Hunting the Fox

Chapter 8

A knock on the door jerked Kiera out of a dream, which now faded away. She opened her eyes, blinking. Glancing around the room she forgot where she was for a moment. Ginger gave a sulky look as Kiera sat up rubbing her eyes. Everything came back to Kiera from last night. The video and the late night call with Ryan. She felt herself warm at the thought of long call.

Another knock at the door caused Kiera to jump slightly. She looked down at the nightstand clock and noticed it was 10:00am. She was confused and felt a headache forming in the back of her head.

'I know I set my alarm,' Kiera thought rubbing fingers through her hair, 'or did I?'

"Who is it?" Kiera called out in a drowsy voice, remembering the knock on the door.

"It is Manuel." Kiera heard a muffled voice respond.

Kiera stepped out of bed on sleepy legs, put on her glasses, walked out of the bedroom and towards the front door. She opened the door to see Manuel standing at her door holding a long white box. The box wrapped with a red bow and white paper. She noticed a card tucked under the bow.

"This was delivered to you, I'm sorry to wake you," Manual apologized looking at Kiera as she stifled a yawn with the back of her hand, "May I bring it in."

"Yes, please," said Kiera with a drowsy smile as she rubbed her eyes with the palm of her hand, "Who is it from?"

"Don't know it was dropped off by courier." Manuel shrugged as he entered the living room and placed the box on the coffee table.

"Thanks Manuel."

"You are welcome Kiera." Manuel replied, then left and closed the door.

Kiera sat down on the couch and looked at the package. She pulled out the card from the tucked under the ribbon. She noticed her name was written on the card in Ryan' handwriting.

'What is he up to?' Kiera thought removing the card.

She opened the card and read:

My Dearest Gazelle,

Seeing you again has been a bright light in my darkness hour. I feel young and alive again, like the first time we met. As I do remember, you were sticking your tongue at me from behind your parents and had your hair in pigtails. Those were the days, who would have thought we would be together. I found something special for you to wear tonight. I believe that I have made an excellent choice. I will pick you up at 8pm sharp.

With an open heart,

Fox

Kiera excitedly opened the box with a smile. She felt like a kid on Christmas day. Kiera took the top off the box and pulled back the tissue to reveal a beautifully tailored jade green dress. Standing up she lifted the dress. The dress had a floor length skirt, a light grey band around the waist and finger wide straps with a low cut along the front. The material felt satin smooth in her hands.

A second package in the box caught her eye. Laying the dress carefully over a chair, she opened the second package. A blush as deep as her hair spread across her face when she saw what was in the small package. Giggling like a schoolgirl going on her first date. She walked into the bedroom to get ready for the day. She forgot about making her visit to the alley behind the Foxhole.

At precisely 8:00pm, there was a light knock on the door. Kiera opened the door to see Ryan standing at the door wearing a dark grey suit with a light color tie. The suit fit him very well, showing off his lean toned frame. He kept his chestnut brown hair slightly ruffled.

Ryan's jaw dropped as he saw Kiera in the jade green dress. The dress fitted her perfectly hugging the curves of her athletic body and slim hips. The light grey band brought out the grey in her green-grey eyes. The top pushed her breast up slightly. Kiera decided to keep her hair down, but added some curls to the flowing shoulder length copper red hair.

"You look like a fine gentleman," Kiera greeted him with a warm smile, "with your jaw hanging to the ground."

Ryan composted himself and closed his mouth, "May I come in?"

"You may." Kiera nodded with a smirk.

Ryan walked in, pulled Kiera into his arms and kissed her lightly on the lips. "I see you are wearing the bracelet I sent you."

Kiera smiled as her hear fluttered. She felt Ryan place his hands on her slim hips. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him lightly back, "Don't mess up my makeup."

"Oh," Ryan removed his hands from her hips and reached into his jacket. Kiera slid her hands from his neck and stepped back. "I have something for you."

Kiera watched as he produced a slim velvet box.

"I think the dress is more than enough, Ryan." Kiera said.

Ryan smiled and opened the box. Kiera gasped in surprise at what she saw. In the slim box, a tear shaped jade green diamond incased in a platinum setting with a thin platinum chain nestled in the box.

"It belonged to my mother," Ryan voice choked, "I want you to wear it."

"Ryan," Kiera whispered, she felt tears forming in her eyes, "I can't wear this." A lump was forming in her throat.

"She would have wanted you to wear it," Ryan replied swallowing, "She used to tell me it would bring out the green in your eyes."

"You're going to make me cry." Kiera said fanning her eyes trying to stop the tears.

"Let me put it on." Ryan placed the box on the table and picked up the necklace.

Kiera turned around pulling her hair to one side exposing the soft curve of her neck. She knew Ryan was admiring the way the dress hugged the curves of her bottom. He placed the necklace around Kiera's neck. The jade green diamond rested on the top of her cleavage and felt warm. She shivered as Ryan's fingers caressed the sides of her neck. He always knew where to touch her. Ryan clasped the necklace together and Kiera let her hair flow back down over her shoulders.

"Perfect." Kiera heard Ryan's voice catch in his throat.

"Thank you Ryan." Kiera turned around, stepped close to him, and kissed him lightly on the lips.

"Shall we go to dinner then?" Ryan held out his arms. Kiera noticed his question was more like he wanted to stay here.

"You owe me a dinner Mister." Kiera smiled, wiggled her finger in front of him and then took his arm. She felt an electric tingle of excitement pass through her body.

"That I do m knowing Gazelle." Ryan replied holding open the front door for her.

Once they were downstairs, they exited the elevator and Manuel greeted them at the lobby. He bowed slightly as he opened the main door.

"Good evening Doctor Reid and Mister Westbrook. Your car is waiting for you." Manuel announced.

"Good evening Manuel and thank you." Kiera replied and smiled.

Ryan held the door open for Kiera as she climbed into the dark sedan. Ryan walked to the other side and climbed in. He placed his hand on top of hers as the car drove off. Both sat in silence for the drive.

"Where are me going for dinner?" Kiera questioned Ryan turning to look at him.

"It is a surprise my sweet Gazelle." Ryan replied with a smile.

"You and your surprises," Kiera shook her head, "By the way how is your business trip faring in Washington D.C.?"

"Ok I guess," Ryan said slowly. Kiera heard by his tone that he was being careful about what he wanted to say, "The lobbyist on the hill are not helping at all."

"Lobbyist?" Kiera inquired pressing further.

"Yep," Ryan replied, "You pay them to help and they just steal your money."

"What are you lobbying for?"

"A company in Europe wants the FDA to approve medicine in the United States." Ryan answered, "Companies here want to stop it because it will affect their sales, but the medicine will save numerous lives."

"A lot is riding on your shoulders." Kiera chose her words carefully.

"There is a lot riding on my shoulders." Ryan agreed. Kiera knew there was more behind that statement. She noticed that he was trying to tell her something, but Kiera did not press the issue.

"I'm sure it will all work out in the end." Kiera said placing her hand on top of his and squeezing it gently.

The car drove into the historical district of downtown Washington. Kiera looked out the window and saw all the older apartments and buildings. Finally, the car pulled up to a small building. Kiera looked at Ryan in confusion. He gave her a 'don't worry' look. Ryan climbed out of the car and held out his hand for Kiera. Kiera took his hand and stepped out of the car. She observed a small wooden sign hanging over the door. The sign was in Italian and read 'Lo Socglio'.

"It's Italian for 'The Rock'." Ryan answered the question on her face, "Shall we go in." Ryan nodded, placing his hand on the small of her back and led her in. Kiera shivered at the feeling of his warm hand.

Kiera taken completely by surprise, stepped through the front door. The inside beautifully decorated in an Italian theme, mimicking the Sicilian coast. It was a small room with only a few tables. She noticed that the place was empty.

"Awe Signore Westbrook and Medico Reid" announced a man in a deep Italian accent coming out from a back room. "We are so delighted to have you in our humble restaurant." Kiera saw the man was short with olive skin and a wide grin hidden under his mustache.

"Grazie per avere noi, Signore Banchi," Ryan replied with a wide grin.

"You speak Italian?" Kiera blurted out looking at Ryan with a shocked expression.

"You have to learn many languages when working with so many countries." Ryan said with a wink.

"Please, please, Banchi said ushering them to a table that had a small lit candle on it. He pulled out a chair for Kiera. Kiera sat down and Banchi pushed in her chair, "Bella Donna signore Westbrook." Banchi said then walked off towards the back of the restaurant.

"What did he say?" Kiera asked quickly with a smile on her face.

"He said you are a beautiful woman and I'm not worthy of her." Ryan joked as Kiera saw the corners of his mouth twitch with a smile.

"You're lying," giggled Kiera.

"Well he did say you are a beautiful woman."

"This place is amazing Ryan," Kiera said turning around to look at the warm cozy setting, "How did you ever find this place?"

"I know Signore Banchi. He was a good friend of my father." Kiera saw that he was telling the truth.

Mr. Banchi came back out carrying to glasses and a bottle of wine, "Our best red Signore Westbrook." Then he poured some of the wine into a glass. Ryan sniffed the wine, swirling it around in the glass and took a sip.

"Vino perfecto," Ryan nodded with approval.

Banchi smiled and poured wine into both glasses.

"Shall we make a toast?" Ryan suggested holding up his glass. Kiera held up her glass, "Per una meravigliosa note e trovare l'amore perduto."

Once Ryan finished he clinked his glass against Kiera's and they drank the wine. Kiera could not believe how great the wine tasted.

"Now what did you just say? I understood l'amore to mean love."

"To a wonderful night and finding lost love." Ryan repeated the phrase in English and Kiera cast her eyes downward and blushed.

"That is a wonderful toast Ryan." Kiera said looking back up into his china blue eyes.

Bread, anti-paste, pasta, a main dish, and the desert filled their evening. Kiera felt past the point of bursting at the amount of food. She could not help herself. The food was amazing and delicious. Banchi's son came out and played the violin during dinner. The boy was quite talented with the violin.

At one point during the night, Banchi came out with his wife and they sat down with them. Banchi's wife Alessia commented on how wonderful a couple the two made. She made a point to tell Ryan in a loud voice that he better not hurt this woman or he will feel her rolling pin. Alessia pointed a threatening finger at Ryan the whole time she made the threat. Kiera laughed heartily at the comment and blushed deeply when Alessia told her to marry the man tonight and you two will produce many beautiful children. Ryan sputtered and coughed at that comment.

Banchi had to convince his wife that the young couple needed some time and she reluctantly left with her husband.

Once they room empty Ryan spoke, "Do you ever wonder?" Ryan probed.

"Wonder what?" Kiera answered with a slightly confused look as she drank some wine.

"If that day was different and I did not leave," Ryan swallowed and Kiera noticed how uncomfortable he looked, "That we would have been together."

"Together? We were together Ryan." Kiera sensed what he was talking about, but wanted him to say it.

"You know...married."

Kiera knew what he was going to say, but was still stunned by the comment. She had always thought about it. She knew her parents secretly hoped the two would marry one day. She did not have an explanation for her parents when she returned to the ranch that afternoon. All she could say was he's gone. Her mom tried to press the issue, but Kiera's father intervened.

"Kiera," Kiera heard Ryan calling her in a worried voice.

"What?" Kiera looked up suddenly.

"Did I just lose you?"

"No, I was just thinking about what you said," Kiera chose her words carefully, "I do feel we would have married Ryan, but you left me and it still hurts."

"Kiera...I" But he let the sentence hang unfinished.

Kiera reached across the table placing her hand on top of his as she looked directly at him.

"It is ok Ryan," Kiera said squeezing his hand, "You had your reasons for leaving. I don't understand why, but I must accept your reasons. I believe that one day you will tell me and I am here when you are ready. I believe the past is in the past. There is a reason we found each other again and I would rather live in the present and look forward to our future." Kiera made sure to emphasize the word 'our'.

"Oh Kiera," Ryan choked, "I never wanted to hurt you. I want to tell you everything, but it would only endanger you."

"Ryan," Kiera moved next to him. His statement scared her a bit.

'What kind of danger have you gotten yourself into?' Kiera thought as she saw the pain in his face.

"I can see you are hurting. I see that as clear as day." Kiera paused taking a deep breath, "I'm here for you Ryan." She felt a tear running down her cheek and she wiped it away.

'Tell me Ryan.' Kiera thought trying to will him to speak.

"I'm sorry," Ryan apologized and Kiera saw he was going to keep his secret for now, "This was supposed to be a joyful night." He used a napkin to wipe away another tear from her cheek.

"I'm happy to be with you," Kiera responded laying her head on his shoulder. "Also I believe you were the first one to stick your tongue at me and you called me Pippi Longstocking." She then looked up at him with a smile.

Ryan laughed aloud then leaned over kissing her. Kiera saw him leaning down. She tilted her head to meet his kiss. They kissed each other for a time and then Ryan broke the kiss.

"We should go Pippi," Ryan teased her standing up stretching and glancing at his watch, "I'm sure it is past your bed time and your fairy godmother will not be happy with me."

"Oh really," Kiera said arching her eyebrow, "Pippi?" She let Ryan help her up and she stretched too. She noticed Ran admiring her shapely body wrapped in the evening gown. Kiera smiled with her hands on her lower back, arching her back.

"Are you teasing me or seducing me?" Ryan smirked wrapping his arms around her waist pinning her arms behind her back. Her breathing became short and her pulse quicken at having him pressed up against her.

"You have to decide for yourself." Kiera suggested pushing herself against him.

"Let's get you home." He winked at her.

Kiera felt his hardness pressed against her. Ryan let go and held her hand as they left the restaurant. Mr. and Mrs. Banchi waved goodbye as they left. Mrs. Banchi kissed Kiera on both cheeks and patted Ryan on the cheek in a maternal way. She said something to him in Italian. Kiera saw Ryan smirk and shake his head at her comment. They climbed into the waiting car and the driver pulled out onto the street heading for her condominium.

"What did Mrs. Banchi say to you?" Kiera inquired.

"She said 'If you lose that girl, I have a rolling pin waiting for you.'" Ryan told Kiera as he laughed.

"I really like that woman." Kiera laughed.

During the ride back, Ryan held her hand and they sat in silence enjoying the ride. The city lights past by them in a burr of color. Kiera noticed that they reached her condominium.

"Would you care to come up for a bit? It is not midnight yet." Kiera asked shyly, not knowing why she felt this way.

"I do a lot to do," Ryan said rubbing his chin, but saw the confusion on his face and smiled, "I would love to come up."

The driver opened the door and helped Kiera out first and then Ryan climbed out of the car. Kiera overheard Ryan telling the driver that his services are not necessary for the rest of the night. Kiera swallowed at this. She led Ryan through the main entrance as the car pulled away.

"Good evening Doctor Reid." A middle-aged man said as he opened the door.

"Good evening Jacob," Kiera replied with a smile, "Quiet evening?"

"Yes ma'am." He replied with a tip of his hat. Afterwards he walked them to the elevator and opened the doors for them.

Kiera and Ryan entered the elevator as Ryan stood close to her. As the door closed, She felt Ryan' hand run up her bottom to the small of her back. The contact sent shivers of anticipation up her spine. She felt her heart beating fast. She gave Ryan a sidelong look, but Ryan kept his eyes forward. She noticed a smile in the corners of his mouth. Moreover, he was doing everything in his power not to look at her.

The elevator dinged and Kiera jumped slightly. Ryan lightly pressed his hand against the small of her back. Kiera stepped of the elevator on weak knees. She licked her lips as they walked up to her front door. Kiera used her cardkey to unlock the door and she opened the door.

Kiera stepped into the living room followed by Ryan with his hand on her lower back. Ryan closed the door and Kiera felt herself spun around. Her arms were pinned behind her back by Ryan's strong hands. Ryan kissed her and Kiera pressed her body against his body. Kiera let out a low moan with half closed eyes as his tongue found hers. She tried to extract her arms, but Ryan held them firmly pinned against her lower back.

"Take off your dress." Ryan ordered breaking the kiss and whispering into her ear. He nibbled on her earlobe as Kiera felt his hands loosen from around her wrist.

Kiera breathed heavily, her body tingling with excitement. She slowly stepped back from him. As he stepped forward, she placed her hand against his chest and shook her head, "Go into the bedroom." She ordered.

Ryan tried to move forward, but Kiera kept her hand firmly planted against his chest. Sighing he walked into the bedroom as Kiera slipped the dress off. Walking into the bedroom, Kiera saw Ryan sitting on the edge of the bed with his suit jacket off. Kiera swallowed as she saw his shirt was undone revealing his lean muscular chest, tight abs. Kiera saw his breath catch in his throat and his eyes fill with desire. She was wearing the second present Ryan gave her, a jade green half-cup bra, lace panties, garters and thigh high stockings. Ryan tried to stand up, but Kiera put her hands on his shoulders pushing him back down.

Kiera knelt down in front of him as he sat back down on the edge of the bed. She kissed his lean chest and licked her way down his stomach. She smiled as she heard him groan. Using her hands, she unbuckled Ryan's pants and pulled down his underwear to reveal his hard organ. She used her hand to stroke it and Ryan's body tensed at the contact. Pulling her hair back, Kiera leaned down and licked his organ with her tongue. She felt his organ throb in response to her tongue.

Kiera glanced up with her grey-green eyes. She saw Ryan staring back at her with passion filling those china blue eyes. Smiling Kiera licked down his shaft and back up until her mouth was over the head. Ryan leaned back on his elbows and groaned louder as Kiera placed her mouth over the head of his organ. His body tensed as she slipped more of his organ in her mouth.

"Good god Kiera," Kiera heard him hiss though clenched teeth, "Your mouth feels hot." She felt him run his fingers through her copper red hair.

Feeling embolden by his comments and groans, Kiera lowered her mouth over more of his throbbing organ. The act caused Ryan to fall back onto her bed. She ran her hands up his tightening stomach as she lifted her head and lowered it again. She was feeling hot and wet between her legs and lowered a hand down into her panties.

Kiera moaned as she touched herself. She moved her mouth up and down his shaft while rubbing herself. She could not believe what she was doing. She cannot ever remember a time when she would have done this in her past. Ryan suddenly sat up and pulled her mouth off his organ.

She felt herself lifted up and placed on her stomach. She felt Ryan's hands rub against her hips as he pulled off her panties. Looking over her shoulder she watched as Ryan removed his clothes. Kiera arched her back and lifted her bottom into the air. Breathing hard with anticipation, she watched as Ryan climbed onto the bed behind her. She lowered her head into her pillow and moaned when she felt Ryan grip her hips.

Kiera gasped loudly when he slowly slid himself into her. She knew he was deliberately entering her slowly. It was too much for Kiera, she wanted all of him now. She tried to push back with her hips, but Ryan held her slim hips firmly. Kiera squirmed and moaned into the pillow as Ryan slowly entered all the way. She felt his hips press up against her bottom.

She sensed Ryan's hands running up the sides of her body and she shivered at the soft caresses. He ran his arms up her arms and pinned them above her head. More of his weight pressed against her and she could have sworn he was deeper in her. Her body was on fire and she grinded her bottom against him, trying to encourage him to start.

"You are going to really enjoy this," Ryan breathed into her ear. He licked behind her ear on a sensitive spot.

Kiera moaned and tried to move her hands, but Ryan held her. She pushed her face deeper into the pillow as he lifted his hips holding himself for a second. She cried out in pleasure as Ryan plunged his full weight against her bottom. There was a loud smack as his erection penetrated her deeply. She heard Ryan groan loudly and his body trembled against her. Kiera could not catch her breath before he pulled out and thrust himself hard against her. She felt his one of his hands loosen from around her wrist. His hand slid down her stomach and between her legs. He rubbed her sensitive spot as he thrust into her.

Kiera felt the pressure of her pleasure building up. The combination of his fingers rubbing her and his organ plunging into her was too much. Her toes curled as her pleasure build up. She was at the peak of her orgasm when Ryan withdrew from her. He quickly rolled her over and Kiera looked up at him in frustration and disappointment. Ryan smiled and plunged himself back into her. Kiera ran her finger through his hair and pulled him down on top of her. She kissed him as his and cupped her bottom pulling her towards him with each thrust.

After a few more thrust, Kiera cried out in pleasure, digging her fingers into his shoulder muscles. Through the waves of her orgasm, she felt Ryan's thrust become shorter and his body tensing. With a finally thrust, Ryan groaned loudly and gripped her bottom tightly. His organ pulsated in her spilling his seed. His body relaxed and he loosen his grip on her bottom. Ryan pulled out of her and fell back on the bed breathing heavy. Kiera breathing heavy and sweaty cuddled up against him draping her leg over his. She felt him wrap his arm around her drawing her closer.

"This is just like those nights in the cabin." Kiera said drowsily.

"Even better," Ryan breathed out, "I don't think you ever did that before."

"I always wanted to try," said Kiera shyly blushing as her hand rubbed against is tight stomach with lazy fingers. "I just never felt brave enough."

"It felt wonderful," Ryan smiled looking down at her in the crook of his arm, "Any longer and I would have lost it."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." Kiera smiled, "Now I need a shower, care to join me?"

"I would love to join you." Ryan smirked.

"Just a shower, I'm exhausted." Kiera warned holding up a finger.

After the shower, Kiera lied down on the bed in her underwear, bra, and long shirt. Ryan sipped into bed and she cuddled up against him. Kiera rested her head against his chest listening to the rhythm of his heartbeat.

"I love you Ryan," Kiera said in a drowsy voice before closing her eyes.

"I love you Kiera," She heard Ryan say as his arms tightened around him.