Deus Ex Human Revolution: Shadow's Showdown

Chapter 45: The Lesson Of Love.

Adam embraced Laura more firmly, intertwining his hands on her belly. He felt like she wanted to run away, and he couldn't let that happen.

"I wanted to see you at that ball. I wanted to talk and explain everything. I still think that if we're going to be together and build anything, we should sit down and calmly, step by step, answer the questions that are bothering us."

Jensen's fingers seemed to burn her skin. She knew that being together had a price, but she wasn't sure she was ready to pay it. A large part of her past still remained a secret, and she couldn't lie any longer. The truth would surely destroy everything. No, that's not a good solution. Enough secrets.

For too long now

There were secrets in my mind

For too long now

There were things I should have said

In the darkness

I was stumbling for the door

To find a reason

To find the time, the place, the hour

"You're right," she said quietly, slowly turning to face him. "But it's not easy for me."

"What's not easy?" an involuntary irritation could be heard in the Security Chief's voice.

"Going through it all over again."

"I understand your fear, but you're not alone this time. Promise to tell me everything, and I promise to be patient."

The woman took a deep breath, hugging her forehead to Adam's chest at sternum level. It didn't bother her one bit that his clothes were sweaty, that he reeked of prison. It didn't even bother her that she'd been in just her underwear for a long time, that his fingers were touching the scar on her back.

"I promise. You can ask questions if you want, but I can refuse to answer."

"Agreed, but let's get some rest first. Can I use the shower?" he asked finally.

"Now this is your home too, so you don't have to ask. I'll make the bed and bring the towels right away."

Only now did the ex-SWAT realise he had forgotten the towels. He always preferred to have his own, but he had to make an exception to that as well.

"I should sleep on the sofa," he suggested, immediately meeting Laura's gaze, which clearly said that he was probably crazy.

"If anyone should sleep on the sofa it's only me," she replied firmly. "Besides, I think we slept quite well in Uppsala, Washington and at your place. Hm?" she asked without waiting for an answer and walked over to a cupboard standing not far from the entrance. She opened one of the drawers starting to look for towels.

Adam felt it was getting hot, so he loosened the scarlet scarf tied around his neck. Laura was being extremely direct and he certainly wasn't ready for that. To avoid the growing embarrassment, he grabbed a crutch, took some toiletries out of his suitcase and dashed to the bathroom forgetting he had no towels after all. The hacker didn't manage to stop him so with a heavy sigh she followed Jensen. She knocked on the door but apparently, he didn't hear so she pressed the handle which gave up softly.

"You didn't hear the knock, so I let myself in," she explained as soon as the door swung open. "I brought tow..." She broke off at the sight of Adam, who had just turned towards her. She saw him naked again, and this time it wasn't a vaguely clear picture. "Now I've really seen it all," she managed to croak out.