The Dance Of Fire

Chapter 3.

Nahara painfully raised her head from her pillow. This was one of the strongest headaches she had in a while. And it all started with a swim in the bay. It had been only three days since that incident but she had felt like her every muscle was hurt. The dirty water she had swallowed and swam in was probably making her feel sick. As much she tried not to think about what had happened, it was hard. When she woke up in the morning, Einar was sitting behind his desk. Dressed in an expensive suit. Working behind the computer. It seemed like nothing out of the ordinary had happened at all. If she wasn’t there sleeping in his office, nobody would have thought that anything was wrong with him. She had half expected him to kick her out. But he had looked at her with worry on his face. Not because he was afraid she would say something to other people. She didn’t know why, but he had been worried about her. After refusing his invitation for breakfast and insisting on getting back to her place, she was allowed to leave. He even apologized for his behavior. He had never wanted to put her life in danger. The nicer he was, the faster she wanted to leave him. And the next day she woke up with a headache and joint pain. It was still good. She could move. She could go to the pharmacy to get flu medication. But today it hurts to move. It hurts to breathe. It hurt everywhere. Slowly, she wrapped herself in a black sweater and went to her small kitchen to make some tea. After sneezing a couple of times and wiping her runny nose, she managed to put hot water over a bag of Earl Grey. The only tea she had around the place. It could not even measure the vanilla and apple fragrance she drank in his office. They had both agreed that they would never mention again what had happened and how they met each other. That was what he wanted and Nahara could understand his actions. If only he would seek help for the problems he was running away from. There was a knock on her door and she stopped in her actions. There were only a few people with her address and most of them had no reason to come and look for her. She noticed the hand she was carrying her tea cup was shaking. Her heart started beating faster. Knocking continued again. As if they knew she was on the other side of the door. Knowing that this was something she cant postpone, she moved closer to the door. Carefully open it, as if expecting the person from the other side to jump at her at any given moment. Meeting the crystal emerald eyes staring at her, she released a slow breath. He was standing in her doorway dressed in a dark grey suit without a tie. His white shirt was loose around his neck. His light brown hair was still tied up in a strange way at the back of his head. In the daylight, she had time to notice his tanned skin and how tall he really was. She stood holding the door not knowing if the medication was giving her illusions or if this was just another dream. There was no way he would be standing in her doorway looking at her like that.

-Are you going to invite me in?-he said after a long pause. Nahara didn’t move a muscle. She had no intentions of letting him inside her home. She was smarter than that. Whoever he was, he didn’t have her trust.

-How did you find me?-she asked, ignoring his question. Einar felt waves of doubt coming from her. It was understandable. She was careful. But there was also fear which surprised him. Was she afraid of him or scared of something else? He raised his left hand, which carried a small leather bag.

-You have left this in my office. It had your wallet and id. Most things get wet, including your phone and money. But I thought you wanted it back anyway.-he explained. Nahara looked at the bag, trying to remember if she indeed had left it in his office, but her mind was too confused at the moment to remember anything. Slowly she took the bag from him as if expecting him to bite her. She moved her hand away and avoided his eyes.

-Thank you. You could have sent it by post anyway. You don’t have to waste your time.-she said in a low voice. It really hurt her to speak. Her throat was sore and she still felt too weak to have any visitors. Einar looked at her pale face, still thinking why she was being so cautious. She had spent a night in his office, which should be enough for her to feel safe.

-Can I come in?-he hated that he had to ask her again. But Nahara stood her ground. It was not a good idea to let him in. She would only pay for her mistake later. Thinking of a correct answer, she dared to look into his eyes. She couldn’t let him in. She would be punished severely if she dared to.

-I'm sorry. But I have some company at the moment and you have caught us in the middle of something…-that was the best thing she could do. Letting him know that she wasn’t alone and telling him that she wasn’t interested in anything coming from him. Emerald eyes didn’t show any emotions. He gave her a polite smile.

-I also wanted to give you this.-he took a phone out of his pocket. She stared at it, not understanding. It was a brand new phone. Much better and more modern than the one she was using. -Since yours got wet I got you a new one.-he explained. Nahara shook her head.

-I can't take that. It is too much.-she refused. Einar took her other hand in his and put the phone in the palm of her hand. He noticed how cold her skin was.

-I insist. I have input my personal number there. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me. I'm not going to ask any questions. If you ever need help, just call my number.-he was serious about that. Nahara pulled her hand away, taking the phone from him.

-Thank you.-she whispered. Einar nodded his head.

-I don’t want to take any more of your time. Enjoy your company.-he said, turning his back to her. Nahara watched him leave before closing the door and locking it. Leaning her head on the polished wood, she took a deep breath. It was the right thing to do. She didn’t want to get him in trouble. Hopefully, this was enough. He will not come again. She put the phone on her kitchen counter and went back to the bedroom to have some more rest.