Chapter 40

Despite her frail state, Ksenia’s face was blooming.  She had never been treated so gallantly by any person let alone two handsome men.

They had promised to show her the nightlife and after her somewhat embarrassed excuse about not having anything to wear, Richie had swept her off her feet, dragging her from the hotel room to treat her to a shopping spree that left her breathless.

It was nearing sunset when they finally opened the hotel room door. Richie’s arms and hands filled with enormous bags.

“Well, well it seemed you two had fun today.”

Richie’s don’t-go- there- look tugged a snicker from Jon’s lips as he turned back to the bar to fill another two glasses.

“I guess you two might be thirsty after the day you had, huh?”

Richie took the glass, thankful for the kick he knew was floating inside it. Ksenia blushed lightly, shaking her head.

“I’m sorry, Jon but I don’t drink.”

One eyebrow flicked.

“Ever? How do you survive girl?” his smile was sweet before he turned away from her.

“You know what I mean!” she laughed.

He turned back with a soda in his hand.

“Will this do?”

Her petite hands touched his as they curled around the glass.

“Thank you, now if you would excuse me, I’m going to get ready for tonight.”

The bedroom door clicked shut; both men heard the lock slid into place.

“Someone’s been booted from the bedroom.”

Jon’s teasing blue eyes could be so damn annoying at times!

“Ooooh fuck off. I didn’t sleep their either last night, yeah laugh your fucking ass off!  She needs time….”

“Well hell! Richie Sambora had changed into a gentleman. When did that happen?” The teasing was gone, the blue eyes were now shining with curiosity.

“Shit I dunno! She just brings it out in me. I mean look at her she is so fucking tiny.”

“Tiny? Bony if you ask me. I like my woman with more meat….and blood for that matter.”

“She wasn’t as thin when I left her! The bastard abused her, there is something about her…something changed.” He stared silently at the closed door.

“I could find out what happened.”

“You stay the fuck out of her mind. She will tell me when she wants…if she wants.”

“Yeah whatever.” Jon shrugged. He wasn’t about to get too attach to the girl, Richie shouldn’t either. He had a bad vibe about her, she was something to the professor and somehow he couldn’t see him giving up on her. Richie might not know it but they may have a fight on their hands soon. Luckily they were leaving the next day so it should buy them some time…hopefully.

“Deep in thought? What are you brewing in that mind of yours.”

“Just wondering how a tiny thing like that have you so pussy whipped that you even went

 shopping with her…She turned the tiger into a lamb.” There was the sparkle in those blue eyes again.

“Its called a gentleman but you wouldn’t know the difference now would you, Bongiovi?”

“I don’t need to, I have the goods.” He flashed the megawatt smile that caused many a woman’s demise.

“Just make sure you keep your goods away from Ksenia, ok asshole?”

“Ooohhh somebody is scared. Like I said brother, meat…I like some meat on the bones. She is safe …for now. Don’t fatten her up too much. Talking about fatten up, what’s gonna happen from here on? Is she going on the road with us? Your personal little lapdog?”

Dark eyes flashed.

“Don’t talk about her like that. She ain’t a cheap hussy. She needs a new life and I’m gonna give it to her. We might not even end up together and that’s ok. I just want to get her on her feet you know…time will tell but for now, yeah she is gonna be touring with us. Is that a problem?”

“Nah…no problem. I hope she will be able to keep up though.”

“She will. She’s a tough one, don’t let her size fool you and besides she’s been working with vamps her whole life. She could be a lot of help to you.”

“I guess.”

The lock slid back and the door swung open.

The two men watched as she walked out. A pair of jeans hugged the slimness of her hips. A wooly polo neck snugged proudly around small breasts, disappearing into the jeans. A black leather jacket was held in one hand and the matching stiletto boots helped to boost her height.

“What?” she was very uncomfortable with the two pair of eyes boring into her.

“You look gorgeous Ksenia.” The make-up had masked the horrible bruise on her cheek and she looked liked the radiant girl he had met a few weeks ago. Her hair shone like a halo and Richie made up his mind…she was indeed an angel. His angel.

“You think we’ll be safe taking her out with us? She’s gonna cause a few brawls tonight. But what the hell, I feel as fit as a horse!” Jon kissed her gently on the cheek, cracking his fingers to show his readiness.

“Keep your hands to yourself and behave. I need to get ready ok?” Richie winked as he neared the bedroom door.

~~

Half an hour later they stepped into a nightclub. A charming pink covered her cheeks as she walked in. She was free for the first time in her life! She could actually look forward to the next hour, days, weeks…. years!

They were promptly taken to their seats, pulling out the chair, she sat down, her smile was dazzling but as soon as Richie touched her she winched, her face paling immediately.

It didn’t go unnoticed and Richie’s face scrunched into a frown. Her rejection was obvious and he pulled his hands back, balling them as he sat down, his chair scraped a few inches towards Jon, widening the gap between him and Ksenia. He damn well knew when he wasn’t wanted!

Jon felt rejection and hurt bouncing of Richie is heated waves. He pretended not to have noticed what had played out between them and turned towards the girl. Strangely he could feel pain coming from her, not dislike as he had expected. The thought of reading her thoughts flitted across his mind but he decided against it, respecting his friend’s wishes.

“So what do you think of this place? A little too noisy for you?”

“I love the noise! I’ve been around silence my whole life!” her voice was straining above the music, her eyes shimmering in the flickering lights.

Jon crooked a finger at a willowy waitress hovering nearby their table. Jon’s aura was already at work and Ksenia watched in fascination as women walked passed their table, eyeing Jon appreciatively, some he acknowledged and some not. It was easy to see his preference as he flashed a gorgeous smile towards yet another dark haired woman passing their table.

“Don’t you ever get tired of all the flirting?”

“Jon sat back, its all part of the game, it makes it just that much sweeter.” Tips of fangs peeked from his lips. The waitress was hanging onto every word he said.

“Two Jack Daniels and a Pina Colada...na ah ah! You need some color in those cheeks, besides it tastes like soda. You’ll love it…you’ll see.” Jon smiled at her.

Richie was in no mood to fight Jon’s charm and he sat back, watching them. Jon wasn’t trying to flirt with her, his easy charm spilled from him in thick waves, Ksenia soaking it up to his greatest irritation.

Their drink were served and Jon reached out, sliding the tall glass her way.

“There ya go sweetheart. Drink up. Tell me what you think.”

Taking a tiny sip, her eyes grew bigger by the second.

“Oh my! I love it! It does taste like soda! Thank you Jon.”

He just winked and shoved at Richie’s shoulder.

“Hey sourpuss drink up. We’re going to have some fun tonight. Ksenia is having a good time, so should we.” Richie’s dark mood was like a cold brush in his side.

“Yeah I guess.” He grumbled.

Half way through the meal and two Pina Coladas later, Ksenia was sporting red cheeks and very shiny eyes. She was chatting away, laughing at the dancing bodies, giggling at the strange fashions catching her eye.

She was talking to Richie, touching his hand, cupping it with hers and it lightened the mood immediately. The smiling, joking Richie was back.

Emptying her glass, Ksenia suddenly jumped up, pulling at Richie.

“I want to dance! I’ve never done it before but it seems like so much fun!”

Richie snorted playfully.

“I am NOT the guy to show you how, darlin’.” She was either ignoring him or his words were lost in the music, she kept on pulling.

She looked so relaxed and utterly beautiful as she danced before him, her arms lifted high above her head, her slim hips pulsing with the rhythm. Taking her slightly on the hips he kept her close, their bodies whispering to each other without touching.

By the second song, Richie felt beads of sweat on his forehead. Holy Shit! The girl was energetic! As he looked up he suddenly saw her pale, her body seemed to be  frozen in midair.

 “I want to get back to the table…please take me back to the table!” She was blabbering, the unsure girl apparent in the hugeness of her eyes.

“Jonny gave you too much to drink. You’re not used to it and now you are getting sick!” Richie led her back.

Jon immediately felt the mood as they slipped into their seats.

“Did the fucker step on your toes Sweetheart?” Jon tried but it was all in vain.

“Could I please have another one?” She twirled the glass.

“Ksenia...don’t you think you had enough?”

Blazing eyes suddenly shot up.

“I’m not a child Richie! Don’t treat me like one.”

“Oooook then!” Jon turned towards the waitress. “Fill her up please.”

“You’re gonna be sick but  see if I care.” Richie shrugged.

The night was over, they could all feel it.  Ksenia didn’t meet their eyes, her face was drawn, her eyes darting as if searching something.

“Ksenia whats wrong?” Richie didn’t know much but there was something seriously wrong.

She lifted the glass, swallowing a few mouths full.

Ksenia heard Richie’s question as if in slow motion, her brain felt woozy, her surroundings seemed unstable to her. A shaky hand placed the glass back onto the table.

“I don’t feel too good.”

Jon threw a few bills onto the table, standing up, he met Richie’s eyes.

“I think we need to head back. We have a long flight tomorrow.”

Her tiny frame leaned heavily against the bigger frame as they walked out, waiting for a taxi. By the time they reached the hotel, she was fast asleep.