Chapter 95

“I just....”

Ciara’s head whipped up in shock. The face contorted in blazing anger above her almost brought her pounding heart to an instant standstill.

“YOU!”

“Get the fuck away from my son.” His hands were painfully cruel on her skin.

“Daddy!” Jesse frightened face knocked some sense into him and he crouched lower, the blood of his son stinging his nose, sickening him to the stomach.

Ciara’s was frozen in shock, her eyes fixed on Jon.

“Could you please let go of my son.” His icy blue eyes had lost their gentleness, his stern mouth gritted out the words.

Her focus turned to the distressed boy.

“Let’s see your knee Sweetie. C’mon lets go the bathroom.”

Ignoring Jon, she picked Jesse up and rushed towards the bathroom, leaving the traitor behind, or so she thought.

“I’m so sorry you got hurt Jesse. I just...”

“Ouuucchhh! It burns!” he pouted as another tear wiggled down his cheek.

“I have to clean it and make sure there is no broken glass. You are so brave!” She cooed gently, thanking her stars as she cleaned a tiny cut. The bleeding had seemed worse that it was!

“Where were you when my son got hurt?”

Her eyes stumbled onto a pair of jean clad legs, moving ever so slowly, she braced herself to meet the chilly eyes again.

“I went to the bathroom. He was asleep on the couch. He must have woken up and didn’t know where he was.”

“I thought you had left me.” Jesse tossed in his few cents worth.

“I will never leave you alone Sweetie. I promise.”

“He got hurt because of you, just one day with you and my son got hurt!”

Could someone’s voice really be that frosty?

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for him to get hurt. Now if you excuse me. I’ll go and pick up the glass before someone gets hurt again.”

He moved to the side to let her pass.

Moments later Jon and Jesse entered the sitting room, finding Ciara on all fours.

Admiring her in such a precarious position, he mentally punched down the stirring in his groin.

Jesse let go off his hand, inching close to Ciara he whispered.

“I’m sorry I got you in trouble. “

“You didn’t get me in trouble! It was a mistake and look you even got hurt. OUCH! Da...” Ciara swallowed her words.

Blood oozed from her finger. Pulling the pesky shard from her finger, she was about to pop it into her mouth, when Jon squatted down beside her.

His mouth watered at the slight scent of her blood and he pursed his lips together. Willing the fangs to stay put.

“You cut yourself.”

“Its nothing serious, just a tiny prick.”

His eyes were fixed on the trail of blood.

“Leave the glass. Housekeeping can clean it up.”

“But Jesse....”

“...won’t go close to it. I’ll call them right now. Sit down.”

She obeyed, listening as he requested housekeeping.

Jesse hobbled in with a tissue and she smiled thankfully, stroking his shiny hair.

“Thanks honey.”

Wrapping the tissue around the bloody finger, she looked up and was stunned. Jon was mesmerized with her hand, his eyes shone like marbles as he stared. His chest heaved as he took greedy gulps of air into his lungs. Air filled with the scent of her delicious blood...Licking his lips his eyes suddenly met hers. The hunger in his eyes was sheltered by the flick of his eyelids.

“I think I better go.” Ciara’s heart just didn’t seem to slow down tonight and the quicker she got out of there, the better.

“You haven’t finished the story yet.” Jesse took the book, holding it hopefully towards her.

“I think Ciara is tired sport.”

Disappointment shone in the child’s eyes and Ciara took hold of the book.

“Just one. You run off to bed, I’m on my way.”

“Yay!”  he smacked a quick kiss on his dad’s cheek and tottered off to bed.

“Ciara...”

“I’m going to read your son his story and them I’m leaving.” She looked at him over her shoulder, cold eyes flashing.

Well hell he knew a cold shoulder when one smacked him in the face!

Ciara looked up from the storybook a half an hour later, Jesse was off to dreamland.

She hadn’t even managed to get to the middle of the story yet and he was dead to the world. Poor little thing, he had so much going on in his life right now...She pecked him softly on the cheek.

“He is getting fond of you too quickly. That could be a problem...”

His voice made her jump. He always seemed to be everywhere!

“Children are resilient. He knows he is only here for a while. Besides kids can never have too much love.” She refused to meet his gaze. Closing the book, she laid it on the bedside table. Reaching over, she stroked the shiny hair of the sleeping boy one last time.

Something deep inside Jon clicked into place the moment he witnessed her gentle display towards his son. The tiny puzzle locked firmly into one of the dark hollows deep inside, sealing just a little bit of the evilness away.

She shifted, meeting his gaze.

“I made us some coffee. We need to talk.”

She followed him silently, her mind in a muddle as the events of the evening sunk in.

 Taking the cup from him, she noticed with irritation her hand shaking nervously.

STOP IT CIARA!

“I’m sorry for treating you like I did tonight. You must understand I heard my son screaming, calling out your name and then I sm...saw the blood.”

“I understand. I would have acted the same if it was my child.”

They sipped the coffee in silence.

Jon had so much to say but she was nervous as hell and one wrong step and he knew she would be out of the door in a flash.

Ciara struggled to swallow down the scalding hot caffeine but as soon as the last drop was gone she stood up.

“Thank you for the coffee.”

She headed for the door. What was there to say? That he had played her for a fool? She almost made love with him the previous night and he was a married man!

“Ciara.” His hand closed around her arm.

“Goodnight.”

“We have to talk about this some time.” His voice was like silk.

“About what? The fact that you took me for a fool? Or that I almost slept with a married man? One thing you need to understand, I’m not one of your groupies. I have never slept with a married man and I never will. You might be used to women throwing themselves at you, I...am not one of them.” her voice quivered with emotion, a delicate pink nail poked accusingly towards his face.

Something shifted in his eyes.

“I’m guilty and I’m sorry. Why do you think I stopped last night? I knew that if you find out who I am you would accuse me of just that...”

Not to mention the fact that I almost devoured you.

“Your obnoxious behaviour towards me and hiding yourself from me, what’s up with that? No...please don’t answer me, I’m not interested in what you have to say right now. I’m tired and I’m going to bed.  I’ll be here tomorrow morning, Goodnight.”

“No need. I have the day off and I’m spending it with my son.”

She nodded stiffly.

“Call me when you need me then. Goodnight.”

“G’night.”

He so wanted to haul her ass back into his room, rip her clothes off and makes her squirm like he had done before but all he could do was watch her as she walked away, her hair swishing softly down her back. Her infuriation pricked his skin and left a metallic taste in his mouth...

Chapter 94

Ciara opened the door to Jon’s hotel with a withered boy on her arm. His eyes flickered sleepily and Ciara decided to walk towards the bathroom before he fell asleep on her..

“Lets get you cleaned up. You sure had a busy day today huh? Did you enjoy it?”

“Uhuh.”

Ksenia had left her when they had reached the hotel, making an excuse of needing to do something.

An half an hour later a clean faced, pyjama dressed little boy nibbled listlessly on his supper.

“I’m tiiiired.”

Ciara smiled at the pooped boy.

“Okies. Ready for bed?”

He looked longingly at the door.

“When is daddy coming back?”

Brushing her eyes over her watch she shrugged.

“I dunno sweetie. Daddy said he would be back by now, maybe he is on his way back? Do you want to wait for him or do you want to go to bed? You look really tired.”

“Can I sit here with you? I don’t want to go to bed alone. You could always read me a story. I have a storybook in my room”

His little voice tucked at her heart strings.

“Sure sweetie. Go get that book. I’ll get us a blanket and some hot chocolate.

~~

“Jon? Could I have a minute please?”



Jon turned around a warm smile on his face.

“Aaahh my favourite girl. What’s up?”

Her stark face took him aback.

“What are you doing to Ciara, Jon? I’ve heard about what happened last night and I know its you playing games with her. It’s cruel. How can you do it to her?”

“She told you about what happened?” his voice was chilly.

“About the kiss, yeah why not? We are friends, friends talk to each other.”

“The kiss huh....” He turned away from her.

“So there was more?! Oh please tell me its not true? Ciara is going to find out some time or the other who you are. She is looking after your son Jon, she works close to you daily. How long are you going to keep it up?”

Her words seemed to make an impression. He sunk down onto the couch, his hands cradling his face.

“I’m playing with fire. I know that but I just don’t know how to approach her as me...you know Jon. I must admit I like playing these little cat and mouse games with her but I know its fucking wrong too. Ksenia, I just cannot help myself when I’m with her. I lose control, I want to touch her, kiss her, make love to her but then when I do that I want to bite her, drink her blood, taste her. “



“You’ve done that so many times before. What makes her different?”

Painfilled blue eyes locked with hers.

“Fuck knows. I don’t want to feed from anyone but her and when I feed I get this uncontrollable urge to rip into her. I think I will kill her Ksenia and no potion is going to stop this feeling. It gets stronger by the day and its scaring the living sit outta me.”



“Then Ciara must go.” Ksenia whispered.

Jon leaped to his feet.

“She is going nowhere. I need to get to the bottom of this all. I have to get her out of my system.”

“By killing her Jon?”

“I’m not going to kill her.” His voice faltered.

“You’re not too sure of yourself. Are you.”

He shook his head.

“What are we going to do then? You won’t let her go.”

“There is no masterplan honey. I need to go with my feelings and I need your help. You, Richie, Teek, everyone.”

“We are all playing with fire.”

“Yeah, we are.”

~~

Ciara slipped the dead weight of the sleeping boy from her, settling him onto the couch, she rushed to the bathroom, her bladder almost to bursting point.

Washing her hands she made her way back when she heard a loud bang and glass breaking. Just as the noise vibrated through the hotelroom, Jesse screamed.

“Ciara!”

“Jesse! Oh God!”

Slamming down onto her knees next to the boy, she looked down in horror as blood stained his pyjama pants.

“Honey! What happened?”

“You were gone!” He accused, his bottom lip trembled while tears rushed down his face.

“I’m so sorry Sweetheart!”

A booming voice exploded above their heads.

“What the fuck happened here? Why is my son bleeding?”

Chapter 93

Ciara stared at the sleeping boy.

Jon didn’t even have the decency to wait for her. He had called her to tell her he would be gone when she arrived and that she could use the key he pushed underneath her door the previous night. He had left a wad of cash on the table in his hotelroom and by the looks of it an enormous amount too. What was she suppose to do with it all? Buy the kid the whole ice cream parlour?!

Rubbing her throbbing temples she turned for the kitchen armed with painkillers. She settled onto the couch, staring at the flickering tv...

“Are you dead?”

Something small tugged at her sleeve and she opened her eyes.

Jesse stood wide eyed next to her, concern etched on the young face.

“You up! And no silly! I’m not dead, I just had a bit of a headache and I drifted off but I’m better now. Did you have a good night?”

“I had a nightmare but daddy stayed with me until I fell asleep again.”

“Your hero huh?” the boy really loved his father.

“Yep. I’m hungry.”

Slipping from the couch she led him towards his room.

“Well lets get you dressed and ready and then we’ll head down for breakfast.”

Ksenia met them at the table. The Bon Jovi workforce was gone already and it left them to enjoy breakfast in peace and quiet.

Jesse spoke a mile a minute and between all the talking Ciara was surprised at the little boy’s appetite.

After breakfast they decided to take him to a local playground, making sure the boy got rid of his boundless energy.

“Isn’t he just unstoppable?” Ciara laughed as she found and empty swing to sit on next to Ksenia.

Jesse had found himself a friend and the two was running and screaming around the playground like there was no tomorrow.

Ksenia giggled as she watched Ciara’s red face.

“He sure keeps you going!”

“That he does.” Ciara laughed but kept her eyes on the boys.

“So tell me, how are things going between you and the mystery man?”

“The my...oooooh that guy.” Ciara blushed a scarlet red.

“Oooh you are sooo going to tell me! What happened?” Ksenia’s tiny frame move back and forth on the swing her eyes trained on Ciara.

“We met at the swimming pool last night. Totally by chance I’ll have you know.” She smiled brightly.

“So? Come on now!” Ksenia nagged.

“Well we had a swim.” Ciara’s burning face wasn’t too convincing.

“Thheeeeeennnnnn”

“We kissed and its so embarrassing!”

“I’m a girl...tell me.”

“Well things got a bit hot between us but then he suddenly pulled away and said he had to leave.”

Ksenia frowned.

“Thats a strange thing to do. Maybe he is a gentleman.”

“Or married.”

“Oh hell! That could be that too! What’s his name. I can get some inside info if you want.”

Ciara turned to face her, her face scrunched in concentration.

“I can’t for the life of me remember his name. I don’t think he even gave it to me. I’m smooching a man I don’t even know the name of! Oh God I’m so bad! “, she giggled embarrassingly.

“Describe him to me. Maybe I know him?”

“Well he has gorgeous blue eyes. His smile is blinding let me tell ya!”

Ksenia whooped in delight.

“You have it bad girl! But tell me more, isn’t there anything unique on him, tattoos, birthmarks...anything?”

Ciara jumped up.

“Tattoos! Yeah he has tattoos! Don’t ask me what it is though. It’s here..”

She patted on both her upper arms.

Ksenia’s stomach flipped.

“You mean...on both arms?”

“Yeah...but I dunno what they are. I can’t seem to get past the face and those eyes.. its like, eyes, smile...body..you know. Nice tight body.”

Ciara’s girly giggle died away the moment she saw Ksenia’s face.

“Ksenia what’s wrong? You are suddenly very quiet. Is something wrong? Do you know the guy?”

“I...no I’m not sure.”

“Ciara! I’m thiiiiirrrssty!” Jesse’s flushed face saved the moment.

“I think its time we go, don’t you? Its past lunchtime.” She stroked his damp hair, wondering if he looked more like his mother or his father....

“Ciara?”

“Oh me and my scatterbrain! Let’s go ok? Did you say bye to your friend?”

He nodded but turned to wave at his friend anyway.

Slipping into the seats at a McDonald’s, Ciara shook her head in disbelief. The boy sure had some energy!

“Can I go play now?”

“I tell you what, you eat your meal and then you go play ok? You need energy to keep those little legs of yours going!”

She had expected some resistance but the youngster tugged into his meal with gusto, sipping noisily from his milkshake cup. A few hasty sips later and the boy was off.

“Soooo...I have told you my dirty little secret now its your turn.”

She wasn’t sure but she imagined shadows crossing Ksenia’s beautiful eyes at the mention of her relationship.

“Are you happy with Richie... you and Richie are together aren’t you?”

“Yes we are.”

“Bbuuuuttt? I can just hear that but...or should I just keep my long nose out of it?”

Ksenia stared for a few silent moments at Ciara.

“You know. I don’t have any girlfriends. To be honest I never had any. I’m not good with bonding. It’s just...”

Ciara’s hand reached out and squeezed the tiny hand.

“No please. I totally understand. I’m sorry for being so nosey. We don’t even know each other that long. Some people just don’t like to discuss their relationships and that’s ok too.”

“You’re not nosey and I want to tell you. It’s just that some things you won’t understand. I love Richie very much. He and Jon saved me from a life of horror and pain and for that I’ll be forever grateful. There are things in my past that prevents me from opening up to people, even Richie. He is such a wonderful, understanding guy. I just wish I could be different.”

“You are perfect just the way you are. And if he really loves you he will accept you with you flaws as well as your past. That’s what love is.”

“Oh he does. I’m the one that makes this relationship difficult at times.”

“I’m sorry to hear that Ksenia. If you ever feel like talking to me about your past, you know where to come to. Whatever you say stays between us, ok?”

“Ok and thank you for understanding.” Ksenia was aching to tell Ciara. Everything she wanted was someone to share the burden of her hurt and trepidations. But how would someone like Ciara react to stories of vampires, murder and sick professors and their endless experiments?

Just thinking about her past send shivers down her spine.

“That’s what girlfriends are for huh?”

“I suppose.” She smiled warmly at the girl sitting opposite the table. She had a good feeling about her.

Chapter 92

He felt his body jerked to attention as the material inched down to expose pearly skin. Her curves were so generous and womanly in every way, he could feel his fangs itch just at the thought of them scraping along every delicious inch.

Her satisfied sigh had him almost pounce on her, but he kept to the shadows.

Staring...lusting...salivating...

Her body arched elegantly as she plunged into the depth of the pool.

Water gloved Ciara in its welcoming depths, gliding over her skin, her legs propelling her forward.

Ciara emerged from the warmth, breathing heaps of oxygen to her starved lungs. Tilting onto her back she paddled lazily, marvelling at her body’s weightlessness in the water.

Time stood still as her body slacked, watery fingers stroked her skin and she sighed.

Aaaahh blisssssssssssssss...

Ciara’s tranquillity turned into alarm as the watery fingers touch became intimate...almost human ...a touch brushed over her thighs, moving upwards, it skimmed her breasts.

Alarmed, Ciara shot to her feet. Eeriness reigned supreme. Something caught the corner of her eye...

Intense sapphire eyes stared from the side of the pool.

“Ciara, strange to see you here this time of night.” His smile was devastating.

It was him! The Adonis of the other night!

“Hi! I could say the same to you. Are you here for a swim?”

“Yes but if you’d rather be alone...” he was about to leave.

“Oh no! No, please join me.”

She turned away as he chucked down his jeans. Swimming towards the other side of the swimming pool she tried to still her pounding heart.

A splash confirmed his presence and she gasped as he suddenly emerged right in front of her just as she turned around.

“Are you running away from me?”

“Uuhhh no of course not! Why would I do that? Some people like their privacy when they swim, I wanted to give you some space.” She didn’t even convince herself.

Water streamed down his chiselled face morphing his eyes to a soft hue of sky.

“What have you been up to these last couple of days?” His voice set her at ease and she smiled warmly.

“Oh nothing special. I didn’t have too much to do these last couple of days but I guess its all going to change from tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

How did he come so close? The man was agile!

She found herself backed against the side of the pool, his frame so close she swore she could feel the heat radiating from his body.

Something shifted in his eyes and he moved to her side, resting his arms on the side of the pool he turned to face her while his feet treaded the water rhythmically.

“I’m playing nanny for a couple of days.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, don’t you know? Jon’s son, Jesse, is here for a few days.”

“I see. Why do you think he brought the kid? He never does that.”

“I wouldn’t know. Maybe he just wanted to spend some time with him?”

“Yeah I guess.”



Ciara swallowed as her eyes rested on his face. His eyes were locked onto her lips. Was he even listening to her?



“So what have you been up to? I haven’t seen you around either.”

“I’ve been with family for a few days. Some personal things had to be taken care of.”

“Oh I’m sorry, I hope it ....”

Two fingers pressed against her lips.

“Sssssshhhhh....I’m tired of polite conversation. There is something I’ve wanted to do since the night I’ve seen you all wild eyed and nervous in the hallway...”

His voice scraped over her senses, water swirled around her as his body inched closer, intimately pressing to hers.

Ciara was mesmerized, the enigma of the man was overpowering, spinning her in a web of total surrender.

His breath was warm on her face, electricity buzzed through her the moment their lips touched.

His mouth was gentle against hers, leisurely exploring the outline of her lips, he prolonged the invasion of his tongue.

Tiny nibbles left her breathless, she sighed, giving him the opportunity he was waiting for. His warm, wet tongue slipped inside, sweeping over her teeth, he explored the dark, moist cavern of her mouth. Her tongue surged forward, duelling with his; she heard the unmistakable growl, felt it under her hands as they stroked the wet wall pressed against her.

Strong hands caressed her shoulders, restlessly aiming south down her back. Pausing for a few heart stopping moments on the gentle swell of her buttocks he kneaded like a contented kitten. A deep purr rumbled from his throat and she felt the heat pooling between her legs.

Warning lights flickered as her arousal filled his nostrils. He ached to feel her soft lips against his but he never wanted it to go this far, so out of control, if he could just hold her for a few moments more...just a few...

His kneading hands transformed into claws and he gripped her soft buttocks, hauling her against him, fitting her perfectly to the cradle of his hips.

His hungry mouth travelled towards the soft shell of her ear, a sharp nip made her gasp but it was his passionate little bites that left her whimpering, yearning for more. Her hands were lost in his wet bangs, tugging at the springiness between her fingers.

Ciara felt the sharp jab of the pool’s edge digging into her back but she didn’t care. She wanted this with him...now...right here.

Her swimsuit left her skin, his warm mouth replaced the coldness, warming her nipple as it suckled hungrily. Her hands clutched his head, a whirlpool of ecstasy slammed into her and she moaned as his mouth found the other nub, flicking his tongue playfully.

Blood roared in Jon’s ears, his hunger intensified, the darkness in him blooming like a disease, threatening to take over. His fangs scrape over a tight, pink nub and she shivered.

Ciara instantly felt the change in him, jerking from her, he turned his face away, his body heaving fiercely. His hands pushed her from him, his breathing ragged.

“I can’t do this...” he rasped.

“Is it me?” She moved to see his face but he shot from her. If she saw him now...

“I’m sorry...it’s not you...I gotta go.” He was out of the swimming pool before she could blink, leaving a confused and very frustrated Ciara behind.