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Chapter or Story 
Chapter or Story
The Centre
The Chairman’s office
20.50 pm
„What do you think he told her?” Lyle asked, watching Raines pondering their next move.
„That isn’t important... any more because they have him... and if he doesn’t... die from his wounds... he will tell everything that... he found!” Lyle put his hands on hips as he let out a frustrated sigh. Raines was right, he had to admit it.
„So?” He asked.
„We are still... in advantage! I’m going to... give an order... to delete the whole archive that Broots... entered and we... are going to store it somewhere else!” He said. „But... we still don’t know whether the tech saw... those records!”
„I’m going to find him!” Lyle said.
„I don’t want him returned alive. But I want... your sister back here! I don’t care... how you bring her back... but she can’t stay with Jarod!”
„And what if Jarod stands into the way?”
„Is it a question?” He asked, raising from his chair. „You bring him back too of course! ...Alive! You know... how important it is!”
Lyle just nodded, making a mental note that they may want him alive but he wasn’t going to let Jarod escape his plans either. They will get him alive but he was sure that several wounds won’t matter. And he was determined to take care of those wounds. Lyle turned around to leave when Raines’ voice stopped him.
„If you find out that... Broots told her or Jarod the truth, you know... that you are going to have... to kill someone esle too!” Lyle turned back and with a small smile on his lips nodded before he stepped out of the door. Raines picked up the phone and dialed a number.
Ben’s Inn
Living Room
20.51 pm
„Where is Mr.Broots?” Emily asked silently as she saw Sydney sitting on the sofa alone.
„He had been taken up to a room upstairs! He’s going to have more rest there!”
„How is he?” She asked as she sat down next to him.
„He’s okey but he lost a lot of blood!” Emily nodded and a short silence settled down between them. Raising her head again, she turned back to Sydney.
„And... Miss Parker?” They didn’t see but Jarod stood in the doorway, ready to step in. But as soon as he heared his sister’s question, he stopped. Sydney thoroughly pondered his next answer before he spoke.
„I had a better look at her half an hour ago.” He said, trying to avoid any topics about her. But he saw her still looking at him, waiting for him to continue. He was surprised to realize that she was really interested but then he had to admit that not every people was like the Centre. With a small relieved smile he added. „Apart from several bruises she’s fine!” Jarod didn’t think any longer and disappeared without anyone noticing him at all.
„Can I be sincere with you?” Sydney just raised his head, listening to her. „I can’t imagine you working for the Centre. I mean... my brother is such an open-hearted, wonderful person. He’s totally different than you would expect after you heared about ’them’!”
„He has always been that person! Nothing could break it!”
„Yes but... it is due to you that he didn’t lose his... soul!” Sydney intentionally didn’t reply, instead corrected her.
„Your brother’s soul didn’t remain... untouched! Once you get into the Centre, there’s no way to avoid being hurt...” Sydney let out a small sigh and added „... either physically or mentally! It just depends on the people how can they take it!”
„Do you have a family?” She asked, knowing that talking about the Centre was uneasy for both of them.
„I have a son!”
„Is he... working with you?”
„No!” Sydney suddenly said. „I didn’t know about his existence for decades!” Seeing her expression, he added. „We are in contact but aren’t a ’family’. His mother and I have a... good relationship but they have their own life. Away from the Centre!”
Ben’s Inn
Upstairs –Miss Parker’s room
20.57 pm
Parker threw her bathrobe on the armchair, standing only in her grey, tight nightgown. Willie was a tough guy, stronger than she expected and the fight with him caused several sore muscles. Miss Parker turned around and slowly stretched, making circles with her head. Walking to the bed, she glanced at the clock on the night-stand. She couldn’t remember the last time when she went to bed at that early hour. Probably when her mother was still alive and sent her to have a long sleep. She didn’t feel like talking to anybody and decided to try and have a rest. Her ulcer gave her a hard time again and she wanted to use this opportunity to heal a little bit. Leaning back against the pillow, she turned off the lights on the night-stand and leant her head back, closing her eyes. The darkness was comforting, only the moonlight came throught the window.
Looking through her half-lying form on the bed, Jarod couldn’t stop admiring her beauty. Her nightgown didn’t really cover much and the moonlight coming in, gave a perfect view of her décolletage. Moving his gaze he saw her left hand resting on her stomach while the other one was lying next to her. The creamy white skin on her thighs and long legs started to get irresistable for him and he quickly lowered his gaze to the floor. Letting out a silent sigh, he slowly made his way to the bed.
„How’s your ulcer?” He asked silently as he sat down next to her.
Parker woke with a start from her half-asleep state, jumping a bit as she reached up a hand to defend herself. Her eyes widened as she noticed who was sitting in front of her.
„Hey! Slow down, it’s just me!” Jarod said, trying to defend himself as well.
Parker let out a relieved sigh as she placed her hand on her chest, closing her eyes for a moment while she turned away.
„How did you get in?” She asked finally, turning back to him. Her expression was cold again, telling Jarod that he had to face her walls again.
„Uhm... I have my ways!” He said smiling, obviously proud of himself. She just raised an eyebrow at him expectantly. „You wouldn’t have let me in otherwise!” He said.
„That’s right! So get out!” She said sternly.
„If I went now, there wouldn’t be any point of my visiting!” He said.
Parker just stared into his eyes but Jarod returned the gaze. She noticed for the first time that he looked very handsome that night. He had a black, tight T-shirt on with long matching black pants. Looking back into his eyes, she noticed that his gaze was already somewhere else. Suddenly it occured to her that she had only her nightgown on that barely covered her body. She slid away on the bed, standing up but on her way her shoulder brushed Jarod’s. It was like electricity running through their bodies and Parker quickly pulled away. Jarod noticed it and a small determined smile appeared on his face. Turning his head, he saw Parker grab her bathrobe before she put it on.
„What do you want, Jarod?” He didn’t stand up, just turned on the bed to look at her.
„You know what I want!” Parker rolled her eyes before she turned around, heading to the bathroom.
„Where are you going?” Jarod asked confused.
„To the *bathroom*!” She said, giving special attention to the last word. „When I come back, I want you to be the only thing that’s missing from my room!” She said before she disappeared, closing the door behind her.
A small smile appeared on Jarod’s face as he sat up on the bed, propping himself against the pillows on the same place that Parker occupied several seconds ago. It was going to be a long night, he thought.
Ben’s Inn
Living Room
21.09 pm
Stepping into the room, Major Charles spotted his daughter and Sydney talking on the sofa. Glancing around he didn’t see anybody else.
„Dad!” came Emily’s voice. Turning there he noticed her smiling face, waving at him. He returned the smile as he slowly made his way to the couch.
„I hope I’m not interrupting!”
„No!” Sydney said.
„It was really nice to talk with you, Sydney, but I’m tired so I think I go up to my room, now!” Sydney nodded as response.
„Of course!” Emily stood up and after giving a kiss to his father on the cheek, walked out. Major Charles took a seat opposite Sydney and a short silence settled down between them.
„Strange situation!” The Major said, friendly. Sydney let out a chuckle before he replied.
„Yes!”
„I would have never guessed that one day I’m going to sit in the same living room in peace, with the person who raised my son!”
„Major...”
„No, I’m really not angry. At least not with you! Sydney I think you’re a good man! That’s another case that I can’t see how could you join the Centre. I can’t judge you but Catherine reassured me and my wife that our son was in good hands until we... til we got him back...”
„But with Catherine’s death, you couldn’t free him!” Sydney finished for him.
Ben’s Inn
Upstairs –Miss Parker’s room
21.14 pm
Opening the bathroom-door, Miss Parker spotted Jarod still sitting on *her* bed. It surprised her that she wasn’t angry. Probably because she suspected that he was going to be there. Letting out a small, frustrated sigh she walked back to the bed and stopped in front of Jarod, raising an eyebrow as she crossed her arms in front of her chest. Raising her chin, she waited for him. Jarod just looked up at her confused. Rolling her eyes, she finally spoke.
„Would you please get out of my room? I want to *sleep*!”
„Why? You wouldn’t sleep if I stayed?” He asked in an innocent voice.
He knew that he had to get control before she did it. Parker raised one of her eyebrows. When did he get so pushy, she asked herself. She knew this situation, she used to do it herself to get the lead. A thought ran through her mind as a small evil smile appeared on her face. He was going to get what he wanted then, she thought, before she unfastened her bathrobe and threw it aside.
„Probably not!” She said as she put her right knee on the bed. Lifting the other one she kneeled onto the bed, straddling his outstretched legs. Jarod didn’t move, his hands remained crossed in front of him as she lifted her right leg and sat down next to him. She just wanted to take a seat next to him but she used the situation to try and affect him on her way.
Parker crossed her legs and leant against the pillows. She noticed Jarod staring at her legs and a small triumphant smile appeared on her face.
„*So*! I’m listening!” She said, never looking at him. Suddenly it occured to Jarod that he had no idea why he had come.
„I just wanted to see if you’re alright!” He said, turning her head toward her. Suddenly the anger returned and she turned to him, supporting her weigth on her left arm and leaning close as she growled in a deep voice.
„Pezhead, I’m your huntress!”
„Then you have me now!” He said, closing the small space between them as he took up the same position, facing her. He was dangerously close but Parker didn’t intend to let him win the game. She wasn’t sure what he really wanted but being *Miss Parker* she knew that she had to be careful. She couldn’t trust anyone.
„The question is...” he said as he suddenly placed his left arm on her other side getting closer to her, encircling her. But Parker leant back, not letting him get too near her face.” ... what do you do now that you got me!” Things were out of control, she thought as she watched him leaning over her. She was trapped between his arms on both side of her body and this definately wasn’t the sign of ’being in the lead’. But she couldn’t show this to him and instead she seemed unaffected by his closeness.
„Oh I could do... a lot of things to you!” She whispered with a serious face.
This expression drove Jarod crazy. It was half invitation, half rejection but he couldn’t decide which one he wanted. Even if it meant a ’back up’, he would take the challenge. If it meant a ’go ahead’ he wouldn’t rush at her. Instead he started to lean closer, concentration on her lips. She was technically almost under him by that time and he had to bend his head down. When he was only inches away from her, Parker turned her head away so Jarod’s lips touched the skin under her ear. A small satisfied smile appeared on her face and she was proud of herself until... she could have bet that he was smiling. A shiver ran down her spine as she felt Jarod dart out his tongue before he started to lick and tease her skin. Parker closed her eyes and felt her all strenght leave her whole body. It felt like heaven but it shouldn’t have been happening...
„What are you doing?” She asked in a deep voice.
Jarod stopped for a moment and Parker was relieved but it didn’t take long. Lifing his arm, he placed it on her waist before he started to caress her gently. This was the point that was too much. Parker knew herself and that was the reason why she had to stop it before she would have let herself get carried away. She raised her hand and pushed him back before she stood up. Jarod just smiled, he knew *he* got the control.
„What the hell do you think you are doing?” She stood up from the bed and stopped in front of Jarod.
„You can’t deny it any more, Parker!” He said seriously.
She knew what was coming and walked up to the door to open it. She paused for a minute and suddenly felt his closeness. Turning around she saw him as he stepped closer, backing her against the door. He closed his eyes as his face neared again but this time it was the door where his lips ended up. Opening his eyes he saw Parker step away, avoiding his gaze. She opened the door for him, just to find a very surprised Sydney standing there, staring at them. The situation was ambiguous. She was standing there in a tight ’nightgown’ that barely covered her body til the middle section of her thighs, facing a very close-standing Jarod. They didn’t seem to notice him as they were staring at each other, so Sydney cleared his throat.
They both turned there all at once. Sydney watched as Jarod seemed a bit embarrassed but Parker was a different story. She seemed shocked and she went red. He had to suppress a smile however it was obvious that if... *that* would have happened what he thought, they would have still been *in* bed and not at the door.
„Sydney...” It was Jarod to finally break the awkward silence but he didn’t know what to say.
„I’m sorry, I didn’t want to interrupt! I didn’t know you weren’t alone...” Sydney started, looking from Jarod to Miss Parker.
Parker had to decide. She knew that Jarod wasn’t going to leave her alone so she had to invite Sydney in. But if she invited him in, he would surely ask questions... but it was better than trying to reject Jarod, because she wasn’t sure if she could actually refuse him. Jarod was right, there was definitely more between the two of them but she wasn’t ready to admit it. And she decided. She slapped Jarod on the arm and pushed him outside before she grabbed Sydney and pulled him in.
„You don’t interrupt! Monkeyboy was just going!” She said before she slammed the door.
Ben’s Inn
Upstairs –Corridor
Jarod stood there unmoving and shocked for a moment before the anger rose in him. Since one month he had been trying to get to her and there were times when he could have bet that he managed to reach her but when he had the best chance, she simply threw him out. He was tired of this. He was sure what he felt for her but he wasn’t the one to give up his pride either. There were other women who would have been glad to be with him –starting with Zoe but he insisted to *her*. He felt like a fool and it bothered him. Maybe he should have given up trying and try and go on with his own life –with someone else. With that closed the door, she closed the case as well, he thought as he turned around.
Ben’s Inn
Upstairs –Miss Parker’s room
Miss Parker tried to seem totally calm as she stood in front of Sydney. He was watching her, confused. She realised that she had no bathrobe on but she didn’t give a damn, after all it was only Sydney and moreover he didn’t even seem to notice it.
„Why did you come?” She asked, looking around. Sydney saw that she was looking for something and watched her silently as he replied.
„You looked... okey... from the outside but I wasn’t convinced that you’re really okey... neither physical nor mentally.” He said, turning toward her as she was walking up and down, trying to find something. She stopped for a moment to look at him.
„Sydney... please! Don’t start it again!” She said, furrowing her brows for a moment before she turned away again.
„Start what? Someone has to take care of you if *you* don’t do it...” Parker turned back and threw a cold glare at him before she went back to her search as she replied.
„I’m *fine*” She growled, slightly caressing her stomach. When she didn’t find what she was looking for she just spun around, swearing. „Dammit!”
Sydney picked up a little bottle that was on a small table next to the door and held it up.
„Is this what you are looking for?” She let out a sigh as she stepped up to him and grabbed the bottle out of his hand.
„Yeah...” Was her only reply.
„*Fine*?” Sydney asked sardonically.
Ben’s Inn
Upstairs –Jarod’s room
21.24 pm
Slamming the door angrily, Jarod walked into his room. He was frustrated and was ready to explode when he spotted Zoe on the bed.
„There you are!” She said with a small smile on her lips.
„Zoe...” Suddenly she threw the blankets away and he saw her lying on his bed only in bra and panties. He knew what she was planning, she used to do it a lot when they were together. She saw the hesiatation in his eyes and walked up to him.
„I have a feeling you deserve something... relaxing after such a hard day!” She said seductively as she put her hands around his neck.
„Zoe we’ve talked about it...”
„I know...” she said before kissing him. Jarod put his hands around her waist, embracing her. „...I’m just trying to give you a good night, that’s all!” she said, pulling away.
„I don’t know...” he said, but she silenced him with a kiss again.
Ben’s Inn
Upstairs- Miss Parker’s room
21.26 pm
„Sydney... why are you doing this?”
„What?” He asked, crossing his arms in front of his chest. She hated that. It meant he was trying to analyze her and she hated when he was doing it. She shook her head and spread her arms for a moment.
„This! Why are you trying to make me belive that you care? In one moment I think you know nothing and I can trust you... and the other one you seem to know everything. You even knew that my mother didn’t die in the damned elevator when you knew that I... that I...” She closer her eyes as she turned her head away for a moment. Sydney waited for her to regain her composure and watched as she turned back to him. „Why are you always try to make me belive that you are trying to take care of me? What do you want from me?” Sydney lowered his eyes while he stepped close to her. Raising his gaze, he looked down her.
„Miss Parker! I’m not surprised to see that... after all those years, spent in the Centre, whenever anyone tries to be simply nice and caring to you, you immediately suspect a secret intention and you withdraw. I don’t blame you. There weren’t too many people in your life who gave you unconditional love or approach but you can’t assume the worst about everybody.” She opened her mouth to reply but he went on. „I don’t say to trust every people you meet because *you* can’t, mostly not in the Centre but there are people around you that... do care for you!”
Parker just clenched her teeth as she turned away. She simply had nothing to say and most of all she didn’t want to say anything. She hated every topic that was about her... and her feelings.
„So this was your mother’s room?” He asked, changing subject.
Ben’s Inn
Upstairs –Jarod’s room
21.27 pm
Zoe slowly pulled him toward the bed and Jarod couldn’t resist. She had the advantage of knowing what he liked and she used it. He started to carress her back as they fell to the bed, Jarod on top, kissing her.
This was the proof of his earlier opinion, he thought. He was upset and this gentleness was very comforting for him. His hands slid upwards, touching Zoe’s skin, all the while kissing her.
It had been a long time since he had sex for the last time but he didn’t feel the lack of it. But this was good for him. This was the chance for him to forget about Parker. Forget about her ongoing rejections and the need for her that he felt... Suddenly it occured to him. He didn’t have any problems without sex, his only problem was that he wanted to have such an intimate connection with *her* and nobody else. And he was there, ready to do it with someone else but it wasn’t his thing. He couldn’t take advantage of Zoe just because he was angry with Parker.
No matter how he tried, he couldn’t get her out of his mind and it wouldn’t have been fair with Zoe to have sex with her while he was thinking of someone else. His view of life was entirely different. He was a man of truth, honesty and consequences and always tried to avoid hurting people. When they were together, he did have feelings for Zoe but after a time he realized that they weren’t so deep as they were for Parker. And he became certain after Cathris.
Jarod felt guilty even from the fact that he considered sleeping with Zoe right now when it wasn’t right. He couldn’t do it... he simply wasn’t that kind of man. Breaking away, he grabbed Zoe’s wrist and raised up, sitting back on his shins.
To be continued...
The Chairman’s office
20.50 pm
„What do you think he told her?” Lyle asked, watching Raines pondering their next move.
„That isn’t important... any more because they have him... and if he doesn’t... die from his wounds... he will tell everything that... he found!” Lyle put his hands on hips as he let out a frustrated sigh. Raines was right, he had to admit it.
„So?” He asked.
„We are still... in advantage! I’m going to... give an order... to delete the whole archive that Broots... entered and we... are going to store it somewhere else!” He said. „But... we still don’t know whether the tech saw... those records!”
„I’m going to find him!” Lyle said.
„I don’t want him returned alive. But I want... your sister back here! I don’t care... how you bring her back... but she can’t stay with Jarod!”
„And what if Jarod stands into the way?”
„Is it a question?” He asked, raising from his chair. „You bring him back too of course! ...Alive! You know... how important it is!”
Lyle just nodded, making a mental note that they may want him alive but he wasn’t going to let Jarod escape his plans either. They will get him alive but he was sure that several wounds won’t matter. And he was determined to take care of those wounds. Lyle turned around to leave when Raines’ voice stopped him.
„If you find out that... Broots told her or Jarod the truth, you know... that you are going to have... to kill someone esle too!” Lyle turned back and with a small smile on his lips nodded before he stepped out of the door. Raines picked up the phone and dialed a number.
Ben’s Inn
Living Room
20.51 pm
„Where is Mr.Broots?” Emily asked silently as she saw Sydney sitting on the sofa alone.
„He had been taken up to a room upstairs! He’s going to have more rest there!”
„How is he?” She asked as she sat down next to him.
„He’s okey but he lost a lot of blood!” Emily nodded and a short silence settled down between them. Raising her head again, she turned back to Sydney.
„And... Miss Parker?” They didn’t see but Jarod stood in the doorway, ready to step in. But as soon as he heared his sister’s question, he stopped. Sydney thoroughly pondered his next answer before he spoke.
„I had a better look at her half an hour ago.” He said, trying to avoid any topics about her. But he saw her still looking at him, waiting for him to continue. He was surprised to realize that she was really interested but then he had to admit that not every people was like the Centre. With a small relieved smile he added. „Apart from several bruises she’s fine!” Jarod didn’t think any longer and disappeared without anyone noticing him at all.
„Can I be sincere with you?” Sydney just raised his head, listening to her. „I can’t imagine you working for the Centre. I mean... my brother is such an open-hearted, wonderful person. He’s totally different than you would expect after you heared about ’them’!”
„He has always been that person! Nothing could break it!”
„Yes but... it is due to you that he didn’t lose his... soul!” Sydney intentionally didn’t reply, instead corrected her.
„Your brother’s soul didn’t remain... untouched! Once you get into the Centre, there’s no way to avoid being hurt...” Sydney let out a small sigh and added „... either physically or mentally! It just depends on the people how can they take it!”
„Do you have a family?” She asked, knowing that talking about the Centre was uneasy for both of them.
„I have a son!”
„Is he... working with you?”
„No!” Sydney suddenly said. „I didn’t know about his existence for decades!” Seeing her expression, he added. „We are in contact but aren’t a ’family’. His mother and I have a... good relationship but they have their own life. Away from the Centre!”
Ben’s Inn
Upstairs –Miss Parker’s room
20.57 pm
Parker threw her bathrobe on the armchair, standing only in her grey, tight nightgown. Willie was a tough guy, stronger than she expected and the fight with him caused several sore muscles. Miss Parker turned around and slowly stretched, making circles with her head. Walking to the bed, she glanced at the clock on the night-stand. She couldn’t remember the last time when she went to bed at that early hour. Probably when her mother was still alive and sent her to have a long sleep. She didn’t feel like talking to anybody and decided to try and have a rest. Her ulcer gave her a hard time again and she wanted to use this opportunity to heal a little bit. Leaning back against the pillow, she turned off the lights on the night-stand and leant her head back, closing her eyes. The darkness was comforting, only the moonlight came throught the window.
Looking through her half-lying form on the bed, Jarod couldn’t stop admiring her beauty. Her nightgown didn’t really cover much and the moonlight coming in, gave a perfect view of her décolletage. Moving his gaze he saw her left hand resting on her stomach while the other one was lying next to her. The creamy white skin on her thighs and long legs started to get irresistable for him and he quickly lowered his gaze to the floor. Letting out a silent sigh, he slowly made his way to the bed.
„How’s your ulcer?” He asked silently as he sat down next to her.
Parker woke with a start from her half-asleep state, jumping a bit as she reached up a hand to defend herself. Her eyes widened as she noticed who was sitting in front of her.
„Hey! Slow down, it’s just me!” Jarod said, trying to defend himself as well.
Parker let out a relieved sigh as she placed her hand on her chest, closing her eyes for a moment while she turned away.
„How did you get in?” She asked finally, turning back to him. Her expression was cold again, telling Jarod that he had to face her walls again.
„Uhm... I have my ways!” He said smiling, obviously proud of himself. She just raised an eyebrow at him expectantly. „You wouldn’t have let me in otherwise!” He said.
„That’s right! So get out!” She said sternly.
„If I went now, there wouldn’t be any point of my visiting!” He said.
Parker just stared into his eyes but Jarod returned the gaze. She noticed for the first time that he looked very handsome that night. He had a black, tight T-shirt on with long matching black pants. Looking back into his eyes, she noticed that his gaze was already somewhere else. Suddenly it occured to her that she had only her nightgown on that barely covered her body. She slid away on the bed, standing up but on her way her shoulder brushed Jarod’s. It was like electricity running through their bodies and Parker quickly pulled away. Jarod noticed it and a small determined smile appeared on his face. Turning his head, he saw Parker grab her bathrobe before she put it on.
„What do you want, Jarod?” He didn’t stand up, just turned on the bed to look at her.
„You know what I want!” Parker rolled her eyes before she turned around, heading to the bathroom.
„Where are you going?” Jarod asked confused.
„To the *bathroom*!” She said, giving special attention to the last word. „When I come back, I want you to be the only thing that’s missing from my room!” She said before she disappeared, closing the door behind her.
A small smile appeared on Jarod’s face as he sat up on the bed, propping himself against the pillows on the same place that Parker occupied several seconds ago. It was going to be a long night, he thought.
Ben’s Inn
Living Room
21.09 pm
Stepping into the room, Major Charles spotted his daughter and Sydney talking on the sofa. Glancing around he didn’t see anybody else.
„Dad!” came Emily’s voice. Turning there he noticed her smiling face, waving at him. He returned the smile as he slowly made his way to the couch.
„I hope I’m not interrupting!”
„No!” Sydney said.
„It was really nice to talk with you, Sydney, but I’m tired so I think I go up to my room, now!” Sydney nodded as response.
„Of course!” Emily stood up and after giving a kiss to his father on the cheek, walked out. Major Charles took a seat opposite Sydney and a short silence settled down between them.
„Strange situation!” The Major said, friendly. Sydney let out a chuckle before he replied.
„Yes!”
„I would have never guessed that one day I’m going to sit in the same living room in peace, with the person who raised my son!”
„Major...”
„No, I’m really not angry. At least not with you! Sydney I think you’re a good man! That’s another case that I can’t see how could you join the Centre. I can’t judge you but Catherine reassured me and my wife that our son was in good hands until we... til we got him back...”
„But with Catherine’s death, you couldn’t free him!” Sydney finished for him.
Ben’s Inn
Upstairs –Miss Parker’s room
21.14 pm
Opening the bathroom-door, Miss Parker spotted Jarod still sitting on *her* bed. It surprised her that she wasn’t angry. Probably because she suspected that he was going to be there. Letting out a small, frustrated sigh she walked back to the bed and stopped in front of Jarod, raising an eyebrow as she crossed her arms in front of her chest. Raising her chin, she waited for him. Jarod just looked up at her confused. Rolling her eyes, she finally spoke.
„Would you please get out of my room? I want to *sleep*!”
„Why? You wouldn’t sleep if I stayed?” He asked in an innocent voice.
He knew that he had to get control before she did it. Parker raised one of her eyebrows. When did he get so pushy, she asked herself. She knew this situation, she used to do it herself to get the lead. A thought ran through her mind as a small evil smile appeared on her face. He was going to get what he wanted then, she thought, before she unfastened her bathrobe and threw it aside.
„Probably not!” She said as she put her right knee on the bed. Lifting the other one she kneeled onto the bed, straddling his outstretched legs. Jarod didn’t move, his hands remained crossed in front of him as she lifted her right leg and sat down next to him. She just wanted to take a seat next to him but she used the situation to try and affect him on her way.
Parker crossed her legs and leant against the pillows. She noticed Jarod staring at her legs and a small triumphant smile appeared on her face.
„*So*! I’m listening!” She said, never looking at him. Suddenly it occured to Jarod that he had no idea why he had come.
„I just wanted to see if you’re alright!” He said, turning her head toward her. Suddenly the anger returned and she turned to him, supporting her weigth on her left arm and leaning close as she growled in a deep voice.
„Pezhead, I’m your huntress!”
„Then you have me now!” He said, closing the small space between them as he took up the same position, facing her. He was dangerously close but Parker didn’t intend to let him win the game. She wasn’t sure what he really wanted but being *Miss Parker* she knew that she had to be careful. She couldn’t trust anyone.
„The question is...” he said as he suddenly placed his left arm on her other side getting closer to her, encircling her. But Parker leant back, not letting him get too near her face.” ... what do you do now that you got me!” Things were out of control, she thought as she watched him leaning over her. She was trapped between his arms on both side of her body and this definately wasn’t the sign of ’being in the lead’. But she couldn’t show this to him and instead she seemed unaffected by his closeness.
„Oh I could do... a lot of things to you!” She whispered with a serious face.
This expression drove Jarod crazy. It was half invitation, half rejection but he couldn’t decide which one he wanted. Even if it meant a ’back up’, he would take the challenge. If it meant a ’go ahead’ he wouldn’t rush at her. Instead he started to lean closer, concentration on her lips. She was technically almost under him by that time and he had to bend his head down. When he was only inches away from her, Parker turned her head away so Jarod’s lips touched the skin under her ear. A small satisfied smile appeared on her face and she was proud of herself until... she could have bet that he was smiling. A shiver ran down her spine as she felt Jarod dart out his tongue before he started to lick and tease her skin. Parker closed her eyes and felt her all strenght leave her whole body. It felt like heaven but it shouldn’t have been happening...
„What are you doing?” She asked in a deep voice.
Jarod stopped for a moment and Parker was relieved but it didn’t take long. Lifing his arm, he placed it on her waist before he started to caress her gently. This was the point that was too much. Parker knew herself and that was the reason why she had to stop it before she would have let herself get carried away. She raised her hand and pushed him back before she stood up. Jarod just smiled, he knew *he* got the control.
„What the hell do you think you are doing?” She stood up from the bed and stopped in front of Jarod.
„You can’t deny it any more, Parker!” He said seriously.
She knew what was coming and walked up to the door to open it. She paused for a minute and suddenly felt his closeness. Turning around she saw him as he stepped closer, backing her against the door. He closed his eyes as his face neared again but this time it was the door where his lips ended up. Opening his eyes he saw Parker step away, avoiding his gaze. She opened the door for him, just to find a very surprised Sydney standing there, staring at them. The situation was ambiguous. She was standing there in a tight ’nightgown’ that barely covered her body til the middle section of her thighs, facing a very close-standing Jarod. They didn’t seem to notice him as they were staring at each other, so Sydney cleared his throat.
They both turned there all at once. Sydney watched as Jarod seemed a bit embarrassed but Parker was a different story. She seemed shocked and she went red. He had to suppress a smile however it was obvious that if... *that* would have happened what he thought, they would have still been *in* bed and not at the door.
„Sydney...” It was Jarod to finally break the awkward silence but he didn’t know what to say.
„I’m sorry, I didn’t want to interrupt! I didn’t know you weren’t alone...” Sydney started, looking from Jarod to Miss Parker.
Parker had to decide. She knew that Jarod wasn’t going to leave her alone so she had to invite Sydney in. But if she invited him in, he would surely ask questions... but it was better than trying to reject Jarod, because she wasn’t sure if she could actually refuse him. Jarod was right, there was definitely more between the two of them but she wasn’t ready to admit it. And she decided. She slapped Jarod on the arm and pushed him outside before she grabbed Sydney and pulled him in.
„You don’t interrupt! Monkeyboy was just going!” She said before she slammed the door.
Ben’s Inn
Upstairs –Corridor
Jarod stood there unmoving and shocked for a moment before the anger rose in him. Since one month he had been trying to get to her and there were times when he could have bet that he managed to reach her but when he had the best chance, she simply threw him out. He was tired of this. He was sure what he felt for her but he wasn’t the one to give up his pride either. There were other women who would have been glad to be with him –starting with Zoe but he insisted to *her*. He felt like a fool and it bothered him. Maybe he should have given up trying and try and go on with his own life –with someone else. With that closed the door, she closed the case as well, he thought as he turned around.
Ben’s Inn
Upstairs –Miss Parker’s room
Miss Parker tried to seem totally calm as she stood in front of Sydney. He was watching her, confused. She realised that she had no bathrobe on but she didn’t give a damn, after all it was only Sydney and moreover he didn’t even seem to notice it.
„Why did you come?” She asked, looking around. Sydney saw that she was looking for something and watched her silently as he replied.
„You looked... okey... from the outside but I wasn’t convinced that you’re really okey... neither physical nor mentally.” He said, turning toward her as she was walking up and down, trying to find something. She stopped for a moment to look at him.
„Sydney... please! Don’t start it again!” She said, furrowing her brows for a moment before she turned away again.
„Start what? Someone has to take care of you if *you* don’t do it...” Parker turned back and threw a cold glare at him before she went back to her search as she replied.
„I’m *fine*” She growled, slightly caressing her stomach. When she didn’t find what she was looking for she just spun around, swearing. „Dammit!”
Sydney picked up a little bottle that was on a small table next to the door and held it up.
„Is this what you are looking for?” She let out a sigh as she stepped up to him and grabbed the bottle out of his hand.
„Yeah...” Was her only reply.
„*Fine*?” Sydney asked sardonically.
Ben’s Inn
Upstairs –Jarod’s room
21.24 pm
Slamming the door angrily, Jarod walked into his room. He was frustrated and was ready to explode when he spotted Zoe on the bed.
„There you are!” She said with a small smile on her lips.
„Zoe...” Suddenly she threw the blankets away and he saw her lying on his bed only in bra and panties. He knew what she was planning, she used to do it a lot when they were together. She saw the hesiatation in his eyes and walked up to him.
„I have a feeling you deserve something... relaxing after such a hard day!” She said seductively as she put her hands around his neck.
„Zoe we’ve talked about it...”
„I know...” she said before kissing him. Jarod put his hands around her waist, embracing her. „...I’m just trying to give you a good night, that’s all!” she said, pulling away.
„I don’t know...” he said, but she silenced him with a kiss again.
Ben’s Inn
Upstairs- Miss Parker’s room
21.26 pm
„Sydney... why are you doing this?”
„What?” He asked, crossing his arms in front of his chest. She hated that. It meant he was trying to analyze her and she hated when he was doing it. She shook her head and spread her arms for a moment.
„This! Why are you trying to make me belive that you care? In one moment I think you know nothing and I can trust you... and the other one you seem to know everything. You even knew that my mother didn’t die in the damned elevator when you knew that I... that I...” She closer her eyes as she turned her head away for a moment. Sydney waited for her to regain her composure and watched as she turned back to him. „Why are you always try to make me belive that you are trying to take care of me? What do you want from me?” Sydney lowered his eyes while he stepped close to her. Raising his gaze, he looked down her.
„Miss Parker! I’m not surprised to see that... after all those years, spent in the Centre, whenever anyone tries to be simply nice and caring to you, you immediately suspect a secret intention and you withdraw. I don’t blame you. There weren’t too many people in your life who gave you unconditional love or approach but you can’t assume the worst about everybody.” She opened her mouth to reply but he went on. „I don’t say to trust every people you meet because *you* can’t, mostly not in the Centre but there are people around you that... do care for you!”
Parker just clenched her teeth as she turned away. She simply had nothing to say and most of all she didn’t want to say anything. She hated every topic that was about her... and her feelings.
„So this was your mother’s room?” He asked, changing subject.
Ben’s Inn
Upstairs –Jarod’s room
21.27 pm
Zoe slowly pulled him toward the bed and Jarod couldn’t resist. She had the advantage of knowing what he liked and she used it. He started to carress her back as they fell to the bed, Jarod on top, kissing her.
This was the proof of his earlier opinion, he thought. He was upset and this gentleness was very comforting for him. His hands slid upwards, touching Zoe’s skin, all the while kissing her.
It had been a long time since he had sex for the last time but he didn’t feel the lack of it. But this was good for him. This was the chance for him to forget about Parker. Forget about her ongoing rejections and the need for her that he felt... Suddenly it occured to him. He didn’t have any problems without sex, his only problem was that he wanted to have such an intimate connection with *her* and nobody else. And he was there, ready to do it with someone else but it wasn’t his thing. He couldn’t take advantage of Zoe just because he was angry with Parker.
No matter how he tried, he couldn’t get her out of his mind and it wouldn’t have been fair with Zoe to have sex with her while he was thinking of someone else. His view of life was entirely different. He was a man of truth, honesty and consequences and always tried to avoid hurting people. When they were together, he did have feelings for Zoe but after a time he realized that they weren’t so deep as they were for Parker. And he became certain after Cathris.
Jarod felt guilty even from the fact that he considered sleeping with Zoe right now when it wasn’t right. He couldn’t do it... he simply wasn’t that kind of man. Breaking away, he grabbed Zoe’s wrist and raised up, sitting back on his shins.
To be continued...
