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Upon waking from his slumber, Ryan placed a kiss on Eve's neck, "Good morning, baby. Did you sleep well?" he asked with a wry smile, still enjoying this power rush he was on. "I sincerely hope so because I had the most wonderful dream. It involved you, me, and this bed." Eve cringed at the thought and scooted over a bit before speaking up. "Actually my leg still hurts." she replied choosing to ignore his comment and play up the beat up role for a while even though she didn't hurt nearly as much as she did the night before. Ryan ran his hand down her leg, "I'm so sorry to hear that. Why don't you let me take care of you?" he asked with a smile. "I'm sure I'll be fine with a couple of aspirin." she responded coolly feeling his hand on her leg as she fought the urge to smack it off. "Suit yourself," he said getting out of bed to get her some aspirin, "You must be famished. Something to eat perhaps?" "I'll get myself something in a little while." she replied pulling herself out of bed after she'd taken the aspirin. She moved towards the bathroom noticing the way he was watching her. "I'm taking a shower to get rid of some of this mess I've made of myself from the fall, so you don't need to follow me. I won't try escaping." "Who said I would follow you as a guard? I think I'd like the show. In fact, I know I'd like the show. I always loved your body, Eve. Why not continue to please me? It can only work to your benefit." "Ryan I'm bruised and scraped at the moment and the last thing I want is to put on any type of show for you." she explained feeling the sick taste building in the back of her throat as she looked at him. "Besides, your memories will provide you with a much more appropriate depiction than I would this morning. I'm sure we can find some other way to please you." "I'm willing to listen to suggestions," Ryan said with a sly smile. Damn, this one was brave, and that made her all kinds of fun. "In that case, we can discuss them further once I'm finished with my shower," Eve replied standing taller before turning around boldly and moving to the bathroom trying to play things cool. "Think of something good while you're in there. I'll be out here thinking about you in there," Ryan said, knowing that she would be churning with fear while in the shower. Ah, the simple things that made life worth living. Eve felt chills creep down my spine at his last remark as she closed the door behind her locking it securely before looking at her reflection in the mirror. The bruising was worse than she'd anticipated as she pressed a finger into her cheek seeing the mark from where he'd hit her last night. She cringed at the touch before shedding herself of the clothes she'd been in all night. She looked at herself for a moment looking at the mess she'd made of things when she turned to the window in the back of the bathroom thinking about how easily it would be to escape right now, but she was stuck here, a prisoner in the place she once called home. She turned on the water hoping to lose herself as she stepped into the shower letting the heat from the water burn her skin as she tried to find a way to numb the pain and fear she was feeling. Ryan walked into the kitchen and fixed himself a cup of coffee. He took a sip of the warm liquid and felt a rush of power run through him. He hadn't felt this good in a very long time. It was about time that he was feeling as if the world was his again. He'd been playing like Kevin for way too long. In public the facade would have to continue but now that he had revealed himself to Eve, he didn't have to pretend at home any more. He didn't have to pretend that he was some good, prim and proper school boy. He could be himself, Ryan, in all his brilliance. He walked back into the bedroom and stood outside the bathroom door, "Eve, don't let all that water burn you. If you want something hot, you know that I'm right here waiting for you." For a moment she'd almost lost herself in the shower stall as she stood there crying beneath the water feeling her insides churning with a combination of emotions. She heard his voice cut through the sounds of the water as her heart pounded with fear. She wanted to run, to get as far away as possible especially now as she knew he'd be out there waiting for her to come out and play his games with him. She drew in a breath stalling for a few more minutes before reluctantly turning the water off and slipping into her bathrobe. She stepped out of the shower and wiped away the steam that had now covered the mirror and tried her best to hide the tears she was hiding as her thoughts went back to Chris. "As long as you're safe, I have no choice." she spoke in a hoarse whisper before moving towards the bathroom door ready to face what was out there. The door opened and she stood before Ryan, looking less frazzled that before, "Very nice. You clean up quite well my dear," Ryan said with a blantant glance over, "Makes me proud to call you my own." "I'm not yo...." Eve started to protest before growing silent once again and moving past him hating him completely. She took a deep breath and painted on a fake expression of defeat and spoke up again. "I'm going to finish getting ready and then we can work on breakfast if that'll please you." "Hmm, now that's the kind of attitude to have, Eve," Ryan smiled, "Although I can't imagine you being compliant all the time. Besides that wouldn't be fun. I'd miss that fire you have. However, I like this side of you. It might be something I have to explore." "Over my dead body," Eve thought moving towards her closet realizing the last thing she'd let him do was explore anything with her. She may be stuck here as his prisioner and be forced into being compliant with him, but there were some things she wouldn't budge on ever. He may have thought he won, but she wouldn't give up on trying to find a way out of this as long as she was still breathing. She pulled out an outfit and turned to him and spoke through gritted teeth. "Whatever you say Ryan." "Is that anger being withheld or contempt? Please let it all flow free. I happen to think you're beautiful when you're angry." Eve wanted to yell and scream threatening him to the best of her ability, but she knew that was what he wanted....for her to argue with him. She glanced over at him for a moment before opting to remain silent as she moved back towards the bathroom to finish getting ready knowing that her silence was bothering him more than anything else. "What? No retaliation? No saucy comeback? I was so enjoying that. Oh well, I guess I'll have to find something else to entertain me." "And just what is that supposed to mean?" Eve questioned sharply turning around to meet his gaze instantly not liking his tone. She tried to hold back, but she couldn't keep it inside a second longer. "Just what is it you're going to hold over my head this time Ryan? Huh? What other feable means of manipulation are you just dying to throw out at me this morning?" "Whoa, that one touched a nerve didn't it?" Ryan said with a smile as he stepped closer to her, "Tell me, Eve, what would be more effective? Chris perhaps? I'm thinking that card might be useful, especially if I let you watch as I perform my magic on him. That might even make it more fun for me." "You stay the hell away from him Ryan or I swear I will kill you this time around." Eve answered feeling herself seething with anger. "If you even step foot near him this little game of house is over and nothing will cause me to hesitate in following through this time. Is that understood?" "I think I'm scared," Ryan said sarcastically, "Could you really do it, Eve? Could you really kill me after all we've shared together? All those long nights we'd made love to each other, all those tender 'I love yous', all the soft caresses, all the gentle whispers to one another. Could you really kill me? I don't think so. You don't have it in you." "If you harm Chris in any way, I won't hesitate to follow through." Eve repeated sternly meeting his icy stare as she ignored his talk about the things the two had once shared. "You may think you have me pegged here Ryan, but I warn you, you have no idea what I'm capable of given enough motivation. I can be just as ruthless as you are and deep down I know you realize that." "I think that's why we click so perfectly, Eve. You and I are the same. One and the same. We're perfect together and you know it." "A perfect nightmare," Eve replied looking at him and feeling her stomach churn at the thought of being here with him, "You may have me here Ryan, but no matter what you do, you'll never own me like you're hoping to. Sure you may threaten me about Chris in the hopes of capturing my body and soul, but I will never love you Ryan and every time you touch me, all I'll feel is contempt for you. You mean nothing to me." "On the contrary, that's what's eating at you most of all. It's not the fact that I might harm Chris. It's that you feel something for me and you can't turn it off like turning off a light. That irritates you because you still feel for me." "What I feel for you is hatred.....pure hatred and nothing more Ryan." she answered flatly looking back at him. "What we had together, it wasn't real. None of it and if you think I'm stuck in whatever illusion you created for us, you're wrong. The man I felt something for never really existed and everything was nothing more than a hoax. As for the way I felt about us, well it had long passed even before last night. I only stayed because I felt an obligation.......to Kevin." "You felt an obligation to yourself because you still love me. The feeling hadn't passed, and you know it. You're in love with me, Eve. You can't forget the way it felt, how good we were together. We can be again. And with Ramsey . . . well . . . I'll forgive that lapse of good taste and good thinking and we'll just chalk it up to female hormones. You are mine and you know that it's where you belong." Eve looked at him wanting to rip his throat out in this moment now more so than ever as their eyes met. She’d once felt very strongly for him and thought that theu could love one another, but now she couldn't stand being this close to him. "This conversation is over Ryan." she spoke up sharply walking past him not wanting to deal with this. "Not nearly over," Ryan said taking her by the arm and spinning her to look at him, "You're not leaving this room until you admit it to yourself." "Let go of me!" she hissed angrily jerking her arm away from him. She glared at him unable to keep her cool any longer. "How could you even think that I would love someone like you? Once it may have seemed as if we had something, but it wasn't real Ryan. I thought you were Kevin and everything that we built together was a lie...just another one of your deceptions and the man that I cared about doesn't exist. Last night you attacked me showing me your true nature, chased me down like some wild animal and now you're keeping me here against my will by holding it over my head that you'll have no problem destroying my best friend if I don't behave myself and live by your rules. This isn't love--it's obsession and while I'm stuck here, I want no part of it." "You are part of it," he said grabbing her and pulling her tightly against him, "You did love me and you will love me again. If you don't, I'll have to dispose you but dear sweet Eve, we have so much together," he said while looking her over, "You'll love me again. I'll make very very sure of that. You were always happy to receive my attentions before. I'll make you beg for them again." Eve could feel her heart racing and her body trembling slightly as he pulled her to him holding her firmly in place. She looked into his cold, dark eyes feeling herself sickened by his touch. Once she'd felt something for him, but now knowing what he was capable of, she was afraid...truly afraid of what he'd do if she didn't play by his rules, yet at the same time she wasn't ready to give up this fight. She decided that she'd push it just a little bit more before backing down. She pushed myself away from him slightly putting a distance between them. "Keep telling yourself that Ryan." Ryan chuckled, "And that spark that I love so much is back. There for a while last night I thought that you had snuffed it out, but here we are, back to that fire. You really are one of the most intriguing women I've ever met. You just do something to me," he said with a grin, "And it's not me that needs any convincing, darling Eve, it's you. But then again, you know that what I'm saying is true, you just don't want to face that part of yourself. Trust me, the sooner you face it, the easier all of this will become." "No, you're wrong Ryan and no matter how many threats you make against me, I'll never feel for you again. Never!" Eve replied hating his arrogance about this. She pulled away from him not wanting to discuss this further. "I'm going to finish getting ready." "Please, don't fuss around on my account," Ryan said with a leering smile, "You will feel for me, Eve. It's either that or Death. The decision is yours of course." "Then I guess we know where I stand on the issue." Eve shot back in irritation moving away. "You should really be nice to me, Eve. I can make life so pleasant for you.” "Ryan, how do you expect me to act after last night?" Eve asked facing him. "If you really cared about me, you wouldn't treat me like this and you'd let me be happy." "You will be happy. . . with me." Eve shook her head unable to believe this nightmare she'd gotten herself into. She could feel herself slowly losing her mind and she couldn't bear to sit through this a moment longer. She turned around silently and walked away not knowing what to do about the thought of being stuck with Ryan. She'd never be happy being stuck here and each moment she was here, she came closer to losing it. Ryan smiled watching her step away. She really was some fun. He started back through the house and smiled as he called back to her, trying to create some facade of domesticity, "Want something to eat?" Just hearing his voice and the simplicity in his voice as he tried to forge this sense of a happy household between us made her sick. She finished getting dressed and walked out into the kitchen. "I can get it myself," she answered flatly grabbing some juice out of the refridgerator letting him know that she didn't trust him. She poured myself a glass and then walked out of the kitchen deciding that if she had to stay here, she refused to spend her time with him. She walked into the living room picking up one of her medical journals trying her best not to let him get to her. "Fine, suit yourself," Ryan smiled, "I was willing to be nice, but since you want to push it, fine," he said making himself a cup of coffee before sitting down at the table. Eve looked up from her journal for a moment before redirecting her attention to the article she was reading on psychopathology in childhood when a thought crossed her mind. Setting down the article, she looked into the kitchen. "Tell me Ryan, did your mother keep you locked up in the house like this and that's why you feel you need to do this to me? To make up for what she did to you all those years ago?" "Don't you ever mention my mother!" Ryan said walking over to her with his anger rising, "And don't you dare try psycho-analysis on me. You are an object for my pleasure only nothing more. You will keep your mouth shut or I'll shut it for you, do you understand me?" "Oh so now I'm just an object for pleasure? I thought you wanted me to love you." she started raising her voice a bit seeing that she'd upset him but pushing the buttons in him none the less. "Tell me Ryan, correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't love involve taking the time and effort to know and understand the other person. I'm merely trying to understand you and I figured your mother was a good start. Come on. You can tell me. You were just dying to share yourself with me before, so go for it unless of course your bruised ego can't handle it." "I'm not sharing any part of that with anyone, least of all you. You want to know me, Eve. Do you really? Or are you trying to find an angle to play? You can't play me, Eve." "What's the problem Ryan? The truth too much for you to deal with?" Eve asked seeing she'd struck a nerve with him. "Afraid to admit that you aren't invincible after all...that someone was capable of getting complete control of you just like you'd want to have over me? Come on tell me Ryan." "Shut up! Since threatening you doesn't seem to work, how would you like it if I paid your friend a visit Eve? I think Chris is probably wondering where you were last night anyway. maybe I should let him in on the fact that you'll never be with him," Ryan said in anger as he stalked across the room, trying to reign in his temper. "You stay away from him you bastard!" she screamed unable to contain her anger as she stood up approaching him. "I told you if you even try Ryan, then I swear to you what your mother did to you will be nothing in comparison to what I'll do to you." Ryan pulled her to him roughly as his fingers dug into her skin, "If you ever mention my mother again, I'll kill you and your friend. Do you understand me?" Eve let out a cry feeling him draw blood with his hold on her. She looked into his eyes seeing the rage burning beneath them knowing that he meant it. Suddenly quite fearful, she nodded indicating she understood as tears filled her eyes from the pain. "Good!" Ryan said shoving her backwards,
"Don't push me, Eve. My tolerance and
Eve stumbled a bit feeling the sting of his fury and trying to regain her balance. Moving away, she looked at her arms noticing the blood dripping down. Instantly she moved as far away from him as she could unable to stay near him. Ryan watched her as the rage pulsed through him. He didn't want to actually hurt her, but it was evident that he had. Oddly enough, he actually felt some regret over it. That was a first for him. Seeing that look on her face this time didn't seem as empowering as it had last night. He just stood there watching her, trying to read what was going on behind those eyes. Eve looked back at him seeing a look that hadn't been there since before she'd discovered the truth about him. In that instant, she'd almost witnessed shadows of the man she'd known before as his eyes said one thing, but soon she turned away from him unable to take another minute in the same room with him fearing what he may do next after she'd pushed him this far. She pulled myself together enough to move towards the bathroom down the hall hoping to find some means of escape if even for a brief moment. She could feel the sting in her arms and the limp in her leg knowing that she probably made one hell of a sight as she moved along. "Eve," Ryan said softly, wondering what in the hell was happening to him. Last night seeing that look in her eye had been empowering and now it was different. Seeing her turn away from him last night had sent him into a rage and made him want to chase her, but now, he was oddly glad to see her turn away. "Eve," he spoke again, trying to gain her attention, "I...." he stopped himself as he realized he was on the verge of apologizing, "Are you hurt?" "What do you think Ryan?" Eve asked turning to face him her eyes filled with tears. She held out her arms to show him the results of his rage. "See.....now are you happy? Is this what you wanted to see? For me to show you your handiwork? Well take a good look because here it is. You sure showed me." "I didn't mean to hurt you Eve, but you weren't listening. My mother is not a topic of discussion between us and she never will be. That's best left in the past. I didn't want to hurt you." he paused and saw the tears in her eyes. He took a deep breath, trying to reassert himself, "Don't push me again, Eve. I don't want to be forced into doing something I don't want to." Eve looked at him for a long hard moment before turning around and retreating into the bathroom. Once inside she locked the door behind her and sunk to the floor crying uncontrollably. Ryan stepped out into the crisp air trying to compose himself. He had let her make him vulnerable and that was not a good thing at this particular time. He had to reassert himself and make sure that she knew tears would not turn him away. He took a deep breath and wondered what was happening to him and what exactly was so different about Eve Lambert.
Chris rose from his restless attempt at sleep and walked into the living room finding that there still wasn’t any message for him on his answering machine. He’d hoped that Eve would’ve tried to make contact with him and still there was nothing. He called the hospital once again only to discover that Eve hadn’t left any messages for him there, nor had she come by to pick up his. “She changed her mind,” he thought to himself as he hung up the phone and looked around the apartment. Oh who had he been kidding? Eve had been following Kevin so blindly in love for the past few months, it was no wonder she hadn’t wanted to move forward with him. She’d promised so many things and yet, she never once meant a word of them. Chris moved over to his desk finding the picture of he and Eve missing and he looked around for a moment before spotting it in the trash can. He leaned over and pulled it out as his fingertips brushed against the glass of the frame. He sighed heavily as he thought about all the good moments they’d shared in their time together. He’d wanted so desperately to believe that they had a future together and here he was alone again with nothing more than a brief shining memory of having her and holding her only to lose her again. “Eve,” he spoke lightly as he turned his eyes towards her old bedroom where Julie was now fast asleep. He cared about Julie, that much he knew and she needed him. She loved him and wanted a life with him, a family even, but part of him was with Eve. He looked back to the photograph thinking about Eve’s words. Empty promises, he thought to himself as he set the photograph down realizing that it was time to move on. His dream had ended and now he had to settle into a life with his wife. She deserved that and if Eve wasn’t even going to give him an after thought, then he too would keep pushing forward. He wasn’t going to wait around for Eve Lambert when he clearly had someone with him who wanted him, needed him and wouldn’t make him feel like second best. Sure Julie wasn’t Eve, but he made Julie happy and perhaps in time if he believed it enough, she could make him happy too.
Eve sat on the floor thinking about what was happening here. She wrapped her arms around her frame tightly wishing that she could just make this all go away. For a moment back there with Ryan she'd almost thought she'd gotten through to him, but she knew that she was only kidding herself in thinking that she could over power him. The truth was she was trapped and there was nothing she could do about it. She heard the door swing open in the other room and she stood up again walking out into the bedroom adjoining the bathroom. She heard Ryan outside and felt chills run through me. She was about to cry again when she noticed the phone sitting on the desk. She watched it for a moment knowing it would be a risk, but realizing that she couldn't stay here much longer. She moved over to the phone taking it off the base ready to call for help when she heard his footsteps and hung up immediately. Ryan saw her standing there looking very shaken. She knew he meant business now, at least that much was painfully obvious. He smiled coolly, regaining himself as he stood behind her and gingerly placed him hands on her waist, "Anything I can do to make it up to you?" he whispered in her ear. "Just give me space," she replied closing her eyes and feeling his hands on her. She felt him press up close to her and her body shuddered. "I'll do my thing....you do yours." "You sure you wouldn't rather share your space with me," Ryan asked, moving his lips along her neck, "I can make you forget all about that nasty little episode earlier." Eve closed her eyes feeling his lips burn on her skin with each kiss. She drew in a breath wanting to smack him, but staying frozen for a moment feeling him touching her. Finally she spoke up softly. "Just leave me alone." Ryan withdrew his hands and lips and took a single step back, "As you wish," She turned to him with a look of confusion in her eyes, "I can be reasonable when the mood takes me." Eve didn't know what to say as she'd been prepared to fight with him again, but there he was backing off. She looked at him for a long moment wondering what kind of game he was playing now. "What?" Ryan asked with a soft tone, "Surprised? I told you that if things are done my way they will be all the better, but I am prepared to concede small amounts of power to you." Eve stood there in astonishment letting out a sigh of relief that was a bit more obvious than she'd intended on it being. Eve wasn't sure if he was being straight with her or if this was another manipulation he was pulling on her. She watched him closely trying to decipher his thoughts before taking a step back still unsure. Ryan smiled as he moved away and took a seat on the sofa. Things were progressing nicely, back on track as they should have been. He smiled at her, "Trying to understand? There's nothing to understand except for this. Giving yourself can only bring good things to you, Eve." Eve was still shell shocked to say the least as she watched him intently. Finally after a long moment she spoke up again wanting so desperately to understand. "What do you want from me Ryan?" "Haven't I made myself clear, Eve. I want you for myself," Ryan said keeping his eyes on hers. "And if I do give in......" Eve began testing the waters here. "Then Chris will be left alone. You won't hurt him or anyone else that I care about in any way?" "That's right. You're who I want. I don't want to hurt anyone. I just want you." Ryan said watching her carefully. "And if I agree to give myself to you without protest, then you'll keep your word on this." Eve continued not quite clear on what she was trying to accomplish here, but feeling desperate. "I swear it, Eve," Ryan said softly, watching her carefully, trying to decide if she was giving in or trying to figure another way out of her situation. "Okay. That's all I needed to hear." she replied softly taking a step towards him still not sure what she was doing herself as she took a seat beside him. "I'm going to hold you to that." "You may feel free to do so," Ryan said looking into her eyes, "You are all that I wish to concern myself with. No one else." "I understand," Eve replied with a nod taking in a breath and forcing the words out despite her wanting to retaliate. "Then I won't fight anymore Ryan. I'm yours and yours alone." "You're finally seeing things my way. Why the change?" Ryan asked softly, reaching out to touch her cheek. "I guess I've just come to my senses." she replied feeling completely hollow inside as she spoke the words. "I shouldn't have been fighting the inevitable like I have been." "I'm glad you can see things with reason," Ryan said softly, "I knew you were smarter than you were playing at last night." "Yeah well it wouldn't have been any fun without the chase," Eve offered forcing a smile as their eyes met. "You enjoyed that?" Ryan asked with a small smile. "Not the getting hurt, but knowing the lengths at which you were willing to go to capture my attention, well it said something about how much you cared for me." she replied seeing how pleased he was with her acceptance of defeat. She knew that she was playing a dangerous game here, but maybe if she played her cards right, then things wouldn't be so unpleasant. "And you enjoyed the thought that I would do anything for you," Ryan said softly, watching her and still trying to decide about her, "I'd do anything to have you, Eve." "I don't doubt that Ryan and as long as we understand how things are goign to be between us, then I won't pose a problem for you any longer." Eve informed him my thoughts lingering to something else.....somewhere that her heart longed to be as she shook the thought from her mind and smiled at Ryan. "I understand how things are." "That's very refreshing to hear. And I promise there will be no more pain for you so long as this current cooperation stays in place. I'm not a bad guy, Eve. In fact, you know that I can be very much the opposite when I'm properly persuaded." "I know," Eve nodded as if signaling her understanding.
She closed her eyes for a moment and thought of Chris hoping that he was
okay and now knowing what Ryan
"What are you thinking about?" Ryan asked, looking into her eyes. "Nothing really," Eve shrugged seeing him look
at her. She sighed, "I suppose I'm
"Yeah," Ryan answered wondering what was really spinning behind those eyes, "And now you've come to your senses." "Of course," she nodded after a pause. She took note of how close the were, so she moved to get up. "Perhaps we could have breakfast or something now that this is out of the way." "That might be a good idea." "Yeah I thought so," Eve replied getting up and moving into the kitchen. She could feel his eyes on her as she searched through the things telling herself that she could pull this off. If she'd just distance herself from the situation, she could do this. "I always knew that you'd be able to see things within reason," Ryan smiled, following her, "Things will be good for the two of us, Eve." Eve didn't answer. She just started pulling things out of the cabinets and after opening one she noticed a martini glass. Wonderful, she thought to herself closing the cabinet door and moving across the kitchen. She kept telling herself to focus on making Ryan believe she'd given in to him. After a moment she spoke up again. "I'm sure you're right Ryan. Things will be very good." "I'm so very glad that you came to your senses. To think of what could have happened if we continued down the path you chose to take," Ryan frowned, "It would have become very unpleasant." "We wouldn't want that." Eve replied turning around to see him standing behind her as she took in a breath and slipped out of the way trying to keep her uneasiness from showing. "Would you like a drink perhaps?" Ryan smiled, "Please." he stepped away for a moment giving her a little room, "You really have me intrigued more than ever, Eve." "Why is that Ryan?" she asked pouring him a drink and handing him a glass before pouring one for herself. "I never know quite what to expect from you. It's a welcome change of pace," Ryan said accepting the glass from her hand. "Well I'm glad you're happy since your happiness means a lot to me." she replied feeling sick as she forced out the words and she smiled sweetly. "It does?" Ryan asked with a curious smile. "Of course it does," Eve replied pulling together all of her will power and giving him a kiss on the cheek.
Julie walked into the living room and smiled as she saw Chris sitting on the couch obviously lost in his thoughts. She walked over to him wrapping her arms around his neck and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Morning sunshine,” she smile brightly excited about her first real day of freedom. “Morning,” he offered a light smile as he looked back at her, “sleep well?” “I had the most pleasant dreams,” she replied with a smile moving around the couch and into his lap. “Care to share,” he asked raising an eyebrow. “A girl never tells her secrets,” Julie teased lightly. “Not even with her husband?” “Not usually,” she shook her head. “That’s too bad,” he forced a smile, “but admit it. You love me,” he decided leaning in to kiss her. She kissed him back. "So maybe I love you too...but just a tad," Julie said, teasing. "Oh really? Just a tad?" Chris asked kissing her again. Placing her arms around him, Julie kissed him passionatly. "Does that answer your question?" "Want to answer more of my questions?" Chris asked kissing her again deeply. "Ask away," Julie said, between our kisses as she felt her morning starting off beautifully in his arms. "How," Chris started but got distracted with kissing her, then decided to start again, "did you manage to make me fall in love with you so completely?" he asked, holding her close to him. "Who me?" Julie asked, innocently. "You can't
*make* anyone fall in love, you
"Oh, I'm not so sure about that. You see, everyone thought I wasn't capable of love, but you seem to have proved that one wrong," Chris smiled, kissing her again. "Everyone thought that? I never even noticed! I guess I was preoccupied or something..." Julie said, gladly accepting his kiss and kissing back. "Hmm, must have been," Chris whispered with a smile. "The question etched into my mind is how did *you* get me to fall into love?" "Oh that all credited to how wonderful a guy I am, of course," Chris said with a grin, "You know that my charm is world famous, and you've had only the beginning of a glimpse into just how charming I can be." "Oh yes, defidently. I remember now...your my Prince Charming." "Prince Charming? Now there's a new role for me. I've usually been the villian. Now I'm the good guy?" Chris asked with a smile, "I think I could get used to that." "Yes well this is the villian's version of the story. Don't worry, you're still the bad guy just now you've saved the bad girl," Julie said, smiling as she suddenly leaned forward and kissed him. Chris held her as he returned her kiss and he looked into her eyes as they parted, "I love you." "Of course you do," Julie said, smiling and looking back into his eyes as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you too." "Of course I do? That wouldn't be doubt lingering there, would it? I sincerely hope not," Chris smiled, "If so, I'd be pressed to convince you of my love." "Perhaps then I need some convincing," Julie replied slyly. "Then I must start convincing you," Chris said with a smile before kissing her, drawing her even closer to him, "How's that for a start?" "Not too shabby," Julie commented "Glad to hear it," Chris whispered moving his mouth to nibble on her ear lobe before placing a kiss just under her ear lobe as he closed his eyes thinking about the neck he‘d dreamed about for so very long, the woman that he‘d wanted and how good it felt to be close to her. He opened his eyes seeing Julie and he realized that while she wasn‘t Eve, she was his wife and he owed her something, "And this?" Julie suddenly pushed away, an odd feeling coming over her. "I'm sorry..." Chris watched her for a moment and felt as if he'd done something wrong. Chris frowned, "No, I'm the one that should be sorry." "It's not you -- it's me," She said, sitting down beside him as she moved out of his lap. "I don't know what it is...some strange feeling..." "What? Julie, you can talk to me. Tell me what's wrong." "That's just it. I don't know what what's wrong..." she said lightly. Chris reached slowly over to her, "It's okay. We'll take everything slow, okay?" "Ok," she said, standing up. Julie wiped
a tear from her eye and embraced him in a
"Julie, we'll take everything one step at a time. It'll be okay," Chris said holding her, "Is there anything I can do to make this better for you? This was supposed to be wonderful for us. You first chance at freedom. I'm sorry it turned out this way." "Don't be sorry Chris, you tried. It's my fault really. I guess I'm more out of touch with 'real life' then I had thought." "It'll take time. We'll take time together." "I'm sorry..." Julie repeated. "Don't be sorry, Julie. We'll get through this together, Julie. One step at a time." he said softly thinking about everything that had been happening. "Thank you," Julie said, tighting her arms around him. She needed to be protected...loved...even needed. She knew that she would have a day full of reporters and comments and it would take strength to stand up to all of that. Only with Chris by her side would she be able to take it. He was her rock -- and, at the time, the only real thing she had. Chris held onto her and kissed her cheek, "I love you Julie." "I love you too, Chris more then you could ever imagine. I just don't know what I would do without you," she said, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Can we dance?" she asked, realizing that in the time they'd been married they hadn't danced. "Dance?" Chris asked, wondering about it then smiling, "Sure. That'll be great." "Great," Julie said, smiling as he put on some music. She pressed against him closely as they began to dance. "This is nice," Chris said with a smile, "Dancing with my wife." "This may not be a total bomb after all. I'm finally free and I'm here dancing with my husband. What else could I ask for?" she said, thinking in her head how perfect everything would be if Christina was sleeping in the other room. "You could ask for your daughter. And you can in good time." "All in good time," Julie said, smiling. "But for now, you're all I could ask for.” "And you have me from here on out, Julie." "Glad to know you consider me a long term investment," Julie said, winking. "Oh yes, but I do expect a very large amount of return on my investment," Chris smiled, "I expect you to invest in me in return." "I already hold all the stocks," Julie said, grinning. "Well, the interest will definitely go up," Chris smiled. Julie smiled back at him, enjoying the bliss that
could only come from dancing
"I'm the lucky one." Julie smiled. "I guess we're both pretty lucky to have found each other." "Did you ever think that you'd be this happy? I mean, I thought about it, but never really dreamed that I would find it." "Not in this lifetime...it just didn't seem possible for me," Julie said, smiling. "This was just a...very pleasant surprise." "And it's only going to get better. We'll get Christina back and then we'll have everything." "And then we really will have everything," Julie said, smiling. "You know what I haven't had in the longest time?" "What's that?" Chris asked curiously. "Ice cream," Julie said, smiling. “I hardly remember what it tastes like.” "Ice cream," Chris replied smiling, "Then we should definitely get you some. What flavor?" "You know it's been awhile. I was hoping maybe you could decide for me." "Now that's not fair. maybe we should just get neopolitan that way we have a little of it all." "Who said anything about being fair?" Julie said, smirking. "I guess Neopolition sounds good." she paused realizing that one of them would have to go out to get it. She hadn't yet experienced the public eye facing her way but she knew it was bound to come sooner or later. "Yeah, we're not really into fair, are we?" Chris asked with a smile before seeing her apprehension, "Do you want to go with me or would you prefer I go and bring some back?" "I'm feeling brave, I think I'll come along," Julie said, smiling. "Glad to hear it," Chris smiled, taking her hand before they headed outside ready to face the world.
Ryan watched Eve and he was beginning to believe her change of heart. She was impressing him more and more. With a smile, Eve stepped back turning to the fridge, not letting him see her face as she tried not to shudder. "Why don't we get breakfast started?" "Let's do. I'm all for starting things," Ryan said with a smile. "Good," she replied moving over to the stove thinking of ways to keep him at ease without having to over extend herself. This new attitude took up most of her energy and she was concerned about how long she could fake it. Dismissing the thought, she put some eggs on. "What are you planning to do with the rest of your day?" Ryan asked taking a sip of his drink while beginning to make some toast. "Oh I don't know. I hadn't thought that far ahead yet." Eve shrugged surprised by his mellow attitude. "Maybe I'll catch up on some of my medical journals for a while or dig into that book I bought a while back that I'd been wanting to read." "And what about the party tonight?" "Oh well when that rolls around, we'll just go and see what happens from there. I'm sure I can pull together a costume." "I'm sure you'll be beautiful no matter what you choose." "Yeah," Eve replied closing her eyes for a moment before redirecting her attention to the stove. "Any ideas for a costume of my own?" Ryan asked glancing her way, "I value your opinion." “Oh I could think of a few choice costumes for him,” she thought to herself as she felt her fingers tighten around the utensil in her hand. She drew in a breath and turned to him putting on another false grin. "Hmm......well I suppose it would have to be something galliant and charming since those things fit you so perfectly." "I'm so glad that you see those traits in me. I happen to find them prominent parts of my personality as well." "Well them I'm sure you'll have no trouble thinking of something." Eve replied turning back to the eggs that were now burning. She let out a groan growing frustrated with so many things, but letting the eggs be her excuse this time. "We may have to match our costumes together, considering we of such a like mind now." "Yeah sure, what ever makes you happy." she replied tossing the eggs as she scraped them out of the pan wanting to just haul off and scream at him. She turned around and looked at him. "I guess eggs are out of the question now." "We'll find something else." Ryan said touching her arm, "Nervous?" "No," Eve answered abruptly trying her best not
to jump at his touch, "should I
"You have nothing to fear from me so long as you keep your word to me." "Of course," Eve nodded meeting his gaze wondering if he could see through her. "Then there is no reason to be nervous." "I'm not," Eve insisted forcing a smile, "I'm just frustrated with my cooking. You know how my culinary skills are and I was trying to make eggs the way you like them." Ryan smiled, "How about we settle for cereal this morning?" "Cereal works for me," she replied with a nod moving out of the way to get some bowls. "You see, things didn't have to be difficult," Ryan said with a smile, "I can be very charming when properly motivated and cooperated with. You seem to be doing a very good job of both and I must admit that I'm very pleased with this change of heart." "Good Ryan. I'm happy that you're pleased and I like this much better than what we were doing with one another last night." she replied moving over to get some cereal. "It's an improvement." "Yes it is. One that I hope lasts," Ryan said watching her and wondering if he could trust her. Eve poured him a bowl of cereal and joined him at the table seeing the way he was looking at her. She knew he was wondering what she was up to and she had to be convincing. She drew in a breath and reached for his hand. "What's on your mind?" Ryan looked at her hand on his and squeezed her hand gently, "I'm just wondering why you turned around so quickly." "Because I saw something Ryan, something that I wasn't expecting to see earlier and I guess I woke up." she answered honestly although that something she was referring to was not my great love for him, but merely the fear of what he was capable of and how if pushed the wrong way, she knew he'd destroyed Chris. While her heart broke at the thought of never seeing him again, she knew that she'd give her life up if it meant he never experienced any pain because of her. She was ready to give herself to Ryan as long as Chris was unharmed, untouched. As she looked at Ryan, she thought about all this time she'd wasted thinking she'd found love from Bennett up until this thing with Ryan and it dawned on her that now when love would no longer be a part of her life, she knew...she knew what it was like and here she was lost never to have it again. She sighed looking back at Ryan hoping he couldn't feel what was going on with her as she squeezed his hand. "What exactly was it you saw Eve? I'm curious about your motivations. I think we both know where I stand. I just want to know where it is exactly you stand and if it's anywhere near where I am," Ryan asked, looking at her with a thoughtful smile, wondering if she was being on the level with him. There was nothing that he would want more. "I saw love Ryan. I saw a love so true and profound that I'd ignored all this time and in an instant I realized that I'd do anything to see to it that something this special would not be destroyed." she explained looking back at him and leaning in closer to him. "I realized that if I kept fighting you, I'd only be hurting myself in the long run because it's love that is right before my eyes and if I didn't try to fight for it, then I'm the loser here." "I'm so glad that you do realize that my love is deeper and more real than any love in this world. Ramsey would never be able to love you like I can. He'd never be able to show you the attention that I will. I'll show you things you'd never be able to find anywhere else. " Just the mention of Chris made her heart sink and as she listened to him she only found herself falling into a deeper despair on the inside. She looked back at him giving his hand a squeeze. "I don't doubt that Ryan. You've already opened my eyes to things I'd never dreamed possible." "And this is only the beginning Eve. We'll start over and I'll show you things you only dreamed about." “I can only imagine,” she thought to herself as she nodded indicating she was listening. She took in a breath and spoke again. "I'd like that Ryan." "I love you Eve. I'm going to make you very happy. You'll never think about him ever again when I'm done." Eve nodded simply unable to come up with any words
to say on the matter as she
Ryan touched her cheek softly, barely brushing her hair with his fingertips, "We're going to be very happy Eve, just like I promised." Eve closed her eyes thinking about Chris as she felt his fingers against her skin. She could hear the sincerity in his tone about his love for her and if she'd tried to force herself, maybe she could find a way to get used to him too. Her thoughts ran wild about Chris, about the last time they'd been together and as Ryan spoke, it was Chris' voice she heard. Slowly she leaned forward kissing him imagining that she was somewhere else. Ryan kissed her and took her into his arms. This was what hi had been waiting for and oddly, this simple kiss was more pleasing than watching her beg him for mercy. He didn't know why she had that effect on him, but he couldn't let it interfere with the bigger scheme of things. However, while it was just Eve and himself, he decided that she and he should be able to experience the love that he had spoken of earlier. Eve broke away from the kiss opening her eyes and seeing Ryan before her. Feeling a bit flushed she moved back slightly looking at him. "I guess I got carried away," she spoke up now really knowing what else to say as she cleared her throat unable to believe she'd kissed him like that. "Get carried away anytime you like," Ryan said watching her for a moment and wanting to kiss her again. However, he wanted her to feel as if she had control of the situation. He would have to give her a little rope to hang herself with if indeed she was trying to play him. He didn't think she would be that stupid, but he had to make sure he was safe. Eve looked at him for a moment wanting nothing more than to get up and walk away as she'd never intended upon kissing him, but in doing so she knew it would be a sure sign that she was bluffing about her feelings for him. She closed her eyes for a brief second allowing her head to fill with the same images that had brought out that kiss as she moved in close to him again. "Like this?" she asked kissing him again. "Exactly like that," Ryan whispered in between kisses, pulling her in closer to him, pressing her body to his. He moved his fingers along her spine, "Much better." Eve felt his hands on her almost cringing at his touch as she reminded herself to stay focused. She did my best to distance herself from the situation as she kissed him again pretending he was someone else. "Very nice," Ryan whispered, kissing her deeply caressing her cheek as they kissed, knowing that she was his. Eve could feel the tears forming in her eyes as they continued to kiss one another. Don't blow this Eve, she silently warned herself feeling things pick up between them. After a long moment, she pulled back to look at him forcing a smile. "Are you happy?" "Happier than I've been in a very long time." "Good, that's exactly what I wanted to hear." Eve informed him after a moment. "I'd glad you're happy." "And you, Eve? What is it you're feeling right now?" "Many things Ryan." Eve replied kissing him again
not wanting to talk about my
Ryan returned her kiss, before pausing for a moment, "Such as?" "Just about us and about how good it's going to be for us." Eve replied looking back at him. "You're truly dedicated to this, aren't you?" Ryan asked watching her for a moment. "Of course," she nodded looking at him as she placed her hand on his shoulder, "don't you see that by now?" "I am seeing that," he said, "But you have to understand my caution in this situation." "I understand that Ryan and I understand your need for assurance." she explained realizing that he wasn't convinced yet. Ryan nodded, "Good, just so long as we know where we stand." "Of course and if there's any way I can help this situation out after the way things were last night, then feel free to let me know." she answered sounding so eager to please as her stomach turned a bit. "You're doing just fine so far on your own. Besides, you know that I'm always willing to give direction when I feel it's needed." "Right," she replied seeing he was waiting for her to prove myself to him. She settled in close to him forcing a smile as she touched his face. "Well I just want you to stay happy." "You know what that requires of you, Eve, and so far, I'm quite impressed." "Good," Eve replied kissing him again indicating that she was happy with him as she placed herself somewhere else using some tactics she'd long since buried to bring herself to go through the motions with him. Ryan returned her kiss, pressing her body along his while his hands moved along her body. Eve deepened the kiss trying so desperately to lose herself in him.....to get into the feel of this, but something just felt so off. She pulled back for a moment looking at him as she thought back to the last kiss she'd shared with Chris in the on call room. Closing her eyes she moved in to kiss him again letting her hands wander over his body taking in the feel of him pretending he was someone else and this was another time somehow. "This is what I've wanted for us, Eve. The two of us together without any pretense of Kevin. This is what I've wanted," Ryan whispered, moving his lips across her gently before moving his lips along her neck. "Well good Ryan, because all I want to do is make you happy," Eve replied with tears in her eyes feeling his lips on her skin. She closed her eyes again trying to pull together the strength to go through with this. "Tell me this is what you want, Eve. I need to hear that," Ryan whispered moving his lips to her ear. Eve could feel herself choking back tears as she had to dredge up the words to pacify him. She took in a breath fighting everything in her as she spoke up. "It is Ryan. It's what I want." "That's what I've wanted to hear," Ryan said moving his lips back to hers and kissing her deeply, feeling a power he hadn't dreamed of. Eve could feel how strong his response was to what she'd said and it terrified her. She knew that being with Ryan again was the last thing she wanted, but at the same time, she couldn't let him know that she was lying about how she felt. She kissed him back putting her mind elsewhere hoping he couldn't pick up on what was going on inside of her. "Eve, tell me what you're feeling. I want to hear it," Ryan said, needing to hear the words from her. "There are so many thing running through my mind Ryan, about us, about the future.." Eve started trying to keep her voice cool and collected before she kissed him again afraid she couldn't lie her way out of this one. "What about the future, Eve?" he asked, moving his lips along her skin. "Just about the way things are going to be," Eve said closing her eyes, "The way they will be from now on." "You and me? together?" Ryan asked with a smile, moving his lips back to hers. "Of course," Eve replied breaking away from the kiss. She could feel him so close to her and she fought her instincts that were telling her to just run and she kissed him again. "What plans do you have for us, baby?" Ryan asked
breaking away and watching
"For us to spend eternity together," Eve replied
looking back at him knowing he
"Show me, Eve."
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