Trapping the Gazelle

Chapter 11

The rest of the days leading up to the engagement party passed by in a blur. Plans made for a Christmas Eve engagement party at 'The Barn'. A few days ago, Fiona and the party planner tried again to convince Captain Johansson to allow the party to stay on the ranch. The Captain refused, again citing that everyone would need vetting and then after that there was no guarantee for proper security at the ranch.

Kiera kept to the ranch during those days, feeling a bit scared after the call from Detective Williams. To some extent, it felt foolish to think someone was after her. Kiera racked her brain trying to think of possible connection between the attempted hit and run and the thief found dead outside of Saint Ives.

'There has to be a connection, but what could it be?' Kiera thought one morning as she tied her running shoes, while sitting on the front steps.

"Mind if I run with you?" Kiera heard Ryan's voice.

Kiera looked up confused by his question, "What did you say?" She still felt lost in her thoughts.

"I asked if I could run with you." Ryan repeated the question with a smile, "You seem distracted, Gazelle."

"I keep racking my brain for a connection and..." Kiera tried to continue, but did not know how to finish the sentence without sounding crazy.

Ryan sat down next to her,"Kiera," Ryan said, "I have a friend at MI-6 who is working on it. Do not trouble yourself with this. We have other pressing matters to attend to."

"What else do we have to worry about?" Kiera asked with a confused look.

"This big engagement party tonight for starters." Ryan smirked.

"You better not leave my side tonight, Mister Westbrook." Kiera warned him as she stood up and stretched. Kiera started to feel better as she knew Ryan would always be there for her.

"I promise love." Ryan said then he lightly smacked her bottom before running off.

Kiera jumped in shock, before laughing and then running after him. She suspected he was only running with her to protect her, but she really did enjoy having his presence.

"You better keep up, Ryan." Kiera said as she ran pass him smiling.

"I don't know, but I'm enjoying the view from behind." Ryan replied with a wink.

Kiera looked over her shoulder to see Ryan admiring her bottom. Rolling her eyes, Kiera ran down the dirt path for five miles. Ryan kept up with her most of the run, fell back often.

"Don't let my bottom distract you." Kiera said over her shoulder as she ran.

"Don't worry, it is distracting me." Ryan called back, but Kiera knew he was scanning the area behind them.

At the end of the five miles, Ryan and Kiera were sweating and breathing hard. They stopped in front of the house and drank from water bottles, catching their breaths. Walking back into the house, they saw the place was in total chaos as people ran around packing things for the move to 'The Barn'. Kiera and Ryan quietly slipped up into the bedroom where they stripped off their clothes and climbed into the shower.

Once in the shower, Kiera felt Ryan press himself against her and bite gently on the nape of her neck. HIs hands ran up her sides sending shivers of pleasure as his hands cupped her breast. His hands formed perfectly around her breast and he gently squeezed them with the n*****s between his fingers. Electric shocks of pleasure ran through her body.

Kiera arched her back and moaned loudly. She felt his hardness pressing against her bottom. Smiling, Kiera moved her hips and felt satisfied when she heard him groan. Kiera melted in his hands as he licked and kissed the nape of her neck and ear lobe. Kiera bit her lower lip gently and gasped as his fingers rolled her n*****s and pinched them.

Kiera turned around to face Ryan. "Take me now." She breathed heavily feeling warmth spread through her.

Ryan moved his hands from her breast and hooked an arm under leg, gently lifting it. Kiera watched as he positioned himself between her legs. Thrusting his hips, Kiera moaned loudly as his organ penetrated her. She felt him thrust deeply into her, until his hips met hers.

Kiera wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close and kissing him passionately. She kissed him with unbridled passion. Then she thought she heard something and stopped kissing Ryan.

"What?" Ryan asked surprised by her abrupt stop.

"I thought I heard something." Kiera replied, placing a finger on his lips to silent him.

"Kiera dear," Came the familiar voice of Fiona from her bedroom. "You are needed downstairs."

"Can it wait?" Kiera answered. She put her hand over her mouth stifling a gasp as Ryan pulled out and plunged deep into her. She smacked him on the shoulder giving him a look, but Ryan moved his hips slowly rocking his hardness repeatedly into her. She knew he was deliberately rubbing his shaft against her sensitive spot as he moved his hips.

"I'm afraid it can't wait dear. The party planner wants to talk to you." Fiona replied in a hesitant voice.

"Can...you give...me about five minutes." Kiera said slowly trying to control her voice as she felt pleasure building up in her body.

She knew Ryan felt this too, because he made his thrust quicker. Kiera gave him a look to stop and shook her head, but Ryan only smiled continued to move his hips.

"Okay dear. I will let the planner know." Fiona replied.

Kiera heard footsteps fading as the bedroom door closed. She felt on the verge of a climax from Ryan' short thrust. Suddenly he pulled all the way out and plunged hard into her. Kiera cried out as pleasure swept through her body. She held tightly to him, eyes close and trembling as he continued to thrust himself into her.

She felt Ryan's body tense and heard him groan as he held himself deeply in her. She knew he had climaxed in her. Kiera felt his organ throbbing in her as he held himself tightly against her. Finally Ryan relaxed and pulled out of her lowering her leg.

"That was not funny." Kiera said breathing heavy on wobbly legs. She had to lean against the shower wall for support.

"I thought it was and I think you enjoyed that." Ryan replied as he placed his hands on her slim hips and pulled her close. He kissed her on the lips and Kiera kissed him back.

Kiera walked downstairs feeling happy and carefree. She wore jeans with a borrowed rock band t-shirt from Ryan. She ran her fingers through her damp hair as she entered the kitchen. She pulled out some yogurt, oats and fruit from the refrigerator. Then grabbed a cup of coffee, sat down at the table and made her breakfast.

As she ate her breakfast, she heard someone say with a flair of drama, "There you are young lady."

Kiera looked up to see a thin young man standing at the door, "Excuse me?" Kiera asked looking around in confusion.

"I have been looking all over this ranch for you missy. I really don't have time to be searching for people." The man said exasperated.

Kiera noticed he stared directly at her, "Why are you looking for me?"

"Hmm, let me think." The man said tapping a finger on his chin, "Oh I know, because you are the one engaged and tonight is your engagement party." Kiera heard his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"I'm confused." Kiera said taking a bite of her breakfast.

"I thought your parents said you were the smart one," The person said rolling their eyes dramatically, when Kiera only stared at him in confusion. "We have to get you ready for your party." He said slowly emphasizing each word.

"I already know what I'm going to wear." Kiera responded as it dawned on her about the identity of this person. Then she saw the look in his face. She would not win this battle.

"Oh, so I was hired to just look handsome and nothing else." The party planner retorted, "You have exactly five minutes before my team arrives to prepare you for your party." The man held up his hand showing five fingers.

"Well I guess I should eat then." Kiera sighed and ate her breakfast while the party planner waited. He tapped his foot impatiently as Kiera drank her coffee slowly.

"Would you like some coffee too?" Kiera offered smiling.

The man threw up his hands, "Be in your room in five minutes." The man said and then he stomped out of the room.

Kiera shrugged and finished her breakfast.

Kiera was not sure, but she thought the party planner was taking revenge on her for her little stunt in the kitchen. He stood over the stylist making comments about the state of her hair and nails. Kiera sat in the chair playing a favorite song in her head as the stylist did their job.

Afterwards, Kiera spent the rest of the day with her mom as they tried on dresses for the evening. It was a fun experience, since she did not get spend quality time with her mom. Kiera deliberately took her time, watching the party planner. He seemed to be on the verge of pulling out his hair. Smiling, Kiera settled on a floor length gown, which bared her shoulders and most of her back. The dress was of a deep forest green and the woman showing the gowns commented on how the dress enhanced the color of her eyes.

James and Ryan both started opened mouth at the appearance of the lovely women coming down the stairs. Both men dressed in dinner suits, looked handsome. Kiera suspected that they did not go through as much torture as she did. She noticed the smile on Ryan's face and it confirmed her suspicion.

"I think we made a good impression on them." Fiona said with a giggle, "They are speechless."

"I believe we did, but I not sure if I want to be seem with someone who mouth is touching the floor." Kiera giggled.

"You look gorgeous Kiera," Ryan said finding his voice. He walked up to her and kissed her light on the cheek. "I was sure you had been kidnapped."

"The planner practically did kidnap me." Kiera replied.

"He is determined to see this through the end." James chuckled.

"Well if we are all done gapping at each other, we have pictures to take before we head out." Kiera looked at the planner who was tapping his watch.

"We are coming." James said with a sigh.

After the photographer took pictures with the evening sun setting in the background, they all climbed into limos and headed for the engagement party. 'The Barn' was as the name suggested. A barn converted into a huge dining hall. The owner kept the uniqueness of the barn, from what Kiera observe. She stared upward and felt amazed by its simple country beauty.

When Kiera entered the barn, she could not believe the amount of people who showed up for an engagement party. There had to be over a hundred people clapping as they entered the barn. Kiera saw a long table set up in the middle of the lofty barn with lantern lights strung around the place.

"I know you wanted a small party, but I could not decide who to invite and not to invite." Fiona said with an apologetic voice.

"I can't express the happiness ma, thank you." Kiera said feeling choked up with happiness. She hugged her mom tightly.

"Look at the wee lass who's became a beautiful woman." Kiera heard an old voice from behind her as she stopped hugging her mom.

"Grandpa it's you." Kiera squealed in childhood delight as she threw her arms around her grandpa. The old man wrapped his arms around her picking her up.

"You're looking good girl." Her grandpa said, "Were be your other half." He placed her back on the ground.

"Ryan is right here, Grandpa." Kiera replied pulling Ryan close.

"Not the one I'm looking for. I was looking for the feisty one, but how you doing lad." Kiera's Grandpa said with a slightly confused voice as he looked at Ryan. Kiera shrugged.

'Maybe he is looking for Fiona.' Kiera thought.

After saying hi to her Grandpa, Ryan and Kiera walked around the room talking to other family members. Kiera could not believe the amount of people in this location. Ryan was equally shocked to find most of his family here too.

"I would have thought that you have forgotten about me." Kiera heard Katherine say from behind her as he talked to some family members.

"I would never forget you, Katherine." Kiera replied turning around and hugging the Duchess, "How have you been?"

"Good my dear," Katherine responded, "You really have made an positive impression in Saint Ives."

"They have made a positive impression on me." Kiera returned the compliment.

"Well I'm sure you will be staying in Saint Ives once you and Ryan are married."

"I believe we will be staying. Ryan said you will not let me leave." Kiera replied with a knowing smile.

"That is a smart man you are marrying."

"Well he must be one lucky guy." Kiera heard from her side and felt a finger tapping her shoulder.

Turning her head, her mouth gaped in surprise. Standing before her was an exotically beautiful woman with raven black hair and deep jade green eyes. The woman had a complexation similar to Israelite descent.

"Melissa is that really you?" Kiera said dumbfounded as she stared at her old college roommate.

"Who would you expect it to be, Kiera?" Melissa said in a light Israelite accent.

"When did you arrive? I did not know you were coming." Kiera blurted out, still in shock.

Melissa took her hand and light patted it, "I just came in tonight. Now please introduce me to this elegant woman and your finance." Melissa withdrew her hand, but not before lightly running her fingernail across Kiera's palm.

Kiera felt a chill of pleasure run up her spine from the touch, "Um, yes this is the Duchess of Cornwall and this is Ryan Westbrook." Kiera introduced them and Ryan slipped his hand around her waist as he walked up.

"It is a pleasure to meet you both." Melissa said politely and shook hands with them.

"I don't think I have ever met you Melissa..." Ryan asked.

"Melissa Cohen." Melissa answered his question.

"Not the Melissa Cohen, the world famous geneticist." Ryan said quickly.

"Am I missing something here?" Katherine said with an arched eyebrow.

"Melissa is a famous geneticist. We used to be roommates here at the University while I was finishing up my Doctorate." Kiera explained smiling happily. The memory did make her remember the time Ryan left suddenly, but she pushed that memory aside.

"Well you do have very interesting friends." Katherine said then looked across the room, "It seems you are being waved by your father."

Kiera looked in the same direction as Katherine and saw her father beckoning them. "It seems we are wanted." Kiera said, "It is really awesome seeing you again Katherine and Melissa. We will talk later, Melissa."

"I'm really looking forward to it." Said Melissa. Kiera heard more in her voice. It sounded as if she wanted more.

Kiera swallowed, then followed Ryan to the head of the table. Everyone sat down for dinner as James stayed standing and made a wonderful toast for is daughter and future son-in-law. He spoke of how they loved each other and nothing on Earth can separate them, not even time.

Everyone raised their glasses in a toast and cheered the couple. Kiera stood up and hugged her father. Ryan stood and hugged his future father-in-law. Afterward everyone enjoyed a marvelous dinner. Throughout dinner, Kiera glanced around and saw how everyone was in conversation with each other. It was truly a wonderful night.

Once dinner was finished, the waiters moved the chairs and tables to make room for a dance floor. A band set up and began to play. All at once everyone moved onto the dance floor. Ryan pulled Kiera onto the dance floor and they danced the night away.

During the dance, Kiera saw Samantha with Steve on the dance floor. They seemed to be enjoying the night as well. Kiera started to feel tired and a bit dizzy.

"Can we go sit down?" Kiera whispered into Ryan's ear.

"Sure, there is an empty spot next to Samantha." Ryan replied.

Ryan led Kiera to the empty seats near the edge of the dance floor. Kiera gratefully took the seat, taking a deep sigh of relief.

"Shall I get us some drinks?" Ryan suggested

"I would like something to drink." Kiera replied with a smile, fanned herself and watched Ryan walk off towards the bar.

"Your parents really pulled out all the stops for this party." Samantha said smoothing back a lock of blond hair.

"They really did." Kiera chuckled, "Are you two having fun?"

"Steve and I are having a blast." Samantha responded.

"Great, but I forgot to ask. How long have you two been dating?"

"For about four months. He is a great guy."

"Well you two seem really happy together."

"We are happy together."

They watched the other dancers for a while. Then Kiera scanned the area for Ryan. She saw people at the bar, but no Ryan.

"Who are you looking for?" Samantha asked.

"Ryan, he was getting a drink for me, but I don't see him by the bar."

"Maybe a family member kidnapped him for a talk." Samantha shrugged, "Well back to dancing." Then Samantha stood up and to go find Steve.

Kiera stood up and stretched her back. She walked towards the bar where Ryan was. Once she reached the bar, she turned around slowly scanning the area. To her disappointment, she did not see him.

Turning back to the bar, Kiera spoke to the bartender, "Excuse me, but did you see a man here with chestnut colored hair and about so tall." She held her hand a foot over her head to emphases Ryan's height.

"Yes Ma'am," The bartender nodded, "He was ordering drinks a while ago when a waiter brought him a message. Then he walked that way towards the kitchen." The bartender explained and pointed towards the kitchen at the other end of the barn.

"Thank you." Kiera replied and felt uneasiness settle into her stomach.

'Maybe the friend from MI-6 contacted him.' Kiera thought, 'But why would he leave me suddenly?"

"You're welcome Ma'am." The bartender replied.

Kiera nodded her thanks again and walked towards the spot where the bartender had pointed.