We went back to my house that night, and it wasn't until I had made a meal-in-a-box and sat Nat down in the living room that I told her what had happened.

"So, the four of them went ice fishing, and never came home?" She gave me the most pitiful look in the world, as if she wanted to take the never-ending pain away, and make it her own. It was a nice gesture, but I didn't think anything could drag me out of the hole I'd fallen in.

I nodded to answer her question and leaned forward on the couch, resting my elbows on my knees. My hair was in my face again, like usual. I balanced my plate on one hand, and swept the hair back with the other. Nat gave me an odd little half-smile, her gaze glassy. She was deep in thought, I could tell. I leaned back, not wanting to spill my food.

"So," I looked at her, hoping my speech had broken her odd vigil. "How was your trip?"

She blinked her eyes in rapid succession, and focused in on me. It was almost as if she were drugged. "Fine. Just fine. The plane ride was a little bumpy, and it took forever to get through security, but other than that, it was good." I nodded, understanding the security.

"How has Tanya done since the attacks? I assume they're tightening security all over the globe."

Nat sighed. "Well, Luthern and Risk are prestigious enough that their operations aren't questioned at the airports, but she was supposed to fly three missions in the US, and she couldn't because of the air restrictions, but that was weeks ago. It didn't impact her world in London that much. She did loose quite a bit of money for those lost flights, but she was able to live. I think she actually moved in with someone. She was always so extremely independent you know."

I nodded again. Tanya was the oldest sister, and by far the most capable. She was a genius, but instead of being a scientist, like her parents had hoped, she had joined the Air Force, and made quite a name for herself in the commando helicopter field. She'd left the force though because her options weren't very good, and went to London to visit an old college buddy, Dino something. He'd gotten her into the K&R business, and she'd been there ever since. Sometimes, I wished she could have been the sister to fall in love with me, instead of Natalya. I shook the thought off. I'd given what I'd received, and that's why I had almost ruined both our lives.

Nat stood up and stretched, her movements very sensual and feline. That's why I could never have loved Tanya. She was all woman, but very mannish in her stylings. Nat was the graceful sister. She looked down at me and smiled. I was blown away by the beauty I had chosen to ignore all night long. The flickering light from the fireplace behind her lit up her outline, and made her look like an angel. Her hair was so much longer then I remembered, full, black, glossy waves cascading down her back. I wanted to reach up and touch them. Her eyes were glowing like sapphires in the moonlight. She was a truly beautiful woman. "I'm going to go get ready for bed, take a shower and stuff. What room do you want me to stay in?" She smiled that perfect half smile, with those full red gorgeous lips.

Nat was waving her hand in front of my face. "Hello? Are you in there John?" I blinked. I guess it was my turn to be dazed and confused for a while. She laughed as I smiled and I opened the door to my bedroom, practically pushing her in. She protested when she realized it was my room. Her protests were cut short as I closed the door behind her, still wrapped up in my own thoughts.

Making my way back to the couch, I settled in and went to sleep in front of the fire.