Chapter 10

She was working late again.

The illuminated screen and the lamp brightened her corner of the room that had dispersed papers everywhere. She rubbed her eye slowly, still staring at the computer. A sigh escaped through her lips as she lightly tapped the table in impatience.

Finally, after fidgeting continuously, she pushed her chair back and went into the kitchen. Her brain worked erratically as she prepared some coffee for herself. She fiddled with her short hair going through the various options in her head.

Then the phone rang.

She smiled, her imaginative mind working overtime. It was so dramatic, like the point in a story where everything starts, or ends. She glanced at it and then, taking the last swig from her cup, reached over and picked it up.

"Hey Mika" she was certain it was her editor.

"You make me feel so predictable" Mika Tsukishiro exclaimed.

"That's because you are!" she grinned "Now tell me why you called"

"Fine Ms. Busy, I've just handed in your draft and it's been agreed for printing!"

"That's great, but I don't suppose you know the release date yet?"

"I'm afraid not, though I shouldn't worry, you've got other things to take care of"

"Yes, I have already started on the next book-"

"That's not what I'm talking about" Mika interrupted "I've just heard some news from sensei"

"What could the boss possibly tell you that would interest me?" but curiosity was not absent from her voice.

"You're changing jobs!"

There was silence then, "Sensei's firing me?"

"No. No way!" she could hear Mika laughing "In fact, you've received a disguised promotion."

"Can you please tell me what you're talking about?"

"You are aware that we just signed a partnership with another publishing house. Some of the workload is being shifted there, along with a few employees!"

"So I'll be going to their office?"

"Yes, and we'll be glad to be rid of you"

She did not pay attention to her sarcasm "But how is it a promotion?"

"You're going to be head of public affairs! And would you believe me if I told you there was more!"

She could almost see Mika's excited expression "More?"

"Yes, but I'll tell you tomorrow, after you're officially told of the promotion"

"Why not now?" she whined.

"I would prefer to tell you face on" was it just her or did Mika sound a little….down.

"Fine" she didn't push it "Tomorrow it is then"

"Now Tilwaree-kun" Mika regained her motherly tone "I want you to go straight to bed, no more writing or reading. Understand?"

"Hai okaa-san" (Yes mother)

Her editor laughed "Goodnight then"

"Goodnight"

Kia hung up slowly. She smiled at herself for her achievement as she cleared her things up. But when she walked into her bedroom her mood darkened immediately.

Her bed was ready for the night. She stared at it, her eyes resisting her will to stay open. She stood away from it.

Kia knew the moment she lay down she would be asleep; that was the consequence of staying awake the past few nights. But there was a need for that too.

Temptation, shame and even the sheer idiocy of what she was feeling made her want to desperately do something. Anything; anything that would make those drams stop!

She glared at the bed and unwillingly took steps toward it.

Here she was. After finishing school, university, acquiring a job and becoming a successful author, here she was, frustrated because of having dreams that she had not had since her first, and so far last, visit to Russia.

She got under the duvet and gave in to fatigue.

Romantic and very childlike dreams she did have, but they scared her to death. Beautiful eyes haunted her nights, promising experiences and moments she did not want. The last time her dreams had been so realistic they had come true,

She was almost asleep now, losing conscious.

Kia Tilwaree was terrified that the same would happen again.

She was gone, she had fallen. She was killing herself every time, looking into those crimson eyes.

Kia entered the office without knocking and immediately squinted at the bright light. Contrary to her own work place Mika's was so well kept it made her purposely want to misplace things.

But Kia's editor herself wasn't there, so tossing her bag and coat on a chair she stood waiting silently.

A moment later a flustered Mika came in and upon noticing Kia jumped slightly but recovered as quickly. Kia blinked at her nervous movements but knew better than to question them. They both sat down at the table.

"So what excuse did you use this time to come and see me?" Mika's voice was suspiciously high pitched.

"The same as always" Kia watched with narrowed eyes "the issues concerning the publicity of another book that doesn't exist"

"Of course!" An awkward silence passed, then Kia growled.

"Just spit it out, you know you want to tell me"

Mika looked at her carefully "I did tell you about how the two companies are sharing workload……"

"Yes" she answered patiently.

"Well from now on they will be publishing your books"

A pause followed "Is that the reason you were so fidgety?"

"No" her friend's voice became strained "They are also going to change your editor"

Another pause, a tenser one, and then Kia whispered menacingly "What?"

She was on her feet in an instant and glared at Mika who was trying to keep her composure.

"Explain immediately! Tell me what the hell you're talking about!"

"Sit down Kia, please" she recognised the weak attempt Mika was making and took a deep breath and did as she asked.

"The critics have been targeting your style of writing lately and I thought that changing editors might help"

Kia watched her with an icy stare that demanded more.

"I wasn't actually going to do it but then I met this guy"

Now Kia smiled wryly at the sentence and taking that as reassurance Mika launched on.

"He's got a particular interest in your books and perceives them so well; I was ashamed I hadn't even begun to think about half the things he had made analysis on!"

"You can't just give up on me just because you've not got anything to say about my books!"

"Please listen, Kia. Initially it was excellent that we got to work together, because at first writers need someone they can befriend and trust. But then my limitations start becoming evident as your skills develop. You've been writing since university and clearly have a career with your books, just not with me"

Kia bit her lip, she suddenly had a bad feeling Mika was explaining too honestly

"I have discussed your books with the rest of the editors and this one in particular is very well known for improving his author's style and perspectives immensely. I have put this proposal to the two directors and both of them readily agreed, so should you"

Kia knew Mika wouldn't let her back down from this and the fact that she had asked the directors about this proved exactly that. She thought for a moment or two and realised that she was slowly agreeing with Mika.

"Well" she finally said "I guess if you think its best then it must be"

"Is that a yes?"

"Yes" she replied defeated.

"Great! I'll take you to meet him tomorrow!"

"Meet him?"

"Yes" she frowned at Kia "You will have to see him face on, it'll only work best like that. He's already signed a document to keep your identity a secret"

"And how were you so sure I would agree?"

"My persuading skills never fail!" Mika told her smugly.

Kia rolled her eyes, smiling.

"Can you not even tell me what he looks like?" Kia had been asking his name and receiving no answer had now asked this question.

"Finally, the girl asks something sensible" Mika grinned "he is extremely handsome, very sophisticated and gentlemanly. You'll love him!"

"It's like I'm going for a blind date!" Kia commented "Even the venue fits"

The two ladies entered the authentic Japanese restaurant. The main part of it was based in a exquisitely designed garden and the building surrounding had balconies that were reserved for private meetings.

The outside part of the restaurant was, at the moment, being used for a private party. Around the pond in the centre was a lit dancing area which was filed. The moment she looked at it Kia was immediately reminded of the masked ball in Moscow. She scowled and looked away.

Her eyes landed then on the guests hugging each other and exclaiming happily. She guessed it was a reunion.

Mika led her into the building and as they walked Kia watched with delight the wonderful interior decorations that they now passed.

"The document for secrecy of my identity, did it have my name on it" she asked her friend.

"Surprisingly not. I just had an agreement that said that he will keep Anastasia Twee's true profile and identity a secret" she referred to Kia's pseudonym "Why?"

"Oh, I was just curious. It's amazing how people form an opinion of others just by knowing their names"

"Or by reading their work" Mika added.

"Yes, that too" Kia laughed.

They reached a door and Mika knocked once before entering. A man stood at the railing of the balcony looking outwards into the garden, his back to them.

He was tall, Kia noticed, and lean, with a familiar posture. His hair was long and fell just above the nape of his neck. He did not seem to have noticed them.

Mika looked like she was not sure what to do, so Kia cleared her throat suggestively. He glanced over his shoulder and then turned.

She wasn't sure if everything froze or if she just paralyzed with shock, but at that moment Kia went through the confusion of emotions that she had never wanted to experience again.

Her chest hammered, whether to warm her chilled heart or simply from excitement she did not know, and did not really care. Her breathing had ceased, but this too she had not noticed.

Her attention was fixed solely on the cold, fathomless crimson eyes in facing her.

Her body numbed and she was certain that she resembled someone dead, but she felt like she'd seen one as well.

Not even a curse couldn't slip from her lips; to damn him.

To damn Kai Hiwatari.

fin

Finally! The End!!!!

Yes, this is the end of Crimson Eyes. I am debating whether to have a sequel or just leave the rest of the story to your imagination!

Tell me what you think about the story and the sequel!

And I'm sorry about the cliff hanger, couldn't resist!

Review!

Adisou

Kia