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.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Chapter 99
Ciara’s fingers punched the quick dial for the umpteenth time since.
“Pleasseeee Richie answer your phone...pllleeaassseee?!”
“Hi this is Richie....”
”Aarrrghhh dammit!” She slipped her phone into her demin pocket.
She was so ready to call a doctor it wasn’t even funny. Only Ksenia’s insistence that Richie will be able to help her kept her from dialling 911.
The sound of a lock been turned in the door, had her at a flat run.
“Richie! Oh thank God!”
She was ready to kiss his feet at that moment. His huge brown eyes shone friendly.
“Wooooaaa sweetie!”
His hands steadied her before she crashed into him.
“Ciara? What’s up girl?” Her pale expression cemented his feet to the floor.
“It’s Ksenia. She is sick and I tried to take her to the hospital but she wouldn’t....”
“Fuck! Not again!” He manoeuvred around her, rushing for the bedroom.
Ciara somehow kept up with his huge strides and stared at the scene before her.
“ Baby! When did this start again?”
“Huh? I....” her eyelids shuttered.
“She is so feverish! It started this morning and progressed quickly throughout the day. She doesn’t want any doctors, said that you or Jon would be the only people that can help. What can I do to help?”
“We need to get her into the bath. We have to cool her down.”
Ciara was already moving.
“Let me get that.”
Richie’s gentle voice whispered across the room, turning around for a quick glimpse she saw his huge palms stroking the small face.
Minutes later Ciara entered the room, what she saw before her almost brought her heart to a standstill. Ksenia was thrashing around, her fevered cries were pitiful, her hands groping the air as if to keep an unseen enemy from attacking.
Richie’s eyes met hers.
“We gotta get her into the bath. Could you please help me to undress her?”
“Yes...of course!”
Richie held firmly onto the squirming girl, coaxing her tenderly he nodded at Ciara.
Undressing an unwilling patient was worse than she imagined and she huffed as she undid the last button. Slipping the material from her, Ciara felt the world sway as she focused on the girl’s pale skin. Her gaze snapped up just to be caught by Richie’s. His grim expression told her to keep going, there was no time for questions.
Vicious lacerations marred the girl’s pearly skin. Long thick scars mapped her tiny back. What in God’s name did this...Who did this? Ciara swallowed at the nausea build in her stomach.
“Ciara...”
Her head whipped up.
“I’m sorry...lets get her to the bath.”
They lowered her burning frame slowly into the cool water. Strength seemed to invade the tiny girl and she screamed, her bodying snapping into a tight rope as she tried to avoid the shocking coldness.
“Ssshhh....honey we have to cool you down. Your fever is out of control.”
Delirious eyes begged at them.
“Please not the water. I’ll be ok. I need to sleep.”
“I’m sorry Sweetheart.” Richie’s eyes shone with unshed tears, his hands pressed into her, submerging her completely.
Minutes later the fight blew right out of her. Her body relaxed, her breathing slowed considerably.
“We can dry her now. Please hand me the towel.”
Ciara sniffed as she handed the towel.
Never in her life had she experienced something so heart wrenching in her life! What kind of life did this girl have? Her body was scarred for life, telling the tale of horrendous torture. Ciara couldn’t stop the tears from rushing down her face. What kind of animal could treat a human being like that?
“Why don’t you take a breather and let me dry her? You have done so much for her.”
Richie dropped the towel reluctantly.
“Yeah...ok. I have to get her meds too.” His tall frame appeared unsteady as he walked away.
Ciara rubbed lightly over the skinny arms of the girl. Ciara frowned as she bowed closer towards Ksenia’s skin. Tiny circular scars were stamped all over her arms, her stomach, her breasts! It almost seemed like...
She touched the tiny marks in her neck.
No, she was just imagining things. She was sure! Anything could have made marks like that, couldn’t it?
Ciara gritted her teeth as she went on with her task. Never in her life had she seen something like this! How could someone even survive torture like this?
Ciara rubbed gently while her tears fell into the towel, soaking up her heartache she felt for this girl.
“She is a tough girl, you know.”
Ciara fisted at the uncontrollable tears running down her face.
Richie was standing next to her, a strange looking bottle dwarfed in his hands.
“What went wrong in her life?” Ciara mustered a whisper.
“Not for me to tell, sorry Ciara. If Ksenia choose to share it with you, she will.” His voice was gentle but to the point.
“I understand. Its so horrible!” Ciara’s focus turned back to Ksenia when she suddenly tugged at the towel.
“No, I don’t want this...”
Ciara pulled the towel away from her.
“Does this happen often?”
Richie nodded, crouching closer, he spoke softly.
“Honey, you have to take you meds now. Its the only thing that will make you feel better soon.”
Glassy eyes flitted open and struggled to focus on the face so close to hers.
“Richie?”
“I’m right here and look, here is Ciara. We are worried about you. Please drink this?”
“I don’t wanna. It tastes bad.” Her voice was that of a young girl.
“I know, but I want you better, for me please?”
He supported her slight frame. She eyed the concoction suspiciously. Taking a quick swallow she gagged.
“That’s a girl. Now you sleep.”
She nodded compliantly; sagging back into the mattress she pulled the sheets up to her throat.
Ciara turned to walk out but Ksenia’s tiny voice stopped her.
“Ciara, please don’t leave?”
Ksenia’s hand reached for her and she closed the space between them, taking the bony fingers in her hand.
“I’ll be right here but you have to rest now ok?”
“’K.” Her eyes drifted close but her hand didn’t let up on its grip.
“Pleasseeee Richie answer your phone...pllleeaassseee?!”
“Hi this is Richie....”
”Aarrrghhh dammit!” She slipped her phone into her demin pocket.
She was so ready to call a doctor it wasn’t even funny. Only Ksenia’s insistence that Richie will be able to help her kept her from dialling 911.
The sound of a lock been turned in the door, had her at a flat run.
“Richie! Oh thank God!”
She was ready to kiss his feet at that moment. His huge brown eyes shone friendly.
“Wooooaaa sweetie!”
His hands steadied her before she crashed into him.
“Ciara? What’s up girl?” Her pale expression cemented his feet to the floor.
“It’s Ksenia. She is sick and I tried to take her to the hospital but she wouldn’t....”
“Fuck! Not again!” He manoeuvred around her, rushing for the bedroom.
Ciara somehow kept up with his huge strides and stared at the scene before her.
“ Baby! When did this start again?”
“Huh? I....” her eyelids shuttered.
“She is so feverish! It started this morning and progressed quickly throughout the day. She doesn’t want any doctors, said that you or Jon would be the only people that can help. What can I do to help?”
“We need to get her into the bath. We have to cool her down.”
Ciara was already moving.
“Let me get that.”
Richie’s gentle voice whispered across the room, turning around for a quick glimpse she saw his huge palms stroking the small face.
Minutes later Ciara entered the room, what she saw before her almost brought her heart to a standstill. Ksenia was thrashing around, her fevered cries were pitiful, her hands groping the air as if to keep an unseen enemy from attacking.
Richie’s eyes met hers.
“We gotta get her into the bath. Could you please help me to undress her?”
“Yes...of course!”
Richie held firmly onto the squirming girl, coaxing her tenderly he nodded at Ciara.
Undressing an unwilling patient was worse than she imagined and she huffed as she undid the last button. Slipping the material from her, Ciara felt the world sway as she focused on the girl’s pale skin. Her gaze snapped up just to be caught by Richie’s. His grim expression told her to keep going, there was no time for questions.
Vicious lacerations marred the girl’s pearly skin. Long thick scars mapped her tiny back. What in God’s name did this...Who did this? Ciara swallowed at the nausea build in her stomach.
“Ciara...”
Her head whipped up.
“I’m sorry...lets get her to the bath.”
They lowered her burning frame slowly into the cool water. Strength seemed to invade the tiny girl and she screamed, her bodying snapping into a tight rope as she tried to avoid the shocking coldness.
“Ssshhh....honey we have to cool you down. Your fever is out of control.”
Delirious eyes begged at them.
“Please not the water. I’ll be ok. I need to sleep.”
“I’m sorry Sweetheart.” Richie’s eyes shone with unshed tears, his hands pressed into her, submerging her completely.
Minutes later the fight blew right out of her. Her body relaxed, her breathing slowed considerably.
“We can dry her now. Please hand me the towel.”
Ciara sniffed as she handed the towel.
Never in her life had she experienced something so heart wrenching in her life! What kind of life did this girl have? Her body was scarred for life, telling the tale of horrendous torture. Ciara couldn’t stop the tears from rushing down her face. What kind of animal could treat a human being like that?
“Why don’t you take a breather and let me dry her? You have done so much for her.”
Richie dropped the towel reluctantly.
“Yeah...ok. I have to get her meds too.” His tall frame appeared unsteady as he walked away.
Ciara rubbed lightly over the skinny arms of the girl. Ciara frowned as she bowed closer towards Ksenia’s skin. Tiny circular scars were stamped all over her arms, her stomach, her breasts! It almost seemed like...
She touched the tiny marks in her neck.
No, she was just imagining things. She was sure! Anything could have made marks like that, couldn’t it?
Ciara gritted her teeth as she went on with her task. Never in her life had she seen something like this! How could someone even survive torture like this?
Ciara rubbed gently while her tears fell into the towel, soaking up her heartache she felt for this girl.
“She is a tough girl, you know.”
Ciara fisted at the uncontrollable tears running down her face.
Richie was standing next to her, a strange looking bottle dwarfed in his hands.
“What went wrong in her life?” Ciara mustered a whisper.
“Not for me to tell, sorry Ciara. If Ksenia choose to share it with you, she will.” His voice was gentle but to the point.
“I understand. Its so horrible!” Ciara’s focus turned back to Ksenia when she suddenly tugged at the towel.
“No, I don’t want this...”
Ciara pulled the towel away from her.
“Does this happen often?”
Richie nodded, crouching closer, he spoke softly.
“Honey, you have to take you meds now. Its the only thing that will make you feel better soon.”
Glassy eyes flitted open and struggled to focus on the face so close to hers.
“Richie?”
“I’m right here and look, here is Ciara. We are worried about you. Please drink this?”
“I don’t wanna. It tastes bad.” Her voice was that of a young girl.
“I know, but I want you better, for me please?”
He supported her slight frame. She eyed the concoction suspiciously. Taking a quick swallow she gagged.
“That’s a girl. Now you sleep.”
She nodded compliantly; sagging back into the mattress she pulled the sheets up to her throat.
Ciara turned to walk out but Ksenia’s tiny voice stopped her.
“Ciara, please don’t leave?”
Ksenia’s hand reached for her and she closed the space between them, taking the bony fingers in her hand.
“I’ll be right here but you have to rest now ok?”
“’K.” Her eyes drifted close but her hand didn’t let up on its grip.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Chapter 98
Ciara closed the door behind Jon and Jesse, leaning against the door she suddenly fought a wave of dizziness.
She had woken up with lead in her tummy and she just knew it would be one of those days, those indescribable miserable days when nothing seemed right for some absurd reason.
Returning back to her room she flashed a quick look in the mirror. Make- up... check, teeth...brushed, hair neatly in place...yeah right...pink cheeks....a quick pinch and she was ready to go.
Ciara met Ksenia at the entrance of the hotel. Ksenia hadn’t seemed herself this morning at the table and put it down to the tense atmosphere. Heck she was put off her own food!
“Are you ok?” Ciara touched her gently on the arm.
“I’m...yeah...I’m ok.”
She flashed a lopsided smile towards the pale girl.
“Wow! That was really convincing.”
Ksenia surprised her with a cheeky tongue popping from her mouth. They giggled making their way towards the waiting taxi. Watching as Ksenia brushed tiredly across her brow, Ciara felt that same niggling tuck from moments before, something was wrong...
Ciara watched as Ksenia paged listlessly through the book she took from the shelve moments ago, brushing a hand across her forehead she caught Ciara’s eyes on her.
The wobbly smile wasn’t convincing and Ciara stepped closer.
“Are you sure you’re ok? You seem to be off-colour.”
“Maybe the flu or something? “ Fear flitted across her face so abruptly, Ciara thought she might have imagined it.
As the day progressed Ksenia drew quieter. She seemed uncomfortable somehow and her flushed face was a dead give away.
By lunchtime the girl seemed positively sick .
“Why don’t we finish up here and get you back to the hotel. Maybe an asprin will do the trick huh?”
Ksenia gulped her coffee down and smiled apologetically.
“I’m sorry for messing up our day, but I really think I should lie down for a while.”
Ciara brushed into the air, snorting playfully.
“Aarrgh! What you talking about? We had some fun and besides I’m pooped as well.”
On the way to the hotel Ksenia seemed to have fallen asleep. Beads of sweat pearled on her forehead and Ciara watched in panic as her breathing kicked into high gear.
“Ksenia? I think we should take you to hospital. You are getting worse by the minute.”
The taxi driver met her worried gaze n the mirror, waiting for her to give him the word.
“No! No please. I just need to get back.”
Ksenia clung onto Ciara as they entered the hotel, her hands felt like life coals on her skin and Ciara coaxed.
“Not too far, now. Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital?”
“No...I’m...”
As they reached the room, Ciara struggled to unlock the door with nerveless fingers.
Ksenia was leaning against the wall, groaning softly.
The moment they reached the bed, the slight frame of the girl plunged onto the mattress. Grabbing her stomach, she curled into a foetal position whispering incoherently.
“Please hang on, I’m going to get Richie.”
“Richie....yes...or Jon...”
Ciara was a bundle of nerves as she ended the call. No one was available. Richie, Jon, David...NO ONE!!!
Ciara squared her shoulders, taking a few deep breaths she forced herself to calm down. Now was not the time to get hysterical.
“Sweetie, I can’t find any of them. Do you know where I should try and find them?”
“I think...no...I dunno.” She tumbled back into her world.
Rushing towards the bathroom, she wetted a face cloth. She could smell the sickly scent of fever from where she stood. Something had to be done!
~~~
Jon’s head whipped up, his eyes suddenly closed in deep concentration.
“What’s wrong daddy?”
Jesse’s voice drifted from his lap to his ears.
Ciara! She was upset.
Her panic speared like icy rays into his mind.
Jon’s eyes snapped open, his irises glimmering cobalt.
“Daddy? What’s wrong? Why are your eyes shining like that? Are you angry?”
Jon blinked.
“No buddy. I’m not angry. Daddy is just tired. Let’s go back to the hotel ok?”
Jesse wriggled from his lap.
“Are we going to see Ciara now? I must tell her about all the animals I saw today and I have to give her this...”
Jon smiled. How could she be so memorable? An ominous tug at his insides froze the smile on his face.
“Lets go see Ciara.”
“Yaaaayyyyy!” Jesse grabbed his father’s hand, pulling him towards the path.
She had woken up with lead in her tummy and she just knew it would be one of those days, those indescribable miserable days when nothing seemed right for some absurd reason.
Returning back to her room she flashed a quick look in the mirror. Make- up... check, teeth...brushed, hair neatly in place...yeah right...pink cheeks....a quick pinch and she was ready to go.
Ciara met Ksenia at the entrance of the hotel. Ksenia hadn’t seemed herself this morning at the table and put it down to the tense atmosphere. Heck she was put off her own food!
“Are you ok?” Ciara touched her gently on the arm.
“I’m...yeah...I’m ok.”
She flashed a lopsided smile towards the pale girl.
“Wow! That was really convincing.”
Ksenia surprised her with a cheeky tongue popping from her mouth. They giggled making their way towards the waiting taxi. Watching as Ksenia brushed tiredly across her brow, Ciara felt that same niggling tuck from moments before, something was wrong...
Ciara watched as Ksenia paged listlessly through the book she took from the shelve moments ago, brushing a hand across her forehead she caught Ciara’s eyes on her.
The wobbly smile wasn’t convincing and Ciara stepped closer.
“Are you sure you’re ok? You seem to be off-colour.”
“Maybe the flu or something? “ Fear flitted across her face so abruptly, Ciara thought she might have imagined it.
As the day progressed Ksenia drew quieter. She seemed uncomfortable somehow and her flushed face was a dead give away.
By lunchtime the girl seemed positively sick .
“Why don’t we finish up here and get you back to the hotel. Maybe an asprin will do the trick huh?”
Ksenia gulped her coffee down and smiled apologetically.
“I’m sorry for messing up our day, but I really think I should lie down for a while.”
Ciara brushed into the air, snorting playfully.
“Aarrgh! What you talking about? We had some fun and besides I’m pooped as well.”
On the way to the hotel Ksenia seemed to have fallen asleep. Beads of sweat pearled on her forehead and Ciara watched in panic as her breathing kicked into high gear.
“Ksenia? I think we should take you to hospital. You are getting worse by the minute.”
The taxi driver met her worried gaze n the mirror, waiting for her to give him the word.
“No! No please. I just need to get back.”
Ksenia clung onto Ciara as they entered the hotel, her hands felt like life coals on her skin and Ciara coaxed.
“Not too far, now. Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital?”
“No...I’m...”
As they reached the room, Ciara struggled to unlock the door with nerveless fingers.
Ksenia was leaning against the wall, groaning softly.
The moment they reached the bed, the slight frame of the girl plunged onto the mattress. Grabbing her stomach, she curled into a foetal position whispering incoherently.
“Please hang on, I’m going to get Richie.”
“Richie....yes...or Jon...”
Ciara was a bundle of nerves as she ended the call. No one was available. Richie, Jon, David...NO ONE!!!
Ciara squared her shoulders, taking a few deep breaths she forced herself to calm down. Now was not the time to get hysterical.
“Sweetie, I can’t find any of them. Do you know where I should try and find them?”
“I think...no...I dunno.” She tumbled back into her world.
Rushing towards the bathroom, she wetted a face cloth. She could smell the sickly scent of fever from where she stood. Something had to be done!
~~~
Jon’s head whipped up, his eyes suddenly closed in deep concentration.
“What’s wrong daddy?”
Jesse’s voice drifted from his lap to his ears.
Ciara! She was upset.
Her panic speared like icy rays into his mind.
Jon’s eyes snapped open, his irises glimmering cobalt.
“Daddy? What’s wrong? Why are your eyes shining like that? Are you angry?”
Jon blinked.
“No buddy. I’m not angry. Daddy is just tired. Let’s go back to the hotel ok?”
Jesse wriggled from his lap.
“Are we going to see Ciara now? I must tell her about all the animals I saw today and I have to give her this...”
Jon smiled. How could she be so memorable? An ominous tug at his insides froze the smile on his face.
“Lets go see Ciara.”
“Yaaaayyyyy!” Jesse grabbed his father’s hand, pulling him towards the path.
Chapter 97
“Don’t you like my daddy then? He didn’t treat you nicely last night did he? I’m sure he is sorry for what he had said...”
All eyes and ears were now transfixed on the boy.
“Jesse, eat your breakfast.” Jon’s stern yet friendly voice brought the spoon to his son’s mouth instantly.
Ciara took a big gulp of orange juice to try and calm her nerves. She just knew that this would be a bad idea! Why did she bother to even come down for breakfast this morning!
“I am sorry for what I’ve said last night. But I don’t apologise twice for the same thing. We don’t have to like each other to work well together. I expect your loyalty and commitment while working but beside that we don’t have to mingle casually. “
Well that puts you firmly in your place!
Ciara nodded stiffly.
“I agree.” Had she really kissed those lips?
The uncomfortable silence made her want to scream and she turned towards the waiter, flashed her most gorgeous smile and ordered a cup of decaf and eggs on toast. She was going to walk away from here with her dignity in tact if it was the last thing she do!
“Daddy?”
“Yeah buddy?”
“Are you still mad at Ciara? Is she not going to be my nanny anymore?”
“I’ m not mad Jess. I think someone else is though...” His wicked smile flip flopped her stomach.
Don’t play that game!
Why not?
Ciara blinked quickly. Did he just...? No he didn’t say anything or did he?
“Are you cross with my daddy, Ciara? “
“Of course not sweetie, he said he is sorry, didn’t he?”
“Yes he did.”
The waiter saved her from a further response and she sniffed appreciatively at the aroma put down before her.
“What are we doing with Jesse today?” Ksenia steered the conversation into another direction. Ksena was pale today. She searched her face for a reason but there was none.
“Actually, Jesse is going with Jon today so I guess I’ll be busy with the wardrobe again.”
“Why don’t we do something today? We are leaving town tomorrow and everything is almost packed anyway, there won’t be much for you to do today. Besides I saw something in a shop I want to buy and seeing as this is our last day here...”
“If its ok with Jon?”
“Yeah, sure why not?” he shrugged nonchalantly.
Jesse pouted sullenly at his dad.
“Why can’t we take Ciara with us?” Jon was taken aback by his son’s question..
“Uuuhh...Jesse you know daddy has to work a lot don’t you? Well today is the only time that he can really spend with you. Won’t it be much more fun if you two spend the day alone together?”
“Yeah..I guess.” He didn’t seem too happy about it and Ciara was at her wits end. The situation was sure to get worse if the boy preferred her presence above his father’s.
“Ciara is welcome to with us...”
Did everyone just stop breathing?
“I’d rather not. You and Jesse need some much needed time together.”
A flash of blue told her was pissed.
“If you will excuse me, I’ll just get the band aid for Jesse.” She had had enough for one day. Her employer’s dominance turned her food sour in her stomach.
“Do you dislike me that fucking much?” she almost turned into him.
“Excuse me?”
“If you don’t like me thats ok with me, but my boy, he doesn’t need you to abandon him in a time like this.”
“Abandon him? Are you crazy? I thought it might be better if you two spend time alone together.”
“Don’t think it doesn’t suit you.”
Fury rose like bile in her throat.
“You know what’s your problem? You don’t like it when someone says no to you. You are a total control freak! You might sign my cheque Mr. Bon Jovi but you don’t own me. I love spending time with your son and NO I don’t like you but like you said we don’t have to be friends, we work together. Let’s keep it that way, shall we?”
As she walked away she heard an ominous growl coming from behind her.
She turned just to be the centre of attention in the room.
Nobody pisses Jon Bon Jovi off! No one!
~~
Armed with a little sweet and a band aid she turned the knob only to feel the door fly away from her fingers.
“Breakfast is over so I brought him up.” The storm was still brewing in his eyes.
Ignoring him, she took Jesse by the hand and led him to the couch.
“Okies! Lets see what’s going on here.” She knelt before him, not aware how beautiful she looked to Jon at that moment. Sun rays streamed through the window, lighting sparks in her hair. Her face softened as she talked to the little boy, her hands gentle as she worked on him.
“There you go brave man! Here is a little something for you, but don’t show it to daddy, ok?”
She brushed a quick look Jon’s way. His lips twitched slightly as he turned away.
His busy little fingers sneaked the sweet into his pocket, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
“Daddy and I are going to the zoo today and then we are going to have some pizza.”
“That’s gonna be fun! You better come and tell me about all the animals you have seen today, deal?”
“Deal! Ok daddy lets go.” He took Jon’s hand, pulling him towards the door. He had a new mission in mind, Ciara wanted to know about all the animals...and he was going to come home and tell her!
All eyes and ears were now transfixed on the boy.
“Jesse, eat your breakfast.” Jon’s stern yet friendly voice brought the spoon to his son’s mouth instantly.
Ciara took a big gulp of orange juice to try and calm her nerves. She just knew that this would be a bad idea! Why did she bother to even come down for breakfast this morning!
“I am sorry for what I’ve said last night. But I don’t apologise twice for the same thing. We don’t have to like each other to work well together. I expect your loyalty and commitment while working but beside that we don’t have to mingle casually. “
Well that puts you firmly in your place!
Ciara nodded stiffly.
“I agree.” Had she really kissed those lips?
The uncomfortable silence made her want to scream and she turned towards the waiter, flashed her most gorgeous smile and ordered a cup of decaf and eggs on toast. She was going to walk away from here with her dignity in tact if it was the last thing she do!
“Daddy?”
“Yeah buddy?”
“Are you still mad at Ciara? Is she not going to be my nanny anymore?”
“I’ m not mad Jess. I think someone else is though...” His wicked smile flip flopped her stomach.
Don’t play that game!
Why not?
Ciara blinked quickly. Did he just...? No he didn’t say anything or did he?
“Are you cross with my daddy, Ciara? “
“Of course not sweetie, he said he is sorry, didn’t he?”
“Yes he did.”
The waiter saved her from a further response and she sniffed appreciatively at the aroma put down before her.
“What are we doing with Jesse today?” Ksenia steered the conversation into another direction. Ksena was pale today. She searched her face for a reason but there was none.
“Actually, Jesse is going with Jon today so I guess I’ll be busy with the wardrobe again.”
“Why don’t we do something today? We are leaving town tomorrow and everything is almost packed anyway, there won’t be much for you to do today. Besides I saw something in a shop I want to buy and seeing as this is our last day here...”
“If its ok with Jon?”
“Yeah, sure why not?” he shrugged nonchalantly.
Jesse pouted sullenly at his dad.
“Why can’t we take Ciara with us?” Jon was taken aback by his son’s question..
“Uuuhh...Jesse you know daddy has to work a lot don’t you? Well today is the only time that he can really spend with you. Won’t it be much more fun if you two spend the day alone together?”
“Yeah..I guess.” He didn’t seem too happy about it and Ciara was at her wits end. The situation was sure to get worse if the boy preferred her presence above his father’s.
“Ciara is welcome to with us...”
Did everyone just stop breathing?
“I’d rather not. You and Jesse need some much needed time together.”
A flash of blue told her was pissed.
“If you will excuse me, I’ll just get the band aid for Jesse.” She had had enough for one day. Her employer’s dominance turned her food sour in her stomach.
“Do you dislike me that fucking much?” she almost turned into him.
“Excuse me?”
“If you don’t like me thats ok with me, but my boy, he doesn’t need you to abandon him in a time like this.”
“Abandon him? Are you crazy? I thought it might be better if you two spend time alone together.”
“Don’t think it doesn’t suit you.”
Fury rose like bile in her throat.
“You know what’s your problem? You don’t like it when someone says no to you. You are a total control freak! You might sign my cheque Mr. Bon Jovi but you don’t own me. I love spending time with your son and NO I don’t like you but like you said we don’t have to be friends, we work together. Let’s keep it that way, shall we?”
As she walked away she heard an ominous growl coming from behind her.
She turned just to be the centre of attention in the room.
Nobody pisses Jon Bon Jovi off! No one!
~~
Armed with a little sweet and a band aid she turned the knob only to feel the door fly away from her fingers.
“Breakfast is over so I brought him up.” The storm was still brewing in his eyes.
Ignoring him, she took Jesse by the hand and led him to the couch.
“Okies! Lets see what’s going on here.” She knelt before him, not aware how beautiful she looked to Jon at that moment. Sun rays streamed through the window, lighting sparks in her hair. Her face softened as she talked to the little boy, her hands gentle as she worked on him.
“There you go brave man! Here is a little something for you, but don’t show it to daddy, ok?”
She brushed a quick look Jon’s way. His lips twitched slightly as he turned away.
His busy little fingers sneaked the sweet into his pocket, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
“Daddy and I are going to the zoo today and then we are going to have some pizza.”
“That’s gonna be fun! You better come and tell me about all the animals you have seen today, deal?”
“Deal! Ok daddy lets go.” He took Jon’s hand, pulling him towards the door. He had a new mission in mind, Ciara wanted to know about all the animals...and he was going to come home and tell her!
Chapter 96
Ksenia snapped to attention the moment she heard the urgent banging on the door. Richie frowned as he unfolded from the couch, reaching the door just as Ciara lifted her hand to apply a rapid round of cacophony to the door yet again.
“You knew!”
Richie started at a finger pointing to his chest. The mahogany curled woman was ablaze, her eyes spewing shards of jade.
“Calm down sweetheart. What are you talking about?”
Ksenia’s panic stricken face emerged from behind Richie’s huge frame.
“Jon! You knew all about Jon and his sick games and yet you kept it from me.”
Richie and Ksenia shared worried looks.
“How did you find out wha....who he is?”
“He almost pounced on me tonight. Jesse got hurt and...”
“Jesse got hurt?!” rushed from both people’s mouths.
“It’s not serious, he fell and cut himself. He is fine...stop changing the subject!”
“Why don’t you come in?” Ksenia pulled Richie backwards to make some space for the flustered woman.
Ciara had the strange sensation that they were keeping something else from her, what it was she was sure to find out. Could she really trust these people? She was the intruder after all, looking in.
“I take it things didn’t turn out well ” Richie’s dark eyes flashed worriedly.
“No! Things didn’t go well! He so much as told me I’m incapable to look after his son, almost crushing my arm to get me away from him.”
She lifted her arm and displayed purplish smudges of fingerprints on her skin.
“I’m sure he didn’t mean that. Shock does strange things to parents.” There was a tick in Richie’s cheek as he stared at the marks.
Oh suuuurree! Why see the strange girl’s point of view!
Ciara turned her attention towards Ksenia.
“Today when I told you about the guy I met in...last night. You knew who I was talking about. Why didn’t you say anything? I thought we were friends.”
Ksenia sat down next to her, patting her hand gently.
“I’m sorry about that. I only realised it this afternoon. I went to see Jon and he promised that he will stop what he was doing and introduced himself. Which he did?”
“Just because his son was screaming to high heavens!” Ciara snorted irritatingly.
“I’m sorry it happened that way. I told him he was playing with fire....geesh!” Richie didn’t look too happy himself.
It seemed that everything was going to hell sooner than he anticipated. What will happen if she realised that he was the vampire that almost caused her death? Or the fact that they all knew about it and brought her here nonetheless?
Watching the couple, Ciara felt the undeniable warning that they were keeping something from her.
“Is there anything else I should know?”
Richie stared at her neck for a fleeting second before he turned his gaze towards Ksenia. His eyes told her to keep quiet.
Ksenia broke their eye contact and turned towards Ciara.
“There is something that needs to be said and explained to you. But now is not the right time but I promise you the moment the time is right, I’ll be the one to tell you myself. Ciara I need for you to understand that I treasure your friendship. I don’t want this to cause damage to our friendship. I’m sorry I haven’t told you about Jon’s identity sooner. I was wrong to keep it from you. “
Ksenia’s soft sincere words was like a water hose to a fire and she felt her anger seep from her.
“I’m sorry for barging in this time of night.” She flicked a quick look over the naked chested
man.
“I’m glad you feel the same way about our friendship. It means so much to me as well. Since I’ve been here I haven’t been myself, everything seemed out of whack and its great to have a girlfriend to talk to.” She leaned over and hugged the slim girl.
Richie smiled.
“Well! I guess I better get going, its late and I’ve been rude. Sorry again.” She stood up.
“Have breakfast with us tomorrow?” Richie invited.
It was on the tip of Ciara’s tongue to decline but Ksenia’s hopeful smile kept the words from slipping from her tongue.
“What time?”
“Eightish?”
“Eight it is then!”
Ciara kept a careful distance as Richie walked behind her.
“Have a good night.”
“You too hun, G’nigt.”
Ciara heard the slight click as Richie closed the door behind her and suddenly she felt so lonely.
~~~
Ciara grunted as her eyes rested on the table from across the room. Jon was at the breakfast table with Jesse. As if he suddenly became aware of her, his head raised slowly, turning towards her.
Forcing her feet to move forward she could swear she felt his eyes burn into her, peeling away at her emotions.
“Morning all.”
The shocked faces as David and Tico stared at her then Jon was comical and a giggle slipped from her throat unguardedly.
Jon cleared his throat with a growly scrape. His clear blue eyes kept her captive and only the high pitched voice of his son broke the moment.
“Ciara!”
“Hello big man. How is your knee?”
“It’s better. Daddy said I shouldn’t take the band aid off, he doesn’t like to see my cut. Will you put a new plaster on for me? This one is full of dry blood...see?” He lifted his tiny knee for her perusal.
“Hhhmmm..yeah I do. After breakfast I’ll quickly clean it for you. If that is ok with you?” She looked at him challengingly and immediately cursed herself for doing so.
Why would he have such an issue with cleaning his wound? What a strange man he was!
“That’s ok with me.” He kept himself busy with his breakfast.
David gaped at her, the words threatening to spill out.
“Ok, now what did I miss? How did you two finally meet?”
“Last night.” Jon offered.
“That’s it?” the blonde curls bobbed around. He could feel the arctic swirling around the table since Ciara’s arrival.
“That’s it.” Jon’s eyes were on her again. No one but the people watching him saw his eyes morph from sky blue to intense shimmering cobalt.
“So Ciara, what do you think of your boss?” Tico was ready to stoke fire.
Two red blotches painted her pale cheeks. If her mama taught her one thing, it was to be honest.
“I don’t know him very well, but from what I’ve seen...I don’t like very much.”
“You knew!”
Richie started at a finger pointing to his chest. The mahogany curled woman was ablaze, her eyes spewing shards of jade.
“Calm down sweetheart. What are you talking about?”
Ksenia’s panic stricken face emerged from behind Richie’s huge frame.
“Jon! You knew all about Jon and his sick games and yet you kept it from me.”
Richie and Ksenia shared worried looks.
“How did you find out wha....who he is?”
“He almost pounced on me tonight. Jesse got hurt and...”
“Jesse got hurt?!” rushed from both people’s mouths.
“It’s not serious, he fell and cut himself. He is fine...stop changing the subject!”
“Why don’t you come in?” Ksenia pulled Richie backwards to make some space for the flustered woman.
Ciara had the strange sensation that they were keeping something else from her, what it was she was sure to find out. Could she really trust these people? She was the intruder after all, looking in.
“I take it things didn’t turn out well ” Richie’s dark eyes flashed worriedly.
“No! Things didn’t go well! He so much as told me I’m incapable to look after his son, almost crushing my arm to get me away from him.”
She lifted her arm and displayed purplish smudges of fingerprints on her skin.
“I’m sure he didn’t mean that. Shock does strange things to parents.” There was a tick in Richie’s cheek as he stared at the marks.
Oh suuuurree! Why see the strange girl’s point of view!
Ciara turned her attention towards Ksenia.
“Today when I told you about the guy I met in...last night. You knew who I was talking about. Why didn’t you say anything? I thought we were friends.”
Ksenia sat down next to her, patting her hand gently.
“I’m sorry about that. I only realised it this afternoon. I went to see Jon and he promised that he will stop what he was doing and introduced himself. Which he did?”
“Just because his son was screaming to high heavens!” Ciara snorted irritatingly.
“I’m sorry it happened that way. I told him he was playing with fire....geesh!” Richie didn’t look too happy himself.
It seemed that everything was going to hell sooner than he anticipated. What will happen if she realised that he was the vampire that almost caused her death? Or the fact that they all knew about it and brought her here nonetheless?
Watching the couple, Ciara felt the undeniable warning that they were keeping something from her.
“Is there anything else I should know?”
Richie stared at her neck for a fleeting second before he turned his gaze towards Ksenia. His eyes told her to keep quiet.
Ksenia broke their eye contact and turned towards Ciara.
“There is something that needs to be said and explained to you. But now is not the right time but I promise you the moment the time is right, I’ll be the one to tell you myself. Ciara I need for you to understand that I treasure your friendship. I don’t want this to cause damage to our friendship. I’m sorry I haven’t told you about Jon’s identity sooner. I was wrong to keep it from you. “
Ksenia’s soft sincere words was like a water hose to a fire and she felt her anger seep from her.
“I’m sorry for barging in this time of night.” She flicked a quick look over the naked chested
man.
“I’m glad you feel the same way about our friendship. It means so much to me as well. Since I’ve been here I haven’t been myself, everything seemed out of whack and its great to have a girlfriend to talk to.” She leaned over and hugged the slim girl.
Richie smiled.
“Well! I guess I better get going, its late and I’ve been rude. Sorry again.” She stood up.
“Have breakfast with us tomorrow?” Richie invited.
It was on the tip of Ciara’s tongue to decline but Ksenia’s hopeful smile kept the words from slipping from her tongue.
“What time?”
“Eightish?”
“Eight it is then!”
Ciara kept a careful distance as Richie walked behind her.
“Have a good night.”
“You too hun, G’nigt.”
Ciara heard the slight click as Richie closed the door behind her and suddenly she felt so lonely.
~~~
Ciara grunted as her eyes rested on the table from across the room. Jon was at the breakfast table with Jesse. As if he suddenly became aware of her, his head raised slowly, turning towards her.
Forcing her feet to move forward she could swear she felt his eyes burn into her, peeling away at her emotions.
“Morning all.”
The shocked faces as David and Tico stared at her then Jon was comical and a giggle slipped from her throat unguardedly.
Jon cleared his throat with a growly scrape. His clear blue eyes kept her captive and only the high pitched voice of his son broke the moment.
“Ciara!”
“Hello big man. How is your knee?”
“It’s better. Daddy said I shouldn’t take the band aid off, he doesn’t like to see my cut. Will you put a new plaster on for me? This one is full of dry blood...see?” He lifted his tiny knee for her perusal.
“Hhhmmm..yeah I do. After breakfast I’ll quickly clean it for you. If that is ok with you?” She looked at him challengingly and immediately cursed herself for doing so.
Why would he have such an issue with cleaning his wound? What a strange man he was!
“That’s ok with me.” He kept himself busy with his breakfast.
David gaped at her, the words threatening to spill out.
“Ok, now what did I miss? How did you two finally meet?”
“Last night.” Jon offered.
“That’s it?” the blonde curls bobbed around. He could feel the arctic swirling around the table since Ciara’s arrival.
“That’s it.” Jon’s eyes were on her again. No one but the people watching him saw his eyes morph from sky blue to intense shimmering cobalt.
“So Ciara, what do you think of your boss?” Tico was ready to stoke fire.
Two red blotches painted her pale cheeks. If her mama taught her one thing, it was to be honest.
“I don’t know him very well, but from what I’ve seen...I don’t like very much.”
Saturday, June 12, 2010
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?”
“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?”
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