Protected By His Shadow

Chapter One

Izabella woke from the break of daylight somewhat startled and feeling a little melancholy, unable to return to her normal state; she got dressed and went downstairs to make her morning tea. She fidgeted around with household chores while her thoughts rendered towards him. Not knowing where he was or who he was with only made her mind and body ache as she became more slumber. It’s been three days, he said he would call.

Unable to clear her mind and her thoughts of their last encounter she sits at her kitchen table and peers out into the cold winter scenery. The habitual misery haunted her which gave her a sudden urge to get away, to pick up and move her life to Minot or somewhere just as far. As she settles into the days treachery the phone rings ……

With a private number displayed on her caller ID she decides to answer it. After greeting the unknown caller, she hears a familiar voice as excitement tears through her. It was him, Nicholas; he called as promised. He extends his apologies and explains how consuming his job has been and offers her a proposition for a Valentines weekend get-away.

Overwhelmed by the personification of the realism she stutters her words and fights to take a breath in order to recompose herself. She accepts his invitation and squeals as she hangs up the receiver.

Blinking back the unsettled emotions of her morning she runs upstairs with only an hour to get ready for their weekend excursion. With very little thought as to what she would wear and where he would take her; she jumped in the shower then quickly packed a bag for a trip with an unknown itinerary. Excitement shot through her like a bolt of lightning. Exactly one hour later she was completely ecstatic and waiting with her suitcase at the front door. She saw him pull up in the driveway and waited for him to come to the door as she placed all her trust in him.

He appeared at the door moments later with his full height of 6 feet and was drop dead gorgeous. He had dark hair with deep hazel eyes and high cheek bones, the ruggedness of his scruffy look compelled her as he rubbed his whiskers across her cheek when he bent down to kiss her.

With a gentle rub against her lower back he asked if she was ready. He grabbed her suitcase and escorted her to the car. He opened her door and ensured she was comfortable in her seat then placed her suitcase in the trunk and slid in the driver’s seat beside her.

As she asked where they were going he placed his fingers gently against her lips to silence her. He glanced at her and said “it’s not the destination that makes the trip worthwhile but the travel itself is what makes a great journey”.

As they hit the highway and headed west she started fumbling with her clothes as she was nervous and didn’t know what to do with her hands. He gently reached over and caressed his hand over hers and held it to reassure her that everything was ok. She began to feel safe with him and wondered where this journey would lead them.

As they continued to drive down the long narrow highway surrounded by mountains, she was at awe with the beautiful scenery that unfolded as they rounded each corner. With soft music playing in the background and the sunroof open, she leaned her head back against the seat and soaked in the fresh air and absorbed the warm heat from the sun. After an hour of pure relaxation in the car he smiled over at her. “Almost there Bella hope you’re enjoying the ride”.

She smiled back at him. “You haven’t called me that in such a long time Niko.” He winked at her and soothed his thumb over her left hand. “Nothing could be more beautiful than the mountains on a warm winter day; it’s so breathtaking isn’t it?”

“Yes, it really is. Well, what do you say we get settled in our hotel room then go relax for a while in the Jacuzzi? You did bring a bathing suit with you right?”

“Of course I did, it was the first thing I packed. I figured I better be prepared for just about anything when I’m with you. You’re so full of surprises.”

“And you love the excitement as well as the adventure that I take you on.” As she smiled he could see that she was a little flush in her checks and he knew that she agreed.

Upon their arrival, he checked them in and they both got settled in their room. They put on their bathing suits and headed down to the Jacuzzi pool to unwind for a little while. Once inside the pool area they realized they had the pool to themselves. He waved his hand in the direction of the stairs. “After you, sweetheart.”

She slowly entered the pool swarming with heat and bubbles that surrounded her. With his hand on the lower part of her back he followed in behind her. As they took a seat along the side of the pool they gazed into each other’s eyes and were both stricken by the heat they felt between them.

She sat beside him with her head resting on his shoulder and took in the aroma of his scent. She sat still for quite a while but could no longer resist, his scent was intoxicating; she needed to be closer, to touch him, to feel him.

She shifted a little until she was kneeling directly in front of him. She placed her hand on his knee and began caressing her way upward and through the leg of his bathing suit shorts. He startled a bit as she surprised him with her sudden maneuvering.