Heading For A New Life Page 10

  — Liar! - Dominic shouted, jumping forward so quickly that Chris did not have time to react. A hand flew up, Laura was thrown at a nearby car, someone else's alarm howled hysterically. Chris threw out his fist without thinking, Dominic gave a short hoot, bending in half. Hook to the left - he flew off under the wheels of a nearby Merce, gasping for air with his wide-open mouth. Chris walked over to him, bending down from above, grinning like a wild beast. Dominic froze, looking at him in dismay.

  — Once again, you will approach her - I will kill, - Chris said ominously and quietly, knocking him out with a short blow. Then he turned to Laura, who was standing by the car, sobbing briefly.

  Chris walked up to her, measured her with an attentive look and suddenly pulled her to him, hugging her. And Laura buried herself in him, literally buried her nose, hands, whole body, shaking with a small tremor. Warm, close, pleasant. As with a family.

  For a short moment, Laura really thought that everything would be fine. It's just good and calm and it will always be like this. Chris hugged her tightly, not moving and not even breathing. Clutching at his soft sweater, Laura closed her eyes, breathing rapidly, filling his lungs with the smell of tart eau de toilette and leather. Finally, she carefully drew back, hiding her eyes, stepped back to the car, quickly opened the door and sat inside, carefully avoiding looking at Dominic, who was still unconscious. Chris sat down next to him, started the engine, calmly taxied out of the parking lot, as if nothing had happened at all. All the way Laura was silent, looking at her hands tightly clasped on her knees. She was ashamed, insanely ashamed of the vile scene, for the fact that Chris had witnessed what had once been a part of her daily life. I wanted to erase it from my memory, cover it up, plaster it, so that the ugly cracks that covered her marriage were not visible again under the shiny facade. But besides the shame in my chest, there was a huge gratitude that Chris was there. For the fact that he stood up, even if this is his immediate responsibility. For supporting me later and keeping silent now. I was just silent and was there. It was scary even to imagine what a scandal the meeting with Dom would have ended if it were not for Chris ... Laura shuddered, involuntarily clasping her hands tighter, so that her knuckles turned white. Somewhere inside, the accumulated tension trembled, building, looking for a way out. I was just silent and was there. It was scary even to imagine what a scandal the meeting with Dom would have ended if it were not for Chris ... Laura shuddered, involuntarily clasping her hands tighter, so that her knuckles turned white. Somewhere inside, the accumulated tension trembled, building, looking for a way out. I was just silent and was there. It was scary even to imagine what a scandal the meeting with Dom would have ended if it were not for Chris ... Laura shuddered, involuntarily clasping her hands tighter, so that her knuckles turned white. Somewhere inside, the accumulated tension trembled, building, looking for a way out.

  Chris cast a quick glance at Laura and pursed his lips: she looked completely lost and seemed to have become smaller, huddled in the seat, her head lowered. This contrast between the cocky, annoying bitch and the fragile, frightened woman knocked the ground out from under her feet. As if only now Chris saw the real Laura, and not the image that he used to take on faith. Her husband's words were still ringing in his head, but despite the fact that they confirmed all the assumptions that Chris had built earlier, he did not believe them one iota. Because he felt Laura, felt her despair and fear: real, sincere. And he believed them, not Dominic's accusations.

  Laura got out of the car, involuntarily looking around - for some reason it seemed that Dominic might already be waiting somewhere around the corner, although it was physically impossible. But fear did not let go, primitive, it overwhelmed, forcing him to firmly grasp the bag. In the elevator, she struggled to keep from taking Chris's hand, feeling the confidence emanating from him again. While Chris habitually looked into the bedroom, Laura leaned wearily against the wall, feeling that she simply could not be alone today. The darkness in the corners was frightening, Dominic's face, twisted with anger, still stood before his eyes, his voice sounded in his head.

  — Everything is clear. - Chris walked over and looked closely at Laura. - Tomorrow at seven, as usual?

  — Stay, ”she asked quietly, looking up at him. Chris was silent, carefully examining her, as if he expected to continue or thought that he had heard. - I ... I'm scared to be alone today. Can you stay? There is a soft sofa in the living room.

  — If necessary, - he shrugged his shoulders and suddenly smiled. Fleetingly, almost imperceptibly, but a smile touched the eyes and, it seems, remained there.

  — Thank. Laura suddenly felt insanely tired. But this weariness was

  pleasant, and the feeling of someone else's presence for the first time, it seems, since the moment Laura moved here, made the apartment really cozy.

  Chris went to the window and looked down at the street lit by street lamps. He felt sorry for Laura. The desire to hug him and say that everything would be okay was scary, but right now he realized quite clearly that he would spend the night in the car under her windows to be sure that everything was in order.

  — I have nothing to eat, ”Laura said apologetically, and Chris finally turned around. She managed to change clothes, changing her dress for wide gray pants and a gray T-shirt, again evoking a feeling of unreality of what was happening - a cozy, gentle, homely girl.

  — If you want, order a pizza, ”Laura continued, involuntarily embarrassed by his piercing, unreadable gaze. She absolutely could not understand: does he condemn her? Regrets agreeing to stay? Laura quickly began to make up the sofa, mentally rolling her eyes at the pink beige-checked bedding. For the first time, she felt ashamed of her love for delicate girlish flowers.

  — And you?

  — I'm going to bed. “Laura herself regretted asking him to stay. Awkwardness grew exponentially, making me want to hide in my bedroom as soon as possible.

  — Good night. Chris glanced at the refrigerator. - I'll figure out what's what.

  With a quick nod, Laura darted into the bathroom, soon after the sound of pouring water was heard. Chris chuckled - the situation seemed absurd. Maybe it’s worth reminding her that under the contract, his duties include living in the same territory, if necessary? Nothing personal, just work. But still, something now prevented me from thinking of Laura distantly. The wall with which Chris fenced himself off from her and the short but bright that was between them cracked, and it strained.

  He didn't even budge when the bathroom door opened, pretending to be consumed by the city lights at night. The room for a short moment was filled with a light citrus scent, the bedroom door closed with a soft click, and only then Chris allowed himself to draw in air, filling his lungs to the limit, and exhale slowly, closing his eyes.

  Morning looked into the window like a gray gloom. Clouds rushed swiftly across the sky, in the breaks of which a piercing blue sky flashed. Waking up, out of habit, at five, Chris went out onto a small balcony and closed his eyes, exposing his face to the cool breeze coming from the bay. Now I would drop everything and go out into the ocean, watching the gray water column ignite with sparks under the rare rays of the sun. Catching tuna and drinking cold beer while admiring a beautiful female figure sunbathing ...

  The girl in his dream turned around and winked a cheeky feline look. Chris winced and widened his eyes.

  Laura woke up an hour later, from a smell that had not woken her at home for a very long time. She opened her eyes and for almost a minute tried to figure out where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee came from. Then the coffee maker clicked loudly in the kitchen, forcing him to sit up abruptly on the bed, clutching the blanket in fright. The first thought - Dominic got the keys from somewhere and got into her apartment - was replaced by a relief so deafening that she collapsed back onto the pillow, breathing heavily. The heart was still pounding like a hare. It's definitely time to heal the nerves. A quick glance at the clock - you could still sleep. Or just lie down and think about what happene
d yesterday and why it's so hard to think now

  about Chris as a moral freak and a murderer. Where did the fear go, why was everything she felt

  — the awkwardness of having to appear disheveled?

  Her stomach purred, excited by the pleasant smells, and Laura sat down doomily - it was clearly impossible to sleep. She took a quick glance at the round mirror on the nightstand and tried to comb her hair with her fingers. Then she waved her hand and got out of bed, decisively opening the door. Chris looked up - he was sitting opposite, at the counter that separated the kitchen from the living room, drinking coffee. In her small kitchen, he seemed to take up all the free space. A lock of dark, almost black hair fell over her face, giving a casual, even intimate look. Chris watched warily, expecting her to speak first, but Laura was silent, nervously stroking the doorknob in her hand, which she never let go.

  — Woke up? - He asked calmly, diligently not allowing himself to think about how cozy she looks after sleeping.

  — No, - Laura gave a short smile and hurried to the bathroom. She turned around in the doorway and said: “I haven't drank coffee so early at home in a hundred years.

  — I didn't cook it for you, ”Chris grunted, hearing a snort in return before the bathroom door closed. He frowned: this is all wrong. Friendly warmth is wrong, because it smears the line, breaks the chain of command. It is categorically impossible to let her closer to you than is necessary, simply because then his protection will not cost a cent, because all attention will scatter, crumble, overshadowed by unnecessary emotions. She came out half an hour later, completely putting herself in order, and as if a wall of alienation immediately arose between them, no longer so strong, but still noticeable. Chris pushed the second mug with two fingers, threw briefly:

  — Cool already, - and got up, bypassing Laura.

  She followed his gaze, noting that the bed linen was stacked in a perfect pile, all the folds on the couch were smoothed out, the pillows were in place. Pedant, or decided to show that there is not enough order in her apartment? After swallowing the coffee in two gulps, Laura disappeared into the bedroom to appear soon in a gray trouser suit and pearl silk blouse. The hospital hosted a big press conference today about the separation of Siamese twins, who had one heart for two. They trained with the entire surgical department for more than one week, the operation was scheduled for tomorrow, and today is the last run and interviews for several medical publications. Yesterday I would have been preparing all evening and all night, but everything went wrong, and now Laura frantically flipping through the tablet, running her eyes over her own report on the way to the hospital.

  — What time will you be free? - Laura shuddered, taking her eyes from the text. She didn’t notice that they had already arrived and completely forgot about Chris’s presence. Shaking her head slowly, she replied:

  —Today I will stay in the hospital, tomorrow I will have a serious operation. And even tomorrow I can’t imagine when I’ll be free.

  — I have to go home and change. Chris paused. He added, as if by force: - If you want, I will call Marcus to stay here in my absence.

  — Do not! - Laura hastily responded. - Not really. I don't think he has the audacity or the courage to show up during the day.

  — Okay, ”Chris said reluctantly,“ then promise that you’re not going anywhere in these two hours.

  — Do not start. She grimaced, turned off the tablet, putting it in her bag. - It's full of people, everything will be fine.

  He watched her to the entrance to the hospital, waited until he came in, and only then went home. But all the time that Chris allowed himself to shower, breakfast and change of clothes, he did not stop thinking about Laura and what a person can do, brought to the point. Kill your wife in a fit of jealousy? There were quite a few of them in the prison, but what was there, wasn't he himself ranked among the like? Hammer to death, showing your strength? And there were enough like that. Kidnap to demand ransom? Met. Less common, but met. If earlier Dominic Reeds was for Chris an abstract person from the photograph, now he has come to life and could represent both an annoying hindrance and a real threat.

  When he returned, Helen, the front desk girl, smiled and pointed to the press conference room on the ground floor. Only when he found Laura with his eyes, Chris calmed down, but instead of returning to the hall, to the alley or to the car, as he had been doing all this time, he sank into one of the chairs not far from the stage, to the side, in order to have a good view of those who enter into the hall and behind the stage itself, on which bottles of water were placed. The room gradually filled with people, the buzz grew, and soon the speakers appeared, among whom Chris again saw Laura. She looked confident and completely calm, and he was once again surprised at how cleverly her masks were changing. Which one is the real Laura?

  The lights in the hall went out for a while, the panoramic windows closed the dark blinds, and slides began to flash behind the speakers - photographs of girls that Chris would rather not look at at all. But soon he himself did not notice how he began to listen to Laura, who spoke in detail and clearly about what they were planning to do and how the operation would take place. It looked like a miracle. Or a very big call from several extremely self-confident doctors. When it became light again, a hail of questions fell upon them, and only an hour later did the journalists begin to leave. Some were going to be on duty at the hospital for the next few days. The rest were planning to return in a week to make sure their rehabilitation was going well.

  Chris stood off to the side, watching Laura eagerly discuss a future operation with two male colleagues. She literally shone, answering or asking something with a laugh, occasionally touching the forearm of a tall blond, and then turning to the dark-skinned brunette, playfully slapping him on the shoulder. Was Dominic wrong about her? Chris frowned, a dull irritation stirring inside him.

  — How do you like the press conference?

  Emma walked up unnoticed, touched her shoulder, drawing attention.

  — You know, if they succeed, this operation will thunder the whole world!

  — Sure, ”Chris muttered as he watched the brunette nod and climb up the stairs, while Laura and the blonde disappeared behind the double doors leading to the stairs.

  — How about lunch? - Emma reminded of herself again. - Today is a Hungarian day in the canteen, our chefs always do great goulash.

  — I will definitely come. A little bit later. Sorry.

  This is a simple concern. We need to find out if everything is in order, to check if something threatens her ... Nonsense! Chris himself could not explain the reason for rushing to the door, for

  which Laura disappeared, skirting around the people gathered in the hall after the conference. Just make sure ... What? Pulling the flaps towards himself, he immediately saw her standing opposite the blonde. She was holding onto the railing, as if she was about to rise, and he was explaining something to her inconsistently, so emotionally that he even blushed.

  — Sorry to interfere, ”Chris said evenly in response to the glances at him.

  — It's okay, I'm already leaving, ”the doctor replied, looking intently at Laura again. And he added: - Think carefully. My method is much better than Koster's suggestion.

  Laura did not answer, but after waiting for the steps above to subside, she turned sharply, pressing her lips tightly together. The wings of his nose were still fluttering, his eyes were flashing lightning, and crimson spots glowed on his cheeks.

  — What are you doing here?

  — I check to see if everything is in order - the irritation and the indistinct feeling that they had brought him here stirred up cloudy in my soul. - This is my job, have you forgotten?

  — We agreed long ago that you don't run after me around the hospital! After all, can I have some personal space?

  — I do not claim it! Chris threw up his hands. - But after yesterday ...

  — You know, I already regret that you were with me yesterday. I would have done a great job
myself! Will you keep reminding me of this now, macho man? The great hero protected the girl! Do you want to give a medal?

  — I'm doing my job, have you forgotten?

  — Do it outside the hospital, there is someone to take care of me!

  — For some reason I don't even doubt it! Chris looked up, hinting at the departed doctor.

  — And that's none of your business! - Laura was indignant, going down the stairs and coming almost right up. Looking up at him, she said, “I didn't ask Dad to hire you. I don't need you.

  — If it were my will, I would not be here long ago, '' he said in a quiet, ominous voice

  is he.

  Laura looked straight into dark, almost black eyes and felt herself being pulled into

  them, as if into the Black Hole. The heart, which had been beating like a madman before, suddenly froze, lost its rhythm for a short moment and promptly fell into the abyss. He stood so close that their breath mixed. Heavy, torn - hers, slow, even - his, it flew from half-open lips, forcing the air between them to rapidly thicken. Laura involuntarily turned her gaze to his lips, and the memory immediately, without asking, exploded into pictures: wild, unbridled, short and greedy kisses, after which he wants more, more often, faster ... Chris thought - he forgot how breathe. The feline, unrealistic eyes looked demandingly, defiantly, but Laura was silent, slowly answering, driving away or taking a step back. Her pupils throbbed wildly, almost completely hiding a bright green iris, hypnotizing, forcing me to forget about everything that is happening around. He heard her breathing heavily, felt a faint citrus scent and heat radiating from her body. Laura slowly lowered her eyes to his lips, and Chris was completely confused - all thoughts are instantly

  ended, swept away by one, obsessive to the pulling pain in the chest - to touch her.