Cassidy
Chapter One
I climbed out of the sub onto a wooden dock and gazed every which way around me. The island was more beautiful that I imagined it to be. Richard, the man who had recruited me, said that the community needed a teacher and I nearly accepted the offer at once. My every need would be catered to on the island; I'd have a house, food, free electricity, and so many other luxuries no other job could provide.
"You must be Ms. Ryder," A voice spoke retrieving me from my thoughts. "Yes, but Cassidy is fine." "My name is Benjamin Linus. It's a pleasure to have you joining us. I'm sure you'll feel right at home here." "Thank you," I replied shaking his hand and following him along the dock.
Ben thought she looked incredibly gorgeous. He regretted never asking Mikhail for her file or asking Richard what she had looked like. All he knew was her name, for the time being that is. He intended to get to know her quite personally... Her brown hair fell just past her shoulders and she had a dazzling smile that caused his gaze to frequently flicker to her. Originally she was going to be living with another woman but Ben decided to change his plans. He wanted her close so that she would fall for him and be willing to carry out his every command. It would be too easy, she was much younger than him and seemed to be an innocent.
I felt excitement flow through me as we headed through some jungle and eventually emerged into a small clearing where there was several houses. "I was told that I would be sharing residence with someone else?" I said looking at Ben curiously. His brilliant blue eyes met my own hazel ones, "That's correct. You are staying with me." "Oh," was all I managed as Ben lead me over to one of the houses that was presumably his. "Pryce will bring your luggage later." I nodded and smiled at Ben but I had a feeling of sudden nervousness. Ben noticed and grinned, "Don't worry Cassidy. You can trust me." "I've been looking forward to this moment for so long...when I could finally see the island for myself." "It has always been my home." Ben stated striding up the steps of the porch. He opened the door and held it for me as I wandered inside and examined my new surroundings.
A huge set of bookshelves caught my eye and I made my way over to it to scan the titles exclaiming to Ben every time I found one that I had loved or wanted to read. He stood beside me and I clumsily placed the book I was holding back in it's place blushing. "I love books." I said sheepishly. Ben smirked, "I can see that. Reading is a passion of my own." Cassidy realized he was very close and she felt her heart speed up. "How about I show you the rest of the house." He said with a ghost of a smile. Ben took my hand and pulled me on to the other rooms in the house. Giddiness filled me from his touch and I allowed him to lead me around his home.
Finally, we finished and arrived back at the kitchen at which point Ben released my hand and asked, "Can I offer you a drink?" "Just a water, thanks," I answered as Ben grabbed two glasses from the cupboard and filled them with cold water. He handed one to me and took a sip from his own staring at her over his drink. "You have a daughter?" I questioned looking at the picture of a young child and Ben while remembering the room that supported this assumption. "Her name is Alex." "Are you married?" "No," he replied simply placing his empty glass on the counter. "I was engaged once but never made it to the alter." I said placing my glass next to his. "May I ask why not?" "I wasn't ready. Seth, my fiancée kept pushing that we get married or split but I couldn't follow through. So, he left me and I never heard from him again." "That must've been a difficult decision." He said taking my hands in his comfortingly. I nodded and bit my lip.