich. Dani spun on her toe to face the person who some. She bit back a gasp. The photo of Julian didn’t do him justice. He had wavy, sandy brown hair like her favorite movie star. His strong, angular face way sun kissed like he spent his time at the beach. Or, she supposed, an archeological dig. His deep blue eyes shimmered like diamonds. He was dressed in an off-white linen dress shirt unbuttoned enough to show a hint of chest. His chocolate brown slacks hung from his hips like he was a fashion model. 

Dani struggled to find her words. “I am looking for Doctor Julian Miles.”

He grinned at her. Of course his teeth were utterly perfect. “You found him. And you are?”

“Dani Scherr. I emailed you. I got your email from Professor Connors.”

“Ah, Bob. What a good man. So you want to know more about archeology.”

“I do. I’m new to all this. I found some books at the Boston Library where I work and I was just fascinated.” It was a little white lie. It wasn’t like Dani could tell him that she and the alien residing in her head needed to know more of the story so they could maybe free the cute guy at her library from the murderous alien camping out inside him. 

Dani forced herself to gaze into the eyes of Julian Miles. Her heart picked up its pace and twisted in guilt all at the same time. She didn’t know she could feel attraction and guilt all at once. Ezra was the polar opposite of this man. Julian was refined. Ezra wore a sweatshirt and jeans all the time. Julian traveled the world. Dani wasn’t sure Ezra went further than the library and the sports bar they occasionally ate at. Julian held a doctorate. She wasn’t sure if Ezra even finished high school. 

Why did it feel like she was cheating on Ezra by being here with Julian?