15.06 (#2)

Chapter 7

It was the morning light filtering between the curtains that woke me up. I blinked a few times to accustom myself to the light before turned my head to Rori. She was lying on her front, face turned away from me, looking peacefully at rest. I pushed her hair to the side to kiss her shoulder and noticed tiny little marks covering her back. I could tell they were many years old, telling a whole new story to the Rori I knew. I ran my fingers across her small back, tracing the fading scars the trailing down her body. Even when ugly scars marred her perfect skin they showed how strong this woman laying beside me was.

It was then I realised she never needed me; I was the one who needed her. I needed saving, not Rori. Despite her hard childhood she still won the world and I couldn't be angry for that. All this time she thought she'd be ruining my life when in fact I would have been the one holding her back. She faced the world head on without fearing the consequences while I would have shielded her from the pain.

I felt her stirring from her sleep. "Good morning." She said huskily.

"Yesterday was a good night." I smiled, cupping her cheek.

"Yes it was. What time is it?" She asked. Glancing at the watch I told her it was almost seven.

"I should go. Olivia will be waking up soon and we need to pack."

"Typical should have guessed you were leaving again." I sighed, rolling out of bed and throwing on my t-shirt and boxers.

"Christian..."

"No go. You're always running off anyways. I can't stop you." I looked out the window not wanting to see her leave again.

"There's an emergency in Texas. I have to go." She said sadly.

"I get it. Your work is important to you." I heard her movements behind me. She placed a hand on my shoulder.

"So are you," she whispered and left me standing there. I should have gone after her but I knew it was no use. She would have still gone despite what I said. I didn't stay for breakfast and left as soon as I could without seeing Rori or Olivia.

While driving back Felicity called, "Hey bro where are you?"

"I'm driving. What do you want?"

"Driving? Where from? Anyways it doesn't matter, can you bring some cinnamon buns for breakfast please?"

"Was I supposed to come round?" I didn't know I had some prior arrangements.

"No but you love me and since I'm on my period you're gonna bring me those buns right?"

"Fi I don't want to know about your lady cycle!" I moaned. "Fine I'll bring them." I changed the GPS destination to her favourite bakery to collect the buns. She always made me her errand boy even though she had a chauffeur to order around. Felicity had me wrapped around her little finger and she knew it, taking full advantage of my leniency for her demands.

"Hey Chris, you want the usual?" The baker asked. Working in the culinary industry meant you knew pretty much everyone. Sure it was competitive but there was always time for friendships.

"Yeah thanks." I replied distractedly, not in the mood for small talk. I paid for the buns before returning to my car. Driving in New York City is a nightmare, you spend more time sitting in traffic then actually driving but still I liked the feel of the rumble of the engine whilst listening to some smooth jazz saxophone to ease my tensions. This morning however the music did nothing to soothe my scattered emotions.

I can't believe I allowed myself that moment of weakness because like a storm, Rori left destruction in her wake. Again. It was foolish of me to talk to her let alone sleep with her but those mesmerising eyes and mature soft voice would have any man weak in the knees begging to be with her. She exuded confidence, something I hadn't seen before; a trait that flattered her small frame. I only spent a short period of time in her presence but I could tell that the old Rori was gone. She was no longer the vulnerable orphan child from Oregon who bared the weight of a thousand secrets on her shoulders.