“Why would I want to walk away from you? This isn’t going to be the end of our relationship. I’m not focused on it exclusively. When you’re ready, you’ll know, and I will know because I will see it. If I don’t see it, I’m sure you’ll tell me. With words … large words. Words with fifteen syllables.”
Alicia reached behind her head and hit Daniel with the pillow she was lying on, giggling like a little girl. This only caused Daniel to reach behind her shoulders and pull her into a hug. She felt a new level of closeness to him as she held him tight, and she rested her head on his shoulder as she smiled .
“I’m not going anywhere, beautiful. It took me a long time to find you. You won’t get rid of me that easily.”
* * * *
Monday morning found Dr. Bergen standing in the doorway of Alicia’s office with a wide smile and a look of anticipation. “So? Did you read over the proposal?”
“I did; please have a seat.” Alicia waited for her boss to make himself comfortable in front of her desk before continuing. “You probably don’t want to hear this, but I intend to reject this particular opportunity.”
The older doctor lifted his hand and shook his head. His face was serious, and he looked her in the eye as he spoke. “You know this isn’t about pleasing me. It’s about what’s right for you. Though I’m curious now. What caused you to come to this decision?”
“Look here.” Opening the file, Alicia began pointing at various clauses she’d highlighted during the weekend. There were several sections of specific parameters outlined. “See these areas? Among them are stipulations requiring only their staff is to be used, only their equipment, stringent deadlines, and hypotheses that contradict any known research to date.”
Dr. Bergen looked at the pages in front of him and knit his eyebrows. “This is … unusual.”
“It’s ridiculous, and I won’t lock myself into anything like this. If I’m going to lead a research project, I should be allowed to choose my own staff and order the equipment I need. There are good scientists and researchers here. People I trust. Why wouldn’t I be allowed to recruit the best team?”
“I agree with you. I’ll have Marjorie send a letter today. Perhaps they’ll change the parameters. If not, I stand behind your decision regardless.”
“Thank you, I appreciate it.” She didn’t want to disappoint him after his excitement about the project. She exhaled a small breath of relief, grateful she wouldn’t be forced to do something she didn’t want.
“Of course. Let me get on this right away.” Dr. Bergen stood and continued to read through the paperwork as he headed for her door.
As she watched him leave, Alicia sat in her chair and continued to contemplate the absurdity of the offer she’d just refused. What were they thinking?
Chapter 9
A few weeks had passed since Alicia refused the research deal. Seated at her desk, she was in the middle of reading her charts when she heard a knock on her door. The sound startled her, and she was more than a little surprised when Dr. Bergen rushed into her office with a glint in his eyes.
“Dr. Lewis, you won’t believe this. I have a revised offer from Rockland Pharmaceuticals. Do you want to take a look at it?” As he stood in the doorway, he held a file folder in his hands as if it was a tantalizing prize.
“Really?” Curiosity and trepidation warred within her mind as she tried to figure out what might have changed with the offer. “They actually sent another proposal? So soon?” She paused. “I think I’ll let you read over it this time and tell me if it makes sense. As of right now, I am inclined to steer clear of them indefinitely.”
“I don’t blame you. I didn’t tell you about the letter they sent the week after the rejection because I wasn’t sure if they’d really come back with another proposal. They must really want you.” After flicking the corner of the folder with his thumb several times, Dr. Bergen smirked. “If you want me to read it over first, I’ll take a look at it later. Let’s let make them wait it out for a bit. See how much they squirm.”
“I don’t think I’ve seen you wear this particular shade of evil before, Dr. Bergen.” Alicia quirked an eyebrow and watched as a devilish expression took over her boss’ face.
“Maybe we never saw this file. Maybe it didn’t make it to my office. Maybe…”
“Dr. Bergen, what is this file you speak of?” She feigned shock and let her mouth hang open for effect.
Both doctors laughed, and Dr. Bergen excused himself, allowing Alicia to return her attention to the work on her desk. I wonder…
* * * *
“Daniel!” Chris’s voice vibrated the water on Daniel’s nightstand. He wasn’t awake, but his ears picked up the sound. “Daniel!”
He peeled his eyes open and frowned before placing his fingers into the glass. “Chris, I was having a particularly good dream.” After glancing at the blue display of his digital clock, Daniel sighed before turning onto his side. “It’s four a.m.”
“I know, listen. The operatives have learned some new information.”
Those words caused Daniel to sit upright in a flash. “Tell me.”
“It looks like the Ver-Rist Tokos nation is attempting to develop a new kind of poison. We have five new marks we need to get information from. I’ll be over as soon as I can get dressed.”
“I’ll be out front.” Daniel got out of bed and dressed. The mere mention of the Ver-Rist Tokos eliminated any drowsiness he felt, and adrenaline pumped into his system, making him ready to do whatever was needed.
Their first stop had them sneaking into a restaurant the target was using as his cover. Daniel manipulated the man’s water and walked him out to their vehicle where he was questioned and killed.
One by one, they tracked down and interrogated the targets on their list. Despite all their hard work, they didn’t seem to be gaining any ground in the search to uncover what the Ver-Rist Tokos were up to. Each time they read the water of their enemy, they couldn’t glean any useful knowledge, and it frustrated both Leuk Ahnal enforcers.
“We’ve been chasing the Ver-Rist Tokos all over trying to find out more about this poison. How is it we aren’t any closer?” Chris’ eyebrows were pulled down, and he spoke through a grimace.
Daniel could sense how he seemed to be reaching the limit of his patience as they cleaned up after the latest interrogation. The work wasn’t hard since Daniel desiccated the body, leaving a disintegrating husk behind.
“We’re chasing ghosts. We need to find one of them who knows something. Something real.” Daniel was just as tired of running back and forth only to find they didn’t know any more than they started out with.
Taking out useless targets wasn’t something he enjoyed. Despite his ability to manipulate, influence, and control the water of others, it was impossible to erase the memories of other Leuk Ahnal. That included the Ver-Rist Tokos. Whenever they captured an enemy agent, they had to eliminate them. It was a waste of life, and it didn’t sit well with him.
“Don’t you think I know that? Each of these leads starts off hot, and then the trail goes cold. I think we’re being played.”
Daniel sighed and recalled the memories from this target. It was frustrating to be so close only to find he’d been going in circles. “We have to keep digging until we find the truth. What else can we do?”
Chris dusted his hands, made eye contact, and smiled. “What time am I supposed to be there tonight?”
Daniel’s bad mood disappeared at Chris’s question, and he perked up right away. “Seven, and don’t be late.”
“I don’t know about this, Daniel. What am I supposed to talk about with your genius doctor Dau-Hael? What do people even say to her?”
“Well, you can start with ‘Hi,’ maybe add a little ‘How are ya?’ and sprinkle generously with ‘I’m a complete idiot,’ mix and serve.”
“You really are a jerk off.”
It felt good to laugh after the day he’d had, and he clapped his friend on the shoulder. “D
on’t be late, Chris.”
* * * *
Chris spent the car ride to Alicia’s house deep in thought. He’d never spent a lot of time with a doctor before, and he was at a loss on how to connect with her. By the time he found himself at her front door, he had even more doubts. What if she asks me to turn my head and cough? This was a big deal for Daniel, and he didn’t want to leave the wrong impression, but at the same time, he wasn’t sure what exactly he should talk about. How about this weather we’re having? No, that’s just boring. How about that stock market? Ugh, that’s even worse. Still standing at the door, Chris continued to think of ways to start a conversation with the most important person in his friend’s life. Hey, did Daniel ever tell you we aren’t 100 percent human? No? It gets better! We track down other people like us and take them out. Here, let me show you.
It was hard to hold in the laughter that wanted to break free when he pictured Daniel’s face in that scenario, and Chris chuckled to himself. Screw it. If she hates me, she has bad taste. After pressing the doorbell, he stood up straight and glanced around the front of the house again. This is a really nice place. She must be loaded!
When the door opened, Chris was greeted by Alicia’s warm smile, and he felt better instantly. “Hi, I’m Chris, Daniel’s friend.” Genius, she knows you’re Daniel’s friend. Wanting to smooth over his faux pas, he offered her the bottle of wine he held in one hand while pulling out the flowers he held behind his back. “I hope you like the wine, and these are also for you.” Please don’t let her be allergic. Daniel will kill me if I make her sick, and I’ll never hear the end of his whining. Why did you try to kill my Dau-Hael? I thought we were friends!
“Thank you, Chris. Come on in and have a seat while I put these in some water.” Standing aside, Alicia let him pass before she closed the door behind him and headed for the kitchen.
He sank down into the comfortable sofa and allowed his gaze to travel over the entertainment system. Inside one of the glass cases he spotted several movies, but when he noticed the titles, his eyes widened. “Alicia, you like martial arts films?”
“Absolutely.” She made her way into the living room with a glass of wine for him. Daniel moved into the room with her, their fingers intertwined.
He hadn’t expected to find common ground with a genius, and he grinned as he took the glass from her when she offered it. “What’s your favorite movie?”
“Favorite? That’s a tough one; I like so many.” To prove her point, she opened an additional console cabinet, allowing him to see even more titles she stored for easy access.
“Wow, that’s a pretty badass collection, Alicia.”
“Hey, Chris, how’s it going? Forget how to say hello to your friend all of a sudden?” Daniel sat down on the couch and shook his head. Chris didn’t respond right away and stood to peruse the new titles on display.
“Shut up, Daniel, this is important.” After a few moments of scanning the collection, he turned to Alicia and dropped to one knee. “I know we just met, and this may seem sudden, but I’m absolutely certain we are soul mates. Please, Alicia, will you marry me? We can have five kids and train each in a different discipline.”
“Chris, what the hell?”
“Shut up, Daniel, I’m asking the most important question of my life here.”
Alicia looked back and forth between the two men, and without hesitating, leaned over and placed her hand onto Chris’ shoulder. “What are we going to do about him?”
Looking over at Daniel, Chris shrugged. “Can’t you have him committed or something?”
After laughing until her eyes watered, Alicia took a step away from Chris and headed toward the kitchen. “Why don’t you pick a movie for us to watch while I check on Daniel’s masterpiece in the oven?” As she neared the couch, she leaned over and spoke into Daniel’s ear. “He’s funny, but don’t worry, I’m not giving you up.” After a quick kiss on the cheek, she walked out of the room.
“Chris…”
“Daniel…”
“Why did I want you to meet her again?” His words said one thing, but the smirk on Daniel’s face said something else.
“Because you wanted her to see a real man so she could appreciate all she’s giving up to be with you.” Sitting back on the couch, Chris began to laugh. He knew Daniel wanted more than anything to punch him in the arm. “You’d better behave. You don’t want her to know about the domestic violence, do you?”
“When we’re alone again…”
“Oh Daniel, you animal! Don’t you think of anything else?” Chris lifted a pillow and placed it in front of his face like a shield. He peeked over the edge of it, and when he saw Daniel shaking his head, he smiled. “Congratulations, man. She’s awesome, and yes, she’s going to have my babies, all of them, and there will be videos.”
* * * *
When Chris left for the evening, Daniel and Alicia snuggled up on the couch. Alicia stood to pick up the remote on the coffee table, and when she sat back, Daniel pulled her into his lap and placed a light kiss on the back of her neck.
“Mmm, that was fun.” His voice was a little deeper, and in that moment, the sexiest thing she’d ever heard.
Her reaction was simultaneous, and she leaned into him and tilted her head forward. The feel of his smooth lips and warm breath on her skin created butterflies in her stomach, and a familiar ache developed deep inside her. She felt his hand on her jaw, and when he angled her head to the side, she didn’t resist. The wet, warm heat from his tongue against the side of her neck made her shiver, and she gripped his knee to keep her balance.
She squeezed her thighs together and clenched her inner walls, delighting in the feeling it created. “You’re making me so…” The moment the words left her lips, she felt Daniel shudder beneath her. There was no mistaking his arousal, and she rocked her hips with slow movements, grinding against him.
“You’re killing me, beautiful.” She heard his ragged breaths, and she licked her lips when he moved against her. His right hand caressed her jaw while his left moved up her side, making a slow trail against the fabric of the stretchy T-shirt she wore. When he brushed the backs of his fingers against the underside of her breast, she felt her body jerk, and she released a slow breath.
Daniel slid her off his lap and onto the sofa cushion next to him. He turned his upper body to face her, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. When she leaned back toward the arm of the chair, she pulled him down with her. The sight of his green eyes and the way his gaze penetrated her made her feel high, and when he kissed her lips, a small moan broke free from her throat.
She could still taste the wine he had before Chris left. Its distinct flavor teased her taste buds while his tongue played with hers in a sensuous dance of passion. She weaved her fingers into his hair and pulled him closer, wanting to feel the weight of him against her.
He slid a warm hand under her top, and she arched her back when he drew a lazy circle around her nipple. When he gave it a tug, her breath hitched, and she broke the kiss to get some air. Her head was in a fog, and when he pulled back to look at her, she felt her mind clearing. “Your mouth is dangerous.” She tried to smile, but the tension in her jaw made it impossible. Her body screamed for more, but she still wasn’t sure if she was ready.
“Everything about you is dangerous, beautiful.” He placed a light kiss on her lips, her nose, and then her forehead. He lingered with his lips on her skin, and took deep breaths through his nostrils.
“Do you want me to help you out?” Guilt coiled like a serpent in her belly as she watched him try to calm down. When he sat up, she avoided his eyes. He always knows when to stop, and he never complains. How did I get this lucky?
“No, I’ll take care of it.” He released a long sigh before he hooked his index finger under her chin and turned her to face him. “Don’t worry about it, beautiful. I’m not upset, I’m just… What’s the word you doctors have for hard?”
“Tumescent.” She couldn’t help her
laughter, and the tension in her body started to melt away with the lightened mood. With a clearer head, she moved close and wrapped her arms around him. “Are you sure? I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on you.” She wiggled her eyebrows, and when he squeezed her tighter, she nuzzled into his neck.
“We’ve been over this. If you start using those amazing hands of yours on me, I’m going to want to return the favor. I’m not cool with one-sided exchanges. If I’m the only one enjoying it, I’m just using you. You’re too important to me to do that.” He kissed the top of her head and released another long breath. “I should get going.”
“What will the neighbors say if they see you in this condition?” She looked down at his erection and then looked back into his eyes.
“I don’t think I have to worry about your neighbors. I’m more concerned about what my neighbors will think when I’m done.”
* * * *
Inside Alicia’s front office, her office manager, Gladys, answered the phone as she checked over the young surgeon’s operation notes. “Dr. Lewis’ office.” She was preparing to transcribe the recordings, and she pulled up the appropriate screen on her computer.
“Hi, Gladys, it’s Daniel.”
“Hello, Daniel. How are you?” It wasn’t unusual for Daniel to call the office in the hope of meeting Alicia for lunch or for coffee.
“I’m good, thanks. I’m looking for Alicia. Did she leave her cell phone in the office?”
“Oh, she’s in surgery right now. My guess is the phone is in her lab coat on vibrate in her office or in the scrub room. Either way, she can’t hear it or answer it right now. I’ll let her know you called when she gets back.”
“Thanks, Gladys. You’re a doll.”
Waves of Change Page 6