Kyler smiled, “I expect nothing less from you.”
Jonathon laughed loudly. “Dinner will be in just a few minutes in the next room. And then we thought we might have a small poker game.” He raised his eyebrows hopefully while still managing to look sheepish.
“And I don’t suppose you would take no for an answer?” Kyler asked with a smirk.
“Absolutely not! No one would think you’re as good as you are, looking at you! They’re all greedily raising their bets against you already!” Jonathon informed him. “Well, I’ll leave you to mingle. But I expect you to sit by me at dinner,” He told Cassie.
“Thank you!” She answered, flattered. Then, led by Kyler, she walked around the room meeting the other diners. By the time they’d made the circuit, Cassie realized Kyler knew half of the other guests, and several of the women had eyed him hopefully. She smiled sweetly at them, while taking Kyler’s hand.
“These people just happened to be in town?” Cass asked him quietly, mostly to distract him.
“Probably not. Like he said, there’s a big poker game tomorrow night. That’s where I’ve met most of them.”
A few minutes later a servant announced dinner and they merged together heading for the dining room. Cassie sat where Kyler steered her, right near the head of the table. Then he seated himself next to her. As she started in on her salad and bread, Cassie realized with surprise how well Kyler fit in with this ritzy crowd. While he had never seemed quite like a college kid before, comparing him with everyone else now she wondered how he had ever looked remotely close. Like a chameleon, she mused. He looks more like a wealthy, thirty-something playboy. This realization made her feel even more self-conscious. It wasn’t so bad to be out of place as a couple, but it was much worse if it was just her.
“Rachel?”
Cassie looked up in surprise. A blonde model across the table was talking to her. Right. Rachel. Feeling even more stupid, Cassie answered. “Sorry, what?”
With a patronizing smile the blonde said, “I just asked where you met our Kyler. He’s never been to a party with a date before!”
Cassie looked at Kyler questioningly before answering. She wasn’t sure what their story was. He laughed and neatly side-stepped the question, “And I’ve never seen you at a party without one!”
Another thin, beautiful woman laughed and answered, “Several of us are here without dates. We heard you were back,” She added as explanation.
“Sorry to disappoint,” He said with a smile, taking Cassie’s hand and kissing it. Cassie grinned at him.
“Well,” Jonathon said loudly. “I don’t know how he’s convinced you, my dear, but you could do so much better than this ruffian! You must let me introduce you around town!”
“Thank you, Jonathon, but I’m good. For now,” Cassie said with a wink.
After dinner they adjourned to a different section of the enormous room where a table was set up for a poker game. There were seats all around the table, and then seats behind those for the spectators. Despite the warning, Cassie was still surprised to watch Kyler sweep all the big-timers. When they left several hours later, he’d made over twenty-five thousand dollars, causing Cassie to promptly lose all guilt in leaving what little money she had in the bank.
The flirtatious women didn’t give up easily, and one of them especially vied for Kyler’s attention. He was flawlessly polite, but clear in his lack of interest. When they’d finally escaped one woman’s hugging him goodbye near the elevators, Cassie was a mass of emotions. She was annoyed, pleased and smug. But most of all she was ready to tell Kyler how she felt.
“Kyler wait,” She said, touching his arm as he headed to the door leading to his portion of the suite.
“Yeah Cass?”
“There’s something I need to talk to you about.”
“You still want to know why we came?” He asked.
“Well, yes, but that’s not what I was going to say,” she said.
“Look if it has anything to do with those women, really, I’m sorry. I tried to make my intentions clear. They’ve never been that bad before. It must have been seeing me in the presence of a woman prettier than them made them jealous and determined.” He smiled slightly.
“No, it doesn’t have to do with them,” Cassie paused, then amended, “Well, it is because of them that I feel the need to bring this up. But I’ve realized it for a while now.”
“Oh?” He said, looking worried.
“Yeah. Remember the night we were with Jenna and Zach?”
“You mean last night?” Kyler said with a teasing smile.
“Wow,” Cassie said disbelieving. “You’re right. That was just yesterday. It feels like weeks ago. So I guess it was yesterday that I realized.”
“Realized what?”
“I love you,” She said simply. Kyler didn’t say anything. He didn’t respond. In fact, he didn’t even move. “Well, good night then,” Cassie said embarrassed and she turned to escape to the bathroom.
Kyler grabbed her arm and pulled her around and back into him. Before she knew what was happening he was kissing her. It was a different kind of kiss. It wasn’t at all like a normal second kiss would be. It exuded an attitude she’d never felt come from him; he radiated complete freedom, relaxation and joy simultaneously. Though not what she expected, Cassie responded with enthusiasm. When he finally pulled away he looked at her with a wide smile on his face and in his eyes.
“I’ve been waiting so long to hear you say that!” He lifted her off the ground in a twirling hug. “I love you!” He practically shouted.
“Yeah?” She said laughing at his enthusiasm.
“Yes! This changes everything! We’re leaving tomorrow.” He set her back on the ground and kissed her again, slower this time. Out of breath from his exuberance he stopped and stepped away. “I should go to my room before I get carried away. We’re going to need a lot of sleep tonight; tomorrow will be busy. I’ll wake you around eight so we can get going.”
He opened his door and stepped halfway in.
“Okay,” Cassie said shrugging. “I’ll try to sleep.”
“Good night, Cass. I love you,” He said it seriously this time, but happiness was still emanating from him.
“I love you. Sleep tight.” And with that his door closed.
For the first time in her life, Cassie felt like her world was right. Lying in bed, she realized there was nowhere in the world she would rather be than stuck in Cleveland with Kyler. She was even hoping for one of her crazy, disorienting dreams because it would at least feature Kyler, however inaccurate it was about his personality and their relationship.
Sleep evaded her, and she began to wonder where they were headed the next day. In the middle of her musings she remembered her mother. Oh no. She thought. I have to call her. Kyler thought we’d be safe here for a few days. I should be fine to just make a quick call right now.
She figured she couldn’t sleep anyway, and this might help her calm down. She quickly threw on some clothes, and then headed down to the lobby where Kyler wouldn’t be able to hear her talk.
“Mom?”
“Oh Cassie!” Her mom shrieked in relief. “Oh honey, I’ve been so worried about you! Where are you?”
“Listen Mom, I can’t tell you that. Bu—”
“Why not? Is he there?”
“He? He who?” Cassie asked puzzled. She hadn’t told her mother about Kyler.
“Him! The kidnapper.”
“Kidnapper? What kidnapper?”
“The police say his name is Kyler, but they don’t know what he’s told you.” Cassie heard her sobbing into the phone.
“Mom. Mom! Kyler did not kidnap me! I left with him. Didn’t Jenna tell you what happened?”
“She told me about the police coming to your dorm. But they were too late.” She was still crying. “Cass, whatever he’s told you, it’s not true! You have to get away from him!”
Cassie could hear someone talking near her mother. Her mom answered, “No. I
don’t care! It’s more important for her to get as far from him as possible!” She turned back to the phone. “Cassie, is he near you now?”
“Well, no... But—”
Her mom cut her off again, “Then get out! Get away! Run!” There was a loud crash and Cassie heard her mom shout. She could barely make out a few words coming through the other line.
“No! We don’t want her to leave! She’s our only link to him!”
Someone else added, less furiously, “What about the other girls? Don’t they deserve justice? Just a while longer,” He added reassuringly.
Her mom was on the line again, taking deep breaths. “Cass—”
“Mom, no! Listen to me, the men you’re with, they’re not policemen! And they’re lying!”
“Why would they do that?” Her mom asked in surprise.
“Because they’re trying to get Kyler!”
“Of course they are! Do you realize that he’s kidnapped and killed... ” she choked over the word, “five other girls?”
Cassie shook her head in frustration. “Mom you can’t believe them! It’s not true. He’s not like that, and I completely trust him.”
More talking on the other line. Her mom was sobbing again. “Honey, you’ve got to believe me. They are the police. You remember Melanie from your class? Her dad is here.”
That stopped Cassie up short. Because Melanie’s dad had been an officer. “That’s not possible... ” she said quietly to herself.
“It’s true,” Her mother said with relief, then to someone else, “Almost?”
Cassie broke her train of thought, “What do you mean almost?”
“Nothing, nothing. Look, honey, just tell me where you are! We can have the police there within minutes. And then we can sort the whole thing out. And if he is who he says he is, then no harm done, okay?”
“Oh no! They’re tracing this call, aren’t they?” Cassie said, realizing her idiocy, and hoping it wasn’t too late.
“Uhh….” Her mom didn’t answer.
“Mom, I love you! I’ll call you again as soon as I can. Don’t worry, Kyler is a good person.” Cassie hung up the phone. She turned and ran. She had to warn Kyler in time.
On her way out of the phone booth she bumped into someone. Side stepping him, she apologized, “Sorry.”
“No problem,” A deep voice said.
As she walked past him, she felt something sharp hit her shoulder. “Ow! What are—” She turned to look at the hulking man; she only registered two things, first he had been in her room as she’d escaped it, and second, he was holding a syringe. Then she blacked out.
Chapter 10: Answers
He’s glowering at me from the other side of the table. Again.
“Good morning, Kyler!” I say, falsely cheerful. His glare washes over me, and while it does still make me nervous, I haven’t had the urge to run away from him in over a week. Clearly, my plan is working. “How did you sleep?”
Halle giggles next to me, and I raise innocent eyes to her.
He grunts. “It was fine.”
This makes Halle laugh outright.
“Did you get much sleep? Or were you out?” She asks, with strange emphasis. Kyler ignores her.
Seriously, I have no idea what these two are going on about. But I rarely do. That’s what makes it fun, I guess.
“That’s great! I didn’t sleep well. I swear there are rats in our hotel. I woke up at least twice to weird noises in my room.”
“Oh, weird!” Halle says, though her tone is sarcastic. She needs to work on her feigned enthusiasm.
Kyler glares at her, for a change, and then abruptly leaves the table. I surreptitiously check him out as he goes to the breakfast buffet. I really wish he was less attractive. Or less of a jerk. Honestly, I’d be good with either.
“Whatcha lookin’ at there, Cass?” Halle asks, elbowing me.
Blast. I guess I’m not so surreptitious. “Nothing.” My lie couldn’t be more obvious.
“Uh huh. Don’t worry, I think you’re wearing him down.”
“Wearing him down? No thank you! I’m more of a fan of a guy who’s all in, rather than needs convincing. Thanks, anyway!” I say, indignant, hoping my lie is more disguised this time. Who am I kidding? I love the chase. Is she right, though?
“Uh huh. Well what was wrong with John from the boat ride yesterday? He was certainly all in. And cute,” Halle says, with the slightest bit of jealousy.
“Oh, don’t give me that, Victor and Raphael were all over you! You’re not seriously sulking because you didn’t get all three?” I ask, carefully gliding over my disinterest in him myself. She’s right. I can’t get her brother out of my head! It’s embarrassing, really, when he clearly can’t get far enough away from me.
“What? No! I didn’t want him! I’m just annoyed for Kyler’s sake!”
Huh. She sounds sincere. “Like Kyler cares. Well, no. He does care. He’d probably hope I’d run off with someone and leave you alone.”
“No.”
“Uh, yeah.” I’m just going to say it. “You know, it’s a little weird, Halle. I’m worried about you. He’s really controlling.”
“Do I seem like I’m under his control?” Halle asks.
“Well, no.”
“Just because he wishes he could control me, doesn’t mean he does.” She sighs. “It’s hard to be too annoyed with him. He’s had to take over both parental roles for me over the past couple years. Legally, until I was 18, he was my guardian.”
“Whoa. I didn’t know that.” I watch him. He’s on his way back with two fresh omelets, and a third plate of crepes balanced on his arm.
He hands an omelet to Halle and I try not to let my shock show when he gives the other one to me!
“What’s in it?” I ask, suspiciously. He wouldn’t put a laxative in it, would he?
“Cheese, mushrooms, onions and peppers,” he says.
Okay, see that’s not fair. He can’t order something so perfect for me and be a jerk! Again, pick one!
“Thanks! That was really nice of you.” I don’t even have to sweeten my smile this time.
His responding grunt is slightly less grumpy. Success! I am wearing him down!
We eat in friendly silence for a while.
“What are you doing today?” Kyler asks as he finishes his crepes.
“Not sure.” Halle looks to me. “I’m heading to the spa. You?”
“Looks like we’re splitting up. I really wanted to go check out at least one library. Possibly several.” I laugh as she wrinkles her nose. “Don’t worry about it! I won’t make you come with me.”
“Libraries, huh? Why is that?” Kyler asks, innuendo saturating his tone.
“Does one need a reason to go to the library?”
He narrows his eyes at me. And we’re back to the glower. Seriously? Is there anything this guy isn’t suspicious of?
“You know, I could save you a lot of trouble.” I tell him.
He looks a little off-balance. “How so?”
“Well, if you’d just tell me what you suspect me of, I can let you know if you’re way off base or not.”
“What?” He actually looks surprised to realize that I know he doesn’t trust me.
“I mean, yes, I am guilty of convincing Halle to spend way more than is reasonable on that purse. And I might have fished a coin out of a fountain yesterday when I ran out of money for the metro. But overall, I am an extremely law-abiding, rule-following person! I swear!” I smile broadly. I have an idea. I touch his arm gently and he stares in shock at the contact. “In fact, why don’t you come with me! You, me, the American Library. The Historical Library? The Bibliotheque! It’ll be fun! And then, you can find out all my nefarious plans for Halle!”
He rolls his eyes, and to my utter shock announces, “Fine. When do we leave?”
Cassie blinked her eyes open blearily. She guessed that it had been eight days since she had been snatched away from Kyler. However, this was just a rough estimate
. She didn’t get any natural light in the room they kept her. On top of that, when she woke up she had at first assumed it was the next day, but several alarming needle punctures in her arm and her pounding head made her wonder how long they’d had her drugged. In any case, she was kept in a blank room with an off-white bed pushed against one wall, and a dull-brown chair and desk on the opposite. There was a walled-off section with a toilet and sink.
That sink had been her only link to hygiene for the last week. She was sitting on her bed thinking: one of her few activities. She had just realized, with frustration, that her mother would definitely think that Kyler had kidnapped her. And that if anything happened, he would be blamed. Cassie knew that with her dozen or so puncture marks that she could have been drugged and fed for a few days, which meant that she could literally be anywhere.
There was a loud rap on the door, and she quickly went to stand by the tray slot. Her meals were the basis of her calculations. But she was sure that they weren’t reliably timed.
“Hello?” She said. No answer. “Hello? Please, tell me why I’m here! I haven’t done anything!”
What she figured was her dinner tray slid through the opening. She couldn’t even see the hand that offered it. She hesitated to take it, knowing they would leave as soon as she had.
“Please!” She pleaded. “Just tell me why! I don’t understand.”
Her tray teetered and she hurriedly reached for it before it fell. Once it was through the door she heard steps quickly walk away.
“Why?” She whispered. Sitting on her bed, she cried. No one had said a word to her since she got here. She didn’t understand at all what they were doing with her. Clearly the “police” at her mom’s house were either lying or misinformed. But while she believed in Kyler, that still didn’t explain her situation. If they hadn’t caught Kyler then they would have questioned her as to his whereabouts, his plans, or at least they would have wanted to know if he had whatever they were after on his person. She thought they must have him captured as well. So why was she still here? Nothing made any sense, and it was that more than anything that made her cry.
After she had temporarily cried herself out, Cassie took her tray to the desk and ate. The food was rather like the off-white walls, bedding and floor: extremely bland. She wanted to scream, she was so bored. She slept, ate and thought. And she was getting extremely sick of her thoughts. Her only escape was her dreams, though they often left her confused and unhappy.
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