His Equal
'.'
You may leave but you're not gone,
You're in my breath from dusk to dawn.
And this heartache you left me with
Will forever echo of the myth—
That once...
A sylph like you came along,
Became the lyrics to my song,
Turning betrayal into an art,
As you slowly murdered my foolish heart.
.'.
"URGH!" Ema cried, face-palming. "I hate you all!"
The Gavinners around her were too busy laughing at her plight to hear what she was saying. Raoul turned from where he was examining Klavier's enormous stereo system.
"That reminds me, Ema," he said in a devilish tone. "Ya see the tattoo Gavin got in your honour?"
Ema's horrified eyes peeked out from in between her fingers as she turned on the smiling Klavier. "YOU DIDN'T!"
"He did," Raoul said with a smirk before his friend could speak. "Right on his—"
"Alright, alright!" Deston interrupted while Ema squealed, wrapping her arms around her head in an attempt to block out Raoul's voice. The pain the action caused her took a back seat to the humiliation she was suffering. Klavier and Seren were roaring with laughter again. "He's just messing around, Ema." He paused and turned twinkling eyes on Klavier where he sat by Ema on the sofa. "Unless…?"
She growled again and Klavier gathered her into a hug. "Ignore them, liebling," he said. "Their relief has unhinged them."
Before Ema could respond, the rest of the boys started to whistle and hoot while pointing out how cute they looked together. Cross and unable to do much more than throw a tantrum, the recently discharged detective pulled away and stared at them irately. When they continued to laugh and meet her ferocious glare with their teasing eyes, the young detective couldn't help but smile, so touched was she by their display of (as Klavier called it) relief. She could understand Deston's reaction — he was her friend — but Raoul and Seren had hardly spoken to her yet they'd gone out of their way to make sure she'd been found safe and had been visibly relieved when she woke up. There was no doubt in her mind that she owed these men her life.
Ignoring the fact that she was openly smiling to their crazy behaviour now, Ema observed all of them. She had never imagined, when she first saw the Gavinners rise to fame, that beneath their flashy clothes, their charming smiles and cocky behaviour lay such intense devotion to their work and to each other. It was obvious to her that they had done what they did for Klavier's sake (except for Deston, who she knew cared about her). When she had regained consciousness, it hadn't just been Klavier sitting by her side but the rest of them too. Her surprise had been great when, along with Deston and Klavier, Raoul and Seren had been there as well (which she was sure exceeded the number of visitors allowed). Their cheer had captured her notice and she had been so uncharacteristically moved by it that all of a sudden, fop took on a whole new meaning for her; it became a term of affection more than anything else (except for when they were making her life hell by teasing her to no end, at which point they became idiotic fops again).
She glanced at Klavier who was pressed against her slightly and had his arm draped around her shoulders. Though it only fuelled his friends and their banter, she didn't want him to move away – every part of her needed his nearness, his solid presence. Having him around helped her to remain normal and only he could take her mind off the things she didn't want to think about.
"Are you alright?" he murmured so that nobody but she heard it. She glanced away quickly, not wanting to meet the intensity of his attention. He touched her hair gently, running his hands through it but she didn't look at him, her eyes downcast.
Ema's head was still heavy, as if someone had filled it with lead, and her body ached. On the first opportunity, she had examined herself and had been sickened by the bruises that coloured her body. Her first thought had been that Klavier would be revolted by her and this belief had made her cringe when he stared at her for too long. It wasn't until she saw the heat of his gaze in spite of the blotches of purple that she had felt warm and comforted… And she hadn't thought about it since.
That's a lie and you know it.
Okay, she couldn't deny that she had thought about it but it had just crossed her mind here and there. The way Klavier kept drawing his fingers softly over her wounds made it obvious he wasn't repulsed by them. No, he'd quickly got rid of her insecurity without having to say anything.
What she really thought about was the source of these violations; how had she got sustained them? She frowned as she had so many times since waking up and realising there was a blank in the last three days. No matter how she tried, Ema couldn't cut through hazy memories of pain and a dark feeling of merinthophobia.
She cast a glance at her wrist. Though she hadn't seen it, Klavier had told her she'd been burnt and though she hadn't noticed it initially, there had been a definite vagueness to it. It was when he'd told her, and Deston had quietly exited the room, that Ema sensed something out of place. The way Klavier had stared at his friend's retreating back with sadness had told her there was something wrong but she hadn't asked – her instinct had warned her against it.
"Stop rubbing it, Ema." Klavier's gentle voice was in her ear and she looked at him, snapped out of her reverie, when he pried her fingers from her bandaged wrist. "You will aggravate it." She cocked her head at him and his electric blue gaze rose to meet hers…
And the world shifted.
Ema had no idea if she moved at all but there was a sudden silence filling her ears as he stared deep into her eyes. His arms were suddenly around her and they were encasing her in another world, a place she'd never before seen: it was fresh and pure and full of promises she hadn't expected. Ema felt like she had been apart from him forever and was seeing for the first time after an eternity of waiting. The darkness that had shrouded her since she'd opened her eyes was pushed back and the weight shifted off her shoulders.
Against her will, her mouth lifted in a smile. Her chest seemed to expand and she sighed at the pleasure that rippled through her upon seeing his grin — it grew on his face till its dazzling beauty reached his eyes…
And then a fop struck.
"Reckon we should go guys?" Ema blinked, taken aback by Seren's voice suddenly cutting into her thoughts. He was smiling at them knowingly. "I think the lovebirds—"
"Do not annoy the Fräulein, Seren," Klavier said, putting a finger to her lips when she opened them to make an angry retort. "I do believe she has earned a rest from all this—" he waved a hand in their general direction as if at a loss for an appropriate word.
"Glimmerous foppishness," Ema offered with a pout.
"Ja," Klavier agreed with a nod.
"I don't know why you're acting like you're exempt, Gavin," Raoul snorted. "You're the fop-king!"
Klavier turned to Ema again, as if he was waiting on her to confirm it but she pointed at Raoul with an accusing finger. "I dub thee, King Fop!"
Raoul's reaction was to smirk when the others exploded into laughter again and Klavier squeezed her in a light hug. "That is loyalty!" he exclaimed. "She will—"
"Whatever, fop-face," Ema cut across him with an incredulous laugh. "I just made him king! You're still a fop!"
"Man, she ripped into you!" Seren pointed at Klavier in a manner highly reminiscent of Daryan and for a split second she worried that he would see the same similarity. But then he laughed with a sheepish nod and she exhaled discreetly knowing that he must have been so used to Seren's behaviour that he hardly noticed the likeness.
Ema turned to see Deston, wondering why he hadn't spoken up yet given his impish nature and discovered that a weariness weighed down his features. He was staring intently at the bandage on her wrist and she was struck by the swirling darkness brewing in the silver pools of his stare. A glance at Klavier drew his attention to the drummer along with Raoul and Seren's. Three pairs of eyes followed Deston's to her wrist and she felt dark clouds loom over the silence.
Raoul clapped Deston on the back who started. "You ready to go?" he said in a casual voice. "Gotta get ready for the big event tomorrow."
Deston seemed not to have registered his words: he blinked blankly before nodding slowly and standing up. He turned a forced smile on the detective. "I'm so glad you're okay, Em."
The sorrow she saw in his eyes made no sense to her but there was little need to understand; all she cared about was the way it tugged on the affection she felt for her friend. She rose to her feet, somewhat unsteady because of the dizziness she still experienced. Klavier stood with her, placing a hand at her back but she ignored him, approaching Deston. When he reached out to take her by the arm, she didn't hesitate: she pulled him into a warm hug.
Deston chuckled, embracing her and running a caring hand over her hair and down her back. "You okay, Em?"
"Thanks, Deston," she whispered.
He pulled back to look at her, a little puzzled. The detective didn't elaborate – how could she explain to him that she was upset because he was without sounding like an idiot? As much as she wanted to tell him that the thank you was for everything, she couldn't do it right now, especially not in front of his friends. Searching his face, Ema wished she knew the cause for his sadness so that she could do something – anything – to help him.
"We better go, Des," Seren said with a cheeky smile. "Stay any longer and Klavier's gonna think you're trying to steal Ema."
"Hey man," Deston threw his hands up, backing away from Ema, while looking at Klavier with mock wariness. "I don't want to provoke a psychotic—"
"Achtung!" Klavier laughed. "Get out of my home, ja?"
Ema watched with amused exasperation when Raoul reached up to flick the hoop in his ear. "Arrivedercci, bellissima."
Klavier kept his arm around her as they saw their boisterous friends out. She waved at them as they slipped inside Raoul's car with the exception of Deston who favoured his motorbike over the car. When he kicked it to life, he glanced at Ema for a moment; she stared back at him, confused by the grim determination in his eyes.
What is he thinking?
Then he smiled at her, his hand curled around the handle of his bike and it roared his exit – within moments he was gone, leaving her distressed at her uselessness as a friend.
"Come," Klavier said, closing the door. "You need your rest, mein liebe."
"And you need to chill, ja?"
Klavier laughed softly at her remark but took her by the waist and led her out of the room they'd been lounging in. She looked at him quizzically, uncertain as to where he was taking her, but he was focusing ahead and she found herself drawn to studying his profile.
How was it that she hadn't noticed how masculine he was? The angular jaw, the chiselled contours of his face and the deep, deep eyes… Her scrutiny travelled down his neck, so lean and strong where it gave way to broad shoulders. His shirt hung open and she could see his collar bone, jutting out under taut, tanned skin.
What does his skin feel like?
"You ask for trouble when you look at me that way," Klavier murmured suddenly.
Ema blushed, quickly averting her eyes. "What way?"
"And then that blush!" he sighed, tightening his grip on her.
"Where are you taking me?" she asked, hurriedly changing the subject.
"To your bedroom."
Ema's eyes widened. "M–My bedroom?"
Klavier looked at her sideways with a sly smile. "Ja, Fräulein. You need to sleep."
She halted. The idea of him watching her while she got into bed and fell asleep was too much. Klavier stopped with her and she attempted a glare up at him. "I'm not sleepy," she said.
"Then you will rest and I shall keep you company."
"I can rest where we were! We don't need to go to any b-bedroom," she stammered, flustered. "Besides, it's only 2 in the afternoon! I don't want to go to bed."
Klavier's mouth twitched. "Ema, I am not intending to — what is the expression?" he paused to think. "Ah, yes. I am not intending to jump your bones." His eyes clouded over as his smile turned seductive. "At least, not yet."
The heat in her cheeks flared and she looked away quickly, too overwhelmed by his presence. Why did he have to be so damn irresistible? Why was the nearness of him so potent and why was he turning on the charm? And… not yet? W-Wait! What did he…?
Suddenly, he made a low sound in his throat and, before she could look at him, her world was uprooted when he lifted her into his arms. Her sharp intake of breath was muffled as firm but soft lips covered hers in a gentle kiss, ordering her confusion to give way to tingling sensations and lightning jolts that heated her skin. Without thinking about how sudden it was, her tired arms came to rest around his neck and she kissed him back with equal need. All of her troubles and fears dissolved under the command of his mouth as it rubbed against hers, pulling her lips into its dizzying confines.
"Ema…"
The whispered sound of her name sent a shiver running down her spine. He wasn't moving his lips from hers and every time he spoke, every fibre in her body crackled with response.
"You undo me every time I look at you," he murmured.
Ema's answer was to bite her lip and look away. What could she say? It wasn't in her nature to be poetic — she didn't even know how to. That was his forte. She glanced at Klavier to see if he was expecting a reply but he only smiled at her before walking towards a winding staircase. "You can put me down," she said timidly.
Klavier chuckled without stopping. "Though I have longed to kiss you, my intention was to carry you upstairs."
Ema's eyes widened as she glanced between him and the ascension before them. "Are you mad?" she cried. "I'm too heavy! Put me down!"
"Nein, Ema," Klavier said, beginning his climb. "You hardly weigh a stone."
Ema glared him, annoyed that she couldn't kick around for fear of toppling them both over. "Alright. I get it. You're a macho beast!" Klavier laughed. "Now, put. Me. Down! I can walk up the stairs perfectly fine on my—"
"You have admitted in the presence of three witnesses — not including myself — that you still suffer from bouts of dizziness. That is not to mention the warning I received from the Fräulein Doktor. As this state usually entails instability and loss of balance, an uneven ground would certainly be precarious. Therefore, I must conclude that you are far from able to walk 'perfectly fine', ja?"
He thought he heard her mutter something about lawyers. She glowered at him. "You could catch me!"
"Why take the chance when I can aid you thus?"
"Because you'll get tired!"
Klavier looked at her with a gentle smile. "I could never tire of holding you, Ema."
The intimacy of his claim hit her like lightning and she blushed again. Not trusting herself, Ema chose not to respond. Instead, her eyes were fixed on the stairs as they slowly ascended and she became more and more aware of her waist and hips pressed against his hard abdomen, the way that his arms were curled around her back and under her legs.
"Are you alright?" Klavier asked. She nodded, avoiding his gaze, but he stopped mid-step. "Look at me."
"Why?"
"Ema." She looked at him more out of surprise at his stern tone than anything else and was curious when his serious expression melted into a relaxed one.
"What?" she asked when he shook his head and began the climb again.
"Nothing."
"Tell me," she insisted.
"I worried that you were in pain," he said simply.
"I'm not in pain, Klavier. I just feel sick and dizzy at random times."
Maybe that wasn't the best reassurance I could have given him, she thought when he visibly tensed. She lifted a hand from his shoulder and brushed it against his clenched jaw without thinking, as if she knew what he needed. Klavier looked at her, his muscles slacking with surprise.
She smiled. "You're a fusspot."
Klavier grinned. "Only when it comes to you."
Ema raised an eyebrow sceptically. "That's not true. You start whining if anything is less than perfect." She cocked a head as a sudden thought occurred to her, at once amusing and embarrassed. "Does that mean I'm far from perfect?"
Klavier turned around the landing and walked down a wide hallway. Ema barely noticed the colonial layout of her new residence and was not as impressed by his home as she might have been; her attention was on his face which was devoid of emotion except for one slightly raised eyebrow. She wondered at it but then he kicked a door open, turning sideways to get her through the frame, and she was distracted by what she assumed was her new bedroom.
"What in the…!"
Her eyes were wide with shock at the grand room he had just brought her into; it had to be larger than her entire flat. Two-thirds of the walls were glass, draped with sheer blue material that fluttered gently on the air coming in through an open window. The floor was covered in expensive white carpet that slid away under a huge rug, laying at the foot of a monstrously huge bed. Ema's heart almost stopped at the sight of it as they neared the dreaded piece of furniture and she was afraid to look at Klavier. She knew it was stupid to worry, that he'd promised to take things slow and he wouldn't go back on it, but there was a part of her that was unsure of what she would do if she saw something in his eyes…
"Now, Ema," Klavier said, leaning against the bed with a knee and settling her on the silken sheets. "Look at me, bitte." She did so reluctantly; he was watching her with displeasure. "Did you really ask me if you are not perfect?"
"I was just teasing glimmer-boy," Ema said, slowly edging away. "I know I'm not—"
His hands shot out to grab her arm and she froze. Moving with all the smoothness that only a rock star could, Klavier slid closer to her while simultaneously pulling her towards him. Before she knew it, Ema was half-sitting, half-lying down with a smouldering prosecutor leaning over her.
Shit.
"You are insane, Ema," he whispered, leaning in until she could feel his breath ride over her skin. "Do you not see what you do to me?"
Oh God, no…
There was that look — the one Ema had been afraid to see because she knew that she was fast losing the ability to resist its allure. Every time his roving eyes moved to another part of her face, she felt her heart jump and then sprint till it was practically humming.
"K-Klavier, I was just—"
"You are perfect," he whispered, shifting his arms so they were on either side of her. "You are perfection."
His words were a shock to her system. On a good day, she considered herself comely at best but here was one of the most wanted men in the world telling her she was… perfect? No, she wasn't perfect – that was certain. But that he thought so was enough for her. Uncharacteristically, Ema raised a hand and touched his cheek again, wishing she could better express the happiness she felt at his words. She didn't know where her boldness came from and her only guess was that it was his fault – he made her this way. The detective's mind was too preoccupied by the handsome man above her to focus on her unusual reaction to being cornered like this.
His face was a constant source of interest to her. She could read so much in his eyes and yet understand nothing. Every single day, she would trace his angular jaw with her eyes, and sweep his cheeks with her scrutiny looking for the shadow of imperfection, every time finding none. She would observe his skin and think of sunsets and summer, drowning in the colour until there was no other colour left in her world. She noticed the flicks of his hair, each strand that fell over his forehead so perfectly, so smooth and soft – her fingers moved to feel it now and push it out of his eyes.
And those eyes…
Ema sighed inwardly and wished she had a better defence against his oceanic depths and the pull of his gaze. It was because of them that she was reduced to something she had never imagined she could be – there was nothing she could do to protect herself against him when he seared her like this…
"I like it when you do that," Klavier murmured.
Ema raised an eyebrow, hoping it would distract him from the fresh wave of blood that rushed to her cheeks. "Do what?"
One of his arms lifted and he engulfed her hand that caressed his cheek. "This."
Ema tried to pull it back but he gripped it firmly, flashing her a devilish smile.
"Klavier," she said warningly.
"Yes, liebling?"
Ema rolled her eyes. "Are you incapable of speaking English? Every time you open that mouth of yours—"
Here she stopped as her eyes fell on the subject of her words; her heart leapt into her throat when she saw them lift into a smile and move closer to hers.
"This mouth?" Klavier whispered. "These lips that want nothing more than to sing in your praise and to kiss you?"
Though any other day she would have scorned him for the cheesiness of his remark and told him to reserve it for his songs and groupies, today was different. Her stomach fluttered delicately and her arms wrapped around his neck of their own accord. She would have never reacted this way to his behaviour before but now things had changed.
Something had snapped inside of her. Ever since awakening in hospital, she had been constantly surrounded by Klavier and his friends meaning she didn't have much time to herself save for a few moments in the bathroom. Ema wasn't sure if that had been intentional on Klavier's part. Certainly, when they'd brought her out from the hospital, she hadn't missed the meaningful look Klavier and his friends had exchanged. They had casually mentioned bringing her to Klavier's home on the outskirts of the city but the cautiousness with which they transferred her left her in little doubt that she was still in danger. The fact that there was little to none civilization out here only confirmed her suspicions.
The detective didn't know who her attacker was although something nagged at her mind, as if she did know but wasn't searching the recesses of her psyche hard enough. The facelessness of her enemy would have bothered her a month ago but she barely gave it a thought except in frustration at not being able to aid Klavier and his friends. The Gavinners hadn't asked her anything about her ordeal though she was sure they were impatient to learn as much as they could. It was as if they were going out of their way to make sure she didn't think about it. From the moment of her awakening, the band had gone out of their way to be mischievous and merry. She may have fallen for it were it not for the serious expressions she saw when they thought she wasn't paying attention. But she was — of course she was.
How could she forget she had been kidnapped, chained up like chattel, hurt on purpose and that she couldn't remember what had happened?
"What are you thinking, Ema?"
Klavier was scrutinising her face and she sighed in relief, thanking whoever was up there for blessing her with this gift of a man. She only smiled half-heartedly, running her fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck while taking in the face of her… her…
Her partner.
Ema didn't cringe from the label as she might have done before: too much had transpired in the last three days for that. Yes, it was true that the boys had given her very little time to think about much but in the back of her mind had rested a niggling apprehension for two people in her life.
One of them was the man who was trying to take her apart with his penetrating gaze. When she had been conscious enough to register it, Klavier's bloodshot eyes and look of almost unbelievable joy had hit her like a freight train that brought with it hazy memories. The night they had found her was one memory she had managed to regain and the fear in his voice when he'd spoken and the sheer desperation of his touch had affected her to an extent beyond her understanding. The best way she could have described it was like a rope that had slipped from her steely grasp, leaving her hands burnt and crippled. She owed Klavier her life.
He came to find me… He cared enough to look for me personally…
"Thank you," she whispered now and looked down at his neck, unable to meet his eyes.
Klavier put a finger to her lips. "Hush, Ema."
"No," she shook her head and pulled back his hand. "I have to—"
Klavier didn't give her the chance to finish: he descended to finally claim what the proximity of his lips had been threatening to — and he kissed her. He moved his mouth against hers gently, a whispered hint of a touch like a butterfly's fluttering caress, and her heart caught on a breath. His chest pressed down into hers just enough so that she could feel his heartbeat mingling with hers. The way he softly pressed against her spoke of his desire to touch her but also his fear that he would hurt her. She smiled and Klavier, sensing the rise of her lips, mirrored her. They laughed breathlessly as if they'd run a thousand miles rather than simply hold each other.
And suddenly, Ema felt it again — that desperate terror as though he was in danger and he was going to be taken from her. Terrified, her arms tightened around him until he was pressed harder against her.
Klavier laughed. "I have charmed the unattainable Ema Skye!"
She didn't say anything, choosing instead to hold him and let the fear ebb with his touch. Klavier understood her need for his embrace and he rolled over on his back, pulling her into his arms while kissing her temple.
"Are you alright?" he asked in a low voice.
Ema rested her head against his shoulder and took a deep breath. "I…"
Klavier watched her as she fell silent again. "Remember what I told you Ema," he said taking her hand. "You can tell me anything and I will always be here to listen and to help you. You are not alone."
Ema nodded, still unsure. "I know."
"You may be puzzled as to why I have not asked you anything about your ordeal." He looked at her with his reassuring eyes. "But that is not because I do not want to know."
"I know," she said again. "I'm just worried and… and afraid."
His arms tightened around her. "What of, Ema?"
"I don't know," she admitted. "I keep trying to remember what happened but all I ever get is this fear for…" She stopped again.
"Go on, Ema," he encouraged her.
"I feel scared for you and Deston."
Klavier seemed to jerk at her words and she looked into his face with a frown; he was staring at her incredulously. "Ema," he said, shaking his head and kissing her fingers. "You are absurd."
"Thanks."
"You should not worry about us," he said. "We can take care of ourselves."
She didn't bother explaining that that didn't mean her fear was suddenly abated. "Why didn't any of you ask me for any details?" she said changing the subject. "Isn't it standard procedure?"
"It is when we have a need to apprehend the culprit. We already have him."
Ema sat up slowly and stared down at Klavier. "You do?"
"Rafael Rainsford."
A jolt of surprise was followed by a wave of disgust. "He's behind this?" Klavier nodded, tracing circles on her palm. "How do you know? He's in prison."
There was a pause in which Klavier's eyes fell to the hand he was caressing and his fingers dancing gently on the bandage. Ema watched him carefully, frown deepening at the play of emotions on his face.
"Beneath this bandage is a — an injury that you do not seem to remember," Klavier said at last, sitting up too. "It is very… telling."
"H…how?"
"Do not misunderstand me, Ema. I will find your kidnappers if it is the last thing I do. But we know who ordered it and he will pay." Klavier looked her in the eye, holding her attention for a few seconds. "This burn is how we know who he is. It is very specific: a brand that bears the initials of R.R. Rafael Rainsford."
Ema recoiled in horror, unable to bear her limb anymore and wishing she could get rid of it; it was like a disease that she wanted to cut away and never look at again. She felt violated and humiliated at having been marked like an animal.
"Hey," Klavier said, suddenly taking her hand. "We will get rid of it, Ema. I promise you."
"Why?" she said in a strangled voice. "Why was this—"
"It is not just you, Ema," Klavier said, wrapping his arms around her comfortingly. "It has happened to others too."
"How do you know?" the childish question fell from her lips as she fought against the threat of tears. Anger pulsed through her like venom, giving her mouth an acidic taste.
Klavier sighed as if in resignation. "I take it Deston has never told you about Raina."
Ema looked at him, shaking her head. "Raina?"
"Before I tell you this, you must make me a promise you will not ask him about it. It is a painful memory best left buried." She nodded, distracted by his unhappy expression. "Raina was Deston's fiancée."
Though taken aback by this new piece of information about her friend, something stirred in her memory. "He… he did tell me about his ex but not much else."
Klavier nodded understandingly. "Raina and Deston were engaged seven years ago. They were very much in love." He chuckled dryly. "They were the ones on the receiving end of our teasing in those days — very much like you and I today."
Ema smiled at the image of Deston being teased. "That sounds sweet."
"She and Deston were training for the Secret Service. Ja," Klavier said, seeing Ema's lips part in surprise, "Deston was set to be one of the best agents the intelligence had — they both were."
"This is kind of a stupid time to ask this," Ema said, unable to help herself, "but isn't the point of the SS to be secret? Everyone knows you're all involved with the law."
"Everyone, except a select few, thought he worked for Homeland Security," he explained. "Deston was entirely too good at what he did for the agency to reject him on account of his fame."
"I see."
"Raina and Deston had trained together and, as a result, worked most cases as a team. They were engaged for six months when she disappeared." Klavier paused despondently. "All we found were letters that she had kept hidden, threatening her life if she and Deston did not cease their investigation."
A sense of familiarity washed over her but she pushed it away, too absorbed by what Klavier was telling her. "Didn't Des get any?" Ema asked in a hushed voice, affected by the dark turn in the story.
Klavier shook his head. "The letters were intended for the both of them but she had not told him about any of them."
"Is that why she left him?" Ema guessed. "Because she blamed him for what happened or something?"
"Left him?" Klavier echoed, looking confused.
"Deston said she didn't want to be with him."
The prosecutor looked stunned. "I cannot believe Deston still thinks that," he muttered.
"What do you mean?" Ema said, suddenly feeling sick.
"The night she disappeared, Raina and Deston argued — right in front of us. Some very harsh things were said, mostly on Raina's part. She told him she did not love him and that accepting his proposal had been the worst mistake of her life."
"What?"
"It was uncalled for and to do it in front of others…" He rubbed his eyes. "It was so unlike her that we did not understand — until afterwards. It was clear that her reason for it was to keep Deston safe. That night she left to investigate and she did not return. Deston believed that she had meant every word she said…" He shook his head. "I just thought he would have realised by now that she was lying."
He paused, waiting for Ema to talk when he saw her open her mouth, but then she only motioned for him to go on.
"Raina was found a few days later." A pained look came over him. "She was dead."
"Dead?" Ema echoed, with gut-wrenching realisation – of course it hadn't been as simple as a break up. Nothing but an untimely death could bring such a haunted look to a man's eyes.
"Dead." Klavier winced. "We could not identify her."
"What do you mean?" Ema's heart was pounding so hard that it almost drowned out her inaudible whisper.
"She was unrecognisable," Klavier said dully. "Little more than a mangled mess. It was through dental records that we discovered it was her."
Ema looked away, her hand at her mouth. "Oh my God…"
"Her body was branded the same way."
Ema glanced at him in horror. "As me?"
"It was a little more brutal," he grimaced.
"Poor Deston…" Ema whispered, her heart going out to him as she tried to imagine what he must have felt. "And he thinks she didn't care?"
Klavier paused to think about his answer and he shrugged. "Perhaps it is easier to believe she did not care than that she cared too much."
"So… So, that was Rainsford's fault too?"
Klavier nodded, severe loathing taking over his features. "This," he said pausing to touch her wrist, "is proof enough. He did not deny the accusation when Deston and I visited him yesterday. In fact, he looked most displeased that we had not only found you safely but that we knew he was behind it."
She listened as he described the exchange, shivering with revulsion at Rafael's disgusting behaviour. Ema was silent, absentmindedly rubbing her wrist after Klavier was finished; even though she had seen her share of criminals in the time she had spent as a detective, it was beyond her ability to understand how men as evil as Rainsford existed.
And now, in the face of what Klavier had told her, her problems didn't feel all that bad anymore. Her thoughts turned to the Gavinner who had become such a good friend to her. His harrowed look upon seeing her wrist made more sense now and suddenly Ema's hatred for Rainsford flared, amounting to everything in her being: she hated him to the depths and breadth of her soul and she wished nothing but an equally evil fate for him, her curse rising not out of a sense of having been wronged but out of a vengeful need to gain justice for the destruction he'd brought to Deston's past.
"How did Deston… cope?"
"Barely, Ema," Klavier said tiredly. "We had to keep an eye on him for the longest time. Raina's death nearly killed him."
"Did he ever try to…?"
"Hurt himself? He might have but we were always nearby. He was never given the opportunity. When he got back to work, however, he became excessively reckless. Eventually, he transferred out of the SS."
"I..." She bit her lip. "I don't know what to say. He acts so…"
He nodded. "It is not in his nature to show it. He has moved on and become stronger but her death haunts him even now."
"He's so strong," Ema said in awe. "I don't know how he pulled through that."
"I thought I understood Deston's pain but it is impossible," Klavier sighed, putting his arms around Ema and resting his chin on her head. "It is impossible to recognise another's pain until one feels the same. I did not understand until I feared I had lost you."
Instead of bring warmed by his concern, Ema was hit by a pang of inexplicable guilt — she never wanted to be the reason for his apprehension. The thought of Klavier ever being affected by her death like that at once scared and touched her. She turned her head to kiss his cheek and though she wanting to tell him never to allow himself to care that much about her, Ema knew it wouldn't do any good to tell him how to handle his emotions.
"I'm sorry for—"
"That is enough out of you, Ema," Klavier interrupted. "You apologise for that which was never in your power to control."
She didn't know what to say to that so she stayed quiet, sighing and closing her eyes. As if he'd been waiting for her, Deston's laughing face appeared in the dark void of her mind. Suddenly, he was no longer the amused, carefree and laid-back Gavinner — it was as if the curtain had been pulled back while he prepared for his next performance and she had caught him falling apart. There was more to his loyalty and passion for justice than just admirable morals and principles. She understood at last what fuelled him and her heart hurt for him. It was as if his sorrow was her own and she wished he was nearby so that she could look into his eyes and smile at him and let him know as silently as she could that she would always be there for him. A fierce protectiveness flared inside of her, of the same kind that she felt for Klavier, and suddenly she knew she would die for her friend just as she would for the man she loved.
"What was she like?" Ema asked softly, her mind turning to the woman who had died for Deston.
Klavier's chest heaved as he took a deep breath and she pulled back to look into his doleful face. "She was his equal," he said with a faint smile. "That is the best way to describe her. Raina was Deston's equal in everything."
"What do you mean?"
"You have been working with Deston of late. You must have noticed that he works exceedingly fast, ja? He is unconditionally gifted." Ema nodded slowly, remembering the times Deston had managed to put together the pieces of the puzzle faster than she could find them. "Deston is a fearsome adversary. He is trained in combat, explosive techniques, lethal force and much, much more. He has the knowledge and the strength to deal lethal blows with his bare hands. There is no situation he cannot handle."
"W-What?"
Klavier smiled at her shock and nodded. "You would not know, of course. He does not boast."
"Unlike you, you mean."
He laughed. "Of course. Now, where was I?"
"Deston's mighty fists."
Klavier's lips twitched. "As I said before, he was set to be one of the greatest agents for the Secret Service but so was Raina. When Deston and she worked together, they came to the same conclusion almost at the same time, like their minds were synched. When they sparred, it never ended because they were both equally fast and strong… although she insisted he never gave it his all." Ema smiled at the chuckle that fell from his lips.
"Did he?"
"I do not know," Klavier admitted. "It always seemed as though he was but then again, he is adept at hiding what he needs to hide. Another skill to add to his impressive resume."
"What was she like aside from all of that though?"
Klavier smiled at the impatience that spilled into Ema's voice. "She was lovely — and just as honest as Deston. Her final act to protect Deston is evidence enough of her devotion. And she was endlessly humble despite her beauty and talent."
"What did she looked like?" Ema asked softly.
"I will not answer that," Klavier said, immediately looking wary .
"Why?" she demanded and pulled away from him, ignoring his groan.
"Because, Fräulein," he replied, leaning back on his elbows and cocking an eyebrow at her, "I know that to speak highly of another woman does not sit well with one's girlfriend and I certainly will not—"
"Shut up!" Ema scowled. "This isn't the time for jokes."
"I am sorry," he acquiesced. "Have you never listened to Assassin Of My Heart?" Klavier asked and she shook her head. He straightened, taking a breath and began to sing a familiar tune that Deston had once hummed: "Listen to this story I have to share, of a girl with dark eyes and fiery hair – a face of deadly beauty, a body like a flame…"
"Red hair?" Klavier nodded. "Brown eyes?" Another nod. "She sounds… pretty amazing," she said, feeling dumpy all of a sudden.
"Even you would have liked her, Fräulein," Klavier said, oblivious to the physically inferiority she felt.
"Ye—hey!" Ema exclaimed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
The prosecutor flashed her a grin. "That you are not easily impressed."
Ema rolled her eyes and waved him off. "Whatever."
"Let me ask you something now, Ema," Klavier said, taking her hand and watching his fingers as they entwined with hers. "Are you hiding how you really feel?"
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"You were kidnapped, Ema," he said, turning serious. "Either you are hiding how affected you are or you are braver than I gave you credit for."
Ema flushed, looking away. "It's nothing like that," she said truthfully. How could she explain that she didn't know what to be afraid of? How could she be affected by something she didn't remember?
"It's… well, I don't remember anything. How can I be scared of a memory I don't have?"
Klavier stared at her for a moment. "And that somebody… wishes you harm… that does not bother you?"
Ema shrugged, curious at her own lack of emotional response to such a design. "I suppose there's just too much going on for me to break down over this. If I got scared by something like this, I'd be stupid to join the police force." He didn't answer except to scrutinise her and she had the feeling he was trying to figure out if she was lying. "I'm not hiding anything, Klavier. I've just—" a gaunt, evil face flashed through her mind "—learnt to be tough."
"I do not know if you—"
Whatever he didn't know, Klavier never got to tell her — his phone rang and he glanced down at his hip where the sound came from. Ema saw the exasperation on his features and then a look that told her he was torn between ignoring it and taking it.
Not wanting him to ignore his work commitments for her, Ema gestured towards the sound. "Answer the call."
"It is probably somebody from work and I do not wish to leave you today."
"Answer the call, Klavier," Ema repeated.
Klavier's mouth rose in another smile that made her suspicious and he leaned against the pillows, locking his fingers behind his head. "Not unless you wish to extract the phone from my pocket," he said suggestively.
Ema's eyes flickered to where the noise was coming from and flushed when she realised what an awkward removal it would be given the tightness of his pants. She glared at him. "Answer the phone, Gavin."
The ringtone ceased and Klavier laughed at the mutinous expression on her face. "I do believe I am still your boss, Fräulein Detective."
Her eyes flickered in astonishment at the comment before narrowing dangerously. Despite knowing he was only teasing her, Ema was aggravated and she glowered at him while making to move as far away from him as possible. "Then you probably shouldn't be with me, sir."
Klavier sat up so suddenly that Ema didn't see him move – one minute he was laying down and the next, both his arms had engulfed her and his lips were pressed to hers in a breath-taking kiss that rocked her world. Her senses were so thoroughly conquered that she could do little more than gasp into his mouth. His lips enveloped hers passionately as if he was no longer in control and Ema could do nothing but hold on. His fingers curled around her wrists, guiding them to his neck and when he pulled away, she was on top of him and he was looking up into her astounded face.
"I can never be without you, Ema Skye," he said huskily. "Not in this lifetime – not ever. You are my equal."
Ema couldn't help it – she smiled a shy smile that made his eyes twinkle and she cursed herself when her face flushed for the millionth time. She needed some distance from him, the intoxication of him. On sitting up, she realised he had manoeuvred her legs on either side of his waist and that she was intimately pressed against him. A sudden wave of dizziness hit her that she wasn't entirely sure had anything to do with rohypnol and she swayed before his strong hands steadied her.
"Whoa," she breathed, clutching her head. "Um…"
"Am I that good a kisser, baby?"
"Can it, fop-face," she muttered as he lowered her gently into the pillows — though she couldn't help but wonder if he was the reason why and decided she was well and truly screwed if Klavier could do that to her.
"Forgive me, Ema," he said apologetically, brushing the hair away from her face. "My passion got the better of me." She barely heard him through the intense nausea that overtook her and only waved compliantly. He didn't speak again, apparently understanding her need for silence and she could feel his fingers run through her hair as she rubbed her eyes and took deep steady breaths. Her mind whirred, trying to think of anything to take her mind off the incredibly strong need to vomit. The only thing that stopped her from rushing to the bathroom was knowing that there nothing in her stomach to regurgitate.
When the feeling finally subsided, she ran her hand down her face and looked at Klavier with a sheepish smile — only to see a dark expression that took her by surprise.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"I know that you require your rest," he started somewhat hesitantly, "but as you are entangled in this mess, I deem it important that you know what is happening tomorrow."
"What's happening tomorrow?" Ema said, suddenly feeling apprehensive.
"Rafael Rainsford's execution," Klavier said bluntly. "I have changed its date to tomorrow."
Ema might have had more questions for him but she was sidetracked by the disgusted look on Klavier's face, the unusually black look. It made her feel uncomfortable and she reached out to touch his hand.
"Klavier?"
He looked at her with a softer expression and squeezed her fingers. "I told you because I wish for you to be present. Do you think you are up to it?"
Her answer would have been yes even if she had no personal vendetta against the man – Klavier's expression told her he needed the company. Yes, Rainsford was behind the missing hours of her life, the injuries she was hosting and Klavier's discomfort… but more than that, he had ruined Deston's chance at a happy life. The bastard had caused her friend so much pain that Deston would carry it around with him for the rest of his life. Ema barely hesitated; her answer was sure and fast, uttered with firm conviction. "Yes."
Klavier smiled but before he could say anything, the phone in his pocket rang again. Ema glared at him wordlessly and he laughed, amused by her expression, before nodding submissively and pulling his phone out of his pocket.
"It is Deston," he said.
"Tell him I want to talk to him." Klavier cocked an eyebrow. "Don't worry, I won't say anything about what you told me. I just… I don't know. I want to see him."
She didn't explain that her apprehension for her friend had only grown since learning about Raina, despite finding out Deston's strength and skill. She couldn't tell Klavier that the only way her concern could be lessened was through seeing him again — however illogical that was.
"Deston," Klavier said, flipping his phone open. "This better be good. I was having some quality time with—" Ema swatted at him, wishing she was well enough to sit up and smack him. He laughed and paused to listen to his friend. "Ja, Ema is fine. She wishes to see you." He paused again before turning to look at her. "He said he will be here soon." Another pause and Ema heard Deston's faint voice waft on the silence. "He requests that I pass on his exact words so here they are: your wish is my command."
Ema rolled her eyes. "Cheese machine."
Klavier chuckled but then his cheer subsided into a bleaker emotion. She watched him as his expression dimmed and the skin between his darkening eyes pulled together in a heavy frown. Her own smile faded with every second that passed and by the time he hung up, the prosecutor's face retained no trace of the mischief that had layered it a moment ago.
He turned dread-filled eyes on Ema. "I… I am sorry, Ema. I have to go. Deston said he will drop by to keep you company while I am gone."
"Don't worry about me," Ema said. "Are you okay?"
Klavier hesitated, as if struggling with himself. "I do not know."
"What did Deston say?" she asked anxiously.
"Kristoph wants to see me."