Tainted Innocence
Chapter 4
When I woke up I was on my back, looking up at the ceiling. It wasn't too early but it was still fairly dark outside. I looked to my right and there was Riddick, awake and watching me. All I could really see were his eyes, the blue and purple shimmering light, sweeping over my face.
I propped up on my elbow, my heart thundering in my ears at the sight of his cold gaze and reached out for him, taking his chin in my hand. He didn't flinch like he had before and actually allowed me to turn his head so I could have a look at his stitches. They looked good. No swelling and no sign of infection.
Moving my hand to his shoulder, I pushed, making him roll onto his back so I could check his side. I slid down the bed so I could have a closer look in the dim light, running my hands over the skin around the stitches and he jumped.
"Sorry," I whispered. Still tender but looking okay. "All right then, since we're awake, we might as well get up." I pulled myself out of bed and came around to his side. He was starting to sit up but I could see he was straining. His eyes were shut tight, brow furrowed, hand pressed to his side just below his injury. I figured every muscle in his body had to be aching and sore so I took his hand and helped him to his feet.
His breathing was jagged and hard from the effort so I gave him a minute to adjust. He took his hand out of mine and draped his arm around my shoulder, now ready to move…but I wasn't. It surprised me when I felt his arm go around me, so much that I couldn't move. His arms were so big, he was tall, his body nothing but solid muscle, and it felt good, felt safe to be that close to him, nearly wrapped up in him; for a second I couldn't get my legs to cooperate and move… maybe I didn't want to.
I managed to regain some of my control and slowly walked him to the bathroom. A shower would do him some good; help chase away the stiffness in his body. I turned the water on, waiting until it was the right temperature, and then searched through his duffle bag. Darren had packed all the personal items he would need so I set them out, showed him what to do and let him have at it. If he had any problems, I'm sure I'd know about it.
Breakfast was almost finished when I heard the water shut off so I felt okay about leaving him alone if he could figure that out. I was through cooking and was setting it all on the table when he walked into the kitchen. I glanced up and took in his fresh clean appearance; he did pretty good too. He came in all clean, dried and dressed in a black tee shirt, black pants and as he got closer to me I could smell just how clean he was. He was proving to be a fast learner.
It took a lot longer to regain my composure than I would have liked as he stood next to me; his presence had my heart racing, flushing my cheeks and making my legs tremble. There was nothing to fear and what little I had been feeling from last night, was dissipating fast.
I sat him down and gave him his food, which he started on immediately when he realized what it was. I leaned against the counter and watched in amusement. Probably the first decent meal he's had in years. Slam didn't sound like the kind of place that prided themselves on the food they served…if they served any at all.
When he was halfway through I walked over to him and put my hand on the top of his head. "I'm gonna go shower," I said, running my hand over his head and resting it on the back of his neck. Riddick paused when I touched him, not moving but quickly glancing at me with only his eyes. "Enjoy." I released his neck after a gentle squeeze and headed for the bathroom.
My ribs hurt from all the rigorous pounding from my heart and my legs threatened to give with every step. What the hell was wrong with me? This isn't how I normally act, especially with a man but this was no ordinary man. This was Richard B. Riddick…murderer, a man who was well known throughout the entire Universe…and feared. Maybe it was some sick perversion I had…some dark fantasy about being at the beck and call of a convicted killer, a beautiful one at that, and the thought made me shiver.
I took my shower, a cold one, and returned to the kitchen, to Riddick, to the same heated feeling growing in the pit of my stomach, to the shaky nervousness in my whole body; needless to say, the cold shower…didn't work.
He was through with breakfast, leaning back in his chair with his hands resting on his full belly and I had to smile. He looked so satisfied, so relaxed compared to yesterday and when he looked over at me there was a sureness in his eyes, a trusting calm that I thought I'd never see.
His interest in me when I walked through the door was extremely apparent. I could feel his eyes on me as I moved throughout the kitchen, carefully observing my actions while managing to appear impassive.
When I reached his side, I grabbed his empty glass and turned to get his plate, unknowingly putting some distance between us, which I guess he didn't like because with a speed I've never seen in any human being, his hand shot out and grabbed the knot in the belt of my robe and held me where I was.
It was like time had stopped, my breathing included and he was unnaturally still. When I was able to look down at him, I saw that his gaze was trained intently on the opening of my robe at the top where my skin was visible to him.
It suddenly hit me that I was completely naked under this robe and if he wanted, he could rip it easily from my body and do whatever he pleased with me and there was nothing I could do about it.
I forced myself to inhale slowly but exhaling was a different story. His hand moved from the belt up to my skin, lightly caressing my exposed flesh with his fingers. The glass in my hand felt heavy and the ridges in the sides dug into my palm as I squeezed it.
Riddick pulled my robe open further, not enough to see everything but what he saw was enough to bring his breathing to an audible pitch. His fingers continued to explore the valley between my breasts, inching their way slowly to the side, dipping under the thick cotton. He stopped then, finally looking up at me, almost asking permission but I couldn't grant it, couldn't move, couldn't let go of the breath I was holding.
He kept his eyes on mine as he traced the underside of my breast with the backs of his fingers; pushing gently at it, testing its weight. His other hand came to my hip and pulled me a little closer while he turned his other over so my breast was cupped in his large hand. Riddick stopped again, letting these new sensations sink into his mind, perhaps helping him remember something. Maybe a woman he had once touched, made love to, or more likely with Riddick's reputation…fucked.
Right now, at this moment, it seemed as if I was the first woman he's ever touched. In his state of mind, that wasn't too far from the truth. I was, in a sense, his first and as much as I should have turned him away, removed his hand…I didn't. I wanted to feel this.
And like all good feelings…they had to end sometime. There was a knock at my door and it made me jump, Riddick as well. He removed his hand from inside my robe and put it on my hip, glancing toward the kitchen door.Air was finally able to fill my lungs and I breathed it in greedily until the dizziness passed. I put my hands over Riddick's and looked down at him. He met my eyes for a second before letting his hands slid out from under mine and dropping back to his lap.
The knock sounded again, a little more insistent this time, and I went to answer it. It was Darren. I pulled open the door and moved so he could step through with an armful of bags. He didn't say anything as he walked quickly to the kitchen and I slowly followed. I could hear him putting things away and when I entered, he nearly ran into me.
"Sorry," he said as he passed me but then he stopped and looked at me again. "Did I interrupt something?" he asked suspiciously, coming closer to have a better look.
"No, you didn't," I lied, trying to hold his gaze.
"You sure, cuz you're all flushed."
"I'm SURE," I insisted strongly, moving past him to finish putting the food away.
"You didn't break him, did you?" he asked as he went back to unpacking the bags. I slammed a can onto to the counter and tuned back to face him, knowing my cheeks were turning red.
"I didn't BREAK him," I said in a low hard tone. Darren's eyes went from mine to Riddick, who was now standing.
"Okay," he said lightly, putting his hands up in front of him. "Don't get all freaked out." Riddick walked over and stood next to me; shoulder-to-shoulder and Darren's eyes narrowed slightly. "But I can tell he's taken a liking to you."
I folded my arms over my chest and looked Darren in the eyes. "Now…how can you tell that?" I questioned seriously. Darren grunted and shook his head.
"It's pretty obvious," he replied, waving his hand over both of us. "And I'm sure you can tell too. Riddick isn't the type to stand so close to anyone." I didn't say anything, just rolled my eyes at him. He was right, though. I could tell Riddick was comfortable with the close contact he was making and Heaven help me…so was I.
Just for Darren's smart-ass remarks, I let him put all the stuff away and funny enough, he didn't complain. Riddick and I were in the same spot when he was finished…actually, Riddick had moved in closer so not only were we shoulder-to-shoulder now, but hip to hip, foot to foot.
My mind was all fogged up and when Darren snapped his fingers in my face, it only cleared it a little. "Hey, space cadet," he said, all but laughing. I gave my head a shake and focused on his face.
"Yeah?"
"I got a few contacts I'm meeting tonight and a few friends tomorrow so I'll stop by the day after and check up on you."
"All right," I said, slightly distracted by Riddick.
"Oh, and I want this man in one piece when you're through with him, okay?" I glared at him in a way that actually made the arrogant smile drop right off his face. He took a few steps to the door before continuing. "By the way, he's worth twice as much alive."
"What?" I asked, the fog completely clearing from my head.
"Yeah, there's a bounty on his head now," he said as he left the room and headed for the front door.
"Whoa, whoa, wait a minute," I yelled, running after him, the right side of my body noticeably cold now that I was away from Riddick's heat. "There's a bounty on his head already?" I asked, catching up to Darren in the living room. He stopped and turned around.
"I heard it on my way over here but don't worry; they think he's long gone. That's why I'm taking it slow; let the trail get cold before we really ship him out."
Shit, a bounty. That could only bring on more trouble.
"Darren, I don't like this," I said worriedly.
"Come on, Eden. A few more days, that's all. If anything happens I guarantee Riddick will take care of you."
"He can hardly take care of himself," I interjected, pointing back to the kitchen door.
"Look," he started to say but looked to the floor. He seemed mesmerized by something on the carpet for a second before bringing his eyes back up to mine. "Survival is an instinct; he hasn't lost that. You'll be okay…I promise." I ran my hand over my eyes and to the back of my neck, sighing loudly. I was far from convinced but what the hell could I do about it now?
"Fine. I'll see you in a couple days." I couldn't look at him anymore. Too much was now running through my head. He stayed where he was for a minute before leaving. Everybody would be on the look out for Riddick now, especially mercs and bounty hunters. I had no idea what to do if someone came knocking.
I turned back to the kitchen to check on Riddick and ran right into him. He was standing a few feet behind me, as still and as quiet as could be. I jumped but didn't scream out this time.
"You've got to stop doing that," I said but laughed when he cocked and eyebrow at me. "Okay, you're forgiven."
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The rest of the day was spent with me catching up on some housework and Riddick following me everywhere. He watched in curiosity as I folded clothes, occasionally grabbing them out of my hands for a closer inspection. Mainly my bras and panties. It was my turn to watch now as he carefully looked over the items he took from me, running his fingers over the smooth silk or the rough lace, licking his lips and sighing deeply before handing them back to me.
This went on all day and for once, housework was enjoyable. It wasn't until after we ate dinner that things seemed to change.
Riddick went to the balcony window as the sun was setting, the light changing his skin to a deep orange red that faded and deepened as the sun disappeared. His head moved from left to right and back again, scanning the ground and street below.
I sat on the couch to observe this strange act, the intense way he looked beyond the glass, yet the relaxed manner in which he carefully watched the ever-deepening shadows. His arms hung down at his sides, hands opened, not fisted; his shoulders relaxed but ready…ready for something, but what?
His goggles were hanging from his thigh pocket, allowing his night vision to do its job. Occasionally, he would stop scanning as if he saw something and he wouldn't move for a long time. My guess was that he was looking out for those who might come for him. Nighttime tended to draw everyone out; criminals, bounty hunters, even ghouls and ghosts. The darkness gave free reign for evil of all sorts, they flourished in the black shadows, awaiting their prey and Riddick was no different.
He was so still by the window that as the room became as dark as the outside world, I couldn't see him at all. Couldn't even make out the faintest outline of him. He blended right into the night, becoming completely invisible. I finally understood what people out there feared in him. It was unreal how a man like him could move the way he does, disappear when he wants to. I imagined his other senses were higher than everyone else's.
And I proved myself right when I yawned quietly in the dark room, not making any sound at all, and Riddick turned to look at me. I only knew he did because a quick flash of silver swept over me.
Okay that kind of freaked me out and I decided it was definitely time for bed. If Riddick wanted to stay at the window all night, it was his business.
As I stood up my shoulder bumped into something hard and when I was fully standing I could feel something around me. I actually froze, couldn't move a muscle. My heart even seemed to stop. There's no way he could move that fast and not make a sound, no way. My senses knew it was Riddick but my brain had a hard time connecting it. He was everywhere, his heat; his scent swirled around me in an invisible haze, making me feel strange.
I didn't look up at him because the shine of his eyes still made me nervous; they were almost like a cat's eyes when they caught the light just right, a big cat, watching and hunting his prey. Those eyes were what firmly reminded me of who this really was and I didn't want to be reminded.
Riddick stepped up even closer until his body was touching mine, all hard muscle lightly pressing against me. One of his hands went to my hair, running his fingers through the curly strands before moving to the back of my neck, squeezing gently as I had done to him that morning. I felt my body relax from the heat of his hand and the light massage he was continuing with. My head fell back and I closed my eyes, allowing him to work out my tense muscles, not realizing he was moving in closer.
It wasn't until his soft lips brushed my skin right under my jaw that I knew and I jumped but he was faster. His other hand grabbed my shoulder to keep me still while he moved those warm lips to my ear. I could hear him breathing hard, felt it rushing over my skin and I couldn't hold back the whimper that pushed its way forth.
Like an animal…goes for the jugular.
I couldn't get that thought out of my head, waiting tensely for the moment he decided to bite, but he never did. His lips continued their path down to the curve of my neck, slipping his fingers under the collar of my shirt to pull it out of his way as he moved over my shoulder.
This was too much sensation for me to handle. My body was over heating and he hadn't even really done anything to me…yet. I wanted so much to taste him, feel him all over, anything to satisfy the growing hunger in my veins. I reached up and placed my hand on his chest and he froze, waiting to see what I would do next or maybe he was surprised by my response to him. His grip on my shoulder increased as I slid my hand up to his neck and around to the back.
Riddick pulled away suddenly, just as I was getting comfortable with his touch and he stumbled back. My eyes had since adjusted to the dark and I could barely make out the strange look that invaded his features. It looked almost like surprise but there was something else, a hunger…dark and dangerous and he continued to back away from me. Something inside him wanted out and he was fighting it with everything he had as he put more distance between us.
I could see him heading for the hall, going past the kitchen and down to the bedroom. What the hell was that all about? I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed and more than a little afraid. No one has ever looked at me like that; it was lustful and intense like he was going to take me in any way that he wanted. But the new emotions he was experiencing kept the beast at bay and for that I was grateful. There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted him but I wasn't sure I could handle what the beast had in store for me. At least not yet, anyway.
I made a firm decision that I would forget that this was Richard B. Riddick and start seeing him as someone good; a wonderful, beautiful man that was here with me. No more shock when he made a move on me and no more being afraid to make a move on him.
With this new frame of mind I was in I wasn't afraid anymore. I headed back to the bedroom feeling stronger than I ever have before. This was my house, my life, and this situation was thrown at me, hardly given a choice in the matter, so hell, I was going to get something out of the deal if it killed me.
Riddick was already in bed, hands behind his head, ankles crossed, looking at the ceiling. When I came through the door his eyes immediately settled on me, the same hunger shimmering in them but this time it was restrained, he was more in control. I changed my clothes without showing him everything, choosing black cotton shorts and a white tee shirt. I glanced over at him scanning his body with my own lustful gaze. He was shirtless, lying back against the pillows, muscles flexed, eyes glowing, and I licked my lips, deciding to make my first move.
I climbed onto the bed on my hands and knees as Riddick turned his head to watch; I got right up to him and pressed my lips to his cheek. Instant fire raced across my skin all the way to my toes, smoldering even hotter right between my legs. My lips began to tingle as the stubble on his cheek scratched at them and my nipples became painfully erect. The muscles in Riddick's jaw tightened and he growled so low in his chest that I only felt it as I pressed by breasts to his side.
This must have been quite a different feeling for him. He knew what it felt like to have his lips against human flesh but to actually feel someone else's lips…the sensation was similar but I knew from experience that it tackled you from a completely different side. The want to pleasure someone else rather than receive pleasure was sometimes a more powerful urge, one that brings upon more intense sensations. It's what drives people to want to be together, to want to taste and feel the other person.
"Goodnight," I said, pulling away from him before I could take it any further. I settled down next to him and Riddick rolled onto his side and reached out to me with one hand, running his thumb over my bottom lip, looking at me in a way that told me I was right. He felt something he didn't feel before and it came from a simple kiss, a very intimate act yet still so simple.
He continued tracing my lip until his eyes began to close. His hand dropped to the bed as sleep took him, his breathing slow and deep.
I felt safe. Whatever Riddick had been looking for at the balcony window never came and I wasn't afraid if it did. Riddick made me feel extremely protected, cared for, loved?…and I fell asleep.