Serpent Twins: The Fall

The Contenders

Kimberly’s POV:

It was 04:00 p.m. when I came back to my office after two-round of surgeries. I have to work on some papers when I checked my phone. I got missed calls from Dylan.

“Hi, Kimmy,” Dylan picked up my call.

“Dylan, sorry, I’ve just got out from OR,” I told him.

“Just like I thought. It’s fine. So, did you read my message?” he asked.

“Yes, about that. Well, I still have to stay for a while, I don’t think I have enough time to prepare attending formal event.”

Honestly, I’m a little tired and my mind was focusing on what Detective Cole said.

“Oh, come on, don’t brush me off, Kimmy. I need you there. I already sent a gown to your apartment,” he said.

Oh, what’s with these guys, sending me dresses.

I rolled my eyes, feeling confused, but I also felt a bit pity on him if I turned down his request. I sighed.

“Okay, but would you please pick me up at seven?” I finally asked.

“Yes, sure. Thanks, Kimmy. I’ll see you tonight,” he sounded perky.

“Okay, I’ll see you later, Dyl,” I smiled and hung up.

Then I checked on Detective Cole’s message and dialed his number. He answered after the second beep.

“Doctor Vanderwood, are you finished the operation? I tried to visit your office, but your assistant informed me you were in OR,” he said.

“Yes, Detective Cole. Sorry, I’d like to know about the fight and video you mentioned before,” I told him.

“Are you still in hospital?” he asked.

“Yes,” I replied shortly.

“Well, I’m at West Harlem area now, I can get there in fifteen,” he said.

øøøøø

“Doctor Vanderwood,” Detective Cole called me when I was sitting on the bench at the garden near the hospital’s chapel.

“Detective Cole,” I stood up.

He motioned me to sit again as he sat next to me.

He pulled out his phone and showed me the video. It was social media video showing some people were dancing and drinking, then the one who was holding the phone went to another spot, showing some people gathered and helped three people laying down on the floor to stand up, but it was shaky.

“And please swipe to the left, Doc,” he said afterward.

The video was circling slow. It was probably taken from the dance floor.

“Okay, stop,” he said again.

Detective Cole got his body and face closer as I hit the pause. It’s blurry, but I could see me sitting in the middle of Daniel and Alexander. I couldn’t see our faces clearly, but I still remembered my black V-neck sleeveless cashmere top and black satin pleated skirt I wore that night.

“Was that you, Doc?” he pointed to the woman with wavy hair.

“Yes,” I nodded.

“And on your right side was Daniel Bradshaw?” he asked again.

“Yes,” I answered again.

“And on your left side was Alexander Mircea?” he asked.

“Yes,” I replied short again.

I looked up and caught Detective Cole’s black eyes staring at mine. He cleared his throat and pulled back his face. He took his phone and rewound to the first video and paused it when the video was showing Daniel and his friends were on the floor.

“I already showed these two videos to Olivier Keogh and Lucas Harding, but the funny thing, they didn’t remember falling on the floor with Daniel that night. They just remembered that they engaged a fight after going back from the club, but they were laying on the floor, all three of them, at your table’s area, Doc. We didn’t see you and friends there anymore, but are you sure not knowing about that? Were the three of them somehow probably fighting to each other?” he asked, staring at me.

I was still thinking how strange it was, I remembered the event correctly but none of them did. If they were laying on the floor after we left, it must be Alexander who caused for Daniel’s internal trauma.

“Doctor Vanderwood?” he asked again.

“Oh, sorry, Detective. I was just thinking, were Mr. Keogh and Mr. Harding also injured that night?” I asked him back.

“They had one big black bruise each of their lower body’s parts, but they didn’t remember how they got the bruises, so I assumed either they were wasted or just lying,” he said.

Oh, no. Are they going to be suspects for Daniel’s case?

They are innocent. I have to talk with Alexander on this.

“Detective Cole, I’m sorry I can’t answer any of your questions as I still didn’t remember correctly about that night and I’m having an event tonight. Would you mind if I call you another time?” I politely asked.

“An event?” he asked.

“Charity dinner,” I replied.

“At Senator Knight’s?” he guessed it right.

“Yes,” I replied and took a glance at my wrist watch.

“Are you going with Mr. Dylan Knight?” he laughed.

“Yes,” I replied low.

He stopped laughing and awkwardly straightened up his back a little. I didn’t know why did he laugh, probably just making a joke.

“Well, I’m sorry. He’s the victim in my other case. Do you know him before or after the crash, Doc?” he asked.

“After,” I replied short, blushing.

He must be thinking that my hospital romance seemed unprofessional.

“Oh,” he stood up and extended his hand to shake.

I stood up and shook his hand.

“Thank you for your time, Doc. Please call me anytime if you remembered something about the case. Well, both cases. As for the case for Daniel Bradshaw, we might call you to the station to get official testimony later, if needed. Is that okay?” he asked.

“Yes, Detective,” I replied, suddenly feeling tensed up again.

“Good evening, Doc,” he said with a stiff smile, politely nodded and left me alone after I answered his greeting.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Alexander’s number. There was a beep, so his number is still active. When I was about to hang up as my heart started to beat faster, my call has been picked up.

“Kimberly,” his voice was low, he has similar voice like Nicholas, but I could differ their voice now.

My heart was beating even faster until I couldn’t say anything. I held my left chest with one hand.

“Hello?” he asked me again.

“Alexander,” suddenly I was about to cry, forgetting the reason of my call.

I missed him.

“Kimberly, why calling? Are you okay? Where are you now?” he asked.

His questions whipped up my anger, “Alex, how could you do that to me! You lied at me, you left me alone abroad, you didn’t even call to apologize, and the detective came here showing me videos of Daniel and his friends were laying down on the floor after being kicked by you, then you asked me am I okay?” I blurted out angry.

He was quiet, “I cannot express how sorry I am, Kimberly. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I deeply apologize,” he answered.

“Why didn’t you say it directly? You acted like a gentleman all along, but you couldn't even do a proper apology. What a person you are, Alex. I misjudged you so much,” I wiped my tears, then I shocked myself realizing that I was crying.

“I’m sorry, Kimberly. You don’t know how I wanted to see you. But I couldn’t. It’s the best if we just forget whatever happened between us,” he said.

How could he say that?

“I hate you, Alex. You’re the worst person I met,” then I hung up and cried.

I hid my face as my behavior has started to attract people’s attention, so I left the garden, straight into the parking area without my bag. I was walking fast when Carla called me.

“Kimmy, let’s grab a drink tonight and continue our chat?” she asked.

“I can’t, Carla. I have dinner tonight,” I answered after clearing my throat.

“Hey, you sounded a bit weird. Are you okay? Dinner with who?” she asked while I opened my car.

“It’s just a charity dinner, not a date. And Carla, did you really not remember seeing Daniel and his two friends lying on the club’s floor on the night we met Alex?” I asked.

“Dinner with who?” she asked again.

“Oh, please, Carla. This is important. Did you or did you not see?” I lost my patience.

“Hey, slow down. You didn’t answer my question too, Girl,” she sulked.

“Fine. It’s with Dylan,” I gave up on her.

“s**t yes. You’re back on the market, Girl. And no, I don’t remember of seeing Daniel lying on the floor and why would he do that?” she seemed genuinely confused.

“And you don’t remember that you guys questioned about it in the limo too?” I asked again.

“I don’t remember anything about that too, Kimmy. You made me worried,” she told me.

“Well, a detective came to see me just now showing a video that Daniel with his two friends, Lucas Harding and Olivier Keogh were lying on the floor next to our table,” I told her.

“Wait, so that would be mean, he was fighting in the club with his friends?” she asked.

I shook my head. Now everyone accused Daniel’s friends, what am I going to do to clear up their names? I decided that I have to come clean about this issue and visit to his office tomorrow.

“Talk to you later, Carla. I have to go,” I said.

“Okay, have fun, Kimmy. Give me juicy juice later. Bye,” she responded.

I sighed and went to my car

Dylan’s POV:

I knocked on her apartment’s door twice and she opened it. She is so beautiful, wearing black off shoulder lace and lace fishtail pencil skirt, she had her hair in messy up do, very sexy. I held my breath.

“Please come in, Dylan,” she was smiling and held the door for me.

I bent and gave her a peck on her cheek. She smelled wonderful. Her apartment is small but cozy. It was located at good neighborhood and close to the hospital, so it is decent for her.

“You look great, Dylan. Do you want a coffee or something? I just need to put some lipstick,” she stood up behind me.

“No, I’m good, Kimmy. Thank you. I’ll be waiting for you here,” I turned around and gave her a big smile.

I couldn’t believe finally I could ask her out. I went to the console desk below a television, noticing two pictures in small frames. She was born beautiful, I smiled while holding the two frames.

“Let’s go,” I heard she spoke behind me.

She was wearing red lipstick and a lot taller with sleek high heels pump and covered her dress with a black long coat.

“You look very beautiful, Kimmy,” I really want to kiss those kissable lips so much.

“Thank you, and for the dress too. How did you know my size? Oh, forget that I asked,” she rolled her eyes, giggling.

I took her hand and kiss it, “My pleasure, Kimmy. Thank you for being my date tonight. Come,” and held her out of the apartment.

In the elevator, a woman with raven hair behind us was staring at Kimmy. I could see her piercing stare from the mirror reflection.

“You two look amazing together,” she suddenly spoke.

“Thank you,” Kimmy smiled at her.

“I’m Elena. We live on same floor,” she spoke to Kimmy.

“I’m Kimberly,” she extended her hand to shake her, but her face was oddly changed a little after shaking Elena’s hand.

“Good evening,” I politely nodded to her and held Kimmy out of the elevator.

Zac and Tim were waiting on sidewalk with the car, they greeted Kimmy before opening the back door for us.

“Why did you look a bit surprised after shaking her hand?” I curiously asked.

She looked at me and sheepishly smiled, “Was it too obvious? Her cold skin startled me a little. I didn’t mean to disrespect her, I’ve actually met people with cold skin, it’s just I never thought there are quite many people with such condition.”

“Now that you mentioned it, my uncle Ben’s wife, Sarah. She also has cold skin. You’ve met her before,” I reminded her.

“Ah, yes. I remembered her,” she smiled, “Well, how are you now?” she asked.

“I’m good. Although I can’t do usual exercise for two months post op,” I smiled.

“Your packs surely can wait, Dylan,” she chuckled.

I laughed, “So, you like them, didn't you?”

“Show off,” she rolled her eyes.

God, I miss her smile, her laugh.

I held her hand, “I miss you, Kimmy,” I squeezed her hand lightly.

She cleared her throat and gave a motion that Zac and Tim were eavesdropped. Unlike her, I don’t mind doing PDA. I understand that she prefers a privacy, but I’m not allowed to leave without my security staffs, so I was thinking about using different car next time.

Will it be a next time for us?

“Aren’t we late?” she asked with worried face.

“It’s an hour drive and I have Ryan to secure our seats,” I winked.

She hit my arm, “What did you want to tell me in person, Dylan?” she gave me serious face.

“I’m afraid we’ll talk about it later, Kimmy,” I pointed to my chest and hers, gave her a sign that it will be a private conversation.

She nodded and looked outside the window.

I had no problem of telling her here about Alexander Mircea whom she was dating, but I don’t want to embarrass her with the information I got and I have to make it more like unintentional rather than an intentional stalk. Especially after knowing that she accepted dinner’s invitation, I sensed something wrong happened between her and that Mircea guy. I almost couldn’t believe that she was dating the cold one I saw the night before the accident. When I first saw the picture, I didn’t instantly recognize as the hair wasn’t that long, but I remembered he had his hair gelled back so perhaps he tied in pony tail before. But I remembered the face.

I’ve been trying to get information on him soon after Kimmy mentioned his name, but it was very difficult. I could only get information on his properties and companies in US and it amazed me how could such a rich person never showed up in any functions. I couldn’t even get picture of him, until a friend of Billy who just landed at JFK told him that a European hotshot landed with the newest biggest private jet which isn’t available on the market by next year. His friend was so enthusiast and sent Billy the private jet along with the passengers who entered the private jet terminal. Billy neglected the unethical information until he saw Kimmy in the picture. So, he told me. Then I knew that she went with that Mircea guy to Milan. I remembered that her mother was living in Milan, but I just couldn’t hold my curiosity whether she knew that Alexander Mircea she was dating is a married guy, as on his marital status document stated as married.

And did she sleep with him?

She looked tired in the picture, but very beautiful as that Mircea guy seemed very protective on her. I didn’t judge Kimmy as she seemed like independent and non-superficial woman, so I assumed that she didn’t know. I could relate to that because he looked rather young to be a married man. I just hope that she will dump that guy. I could see that Kimmy has troubled thoughts, but I pretended to not recognize because the timing. I don’t want her to back off just because I want to protect or even comfort her. In my experience, women can be too sensitive over their own feelings.

“So, have you been traveling lately?” I asked after replying some emails.

“Yes,” she replied short.

“Where to?” I gazed into her eyes, testing her.

“I visited my mother in Milan,” she answered.

Bingo!

“How’s her life in foreign country?” I asked.

“She’s been living a good life there. She visited my brother, Alex every six month,” she told me.

“Your brother named Alex?”

Interesting.

“Alexis,” she muttered low.

“Pretty similar like your Alexander Mircea?” I asked.

She sighed, “I know where you were about to go, Dylan. But please stop. I’m no longer with him anymore for personal’s reason and I don’t want to talk about him,” she looked away.

“You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to, Kimmy. But I will be there for you anytime you need someone to talk to. Anything, anytime,” I told her, holding her hand and squeezed it.

I really wish she would give me a real chance this time.

“Thank you, Dylan. You’ve been so considerate,” she looked at me, smiling.

I kissed her knuckles, “So, you didn’t meet your brother during his autumn break?” I asked.

“Last year he spent it with my mom, but this year he decided to stay. I assumed he has girlfriend now,” she replied, rolling her eyes.

Cute.

The rest of the journey were spent with her surgery stories today and my short business traveling to San Francisco yesterday and I just got back this afternoon. It took us an hour from her apartment to Uncle Ben’s estate at Old Field. Uncle Ben has just moved from Brooklyn to Long Island three month ago and I haven’t visited his new home yet, but Ryan told me that it is a beautiful ten-acre waterfront estate.

Zac stopped the car in front of the bifurcated stairs in front of the water fountain and the reception staff opened our door. I went out first and helped Kimberly out to the red carpet. Her hand was a bit shaky, but I held it tight and gave her a warm gaze. She probably got nervous because of some media and photographers were swarming around below the stairs.

“Mr. Knight, who are you with? Would you mind posing for a second?” I heard people kept shouting the same thing and flashed their camera on us.

I politely waved and took Kimmy inside as she kept lowering her head.

“You don’t have to be shy, Kimmy. Look up and just hold my arm. Watch the stairs,” I told her and led her hand into my arm.

She looked me up and sheepishly smiled, “I forgot that you’re quite famous, Dylan.”

“Quite?” I raised one eyebrow to tease her and she laughed.

Another staff helped us to open and store our coats just after the entrance door. Then we were greeted by Uncle Ben’s family in full team. We shook and hug them.

“Hello again, Kimberly. Glad you can make it here, Dear,” Sarah hugged Kimmy.

She was wearing black gown with plunge neckline and huge diamond necklace with half up do for her red long hair. She’s been married to my uncle for four years, only a year after his wife passed away in skiing accident over the weekend at a resort near Lake Tahoe. Their youngest daughter was only a year, so we’re glad when he found Sarah who seemed to love Rose even though she didn’t look like housewife material, more like a model material, but Rose likes her very much and even called her mommy.

I couldn’t hear what Kimmy said to her as my uncle hit my shoulder.

“Marry her quick, Son,” he whispered.

I laughed, “I wish, Uncle.”

“Come inside, your mother will be happier seeing your date,” he whispered again.

“Ladies,” I held Kimmy’s lower back and took her from Sarah, following the staff straight beneath another Mediterranean double staircase with dome ceiling and inlaid flooring to the giant white tent extended outward at back of the house next to the swimming pool.

The staff took us to our table with flowers and crystal glasses and ornaments on it. Mom, dad, Ryan, and Vanessa were there. After handshaking and hugging, I introduced her to Vanessa Dallas, Ryan’s girlfriend.

As we sat, my uncle came to us and took me, Ryan, and father to greet governor, mayor, and some ally senators as he was about to run for the gubernatorial election in the next three years.

“Are you okay, if I leave you for few minutes here? I need to greet others first?” I whispered to her ear.

“Don’t leave me for too long, Dylan,” she whispered me back with her hand covering her mouth.

God, how I want to kiss her right now.

“Okay, Kimmy,” I kissed her cheek instead. She blushed as people were obviously noticing, especially my mom.

“Sweet move, Bro,” Ryan gave my shoulder a nudge.

I smirked.

øøøøø

As we came back, I could see that mom and Vanessa were talking with Kimmy, they laughed and seemed to relax. She handled the situation a lot better than what I expected. I already told mom to leave my relationship out of topic when I informed her that I will bring Kimmy. I didn’t want to scare her or even let mother know that the feeling was only one sided.

“Are you ladies having good times without us?” I referred to the champagne they were drinking.

“Dylan, she’s practically saved your life,” Vanessa stated.

“I was just doing my job,” Kimmy muttered softly.

As I held her hand, the programs started with the host opened reception speech by Uncle Ben, acceptance speech by the governor, saxophone performance, raffle and auction while having three course meals with the EO staffs keep refilling our glasses with champagne and other liquors. I bought Babe Ruth’s autographed home run ball. And the final was the disco dance with live music from K.C and the Sunshine Band. I took Kimberly to the dance floor with me. She danced pretty well, I couldn’t stop staring at her and shamelessly touching her body. After two disco dances, Ryan stole her from me while he gave our mom to dance with me.

“She is perfect for my daughter in law, Dylan,” Mom told me after doing a twist, “I thought she is either too short and too busy before, but she has genuinely warm personalities I like.”

I smiled widely, “Just please don’t scare her, Mom. She’s different with any women I was with before. Let me do my job.”

“Just take her home for lunch, Dylan. I already invited her,” she patted my shoulder.

“I will, Mom,” I gave a light peck on her cheek.

“Great. Now I’m thirsty. I should save my breath for the folk dance later,” she laughed and left me to our previous table.

I looked around in the crowd and took Kimmy back from my brother.

“Don’t leave your girl alone with mom, Ryan,” I pointed to our table.

He shook his head and gave Kimmy a light peck on her cheek.

“Thanks for the dance, Kimmy,” he said and left.

I raised my eyebrow to Kimmy, holding her shoulders, “Kimmy?”

She laughed, “Brothers!”

She was just so cute. And it was getting crowded in the dance floor as the band started to play more upbeat music.

“Let’s get a drink then sneak out,” I pulled her closer while walking out of the dance floor and took two glasses from the caterer’s staff standing with a tray of drinks, martini for me and hard cider for her, as she shook her head when I offered martini at first.

I clinked my glass on hers and watching at her while sipping mine. She looked more radiant, her eyes lit up watching at the happy crowd.

“Come,” I held her hand and took her out of the lavish tent to go inside the house whereas the caterer’s staffs kept busily running around on first floor with drinks and snacks, and some of the guests coming for the bathrooms.

“Dylan, we left the fun party behind,” she laughed as I led her to carefully climb up the stairs.

“I haven’t been here yet since they moved, so let’s have a little adventure, Kimmy,” I told her and pulled her closer.

“I didn’t eat my dessert yet, Dylan,” she protested, pouting.

“Oh, I’ll make sure you will get it,” I gave her seductive look.

She elbowed my left rib, “Pervert!”

I pretended to get hurt, giggling. Then I took her out to wide balcony on the second floor. We could see the swimming pool next to the giant tent was gleaming with green and golden lights. We leaned against the Mediterranean fence.

“Such beautiful view and party, Dylan,” her eyes were lit in the dim light.

“Indeed,” I kept watching at her as I meant differently.

“Thank God, it doesn’t rain,” she laughed and hugged herself as the wind blew.

I opened my two-button tux and hung it on her shoulders. She looked up to me.

“Thank you, Dylan,” she held my hand.

God, I want to kiss her.

I nodded and looked away, but standing behind her. Letting her head against my chest while my arms caged her. She didn’t squeal, that’s a good sign.

“So, what did you want to tell me?” she asked softly.

“I don’t want to ruin your good mood, Kimmy. I don’t think it’s relatable anymore to talk,” I spoke on her ear.

I could feel her body suddenly tensed up, “Was it about Alex?”

“Yes,” I replied.

She turned around and raised her face, “What did you know? And how?”

I cleared my throat, “Let’s take a seat there, Kimmy,” I held her hand and got her seat at the patio sofa near the double door.

“Billy has a friend who works as chauffeur, and while he was waiting for his boss at the FBO in JFK, he saw a new big private jet landed and informed to Billy. He sent Billy the picture of you and Alexander, so Billy told me,” I told her carefully.

Her eyebrow was c****d, not a good sign, “Was that it?”

I cleared my throat, “No. I dug into the info and found out about his marital…”

“Oh, God. This is so embarrassing,” she cut me off and covered her face with two hands.

I held her shoulders, “You don’t have to, Kimmy. I’m not in position to judge you. Believe me,” I told her softly.

She lowered her hands, “I didn’t know, Dylan. He didn’t tell me and I didn’t ask him. I was so dumb. Literally.”

“No, Kimmy. Who would guess, he looks rather young,” I told her.

“You knew him?” she asked, looking at me.

“I saw him once just before the accident. But I could still remember his face although his hair looked different,” I told her.

“That’s because the man I went back with wasn’t Alexander, but Nicholas, his twin brother,” she said.

“What? He has twin? But, why did you come back with his twin?”

This is not good.

She sighed, “Alex ditched me there, so his twin came in rescue as he was living around the area.”

So, he chickened out.

But I felt a bit strange, she could go back by herself, but why letting the brother of the man who lied at her be with her.

Could the twin like her too and somehow seduced her?

“So, his brother, is he single?” I asked.

“Yes. Well, I didn’t clearly ask, but I think so as he mentioned that he wasn’t bounded to have his marriage arranged unlike his brother’s,” she told me.

“Wait, Alexander got his marriage arranged? Who were still doing that? It could be another lie,” I said.

Then I remembered that my parents fell in love at the first sight when their parents introduced them.

“Could or couldn’t, doesn’t matter anymore, Dylan. But how did you know that he’s married?” she curiously asked.

“I looked into his tax documents. I’m sorry, Kimmy. I was just so curious about who you were dating with. I didn’t mean any harm to you ever,” I could get myself a huge trouble because of this too.

She sighed heavily, “Don’t do it again, Dylan. You obviously didn’t honor privacy very much.”

“I’ve never done that before, Kimmy. You’ve gotta believe me,” I took my fingers crossed and looked into her eyes.

“Okay, Dylan. Promise me, you won’t do such thing ever again?” she asked.

I took her hands and kissed her knuckles, “I promise, Kimmy.”

Did I miss something?

“But, what about Nicholas, Kimmy? Who is he to you?” I asked.

She looked away.

Oh, oh.

That was a very bad sign.

What was with those twins?

“A friend,” she replied.

“I mean, he’s here for how long? Isn’t he a Canadian too?” I asked.

“No, he’s German,” she replied and shook her head.

Odd. Twins with different nationalities.

“But are you going to meet him?” I bluntly asked.

“I’m going to go camping with him and my friends this weekend,” she bit her lips.

Goddammit.

I don’t want to lose her again. Those twins are fishy.

“Can I come too?” I asked.

She looked at me strangely, “Dylan, you aren’t allowed to hike yet.”

Dammit.

I forgot about my condition.

“When will you be back?” I wanted to ask her out, definitely.

“It should be Sunday because I can’t take a leave,” she replied softly.

“Can we go to Halloween Party after you came back?” I asked.

“Dylan, I might be too tired as we will go to White Mountain Forest for the hiking,” she told me.

I began to feel another loss over the twin brothers.

How could they convince Kimberly so easy to go?

Perhaps, I have to be more aggressive.

“Well, how about going to Maui together on Veterans Day?” I asked.

She hit her forehead in disbelief, “Hawaii? What’s got you into, Dylan? I don’t want to spend more than ten hours for one way trip anymore.”

Now I believe that the twins have more charms. I sighed.

“I know we should be friends, Kimmy. Especially after your former relationship. But I really like you Kimmy. I’m falling for you. I don’t want to lose you again.”

Here it goes, I made it clear for her.

She looked at me, “Dylan, I don’t know how to response.”

“Well, do you like me?” same question I gave to her two weeks ago. I’m afraid of getting same friendship zone answer.

“I think I do. Yes, I still do,” she replied softly.

Great.

“Can you picture yourself to be with me? Like marry me?” I asked.

She was quiet.

Was I gone too far?

God, I’ve just met her three weeks ago.

“Maybe. But Dylan, I have to be honest with you. I want to get to know you or anyone better first before making any commitment,” she said.

God.

I want to laugh. This is the very first time a woman openly talked about how she wanted to meet someone else beside me and would make a choice later. My pride was wounded, but I like this woman so much. If she wanted another contender to play the fair game with me, bring him on.

Or are there more than one?

She is a fine woman, I bet I have more than one contender. But I don’t think I can take it if she slept around with another guy.

“Will you sleep with me or anyone before that?” I asked slowly.

She glared at me, obviously feeling offended, “I thought you knew that I want to remain chaste until marriage, Dylan.”

“Good to know that, Kimmy. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you. But I thought you and him...”

Great, now she thought I was being shallow.

“Just because we traveled together, it didn’t mean that I should sleep with him. Relationship shouldn’t be about intercourse only, Dylan. I’m sorry if I demanded patience, but if it’s too hard for you to bear, then we should just be friends like real ones do,” she stated clearly.

God, she’s a strong naive woman. Someone I should marry with.

Wait, did I hear her correctly?

She said about intercourse, well that means she is opened for other pleasurable activities as long as no intercourse. I was thinking about c*********s and fellatio. I smirked and held her hands.

“I want you, Kimmy. Only you. If you want my time, patience, and everything else from me, I’m willing to give or share it with you,” I kissed her hands and pulled her to my chest.

As she didn’t make any rejection move, I raised her chin up and planted my lips on her. I could sense she was a bit trembling, but I cupped her face, titling my head to slowly deepen my kiss, gently squeezing her upper and lower lips. When she opened her lips, I made a slow circling motion around her tongue with mine and gently used my tongue to press and lick her tongue, teasing her.

She began to kiss me back slowly and put her hands on my chest as I put my hands below her jaws. She is delicious. After few minutes, I was running out of breath so I intended to pull away slowly when she began to softly bite my lower lip. Fuckit. I kissed her a bit rougher. She wrapped her hands to my neck as I pushed her down to the couch and went on top of her. I put one hand behind her tiny waist, another behind her neck.

Then we heard someone coughing. We both sat and looked to the opened door, panting. It was my mom.

“I’m sorry to disturb you-Lovebirds, but people were started to leave and you didn’t sign your check yet, Dylan,” she reminded me with a chuckle.

I looked at Kimberly, she felt awkward and tried to hide behind my back. She acted like teenager. I laughed, shifting my legs a little to hide my excitement down there out of sight.

“Okay, Mom. We’ll get down right away,” I told her.

“And Sarah gave the herbal med to Zac. Don’t forget to take it daily before bedtime, Dylan. In case I forget to remind you later,” she said before leaving.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Valerian root. Ever since my mom went vegan, she kept asking me to take it to overcome my sleeping disorder,” I told her, holding her hands.

“Oh, it’s okay for post-surgery, but it shouldn't be consumed before surgery. Just tell me if you need something else,” she smiled at me.

“Thanks, Kimmy. I used to have regular bedtime, but ever since the accident, I kept having sleep disturbance and Sarah through my mom offered me herbal med rather than my prescribed pills,” I explained to her.

She squeezed my hands lightly as sympathy.

“Do you need another minute, Babe?” I asked, raising her chin up.

She shook her head, smiling. “No.”

She got instant confidence.

Good.

So, I stood up and pulled her up, leading her out of the balcony to go down to the tent, smirking. I knew she wasn’t a frigid, she just didn't want to sleep around with guys to protect her fragile heart. The way she moaned in my mouth, I couldn’t wait to introduce her with her own hidden flame.

Adrian’s POV:

It was 09:10 p.m., I was quietly waiting inside my black Escalade parking next to Lucas Harding’s red Corvette, whereas the health club located at. I previously wasted almost two hours tracing him at his workplace and home, when I finally had his i********: updated having a gym time at Upper West Side. So here I am, waiting for him to finish his shower to meet his dear friend, Olivier Keogh, in my cargo trunk.

I checked my wrist watch impatiently, as I have to go to Lower Manhattan to see Anastasia Botkin once again and to dispose the two humans before going to LaGuardia, assisting Prince Alexander and Lord Christian Boyar to Kerch, to meet Lord Botkin. I was wondering why Prince Nicholas didn’t plan to go along as we’re going to his territory. The two princes seemed to have serious private’s discussion when I left them nearly four hours ago

Of the two princes, Prince Alexander has the most superpower abilities we admired the most, teleportation and invisibility. She married to one of the most eligible royal blood vampire, a rare born vampire, Lady Madeline Boyar, but nothing had changed, he still rarely engaged to meet anyone directly, until I saw how he looked at the human female that now belongs to Prince Nicholas. I never understood how the two of our most precious royalties were so attached with that human female. The king didn’t mention it clearly but I think the human is supposedly the mate of Prince Nicholas, that’s why I was being ordered to watch over the two of them which was kind of difficult as the two of them assigned me with different tasks. But the king ordered two of his guards to watch over the two princes, so I could focus on the most important task first.

Just when I was about to pull out my phone to call my sister who kept bugging me for the past week, I sensed my target was coming out of the elevator. I licked my fangs, ready for another night drink. I guessed I can still catch my flight with the prince. I already asked George to get this human’s car disposed after capturing him.

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Cole’s POV:

I went out of our car to buy us coffee and sandwich, hoping the supermarket in the building was still opened at this hour. It’s been almost four hours for us waiting for Lucas Harding to come out of this luxury health and fitness club as his PA said he was out for a gym. I wished Hernandez didn’t eat too much Salsa Fresca so he wouldn't go back forth to the toilet and we could meet Harding at his office instead of waiting for hours in parking lot. I sighed, already warned him that the new stall made the spiciest salsa in town. That old man just didn’t believe me.

Hernandez and I are officially appointed on Daniel Bradshaw’s case today, while the missing hearts case was turned over to the Feds as it has federal impact and charge. We had a new lead, a CCTV footage from the building next to the nightclub showing two people along with the trio and dragging presumably Bradshaw into the Harding’s car as Keogh went back by a cab, that’s why we have to confirm to Harding as Keogh didn’t remember any of the moment. He even looked genuinely shock knowing that he was driving to Bradshaw’s condo in toxic state.

We already questioned staffs from the nightclub, but they couldn’t recognize the two men helping with the trio out of the club. Although the footage wasn’t so clear, but they confirmed the two men weren’t any of them. The only person who didn’t see the footage was Harding, so we need to get his confirmation tonight as we were being pushed to conduct preliminary hearing tomorrow.

Just when I was coming back with two cold canned coffees and a bag of tortilla chips, I saw a black SUV exiting the parking area in high speed. I tried to see it better in order to memorize its plate, but was only partially seen. I hurriedly went to our car as I felt a strange tension inside. I dropped the plastic bag to the ground and slowly grasped and drew my gun from its holster as I saw the passenger’s car was widely opened with Hernandez was nowhere to be seen.

“Hernandez?” I called him out and came closer, keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction with safety still on.

The seat was empty. I turned around and walked a bit to the drive way to see Harding’s red corvette and it was still there.

“Hernandez?” I called him again.

There must be something happened as Hernandez wouldn’t be leaving with the car opened. I tried to search for his presence and went inside the health club, but he was nowhere. Reception staff informed that Harding has just left five minutes ago. When I dialed his number only to find that the cellphone was lying on the floor, I hurriedly used my radio to call in the suspicious vehicle and my missing partner.

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Alexander’s POV:

“This is why we need to conduct professional op sec like those humans do. We have all the equipment and personnel to do that simple thing correctly and yet, you insisted that he could do it alone. That was the last time I would take your suggestion in my territory, Nicholas. Never underestimated unpredicted circumstances just because we have more benefits,” I glared to Nicholas.

Nicholas raised his two hands, “I’m sorry, Brother.”

“Why did you take that cop, Lord Adrian?” I ignored him and turned to Adrian, who was standing in tensed with eyes down.

“He witnessed me when intercepting the target, Your Highness. Please have my apology for my reckless action,” he bowed very low.

“We don’t kidnap nor kill the cops here for whatever reason, that’s my rule. Just stay here with Andrei and follow his lead,” I told him.

Andrei who was standing near the door seemed to have objection.

I reminded him.

I knew he was just worried about me going to face Lord Botkin. But we have another emergency to be handled and I couldn’t trust anyone better than him.

“From now on, I will not tolerate solo or secret missions for any reason in my territory. Especially not from you, Nicholas,” I turned again to him,

Nicholas was silent for few seconds, but he gave me apologetic look.

“Now get Lady Anastasia Botkin into the car,” I looked to Andrei and turned to my brother.

Nicholas raised his eyebrow,

“Leave us alone,” I told everyone except to my bother.

“I’m not going, Brother. Can we just send the red haired Botkin to father or The Council?” Nicholas asked when everyone left.

“Yes, you will go and I will be there too, Nicholas. We need to show to our kind that every treason will be severely punished. You also need to appoint another lord or baron to replace the Botkin,” I told him.

“I can’t. I have a date I don’t want to miss,” he said it coolly.

I tried to calm my anger and jealousy, but it was too difficult, “What the f**k, Nicholas. I’m not repeating myself. Get your lousy ass on plane right now, we’ll depart in an hour.”

I glared at him and teleported to my condo to have my drink before the long boring trip with my brother.