Chapter 2
2 weeks later
"Luv you…" Lucy made a sound of a kiss near her cell phone and hung up before flopping tiredly down on her bed. The day after she left, Lucy called Amy to let her know where she was, but didn't call after that. She didn't know she was expected to call home every day. So when she didn't call, Amy was a bit upset with her. Call every day? Lucy isn't used to doing that and she didn't promise the blonde that she would. If she gave in now, she's not sure if Amy expected her do so in the future. So she let her blonde lover know what she will do instead. Texting.
Lying down on the other bed was Nadia who felt like she had only an ounce of energy left in her. It sounded fun at first going away for 3 weeks, but after 1 week, she quickly realized how exhausting it was, more exhausting than working in the restaurant. She had fun though, touring with the brunette who was in charge of the trip. All she had to do was follow. It would have been more fun if she was with her girlfriend, ex-girlfriend. There were moments when she thought she saw Alexis but only realized it wasn't her when that person turned around.
"Did Alexis tell you why?" A part of her really wanted to know, but at the same time the other part of her already knew the answer. They were different. She wasn't as open as Alexis. She didn't have the courage to do what her girlfriend is able to do in front other people. That's one of the things she admired about Alexis.
Lucy opened her eyes, looked up at the ceiling, and wasn't sure why Nadia asked her not Alexis. "I'm sorry."
"For what?" Nadia expected something else not that.
"For whatever I said before that got you two together and…"
"I don't have any regrets. She…made me happy. She…gave me the best moments of my life. Without her, I…wouldn't have known what love is."
Lucy didn't expect that and nodded in understanding. Hearing that comment did made her feel better though. She still had no idea why her mature self would think that they would be good together. "Nadia, trust me, you won't know what love is until you have more experiences." She said in a mature tone while looking up at the ceiling.
What the brunette said caused Nadia to wonder if she had been lying to Amy. "I thought you said you don't remember."
"I don't."
It didn't make sense to her since the brunette still can't remember. Unless she remembers the ex who dumped her, then that would explain the way she was talking. Having been told what she went thru before isn't the same. How many girls could she have possibly dated at such a young age?
"When did you first start dating?"
"Dating?" Lucy pondered for a moment. "mmm…I don't know….maybe 14…"
"14!" Nadia couldn't believe it. When she was 14, she didn't even have the courage to talk to the girls she liked.
"mm…yea…about that age…then there's one at 15 and 16, then when I went to college, that's when things start happening…" Lucy said in excitement as she raised her brows up and down.
"What kind of things?" Nadia became very curious to know about the former criminal's lifestyle when she was younger.
"Women." Leaning on her side, Lucy said in a manly tone.
For Nadia, she had a very boring, but normal life when she was 16, trying to hide her preference from her high school classmates and everyone around her.
"older, but young and beautiful women" Lucy continued to explain that a lot of people came out in that school and it wasn't a big deal to anyone. Lucy herself didn't hide the fact that she is gay. If anyone asked, she would respond truthfully. She was younger than most of them since she finished high school at an early age. "But there weren't that many, you know how it is." It's an ivy league school. Most of them had brains and not looks. "there weren't that many that are like us but…" Lucy stressed the word but. "…it's college…"
Smiling wide, Lucy raised her brows up and down again but realized that Nadia had no idea what she meant by that by he confused look.
"you don't know what I mean…"
"no"
"oh…" Maybe the culinary schools have a different kind of environment.
"Promise me you won't tell Amy." She knew Amy wouldn't like it if she heard about her wild days.
Nadia pondered for a moment before agreeing.
"What I found was that a lot of girls were confused at that age. About 5 or 6 of us, I don't remember exactly, we had a party…just girls. It was a girl's night in kind of thing, after the final exam, you know, eating, drinking, dancing, one girl thought it would be a good idea to…" Lucy saw how focused Nadia was paying attention to her.
"to what?" Nadia anxiously asked.
"…watch…porn…"
Nadia jerked back slightly because that wasn't what she's expecting. She herself never thought about it. It was the way she was brought up. The word porn is like cursing, much, much worse.
"have you…" Lucy already knew the answer before she asked and seeing Nadia shaking her head vigorously confirmed that she has never watched porn before. "That was my first time and my last time." It's true. What she saw disgusted her the moment it came on. Lucy couldn't stand watching it for 5 seconds and excused herself. After she came out of the bathroom, she saw another girl quickly going in as if she was going to vomit from drinking too much. When she went back to the bedroom, she saw other girls were also covering their mouths, wincing in disgust. The girl who suggested it quickly clicked on the keyboard to watch something else. Lucy wasn't sure what elicited that kind of reaction from everyone at that time. She even asked what she missed and a girl said 'something you don't want to see.' When another girl quickly got up, making vomit noises, everyone laughed except for her.
"One girl said she was scarred for life from watching that."
Nadia laughed along with the brunette even though she wasn't sure what caused all of them to react that way, nor was she interested in finding out.
"Then….something else came on." The next video that came on had all of them paying attention to the monitor. Nobody had the same reaction as last time. "All of us were watching it, when it ended, they shut off the computer. "
"Oh…" Nadia was expecting more. "So…that's it?" Nadia didn't think it was a big deal until she saw the sly smirk on the brunette's face, she realized that wasn't the end of the story.
"There was only 1 guest bedroom and I was lucky to be chosen to get that room. Then…" Lucy told it as if she was telling a ghost story. It wasn't. But when Nadia heard what happened, her jaws dropped. "She knew you were gay?"
"They all did." Lucy thought she told her that. That wasn't the part that shocked Nadia. That night, when Lucy was about to slip into bed, someone knocked on her door. It was one of the girls.
Lucy wasn't sure why the girl was being so secretive, looking around like she didn't want anyone to find out.
"What's wrong?" Lucy asked after the girl came in and locked the door.
"I need a favor."
"Okay." Lucy said in a confused tone.
"I need you to not tell anyone about tonight."
That was simple. "Sure." Lucy didn't think watching porn is a big deal. It wasn't to her but she realized it wasn't what she thought until she heard the girl's next request.
"Can I kiss you?"
Lucy was a little surprised by her request and stepped back as the girl moved forward. "What?"
"Please…."
"Why?" Lucy had no interest in her. It wasn't that she's not pretty. She just wasn't her type. Lucy fell back on the bed when the back of her knee hit the edge of the full size bed.
"just one kiss"
Lucy looked up at the girl who was hovering over her face. The first thing that came to mind was the girl must be recording this. This isn't her bedroom. She checked for bugs already. Crazy college kids do that, playing pranks on someone else. So she came prepared. But it didn't make sense to her why her friend would be recording this. Her friends knew her preference. She's not naked nor was her friend.
"You're not playing a prank on me, are you? Because if you are…" Lucy trailed off when she saw the girl shaking her head vigorously.
"She wasn't the only one."
She knew Nadia would be surprised and she was.
"The next girl who came in, I always liked her…but she has a boyfriend." Lucy did the same and asked if she was playing a joke on her. She gave her more than just a closed mouth kiss. "If you were in my situation, you would have done the same thing I did…she's totally hot." Lucy smiled while remembering that moment, the touching, the kissing. They were all confused after watching that video because lesbian porn turned them on.
"They were very lucky to have you…to steer them…in the right direction."
Sounds of laughter echoed through the room. Nadia wasn't sure how the conversation led to this, but she was having a lot of fun with this 31 year old who has the mind of someone who's not old enough to go into a casino. What she learned was that the brunette could turn back into her mature self at any time when the situation requires it.
When Lucy started this conversation, she had a point to make…but somehow she ended up telling her this story instead.
"What about you? Do you have anything interesting happened to you when you were younger?"
"mm…no…nothing…"
It didn't surprise Lucy since she learned what type of person Nadia is over the years. Nadia is your average girl next door except for the lesbian part.
"Hungry?"
"mhm."
Hungry and tired, they decided to just eat downstairs in the hotel restaurant. They were in Barcelona. Lucy had planned on giving James a surprise visit the next day. Leave it to her, she only settled for the best hotels. If Amy found out what type of hotels she booked, she would definitely prohibit her from doing so. Sitting in the corner of the exquisite restaurant with soft lights hanging on the ceiling, Lucy continued telling stories of her younger days.
"So you were alone most of the time." Nadia had always thought that the former criminal mastermind lived with her parents until she went to college, but was surprised to find that wasn't the case. She had no idea that the brunette even went to college. How did she become the leader of a criminal organization? That's what she wants to know, but isn't appropriate to ask at this moment.
"I wouldn't say that. I had my bodyguards. It was for my safety." Lucy took a bite of the shrimp and looked up to see if Nadia understands.
Nadia nodded and realized that's how the brunette became who she is now, independent and strong. It wasn't because who her father was, it was the separation from her parents that made her the way she is. That's what most rich people do, send their kids to boarding schools so they can become independent. But in her case, it was for her safety. But Lucy didn't go to a boarding school with all girls, she went to a regular school and goes home just like a normal kid except that she didn't live with her parents. She lived with her housekeeper who had worked in their family for years, whom Lucy loved as her own family. She had her own butler, a driver and bodyguards.
"I see my mother all the time…online…you know."
Nadia again nodded, surprised with all the information she learned.
"Does…Amy know?" Nadia wasn't sure they ever talked about her past.
"yes" Lucy responded in a confused and obvious tone. If anyone would want to know about her past, it would be Amy. The former agent wanted to know everything about the woman whom she's going to marry. Amy also wanted to know her criminal activities, the ones the law enforcement couldn't prove. But Lucy didn't tell her everything, of course. What she did tell her was how she used her power to do good things too like donating to homeless shelter for kids anonymously with the money she stole.
Nadia's brows squeezed together in disbelief. That's the first time she heard of it. Keira never told her that. Amy never told her that.
"What?" Lucy didn't expect her to be so surprised by it.
"I…I didn't know." All Nadia heard were bad things. But no matter what Lucy did before, she cast that aside.
"Does it make a difference?"
Nadia shook her head. "I mean…yes."
"It does?"
"I always knew you weren't as bad as they say…and…I was right." Nadia let out a soft smile but her smile quickly disappeared after hearing the brunette's next comment.
"What if I told you everything I just said is a lie?"
It wasn't only what she said. It was the way she said it and her expression, Nadia was shocked by it. She had no doubt that the brunette was telling the truth earlier. Keira wouldn't say things like that. Why would she say that? Keira would never lie to her about things like this. If she lied, it would be for her own good. At this moment, she couldn't find a reason why the brunette would lie to her…whether she did those things or not, her feelings towards her wouldn't change…unless….unless…she lied because of Amy.
"What if I told you I lived with my parents? What if I told you everything they said about me was true? everything that I did before was for money…for myself?"
"It wouldn't change the way I feel about you. Amy…she will still love you." Nadia said as she held onto Lucy's hand.
That wasn't the point Lucy was going for. She pulled her hand back. "Nadia, you…mmm…how should I say this…mmm…you…" Lucy tapped her fingers on the table as she pondered for a moment. There is no other way to say it. "You shouldn't trust people so easily." Someone has to teach this young woman that the world isn't as nice as she is. People would take advantage of nice young women like her. "Look around you."
Nadia remained unmoved, totally baffled.
"Do you see anything wrong?"
Nadia did as told and slowly scanned the room, but was unsure what she was supposed to be looking at. Facing the brunette, she shook her head in confusion.
"What about that bartender? Do you see anything wrong with him?"
Nadia turned her head and all she saw was the bartender was preparing a drink.
"no"
"What about the man sitting 2 tables behind me?"
Nadia tried not to look too obvious. She stood up, pretended to be brushing dirt off her lap, took a quick glance at the man and sat down. "no" She didn't get a good look but saw that the guy took a glance at her.
"What about the manager?"
Manager? Nadia looked around to find the manager. She wasn't sure if it's a man or woman.
"on your left…"
Nadia snapped her head to the left and noticed the man in a nice suit was looking their way. Her heart again began to beat faster, thinking that they might be in danger of some sort.
"Should we leave?" Nadia leaned forward and whispered.
"Why are you whispering?" Lucy said in the same tone.
Nadia jerked back and scratched her head in absolute confusion.
"Every one of these people…isn't as nice as you think they are. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"
Nadia still has no clue and shook her head.
Lucy blew out a big sigh. This is going to be so difficult, Amy. What Lucy wanted to do was make her stronger by changing the way she thinks. She wanted to make Nadia aware of the people around her at all times. The way the fitness instructor thinks now is that everyone is like her, harmless and minding their own business…which it's true most of the time but not all the time. If she kept on thinking that way, it would only bring problems for herself. Even though her physical appearance doesn't appear weak, her voice does and someone will know what type of person she is just by talking to her. Conniving people will able to see that and take advantage of her. She had thought that the situation with Jehan would make her aware of her surroundings but she realized that Nadia hasn't changed. Lucy once asked Ethan about how Nadia used to be. He said all the good things about his sister but what she wanted to know are the bad things. Shy, quiet, and lack of confidence were the first 3 that came out of his mouth. It seemed that Nadia is still the same way, but a little bit better than before.
"See that woman 3 tables to your left. She has been staring at us for a while."
Nadia didn't notice until now. "maybe she's just looking around."
There she goes again. Lucy was disappointed but did expect her to say that. "Just because she's a woman doesn't mean she's harmless." She said in a whisper.
Nadia took a quick glance at the woman but still couldn't see what is wrong with her. That woman looked as young as herself and didn't look anything like a bad person.
"I understand what you're getting at, but I'm positive that woman…" Nadia took another quick glance. "is as harmless as me."
"You cannot tell by the looks." Lucy said in a frustrated tone, feeling as though she was talking to Janet. But Janet knew better. Janet herself has this cute innocent look. Nobody could tell she used to steal when she was younger and nobody could tell she used to be a government agent.
"She's smiling at us." Nadia quickly turned her head back.
Lucy took a look and saw that Nadia could be right, in this case. The woman is smiling at them. Lucy's lips slowly curled up into a bigger grin as another thought hit her. "Hey…" She leaned forward and whispered. "What do you think of her?"
"What?" Seeing the brunette's expression, Nadia slowly came to understand what she meant and turned her head to the left to take a clearer look. What she saw was a pretty young thin blonde with medium length hair about her age. Sitting in front of her is an older woman.
When Lucy tilted her head, Nadia knew exactly what she meant. But they're in Barcelona, it wouldn't work out anyway. That's what she said to the brunette who immediately wore a face of frustration.
"I'm not asking you to take her home with you. Besides, maybe she's from London. You'll never know if you don't try."
The mature Lucy would never talk to her in that way, in that tone, talking to her like a kid. She didn't like it, but understood Lucy's intention. "Should…I…go over there to introduce myself?" Nadia had never done it before and wasn't sure what to do or what to say. The thought of being rejected frightened her. What scared her even more is that she may have misinterpreted the blonde's smile.
"mm…" Lucy didn't think it would be a good idea with so many people around. So she made the same suggestion she once did to Anthony, just to be on the safe side and this time she made sure the blonde knows who the drink is from.
Nadia wasn't sure why she was so nervous. Her knees were shaking under the table. She didn't dare look at the blonde until the brunette told her to. "There's nothing to be afraid of. If she rejects the drink, it's okay. If she laughs, it's okay. Don't take it so seriously. You are beautiful on the inside and the outside."
"She's laughing."
Lucy immediately reached out to grab Nadia's hand when she saw that Nadia is about to hide her face from the blonde.
"Don't do that." Lucy whispered in a commanding tone. "Look at her and smile."
Nadia couldn't believe what the brunette wanted her to do because it's clear to her that the stranger in blonde is laughing at her.
"Just look at her…and…smile." Lucy continued to give her words of encouragement when Nadia didn't move.
She's right. This is nothing compared to what she went thru back a few years ago, experiencing life and death. There is no need to be scared. Nadia took in a deep breath, blew it out and did what the brunette told her to do.
The 3-week trip finally ended. Janet was more anxious than anyone and couldn't wait to hear about the trip. Inside the living room were Lucy sitting next to Amy on one couch, Janet and Scud on another, and Ethan on the recliner feeding the baby. Nadia was taking a shower.
Janet and Ethan let out the loudest gasp after they heard what happened at the restaurant. What Lucy did was had a waitress brought a non-alcoholic drink over to that young woman with a note. It was a very simple note. All it said was to ask the young woman to join them in the swimming pool one hour later for a friendly chat.
"Did she go?" Janet asked.
"She did…with her aunt."
"Is she interested?"
"mhm" Lucy hung her arm around Amy's shoulders who immediately took away her arm while giving her a frown. Amy had told her numerous times not to do that in front of Ethan. It had been over a year since they dated. Lucy didn't think Ethan would mind and had already got over her soon-to-be wife. She turned to look at Ethan and couldn't tell what he was thinking because he was looking at the baby.
"…that's great" Amy said.
"mm…not really…"
"Why? Long distant relationships could work. If she really likes her, then I think Nadia should give her a chance."
"Because…she wasn't interested in me, she's interested in her." Nadia said as she walked towards Ethan. It has been 3 weeks since she saw the baby. "Wow…look how big you've grown." Holding the baby, Nadia sat next to Lucy who shrugged her shoulders in response to everyone's confused stare. Scud wasn't surprised. Janet, Ethan and Amy were.
"Then what happened?" Janet asked.
"nothing." Lucy responded.
"She gave her her number." Nadia said while looking at the baby.
Lucy again shrugged in response again but this time towards Amy who was frowning at her.
"it's not the first time that happened." All turned towards Scud and expected him to clarify. It happened to him too in his younger days. He got upset and stayed away from her for a few weeks.
"It's not my fault, Scud." Lucy remembered that time very clearly. Scud was interested in the same girl she was. "You said you wouldn't mind." But he did mind because every time she went out with that girl, Scud wouldn't join them.
Amy is starting to think that it wasn't a good idea for her fiancée to take Nadia to lesbian bars. It just won't work. Girls would go for her gorgeous charming fiancée not the shy Nadia.
"Nadia, I'll go to lesbian bars with you."
It surprised Lucy because Amy isn't too fond of those places.
"I'll go too." Janet volunteered to help a friend in need even though she never liked those places.
"That's not necessary." Nadia placed a gentle kiss on the baby's cheek.
"Nadiaaaa…." Lucy thought she had given up already. "Just because it didn't work out the way you expected, it doesn't mean that it's always going to happen that way. You just have to keep trying.…."
Ethan agreed and spoke words of encouragement. When he found out about the breakup, he too was shocked.
When Amy also tried to persuade her, Nadia looked up and glanced at each one of them wearing a look of concern. She wasn't going to say anything but seeing that they were all worried about her, she decided to tell them what happened on the train from Belgium to London.
"you met someone?!" Lucy said loudly in shock because she didn't notice. How come I didn't notice?
Nadia could tell how concerned they all were because all of them were asking questions at the same time.
"She's…a nurse."
What Lucy wanted to know is her name so she could check her background but remained patient as Nadia slowly spilled out the details. "She works at the Evelina London Children's Hospital." Nadia lifted the baby and held it closer to her face as all focused their attention towards her.. "She has big blue eyes just like you." She said to the baby. "…and golden hair just like you." Nadia placed a kiss on the baby's cheek.
"What's her name? Scud can check her out." Lucy couldn't wait because Nadia was taking too long.
"I don't want you to do that."
Lucy was disappointed once again. Three weeks of lecture still can't make Nadia understand.
"it's for your safety." It's not just for hers, it's for all of them.
"She's right." Amy wouldn't have agreed if she was still a DEB. Scud and Janet also agreed.
"I know what you're thinking but it's not possible. I approached her, she didn't approach me."
"that's not the only reason, we just want to make sure she's…clean." Lucy said.
That thought never occurred to Nadia. "if you saw her, you wouldn't think that."
Here she goes again. "You cannot tell by the way she looks." Lucy responded in a stronger frustrated tone.
Nadia stood up and gave the baby back to Ethan. She's tired from the trip and from this conversation. Years ago, she would agree with them but they are no longer in danger, they shouldn't have to worry about everyone they meet. Before heading upstairs, Nadia spoke in calm tone. "You're not a criminal when I met you."
Lucy wanted to respond to that but didn't have a chance because Nadia already disappeared from the living room. Letting out a big sigh of frustration, Lucy flopped back down on the couch. "Scud, check that girl out."
"Sure, what's her name?"
Lucy came to realize that Nadia had no intention of telling them. At the corner of her eyes, she saw her blonde lover looking at her and not in a good way. She had no idea why until later in the night where she found herself all alone in the master bedroom. It has been 3 weeks of separation. Lucy thought that Amy missed her. She did.
Standing at Amy's bedroom door, Lucy knocked twice on the door. When the door swung opened, she was confused with the question being asked.
"Yes?"
"umm…" Lucy wanted to ask what was wrong but decided not to. "I miss you." She said that the moment she saw her and expected Amy to say the same thing now but there was no response. She moved one step forward, then another and let herself in since Amy didn't stop her which it's a good sign. Inside her bedroom was a desk with a laptop and full size bed with everything organized and neatly placed. She had been in her bedroom but not on her bed. Lucy walked around, touching a few things as she walked passed them.
"This feels comfortable."
Lucy sat on the edge of the bed, bouncing up and down. She then laid her back down and rolled once to the left, then to the right before settling her entire body in the middle, spreading her arms and legs wide, looking up the ceiling and letting out a big sigh of happiness and relaxation. Her eyes closed, her smile spread from cheek to cheek for a long moment until she heard Amy's voice.
"What are you doing?" Amy said, standing at the foot of the bed.
"mmm…sleeping."
"what did I say before?"
Amy said a lot of things before. Lucy wasn't sure which part she's referring to. "hmm?" Her smile grew when she saw her lover climbing on top of her. Her hands reached up and as she was about to hold her, she slowly put her hands back down after hearing the question.
"Didn't I tell you to keep a close eye on her? Didn't I tell you not to let her go anywhere alone?"
At that moment, it felt like her mother was talking to her. Lucy once had a puppy when she was younger but it got killed by a car because of her negligence. Something interesting caught her attention and she accidentally couldn't hold on to the leash when the puppy ran across the street.
"Where were you when she met that girl?"
"I…was probably at the bathroom."
"for an hour?" Amy didn't know exactly how long, but since they exchanged phone numbers and Nadia knew so much about the blonde stranger, it had to be at least half an hour if not an hour.
"I…probably dozed off."
"you dozed off…"
The look on Amy's face told her it was unacceptable.
"mhm" Lucy responded like a little child. "She didn't get hurt. She just met a new friend." Lucy saw the look her lover was giving her and knew what she's thinking. Thank god she didn't get hurt. "Nadia approached that girl. The old Nadia would never do that."
Looking at the blonde who's hovering over her, Lucy hoped she could see it that way. There was a reason for the trip. One is to get Nadia's mind off Alexis. Two is to teach her to become more confident, more aware of the people around her. Lucy was quite proud of herself that she was able to do that in such a short time. When Amy didn't speak, Lucy lifted herself up and slowly inched her mouth closer. Their lips touched. Lucy pulled back for a quick moment before planting another gentle kiss. Not getting any kind of rejection, Lucy placed her left hand behind Amy's back and pulled her down on top of her while deepening the kiss. Her right hand glided down to her lover's buttocks. "I miss you…so much…mmm…mmmm" Lucy said between kisses as she placed a trail of wet kisses from Amy's mouth to her neck, with legs wrapping around Amy's waist.
Amy had no idea how it led to this. This is definitely not what she had in mind when she let Lucy in. Oh god. "uhhhhh…." An involuntary moan escaped when she felt the body beneath her and a hand on her behind. At this moment, she came to realize that Lucy still hasn't reach maturity when it comes to sex. Having it once a month wouldn't satisfy her. She probably would want it at least twice a week. As for herself, she has to be in the mood for it and the moment has to be right and this is definitely not the right moment. Amy took Lucy's hands away from her buttocks and pinned them down against the sheets.
"What did I say 3 weeks ago?"
Lucy was quite disappointed that she couldn't proceed. "I don't remember. It's so long ago. My memory isn't so good." She let out a soft smile but knew that her intelligent girlfriend knows that she is lying.
"Not until you can remember…"
"…but…Ammmyyyy…that could take years, maybe never…"
"Didn't you say you're okay with a sexless marriage?"
"…but…..." Lucy regretted for saying that. "you're not serious…are you?"
Amy got off the bed and opened the door. "Lucy, I'm tired."
"…please tell me you're not serious…" The thought of lying to Amy crossed her mind. But Lucy knew it wouldn't work.
She's right. Waiting for her to get her memory back could take years. Years without sex just wouldn't be good for newlyweds. Amy leaned forward to give her a kiss on the cheek. "Not until we get married, okay?"
Waiting for less than 2 months, Lucy can deal with that. "Okay." One inch away from her lover's face, she remained unmoved in her current position as she looked at her lover in more detail as if she had not seen her for a very long time. She leaned in closer and closer and closed the gap between them. What started as a short kiss ended up being a longer one and ended more than just kissing. Her hands wrapped around Amy's waist as she continued what she was doing before, placing gentle kisses on her neck and jaw.
"Lucccccy…"
"I'm not going to do anything else. I just want to do this."
Amy could feel her own body reacting to Lucy's touch. It was difficult to resist especially when she could feel her gorgeous girlfriend's tongue on her earlobe. But she had to. She pushed Lucy away and said good night before closing the door, not even giving her a chance to respond back. Leaning against the closed door, Amy exhaled loudly. 7 months without sex. The criminal she met as a DEB could control herself. The mature Keira could control herself. It made her wonder if this young brunette could. She said before she would be there whenever she's ready. Would she be ready to have a kid in 5 months?...because that's what she was planning to do, after she graduates, 5 months from now.
Meanwhile, standing outside the door with a stoned expression with her mouth slightly opened, Lucy remained still as if she has just seen a ghost. It wasn't a ghost. It was a moment of familiarity that flashed into her brain when she spoke to Amy. I'm not going to do anything else. I just want to do this. Lucy heard the voice before from somewhere but she couldn't remember who said it. Was it Alexis? If it is, she wouldn't have to worry about it because the day after that night when Alexis got drunk, she called Alexis to clarify what she said that night. 'I love you.' That's what Alexis whispered into her ear that night and it made Lucy wonder if Alexis is the one she slept with. It wasn't. Thank goodness. Because if it is, she wouldn't be able to continue to be her friend. It just won't work. It would be extremely awkward. If Amy finds out, she probably never speak to Alexis ever again.
Even with the comfortable king size bed, Lucy didn't sleep well that night not because she didn't have Amy sleeping next to her but because of that small piece of memory. Amy has already left for school. She and Nadia were the only ones inside the house.
"You don't look so good. Are you feeling alright?" Nadia said as she took a sip of the coffee. She too woke up later than usual. But unlike the brunette, she slept very well in her comfortable bed.
"…just a small headache.." Lucy banged the side of her head with the bottom of her fist and hoped that a cup of the morning coffee would make her feel better.
"I…umm…"
Lucy looked up and responded immediately saying it's okay, thinking that Nadia was going to apologize for her behavior yesterday. She's surprised that she's wrong.
"I know you're worried about me. But can you trust me on this? I am a hundred percent sure that she's not after us."
"What's her name?"
"Are you listening to me?"
"I just want to know her name." Lucy said in a calm tone. She wasn't in the mood to argue. Sooner or later, she'll find out about that girl and she will do background check on her regardless of what Nadia said. She just won't tell her that she did. She's not sure why Nadia is making a big deal over it.
"I don't want you to check her background. I'll find out myself. She'll tell me when she's ready."
"Okay. I just want to know her name." Lucy said as she took a bite of the buttered toast. What Nadia did later, she didn't expected it. She never expected Nadia to get up and slammed her palms on the table in frustration which caused her to jerk back.
Nadia always picks up after herself but at this moment, she didn't feel like doing that. As she was about to leave the dining room, she just had one more thing to say. It was what she had wanted to say before the brunette interrupted her. "I didn't tell Amy about it. You were talking in your sleep again." At this moment, Lucy paying full attention to her. Making a deal with her crossed her mind but she knew the former criminal mastermind would never keep her promise. "You said…." Nadia hesitated for a moment and wondered if she should tell her.
What the..? Lucy didn't expect Nadia to just walk out after saying that. She immediately got up and followed her to the bedroom. "Nadia, what did I say?" Lucy asked, standing outside of the bedroom door. She repeated but didn't get a response. Lucy followed her towards the front door.
"don't follow me" Nadia said before walking out.
Lucy didn't like it one bit. Did she just threaten me? Well, threatened would be too strong of a word. It sounded more like she was given a choice. 'Follow her and she'll tell Amy or follow her and she won't tell her what she knows.' Lucy didn't expect that at all from the woman with the angelic face. But she's happy though because Nadia has changed; she believed what she is doing is right and she stuck to it.
Standing in front of the children's hospital, Lucy looked up at the building. She never liked to be threatened and of course, she wasn't going to listen to a sweet harmless woman like Nadia. After she ate breakfast and got dressed, she tracked Nadia's cell phone to see where she went. Now all she had to do is wait at the lobby area to catch a glimpse of the mystery blonde. She took one of the magazines and scanned the area from time to time to make sure she didn't miss Nadia. One magazine after another, she took a look at the watch. It's almost 12. She wondered if they were eating lunch now at the café down the hall or in the cafeteria. Sooner or later, Nadia has to come this way. Lucy decided it's best to wait. Flipping through pages of a magazine, something caught her attention. On the page is a picture of the same blonde that once got her into trouble. The picture was clearly taken without permission because the famous blonde who is well known in the USA and many other foreign countries had her head down while holding hands with a tall young man with dark hair walking out of a night club. "It's official…they're dating…" Lucy mumbled softly to herself as she read the article. She was so focused on the article, she didn't realize someone was standing in front of her until that person spoke.
"I told you not to follow me." Nadia whispered in a frustrated tone.
"I didn't. I just had nothing to do, so I thought I sit here, relaxing, wasting time…reading a magazine." Lucy held up the magazine.
"What's with the glasses?"
"…my eyes aren't so good…lately…."
"Stop it." Nadia never once talked to the former criminal mastermind that way. This is the first time.
Lucy wasn't in the mood to continue playing games either. "Then introduce her to me."
"No."
"Look, Nadia…" Lucy trailed off when she noticed a lot of people suddenly headed towards an area in the lobby. It also got Nadia's attention as well. "Who's that?" What she saw was a crowd of people surrounding somebody whom she couldn't see. Nadia had no idea either and didn't expect this type of situation in a children's hospital. Lucy was extremely curious and wanted to take a closer look. As she was about to head to that direction, she was prevented from doing so.
"Don't…they're taking pictures." Nadia said as she held onto her hand.
"It's okay. I just want to see." Nadia was unwilling to let her go. The small crowd got bigger and bigger. Security guards were trying to lead the person of interest out the main door. Lucy pulled away from Nadia's grasp, covered her mouth, and headed towards the main entrance to catch a glimpse of the center of attention.
Back inside the duplex
Nadia avoided the brunette the entire day. Amy only noticed her strange behavior when it was dinner time. She had been in her bedroom the entire time doing her homework after coming back from school.
Inside the dining room was everyone except Ethan. It was the way Nadia was ignoring the brunette when she asked her to pass the salt that make them wonder if the fitness instructor was upset with the brunette. All minded their own business for 2 days until Nadia couldn't take it anymore.
Inside the living room, Lucy was showing a few designs of her wedding outfit to her bride to be.
"Which one do you like?"
"mmm…I like this one." Amy pointed at the sketch.
"That looks good." Janet said, sitting next to Lucy. "I like this one." Alexis came up with 3 designs, all in black.
"I…like this one." Lucy said, holding the last design up. The former DEBS looked at each other like they knew the former criminal mastermind would pick that one. It's very obvious because that one has a cape.
"that looks good, but…don't you think…that one is not quite appropriate for…weddings?" Amy said before it would be up to the brunette, but she still wanted to try to persuade her from wearing that. It didn't make her look like batman, but she still thinks the one she chose would be more appropriate.
"I'm going to ask Alexis if she could change it a little….…"
All turned their attention towards the girl who always spoke with a gentle voice but at this moment, her voice was completely the opposite from that.
"Are you happy now?" Nadia said after taking a seat at the recliner. "She hasn't called me since that day." She crossed her arms and stared at the brunette.
Amy wondered what happened because the Nadia she knows for years wouldn't act like the one who is sitting in the recliner.
"I didn't do anything." Lucy had to lie. That day at the hospital, she met Nadia's new friend after the person whom everybody was interested in left the hospital. She did check the nurse's background but didn't find anything unusual. But that doesn't mean there's nothing wrong with her.
"Stop lying to me because I know you did. You didn't find anything wrong, did you?" Nadia was too upset to be just sitting there. "You shouldn't have shown up. Now she's not picking up my calls because of you." That day they met, her new friend cancelled the movie date. She didn't think anything was out of the ordinary until now.
"I didn't do anything." Lucy held up her hands in surrender when she saw Amy staring at her.
"Not intentionally…but didn't you see the way she looked at you?"
Lucy was speechless. She didn't expect Nadia to be acting like Scud, but Nadia wasn't entirely wrong. Lucy did noticed the way her new friend Holly was looking at her. The way she was staring at her when she shook her hand, ignoring everyone else. "How is that my fault?"
"you didn't?…" Amy had no idea until now.
"Were you planning never to introduce her to us?" Lucy paused to let her words sink in and hoped they understand that Holly might fall for her regardless. "So it's a good thing that you find out now…than later."
"Lucy!" What Lucy said sounded arrogant. Amy couldn't stand it.
All could see that Nadia was holding in her anger. She's never the type who likes to argue. If she apologized, she would have forgiven her. But, at this moment, she found it difficult to forgive this young former criminal leader especially with her cocky attitude.
"Have you ever thought that maybe she could fall for me if we had more time together?"
Lucy realized that she had hurt her feelings so she apologized but deep inside, she felt she did the right thing.
All remained silent and noticed that Nadia's anger subsided quickly as she let out a deep breath and flopped down on the recliner, no longer staring at Lucy. "I really like her." Nadia said to herself as she looked up the ceiling. "We have a lot in common." She said in her gentle tone while all were wondering how much she knows about the blonde nurse in just 3 days. "she's funny, she's kind…she's…." Nadia covered her face with both hands. "I thought she likes me." Her loud sigh of frustration could be heard. It was wrong to blame the brunette for being there. She knew that. But that's all she could come up with because after that day, her new friend didn't call her back and didn't pick up her phone. She thought about paying her a visit at the hospital, but decided not to since they only met for a short time.
"does she know you're gay?" Knowing Nadia, Lucy wasn't sure if she told her. Maybe she stopped calling because she found out. That could be the reason.
"No, but I can feel it." Nadia saw the look on their faces and knew what they were thinking. "I know I'm right." Even though she didn't tell her, there were moments where she could tell that Holly liked her by the way they were looking at each others' eyes for a long time without saying anything. It was the way she laughed when she taught her some common French phrases and it didn't come out right. It was the way her eyes sparkled with interest when she told her what she does for a living. That started the long conversation.
"maybeeee…" Lucy had a thought but was again cut off.
"I know she's like us." As Nadia was about to explain how she knows, her phone rang. Her eyes opened wide in surprise when she found out who it was. "It's her." Nadia quickly picked it up and motioned to all of them to stay quiet. "Holly?…uh huh…oh…mhm...…" She continued to listen carefully as she paced back and forth. She does that when she's nervous. "mmm…tomorrow night? …Okay. See you then." She wanted to continue talking but Holly had to go to back to work. She stopped pacing after hanging up and looked at the three curious minds staring at her. It wasn't what she thought. She got it all wrong. "She…was…busy." Her eyes fell on the brunette. "I'm sorry… but please don't follow me again."
"okay."
"I'm serious. I really like her."
"okay…"
The only way to be sure is to ask the blonde. She believes that Amy is the only one Lucy will listen to.
Amy understood Lucy's concern and like Nadia, she didn't believe her lover either. "How about we do this? Lucy will follow her for one week." She didn't think Nadia would believe her if she simply agreed. "just as a precaution…" Amy held both of her hands. "…and if you feel the time is right, introduce her to us. Okay?"
That night, Lucy slept over because Amy asked her to. She didn't expect Amy to slip into bed with her especially after being told that she would be sleeping alone until after marriage. She later understood why.
"So what did you find out?" Amy was quite disappointed to only find out about it today.
"Ab...so...lutely nothing." With hands locked behind her head, Lucy looked up at the ceiling, letting out a deep breath. But what she was thinking of wasn't the blonde nurse.
"…and that's not good because…"
"just like how Nadia can feel it, I can feel there's something wrong with her."
Lucy lifted herself up and leaned on her left elbow.
"Do you know what her last name is?"
Amy shook her head.
"same as yours."
"Smith is a very common name."
"exactly. That's why people who wanted to hide their true identity would choose that. It would be difficult for anyone to find them."
"…and so you chose Walker-Smith because that's a very common name?"
Lucy thought that Amy would agree with her because she used to be an agent. "Amy, I'm telling you…there is something about that girl."
"From the beginning…please…" Amy wanted to know exactly what happened in detail. It was very short. She was surprised that her lover could sense something wrong.
"Maybe Nadia's right…" Amy reached out with her right hand to gently caress the brunette's cheek, the area where the dimple is. "Do you realize how beautiful you are?" She admitted.
Lucy didn't expect her to say that.
"...she really likes her, so I hope you're wrong." Amy said as she continued to softly rub the brunette's cheek.
"I hope I'm wrong too."
"Then I think…you should disguise as a man...cuz there is no way she wouldn't recognize you."
That's what Lucy had in mind.
"You'll need a fake beard…and hair..and brows." Amy smiled as she gently touched each part of her face, wondering what Lucy would look like as a man. "…and you'll probably need to wrap these up…"
Lucy gasped inward and closed her eyes for 2 seconds when she felt her breast being touched. She wasn't sure what Amy had in mind when she felt warm wet kisses on her neck. "I thought you said not until marriage."
"mhm…."
"Then what are you doing?" Lucy isn't complaining but would like to know why.
"Making out…don't you want to?" Amy asked between kisses.
"mmmm….I like that." Lucy rolled on top of Amy and captured her mouth in a deep kiss, slipping her tongue inside while her hand glided down underneath her pajamas, cupping her breast, gently kneading it.
"I think that's enough for today." Breathing heavily, Amy quickly got off and left the bedroom in a hurry before it gets any further. That's not what she had in mind but had trouble controlling her own sexual desire.
Meanwhile, Lucy wasn't disappointed and thought that it would be better not to sleep together until marriage. Nadia still had not told her what she said in her sleep during the trip. She was afraid that if Amy was planning to sleep with her, she would hear her talking in her sleep again. She made a mental note to ask Nadia tomorrow.
Next day
Lucy didn't realize how uncomfortable it would be to disguise as a man. Her plan was to have Scud follow the blonde nurse from her house to work and she'd take the other shift. Tonight, Nadia and Holly went out for dinner before heading to the cinema. Since it was a small restaurant, she didn't go inside.
Amy was anxiously waiting for Lucy to come home. When she saw her disguise, she couldn't help but laugh uncontrollably. It's not because she did a bad job of disguising herself. It's actually the opposite. With the fake hair, beard, thick brows and blazer with the shoulder pads, she did look like a man.
Lying tiredly on the bed with her shirt untucked, Lucy took off her wig and tossed it on the table next to the bed.
"What did you find out?" Amy asked, sitting next to the brunette on the bed.
"Nothing…they were having a good time." Lucy was happy for Nadia but was disappointed that she couldn't find anything.
"that's good." Amy said as she helped Lucy unbuttoned her black shirt.
"yea…I guess…but I still think I'm right." Lucy said as she scratched the beard. "Is my face red?" The beard was making her uncomfortable. She had been scratching it all day.
"no…you look good…as a guy…"
"I'm thinking this is bad idea." Lucy didn't think this through. She should have just let Scud take care of it.
"Why? Are you…that tired?" Amy had been on stakeouts before. She found it extremely boring not exhausting.
"I had to go to the men's bathroom." Lucy winced in disgust.
"You didn't?" Amy didn't think of that.
"It's disgusting."
"You saw their pe…."
"No! I meant the toilets are disgusting." It's not like Lucy hasn't seen it before. She is after all the leader of a criminal organization. There was a time when she had her men hunt down one of her followers who betrayed her. She was so furious with him, she went to his apartment to get him herself. When her guys kicked the door open, she found him having sex with a prostitute. She was disgusted at what she saw and wanted to turn away but she can't do that because that would only show her weakness to her followers. It's just a male body. That's all it is. Lucy had planned on a different disguise each day. She's not sure if she could continue. It's boring and it's uncomfortable.
Amy squeezed the tensed muscles from her shoulders and arms. "I didn't think Nadia would get over Alexis that fast. What does Holly look like?"
"she's okay…not as hot as Alexis." Lucy realized that she said the wrong thing when Amy stopped moving. It's true. She's not. "I mean…not as hot as you." Lucy smiled wide and hoped that Amy wouldn't get upset over such a silly thing.
"Then I think Holly would be better for her."
"mhm" With her eyes closed, Lucy responded in a tired tone.
"I think you need to take the wrap off."
"yeaa…" Lucy slowly sat up and allowed Amy to help unwrap the cloth around her breasts. "aaahhh..that feels so much better." Lucy took in a deep breath and exhaled loudly before lying down again, stretching her arms and legs.
"What's…that?"
Lucy looked up and saw Amy wincing in disgust.
"Last time I checked, you didn't have that."
Signs of discomfort were shown on Lucy's face as she unbuttoned her jeans. The moment she lowered her underwear, an object of tanned color immediately sprung up, causing Amy to cover her mouth in surprise followed by loud laughter.
"I had to make it look real." Too tired to take off her jeans, Lucy flopped her back down against the sheets.
"you look weird." Amy had never seen that before but knows that it exists.
"you should see the way the cashier was looking at me…she was probably thinking I'm weird…cuz why would I need this when I already have one."
Amy again couldn't contain her laughter, laughing more loudly than before. It was a long moment, but she finally was able to control herself. Her face wore a shade of pink from laughing so hard.
"She's going to thank you for doing this." Amy placed a kiss on Lucy's bearded face and found it not as kissable as her baby smooth skin. The hair made her skin itchy. She grabbed a bunch of hair from the beard with her thumb and finger and pulled it to see if it would come off but realized how real it was when Lucy yelped. "Sorry…" Amy kissed her on the lips to apologize and winced in discomfort when her beard again touched her chin. "Is that glued to your face?"
"Yea." Lucy said as she scratched her chin.
"take it off" Amy was worried that it would do damage to her face.
"…later…." Lucy said in a fatigue tone.
"take it off…" Amy said in commanding tone. "I don't want to kiss you if you don't…" Amy realized she shouldn't have said that because Lucy deliberately pressed her face against hers.
"How does that feel?"
"Itchy."
Her reaction caused both to chuckle. When both of their laughter came to a halt, Amy leaned down for an open mouth kiss to show Lucy that no matter what she looks like, she still loves her. She continued with the kissing as if it didn't bother her but it really did. She would rather kiss her without the beard. When kissing led to more, Amy realized it was a mistake to move on top of Lucy when she felt the object pressing against her core.
Lucy smiled tiredly as she watched Amy helped her take her jeans off as well as the fake penis. She's not into kinky stuff and knows her lover isn't into it either. After that thing was tossed on the floor, she became confused when Amy crawled on top of her.
"Amy, I'm tired."
"Are you feeling okay?" Amy was planning on just kissing her.
Lucy nodded once and assured her with a quick kiss. Even though she wasn't sure what Amy had in mind, she knew that she couldn't allow her to sleep on the same bed, at least not until marriage. What she found out from Nadia had her thinking. She would be lying if it didn't bother her.
Cheating. Lucy once witnessed what a person is capable of if he or she found out that their lover was sleeping with someone else. She had never seen that person before until that day. It was a bloody scene. Three dead inside an apartment, two women and a man, two were naked. She knew what kind of person that man was. With his good looks and body built like a boxer, it didn't surprise anyone that he would have more than one woman. But the one who believed that he only has one was none other than his girlfriend. That girl was hopelessly in love with that man, a follower of Lucy's. Other than looks, he had power, money, and followers. It drove that girl insane, to the point where she couldn't think of anything else when she saw him with another woman, so she did what her jealous mind told her to do, kill that woman. But she was naïve to think that her lover wouldn't shoot back to protect himself. She was also naïve to think that he didn't have a gun hidden under his pillow.
1 week later
Her hands clasped together. Her knees shook nervously like never before. It wasn't the day of the wedding. It was the day they were going to take their wedding pictures. Her heart pounded out of control, not because of it. There was something more serious than taking wedding photos at this moment. Her fiancée didn't show up. Her cell phone could not be tracked. It was shut off. There were no signs of her anywhere. Sitting in the living room were Nadia, Janet with the baby, Scud and the bride to be. Amy had contacted Alexis to see if she knows, but it was a dead end.
"I knew there was something wrong…I knew it." She was too tired to make out. That isn't like her.
Amy blamed herself for not asking about it. After that night, Lucy didn't sleep over nor did she show up as often as she used to.
"Scud, I want to call my former boss." Amy could no longer sit and hope that Lucy has a good reason for not showing up and not picking up their calls. She needed someone with authority to help.
Pacing back and forth, Scud ran out of ideas himself. At this moment, he wished Lucy still has a tracker in her.
"Wait…let me call Uncle Nick." He wanted to make sure and he was right. Uncle Nick had no idea where Lucy could be. After hanging up the call with Uncle Nick, he called Anthony to see if he could provide any assistance. Last thing he wanted is to alert the government officials. There is a possibility that she could be kidnapped. Calling the government officials wouldn't be a good thing if that's the case. "Damn it, where is he?" They were hoping someone would call them, whether it's the kidnappers or Lucy.
Silence and nervousness filled the living room until Nadia spoke her thoughts which shocked all of them.
"I know it's not Holly. It's not." Nadia still believes that Holly isn't the reason for Lucy's disappearance but couldn't help thinking that there could be a chance that it is.
Amy snapped her head towards Scud. "Holly…"
Scud stopped pacing. "…maybe…Jean Claude…"
"Oh god." Amy didn't think of that because Lucy reiterated many times that he won't be looking for them. The thought of Holly working for Jean Claude appeared in her mind. But it didn't make sense. If he wanted to get them, he didn't need Holly…unless…unless she works for "…Jehan?"
Jehan had always wanted to know who her friends are. Just because he's in prison, it doesn't mean he can't have someone else do the work for him.
"Oh god…" Feeling lightheaded, Amy immediately sat herself down on the couch. The thought of Jehan being the culprit made more sense. In fact, it made perfect sense as she thought more about it. "She must have gone to Paris…to tell him about Lucy…that day."
Nadia gasped loudly when she realized that it could be true because Holly didn't contact her for 2 days. She couldn't be reached. "She said she was busy…" Nadia herself needed to sit down because she realized Lucy was right. You cannot tell by the way she looks. How many times did she say that? Nadia blamed herself for not listening, for being so naïve.
Scud could see that they were all panicking. He was the only who could think. "Nadia, call Holly, see what she says."
With the speaker on and volume on high, all remained silent for the other end to pick up. Their hearts pounded nervously at each long tone. Nobody picked up which meant to them that Holly is mostly likely the one.
"we have to do something. I can't just sit here."
Scratching his goatee and hair, Scud felt the same way. If Jehan found out who she is, then he knows he had been set up.
"We have to go. It's not safe here."
