Hunting the Fox

Chapter 6

Kiera felt something cool pressed against her forehead. Shifting slightly she felt softness under her body and not the hardness of the alley floor. Kiera opened her eyes slowly. Light stabbed through her eyes and she closed them tightly against the light. Turning her head to side, Kiera let out a low moan of pain.

"Take it easy Kiera," Ryan's voice suggested, "You took a hard hit on the side of your neck."

Kiera turned her head slightly towards the sound of Ryan's voice and opened her eyes. She saw the fuzzy outline of Ryan sitting in a chair. The fuzzy Ryan stood up and walked towards her. Kiera blinked her eyes a few times trying to clear her vision. Finally Ryan came into sharp focus. She saw him standing over her with a worried look on his face. He reached out with one hand, held one of her eyelids open, and produced a pen light. Shining the light into her eyes caused Kiera to jerk her head back.

"Kiera," Ryan sighed, "I need to see if you have concussion."

Kiera held still as Ryan opened her eyelids again and flashed the light from eye to eye. With a nod, he let go of her eyelids.

"What is the diagnosis doctor?" Kiera asked smiling weakly.

"No concussion, but your head is going hurt from that hit to your neck." Ryan explained standing back up.

Kiera tried to sit up, but found that impossible. A sharp pain stabbed her through she head and lower back. It felt like someone just hit her with a brick in the back. Crying out in pain, she slumped back down on the bed. He held her head in her hands, gritting her teeth against the pain.

"Damn it Kiera," Ryan said exasperated, "You need to lie down and rest," He held out his hand, "You took quite a blow to the neck and to the back from that guy. What were you doing in that alley anyways?"

Kiera's head was clearing and she shuddered at the memory of the events in the alley.

'Marcus was supposed to be in the alley.' She thought.

"I was taking out the garbage and getting some fresh air." Kiera said leaving out the part about meeting someone.

"Hmm," Ryan said, "Well take these pills and rest."

Kiera took the pills from Ryan with a pained smile. He handed her a glass of water and she swallowed the pills.

"Now you're going to drug me and take advantage of me?" Kiera chuckled a bit.

"I could have done that already." Ryan replied smirking back.

Kiera coughed up some of the water and looked up confused. Quickly she lifted the covers and saw she was wearing a white button down shirt over her panties and bra. Blushing she dropped the overs and gave Ryan a furiously look.

"How dare you." Kiera said through gritted teeth. Her Scottish accent coming out strong, "You undressed me?"

"There was garbage and dirt on your clothes from the alley. I did not want to put you in my bed and mess up the sheets." Ryan said smiling awkwardly and rubbing the back of his head.

"You had no right." Kiera gave Ryan an indignant look.

"Well saving your life and wanting to get my deposit for the hotel room. Kind of does give me the rights." Ryan said, his awkward smile turning into a playful smile.

"You stopped that man," Kiera stopped short of arguing, "I saw you leave."

"Well I felt like coming back to the bar and talking some more." Ryan said sheepishly, "I knocked him out and alerted the authorities."

"I'm sorry Ryan for yelling at you and thank you." Kiera mumbled looking down at the sheets.

"I'm just glad I came back in time," Ryan answered and Kiera felt the bed move as Ryan sat down next to her.

Kiera felt her heart beat fast as Ryan moved close to her and lifted her chin so her grey-green eyes were looking into his china blue eyes.

"You could have been seriously hurt Kiera." Ryan continued.

"I never thought someone would be out there waiting for me." Kiera shivered.

"Seems that executive had it out for you?"

"What?" Kiera's eyes when wide, "But the guy in the alley had a German accent." Kiera looked at Ryan carefully as he spoke

"It was him. No doubt about that." Ryan said.

Kiera did not observe anything that would tell her he was lying about the events. She noticed Ryan was definitely hiding something about what happened in the alley. His eyes shifted a tiny fraction to the right when he mentioned the person.

'Did Ryan know the man or did he recognize him?' Kiera thought.

"By the way, where am I?" Kiera asked breaking her eye contact with Ryan to look around. From the bedside lamp, she noticed that it was a luxurious room. It reminded her of those high scale hotels, which caterer to executives and politicians.

"You are at the Jefferson Hotel." Ryan answered removing the cloth on her forehead and standing up.

Kiera felt disappointed and relieved that Ryan had moved away from her. Having him so close to her was clouding her judgement.

"Wow," Kiera said with a surprised look.

"I think a President stayed in this room," Ryan shrugged, "Now you rest."

Kiera suddenly felt drowsy. Her eyes felt heavy and she did everything she could to keep them open.

"What kind of pills were those?" Kiera's voice sounded surly and uneven.

"I gave you something to help you sleep." Ryan replied.

The last thing Kiera saw before her eyes closed was Ryan with a worried look as he pulled the covers up.

Kiera felt the warmth of the bed as she started to wake up. She snuggled deeper into the covers not wanting to wake up. The bed felt wonderfully soft, even better than her bed. The pillow on the other hand was quite hard, but soft.

'What gives with this pillow?' Kiera thought.

Moving her head some, she tried to work out the hardness in the pillow, but this did not seem to work. She moved her hand so that she could move or flip the blasted thing over. Her hand froze suddenly as it encountered human flesh instead of a pillow.

Kiera jerked her eyes open and saw she was lying on a person's bare chest. Slowly she looked up and saw Ryan looking down at her with is china blue eyes. Then it dawned on her were hand was. She had it on his bare thigh. Swallowing she felt, her skin set on fire and her heart flutter.

"Well good morning to you too." Ryan said smiling. He stared directly into her grey-green eyes.

"What are you doing in this bed?" Kiera asked slowly and then looked at herself to see she still had on the shirt over her underwear.

"Come on Kiera," Ryan laughed heartily, "You know I would never take advantage of you. You were having a nightmare. So I climbed into the bed to help calm you down."

"In just your underwear?" Kiera said sarcastically with a small smile.

"Hey I want to be comfortable too." Ryan shrugged.

Kiera smiled as the past rushed into her mind. When they would go to his family's cabin and lie just like this for most of the day. Kiera felt her body become flush and her breathing quickened. His strong arms enveloped her as her hand bushed up against his organ.

Kiera let her hand stop on top of his hardness. She saw his eyes go wide with uncertainly. She knew what he wanted and she had to take control of the situation. She climbed on top of him, her neck and back felt sore from the effort, but she tried not to show any sign of pain. Once on top she kissed Ryan softly on the lips at first, but as the memories of their youth flooded her mind. Kiera pressed her lips hard against his. She wanted every part of him and her body was on fire with desire. Not to be disappointed Ryan ran his fingers through her copper red hair pulling her down on him as his lips found hers.

The throbbing of his organ pulsed between her legs causing her to push her hip against him. Kiera moaned and squirmed feeling his hands run down her slim body. She heard him groan deep down in his throat. She reached down and yanked at his underwear. Ryan helped push them off, but rolled her over with him on top. She kept kissing him and moved her hips against his hardness. Ryan stopped kissing her and sat up looking at her.

"What?" Kiera breathed heavily, "Why did you stop?"

Smiling Ryan slowly undid the buttons of her shirt. Kiera arched her back as his fingers ran along her smooth skin. She squirmed as he leaned over and kissed her body. She shivered at the touch of his lips. He kissed his way down her body as he used his hands to slid panties off. His tongue licked a hot trail of fire around her navel and through her copper colored pubic hair. She spread her legs eagerly, sensing what he wanted to do to her.

"Damn it Ryan," Kiera pleaded moaning her hands gripping the bed sheets as he stopped licking her, "Stop teasing me."

She looked down and saw him looking up at her. Kiera took in a sharp intake of air as her body tingled with pleasure when his tongue flicked against her c******s. He licked it again with the tip of his tongue. Kiera gripped the sheets harder as he licked around her sensitive nub. Biting her lip, she shoved her hips against his tongue as pleasure rocked through her body. She felt the pleasure run up and down her spine. She knew she was on the verge of climaxing and closed her eyes.

'I had never climaxed this quickly.' Kiera thought. Ryan always knew her sensitive spots.

Just as her orgasm was about to hit her, he stopped.

"What?" Kiera groaned opening her eyes to look at him.

Ryan quickly climbed between her legs and plunged himself deep into her with a loud groan. Kiera raised her hips and cried out in pleasure as his manhood thrust into her. He held himself as Kiera tried to catch her breath. Her whole body shook while he held himself in her. Ryan smiled pulling out of her and thrust his full length back in her. Kiera cried out again feeling another orgasm building up, but Ryan held himself in her again.

"Stop teasing me Ryan." Kiera whimpered.

"Okay." Ryan said through gritted teeth staring into her grey-green eyes.

She stared back into his eyes as his hardness pulled out of her and quickly penetrated her again. The sensation from the friction of his organ thrusting in and out of her body was too much to take. She arched her back again and climaxed. Her body shook for a second time, setting all her nerves on fire with pleasure.

This time Ryan did not stop thrusting into her. Kiera let go of the bed sheets and wrapped her arms around Ryan's neck. Kiera used her arms to pull Ryan down on top her. She wrapped her slim legs around the back of his tone legs pulling him into her. She wanted more and more of him. Ryan buried his face into her neck and kissed the sensitive parts.

She felt his breathing quicken and his thrust become shorter and faster as his organ throbbed deep in her. He tried to pull out, but Kiera kept her arms and legs wrapped tightly around him. Ryan drove into one last time and groaned loudly as he exploded in her. He kept his hips firmly planted against hers. Kiera held onto him tightly loving the feeling of him deep inside her. She felt his body tense and tremble on top of her.

As his body relaxed, Kiera loosened her grip on him. Ryan pulled out of her and lied down on his side facing her. Kiera rolled onto her side pulling herself close to him and kissed him. A wave of sadness ran through her body as she let out a low sob. She felt a tear run down her cheek.

"Are you ok Kiera?" Ryan asked with concern as he pulled back from the kiss.

"I'm fine," Kiera sniffed wiping a tear from her cheek, "I was just remembering those nights we used to enjoy at the cabin."

"They were good nights." Ryan responded with a smile.

She kissed him again keeping her body close to his with her face pressed against his chest. She heard is heart beating.

'I need to keep him off his guard.' Kiera thought, 'I can't let the past cloud my judgment right now.'

After a while, Kiera looked up at him again, "Mind if I use your shower?" Kiera requested, "I feel like I could use one right now."

"Well you do kind of smell like an alley," Ryan said playfully.

"You could have given me a sponge bath before putting me in your bed." Kiera said playfully back.

"I will have to remember that next time I save your life." Then Ryan glanced at the clock on the nightstand.

"What's up?" Kiera asked curiously.

"I have to make a business call," Ryan said distracted, "I will join you in a minute."

"Business calls this early?" Kiera probed looking at his face for any subtle changes to his demeanor.

"I'm the CEO of the family business now," Ryan responded and she thought she caught the fleeting glimpse of something, but then it was gone. "That is why I left suddenly after the funeral." Ryan looked away a bit ashamed, but Kiera noticed he was holding back.

"I wish you would have told me Ryan," Kiera said with a soothing voice, but her heart ached as the past she tried to block came rushing back. She sat up quickly and looked away from him.

Kiera remembered them both lying on the floor of the family room, next to a fire, naked and partially covered by an afghan blanket. Ryan held her tight in his arms. At the time, Kiera thought he needed something to hold onto during this difficult time, but later on she would realize he was trying to find a way to let go.

"Are you going back to Oxford?" Kiera asked snugging closer to him and listening to his heartbeat.

She did not know what she would do if he said no. She felt Oxford would empty without him. If he said no, she would stay with Ryan no matter what.

"I do need to finish my coursework." Ryan replied with a distracted tone.

Kiera sighed in relief. At the time, Ryan had told her what she wanted to hear. She failed to understand that he really did not answer her question. Before she could fall asleep, Ryan shook her gently.

"We should retire my room." Ryan said as Kiera looked up at him with sleepy eyes.

"Okay," Kiera replied sitting up and stretching.

Once they were in his bedroom, they slipped under the covers and Kiera snuggled close to Ryan. Ryan gave her a long kiss. She thought it an odd kiss. It was as if he was saying goodbye to her, but she squashed that idea.

'He is coming back to Oxford with me.' Kiera thought as she kissed him, 'Right?'

After the kiss, Kiera laid her head on his chest listening to rhythmic sounds of his heartbeat. She tried to keep her eyes open, but the sound of his heartbeat and the warmth of his body was too much. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Kiera awoke to the sound of bird chirping and the sun filtering into the bedroom. Pushing her long copper hair out of her eyes, she looked around and noticed that Ryan was not in bed. The only thing left in the bed from him was the curve in the pillow from his head. Kiera climbed out of bed pulling the sheet around her naked body.

"Ryan where are you?" Kiera called out hopefully.

She held her breath expecting him to come into the bedroom with breakfast and a smile on his face. She could almost image it, but silence met her vision.

Kiera remembered herself starting to panic and feel alone. She quickly dressed in her black knee length dress from the funeral. She looked around the California mansion for him. She found Benjamin in the kitchen placing breakfast for her on a tray.

"Have you seen Ryan?" Kiera asked with panic in her voice.

Benjamin stopped placing the food on the tray and thought for a minute, "I have not seen the master of the house this morning, but I do remember hearing someone leave in the middle of the night and the masters car is gone." Benjamin said.

Kiera leaned her back against the wall breathing heavy. She felt as though her heart ripped from her chest.

'No it can't be,' Kiera thought, 'He did not leave me.'

Kiera hurried back upstairs and grabbed her phone. With shaking fingers, she called his phone. Holding her phone up to her ear, she held her breath as the phone rang. She willed it to connect and hear Ryan's voice explaining that he wanted to get her something special or anything.

Feeling her heart drop down into the pit of her stomach, she breathed out as the phone connected.

"Ryan where..." Kiera started to say, but stopped short.

The automated voice of the voicemail picked up. Kiera hung up and tried again thinking that have not heard his phone. As she dialed again, she thought she heard a noise coming from the bedside table. Walking slowly over to the table, she heard the unmistakable sound a phone vibrating. Pulling open the drawer with trembling hands, she saw Ryan's phone vibrating.

Kiera dropped her hand and her phone fell to the floor. She slumped onto the bed feeling cold and empty. Pressing her face into his pillow, Kiera smelled his presence. She remembered the long kiss he gave her and the way he answered her question. She could not hold it back any longer. She screamed into the pillow and cried. Her heart torn in two. Ryan had abandoned her and she did not know why.

"Kiera," She felt him sit up and place a hand on her shoulder. The touch brought her back to the present, "I never meant to hurt you." She heard him explain, "Everything was a mess and before I knew it..."

Kiera interrupted him, "I tried to call you Ryan. Your phone was in the bedside table." Kiera accused him, "I wrote you letters, emails and called everywhere for you." Kiera sniffed and her voice cracked. She felt another tear running down her cheek.

'Why the hell am I crying?' Kiera thought angrily as she forcefully wiped the tear away.

"Kiera there was a lot going on." Ryan answered, "Some of which I can't tell you, but I tried to visit you in Chicago about a month ago."

Kiera suddenly tensed at the mention of Chicago, but she quickly tried to relax her body.

'Did he notice?' Kiera thought.

"I left my practice to set up one on my own in Washington D.C." Kiera said in a semi-calm voice.

"I see, but why in Chicago and then here." She heard mistrust in Ryan's voice.

"You are wondering why I did not set up a practice in California." Kiera stated angrily turning on him, "That place held memories I wished to forget Ryan."

"I never thought about that..." Ryan let his voice trail off.

"Also I was harassed by a co-worker in Chicago and needed to leave that place." Kiera explained, "Are you satisfy? I was really trying to forget about that."

"Kiera," Ryan swallowed, "I know I hurt you more than anyone could hurt someone. I know you don't trust me or want to have anything to do with me." Ryan paused to take a deep breath, "I want to make it up to you, a fresh start."

Kiera watched him silently. She noticed that he was being honest and sincere. The tone of his voice and muscle in his face showed he cared for her deeply.

"The truth is, I knew you were working at the bar." Ryan said and Kiera gasped not knowing what to say. "I am here on business, but it is an excuse to reconnect with you." Ryan placed his hand on top of hers.

Kiera was dumbstruck by his confession. She felt lightheaded and confused. She felt her anger dissolve into love for him. Before she could say anything, he spoke.

"I'm leaving for Rome in a few weeks and I want you to come with me." Ryan said quickly as if he needed to get it out.

"Ryan I don't know what..." A phone ringing cut her off from responding.

"Hold onto that yes for right now," Ryan said putting a finger on her lips, "I have to answer this call." He stood up pulling on his underwear and walked into the living room, half closing the door.

Kiera sat on the edge of the bed trying to collect her thoughts. 'Does he know what is happening? What am I going to do?' She thought.

Standing up, she walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. A thought struck her and she quietly crept back into the bedroom, to the bedroom door and listened.

"I'm telling you he did not show up." She heard Ryan say angrily.

There was another pause, "He was supposed to be there."

Another pause, "What do you mean he did not get on the flight from Chicago?"

'He must be talking about Durand.' Kiera thought listening.

Another long pause as she heard Ryan drumming his fingers, "How the hell did he get picked up in Chicago?" Another pause, "We are running out time, and the stakes are getting higher. I needed those codes from him."

'What codes?' Kiera thought as she leaned closer to hear more.

"I will figure out another way to get the information." Ryan said exasperated.

Another pause then Ryan's tone changed to an aggressive one, "You leave her out of this Dragon. I'm not involving her in this."

Kiera gasped slightly and covered her mouth quickly, 'Was he talking about me?' Kiera thought as she held her breath.

She heard silence from the other room as she strained to listen. Kiera let out a low sigh as Ryan started talking again.

"I took care of the agent," Ryan said, "He was about to drug her."

Kiera kept her hand over her mouth to stifle another gasp of surprise, Drug me...agent...what is going on." Kiera thought her head swimming with confusion.

"She shaken up, but she will be okay." Another pause "Let me handle it my way. Your involvement will only complicate things."

Another long pause as Kiera listened, "Okay, I can work around him. I have to go. Kiera will probably wonder where I am."

Feeling that call was over, Kiera quickly turned towards bathroom, as she reached the bathroom door.

"Kiera," she heard Ryan call out in a confused voice from behind her, "I thought you were in the shower."

Kiera froze and tried to think of something quickly, "I wanted to see if... if I had any messages from my patients." Kiera pretended to look around the room, "But I can't find my phone." Then she looked up at Ryan slowly trying to control the fear running through her.

She saw the suspicion in his eyes as he narrowed them.

"What?" Kiera blurted out in a defensive tone crossing her arms, "You don't believe me." She arched her eyebrows to cover up the fear.

"Nothing," Ryan replied his suspicion turning into embarrassment. "Your phone is in the living room on the coffee table." Unexpectedly a broad smile broke out on his face.

"What are you smiling about?" Kiera said narrowing her eyes.

"You use to take that same exact pose when you wanted to change the subject and make me out to be the bad guy." Ryan said, and then started to laugh.

Kiera stood there opened mouthed stunned for a moment and realizing how silly she did look, started to laugh too. His laugh was contagious. Before she knew it, Ryan walked up to her and scooped her in his arms. Walking to towards the bathroom, he kissed her. Kiera ran her fingers through his hair as she kissed him back. Deep down Kiera sighed.

'I almost got caught.' She thought as he placed her on the bathroom floor.

Kiera stripped off the shirt and bra. Afterwards she walked into the steamy shower.

Without warning, Ryan pressed against her, pushing her up against the cool glass panes. She felt his hardness pressing against her bottom. She felt Ryan reach up, cupping her breast as she closed her eyes. He squeezed them gently as tingles ran down her body. Kiera moaned softly when he kissed and licked the nape of her neck. He always knew her weak spots.

Ryan spun Kiera around and lifted her leg as he slid into her. The sudden act caused Kiera to gasp in pleasure. It was rushed and full of desire, this was not like the old Ryan at all. Ryan held her leg with one hand and used his other hand to hold onto her bottom. Kiera wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to kiss him.

Ryan plunged into her with wild abandonment. Kiera clung to him as he thrust hard into her. She stopped kissing him and climaxed hard, If Ryan had not been holding her, she would have lost her balance. Ryan drove himself deep into her again and groaned loudly gritting his teeth. She felt him explode in her as she clung tightly to him.

Ryan kept his body pressed against hers. Slowly they both relaxed and Ryan surprised her by smacking her on the bottom. Kiera squealed and jumped. Ryan stepped back, letting Kiera lower her leg. Kiera let out a deep breath.

"What got into you?" She breathed out.

"I really missed you Kiera." He replied stepping close to her and kissing her again. She noticed then that he looked stressed.

Kiera pulled back from the kiss, "Is everything alright Ryan," Kiera asked with concern as she stroked his cheek, "You look really stressed."

"Running the family business is harder than I thought. I never appreciated what my parents did and now I'm playing catch up." Ryan explained, but with a well-trained eye, Kiera saw more and heard more behind those words.

'What is he hiding from me?' Kiera thought.

"I thought about your offer Ryan," Kiera said and felt Ryan stiffen slightly, then relax almost instantly, "I would love to go with you. I believe we need a second chance with each other. It was meant to be."

Ryan ordered breakfast for them and they ate in the bedroom. During breakfast, Kiera heard a familiar vibrating sound. She got up and found her phone on the coffee table, just as Ryan had said. She saw several text messages, but one caught her eye. It was an appointment at 11:00 am for a Mrs. Kimball and Mr. Garza. Looking at time on the phone, she saw it was 9:00am.

"Damn," Kiera let out a dramatic sigh.

"What's up?" Ryan asked coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her. She smiled as he kissed the side of her neck.

"I have to go," Kiera said, "I have an appointment to keep with a new couple."

"Oh," Ryan said, "Who are they?" She felt him run his hands up her shirt covered body and cup her breast.

"Now Ryan," Kiera said in a mock warning voice, "Patient/Doctor confidentially."

"Can I take you out to dinner tomorrow?" Ryan suggested with hopefully, "Say around 8pm."

Kiera let out a low moan as his finger found her hard n*****s and pinched them. It sent pleasure tingling through her body.

"I believe you do owe me dinner," Kiera replied turning around and pressing herself up against him. "I'm at 1115 23rd St." Kiera smiled as he let out a low whistle. He moved his hands down to her bottom and cupped it over her underwear.

"Looks like you are doing well in Washington." Ryan smirked.

"More like over protective parents wanting to keep me safe from strange men." She c****d her eyebrow at him, "You do remember how protective they are?"

Ryan chuckled then spoke, "I will get you a car to take you back home, and it would be wise to use the back entrance."

"Why would..."Then she remembered that she was wearing the clothes from bar. "Thanks again."

"It my pleasure, Kiera" Ryan leaned over and kissed her.