Dangerous Liaisons

Awake

Slowly she opened her eyes and blinked a couple of times, unsure what time or indeed what day, it was. By the amount of light streaming in, she guessed around noon. The bed was comfortable - more comfortable than she remembered. As she came to, rubbing her eyes gently, she realised she didn't recognise the gauze curtains around the bed or even the room. Had they moved her? Where was she now? And why was she wearing a man's t-shirt?

So many questions with no answers. Sitting up slowly, she realised her wounds had been dressed and her ribs didn't hurt quite as much - painkillers? Swinging her legs round, she placed her feet on the floor. It was cool to the touch and strangely reassuring. She stood gingerly, holding on to the table beside her bed for support. For a moment, the room swam and she plonked back down, her eyes closed. After a moment, everything settled and she tried again.

This time, the room stayed where it was supposed to. Slowly, very slowly, she shuffled over to the open window. The air was cool and fresh - and salty. Wherever she was, she was still by the sea. Looking out she could make out the blue of the water in the distance, the trees in between providing not only shade but also the faint aroma of pine. Abroad, she was definitely still abroad.

She noticed there was a balcony outside and as her eyes acclimatised to being open although still a little swollen, she realised there was a door next to her that led out onto it. She carefully opened it, still unsure of the consequences, and walked out into the warm sunshine. She padded across the tiles to the balustrade and leant against it, trying to get a handle on her surroundings.

She was on the first floor, overlooking a freeform pool and a large manicured garden. Expensive and secluded, no other buildings in the immediate area.

She was reassured that there didn't seem to be any men with guns in the vicinity. They - and Roper - would be around somewhere though, she was sure. If only Jona... she stopped her thoughts dead. JONATHAN!! OH DEAR GOD JONATHAN HAD BEEN THERE!!

Her last sight of him was Frisky beating him. It wasn't a dream, it was real. Her stomach lurched. Was he even still alive? Before she had a chance to think about it any more, the sound of the door opening made her turn and look back into the darkened room.

Her pulse began to race as she waited to see who would emerge. If it was Roper, she was prepared to jump over the balcony rather than face another beating. She would rather die by her own hand than have him touch her again.

"So you're awake then" a woman's voice floated out from the room and instantly Kate felt a rush of relief - ANGELA! IT WAS ANGELA! She could have cried she was so relieved. Seconds later, her smiling face appeared at the balcony door, hands on hips she stood and waited as Kate shuffled back to meet her. "So you decided to rejoin the human race then I see? I know someone that will be happy to hear that!"

The two women hugged carefully, Kate wincing as her ribs reminded her they were still hurt.

"Where am I ... how did I get here?"

"Jonathan" was all Angela said with a smile.

"But he... I mean... Frisky... she put a hand on the doorframe to steady herself as she recalled the sickening thuds as fist met flesh.

"He's a strong one, that Jonathan, more so when he's defending something - or someone - he cares about." Angela nodded and moved back into the room, perching on the bed. Kate followed her slowly and sat next to her.

"As soon as he heard Kate, his only thought was to get you back. No matter what. You do know it wasn't his choice? To leave. To ghost you?"

"I hoped so but I was afraid to face what that actually meant. It was easier to hate him. But I couldn't do it Angela. I couldn't hate him. Ever." Tears trickled down her cheeks and she wiped her eyes with the back if her hand.

"I know lovey, I know." Angela smiled and produced a tissue from her pocket. "He got you out, brought you here to me. He took care of Roper too. Permanently. " she quoted "took care" with her fingers and they both knew exactly what that meant. Kate couldn't pretend she wasn't overjoyed at the news.

"Where is he?" Kate asked quietly, "is he still here?"

"Yes" Angela put an arm around her shoulder "You bet, wouldn't leave you for a moment. I had to make him finally rest about 7 o'clock this morning, stubborn boy." she smiled wistfully, "if only Mr Burr was as dedicated. Sleeps through a crying baby with no apparent difficulty!" She stood, holding out a hand to help Kate up. "If you think you'll make it, he's two doors down the hall on the right. I'm sure he'll be pleased to see you."

Kate stood for a moment, her eyes filling with tears. "Thanks Angela, in all this I never thanked you. For coming for me. Dad would have been so grateful too."

"We look after our own " Angela gave her a gentle hug, she smelt reassuringly of vanilla body spray and digestive biscuits, " and you are definitely our own Kate. You always have been. " she pulled back "I know we haven't spoken about your Dad, there will be time for that later. For now, concentrate on you ok? You and Jonathan."

"I never stopped caring. About him. No matter what my father made me believe."

"Don't tell me, you soft idiot - tell HIM!" Angela laughed and Kate nodded silently shuffling to the door. "See you later Angela."

"See you later Kate."

The door closed softly behind her and she stood in the hall for a moment, gathering her thoughts. She leaned back with her head against the wall, just wondering what the hell she was going to say to him. After all this time, what did she have to say to him. Could they take up where they left off? Would he want to, after all this? That he cared was obvious, he wouldn't have come if he didn't. It dawned on her that he may have come to dislike her, although he didnt want her dead obviously, for seeming to give up on them. There was only one way to be sure.

She made her way along the hall till she came to his room. For a second she paused, then knocked softly. No answer. She knocked again. Still nothing. Carefully, she turned the handle and walked in.

Across the room, through the gauze drapes, she saw him. Face down on the bed, only partially covered by the sheet, she could see his bruised and cut back, his reddened ribs.

Closing the door behind her, and turning the key with a soft click, she made her way forward. He didn't stir.

She stood at the edge of the bed, just looking. Even now, after everything she had been through, although he looked like crap after his beating, he still made her weak at the knees. Made her heart race and her insides clench. Basically, not a damn thing had changed.

Tentatively, she reached out a hand and stroked the back of his head. His hair was just as soft as she remembered. His snuffle as he moved slightly at her touch, as familiar as her own breath.

Gently she sat on the bed. Tears filled her eyes again. Guilt filled her heart. Slowly, delicately, she moved her hand from his hair to his back, tracing the curve of his shoulders, the muscles defined in the filtered sunlight.

He didn't move, she could see his body rise and fall softly with his breathing. What she didn't see, as he faced away from her, were his eyes snapping open at the touch.