ODDS OF LOVE : ONE MOMENT

Episode 8

Richard stared at Marco Martinez with cold eyes and the equally cocky young man stared back at him with  colder  ones.  Richard didn't like this man. He especially didn't like exactly how the man looked at Nigel as he stood on the other side of the hospital bed.

It was very obvious that the man was in love with Nigel Hawthorne - Cyrus.

" Oh ," Marco said as his mouth lifted in an arrogant smirk," but you are married now, Nigel. When I got here the nurse actually informed me that your" husband " was here. And that your" husband " was oh so loving and devoted to you. Apparently he hasn't left your side at all. Interesting that. "

Nigel shook his head. " I don't understand. How hard did I hit my head in the accident? The only person who has been here has been..... Dear God.... Richard, what did you do? "

Before Richard could speak Marco said firmly," Well , apparently he lied and anointed himself your husband so he could have hospital access to you. " Marco's eyes swept over Nigel's face with a tender look that made a jealous fury creep up over Richard's being which surprised him. Richard was not by nature a jealous man. In fact his ex wives had all considered him lacking in that department. They had all cheated and they had all claimed it was to finally get his true attention. " Don't worry, Norland. Your secret is safe with me. For now. I might have done the same myself in the same position. You are Richard Norland, I presume. You're exactly like I pictured you. I feel like we are intimate friends. After all in his rare free time working for you you are all Nigel ever talked about. " His hand reached out to Richard who stared at it. " Marco Martinez. Current White House Counsel to President Walker Brandon. Nice to finally meet you. "

As Richard shook the man's hand he looked at the man's smiling face and thought he resembled a shark in blood infested water. Marco Martinez was a far different enemy than Joe Jacobs had ever been. And to Richard he was indeed looking to be an enemy. As well as competition.

" I'm sorry about your car , Marco," Nigel said softly. " And , Richard, why would you say we're married? That's.... " His words trailed off but Richard took pleasure in the look that came over Nigel's face when he had uttered the words " we're married". It was not an altogether unpleasant look. To the contrary it almost seemed like Nigel genuinely liked the thought and idea of them being married.

So let's make it real, he wanted to tell Nigel. But he didn't. What he did say was ," it was purely a practical move on my part , Nigel. It was the only way I could receive any information on your medical condition. "

Nigel's face dropped at his rather cold and business like words while Richard felt like kicking himself. Why did he always have to sound like that? No wonder Nigel had called him constipated in that one text.

Marco's smile grew. " Don't worry about the car, my British Rose. That's what insurance is for. " Then the man placed a soft kiss on Nigel's forehead.

Richard tightened his lips at the man and balled his hand in a fist.

Yes. An enemy. And competition.

And, his mind thought suddenly, this man's home was going to be where Nigel went to when released.

Richard didn't like that either.