chapter 10

***

-          Why is she not dead? Why is she still breathing?

-          I don’t know, really…

-          I am not paying you to find excuses! I need her out of the picture. Where is she now?

-          My last connection told me that she in the house of the great conductor Miron Hauser.

-          Are you kidding me?

-          I wish I were…

-          Lord, that man is more guarded than the president himself.

-          I will try my best to find her, to lure her out somehow…

-          And how are you planning to do that?

-          Actually, Miron Hauser has no bodyguards. He doesn’t need them. Have you seen the size of that man?

-          Ok, tell me about your plan!

-          In a week there will be an event, a charity thing. Miron Hauser will be there and so will Rita Sinclair. As I understand she is a little blind.

-          What do you mead a little?

-          Well, after the accident we’ve caused, she remained blind and invalid. She is easy prey right now.

-          How are you going to even go near her, when Miron Hauser is close all the time?

-          That is also easy. Sometime after midnight, Mr Hauser will perform and Miss Rita will remain unprotected. That is when I will make my move.

-          Be sure not to screw up this time!

-          Leave the hard part to me Miss Johnson!

Rita’s story

The morning sun was so bright that for the first time I had to close my eyes. They hurt. I just needed to go to the window and close the curtains. How hard can that be? Miron is not here to help but I think I can manage.

I laid the blanket aside and reveal my legs. They seem numb right now but I need them to get moving. I still wonder how they obeyed me yesterday while I prepared Miron’s surprise. Maybe I made too much of an effort and today I have trouble leaving the bed. I got a little scared but I helped myself with my hands and lowered my legs one by one getting up. Now comes the hard part, walking. I rested my hands on the edge of the mattress and push so hard until I could feel my legs sustaining me. With small steps I managed to go a little further. I could see the shadow of the curtain. There is where I should get. And I will. With all my strength I started to move one leg in front of the other. “Ok Rita you got the move!” But when I was so close my stupid legs failed me. I fell so hard and loudly that I broke a vase from the nightstand. A scream of pain and disappointment escaped my lips.

-          Aaaaaah, God…

I could hear from the opposite room Miron’s hurried footsteps. The door opened with a noise, hitting the wall.

-          Sunshine, are you ok? My God, what were you trying to do?

-          Nothing…

When I saw Miron, I couldn’t control my tears anymore. He kneeled before me and I let myself lying in his arms like I wanted to be safe, protected.

-          I was just trying to go to the window…

-          Alone?

-          Why not? I am sick and tired of this paralysis! I don’t understand how in the world I manage to stand yesterday.

With that said, my crying went fanatical and started to cling on his clothes making an inhuman effort to stand up. Miron saw my stubbornness and sustained me with his body and arms, until I was up in my feet.

-          Slow down a little, Miss Rita! You will hurt yourself. Yesterday you just finished the physiotherapy and the doctor trained your muscles to function more. Have patience, that day will come, I promise you, so calm yourself please.

-          Don’t tell me to calm down, Miron! I had been calm all these months. I had even been so patient that I could just count my heart beats. You know what that means? That I had nothing better to do than to stay in that damn chair and do nothing!

Suddenly I started to become a little out of control. In my attempt to walk I was practically dragging Miron after me. Poor him, when I saw I had no chance to budge his massive body I initiated a storm of fists in his chest. I already felt a lot better and he just let me continue until I was calm again. I abandoned myself in his embrace after getting tired.

And that was the moment I had been longing for so long. I felt a thumb under my chin lifted it up. Time has stopped. His big posture was so close to me that I could feel his breath warming my lips. As by instinct I opened them. I was about to let this man kiss me. Because that is what he was going to do, right?

I decided to enjoy the moment, close my eyes and getting drunk with his manly scent that was already driving me insane. He was practically holding me in his arms as I did not have that much stability. This man is strong. I swallowed hard when I felt him closing the space between our lips. Now I was hungry for his mouth. I was wondering what magic he could do with it. My guilty imagination went wild thinking about his playful tongue. I just wanted it all over my body, now so turned on that I started to feel coming out moans of pleasure and lust. I was exploding with desire and when Miron came so close that our lips touched, a warm and sweet pain ignited between my tights.

As if I had a button I got even closer letting him the opportunity to initiate the kiss. After what it seems like centuries of waiting he possessed my mouth with so much hunger pushing his tongue deep into my mouth. I was receiving him so openly and natural that the bold daring kiss from the beginning turned into a gentle one where our lips and tongues were playing with each other, chaining, exploring and tasting every inch, leaving us breathless. His slow rhythm almost threw me on the edge of pleasure. If he can do this with only a kiss I wonder what he could do if he was fully involved.

With every entry of his tongue I was curving along his hard body now, feeling through my dress each hardened part of him. At some point I merged totally with him receiving him through all of my pores. I was literally breathing him. This is insane. Suddenly he started going in the direction of the bed, placing me so gently on it, not for a second leaving my mouth. I was still participating like crazy, moving my hands on his back now starting to pull off his shirt. What was I doing? For the moment he did not stop me. Will he let me go all the way?

           “Well you had to ask, Rita!” Because from the moment he was shirtless he put a stop on me. He parted his lips from mine. A cold shiver went through me like I had been left outside in a winter morning.

-          You don’t want to do this, sunshine!

I remained silent and a little annoyed that he stopped.  I would have wished for him to continue.  Would I have had the courage to go all the way? Without any other word, he left the bed and returned maybe to the kitchen.

When I found myself alone, a million thoughts started to run into my mind. The desire was not all gone it was still there, refusing to disappear.  The fact is that I did not want these feelings to fade away. I kissed a man I don’t even know or see. He claims to be the great conductor and trombonist Miron Hauser but even so, I kissed him. And he kissed me back.

I think I stayed for a couple of minutes trying to understand what just happened, looking into the ceiling. Suddenly I remembered something, or someone. I tried again to get up on my feet this time being a little easier. I reached my chair and went downstairs. I was right, Miron was in the kitchen.

-          Sarah Johnson!

I heard him dropping the cup of coffee form his hand. Luckily it did not break.

-          I am sorry it wasn’t my intention to scare you.

-          It’s ok. Who is Sarah Johnson?

-          My best friend. I remembered my best friend!

Like that kiss never happened, Miron came right straight to me, embracing me. I was surprised to smile, but my body was still under his spell. It was still responding to his touch even though it was innocent. It was just a friendly hug.

-          I am so happy for you! Can you remember more about this Sarah Johnson?

-          I think I can. She was the marketing director in the company. A very talented woman. I used to admire her for her strength and determination. I wonder if she is looking for me.

-          If you want me to investigate, just ask! This is an important piece of the puzzle of what your life meant before all of this.

-          You would do that for me?

-          You can’t imagine all the things I would do for you.

Even he said it in a low voice I could still make out the meaning of his words. They had the power to remain imprinted deep into my mind. But I decided not to talk about this. It was not the place or the time.

-          I appreciate this, really!

-          So, this is all you remember? Her name and her job.

-          Yes.

-          It is more than enough. I shall get back to you when I have new info, ok?

-          Ok.

-          Miss Rita?

-          Yes…

-          There is one more week until the event we are invited to. I would have asked Annabelle to this this, but she kind of disappeared.

-          Ask what Mr Hauser?

It has been a moment of intense silence when instead of calling him Miron I used the formal name.  I guess he got over it by the way he answered.

-          We should get you a dress!

He was so direct that I had no time to react.

-          Giving that Annabelle is not here, and this is urgent and by the fact I cannot leave you alone to do it, I shall accompany you to the store and help you pick one!

I must have remained motionless and breathless. It is a lot to take in him wanting to come with me doing all that. After all it kind of is an intimate thing to do. These situations are specific to couples in love. And we are far from that are we?

-          I need you to tell me your size, what colour do you like and if it has to be long or short?

-          Sure…

-          If I take one look at you I would say medium size, long red dress. Am I close?

-          You are too close…

O my God, this man knows me like we’ve been living together as in, forever.

-          Then medium sized, long red dress it is!

Miron’s story

It happens to be a dream come true going with Miss Rita shopping and then for a cup of coffee. She doesn’t know it yet about the coffee. I started to have all sort of excuses to be alone with her, watching her do normal things, like brushing her long red hair or just staying with her at the table in the morning serving breakfast. Me, who quickly grabs something and storms out the door to the recording studio now I take my time to have a decent morning meal with her, the woman that changed my way of seeing simple things, even a breakfast.

Today is going to be a busy day. I don’t have other plans so I will spend it all with her.  I make my way to her room and knock slightly. A soft voice comes from inside.

-          Come in!

-          Miss Rita?

-          Yes…

-          Do you think you can be ready in fifteen minutes?

-          Of course.

-          One more thing…

-          Yes please!

-          Are you afraid of powerful bikes?

-          As in motorbike?

-          Exactly!

I could see her eyes going from surprise to wonder. She didn’t expect it because she did not know what to say. That is when it hit me.

-          Are you afraid of speed?

-          I don’t quite remember but I guess I am. I feel a little nervous with all this.

-          You don’t have to, I will be on that motorbike too, you know?

I managed to snatch a smile from her. That was the whole idea.

-          Ok, come for me in ten.

-          Done!

I left her, closing the door. I was thinking that it was another opportunity to spend time alone with her. These ten minutes passed so quickly and I found myself again knocking at the door. The same voice greeted me.

-          It’s open!

The first thing I saw once I stepped inside was her perfect silhouette into a nice green casual outfit completed with white sneakers. I trace the line of her body up to her face. A ponytail frames her look with perfect features. A few strains were coming out caressing her cheeks. They made me want to remove them hiding them behind her ears. I snapped out of it and focus on what is important to her, getting over her fear of speed.

-          Are you ready Miss Rita?

-          I am, just give me a minute.

-          Ok.

I watched her wear her earrings so delicately that I followed every single finger doing it. It was like a sweet painful torture. It was like wanting those fingers make their way freely on my body, feeling them doing inappropriate and forbidden things.

She then turned using her hands to push the wheelchair. Even this normal action of her is so sexy that I just can look the other way. I felt like my gaze was helping her gain confidence and pass through every obstacle. It was hard for her at the beginning but in time she learned to deal with her condition and do something about it. Miss Rita made a lot of progress and I am sure she will not stop here.

-          Let me help you, please!

-          Be my guest.

I place myself behind the chair and push it out the bedroom door.

-          Miron?

-          Yes…

-          You know that you have to provide me another kind of help in the dress store?

-          Well, I guess I am.

-          I am not kidding. In the dressing room, you have to be there.

My playful smile suddenly disappeared. She has a point. She can’t be alone there she cannot handle the dress.

-          How much help you actually need?

I just love her laugh. Because when she heard my insinuation she did laugh with her whole being.

-          Oh, Miron, don’t go there! That was not what I meant and you know it very well.

-          Then what did you mean Miss Rita?

-          Only to help me stand up so I can see myself in the mirror, as much as I can…

Once she said that sadness and uneasiness spread over her beautiful green eyes. Now I wish I could take it all back. But what has been said remains said, so the last thing I have left to do is to take away her worries somehow. So I went around the chair and stopped right in front of her taking her hands in mine.

-          I am sorry! It was not my intention to…

-          It is ok, don’t worry. You could say that I got used to it by now but…

With all the intention in the world, I place a small kiss on her hands and then coming closer to her, another one on her lips.

-          Let us go!

I decided in an instant to leave the room. One more minute longer and I don’t know what could have happened.  The last thing I want is for her to think that all I am doing for her is for mercy.

The hard part was about to start.

-          Wait for me here, I am going to take out the motorbike.

-          All right…

I could sense the anxiety in her voice. She sat in her chair waiting anxiously for all this to be over. I came closer and lean over her.

-          Please trust me on this ok?

-          I am trying, I really am…

-          I know you are scared and maybe this is the first time you experience something like this. But I assure you that you are safe with me.

I gained a little her confidence so in the next five minutes the motorbike was out. I only had to place her safe behind me.

-          It’s time Miss Rita!

I took her in my arms and put aside the wheelchair. It was like a gesture of freedom. It has been a while since I carried her in my arms. I forgot how little she weighs. As light as a feather from the wing of an angel.

-          You have to hold me tight and whatever you do don’t let go, ok?

-          Ok…

-          I will put you your helmet now.

Carefully I placed her helmet.

-          You look nice, you know?

-          Don’t make fun of me, please!

-          I am not! Really you look really nice.

-          I will take your word for that.

-          Ready?

-          No…

As I started the engine Miss Rita embraced me so hard that it got me wondering from where al that strength?

-          Easy now!

-          I am so sorry, I just…

-          It’s no problem, just hold on tight.

By the time the motorbike started moving Miss Rita was yelling like a little girl playing into an amusement park. She made me smile widely. It’s been a long time since I’ve done this. All the way to the store was like that. Miss Rita was enjoying herself but with a mix of fear. Every time I took a turn she was pushing harder into me. In the end she rested her cheek on my back for the rest of the ride.

In about ten minutes, we arrived to the most elegant dress store in town. Miss Rita’s face was priceless when seeing all those gowns. Even if her vision improved a lot, sometimes it was hard for her to adjust to so many colours and shiny fabrics as these gowns. She was happy like a child and I was for her. She was walking slowly but each time more confident. At my arm, we make our way to the entrance of the store. The sales assistant approached us but I was keeping my eyes on Miss Rita.

-         

May I help you sir? Oh, my God isn’t you…?

Only when she realised who I am she turned red like a tomato. This situation made me smile. Silence fell upon all of us until Miss Rita, confused by it, intervened, like wanting to save me.

-          Is everything ok, darling?

My smile widened in an instant. “Quick thinking, Miss Rita!” I turned my gaze towards the sales assistant and now she was watching the floor. She felt embarrassed.

-          Everything is fine my love!

Placing my hand on Rita’s shoulders, I continue to speak.

-          And yes I am!

-          I am sorry sir! Could you give me an autograph?

-          Of course. Do you have a pen?

-          I will be right back.

She disappeared in the back of the store and took one of my CD’s and a pen. She really was a fan.

-          Here you are, and thank you Mr Hauser.

-          You are very welcome Miss…

-          Wilson, Anna Wilson sir.

-          Ok, Miss Wilson. Now the reason why we are here is that my lady needs a gown. An elegant, long, red, medium size one. Can you help us?

-          Oh, yes, of course…

When we remained alone I leaned over her chair frame her with my arms and look deep into those almost healed eyes.  She was also smiling.

-          I hope you are not upset with me.

-          Why would I be?

-          For what I said. I mean, you are a public figure and I just offered some gossip to the press.

-          Don’t worry sunshine the press is not my concern right now.

-          What is your concern then?

-          To find and buy you a beautiful dress that at least would match half of your beauty.

It was the first time I made her a compliment like that. Now was her turn to blush. She was sweet doing it. I kept gaze into her until the sales assistant returned.

-          Mr Hauser, I have found these three. I hope your lady likes them.

-          I am sure she will.

I sensed a trace of jealousy in Miss Wilson’s words but I did not pay attention. Actually, I was being careful about the dresses so I can describe them as best as I could to Miss Rita. I liked one in particular and for sure, I would love to see her in it. It was dreamy, long, red with black in shadow style, so classy, covering just the right shoulder, falling in cascades, breath taking. I really could see her wearing that dress. She would be stunning wearing it.

-          Sunshine, this is the perfect dress!

I could tell from the way she gazed at the gown that she likes it. Even though is hard for her to really see it, she could figure out the shape and the colours and how they were placed on the dress. The excitement that she was feeling was contagious. I couldn’t help but enjoy myself with her.

-          Come on sunshine, let’s try this on! I am dying to see you wearing it.

I don’t even know where this thin line between my feelings and this innocent game we are playing starts and where it ends. I am not sure if it ends. The dressing room is close to us so we head in its direction. With only the dress Miss Rita liked, she entered the small space with mirror.

-          Miron, when I’m done dressing I will call you to help me out, ok?

-          Ok sunshine! I’ll be outside.

It didn’t last long and a beautiful head appeared behind the curtain. That was my que to go in.  Miss Rita was sitting on the store’s chair almost dressed. I helped her lift the zipper. A hundred chills ran through my body at the touch of her soft back. Goosebumps formed instantly when my fingertips traced the line of her spine up to her neck. I could see I was making her uncomfortable but I kind of like that. After I zipped her, I invited her to lean on me so she can stand. She made a lot of progress so far, she stands more easily.

By the moment she placed herself on her two feet my eyes remained glued on her perfect figure. The gown fell angelically on her hips covering her legs to the ground. Princess like, she turned with my help towards the mirror. Being close she could see the way she looked.

-          You are very beautiful Miss Rita!

-          Thank you, I like the gown. But isn’t it too much? I mean…

-          I know what you mean and the answer is no. It is perfect. As the woman who wears it.

I just finished my statement when Miss Rita turned again, this time to face me. She was so close. A few beats of my joyful heart went a little crazy. Her blushing was so sweet and innocent and for a moment, I stared into her eyes. The tension between us was so thick that if you want you can touch it, or even better, breath it. She was definitely an angel descended on earth.

-          This dress is made especially for you, don’t you think?

-          It is really beautiful…

-          You are beautiful sunshine!

My firm position in what I just said embarrassed her. Her reaction was so naturally sweet as if she had never received such compliments in her life before. With no warning Miss Rita put all of her weight on me, lowering her look. My first reaction was to raise her chin to face me. She did not resist on me. My heart melts a little when she was trying to figure out how a look. I mean she must have known my appearance but this time was different. She was gazing so hard and so deep that I could feel her uneasiness towards me. Or maybe she was trying to proof herself that I am not Miron Hauser.

-          We should go Miss Rita!

-          Yes, we should…

-         

Let me pay for the dress and we leave.

I left the dressing room right to the sales assistant. That girl was still all over me. I paid quickly the gown and went back to the only woman who exists for me and   helped her sit back into the wheelchair.

On our way back I was thinking of a formal possibility to tell her that I already invited her on a coffee. She realised that we did not turn for home but to other path unknown to her. Only five minutes passed before we reached out destination. Also I could sense she wanted to ask me.

-          Do you want to tell me something?

Rita’s story

-          As a matter of fact I do want to ask you where are we?

-          Miss Rita, we are at the most elegant coffee shop in town.

-          And what are we doing here? I mean I can be a very difficult partner. With all my seeing…

-          Nonsense dear! All you have to do is follow my lead and never let go of my hand. Do we have a deal?

-          You did not mention that we stop for a coffee.

-          I wanted to be a surprise. If I told you it wouldn’t be a surprise, now would it?

-          Consider me surprised Mr Hauser!

-          Then let’s go inside!

I took his arm with confidence and once I felt his well-shaped biceps I remained silent and on my thoughts. How in the world could I think at something else when my mind wants to explore forbidden sins?

My walking was slow but Miron did not mind. He is so patient with me. Suddenly we stopped. A voice greets us. Ok, maybe just Miron.

-          Welcome Mr Hauser! The same table?

-          Of course, thank you.

-          This way please!

We follow the waiter to his usual table. I feel a little uneasy. I wonder how many ladies he brought here. I might as well ask him. I wait until we are at the table and try to make eye contact.

-          It’s not you first time here…?

-          Is that a question Miss Rita?

“Great! Now he thinks I’m getting into his life! Slow down Rita!”

-          I mean, the waiter knows you?

-          That is another question. You want to know if I’ve been here alone.

I must have blushed like a ripe tomato into the summer sun. My pulse races in waiting for his answer.

-          No!

-          No, what?

-          No, I was not here alone.

I feel like I am running out of air. How can he say that? I guess my mouth was open because it dried out trying to assimilate his answer. With all my last will I managed to mumble a question.

-          What do you mean by that?

-          Well, here is my meeting place.

-          Meeting place?

I don’t know in what moment I started to copy everything he is saying. I feel his perplexed gaze on me but I can’t figure out his grimaces. Because I am sure there are some.

-          Indeed, here I meet my agent, my sponsors and my staff.

-          Your agent, your sponsors and your staff…

-          That is exactly what I said. Don’t tell me…?

-          Don’t tell you what?

At that very moment I was saved by the waiter.

-          Excuse me? What shall I bring you?

There was an awkward silence in which Miron must have signed the waiter that I cannot see properly. He must have looked at me waiting for my answer.

-          Oh, I am sorry…

“I was right!”

-          It is no problem. Miss Rita here wants a cappuccino with lots of cream and for me the usual, please!

-          Yes sir! Coming right back.

Miron leans on the table cupping my hands in his. I realized something was not quite at its place.

-          We need to talk Miss Rita!