Chapter 30

       When she reached Brian’s flat her arm was still aching unbearably, but there was no signs after scratches. ‘Apparently, it wasn’t so bad.’ She thought in a rush of good humor. She opened the door quietly and slipped inside, then she closed them gently. She held her breath listening to the house sounds. You could have heard a pin drop. She took off the shoes and went straight to the bathroom, soundlessly. There she took off torn and bloody clothes and threw them into the trash. She stepped into the shower and set up incredibly hot water. The whole room was filled with steam immediately.

***

       He woke up feeling extreme lightness, but when he rolled to the other side to embrace Jay, his hand came across emptiness. He raised his head and opened his eyes. She was nowhere to be found, and the sheets on her side were cold. ‘She ran away.’ He thought bitterly. But then the sound of water reached him. He smiled cautiously to himself, jumped out of the bed rapidly and went to the bathroom.

       He stopped in the doorway and watched Jay standing under a stream of hot water. Among the steams she looked like a water nymph under a waterfall, her face exposed to a stream and her hair flowing down her back like a wet silk. She leaned her hands against the wall and took a position that perfectly emphasized her slender silhouette with a shapely butt and graceful legs.

       She didn’t know when he approached her, but as he moved his fingers gently along her spine she didn’t jolt, but curved her body into a bow, enjoying his touch. She stretched and muttered like a cat.

-       Where have you been? – He asked, kissing her neck right behind the ear.

-       I jogged. – She had troubles to concentrate. She was glad she managed to control shaking hands.

-       You often wake up before down? – He slid his hands lazily around her wet body, and his lips wandered through her right shoulder.

-       Usually I was able to go back and take a shower before you got up. – ‘Even today I was expecting to be ready.’ She added in mind.

       She hoped she would have time to calm down her troubled nerves. Meanwhile, she had only dealt with physical ailments after the recent events. There were still the images haunting her, pangs of conscience and choking smell of blood.

-       I guess I’ll have to set my inner alarm clock. – Bryan continued, turning her slowly towards him. – I’d like to wake up by your side just once. – He frowned when she looked up at him. – What happened to you?

-       What? – She felt a surge of fear. Had she missed some wound?

-       You’ve got a blue eye. – He grabbed her under her chin and hold when she wanted to turn away. – What happened? Tell me! – He insisted.

-       It’s nothing! – She hastened to explain. – I pondered and had a close encounter with a branch.

-       My poor thing. – He gently brushed the bruised area with his lips. – We’ll get rid of it in few days.

       She gave him a pale smile. He was so carrying and attentive. That was so sweet. What’s more he believed her without a second thought, and she had blood on her hands. It was true that she had to defend herself, but she couldn’t just wave it aside. She put her hand on Bryan’s chest. She felt the warmth of his body. Listened to the rhythm of his heart. She looked up into his amber eyes and felt the ice around her soul melting. She saw in his eyes so much kindness, sensitivity, love that she could not remain indifferent to him.

-       Hug me. – She asked, as she felt another wave of fear was coming. – Please. – She whispered.

       He did what she asked for. He didn’t ask any question when she hold him tight as if she was drowning. He felt her muscles stiffened. As if she wanted to defend herself against something. She shuddered. He knew it wasn’t due to the chill, as the water was still hot. He strengthened his grip and pressed his lips against Jay's temple. He gave her all his peace and waited patiently until the tension fell from her.

       'Apparently she has not dealt with the new situation yet.' He thought briefly. He could do nothing but to be there for her.

       She relaxed slowly, but he held her for a bit longer. Finally, she pushed away from him far enough that he could look her in the eye. They had the color of lakes shining in the gentle sun rays. He saw pain there, but he knew there was no point in asking. She'll tell him when she wants to. When she will be ready. He leaned down and kissed her gently.

-       What about coffee? – He asked leaning his forehead against hers.

-       Music to my ears. – She smiled.

       She felt awful. He gave her understanding and support. He didn’t ask questions, though he could demand explanation. And she took advantage of it and hid the truth from him.

***

       She went down to the kitchen, led by the smell of wonderful aroma of freshly brewed coffee. She stopped at the door and watched Bryan for a moment as he prepared breakfast. He was wearing dark jeans that definitely stimulated imagination, and a shirt the color of juicy grass witch made his eyes shine. He was barefoot.

       He turned towards her and gave her a wide, warm smile. He seized her up from toes to head and said in spirit, that she looked extremely sexy. She was wearing black leggings and lavender warmers. She put on white cashmere sweater which reached almost her mid thigh, with wide sleeves and neckline. One shoulder was uncovered so he could see the strap of the top that matched the warmers. Her hair was tied loosely on her neck.

-       How you feel? – He asked with concern.

-       Fine. – She replied. This time with clear conscience, as she indeed felt much better. – Smells wonderful! – She breathed in the nice smell of food. – What’s that?

-       French toasts and bacon. – He watched her carefully as she reached for coffee. She was calm and poised. The fear mixed with pain disappeared from her eyes. He breathed a sigh of relief. – Maybe we’ll go to your place later? We’ll take few things?

-       Few things? – She asked surprised.

-       I want you to stay with me till we go to Purple Creek. – He explained without breaking away from frying. When she didn’t protest, he continued. – I’m going to tell Mel about us. I guess it’s about time. She should know the truth either.

-       You’re right. – She agreed after a moment of reflection.

       She put the coffee aside, walked up to Bryan, embraced him and buried her face in his back. She inhaled his scent which was soothing to her. She felt safe by him and the idea to spend another week with Bryan took her fancy. She wasn’t going to argue then. That one time she decided to flow with the tide instead of fighting with it.

***

       They drove in front of the house she rented with Mel. At the sight of Christian’s car she felt a knot in the pit of her stomach. She told her friend yesterday, that she won’t come back for the night, so Melanie would have given them message if they were looking for her here. Unless they were hoping that at last she would have to show up at home.

-       I guess they’re waiting for you. – Bryan came to similar conclusion. – Come! – He grabbed her hand to cheer her up. – We need to face him sooner or later. – He gave her a calming smile.

-       It can’t be worse anyway, right?! – She gave him a pale smile and got out of the car.

       Bryan followed her. He pulled level with her on the sidewalk leading to the porch and wrapped his arm around her waist. He was aware that it was a kind of possessive gesture, but he decided to face his friends. ‘If they still consider me their buddy.’ He thought. And he wanted to support Jay.

       They were in no hurry. Jay slowly took out the keys and opened the door ready for a storm that didn’t come. The house was quiet. Suspiciously quiet. As if there was no one in. They went to the living room but found there nobody. The kitchen was empty as well. Maybe her brothers came here yesterday in two cars and drove away in one only? Though, it was so unlike Christian to leave his beloved car.

       Something was clearly wrong here.

       They slowly climbed up the stairs. There was still silence around them. Their steps were almost inaudible on soft, fluffy rugs. They headed to Jay’s bedroom first, where Bryan waited patiently until she packed all the things she needed. ‘There’s nothing ordinary about her.’ He thought. Jay didn’t wonder which blouse she should pack or which shoes would match the trousers she chose. All her clothes fit her in some way. She also didn’t buy shoes she couldn’t fit into most of her clothes. ‘Practical, yet extremely feminine and sexy.’

-       It’s not like Mel! – Jay seemed not to notice that Bryan was watching her all the time. – Even she doesn’t sleep so long! It’s eleven already!

       No reaction on his part made her stop packing and turned to the door. He stood there, leaning against the wall with crossed arms and legs. With his head slightly inclined to the side. He watched her carefully with his half-closed amber eyes. She felt a strange shiver. It ran down her spine like a small agile animal – tickling and alarming at the same time.

-       What happened? – She asked suspiciously.

-       Nothing. – He replied calmly. – I just like looking at you.

       Not knowing why she felt confused. She smiled at him gently and looked down rapidly. She felt strange and uneasy. ‘What the hell is going on with me?’ She almost screamed in her head, definitely mad with herself for her reaction.

-       What’s wrong? – He sensed her nervousness. – Is it embarrassing you?

-       Let’s say I’m not used to that. – Suddenly, she started paying more attention to what she was packing.

       With the corner of her eye she caught the movement as he pulled away from the wall. He walked over to her, turned her towards him and took her face in his hands. He looked in the turquoise lakes of her eyes and had the impression he’s going under. And God help him, he wanted to drown!

-       You don’t even realize how you affect me. – He whispered his lips close to hers.

       He had to use all his willpower in order not to throw himself at her. Her red, full lips tempted him. Her scent was intoxicating. He wanted her so much that it almost caused him physical pain. He yearned for her touch. But he managed to control himself. He just brushed her lips lightly and pushed her aside.

-       If you have everything, let’s wake Mel up. – He said in a strangely changed voice.

-       Okay. I mean yeah. – She was confused. ‘How it’s possible that he’s mixing up in my head so easily?’ She thought a bit scared. – We can go.

       He took her bag and came out into the corridor first. There he put her stuff on the floor and went straight to his sister’s bedroom. He was about to press the handle, but Jay was faster.

-       Women don’t like being awoken by men! – She explained. – Even by their brothers. You know.... Hair in total mess and other such things. – She continued when he frowned.

       She gently pushed the handle, which didn’t even give the lightest squeak or grind. She was opening the door slowly so as they couldn’t creak. ‘If Mel is with some guy now, she would be grateful, that I didn’t allow Bryan to run into her bedroom.’ She thought. Step by step, her friend’s room was appearing to her eyes. Decorated with taste, but without unnecessary pomp. Night table, carved headboard, satin sheets in warm colors. Ruffled blond curls scattered on the pillow. Male arm wrapping Mel in the waist. Her smooth, tanned leg poking out from under the sheets.

       She slipped her head into the gap to wake her friend with a whisper. But when she saw the man’s face, the words stuck in her throat. She wasn’t able to bring out any sound. The same moment Bryan wanted to open the door wider, Jay withdrew and slammed it just in front of his face.

-       What happened? – He whispered, though he knew that after such a wake up his sister had to stand at attention. – Who’s there? – The tone of his voice suddenly became stiff. – I know that asshole?!

-       Let’s wait downstairs! – Jay grabbed Bryan by the sleeve of his shirt before he managed to push the handle and storm Mel’s bedroom. – Please! – She added, putting her hand on his cheek.

       The tone of her voice, and the way she looked at him, should make him think, but at that moment he was not able to focus. Jay’s presence already distracted him. Her scent acted like a drug. And when he felt her warm touch, everything else ceased to exist. He had to succumb to her. Delicate, but firm persuasion that they should give Mel time to tidy herself up.

-       Okay. – He said calmly and allowed her to lead him to the kitchen.

       He observed Jay setting fresh coffee in the coffee machine. Her calmness and control gave him a lot, but not enough to allow him to sit down. Now he could think again and analyze. He could imagine that he grabs that son-of-a-bitch by the throat and suffocate. He clenched his fists. He walked to the window, but the view behind it didn’t help to control his anger. Only when he felt Jay embracing him, the tension began to ease.

       Suddenly, he realized who Mel’s guest was. It was as if someone had lit up the light bulb, brightening the darkness in his mind. 'Idiot!' He thought to himself. 'How could I not guess?!' He started to laugh softly.

-       What’s going on? – Asked Jay. – What’s so funny?

-       The fact, that I’m an idiot? – He turned around to face her and looked her in the eye, but he kept laughing. Jay frowned. – I’m such an idiot!

-       And why’s that? – She inquired.

-       I should have known who’s in her bedroom since the very beginning! Especially, after you slammed the door just in front of my face! – He looked defiantly in her eyes. –You didn’t want me to act hasty, I can understand that. But the question is, did you know? – He bit his lip.

-       I was surprised as well, and slamming the door was rather an impulse. – She explained. – But you’re right. I didn’t want you to do something you’d regret later.

-       How could I regret, if you’ve been arguing with your brothers about me only yesterday?! – He asked impulsively.

-       Actually, I quarreled with Jess. – She corrected him. – And maybe with Carter, a bit. But Christian didn’t let me know, even with a single word or a gesture that he’s against. Perhaps he took into consideration the fact that he himself hid his relationship with Mel.

-       And what does that have to do with it?! – He had troubles to control his anger.

-       I can’t blame him for something I also did! – She burst out.

       He looked at her with his amber eyes. She saw so many emotions and feelings there. He worried about his little sister. He didn’t want her to be hurt by anyone. Mel could be reckless, and he just wanted her good. She understood Bryan. She herself would do anything to protect her brothers. She could also understand her best friend, as she also didn’t like when someone was interfering her business. But she accepted their concern. Hope Mel would be able to appreciate her brother’s involvement too.

-       He won’t hurt her. – She assured Bryan. – You know him. Christian isn’t that type of guy, who only wants to score. – Her gaze, so far rebellious and defiant, softened. – Just like you. – She added and she stroked him with tenderness on the cheek. – You even don’t realize how much you have in common.

       He leaned forward to kiss her, and then he leaned back against her forehead. He took a deep breath, pulling her sweet smell into his lungs. They heard silent steps on the stairs. Jay turned towards the door, but she stayed in Bryan’s arms. They waited in tense until Mel and Christian appeared in sight. Jay held her breath. But the gentle brush of his lips on her neck assured her that everything would be fine and she relaxed.

       When they appeared in the doorway Jay had an impression, that Mel and Christian are their mirror reflection. Her brother was embracing Bryan’s sister the same way, adding her strength to face the situation. For an unbearably long moment, they stood quietly looking at each other.

-       I didn’t suppose you’d come so early. – Mel began, interrupting the awkward silence.

-       You know that I’m rather an early bird. – She gave her friend a pale smile.

-       Indeed. – Mel wasn’t sure what she should say.

-       I guess you should talk. – Said Jay. She freed herself from Bryan's arms and walked into the living room. When her brother didn’t follow her, she turned to him. - Christian! - She called him with an urgent tone of voice.

       For a moment he still looked at Bryan, and then kissed Mel in the temple.

-       I'm with you. - He said softly and followed his sister.

       Mel was obstinately watching a sparrow flying behind the window, looking for something to eat. Bryan, on the other hand, was watching his sister with anxiety mixed with anger.

-       What did you think? – He finally asked, breaking the silence. – Can you explain it to me somehow?

-       What I should explain to you? - She looked away from the beautiful bird and looked at her brother angrily.

-       He’s elder brother of your best friend, Mel! - He said tiredly and combed his chestnut hair.

-       And you are my brother! – She pointed out. – What did you think? – She asked reproachfully. – Where was your common sense when you started dating Jay?

       For that he had no argument. He had to agree with her.

-       You’re right, I wasn’t fair. – He said, looking her in the eye, forcing her to do the same. – But try to understand, I didn’t plan that! It just happened! – He was trying to explain it to her. – It was like a bolt! – He searched for the right words. – As if someone hit my head with something really heavy! As if I was blind, and suddenly my eyes were restored, and the first thing I saw was her eyes! – He brushed his chestnut hair again and sighed. – God witness me, I was trying to forget about her! Erase her image from my memory. Throw her out of my dreams. But I couldn’t! – He looked at her gravely. - I just couldn’t!

-       I didn’t plan it too. – She was much calmer now. What Bryan said mirrored her feelings. – I know that you won’t do anything that might hurt Jay. – She stopped him from comment with a gesture of her hand. – And you know that Christian is not an asshole, who cares only about one thing.

-       No, he’s not. – He smiled at her gently. – But still, it’s encoded in my head that I should protect you.

       She smiled involuntarily. She was always mad at her brother when he defended her. She was furious when Bryan chased the boys she liked. Now, though unwillingly, she had to admit that she’s grateful. Yet she didn’t intend to give him any satisfaction with this.

-       I’m not a little girl anymore, and I can take care of myself! – She said cockily, but walked to her brother and hugged him.

-       I know. But for me you’ll always be my little sister. – He said hugging her tight.

-       Thank you anyway. – She kissed his cheek.

-       Always at your service. – He smiled at her. – Let’s go to them. – He suggested and she nodded.

-       Wait. – She stopped him suddenly. – What did you mean by saying that you were trying to forget about her? – She asked, frowning.

-       When I realized what I feel for her I was really scared. – He explained. – I had one thought coded in my head: She’s not for me! – He laughed shortly. – But the harder I fought it, the more I sank into it!

-       I think I understand. – She hugged him and they went to join Christian and Jay.