The course of true love never runs smooth.
--William Shakespeare
***
Georgetown, one month later
"Can I take this thing off yet?" Erin asked, laughing, as Ron led her
into an elevator filled with classical music.
"Nope, not till we reach our destination," the Agent insisted,
grinning with amusement. After a month and a half of sneaking around,
very rarely having the chance to be alone together at Erin's apartment
due to the presence of her room mate, who still didn't know who her
young friend was seeing, Ron had decided to surprise Erin with a new
apartment of her very own.
It would make things easier for the both of them and Erin wouldn't
have to worry about working just to pay the rent; he intended to
persuade her to leave the Club and concentrate on her last few weeks
of school. And himself, of course. Now all he had to do was convince
her that this was for the best.
A few moments passed and the elevator came to a stop on the fifth
floor, the doors whooshing open with a loud 'PING'.
"Okay, just a little bit further."
"You know, I've never really liked surprises," Erin informed him
wearily. "Especially after my boyfriend in high school surprised me
with his naked body for my eighteenth birthday. That was something
I'll never forget. And not in a good way."
"Well, I promise this one's a whole lot better. Though I can't
guarantee that it won't involve some nudity later on tonight," Ron
remarked, still grinning.
Erin giggled and closed her fingers tighter around her lover's as
they reached a tall, silver door four doors down the hall.
"Okay, we're here," Ron announced, letting go of her hand to unlock
the door. Once done, he pushed the door open and led Erin inside,
removing the blindfold covering her eyes. "Surprise!"
Erin blinked a few times to adjust to the variance in light, her brow
furrowing in confusion as she focused on the spacious room before
her. "Where are we?" she asked with a smile, glancing around the
fully-furnished room.
"Your new apartment," Ronald declared. "Do you like it?"
Erin's frown disappeared, replaced by a genuine smile. "I love it.
But why did you...?"
"I thought we could use some privacy. Going to me place was arousing
too many suspicions and Robyn's nearly always at your apartment."
Erin sighed and strolled over to the French-doors across the living
room. "I don't know about this, Ron. I mean, it's a little
expensive."
"Money won't be a problem," Ron assured her, joining her at the
window. "You can stay here for as long as you want, and you can
finally quit working at the Club."
"What?" Erin asked, turning to face him. "You want me to quit my job
for you?"
"Yes. I can provide you with everything you need to finish college
and there are plenty of bio-engineering jobs available with the
Companions. The Skrill development Center for instance."
Silently, thoughtfully, Erin turned back to look out over the city.
"Beautiful view," she whispered.
"That's one of the reasons I chose it. You told me that you like to
watch the sunset and this was the best apartment in town that offers
a perfect view," Ron informed her quietly. "So, what do you say? Will
you take it?"
Erin hesitated for an instant, lowering her gaze to the wooden floor.
"I don't know... This just doesn't feel right," she answered barely
above a whisper.
"What do you mean?"
"This just doesn't seem right. I mean, sleeping with you is one thing,
but quitting my job and living here, off your money, just so you can
see me whenever you want?! Do you have any idea how that looks? It
makes me feel like some kind of call girl!" Erin yelled. "Is that how
you see me, Ron? As someone that will never say no to you, someone
you can have whenever you want, because I'll be depending on you to
keep a roof over my head?"
"No, of course not. I just wanted to be able to spend more time with
you, alone," Ron explained softly. "I care for you a great deal, Erin.
I'm just trying to protect you. Not all men at the Club will be as
gentle with you as I am."
"Then I'll get another job. I can't take your money. And I don't need
your help."
"But I want to give it. You deserve everything I can give you. Please,
just think about it," he pleaded softly, taking her hand gently in
his.
Erin was silent for a moment, studying his eyes for any signs of
sincerity. His tone of voice left little doubt in her mind that he was
indeed doing this for her, not just because it was convenient for him.
But still, she wasn't entirely comfortable with the arrangement he was
proposing. After all, they had been 'dating' for two and a half months
and he still hadn't said to her those three little words that every
woman in love longed to hear from her lover.
Finally, she sighed in defeat, a genuine smile of excitement gracing
her beautiful face. "Okay, I'll give it a try," she agreed. "But I
will get another job. No arguments."
Ron nodded, accepting the compromise. "Agreed. If that's what you
want," he said with a gentle smile that he reserved just for her.
"Mm-hm, it's what I want." A hint of mischief entered her enchanting
smile and twinkling eyes then. "But right now, I want to test out the
bedroom."
Ron chuckled and leaned forward for a kiss. "You're gonna kill me one
of these days, you know?" he remarked as Erin began pulling him by the
hand in the direction of the bedrooms.
"Look who's talking, Mr. Implant," Erin mocked playfully. "If anyone's
going to be having a heart attack in bed, I think it'll be me..."
***
One hour later
Exhausted and well-sated, Erin collapsed back against the mattress,
tangled in the satin sheets with her white-blonde locks sticking to
her sweat-covered face and shoulders. Sighing contentedly, she turned
over onto her side and felt Ron slip his arms around her, holding her
close from behind.
"You were right, I did like my surprise," she murmured, smiling
dreamily at the memory of the past hour.
Ron just smiled and clutched her hand, too spent to talk.
Little did the Agent know, Erin had a little surprise of her own to
give him, one that she wasn't entirely certain would be taken too
well. It had certainly shocked her to the point of wide-eyed
speechlessness. But for the past two days it had eaten away at her not
being able to tell him. And so she had come to a decision: If Ron
responded to what she had to say next, she would give him her news
now instead of at the dinner she'd planned for them the following
evening.
She knew he'd be asleep soon, so she had to say this fast before she
had the chance to change her mind again, which had happened many
times when it came to revealing the intensity of feelings for him.
Taking a quite, deep breath, she whispered, "I love you," and stilled
herself for his reply. She didn't think that she could take it if he
didn't answer. Not after allowing herself to fall in love with him
and expecting him to feel the same way.
When she didn't hear him say anything or feel him moving beside her,
she thought that perhaps he'd already drifted off. But then she heard
the rustle of someone shifting on the sheets and felt Ron lower his
lips to her bare shoulder for a brief, tender kiss.
Erin could feel the tears welling up in her deep-blue eyes, her chest
beginning to ache, as she realized that he wasn't going to make a
verbal reply.
Oh God, he doesn't love me.
Before Ron could notice her tears, she quickly pulled back the covers
and slid out of the bed, walking as calmly as she could into the
adjoining bathroom.
As Erin closed the door, Ronald caught a brief glimpse of the
devastated expression on her young face, the tears streaming down her
cheeks. Silently berating himself for his heartlessness, Ron closed
his eyes for a moment and rolled over onto his back with a sigh,
staring up at the cream-colored ceiling above the bed.
How could I be so f**king thoughtless! he yelled silently, as he heard
muffled sobs emanating from the bathroom. All she wanted me to say
was three little words that wouldn't have been a lie. So why couldn't
I say them?! Why can't I tell her how much she means to me?
He had come to terms with DeeDee's death long ago, and thus was 'over
her'. And Erin had brought him a kind of peace and happiness that had
been missing from his life for far too long. He did love her, more
than anything, he just couldn't admit it to himself or to her.
The only other woman he had ever truly loved was dead, taken from him
because of his allegiance to the Taelons. Even though he had not been
the one to put her to death, nor had he ever harmed her physically,
Ron still felt responsible for his wife's demise. Nightmares had
plagued his sleep for many years since his implantation, even more so
for the past two years now that he was Zo'or's Protector. Nightmares
that refused to let him forget his crimes, all the atrocities he'd
committed in the name of the benevolent Companions, all the people
he'd called, hurt or destroyed.
But when he was with Erin, all that seemed to disappear. He slept
peacefully, contentedly, without nightmares or fear. She truly was his
angel; his salvation, his peace, and most of all, his sanctuary.
Pulling back the sheet covering his naked body, Ron leaned over the
side of the bed to grab his boxer-shorts, quickly slipped them on,
then walked over to the closed door to the bathroom. "Erin, are you
all right?" he asked softly, pressing the palm of one hand to the
thin wooden door.
"I'll be out in a minute," came the slightly squeaky reply.
On the other side of the door, leaning against the ceramic sink with
one hand, Erin furiously wiped at her puffy, bloodshot eyes, trying to
get a grip on her emotions. Even though Sandoval's lack of
reciprocation to her declaration of love for him had hurt her deeply
she hadn't thought it would be enough to reduce her to a sobbing
wreck.
Damn female hormones, she cursed silently, staring at her reflection
in the mirror. I know he cares about me, but obviously not enough to
be happy about what I need to tell him. God, how could I have been so
stupid as to even think that what we have actually meant something to
him.
I'm just another worthless, inferior, un-implanted Human being to
exact his power over. He won't even tell me the truth, for Christ's
sake! The only reason he's interested in me is because I'm good in
bed! If I didn't love him so much I'd hate him.
When she finally emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later, Ron
was already fast asleep, lying on his stomach with his head facing
the window.
"Men," Erin sighed quietly, getting back into bed.
***
4:30 a.m.
A loud, incessantly irritating bleeping pulled the sleeping couple
from their dreamless sleeps, joined by the chirping of early morning
birds. Groaning in protest, Sandoval reached over to the bedside
cabinet and flipped his flashing Global open with one hand, while
using the other to prop himself up on his elbow.
"Yes, Volunteer?" the Implant answered curtly, not bothering to hide
his annoyance, as the face of one of the new recruits appeared on the
small screen.
"Sorry to wake you, sir, but there's a problem at the Com-tech labs
downtown," Corporal Lehman informed apologetically. "Doctor Park
reported a group of protesters getting out of hand. One of them has
even threatened to detonate an explosive in one of the labs. Major
Kincaid has been notified and is en route."
Sandoval stifled a sigh and sat up, careful not to allow the Volunteer
a view of who was sharing his bed. "Tell the Major I'm on my way."
"Yes, sir." With a curt nod, the young woman ended the transmission.
"You're leaving?" a hoarse voice inquired from behind him.
Setting the Global down, Ron turned over to see Erin looking up at him
through slitted eyes, half asleep. "Sorry, but I have to," he
apologized with rare sincerity.
Erin nodded her understanding and turned her back to him. "Just once
I'd like you to still be here when I wake up, for more than five
minutes," she murmured.
"So do I. Maybe on the weekend. Things are usually slow then. And we
don't have to worry about roommates walking in or hearing us
anymore."
Erin nodded again. "I won't hold my breath."
"I really am sorry. For last night as well. I do care deeply for you,"
he told her softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. He was gratified
that she didn't flinch away from him but she still didn't look too
happy. "I'll see you for dinner tonight?"
Erin smiled faintly then. "Eight o'clock sharp," she confirmed.
Ron returned the smile, pleased that she wasn't totally mad at him.
"Good. I look forward to it already." Leaning down, he kissed her
gently on her closed eyelid, and brushed a strand of hair back as he
smiled down at her angelic features. Taking a chance, he added softly,
with complete sincerity, "I love you too."
Erin's eyes instantly snapped wide open, her head jerking to the side
as she turned to face him. "Really?" she breathed hopefully, almost
not believing her ears.
Ron's smile widened, as he tenderly caressed her cheek. "Yes. I've
never been more certain."
Erin's face lit up with the widest, most radiant smile Ron had ever
seen her give, as she reached out and wrapped her arms around his
neck, pulling him down for a passionate, lust-filled kiss.
After what felt like hours, Ron reluctantly pulled his lips from
hers, straightening up. "I'd really love to stay and show you exactly
how much I do love you, but if I don't get going now I'll never be
able to leave," he groaned.
"That's okay, it'll just give us both something to look forward to
tonight," Erin said in a low, suggestive voice, the look in her eyes
almost enough to have him abandoning his duties and pouncing on her
like a love-crazed animal.
"Do you have any idea what you do to me?" he asked with a grin.
"Yep. And I enjoy every minute of it. After all, it's not every day
that a girl gets to charm a Companion Protector..."
***
Com-tech labs, Washington, D.C.
By the time Sandoval arrived at the facility fifteen minutes later
most of the protesters had already been apprehended by Volunteers and
were in the process of being taken into custody.
"Sandoval! Over here!"
Turning in the direction of the beckoning voice, Ronald spotted the
sprinting form of Major Kincaid going around to the back of the
building, weapon drawn and at the ready. Just ahead of the Major he
got a glimpse of a shorter, well-built man trying to reach an
unmarked van at the back of the facility.
Quickly, Ron took off running, removing his glove to allow Raven to
get a clear shot of their target. As soon as he rounded the corner,
he came to an abrupt stop. Kincaid had disarmed the shorter man and
was currently engaged in a fist fight with the fanatic. Just as he
was about to lower his Skrill, seeing as the Major seemed to have the
upper hand in the fight, the back of the van slid open to three other
men.
Sh*t.
The first two were no match for Raven, but the third hid behind the
van and aimed a pulse rifle at Kincaid just as the young man was
handcuffing his opponent.
Without thinking why he would even want to save the younger man's
life, Ron raised his arm once again and fired a lethal blast at the
van's door, obliterating both a good chunk of the vehicle as well as
the shooter.
"Thanks!" Kincaid called out his gratitude, pulling his prisoner
roughly to his feet, having turned around just in time to see the
fatal blast hit the van.
There was no time for pleasantries though, as yet another protester
emerged from the front of the van, a nasty-looking knife in her
hand.
Liam's face instantly paled as he saw the young woman sneak up behind
his father. "Sandoval, look out!" he screamed at the Agent, knowing he
couldn't reach him in time.
"That was my husband, you son of a b*tch!" the woman screeched,
raising her knife, just as Sandoval whirled around.
But he was too late. The woman thrust her knife deep into his chest,
cutting through his shirt to slice into the flesh beneath, blood
squirting out all over her hand. As he began to feel an intense pain
piercing through his chest, making it hard to breath, Ron heard a
distant yell that made no sense at all to him.
"Dad!" Liam screamed, agony lancing throughout his entire body, as he
watched yet another parent being ripped away from him so cruelly.
Dropping his opponent to the floor, Liam retrieved his weapon from the
grass, aimed and fired. The shot vaporized the woman on impact, but
he didn't care; she'd hurt his father. The gun slipped from his
trembling hands as the young Major ran to his father's side, catching
him just as the Agent fell to his knees on the hard concrete ground.
"Oh, God," Liam breathed, as he gently lowered his dying father to the
floor. The knife was still sticking out of his oozing chest, blood
slowly covering his ripped shirt. "Hold on, I'll get help."
Just then, a Volunteer came running toward them, horror filling his
young face as he set eyes on the crumpled, bleeding Agent.
"Get Doctor Park! Now!" Liam screamed at the young man.
"Y-Yes, sir," the Volunteer acknowledged, then hurriedly ran back the
way he'd come.
"Liam...," Ron murmured, barely conscious.
"Shh, I'm here. Try not to talk, okay?"
"What did you... call me?"
"Shh. You're going to be all right. Please, just hang on," Liam
insisted, avoiding the question.
"No... I need to know... Is it true?..."
***
Last Part
Next Part