The Lies That Bind

Chapter 8 : Harsh Realities

There I was, on one of the many beaches in San Francisco with the Golden Gate soaring high above me. The sun was setting and there was a gentle breeze in the air, catching the skirt of my white sundress as it flowed gently. I didn't know why I was there or how I got there, but some unknown force willed me to walk towards the water. As I neared the shore I saw him, wearing a pair of blue jeans with the cuffs rolled up around his ankles and a loosely fitted, white dress shirt with sleeves that stopped just above the elbow. He turned to face me, smiling that sweet, gentle smile of his, his cool blue eyes full of longing... I dare say it was love.

He pulled me into his arms, holding me close as the cold bay lapped at our feet. Somehow, I felt secure in his strong arms; I felt... happy, wanted, needed. He said something, I couldn't decipher it, but I seem to understand him. He met my gaze again and placed his hand on my cheek. I pressed my face further into his palm, his warmth putting me at ease, comforting me. He ran his hand through my fiery hair as he leaned down to press his lips to mine, and I don't fight him, willingly returning his affection as I meet him halfway.

And then I woke up.

I sighed and opened my eyes to see my bed was still empty. After a while, I drifted off to sleep and back to a world where we could be together. A world without rules and boundaries, a world without secrets and heartache.

By morning I was restless, but I technically didn't have to be up until late afternoon so I had enough time to get ready. It had been a long time since I was able to sleep in. I sat up and looked around for my cat only to be reminded where I was. With that thought in mind, I went to pick my phone off the dresser and see if I got any messages from Rey. Nothing. Which was good, unless Rey tripped over Lark and broke his neck, that is. I quickly typed up a message asking if all was well at home before stepping out of the bedroom.

Dr. Kolomna's bedroom door was still closed, but I could hear him talking from within. I couldn't make out what he was saying. It didn't sound like English at all, but he sounded angry. The conversation with whomever abruptly came to an end as the master bedroom's door flew open to reveal the towering Russian, immaculate as ever in his dark slacks, matching vest and white dress shirt. I looked him up and down and that feeling from deep within began to stir once more.

He sighed, running a hand through his styled hair before he realized I was there. "Miss Lima," he said gently, "good morning."

"Good morning, Doctor." I replied hesitantly, "Is everything all right?"

"No, but it's nothing you need to worry about. Come, I will make breakfast."

My eyes followed him as he walked past me towards the kitchen, the fluffy, monster-dog in tow. Without all the barking, I hadn't noticed Bear was there. Giving the dog as much space as possible, I made my way to the kitchen as well which was on the right side of the penthouse. Dr. Kolomna was busy prepping the dog's food and I could not stop myself.

"Um, I don't think people are supposed to eat dog food," I stated teasingly.

He chuckled at my statement and set the somewhat large dog bowl down on the floor for Bear to devour. "I took out some bread and jams," he informed me, pointing at the counter by the fridge.

I frowned, "That's it?"

"What?" He turned to face me, "This is what we usually eat in Russia and besides, I don't have time to make a full meal. I have to leave for work in an hour."

"For someone who's able to cook enough for four people, I expected better." I huffed, "Besides, we're not in Russia. Surely there's something in here that can be made into a proper meal." I sidestepped him and went to the fridge.