Chapter 100

Ciara’s scent led him straight to Richie’s hotelroom. Rapping on the door he stood waiting, listening, his heart bouncing in his chest.

“You said we were going to Ciara.” Jesse accused with a pouty mouth.

“Ciara is ... Hey Rich. Ciara here?”

Richie’s strained face dropped Jon’s stomach to the floor.

“Ksenia is sick again.” He stepped to the side, widening the door for them to enter.

“Is she ok?” Jon felt guilty as relief flushed his insides. At least now he knew why she panicked.

“Ciara is with her. She is sleeping. We managed to break the fever, for now.” His friend looked weary.

Jon walked silently towards the bedroom, Jesse in tow.

The intimate scene flipped his heart in his chest.

Ciara’s tear stricken face was almost his undoing and he fought the overwhelming urge to pull her into his arms.

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

Jesse ran passed his father, a huge smile on his face until he saw the deathly pale Ksenia sleeping on the bed.

“Is she sick?” Jesse eyed her with innocent curiosity.

“Yes, she is sweetie but she is sleeping now, so hopefully she will feel better soon. Now tell me about your day.” She forced a smile onto her stiff face.

Jesse shook his head, his serious expression reflecting that of his father.

“Why were you crying? Are you feeling sick too?”

She could feel the blue eyes of her employer burning into her, playing see-saw with her emotions.

“I feel a bit sad because my friend is sick. Girls always cry a lot, didn’t you know?” she tried to cheer up the moment.

Jesse nodded.

“My sister always cries over nothing.”

“See? It’s a girl thing. Lets go into the lounge and then you can tell me about your day.” She stood up and took the boy’s hand.

“I bought you something....” Their voices drifted off as they left the room.

Richie joined Jon in the bedroom.

“She’s in a bad way. Haven’t been like this in a while.”

“Have you given her the meds yet?”

Richie nodded.

“Are you ok?”

Richie shrugged.

“I was scared out of my mind but Ciara helped me quite a bit. Just don’t know how we are going to explain this shit away. She saw the scars and wanted to know what caused it....she was scared shitless, she still is.”

Jon nodded, he knew that already.

“Yeah its a bit difficult to explain. Ksenia might think of something to say to her when she is better, for now we have to focus on Ksenia and getting her better soon.”

“I agree.”

“Do you need me for anything?”

“Nah I’m good.”

“I’m gonna order some food at least. You have to keep strong. If you need anything, just call.” Jon squeezed Richie’s shoulder.

“Thanks bro’.”

Jon walked in on his son’s animated chatter. Completing the order, he slipped the phone back.

Ciara was clutching the plush koala bear his son insisted he buy for her to her chest, while her eyes smiled on his son.

Jon silently slipped onto the couch next to her. Her scent filled his nose, her steady heartbeat thrummed in his ears.

“...and the monkey went like this whowhoweeeeehhahahaha...and then....” the boy was out of breath as he clambered around on the carpet, trying to mirror the monkey’s movements.

“Breath buddy!” Jon laughed softly.

“It seemed like you two had so much fun today, wow! I just love my koala bear.” She hugged the

bear to prove her point.

Jon cursed inwardly as his heart bounced in his chest. Could a grown man be jealous of a damn teddy bear?

His eyes were fixed on her beautiful face. She was so easy to love and gave her love so freely. Would he be the lucky one to receive that same love from her one day?

“Well this was a long day and I need to get you clean and fed before you fall asleep on me.”

“But I don’t wanna! I wanna stay with Ciara.”

Ciara smiled as she hugged the boy to her bosom.

“Aren’t you tired? You had a busy day.”

“No. I’m hungry. But I don’t want to go to sleep yet. Will you read me a story again tonight?”

Ciara’s feline eyes met sparkling blue ones, they almost seemed to beg too.

“If its alright with your dad. I’ll come and read you a story.”

“Why don’t you have dinner with us?” His voice stroked her senses. Goosebumps popped on her skin .

“What if Ksenia needs me?”

“Richie will look after her and if he needs us he’ll call, besides the medicine will probably keep her knocked out till tomorrow.”

Her head said no but her heart thumped yes...yes...yes!

Say yes.

“That would be nice, thank you. I’ll just check in on Ksenia quickly and say good night to Richie.”

Jon’s devastating smile did nothing for the giddiness coiling in her stomach.