“Definitely.”
“Take care of yourself, Ms. Kennedy.”
“Thanks, Dr. Carson.”
Lake Louise
Ryan picked up Dhalia the next evening after supper. She was a little perkier on day three because she knew she was leaving after dinner. They went to the pharmacy for her prescription before they left the hospital. Ryan carried a duffle bag of her belongings and took her outside.
He smiled at her and said, “I rented a car I think you’re going to like.” When they got to the hospital parking lot, there were six or seven people clustered around an automobile. Ryan clicked a button on his key fob and the onlookers were startled by the beep, beep that the car they were looking at made.
Dhalia smiled at him. “You've got to be kidding!” In front of them was a sleek, red Ferrari 458 Italia. “How much did this rental set you back? You’re such a kid!”
“You don’t want to know. You’re worth it.” His face lit up with excitement. She wanted to give him a squishy hug, but she didn’t.
“Are you sure you’re not the one who’s worth it?” She narrowed her eyes with suspicion, “You did this for yourself!”
“Maybe!” He grinned back at her.
He opened her door and went around to his side and got in. The car had a standard transmission with soft leather interior, definitely the most expensive car they had ever been in. Dhalia didn’t even know anyone could rent a car like this. It amazed her how an exotic car that Ryan only rented could take her mind off her problems so quickly and easily. It was good medicine. The car made Ryan look more erotic, if that was at all possible.
“You didn’t rent this just to take me back to the Village, did you?” Dhalia questioned.
“No, I did this to escape with you." He stared into her eyes. "The camp can run itself for a few days. Michael will coach Scott and Diane while we’re gone." Ryan’s eyes looked rough, his face scruffy, but he had a really edgy, sexy look about him. He wasn’t himself though; he looked troubled.
“Where are we going?”
“I booked two rooms at the Fairmont.”
“Where?”
“In the mountains, Lake Louise.”
She sat back and enjoyed the view in the car. While they drove, she stared at Ryan. She loved looking at his profile. The seriousness in his eyes revealed maturity beyond his years, his perfectly shaped nose, and his soft lips that she craved to kiss all the time melted her heart. His thick neck boasted a large jugular vein, his contoured, bold shoulders dropped gracefully to beautifully rounded biceps. He looked as exotic as the car they were driving in, if not more so.
He stopped at a light and his eyes met hers. Dhalia could see deep into his distraught soul. She wanted to bring him comfort even though she was more damaged than he was.
“We’re driving through the mountains in the dark?”
His hand closed over hers. “It'll be all right. I’m never going to let anything happen to you ever again.”
They got to the Fairmont in good time. Ryan took two travel bags out of their car before handing it over to the valet to park.
“Gorgeous, isn’t it?” Ryan commented.
“Yes,” Dhalia agreed.Admittedly, not even thinking about the car.
They went to the lobby to check in. Ryan booked two adjoining rooms. He whispered to her, “If you need me, you just come in any time.”
I always need you, you just don't know it. There’s so much you don't know.
“Thank you.” Her eyes held his. He returned her gaze. The depth of emotion his eyes revealed spoke volumes.
When they got to their rooms Ryan dropped her clothes on her bed before turning to leave. “Do you want the middle door open or closed?”
“Open.”
“Sure.”
He opened the door and left to go to his room. When Ryan got into his room he opened the second adjoining door so their rooms were open to one another.
The room Dhalia where would be staying was a classic design with fancy antique white wallpaper supporting an elegant motif and a king sized bed with a pillow-top mattress. The sheets were elegant but not excessively feminine. Off to one side of the bed was a couch and two chairs facing three windows looking out to the mountains and water. It was very luxurious.
Dhalia went into the bathroom, which had a fifteen jet hot tub and a glass shower stall with water jets that were positioned to spray the upper back, lumbar spine, and feet, along with an adjustable shower head. She chose to soak, so she ran the water and added the complimentary salts and bubbles displayed on a crystal tray, on the bathroom countertop.
She could hear Ryan turn on the television in her room. He called room service and ordered food. Damaged or not, she called for him, because she desired his company at that precise moment. He peeked around the bathroom door wearing his wife beater T-shirt and a pair of his favorite jeans. She didn’t have to utter a word. He opened the fridge in her room and took out a miniature bottle of chardonnay and poured two small glasses.
He put down the glasses and undid her robe, pushing it off her shoulders and letting it fall to the ground. She stepped into the water, and once seated, Ryan handed Dhalia her glass of wine. He undressed himself and joined her in the bath. They savored every drop of their wine by sipping it slowly.
“Are you okay with this?” Ryan asked with concern.
“I am,” she replied with a newfound confidence.Maybe the pills are starting to work? No, it was the counseling. It helped being able to discuss her problems with Dr. Carson. She felt lighter. Ryan was a permanent figure in her life. They sat facing one another. The bubbles were high, and the temperature of the water was perfect. “Do you want me to turn on the jets?” Ryan asked.
“No,” she said, “I like the quiet.” She slid her foot up the inside of his leg, teasing him. Ryan closed his eyes. She touched both his legs with her hands and separated them so she could sit with her back against his solid chest. “This is luxurious,” she commented. His arms closed around her body. She focused on the warmth she could feel coming from his body. She kept her eyes closed and enjoyed the moment, only opening them to take a drink.
Time got away from them. A tap on the door reminded Ryan about the food he ordered. “Sorry,” he said quickly getting out of the bath and putting on a robe so he could answer the door. Dhalia drained the water and got out, wrapping the largest towel she could find around her.
After dressing, she went into her room. There was a table covered with a white tablecloth and two plates with silver domes overtop and another bottle of wine with two glasses. The waiter opened the bottle and Ryan tipped him generously. He left the room and Ryan pulled Dhalia's chair back from the table and removed the domes from their plates.
Dhalia’s dish was wild rice with herb and garlic tiger shrimp. Ryan ordered his favorite, steak and mashed potatoes. Ryan put on a new pair of pants but sat bare chested across from Dhalia. It served as a distraction from her tasty dinner. He poured another glass of wine for himself and held her hand after cutting his steak. Thus, they ate and drank with their free hands. It felt like they were twenty again. His broad hand holding hers and the wine sliding down her throat continued to soothe her. It was the best she felt in a long time.
“Feed me a shrimp,” he directed. She loved it when he took charge. Dhalia took one by the tail and held it before his lips. His tongue deliberately licked it before he took it into his mouth. Her body shivered with anticipation as she watched him. His eyes closed and he whispered, “Delicious.” Her body's uncontrollable desires were for Ryan to savor her, as he did his food. She wanted him to feel the same.
“Feed me too, please,” Dhalia asked submissively.
Ryan took one of her shrimp and held it before her lips. She ever so languidly began to lick the shrimp, and then she slowly covered the shrimp with her mouth biting it free from the tail. She closed her eyes and swallowed. He took her wine glass and offered her some of her own wine.
“It tastes so much better w
hen you feed it to me,” she purred seductively.
His eyes were carnal with desire for her.
“Dhalia, you’re making it way too hard for me to control myself,” he complained.
“Then don’t,” she tempted.
“Get on the couch,” he said in a sexy, breathy voice.
The tension in the room was palpable. Ryan got up abruptly trying to fight off his sexual need, he left the room closing the door between them. She heard it lock.
Dhalia took the comforter from her bed and laid on the couch where Ryan wanted to make love to her. She looked out the window and gazed at the stars. She got lost in some of her great memories from the past. However, she savored the new feelings she had that night. Her spectrum of thoughts and feelings were so wide, she couldn’t help but wonder if this was what the beginning of recovery felt like. She slept well that night, never moving from the sofa.
Dhalia knocked on Ryan’s door in the morning to see what he wanted to do. He opened the door for her and went back to the bathroom. She caught him in the middle of brushing his teeth. She sat on a chair in his room and looked out the window. The sight was breathtaking. Ryan came out of the bathroom and said, “I thought we would go for a walk this morning.”
They had a light breakfast before heading out. They bought water bottles at the gift shop along with a few travel sized essentials. They strolled around the lake holding hands as if it were their first date.
The water was clear, deep blue, with snow-covered mountains reflecting on it. The water didn’t move and therefore remained picture perfect, like a scene plucked from every artist’s fantasy and made real. Lake Louise was a beauty that could never be truly depicted on canvas, although hundreds have tried. The serenity and grandeur of it all brought tears to her eyes. Dhalia let them fall.
Ryan ignored her tears and let her have the freedom of uninterrupted thoughts. He didn’t speak. He was her soldier; he harbored strength from which she drew. He simply held her hand tighter like he was leading her through her path of darkness to a side of security and tranquility.
Ryan picked a spot and they sat together. His concerned eyes stared into hers as he spoke to her. Ryan was always a man of few words, but when he spoke, everything he said was well thought out and intelligent.
“Dhalia, kitten, I brought you here to find the strength and courage you need for your next step in recovering.” He touched her cheek with sweet tenderness as he spoke.
“You have been summoned to testify. Your court date is only a few weeks away.” He put his two fingers on her chin and lifted it. She was staring down at the rocks instead of him. He brought her eyes to his. “You are not a whore, and this wasn’t your fault, but if you don’t do anything about it, then it’ll have been for nothing. I also want you to know, I feel you are worth fighting for. I never should have said otherwise, and when I did, it was merely said out of anger.” He kissed her gently on the lips. He started with baby kisses and then he did one longer one and held it. Her hysteria from days past dissipated into quiet placidity.
“Bradley can’t get away with this. You are a champion figure skater to whom little girls look up. You have to be a leader and set a good example. You have to beat him in court and make him pay. Other victims will draw strength from your courage and stand up to their attackers, too. It will only be then we can both move forward psychologically and grow as a couple. It’s your turn to fight for us and fight fiercely.”
Ryan ran his fingers through her hair and pulled her towards him kissing her gently on the mouth. “It’s taking everything in me to move slowly with you until you’re healed. I don’t want anyone but you, and I’m going to wait until you’re ready,” he explained.
“We need to talk,” Dhalia started.
“About what?”
“Us, there are things you don’t know.”
“Like?” he asked.
“I don’t know where to begin. I guess our divorce.”
Ryan cut her off. In hindsight, she thought he feared she was going to reject him again. He interrupted her before she could bring up the financial desperation she suffered from, as well as what their divorce did to her. He was always cutting her off from speaking about that topic. She wanted to confess what she did to make the show popular. She suddenly lost her nerve, and before she could regain it, their sexual tension grew. Ryan suggested, “Let's get back.”
They walked back to the Fairmont to order room service for lunch. Ryan asked, "You want to do anything after lunch?"
"No, thanks, Ryan. I just want to go to bed."
Dhalia took her pill and decided to nap.
Ryan told her he was going to take a drive in the rental. She heard the squeal of the tires as if it were right outside her room. She smiled because she knew the Ferrari made him happy. It was quiet in the room and she was starting to drift off to sleep.
She heard a knock at her door. She got up to answer it. She was dressed in her clothes from the walk, so she wasn’t concerned about her appearance. She asked who it was, but there was silence. The peephole was covered so she couldn’t see who was outside. It had to have been Ryan. She opened the door and to her horror it was Bradley!
He stood there and stared at her. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?” he asked darkly.
“What are you doing here?” Startled to see him was an understatement. “Ryan’s going to be back any minute! Aren’t you being held by the police?”
He pushed aside the door and stepped into her room uninvited. “I paid the bail, silly girl. You know it’s all about the money, don’t you?”
He was dressed in a black tuxedo like he was going somewhere fancy after this encounter. He was clean cut, the smell of his cologne lingering in the air.
Brad grabbed her roughly by the back of the neck and pulled her face to his. He shoved his tongue into her mouth and sucked on her tongue hard, as if trying to tear it from her mouth. He tore her clothes from her body with animalistic roughness. Biting her neck, ears, and breasts, he left marks all over and even drew blood in some of the spots. He ripped his pants down and shoved himself into her soft flesh. Dhalia screamed for help. She kept screaming, hoping for someone to come and save her.
Her arms were being squeezed tightly against her body and she was being shaken hard. She could feel her head rolling around with each shake. “Open your eyes, open your eyes” was being screamed at her. She forced herself to listen to the voice and pulled her eyelids apart as the voice had demanded. Dhalia became aware Ryan was leaning over her. She must have been having another nightmare. She was dripping with sweat. Dhalia didn’t remember anything except that she saw Bradley. She cried with relief seeing Ryan when she was expecting to see Bradley. Her body was shaking as she sobbed in the tight grip of Ryan’s arms. “You are broken,” he observed. “Bradley’s destroyed you.” The anger he felt at Dhalia even now.
They lounged together the rest of the day, only getting out of bed to eat. Ryan never left her side after that. He knew she was terrified. He drove her back to the Village in the fancy car. They returned the rental together. Ryan was trying to save Dhalia from the damage Bradley inflicted. It felt like she took one step forward with the trip and then two steps backwards with a single wretched nightmare.
The Trial
The morning of the trial, Dhalia dressed in a navy blazer, a starched white blouse and a skirt that reached her knees. The prosecutor informed her that the image she portrayed may have a significant effect on the outcome of the trial. Conservative formal was the way to go with attire.
Ryan, Michael, Justin, and Dhalia hired a cab to the downtown courthouse. She was nausea from nerves. They had previously discussed televising the proceedings as part of their show, but Dhalia pleaded with Justin and Ryan not to. They pulled the no censoring argument, and she lost the battle.
Their cab pulled up to a sixteen-story silver building in the middle of downtown Calgary. The car slowed to a stop, and to her horror, they were greeted by paparazzi as Dhalia exite
d the car. She held her head high, and she waited for the others to join her before entering the courthouse.
The clicking cameras and shutters were going off all around them.
“Are you going to testify, Dhalia?”
“Can you give us a statement?”
“Is it true you were sleeping with Bradley Hotman?”
“Are you back with your ex now?”
“Have you had sex since the rape?”
“Are you pregnant?”
It was a barrage of questions from every angle. It was relentless. The last one shocked her because she had forgotten that was a possibility.
Ryan spoke up. “Sorry, we’re going to be late. We’ll make a statement after the case has been tried. Thank you.”
Flashes distracted them, but a little opening did part for them so they could continue making their way up the stairs. They slipped through the glass doors and went to security for direction to the assigned courtroom.
When they got to the courtroom the prosecutor pulled Dhalia apart from Ryan and Justin, closing the half door behind them in the front section of the courtroom. He pulled out a chair next to his and whispered in her ear, “You will be sitting here for the trial. I’m going to put you up on the stand. Mind you, you don’t have to but it will help our case if you do. There is enough evidence on tape that I don’t feel you need to testify.”
“I’d rather not.” She looked back into Ryan’s eyes, which buoyed her with courage. He was sitting directly behind her as she whispered back to the prosecutor. Dhalia's stomach was doing back flips knowing that any moment Bradley was going to walk into the room. The trial was supposed to start momentarily.
The double doors burst open behind them and the sound of paparazzi chattering ricocheted into their courtroom. Bradley stood in the entrance larger than life. His piercing gaze caught Dhalia's attention and held it. The chattering buzz and the sound of cameras eventually deadened as the courtroom doors began to close. Dhalia's heart was bursting through her chest. Brad passed by her holding her captive with his stare. She could feel Ryan’s eyes on them as well.
Kiss & Cry, Where Passion Awaits Page 16