This week's drink special!
Fresh Berry Lemonade Martini
1 1/2 parts grey goose vodka
fresh squeezed lemonade
5 raspberries
1 tsp of sugar
Muddle in the bottom of a cocktail shaker, muddle the raspberries and sugar together.
Pour into a tall glass over ice.
Top with grey goose and lemonade.
Enjoy.
Cutting His Losses
Bella could not remember entering the condo. She felt the door against her back as she panted heavily, drawing in ragged breath.
What the hell? she thought as she remembered the kiss in the car. His smell had overwhelmed and engulfed her, completely fogging her brain and summoning her into the kiss.
She closed her eyes and thought about the softness of his lips, and the slight stubble that had pricked her chin and upper lip. The contrast was heavenly and just thinking about it produced a wetness down "there". She licked her lips and could still taste him. Her head fell back against the door and she groaned.
Can this really be happening to me? Bella wondered and her mind was stuck on instant replay.
Why did I kiss him back? She had no intention of being just another notch on his bedpost or an entry in his black book.
The way he had said "fuck" right before he kissed her had brought heat to her thighs. Even now thinking about it caused the sex butterflies to flutter against her lower stomach and flit between her legs. And she did not want the feeling to go away.
And he said he wanted to make me his. Damn, I might have even let him have me, if he hadn't opened his mouth.
His words had startled her back to the present in the car and, on some level, she was glad for that. An unquenched need was growing in her lower regions and the more she thought about Mr. Cullen the more intense and demanding the desire was becoming.
Rushing to her room, she pulled off her clothes, almost ripping her blouse as she fought with it trying to tug it over her head instead of taking the time to unbutton it.
Completely naked, she grabbed her towel from earlier in the morning and flew into the bathroom. Not caring that this would be her second shower in as many hours she turned the water on and jumped in.
Reaching for the shower head, she unhooked it and carefully adjusted the force of the spray and rinsed herself, leaving her hair dry.
Slowly, she movedthe stream of water down to the apex of her thighs. Spreading her legs slightly she aimed the stream straight for her sex and groaned as the water began to assault her nub of nerves.
She pressed back against the cool tile and replayed Mr. Cullen saying "fuck" to her and then gloriously attacking her lips.
Her legs grew unsteady, and as she climaxed, her upper body was thrown forward. Her hand struggled to keep the shower head steady as she convulsed all over.
She tried to rein in her breathing after experiencing the most intense orgasm of her life. Her legs were shaky and weak.
Stepping out of the shower, Bella heard a loud banging on the front door.
Crap who could that be? Maybe Rosalie left her keys here.
She grabbed Rosalie's silk robe from the hook on the back of the door and tied it around her tightly. Walking quietly to the door, she peeked through the privacy hole and stepped back in surprise at what she saw – the object of her showerhead fantasy, Agent Cullen himself.
She peeked at him again. God, he is lickable – especially when he runs his long fingers through that tug of tangled hair.
Okay, Houston we have a problem. Pull it together Swan. Why is he even here?
Oh crap! She saw the pink box in the bag in his other hand. Why didn't I put that bad boy in my purse!
He looked at the door one last time and turned to leave. Bella ran back a few steps and cleared her throat.
"Coming, just a minute!" Well I already did,she thought, laughing.
Quietly she peeked again- there he was silently waiting.
Slowly she undid the locks willing her heart to stop beating so fast.
Squinting her eyes shut, she reminded herself aloud: "He's your boss. He's your boss and a jerk."
Opening the door, she looked up at his disheveled hair. "Yes?" she began, with a note of excitement. "Oh, it's you," she continued, attempting to convey a bit of disappointment.
His eyes widened as he took in the fact that she was wearing a robe and probably nothing else.
Fuck me…just a robe…and it's clinging to her wet body.
Edward couldn't help himself as he watched a droplet of water descend into the valley between her nearly visible breasts.
Lucky water! He thought.
"This is rather awkward, especially since you slapped me and ran from the car, but you left this. Just wanted to bring it back to you Ms. Swan. I was halfway home when I noticed it."
He willed his eyes to look into hers instead of the opening at her neck and the belt around her waist. But it was hard as hell for him to move his gaze upward.
Just one quick tug on that tie. Just one yank.
He realized she had said something and was holding out her hand for the bag.
"Thank you. It was really... kind of you." Bella answered, stumbling on that last word choice and realizing her face was heating up with color.
Their hands touched briefly and Edward felt that familiar spark of current.
"See you tomorrow morning at the airport, Ms. Swan. Hopefully you won't need to make any unplanned stops."
Bella blushed again and struggled for a snappy comeback, but the quick response files had been deleted.
"Good day, Mr. Cullen." Bella closed the door and it slammed as it slipped from her hands.
Well good – let him think I slammed it, she thought triumphantly.
Bella looked through the spy hole again and watched as he stood on her porch for a moment, shook his head, turned and left.
Bella walked back to her room, depositing the box in the bathroom. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and recalled a conversation she had with her father right before his death.
The conversation centered on her virtue.
Bella's virginity was not a result of lack of interest in sex or even desire. In fact, she was thankful when a couple of college friends convinced her to read a Cosmo article on the art of masturbation.
Her mother had never shied away from talking about sex and its "many pleasures." As a teenager, Bella had cringed at the word "pleasures."
Her father had been more silent on the subject. Compared to her mother, he was silent on most topics. However, she remembered one conversation almost word for word.
Shortly before Charlie was gunned down, Bella had gone fishing with him. As Charlie poked the hook through the worm he tried to look casual as he brought up sex.
Trying to crack a joke, he mentioned to Bella that it would be fine with him if she waited until she was near middle age before she contemplated having sex. The resulting silence was awkward.
After throwing out his line and clearing his throat a few more times, Charlie looked her straight in the eyes and told her how he wanted her to wait to have, in his words, "sexual intercourse" with someone who would cherish her – all of her.
He told her to wait for that man who would love her body, soul and mind. Someone who would want to know and support her dreams, ambitions and goals in life.
Bella held on to this piece of wisdom which was made all the more precious after he was taken so violently from her. Reflecting on her father's advice, she was suddenly sure of one thing - Edward Cullen was not that man.
Her heart calmed and her mind turned from Mr. Cullen and toward the task of reviewing the files that TAT had given her.
Shrugging into some yoga pants and her Coldplay concert t-shirt, she settled on her bed with the documents.
Glancing at the files she placed them in alphabetical order by first name Aro, Demetri, James, Jane and Riley.
Opening Aro's folder first, she was struck by the smile on his face, one that was simultaneously kind and freakish He wasn't neither ugly nor handsome and his face was framed by lightly graying hair and sharp blue eyes.
She became engrossed in reading and studying about the family. They certainly were a force to be reckoned with.
Coming up on the last file, she realized Riley's was the smallest and Bella gasped when she saw his picture. He was gorgeous and, unlike the others, there wasn't a hardness to his features.
Bella couldn't help but notice his hair was very similar to Mr. Cullen's. His smile was warm and sexy at the same time. And based on some of the undercover shots, the man could wear a pair of jeans.
Riley was in this group because he was family. It appeared that the FBI didn't really consider him a threat at all, just guilty by association.
Bella stretched out on the bed laying her head on her arm.
She was startled by her phone buzzing and grabbed it from the nightstand. Opening her phone, she saw a text from Jacob.
Bella I am so sorry for this morning.
Please talk to me.
Bella sat up straight and wondered what she should say back to him. She did want his friendship and she certainly did not want to leave with things unresolved between them.
Rubbing her eyes, she thought of a response.
Jake have coffee with me tomorrow a.m.
At the Bittersweet Cafe. I am leaving
tomorrow and would like to say good-bye in person.
9a.m.?
That works. I have class at 10:30.
Thanks Bells. See you then.
She turned off her phone and closed her eyes just for a minute.
Edward arrived at the charter terminal ahead of Jasper. He checked in with security, thankful that the process was less intrusive than a regular commercial flight.
His mood was sour and he needed to get away. Ms. Swan's rejections were screwing with his mind and emotions.
His controlled demeanor was cracking under the weight of something, that he just couldn't quite put his finger on.
Perhaps Jasper can figure this shit out, because I need things working in my direction before heading out to Seattle.
Atlantic City was a short journey from D.C. We should land, have a drink in hand, and be sitting at a poker table by 7:15 p.m.
His mindreading gave him an advantage that tipped the scales in his favor. The game still required a certain expertise, because he often just heard the distress or excitement from the other players, as opposed to knowing their actual cards.
Over the years, he honed his poker skills and quickly became a VIP in Atlantic City and Vegas. He had accumulated quite a nest egg since he started gambling the day he turned 21.
Occasionally, he regretted taking some sap's money, but he pushed those feeling aside as he counted his winnings. His lifestyle was funded by his gambling ventures and he wasn't about to give up his plush way of life.
Edward watched Jasper's car enter the special terminal. He laughed as the 6'3" Texan unfolded out of his tiny Prius, cowboy boots first.
At least he left that damned hat at home.
Edward smiled a toothy grin as Jasper opened the terminal door. Damn, it's good to see that crazy motherfucker. But that car's got to go!
Jasper looked up at to see Edward standing there with a shit eating grin. Well, I've got a feeling that I am going to be hearing about my car the second he opens his mouth.
"Man, it's great to see you. But that car, it's got to be affecting your mojo." Edward chuckled and placed his right hand on Jasper's shoulder, shaking it gently.
"Enough about the Prius. And my mojo's fine, thank you very much." Jasper's comment was tinged with his Texas twang.
"Okay, Mr. Tree Hugger, when was the last time you got fucked?" Edward asked his question and raised his brow.
"Edward, that's where we differ. I've never fucked or been fucked by any woman. It's not an act of selfish pleasure to me. It's something much more – well, sacred."
"Damn, Jasper, you sound like a chick. You sure there are still balls down there?"
"Cullen, one of these days you're going to realize that it takes balls to treat a woman right, not just tossing the night's lay out with the morning trash. Any shithead can do that."
"Whatever, Jazz. Here's your ticket. It's on me. The plane is waiting."
Glancing at Jasper as they approached the tarmac, Edward attempted to hide his slightly tortured expression behind his Raybans.
They often had this same conversation, where Jasper's called Edward on the carpet for his womanizing ways. But today, Edward couldn't shake a strange and unfamiliar tightness in his gut.
Since that Swan woman appeared in my life, things have been upside down, so tonight's plan is to forget Bella Swan.
"First order of business on this plane is a scotch and water."
"Edward, you read my mind." They both laughed at Jasper's tongue in cheek comment.
The stairs leading up to the plane's cabin were already lowered and Edward signaled to Jasper to lead the way. The second that his head cleared the doorway, Edward heard a distinct high pitch giggle.
"Oh shit! It's the mile high girl," Edward whispered to Jasper.
Jasper gave him a puzzled look. "Cullen, I'd think you'd be thrilled. What's up with you, man?"
Edward shrugged his shoulders. He didn't know how to answer, because he had been wondering the same exact thing.
After they eased back into their seats, Bree seductively walked their way. Edward noticed that her uniform was unbuttoned a little lower than the usual.
"Mr. Cullen, so nice to have you joining us again. Is there anything I have that you might want, sir?" Bree all but whispered the last words in a breathy voice.
Edward didn't need to read her thoughts to know what she wanted to do for him. Her intentions were clear and mostly involved her kneeling in front of him.
"Good evening, Bree. All I want tonight is a scotch and water with a lemon twist, please. And bring one for my friend here."
Bree bowed her head in disappointment and turned to fetch their drinks. Jasper gave Edward a quizzical look.
"What's up Cullen? You could have ridden the "Friendly Skies" with her. And don't you dare tell me nothing. I'm not buying it for one second."
"It's her. She's constantly in my mind and thoughts. Try as I might, I can't shake it."
Bree returned with their drinks. Edward thanked her, but avoided all eye contact. He didn't want to see her expression, hearing the hurt behind her thoughts was enough for him.
"You're talking about your new partner, the one whose mind you can't read?"
"Yes, Ms. Swan." Edward pronounced her name with extra emphasis, his frustration evident.
"Really, tell me about her. Did you take my advice on the flowers?" Jasper moved closer to Edward, not wanting to miss a single word.
"Oh, the flowers! Great idea by the way," Edward replied sarcastically. "I caught her throwing them in the trash."
Jasper couldn't help himself and started to laugh. Edward however wasn't amused at all.
"Ouch, absolutely fucking brutal! Sorry to laugh at your expense man. That had to hurt."
"Thanks Jazz. Not helping here." Edward downed the rest of his drink and raised the empty glass up to Bree, signaling for another round.
"Let's drink to a better night, okay?" Jasper wanted to change the subject and hopefully cheer up his friend. He was starting to get concerned about Edward, having never seen him act despondently and so totally off his game.
The friends sat in a contemplative silence as they approached Atlantic City. The flight was a quick puddle jumper and barely took 30 minutes in total.
After an uneventful landing, they were whisked off to the Trump Taj Mahal via a VIP car service. Edward was known as a "highroller" and he enjoyed all the benefits that came with that title.
As soon as, the limo arrived at the casino, they were escorted through the long marble lobby and passed by the gaudy crystal chandelier.
An attractive blond walked towards Edward and Jasper. She greeted them with a smile and held out her hand.
"Hello, Mr. Cullen. My name is Resa. I will be your hostess for this evening. How was your flight in?"
"It was fine thanks. Please lead the way to the poker table." Edward didn't feel like small talk, he just wanted to sit down with a fresh drink and a good hand placed in front of him.
"Yes, sir. This way." Resa turned her attention to Jasper and smiled at him. She summed up Edward as just another cocky, rich, and dirty bastard.
Resa led the men to the "High Limit" gaming area. Entrance into this special area required an agreement with the casino, with high stakes requiring proof of a high net worth by all its gamblers.
"Mr. Cullen and…" Resa turned to Jasper in search of his name.
"Dr. Whitlock, ma'am."
"Well Dr. Whitlock, Mr. Cullen, please have a seat." Resa smiled sweetly at the charming, tall Texan as she pointed towards the poker table.
"Your dealer tonight will be Frank. Frank, please welcome Mr. Cullen and Dr. Whitlock."
"Good evening gentlemen, the game at hand is Seven Card Stud." Frank dealt Edward's first hand. Jasper moved back to acknowledge his position as an observer.
The table was practically full tonight, with just one spot left open. Edward eyed the other players at the table, keying into their thoughts. He found two men at the table who seemed to know what they were doing, his true competition.
As the cards were dealt, Edward struggled with concentration. He wanted to blame the scotch from the plane, but he knew what was distracting him tonight.
Edward lost $100,000 on the first hand of the night. He tried to shake it off and watched the dealer place a new set of cards in front of him. He took one look at the next hand and immediately folded. He had a garbage hand.
His third round of cards looked promising – a nice middle pair. He began to escalate his bets with each additional card that was dealt to the group. As his cards grew, he was now holding two pairs, a pair of Queen's and a pair of 8's.
He tried to concentrate and read around the table. He had difficulty reading the thoughts and getting a feel from the other players still holding the hands.
He decided to press forward with a final bet of $100,000 hoping that he could press the other players into folding and collect the pot. Now he was all in for $240,000 and he sat back in his chair to view the outcome.
Another player at the table called Edward's bet. Edward turned over his eights to go with the pair of Queens on the board. He glanced over at the other player who calmly turned over the third Queen and grinned at Edward.
Edward appeared stunned once again at his inability to read the other player. He knew what was on his mind and it was not the game in front of him. It was someone back D.C.
Bella! Those brown eyes staring at me. Her lips moist and perfectly molding to mine. And her scent, that undeniable aroma. I think I'm going fucking nuts!
Jasper stared in shock as he watched Edward lose. He had never seen Edward beaten in two straight hands. These losses were unnerving to Jasper. After the third hand, he tapped Edward on the shoulder.
"Hey, what gives?"
"I don't have it tonight. It's her! She's all I can think about. I'm folding."
Edward signaled to Frank that he was out for the next hand.
"Certainly, Mr. Cullen," said Frank.
He motioned for Resa and settled his debt. His loss was staggering, but he didn't even feel its sting. His distracted mind wondered where he might find a certain brown-eyed girl.
"Okay, Cullen, We're stopping for a cup of joe to sort this shit out."
Jasper didn't have to coax Edward, who followed behind him like a puppy dog. Jasper noticed a Starbucks ahead of them.
"God, we better stop for coffee Edward. Get you a little bit of caffeine, my friend. A slight jolt might be good.
"Sit down and I'll order for us."
Reaching the Starbucks' counter, Jasper ordered two double espressos. He glanced back at Edward, who was running a hand through his thick head of hair while fiddling with his phone.
Anxious to return to D.C, Edward had already booked seats on the return charter flight departing for D.C. at 8:30 p.m., putting them back in their cars before 9:30 p.m.
I remember hearing Rose's thoughts today in the condo. She planned to take Bella out for a farewell drink.
Edward took his phone and accessed the GPS honing application for Bella's earrings. He tried to talk himself out of hitting the search button, but he just didn't have the will power to stop.
"Here's your coffee, man."
Edward sipped the coffee and felt the hot liquid flow down his throat. The warmth had a relaxing effect on him.
He told Jasper that he scheduled the 8:30 charter flight back to D.C., so they returned to the casino entrance for the limo ride to the airport.
Jasper decided to wait and bring up Bella once they were in the air. They were both relieved when they saw a man as the flight attendant for their charter.
At least Edward can get a break on this flight. Poor guy, thought Jasper.
"Alright, as hard as this is for you Edward, you've got to tell me how you are feeling. What's going on in the thick skull of yours?"
"I wish to hell that I knew. I just can't get her off my mind and whenever I'm near her, all I want to do is kiss her lips. Well among other things…" Edward voice drifted off quietly.
"Oh man, you like this girl, really like her. The mighty Cullen brought to his knees by a woman. I have to meet her. Tell me about it."
"She has been giving me mixed signals and since I can't read her mind. I am at a total loss. I've made some passes at her. One ended with her knee in my groin, and the other ended with her tongue in my mouth.
"It's so damn confusing. But I can hear her thoughts when I directly touch her skin. Skin to skin. And it's driving me fucking crazy."
"She's unknowingly messing with your mind. Sounds like we know who has the upper hand here."
"You're right. And I can't believe I'm asking this but, tell me what I should do, Jazz? I'm at a loss and I can't afford too many more losses like tonight. Help me out here."
"You know it's rather simple, the basic 101 of all relationships. You can't demand respect, it must be earned." Jasper looked closely at Edward's face to see if there was an acknowledgement of understanding.
Jasper saw that Edward was mulling over his words. Edward's brow was drawn together in deep concentration. Jasper knew that Rome wasn't built in a day and that Edward needed some encouragement, too.
"Listen man, let's have one more scotch and celebrate that you have met someone who challenges you. We all need a challenge now and then, right?"
"I hope you're right, Jazz. And I appreciate it. You're the only person who truly gets me and understands my shit."
"Think nothing of it." Jasper couldn't help but smile. He felt that his friend's life was experiencing a tectonic shift, finally. He quickly glanced up and thanked the heavens.
Once they landed, Edward and Jasper parted ways. Edward used the excuse that he had a rough night and needed to finish packing for his assignment out to Forks.
"Listen Cullen. Give me a call, if you need to hash anymore of this out. Promise?"
"Will do, Jazz, and thanks again. Wish that night had ended better. Now go climb back into your libido-killing car."
Edward watched a squished Jasper pull away from the terminal lot. He was holding his phone and getting ready to press a certain button that would only spell trouble. But the pull was too great and he gave in.
Shit. It's like she has me on a tethered string and she's pulling me towards her.
Edward glanced down at his phone. Okay, she's in downtown Alexandria.
After he discovered her location, he set his car's GPS to her coordinates. He felt her pulling once again on his tethered string, and he was left helpless against it.
Around 7:30 that night, Rose switched on the lights to the bedroom.
"Hey, wake up sleeping beauty. Time to get up and go party."
Bella pulled the duvet over her eyes and groaned.
"Come on you. I've busted my butt to catch up on my studies today,.so get up girl."
Bella lifted the covers and rubbed her eyes. She glanced at the clock and was startled to see the time.
"Wow, Rose I've been asleep for over two hours."
"It's been quite the day for you. I still can't believe how Jake acted. Have you heard from him?"
"We're meeting for coffee in the morning before my flight out. I hated to leave without clearing the air."
"He does have lots of explaining to do, Bella. It was so out of character for him, but enough about Jake. I want to hear all about your new partner."
Rosalie's face brightened when she mentioned Edward, and Bella knew where this conversation was going.
"He's so fucking hot and he brought you flowers."
"He may be devastatingly handsome, but he's also a complete and utter asshole."
"I'm so afraid you'll get hurt if you get too close to him, and that things will end badly."
"As in, I'll become his next dish to devour?"
"Exactly. Promise me that you'll be careful. Keep your guard up and your panties on."
Both of them giggled at Rosalie's comment and moved off the bed to get ready for the night out.
Bella threw on the pants she had worn earlier and some blouse Rosalie had bought from Ann Taylor. She slipped on a pair of sexy shoes, styled her hair and applied make-up and was ready to go.
After walking a few blocks, they finally arrived at the bar and were grateful for the short walk.
Her feet were beginning to smart, but it was worth it. These shoes made her feel damned sexy.
Rosalie spotted a few of her friends as they entered the bar. Bella recognized them, too, and waved in their direction.
Rhonda and Cheryl seemed glad to see them as they walked their way. Bella loved these two ladies. They always made her smile with their humor and snarky comments.
The drinks flowed freely and Bella soon finished her third Cosmo. She knew she needed to head home, and hated to be a party pooper. But she still had some organizing left to do back at the condo.
Bella said goodbye to Rose and her friends, begging out early and telling them that she still needed to pack. After leaving the bar, Bella stood on the curb and searched for a cab.
She could have walked, but she was slightly buzzed and her sex kitten shoes were killing her feet.
As she waited for a cab to drive by, she saw a familiar black Vanquish pull up to the curb and stop directly in front of her.
"Oh great, it looks like my favorite stalker has arrived," she quietly muttered.
Edward was thrilled to see her standing on the sidewalk. But he knew that his goose was cooked if Bella realized that he used her GPS earrings to locate her.
He quickly thought of a lie to cover his tracks. He hoped she would believe him, but didn't count on it, knowing that his track record wasn't going to help him.
He thought back to Jasper's words…You have to earn her respect.
Bella watched the windows roll down on the Vanquish and looked into the car to see Edward's smiling face. She noted that his smile was lacking that usual smirk.
He looks genuinely happy to see me?
"Mr. Cullen. What brings you to Alexandria this evening? My earrings perhaps?"
"Actually, I was just dropping a friend off who lives in the area." Edward had to bite his tongue to hold back saying something suggestive to her.
"Wish I could believe that," Bella said looking at anything but Edward's face.
"Are you waiting for a cab, or something?"
"Yeah, they usually are plentiful around here. Just my luck."
"Hey, I can give you a ride, hop in. Promise to be a perfect gentleman."
Edward cringed as he said those words. He wasn't sure if he could live up to them, especially when he was sitting inches away from her. But he was determined to push away his cravings, at least for tonight.
"You, Edward Cullen, a perfect gentleman?" Bella hesitated as she tried to make a decision. "I hope I don't regret this, but I really need to get back to the condo. So I'm holding you to your words. Got it?"
Bella climbed into the car and quickly put on her seatbelt.
"Finally, I think I have this seatbelt figured out."
"Ms. Swan," Edward used her surname, wanting to keep it formal. "Are you ready to leave tomorrow?"
"Almost. I still have a few things to pack." Bella was surprised that Edward asked her a direct question that didn't revolve around the color of her panties.
"Me, too." Edward added with a sincere smile. "Were you able to study up on the Volturi family?"
"Yes, I think I have them put to memory. I am a little confused about Riley. He doesn't seem to fit with the others."
"The verdict is still out on his familiarity with the family's operations. We should uncover his involvement when we start our investigations."
As Edward finished his sentence, the car pulled to a stop in front of Rosalie's condo.
"We're here. Let me walk you to the door?"
Bella wanted to say "yes", but she decided that it would be best to end things at the car.
"Thanks, Mr. Cullen for the ride home. But I think it's best that I go to the door alone."
"Sure. See you tomorrow then."
"Yeah, see you tomorrow."
Bella walked up the sidewalk, shaking her head.
Edward and I were together in the car. I could smell his heavenly scent and practically feel his touch, but not a thing happened. He was a perfect gentleman.
"Dammit!" Bella exclaimed.
Leaving Bangkok
Shaken roughly, the young woman tried to open her eyes. They would not obey her. She felt like bricks were laying on them.
"Just get her the fuck on the truck. Carry her."
Roughly she was thrown over someone's shoulder and carried out into the humid night air. Straining even harder she tried to raise her lids.
"How much did you inject her with? Shit, she should be awake by now."
She heard a loud creaking sound and was set carelessly on a cold metal surface. Strong hands pulled her still slumped body straight up and than a door slammed close to her.
She felt warm bodies around her and heard quiet crying, betrayed by sniffling.
Finally she heard someone whisper in her own language.
"Where are they taking us?"
"To the wharf."
She heard someone vomit and soon the air was filled with a sour stench. The mass of warm bodies all shifted away from the source of the offensive odor.
The vehicle lurched forward and she slowly opened her eyes. It made no difference, the darkness still surrounded her. Squeezing her eyes shut she willed herself not to cry. The only noise was the grinding of gears, the silent crying and her heart beating.
The darkness invaded more than her surroundings. It was also entering her heart.
A/N: We would liked to thank our Special Agents…..Betas Elizabethan and Aquariumjenn