Without saying a word Sara pushed her way past Irons distancing herself,
from the metal box that she had been trapped in for the past few hours, and
from the man himself. The images of what Irons had done to Nottingham were
still fresh and vivid in her mind. It took a lot of will power she wasn't
too sure she possessed not to wipe that smirk off his face. Sara stopped as
she made her way over to one of the chairs in the lobby. She placed her
helmet on the chair and began to straighten out her coat, trying to keep
herself busy. As much as she wanted to just leave she wanted to find out
what happened to Nottingham. Where had he disappeared? The only way to find
out was to stick with Irons a bit longer.
Irons watched after Sara but never faltered from his position by the elevator doors. He still held that grin of his; happy with himself that he had gotten the reaction he wanted from Sara. It was obvious that she was surprised to see him but there was something else there. He couldn't quite place what it was but he simply waved it off as agitation from being trapped in the elevator with Ian for so long. Speaking of Ian Irons suddenly remembered.
As Irons peer into the empty elevator his smirk was soon replaced with disbelief. His mouth fell open and his eyes widen. Ian was gone, nowhere in site. Irons couldn't understand. 'Just where had Ian disappeared to? How long had he been gone?' the more questions that ran through his mind the more upset Irons became. Ian had managed to take away a bit of control from his master. Irons didn't like the feeling that Ian outwitted him yet he couldn't help but feel a bit proud of him. Ian did learn from the best. However Irons did not tolerate insolence from anyone especially from Ian. Irons looked over his shoulder to Sara. Who had managed to button up her coat and was now smoothing back her long brown locks.
From the corner of her eyes Sara could see the stunned expression on Irons' face when he had looked into the empty car. She turned her back on him hiding the small smile that formed on her lips. This was the first time that Sara had seen Irons so off guard. 'If Irons was so surprised that Nottingham wasn't there in the elevator does that mean he wouldn't know where he had disappeared to?' Sara so into her thoughts didn't hear Irons come up behind her. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on ends as she listened to Irons suave, calculating voice. Sara lifted her eyebrow she knew the man was up to something. She turned to look at Irons, though he had managed to cloak his expressions, Sara knew that he was still irritated with Ian' disappearing act.
"I am truly embarrassed by the circumstances that have been forced upon you, Sara. I do hope you can accept my sincerest regrets and deepest apologizes." Irons bowed his head and looked up at her.
Irons sorry act remained Sara of Nottingham. How he would bow his head, always averting eye contact. How he would, in rare moments, look up from his bowed head and bless her the chance to stare into his hazel eyes. Just remembering sent shivers down her spine. Yet when Irons attempted it only made her more aware just how much she hated him. Sara cleared her throat and looked at Irons.
"Well Mr. Irons." Sara was pleased that Irons disliked how she dragged on with the formalities. ".shit happens and you move on. You couldn't have controlled the situation so there is nothing to apologize for."
Sara couldn't fight the niggling feeling that Irons actually had a hand in the whole elevator situation but wasn't too sure how. There was no way Sara could prove it and Irons was not about to confess his mischievousness to her. 'Had Ian been apart of the plan? Or had he sense foul play from his master too? Could that have been the reason why he left her alone?' Sara mentally shook her head. 'Why would Ian go against his master in the first place?' The doubts she had about Ian had risen again.
"I suppose you are right, Sara. Yet I still cannot help but feel responsible. Which is why I would like to offer you a way home. I'm sure it would be poor judgment on your behave to be riding your vehicle in this storm."
Sara's mind had been so caught up with the whole elevator ordeal she had forgotten about the rainstorm. She looked out through the glass windows, the sun had already settled and the dark clouds above were evidence that it had indeed been raining. But to Sara's delight the rain and turned into a light drizzle. Enough for her to handle while riding the Buell back home. Sara grinned at Irons, who in return mistook her happiness as acceptance. His smirk grew wider into a sly smile.
"Thank you for the offer Mr. Irons but I think I can manage home just fine riding my bike. As you can see the storm has already passed." Sara gladly pointed outside.
Irons didn't bother to hide the disappointment in his voice. "Yes I see. It looks like the situation has indeed." There was a pause in Irons' voice. As he looked out he spotted the familiar black shadow patiently standing by the limo. ".changed."
Sara immediately sensed Irons was seething. The man was like a faucet. One minute he was cold as ice the next he was fuming under the collar. She stole a glance outside and could see why. Ian was outside in the rain standing next to a black limo. Just seeing him there made the blade heat up on her arm. She pulled down on her coat sleeve and bent to pick up her helmet.
"Well since you are so intent on riding your bike in the rain I bid you a good evening, Detective." Irons said without a second glance and a dismissive wave.
Sara didn't wait for the heavens to open up and give her a sign. With a firm hold of her helmet she stormed out of Vorshlag and headed straight for her bike. Irons not far behind. The unwavering strides brought Iron closer and closer to Ian. From a distance Sara watched from her vantage point. She still had yet to admit to herself that she was thrilled to see Ian again. Her heart began to beat faster as she watched an angry Irons make his way over.
It had been a difficult decision to leave Sara it had proven to be the best- chosen course of action. His hurried journey to the first floor was difficult but Ian had managed to arrive before Irons was aware that he was missing. Ian's brush with the blade had left him in a disorient state but he managed none the less. Ian had called ahead for the limo and positioned himself next to the vehicle. From his vantage point Ian had been able to see through the glass windows and into the building. He immediately spotted Sara and Irons. Though he lacked the ability to hear the ensuing conversation between the two the body language in itself spoke volumes.
Ian smiled as he watched Irons peer into the elevator car. No doubt surprised that his servant was not there. Ian was even more ecstatic when it was obvious that what ever Irons' had planned for Sara was not falling through. Ian's smile soon faded once Irons took notice of his presence outside. After what appeared to be a dismissive wave from Irons; Sara was first to walk out of the building. To his surprise she spied a glance towards Ian. For a brief moment their eyes locked. Without warning his mind was twirled to images of what happened in the elevator and that kiss. Ian closed his eyes and took in deep breaths, trying to regain his control and will the visions away. Now was not the time to be caught off guard by Irons.
Ian had managed to subdue the visions at bay and disciplined his facial expression. Though his face remained stoical it was his eyes that held on to all his emotions. Ian knew that it was his eyes that would betray him. So with his hands clasped behind his back Ian bowed his head and lowered his gaze to the ground. In the distance Ian could hear the rhythmic cadence of Irons' cane hitting the concrete ground. Soon the tapping sounds of the cane stopped and Ian had a clear view of Irons leather loafers.
Irons were only two maybe three inches taller than Ian but he used those extra inches to tower over him. Irons tilted his head to the side and narrowed his eyes on Ian somehow willing him to look up from his bowed head. He felt the cold metal of Irons' cane when Ian made no move. Irons had placed the heavy handle of the cane under Ian's chin. Then sharply pushed till Ian's head snapped up. Ian averted his eyes not wanting to look at Irons. Both knew that Irons was not pleased with the outcome of the night. And Irons was going to use Ian as a way to release his pent-up frustrations.
"I must say recent turn of events have made up for what I had assumed would be yet another boring night. Imagine my surprise when I had been informed that my loyal servant and the wielder were both trapped in an elevator. It's truly every man's dream to be trapped for hours in an elevator with a beautiful woman. So tell me young Nottingham what happened in that elevator, hm?"
Ian did not answer and avoided eye contact with Irons. This act only enraged Irons more. Irons pushed the cane higher until Ian's head was positioned in an uncomfortable angle and he had no choice but to lock his gaze with Irons. Ian held his tongue still and said nothing. It didn't matter now; Irons could see it in Ian's eyes. It was undeniable that something had transpired in that elevator and Irons was determined to find out. Irons removed the cane from under Ian's chin and motioned for the door to be opened. Without hesitance Ian reached for the door handled and held it opened. Irons stopped half way and before getting in completely he tapped the cane handle against Ian's chest as he spoke.
"We will continue this discussion back at the mansion and you will tell me what happened. But before then I want you to go home and freshen up. You reek of perspiration. Then you will make sure Sara has arrived safely home. Is that understood, Ian?"
"Yes sir." Ian finally answered.
Ian finally closed the door after making sure Irons got in. Ian spied another glance at Sara as he moved behind the car. Ian got into the car, got behind the wheel, and revved up the engine. He slowly unclenched his left hand feeling the strange sensation running up his arm, along with the anger emitting from Sara. Was she concerned about him? Pushing the thought aside Ian put the car in gear.
Sara, who had stayed back to watch the little power play between Irons and Ian, watched from a distance as the black limo drove away. Her right hand had been clinched in a fist for so long he was starting to turn white. Sara had gotten upset as she watched Irons use the cane to yank Ian's chin up. Remembering all to well the last time Irons had used a cane to get Ian's attention. The blade pulsated on her wrist wanting to activate. She had to wield the thirst away. She pushed back down the lust to thrust the blade through Irons. The feeling only intensified until finally Irons had let Ian go but not before warning Ian once again.
Irons watched after Sara but never faltered from his position by the elevator doors. He still held that grin of his; happy with himself that he had gotten the reaction he wanted from Sara. It was obvious that she was surprised to see him but there was something else there. He couldn't quite place what it was but he simply waved it off as agitation from being trapped in the elevator with Ian for so long. Speaking of Ian Irons suddenly remembered.
As Irons peer into the empty elevator his smirk was soon replaced with disbelief. His mouth fell open and his eyes widen. Ian was gone, nowhere in site. Irons couldn't understand. 'Just where had Ian disappeared to? How long had he been gone?' the more questions that ran through his mind the more upset Irons became. Ian had managed to take away a bit of control from his master. Irons didn't like the feeling that Ian outwitted him yet he couldn't help but feel a bit proud of him. Ian did learn from the best. However Irons did not tolerate insolence from anyone especially from Ian. Irons looked over his shoulder to Sara. Who had managed to button up her coat and was now smoothing back her long brown locks.
From the corner of her eyes Sara could see the stunned expression on Irons' face when he had looked into the empty car. She turned her back on him hiding the small smile that formed on her lips. This was the first time that Sara had seen Irons so off guard. 'If Irons was so surprised that Nottingham wasn't there in the elevator does that mean he wouldn't know where he had disappeared to?' Sara so into her thoughts didn't hear Irons come up behind her. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on ends as she listened to Irons suave, calculating voice. Sara lifted her eyebrow she knew the man was up to something. She turned to look at Irons, though he had managed to cloak his expressions, Sara knew that he was still irritated with Ian' disappearing act.
"I am truly embarrassed by the circumstances that have been forced upon you, Sara. I do hope you can accept my sincerest regrets and deepest apologizes." Irons bowed his head and looked up at her.
Irons sorry act remained Sara of Nottingham. How he would bow his head, always averting eye contact. How he would, in rare moments, look up from his bowed head and bless her the chance to stare into his hazel eyes. Just remembering sent shivers down her spine. Yet when Irons attempted it only made her more aware just how much she hated him. Sara cleared her throat and looked at Irons.
"Well Mr. Irons." Sara was pleased that Irons disliked how she dragged on with the formalities. ".shit happens and you move on. You couldn't have controlled the situation so there is nothing to apologize for."
Sara couldn't fight the niggling feeling that Irons actually had a hand in the whole elevator situation but wasn't too sure how. There was no way Sara could prove it and Irons was not about to confess his mischievousness to her. 'Had Ian been apart of the plan? Or had he sense foul play from his master too? Could that have been the reason why he left her alone?' Sara mentally shook her head. 'Why would Ian go against his master in the first place?' The doubts she had about Ian had risen again.
"I suppose you are right, Sara. Yet I still cannot help but feel responsible. Which is why I would like to offer you a way home. I'm sure it would be poor judgment on your behave to be riding your vehicle in this storm."
Sara's mind had been so caught up with the whole elevator ordeal she had forgotten about the rainstorm. She looked out through the glass windows, the sun had already settled and the dark clouds above were evidence that it had indeed been raining. But to Sara's delight the rain and turned into a light drizzle. Enough for her to handle while riding the Buell back home. Sara grinned at Irons, who in return mistook her happiness as acceptance. His smirk grew wider into a sly smile.
"Thank you for the offer Mr. Irons but I think I can manage home just fine riding my bike. As you can see the storm has already passed." Sara gladly pointed outside.
Irons didn't bother to hide the disappointment in his voice. "Yes I see. It looks like the situation has indeed." There was a pause in Irons' voice. As he looked out he spotted the familiar black shadow patiently standing by the limo. ".changed."
Sara immediately sensed Irons was seething. The man was like a faucet. One minute he was cold as ice the next he was fuming under the collar. She stole a glance outside and could see why. Ian was outside in the rain standing next to a black limo. Just seeing him there made the blade heat up on her arm. She pulled down on her coat sleeve and bent to pick up her helmet.
"Well since you are so intent on riding your bike in the rain I bid you a good evening, Detective." Irons said without a second glance and a dismissive wave.
Sara didn't wait for the heavens to open up and give her a sign. With a firm hold of her helmet she stormed out of Vorshlag and headed straight for her bike. Irons not far behind. The unwavering strides brought Iron closer and closer to Ian. From a distance Sara watched from her vantage point. She still had yet to admit to herself that she was thrilled to see Ian again. Her heart began to beat faster as she watched an angry Irons make his way over.
It had been a difficult decision to leave Sara it had proven to be the best- chosen course of action. His hurried journey to the first floor was difficult but Ian had managed to arrive before Irons was aware that he was missing. Ian's brush with the blade had left him in a disorient state but he managed none the less. Ian had called ahead for the limo and positioned himself next to the vehicle. From his vantage point Ian had been able to see through the glass windows and into the building. He immediately spotted Sara and Irons. Though he lacked the ability to hear the ensuing conversation between the two the body language in itself spoke volumes.
Ian smiled as he watched Irons peer into the elevator car. No doubt surprised that his servant was not there. Ian was even more ecstatic when it was obvious that what ever Irons' had planned for Sara was not falling through. Ian's smile soon faded once Irons took notice of his presence outside. After what appeared to be a dismissive wave from Irons; Sara was first to walk out of the building. To his surprise she spied a glance towards Ian. For a brief moment their eyes locked. Without warning his mind was twirled to images of what happened in the elevator and that kiss. Ian closed his eyes and took in deep breaths, trying to regain his control and will the visions away. Now was not the time to be caught off guard by Irons.
Ian had managed to subdue the visions at bay and disciplined his facial expression. Though his face remained stoical it was his eyes that held on to all his emotions. Ian knew that it was his eyes that would betray him. So with his hands clasped behind his back Ian bowed his head and lowered his gaze to the ground. In the distance Ian could hear the rhythmic cadence of Irons' cane hitting the concrete ground. Soon the tapping sounds of the cane stopped and Ian had a clear view of Irons leather loafers.
Irons were only two maybe three inches taller than Ian but he used those extra inches to tower over him. Irons tilted his head to the side and narrowed his eyes on Ian somehow willing him to look up from his bowed head. He felt the cold metal of Irons' cane when Ian made no move. Irons had placed the heavy handle of the cane under Ian's chin. Then sharply pushed till Ian's head snapped up. Ian averted his eyes not wanting to look at Irons. Both knew that Irons was not pleased with the outcome of the night. And Irons was going to use Ian as a way to release his pent-up frustrations.
"I must say recent turn of events have made up for what I had assumed would be yet another boring night. Imagine my surprise when I had been informed that my loyal servant and the wielder were both trapped in an elevator. It's truly every man's dream to be trapped for hours in an elevator with a beautiful woman. So tell me young Nottingham what happened in that elevator, hm?"
Ian did not answer and avoided eye contact with Irons. This act only enraged Irons more. Irons pushed the cane higher until Ian's head was positioned in an uncomfortable angle and he had no choice but to lock his gaze with Irons. Ian held his tongue still and said nothing. It didn't matter now; Irons could see it in Ian's eyes. It was undeniable that something had transpired in that elevator and Irons was determined to find out. Irons removed the cane from under Ian's chin and motioned for the door to be opened. Without hesitance Ian reached for the door handled and held it opened. Irons stopped half way and before getting in completely he tapped the cane handle against Ian's chest as he spoke.
"We will continue this discussion back at the mansion and you will tell me what happened. But before then I want you to go home and freshen up. You reek of perspiration. Then you will make sure Sara has arrived safely home. Is that understood, Ian?"
"Yes sir." Ian finally answered.
Ian finally closed the door after making sure Irons got in. Ian spied another glance at Sara as he moved behind the car. Ian got into the car, got behind the wheel, and revved up the engine. He slowly unclenched his left hand feeling the strange sensation running up his arm, along with the anger emitting from Sara. Was she concerned about him? Pushing the thought aside Ian put the car in gear.
Sara, who had stayed back to watch the little power play between Irons and Ian, watched from a distance as the black limo drove away. Her right hand had been clinched in a fist for so long he was starting to turn white. Sara had gotten upset as she watched Irons use the cane to yank Ian's chin up. Remembering all to well the last time Irons had used a cane to get Ian's attention. The blade pulsated on her wrist wanting to activate. She had to wield the thirst away. She pushed back down the lust to thrust the blade through Irons. The feeling only intensified until finally Irons had let Ian go but not before warning Ian once again.