To Keep Alive

Chapter Three

After hours of dancing I collapsed into a heap on the floor. I couldn't move, and my mouth was so dry I tasted sand.

When River entered the room I stared at him. He sighed and then picked me up off of the floor and set me on the bed.

"My god, woman, we could here from the other side of the house."

I didn't say anything at the time. I just picked up one of his curly locks of ebony hair and tugged on it.

"Pretty," I whispered.

"You need sleep. And then I'll give you the lecture you missed."

"No, I'm not tired, Dicky."

"It's River, and if you call me that when you're not high, I'll whip you."

"Okay, Dicky."

And I went to sleep.

The next morning, I awoke. I pressed my hand to my stomach. I breathed a sigh of relief when everything felt okay. My mind filled with memories of the previous day. I winced when I remembered the singing and dancing.

"River wants to see you," said a gruff man, "And he told me to give you this."

The man held out a cup. I took it and smiled.

Water.

Thank god. I was so thirsty.

I gulped down the water and handed the cup back to the man.

"Thank you," I said gratefully and followed him down the hall.

"If you don't mind me saying, you're interesting when you're high," he said, and glanced back at me over his shoulder.

"Oh no," I covered my face with my hands, "Did everyone see that?"

"I'm afraid so," he smiled apologetically.

I didn't say anything else. I just let him lead me to a large room. I looked around to see the women from the other day. They all had large baby bumps. They all had scared faces and looks of despair. I didn't blame them.

And then I truly saw River.

And I lost my breath.

He was gorgeous.

And that was wrong. I mean, why? Why does someone like that get to look so beautiful? He had a square jaw and a slightly sharp nose, giving him a dangerous look. His skin was a healthy tan and his eyes shined a dangerous gray. But his hair, it was... inspiring. It was curly and natural the last time I saw him, but this time it was styled with a bit of gel and spiked up.

As a librarian I never saw or met any attractive men. At least, not as attractive as River. He was tall, too. He towered over me by at least a whole twelve inches. And through the thin shirt that stretched across his muscular chest and abdomen, you could tell he was powerfully built. 

He seemed to feel my gaze on him and looked at me sharply.

I gasped and took step back.

"Caroline," he said, voice somewhat similar to thunder. I jumped and pressed a hand over my heart to try and calm its erratic beating.

"R-River," I stammered, heat flooding to my cheeks, "Sorry for being late. It's just... I was high."

He grimaced, "Don't be sorry for anything. I'm the one who hired the shithead that got you high when you're pregnant.."

"Oh," I said and sat down on the floor, joining the others.

"Now, my darlings," he said, "It's time to go over some rul---"