‘Caitlin said, and I know she was too drunk by this stage, you knew each other last year. That you’d dated. Then you’d left and broken her heart. And now you’re back to make amends, but she doesn’t know what’s happening. So, tell me Steven. What’s happening? Your name is Steven – not Simon. Caitlin told me. Caitlin is my friend and I won’t let anyone hurt her. She’d been through a tough time the past year. She doesn’t need complications.’
‘By, complications I guess you mean me?’
Gemma scowled. ‘If the shoe fits.’
‘Gemma, I’m glad Caitlin has a friend to look out for her. Just let me give you a word of advice. You don’t know anything about me and you really don’t know Caitlin like I do. So, I appreciate the protective thing you have going – its sweet – but just back off. There is no way I would do anything to hurt Caitlin. I can’t say the same for you. You didn’t exactly look out for her. It sounds like you got her drunk to get her to open up.’ He took a step closer. ‘Are you sure you’re the kind of friend she needs?’ He could not believe he sounded so overprotective. He could not help it.
Gemma stood up, her hands on her hips. Her lower lip wavered as she spoke. ‘What the hell do you mean? You don’t know what Caitlin was like when I made friends with her. She was lost, depressed. Who do you think looked out for her? It wasn’t you. I can tell you that in a hurry. Now you come back in and she’s lost the first boyfriend she’s had in ages. She was happy with Daniel. Who do you think you are?’
‘Again, I’ll be polite. You need to back off. Daniel was a mistake. I am here for her now. I had to leave, but now I’m back.’ Steven put down the mug. If he held it any longer he would crush it.
‘So, how come she never mentioned you? How come she didn’t know who you were?’ Gemma spat, her eyes narrowed. ‘A few days ago you were Simon, a new student. Now, you are Steven – an ex-boyfriend, the reason for her misery by the sound of it. I’m not stupid. Something is going on. I don’t care how suave you think you are. I don’t trust you and I don’t want you messing with my friend. So yeah, she got drunk. So what? We are students. Liven up. She’s in the prime of her life, not looking to settle down. Anyone would think you were her father or something. So what if we got drunk?’
Gemma was shouting now, this was getting out of hand. ‘Gemma, calm down, I mean you no harm.’ He fixed his eyes on hers and maintained eye contact.
Gemma’s hands lowered and hang limply at her sides. She stood still, her eyes glued to his.
Steven got closer, his voice low and controlled. ‘You will accept me. You will not ask any more questions. My name is Simon, I love Caitlin. You will trust me.’
When he broke eye contact, Gemma raised her mug to her lips and took a seat. Then she looked up. ‘You’d better take the coffee up, or it’ll get cold.’
‘Thank you Gemma, I’ll see you later.’
‘Yeah, see you later, Simon.’
Job done.
***
Caitlin was sure she’d heard raised voices downstairs, even though they were muffled by the sound of her hairdryer. She turned it off and went to investigate. She couldn’t hear anyone talking anymore, but she heard the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs. Steven’s head appeared.
Caitlin attempted to smile. It was hard, her head was spinning and her mouth was completely dry. ‘Everything alright?’
‘Of course,’ he replied.
She held out her hand for a mug. ‘Hmmm, is that coffee?’ The first sip was heavenly; she savoured the taste and took a few more slurps. ‘I thought I heard shouting.’
‘It was nothing. Gemma was upset. It seems you said a few things last night, things that concerned me.’
Caitlin wracked her brain. ‘Did I? What did I say?’
He walked past her and entered her room. ‘Don’t worry. It’s not a problem anymore.’
The way he said it made a shiver run down her spine.
‘What do you mean?’ She followed him back into her room. All she wanted to do was crawl back into bed, but she had a feeling something was afoot.
Steven shrugged his shoulders. ‘It’s all in the past, nothing for us to worry about.’
She bit her inner lip. She had to ask. ‘What have you done?’ Gemma was not usually the forgiving type. Any man fool enough to cross her had usually experienced her wrath.
‘Nothing much.’ He put the mug on her bedside table and then moved to the window, pulling aside the curtains. ‘This room needs fresh air.’
Caitlin knew it was likely he was not impressed by her current state. She remembered he never understood why people got drunk. ‘I don’t know what came over me last night, I needed to let go, to de-stress.’
Steven gave her a fleeting glance. ‘So, you got drunk?’ Then he turned back to the window. ‘If I stressed you out then I’m the one that should apologise.’ He sounded sincere. He opened the sash window and a gush of fresh air wafted into the room.
Caitlin shivered. ‘What did you do to Gemma? Please, tell me.’
He faced her. ‘She couldn’t know the truth about me. You told her my name was Steven. The name does not matter, the fact I used to be here does. It complicates things if she spreads rumours. So, now she won’t anymore. She’s none the wiser.’
‘Please tell me you did not alter her memory? She’s my friend, you wouldn’t have. Not without talking to me first.’
‘I’m afraid she gave me no choice.’
‘I gave you no choice. It was my error, not Gemma’s.’ Caitlin was outraged. There was no way she could sanction his actions after what had happened to her.
He took a step towards her, bridging the distance between them. ‘I didn’t do that much, I promise. She hated me. Now she doesn’t.’
Caitlin flinched. He didn’t think it was wrong. Something about that made her skin crawl. ‘You’ve become just like them. You are willing to lie, to deceive, to have it your way. I’m not sure I understand that. I may have got drunk, but you trick people. It’s not right Steven, it’s not right.’ She took a step back.
Steven’s face was shrouded by guilt. ‘Do you want me to leave?’
Caitlin studied the floor, torn. ‘I think maybe you should.’
‘Okay, that’s fine,’ he chirped.
The fake enthusiasm hurt Caitlin.
‘Before I go I got you a present.’ He opened the bag he’d been holding and took out a cuddly toy in the shape of a shark. ‘I thought you might like this. Even the most dangerous animals can be graceful. They do what it takes to survive.’
Her arms took hold of the soft toy shark.
Steven kissed her forehead and left.
Caitlin did not know what to think anymore. She threw the toy shark on her bed, collapsed on top of it and buried her head in the blue duvet.
***
Steven could not believe she had asked him to leave again. He could understand why she would be freaked out. He just hoped she would be more understanding. Then again, he had never accepted things easily either. He could not blame her, but it was too late to take back what he’d done. He could not stop her from talking to her friends. She did not understand the danger – how could she? He needed her so badly and yet, he knew he was acting like an idiot. What made him think he could just swoop back into her life and return everything back to the way it was?
It never could be the same. It wasn’t the same.
He had changed. He could do things – abnormal things, dangerous things.
Why would someone like Caitlin want to be with someone like him? He had been a fool to even think she would take him back. He had never expected it to be easy, he just never thought about her. He never thought she would be scared of him. And yet, there it was. She feared him.
It was good really. He would never expect Caitlin to be complacent after what happened. He just did not want to face the facts. He did not belong in her world. Coming back had been a mistake. They had all been right. He was wrong.
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Chapter 35
Misunderstanding
Caitlin wiped the tears away from her eyes. She was an emotional wreck. If Steven did not mean anything to her, then why was she upset? Her heart ached. She did not like the fact he had done whatever that was to Gemma, but she knew should not have told Gemma the things she had. They were both in the wrong. Steven was only correcting the mistake she made. She was the fool, she was the idiot.
She nuzzled the toy shark. She was the hypocrite, she considered the Great white to be one of the most magnificent creatures on the planet. So who was she now to rebuff Steven for what he could do. He was only protecting his identity. She could not believe she had asked him to go. He didn’t even put up a fight. She jumped off the bed, zipped up her hooded top and raced down the stairs.
She opened the front door and rushed out, frantic she searched the street. In the distance, she saw Steven walking away. He was fast. With no shoes on, she scrambled past the gate and ran in his direction. As she did, she failed to see the recycling bin on the curb, stumbled and fell. More like flew really. Face down on the floor, the tears broke free. She had sprained her ankle. She would not be able to follow.
‘Caitlin, are you alright?’ Steven. How was he there so quickly? He was so far away. Could he hear her from that distance? She sat up, her lower lip trembling.
‘Caitlin, you don’t have to be like that. You didn’t need a dramatic fall to get my attention.’
She lifted her head and was met with his boyish grin. She scowled. He was teasing her again, just like in the old days. He played the role of the joker very well sometimes. ‘You know, I never did get your humour.’
‘I know, but a guy has to keep trying. I make you laugh occasionally. Not a few minutes ago, I grant you, but other times.’ He sat down beside her.
‘You are a very annoying man. Do you know that Steven Thorn? You’re like chocolate – addictive, sweet and always tempting even though you are very, very bad for me.’
His finger started to trace the vein on the back of her wrist. ‘Addictive, I like that one.’
His finger started to drive her crazy. She pulled her hand away and tried to get up. ‘Ouch,’ she yelled.
‘Come on then, I’ll carry you back.’ Steven put one arm on her shoulder and the other round the front of her waist. It did help, but his proximity caused a million more fireworks to explode all over her body. He was too close, way too close.
‘Thanks.’ She hopped along using his full support. After a few more hops she was in agony.
‘Okay, this is stupid.’ He shook his head.
Before she could stop him, he lifted her up in his arms and carried her inside like a baby. Caitlin had never, ever been so embarrassed.
***
Caitlin had not locked the front door in her haste, it was still slightly ajar. Steven pushed it open and took her into the living room.
Gemma watched them come in with a vacant expression. A second later she came back to life. ‘Oh my god, what happened? Caitlin, are you alright?’
Steven put Caitlin down on the sofa.
‘I’m fine, I just fell,’ Caitlin said. She sounded deflated.
Gemma gazed at Steven in admiration. ‘Simon, you are like her knight in shining armour. Caitlin is so lucky to have you.’ Then she turned to Caitlin with a serious expression. ‘Where does it hurt?’
‘My ankle.’
‘I’ll go get some cold peas or something.’
As Gemma dashed out, Caitlin rolled her eyes towards Steven and huffed, ‘Mind control?’
Steven sat down next to her and put her feet on his lap. ‘You have to admit, it has some advantages. She likes me now.’
He could see she did not want to agree. Hesitant, she added, ‘I guess.’
‘Anyway, it looks like you’re being looked after now. I should leave.’ He loved teasing her.
Caitlin’s face grimaced. ‘NO!’
‘I, err, shouldn’t leave?’ It was fun to play around. He had forgotten what it was like. She was so gullible.
She stared at Steven. In a slow, calculated voice, she added, ‘Please stay. I was trying to catch up with you just before I fell.’
He melted a little. ‘I hoped that was what you were doing. I didn’t think that going out for a run without shoes and a hangover was such a good idea.’
She pouted, but a smile lingered on the edge of her lips. Her eyes were vibrant, full of life, just like he remembered. The first time he’d seen that was when he’d beaten her at a game of pool. She’d been angry and impressed. It was always funny to see her upstaged. It was no different at this particular moment. He was convinced she was trying to stay angry at him, but failing miserably. He couldn’t help smiling.
‘You’re doing it again, aren’t you?’ she accused, definitely sulking.
‘Doing what?’ He held out his hands and pulled a puzzled expression. He would play along.
‘I am not going to tell you. You know what you’re doing. We’ll leave it at that.’ She folded her arms and faced the window.
He massaged her toes. ‘Does this mean I’m forgiven?’
She turned slowly and faced him. ‘You know if I had any doubt as to whether you had changed at all, you’ve just dispelled my fears. You have not changed a bit.’ She undid her arms and gripped the edge of the sofa seat cushion.
‘Is that a good thing?’ He was so close to breaking down her defences.
She bit her lip, batted her eyelids and gave him the smile he knew and loved. ‘Yes, it is a very good thing.’
Internally, he was shouting for joy – success at last. He leaned in, he needed to kiss her. Gemma came in and broke the moment.
‘Just err, bringing the peas like I said I would. I’ll leave them here and err, give you some space I think.’ She left the peas and a tea towel on the table and left in a hurry.
Steven got the peas, wrapped them in the tea towel and placed it on her ankle. ‘There, now where were we?’
Caitlin smiled and leaned in.
He was home again.
***
Caitlin had to admit that kissing Steven was the best thing she could ever remember doing. Well, maybe not the best thing she’d done with him. A part of her couldn’t wait to get further acquainted. If her vivid dreams had been anything to go by she was in for a treat. As his arms wrapped around her every nerve ending in her body yelped. It did not help that it was that time of the month. She always suspected her moods were linked to her cycle. If he was planning to seduce her, he couldn’t have chosen a better time.
She pulled back, not quite ready to give in to her needs, and linked her hand in his. She loved his hands. They were much bigger than hers and yet soft, cuddly. She held his hand up to her face and nuzzled against it. They were the best cuddly toy in the world. In response, he leant his head against hers and wrapped his other arm around her for a full cuddle.
Words were overrated. She wanted him back in her life. She did not know what that meant but she did not care. Somehow, they would work it out. Anything was possible.
The next few minutes were intense. Neither of them moved, the sound of their breathing heavy.
He kissed her forehead. ‘So, how is the ankle?’ His voice sounded croaky. Was it possible he was emotional? She didn’t think men did emotions. In any case he had never shown that side of him to her.
‘It’s fine.’
She noticed his eyes were glazed. She slid her arms under his and leant against his chest. She could hear the steady sound of his heartbeat. He was real. He was not a monster or a vampire, a heartless demonic soul. It was a stupid notion. How could he be?
He leant his head on hers again and whispered her name.
‘Steven, I’m…’
‘It’s okay,’ he cooed. ‘Everything’s going to be okay now.’
She wanted to believe him.
‘Shall I take you upstairs? You should lie down. I promise I don’t have any ulterior motives. I’ve already seen your room anyway, it’s no
big deal.’
She knew he meant it. He was a gentleman, always had been. The thing was it was a big deal for her. Thoughts of the bedroom sent her imagination off on a tangent, time alone with him was what she wanted more than anything. So what if something happened? ‘Sure, that’s a good idea. I-I think you have to carry me.’
‘No problem,’ he said, as he scooped her up in his arms again. He made it look so easy.
She raised her eyes and asked, ‘Have you been weight training or something?’
‘No, it’s just the new me.’
She liked this new, improved Steven. ‘Right, another advantage then?’
‘Another advantage.’
He set her down on the bed and took a seat on the chair next to the bed. Dialogue was a good idea. She decided to get him talking. ‘Do you miss your grandparents? It sounded like you got close to them?’
‘Yes and no. They helped me come back, I owe them for that. But, I didn’t really get the chance to know them. I miss my parents more.’
She doubted he meant his real mum. ‘Your dad and your step mum?’
‘Yeah.’
‘Why don’t you go and see them? Couldn’t you return their memory, like you did mine?’
‘They took everything they had away. My dad has no idea he had a son. What would be the point?’
‘Erm, you could have said the same about me. I don’t regret knowing the truth.’
He looked pensive. ‘I guess, maybe I could go and see them.’
‘I’ll come with you.’ She had always wanted to go on a road trip.
‘Really?’ His face lit up.
‘Of course,’ Caitlin smiled. ‘We could go next weekend if you like.’
‘It’s a date.’
She liked the sound of that.
Steven gave a half smile. ‘You know, the family house is in the outskirts of Southampton. I can take you there if you like. You can have a glimpse of my ancestral past. Well, on my biological mother’s side at any rate.’
‘Maybe, when you’re ready.’ She couldn’t imagine he was in a rush to go back there.
‘Okay, I’ll let you know. Thanks.’
The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return Page 54