Reign of Fire: Rising from the Ashes

Chapter Eight- or Foe?

"So…how are you feeling now?" Kayleigh turned in his direction, her wavy blond strands fanning around before coming to rest on her high cheekbones. Was that actual compassion in his eyes? Sucker! Still, her job was to aim at the highest ranking man, and as Quinn was way too busy fawning over his pregnant lady, Creedy would have to do. And boy wasn't he a fine piece of work to be handed!

"Fine I guess…We were lucky to find you people, God knows how much longer we could have wandered those moors…" And toss in an extra pout and…oh this was way too easy!

"Well, you're safe now. It's been quite a while since anybody's gone through these walls, and he was a fire spitting lizard."

"Oh yes I've heard…lost your eyebrows on that one didn't you?"

He smirked: "They really are determined to repeat that story to everyone round eh?"

"So it would seem…any sexy scars left from it? You know, that usually attracts a girl more easily than a certain…lack of eyebrows…"

"Oh yeah…plenty of those going round…although more of them were caused by the deterioration of the castle than by our flying friend. I guess I can count my blessings for that one."

He noticed how she had skilfully turned the conversation around. Instead of asking questions, he had been reduced to being the subject here. Perhaps her own stories were simply too painful.

"Quinn could I have a sec?" Her clear voice rang out across the dining hall before she made her way over and got out of hearing range. His eyes followed her across the room, widening at the sight of her. He had thought her long gone by now! Where had she been hiding all this time? She looked good. Tired maybe, but furthermore fine as ever. A sudden pang of want shot through him, and only seemed to deepen when it became clear she hardly even seemed to notice his presence in the room.

"So…who's your girlfriend then?" Kayleigh had followed his gaze and didn't appreciate seeing it land on the same woman he had been with on their arrival. That little bitch could go and cause an awful lot of trouble for her and hers…

"What? Oh…no, she's not my girlfriend, she's just…Holly I guess."

"Oh, I see. Just…Holly? And what exactly does Holly do around here?"

He studied her face for a bit, Jesus, the last thing he needed right now was to get stuck in a cat fight! "She seems to be running guard for the moment…." His answers remained vague, as she had to suffer him looking away from her again.

Right a real time Mary Sue inside our walls then. One that didn't seem to be pregnant like Alex, and thus a lot more dangerous.

"You look like you'd want her to you know…"

"What? Want what?"

"Want her to be your girlfriend…"

Again the smirk, and it killed her to see the sincere pain in his eyes: "Well, things don't exactly work like that around her…waste of my time I'm afraid."

Suddenly he realised he was being very rude, talking about Holly like that in front of a different woman. A very attractive woman. One that actually didn't seem hesitant at being around him.

"Would you like to go for a walk maybe? It seems to be a clear night…"

She produced a smile that could make the Arctic melt down overnight before shooting him a shy (she'd practised in front of the mirror) glance. Don't forget the eyelash flutter hun! "Yeah, I think I'd like that very much…"

They left the hall just as Holly turned round. So…that was how quick he'd gotten over her. If he's really that shallow you can keep him Missy! And with that she picked up her gun, signalled to Quinn and was off again to her comfortably solitary spot up in the Northern Tower.

Holly slumped down into the chair that had been put in the tower, hating every single moment of that day. It seemed fate was having a good time mocking her, everywhere she went people were saying how lovely the newbies were or she was bumping into one of the rather inquisitive refugees themselves or, to make matters worse, Creedy and his new friend Kayleigh. That was who she had just bumped into, there they were drooling all over each other. She thanked God she had been able to pretend to not see them, last thing she wanted was to make a scene; her emotions weren't exactly reliable at that precise moment. She had the image in her head of her breaking into tears or breaking the blonde's nose. The latter was more favourable.

Holly figured she was rather resilient, seeing as she had been raped just the day before. Not that Creedy had noticed, The Good Samaritan was taking the little princess under his wing rather admirably. Of course she would feel better, having such an attentive and compassionate, not forgetting charming, carer- if that was all he was doing. She had managed to swap onto the afternoon tower shift and now the night one. Holly was sure she could avoid them as much as possible in the old watchtower, it was cold and draughty which meant the only people who went up there were those who got stuck on duty- perfect for Holly then.

It was a clearer night than usual, the stars shining brightly and the black sky like velvet. Nothing could be better for a night of keeping watch, everything could be seen, no dragon or intruder could go undetected, especially with Holly's keen sight. It was easy at first to keep her mind off of Creedy, her gaze never left the horizon, even whilst she played with her Colt Anaconda. It was her favourite revolver and once belonged to her Dad before he died; it was still in good nick as she never used it- it was more of a safety blanket than anything else. But when the moment called for it, she knew how to use it, and she was a good shot if nothing else.

It was a blow to the stomach when she saw them, Creedy and Kayleigh aimlessly walking around the grounds, getting slightly too close for comfort. Blowing out the candles that dully lit the room she scooted closer to the window, hoping to spy on them without being noticed. Maybe if she was really lucky a northerly wind would pick up and their conversation would be audible to her. Her hand tightened around the gun as she observed them, one clean shot and the little princess is out of her misery. If only she had a real reason to take her out, you can't really class jealousy as one. Anyway, didn't she sort of reject him? If anything he had a right to move on and find a real woman to share his bed with; alas that didn't seem to quell Holly's bad mood at all.

"You were right Creedy, it is a lovely night." Kayleigh sighed and flashed Creedy another bedazzling smile.

"Well just another thing to add to the list of things I am right about" He chuckled, staring up into the big black expanse.

"So you are right about a lot of things are you? An admirable trait." Men. Are. Easy.

"No, not a lot of things unfortunately." He wasn't right about Holly and that was the worst one of all.

"Are you thinking about that- Holly, was it?" That girl is even more of a problem than I thought. He nodded and winced subconsciously.

"You shouldn't waste your time on someone who doesn't appreciate you Creedy, you're worth more than that. I bet there are plenty of woman out there looking for a great guy like you- I know one for sure." She hoped she looked sincere, the only real emotion was the passion in her eyes.

"Oh really?" Creedy's voice cracked with surprise and another certain emotion. No I shouldn't go there, she has just been raped for Crissakes.

"Yes." Tip of the hat to Marilyn what's-her-name and I believe you call that Hook.

She tipped her head up in his direction, clearly aiming for her lips to reach his. Damnit, this felt like a first date in high school, the suspense of not knowing what to do or who should start what was killing him! Still, he wasn't able to push her away as he felt her tongue lazily slide across his lips. His mouth needed only to open for a moment, more like a jaw drop at her unexpected advance, for her to push her way forward and deepen the kiss. Hands that had seemed to linger mid air, now contacted with her slim waist, running up her back before weaving their way into her hair. Oh my, this really was a holiday trip compared to the jobs she'd been set up for before! Bring on the charms big boy, no complaints here! But obviously, to her great disappointment, Creedy did end the kiss before long.

Choosing the safe option she suddenly pushed away from him, trying to look embarrassed. "I'm sorry, you…you must think I'm a complete wanton for attacking you like that…"

Leaning his forehead against hers, trying to find her eyes in the pitch black shadows between them, he sighed in a mix of content, want and…was that guilt? "Kayleigh you've just…gone through a very traumatic experience. I'm not sure you're ready to make decisions like this." Creedy wiped his sweaty hands on the side of his trousers. Jeez, when did it suddenly get so hot out here?

Oh no mister, you're not getting away from me that easily!

"Creedy, I know what I am doing. I need to move on with my life, create a new one. Can you understand that?"

"Yes, of course- but are you sure?"

"More than anything." Kayleigh leaned in close; her breath lingering on Creedy's full lips- he swallowed. There's Line.

She grasped hold of his head again and crushed his lips with her own. He groaned as she deepened the kiss and rammed her body hard against him, grinding her hips against his. Their tongues danced and circled passionately as Creedy's arms wrapped around her slender frame pulling her even closer- if that was possible. Each thrust was met with a sound of pleasure from Kayleigh, which only inspired Creedy to continue. He felt his blood race around his body, now close to trembling with desire. Kayleigh felt it too; her head was dizzy with need as she tightened her grip on his coat lapel, desperate to move to a more private setting. Sliding his hands down her body, he lightly caressed her sides and bottom erotically. She hadn't expected it to be this good, and she figured she'd just let him get on with it- but now…

Pulling away, she looked at him panting down at her. His green eyes the colour of emerald because of his need. She smiled shyly, batting her eyelashes and trying to look demure.

"Maybe we should…" She motioned with her head towards the castle.

"Yeah, I think so too." He couldn't believe what was happening, but didn't want it to stop. He was hurting after what happened with Holly; maybe this would be his closure. He looked down at the little blonde angel at his side- this would be his lucky night!

Kayleigh led him seductively by the hand back towards his room, Hook, Line and Sinker! I'll show him a night he won't forget, then we'll see if he still can't take his eyes off that black haired bitch.

Neither of them noticed the pair of blue eyes that stared down from the darkened tower. Holly couldn't believe what she had just seen, she wanted to vomit. The bile in her throat burned as she flung herself back into the chair with bruising force. Silent tears trickled down her face as looked out across the hills before focusing her blurry eyes on the revolver in her hand, the moon and star light reflecting off the steel. Maybe, just maybe…