by Jaime Mera
Foreigner’s ‘I Want to Know What Love Is’; melody crept across the dance floor, as the couple eased into each other’s embrace without hesitation. Brenda felt Estabon’s firm muscles against her bosom. His warm strong hand around her waist seemed to know how tight she wanted to be held.
“Give me a chance to prove I know more than you think about you and your sisters.” He whispered inches from her lips.
“Just because they told you everything about themselves doesn’t mean you know me.” Brenda waited to breathe in his minty fresh breath, which for some reason lacked any trace of alcohol.
“Chrissie is very protective, loves conversations about all subjects, but most of all, she likes to listen to stories about love, adventure and children. Silvia is a thrill seeker and would like to have a man that can not only support her but be just as outgoing as she is. Courtney is very caring and pushy sometimes, but she wants a man to protect her and stand up for his beliefs, even if it sometimes clashes with hers. You, well I will tell you later what you want, because it really doesn’t matter how polite I say it. You will deny it.” His eyes stayed with hers as they swayed.
“Of all the places you could be and of all the things you have can do. Why are you telling me this? What do you want Estabon?” Brenda ignored his dead on assessment of her sister’s personalities.
“I have seen many people die and go through misery for so many unacceptable reasons. My brother and I thought that by being the top leaders we could change things. Come to find out, that during all that time, I was dying inside, keeping people away so they wouldn’t have to be collateral damage for what I was doing. One day, I want to be able to walk on a beach or be in a pool on a mountain house watching the sunset, hugging the woman I love.”
Brenda stayed quiet, but inched closer into him.
“But as a Councilmember I’m authorized only to say one thing.” Estabon saw Brenda’s desire to kiss him. He had closed off Eduardo from his mind once the song began and now they were into the second song, ‘Time After Time, by Cyndi Lauper’.
“What’s that?” Brenda whispered half an inch from his lips.
“World peace.” Estabon passionately kissed her; the first full grown woman he physically kissed in his life. It was unlike any kiss he had experienced even through the thoughts of a billion given and received kisses in other peoples’ memories.
The loud quick drumming and guitar tempo did nothing to separate their wonderful union. “You two need to get a room!” Silvia yelled over the commotion bringing them into reality.
Estabon and Brenda stared into each other’s eyes separating a few inches. Silvia pushed the couple to the side near one of twelve pillars surrounding the dance floor. “Are you guys okay?”
“Never better.” Estabon replied and lovingly kissed Brenda again. Their warm lips soothed each other’s tongues as they embraced their bodies together with interlocking legs.
Silvia said something but neither one of them heard it; even Estabon couldn’t make out what anyone else was thinking.
Hours or minutes passed as they finally walked back to their table. Agent Nevis and Courtney sat holding hands, but Nevis had a half frown as he watched the couple sit together also holding hands.
Chrissie and Zach came to them offering to take any of the sisters home as it was late and the club would soon be closing. Silvia was quickly drafted being close to being inebriated, but Courtney surprisingly volunteered to leave with them. Estabon and Brenda sat with Agent Nevis across from them. “Is everything alright?” Estabon asked Nevis.
Nevis stood up, stepped forward and leaned into his ear. “Can we speak alone Sir?”
Breda heard the request and politely excused herself having to use the ladies room, giving the men some privacy. “What are you doing Councilmember Ramirez?” Nevis spoke with an agitated tone.
“What do you mean? I really like Brenda and I’m not going to take advantage of her if that’s what you’re thinking.” Estabon played along, knowing his true motives.
“Both of you might be in love for all I care, but you’re going to break her heart Sir.”
‘He’s right Estabon, what are you doing?’ Eduardo added.
‘Not you too. You told me we have to get close to the right leaders. Well, her uncle’s father is the Secretary of Defense. There will be a good reason for me to cross paths now, not just by a dinner invite.’ He replied to Eduardo as he spoke to Agent Nevis. “We’re adults, and what makes you think we don’t have a future?”
“What’s going to keep my telepaths from making her forget about you?” Nevis’ anger made him step over the gray line.
Estabon’s stern face looked slightly down into his eyes. “Is, that what you did with Courtney? Wow, you North Americans think we’re corrupt. You will illegally alter people’s thoughts all for political gain or the welfare of the government; no matter who it hurts.” Estabon moved into Nevis’ personal space. “Be careful not to get into her mind. My telepaths might not be here right now, but they are a lot more powerful than what you guys have. You will let things play out, or I promise this will not end well with you or the SIA.”
‘Calm down brother. You’re going to start a war too soon.’ Eduardo said as Ramus’ training came into play. Nevis and the other telepath were probing for information, thinking his anger would open up an avenue of thoughts and memories.
“We didn’t do anything to any of the sisters.” Nevis lied, having persuaded Courtney to go home, but was happily supplied with Nevis’ contact information. “I apologize if I insinuated we would harm Brenda in any way. But please understand that she has a life here in the United States and she will have to leave everything behind to be with you. Are you willing to force her into such a position? Or are you willing to leave your country for her sake?” Nevis’ concern for Brenda’s future was well founded, and cut deep into Estabon’s heart.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen Brian. But if she’s as happy as I am when we’re together I ask you not to take that moment away from us.” Estabon pleaded, addressing him by his first name.
Brenda made her way through the dwindling crowd and stood next to Estabon. Nevis looked at them with admiration. If anyone looked like they needed to be together it was them. The tall couple was a complement of love, strength, beauty, intelligence and grace. “Estabon, I want to go for a walk in a park next to my parent’s house.”
It was four in the morning, but both of them were wide awake from their new found energy. “I would love that. We can get something to eat on the way there, if that’s alright with you Agent Nevis.”
“Yes, that’s okay.” Nevis said as the couple held each other by the waist leaving the club, followed by Nevis.
They joked and talked about their childhood, Brenda feeling too uncomfortable with Nevis watching them in the motor cage and forced herself not to kiss Estabon. Estabon likewise wanted her and Nevis to see his sincere intentions and decency. The French fries they picked up through drive through helped in giving them an added distraction from their desires.
The motor cage made its way across town coming to a smooth stop. Estabon led Brenda outside while Nevis stepped after them but waited by the limo for a moment, following a good fifty meters behind them. The park lights were off but the city street lights covered most of the area. The summer day gave the morning a comfortable warm blanket over them as Estabon had his shirt sleeves rolled up to the elbow and collar unbuttoned. Brenda smiled and laughed at Estabon’s imitations of many people in movies and television, but what impressed her most was his ability to quote lyrics and words from all sorts of books.
“I know it’s asking a lot from you but do you trust me?” Estabon asked as they walked holding each other.
“Is that a trick question, because I never kissed anyone hours after just meeting them?” Brenda smiled.
“I take that as a yes. Here sit.” Estabon rolled his jacket into a pillow; placing it on the end of a bench they stopped next to.
&nbs
p; “I was wondering why you were toting that on your shoulder.” Brenda smiled and sat next to the rolled suit jacket.
“It’s for your head. Now lie down and put your feet on my lap.” Estabon sat on the other end of the wooden bench.
“Okay, now what?” Brenda lay on her back with the rolled jacket cushioning and lifting her head to see Estabon as he removed her high heel shoes.
With magical hands Estabon performed the perfect massaging strokes on her feet and lower legs. Brenda felt him readjust instantly to any sense of displeasure on the joints or pressure points. “Is there nothing you can’t do or know?”
“That’s a question I would like to know myself, but if it makes you feel any better I didn’t know about you until half a day ago, and I regret not having met you earlier.” His smile and soft kisses on her ankles made her crunch her stomach, sit up and wrap her arms around his neck.
Estabon grabbed her, lifting her to sit on his lap and kissed her more passionately then before. Time passed as the sun peeked its brilliance over the rolling hills and trees. A tense weight came over him as the light brought with it an uncertainty to his love for her and their future. He wished time would stop and he could hold her in his arms forever, lying on the bench together.
“I think your mom is going to be angry with me.” He managed to joke as he stared into her beautiful blue eyes, surrounded by perfect naturally long eyelashes.
Sadness appeared in her soul as she stared and pecked at his face with loving kisses. “What are we doing?”
Estabon strained to keep his eyes from watering. Brenda lay on top of Estabon as she moved her head on his chest. “You have to go back to Colombia and you can’t promise we can be together without one of us sacrificing something.”
“I will stay as long as I can.” He picked up her head and rotated so they laid sideways, his arm under her head. “Let’s take it day by day.” He kissed her for a little longer before they made their way to her parent’s house.
Estabon was relieved Janet wasn’t angry, and thrilled to see Brenda so happy coming up to the front doors of the mansion. Janet’s invitation to join the family for breakfast was gladly accepted. Even Agent Nevis had some comfort in entertaining questions directed at him with Courtney by his side. Brenda’s father, Jamison, was skeptical at first, but Estabon quickly won him over with his intelligent charm and royal like etiquette.
The day’s schedule changed for both of them as Estabon suggested he escort Brenda on a tour of Washington D.C. and a visit to the Vietnam War memorial. It was something Estabon knew the family would agree with and Brenda would take wanting to spend as much time as possible with him. So they left that morning together to take her back to her dorm and change while Estabon waited. From there, a new SIA team took over, and the couple went to Estabon’s hotel room, where they slept for a few hours until mid day.
‘Estabon, you can't do this. You’re either going to put everything in jeopardy or ruin her life.’ Eduardo’s sadness was felt.
Estabon caressed Brenda’s golden blonde hair as she lay on his bicep. ‘I have seen people love each other millions of times, and never thought or felt it like this. I’m sorry brother, but I love her.’ A tear ran down into his ear and on the pillow.
‘I know Este, but her family and she will be in great danger if she comes here or if anyone lets out that you love her. I’m sending a cleaner to fix this.’ Eduardo’s regret for letting him go on the mission could vividly be felt.
‘No! You can’t. Promise me you won’t do that.’ Estabon almost sat up waking Brenda from her slumber.
‘Alright brother I won't send a cleaner, but you will see in time that it will be the best thing for both of you. Whatever happens, I have your back.’ Eduardo’s unwavering love for his wellbeing eased his fear.
“Mmmm, tell me I’m not dreaming.” Brenda mumbled as she woke up, kissing his chest.
“No, my darling Bren.” Estabon moved in with a kiss. “I’ve decided to cancel the tour today and spend the day here if that’s okay with you.”
Brenda smiled as she focused her eyes on his gentle gaze. “I like not having any bodyguards watching us, so it’s more than okay with me.” They kissed and both relented to their consensual sexual desires.
Chapter 9
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Are You Sure
Chesapeake Beach Resort, Southern Maryland
One week of museums and family gatherings were marvelously cherished in Estabon’s exclusive mental world he created for the family alone. Estabon sat on a comfort chair along the suite’s wooden balcony overlooking the beach; a large umbrella providing shade. The usual masses of paparazzi were non-existent as the SIA dispatched an extra team of telepaths and agents to enforce gag orders on the media. His vacation would be as far as SIA was concerned uneventful, but he knew better. The Weatherly family would have a microscope on them from US and Colombian sources from now on. He looked up as Brenda approached. Her light bronze tan smoothly covered her entire body, even under the black two piece bikini.
Her damp golden hair glistened in the sunlight, dark shades covering her beautiful eyes. Estabon opened his arms, inviting her to sit with him. “Where’s Silvia and Mat?”
“They’re going to the pier. Hmm, mmuahh.” Brenda sat with her legs over his lap, sliding the shades off and kissing him.
“I have bad news.” He despondently uttered.
She sat up bringing her leg over and straddled him with both arms around his neck. “What is it?” She weakly asked.
“I have to go back in a few days, and I don’t know when I’ll be able to come back to be with you.” He opened his legs so she would slide down in between, lowering her eyes to the same level as his.
“Is that all? I thought you were…” She caught herself and stared deep into his eyes a few inches from his face. “How long?”
“Years, maybe decades.” He could barely say as his throat dried.
“What?” Brenda’s thoughts raced; Estabon’s despair multiplied as he saw all the anxiety she was feeling. “Why?”
“I can’t ask you to leave your family so you can be with me. And unfortunately, I can’t stay. I also can’t tell you why for so long. The problem is people might think we have a deep relationship which they will use to influence me.”
Brenda thought of the telepaths which were not exclusive to SIA. “It’s not just the telepaths. We have telepaths to protect the leaders and also to help people cope with loss. Agent Nevis hinted to the SIA’s ability to make you forget.” Estabon slowly explained.
“Don’t you dare.” Brenda held the sides of his head with her open palms. “What makes you think I want to forget?”
Estabon sat in awe; even her mixed eyebrows looked beautiful on her. “Can you really think about me for years without a touch or a voice in your ear? I had no idea I would fall in love with you, only for it to be ripped away from both of us.”
“You’re asking me to live as if you never existed?” Brenda’s warm tears ran down her cheeks; dripping on Estabon’s bronze chest.
“Your family will be in severe danger once everyone finds out we love each other. If I could take all of them with me, up root them all from the lives they’re in now, I would. But you can’t expect them all to do that for you or me…” He paused to see a reaction, but she kept silent. “If you think you can wait for me, I won’t make any telepaths touch you. I will be back for you, no matter how long it takes or how far, I will marry you and continue to give you my heart.” His tears dried with hers along their fronts as they kissed. “I love you always.”
They rubbed tears away from each other’s faces, kissing and licking the salt away. “I love you Estabon Ramirez; one day I will, I promise, I will be Brenda Ramirez.”
They hugged and kissed for a while, until they made their way to the master room for intimate pleasures. Hours passed as Silvia and her fiancé, Martin, interrupted their peaceful snuggling. Estabon could barely read their thoughts as Brenda occupied a voi
d he didn’t know existed. But it was more than that. He didn’t have to focus on her thoughts and enjoyed a sense of mystery from her uncensored beautiful surface thoughts.
“Darling.” Brenda softly whispered.
Estabon turned his eyes toward hers and smiled.
“Let’s take a walk on the beach.” Brenda’s eyes were slightly blood shot, but the sparkle had never faded.
Estabon smiled seeing she wanted to give him at least one thing he wanted out of the three he mentioned in the club. “Let's go.”
The warm sand under their feet and sunset over land was fantastic as they strolled together stopping every now and then to look out towards the darkening ocean. Fervently kissing at every stop.
Two days later, Estabon sat in his hotel room, tapping his fingernails on the wooden arm next to a lamp stand. No matter what scenario he ran in his head, Brenda would suffer an emotional dread. “Brother,” he finally called out to Eduardo. “Get the cleaners to sweep everyone. I will leave as soon as the British delegation departs.” Estabon’s bleak thoughts almost spilled out on the three telepaths by his hotel door.
“I will take care of it.” Eduardo’s sadden tone was equally felt. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. It’s fate’s.” Estabon stood up, dried his watery eyes with his handkerchief and straighten his Armani suit. He walked outside to meet his SIA escort with a smile. Agent Nevis was the first person he saw as the door swung open. “It’s time we go pickup Mrs. Weatherly.” Estabon said.
“Yes Sir.” Nevis smiled. “She will be delighted to see you.”
The men left the hotel in a smaller motor cage. Estabon kept silent when not addressed seeing Nevis and the other telepaths were not trying to pry into his mind or the Weatherly’s lives, but were in a way hoping for him to succeed in love. They saw how much Brenda loved him and even without telepathic insight, they saw Estabon as a true leader and honorable man. Nevis noticed Estabon’s lack of enthusiasm as they rode to Brenda’s dorm, and softly spoke. “I must say, Councilmember…”