Chapter 4 - Kidnapped

Missing person?

what the hell is Eli talking about? He's the one who sent me here

Warren joins me in the room instantly, wary of the expression on my face

what's going on?!

it seems like Eli decided to be a guest on late night with Tess Meyers

The gossip show?

Warren stares at the screen for a moment before silently taking a seat beside me

he looks so.....emotional

I know. what a fraud

We focus on the talk show

I can't imagine what you're going through, Mr. Nelson

Eli shakes his head

This is all my fault. The reflection has put me in the spotlight, and my wife was obviously targeted as a consequence. she shouldn't have to pay for the choice I selfishly made

Mr. Nelson, there's nothing selfish about putting your life on hold for our country. No one can fault you for something like that

but I blame myself! I thought I was doing everything i could to protect her. I took every measure possible and spent so much money to ensure her safety. obviously, it wasn't enough

Enough? Mr. Nelson, I think we can all agree that your wife is one lucky woman. I'm sure she'd run straight into your arms if she was watching this right now

Tess leans forward and gives Eli's hand a gentle squeeze, and in return, he gifts her a sly predatory smile. when she remembers where they are, Tess clears her throat

Now, our time is almost up. Do you have any final words for Kiara's kidnappers?

I do

Eli faces the camera and squares his shoulders

please, whoever you are, I'm begging you to give her back to me. for her safe return, I am offering an award of three million dollars! Two hundred thousand dollars dollars to anyone with valuable information on my wife's whereabouts! Help me bring her home safely!

Eli's voice breaks as he dips his head down into his hands

I just want her back

You heard the man! If you know anything at all, please don't hesitate to call the number located at the bottom of the screen! Thank you, and have a good night

As soon as the show goes to commercial, my mouth drops open

Did Eli just offer my own inheritance as a reward?

I shake my head, completely dumbfounded by what I'd just seen

but if he's telling the world I've been kidnapped, then...

I inch away from Warren ad inconspicuously as possible

What if Warren is not who I think he is? What if -

Don't

Don't what?

I know what you're thinking, and don't even go there. Your husband knows exactly where we are. I've been updating him every four hours

can you prove that you've been reaching out to him?

Warren nods and pulls out his cellphone. He dials Eli's number and presses the speaker button. it rings four times before going to voicemaul. Warren shrugs

He rarely answers my calls. he usually sends me a text at some point during the day, saying he got the message

That doesn't really sound like Eli

I'm not a kindapper. For Christ's sake. Do you think I'd let you watch TV if I was holding you hostage?

I purse my lips. Warren sighs

He never mentioned that he'd hired a bodyguard for you in that interview. I'm pretty sure I'd be his number one suspect if he really thought you'd been kidnapped

But why would he lie about it? what does he have to gain from that

it's mostly likely a poly to confuse whoevers behind the threats. if they think you've been kidnapped, then maybe they won't be looking as hard

I guess that makes sense

still.....something doesn't feel right

My phone suddenly pings several times, startling us both. I fish it out of my pocket, but Warren snatches it out of my hand before I can read the messages

Hey! what the hell do you think you're doing?!

why do you have this here?

A phone? what century do you live in?

Do you not understand what's going on here?someone I'd trying to kill you, Kiara! No one can know your whereabouts!

and how would they? I haven't told anyone!

have you been in contact with anyone since we got here?

I feel my face pale

My best friend texted me, asking if I was okay, I couldn't just ignore her

Kiara.....

Look, I'm sorry, but Hannah is important to me

important enough for you to act so recklessly? Anyone could've tracked your phone if they had a means to do it

how was o supposed to know that? I'm not an FBI agent

I open my mouth to make another comment, but his hand suddenly covers it. I push his hand away and glare at him

Excuse me?! You can't just shut me up when I'm talking yo you

he ignores me, and it's only then I realise he's been scrolling through my texts with Hannah. My eyes widen when I remember the conversation we had about him yesterday

Warren, stop! seriously, give it back!

he didn't respond. I reach for the phone and somehow end up with my arms pinned behind my back

How did he do that so quickly? And with one hand? Am I really that easy to detain?

Let go of me!

She says she's worried about you and wants to know if your "gorgeous bodyguard" is the one who kidnapped you.

He looks at me briefly with a curious glance

You think I'm gorgeous

Yes, I think you're gorgeous, so what?

He opens his mouth to say something... but then his eyes flicker back to my phone

she's also wondering if you've "tapped dat ass" yet

He shoots me a strange look

she must've texted the wrong number. I have no idea why she'd even ask something like that. I really haven't told her anything about you, so if you could just give the phone back to me

I squirm and try to get out of his hold

The more you move, the tighter I'll hold you

Well, that doesn't sound too bad .....

she also says....

you can stop reading those now!

Warren squints at the phone as if he misread the text. Dreads fills my stomach

why, Hannah? why are you doing this to me?

she says it's more economical to shower together because it saves water

please, no more

What does "pics or it didn't happen" mean?

You can't just read my messages, Warren!

Yes , I can. I have to make sure you didn't reveal any crucial information to this....friend of yours

i would never tell anyone where we are. Do you really think I'm stupid

You can never be too careful. Even the smallest piece of information could lead to someone discovering your whereabouts

This is ridiculous. why can't you just take my word for it and trust me?

Warren scrolls further up, ignoring my comment . I watch with horror as his face goes from confusion to shock

oh,no

okay, okay, you can stop now! Clearly, no information has been shared! if you'd give me my phone back -

You've been discussing my "python"....woth your best friend?

He raises an eyebrow

Wait, have you seen my Python

No, I haven't seen your py- - Why are we still using that word?!

Warren eyes me suspiciously then releases my arms from his hold

Are you spying on me when I shower?

of course not! I wasn't even the one to bring it up. Hannah was just playing a dumb hoke, nothing more

A joke?

Yes, a joke? There's no need to get all worked up about it

The laugh I cough out sounds like a dying lawnmower, and it's clear he doesn't believe me one bit

Do I need to start barricading the door when I'm showering?

I feel like you're just mocking me now

Well, at least your location hasn't been compromised. so thank you for not telling her anything

see, I told you. You should've just trusted me instead of invading my privacy

Well.. you did tell her that you have a bodyguard. But as long as she can stay quiet about it ...

She won't say anything. she's been my best friend for years, and I trust her with my life

I don't like this, but we don't have much of a choice

I'm sorry I got you into this mess

it's nothing that i can't handle

He stands up and walks towards the door.... with my phone still in his hand

wait!! what about my phone??

I have to get rid of it

what? No, you don't

Yes, I do. someone could be tracking you

But I need to tell Hannah that I'm okay!

Warren's already disassembling it before the words leave my lips. I watch helplessly as he pulls out the sim card and snaps it in half

Warren!

I struggle in vain to grab the phone, but he easily orevents me from reaching it. He pulls a lighter out of his pocket, and soon enough, the pieces of the sim card start to melt from the flame. He drops the mutilated pieces into the trash and then breaks the phone in two like It was a piece of cardboard . I don't say a word; instead, I turn my back at him

This is for the best. I'm not doing this to hurt you

I ignore him and walk away without looking back

How could Warren do this to me? he has no idea what could've been on my phone! what if I didn't have anything backed up to the cloud? call me crazy, but being completely detached from the outside world is way out of my comfort zone.

Suddenly, my stomach growls with hunger. even I glance at the clock, I see that it's past noon. I open up the cupboard and eyes the cereal boxes with disdain

I can make us lunch

I jump, my heart pounding against my chest

What's wrong with you? Don't sneak up on me when I'm mad at you

when you're made at me?

Yes. I'm not happy with you, so go away

so....you don't want me to make you lunch

My stomach growls again

I never said that. I simply told you to go away

He chuckles

How does honey chicken stir fry sound?

I've never heard of that before

it's one of my specialities

is it now?

My eyes unwillingly flicker over to him, and I see him grinning

my heart nearly stutters at the sight

He really is incredibly handsome. Especially when he smiles

still mad at me?

what you did wasn't okay. You do know that, right?

He sighs and rubs the back of his neck

Maybe I reacted a little bit strongly. I'm only trying to keep you safe

I get that, but there are better ways to go about it. You didn't have to destroy my phone and burn the pieces in front of me

That was a bit harsh, I know. Let me make it up to you, okay? I'll whip you up my honey chicken stir fry, then you can tell me if you're still mad at me

it's not that simple, Warren

I can't let anything bad happen to you. Hearing that I missed such a crucial detail really threw me off guard. I honestly wasn't trying to hurt you, Kiara. I do understand why you're mad at me.. I just wish I knew how to fix this

Sorry, but your apology isn't good enough

Really?

You heard me. Do you think cooking me lunch is going to make me forgive you?

it was worth a shot. But I'm truly sorry for upsetting you

I sigh dramatically

Well, I wish you were wrong, but somehow, you figured it out. Food is the way to my heart

The relief on his face is evident. He turns on his heels and starts pulling ingredients out of the refrigerator

oh, and Warren

Yes

I walk over and place a soft kiss on his cheek

Thank you for looking out for me

His cheeks turn red as he looks at me pensively, lost of words

Feeling bold; I decide to repeat the kiss, This time, I aim for the center, and I lean in slowly, giving him plenty of time to move away. He doesn't. When our lips meet, our eyes close on command, and I can hear him dropping the bag of carrots he was holding. His hands, now free, gently cup my face instead; the kiss is enricing, intoxicating. My whole body starts tingling when his tongue separates my lips, finding my own. As our mouths become busy caressing one another, I wrap my arms around his torso and bring him in closer. we stand there, our bodies aligned, suddenly lost in desire and longing. Our kisses are no longer slow and sweet but rushed and brimming with passion. When my knees almost buckle, my hands clutch and fabric on the back of his shirt. Warren picks me up and places me on the kitchen counter, pushing my legs apart to gain better access. My heartbeat speeds up as my tight separate, and I feel a rush of blood pumping through my veins . He teasingly bites my lower lip, and I can't hold in a moan . The need I have for this man surpasses every other, and it sends my head spinning. Reeling. I can't get enough. I wriggle on the counter, the ache in my belly almost unbearable. When my knee brushes against his hard bulge, I hear him curse under his breath. The next moment, he pulls away, and we try to catch our breath at a safe distance from each other.

Kiara.....I.....

I jump back down from the counter, still feeling a bit lightheaded. I picked up the bag of carrots that was lying carelessly on the floor and handed it to him. he blinks several times as I smile at him

I'll get out of your way, chef Warren. Just let me know when lunch is ready

I brush past him, walking towards the sitting room

This kind of speechless Warren is one I'd love to see more often

One hour later.....

where did you learn to make this? it tastes incredible

When you live along for as long as u have, you have to learn to cook

I almost enny you. when I was growing up, my family had chefs preparing our meals, or we'd dine out at exclusive restaurants. The food was great, but all I've ever learned was how to make basic stuff like pancakes. Sadly, I don't think I've ever even used the stove in my own kitchen

Is that really such a bad life, though

it has its perks. I used to love my life... but now I see it's not the best for me

what changed your mind?

Honestly, coming here did . There's something charming about asleep with a fire crackling in the other room...having to prepare our own meals instead of ordering from a menu. I think I'd quite like living this kind of life

with me?

Sure. what's worst that can happen? Us accidentally seeing each other naked from time to time. I can live with that

Warrens eyes pierce mine....and it's obvious we're both remembering the shower incident. He abruptly stand s up from the table

I forgot that I was planning on fixing my motorcycle today

Right now? But you said it wasn't broken?

it can be improved

Warren heads out the door and slams it closed behind him

why would he react like this? I was just teasing him!

As I sit, there stumped over his bizarre reaction, a though suddenly occurs to me

He used to live alone for quite some time. Could it be that he's just as sexually frustrated as I am? Maybe he got an erection and went away so I wouldn't notice. if that's the case, maybe he just needs a small push to cross the boundaries he's set between us ....

I remember my college days and legendary lap dance skills. As the plan begins to form in my mind, a smile breaks out of my face

oh, this is going to be so much fun

One hour later, while Warren is showering, I find and change into my sexiest, most provocative outfit

it's skin, slim....and more skin. There's so little fabric that he'd be a fool to turn me away. No, what was I thinking? This is a terrible idea

I change into my baggy pyjamas and get in my bed . Warren comes into the room a few minutes later, wearing only a pair of boxers. Water glistens off the surface of his skin as je runs a hand through his damp hair. He notices me curled up under the covers

Kaira? Are you already in bed?

I yawn and nod, so he lets me be. Soon after, I fall into a fitful sleep

A few hours later, I'm still unable to sleep through the night . I've woken up countless times, tossing and turning, trying to find a comfortable position, but to no avail. i glance down at Warren to find him sleeping peacefully. His lips are parted slightly, his face relaxed . Suddenly, I hear something.....

."Kiara....." I freeze, wondering if I'd spoken out loud. peering down, I see Warrem with his eyes closed, still fast asleep

Did you say something, Warren?

I heart it again. "Kiara...."

Yes?

I watch him curiously, trying to figure out what he's saying.....when it suddenly becomes abundantly clear . "Kiara....Kiara...Kiara..."

He's....moaning my name?!