Hunting the Fox

Chapter 9

Something odd and cold woke Kiera from her sleep. With closed eyes, Kiera reached out for Ryan, but only felt an empty bed. Blinking her eyes, she noticed that the bedroom was still dark, except for a bluish light penetrating the darkness. The light was coming from the living room into the bedroom from the partially closed door. Lifting her head, she did not see Ryan in the bedroom. Squinting at the clock, she saw it was 2:00am.

"Ryan?" Kiera called out in a sleepily voice.

She heard a familiar clicking sound, but she could not remember the sound because her mind was foggy with sleep. The bluish light from the living room when out. Kiera then noticed an outline of a shadow as the bedroom door opened. She felt a cold chill of fear creep up her spine. She scrambled up and screamed.

"Kiera," Ryan's voice called out, "It's me." The shadow walked over to the bed quickly and turned on the bedside lamp.

Kiera blinked her eyes in the lamp light and saw Ryan standing next to the bed in his underwear. Kiera suddenly felt foolish. "Where were you?"

"I heard my phone vibrating," Ryan replied holding up his phone, "I did not want to wake you. So I took the call in the living room."

"Who would be calling you this early?" Kiera questioned Ryan looking at him closely. She watched his body language and facial expressions.

"Business as usual," Ryan shrugged placing the phone on the nightstand and slipping back into bed, "There is always someone wanted to ask a question." He let the sentence hang as he pulled her close to him.

Kiera felt her heart racing. She needed to keep her wits about her. He was not lying about the call, but the way he said it.

'There was more going on in that room.' Kiera thought.

"I forgot what your company does." Kiera probed looking at him quizzically. She observed him clench his jaw in frustration.

"You know exactly what my company does Kiera," Ryan said with a warning tone in his voice, "We help fund specialized projects that benefit humans."

"You don't have to be so defensive." Kiera pushed away from him. She saw his face freeze in shock and dismay.

"Kiera," Ryan sighed, "I'm not being defensive. I get the impression you don't believe me."

'Is he telling me the truth?' Kiera thought trying to look for any usual hot spots, but Ryan kept his face passive. 'Could I be mistaken?'

"I'm sorry," Kiera apologized, "Maybe I'm the defensive one," Kiera leaned toward Ryan and wrapped her arms around him. "I'm just afraid of losing you again."

"Oh Kiera," Ryan groaned holding her in his arms, "I'm sorry, I didn't think about that." Ryan lied down holding her, "Its stressful work and I constant get calls for funding and ideas."

"I won't ask any more questions." Kiera whispered.

"Please ask," said Ryan suddenly, "I want you to know everything." His voice sounded sleepily.

"We can talk more in the morning," Kiera suggested closing her eyes and snuggling closer to him, "You sound sleepy."

Kiera opened her eyes in the morning to see Ryan still fast asleep. He was sleeping peacefully on his back. She took a moment to watch him.

'He looks so peaceful,' Kiera thought.

Rolling over she looked at the clock. It read 8:00 am. She carefully slipped out of bed as not to wake him and put on her glasses. Stretching her body to the ceiling, she decided to make breakfast for them.

Walking into the kitchen, Ginger greeted her with a look and a meow. Smiling she bent down and petted him on the head before feeding him. After making some coffee Kiera turned on some music and danced, while deciding what to make. Opening the refrigerator, she leaned over looking in to see what she had. She hummed and moved her hips back and forth to the music enjoying the song. Suddenly she felt hands on her hips and a warm body pressed up against her.

"And what do we have here?" She heard Ryan's voice.

"What the," Kiera jumped in surprise hitting her head on the upper part of the refrigerator. "Ouch." Kiera cried out and turned around rubbing the top of her head with tears in her eyes.

"Kiera, I'm sorry." She saw that he was laughing hard and was anything but sorry, "I could not resist."

"You're an asshole!" She yelled hitting him playfully on the arm, while rubbing the top of her head. She noticed that he was in the boxer briefs from last night, "You scared me half to death. It was not funny."

"No it was not funny," She noticed that he was trying to keep a straight face, but the angry look on her face made him break out laughing again.

"You are impossible Mr. Westbrook." She crossed her arms over her breast and stuck her tongue out at him.

Ryan embraced her with a hug and kissed her lightly. Kiera responded by wrapping her arms around him and kissing him back. She felt Ryan's hands caress their way down her back and cup her bottom pulling her close to him. Looking at him she saw breakfast was the furthest thing from his mind.

Kiera and Ryan kissed each other as Kiera reached down to pull down his boxers. Then a phone on the counter vibrated and Ryan broke the kiss. Looking over her shoulder, Ryan's face darkened a bit and he sighed.

"I have to take this." Ryan rolled his eyes.

"We can continue this later, after your call." Kiera kissed him lightly on the lips, "Take your call. I will get breakfast ready."

Ryan kissed her back lightly and removed his arms from around Kiera. He picked up his phone and answered it.

Kiera smiled at him as she thought about what to make.

"Well that was easy enough." Ryan put the phone down after about a few minutes of listening.

"That was short." Kiera said pulling down ingredients.

"I hung up on them. It was nothing as important as you." She heard Ryan say from behind her. She had the distinct impression he was watching her.

She turned her head and noticed him looking at her bottom, "Like what you see Mr. Westbrook." Kiera asked moving her hips side to side.

"Very much," Ryan acknowledged, "What are you making?"

"I thought I would make pancakes." Kiera said cheerfully.

"You are making them?" Ryan asked cautiously as he pressed himself up against her bottom.

"Yes," Kiera responded with an offended tone as she turned around to face him, "What is that supposed to me?"

"Kiera," Ryan answered, "You were not the best cook as I remember."

"I am an excellent cook."

"I remember different from high school." Ryan reminded her.

"That was not my fault," Kiera accused him as she playfully smacked his shoulder. "You changed the baking temperature on me as I remembered." Kiera mocked his last words.

Kiera cooked pancakes with blueberries and chocolate chips. She placed them down in front of Ryan. Kiera waited with her hands on her hips and tapped her foot impatiently. She noticed Ryan took his time cutting the pancakes and taking small bites, relishing the moments of her impatient.

"Well?" Kiera blurted out.

"Hmm, they are not too bad." Ryan smirked.

"You are truly an asshole." Kiera said exasperated her Scottish accent coming out strong.

"You are really offended," Ryan said and stood up wrapping his arms around her. "The pancakes were wonderful Kiera."

Kiera smiled brightly, knowing that she got him good.

"Why are smiling that way?" Ryan asked looking confused.

"Because I got you," Kiera laughed, "I was playing you for once." Kiera stepped out of his embrace and did a jig.

"Who's the asshole now?"

"How dare you call lady a vulgar name like that?" Kiera gave him an innocent look, sat down, and grabbed herself some pancakes.

Kiera watched Ryan shake his head. He sat back down and started eating the pancakes. Kiera ate her breakfast and watched Ryan carefully for any signs. He seemed very content and happy for once. Still remembering before the call, Kiera ran her foot up his leg as he ate. She used her foot to rub between his legs. Watching him, she licked her lips and seductively bit on her lower lip. Ryan ate the last of his pancakes and leaned back. Kiera pressed her foot against his hard organ.

Ran suddenly stood up and moved around the table to grab Kiera. Laughing Kiera saw it coming and dodged him. She ran for the bedroom with Ryan behind her. She turned to face him next to the bed. Ryan grabbed her and pressed her gently onto the bed. Lying on top of her, h kissed her as she wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling his hips down against hers. She moaned softly feeling his hardness press up against her. She felt her panties pushed to one side and Ryan slid himself into her. His organ plunged deep into her as Ryan groaned.

Kiera could not be sure, but she thought she heard a knock on her front door. Ryan pulled out of her and thrust deeply. Kiera gripped onto Ryan tightly enjoying the feel of his lean body pressed up against her.

'Was that a knock again?' Kiera thought.

"Ryan," Kiera breathed out as he plunged into again, "I think someone is at my door."

"What," Ryan asked confused as he held himself between her legs.

They both strained to hear something. Just as Ryan was going to start again, the knock came again and a female voice called out. Kiera jumped in surprise at the voice. It was very familiar to her.

'Damn it, its Sandra what does she want?' Kiera thought and groaned loudly in disappointment.

She wanted Ryan to keep going, but knew Sandra would not go away. Ryan saw the look of disappointment on her face. Signing he withdrew himself from in her.

"We can continue this later love." Ryan sighed again.

"I want to continue it now," Kiera frowned still holding onto him, "But I think it is one of my patients."

Ryan disentangled himself from her. Kiera stood up and tied her hair back into a ponytail. Finding a pair of yoga pants, she pulled them on. She looked over at Ryan as he pulled on his pants. Sighing loudly Kiera walked out of the bedroom. She walked up to the front door and opened it as Sandra was knocking again.

Sandra was surprised at first, but then her surprised look turned into a naughty smile. Kiera glanced over her shoulder and saw Ryan coming out of the bedroom.

"Is this a bad time?" Sandra c****d her eyebrow.

"Oh you could say that." Kiera frowned turning back to Sandra, "Can I help you with something."

"Well since I'm here," Sandra said with a smile and walked into the living room, "I have some great news, but first who is this hunk of meat."

Kiera pinched the bridge of her nose shaking her head then looked up.

'Did they just recognize each other?' Kiera thought as she froze.

She could have sworn, but when they looked at each other. They looked tensed. It was a weird feeling, but Kiera knew to trust her feelings. The body language was subtle, but Kiera knew their quirks. Sandra' left hand slightly clenched a fraction of an inch and Ran rolled his shoulders. Again, they were subtle, but Kiera was unsure what to do.

"Are you alright Doc?" Sandra asked concern.

"What?" Kiera tried to make I sound like she was listening, but her voice came out in a higher pitch than normal.

"Who is your gentleman?" Sandra repeated the question slowly.

"I'm Ryan," Ryan answered for Kiera as he walked up next to Kiera, "And you are?"

"Sandra," Sandra said with a tense smile.

"Sandra is one of my eccentric patients." Kiera piped in crossing her arms over her breast and giving a 'what are you doing here look'.

"I see." Ryan said with a slow nod. Kiera saw Ryan give a surprised look when Sandra hugged him suddenly.

Kiera saw Sandra mouthed, "Oh my god. What a hunk of meat. Look at that butt." Kiera covered her mouth to keep from laughing, but she knew Sandra was stalling.

"Yes," Kiera recovered clearing her throat, "She tends to show up unannounced sometimes, and she is a hugger." Kiera gave Sandra a direct stare that Ryan could not see.

Ryan disentangled himself from Sandra, "Well I see you two have some things to discuss. I will call you later Kiera. Ryan said and gave Kiera a long kiss on the lips.

"That would be wonderful Ryan," Kiera heard herself say in a dreamy voice and nodding as Ryan waved to Sandra and left.

"OK," Sandra said breaking Kiera's dreamy look, "Before I give my news. I want t know everything and I mean everything." Sandra closed the front door, walked over the couch and sat down. "Do I smell pancakes?"

"Yes," Kiera replied shaking her head and sighing, "I made breakfast."

"Do you mean," said Sandra pointing opened mouthed between Kiera, the door, and the bedroom, "He stayed the night."

"Yes," Kiera said though gritted teeth impatiently, "Ryan took to dinner last night and we came back to my place and..."

"Oh girl," Sandra laughed standing up, "You got some from your old boyfriend."

Kiera could not believe what she was watching. Sandra was making hip thrusting motions while smacking her hand back and forth imitating the smacking of a butt.

"Are you mental," Kiera blurted out slumping down into a chair. She then noticed that Sandra was trying to distract her. She was talking a lot and she still looked tense.

'What the heck is going on?" Kiera thought with a dumbfounded look on her face.

Sandra walked into the kitchen, grabbed some coffee and pancakes. She came back into the living room and sat down on the couch again.

"Why are you here again?" Kiera asked scratching her head.

"Well," Sandra took a bite of bite of the pancake, "This is not bad." Sandra nodded and ate the rest of the pancake.

Kiera gave Sandra a look and rolled her eyes.

"Okay," Sandra said holding up her hands, "Kate called me early this morning." Sandra swallowed, "Someone broke into the NSA from a CIA computer and get this." Sandra paused for dramatic effect, "It happened here in the DC metro area around 1:00ish am."

I don't understand?" Kiera asked feeling confused.

"It means that the 'Fox' or Ryan was a busy boy last night." Sandra said giving look of one plus one equals two.

"How do you know it was Ryan?"

"This is the best part. Fox should have made it out undetected, but a young technician who just happened to be running a security scan discovered an intrusion malware called. Drum roll please." Sandra said excitedly, "Fox hunt."

"But Ryan was here last night..." Kiera's voice dropped off.

She confused by the information. Then she remembered the bed empty and the bluish light coming from the living room around 2:00am. She Remembering the familiar sound and her hand suddenly when to her mouth as she gasped.

'That was my laptop.' Kiera thought as her eyes glanced down at her closed laptop.

"What?" Sandra asked slowly seeing the look on Kiera's face.

"What was Fox looking for?" Kiera asked trying to keep the shock out of her voice.

"No one knows," Sandra shrugged, "The malware was designed to infect different areas as the name suggested. So Kate says. When the intrusion is discovered the malware replicas itself and runs off in different directions to confuse the person who detected it."

"Not unlike a real fox hunt." Kiera acknowledged slowly.

"That is what Kate said. Therefore, we do not know what we are looking for, but they are tracing all the trails right now."

"It doesn't me sense." Kiera spoke her thoughts aloud.

The thought of video alley flooded her mind. The screen showed Ryan hiding the phone, the officer angry over something and then possibly killing the agent.

'Why did Ryan hide the phone? He could have taken it.' Kiera thought.

"I need to get out for a bit." Kiera stood up suddenly, "I have to look into something."

"Kiera," Sandra said with a warning tone, "If you know something."

"It is only a hunch, but I need to look into something first before I report the findings to Marcus."

"That may not be..." However, Kiera cut her off.

"What Sandra?" Kiera gave her a direct stare.

"I'm only saying," Sandra looked around, "Don't talk to Marcus about anything." Kiera gave a dumbfounded look. "Something is not right with him. He is receiving calls and text o a private line. Be very careful around him Kiera."

"I think I will keep you informed." Kiera acknowledged.