Disclaimer: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer
I'd like to dedicate this chapter to Noble, Fadewind, Bibika94, Alphabloodwolf, Lsb123, Alexsandra and BellaNessieCullen
Wednesday would have passed without much incident had it not been for the inevitable moment of drama when Dermot finally came to call on Dove that afternoon. I was going through my newly returned notes as Dove read a book on her bed, when there was a knock at the door. I was nearest so I stood and opened it to find Dermot standing there.
"Hi Liza, is Dove in?" He asked cheerfully, but there was an undercurrent to his manner that suggested he knew he was in trouble.
I looked to Dove and she sat up.
"Let him in." She said coldly.
I motioned for him to come in and then went to leave the room to give them space.
"No need to leave Liza. This won't take long." Dove said. "You have a lot to organise and I don't want to put you off schedule."
"Thank you." I said, feeling uneasy as I took my seat once more in my nest of papers.
I busied myself wishing I were somewhere else during this confrontation. Why did Dove have to request me to stay? Perhaps she needed the backup. How would I supply this?
"So?" Dove demanded, folding her arms.
"I forgot my laptop." Dermot said. "Left it in college."
"You can check your e-mails on your phone, or did you leave that here too?" She asked.
Dermot opened his mouth, and then closed it again without speaking.
"It doesn't matter." Dove said. "I gave you eight different ways to contact me over the holidays. One of them should have been open to you. And didn't you once brag you've got about ten computers at home? You could have contacted me Dermot, even if it was a quick text to say we'll have to keep radio silence over the holidays for whatever reason. That I would have accepted, I'm not stupid, I know some families can be snooty. What I can't accept is no explanation at all. So I'm sorry Dermot, but we're through."
"Just like that. You're not even gonna hear me out or let me apologise?" Dermot demanded.
"Oh, I'll hear your excuses and your empty apologise, but we're through." Dove stated. "I mean, you were back yesterday morning, why has it taken you until now to come find me?" She snapped.
"I didn't know you were back." Dermot said.
"You didn't think to come find out? You knew Liza was back." Dove countered.
"After what happened last term I didn't want to spook her. Especially since she was so off with me yesterday on the stairs." Dermot murmured.
"Because she didn't know how I wanted to play this." Dove said flatly. "She knew I was angry with you. Anyway, Liza is always polite didn't you think it was weird she was rude? Wouldn't that set alarm bells ringing in your mind and bring you here to find out what was going on?"
Dermot went to answer, but Dove held up her hand.
"Doesn't matter. I don't love you Dermot and I'm not gonna waste time on you, so you may as well not waste time on me. Just go and get on with your life. I'll be amicable with you if that's what you want, but if it's hostility I'm all for that too. Right now though I couldn't give a damn, so please leave before I have to get mad."
"You're a crazy bitch." Dermot said nastily.
"That is uncalled for language and I will not tolerate it in my room." I said, rising to my feet. "Now I suggest you leave before I become upset."
Dermot looked at me then left. I closed the door behind him, then turned to Dove to find she looked upset. I sighed and climbed up beside her on the bed and pulled her into my arms and hugged her.
"He is gone now." I soothed as I stroked her hair.
"That was harder than I thought it would be." She said.
"Then perhaps you should give him a second chance?" I suggested.
"No. This is for the best. Break ups always hurt, even when you want them to happen." Dove stated mournfully. "I guess I'm just thinking about all that wasted time with Dermot."
"You had fun with him?" I asked.
"Yeah." Dove confirmed.
"Then it wasn't wasted time." I said firmly. "It was a fun experience that you can store in your memories and review at you leisure, but never to be added to again."
"That's a good way to look at it." Dove said, sitting up.
"Is there anything you would like me to do?" I asked.
"Nah. Just get on with organising your papers. It looked like the police really messed them up."
"Yes." I agreed as I went back to my little nest.
It took a while to sort through my papers because they had become mixed up, the police organising them in sequence of most interest to the case. It was infuriating to be honest for I had no idea how my notes were of any interest, how did they define my personality, unless one was to take it completely out of context. I felt incensed enough to put in a complaint for was this not evidence that they planned to build a circumstantial case against me?
"You know what. There's no lessons until next week. Why don't we hit the town tonight?" Dove asked.
"I know you wish to show Dermot you do not care for him, but could we not do that in a quieter way?" I asked warily.
"What do you suggest?"
"That we use Mal and Alec as a double date." I said casually whilst continuing to sort my papers. "We go to the cinema and perhaps have a meal, although not a meal due to Alec's aversion…"
"That's all well and good, but I'd rather go out and meet a guy I actually intend on dating. Or at least have a little fun with. I can't see myself doing anything like that with Alec. There's just something creepy about him. Don't know what it is, but he gives me the heebie-jeebies." She said with a shiver.
"Then no Alec." I stated. "Very well, I will accompany you to the Union bar, but I wish to return by eleven, and if you do plan on bringing someone back allow me ample warning so that I may arrange alternative accommodation."
"You mean so you can go stay with Mal without me getting suspicious." Dove said with a grin.
"I will withdraw my invitation if forced to." I said coldly.
"Fine, fine. I'll cut the crap about Mal until you're ready to talk about it. But why doesn't he come along with us? He can act as chaperone in case things get ugly." She said with a smile.
"Are you expecting things to get ugly?" I asked.
"No." She said, shaking her head. "But it always helps to have a guy there as a decoy if some asshole won't let you alone."
"Very well. Then I will go ask Mal once I am finished here."
"I could go ask him." Dove offered.
I considered for a moment.
"Very well. But do not let Alec overhear." I warned.
"I'll be extra stealthy." Dove said, tapping her nose and then she left the room.
I sent a text to Mal to give him warning of what Dove intended. He thanked me for the warning and I smiled as I continued to sort through my belongings. This would be a date of sorts, when we would go to a bar together and drink. Or perhaps not. Regardless, it would be our first date in college where both of us know our feelings for each other, where will it lead?
I finished organising my papers and had them packed away in my closet by around four. That gave me ample opportunity to shower and prepare for my date. I was certainly excited, and Dove noticed, although she said nothing, merely smiled in a knowing way.
We coordinated our outfits, although it was scarcely difficult given that we both chose a little black dress. I pinned up my hair until it looked as short as Dove's hair, although I allowed a few twisting tendrils here and there. A big black, bejewelled flower finished off the look. Dove had styled her hair into haphazard spikes that she pulled off well. The flower added a feminine touch.
With shawls and purses we were ready, and we went to meet Mal in the common room. He was wearing black jeans and a dark shirt that made the colour of his eyes stand out. He was receiving many admiring glances from the ladies of our floor and I felt proud of him as he greeted Dove and I and led us down the stairs.
We had a fun night, and Mal and I drank, although not as much as I used to. Mal had but three bottles of beer in all so he did not become as drunk as he was on Halloween. He did not dance of course, he remained at our table guarding the drinks and the purses while Dove and I danced.
There was but one unsavoury moment. We were dancing near our table when some young men started teasing Mal, calling him a woman for having a purse. Stating that he had no friends in a somewhat childish manner.
I looked to Dove and communicated that I wished to defend the honour of our friend. Would she play along? I pulled her hand and led her back to our booth, giggling and Dove picked up on it.
"Mal." I said, gliding across his lap to sit on the inside of the booth seat. "I fear we have been neglecting you." I added as I pulled him closer to me and turned his head so that I could kiss his lips.
"Yeah honey." Dove said, sitting on his other side and stroking his arm. "It's such a shame you don't like dancing so much." She added and turned his face to her and kissed him before he could protest. "But I guess it's me and my girl out on the dance floor." She said, taking my hand, "But in the bedroom it's truly a ménage à trois." She added and moved my hand into Mal's groin.
I had to keep the shock from my face, playing along as if this was nothing as I trailed my hand, Dove's hand still atop mine, up Mal's chest until we could rest our hands either side of his face.
"Yeah." Mal said, placing his arms around both of us. "We sure do have a good time." He added and kissed each of us in turn.
"Yes." Dove and I breathed at the same time and we both kissed him in the same moment and then kissed each other, it was only acting after all, but the boys across the table were watching us in open-mouthed awe.
"Shall we take this somewhere a little more private?" Mal asked in a loud whisper.
"Of course." I said, stroking his chest.
The three of us rose to our feet, Dove and I taking up our shawls and purses and then we left together. Mal kept his arms around both of us, Dove and I with one arm each behind his back, and we left the Union bar together.
We carried on walking like that to the end of the block, by which time I could not hold back. Neither of us could and the three of us burst out laughing at the same time. I was so struck with the giggles that I had to sink into one of the metal chairs placed outside McDonalds.
"Oh my god, I should follow Mom into movies." Dove wheezed.
"Well I know what them lot will dream of tonight." Mal said. "And let's just say I won't make the cut."
"Oh lordy, I never would have thought I had such nerve in me!" I gasped. "Of course it will be all around campus by the morning."
Dove shrugged.
"They think that about us anyway." She said dismissively. "It'll be fun to give them a little solid evidence to work with."
"Yeah." Mal chuckled. "So you girls hungry? Cause we're gonna have to buy something or move on. The manager looks ready to come give us a good talking to."
"You know what we should do?" Dove said. "Go buy something from Burger King or KFC and come eat it here."
"That would be something." I mused. "But let us eat here. My legs are as jelly at the moment and I don't think I can walk far."
"Well let's go take a seat inside and I'll go to the counter. I'll pay for us all." Mal offered.
"There's no need to do that." Dove said.
"After what you two have done for my reputation tonight? I think I owe you both dinner for the rest of term." He stated.
"Careful, we might take you up on that offer honey-bun." Dove said, as she helped me to my feet. "Make mine a chicken burger meal."
"I'll have the same." I stated as Mal held the door and we entered. "With a coke."
"I'll have a coke too." Dove said.
"I won't be long." Mal said. "Where do you want to sit?"
"Over there." I said, spotting an empty booth.
Dove and I went to the booth and sat down.
"So did you manage to cop a feel?" She asked in a quick low hiss.
"I'm sorry?" I asked, confused by her question.
"His package! Did you get a good feel?" She demanded.
"Dove!" I exclaimed, feeling my cheeks grow red.
"Come on Liza, I gave you the perfect opportunity to try before you buy, now I want details. Is he as big as I think he is?" She asked.
"I have no idea of the contents of your mind." I said coldly.
"Ok. Well compared to other guys?" She continued.
"I've never been that close to anybody else before to give a true comparison." I stated. "Besides, I barely touched him. I was mortified to be doing something so private in public."
"You'd be surprised what people do in public." Dove said with a leer. "Why do you think they have such long table cloths in fancy restaurants?"
"Because in Victorian times they were so prudish that they didn't even want to think of tables as having legs." I stated.
"And to hide the lusty undercurrent in Victorian society." Dove said and pinched my knee.
"There's no table cloth here." I stated.
"I know. But if there was then no one would have seen that." She replied with a grin.
I rolled my eyes and leaned away from her as Mal came to the table with a tray laden with our three meals. He set it down and went to sit in the chair opposite.
"I don't think so lover boy." Dove said, getting up and motioning for him to slide in between us. "What if your fan club comes back?"
Mal shrugged and slid in beside me. Dove sat back in on the other side of him as Mal began to distribute the meals.
"I asked them to cut the burger in four for you." He informed me.
"Thank you my love." I said without thinking and kissed him.
"Now that's more like it." Dove said. "But we need to be a little more convincing." She added and she took my right hand and placed it on Mal's thigh.
"Do you think we might dispense with the loving while we are eating?" I asked, removing my hand in order to unwrap my burger.
"No." Dove said, grabbing my hand and placing it back on Mal's thigh and mugging at me, although I had no idea what she was trying to communicate.
I sighed and ate my meal. Mal and I were silent, although I must admit I did enjoy touching his thigh, while I was somewhat uncomfortable as I resisted the urge to move my hand higher and a small fraction to the right. Dove didn't notice as she chatted on about what, I had no idea.
Finally we finished eating. Dove and I went to the bathroom in order to freshen up and reapply our make-up.
"How's my plan working out for you?" She asked.
"What plan would that be?" I asked nonchalant.
"To bump you out of your shy rut and into the fast lane with Mal. That is where you want to be." She replied.
"Mal and I are friends." I stated. "And should I wish to make him more I would not play games."
"But you got to admit he's a good kisser." She coaxed.
"A very good kisser." I agreed wistfully.
"Yeah." Dove said and she was grinning, I realised I revealed more than I should have in my agreement. "You're a good kisser too." She said, and nudged me.
"Thank you." I replied. "So are you."
"Oh I know." Dove said, scrunching her hair up as she looked in the mirror. "But it took a lot of practice. How did you come to kiss me anyway?"
"It seemed the best way to sell the illusion." I replied.
"But you said you can only kiss people you like." She reminded me.
"That was a lie because I felt uncomfortable at the time." I said, unabashed. "I do not like being forced into such games in an intimate setting. You were trying to force something between Mal and I and it made me contrary indeed. I was determined not to enjoy the game because of it."
"I guessed as much." Dove said with a shrug. "Well I guess it doesn't matter now."
"No." I replied. "Are you ready to go home now?"
"I'm too jittery." Dove said. "I need me a man tonight."
"So I am to seek out other accommodation." I stated. "I have a bag packed just in case. Where do you wish to go to find such a man? Can we not go back to the Union?"
"No." Dove said with a shake of her head. "Let's head over to Glitz."
"Not the night club." I said with dread.
"What's wrong with a night club?" She demanded.
"Noisy and packed with sweaty people not watching where they throw their bodies. When you are of my stature you learn to be wary of such places." I explained.
"Then stick with Mal." Dove advised me. "We won't be in there long. I'll single a guy out and then we'll head home."
"Very well. Provided Mal is not averse to the idea." I stated.
"Then let's go ask him."
I sighed and followed Dove from the room.
Thankfully Dove was but half an hour in enticing a man home with her. His name was Steve and he was in his second year of college. He thought it was a hoot going back to the dorms again. I stopped by my room to grab my bag, ensuring that Steve was not some form of psychopath before I left with Mal to go to his room.
I was going to tease Mal somewhat over the whole ménage incident, but it escaped my mind when we were in his room and I realised we were alone for the night. I dropped my bag and leapt lightly onto his desk chair it spun and I had to centre my balance. Luckily Mal put his arms about me and steadied me and I threw my arms about his neck and kissed him hungrily, my one leg rising up as Mal ran his hand down the back of it and he pulled off my shoe.
Oh! I had forgotten about my heels. I pulled away from Mal a moment and slipped off my other shoe. Then I considered for a moment.
"I will go change and wash off my make-up." I stated.
"We should have thought of that before we came here." Mal observed.
"It would have saved me the trip back." I conceded.
Mal closed his eyes.
"There's no one in the men's. I can lock the door now and we could just step through the wall." He offered.
"Why not." I said with a shrug. "Although you are not to look when I am washing my make-up off. It is not a pretty sight."
"I think you'd pull it off." Mal said and kissed my forehead.
"Let's wash before someone requires the use of the bathroom." I stated, taking my toiletry bag from my backpack.
"Then let's go." Mal said, and he took my hand.
I concentrated and gave Mal a boost of power. I was confident in my own ability now. I understood it better than ever and it was nothing for me to boost a person voluntarily.
We emerged in the bathroom next to the door and I went to the sink and began washing immediately. There was no point in mucking about. Mal brushed his teeth and I was somewhat glad, there would be minty-fresh kisses for us now.
Mal took my hand once we were finished and we stepped back into his room. A moment later we heard the bathroom door open and close.
"Just in time." I observed as I dug my sleep t-shirt from my bag and changed into it from my dress.
Mal changed into his shorts and t-shirt type pyjamas and then I grabbed hold of him. I pulled his head down to mine and kissed him.
"Now to bed." I said.
"Ok." Mal said and he climbed in first.
I jumped in with him and turned my back so that he could pull me into his chest. He kissed my neck as he did so and his hand glided over more of my body than usual. His hand paused for a moment, and then ran around to my stomach.
"You're not wearing a bra." He whispered.
"No. I do not need protection from you now." I whispered and I put my hand over his, guided it down to the bottom of my t-shirt and guided it up beneath it.
Mal kissed my neck again and his hand moved up the skin of my abdomen until he reached my breast. He hesitated a moment, and then his hand covered my breast and the caress of his fingers sent a shuddering thrill through my body and I felt my breath catch as his lips touched my neck again.
"You have wonderful breasts." He whispered.
"Thank you." I said softly, lost somewhere for a moment.
His left arm snaked beneath me and he placed his hand against my stomach and pulled me even closer to him before his hand went searching downwards. It was over the top my underwear, but there was enough give for me to feel the thrill immensely. The thrill intensified as Mal continued to move his hands against me. I pressed closer to him, turning my head so I could catch his lips. My hand moved behind me and I touched him where Dove had been encouraging me to earlier. Although I merely brushed it, I was unsure of whether to feel further.
Mal growled and kissed me hungrily, turning me onto my back. He lay beside me, his hands working once more and I was feeling the wonderful promise of what lay ahead. Mal's lips travelled down to my navel and now he moved between my legs before he his lips moved back up, my hands meeting his cheeks to guide him back to my lips as he settled down on top of me.
I was ready for him, I was sure. How greatly he moved me, the friction doing wonderful things. We merely had to be rid of our underwear now and use some protection of course. I was about to suggest this to Mal when there was a strange noise from beyond the wall. It took a moment to realise it was the sound of a woman, a very noisy woman in the throws of passion. Then the man joined in, using most vulgar language that made me somewhat nauseous.
"That's a passion killer." Mal said, lying down beside me.
"Yes." I said sadly, laying my hand on his shoulder and placing my arm over his chest. "Almost." I sobbed. "Almost."
"Don't worry, it's Thursday tomorrow. We'll be at the cabin and no one else for hundreds of miles."
"That will be nice." I said, and then frowned and tried to locate the buzzing.
"That fly bugging you too?" He asked.
"Yes." I said, and I leapt up off the bed, trying to locate it.
"There it is." Mal said, and there was a thud and the sound of smashing glass and a warm scent filled the air. "Good news is I got the fly." He said. "Bad news, I cut my hand open."
"Not that bad." I said and I turned on the light and returned to him. "Let me see."
Mal placed his bleeding hand in mine. I reached into my purse and pulled out a pair of tweezers. I began pulling pieces of glass from his hand. Mal hissing with every removal. After I finished I pouted at him.
"Aw baby." I said, kissing his wounded hand, and his blood tasted good.
I couldn't resist licking his hand. It was enthralling and then I couldn't stop myself, licking his hand clean and then there was blood only on his thumb. I sucked on it and was lost in the taste for a long while before I opened my eyes to find Mal watching me with heated eyes.
"Oh god. That was…" He growled and took hold of me, pulling me to him and then he was kissing at me with wild abandon.
We made out for a very long time. I couldn't remember everything that we did, although it was all above clothes fooling. It was only the next day when I looked in the mirror in Mal's room that I remembered him kissing and sucking at a spot on my throat for a very long time.
"Oh dear." I whispered. "How long do you think it will last?"
"I don't know." He said, examining the love bite on my neck. "It looks like it's three days old, it might disappear by this afternoon."
"And what do I do in the mean time?" I asked in despair.
"Wear a scarf. Pack quickly and we'll head up to the cabin before anyone sees you tidy." Mal stated.
"Oh dear." I murmured, dreading having to go into my room, what would Dove say?
I planned to make a quick trip to my room, grab what I would need for the cabin and leave with Mal, but nothing went to plan that day. First I was stopped by Alec who stated how he needed to go hunting, I reluctantly agreed that he could come while I formulated a plan that meant he could hunt, but would be nowhere near the cabin.
From the way Alec regarded me I knew it was clear Mal and I had been up to something. I decided to shower and dress before I went back to my room, I was thankful that I had thought to put what I might need in my backpack.
By the time I was washed and dressed and had my hair dried the love bite was barely a blemish. I sighed in relief as I styled my hair to ensure that it was completely covered before I returned to my room. Or tried to return to my room, I had to knock hard in order to rouse Dove and when I walked in I walked straight back out for Steve was completely naked. I covered my eyes and growled at Dove to get him dressed fast.
That took five minuets, unbelievably. I was truly angered by the time I entered my room again to find Steve dressed in the clothes he was wearing the night before. I ignored him as I went about my room to collect what I would need for the weekend.
Then I had a phone call. It was Detective Fraser stating that she wanted to speak with me to go over my statement. She had rang Mal too, and we had to put off our trip until we spoke with her. She didn't appear until mid-afternoon and by the time she had gone over my statement and Mal's statement again it was dark.
"We could wait until tomorrow." Mal suggested.
"No. We go tonight and I'll drive." I said firmly.
"Why?" Mal asked.
"Because I'm likely to kill Alec if my hands are free." I growled.
"Alec's coming?" Mal asked in horror.
"Unfortunately yes. He gave a convincing argument of why he needs to come with us for this time." I grouched.
"Damn." Mal observed.
"Come. Let us not dally." I said and knocked Alec's door as we passed his room.
Alec emerged and followed us out of the building and to the parking lot. I was giving him every opportunity to change his mind and stay, but it was clear Alec would come with us. I had a perfect plan formulated by the time I climbed into the driver's seat.
It took a moment for me to adjust the seat of Mal's jeep so that I could see over the steering wheel, and then I was leaving the multi-story car park. I drove through the night and into the morning, my hands gripping the steering wheel until I was worried I would forever leave indents of my fingers in the plastic. I had elected to drive because I had a plan I could not share with Mal for fear Alec would overhear and attempt to foil me. Now he would not be able to because he was not expecting it. I merely had to find the best place to drop him.
I took a turning a hundred miles south of our destination. Mal stirred slightly in the passenger seat beside me. He knew we were off track and I prayed he would say nothing. He remained stoic but he clearly wished to question me. I hoped Alec would not pick up on that as I reached the end of a gravel path where there was a small parking area near a trailhead.
"This is your stop Alec." I stated as I drew to a stop but did not stop the engine.
"Excuse me?" Alec asked.
"It will be too much of a risk for you to hunt in exactly the same area as us. Lost in the hunt you may attack one of us. It is safer for you to hunt here and we will pick you up on the way back on Sunday. There is a tent if you need cover, but I thought you may like to run for that time. Although I suggest you keep to a fifty-mile radius after you head a hundred miles east from this point. That should take you beyond any human trails and will be safe for you to hunt without worry." I said quickly leaving no space for interruption.
Alec watched my face in the rear view mirror for a moment and I set it into a mask of determination.
"Where is the tent?" He asked.
"There." I said, pointing to it on the seat beside him.
"Then I will see you both Sunday." Alec said and got out of the truck and shut the door.
I pulled away, watching the mirrors. The moonlight lit the little parking area and illuminated the solitary figure of Alec. He merely stood there watching us depart and I forced myself to drive on. I was not being cruel, I was being practical. He had invited himself on this trip knowing full well the plans Mal and I had made. I had altered them to cater to his needs.
"You really know how to plan." Mal observed.
"He should not have inserted himself into our plans." I stated.
"Aren't you worried he'll go on a bloody rampage?" He asked.
"He would not wish to hurt Jane in that way." I replied, turning back onto the high way. "It will not hurt him to spend a few days of reflection in the solitude of the woods."
"Maybe he'll think twice next time." Mal stated, although he sounded doubtful.
"Yes. Now let us forget about him and prepare our minds for the weekend ahead." I said with a smile. "By Monday we will know each other and what bliss that will be."
"Yeah." Mal agreed wistfully.
"But first we must stop for supplies." I stated as we neared the exit for the all night super market.
"Fruit. Ice cream. Chocolate sauce. Whipped cream. Honey." Mal said, as if reading off a list.
"Mal!" I gasped in shock as I felt my cheeks flame. "Should we experiment with such things it will be when I am more experienced in loving you."
"I was joking." Mal said, making calming motions.
"Please, I am jittery as is." I admitted now that I was able to focus on my real feelings with the intruder gone.
"Well as long as you don't mind living on tinned sausages and tomatoes for the next few days we don't have to get supplies."
"We will need bread at the very least." I stated. "The walk about the store will do me good." I assured him.
"Then let's go get food. If we get steaks I can grill them for you." He offered.
"That would be nice. Perhaps tomorrow night after hunting." I replied as we got out of the truck.
Mal placed his arm about me as we crossed the parking lot. There was a group of men standing around a group of hot rods near the entrance of the store.
"We will flatten them if we have to." I said in a low voice.
"Let's just get in the store." Mal said, ushering me into the store. "We'll just get what we need and then we'll get out of here." He added in Welsh.
"Yes." I replied.
We made our journey about the store and gathered everything we needed. Thankfully the men about the cars paid no heed to us when we left and I drove away from the store as fast as was legally possible.
"Does it scare you a little when you see a gang like that, not because they might hurt you, but how would you explain it to police how you managed to fight them off?" Mal asked.
"Yes." I agreed.
"I had to once…" He said, and trailed off.
"Had to what?" I asked.
"Had to beat up an entire gang. There were ten of them and they were going to mug me. I would have accepted that, but then one of them stabbed me. I didn't kill them, but they were pretty beat up. The police thought it was a rival gang thing." He explained.
"Mal, you are not at fault. They hurt you badly, and yet you did not kill them. Should you have allowed them to kill you?" I reasoned.
"No." Mal said. "But I get wary around big human gangs in case I get attacked again. And what if they'd attacked you? I would have killed them."
"Mal, it did not happen. Let us not dwell on what ifs. There is too much to experience this weekend to allow things that did not happen to upset us." I stated. "But if you wish to discuss past experiences then I will be a ear for you."
"This weekend isn't for my dark past." Mal said. "It's for the beginning of our future together."
"Yes." I said as I pulled onto the little road that led to the dirt track that led to his cabin.
I fell to silence for the rest of the journey. I realised what was going to happen when we reached the cabin. I would finally lie with Mal; I would no longer be a virgin.
"Whoa Liza!" Mal gasped and suddenly I was in the passenger seat as he now drove the truck.
"What happened?" I asked.
"You nearly drove us over the ridge." Mal said with agitation.
"Sorry." I said. "I…"
"Dozed off? It is one in the morning. Don't worry; we're nearly at the cabin. I'll set everything up while you go get ready for bed, then I'll come cwtch you in when you sleep." He stated.
"But don't you want to…" I protested, but a yawn caught me.
"I want you to remember your first time, and have you participate fully. How can you do that if you're half asleep?" Mal asked.
"You want to wait until tomorrow." I said sadly.
"After we've slept, and hunted and have all that fresh blood buzzing around inside of us? Tomorrow will be a much better first time." He stated.
I thought about the reasons he gave me and I nodded my head in agreement as the truck began to slow for we had reached the cabin. He parked outside and then turned to me.
"I'll go and turn on the generator and the water. You just go inside and get into your pyjamas." He stated.
I nodded and got out of the truck, taking my backpack with me. I walked through the dark cabin and into the bedroom while Mal went behind the cabin to start the generator and fill the water tank. I changed in the dark, even when I heard the roar of the generator. Not until I was properly in my pyjamas did I go to switch on the light.
I turned to the bed and smiled as I imagined lying across it in a seductive pose, waiting for Mal to come in. He would see me and then we would kiss and that would lead to other things. That would be nice, I thought as I yawned, but maybe it would be better left until tomorrow, I was dead on my feet.
I moved to the bed and turned down the covers ready for when Mal entered the room. He entered, wearing shorts and t-shirt; he had changed in the main room. It mattered not, I merely held out my hand to him. Mal took my hand and I pulled him closer to me. I leapt up onto the bed and stood, it brought me to his height and I was able to wrap my arms about him and we kissed.
The kiss was intense, his hands finding the bare skin of my back. The warmth spread through me and I felt the stir of my body. I began to sit down, pulling Mal with me, and then I lay back against the pillows with Mal on top of me. I realised that I was leading this further than Mal had intended this evening. I pulled my head back and smiled.
"Tonight is perfectly ok if that's what you want." Mal said, stroking my cheek.
"I would like that very much." I whispered in return, and I moved my hand to the bare skin of his back, riding his t-shirt up.
"Ok then." Mal said with a smile before he ran his nose along my jawbone and then he knelt up and pulled off his t-shirt.
I sat up too and reached out to touch his chest, to move my hand over it as Mal leaned forward and began to kiss at my neck. His hand went to my waist and he began to move it up, taking my top with him until he reached my breast. I gasped in pleasure, and threw myself closer to him, feeling his stomach against mine. Oh how divine the feelings as we kissed at each other.
I was enjoying it, really I was, but it had been a long day and a long journey and I couldn't stifle the yawn that seemed completely absurd given how much energy my body seemed to be channelling at the moment.
Mal pulled away from me and gave me a concerned look, then smiled.
"We'll wait until tomorrow." He said. "Come on, sleep and re-charge your batteries and tomorrow we'll make love for as long as you like."
"But…" I began.
"We've waited this long a few more hours won't hurt." Mal said as he guided me to lie down beside him.
"Are you sure?" I asked, placing my hand to his cheek.
"Yes." He said, kissing my forehead, before pulling me closer.
He pulled the covers over us, and the light clicked off. I snuggled closer to him, kissed his chin, and then turned so that he could pull me closer to his chest. He kissed my hair and I tangled my hands with his as we settled down to sleep.
It was but a few hours later when I awoke. Mal was still fast asleep, his breath warm against me head. I could turn to him now, rouse him and then we could make love. At some point we would have to go and hunt and come out of our loving mood.
On the other hand I could wake him now. We could have breakfast, and then go hunting. We would have that out of the way and filled with fresh blood we would have the rest of this weekend to revel in each other's company.
I realised the second scenario would be better. With one amendment, I would allow him to sleep a little longer and wake him with breakfast.
I moved carefully out of his arms and slid off the bed. He stirred for a moment, but settled down when I placed a pillow in his arms. I watched him for a moment while he slept. He looked so cute while he slept, his mouth slightly open, his hair falling over his forehead. I reached out and stroked it back and he sighed softly before he smiled in his sleep. I regarded his angel's face and long athletic body and couldn't help my smile of satisfaction, this beautiful man was all mine and by the end of the day we would finally be one.
I felt light on my feet as I went into the main room and the little kitchen area. I sang and danced my way through preparing breakfast, feeling on top of the world. Finally Mal and I were alone together and there was nobody for miles around to interrupt us. We would eat, feed and then adjourn to the bedroom for, perhaps the rest of our time here.
I realised I sang my last thoughts aloud, but I shrugged, even if Mal had heard it would not have been embarrassing. I didn't mind him knowing my thoughts on the matter.
I placed our breakfast of pancakes and fruit and cream upon a tray along with coffee and two mugs. I carried it into the bedroom and placed it on the cabinet before I climbed onto the bed and lay down facing Mal.
"Mal." I said softly.
He took a quick deep breath as if he was about to wake, and then settled back into sleep.
"Malachite." I crooned, tickling his nose with my finger. "It's morning my love."
"It is?" He asked, his eyes still closed. "What smells so good?" He asked.
"Breakfast." I replied. "I've made us breakfast in bed."
His eyes opened and he focused on me before smiling.
"You didn't have to do that." He observed, reaching out and placing his hand on my hip.
"I know." I replied, stroking back his hair and enjoying its softness beneath my fingers. "But I wanted to do it. We can eat breakfast, go hunting, and then the rest of the day is ours to do with as we please."
"I love the way you organise." Mal said with a smile and he kissed my lips before he sat up.
"I have practised my whole life." I joked as I sat up too.
I reached for the tray and brought it on to the bed to place in front of us.
"I thought you would not be opposed to sharing a plate." I stated.
"Not at all bach." He said, hugging me with one arm for a moment, before we both reached out for our breakfast. "So we got the fruit and cream and syrup after all." Mal observed, as he picked up a strawberry, dipped it in cream and brought it to my mouth.
"I thought of the innocent fun we could have with it." I said and bit the strawberry.
"But that's not what you thought last night when I mentioned them." He said.
"No." I said as I picked up a segment of orange and took up some cream upon it. "I had far more erotic imaginings." I said and I tapped the segment against his nose before I placed it in my mouth, and then I kissed the cream from the end of his nose.
"You'd be willing to try stuff like that?" Mal asked, taking a dollop of cream on his finger and he placed it to my lips.
I licked the cream from his finger, and then placed a kiss to his lips before pulling back.
"Perhaps in a year when I am more confident in my sexual prowess I will be open to suggestions of things to try. Even if it's a little messy, and sticky and requires me to present my body as a platter." I said, teasing him with a piece of pancake, before I placed it in my mouth.
"Oh, you are too good to be true." Mal declared before placing his lips to mine and I sank into the kiss, enjoying every moment of it.
"Oh but this goes against my organising." I whispered as we still kissed. "If we carry on sex will be now and hunting may not happen at all."
"And we have to feed." Mal said still kissing me. "We might go mad and kill the whole college if we don't."
"Yes." I sighed, the kiss continuing. "So feeding is for the good of the community."
"Then we have to work for the greater good." Mal said as he started kissing at my neck.
"Oh Mal…" I moaned, "Must we always be so good?"
"That's the trouble when you're the good guys." Mal replied, and I loved his lips trailing to my cleavage.
"What a wearying position to uphold." I sighed, allowing him to kiss as low as my neckline would allow, before I pulled away. "We must hunt."
"And then you will be mine." Mal whispered.
I nodded, and then got down from the bed.
"Unfortunately we must be good little dhampir now and drink up our blood." I observed.
"Unfortunately yes." Mal said as he got down from the bed on the other side. "Do you need to shower?"
"Hell no!" I declared. "I am going in my pyjamas to save time. Come. Let us go now."
"Yes." Mal replied and we rounded the bed to take each other's hands before leaving the bedroom and then the cabin together.
Unfortunately hunting took forever that day. We had to go much further from the cabin than we had previously and we were gone for hours. It was midday by the time we were finished. With my vampire half fed I was famished by the time we returned to the cabin, and there were the dishes from this morning. I had gone out and left them!
"We must wash this mornings dishes, eat, and then wash those dishes. Then I must shower to be all fresh and alluring for you and I have the perfect outfit I will wear for when we make love." I said fast and almost with one breath.
"Liza, it's ok." Mal said, putting his hands to my cheeks and kissing my forehead. "We have all weekend. We'll do this at your pace."
"Thank you my love." I whispered, kissing him momentarily before I went to gather our breakfast things from the bedroom.
I washed the dishes while Mal wiped and put them away. Then we made up some lunch, although Mal kept the steaks, we would have them tonight, or possibly tomorrow if we forgot about dinner later. We ate lunch and then washed the dishes.
"If you really want a shower I'll have to fill the tank again." He stated.
"I really want a shower." I said apologetically.
"Liza, we have all weekend." Mal said with a smile, placing his hands to my shoulders. "Now relax while I go start the pump."
I nodded and Mal left me for the moment. But I could not relax, I was on edge. I needed the toilet. I passed Mal as he was coming back around the cabin. I waved to him before I stepped into the privy.
I relieved myself, but then I felt a roll of nervousness take me and I actually threw up. Dear god I was a wreck! Why was my body working against me when I could finally know my Malachite? It was nerves, nothing more, and after a shower I would be fine. Once my Malachite worked his magic upon my body my nervousness would disappear.
My Malachite would not disappoint me, and I would not disappoint him. We would be one this day, but he could not know I'd been ill. Not yet.
I threw some newspaper down into the hole to cover the evidence, but I still had to swill my mouth. I would have to use the nearby stream. I had no idea how clean the water was, but my body would handle any microbes. I swilled out my mouth and then ran back to the cabin.
"Are you ok?" Mal asked when I entered.
"Yes." I said, nodding my head.
"Are you sure you're ready?" He asked.
"Yes. I am merely feeling a little flustered. I am over thinking this and it gives me chance to worry, but I really wish to be one with you. I merely require a shower and I will feel better." I assured him.
"Well the tank just finished filling. Why don't you go relax in the shower? Take as long as you want. This is all at your pace." Mal said softly.
I nodded before I went into the bedroom and turned on the shower. The water did calm me, made me feel centred and I was in a much better mood by the time I wiped dry and pulled on my nightdress. It was the lacy but innocent one I had worn in front of Mal before and had felt so embarrassed, now it would serve the purpose I had not wanted it to at that time.
I wiped my hair with a towel and then blow-dried it quickly, using the brush merely to ensure that it didn't tangle and not to style it. My curls were the most raucous they had ever been, but somehow that seemed fitting. Finally I was ready, and after a brief scurry about the room to put things back in place, I opened the bedroom door.
I leant against the door jam in a seductive pose.
"Why hello there Malachite." I breathed and he looked toward me and I enjoyed the way his mouth fell open.
I skipped over to him and twirled before him.
"Is this not an improvement?" I asked.
"Not that you needed improving on." Mal said, his hands going to my hips, "This is just pretty wrapping for something that's already perfect."
"Oh, you flatterer." I teased, as I climbed into his lap and sat across it facing him. "And now no more procrastinating. Make a woman of me Mal." I said huskily as I brushed my lips against his and then we began kissing in a way that made my body thrill with rushing. We would know each other and we would always and forever be in love.
There was the sound of knocking, but I ignored it, who would it be out here in the woods? Nobody of course, just a woodpecker of some sort.
I carried on kissing Mal as he ran a hand up my thigh, disappearing beneath the skirt of my nightdress and as he reached that sensitive area I prepared to pull him into the bedroom where we could continue this properly.
There was definitely a knock on the door.
"Liza? Mal?"
I looked to Mal in horror.
That cannot be Alec! I thought, wishing I had telepathy in that moment to communicate this with Mal.
"Please let me in!" Alec called and it sounded urgent.
I looked to Mal in the hope that he would remain silent; surely Alec would get the message and go away if we did not reply.
"It's urgent!" Alec called.
I shook my head hoping to indicate that Alec was lying. I realised I need not have bothered for Mal had no intention of answering the door. I rested my head on his shoulder and held my breath as I counted in my mind, waiting for Alec to leave.
"I require the use of a phone! Mine ran out of battery and I was in the middle of a conversation with Jane about my children!" He called.
I lifted my head and gave Mal an apologetic look before I went quickly to the bedroom, pulled on my shorts and t-shirt over my nightdress and went to answer the door.
"This had better be true or so help me I will kill you." I growled.
"Oh, I have interrupted once more? I am sorry. I thought surely you would have known each other the night past." He said, and it annoyed me that he assumed we were yet to consummate our relationship. Had Mal and I made love last night, I would do so again today, taking very advantage of our solitude.
"Do what you must to contact your sister, then be gone for the remainder of the weekend." I hissed, pointing him in the direction of the wall socket.
"I will make it quick." Alec said and he went to the socket. "Do you happen to have a spare charger?"
"God damn it Alec!" Mal snapped before I had chance to. "You're enjoying interrupting us like this. Just take my phone and get lost." He added with a growl and threw his phone to Alec, almost at Alec.
Alec caught it deftly and gave Mal an amused look before he flicked through the phone menu.
"It works outside." Mal said pointedly.
"Thank you." Alec said sarcastically and left, leaving the door wide open.
Mal moved his hand and it slammed shut. He was glowering at the door for a moment, trying to calm his breathing before he let out a sigh and turned to me. Then he smiled and I was happy to see it was genuine.
"Now where were we?" He asked, taking my hand and twirling me into him.
I giggled and kissed his lips as he lowered his head, before I stood back for a moment and pulled off the shorts and t-shirt. Garbed once more in my nightdress I stepped back into Mal's embrace and he lifted me so that my legs went about his waist and we kissed once more.
"Shall we take this to the bedroom?" He asked.
"Yes." I replied, for I was more than ready for my Malachite and who knew when Alec might choose to put in an appearance again. "Let us dally no further." I announced and before I could speak again we were in the bedroom, the door firmly closed and the chair placed securely beneath the handle.
"That will not keep Alec out." I whispered.
"My shield will, but just in case." Mal replied as he laid me down on the bed.
"Good." I replied, taking hold of the front of his t-shirt and pulling him down on top of me.
We began kissing again and I encouraged him to remove his t-shirt. I took a moment to caress his chest before he began to kiss at my neck, his hands riding up my nightdress until my naval was exposed and his kisses began to alight there in what I had always thought of as an innocent region, but there was nothing innocent about the kisses Mal now plied me with. Coupled with his busy fingers, and I was certain an enhancement from his telekinesis, he was working well toward making my body soar. I wanted more.
"Jane I care not, they are my children you can not keep me from them…"
I would not allow the voice from outside to distract me. I pushed Mal onto his back, sitting across him in a manner that allowed me to feel how enamoured he was in the moment and I looked deep into his eyes, enjoying the depth of the passion I saw there.
"You're so beautiful." Mal whispered, sitting up to be closer to me, his hand cupping my cheek.
"As you are handsome my Malachite." I replied, stroking his hair about his ear, "I would love you every day if it is permitted."
"I will love you every day." Mal said, and he kissed me.
At first I thought he had misunderstood me, but he had realised I alluded to the physical act of love and I pulled back a moment to smile at him, but I could think of no response, so I kissed at his neck once more, guiding him back to the pillows.
I sat up and he went to follow me, but I held my finger out to him, keeping him in place. I smiled, gazing into his eyes as I reached for the bottom of my nightdress. I paused, hesitating and I dropped my head shyly for a moment. I was about to cross a threshold. I was about to be more naked than I had ever been in front of another living person since the day I was born. I had learned of decorum early on and had never been in anything less than full underwear in front of anybody.
However I trusted Mal completely and I wanted him to know me fully. I could show myself to him, and what did I have to fear? I had a good body, thanks to being dhampir. And even though I am small I have womanly curves, what did I have to fear?
Then I heard the voice of Alec once more, and the window so near that voice. A window with no curtains or shutters. Why would one seek such methods of privacy out in the forest where you had no expectation of strangers happening by and there was no light pollution outside?
"What's wrong?" Mal asked, sitting up and I was now out of his lap with my hands covering my face as if I could make myself invisible.
"The windows are bare." I whispered.
There was the sound of movement and then I heard a strange thunk that seemed out of place in the wilderness, as it was more akin to something you'd hear in an office. I uncovered my face and looked up to find Mal stapling a blanket above one of the windows.
"I've been meaning to get some curtains." He said, moving onto the next. "Maybe you can pick some out."
"I will make them." I promised as he finished covering all the little windows, there were four in total.
"Will that do for now?" Mal asked, lying down next to me on the bed.
"Yes." I replied and I began to kiss him once more.
I was unable to let myself sink into the experience thanks to my wretched brain. It had caught the scent of my unease of Alec directly outside and now it was growing in my mind, tainting what should be a happy memory.
"I'm sorry I can't." I sobbed, pulling away from Mal and turning from him so I would not witness the frustration and hurt on his face. "It's impossible while he's outside, possibly listening in. I cannot relax and enjoy this, as I should. I am sorry."
"I am literally going to kill Alec." Mal groaned and I was aware of him lying on his back.
He sighed and I felt his hand stroke my back.
"Never mind fy nghariad." He said softly, calling me his love in Welsh, and he turned me to him and hugged me into his chest as he lay back down. "I want you to have a memorable time for the right reasons, so obviously that won't be this time. We'll just have to come back next week and ditch the third wheel in Riverside."
I laughed, although I still felt awful, as if I was, "A tease." I murmured.
"Sorry?"
"I feel like a tease." I said sadly. "Always leading you a merry dance but never following through."
"It's not you." Mal said. "It's fate. It's playing some kind of sick game with us, but we'll have the last laugh. Next weekend you'll see."
"You have a lesson." I stated.
"Yeah. But we can always come up here after my lesson. I do believe it's something we planned." He stated.
"It is." I remembered with a smile. "And for one night we can pack light." I observed.
"Yeah." Mal replied and he kissed my forehead.
I sighed; moving slightly and I felt something with my elbow, something that was surely a pressing issue for Mal.
"But you are all ready for me and I cannot finish it." I said.
"I'll do it later." He said. "I'm ok for now."
"But you would have to go outside, past Alec." I stated.
"I'll use the shower." He replied with a shrug.
"Well I was trying to hint at another alternative." I stated and I moved my hand slowly down toward his groin.
Mal placed his hand on my wrist and stopped my hand. I looked up at him.
"Are you sure about this?" He asked.
"I was about to make love to you before Alec showed up, it would be a sorry affair indeed if I cannot bring myself to touch your…your..."
"You can't even say it." Mal said.
"I don't have to in order to touch it." I said firmly and without another thought I pulled my hand quickly from beneath his and went beneath the band of his under pants.
My hand found its destination and I felt it move at my touch and Mal let out a breath. I looked up at him, awed for a moment, before I began stroking him, finding a reaction each time and soon Mal was lost as I kissed at his stomach and chest to add more to the experience. There was certainly a build up of tension; I could feel it in the air, tightening around the both of us, until finally a release and Mal went limp.
I moved so that I knelt near his shoulders, feeling slightly worried as I placed my hands to his cheeks.
"Mal? Are you ok?" I asked.
"Yeah." He replied wistfully as his eyes fluttered open and he smiled blissfully at me. "I'm great." He replied, pulling me against his chest and hugging me with one arm as he ran is fingers through my hair with the other. "You smell great." He sighed, sniffing my hair.
"So do you." I replied, taking a deep breath. "So very different to before, but it's still you." I added, moving closer to him and nuzzling at his chest.
"You're still so full of tension." Mal observed, his hand travelling slowly down my back. "I should help you, like you helped me."
"Yes." I whispered as his hand rounded my thigh and I felt his fingers brush my intimate spot and I let out a sighing moan.
"Just lie back." He said as he lay me back. "And let's get rid of that tension." He added and he pushed my nightdress up as far as my diaphragm and placed his lips to my stomach.
I felt my stomach tense in delight as he continued to kiss me. I almost didn't notice his hand working beneath the elastic of my panties and then his fingers were exploring me until they became a very intriguing to me indeed. Of course he continued to kiss and nuzzle my stomach; that was delightful too. And his mouth was moving higher now and I cared not in the sweet rushing that drew gasps from me. His mouth moved higher still as his finger continued to work, and now his mouth was upon my breast, his tongue doing wondrous things to me.
I let out a loud sound of pleasure that almost echoed around the room. And that sound that escaped my lips frightened me and I was pushing Mal away, feeling tears on my cheeks.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"I can't." I cried. "Not even that. Not when he's out there to hear my cries of pleasure and add it to his twisted fantasies. I can't when he is near."
"Oh Liza, Liza, Liza." Mal sighed, hugging my head to his chest as the tears continued to roll down my cheeks.
He held me for a long while and I was so upset. I was angered with myself because I was the block in our amorous plans. I could blame Alec, but if I had more of a will I would ignore him. I would be…I would be making love right now.
"We're not gonna get rid of Alec right now." Mal said. "And even if we do you'll be worried he'll show back up. So why don't we head back to Riverside, we'll be back in time for you to head out on the town with Dove."
"But I don't want to." I replied miserably.
"All you'll do is mope and make yourself ill with worry if we stay here. Let's head back to Riverside. Even if you don't head out with Dove, we'll watch a film in a safe environment where we wouldn't have sex because of my off-putting neighbour."
"I'm sorry." I whispered.
"Liza, I don't want to force you into anything. I want you to feel completely comfortable when we finally make love." Mal said in soothing tones. "I don't want you jumping at every noise from outside because Alec's stalking around. I want you to be completely happy and content and since that's not going to happen then we may as well go back to Riverside than be stuck up here with Alec all weekend."
"Very well." I replied sadly.
"But before we do anything I need shower." He stated.
"Me too." I confessed, for I had a sheen of sweat over me even if I didn't find true fulfilment thanks to Alec.
"Ok. Then you go first and I'll go…" Mal began.
"After we have refilled the tank again?" I asked, cutting him off. "Will it not be better if we shower together?"
"But we'll be naked together and…" Mal began.
"I am comfortable enough to shower with you Mal. It is merely activities that are more audible that I shy from when Alec is close enough to hear." I stated.
"Well, as long as you're comfortable." Mal said. "I'll go turn on the shower. Would you like me to get in first and give you chance to change your mind?"
"I won't change my mind, but it might be for the best." I conceded.
Mal nodded his head and then ghosted to the little shower room and turned the water on. He glanced at me for a moment, turned his back and pulled his boxers off. I admired his naked bottom for the few seconds he stood there before he stepped under the water.
I got to my feet and before I had time to think I pulled off my nightdress and my panties and stepped into the shower room with Mal. He was washing his hair when I stepped in. he thought I would wimp out. I would show him.
I placed my hand to the small of his back, contemplating on placing it lower. Mal turned and looked down at me. I smiled up at him, blinking slightly as the water dripped into my eyes. I pushed the water up over my hair, and damped it down somewhat. Mal couldn't keep his eyes off me and I allowed my eyes to trail down for a moment before I looked back up to his face.
"Are we not meant to be washing?" I asked lightly as I took the scrunchy from the rack and squirted some body wash onto it.
"Oh god." Mal said. "This might be a little too much for me."
"Sorry." I said, handing the scrunchy to him. "We will keep this innocent. Wash my back for me please. There is a spot that no matter how flexible I am I can never quite sufficiently reach." I added as I turned my back to him.
"Ok. I can do this." Mal muttered and then I felt the scrunchy gently caress my back.
It was divine. I enjoyed the soft strokes as Mal washed my back. I didn't even mind his cheeky detour when he touched my naked bottom. I merely leant my head back until I could see him and I wiggled my nose at him before going back to enjoying him washing my back.
"Shall I wash your hair now?" He asked.
"Oh that would be…I would like that very much." I murmured.
I felt the water closer to me. Mal had taken down the showerhead and was now holding it close to my head as the deluge soaked into my hair, his fingers moving across my scalp to ensure proper saturation.
"And you think you cannot give a massage." I sighed. "It is such a delight what you do to me now."
"Really? Just a head massage?" He asked in disbelief.
"Oh yes." I whispered.
"And I haven't even done the shampoo yet." He said as he let the showerhead down on the floor and he began to shampoo my hair.
Finally my hair was clean and I turned to him.
"Now I must wash you." I said.
"No." Mal said. "I think you should go get dressed while I finish up here."
"I don't understand."
"Liza. We're both naked in a confined space, and if we carry on like this, Alec or no Alec I'll ravish you right here, cause you stir me, more than you can imagine." He stated, and his tones were serious, Mal was holding back completely at this moment and the slightest inclination from me and we would make love.
"I will give you space." I said and stepped out of the shower. "Although it sounds very promising for next weekend. I heard that it takes most men a while to get back up to speed."
"That's human men bach." Mal said with a laugh. "Now really go get dressed because you have a wonderful body that I just want to get to know better and it's taking all my will not to do it right now."
"Then I will remove temptation from your sight." I said and stepped sideways, beyond the view of the door.
I wrapped a towel about me and stepped back into Mal's view.
"Is this better?" I asked.
"Oh god." Mal said, and I stepped away from the shower trying not to giggle as my cheeks burned.
I should not have gone back to look after Mal had explained why he wanted me from the shower. I had to hold my breath as I wiped and dressed for I could feel the giggles waiting to burst free. Oh my god it was funny, yet so cute that he was… I adored Mal more than I could fathom. Perhaps I should step into the shower with him and we could get to know each other better. Would Alec hear us if the water was running?
"How long have you been holding your breath?" Mal asked, standing behind me and placing his hand to my shoulders and looking at me in the mirror.
"How long has it been since I surprised you?" I asked.
"About twenty minuets." He said, shaking his hand.
"Then that's how long I held my breath." I replied. "And now I am dressed and my hair is almost dried."
"You did all that without realising?"
I shrugged.
"My mind was elsewhere in great imaginings." I said with a smile.
"You'll have to share them with me sometime." Mal said and kissed my head. "Are you ready to go now?"
"I need to place everything back in my bag first, and then I will be ready." I replied.
"Ok. I'll go shut everything down while you do that." He stated.
I nodded my head in agreement and with a smile Mal left the room. As he shut down the generator and such I finished my hair then quickly placed everything back in my backpack. I had merely stuffed them in for once and I had trouble getting my brush in. I looked at my brush for a long moment, and then thinking on the fact that I had plenty to tide me over in college I placed the brush on the little dressing table. We would be back here in a week and it would save me in having to pack it once more.
As I picked up my backpack and left the room I was thinking hard about making this place truly the secret get away of Mal and I. If we were to come up here every weekend then we could put a few permanent supplies here, such as a toothbrush each and soap and such. Even spare clothing.
We would also have to ensure that we washed the bedding at times too. Without another thought I went back into the bedroom and stripped the bed, although the many blankets would have to wait until I could think of a viable reason for having so many, the sheet, quilt cover and pillow cases could be mistaken for my own college bedding. I gathered everything and carried it into the main room.
"What are you doing with those?" Mal asked.
"I am going to wash them when we go to the laundrette on Sunday." I replied. "Have you a sack to put them in."
"Under the sink." Mal said and he went to break one off the roll for me and held it open while I placed the bedding inside.
Mal took the sack from me and carried it toward the door. I followed him.
"It's a good idea to wash these." Mal said. "But I got one problem with it."
"What?" I asked.
"Well next time we come up here we'll have to waste time making the bed first." He stated, and then stepped outside.
"I have a plan to remedy that problem." I stated. "We simply buy another set of bedding. That way when we strip the bed we can put the new set on and it will be ready and waiting for us to use the next week we come up here."
"Did I mention how much I love how you organise?" Mal asked, pulling me into a one-arm embrace and kissing my forehead.
I giggled as he placed the sack with the bedding into his jeep. He then held his hand out for my backpack and I gave it to him to load.
"Shall we go?" I asked.
"Yeah. But isn't the point of going back to Riverside early so we can get Alec there?" He asked.
"Oh, I think I was hoping to forget him here." I said with a chuckle. "I will call on him."
"Well if it was that simple I would leave him here." Mal said. "But he'd be back in Riverside by the time we get there."
"Unfortunately yes." I said sadly. "I will call him." I took a deep breath. "Alec! Come here this second!"
I knew he was listening but he did not appear.
"Alec appear now or we will leave you here."
He appeared then and I glared at him.
"You were within listening distance." I observed.
"I was far away but heard when you shouted out." Alec said without batting an eyelid but I knew he was lying.
"We are going home now." I stated.
"I thought you were staying until Sunday."
"Plans have changed." I replied and I rounded the jeep in order to climb in on the passenger side.
Mal was driving back and Alec climbed into the backseat. I would have ignored him, but I wanted to know why he had disobeyed me.
"I asked you not to leave the area I left you in to hunt." I stated.
"I would have stayed there had Jane not phoned me and my battery died." He stated.
"Could you have not bought a new one?" I demanded.
"I knew of nowhere I could purchase one." He stated.
"And yet you knew where to find the cabin?" I asked.
Alec was silent, but Mal swore.
"He knew where it was." He said. "From when he was stalking you before."
"Of course." I replied numbly. "You knew full well what Mal and I intended this weekend. Your interruption was intentional for there were other ways in which you could contact Jane. If that was even your true intention."
"It was my true intention and I could think of no other avenue." Alec said coldly. "Do you think for one moment that I would willingly reveal I followed you here too if I could avoid it? But truth is Jane phoned me with the news that for the moment I'm to keep my distance from my children. I had to argue my case with her. How can she be so cruel?"
"How can she have such bad timing?" I wondered, and then sighed. "I am sorry your sister takes this stance with you. Did she give you a reason?"
"At the moment she thinks I will be a bad influence on those that wish to see me. Half of them wish to take their anger out on me for their predicament and Jane wishes to give them chance to calm down. I would sooner face their wrath now and have it over with so I can start on the process of apology. Jane said that I would have ample opportunity soon, but for now I was in college and I could hardly have these people who look older than I, turn up and claim to be my children. She should not have bound me to you." Alec said sadly.
"You were the one who suggested it." I reminded him.
"I never thought Jane would agree to it." Alec said darkly. "It was a suggestion I thought she would consider then brush it aside and keep me in her sight at all times."
"It would be too public." I said, deciding to play along with this lie for now. "This way you repent and then enter society a reformed man, ready to assist your sister in her political life. It looks better than the disgraced brother blackening his sister's good name."
We were silent for a while as Alec went into deep contemplation. I looked to Mal and he gave me a smile. I placed my hand on top of his as it rested on the gear stick. His index finger curled around my little finger and I enjoyed the contact, even if it was minimal.
"How can she keep my children away from me?" Alec erupted, breaking the peace inside the jeep.
"I am sure they will contact you soon. Eleven of them accompanied you, I cannot see how Jane can stop all of them from contacting you." I assured him.
"I would not blame them if they wished to cut me out of their lives for good." Alec said sadly.
"Well you did leave them alone in a foreign land." Mal stated. "You could have taken them to Jane first."
"She would have stopped me from contacting Liza." Alec said glumly.
"Not forever." I stated. "Perhaps not at first, but we would have run into each other eventually and I would have been less inclined to hate you."
"You hate me?" Alec asked, sounding hurt.
"You annoy me greatly." I amended. "You are constantly in the way of the smooth running of my life. Had I choice I would move to the other side of the world to be away from you, but you would still find me and interfere in my life. Besides, I am bound to you until Jane sees fit to release me from my duty, and until that time I must put up with your presence. If I must suffer your presence I will do so, but there are times I wish for privacy."
"I understand."
"And yet you still invaded my privacy this weekend." I observed. "It is another weight on the wrong side of the scales of friendship. It is in danger of toppling beyond rescue. Remember that next time you wish to sabotage my time with Mal."
"I will." Alec said.
I glanced at Mal and he seemed to have similar thoughts to me. Alec would do everything in his power to sabotage us; we had to make sure we could be rid of him at times. I had to make a personal effort to ignore him when I knew he was deliberately trying to anger me. I would also have to get over the worry of him listening in, or I would never feel truly comfortable enough to be with Mal for fear that Alec was near.
I had a lot of insecurities in my mind and it was up to me to be rid of them. It would be for Mal's sake, but most of all for my sake. I was tired of living my life at the mercy of my obsessions; it was time to gain control of them. I was certain I would do that before the year was out.
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