Chapter 13: Chasing Cars - The Broken Road

Despite my pleading and a rather impressive display of tears, Kadyn insisted the sheriff drive us directly to the emergency room. Cenia and Kadyn joined me in the exam room, while the sheriff and the rest of our friends waited in the lobby.

The nurse wrapped warm blankets around my feet before drawing blood and hooking me up to an IV. She cleaned and then placed a butterfly bandage over the gash on my cheek. The physician ordered an x-ray of my arm, shoulder, and ribs and confirmed that one of the ribs was cracked. She wrote a prescription for antibiotics and pain killers to treat the injuries.

The physician decided to perform a pelvic exam when she learned about the attempted rape. Kadyn left the room, but Cenia stayed and held my hand throughout the exam. The doctor gathered evidence for a rape kit but assured me she saw no signs of rape. She wrote additional prescriptions for sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medicine and encouraged me to see a psychiatrist when I returned home. The nurse slathered ointment on my feet and bandaged them shortly before they discharged me.

We were exhausted by the time we left the hospital, so we decided to spend the rest of the night in a hotel. Kadyn and I shared a room. Every time I tried to sleep, I ended up reliving some segment of the past four days. I woke several times. I was terrified Justin would find a way to escape from the authorities and kill us both.

Kadyn and I filled my prescriptions before meeting everyone else at the airport the next morning. I clung to Dan for a long time and thanked each of his friends in turn. Then Kadyn and I boarded Senator Rockefeller’s plane with the rest of our friends. I took the meds as soon as the plane leveled off. I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep while tucked securely in Kadyn’s arms.

* * *

I was still exhausted and a bit disoriented by the sleeping pill when we landed at Dulles Airport. I stood numbly by as Kadyn paid for parking at the kiosk. I froze when I heard a familiar voice behind me.

“Krissy?”

I shook my head, assuming the voice I’d heard was a side effect of the medications I had taken.

“Krissy? Honey, it’s mom.”

Slowly, I turned.

My parents were standing behind me. They were holding perfectly still, like I might shatter if they tried to touch me. Tears streamed down my mother’s face. My father looked as if he were afraid to speak.

I stared at them in disbelief. “Mom? Dad?”

They closed the distance between us and folded me in their arms. We stood crying and clinging to each other for a very long time, oblivious to the people and the activities around us. My mom was the first to speak. “Thank God, you’re okay,” she breathed as she stepped back to look at me.

My dad fixed his gaze over my shoulder. “Kadyn, how could we possibly repay you for saving our daughter’s life?”

“The fact that she’s safe is payment enough, sir,” Kadyn replied. He reached for my father’s hand. My dad pulled him in for a hug instead.

My eyes flitted between my parents. “How did you get here? How did you even know?” I was still trying to piece it all together.

“Senator Rockefeller called. He offered to fly us to DC so we could be here when you got home.” My mom’s voice broke. “We caught the first flight out.”

I stared at my mother in complete shock. Kadyn had already told me that Senator Rockefeller lent him the plane we flew back to DC. I couldn’t believe that he had flown my parents to DC too. I looked more closely at my mom. She looked tired and far older than her years. I hugged her again, suddenly overwhelmed with tears.

* * *

I convinced my parents to stay at my apartment, despite its small size. They were reluctant to take my bedroom, but I insisted on sleeping on the couch. Senator Rockefeller called shortly after we arrived home. I thanked him for everything he had done and accepted his offer for some additional time off. I knew I was going to need some time to process everything that had happened to me.

In the days that followed, I learned more about the roles everyone had played in rescuing me, including people I had never met before. I began compiling a list, so I could thank each one personally.

I was fortunate enough to find a psychiatrist who specialized in domestic violence and PTSD. She insisted on seeing me immediately. She changed up some of my medications and warned me that my memories and fears wouldn’t disappear overnight. I would be dealing with this for the rest of my life.

I was sorely tempted to remain locked up inside my apartment, but Kadyn insisted we show my parents around DC. Neither of them had visited DC before. They wanted to meet and thank Senator Rockefeller, but he was in West Virginia for some constituent meetings. I showed them around the office so they could see where I worked. Then Patrick and I gave them a tour of the Capitol. Kadyn joined us for the Capitol tour and showed us around the Pentagon the next day.

Ellen arranged for a tour of the White House, so we visited the White House, the National Mall, and the monuments the day after we toured the Pentagon. Although we never saw the President or his family, the White House proved to be the highlight of my parents’ trip.

My parents stayed until the day after Thanksgiving. Kadyn flew to Illinois to spend the holiday with his family, so my mom baked a small turkey just for the three of us. I cried long and hard the day they left. I briefly considered returning to Montana with them, but I was determined to see my fellowship through to the end.

Cenia stayed with me until Kadyn returned from Illinois on Sunday. Ellen encouraged me to take a few more days off, but Kadyn and everyone else had to return to work. I wasn’t comfortable being alone. I longed to bury myself in work and thought it might help take my mind off the kidnapping. So I returned to Senator Rockefeller’s office the Monday after Thanksgiving.

* * *

As soon as I walked out of the Thurgood Marshall Building, I sought out the saxophone player. He was in his usual spot in front of the Columbus Fountain. He stopped playing his horn as soon as he spotted me.

My hands shook and my eyes filled with tears when I approached him, although I wasn’t sure why. “I’m sorry. I don’t know your name, but I wanted to thank you for helping my boyfriend find me.”

A slow smile spread across his face. “My name is James. I’ve missed seeing you around. You’re okay?”

“For the most part,” I responded honestly. “My name is Kri.”

“Welcome back, Kri. This one’s for you.” James raised the saxophone to his lips and began to play.

I stood there and listened to the entire song. It wasn’t a tune I recognized, but I found it comforting all the same.

James nodded and winked at me as he rolled into the next song.

I smiled. I dropped a twenty dollar bill into his case before I turned and walked away. It wasn’t much, but I thought it might buy him a meal or two.

Jamie ushered me into Senator Rockefeller’s office the moment I entered the reception area. Senator Rockefeller rose from his desk when I walked into the room. He closed the distance between us, then pulled me in for a hug.

I was completely speechless.

Senator Rockefeller gently grasped my shoulders as he stepped back to look at me. “Kristine, I’m so sorry.”

I tried not to cry. “Senator, you have nothing to be sorry for. This wasn’t your fault. In fact, I should be thanking you. I can’t possibly thank you enough for helping Kadyn and for flying my parents into DC.” Tears stole silently down my cheeks.

He handed me a box of tissue. “I shouldn’t have called you and Patrick into work so late,” he responded. His voice was filled with regret.

I shook my head. “It wouldn’t have made any difference. He would have found another way…” My voice broke. I couldn’t finish the sentence.

The senator patted my back. “Still, I think a change in office policy is in order. I won’t be calling you or anyone else into the office that late at night again, not unless we’re all here for a late vote.”

I nodded politely before setting the box of tissue back on the end table.

“I owe a debt of gratitude to Captain Rand for bringing you back safely. That is one very determined and admirable young man,” Senator Rockefeller noted as he walked me toward the door.

“Yes, he is,” I agreed. I turned and gently grasped his hand. “Thank you, senator, for everything. I… I don’t think I would have survived if you hadn’t gotten Kadyn that plane as quickly as you did.”

The senator’s eyes softened. “It was the least I could do.”

I just shook my head and smiled. As I hiked up the stairs that led to my cubicle, I reflected on Senator Rockefeller’s kindness and just how fortunate I was to be working for him. I wondered whether any of the other senators I’d interviewed with would have made the same effort to help.

Patrick jumped out of his chair and scooped me up into his arms the second he spotted me. He gently lowered me back onto my feet before speaking. “God, Kri. It's so good to see you again. I was so worried you were going to move back to Montana with your parents. I’m so sorry about what happened. Can you ever forgive me?”

I scowled at him as I set my briefcase and purse on my desk. “Forgive you for what? I don’t understand why everyone keeps apologizing to me. There’s only one person to blame here, and that person is not likely to apologize any time soon.”

“I shouldn’t have let you walk back to your car alone so late at night,” Patrick insisted.

I softened my tone. “Patrick, there were at least twelve guards between this office and my jeep. Not a single one of you could have prevented this from happening. I would have still gotten into that cab, oblivious to the danger that lie ahead. Please don’t blame yourself for this. I told you when I brought my parents in for the tour that you did nothing wrong.” I tried to reassure him with another hug.

Patrick looked marginally relieved as he sat back into his chair.

I switched my computer on and settled into my chair. My thoughts lingered on Habib. I felt guilty that Justin had threatened Diwa’s life to get to me and that he had drawn Habib and his brother into his deranged plan. I understood why Habib and Abdul chose to cooperate with him, but I wasn’t sure I could see Habib again.

Just then, my phone chimed with an incoming text. I looked down at my phone and smiled. I quickly read the text.

May you be blessed with knowing and receiving deep in your heart that the Father, the Lord God Almighty loves you and is with you even when the mountains in your life are being shaken. May the Lord bless your heart and may your hope and faith increase as you receive His love and touch others for Him because of His love for you.

“Oh, Charlie,” I whispered. “How do you always seem to know exactly what I need?”

* * *

I called Habib that night, shortly after I returned home from work. He was surprised to hear from me. He immediately began apologizing for what had happened. As with everyone else who had made it a point to apologize, I assured him that he had nothing to apologize for.

I asked him to meet me for lunch at the Afghan restaurant the next day. He agreed, even after I told him that Kadyn was going to be there. Kadyn had insisted on joining me when he got wind of my plans. He was worried that Abdul might show up.

* * *

I picked Kadyn up at the Pentagon on my way to the Afghan restaurant. Habib rose from his chair and gave me one of his awkward hugs when we entered the restaurant. His eyes flitted nervously to Kadyn who had already dropped into a seat at another table. Kadyn had insisted on sitting at a separate table so Habib would feel more comfortable talking to me. I had argued the point on the drive over to the restaurant but to no avail.

I squeezed Habib’s hand. “I’m sorry, Habib. I know he makes you nervous. He just doesn’t want to see me get hurt again.”

Habib offered me a tight smile. “I understand.”

The waitress delivered a number of appetizers to our table. I turned my attention to Habib as we began dishing up the food. “How’s Diwa?”

“She’s a little scared to be by herself, but she's going to be okay,” Habib replied reassuringly. “She has gone to Afghanistan to visit family. She might stay. She thinks it may be safer there.” He shook his head sadly.

My eyes widened in shock. I knew Diwa’s abduction was traumatic, but I couldn’t believe the experience had driven her to that conclusion. “Habib, I’m so sorry for what Justin put you and your family through.”

Habib’s brown eyes softened. “It is as you said. There is only one person to blame, and it is not you.”

I smiled as Habib repeated my own words back to me. “I truly believe that, and I hope you do too. You did what you had to do to save Diwa. I’d offer you forgiveness, Habib, but I don’t think you have done anything that requires it. I’d like to offer my friendship instead.”

Habib softly touched my hand. “That I will gladly accept.”

The waitress set lamb kabobs and a plate filled with Kadu Chalua in front of us. She walked back to the kitchen and returned with white rice and a meat sauce that hinted at coriander and cumin. Habib identified the meat sauce as qurma. The waitress refilled our water glasses, then promptly disappeared into the back.

Habib and I settled in to eat lunch. His eyes grew wide when I explained everything that had transpired in Trout Lake. Habib’s gaze shifted toward Kadyn when I finished describing the rescue efforts. “He must love you very much.”

I glanced over at Kadyn and smiled. “Yes, Habib. I do believe he does.”

Habib looked thoughtful. “Did he tell you what his friends did to Abdul?”

My fork hung suspended in front of my mouth. “No.”

A small smile tugged at Habib’s lips. “They wrapped his entire body in duct tape.”

My jaw dropped. “His entire body?”

Habib nodded. “It took Diwa and me over an hour to cut him out of that tape.”

I scowled at Kadyn when his eyes met mine.

He shrugged. Then he leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. He knew what I was scowling about, and he had no intentions of offering up an apology.

Habib chuckled softly. “I told my brother he deserved much worse for threatening you with that gun.”

When the waitress brought the check, Habib and I laughed, both recalling what had happened the first time we ate lunch together. I sat back in my chair as Habib reached for his wallet. He looked pleased that I was allowing him to pay the bill.

I reached for his hand as we stood to leave. “Thank you, Habib… for everything.”

Habib smiled as he squeezed my hand. “Thank you, Kristine. It is good to have my friend back.” He nodded politely at Kadyn as he joined us.

My eyes flitted between the two men. “I’d like for all three of us to be friends.”

Kadyn nodded. He reached for Habib’s hand. “I’d like that too.”

Habib was visibly moved. His eyes moistened as he shook Kadyn’s hand. “I’d be honored to count you among my friends.”

I laughed as I patted them both on the shoulder. “Good. Then the next time we go to lunch, the three of us can eat together. No separate tables.”

Habib laughed. He opened the door to the restaurant and followed us outside. “Just as long as you don’t try to pay the bill.”

I grinned at him. “Sorry, Habib. I’m not making any promises on that one.”

Habib shook his head as he walked toward his cab, but I could see he was still smiling.

Kadyn stopped just short of the jeep. He reached for my hips and pulled me in for a hug. “That went much better than I expected. Thanks for letting me tag along.”

I linked my hands behind his neck. I rolled up to my tiptoes and kissed him softly on the lips. “In case you haven’t noticed, I kind of like having you around.”

He smiled as he rubbed his nose against mine. “In case you haven’t noticed, the feeling is mutual.”

As I gazed up at his handsome face, I was suddenly struck by how much we’d been through in two short months. “You know, God really does work in mysterious ways.”

Kadyn smiled as he tugged me closer. “That he does.”

* * *

Kadyn grew concerned about my recurring nightmares and my lingering fear of being alone, so he started spending the night at my house again. This time, he didn’t seek to increase the intimacy between us. He just held me as I slept and soothed me when the nightmares came. If he noticed that I would only kiss him with my eyes open, he didn’t say a word about it.

The Senate took a long recess over the holidays, so I suddenly found myself with more free time than I could handle. Cenia convinced me to make handmade Christmas cards. She hauled me off to a craft store and loaded me up with a ridiculous amount of supplies. I was done in three days.

Gabi had just finished up with final exams, so she took me out holiday shopping at Tyson’s Mall. Tysons wasn’t exactly a mall. It was two malls. And the people milling around both malls were completely insane. Noting the panic on my face, Gabi led me straight to Starbucks. She hooked me up with a peppermint white mocha with two extra shots of caffeine. When that didn’t do the trick, she dragged me into Coastal Flats for appetizers and wine. Shopping proved much easier after that. Although, I later questioned the rationale behind purchasing all of my friends red lace thongs for Christmas.

Cenia, Marie, and I were brainstorming additional activities to keep me busy when we met up for lunch at Panera Bread the next day. We had been batting around numerous ideas.

Marie’s face brightened as she reached for her cup of chai tea. “Why don’t we continue your tradition of baking cookies for one of the local homeless shelters?”

“That’s a great idea!” Cenia exclaimed excitedly.

I mulled over her suggestion as I warmed my hands by the fireplace. “I think I’d like to bake cookies for a battered women’s shelter instead.”

“You know,” Marie said thoughtfully, “kids often join their moms at those shelters.”

“That’s perfect,” Cenia said. I’ll track one down. She immediately began searching the Internet with her phone. “Found one!”

I dipped a piece of bread into my curried pumpkin soup. “We need to make sure they accept homemade food donations, not all shelters do.”

Cenia nodded as she dialed the phone. “Hi, my name’s Cenia. Some friends and I would like to bake Christmas cookies and bring them by your shelter within the next few days. Do you accept homemade food donations?” Cenia grew quiet. “She’s transferring me to the director,” she explained as she covered the phone.

Marie and I exchanged glances.

“Yes, thank you. I’m calling to see if you would accept a food donation of homemade Christmas cookies.” Cenia nodded as her eyes met mine. “Do you have children staying there?” Again, she nodded. “Sure. We’ll bring them by Thursday.” She smiled as she disconnected the call.

“Yes!” Marie exclaimed. “Now, what kind of cookies do you girls want to make?”

“Sugar cookies!” Cenia and I shouted, each trying to call dibs before the other.

“Oh. That’s what I was thinking too,” Marie replied with a hint of disappointment.

“Why don’t we just pick one recipe, instead of making three different kinds of sugar cookies?” I suggested, completely abandoning my soup.

“Well, what are your recipes like?” Cenia asked hesitantly.

“My sugar cookies are frosted, and they’re made with sour cream and nutmeg,” I revealed reluctantly. The sour cream sugar cookie recipe was a well-guarded family recipe, one that could only be shared with my mother’s consent.

“Mine are more traditional, and they aren’t frosted. They have colored sugar sprinkled on top, and they practically melt in your mouth. What about yours?” Marie asked, turning her attention to Cenia.

“My cookies are frosted, but they’re made with almond extract,” Cenia responded.

“How do we decide which recipe to go with?” I inquired with mock innocence. I knew full well what the answer would be.

Cenia’s face lit up.

“Oh, no,” Marie groaned. “Here we go again.”

* * *

Senator Rockefeller invited Kadyn and me to a Christmas Party at his home in DC. I was curious to see what the inside of his house looked like and excited about the opportunity to dress up. Gabi took me shopping, this time at a much smaller mall. She helped me pick out a breathtaking dress in midnight blue. The dress had thin straps that crisscrossed artfully across the back, so she insisted I wear my hair up for the event.

Gabi asked Kadyn to get ready at his place so we could surprise him with my dress. She had just finished helping me pull my hair into an elegant up-do, when Kadyn arrived.

Gabi blocked the door to my bedroom when I moved to answer the door. “Oh, no you don’t. You’re staying right here. I’ll get the door while you slip into your dress. And I don’t want you coming out of your room right away. I want Kadyn to wait a little bit. Trust me, he’s not going to mind once he gets a load of you.” She winked before disappearing to answer the door.

Gabi’s melodic voice trailed from the living room. “Hi, Kadyn. You look great. Kri will be out in a little bit. You don’t mind waiting, do you?”

I smiled when I heard Kadyn respond, “Did you seriously just ask me that?”

Gabi laughed as she strode back into my bedroom with two glasses of wine.

“Can I go now?” I asked as my hands smoothed over the dress. “I’m starting to have flashbacks to my high school prom.”

Gabi handed me a glass of wine, then plopped down on the bed. She began swinging her legs off the edge of the bed. “Nope. We’re just going to sit here and enjoy a glass of wine.”

I tried to object as I slipped a pair of silver heels on. “But…”

Gabi threw her hand up to cut me off. “A little anticipation goes a long way. Kadyn will be fine. Drink up!”

She giggled as I sank into the arm chair next to my bed and took a sip of wine. “I can’t believe I’m making him wait,” I whispered nervously. Kadyn was strangely silent, and I had no clue what he was doing to entertain himself in the living room.

Kadyn popped his head inside my doorway. “You girls having a good time in here?”

Gabi gasped. “Kadyn, you weren’t supposed to come look!”

My eyes widened as Kadyn’s broad shoulders filled the doorway. The tux looked like it had been designed with Kadyn in mind. I couldn’t believe how well the cut emphasized his muscular shoulders and trim waist. “You look amazing,” I whispered as I set my wine glass on the nightstand and stood. Desire pooled from my abdomen to my toes as I closed the distance between us.

Kadyn appeared to be at a loss for words. His eyes swept over my dress.

I froze just a few steps in front of him, then smiled as I turned around. “Do you like it?”

“Kri,” he said brokenly.

Goose bumps scurried down my back. Kadyn had said my name the same exact way the first night we met, when he walked me to Mickey’s car. My heart clenched as our eyes met.

Kadyn captured my hand as I reached for his face. He kissed the inside of my palm. “I have never seen anything as beautiful as you.”

“Ahhhh,” Gabi sighed from the bed.

Kadyn and I exchanged looks, then laughed. “Shall we?” he asked as he tucked my hand into the crook of his arm.

I nodded as Gabi handed me the silver pashmina that had been draped over the side of my bed. “Thanks, Gabi!”

“I expect a full report in the morning,” she responded as she followed us through the front door.

“Sure,” Kadyn answered. He tucked me into his car. “You be sure and hold your breath while I work on that report.”

Gabi just laughed and waved as she walked back to Mason and Kadyn’s place.

“I don’t know about that girl,” Kadyn said as he joined me in the car.

I smiled. “I like her. A lot. Do you think she and Mason will ever admit they’re dating?”

Kadyn smiled as he pulled away from the curb. “Mason’s thinking about proposing.”

I gasped. “Are you serious?”

He nodded.

“That’s awesome. They’re perfect together,” I responded happily.

“He thinks she’ll be more surprised by the proposal if he’s still refusing to admit they’re dating.”

I just shook my head. “That sounds like Mason.”

“I don’t think they’re the only ones we’ll see engaged next year,” Kadyn predicted.

“Cenia and Roger?” I asked.

“Yep.” He chuckled. “The jury’s still out on which couple will get married first.”

I laughed. “Maybe I’ll get another opportunity to wear this dress after all.”

Kadyn’s face grew serious. “You have to promise me you’ll wear that dress again.”

I smiled. “Only if you promise to buy that tux. I’m going to want to see you in that again. Soon.”

Kadyn pulled my hand to his lips. “Is New Year’s Eve soon enough?”

“For what?” I murmured, completely distracted by the feel of his lips brushing teasingly across my fingers. As innocent as the gesture was, there wasn’t a single part of my body that didn’t feel that kiss.

Kadyn laughed. “I’m asking you out for New Year’s Eve.”

My eyes widened. “You’ll wear the tux?”

Kadyn nodded as he brought the car to a stop. He gave our names to the security guard in the gatehouse just outside Senator Rockefeller’s property. The guard checked our names against a list, then waved us through.

“Where are we going?” I asked curiously.

Kadyn eased his car through the gate. “To Senator Rockefeller’s house, where else?”

I thumped him in the arm with my clutch. “For New Year’s Eve!”

“Oh, I think I’ll keep that under wraps for now. You know, a little anticipation goes a long way…”

I gave him an indignant look. “Hey! Gabi’s the one who said that. Not me!”

Kadyn laughed as he pulled into the large circular driveway. He handed his keys to the parking valet, then walked around the passenger side to help me step out of the car. He tucked my hand into the crook of his arm as he led me up the wide marble steps.

The butler took our coats before ushering us into the living room. The place was packed with elegantly dressed people. I peered through the crowd, trying to identify a familiar face.

Kadyn kept my hand tucked snuggly inside the crook of his arm as he snagged a glass of white wine from a cater waiter and inquired about a Sprite. He handed me the wine, then kissed me on the top of the head. “You really do look breathtaking, Kri.”

I stopped scouring the crowd so I could look at Kadyn. The waiter returned with the Sprite just as Kadyn was leaning in to kiss me. Kadyn smiled as he accepted the Sprite. “Just so you know, I’ll be collecting on that kiss later.” His tone suggested he’d be collecting far more than a kiss.

“There she is!” Senator Rockefeller exclaimed as he approached with a pretty blond woman. “This is my newest staffer, Kristine. She’s the one spearheading the bill that will deliver mobile medical care to the homeless. Kristine, I’d like you to meet my wife, Sharon.”

I shook Mrs. Rockefeller’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Rockefeller. This is my boyfriend, Kadyn.”

Senator Rockefeller reached for Kadyn’s hand. “Captain Rand. I’m pleased to finally meet you. I want to thank you for your rather heroic efforts to find and free Kristine.”

Kadyn shook Senator Rockefeller’s hand. “We couldn’t have done it without your help, sir. Thank you for letting us use your plane.”

Mrs. Rockefeller reached for Kadyn’s hand. “My husband has told me all about you. You are a remarkable young man.”

My eyes met Kadyn’s. “That he is,” I agreed.

“You two have fun,” Senator Rockefeller said as he patted my shoulder. Then he and his wife ambled away to greet another guest.

Kadyn and I circulated among the other guests as we sampled hors d'oeuvres and looked for my colleagues.

“Kristine, over here!” Jamie called out. Patrick, Jonathan, and Jamie were standing just in front of the piano.

There were so many people packed into the living room that it took some time to reach them. “You look beautiful,” I told Jamie as I gave her a quick hug. “Emerald green is definitely your color.”

Patrick shook hands with Kadyn before giving me a hug. Jonathan did the same.

“You guys clean up nice,” I said teasingly.

“You don’t look half bad yourself,” Jonathan needled back.

“What do you think of the house?” Patrick asked.

I studied the décor a bit more closely. “It’s lovely. I’m surprised by all the color. I was expecting something much more subdued.”

Patrick nodded. “Me too.”

“You should check out the artwork in the hallway,” Jamie suggested, “and just outside the bathroom.”

“Where is the bathroom?” Kadyn asked.

“That way,” Jonathan pointed. He snagged a glass of wine from a nearby waiter.

“Do you want to go check it out?” I asked Kadyn.

“Sure,” he agreed, offering me his arm.

I waved at Jonathan, Patrick, and Jamie as Kadyn pulled me into the crowd. “We’ll see you later,” I called over my shoulder.

Kadyn led me to the other side of the room before ducking down a long hallway.

I stopped short of the painting just outside the bathroom door. “No way. Is that what I think it is?”

Kadyn nodded. “That’s an original Picasso.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “I would have never guessed you could own this kind of art. I thought it was all held in museums.”

He shrugged. “Senator Rockefeller probably loans his art collection to museums.”

Kadyn ducked inside the bathroom, so I continued on down the hallway, which was far less crowded than the living room. The walls were lined with original paintings, which were displayed under small spotlights. I stopped in front of a painting of Monet’s gardens. Monet was my favorite artist. I had two of his prints hanging inside my apartment. This was not a print. This was one of his original oil paintings, a canvas that Monet had actually touched. I was still staring at the painting when Kadyn walked up behind me and kissed my shoulder.

“I want to touch it,” I confessed, “but I can’t.”

“Why not?” Kadyn asked, glancing at the painting.

“It’s too beautiful,” I whispered.

“I know what you mean,” he murmured softly.

I tore my eyes from the painting so I could look at Kadyn. My breath caught at his heated gaze. My body swayed instinctively toward his.

Kadyn leaned his head toward mine. “Let’s call it a night,” he whispered conspiratorially.

His tone sent me into a tailspin. Suddenly, I wanted nothing more than to be alone with him. I glanced toward the crowded living room, then slowly nodded. My pulse quickened as I reached for his hand.

Kadyn led me to the front door where we collected our coats. His thumb drew tiny circles along the inside of my wrist while we waited for the valet. Neither of us said a word as Kadyn helped me step into the car.

A pleasant sort of tension spun between us during the drive home. Kadyn parked in his usual spot and walked me back to my apartment. He unlocked my door, then helped me slip out of my coat. “Do you mind if I put some music on?” he asked as he gently caressed my arms.

I slipped my shoes off. “No, that sounds good.” My heart was pounding. I could feel something shifting between us. The gentle ribbing that typically formed our banter was gone, replaced by something that demanded far more than words.

Kadyn played with the iPod on my breakfast bar while I hung our coats up. After a great deal of consideration, he settled on a song. He returned the iPod to the speaker where I kept it docked. Then he turned and held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”

I placed my hand in his. He pulled me close, then gently began to sway. I closed my eyes and smiled as I relaxed into his chest. “‘Dream a Little Dream of Me.’ Good choice.”

Kadyn softly sang the lyrics while we danced. He stilled when the iPod rolled into the next song. His eyes searched mine as he lifted my chin. “I wish….”

“Wish what?” I whispered as I pulled back to look at him.

His eyes fell to my lips. “I wish I could tell you how I feel about you, but I can’t.”

“You can’t?” I whispered hoarsely.

Kadyn’s eyes closed as he gently shook his head. “No.”

“Why?” I inquired, mustering just enough courage to ask.

Kadyn’s eyes were full of sadness when he finally looked at me. “Because if you heard those three words now, you’d run.”

My heart stalled. “I…”

Kadyn quickly placed his finger on my lips. “The wrong men have spoken those words to you and proven them a lie.”

Tears welled in my eyes.

Slowly his finger left my lips and trailed down my chin… my neck… and across my collarbone. Both of his hands cupped my shoulders, then slid down my arms until his fingers linked with mine. Softly, he whispered, “Please let me show you, instead.”

My heart beat skittishly as a single tear slid down my cheek. I took a deep breath and slowly nodded.

He brushed the tear away with his thumb, then held my face in his hands as his lips met mine. I melted into his chest as his hands ran down my neck… across my collarbone… and settled on my shoulders once more. He eased first one then the other strap off my shoulders. The dress whispered silkily as it slid to the ground and pooled at my feet. Kadyn scooped me up into his arms and carried me to the bedroom as he resumed the kiss.

Kadyn lowered me to the bed. He sat next to me on the edge of the bed and gently caressed my face. “You’re not afraid?”

“Terrified,” I confessed as a chill tickled my spine.

Kadyn held my gaze as he loosened his tie. He slowly unbuttoned his shirt. “You must know the power you have over me…”

My eyebrows knit with confusion.

Kadyn ran his fingers across my forehead to smooth it back out. “I would walk through fire for you, Kri. I would gladly lay my life down for yours.”

My eyes softened as I reached for his face.

He quickly captured my hand. His eyes remained fixed on mine as he kissed the palm of my hand. “What do you want, Kri?”

“You,” I breathed. “I want you.”

Kadyn released my hand as he stood. His shirt and pants fell to the floor. He nudged the clothes aside with his foot. Then he walked to the end of the bed. His hands caressed my legs as he removed the silk stockings I’d been wearing under my dress. He reached for my foot and gently began massaging the arch. “I want all of you, Kri. I’ve never wanted anything more.”

My entire body clenched as he gently scraped his teeth along the arch of my foot. He retraced the path with his tongue. “I want you to feel what I feel every time I look at you,” he whispered huskily. He planted wet, erotic kisses all the way up my leg. He paused as he reached my hips. Then he hooked his fingers in my thong.

“Kadyn,” I gasped as he slid the thin silver lace down my legs. My heart stumbled against my chest as he stepped out of his boxer briefs. I couldn’t take my eyes off his beautifully sculpted body.

Kadyn reached for my other foot. “You have all of the control here, Kri. I’ll stop the second you say the word.”

I couldn’t have said stop if I wanted to. My brain stalled the second Kadyn’s mouth found my toes. I tried not to whimper as he consumed each toe and the arch of my foot in a provocative kiss.

His lips forged a trail up my other leg. Heat pooled low and deep when he reached the top of my leg. He trailed fiery kisses over my hip, then licked and nipped his way up my abdomen. He bracketed me in his arms and legs as he teased each breast into a hard peak with his tongue.

My hands fisted in the comforter as I resisted the urge to pull his mouth closer to my breasts. I bit my lip in an effort to maintain some level of self-control.

Kadyn kissed my neck and lowered his body to mine.

The feel of his bare skin sliding against mine chased all coherent thoughts from my mind. I locked my arms and legs around him, suddenly desperate to feel more. “Kadyn,” I pleaded. I wanted to feel him inside of me… needed him inside of me… but I couldn’t speak those words.

His hands tangled in my hair as his lips sought mine. His tongue swept through my mouth, demanding me to let go… to stop thinking… to feel more.

I arched against him as our bodies aligned. He pressed into me, then somehow resisted what both of our bodies were begging for. He broke the kiss as he turned me in his arms, and suddenly my stomach was pressed against the bed. Kadyn kissed all across the nape of my neck… across my shoulders… up and down my arms… then down my back. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered. “How can anyone be this beautiful?”

I tried to speak as Kadyn rolled me back over, but he robbed me of all breath as his tongue stroked slowly between my legs. I was still struggling to breathe as his tongue pressed lower and more deeply than it had before. “Please, Kadyn...”

He paused uncertainly. “Do you want me to stop?”

I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry, so I did both. “God, no, Kadyn. I want you inside of me. Now.”

Kadyn smiled as he continued seducing me with his tongue. It wasn’t until I was shaking and on the edge of tears that he slowly made his way back up my body. He linked his hands in mine, then forced them into the pillow behind my head. His eyes held mine as he slowly pushed inside of me.

My breath caught when the pressure blurred the lines between pleasure and pain. Kadyn paused as I breathed through the pain. I closed my eyes and arched against him, encouraging him to press a little deeper. He continued to ease into me, inch by inch, until he filled me completely. I stilled as I savored the feel of his body so deeply buried in mine. I suddenly realized how much I wanted and needed this connection with Kadyn.

Slowly, he began to move. “Open your eyes, Kri. Look at me.”

His eyes softened when I looked into his eyes. His hands clenched mine as he captured my lips. His tongue led mine in the same seductive dance as the rest of our bodies, slowly stoking my need.

I wrapped my legs around Kadyn’s as I tried to anchor myself. He moaned as I arched against him, my body silently pleading for more. He pulled back, then drove into me hard and deep. He stilled, then slowly pulled back again. I gasped as Kadyn thrust even harder. Still, I wanted more. I untangled my hands from his and reached for his back, pulling him against me as he drove into me once more.

Kadyn wedged his hands beneath my back. Then he rolled us over so I was suddenly on top of him. He captured my lips in a demanding kiss, then gently eased me upright until I was sitting with my hands resting on his chest. He kept his eyes locked on mine as he reached for my hips and settled more deeply inside of me. The tension that had been building within me suddenly began to unravel. The room spun.

My head fell back as Kadyn took control of my hips. Pleasure spiraled deep and low as he moved inside of me. Then, without any warning, he lifted my hips and slammed deep inside. Stars pricked at the back of my eyes as my body exploded from the inside out. Kadyn held me as I rode out the waves. Then he gently eased my hips up and drove into me once more. Kadyn stilled. I gasped as he filled me with a searing heat. My body clenched, then shattered all over again.

I collapsed against his chest, completely stunned. I was struggling not to cry as I clung to him. A million different feelings were coursing through me… relief… happiness… belonging… contentment… and love. But the fear was gone.

“Hey, you okay?” he whispered.

I listened to his heartbeat while I tried to regain my composure. “Yes,” I finally breathed.

He grew quiet as his fingers ran softly up and down my spine.

“So that’s what it feels like,” I mused.

“What?” Kadyn asked. He began sifting his fingers through my hair. He gently tugged my hair from the upsweep until it fell over my shoulders and back.

“An orgasm,” I responded. I giggled nervously.

Kadyn rolled us over again. He tucked me beneath his body while still buried deep inside. His eyes met mine. “You’ve never had one before?”

I shook my head.

Slowly, he smiled. “Would you like another one?”

It was my turn to smile. “I’d like at least a hundred more.”

A single eyebrow rose on Kadyn’s face. “That’s a tall order for one night.”

I laughed softly. “I don’t have to be anywhere tomorrow.”

Kadyn chuckled as he pinned my hands back over my head. “We'd better get started then.”

* * *

Kadyn and I managed to track down a real Christmas tree, and it was blinking, in all of its holiday glory, in front of my sliding glass doors. We had both decided to stay in DC for the holidays so we invited Cenia and Roger to join us for dinner Christmas Eve.

Kadyn set my iPod to cycle through all of my favorite Christmas songs. My apartment didn’t have a fireplace, so I lit a massive amount of candles and positioned them all over the house. Between the candles and the lights from the tree, the place was bathed in soft, twinkling lights.

Kadyn and Roger grilled steaks on my patio while I baked Alaskan king crab legs. Cenia tossed a salad, then pulled twice baked potatoes from the oven. We loaded up our plates in the kitchen, then settled in at my coffee table, since it was the closest thing I had to a dining room table. After dinner, Cenia and I sipped on cranberry margaritas as the four of us shared our most cherished Christmas memories.

Cenia and Roger left shortly after midnight. Kadyn and I wandered through the living room, blowing out candles. He blew the flame from the last candle, then gathered me into his arms. “Merry Christmas, pretty lady.”

I rolled up to my toes and planted a soft kiss on his lips. “Merry Christmas.”

“Would you like your Christmas present now?” he murmured, kissing me behind the ear.

“Uh… yes.” The kiss was diverting, but he was crazy if he thought I was going to pass by an opportunity to get my present early.

Kadyn lavished even more attention on my neck.

“Okay, maybe I can wait,” I conceded with a laugh.

Kadyn chuckled softly as he broke away. He slid his hand into his pocket and pulled out a thin gold bracelet that was laced with an intricate pattern of sparkling diamonds.

My jaw fell open. I hadn’t been expecting such an extravagant gift. The bracelet was exquisite.

Kadyn clasped the bracelet around my wrist, then gently kissed my hand.

I gathered his face in my hands and kissed him thoroughly. “Thank you,” I whispered breathlessly. I led him to the Christmas tree and pulled a small box from underneath. I handed him the gift as we settled on the couch. “I hope you like it.”

Kadyn unwrapped the box. His eyes lit up with surprise. “Tickets to the Bears and Ravens game? The Bears are my favorite team.”

I rolled my eyes. “I noticed.” It had been impossible not to, given that half of his wardrobe had the team’s name imprinted on it.

He smiled as he set the box on the coffee table. “It’s perfect.”

“You’re perfect,” I responded as I snuggled into his arms. I tucked my head under his chin and sighed contentedly as we settled in to watch the lights twinkling on the tree. The lights continued to dance across our bodies long after we fell asleep.

* * *

Kadyn navigated me through the crowd that was gathering in the main foyer of the Kennedy Center. I couldn’t help but admire how nicely his tux showed off his broad shoulders and narrow waist as I trailed behind him. I was wearing a silver sequined gown that captured the colorful lights flickering from the bands stationed at both ends of the foyer. We had just finished watching Freddy Cole and Dizzy Gillespie perform in the Terrace Theater. Kadyn was forging his way through the crowd trying to find Cenia, Roger, Mason, Gabi, Phil, and Marie so we could all be together as the clock struck twelve. Finally, I caught a glimpse of Cenia’s red evening gown.

“There! They're over there!” I shouted over the noise of the crowd and the bands.

Kadyn quickly switched directions. He pulled me in front of him as we approached our friends.

Marie handed me a flute of champagne. “I was worried you wouldn’t make it down here in time!”

“This crowd is insane!” Cenia exclaimed as she handed Kadyn a Sprite.

“It’s awesome,” I insisted with a smile. I had never experienced anything like it before.

Both bands stopped playing. The excitement in the room built as the crowd began counting down to the New Year. “Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six! Five! Four! Three! Two! One! Happy New Year!” The crowd roared as silver, gold, and white balloons fell from the ceiling.

Kadyn forgot all about the champagne as he scooped me up in his arms and planted a passionate kiss on my lips. Auld Lang Syne began to play; and everyone around us began to toast, sing, and dance. Kadyn handed our glasses to a nearby waiter, then twirled me around until he was firmly hugging my back against his chest. “Happy New Year,” he whispered in my ear.

I looked out over our friends and the beautiful concert hall. I turned back around in Kadyn’s arms and smiled. “Thanks to you.”

Kadyn gathered my face in his hands. His eyes locked on mine. “You know I love you?”

We stood there, two people alone in a crush of bodies. I silently studied Kadyn’s face; and a million snapshots in time flashed through my mind… the first time we met, our first date, the friends he had given me, the times he held me while I cried, the flight to Montana, the first time we made love, and the moment he had stood between Justin and me. Each memory whispered to my heart, and my heart beat back its response… slow at first, then hard and fast. The room spun as every last one of my defenses fell. I reached for Kadyn’s hands as they framed my face. My eyes sought his as I spoke. “I do. I do know you love me… and I love you too, Kadyn… with all my heart.”

* * *

With the holidays behind us, the weeks melted away and quickly turned into months. It had been three months since the kidnapping. I was happier than I had ever been in my entire adult life, but I continued to struggle with nightmares, and my thoughts still turned to Justin at the most random times. He was locked in some high security detention facility near Trout Lake. He had pled not guilty and insisted on a trial. I found myself praying he would plea bargain, so I wouldn’t have to testify or face him in a trial.

I was surprised I hadn’t heard anything from Michael. I wondered if he had heard about what happened with Justin and decided I had endured enough drama for one lifetime. I tried not to question it too much and just accept it for what it was.

We were discussing these developments one night at Kadyn’s apartment while eating pizza with our friends. Roger quickly steered us toward a more pleasant topic. “I know exactly what you need to chase all of those bad memories away.”

“What’s that?” I asked curiously.

Roger reached for another slice of pizza. “A vacation. Someplace fun.”

I set my pizza down, immediately enthralled with the idea. “A vacation,” I repeated, already picturing the possibilities.

“It’s almost spring break,” Gabi observed thoughtfully.

“We should go someplace warm… somewhere with a beach,” Marie suggested.

Everyone dropped his pizza and began researching possible destinations on his phone.

Mason looked up from his phone. “How about Jamaica?”

“I know. Cancun!” Cenia exclaimed.

“The Bahamas?” Gabi inquired, and we added it to the list.

I watched, thoroughly amused, as they began debating the merits of each of the vacation spots. “The Bahamas,” I said quietly, finally weighing in.

“The Bahamas,” Kadyn agreed with a smile; and the decision was made.