Courting Tragedy

Courting Tragedy (5)

5

I almost dove off the bed, my face draining as I realized what was going on here. As I landed on my side on the floor, I attempted to scramble to my feet, but instead found myself being lifted up bridal style and placed in Gage's lap.

"I took my shoes off. Happy now?" He asked in a low voice as he cradled me to his chest.

"Actually, I feel like I need a shower." I said slowly and softly.

He brought his hand up to his heart in mock-dramatics. "I feel the pain of that insult down to my heart of hearts, dear Miss VanWelden. I had the sheets washed especially for your arrival."

I swallowed. A small part of me was scared and overwhelmed by the fact that he had known what was going to occur at my house and that he had prepared for it. The other, larger, part was upset and angry that he'd washed the sheets; if they smelled anything like the shirt he'd given me, I would have found myself in a cocoon of bliss.

I immediately smacked the larger part down, locking it up someplace deep in my head where it would be forgotten, hopefully. I couldn't bear that sort of rebellion in this situation. I am a hostage! I have been kidnapped and sleeping in a strange mans bed! This all felt so... strange.

Needless to say, I've never felt myself flustered like I was at this moment. In one hand, I could see very clearly that I had been kidnapped, taken against my will to a foreign place and told tales of fantasy and madness. In the other, however, I found myself attuned to the man holding me, his muscles hard against my skin, his heat penetrating the thin clothing I wore, and I found myself craving more of the stories he had told me.

In other words, I was in a dangerous situation at a dangerous time in my life. I couldn't seem to control myself, and I feared it would end badly for me and others.

I was brought out of my reprieve by Gage unceremoniously dropping me onto the bed.

"That was uncalled for." I frowned.

"Sorry, Princess. You zoned out on me, and I couldn't seem to get your attention any other way. You're welcome to make your way back into my arms if you so wish." He winked and opened his arms wide.

I groaned and pulled the blanket over my head as my cheeks flamed in embarrassment. I wasn't about to just crawl back into his embrace, but I wasn't going to deny that I felt much colder on my own. I actually shivered as I buried my face in the pillow and wished for the blood pooling in my cheeks to return to its regular duty elsewhere.

There were a few moments of silence before Gage cleared his throat loudly.

"If you're hungry, we can go down to the kitchen and I'll make you something to eat," He suggested.

I hadn't really thought about food since the storms started yesterday, and I realized it had probably been over a full day since I'd eaten. My stomach growled in affirmation and my cheeks got even more red, if it was possible.

"I'd love some food, thanks." I threw the covers back and straightened the sweatshirt he'd given me.

He stood without another word and made his way out through the door. I hopped to my feet and followed him, almost running to catch up. He walked down a short hallway and down a flight of stairs before entering the kitchen.

The room was large and airy, the deep yellow walls inviting and soothing. The appliances were stainless steel, the countertops a rich, black marble. He pointed to a stool at the bar and I sat, resigned to watching him cook. He rummaged through the fridge momentarily, pulling out items at random and setting them near me.

I picked up a bundle of basil and sniffed deeply, feeling the strong scent of the herb burn my nose. I was almost surprised as the bundle was gently taken from my grasp and rinsed by Gage, who hadn't said a word since we'd left m-his room.

"Chicken salad sound okay?" He asked as he chopped the basil and dumped it into a bowl.

I nodded and watched him move around his kitchen, fluidly moving from cupboard to cupboard and pulling utensils out of drawers without looking. He looked at home in this kitchen, happily in his element.

As though he could hear my thoughts, he turned to me and smiled as he cut the chicken into small pieces.

"I love to cook. It's very relaxing." He smiled softly, a crooked smile that I hadn't seen yet.

"You look as though you are very good at what you love." I commented, leaning forward on my elbows.

Suddenly he was right in front of me, a plate with a croissant and a small bowl of chicken salad between my elbows.

"I am good, and for one reason only. I don't give up when I find something I enjoy." He was close enough for me to feel his breath wash across my face with his words.

I nodded mutely and began spreading the salad onto the croissant. It wasn't until I took my first bite that I realized just what a good cook he was. The dish he'd put in front of me was no ordinary chicken salad; it was a meal made with precision and knowledge.

I finished it quickly, downing a glass of apple juice with my sandwich. I was surprised by how content I felt after eating. I was full, I was remotely mentally stable, and I was starting to feel tired.

Gage whisked the plate from in front of me, wiping the counter with one quick motion as soon as the plate had been placed in the dishwasher. He came over by me and took my elbow.

"Looks like it's bedtime, eh?" He smirked as though he didn't feel the desire to crawl under the sheet and drift into a relaxing slumber.

I nodded, hardly suppressing a huge yawn.

His smirk grew, if it was possible.

He turned into the bedroom and waited as I climbed into bed, pulling the blanket up to my neck and futilely wishing it was warmer.

"I do apologize, it is quite cold in here, but there isn't much I can do about it. There is nothing to be done tomorrow, so feel free to sleep in as late as you'd like. The earlier you rise, the more waking hours you have to spend with me." He grinned slowly and backed out of the room.

I rolled over onto my side and closed my eyes, finding it hard to resist the impending snooze.

As I drifted into sleep, one question kept pulling at my mind.

Would it really be all that bad to spend a lot of time with him?