Within the Demon's Grip: Part One

Chapter 16

Natalia stared out of the passenger-side window, watching as cascades of rain distorted the outside world, blending in with the night. They had been driving in silence for nearly an hour when Robin suddenly glanced over and asked, "Why do you think he wanted you?"

Natalia jolted from her reverie. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"Well, there must be something special about you. Why else would he want to hold you captive?" Robin asked, thoughtful.

"W-We've been through this," Natalia said. "Candice--"

"No," Robin interrupted. "I don't mean now. I mean before ... that."

"Oh," Natalia said, going silent as she slid her fingers between each other; she chewed on her bottom lip. "Just that I've never ... y-you know."

Robin raised an eyebrow. "Never, what?" he asked.

Natalia couldn't believe he was going to make her say it! She squeezed her eyes shut, and blurted, "Had sex, Robin! I've never had sex."

"Well, I figured that much," Robin said, straight-faced, "but you're not the only virgin who lives here."

"True," Natalia agreed, relaxing in her seat. She'd been so sure Robin would say something, make some inane comment about sex or her virginity, but he hadn't. Surprised, she stammered, "B-But I'm probably the only one to have went there."

"I guess," Robin considered, "but it seems like such a petty reason to me." He looked over at her, cracking a smile. "Are you sure you don't possess some really cool superpower, or something?"

Natalia felt a twinge of amusement. "Only my charming sense of humor," she replied

Robin laughed. "You know, I should have thought of that."

Natalia laughed with him.

"Hey," Robin smiled. "You seem like you're feeling better."

Natalia wasn't so sure, but she'd take the nice moment anyway. "Hmm. Maybe," she said.

"Can't wait to get home, huh?" Robin asked.

Natalia looked out of the window, the last of her humor draining away with the falling rain, and sighed, "I wanted to go back home the whole time I was there, but now ... I just don't know. I have this new paranoia that isn't going away."

"I'll stay with you if you want me to," Robin said.

Natalia's body suddenly felt very hot. She strove to keep a blank face even though her thoughts were reeling. "Th-That's not necessary," she said softly.

"Really, Natalia," Robin said, turning a corner. "I said I'd protect you, and I will."

"Yeah? And what would Sandra think?" Natalia asked, voice flat.

Robin just shrugged. "It doesn't matter."

"Isn't she your girlfriend?" Natalia asked.

"Yeah, but she won't be after she finds out about Rochelle. I'm already on my last chance." He glanced over at her. "She won't give me another one."

"I thought you just started going out--"

"Yeah, this time. We've been on and off in the past," Robin answered.

"So, this isn't the first time you've cheated on her?" Natalia asked.

"Nope," Robin answered. "Not the first. Or the second."

Natalia couldn't hold in her disgust. "What the hell, Robin?" she cried.

"What can I say ... I get bored." He sighed.