| Subject: Chapter 204 - Part 2 (end of chapter 204) |
Author:
KatherineG.
|
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: Wednesday, October 05, 07:31:37am
In reply to:
KatherineG.
's message, "Dreams in the Dark (203 > )" on Monday, October 03, 07:35:40am
He was prepared, too--at least as much as he could be--his determination searing, as always; he turned another corner to see his beloved, talking to one of their new guards--the one in charge, apparently. Fain--or Roger, as Nikita called him in her typical open manner--seemed fairly professional; something inside the actor rankled. He only wished that fact had settled him on the man more fully.
He came closer to interrupting his wife's conversation, only one more thought coming to mind. He did hate that they had to be here today--for many reasons--but also because it should, in the broader country, have been a holiday. For many, Labor Day was a reason to relax, to spend time with loved ones. But, for them, it was simply another work day; he sighed, moving toward the pair, meeting his wife's eyes. It would have been nice, if they could have had one more day of their honeymoon. Whatever his constant fears, he did cherish their every moment alone.
His beloved quickly proved that she agreed with him, her smile warming him through. When he reached her, the friendly conversation with their new guardian stopped completely, forgotten, as she leaned in to kiss him, making him hold her to him for a second, losing himself--forgetting all the people who might watch. God, she was beautiful. And, no matter the plans of the world at large, she was all his.
She agreed, of course, was just thrilled to be near him again--the weekend not nearly long enough; it never could be. No matter how many years of constant devotion they showed each other, she would never be wholly satisfied, always wanted more of him; she felt his fingers spasm slightly on her shoulder, as he finally drew back, his gaze alight. And she knew with an intimate sort of thrill that he shared the feeling entirely.
Their eyes glowed at each other, forgetting everything else--even if they were soon disrupted by a disgusted snort. When they looked up, Abby was glaring at them, shaking her head, muttering, as she walked by. "An hour doing her makeup and she goes and . . ." Fortunately, the rest went unheard under the woman's breath, as the makeup woman wandered away, leaving Nikita to shake her head, knowing the truth. Even had she turned into a statue, never damaging the makeup at all, it wouldn't have made Abby happy; nothing Nikita could imagine would. She shuddered slightly, despite herself. But she had no desire to think about the woman deeply enough to understand her wants.
Her partner noticed her reaction to Belinda's replacement, stroked her shoulder softly, wondering. Still, he said nothing, Roger too close by; he gave the man a professional sort of nod, as he led Nikita away, not questioning. He certainly understood having the feeling that someone was not to be trusted, whatever you might be told. It wasn't as though most of those around the lot could exactly be called friends.
Fortunately, his beloved came around, pulling out of her thoughts, as they walked on toward the studio--whatever sensation had swept over her diminishing. He was glad for it, even if he didn't understand. Still, he also didn't get to ask, Nikita speaking first--softly, as always, when others might hear. "Why haven't they asked any questions, Michael?" He stared at her, confused, forcing her on. "About Roger." Her head shook. "Why are they letting him be here?"
This was a good insight, really, the guard's presence less than typical; he tried to reassure her. "They think he's our driver." It was the best cover they had been able to come up with. Her look continued, wanting more--forcing out his shrug. "They probably just haven't noticed him yet."
Lord--if only. "I wonder," she murmured, capturing her husband's full attention again. Her voice dropped lower, as they walked along, his arm around her, keeping this private. "Could they just know he's not a threat?"
"Helmut chose him," he assured her again--if not himself. But he didn't go on to voice any of his real fears.
His partner picked up on the lapse, doing his work for him. "But Helmut's never really needed this sort of protection, right?" She gazed up to see his vague shrug--neither of them certain enough of many aspects of the banker's past to know for certain; there was a sigh, as her gaze returned to the pavement. "Could he have just gotten the guards on someone else's recommendation?"
Mm, this was a good--if disturbing--theory, one which closely mirrored his own. Still, he had to ask. "Why would you say that?"
"Because I've been talking to him." Her look went deep, when it returned to him. "He won't say much about his past."
Her eyes were probing now, were so serious, but her theory forced a smile from him, nonetheless. "You've been checking on him." His laugh deepened, when he saw the truth in her eyes--his embrace pulling her closer, as they moved along. "You don't trust him."
"Neither do you," she pointed out, making his laugh return. She really was an amazing woman.
He kissed the side of her head, as they moved toward the studio, his soul more content for the conversation. "I do love you," he murmured against her hair--amazed at himself for hearing the words from his mouth in public. Still, they were so true. She was beautiful; she was bright; she was fiercely devoted to keeping their marriage safe--and she would always, always be his.
"Mi-chael," she whispered at his words, happy just to hear them again--understanding. They might be surrounded by the untrustworthy, might constantly be under the gun, but neither of them would go down without a fight. Despite the gloom of the thoughts, the fact warmed her--his love for her so clear. He would never live to see anyone harm her, just as she could never allow the reverse. Their public union, unlike so many others, was not just a facade.
They walked into the studio together, absolutely one in everything, ready for whatever might happen. Even if life had its hurdles, they could be overcome. They were on watch together--and they would never let anyone separate them now.
Extra note: I admit to not knowing whether the studios worked on Labor Day in this era; it just seemed likely that they would. If I've erred, I'm sorry. Please consider it an example of the constant grind of Wolfe's lot.
[End of Part 204]
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
| |
Feedback: 