Lean-SDreamsShattered DreamsLinde LeanMidnight ShowcaseCopyright © 2009 by authorErotica/Romance. 53509 words long. enNoveltext/xmlErotica/Romance

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Shattered Dreams
by Linde Lean
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Erotica/Romance

Midnight Showcase
www.midnightshowcase.com

Copyright ©2009 by author

NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

* * * *

Midnight Showcase Fiction Presents

ISSN 1555-5488 Vol.99-88SE

Shattered Dreams

Linde Lean

Midnight Showcase Fiction

www.midnightshowcase.com

Published by

Midnight Showcase Fiction

PO Box 300491

Houston, TX 77230 USA

www.midnightshowcase.com

Shattered Dreams, Linde Lean Copyright © 2009

Names, characters, and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

ISSN 1555-5488 Vol.99-88SE

Credits

Editor: Mae Powers, Wendy Mackrell

Copy Editor: Mae Powers, Fiona Kane

Format Editors: Mae Powers

Cover Artist: Mae Powers

Printed in the United States of America

Shattered Dreams

by Linde Lean

Jenny, a lovely, but long-ago orphaned young woman, comes to work for Ryan, an affluent and handsome Property developer who requires her services mostly at night, as a companion to his two year old son. Both fight their growing attraction to each other. Before they are able to resolve issues that arise between them, Ryan's son and Jenny are kidnapped.

Learning that he thought she might be an accomplice, Jenny becomes bitter and very hurt. Ryan realizes how he let her down, and sets out to prove his love for her. These two estranged lovers must overcome personal and outside obstacles in order to find true love, before both their lives turn into Shattered Dreams.

Shattered Dreams

by Linde Lean

Chapter One

“Come in, Miss. Smith, don't hover.”

Jenny lifted her eyes to meet those of her prospective employer. Her breath caught in her chest at the full impact of his striking emerald eyes.

As he raised himself from the chair, in conventional courtesy, Jenny noticed his casual dress. Faded blue denim pants and a white cotton shirt, unbuttoned to mid-chest, very sexy.

Jenny entered the study and sat down on the edge of the brown leather armchair. If she sat back properly, her feet would not reach the floor. She already felt nervous, and at a disadvantage, she did not want him to look at her and think she was too young. She needed this job.

“Miss Smith, let's get down to the practicalities. I don't believe that this position will suit you.” His businesslike tone did not distract from the attractive huskiness of his voice. “The position is for a nanny for my son, as you know. But you may be unaware that the position requires that you reside on the premises and that the working hours are from five in the evening, till quite late.”

Jenny felt the disappointment acutely. She'd not anticipated that within seconds of the interview, without having uttered a word, she would be found unsuitable for the position. But she intended to try her hardest to change his opinion.

“That's exactly what suits me about this position.” Seeing the enquiring curve to his brow, Jenny straightened her posture even further, and gave him a direct gaze. “I received a bursary from the Cape Town University, to study Child Psychology. I require a position that would enable me to go to the University during the day and afford me the opportunity to study in a quiet environment when I'm not on duty.”

Lifting a file from the desk, he quickly scanned it, then pinned her with a direct look. “Where are you living now?”

“On the premises of the nightclub I currently work in.”

“I see. You don't like the job?”

“No, hostessing is not my scene. Also study is almost impossible and the money pitiable.”

“Hmm...” He flipped the file open again with understated casualness.

Jenny hoped he wouldn't hold her job against her. She'd been compelled to find work and leave the orphanage when she completed her school year, two years ago.

He raised his hand to his jaw and ran an index finger over a stubble chin.

“When my PA invited you for the interview, you were advised that I require you to spend the weekend here, so that I can see how you interact with my son.”

“Yes,” Lifting her backpack from the floor, she indicated it, “I brought my things with. It's just for tonight and tomorrow, am I correct, I'm to leave Sunday morning?”

“Correct. Well, Miss Smith, let me show you to your room.” He stood up.

“I'm sure the accommodation will be more than adequate,” she advised. “I'd prefer to meet Andy first, if you don't mind?”

The smile he gave dazzled her and feeling flustered she stood up, and walked toward the door.

As he allowed her to precede him through the study door, Ryan's hand briefly touched her waist as he guided her out. Today, for some reason, the nervous butterflies, which normally settled in the pit of her stomach, bounded in her heart to settle low in her abdomen, causing an unfamiliar tingle.

They headed towards the imposing stairway and as they ascended the stairs Ryan maintained his position just behind Jenny. Even with him a few steps behind and lower than her, Ryan still dwarfed her five foot two frame. When they reached the landing, he placed his hand on her elbow, a thrilling vizier ran through her body. Lifting her head, she noticed a hint of a smile play around his mouth, he was amused. Had he guessed her reaction to him? Well if he had, he knew more than her, as her feelings felt new and confusing to her.

This home was far more opulent than any she'd ever seen. Her childhood was less than perfect. She was left at an orphanage, in the Cape Flats, as a baby. Now was her chance to make something of herself and getting this job was the first step.

Ryan lightly tapped on the door, and opened it. As he entered Jenny heard a squeal of utter delight. “Daddy!”

Entering behind Ryan, Jenny was just in time to see a little body came hurtling towards Ryan, whom quickly and adeptly caught the hurtling form, and with one fluid movement swung the little body, high up into the air.

Jenny stood transfixed at the door, as the little boy, swung his arms out wide, making a noise like an airplane, as his father twirled him around in the air, his body almost touching the high ceiling. This was obviously, a well-established ritual.

When Ryan brought Andy down, holding him in his strong arms, against his broad chest, his son eagerly gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Ryan indulgently smiled at his son, whose delighted face was a mirror image of his own, with the same black hair and emerald eyes.

The younger member of the family features, also hinted at, and promised the same strong features and strength of character, as the older one. Jenny could see Andy's obvious pleasure at seeing his Dad.

“I've a surprise for you....”

“What Daddy? What?”

His little body, bobbed up and down with excitement, in Ryan's arms.

Turning towards Jenny, Ryan informally introduced her. “This is Jenny. She's coming to stay with us for a few days.”

Andy was just as self-assured, as his father. Without displaying any shyness or wariness to a stranger, he spontaneously turned to her. “Hello Jenny.”

Coming out of her startled position, Jenny moved forward to take the little hand that was being held out to her. This greeting between father and son fascinated her, as she had never experienced the closeness of a family.

Ryan picked up on her stunned expression and his own softened as he looked at her.

“Hello, Andy,” Jenny smiled at him.

Looking around his room she noticed the comfortable wood furniture, the room was decorated in all the primary colours. Obviously no expense had been spared in the decoration of the large room. As she looked over the books and toys, her gaze rested on the inter-leading door.

“That door goes through to my room.” Ryan advised her.

Not looking at him, she slightly inclined her head in acknowledgement. Just then a plump, lady, with a friendly smile entered the room via the main bedroom door. Her grey-hair was bundled up into a serviceable bun, and she was dressed in functional clothing.

“Good afternoon, Ryan, sorry I wasn't here, but I quickly went to see Agnes in the kitchen, our little Sir here informs me that, as it's Friday, he would like pizza for supper tonight.”

“No problem, Anna. I was just introducing Andy to Jenny.”

“Anna is our housekeeper, but when Andy was born she also kindly stepped in as honorary mother.”

Jenny moved forward and clasped Anna's hand in greeting.

“I'm pleased to meet you, Ms...?”

“Please call me Anna, we're not too formal now, are we Ryan?”

“Well considering you raised us, I don't think we could be, Anna. You've seen us at our best and at our worst.” Ryan replied. “Well Andy, let's show Jenny her room, shall we...”

Jenny followed them, expecting to be directed downstairs, but instead Ryan opened the door across the hallway directly opposite Andy's room.

As she stepped into the room, she tried to stifle a gasp. The bedroom was just as large as Andy's, but here the similarities ended, she walked in gob-smacked. Surely this cannot be right? She'd visualized a neat, small room, something similar to what she had at the orphanage.

Jenny's surprise and pleasure filtered across her face, and Ryan watched as she traced her hand over the luxurious cream bedcover and felt an inexplicable pleasure in her delight. Her expressive eyes widened, when she entered the en-suite bathroom.

She twirled around taking in the large bath and shower and the marble vanity table, with the large mirror above it, which covered the entire wall from basin to ceiling. The mirror reflected back, the expanse of cream marble tiles.

“Mr. Barnard, this is very lovely, thank you, but I don't expect to have a guestroom, for my stay here this weekend. Please show me the room I would be expected to use, if I'm successful in getting the position.” Jenny headed for the bedroom door.

“This is your room, Jenny. And please call me Ryan, as Anna said, we're not too formal.”

“Mister ... I mean, Ryan,” His name came out in a hushed tone. “Surely, you do not mean for me to have this room?”

“Not good enough for you Miss. Smith?”

Coming up short and apprehensive in case she may have offended him, she quickly added, “Yes. No, I mean ... Mr. Barnard ... Ryan. This room is absolutely stunning, but you cannot mean for me to have it?”

“Aaa, Miss Smith, I am afraid you will have to make do with this room. All the other rooms are like it. I am sorry to say we do not have anything more ‘adequate’ for you.”

Jenny looked up, into his smiling eyes, and realized he teased her. She exhaled in relief.

“Jenny, this would be your room. You need to be close by, for Andy. When I'm home, I open the connecting door for him. If he wakes he comes to me. But if the door is closed, he'll know to go to you. I don't want him searching this huge house for you. Alright.”

Though a rhetorical question, how could it not be ‘alright'? It was more than alright it was wonderful! “That would be fine.” She didn't want to gush like a child on Christmas morning, even if she felt that way. But to go back to her little bed-sit after this was going to be quite an adjustment even after just two nights here. But she would make the most of it that's for sure. Taking a bath in that big tub was first on her list.

These few days at this lovely home was something she never wanted to forget. If she left here on Sunday knowing she would never see this house, or this lovely little boy and his handsome father ever again, so be it.

These memories she intended to take out and enjoy forever, unlike the others. Jenny would be herself over the weekend and hoped that was good enough.

“I'll leave the two of you to get acquainted. I'm in my study if you need me.” Ryan left the room seeming impatient to make small talk now that the formalities were over.

Jenny was quite happy to have Andy's company. He sat on her king-size bed and asked.

“Where are all your things?”

Jenny indicated her backpack.

Andy's eye grew huge, and he fell back onto the bed giggling.

“What is so amusing young man?” Jenny enquired playfully tongue in cheek.

“All the ladies that come here have bags and bags, Dad always grumbles when he sees the load.” Andy informed her “How come you need just one bag?”

Jenny smiled “For now, just for the weekend.” But could not help but spend a moment wondering about the lady guests who usually came to visit with ‘bag and bags.'

Would she get to meet any of them, perhaps this weekend or sometime in the future? That was to say if she did get to stay.

She took out her few articles of clothing and hung them in the cupboard, which took up an entire wall! Lifting Andy off the bed, she took him with her to the bathroom and placed her few toiletries in the vanity drawer. As Jenny surveyed everything with keen interest, Andy enquired.

“Are you looking for something, ‘cause I can help...?”

Jenny went down on her haunches and placed her hands lightly on his tiny shoulders.

“You have a very lovely home Andy, and my home is not as nice as this. So I'm admiring all the nice stuff.” Though he was only a toddler she intended to keep an honest relationship with him.

In naïve honesty he admitted. “My house is the bestest. Uncle Mike's house is not as big as mine. Daddy says it's cause we live in the Family home.

“You are indeed a lucky boy to live in such a grand place.” Jenny replied with a smile at the proud set of his shoulders.

“Gramps and Nana used to live here once, but that was before I was born. They left then, and now they are tired.”

“Retired.” Jenny corrected. “Most people when they get married want to live in their home without other family, though there are families who do share.”

Andy appeared happy with her reply so Jenny did not pursue the subject further. There was more than enough time to teach him about social difference and social responsibilities.

“Come take my hand, and then you can be my guide and show me your home.”

Just then a though struck her.

“Oh by the way, you may come into my room whenever you want.”

“My Daddy only let's me into his room without knocking when his door is open.”

“Yes it is always polite to knock,” Jenny enforced.

“Dad says it's cou'se he must be decent.”

“Oh, well being a little boy, it’ shouldn't embarrass your Daddy if you forgot.”

Andy gave a delightful giggle again, “My Daddy's not shy of me. I see him naked lots of times!”

Wow, now that conjured up some visions of her boss. Jenny smiled, yes, out of the mouths of babes. Jenny wondered if these rules were his father's way of teaching Andy proper etiquette or whether it was as Ryan entertained his lady friends at home?

Jenny shrugged and returned her attention to Andy again. That was none of her business, and of no interest to her, though a niggling voice mocked her, liar!

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter Two

When Ryan left Andy with Jenny he decided to give his friend Paul a call. He wanted to discuss the investigative work Paul's Company did on Jenny for him.

While waiting for Paul's secretary to connect him, Ryan, poured himself a drink. Just then Paul came on the phone.

“Hi Ryan, pleased to hear from you. What can I do for you?”

Ryan cut to the chase.

“Paul, I'm most disappointed in the work your company did for me on Jenny Smith.

“Ryan, I personally checked everything myself, as I always do when we do something for you or your family. So what's the problem?”

“Well if you checked the information, you would've known the report does not state that Miss Smith works at a nightclub, now does it? Do you think a twenty year old nightclub employee is a suitable companion to my son?” Ryan sat at his desk, facing the large glass doors of his study which opened out to the garden and terrace. He swirled the whisky and ice around in the heavy crystal glass, waiting for Paul's reply.

“Hang on there Ryan. You make it sound as if I've sent you a junky call girl!”

“Well haven't you? How the hell would I know? Your investigators might've left that out as well” Ryan's instincts told him otherwise. If he'd really thought this, that young lady would never have met his son. Nor would she still be in his house. But something drove him to dig for dirt. Anything that could justify sending her away on Sunday. Ryan felt surprised at his sensory awareness of her. A feeling he had not experienced so instantaneously with a woman in years.

Even though Jenny was a tad naïve, and not his usual taste in women, she was a threat to his senses and he would be a fool to try to deny it. Ryan preferred woman who were mature and knew how the game was played. Not every liaison was intended to be a relationship. Sometimes it was just what it was, a need for company and pleasurable physical release. So it would be for the best, if he came up with a legitimate reason to justify to himself, why he should not give her the position, other than because of his instant physical reaction to her.

“Ryan, I just knew if I put where she worked in the report, this would be your reaction and you wouldn't even give the girl a chance at an interview.”

“So, what makes her so special you wanted me to interview her? You tell me?”

“Not special, Ryan, she just needs a break. She has no one to fall back on. When she left the orphanage she could've succeeded in getting a different job. Maybe as a waitress at a fast food outlet or family restaurant.”

Ryan interrupted him. “Well then, why didn't she? Who chooses to serve drinks to a lot of drunk men, till 4am in the morning?”

“Ryan, man, this is not like you, think about it! She has no family, and she had to leave the only home she knew. Her main problem is accommodation. You know how expensive accommodation is in the city. The bursary does not cover all her university costs, only the tuition. So she had to find a job that gave her a place to stay. Other kids go home to their parents, where is she supposed to go?”

Sighing, Ryan had to concur.

“I knew once you met her, you would see she is fine. I assure you, she's clean. No drugs, I promise you, my friend, despite the fact that the orphanage she grew up in is situated in a dicey area.” Paul firmly stated.

“Okay, thanks, Paul. I just wanted to make sure. She is here at the moment. I'll make up my mind on Sunday, cheers.”

As Ryan sat looking out of the open door, he saw Jenny and his son in the garden. Andy carried his favorite brown teddy, and Jenny solemnly followed him, giving him the lead to pick out their picnic spot. Over her arm she carried a picnic blanket and balanced in her hands were two large plain carton pizza boxes. Over her shoulder a carrier which probably held cold drinks.

Andy, on finding his favorite spot, under a big tree, sat down and clapped his hands in anticipation of the pizzas.

Ryan could not hear what was being said, but she obviously told his son he would have to work for his food as she quickly had him helping her lay down the blanket and arranging the pizzas and cool drinks. They did not have any crockery or cutlery, just a whole wad of papers serviettes.

Ryan stretch out his hand and hit the speed redial, the phone on speaker, he waited. His attention still on the pair outside.

“Paul, Please.” Ryan informed Paul's secretary again.

“What now Ryan?” Paul's tone indicated that he'd not expected another call from Ryan this soon.

“Paul, don't give me flak, I just wanted to know if you did a background check on the people and families she stayed with. Perhaps something came up there too, that you did not put in the report!” Ryan's voice, though having a natural huskiness to it, still conveyed his authority.

“Ryan you're not going to let up, now are you, I'm always going to hear about this ‘slip up’ hey! She's never gone into foster care, nor has anyone ever attempted to adopt her. The only family she knows is that institution, Ryan.”

“Hmm is that what motivated your empathy, am I taking on charity cases now?”

“This young woman has grit. I reckoned that if there was anyone who could use a break it was Jenny. I also thought if anyone could recognize her hard as nails work ethic, it would be you. But perhaps I was mistaken?”

“Man, don't try to appeal to my better side, I am all business and you know that. If she's as squeaky clean as you paint her, then tell me why she's never been given a break by the authorities to find her a suitable home?”

“Ryan, I carefully checked that out myself. The realities of life are that affluent people do not adopt from that area, and the families who do, are not well off. Most prefer to foster children, the purpose to get the child grants, rather than the children. People are afraid to take a child whose family history is unknown, in case of any hereditary medical problems that could exist.” Paul informed Ryan.

“Mmmh, yes well, thanks that is all for now, oh, and by the way have you found anything on Derrick yet?” Ryan took another sip from his drink.

“No, nothing more. There is very little information on that man going round. But I'll keep on digging. It's a pity you employed him without a thorough check?”

“You were out of the country and I needed to replace Joe, quickly when he left.”

“Ryan, your instincts rarely let you down. I would go with them if I were you and get rid of him.”

“Paul I wish it was that easy. But an employer these days cannot just hire and fire without good reason, or without going through the proper procedures, with appropriate warnings and disciplinary hearings. This chap thus far has kept his nose clean. There is nothing, yet, other than a disquiet that I feel.” “A good thing you did not put him on the night shift. Dave is your best guy on that shift, okay?”

“Yes, thanks for the chat, but keep digging.”

“Will do, Ryan. And give Jenny a fair chance, don't judge her on a background she had no control over. You have the whole weekend to see what your instincts say about her.”

“Sure. Bye.” Ryan knew Paul was right. Freezing her out because he felt attracted to her was not fair. He'd just have to control himself and judge her on her merits and how Andy reacted to her.” Eager to join the young duo outside, Ryan placed his empty glass on his desk and headed out via the study glass doors.

On his approach he saw Jenny's easy manner with his son. Andy had finished his meal his mouth was stained by the juice he had and he was comfortably laying with his head on her upper thigh. Jenny was evidently savouring every bite of her pizza.

He'd almost reached her before Jenny became aware of him.

She smiled in acknowledgement in her reserved way, which he was getting use to. Then as she wiped her sensual full lips, he had to force himself to focus on Andy instead.

“Hi, is this your supper young man?” Ryan enquired from his son, who still lay so contently on Jenny's leg.

“Daddy, Agnes makes the best pizza ever.”

“She certainly does my boy and from the looks of Jenny she thinks so too.”

Jenny, who had just taken another bite from her pizza, could only nod her head vigorously in agreement.

Ryan sat down on the blanket and leant back against the old tree trunk. He raised one knee and rested his arm on it, then proceeded to study her.

Jenny noticed his intense scrutiny and felt the return of those earlier nervous flutters. She couldn't prevent the laugh that bubbled up and she quickly commented.

“I've just never had authentic pizza before; I'm used to the frozen variety.”

“Didn't you have an Agnes to make you pizza?”

“No, Andy. No Agnes for me.”

“What about your Mom. Didn't she make them?”

“I don't remember my Mom, Andy. I lost her when I was very little. And my Dad as well.” Jenny didn't want to run from her past. She wanted this job for who she was, not from lying about her past.

“My mommy died too. That's why I live with Daddy and Agnes. Where did you live then?”

“I lived at the orphanage.”

Andy sat up looked at Jenny and enquired.

“What is an ‘orfanage'?”

Jenny felt uncomfortable and looked to Ryan for help.

She saw what looked like a sympathetic smile grace his handsome features. Jenny tried to hide her distress by starting to clear up their supper.

“An orphanage,” Ryan articulated the word for his son “is a place where children stay when they have no Mommy or Daddy, or Gramps, Nana's and uncles and aunts.”

“Daddy, you mean no family, like ours?”

Jenny felt her heart jump in her chest and tears that she thought were long cried out suddenly stung her eyes. She'd thought herself well pass crying because of her lack of family. Damn where did all this nostalgia come from now!

“Yes, my boy,” Ryan replied.

“Jenny,” Andy stood in front of her, and with her still kneeling he easily cupped her face in his little hands, “You can share our family.”

Unable to resist Jenny hugged Andy in response to his generous offer and closed her eyes. She tried to hide her feelings from the world. But she was unable to avoid the break in her voice though, when she softly answered. “Thank you, Andy.” Then putting him from her she declared. “It's time for a game of catch; we have to work off our supper.”

Andy was immediately up for the game, and Jenny felt pleased when Ryan joined in. He, allowed Andy to catch him with ease. With Andy still hanging onto his legs, he conceded. “I give up.”

Ryan then looked at Jenny.

In that moment it felt to her as if a reciprocal awareness flashed between them.

Ryan detached Andy from his legs and headed her way. Jenny put in a tremendous effort to avoid being caught, but unlike his game with his son where Ryan feigned hardship in catching Andy, he held nothing back chasing her. Putting in a last ditched effort, Jenny turned trying to avoid Ryan. But his arms closed around her waist and she found herself lifted off her feet in one easy movement. Ryan swung her around to face him. He pressed his body against hers. She saw the fine laugh lines around his eyes deepen.

An indefinable message played in his eyes ... But before she could try to decipher his look, he released her, letting her body slide down his, until she touched the ground. Jenny lowered her head, and tried to catch her breath. Aware that the pulse at the base of her throat beat frantically and that Ryan could see it. Then Ryan brushed a wisp of hair, from her cheek and she felt the gentle trail of the pad of his thumb along the side of her face, before he raised her chin.

“I think we have a ton of trouble here.”

And though he turned to Andy, she had the decided feeling he was talking about her, rather than his son. She fell into a quiet reflection as they walked backed to the house. Only half listening to the verbal banter of easy comrade between Ryan and Andy.

Ryan turned back to watch Jenny approach at a sedated pace, her silence beating at his conscious. He berated himself for giving in to his primary instinct. He surely had learnt his lesson, and a hard one at that. And he should know better than to give into sexual impulses. Now he would have to go for an uncomfortable cold shower!

“I will see you guys in forty-five minutes.”

Jenny swept a glance at his muscled thighs, under the denims he wore. Then stopped at his groin. She felt a warm flush spread up her face and neck. Thank goodness Ryan chose then to leave, and did not notice her look just there, or the lingering one she gave his retreating back. He sure had a cute butt

* * * *

Some time after she'd read Andy's bedtime story to him, Ryan came into the bedroom to say goodnight to his son. As Ryan aftershave filled the room. Jenny found her heart fluttering in anticipation of what, she did not know. For some unknown reason, she felt this way each time she looked at him. His thick, black hair was still damp from his shower. He'd changed into black pants and a very dark gray, silk shirt. A thin gold chain nestled amongst the sparse black hair, where his shirt was unbuttoned.

Forcing her gaze away from Ryan, Jenny quickly excused herself.

She heard Andy reassure his father that his Dad was still his most favorite book reader, but Jenna, as he now called her, was a good reader too. Well at least she'd pleased someone today!

At a loss she went to her room not sure what was required of her now. Standing at the bedroom window, she looked out onto the garden, the green lawns and trees. Illuminated by the security spotlights, the lighting in the garden still succeeded in creating a muted tranquil atmosphere.

Jenny heard a light tap at the door.

Turning back from the window, she called, “Come in,” the door opened to reveal Ryan.

He held the copper door handle and did not step further into the bedroom, and enquired.

“The rest of the staff are having dinner in their recreation room if you'd like to join them?”

“No, thank you. The pizza was more than enough. I think I'd rather have an early night.” Jenny realized how tired she really was. It had been a long week at the nightclub and she got to bed only at 4:30 am this morning. So with only three and a half hours sleep before she woke up to prepare and arrive for the interview today she was wacked..

Standing here now in this mansion, in the affluent Constantia suburb, her life in the City felt a lifetime away from her present reality.

Ryan let go of the door, and walked into the room, Jenny took a few steps back. The room was large, but he dominated it with his presence.

Jenny noted his slight hesitation at her defensive move, and a strange smile tugged around his mouth. However he did not comment on her action, and instead went to a lovely wood cabinet, which when he opened it, revealed a television and sound system. The like of which Jenny had never seen.

Ryan sat on his haunches in front of the cabinet. “Let me show you how to operate the television and sound system.”

Seeing her hesitation in joining him, he sighed, not sure if her reaction was due to his presence or if she was daunted by the intricate systems. “Come closer Jenny, it only looks more intricate than it really is.” He waited for her to join him. When he handed her the remote controls, he showed her how to use them. Ryan let her flipped through the cable television and sound system until she grasped their use.

“Thank you, you're right, it looks more complicated than what it is,” Jenny informed him.

Straightening up from his haunches, he towered over her. Resisting his impulse to pull her near, he pushed his fingers down into his pockets, and walked to the door. “Goodnight Jenny, and please I want to reassure you, you are safe in my home.”

Frowning, she gave him a worried look.

“I know.” Jenny, searched for a wittier answer, but nothing original than this sprung to mind. She realized that her action could be interpreted, as fear. She did not quite know how to explain that she was not afraid of him, but that it was her own reactions to him which had her a little a lost and wary. But before she could reply, he was already in the process of closing her door.

“We'll see you at 8.30 am on the terrace in the morning, Jenny.”

The definite click of her door closing prevented any further response from her.

Jenny, Jenny, he must think you such adolescent! Chiding herself, she went to the bathroom. The bathroom vanity contained the most delightful range of bath products. Eager for this pampering experience, Jenny ran the bath water, and poured some of the expensive body oil in. Laying in the large bath she enjoyed every moment of her leisurely bath. Later, while changing into her cotton blue and white stripped shorts and plain blue T-shirt, she stood in front of the huge bathroom mirror. Turning this way and that she critically looked at her body. Her hips, abdomen and legs were firm and trim but for the first time in her life, she wished her breasts were bigger! Her black waist length hair was perhaps her best feature. But with her blue eyes, perhaps blond hair would've been sexier. Yikes! Why was she so fixated with her looks now?

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Chapter Three

She again felt her body slide down Ryan's, her soft contours pressing against his hard muscled body. But instead of lowering her to the ground he held her in his arms. Lowering his head, his lips rained a tail of soft feather kisses along the soft curve of her neck, moving up across her jaw, homing in on, the side of her mouth, before settling on her lips. As he masterly coaxed her lips, his tongue slipped into her mouth. Totally owning her, as he explored her. Jenny felt her body respond to his bold seduction. Shivers of pleasure run up her spine, as she pressed her body against his. Standing on her toes, she moved up and down, rubbing herself against him. Then she felt his hands pushing up the skirt of her dress, his fingers expertly finding the cleft between her legs. As his thumb rubbed her nub, her breath caught in her throat, as she felt a warm hot, wet rush between her legs, unlike anything she had ever experienced.

Jenny came awake as her body orgasmed and pulsed, from her dream, groaning she turned onto her stomach and looked at the bedside clock, seven am! Not wanting to be late, Jenny harried to the bathroom.

Pulling on a pair of old faded jeans over her hips, she fastened the clasp to her frilly white lace bra.

Jenny quickly shrugged into a plain white cotton short sleeve blouse.

She wore plain blue flat slipslops and tied her hair up in a ponytail. With her hair swept way from her face, she hoped that her youthfulness was not too accentuated, but this was the more practical way to dress today, she thought.

As a last touch, she put on some clear lip-gloss, checking herself in the mirror she was glad that her dark lashes did not need mascara. She did not have perfume, but liberally sprayed herself with the young designer notes cologne which was so popular with the teenagers and which the less expensive pharmacies stocked for their younger clientele.

Closing the door to her room, Jenny looked in on Andy, but saw that his room was tidy and the bed already made and the little man was not to be seen. The inter-leading door was closed as was Ryan's bedroom door, so best to go down to the terrace.

When Jenny came through the doors onto the terrace, Andy, who was on Ryan's lap, immediately, jump off and ran to her. Ryan slightly elevated himself from the chair, in acknowledgement of her presence.

Hugging Andy to her Jenny greeted Ryan. He looked fresh and handsome dressed in a pair of blue shorts and white T-shirt, his feet casually clad in expensive dark blue leather sandals. She was pleased that everyone was casually dressed for the day. She did not have much to choose from and had been a little anxious that she would find her boss having planned a formal day.

Andy wore white shorts, with blue trim on the side, with a matching top. He was barefoot, his face a bundle of energy. She would have her work cut out today to keep him busy.

“Morning Jenna, did you just wake up? I've been up with Dad since early.” He solemnly declared. “I wanted to wake you too, but Daddy said I was to leave you as your door was closed and he thought you were still sleeping.”

'Thank you, I was. But, I am sorry too. I forgot to leave the door ajar for you.” Jenny saw Ryan's questioning look, and explained, “I promised him that when my door was open he could come in anytime and last night I forgot to leave it open for him.” Her voice relayed her regret.

Ryan found himself taking in an extra breath at the picture she made. Her youthful breast and lacy bra, clearly defined through the school style blouse as it hugged her slender form.

Ryan averted his eyes from her breasts to her youthful face. Boy, not much help either! His body's reaction had him uncomfortably aware of his instant arousal.

“No problem. I'll tell you when Andy is your responsibility at night. I've always taken care of that shift when I am at home.” Ryan realized that her structured life at the orphanage would necessitate her putting structures in place, almost immediately, and not waiting for the outcome of the interview.

“Hey, my son, we men must stick together.”

“Yip, Daddy, but when you're working late or away on business, I get to go to Jenna?”

Ryan caught Jenny's enquiring look, obviously hoping for his confirmation that she was going to fulfill that position. But instead he replied. “We'll see, son, we'll see.”

Breaking the awkward moment Ryan instructed, “Help yourself to breakfast, there is a large array of food on the serving table behind you.”

Again Ryan noticed Jenny's surprise at the large selection she found, his inner thought's that she really could not hide her reaction to the opulence she found. Also conversely than expected she kept her servings small as she helped herself to muesli with some fruit juice and yogurt

Ryan looked at her small selection, surprised, but then understanding dawned, her appetite and palate would not be use to such a varied food offer.

Her small waist and trim body was due to as much her good genes, as well as a lifetime of having to make do with what was given with no excess. As her body matured and filled out her body would always be slim, but then her angular proportions would soften. He wondered if he would be around to see the change, which promised to be even more spectacular than what he enjoyed looking at now. Take your thoughts out of the gutter; he reprimanded himself.

“I don't suppose you brought a costume with you?” Ryan enquired as he finished off his coffee.

“I did in fact. I recalled that one of the requirements was that I must be able to swim. I thus assumed I might be required, to swim over the weekend.”

What she did not add was that the costume was an old black school costume, which had seen better days. She'd hoped to be able to buy a new one, if she got the job, before she was required to use it. But it would appear that there was not such luck.

“Well, that's good, as Andy and I intend spending a quiet day at home. He's worked out a whole itinerary for us, so inform Jenna what you have planned.”

Jenny immediately picked up that he was using Andy's nickname for her too.

Jumping up and down next to her, Andy rambled off, “First we're going to play tennis, then cause we're going to be hot from running after the ball, we can go for a swim, and Daddy said, then, if I've enough energy left we could go to Mc Donald's for lunch, before my nap.”

Ryan watched her interaction with Andy while she finished her breakfast. She had an easy and comfortable manner about her. She was also not condescending to his son. But spoke to him as an equal. He also noted that she made a concerted effort to engage his son as his level, or at least to make eye contact when speaking to him. So she either leaned forward or lifted him up to her, as she had, when she placed him on her lap, as she ate.

After breakfast they strolled down to the tennis courts, sporting a clubhouse and Jacuzzi, Andy took it upon himself to let her have a running commentary of all the facilities. Ryan was quiet and allowed his son full rein.

“I don't get to use the sauna, Dad says the hot steam is not healthy for a little boy like me, but his girlfriends like it a lot. ‘specially when they come for a night game of tennis with Dad.”

Jenny admired Andy's confidence and his sense of his place in his father's world. The mouthful he had just given her, showed that he was a child, who also receives a lot of attention and love.

The comfortable furnishings and wide couches of the clubhouse would negate the necessity of having to go back to the main house. So perhaps this privacy, after a little man was sent to bed, was the attraction, and not the Jacuzzi, sauna or tennis court as Andy so innocently though? She pondered.

They enjoyed a game of tennis, with Andy doing almost all the running, as he ran to fetch the tennis ball. She felt so sorry for him but he enjoyed every moment of his time with them. They were all hot and bothered by the time Ryan declared it was time for a swim to cool them all down.

“Andy, come with me, then you and I can join your Dad at the pool,” Jenny looked to Ryan for his approval.

Ryan inclined his head, and Jenny made quick work of heading for the mansion with Andy.

* * * *

Oh boy, oh boy, Ryan berated himself some time later, when Jenny and Andy joined him again. The old black school costume she wore was cut high over her legs. The tight fabric flattened her small breasts which only served to draw attention to her firm and erect nipples.

The lapse he'd swam while waiting for them, had done nothing to dim his sexual response to her. Ryan quickly turned away and held his arms out to Andy. He waited for him to jump into his arms. He then threw Andy up in the air and caught him just before he hit the water giving him all the attention in an effort to hide his reaction to the delightful sight she made.

He would have to see to it that she bought herself something less revealing, if he wanted a hope in hell of keeping his hands off his son's minder. It's not that she wasn't an adult, but he just felt so much older than her. I should send this little lady home in the morning, he tried to convince himself.

Jenny felt very self-conscious in her costume. She had it a number of years but Ryan did not appear to notice so thankfully she slipped into the water. While Ryan's attention was on Andy, Jenny lazily swam about, most of her attention on the merriment between Ryan and Andy. Jenny swam to the pool edge, and sussed out the amenities. She was a bit awe struck by the large square pool, which boasted a diving board, as well as a neatly laid out terrace and entertainment area. She also noted that there were changing rooms, showers and cloakrooms.

The entertainment area had an undercover kitchen area and bar, with a fully stocked fridge for drinks and food. No need to go to the main house if one felt thirsty or hungry. The large stove and microwave as well as the grill being able to provide anything a person's appetite might want to conjure up. Much like the clubhouse a self-catering area, fully stocked kitchen provided everything one needed.

Later Ryan took them to the local Mc Donald family Restaurant, Jenny who had never driven in such a luxurious car before appeared to enjoy the ride in his metallic silver gray, Porsche Cayenne 4X4 in an almost childlike manner.

Ryan watched the duo from time to time in the rear view mirror as they interacted with each other.

On the way back Andy fell asleep and when they reached home Ryan carried Andy to his room.

Jenny left them and went to her bedroom.

When Ryan went to his office to finish off some last detail on tenders he was busy with, but somehow instead, found himself thinking of Jenny upstairs.

His thoughts going back too, to when he was this young and he thought the world was his. Driven by blind desire, he'd made reckless mistakes. Firmly drawing his mind from the past he gave his attention to the business at hand.

Some time later Ryan then went down to the kitchens and advised the staff they could retire early, as he would take care of supper for his son and their guest. Ryan knew his staff would make themselves scarce, as they were appt to do, when he requested it and as he usually liked to barbeque for himself and Andy on a Saturday, when he was not entertaining.

* * * *

Jenny came awake to a warm bundle of energy jumping on her bed, having a siesta

“Come on Jenny, Dad's fixing a barbeque for us, we get to do the salad.”

“Okay, young man, give me a minute, I just want to splash some water on my face!” Jenny bantered back.

Jenny accompanied Andy to the huge kitchen, nothing in this house coming in small sizes it appeared, not even the owner!

Whilst she prepared the salad, with Andy seated on the table, helping her cut up the tomatoes and greens for the tossed salad, Ryan arrived in the kitchen.

Jenny hoped she hid her feeling of incompetence, as being domesticated in the kitchen was not something she was accustomed to

“Jenna, put some garlic butter on the French loaf and placed it in foil. I'll tell you when the T-bone steaks are almost done, then you can pop the bread in the oven for us.”

He must have seen her eyeing the complicated large stove as he smiled and added. “Like the sound system it is very simple to use.”

Trying to hide her confusion and embarrassment, Jenny looked in the fridge, but this turned out to be just as daunting! There was such an array of salad dressing, biting down on her bottom lip, an old habit when she was feeling stressed. She selected three and hoped that that would do. As she turned to place the bottles on the kitchen table, she became aware of Ryan's languid scrutiny, as he leaned nonchalant against the kitchen counter, while he observed her.

Really was she so different that she had him permanently amused!

Jenny felt the warm rush of heat infuse her face, as she blushed. Ryan pushed himself from the counter, and walked towards her, picking up a small cherry tomato from the bowl, he ordered, “Bite.”

Without hesitating she opened her mouth and complied, the charisma of his eyes held her spell bound.

Before she could lick the juice from her lips he caressed her bottom lip, with the pad of his thumb. The muscles in Jenny's lower abdomen clenched, when he proceeded to lick the juice off his finger.

His raspy voice sounded very sensual to her ears when he added.

“This will have do for now.”

Before she could respond, Ryan walked way. Jenny felt quite breathless, her heart, beat frantically

At the door Ryan turned, he appeared unaffected by her. “Come on guys, join me on the terrace.”

Throughout supper, Jenny stole glances at Ryan, her eyes feasting on his powerful male form. At times, wishing she could be the one on his lap, enjoying the attention that was Andy's. His looks and actions in the kitchen created feelings and desires in her she was still busy absorbing. Wonderful feelings.

The tender steaks, crusty garlic bread and salad soon had her feeling as if she had gorged herself, on the good food and soft-drinks.

Jenny offered to clear the table, whilst Ryan set up the cartoon for Andy, in the family room for them.

Afterwards when Andy fell asleep on Ryan's chest, he remained in what appeared to be a comfortable position for him, with Andy still in his arms.

Jenny set up the DVD for their adult action movie and took up on the large armchair with her legs tucked in under her. As she watched the movie, Jenny became aware that Ryan watched her more than the movie and wondered what conclusion he was coming to.

After the movie, Ryan bid Jenny goodnight and Jenny watched him stride up the stairs, to put Andy to bed. She thought she detected some restraint from Ryan, as if he was keeping himself in check with her. But she could not be sure; perhaps it was just her own reaction she was feeling. The last time she had acted on her attraction to someone, it had cost her dearly. Ryan was in anyway so far out of her league, socially; and if, he became her employer, she would have to find a way to suppress her attraction to him.

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Chapter Four

Ryan woke up early, as was his norm. His usual morning hard-on a reminder of his erotic dream of Jenny. She was definitely not his usual type and he wondered why she would stir him in ways that mature woman, more fully endowed, did not do. Groaning in self-incrimination he briefly closed his eyes as he recalled the vision of her in his dreams

He held her firmly around her waist, pulling her further into his embrace. As he felt her body settle into his groin, his hand caressingly moved down, across her firm bottom, over the back of her thighs. Then as he deepened his kiss, his mouth taking hers sweetly, deeply, he pushed her short dress up. His hands filled with her soft flesh. His lips tasted her and his hands caressed her, her taste and texture an aphrodisiac like no other to his senses.

Slowly, but determinedly, he skimmed over her bottom, delving down between her legs, finding her soft moist opening. His fingers expertly strummed over her cleft, rubbing her outer lips the moistness of her essence saturating his fingers, as he slid his fingers into her.

Ruefully he turned onto his side and looked at the clear blue sky through his bedroom window. He felt an ache in his chest, and in another part of his anatomy.

He had to make up his mind whether to employ Jenny or not, and he had to do so quickly before Andy came hurtling into his room. Ryan's body the target, for their usual, early morning tumbles together.

The whole day yesterday it had been, Jenna this and Jenna that. Though Andy did not treat her like his playmate and Jenny handled the authority issue well, but he could see that his son was taken by her.

Raking his hand through his hair, Ryan stared at the ceiling. The challenge then was not her suitability for his son. The background checks panned out, and Andy liked her, liked her a lot. The issue was, could he, a mature man of thirty trust himself not to fall for a woman ten years his junior.

He was never short on female company.. When Ryan did not spend the evening at the woman's apartment, he then preferred to entertain them at the clubhouse for the night. He never exposed his son to that side of his life.

Ryan decided very early after Andy's birth that his relationship with his son would not be compromised by another woman. Ryan's bed partners were mature woman of the world who did not want a permanent relationship as well, and if they misunderstood and thought it could be more than a casual affair, they soon found out their error.

Ryan remembered clearly how Natalie duped him. From this he had learnt first hand what operators woman could be.

He met her at University, and like a typical youngster he found himself unable to keep his hands off Natalie.

The Friday that he met her at the University dance was forever printed in his mind. She was a vivacious, blond with a very sexy smile and this is what caught his eye across the crowded dance floor

He found himself taking her up on her obvious invitation and went over to introduce himself to her. When she made it clear that she was willing to go al the way with him that night, he did not hesitate.

Three months later, Natalie confronted him and advised that she was pregnant, this despite Ryan having used condoms.

Natalie came from a dirt poor background and though this in itself did not bother him, his perception of her changed, when a jealous ex-girlfriend informed him that Natalie had taken a bet that she would meet, bed and marry a rich man. He questioned her motives and his own insight into women.

Ryan's reaction was to tell her to get lost, the child could well not even be his. But his father talked some sense into him and suggested Ryan marry her. Otherwise he might stand the chance of losing his child.

He took his father's advice, after he'd made sure that the child she was carrying was in fact his. He never touched Natalie after their marriage, he found himself unwilling to share his bed and his wife with other men.

But it only took a few months after Andy's birth for him to realize how very important his son was to him. He spent all his free time with him, and they grew closer and bonded together. Natalie showed no interest in Andy whatsoever and did not even try to fake any affection for him.

Andy was eight months old, when Ryan reached the end of his patience with her, but before he could start divorce proceedings, Natalie and her new lover decided that they were going to use the gold credit card he'd provided her with, for a holiday of a lifetime. The ocean liner they were on sank due to a fire aboard the vessel, most of the passengers did survive the ordeal, but a few passengers in their cabins did not immediately heed the fire alarm, and it was deduced that they succumbed to smoke inhalation and went down with the ocean liner.

If he could lead a celibate life for almost two years when he was married to Natalie then surely he could trust himself to keep his hands of this young girl. He also had other avenues to satisfy any physical needs he had. Bringing his hands up and over his face, he slowly raked his hands through his hair again, and lay with his hands on his head for a few minutes, then, coming to a decision he listened and waited for his son's arrival.

Jenny tidied up her room and packed her few possessions. She was never going to lose a lifetime habit, of cleaning, and tiding up after herself. Jenny found her heart pounding with anxiety. Keeping a check on the time, she went down to the terrace, at eight-thirty as instructed.

As she stood at the entrance to the terrace, Jenny watched Ryan and Andy, who was busy eating his cereal. Ryan was formally dressed in cream trousers and a matching cream lounge shirt. The buttons of which were almost buttoned to the top leaving his strong, tanned throat exposed. His feet comfortably shod in socks and light brown leather shoes, which matched the belt he wore. Andy was also smartly dressed in dark blue cotton pants, matching T-shirt with white trim, and leather blue and white sandals. She felt self-conscientious in her old denim skirt with the faded matching denim top.

When Ryan became aware of her at the terrace door, he rose up from his chair, and welcomed her. Jenny wondered if he was knew of the effect his stunning smile had on her and could only hope that he would not notice her unease because of their formal attire.

“Good morning, just in time, help yourself, the staff didn't go to the trouble of making bacon and eggs but you're most welcome to order some if you feel like it.”

“Morning. Just cereal and juice is fine for me, thank you.” She quickly gave her attention to Andy.

“Hi there young man, did you get up very early again this morning?”

“Daddy said I gave him a nice break...”

Pulling his face up at his father he continued, “but I was still early enough to catch him in bed!”

“My son is always wary of sleeping in too late over a weekend, just incase his old man is out of bed by the time he gets up.” Ryan brushed his hand through Andy's hair with tender affection.

Jenny smiled and nervously ate her food, from their dress code she could see they were going out somewhere, she was not suitably dressed, and so wherever they were going she was not included. She concluded that she would be dropped off in the city, after breakfast. Feeling sad at having to leave this wonderful place, she was however not sorry that she had this opportunity to meet this dynamic man, and his very precious son.

Some of her feelings showed in her face, and Ryan could no longer keep her in suspense. “I've decided to give you the position. I'll drop Andy off at my brother's place. He and his wife have offered to take him with them to church today. I'll then take you to your place to pick up your things, okay?”

Jenny looked at Ryan in disbelief, was she hearing correctly? But Andy's obvious delight and squeal of laugher at her surprised face was all the proof she needed.

“Mister Bar ... I mean Ryan, I promise you, you, will never regret this.” She solemnly promised.

Ryan saw her sincerity and with a slight nod in her direction, urged his son to hurry up and finish he breakfast.

Mike and Mary's home was not far from the Estate. It was a smaller Tudor styled home certainly, only boasting five bedrooms, as Andy was eager to inform her, in contrast to theirs which had eight. Mike was a few inches shorter than his elder brother. He was also a very handsome, well built man. But from the family pictures that Jenny had seen, he had their Mother's blond hair and fair complexion, though also nicely tanned. He boasted the same emerald eyes as Ryan, but to Jenny, they did not have the same impact that Ryan's eyes had with his dark looks, which he had inherited from his father.

Mike though, had a more easygoing personality than his brother and Jenny immediately felt comfortable in his company.

His wife Mary was just as friendly, and Jenny found that she really liked her a lot. Mary was about twenty-six, also very fair and sported the most beautiful startling blue eyes.

They saw Ryan and Jenny off, with Mike holding Andy in his arms, as they drove away. Andy had tried to elicit a promise from her that he would see her at lunch. Jenny however was aware that it would be a family affair and instead promised to see him later that afternoon, and they could play some table tennis in the games room.

Ryan did not contradict her, so she felt relieved that she had read the signals correctly. She was after all just the hired help.

The drive to the nightclub, was almost done in silence, Jenny caught up in her thoughts as much as Ryan was in his.

In the harsh daylight the Nightclub looked sleazy. There were broken alcohol bottles laying on the sidewalk and in the entrance of the stairway to the staff quarters. Even though the sun was shining, the stairway was dark and dingy. Jenny tried to move quietly as the other staff were by now sleeping, but Ryan had no such qualms. He just wanted to get her out as fast as possible and back to his home. Her room was very small, but clean and neat, the furniture and the thin curtaining and bedding spoke of years of neglect.

He shuddered to think what view the occupants, in the dilapidated block of flats, across the road had into her room at night when the light was on, as the curtaining did not serve it purpose in giving the occupant privacy. Ryan could not imagine living here for a night and marveled how she had put up with it. He saw that she was finding it very hard to meets his eyes; embarrassed that he saw where she lived.

Ryan now understood her attempt in the car, to get him to wait for her while she collected her things. He could not think of anything to say that would make her feel better, his opinion of the place quite clear on his face. The fact that she was embarrassed just showed him that she had enough pride to feel ashamed of the place.

Looking at him, she felt compelled to say,” I know very well from where I come, but I will work very hard, for you and your son. I am grateful for this opportunity, and with a university degree, I will better myself.”

Taking her pitiful few possessions from her, he smiled his assurance and said, “I have no doubt.” Ryan then quickly went down the stairs and headed for his car.

Her gentle, restraining hand, on his arm, stopped him. Lifting an enquiring brow, he waited for her response.

“I must get my wages from the Manager.”

“No need, I'll make up whatever he owes you.” Ryan arrogantly advised, moving off.

“No.”

Her quiet no, had him stopping in his tracks, had he heard correctly?

“I've worked very hard for the money he owes me and I intend to collect what is owing to me.”

He could see the firm set of her jaw and knew that she was not budging without her hard earned cash. Indicating that she should lead the way, he followed her.

“My Girl, you're back!” A gray haired Austrian greeted her.

“Hi, Dieter, I've just come for my pay cheque. I have the job I told you about.”

Dieter gave Ryan a thorough look, obviously sizing him up.

In Ryan's estimation Dieter came far short, he was over dressed in a black shiny shirt and pants too tight for his overweight frame.

Dieter's opinion of Ryan was clear on his mature face. Ryan was just too good to be true, perhaps out for a bit on the side with a young filly. Looking at Ryan he said. “You take care of her, man. She's been a real Trojan. Jenny is a hard worker. The first to come in and the last to leave. But she needs protecting, if you know, what I mean?”

Ryan acknowledged the Austrian's good intentions, and agreed. “Yes, I will and...” Looking at Jenny he added, “Yes, I do know.”

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Chapter Five

Jenny did not get to play table tennis with Andy after all, as Ryan and his son only returned late on Sunday evening.

Ryan on their return did not call for her assistance and put his son to bed without her seeing them. Well, he had mentioned to her that he would inform her in advance when she would be needed. It appeared that she may, after all find that she would have more free time on her hands than she had anticipated.

Monday morning, found Jenny at a bit of a loss as to what to do. Her duties would only commence that evening, however when she woke up her first thoughts were that she could spend the day with Andy. Her university classes only started in the New Year and as her enrolment was complete, she would only go into the City again at the end of the month when she received her wages from Ryan. She wanted to buy the books and stationery that she would need for her classes, to avoid the New Year rush at the Campus bookstore. This would also enable her to source good second-hand books.

She also needed more suitable clothing and decided that she would go into the local village at Constantia to buy a few outfits, in the coming week. She quickly dressed and tidied her room. On her way to the terrace Derrick, the officer in charge of the day security waylaid her on his way back to his office, a mug of coffee in his hand. He was a young man in his early twenties with fair hair, that looked sun bleached. However his very fair complexion indicated that he seldom ventured outdoors for long periods of time.

He'd initially been friendly when Jenny came for the interview, but she'd but noticed that his smile did not reach his eyes. His eyes were a silver blue, snake eyes, was the description that had popped into her head. And this made Jenny feel uncomfortable with him.

“Hi,”

He did not wait for her reply before continuing in a sneering tone,

“I see you are not housed in the staff quarters?”

“As I am required to look after Andy in the evenings, I have to be close to him.”

“Yaw, right, his father is more often than not, at home at a decent hour, so you could be housed in the staff wing. On the rare occasions he does stay out all night,” Giving her an all knowing leering look, “you can take up in the kid's room, on the sofa.” Lifting his one hand up dismissively, he said, “But then, I am not the boss. By the way if you are looking for Anna she is in the Kitchen. Ryan and Andy have already left for the day.” He then walked away to his office and the monitoring room.

Jenny wondered how he knew how often Ryan stayed out for an entire night? As she watched Derrick's retreating figure, she wanted to call out to him, yes you are right you're not the boss! But she thought better of it; he did scare her for some reason.

On entering the kitchen she was met by all the staff including Dave, the night security officer. He was waiting on his wife and his young daughter, to come and pick him up after his shift. He was also very well built and almost seven foot. He had red hair and lots of freckles. His eyes were friendly but wary. He introduced himself to her, and told her that if he could be of assistance to her she was not to hesitate in asking.

She thanked him, and then asked Anna where Andy was. Anna told her that Andy goes to the play school three times a week in the mornings. One of the neighbors brought him back at lunchtime with her twin girls who were the same age as Andy. Anna also confirmed that Andy would be going to nursery school full day in the New Year as she was getting on, and found her spirit willing to keep up with him but not her body.

Jenny eagerly told her that she could get to know Andy much quicker if she spent time with him now already. She had more than enough free time until the University opened.

Agnes, Jenny learnt, was Anna's younger sister, and that she took care of the kitchen and all the catering needs when Ryan entertained. She was just as friendly as Anna, she had dark brown hair, which she wore short, and she had a slender build. Agnes told Jenny, cooking food, was her passion, not eating. But that she expected the rest of the household to love her food and Jenny could do with some fattening up.

Anna then introduced her to the rest of the staff. She'd been concerned that they would react to her staying in the main house as Derrick had, but none indicated that they found it strange that she was not living in the staff quarters. Anna also took her to the staff wing of the house, the furnishings and accommodation not as luxurious as the main house, but still a far cry from what she was use to. Each staff member that stayed on the property permanently had a bedroom and en-suite with a small kitchenette. There was a communal lounge with a large flat screen television and state of the art sound system as well as a staff games room. The furnishings and drapes reminded Jenny, of the four-star hotels, in the travel magazine she liked to read.

That afternoon when Andy returned from his play school Jenny went out to meet him and introduced herself to the neighbour and her children's au pair. Andy was excited and pleased to see her, and when she told him that as she was free until after Christmas, she could spend time with him during the day as well he was very pleased and gave her a tight hug.

After lunch and his nap, they went to the games room, were they then played the promised table tennis.

When Ryan came home, Anna told him he would find them in the games room. He walked into the room, to find Jenny, on her knees in front of the mini table tennis table, with his son laughing himself silly at her antics to hit the ball back. Andy's delight in winning each and every game was evident.

Ryan took in her casual attire, the white shorts and T-shirt off setting her dark hair and tan. She looked very desirable and he knew that he would have to keep her at a distance if he was going to keep his promise to himself. He would appoint her and give her the break, Paul said she needed. He would allow Jenny to spread her wings and watch as she matured. Then he would take it from there.

When he felt his resolve slipping, like now, he had to keep telling himself that it was just a mater of time, until these feeling he had for her subsided. But for now, that did not change how he felt right now. He decided it was best if he took his son, and made themselves scares for the rest of the evening.

“Evening Jenny. Son come join me for a swim.”

Andy immediately put his bat down and ran to his father.

Jenny envious watched them as they walked hand in hand to go for their evening swim, her exclusion obvious.

.* * * *

This set the tone for the rest of the week.

Friday morning however while busy tiding up her room she was startled when the phone rang. Picking it up carefully Jenny hesitantly answered, not for one moment thinking that the call could be for her.

“Morning Jenny.” Ryan's husky voice came across the line to her.

“Good morning.”

Ryan could hear the surprise in her voice. “Jenny, tonight you get to earn your keep, I am going out. I do not know what time I'll be back”

“Okay.” Jenny did not know what else to say to him.

“Jenny?” Ryan enquired,

“Yes?'

“How are you settling in?”

Before she could reply, he continued, “I hear from my son, that he has been spending most of his afternoons with you. Don't let anyone take advantage of you, Anna is responsible for him during the day.”

“No, I mean, no one is taking advantage of me. I am free now anyway and I enjoy his company, he is a super child.

“Yes, I know, bye.”

Ryan ended the call before she could reply.

Later that evening Ryan went to the family room to say goodnight to his son. Jenny and Andy were engrossed in what they were doing, and Jenny was seated with him on the soft carpet as he built his puzzle.

Andy was the first to notice his father. His pleased look alerted Jenny to Ryan's presence.

Coming into the room Ryan went down on his haunches in front of Andy. “Give me a hug, I will see you tomorrow morning, be good for Jenny.”

Andy eagerly went to his father to do his bidding.

Jenny had seen so little of Ryan the past week that she was still not over her initial shyness of him. Her freshly washed hair hung loose over her shoulders and ever so slightly hid her face from him forming a thin curtain between them, as she looked at him.

Ryan noticed the look and a knowing smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Jenny could smell the expensive aftershave he liked to wear, and he looked very attractive in a dark blue pair of trousers and white shirt, his black leather jacket swung casually over his shoulder. His dark hair was wavy after his shower and hair-dry, his hair naturally failing into place. She felt the usual awareness of him, and the fluttering in her stomach caused her breath to catch in her throat.

A tell tale pulse beat at the base of her neck, which Ryan's observant eye immediately homed in on. His casual worded greeting only elicited an acknowledgement from her.

Andy went to the window to waive his father off. Jenny stood next to Andy and watched as Ryan drove away, in his midnight blue, Bentley Continental GTC convertible, his usual car, the Porsche Cayenne, not in use tonight. She wondered where he was going and whom he was seeing.

Jenny did not have a good night, waking often to check on Andy. But he never stirred. The inter-leading door remained closed and, when the red rays of the sun came up, Jenny knew that wherever he was, Ryan had spent the night. She felt a heaviness of heart as she contemplated in whose arms he was.

As it was Saturday, she decided that she should make an effort to go into the Village, to buy the clothes she needed. She went down to the security room, before Derrick came on duty and asked Dave if he could give her a lift into the village that morning when he left.

He was quite happy to assist her, as he would have to drive through the Village in any case on his way home. His, manner towards her was now more relaxed. She noticed during the week that when Derrick came on duty and he handed over the shift to him. Dave appeared quite reserved with him.

Jenny then quickly went to find Anna to tell her that she was going into the Village. Anna was busy in the formal lounge arranging fresh flowers and advised Jenny that Ryan's parents’ were having supper there that evening and that Andy would be joining them.

Jenny went back to Andy's room, he was just waking up, and she told him that Anna would be up in a few minutes to take care of him, as she was going into the Village. He was disappointed that she was not going to spend the day with him, but took it in good spirit, especially when Anna came in and told him that their neighbour had phoned to confirm that the twins and their au pair would be over later, so that the children could play together. Jenny noticed that Andy did not enquire where his father was.

Later that afternoon it was a very dejected Jenny that took a taxi back to the Estate. Derrick buzzed her in, but he did not send down the caddy to pick her up at the gate so she still had the long walk up to the house, which was obscured from view by the huge evergreen trees, which lined the driveway up to the house.

She had only bought some toiletries she needed. The local boutiques prices far exceeded her budget. She felt annoyed with herself for not realizing that their prices would be out of her league, she should have taken a taxi into the City.

Pushing her dark hair from her face, she undertook to do so on Monday. Jenny was relieved when the house came into view. Her breath still caught in her throat as it did the first day she arrived. The home itself looked more like a hotel to her, than a private residence. The building was a huge gothic style home with an impressive entrance and the large well maintained grounds were spectacular.

The butler, Ben, opened the large wooden door with its decorative lead glass inlays. Politely greeting him, she quickly headed for her bedroom.

Ryan came out of his study just as Jenny came in. She looked hot and bothered and was obviously put out by something.

Standing at the bottom of the stairs he watched her ascend the stairs. She had almost reached the top of the stairs, when he enquired, “Jenny, where have you been?”

She stopped dead in her tracks and slowly turned to him. It must have felt strange for her to look down to him, his height always putting her at a disadvantage. “I went into the local Village, I did tell Anna.” Her tone was defensive.

He realized that growing up in the institution she was use to having to report her ever movement to someone in authority. Smiling up at her ruefully, he told her, “I am only enquiring because you look upset and tired, you can come and go as you like when you are not on duty. Though it is of course always a good idea to let someone know where you are going. But you do not need their approval or permission.”

Feeling embarrassed at her faux de paux, she revealed her terrible day.

He took in her distress at not having found anything. “You can drive in with me to the city on Monday, after I've dropped Andy off at the play school. I'm going out again in the evening, so I'll leave the office earlier. You can meet me there and I'll give you a lift back.” At his fleeting feeling sympathy for her, he hoped this weakness did not show.

“Thank you, Ryan.”

She turned and started up the stairs, but Ryan enquired.

“By the way, did you walk up to the house?”

“Yes.”

He could see that his question confused her. “Jenny, I'll speak to Derrick. He knows that the caddy is to be used and that one of the junior gardeners is always available to fetch any staff member who has to come up to the house.”

“Oh, I didn't know, but please don't take it up with Derrick I'm sure he just forgot.”

“I know that you wouldn't know, but he does, I will speak to him.”

Ryan arrogantly stated as he turned from the banister where he had been standing, and went towards the security room.

Oh boy this is all she needed, another nail in her coffin where Derrick was concerned. She felt uncomfortable with his leering looks and his sarcastic comments; this was just going to make it worse. Sighing, she went to her room.

Later, Anna knocked at her door to inform her that her Charge was ready for his grandparents’ visit. Jenny confirmed that she would keep him busy until they arrived.

It was still early evening when Ryan's parents arrived, as they knew that Andy had his dinner early. Jenny came down the staircase with Andy, but he was so excited to see his grandparents that he did not wait for her and ran along, into the formal dining room. She was not sure if she should go into the room before going back to her room; just then, Ryan came out to find her, still undecided in the foyer.

“Jenny, come in, I want to introduce you to my parents. I'll bring Andy up to you when we've dined; we're going to the theatre later. I don't know what time I'll be back.”

Jenny now understood, this meant that he was staying out the whole evening.

She entered the large formal dinning room with him. His parents and an attractive tall brunette stood at the open doors, which opened onto the terrace, drinking their sherry.

Jenny felt very self-conscientious of herself in her plain black slacks and dark blue blouse. When she dressed earlier the evening she had selected the clothes thinking that she may meet his parents, and at the time she had felt that the clothes were suitable. However the scrutiny she received from the sophisticated brunette, made her feel inadequate.

She was formally dressed in black evening slacks, a silver sequence, camisole top and matching black jacket. Her ample breasts defined by the plunging neckline. Her hair was fashionably styled in short layers into her neck. Jenny just knew that her jewelry was not silver and zirconias, but platinum and diamonds. At last, Jenny had an inkling of Ryan's taste in woman, and had to acknowledge to herself, sadly she was a far cry from this elegance.

Ryan proceeded with the introductions. “Jenny, my parents ... Susan and Reed.”

“We've heard such positive things from Mike and Mary about you. Haven't we dear?”

“That we have.” Reed replied.

Jenny couldn't help sending an enquiring look to Ryan. She would've thought that the feedback on her would've come from him?

Instead of commenting or giving his endorsement, as Jenny thought he would do, Ryan instead turned to the brunette who stood next to him, and said.

“Jenny meet Melanie, she's an old friend of the family.”

“Jenny.” Melanie replied, then dismissed her and turned to Ryan.

“About that property I was telling you about...”

Effectively snubbed, Jenny turned to leave the room. Andy however saved the day for her, when he quickly ran to her and enquired.

“Can we watch cartoons, before I go to bed?”

Ruffling his hair, Jenny leant down, “Of course we can.” She replied. Whereupon Andy gave her spontaneous kiss on her cheek.

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter Six

Ryan later brought Andy up to her and with a hug and kiss to his son and a casual greeting to her Ryan left.

His parents’ used their own chauffeured car, while Ryan used his Bentley. The top was down, and Jenny watched from her bedroom window as Ryan waited for Melanie to secure the scarf over her head, to protect her hair from the wind. He then leaned in close to her and said something that made her laugh. Ryan then turned to start his powerful car and Jenny watch them drive off.

Andy came to stand by her and tugged at her hand, eager for them to go down to the family room. Jenny wished that Ryan could have been there to share the evening with them as he had last Saturday.

Later, after Jenny put Andy to bed, she went to her bedroom and stood at her window. The garden did not hold her attention, what her heart wanted was to hear Ryan's car coming up the drive. But the driveway stayed empty and so did her heart. Her dreams of Ryan were so unrealistic, but still she found herself unable to let go, despite the hurt it was causing her.

All her life she had never been shown what it is like to be loved. She wanted Ryan to be the light in her darkness, she needed him to shield her from the storms of life, to keep her safe and warm in his arms, and to show her that love. Slowly she wiped the traces of her tears from her face.

* * * *

As promised Ryan took Jenny with him, to do her much needed shopping.

He stopped at the Barnard Building in the heart of the Mother City, and leant over her to open the door for her, her breath caught in her chest at his closeness. Then totally unprepared, for the look he gave her as he heard her soft gasp.

His emerald eyes as changeable as the ocean, darkened as he looked into her eyes. His nostrils slightly flared, and then his eyes moved down to her lips and involuntarily, she licked them. She heard a soft agonized groan from Ryan and Jenny fastened her eyes on his mouth. As if in slow motion, he lowered his mouth to hers.

The electric shock that went through her transmitted to Ryan, he hesitated for a moment, but when he felt her lips tentatively move against his, he ardently covered her lips with his.

He urgently needed her, and despite this being a very public place, he just did not care.

“Open your lips for me sweetheart.”

Deepening his kiss, Ryan swept the bad of his thumb over her nipple, he felt her instant response, as her small breast firmed and swelled under his caress.

Encouraged, he undid the button of her white serviceable blouse. With this barrier removed, the weight of the petite fullness of her breast in his hand Ryan groaned his pleasure. Her soft sighs answered his need and Ryan leant down and took her erect nipple into his mouth.

Jenny clasped her arms around his neck, and raised herself against him almost straddling him in her eagerness. As Ryan sucked, nipped, and squeezed her breasts she felt the warm, moistness between her thighs from her arousal.

His kiss took everything that she had to offer. Jenny curled her fingers into his hair. The silky smoothness of his hair sending tiny bursts of sensual delight to Jenny's fingertips. How was it possible to feel such pleasure from the simple exploration of his hair!

A fleetingly thought to their surroundings gave her pause but the privacy of the tinted car windows assuaged her sense of propriety.

Ryan gasped.

“If we keep this up, we just might be the talk of the town.”

Before she could utter a reply his mouth settled on hers again, in a searing urgent kiss an assault on her already overwhelmed senses. Then his hand moved down to her knees, gently parting them.

This brought a reciprocal response from her body, closing her eyes, she let him have free reign.

Slowly he traced his hand up between her parted legs. When Ryan's fingers, touched her wet panty, she heard his husky response. Moving her hand down from his neck, she trailed her hand down his firm chest. Slowing, shyly she worked her way down. Guided more by desire than by expertise, she found and softly, gently traced the huge bulge she found there, she elicited a deep guttural groan from him.

She wanted the kiss to go on forever, a blast from a motorist's car horn somewhere near them, brought them back to reality.

Ryan's face was slightly flushed as he broke their heated kiss. But he did not immediately pull away from her instead he gently, tasted and teased her lips in a quick successive kisses before reluctantly ending the kiss.

Just as Jenny was about to move out of their embrace he pressed his forehead to hers, their lips separated by a breath. Giving another agonized groan, he pulled her onto his lap, and his lips sought hers again.

When, he at last brought his head up, he looked into her confused and glowing face. A rueful look on his face, then, as if realizing the futility of it all, a sensual smile spread over his handsome face and into his eyes.

Holding her mesmerized, he leaned back from her, and said as if speaking to himself, “I can't stop it, I though I could.”

Then with firm resolve he lifted her off him with a groan and leaned over her to open the car door for her. With trembling limps she started to climb out the Porsche, but just before she closed the door, Ryan put his hand on her arm and retained her. Turning back she looked at him. Expecting him to comment on what had just happened, instead she heard him huskily say.

“I recommend you walk one block up into Loop Street and there, you will find the up and coming fashion designers’ boutiques.” Expertly informing her “Most of them have a second hand section, as well as a cheaper ‘off the hanger’ range.”

Feeling a bit dazed at the fashion advice coming from a hulk of a man, packing a mean six pack, Jenny nodded her head.

Almost as an afterthought he added, just before she closed the door.

“Stick to classical lines that won't date, and monochrome colours. Let the sales lady lead you in the accessories, but don't skimp on your shoes, they are always a dead give away.

Jenny looked at him as if he had somehow grown two heads, at her look he just laughed and added,

“You will soon learn that the Barnard men are for some explicable reason expected to attend our woman's fashion shows, and to sit quietly and listen when our woman discuss fashion”

Jenny felt dazed, was he classifying her as ‘his woman'? No surely he was just using it as a figure of speech?”

Ryan leant across and took his wallet from the cubbyhole, and held out an obscene amount of notes at her.

Shocked and surprised she stammered, “I couldn't possible accept this!”

“Take it Jenny. See it as an advance on your salary. If you're going to be part of this family you need the proper attire.”

As Jenny took the money from Ryan, she somehow felt that this signaled a change in their relationship from just employer and employee.

* * * *

Ryan subtly initiated her into his life, at first just incorporating her in his family activities.

But the past few months saw a more drastic change. She also now accompanied him to his business functions. She soon realized that he was initiating her into his professional life, in stages as well, and kept her close to him.

At first she thought just to keep an eye on her, so that she did not embarrass him, but when she confronted him why they were always seated together at the formal dinners when other couples were inevitably split?

He'd arrogantly advised that his acceptance to any function was conditional that she was always seated with him. Ryan then paused, as if pondering the best reply. Then on seeing her determined enquiry, confirmed that he felt more comfortable with her by his side. He was able to concentrate on the business at hand, and know she would not be exposed to any negative experiences.

Though, she doubted that there was anyone, who would dare cross him by being anything but courteous toward her; she felt the gesture was sweet coming from him, and she hugged this to her. She wanted to believe that this indicated his commitment to her and her place in his world.

His sexual advances were, however firmly in control, and he did not allow his control to slip again. In public his hand at the small of her back, his casual use of her nickname ‘Jenna', or an endearment, ‘Honey', the extent of his sexual overtures.

At home with his family and close friends, he went a little further, a playful act of pulling her onto his lap, a favorite of Ryan's, his gesture of his possessives towards her.

In private he took their lovemaking to seductive foreplay, which he never took to its conclusion for his own release. His own self-imposed, control never waived. No matter how far he took their lovemaking. He always had her withering in erotic pleasure, as his lips, tongue and hands pleasured her. He felt no qualms and often went down on her. His breathless confession, that he loved the taste of her pleasure. She often orgasmed to the zenith, whilst rubbing her wet clitoris against his encouraged erection as she took the dominant position whilst straddling him.

There were a few times she had tried to initiate a oral release for him. But though he let her have almost free reign in pleasuring him. He would not allow her to make that final intimate gesture.

She asked him why he would not allow her to give him the release he sought, but he'd told her, that once that fine line was crossed there was no turning back. He would not be able to do so.

Instinctively she realized that this was his sexual weakness and that if he allowed this, he would reach a point of no return and ultimately lose his self-control, which he kept firmly in check.

Once she'd reached her climax he would patiently lay waiting until she came back from that wonderful plateau. The clenching of the muscles in his jaw was the only indication of how he fought against taking his pleasure from her.

She wanted to cross that invisible line, but his maturity and expertise still held her in a little awe, and the fact that he could want her, and chose to court her in this old fashioned way.

Jenny spent a wonderful Christmas with the family that first year, at their home in Aspen.

Ryan found the books she had read in his study on etiquette as well as finding the historic history on his computer, which revealed her research. She so well remembered his tender reaction when he found out, surprised but pleased he reassured her that she fitted perfectly into his world. But her past would never quite allow her to believe that.

Jenny did not know what Ryan told his parents', his brother Mike or Mary, but they all accepted her as if she was always a part of the family.

In hindsight though, she had concluded after getting to know him, that he'd most probably informed his family that he wanted her included in their family life—period!

Mary and Jenny had grown especially close, and Jenny felt that she may have found the family she had always longed for.

This did not prevent her though from longing for permanence in her relationship with Ryan and his family. Especially the way in which Mary interacted with Ryan's mother, Susan. Some times she couldn't prevent the tightness in her chest and the tears that pricked behind her lids. Their closeness as Mother and Daughter-in-law something she did not yet share.

One such occasion, she found Ryan watching her intently, then as if to silently console her he'd taken her in his arms, and cubbed the nape of her neck with his large hand and held her head against his chest.

Then very slowly he'd leant down, tilted her chin up with the pad of thumb and gently kissed her. When the kiss ended, he'd looked at her and at that moment she'd seen a promise of something ... perhaps for their future reflected there?

She was doing well in her studies, acing her subjects. Jenny received confirmation from the State Nursery School that she could do her practical year there. Jenny had been surprised at Ryan's reaction. Now use to his usual supportiveness she'd wanted to know what the problem was. Ryan had advised that he'd prefer it if she went to a private school instead. Adding, for no other reason than that the conditions and safety issues in these areas were an ongoing problem, not only for the State, but especially also for him. He would not be able to protect her in this environment.

But she knew that her vocation lay in helping under privileged children. The only other cloud on her horizon, after all this time was still Derrick.

He openly criticized her when Ryan was not at home, and he'd boasted to all that he had seen it coming. ‘The little hussy would have them all running after her to do her bidding the way she had the boss eating out of her hand.'

But years of discipline at the orphanage initiated no retaliation from her, accepting his criticism; perhaps it was deserved...

Though she knew she would never use her status to lord it over all, it was not in her personality to do so. Thankfully it did not appear that the general opinion of the staff were of the same opinion. Dave mentioned that most of them recognized from the onset something about her that spoke of inborn class, notwithstanding the fact that she grew up in an orphanage. She felt a fraud when she heard this. If only they knew how hard she worked to ‘polish’ herself in an endeavour to finally put the past and all the pain it held behind her.

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter Seven

Jenny looked at herself in the full-length mirror in her bedroom. Her life now a far cry from what it was before she first came to work for Ryan.

She still felt the same inside, but her image reflecting back at her, showed almost no sign of the young girl she was then. Tonight she was celebrating her twenty-first birthday, with Ryan, Andy and his family.

Her friends and she had celebrated this milestone earlier on in the week. Jenny and her longtime friend, Amy and her university friends went to the Beach Hut Restaurant aptly named, where they celebrated the night away.

Though she'd invited Ryan to join her and her friends, he'd declined, advising that he preferred to celebrate her special day with her tonight with his family.

They were dining on the family luxury yacht tonight, anchored at Three-Anchor Bay.

The expensive perfume she could now afford surrounded her subtly as she leant forward to check her makeup in the mirror.

Jenny thought she looked sophisticated in her turquoise skirt, with matching embroidered pure silk blouse and short waist jacket.

Her makeup, the same deep turquoise highlighted her deep blue eyes. Her long black hair combed back and hanging loose, down to her waist. She wore plain round gold studs in her ears and around her neck she wore a string of pearls with a large gold clasp that lay between her breasts.

She could not help but compare this image, with the one, so long ago, when she drove into the City with Ryan, that Monday morning, to buy her first outfits since leaving the orphanage.

To date no words of love had been exchanged between her and Ryan. She could only gauge Ryan's reasons. For her, she knew it was as she was afraid that this fairy tale would come to an end.

Turning away from the mirror and her misgivings, Jenny walked to her bed and collected her white and turquoise bag, which exactly matched her high heel sandals.

When she entered the formal lounge, Ryan immediately walked to her and took her in his arms, his warm lips pressed a conservative kiss on her forehead.

“Honey, you look beautiful.” Stepping back he turned and guided her to his parents.

“Yes indeed, Jenny, you've matured into a lovely woman, we are so proud of you.” Reed, Ryan's father, enfolded her in an affectionate hug.

“I can only endorse that statement, Jenny, many happy returns.” Susan leaned closer and gave Jenny a beautifully wrapped gold box.

“Thank you.” But before she could open it, Mary enthusiastically hugged her, another gift, from them placed in her hand.

“Many Blessings, Jenny, Mike and I hope that all your dreams come true.”

Mike leant down to give her a kiss on the cheek. “Yip, you deserve it kid.”

Looking at her trembling hands she laughed. “Oh gosh, thank you, look at my hands, I am so excited.” Jenny looked at them and felt such a rush of love and thanks for the life they'd had given her, she hoped they could see what they meant to her.

Just then, Andy came running into the room, he too was smartly dressed for the occasion, sporting a sailor's shirt and matching pants. Going down onto her haunches, to hug Andy, not mindful of her clothes at all. Jenny accepted the gift he was eagerly held out to her.

“Happy birthday, Jenna, I know your birthday was on Wednesday, but Daddy said we were to keep it a secret till tonight.” Ryan's son looked at him, clearly holding his father responsible for the lateness of the gift.

“Thank you, will you help me to open my presents?”

Andy of course did not need a second invitation, and eagerly tore open Ryan and his gift to her.

She took the ring box from him, her heart beating in her throat, surely not here and not like this? Jenny did not know if she should be relieved or disappointed when it revealed a plain, gold pinkie ring, with a row of diamonds.

Ryan whispered in her ear, his, fresh, warm breath, on her skin, “studies and degree to be attained, before I can allow myself all the liberties, your eyes have been promising me.”

A warm flush spread up her throat. Her legs felt like jelly when she saw the raw desire in his eye. Surely he did not think that she could wait another month, till after she completed her exams?

This question must've revealed in her eyes, as he inclined his head to her and whispered in his husky undertones, for her ears only. “I have waited three years for you, this time round I'm doing it right.”

His lips were warm and held so much promise, but then the rest of the family intruded.

“Come on, aren't you going to open the other gifts?” Mary wanted to know.

Trying to appear unruffled, Jenny stood on tiptoe, and Ryan leaned down to her, to catch her words, “Everything, is just right, it is perfection. Thank you Darling.”

Ryan took her hand in his, and then felt her trace with her perfectly manicured finger, a path of promise from between his middle and index finger to the base of his palm, before closing her small hand over his large one.

He closed his eyes and knew she heard the slight hiss leave his lips. Opening his eyes again he caught the provocative look she gave him before innocently turning to accept the now opened gifts from Andy.

Reed and Susan's gift was a dainty gold charm bracelet, with a diamond and gold cross charm on it. Mary and Mike gave her a matching slim gold watch. Their thoughtful gifts brought tears to her eyes.

Reed saw the emotional reaction in the women, and instructed. “Let's leave before everyone ends up in tears.”

As they were celebrating and no one wanted to drive having consumed alcohol, each family was using their chauffeur driven limousines. Andy eagerly asked to drive with his grandparents jumping up and down with excitement.

Jenny and Ryan were left to travel alone, and as soon as the vehicles moved off, Ryan closed the one-way glass partitioning which separated them and the driver, enclosing them in an intimate cocoon.

The CD in the limousine played the romantic songs of Shayne Ward, adequately filling the silent void. Without a word, Brian lifted her across his lap. Slowly he unbuttoned her blouse, exposing her breasts, held firmly in the designer turquoise bra. Deftly he undid the front clasp. As her breasts sprang free, she leaned back waiting to feel his lips on her breast..

Her breath left her body in a soft sigh, as she felt his warm mouth and tongue encircled her nipples, his lips sucked strongly. He gave equal attention to each aroused peak. Lifting her knees slightly she readily opened her legs.

Not waiting for a second invitation, Ryan quickly moved his hand to that wet pulsating V that she so eagerly opened up for him. As he slowly rubbed her intimate outer lips, she turned into his embrace, her mouth accepting his deep and plundering kiss.

Ryan thrilled at the sensation her tongue created as he emulated what his fingers were now doing to her. Pushing up against his hands with her hips, she arched for fuller possession. Recognizing her need, he allowed another finger to join the other two.

Oh, she was so wet and opening herself so wide for him. As he sucked her tongue into his mouth, he could almost feel what it would be like to slip into her firm, wet passage.

He had been celibate so long! Cold showers and other quick fixes did not sate his natural high sex drive or his need for her. In this day and age his need to court her, would be considered old fashioned, but it had just felt right, to respect her in this way.

She was beautiful, and he could feel his control slipping. But he would try to wait, it was just a few months to the end of the year, then he had a formal engagement planned and with his contacts already alerted, they could be married by February.

Her soft moans and pulsating orgasm brought his erection fiercely wanting release. Closing his eyes he threw his head back, clinching his jaw together, he fought to control his body. Hell this was going to be a long night!

Jenny looked up, her own body sated in the pleasure his hands and fingers had given her. She recognized the strain he was going through to bring himself under control. Without giving it a further thought, she impulsively moved off him, pulling her skirt back up her thighs to give her more leverage, she turned onto her knees.

Leaning over him, she pulled the zipper to his pants down, he immediately went to still her hands. But he kept his head thrown back, the muscles in his cheek and jaw showing how near he was to spilling and loosing control.

But Jenny ignored his hand, and made quick work, releasing his huge pulsating shaft. Without hesitation, she eagerly took him in her mouth. She had never done this before, and was working from pure instinct and wanting to please him, and give him some relief.

“Oh God, Jenny what are you doing?”

But she heard the rhetorical question in his voice, and his hips gave lie to his objection, as he lilted his hips to her mouth.

His hand slipped under her long hair to rest at the back of her neck. His intention was to stop her, but the sensation of him in her mouth, all over him, had him hesitating. Just then as he was about to lift her head, her tongue run up and down his shaft, then gently pressed into his tip. He was in deep trouble, he felt his control slip.

Giving in, he placed the hand that was supposed to restrain her, on her head, guiding, encouraging her to take more of him.

He felt her inexperience, and this thrilled him all the more. She did not release him, but hesitated as if waiting for him to school her in what he wanted next. Being in the car like this meant that she was willing to allow him to go all the way in this divine pleasure she was offering him...

Unless he could find a hanky and move her away quickly enough before he spilled himself in her mouth. As he moved to get what he was looking for from his pocket, she looked up from her position over him.

Placing her hand over his, she stopped his search, and then went down on him again with vigour. This indicated to him, her hundred percent participation in this act, and her willingness to go all the way, with her oral seduction.

She wanted this, she needed this, for too long she allowed him to lead and give. She needed to lead and give, wanting, needing his total surrender to her. Looking into his aroused eyes, she felt his strong response to her looking at him, while she serviced him. Then turning her head back, she again pulled him deep into her mouth, pushing his shaft up against the pallet of her mouth; she rubbed him, and felt him slip further into her mouth

Ryan lost in the pleasure she was giving her, closed his eyes, and lifted his hips, giving her the pace he wanted her to set. Then in one last thrust, he gave over to his release.

The intoxicating fragrance of his shower gel from the nest of black hair from which his huge shaft rose, and the erotic taste of his seed as he spilt into her, brought a pulsating pleasure from her very being. She drank him and loved him, her adoration and supplication to his needs made her the victor, the one in control, as he totally lost his control!

When he was done, she licked and kissed him a while longer, giving him a moment to recoup. As she felt his hand at the base of her nap, encouraging her to come to him, she lifted her head, and eagerly went to him.

Ryan slanted his open mouth over hers, and as he took her tongue he tasted himself on her.

'That was fantastic, thank you. I suspect this is not going to be enough for us tonight.” Looking deeply into her delighted blue eyes, he kissed the tip of her nose.

“How was that for you, did I do it right?”

Placing his forehead against hers, he reassured her.

“You did everything just right, but I'm afraid as much as it has helped me not having a burning hard-on the whole night, just the idea of what you've just done, is going to make this a very long night! You do realize that after this, I will not be able to wait for the end of the year. It begins tonight?

“I am ready, what feels so right, cannot be wrong. What's a few months anyway?

Pulling her closer he gave her another tender kiss. Then putting her gently aside, he fastened the buttons to her blouse, checked her make-up, remarking, “You look ravished, Miss Smith, I suggest, you put on some lipstick.”

As she checked her hair and make-up, he quickly neatened himself. Catching her look, he gave her a satisfied smile, his male pleasure at reducing her to this state very apparent.

She almost giggled when the car came to a standstill. They'd barely made it with only seconds to spare! When the chauffeur opened the door, she sedately slipped out of the limousine; Ryan followed her just as coolly.

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Chapter Eight

She spent a magical night with her new family and it was very late when she and Ryan returned, home. He carried his sleeping son to his room, and left Jenny to tuck Andy in, while he went downstairs to do his routinely, nightly check with Dave, before, retiring for the night.

Thought he'd confirmed his intentions for tonight, he'd still managed to maintain a fine restraint throughout the night. Jenny was not sure if he still meant to continue where they'd left off, and being unsophisticated in what was expected of her, she was not sure what she should do now.

Should she go to her room? But once there, if he did not join her she knew she would lack the confidence to seek him out in his bedroom. Biting her lip, she decided to seek him out downstairs instead.

Just then, Ryan came up the stairs taking three steps at a time, until he stopped in front of her. His dark blue shirt was unbuttoned to his mid chest, revealing his muscled chest with the dark hair nestled there. His hair was in slight disarray as he habitually raked his hand through it.

Ryan was not drunk, but she could smell the liquor, he'd consumed on his breath. He placed his hands on her waist, and pulled her to him.

At her vantage point standing two stairs up from him, she leaned forward, her arms going around his neck, as she met his lips with hers.

His mouth and tongue reaped havoc with her senses. Was she up to this, was she experienced enough? Would she please him, how did she compare with his other lovers? All these questions bantered away in the far recesses of her mind, as she tried to banish her insecurities. She wanted him, she needed him and she loved him!

Her innocent, tentative fingers in his hair, drove him wild with desire. Ryan initially wanted to wait till after her graduation to tie the knot, but what had transpierced in the limousine and the wine he had consumed, was just enough to allow him to throw all his honorable intentions to the wind, his year of abstinence finally coming to an end!

Still holding her to him, he carried her to his room. He tenderly lay her down on his lush, cream, king size bed, while deftly removing her jacket, blouse and pulling her skirt over her small hips. Clenching his jaw, his gazed at her small breasts encased in the finest turquoise silk, her breasts did things for him that no large voluptuous breasts had ever done for him.

Ryan then traced her firm stomach, her ribcage expanding in rabid succession, her heart visibly beating frantically in anticipation. He did not slip his hand under the matching delicate lace silk panty. Instead he placed the palm of his hand, on her very apex.

She tried to lock him into her by bringing her knees together, her thighs enclosing his hand where it rested. As he rubbed her, he could feel her moistness through the thin material of her panty.

Using his other hand he again traced a path, back to her breasts. Ryan's fingers, found the front clasp to her bra, as her breast were released from their confines, his head descended to take one perfect tight nipple in his warm, moist mouth. Her soft groans of delight, igniting him.

The perfect roundness of her breast enclosed in his large hand, he bit and tugged at her nipple, his mouth and tongue enclosing her breast. He raised her slightly to take her bra off, throwing it down on the floor with her other clothes.

As she lay vulnerable, looking at him, he slowly removed her shoes, and then ran his hand from her ankle up her leg to rest against the back of her knee.

Then confidently he moved up her inner thigh, sliding his hands under her bottom, he slipped his hand under her panty, enclosing her bottom with his hand, kneading her fullness, as he watched her face contort in exquisite anticipation.

With deft expertise, he made this an erotic act, rather than an awkward one, as he slowly pulled her panty sensually down her thighs, over her knees, down to her ankles and then simply deposited it on the floor.

The noises coming form her tight chest, almost little cries of pain, begged for his touch and entry.

Looking at her laying so innocent and trusting on his bed, he could not believe that after all this time she was finally going to be his. He watched her eyes dilate as he slowly undid his shirt, the cuff buttons taking a bit longer than usual as he felt the slight tremble in his fingers as he removed his cufflinks. Pulling his shirt from his pants, he stripped for her. Her tentative fingers had already undone his belt-buckle and the top button to his pants. She blushed beautifully when he raised a brow at this evidence. He then proceeded to unzip, and still watching her he pulled his pants over his hips.

She feasted her eyes on his muscled torso, well-defined stomach muscles, and firm arms and legs. His penis was large as it strained against the confines of the now almost too small underpants.

Dear heaven on earth, only this woman, no one else, now and forever, he thought as he came over her.

Her arms closed around his neck, her hands going to the back of his neck as she pulled him to her. Then gliding her hands over his back she embraced him.

He was already between her thighs, but had not entered her yet. The tip of his silky erection, just teasing at her warm, wet opening. He felt her legs come up, and over him, as her smooth legs rubbed against his buttocks and down the back of his thighs.

He broke their eye contact and closed his eyes in anticipation of his entry. His demanding lips going to her eager ones. His hand caressed her breast, as the other went under her hip to lift her to him.

Jenny could feel him pushing against her opening. She opened her legs wider allowing him better access. When he slipped into her, a guttural sigh escaped from him.

Her eyes were closed and all she could concentrate on was the exquisite pleasure he was giving her as he moved in her.

His movements slow and controlled, as he flexed into her. Then some invisible restrained in him seemed to snap. He accelerated his pace, then as he arched into her, pressing his hand against the headboard for leverage, his natural rhythm took her to a near death pleasure that she never knew existed.

Everything come to a standstill as she throbbed and closed around his arousal, she felt her body warm release, he'd stopped but remained flexed up tight in her.

Ryan remain still, to keep her at that perfect zenith as long as he could, until she cried out with it. Only then did he push ravaging into her, until he spilt himself in her.

His moans then just as passionate as hers had been. As he descended from a plateau of intense pleasure he heard Jenny's breath match his rugged breathing.

He lay on her, supporting most of his large frame with his arms, his body utterly depleted. With no other woman had he ever experienced this earth moving, mind-blowing release. Moving gently off her, he turned her onto her side and he came to lay behind her. Her firm bottom, fitted perfectly into his groin, her body a perfect fit for his.

Jenny lay sated, cocooned in his arms, his strong arm and hand across her breast.

He leaned over her; and trailed warm tender kisses, from her shoulder up her neck and stopped, just behind her ear. He whispered, the usual huskiness and deep tone of his voice more pronounced, by his ardor, sending sensual messages of love to her sensitive body.

“You were made for me, we are a perfect fit.”

Jenny wiggled her bottom tighter into him and slowly her eyes began to close. She knew that at last, all her dreams had come true.

Ryan felt his eyes become heavy, at the far recess of his mind, he acknowledged that Jenny was not a virgin and he had not used any protection.

* * * *

It was almost dawn when Jenny woke up, for a moment she was disorientated, but then she remembered she was in Ryan's room, in his bed! Turning on her side, she found him laying with his back to her. His bed was large, and she had to scoot herself over to him. Laying against his back, she tentatively put her arm around him. Her arm did not reach far over his large torso, but she still liked holding him.

Jenny was not sure what had woken her, perhaps it was the coolness of the morning breeze coming from the open window, or perhaps it was that she missed the warmth of his body. Whatever it was she wished he would wake up. But her exploratory hand did not elicit any detectable movement from him.

Turning back onto her back, she turned her head towards the window and watched as the suns early morning rays lighted the blue sky. She, should go to her room, Andy will wake up soon. He had an inborn clock it would appear, as he was always awake earlier over a weekend, to ensure that he caught his morning playtime with his father.

A slight flush came to her face just thinking of all the things Ryan had shown and done with her until the early hours of the morning. He had an insatiable appetite for her and he'd told her so in no uncertain terms.

Their lovemaking later took on a slightly different tempo, his overtures as the night progressed became a relentless dominance. She met his advances at each and every turn, whatever he extracted from her, she returned and her initiation into the act of lovemaking was complete.

The heights she soared to were surpassed each time. She was not complaining but her whole body ached from his possession of her.

Moving softly off the bed, she picked up his shirt and pulled it over her head. She smelt his pure male essence, combined with his masculine aftershave. Then she quietly crept around the room collecting her clothes. With one last look at Ryan's sleeping form, she opened the bedroom door, and snuck out.

Ryan turned onto his back as he heard her leave. From the moment her warm hand and fingers started caressing him, he wanted to have her again, his body ached for her. But if he took her now before talking to her, it would be for his own selfish reasons, and for his own pleasure.

He was on a roller coaster ride, one moment enjoying everything she had to offer, then angry with her for her deceit. The self-doubt that was eating at him, made him feel insecure. This an unwanted and unfamiliar emotion for him as not even Natalie had been able to touch his self-esteem. But then she never touched his heart either, so Natalie's betrayal had meant nothing to him.

With Jenny, it was different he wanted to believe that she loved him, for the man that he is and not for his immense wealth.

He found, with Natalie's betrayal and now Jenny's that he was questioning his own worth and his choice in woman. Duped for a second time? A lesser man would not stand for it!

The absence of her warm body now left emptiness in his bed, which was only surpassed by the coldness in his heart. Throwing the sheet off him, he strode to his cupboard and took out a pair of blue silk boxer shorts.

Opening the connecting door, to his son's room, he stood at Andy's bed, looking at his sleeping face. ‘Well my boy, the second time around and I've screwed it up again.’ Hell, he could not bed and wed, it would appear in that order a decent woman. Perhaps that was his problem. He should find someone, wed and then bed them. He gave a sharp sardonic laugh. No rather just avoid marriage entirely. He had his son he did not need anyone else. Then why did her betrayal damn well hurt so much?

He was tempted to keep her in his bed anyway, but that was a complication he did not need. No, far better to cut his losses now. Jenny was doing her finals this month and then he could say goodbye to her with a clear conscience. She got her break from him, more than she could have bargained for. He'd shown her a spectacular lifestyle and she took to it as if she was born to it. She certainly had an acquired finesse about her now, that she did not have when she first arrived, but the promise and potential was always there.

Raking his hand through his hair Ryan gave a short humorless laugh. He'd assumed she read all the books and did the research so that she would not disappoint him. Here he had been kicking his heels, thinking he was giving her a chance to grow up, and make sure he was what she wanted. Believing the innocent that her eyes told him she was.

He'd tested his theory, the whole night. Just when her body become soft and pliant in sleep, he'd ruthless and determinedly woken her, admittedly also because his body could not get enough of her, but driven as well, to punish her for her deceit.

He'd taken and demanded payment in kind, she'd never waiver, and took and returned, everything he dealt out, but still with that innocent touch, as if he was initiating her into a world, yet unknown to her. He thought he would catch her out. That she would reveal to him a trick or two, which she acquired at the Nightclub when she worked there.

Her advances and compliance was for him and his pleasure only. The fact that he brought her that same pleasure was no consolation to him.

Turning from his sleeping son, he went to his bedroom, he was about to go to the en-suite when he heard a shuffle and what he thought was a painful cry. He rushed to his bedroom door, as he pulled it opened he was met with a violent punch to his face, his eyes smarted from the pain and he staggered back into the room.

Derrick stood in front of him, holding Jenny in a death grip around the neck. One swift movement and he could snap her neck. Her feet were not touching the floor and he could see she was trying to find an anchor so that she could lift herself, as the grip Derrick had on her was cutting off most of her air supply.

As Ryan made a move to surge forward, Derrick moved aside and two armed men entered the room. They looked like overgrown gorillas, their height and weight, only overshadowed by the weapons they held.

It would be impossible for him to fight them off in an effort to get to Jenny, they would have more than enough time to use their weapons before he had cover the distance to where Derrick stood. This was Derrick's plan, when he brought Jenny into the room first, obviously confident that Ryan would not attempt anything, as she was being held in such a precarious position in Derrick's muscled arms.

Jenny wore his shirt, and looked vulnerable, in her state of panic she was also trying to keep the shirt from riding up her thighs, which would expose her nakedness to these men.

Speaking in a very low tone, just perceptible, because he was shocked and angry, and as he did not want to wake Andy up, he growled at them, “What the hell do you want? For the love of heaven, let her go man, you are choking her!”

Ryan had to restrain himself from acting on his instinct, which was to charge and forcefully remove Jenny from her perilous position.

Derrick slightly slacked his arm, and Ryan watched Jenny gulp in the air that had been denied her. Her eyes were large and very frightened. He imagined his did not look much better.

“Mr. Barnard,” the use of Ryan's surname dripping sarcasm. Derrick, like the other senior staff were on a first name basis with him. “I've come to take your son off your hands for a few days,”

Ryan's eyes sharpened and thinned.

Jenny gasped in surprise and fear. Her heart pounded in her chest. They could not mean to take Andy! Derrick tightened the hold around her neck the moment he felt her resistance.

Ryan saw as Derrick's arm pushed on Jenny's windpipe. “What the hell...?”

Ryan got no further, when the burley, dark haired man, stuck him at the back of the head with his gun, sending him down onto his knees. He fought the blackout, that, this one blow was supposed to induce.

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter Nine

“Tough guy hey, think, again mate!”

This time Ryan did go down completely onto the floor, the kick to his stomach had him reeling, but still he fought to stay conscious.

Jenny struggled against Derricks hold, but the more she squirmed the fiercer the pressure Derrick exerted became as he tightened his hold, until he spat, in her ear,

“One more move from you, and I snap you little neck now!”

Jenny still put up a few more harmless kicks with her dangling legs, and then stopped.

Ryan could see she was starting to loose consciousness. “Let her go damn it, she can't breath!”

Laughing, Derrick dropped her to the floor next to him.

Jenny lay helpless, trying to fill her lungs with air. Earlier, she had just gone into her room when the noise, which she now realized was what had woken her at dawn, came again. She'd opened her bedroom door to investigate, when suddenly Derrick grabbed her and pulled her to Ryan's room, two men following him.

Now, as she lay on the carpet, fear had her legs feeling weightless and numb. She knew if she tried to stand up she would just fall down. So she turned onto her side, and brought her knees up into a protective position, pulling Ryan's shirt over her, trying to conceal her body from the three leering men.

Ryan saw them looking at her, and what he saw reflected in their eyes instilled so much fear in him, he felt the adrenalin hit his blood stream. No one, but no one was going to touch her! Not giving a thought to his own safety, he jumped at them from his position on the floor. He took Derrick and one of the men with him as he hit the floor again.

Ryan hit Derrick with his head and smashed his elbow into the other man's face he was just turning to aim a kick at the third man, when Andy came running into the room.

“Daddy, what are you playing?”

Just that one second, was all the man needed to scoop Andy into his arms, he lifted the firearm to Andy.

Derrick was bleeding just above the eye and the other man, had blood on his lower lip and his nose was bleeding profusely.

Their anger at Ryan's attack knew no bounds, as they hit and kicked him, Jenny screamed and screamed for them to stop, but they went on until his form lay almost lifeless.

“Man, Derrick, what are you doing, you're not suppose to kill the goose with the golden eggs, dude!”

“Nah, he's not dead, he is as tough as he looks believe me.”

Ryan, started coughing and came to his senses, hearing his son crying and Jenny's upset voice pleading for them to leave Andy and Ryan alone her voice desperate and so very afraid.

“We must get out now, if we don't the staff will find us as they arrive. Not that there are too many of them, it being Sunday and all, but we better get a move on.” Derrick instructed.

The two unknown characters, took duck tape out of the backpacks, they had with them. Ryan tried to negotiate them, but Derrick pushed his revolver against Ryan's temple and commanded.

“Shut up or die! Just think what would then become of your precious son and your bit on the side!” gesturing to Jenny.

Ryan had no choice but to submit to his mouth, wrists and ankles being taped together. It took two of them to lift him from the floor and drag him to his bed, where they taped his legs and arms in a V, to the headboard and bedpost. It felt as if his groin would tear apart, by the smallest movement on his side.

He anxiously looked at Andy, who was crying pitifully and trying to get to Ryan, but the hold the Gorilla, as Ryan thought of him, had on Andy made his little efforts futile.

Jenny slowly came up from her position on the floor, and asked if she could have Andy. “Please give him to me.” She begged, but all she got for her efforts was a slap through her face by Derrick.

“Shut up and keep away from the kid.”

“Jenna, Jenna, I want Jenna.” A desperate chant from Andy.

“Please give him to me...” She tried again, her position on the floor, and her vulnerable state of undress not deterring her from asking for her Charge. Jenny loved Andy and all her maternal instincts came to the fore for him. She knew at that moment that she would give her life to keep him safe.

“Please, Derrick,” she begged, but Derrick started laughing, a harsh bitter laugh.

“Pleeze, pretty pleeze,” Derrick mocked, and that from a bit of nothing that come waltzing in here and from day one thought by bedding the boss she would make a little place for herself. Coming from nothing, you wanted a bit of the good life. Well let me tell you after years of watching the way the other half lives, I want some of that!”

Ryan started struggling, but the pain he experienced had him subsiding as he realized his efforts were futile at this stage. He needed his strength and fitness, to somehow get loose and not use his efforts to try and defend her from words that he had been thinking and feeling in the early hours of the morning.

Sneaking into his thoughts now was the fact that somehow he was allowed to think them but no one else. He'd always considered her, his, that was not going to change in one night. He suspected that it would take years if not forever to work her out of his system.

“Derrick, I'm Andy's charge, please take me with, I'll be invaluable for you. You wont’ be able to keep him quiet.”

Taking a bottle of chlorophyll from his bag, Derrick said mockingly, “Think again, Sugar! Do you think I am an idiot?”

A rhetorical question that had Jenny searching for another reason why they should take her with.

Ryan saw her teeth bite into her lower lip. The last time he'd seen that habit of hers, was the day she came for her interview.

“Derrick, I don't think you are stupid, but just by some chance if someone should come by, they will wonder why Andy is asleep and being taken from his home by you. Please take me with. With me, Andy will be more manageable.”

“Sugar, now whatever gave you the idea, we were going to leave you behind anyway? No, you were always part of the plan, all along, don't try to fool old Ryan here, he is a big boy, you can now drop the act.”

Jenny's eyes went to Ryan. Surely he could not doubt her love for him or Andy. Last night had elicited many warm and loving endearments from him. Though neither had actually said the words, ‘I love you'.

She wanted to tell him last night how much she loved him, but he was still the man, who to her, came from a world so far apart from hers. How can what she had to offer him ever be enough for a man like him?

He was strong, arrogant, with no short supply of confidence, or of his place in this world. His family accepting her from the onset because he had told them that is what he, wanted. But, he never, spoke of love to her.

Looking at her desperate eyes, Ryan knew that she could see his doubts, as he found himself doubting what they had, and what he thought she was. An innocent young virgin, entering a new and unfamiliar world. No, last night put that fairytale to bed! Was she working with Derrick, is he the one she had been sleeping with?

Had his desire and love for her, made him so vulnerable that he could not see the wood for the trees? Had he un-knowingly put his son in danger?

When he closed his eyes in despair, Jenny thought she would die, how could he doubt her?

Derrick grabbed Jenny by the arm, and pulled her up from the floor. Looking back at Ryan as Derrick pulled her from the room, her voice was broken and scared.

“I'll keep him safe for you, Ryan, whatever it takes, I promise.”

Those were the last words he heard before the door was slammed shut.

Derrick pulled her along the passage and into her room.

“Get dressed and bring something for yourself and Andy. Move it, or else I'll leave you behind.”

Jenny pulled on a pair of jogging pants, under Ryan's shirt, and threw, pants, tops, underwear as well as a warm sweater into a small bag. Grabbing her toothbrush, toothpaste and hairbrush, she was man handled to Andy's room where she packed the same for him, grabbing Andy's Teddy for him as he started to fret but trying to put on a brave little face. Jenny was so proud of him and she felt her heart swell with love for this child.

None of the other staff were anywhere in sight. Coming at dawn, just after the evening and morning shift take over on a Sunday, was stroke of genius, Jenny heard Derrick boast to the other two.

Jenny and Andy were bundled into a black van. Jenny tightly held onto Andy as they sped away. She was quite disorientated and confused, when after only about fifteen minutes they stopped.

Andy cried in panic, as a large black plastic garbage bag was pulled over their heads. She and Andy were forced from the van. Jenny gave her full co-operation, as Andy would also have difficulty breathing. Her own breathing was already becoming labored. They were pushed up some steps. Why did these steps look so familiar?

With her eyes straining downwards at her feet, in an attempt to make sense of what she was seeing they were hauled roughly into the house interior and shoved into a room and the door locked.

Quickly removing the bags from their heads, Jenny bent down to hold Andy, and tried to calm him. Once he was settled she had time to survey the room. There was a video camera mounted on the wall and she assumed they were under surveillance.

Another room led from this one, and there was a bathroom between the two bedrooms. Jenny fought her tears, for Andy's sake she must be strong.

* * * *

Ryan was unsuccessfully trying to get free, his efforts thus far, just causing him pain as he pulled and tugged at the tape. Suddenly he felt the pressure on his one ankle let up, he had succeeded in loosening the tape, whilst chaffing it against the deeply engrained, carved, bedpost. Putting in a renew effort, he chaffed away at his other legs tape. At last he felt the tape come loose, his ankles were bleeding from his efforts, ignoring the discomfort, he tried to get his hands free, but the tape had been tied to tightly, his efforts proved futile.

Bringing his legs up, he angled his hips and threw his legs over. He knocked the telephone earpiece off with his toe and he was able to press the emergency panic button on the keypad. The emergency call would be relayed to his Security Company and the local Police.

It felt like a lifetime before he heard the police arriving. Their reaction time was excellent, but this did not help him. Derrick had a good head start. Where to begin?

Once Ryan was freed, he phoned Paul and Mike and briefly told them what had happened. He then quickly dressed. He surveyed his badly battered face in the mirror, his ribs were not feeling any better.

When Paul and Mike arrived he'd just completed giving his statement to the police.

Ryan, Mike and Paul went into his study and after some discussion Paul made some calls, putting the word out on the street that there was a reward out of ten million in hard cash, for any information on where Ryan could find his son. Nothing official went out to the media. This was street information, which was leaked to the players of the underworld.

Then came the waiting and the frustration when information that was given, did not pan out. Three days later, and Ryan looked like hell. He'd hardly slept and his hair showed signs of his habit of raking his hand through his hair.

He shuddered just thinking in what hell, Andy and Jenny were finding themselves. The police as well as Paul, were frank with him, the fact that Derrick and the two men did not try to hide their identity, did not bode well.

Ryan sat on the brown leather couch, in his study the telephone-tap was set up on the table in front of him. Resting his elbows on his thighs, with his head in his hands, he though he was going to go mad if the phone did not ring, why were they taking so long to call with their demands?

On his request, his father, mother and Mary were staying away. He needed to be strong and he did not want them seeing him in this state either, nor did he want the distraction of having them with him and having to answer to their concerns as well. Ryan was thankful though to have Mike and Paul's support.

Coming into the study, Mike came and sat next to Ryan, he put a consoling arm around him for a few seconds.

When Ryan lifted up his face his lashes were wet.

“Nothing yet?” Mike enquired.

“No, they should've made their demands by now.”

Mike leaned back against the couch. “Dad wants to come too,”

Seeing Ryan's body reject the statement, he carried on. “But I asked him to keep an eye on Mary and Mother for us, but I think that by this weekend he will be here come what may. They are just as worried about you, Ryan.”

'Mike I told you, I will not be able to handle them and what I'm going through now, I must put all my energies into finding Andy and Jenny.”

“I understand believe me but they love you and you will not be able to keep them away for much longer.”

Nodding Ryan knew his brother was right. Oh dear heaven how was he going to live if he did not see his son or Jenny ever again?

Mike saw the pain etched on his brother's face for his child and the woman he loved.

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter Ten

For three days Jenny watched their routine. Two slept in the room adjacent to theirs, while one stayed in the kitchen and kept watch.

Jenny from day one immediately, doing what she was so good at doing; taking orders and not asking any questions. Her life at the orphanage taught her not to fight authority, it was futile. The more you fought the harder they meted out punishment. Best to be quiet, compliant and let them believe they had your complete co-operation, then they would give you rewards. Not ones that you asked for, but unknowingly giving you rewards that you wanted, because they thought you were so malleable and easy to control.

This is what Jenny did, and slowly but surely she could see them dropping their guard, even allowing her out of the room for a few minutes to get some water for Andy from the kitchen when they were too lazy and complacent to do so.

It was then, that she realized that they were on the property directly next to their home. Andy's friends, the twins lived here, but their neighbours were currently away on holiday. That is why the entrance steps looked so familiar to Jenny. She'd been here a few times, either dropping Andy off or picking the girls up.

Those first few months, when she went out jogging she'd looked at each property on her route, admiring their grand entrances, each one different, over the years she almost knew them as well as she knew their own.

Three days, Derrick and the other two were getting edgy and they were becoming irritated with her and Andy as well. If she wanted to do something she would have to do it now.

Derrick often touched her and made sexual advances to her. She felt nauseated by his attention and she was not sure how long she was going to keep him off her. The other two were also starting to look at her in the same way. Boredom was also getting to them.

Taking Andy in her arms she whispered that he needed to go “wee-wee.”

She then told Derrick, who was seated at the kitchen table that Andy wanted to make use of the toilet. Derrick indicated they could go to the bathroom. They had all become so compliant that they no longer locked the door of the room in which Jenny and Andy were kept which was the staff quarters that lead off the kitchen.

In the bathroom Jenny urgently explained to Andy what he had to do. She dressed him in his dark navy blue sweatpants and top. She again, checked with him, that he understood her and knew where they were, and that he was sure he knew what to do.

She sent him back into their room. Standing at the kitchen door, she watched the men, if this failed, it could cost Andy's life; she did not even want to contemplate that happening. Her heart beat so fast and loud that her ears were ringing. The men were still watching the sport channel, giving scant attention to the monitor that reflected the images of the room in which Andy and she were kept.

Two smaller screens showed the bathroom and the bedroom annexed thereto. She had to put a towel around her whenever she went to the bathroom, hating the idea of them watching her while she used the toilet. Bathing was out of the question, thus she just topped and tailed herself and Andy.

She was feeling dirty, not just physically. but because of what she was planning. With one more look in Andy's direction, she gave him a tender smile, winked at him and softly said, “I love you.”

He softly answered, “I love you too, Jenna.”

He was very close to tears, and this was almost her undoing, but for his sake, and her promise to Ryan, she would have to take the chance. She was sure the men could hear the nervousness in her voice as she spoke.

“Guys, don't you think a little fun with a girl, would be less boring than the game...?” Jenny saw as their bodies still, as her words sank in, slowly they all turned to her.

Leaning against the doorpost, trying to imitate the girls in the club, Jenny suggestively moved her hips.

“Come on, Derrick, you must know I worked in a joint up town, before I became a nanny, a threesome with three handsome guys, what do you say?” Jenny hoped her smile and suggestive movements would entice them all away from the kitchen. If one stayed behind the plan would not work.

“Come on boys, surely you're not scared of little old me, I've been a good girl for you, haven't I?” She saw them look at Andy laying on the bed, his eyes closed.

“Oh, him, out for the count, won't be any bother, we can go into the other room...”

Heart racing, she moved off into the room, she heard the chairs shuffle and turned anxious eyes to the door, glad to see all three following her, but scared witless, knowing what she had offered and what was going to happen to her. She stood at the bed and Derrick loomed over her, he roughly pushed her back on the bed, his hands immediately going to pull her sweatpants and panties off. She tried to stall him, and looking over his shoulder she asked, if the other guys did not want in on the action? She needed to get them away from the door so that Andy could make his escape.

As they drew nearer, she pouted and lifted her hips, then closed her eyes for a second sending up a prayer that Andy would be okay.

When she opened them she saw herself reflected in Derrick's lustful eyes. Dear heaven, she couldn't do this! Yes, you must she berated herself!

Three, determined, demented men, started pulling and tugging at her clothes, her signal for Andy to run, was laughter, so mustering all her reserves she started laughing and cajoling the men on, to finished the job, so that she could get at it. While they ripped at her clothes they also tried to shed their pants.

She felt relief when she heard the kitchen door close, if one was not straining and listening for the sound, it was inaudible.

All three men were struggling and snarled with their underwear around their knees; Jenny felt that this would give Andy a good head start. If by chance they found out that he was not in the room next door, they'd have to dress first, and would, she hoped, then first searched the house for him.. They should not immediately deduce that a toddler would have the sense, to sneak out while the grown up's ‘played.'

As the bed sagged under their weight, their shafts hard and erect, Jenny found her fear overwhelm her and all her bravado left her. Her fear was no longer for Andy, but for herself. Oh God, not again, will she be able to endure this, for a second time?

Jenny, felt Derrick's shaft press against her abdomen, his, unpleasant hot urgent breath blew against her face. She just knew, at that moment, she could not play the game, she was going to fight them! Jenny also knew that it was futile, that it was a fight she could not win. That she did not stand a chance against them, but she could not be compliant, not even for Andy. Remembered terror and pain re-surfacing, she would not be a victim again!

Jenny reared up, taking Derrick by surprise, for a moment dislodging him, surprise turned into scornful laughter at her pathetic attempts, as he realized that she'd changed her mind. But as Jenny fought Derrick, his amusement changed to anger.

He had her arms in a vice grip above her head, his full weight bared down on her, so heavy that Jenny found it hard to breath.

Derrick pushed his feet and ankles hard between hers, his knees driving in between her thighs, giving him access. The other two men jeered him on, enjoying their struggle.

She felt revolted by the tip of Derrick's hard shaft that jabbed at her opening. Using the last bit of strength she had, Jenny made one last attempt to hurt Derrick, biting down onto his mouth, as he tried to force her mouth open with his lips and teeth.

He became enraged and gave her a hard slap across the face, and punched her in quick successive bursts, in her ribs.

Jenny felt the edges of darkness. She fought the blackout, and raised her head and hit with all her might, the way she'd seen Ryan doing. She heard something crack, as her skull connected with his. Feeling nauseas, dizzy and disorientated, she heard banging and screaming, and the sound of a door breaking. She felt herself slipping into oblivion, but she did not allow herself to give in, trying desperately to shake the oncoming black void from her, she opened her eyes.

The first face she saw was Ryan's! The incredulous look on his face, in other circumstances, would almost have been funny! Instead hysteria rose up in her. Before she could gauge his further reaction, he was pushed aside, from his frozen stance, as the police came in.

From there everything became a blur, a blanket was placed around her and she was led outside, but not to Ryan.

He was standing with his brother, who from the look of it, was gesturing for Ryan to go to her. But he stood his ground.

As Mike made to come to her, Ryan said something to him that had him stopping in his tracks and he turned to Ryan as if questioning what he had said.

She watched as Derrick passed them, and then almost as if what was taking place had nothing to do with her, she watched disconnected to everything as Derrick engaged in some sort of argument. However, she could not hear what Derrick was saying to them.

Offering no resistance, she allowed the police officer to guide her head down as she was placed in a police vehicle. As the door slammed shut, and the police vehicle pulled off, she turned around and watched the group though the rear window.

* * * *

Derrick was spitting mad, and resisted the police Officers. As he was shoved past Ryan and Mike he dug his feet in, and spat out shouting at Ryan, what fun the guys had with Jenny the past three days.

“She's a wild one. She likes pain, it drives her sexual pleasure.”

Indicating his swollen lip, “Hence the ‘love’ bite she gave me! She likes it when we get rough with her!”

Ryan leaped forward to smash his face, it took two Officers to retrain him, but Derrick, taunted, “Ask her man! Asked her if she offered herself to us, in exchange for a threesome, go mate asked her!” He shouted for all to hear.

At this point Mike intervened and told Ryan, Jenny was not like that, and that he should go to her. But Ryan stood his ground, his features hard and set.

Mike turned to go to her, not understanding his brothers reaction at all, he could see she was distraught, and totally disorientated. But Ryan called him back, and told him to stay out of his personal life. Surprised he turned to Ryan, just then, the police vehicle pulled away with Jenny, her shocked face looking back at them through the rear window!

“Ryan, are you out of your mind?”

Looking at the detective, Mike demanded. “Why are you taking her to the station, she should be in an ambulance on her way to the hospital!”

At this stage Ryan looked deflated; Mike had never seen his brother look at such a loss. Looking at the Inspector again he demanded an answer.

“I asked the lady whether she'd asked for their attentions. She nodded her head. Based on that we must take her in for questioning, she may be an accomplice.”

Mike was upset and he looked at his brother, “Ryan you cannot believe this, you've been courting her, notwithstanding our advice to take her for your wife, when you said you loved her. Even Dad told you for a mature man to be celibate in this day and age were putting unnecessary stress on you and your relationship. But did you listen? No! You wanted to court her and court her you did! Now you want to tell me you believe this, excuse my French, bullshit?”

“For you information, Brother, I did not wait in celibacy for her initially. At first I did much what I did before I met her. It was not my intention to be celibate, but her anguished and accusing eyes had me scaling it down, but then, I found that I had no taste for sex without love and thus, dear Brother, it became easy for me to be celibate.”

Swinging away from his brother, he muttered, what an insane topic! But anything to postponed the inevitable confrontation with Jenny.

Turning back to Mike, Ryan continued. “Do I believe Derrick? Hell I don't know, you know what a fool I made of myself that last year at Varsity with Natalie! I was not an uncouth youth, I should've known better! What makes you think that my judgment of women has improved?”

“Well I know her too, and what that thug implied, I'm not buying. But until we do know for sure, I think we should keep the circumstances in which we found Jenny, under wraps.”

“What did you think I was going to do, place an ad in the papers!” Ryan growled out, then left his brother as he headed for his car.

No one, but no one will know how he felt when he saw his five year old son, standing in the dark, ringing the intercom to come into his own home! His son's look of sheer terror will never, ever leave him.

Once he had Andy in his arms all he could make out was that Jenna was at Millie and Magi's house. Leaving Andy in Anna's care they and the police had scaled the estate boundary wall, and gone in, and from the little information Andy had given them, they'd busted down the kitchen door.

The words his son had spoken to him, now rang in his ears. ‘Jenna said she was going to play with the men.’ Ryan kept this and the fact that Jenny had previous sexual relationship/s, with persons yet unknown, from Mike.

Ryan recalled with clarity, his telephonic conversation with Paul, the day Jenny came for her interview with him. He was looking for an excuse not to hire her, and Paul had assured him that there was nothing in her past, that could come back to haunt them. How wrong that turned out!

A distraught Paul had revealed to him this morning that he uncovered, that Jenny had known a Perry at the orphanage, whom just happened to be Derrick's brother. He'd asked Paul to keep this under wraps until he wanted it disclosed.

But all of this was just too much of a co-incidence and fueled his fears and doubts. His reactions in finding Jenny in that compromising position and his reaction to Derrick's allegations would not make sense to Mike. Jenny still had a lot of explaining to do. Best he got down to the police and found out what was going on

When Ryan arrived at the police station, they informed him that Jenny had said very little, it would appear that she was either in shock or playing a good game. They also had the video footage from the house, but there was no sound, so they would get someone who could lip-read, to translate. They had her in a holding cell, and the earliest that they would release her was in the morning.

Ryan desperately wanted to see her, needing reassurance that his doubts were unwarranted, but when he was taken to the cells he found her laying in a fetal position, her knees held tightly together with her eyes closed. The blanket still wrapped around her naked body

In fact, Jenny, was not asleep, the humiliation she had undergone went beyond her comprehension. His voice had alerted her to his presence when he was being escorted to her and she had decided to feign sleep.

She so badly wanted to open her eyes, and call for Ryan to hold her and take her home, but his reaction to her when he saw her with Derrick and the other men, and his action in allowing her to be taken and brought here, was keeping her in a hold of pain and shock. Jenny heard him leave, but still her body did not relax. Not only from nervous tension, but also as the pain in her chest was getting worse, and her breathing was labored.

Ryan went to the Inspector, and demanded that the clothing he had brought for her, be given to her. That she be allowed to clean up. The inspector however advised that the State doctor was on the way. Jenny would be examined, and only then would she be allowed to shower and change.

Ryan was shocked, and he suddenly realized how ugly this was turning for Jenny. If she was involved dear heaven would he be able to take it, he knew his anger at what was done to his son, would demand justice. But he was torn between wanting justice for his son and protecting her. All he could do now was keep tabs on the investigations via Paul's contacts and his Attorneys.

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter Eleven

For Jenny the nightmare had not ended yet. She lost track of time while she lay waiting for the doctor. When the doctor did arrive, he gave her a mild sedative for the shock. He then transferred her to the infirmary as her injuries were quite extensive.

He apologized to her, for what he had to do, but that the Police and State Prosecutor would need forensic and photographic evidence, for their case.

Jenny just nodded, and lay with her body rigid and her eyes closed as she was further violated, just legally this time!

The doctor diagnosed that the allegations of consensual rough sex, was not correct, she was badly beaten.

When he checked her eyes, she just stared back at him, in a deaden state, distancing her mind from what was happing to her, in an effort to protect her fragile emotional state.

He could not detect the use of drugs but to be sure he took a blood test.

He confirmed to Jenny, and recorded in his report, that she had not been penetrated, and at least on that score there would be no health concerns.

From the swelling and bruising on her legs and inner thighs he deduced that she had put up a hell of a fight.

The doctor pulled the sheet up under her chin, and gave Jenny another injection, this time to completely sedate her.

Only then did Jenny's body relax, and a single tear escaped from her eye, then the rest fell, and sobs racked her slender frame.

The last photograph the doctor took of Jenny, were where she was laying under the sheet, with tears streaming down her face.

* * * *

Andy was still in shock, and he was sedated.

Their doctor had examined him and confirmed that other than the trauma he had gone through he was well fed and healthy, and showed no signs of abuse. Andy, on hearing the doctor tell Ryan that he was well fed, told them that Jenna gave her food to him, the men were too lazy to make food and they had to share. But he thought Jenna looked ill because she ate so little.

Ryan had intercepted the thoughtful look their doctor gave him when he saw the facial muscle in Ryan's cheek pull, in pain. He was forced to control his feelings and as he acknowledged that Jenny had protected Andy.

The doctor then asked him where Jenny was, as he had expected her to be here. When Ryan informed him that Jenny was still at the police station he was no longer able to hide his anguished from his family. Ryan's parents as well as Mike and Mary were staying over and would be there to take care of Andy in the morning.

After the doctor left, Ryan phoned the police station to find out if the State doctor had been to see Jenny and if she was okay. But no one on duty was giving out any information. He did not want to leave Andy again so soon, so he could not go to the police station again to find out for himself.

But at two am, still unable to sleep he again phoned the police, and this time a young female Constable, confirmed that the doctor had just finished with Jenny and that she was sleeping. He could not comprehend why the doctor was busy with her for so long, unless the doctor only arrived now. That meant Jenny had been laying in that cell, under just that one blanket for almost four hours!

Ryan slept very little and he was at the police station the following morning, at eight am as he'd been instructed.

He impatiently hit the bell at the desk, waited for someone to come and assist him.

Everyone that was on duty the previous night was now off-duty, and there was very little information to be gained from anyone. He was however informed that Jenny was free to go.

Just then a side door opened and Jenny came walking out. Her head was bent, and she moved very slowly and carefully. He saw her wince as an Officer brushed passed her.

He took in her deadpan expression and dread filled him. This expression, something he had never seen before, nor one he would have associated with her. From the first day he'd watched her at his gate he had reckoned she could not hide her feelings.

Perhaps then, and subsequently everything had been a show for his benefit, as she was making a hell of a good job, of hiding her feelings, now!

“Jenny, I've come to take you home.” His voice low and quiet.

Jenny at that moment hated him. He'd left her to rot in a cell, the fact that she ended in hospital where she should have been from the very start, was no thanks to him. Her injuries as well as the ache in her heart were making her feel sick. Home, where was that? She had no home, and all her dreams were shattered. She doubted she would ever feel whole again.

* * * *

Ryan took her home, but once there she retreated, she went to her room and refused to come down to take her meals with the family. She ate very little. Though she was polite to everyone, the only one who could elicit some form of positive reaction from her was Andy.

Ryan on the odd occasion when she was not aware of him would stand at her bedroom door and watch as she hugged his son to her. Her laughter readily there for Andy.

She'd asked Ryan, a few weeks after her release from police custody, when she could leave. Feeling stressed, and unable to hide it, which admittedly he knew was uncommon for him. He'd curtly told her that until the case was finalized and Derrick and his accomplices were sentenced, she was not going anywhere.

For the first time in a long time he'd seen some emotion in her eyes, hurt, pain? She quickly disguised it as she brought her long black lashes down onto her pale face.

He also told her that she was eating too little and that she had lost weight that she could ill afford, but she only shrugged and said she did not feel much like food.

Jenny on the other hand was at a loss as to why Ryan had changed, she could only deduce that she was wrong to think that he cared for her. He obviously regretted making love to her, no, it was not lovemaking. She was aware that Ryan had a high sex drive. Their one night together, showed her his sexual stamina. He obviously regretted having sex with her!

When she came to work for him, found her dying slow deaths when he stayed out all night. She realized then she loved him, and she wanted to be the one he turned to. She could not hide her hurt, from him, though she tried, knowing that she had no right to him yet, as he had made her no promises.

Then one evening, when he was leaving for a night out, she'd found herself standing at her window, feeling hurt but unable to turn away she watched him open his car door. As he was about to get into the Bentley convertible, he'd looked up at her window, as if sensing her presence at the window. He gave what must have been a very deep sigh, as she saw his chest heave. He did not get into his car however, but just closed the car door, and took his mobile from his pocket.

Still looking at her, he made a call and that night instead of going out he spent it with her and Andy, and thus set the tone for the rest of the year. He never again stayed out over night again, and as far as she knew Melanie was off the scene for just as long. So what had gone wrong?

* * * *

Ryan became frustrated; after two months, Paul's contacts at the police had still not given him all the information he wanted on what the police had. They had just confirmed that they did not suspect Jenny. The matter was going to trial and he was as much in the dark now as he was then. He tried to get hold of the doctor who saw Jenny that night, but he had gone on leave the very next day and when Ryan enquired again he was told the doctor had immigrated to Canada to start his own practice there. The original team of police investigators and detectives had since left or were transferred as their unit was disbanded.

As a result he also had concerns and reservations that the investigations were going to be botched due to the political restructuring within the Force. But his very expensive team of attorneys assured him everything was on track. Derrick and his men would be convicted.

His father and mother as well as Mike and Mary banded together with the staff to get Jenny to come out of herself, but though she was polite she was very quiet and withdrawn.

He had taken Andy to see a Child Physiologist, who assured Ryan that Andy would not keep much of his ordeal over. The one thing that however came through very strong was that he loved Jenny and was very loyal to her.

Ryan found himself torn between protecting his child, and his need to protect Jenny. He could not be sure if Andy could say something that could incriminate Jenny or ruin her reputation.

The state was insistent that they also wanted to interview Andy and after much deliberation, Ryan at last agreed to Andy being interviewed by the State Child Psychologist. The interview was recorded on video, for use at the trial.

Ryan had been present at the first attempt, but Andy had not given his co-operation, throughout the interview he'd sat on his fathers lap, secure in the safety of his father's arms, at one stage he had turned his head into his father's broad chest, and it was at this point that Ryan ended the interview. Andy had not answer any questions.

The State Child Psychologist, again approached him, Ryan however was in England at the time. His father, Mike, and both his mother and Mary were also away attending an International, Charity Function, and thus they were not in the country.

The Psychologist felt that if she held the interview in the familiar surroundings of his home, Andy would be more co-operative. Ryan reluctantly agreed.

On Ryan's return, he contacted the Psychologist as he wanted to view the interview, but the Psychologist confirmed that she had already provided the State Attorney with the videotape. The State could now make their case, and the video would be viewed in court.

* * * *

Taking the stairs three at a time, Ryan headed for Jenny's room, he had to inform her that she was expected at the Courthouse the following day.

He gave a light rap on the door, and when she confirmed entry he went in. The room was shrouded in darkness except for the light coming from the television set.

Jenny lay on her bed, the Discovery Channel was on but the television was on mute. It did not appear that she was taking in anything of the program, though she kept her eyes on the television set. Her intention to block his presence out.

Ryan sat down on the bedside and switched the table lamp on.

Jenny flinched, he was sure as much from the light as from his presence. She lifted her lashes and with her deep blue eyes, looked very fragile, with the dark rings under her eyes.

“Jenny...”

She heard the uncertainty in his voice, and could not understand why it would be there, she waited for him to speak.

“The hearing tomorrow, you will have to be there.”

Jenny nodded her head.

Ryan placed his hand on Jenny's arm, but she pulled away from him. He felt hurt and a little annoyed at her reaction and asked.

“Have I ever done anything to you, to make you think that I may harm you in any way?”

“No, but your eyes, tell me you want to.” The words just slipped out, she had not meant to say that.

“Do they, Jenny, or are they as hurt and angry as yours?”

“What do you have to be angry about, I told you I would keep Andy safe for you. I told you I would do whatever it takes!” Those long forgotten words now remembered again.

“Yes and you also made me think you were a virgin! How many men beside Derrick and me, have shared your bed! Was your Austrian Friend, what's his name...? Dieter, you're first?”

Jenny gasped and shocked eyes looked at him!

“Did you think I would be fooled, that I would not know that I was not the first? You must have laughed your head off, there I was cooling my heels, waiting for you. When, I could've had you from the start. That is what your eyes and body told me. But no, I had to do the noble thing, let you grow up, and make sure that a permanent relationship with me is what you wanted. That it was not just ‘puppy love', and that you were ready to become my mature wife and lover!”

Jenny heard the pain and anger, but she hurt so much herself that she could not help him with his. So she retaliated. “When have I ever behaved like Natalie?”

“Never that's your problem she was more honest, once she had me snared and she had the lifestyle and the money, she did not try to fool me with lies. At least with her I was the first!"

He could not have chosen better words than the last to cut her to the very quick. She closed her eyes. Guilty, guilty chanted in her head.

As the words left his mouth, and Jenny closed her eyes, he then knew that this was his Achilles heel. Pride, injured male pride, that another woman duped him. The mere thought that he'd been played for a fool that she had not wanted him, the man, but what he could offer, shattered him.

“Why did you study etiquette, and wrangle yourself into my home and ultimately in my bed? Why play the little innocent when clearly you were not!”

Not giving her a chance to answer he blasted back at her without raising his naturally husky voice, but his tone clearly defined his agitated restraint.

“No, you wanted me panting for you, unable to focus on anything else. So that you could attain your goal, but you overplayed your hand, when I took you to bed before the wedding.” He ignored her gasp of outrage, not giving any indication that he noticed the pain in her tear filled eyes.

In his mind he saw the life he thought he had with her, as it really was. He a man of thirty, playing boyfriend to his virginal girlfriend what a joke! That is why she accepted it when he called a halt to their lovemaking before taking it to the final conclusion. It sickened him, damn, no fool, like a fool in love!

She saw his insecurity, which she never realized was there. He was always so very self-assured and confident, even arrogant. But here then was a complex man, but after all, only a man non-the less. With human failings; like anyone else.

But her, own pain, had escalated these difficult months, into something unbearable. She could not yet, begin to reach out to him as he sat rigid waiting for her answer.

So she just said in a soft emotionless voice.

“You never asked me about my life in the orphanage, and most of what I had there was okay, but the rest, I would rather forget. The isolation, the loneliness, but most of all the rejection, especially by someone that I thought was my friend.”

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter Twelve

Ryan tried to take her hand, but she withdrew her hand were it lay on the bed and crossed her arms protectively in front of her.

He knew he was guilty of not only locking away the report, that Paul had given him on her, but of locking her past away at the same time as well. He had not wanted to discuss her past with her. Something in him, wanting her, to forget what she left behind. But in the process he may have denied the very part of her life, which made up this unique person. At first he thought he was just physically attracted to her, but then she snuck so easily into his heart in such a short period of time. Despite his best endeavors.

She continued in that emotionless voice that was starting to scare the wits out of him.

“Perry ... he was sixteen, when he came to the orphanage, I was fourteen and for two years, for the first time in my life, I thought I had a very good friend.

Then just before he left the orphanage, he arranged that I would meet him in the garden after the farewell dance that was being held for the Seniors. As I was not a senior he could not take me to the dance with him and he wanted to end the evening off with me.

Only later, I realized that he had it all planned because despite being drunk, he was still sober enough to use the condom he had the foresight to have with him.

At first, when he kissed me, it felt good, but then he pushed me down onto the grass, and I was so naïve that I did not realize what he was doing with the slip of voile he had in his hand.” Closing her eyes, to hide her shame from Ryan, she went on.

“I was not ready for him, all I felt was pain.”

Turning her face from him, Jenny continued, unable to hide her pain. “I must have cried out, but he just placed his hand over my mouth, muffling my cries.”

Ryan watched her chest heave, as she recounted what happened.

“My tears streamed down my face, he felt them and heard me, but he just carried on. I battled to breath. I can still remember how hard his hand was over my mouth! I moaned my pain, but still he just carried on grunting his satisfaction in my ears! Later I was further humiliated, when the other boys at the orphanage sniggered that ‘Miss Prim and proper got what she had coming to her.'

Swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat and fighting her tears, Jenny took a deep breath, “He left the orphanage, and I so hoped that I was wrong, that the boys were wrong, that he would make contact with me, wanting to believe somehow that would make the whole sordid ordeal okay. He never did.

All I ever wanted to do was forget the whole thing, and I thought I had. Talking to you about it was the last thing on my mind. To me you are my first.”

Ryan leaned towards Jenny, his remorse knew no bounds. He whispered, “Honey, he raped you, you should have said something, gotten someone to help you.” Ryan rasped out, angry with himself as much as the young boy who had hurt her emotionally and physically.

“Later I realized, what he did, but all the while it was happening, I never said no, I did not resist, how could I go screaming rape?”

The anguish in her voice tore into him.

Slowly she turned over onto her side, away from him. “I am tired, tomorrow is going to be a long day.”

“Honey, please look at me,” leaning over her he felt her shrink from him.

“Not now...”

Ryan heard her say as if to herself.

“Anyone who can touch you can hurt you.”

Ryan knew she meant that in the physical as well as the emotional sense, anyone could hurt you if you let them close enough.

He wanted to ask if she still had contact with this Perry guy, to test her reaction, when she realized that he knew of Perry's connect to her and Derrick. But something held him back. Was it cowardice of what he might learn, or his own inability to cause her further misery at this time?

He'd kept this information from the police and he had told Paul that under no circumstances could this be revealed to the police. This, his attempt to protect her in some small measure. But what the Defense had come up with, he had no way of knowing.

Raking his hand through his hair, he sighed, he had really made such a mess of everything. He had tried the past weeks to reach out to her, but she'd kept on rejecting him, refusing to address the issues they had, and avoiding him whenever she could. He should have pressed harder.

His timing tonight before the conclusion of the trail was way off. He would have preferred to sort through all of this with her before she had to face the ordeal again in court.

* * * *

Leaving Jenny, who appeared to have fallen asleep, he went to his study. It was late but Paul immediately picked up the phone, he sounded a little sleepy, and gave a throaty laugh when he heard who it was.

“Your timing is off, my friend, my wife and I want to get an early night,” his implied connotation quite clear, to Ryan.

“Tell me about it! Sorry, but I am sure Lindy won't hold it against me, have you found out anything further on the case?”

“Everything I have on the kidnapping, your attorneys has, on the assault on Jenny, well I have been promised a copy of the file tomorrow. Ryan, how serious was Jenny injuries when she came home?

“Paul, the only injuries I could see were the bruising on her cheek, and around her neck where Derrick had chocked her. This is rather personal, but Jenny has the habit of undressing and dressing in her en-suite, it comes from a lifetime living in the orphanage. I teased her about it but she persists in doing it, so in all honesty what other injuries she had, I am ashamed to say, I do not know. Though she did go to her own doctor a few times for a checkup, she flatly refused to go to our family doctor.

Paul, man I messed up royally, with the shock of Andy's kidnapping I did not give her the support she needed, on top of what you dug up on Perry and Derrick I found myself swinging between protecting my child and giving Jenny the benefit of the doubt.

Even now, for the most I cannot believe she was involved with Derrick but how can I be sure? Especially as we never gave the police all the information we have.

On top of that Jenny does what she is good at, she has kept to herself, and tried to fade into the background these past months. Not even my mother or Mary can reach her. She refused to come down and join us for supper, and takes all her meals in her room. I get the distinct impression if I force the issue she would rather starve than join us.”

Ryan did not add that his shock in finding out she was not a virgin was also a factor. For Ryan it was not so much that he wanted Jenny to be a virgin, than that he had just assumed she was, and then when he discovered that she was not, he felt betrayed.

Paul knew that Ryan must really be very upset, if he was this talkative, and settled into a comfortable position, with his beautiful, wife nestled on his chest. Paul patiently listened to his friend, well into the night, as Ryan tried to make sense of what had gone so wrong in his life.

* * * *

When Jenny woke up, she felt no joy or pleasure, knowing that so much had happened in such a short time. From the moment she came to this wonderful home, and family everything had been so right for her. Then just like that, all of it was gone. The joy, the laughter and the love were lost, in a wink of an eye.

Andy was the only constant thing in her life at the moment. She was perhaps not being completely fair to Ryan's parents, or to Mike and Mary, they were trying very hard to bring order and normality to a world gone mad. But their loyalties were torn. Given an ultimatum, there would be no contest. The Barnard's would always stick together and support their own.

Well that is, after all, what she always thought families were supposed to do. She did not want to drive a wedge between Ryan and his family anyway, and that is why she kept to herself where possible and said as little as possible. But this did drive home to her again how fragile her relationship with them were and again punctuated just how easy, it was to loose something very dear. Something she'd chosen to forget since leaving the orphanage, to her detriment.

Looking at herself in the bathroom mirror, she acknowledge she looked a wreck, her hair had lost its natural luster, and the dark rings under her eyes made her look even more haunted.

Taking a deep breath she walked out of the bathroom, dressed, in a cream knit jersey pants, and coral cotton knitted top. Her hair braded into a French braid down her erect and slender back.

She suddenly stopped, when she saw Ryan sitting in the bedroom armchair, how long had he been waiting?

“Morning, I came in to check if you were ready, I see you still change in the bathroom, rather than in your room?”

Feeling, gauche Jenny could feel a blush steeling into her face.

“Jen, Honey I am only joking.” Coming up from the chair he walked to her and placed his arm around her, and led her from the room.

She was not sure where this concern for her was coming from or why, but she accepted it complacently, for now.

Their drive to the Court House was completed in almost in silence, Ryan tried to make light conversation but Jenny's stilted replies had him also lapsing into silence as they drove.

Jenny watch his hands as he competently handled the powerful car, flashes of what those well cared for strong hands had done to her and the pleasure they had brought her, well remembered despite her effort to erase them.

She dropped her gaze to his legs, this was worse, fascinated at the display of his thigh muscles under the tailored black pants, as he engaged his driving skills, reminded her of the image of his legs locked intimately with hers.

Looking up, she encountered his intense look, meeting his smoldering, eyes, she quickly looked away and made as if she was engrossed in the view outside the car. She felt the light touch of his thumb on the side of her face as he gave her a loving caress.

“Jen, Honey, we will get through this, trust me.”

Jenny closed her eyes and swallowed back the tears, his words, ‘trust me’ rang in her ears. Could they recapture what they had, could she dare trust him again?

Jenny recalled how she used to stand at her window and watch him leave in the Bentley in the evenings, wondering who the lucky lady was, that he was spending his time with. But then that changed, and he stopped staying out overnight. Surely he would not have done that for her, if he did not love her?

More and more, she became part of his family, and she came to enjoy a lifestyle she was unaccustomed to. But that was not the greatest gift she received, it was the love and family that came with it, treasured things that now it would be appear, was lost forever.

The trial today was something she did not even want to think about. Old wounds were going to be reopened, and she would have to relive everything that had happened to her. She felt so humiliated, would her shame never end? The closer they got to the Court House the tenser she became.

Ryan could feel her tension and he could feel her slipping even further away from him. The more he tried to reach her the more she was withdrawing from him.

On their arrival, his parents, and Mike and Mary were there to greet them, Mary and Susan gave Jenny a warm and loving hug, Reed and Mike tried to make light conversation with her, but she hardly acknowledged them.

Jenny felt as if she was sinking deeper and deeper into a black void, and she did not know how to reach out to the caring people around her. Her self-preservation was now paramount.

Ryan and his family exchanged concern looks when they saw her reaction.

* * * *

The proceedings were about to commence, when Jenny excused herself and said she was just going to the cloakroom. Ryan, and then Susan and Mary offered to go with her, but she firmly declined saying she preferred to go on her own.

Ryan waited for her to come back he kept a lookout for her return, his watch indicated she'd been gone for an unusually long time.

He turned around again as he heard the courtroom door open, but it was only a journalist, just as he was about to get up to see what was keeping her, he saw her. Jenny had taken up a seat in the back row of the courtroom. When he looked at her, she dropped her head, and he then knew that leaving to go to the cloakroom was just an excuse, she did not want to sit with him or his family!

Damn, the situation was getting worse and deteriorating faster than he knew how to fix. This was far worse than he thought it was. She was mentally and physical withdrawing from them and the proceedings.

Jenny had to put distance between her and the man she loved and the family she had grown to love. She felt so worthless and what ever was going to come out in the proceedings today may make her look even more guilty than that awful night, when the police took her away from Ryan, and he had made no attempt to stop them.

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter Thirteen

The Court proceedings were going well, on the charges of kidnapping, Derrick and his accomplices were going to be put away for a very, very long time.

Then the State started to present their case, on the charges, of grievous bodily harm. Ryan looked back at Jenny, but she was just staring down at the floor in front of her. She was not looking at anyone or making any eye contact. He wanted to get up and sit with her, but then he would have to ask the person sitting next to her to move, and he was not sure she would not just get up and run out.

He brought his attention back to the proceedings the bastards must get their just deserts. First up, was the video footage shot in the house, Derrick had kept the surveillance on the whole time and ironically these tapes were going to be used as evidence against them.

The State Attorney confirmed that though there was no sound and the angle of the camera made it impossible for the lip-readers to qualify what was being said, it was clear that Ms. Smith was putting up a tremendous fight and that she was not a willing participant.

The Defense Attorney, took a pointer, and indicated on the video to the jury where Jenny was laughing with the kidnappers. The Court was deadly quite, a person could hear a pin drop.

Jenny felt herself sink deeper and deeper into the black hole. Her humiliation was complete. After this Ryan, his family and everyone here will think that she is a whore.

Placing her hands over her eyes, she pressed her fingers against her eyes, willing the tears away. Not now, not yet.

The State then went on, and played the tape the police Child Psychologist had taped when Andy was interviewed. Ryan was so proud of his son, who spoke clearly and told everyone that his Jenna, shared her food with him, she kept him safe when the men tried to hurt him, but then they hurt her instead.

Then his little face puckered up and became very serious, he had the same mannerism as his father, and lifting his little brow, he said that Jenna had told him that they were in the Jones's house, and that as he knew the garden very well, he could go home if he wanted to.

Of course he wanted to, so Jenna told him she would go and play with the men to keep them busy, as soon as he heard Jenny laugh, he was to go out via the kitchen door and run down the side boundary fence and not down the driveway.

He was to stick to the trees, just like a soldier. When he reached the fence, he was to climb on the low wall, and creep through between the iron rungs of the metal fence and run for his house. He knew he could fit between the rungs, as he often walked on the wall, and wove in and out between the iron rungs when he went with Jenna on her walk. Well that is what he did, and then he pressed the intercom and his Dad came for him.

Ryan rose from the bench to go to Jenny, the whole courtroom was in a buzz. Everyone realized what Jenny had been willing to do, to protect her young charge and to aid his escape.

But at that moment Paul came into the Court Room and headed straight for Ryan. As he reached Ryan he discreetly went onto his haunches and handed Ryan an envelope. Paul placed his hand on Ryan's shoulder indicating that he should sit.

Ryan was just about to tell him that he would look at the contents in a moment, but the next words from Paul had him sitting down.

“My friend, you better be seated when you look at these photographs. These are the photographs the State is presenting to the court, of what was done to Jenny. Hell, how she could have hidden this from you, I do not know. She should've been in hospital, never mind in your house or in her room!” He looked at Ryan accusingly.

Mike leaned closer and heard everything.

Jenny saw Paul when he entered the Court Room and watched as Paul placed his hand on Ryan's shoulder to keep him from getting up and then their urgent conversation.

She noted Mike's concern as he listened as well. Jenny could no longer take any more recriminations. She had to get away. If the State needed her as a witness, well too bad, there was just no way she was going to go up there and tell everyone, that she invited to be raped by three men.

Getting up, Jenny rushed out of the Court Room.

Ryan at that moment was looking with horrified eyes at the photographs that the State Doctor had taken. His report substantiating that she had been severely beaten, her ribs cracked, she had concussion and she was in severe shock.

His report stated that the injuries and her mental condition were definitely not indicative of her being a willing participant in what happened to her. He did not agreed with the allegations that it had just been rough sex. His report concluded that in his opinion she had devised this plan to get the child away from the kidnappers.

Ryan looked at the photographs, which clearly depicted her badly bruised body, horrible welts laying across her ribs, inner thighs and across her tender breasts.

These horrific photographs told their own story.

The last photograph Ryan looked at was of Jenny laying in the infirmary, a white sheet pulled up over her and tears running down her face.

Ryan closed his eyes, in pain—when she needed him the most he had not been there for her. Instead he'd allowed his pride and what he discovered the night when they made love, to cloud his judgment and common sense.

Her explanation last night about Perry was more than enough for him, to know this was not planned and she was not involved. How Perry and Derrick fitted into the matter he would still find out and his own method of justice will serve if Perry was involved in the kidnapping in some way. He would not put her through anymore trauma. As far as he was concerned he could now put that aside.

He also did not need, Mike's indrawn breath, and that of his Mother and Mary, nor his Father's silent but bright eyes, as they looked at the photographs, to know he had messed up.

His family also felt guilty, they too had let her down, and she had gone through this all alone these past months.

Turning anguished eyes to look at Jenny he found her seat empty. He felt the shock hit his abdomen like a vicious blow. He asked his father to keep the fort, and, he commanded Mike and Paul to follow him, he had to find Jenny!

The three men exited the courtroom and scanned the busy corridors, but there was no sign of her.

Ryan saw the ladies cloakroom and rushed to it, but in his gut he knew that, this was not the reason why she was no longer in the Court Room. She had taken all she could take. She was at the end of her tether.

A Janitor was busy cleaning the corridor floor, and shouted at Ryan that it was the Ladies, when Ryan pushed past him. But Ryan did not hesitate as he search the cubicles, which came up empty.

Coming out, he shook his head at Paul and Mike.

Approaching the Janitor Ryan asked, “Did you by chance see an attractive young lady wearing cream, and coral come this way. She has very long black hair?”

“Oh her, yes Gov, but she is long gone, came past me very upset, almost fell over my bucket on the way out, but still very polite and apologized.”

“Did you see where she went?”

“Well, she went out of the main doors onto the main road, Gov.”

Ryan felt as his world moved on its axes, where was he going to find her now?

As one, the three men ran out of the building each running and searching in a different direction, but having to admit the futility of it when they could not find her.

She was gone! Ryan felt helpless.

Ryan phoned them from his mobile and told them to meet back at the courthouse. Paul confirmed he would get more men in and they would do a sweep of the city.

His father, mother and Mary come out of the Court House and confirmed that the men received the maximum penalty and would be in jail for life.

Ryan was pleased but it brought him no consolation. The most important piece of his life was now missing and he was not sure if he would be able to find her if she really wanted to disappear. He did not even know all her friends. She fitted in with his world he never tried to fit into hers. He phoned her friend Amy, the only friend who's number was on his mobile.

He asked her to let him know if Jenny contacted her. Amy confirmed that she would, but that she did not think Jenny would contact her for a place to stay.

Ryan frowned, and asked why the hell not?

Amy then confided that though she and Jenny were old school friends her mother did not approve of Jenny, as she was one of the orphanage children who also went to the same state school as Amy.

And Jenny knew this, Ryan wanted to know. Amy shamefully informed him that Jenny did.

Feeling utterly floored Ryan now came to realize how many people, Jenny, with her kind and loving heart, had been rejected by.

How she stayed the loving person that she was beyond his comprehension. But how much rejection could any one person handle, if your mother and the foster families did not want you! As well as being made to feel like a second class citizen at the school you attended and by your best girl friend's family. On top of that to have your first love forced you to have sex with him.

But the ultimate rejection must have been his!

The fact that Ryan knew that if the kidnapping had not taken place, nothing would have gone this far, did not make it any easier for him. He felt that if matters had gone their normal route he and Jenny would have had a serious talk and once everything was in the open, he would have declared his love for her, and proven to her beyond a shadow of a doubt that her not being a virgin was really not an issue.

But now after what had transpired, he must admit that if it were him, he would be locking himself away somewhere to hide.

“Guys, we are going to search every hotel for her, I think she will try to get a cheap place to stay.”

Mike looked at Ryan enquiringly.

“The bag she has with her is a backpack, I did not take much notice of it, but I know my girl, in that little bag she would've packed enough to keep her for at least two to three days, Go guys go, lets get cracking it is already five pm, we must find her before dark!”

* * * *

When Jenny left the Court House, she was hyperventilating, a torrent of unshed tears suddenly broke and ran down her face. Sniffing and wiping her face with her hands she could not stem the tide. She knew she had to get away. The fear of hearing her name called forced her to make her wobbly legs move. She never again wanted to see the disappointment in Ryan eyes that she'd seen when he looked at her.

She understood that Ryan's behavior to her the past months was driven by his own hurt. A man like him was not use to being challenge and he was seldom, if ever wrong in his assessments.

Ryan tried to reach out to her, but her own hurt was not the only reason why she'd withdrawn, Jenny knew she was not good enough for him, nor for his family. She was not this perfect, untouched girl that he'd believed she was.

But she'd really tried to put that terrible night, with Perry from her mind. She thought that as she'd filed it away in the far recesses of her mind that it could stay her dark secret.

It was this fact that made her feel guilty. It had been her intention all along to keep this from Ryan. She never thought she would have to tell him and she had no intention of doing so. The fact that she was caught out compounded her guilt. Her actions conspired to make her look guilty of deceit.

Too many wounds had been inflicted, and she could never redeem herself. It was too late.

Without realizing it she'd walked for miles, it was late and dark, and the area she found herself in was unknown. The dark shadows and characters hanging out on the street frightened her. Up front a neon light flashed a vacancy signed, at a run down motel. She couldn't walk anymore she was exhausted. So she went in.

Though her room was a bit more expensive as it had an en-suite, she looked with despair at the dingy room, decorated in the dullest of greens and browns, the light bulb not bright enough to give enough light to the whole area, Jenny sunk down onto the bed, and then picked up her legs, and lay curled in a tight ball.

Her thoughts in her head went round and round, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't find a solution to her dilemma. As she lay on the bed, she could feel herself receding into the far recesses of her mind, where no one and nothing could hurt her.

The last time she'd been there was after the rape and she remembered that she'd sought out the solace and cleansing power of hot water.

Jenny did not feel like herself as she got up from the bed, she walked to the bathroom. She leant down and placed the plug into the bath, and opened the taps. As she ran her hands under the water, she felt the cold water. Oh well, No hot water, too bad. She thought.

By the time she'd undress and pulled on Ryan's shirt that she'd never returned to him, the bath was almost overflowing. Getting into the bath, still wearing his shirt, she lay in the cold water.

Her gaze rested on an unopened packet of razor blades. She had no one, after all who'd want anyone from the gutter, so why not...? Jenny opened the packet and removed a razor blade ... She saw the blood on her wrists, surprised that there was no pain.

The drip of the water from the faucet, was the only sound except for the occasional shout and thump from the other patrons

Jenny felt cold; she was slipping but somehow didn't have the strength to push up out of the freezing water. Sinking lower in the water, she breathed through her nose as the water cross her lips. Soon, soon it will be all over!

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter Fourteen

Ryan was desperate, it was after ten pm and there was still no sign of Jenny. He could see that Paul was not optimistic, the area they had to cover, and all the possibilities and variables made this a proverbial needle in the haystack. For the hundredth time that day, he begged Oh please dear God help me find her!

Just then an old bag-lady came towards them pushing her super market trolley, with all her worldly goods in it. As she passed them she muttered to herself, “Lots of fancy people in my neighborhood today.”

Ryan asked “Excuse me, who has been in your neighborhood today?”

“Well you for one!”

She grumbled and walked on but some instinct had Ryan following her. Although Paul and Mike called to him that he was wasting his time.

“You said some fancy people were in your neighborhood, was it a woman by any chance.”

Some of his urgency penetrated, and the old lady looked at him.

“How did you know? Yes it was! A nice little thing, but she had a strange look in her eyes.”

“What did she look like?” Ryan urgently enquired.

Still pondering on what she'd just said, she continued, “Come to think of it she looked a little lost. Are you lost too?”

Exasperated Ryan tried again, “If you were to describe this woman, what did she look like?”

“Oh sorry Dearie silly me. Now let me think, ammm, small. Oh with black hair to her waist. Nice clothes, cream and orange.”

Coral, Ryan corrected in his mind, but close enough.

Mike and Paul stood closer.

“Did you see where she went?”

Nodding in the general area behind Ryan she confirmed, “Just behind you, she went in there.”

Turning as if in slow motion, he felt the blood in his veins run cold, the hair on his arms stand up, as he surveyed the dump the old lady indicated.

Paul took a few dollars from his wallet and gave it to the old woman hurriedly he and Mike followed Ryan.

The reception if one could call it that was badly lit, and the people standing around were of very dubious character. The man behind the counter, with a weather beaten face, but with intelligent eyes put two and two together, before Ryan could enquire, he said.

“You're looking for a young well dressed lady?”

“Yes I am!”

“Gov she is in room seventeen, just up from the landing,”

Ryan acknowledged the information, and the three men quickly made their way to the room.

* * * *

Ryan banged on the door a few times, but there was no response from within. Frustrated and driven by an inexplicable fear he kicked the door open. He immediately saw her backpack and clothes laying on the bed.

“Jenny, Hon?”

No reply. Surely she wouldn't go out leaving her purse on the bed?

No one said a word, and no sound came from within the room except for the dripping of water. A feeling of disquiet came over Ryan.

Paul and Mike surveyed the room as Ryan went to check that en-suite. Both unable to believe that Jenny thought this is where she should be, instead of with Ryan.

A strangled cry came from the bathroom!

“Oh God please No!” Ryan wailed, as he saw Jenny laying in the bath, her head almost submerged in the bloodied water.

He lifted her out of the bath and then saw her slashed writs. Her body was cold and her lips blue. “God please don't let me loose her!”

Mike and Paul rushed to the bathroom and stood transfixed at the door.

Ryan rocked Jenny in his arms, his face pushed against hers.

“She's not breathing! Mike, help me!” Tears ran unchecked down Ryan's face.

Mike did not know how to respond to the finality of the devastation he faced.

Paul unable to look at the agony of grief emanating from Ryan, glanced down to the floor and as he did so, his gazed caught Jenny's lifeless arms, swung wide, as Ryan held onto her. Just then he thought he saw her fingers twitched.

“She moved, Mike, check her pulse."

Through the shock-induced fog Ryan heard Paul's voice, but he knew it was futile, that was the first thing he'd done.

Mike reacted and felt for a pulse in her neck, not feeling anything; he adjusted his nervous fingers, and tried again, urgently searching for the illusive throb.

“Ryan! It's very faint but it's there!”

* * * *

Ryan's Porsche hit the road, and clocked up the speed for which the engine was built.

The car hazards blazed and his hand stayed on the hooter. He wanted to be the one holding Jenny, but Paul told him that he knew how to handle his powerful car, to get the most out of it.

Mike sat with Jenny on his lap, talking to her encouraging her to hold on tight and not to let go.

Paul phoned ahead to the City Centre Private Hospital advising them of their imminent arrival, demanding that the Specialist be ready.

When they arrived, the hospital staff took over. It was a long night, the hardest for Ryan. He sat with his head held in his hands, his eyes closed.

Ryan couldn't bear to look at Mike or Paul, or accept their attempt at consoling him.

In his minds eye he still saw Jenny's battered body in the forensic photographs; undeniably he'd not been there for her, to help her heal after the ordeal. And the sight of her, when the hospital staff had wheeled her away, cold and almost dead!

Hell was this anyway to treat the woman you love. Nothing anyone said could take the guilt from him.

It felt like forever before Ryan heard the electronic doors to the ward open, he looked up his body tense as he slowly rose from his seat

Ryan couldn't gage from the doctor's expression what he was going to say.

He felt his gut give a sickening lurch, his eyes closed for a brief second, Ryan took a deep breath and then asked

“Is she alive?”

“Mr. Barnard, we're not out of the woods yet. Her body went into shock we've given her a blood transfusion. Now we are working on getting her blood level, and heart saturates up, as well as her body temperature.”

“I want to see her.” Ryan turned towards the Ward.

The doctor turned to Mike and Paul and advised, “We will only allow one visitor, I am afraid.”

Ryan, grimaced at them in apology, “Sorry, Guys, thanks for staying with me. Go home, I will phone you if anything changes.”

Mike gave him a brief hug in encouragement. “Hang in there.”

Paul raised his hand in greeting.

When Ryan walked into Jenny's room, he was relieved to see that she no longer had that awful gray/blue colour though she was still extremely pale. She was connected to the blood pressure and heart monitors, as well as an intravenous drip. A thermal electric blanket and duvets worked to get her body temperature up.

He took her still cold hand in his, and kissed her knuckles, he then leant forward and gave her lips a feather kiss, relieved that her lips felt warm. As he looked at her sleeping face, he recalled how she'd looked earlier in the hotel room, that image of her would forever stay with him

He pulled the chair closer to the bed so that he could hold her hand. The light in the hospital room was on dim, everything was quiet, and the only sounds that reached him, were the occasional noise from the wards, and the steady beat of her heart monitor.

The Ward Sister and her staff checked on Jenny, in regular intervals. They were used to visitors also dozing away, especially on this quiet shift, but each time the nursing staff came in they found Ryan wide awake.

Ryan had some soul searching to do and found this the ideal time in which to do it. He acknowledged that he'd set the trend and the pace for their relationship from the onset. Jenny never really stood a chance, his personality much too strong for her. So he had fooled himself in thinking that he was giving her a chance to grow up and grow into their relationship. She did not have much of a choice.

He'd also not for a moment consider what it must have felt like for her to wait for him. Ryan had been aware from the onset that she desired him and her love for him was also so very clear to him. But he on the other hand he knew was not an easy person to read. His reputation as an astute businessman compelled him to be able to control his emotions and feelings. The off handed attention and inclusion into his home, family and lifestyle, would not have given her confidence in herself, in him or where their relationship was going.

Jenny had no reason to believe that he wanted more from her than just a future mistress. Ryan a ruefully acknowledged that her background alone would have made her insecure.

How the devil was he going to make it right, now? He would do whatever it took to rebuild her trust in him, and for her to believe in him again. He would give it his best shot, he just hoped that her loving nature, would allow her to give him a second chance.

* * * *

As the night sky, saw the day dawn, Ryan felt the lack of sleep take its toll on him. He felt like hell, rubbing his hand over his chin, he felt the stubble.

Jenny came round to find Ryan asleep in the chair next to her bed. Her hand held firmly in his. Her wrists were bandaged and she had various monitors attached to her. She felt depressed and disheartened; and badly wanted to cry. Looking at him she could not think why she would have thought that this man could come to love her or that she would be worthy of him.

Ryan came awake as he felt her hand move in his, when he opened his eyes, he looked in her beautiful deep blue eyes, but the moment she saw him, her eyes changed, and suddenly the bright light that shone there for him was extinguished and replace, by on dear Lord, a nothingness! She pulled her hand away, and turned her face into the pillow and closed her eyes, withdrawing from him.

“Hi Hon.” Lifting her hand that he still held he kissed her. But she gave no reaction or inclination that she had heard him. Trying again he said.

“Jenny, Honey, I am so desperately sorry for everything. I love you.”

Jenny heard the words, these were the words she had waited to hear and they should've filled her with such joy, but she could just not muster up the enthusiasm. Why did she feel as if she was on another plane, and he was so very far removed from her?

“Ryan, please leave.”

She requested him in that emotionless voice that had his guts eating at him in despair.

“I'll leave for a while, but only to go home and change and then I will be back.”

He leant forward and kissed her forehead, he felt her shrink from him. As he left the room he turned back Jenny looked so small and fragile in the bed. She'd closed her eyes again, and turned her head away. He felt his mouth give an involuntary twitch. He never thought that anything could hurt so much.

A few hours later Jenny was woken by a bout of nausea, she urgently pressed the emergency button. The ward Sister immediately called the doctor while the staff attended to her needs.

When Ryan arrived at the ward some time later he was met by the Sister. She advised him that the doctor wanted to see him urgently before he went in to Jenny. Very concerned, he made his way to the doctor's consultation rooms in the hospital.

When Ryan walked into Jenny's room, she was laying on her side turned way from the door as if even in sleep she chose to reject anyone coming in.

* * * *

When one of the nurses came in to take her blood pressure, they disturbed her and Jenny slowly came awake, her eyes went to Ryan, who was seated next to the bed.

Jenny took in his informal attire, wearing his favorite faded jeans with a dark blue T-shirt, accentuating his well-built body. He looked exceedingly handsome, his hair freshly washed and his face smooth after his shave. Ryan's male scent and aftershave caused her to yearn for him, just to be held in his strong arms again.

To lay her head on his chest and to hear his steady heart beat. But Jenny so badly needed to shut him out. She could no longer be part of his life. This was not fair, how was she going to do it? Her voice when she spoke was muted, but unnaturally harsh.

“What are you doing here? I know you are busy at the office and I'm sure you have more important things to do than sit around here.”

Ryan did not answered her, and it was only as she looked at him again that he took her hand and answered,

“I am exactly where I want to be for now.” Ryan settled back into the chair.

Jenny gave an impatient shrugged of her shoulder and a deep sigh.

“Well I cannot imagine what you are going to do here the whole time!” Jenny persistent, because she wanted him to leave, to leave her in peace, she felt so tired. Jenny turned onto her side, facing away from him.

She'd seen his laptop, and heard him open it up and start it up. He was obviously not going anywhere!

Jenny lay still, feeling nice and warm now. She heard the rustle of the papers that Ryan was working on and his fingers on the laptop keyboard as he worked. He did not receive any calls on his mobile, and she assumed that he'd switched if off and was only working from his e-mail.

Ryan always received a lot of calls on his mobile, which was never far from him, even when he went out. Sometimes she would listened with interest at the negotiations that took place and the astronomical sums of money that was discussed so casually, as if buying a property for Millions and then re-developing it, and profits in the Billions on these developments, was an insignificant sum that were discussed.

Jenny fell asleep again, the sedative that they gave her doing their work.

When she woke up, the silence in the room immediately alerted her to Ryan's absence! She felt lost, but then she told herself to grow up, is that not what she had told him to do. Leave her!

But of course he did come back, coming in silently to take up where he'd left off.

When he caught her looking at him from across her shoulder, his mouth curved into a warm smile, the tiny lines around his mouth accentuating his sensual lips. The lines around his eyes crinkled in that all familiar way.

“I popped down for something to eat, the food at the Cafeteria is surprisingly good.”

She knew he was trying to elicit a response from her, but she stubbornly did not answer him and turned her head away again.

Ryan felt his patience wearing thin, but he knew he had to hold onto it. He deserved everything she was meting out to him.

Later the afternoon, one of the nurse's aids walked in with two spectacular bouquets of flowers. Giving the cards to her, Jenny read the cards from his parents and the other from Mary and Mike.

She almost broke down in tears then, but was able to hold the tears back, but not before Ryan saw the telling moisture and handed her a tissue from the bedside cabinet.

He did not comment on the cards or the flowers, nor did he comment on the absence of anything from him.

It was gone after eleven pm when he packed up his laptop and stood up to stretch his long frame.

“I have to go now, Hon, sleep tight.” As he leant down to kiss her, she turned her face and his lips touched her cheek instead of her lips.

She heard his soft sigh, and his fingers tilted her head, turning her to face him. She kept her lashes down, not looking at him, as she turn her face again, he firmly, but gently turned her face back. Compelling her to look at him and when she did, she saw tenderness, and not the annoyance she thought she would see.

He did not break eye contact with her and with firm determination he leant forward and captured her lips, when he pulled away from her, he dropped a feather light kiss on the top of her head.

“Sleep tight Jen.”

She watched him leave, and only then, did she allow her tears to fall. Hell at this rate she'll be a prune for life!

When the ward Sister came in later, she found Jenny fast asleep but her face was blotchy from crying. Shaking her head the Sister wondered what demons this lovely young girl had, to try suicide when this man, clearly loved her.

But she had learnt, money and success did not necessarily bring with it happiness. The most unlikely people ended up taking their lives. What a waste. She recorded on the chart that Ms. Smith had been crying and that her frame of mind was still fragile.

The Hospital Psychologist would see her the following day.

Ryan drove home deep in thought, recalling his visit to the doctor that morning, and he wondered how he was going to approach Jenny. Did she know or did she suspect? Surely not, if she had, was that another factor that pushed her to take such drastic action in that awful hotel room?

What the doctor had advised him was out of concern for Jenny's state of mind, breaking with protocol. And he only had until the morning to tell her himself.

When Ryan arrived home he went straight to his study. Andy was staying over at his parents, he'd spoken to Andy during the day, and he'd phoned him just before Andy went to bed.

Ryan poured himself a brandy, and adding ice he sat in the dimly lit study. His gaze on the outside garden, the sprinklers were on and he watched them idly as they sprayed the green lawns. He finished his drink and headed to the indoor swimming pool, closing the door, he slid the ‘do not disturb/occupied’ sign across the door. He undressed and in the nude, he dived into the heated pool.

The indoor pool was surrounded by glass, with a glass dome ceiling, an extension to the old house when he was a young boy. Though modern it blended in well with the architecture of the house. The swimming pool light the only lighting Ryan had on as he swam his laps, pushing himself to the very limit, until he was exhausted. Getting out he took a towel, from the supply kept at the pool, and wrapped the towel around his hips. He ignored the toweling robes and headed to his bedroom. He took a quick shower and then fell onto his bed. He was still feeling hyperactive, and he just knew it was going to be a very long night. His thoughts were with Jenny in hospital.

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter Fifteen

Ryan woke up still unsure how he was going to approach Jenny today, but knowing that whatever he said, chances were that he was going to upset her. Before he left for the hospital Ryan phoned the hospital and checked in on her.

The ward Sister confirmed that she had a peaceful night, but that she'd been upset just after he left. He could hear the rebuke in her voice. Hell!

Jenny heard Ryan's voice in the hospital corridor as he greeted one of the staff. His low voice carried to her. She felt her stomach clench in its usual excitement.

She felt at a definite disadvantage, when he came in, her hair needed a wash and the hospital nightshirt did nothing for her. He looked good enough to eat in his casual creams chinos with matching cream cotton shirt.

“Morning, Honey, I've brought your nightdress, the Sister confirmed that you would be going off the drip today.”

He leant down and gave her a warm and lingering kiss, she did not try to avoid his mouth this time. Her response to his kiss was the only indication that she was pleased to see him. The special look that she reserved for him and that he had become accustomed to seeing in her eyes was now absent. He'd taken so much for granted. Now only realizing how much he enjoyed being the recipient in its absence.

Ryan wanted that look back! he couldn't explain what that look of joy, pleasure and love, with underlying need and desire, that she always had for him, did for him.

“Thank you.”

Her only response, well at least it was a start, better than yesterday when she did not want to speak to him at all!

He handed her two small beautifully wrapped gifts and advised. “This one is from Andy, the other from me.”

Jenny slowly opened Andy's gift for her, a tiny collectors Teddy Bear, his card read, ‘Teddy will keep you company, love Andy.’ In his broken handwriting and not quite correct spelling.

Ryan saw her first genuine smile.

“I will phone him to thank him.” She said softly, her words almost inaudible.

“I am sure he is eagerly awaiting your call, he had my mother searching with him for just the right Teddy. He initially wanted an enormous one for you, but Susan convinced him that your bed was too small and that a smaller one would at least give you space to sleep.”

Jenny then started opening his gift, the box contained the latest book from one of her favorite authors, next was a jeweler's box, which she felt hesitant to open, but she knew she would have to, but the last thing she now wanted was jewelry.

As the lid snapped open, she saw the most beautiful platinum and diamond ring. The stone in the middle, a large square marques, with smaller square diamonds set in criss crossing bands, like a lover's knot. She lifted her moist eyes to him, what did this mean?

“Jen, marry me.” His eyes looked into her shocked blue ones. He saw the shutter come down, as her lashes rested on her cheek, hiding her eyes from him.

Just one word was softly spoken. “No.”

He had anticipated this answer, but still the finality of it hit his heart like a punch.

“Jen, look at the inscription.”

Turning the ring in her now trembling fingers, Jenny read, “with love ... a Fool.”

A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. Ryan admitting that he was a fool, this must be a first.

Ryan saw her suppress its spread. His eyes, hopeful stayed on her face. He saw a magnitude of expressions cross her face, but the last one revealed before she said a word, that she was not ready yet.

“No, I can't, I'm sorry.” Her voice was still quiet, her head shaking to punctuate her decision.

“Well then take a look at your other gift.” He encouraged her.

Jenny picked up the plain gold and platinum matching interlacing, love knot chain. “It is beautiful, but I really cannot accept it.” Jenny placed the chain back into the jeweler's box, but Ryan stopped her.

“Look at it Jen, turn it over.”

Looking up at him she wondered why, but then she complied, and saw, that at the clasp, a section of the chain was untwisted and engraved, were the words, “a Fool who loves you.”

Then Ryan took the initiative as she just kept staring at her gifts. He slipped the ring over the chain, and then leant down to fix it around her neck.

The ring glittered like a pendant on the chain, resting in the hollow at the base of her throat where her pulse beat frantically.

“Wear it there until you are ready to have my ring on your finger.”

Jenny's hand reached up to take the chain off, but Ryan stopped her, leaning down he slanted his mouth over hers, parting her lips. He felt her open up for him, and he slipped his tongue into her mouth, he kissed her with all the emotion in him.

She felt her body give her away as she melted into his embrace and as her lips eagerly sought his. Her tongue darted into his, to explore him as he was exploring her. Just when she though her whole body would disintegrate in a warm pool of pleasure, he gently pulled away.

A flush come to her now rosy cheeks, as she saw her hands resting on his chest and the dark haired nestled there, the buttons of his shirt undone. She couldn't recall doing that.

Her nipples pert and aroused, his thumb caressed her, before he closed her gown. His breath was faster than usual, matching hers.

“If we keep this up, we will shock the nursing staff and that would never do.”

The look in her eyes, when she glanced up at him, did things to his libido, that only she could. No other woman could with a mere look make his body react the way she could. This look, gave him hope that they could still have a future together. But now the horns of his dilemma, he had some news that he had to break to her and he was not sure what her reaction was going to be.

* * * *

Jenny, could not help herself from touching the ring, which now hung around her neck as a pendant. She had the premonition that something was about to happen, but she tried to shrug the feeling off. Perhaps it was just her own disquiet, as she felt at a loss, engaged, but not quite.

If she did not go back home with Ryan, where would she go? She did not have the strength, to face a lonely bed-sit. Why could she not accept at face value, Ryan's declaration of love and offer of marriage? Why is everything in her pulling her in different directions? Her strongest emotion was to say yes, but her common sense told her no. She should rather leave. She couldn't accept that he wanted her that he would want to share the rest of his life with her. She'd been a fool to think and dream about it. His life style and status should've kept her in her place, even though there was a sexual chemistry between them.

He took delight in and enjoyed her body, that one wonderful night was more than proof thereof. In so much that he was both a demanding as well as a considerate lover, she also acknowledged that her own needs and desires were equal to, and matched his.

Feeling his intense scrutiny on her, she came out of her contemplation, to look up into his handsome face. His eyes held something impalpable. Was it uncertainty?

He took a deep breath, and then taking her hand, he asked, “Jen, you've not yet asked me how we found you. Nor have you spoken about why you ... why you cut your wrists...”

Jenny felt her whole body go cold, the dark cloud that was always just hovering above her came closer.

Ryan saw her close her eyes, and felt her pulled away from him.

“I do not want to talk about it.”

“The hospital Psychologist is going to see you today, it's hospital policy, and this is going to come up for discussion.”

Jenny still lay with her eyes closed her face once again turned away from him. He knew that he had to do it, so he started talking, telling her about the photographs he saw in court, about his shock and pain that he was sorry he could not protected her.

He'd once, assured her, that she would be safe in his home, but he never thought that living with them could almost cost her, her life. He was thankful, and grateful to her that she was there to protect his son. He told her about the lucky break they had with the bag-lady, who saw her go into the hotel.

He then with an emotional filled voice told her about him finding her in the bath, and that he thought he had lost her forever. He told her how much she meant to him and how much he needed her in his life. Now that he had her he could not stand to loose her again.

“Honey,” Ryan took her hand, she just let it lay in his, a weight of rejection. Ryan tried again, “Jen, love, because you've been so ill, the hospital did some blood tests, just to make sure they hadn't missed anything, that could be causing the nausea.”

Ryan felt a slight movement in her hand, the only reaction thus far.

'The blood tests came back. Honey, you are ... pregnant.”

This did bring a reaction, her whole body jerked in shock and she looked at him, the emotion, and pain reflected in her eyes, struck him, wham, in his chest!

He then saw a bitter smile come to her lips, but she did not say anything.

“You ... Did you know you were pregnant?”

The expression in her eyes changed, this time the dark pools of nothingness, stretched deeper and further than he knew how to reach and bring her back.

“Yes, I knew.”

Jenny tried to shut out his hurt expression. He must be asking why she also nearly killed his child. She acknowledge that in her sub-conciseness she must've known she was pregnant, even though she tried to put the lack of her monthly cycle, down to stress and shock.

She also now realized that his offer of marriage was not for her, but for his child. He had put up with Natalie in order to secure Andy, his much-loved child. Not for one moment was she under the illusion that his concern was for her, no it was for his unborn child. The dark recesses of her mind did not want her to accept life, yet.

Ryan berated himself he thought she would be please to know that her baby was unharmed. But he took a gamble, not knowing whether she already knew she was pregnant. But if anything, he realized that her final reaction was that of a desperate woman not knowing where to turn, and rejected by all.

Coming from where she did, she would rather see them both dead, than the little one in an institution as well! He did not blame her for anything, the blame rested firmly with him.

* * * *

Jenny would not discuss her pregnancy with him, and in the week that followed she kept her response to the minimum. When she saw the Psychologist, Ryan, was not privy to information. He found it frustrating he was again in a situation he could not control, and completely in the dark regarding Jenny.

Ryan spent most of his time with her, at the hospital, for the week that she was kept for observation. He left late at night, and then went to his office to complete the tasks he was not able to do from his laptop at the hospital.

The doctors, at the end of the week confirmed that she could be discharged, that physically she was fit enough to go home. But emotionally she was in a very deep depression. The doctor confirmed to Jenny, that they wanted to institutionalize her for treatment.

That was the first time Ryan saw any form of animation on her face, and she eagerly agreed.

He the grasped that by doing this, they would in fact be playing right into her hands. There she could withdraw from him and he would be helpless to prevent it. So he spoke to the doctor's, and confirmed that he undertook to take care of her, that under no circumstance was she going to be institutionalized, never again in her life. Ryan would not allow it she was going home with him!

On the day she was discharged, Jenny felt very emotional. Ryan was supportive, but she felt disconnected in a way, she found it hard to explain. Driving up to the house, Jenny could not help, but think of the first day she saw this huge home and estate. She felt a far cry from that young girl. Ryan insisted that she come home with him, but she knew that it was only as he wanted to keep an eye on her so that she did not do anything to harm his child. She gave a twisted smile.

Ryan looked across at her, caught this sad gesture. His hand went to take hers as it lay on her lap, but she immediately pulled her hand away.

He sighed, it was going to take time.

Everyone was pleased to see her and welcomed her, and as Jenny looked up the wide winding staircase, it actually felt as if she was facing an enormous obstacle. She had to go to her room and live here as if everything was still the same. Normal, when in fact it felt as if her whole life was falling apart.

The pain she felt at the loss of that happiness tore into her. Her only preservation was withdrawal into the darkness. But Ryan kept on intruding there, and kept on pulling her back!

As Ryan led her down the passage, she turned to enter her room, but he forestalled her and led her further along the passage, to the master bedroom, which since his parents moved out, had not been in use, other than as a guest room. Ryan had preferred to occupy the room next to his son.

She couldn't think why he brought her here. She wanted to object, but she felt too lethargic to argue about it. Meekly she complied and went into the master suit.

The suit had been re-decorated, the previous heavy burgundy brocade furnishings having been replaced by neutral hues of creams and beiges, with splashes of colour in different hues of gold, burnt sienna and copper greens, complementing the dark mahogany furniture and giving the room an airy and calm atmosphere

Jenny immediately liked the relaxed colour scheme.

Ryan placed her small overnight bag on the ottoman at the base of the bed.

“Sally said she would come up to unpack for you.”

“I can do it myself, it's not much.”

She felt annoyed, and he heard it in her tone. It pleased him, anything but that monotone voice that he had come to fear.

“I know, but she offered, she wants to do it for you, but I can tell her it won't be necessary if that's what you want?”

“Yes, it is. Please, I don't feel like having anyone around me now.”

Jenny gave him a pointed look, which he chose to ignore. He was by nature not a patient man, and he found that, already his patience was being tested to the limit. But as an astute businessman he knew when to retreat and bide his time, and when it was necessary to take more constructive action to get what he wanted.

Jenny saw the muscle in his cheek tighten, but he did not react. She did not know if she should feel relieved or annoyed. Opening her bag, she removed her clothing, and went into what use to be the en-suite and stopped in her tracks, the original en-suite had been remodeled into a spectacular dressing room, from which the new en-suite led.

One entire wall was taken up with cupboard space the lower half contained drawers. There was a beautiful mahogany dressing table with a large mirror. In a secluded corner was a comfortable couch and armchair and against another wall a large floor to ceiling mirror. The other wall consisted of a large window with one-way glass, which let natural light into the beautiful room. The suit situated as it was, guaranteed privacy. She need never to shut the blinds.

Jenny dropped her clothing in the laundry basket, needing the practicality to break the tight atmosphere in the room.

Ryan watched her move to the cupboard to place her other few items in. Jenny opened the cupboard door and stood still, then stepped back as if she'd seen a snake and she turned anguished eyes to him.

“I am not sharing a room with you!”

He walk to her and took her by her shoulders, and gentle said.

“You and I have shared the most intimate of intimacies with each other, you couldn't think after what happened that, I wouldn't want you with me, hmm?”

“Ryan, you didn't before, and we only slept together that one night, please, I don't want to repeat it.” Jenny pleaded.

“Jenny, we have to let go of the past.”

Lifting her chin so that he could see her eyes, he continued in a low voice.

“You are mine, I am your man, and I intend to share many more nights, of what we had. Now that I have tasted you I will never be sated without you.”

Her blue eyes reflected astonishment and then a flush came up her face.

“I am not an object. If I say no, then I mean no, you can't make me!”

“No, and I respect that, your no is your no, and I will never take what you are not willing to give freely. But that does not mean that we are to have separate rooms. I had this suit re-modeled with you in mind. I know your penchant for dressing in the bathroom, with this dressing room you won't have to cart your clothes with you to the bathroom each time you want to change, and of course,”

Ryan's voice dipped sensually.

“I'll not be denied the privilege of sharing with you, the intimacy of dressing together.” He caught the sweep of her eyes, opening wide, as she realized that he fully meant to live with her as if they were already a married couple. She may have said no, but everything else appeared to be academic.

“I've told you I love you. I've asked you to marry me, and you carry my child. I will give you all the consideration you want, but on this one there is no negotiation. We share a room and a bed, what we do in the bed other than sleep, well, Honey that is entirely up to you.”

Jenny could hear his firm resolve, the strong man coming to the fore, his gentle side now taking backstage to his determination. Jenny knew she would not win this argument.

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter Sixteen

“As you wish, but nothing more than sleep will happen in that bed!” Jenny tried to sound convincing.

“We will see, Honey. But then you will have to stop looking at me in the way that you do. That look of yours does things for my libido.” Ryan dawdled at her.

Flustered and embarrassed Jenny made for the bathroom.

“I am going to take a bath, and then I want to rest I'm tired.”

Bowing his head slightly to her, he gave a chuckle and left the room. The room was suddenly empty, without his presence.

Going through the drawers, until she found her things, Jenny took a pair of light blue shorts and a white cotton blouse, with lacy white underwear and she headed for the bathroom.

He could not make her dress in the dressing room where he could walk in on her at anytime, if she did not want to, could he?

She lay in the warm scented water, and admired the bathroom layout and fittings. She couldn't have chosen better herself.

The bath was a large oval jet bath, the shower flush with the floor tiles, enclosed by smoked glass, so wide and deep that there was no shower door. A corner of the shower had inlaid slabs, so a person could sit and shower if one wanted to, or Jenny deduce a lady could sit and then shave her legs, pure luxury. The colour scheme rich gold and copper off set with very light cream.

The taps and fittings were also gold and white porcelain. A mirror covered the entire wall above the vanity and double basins, reflecting the bathroom. The lighting was subtly done by one large crystal light in the middle of the ceiling, with star-lights staggered across the rest of the ornate ceiling.

Jenny could just imagine the dimmed lighting it would give the bathroom, like candle light, if the main light was off and just the small ceiling star lights were on. Jenny visualized her and Ryan enjoying the Jacuzzi in this private and romantic setting. These images conquering up dreams and desires she thought she could control.

As she dried herself with the rich golden coloured bath towel, her eye caught the embroidery on the towel, it read, J&R, frowning Jenny could not think, surely not for Jenny and Ryan, when would Ryan have had the time to arrange all this?

She quickly dressed. As she dried her hair seated on a comfortable chair in front the huge mirror she admitted that this was much nicer than dressing in the bathroom. When Jenny entered the main bedroom, she saw Ryan at the window. He looked out onto the garden, speaking on his mobile.

He became aware of her and turned to look at her, Ryan smiled briefly as he acknowledges her presence. But, continued the conversation and discussed a property development.

She heard his annoyance at the call, she deduced from being disturbed. But, then his resignation when he acknowledges that he was needed on the site. Closing his phone with a snap, he concluded the call.

“Ryan you don't need to be here, you can go and visit the site. I'm not going anywhere.”

He gave her a smile and said, “The site is in America.”

“Oh. But you would've gone anyway, if not for me, yes?”

Ryan did not answer her immediately but stood in front of her, his feet firmly planted his stance at ease but his eyes belaying his relaxed persona.

“Probably, but I'll see how things develop. Perhaps it can be postponed. Just until you are more settled, little one.”

Jenny looked at him at the use of this new endearment and her hand went to her still flat abdomen.

Ryan saw her movement, and gently took her in his arms; he slowly leant down and sensually kissed her lips.

Jenny tried to resist the tug of desire she felt in her lower abdomen and tried to ignore the moist response to him. Her body was a traitor.

Ryan persisted and kept his onslaught on her lips and senses. He pulled her blouse free from her shorts, his other hand made short work of the buttons, giving him free reign to caress her nipple, gently rubbing her aroused areola, then pulling and tugging, this shot darts of intense pleasure to her sensitive breasts. Jenny could not resist, she leaned into him, oh dear heaven, she missed him!

Her legs felt like jelly as her body gave over to the sensation he was stirred up. As he picked her up and carried her to the king-size bed, Jenny found herself unable to voice her objection. Ryan placed her onto the bed with ease, coming to lay next to her. He placed tender kisses in the nape of her neck then he moved down, to her belly, he held her blouse open for his onslaught on her.

Jenny groaned her need for him this was too slow. She needed it fast and quick. Ryan stilled for a brief moment, and then came back up to her mouth again.

She felt his warm, fresh breath on her lips, as he whispered.

“Say yes.”

Unable to stop herself she whispered back, “Yes, oh yes, please yes!”

He pulled her blouse back over her shoulders, but then left it there, imprisoning her arms. Though all she had to do to come loose was lift her elbows. Ryan looked at her wonderful body, her tummy muscles were still firm, but he could detect the slight swelling of her abdomen, hardly noticeable, if he did not know she was pregnant he would've mistaken it for the advent of her monthly cycle.

He could not resist and kissed her abdomen finding it a turn on just knowing she carried his child. He never felt like this towards Natalie when she was pregnant with Andy.

Ryan felt her stiffen as she felt his kisses, he quickly moved down, pulling her shorts and panty down, as he did so. His intimate kisses going down to the bushel of dark hair that nestled in the V between her legs.

He'd always been able to gauge Jenny's enjoyment of this act, but tonight cautious shyness had her involuntary closing her legs. He firmly, but gently pushed them apart again he continued to stimulate her, with his lips.

Glancing up he saw that her eyes were closed, her finger caught between her lips as she unsuccessfully tried not to cry out. Her head slowly moved form side to side, her moans of pleasure escaped from her lips. He then moved in faster and deeper with his tongue, then he placed his hand across her abdomen and slowing moved down into her bushel, letting his fingers go in and out and down, her moistness and very essence on his fingers.

Jenny felt her heart beat accelerate, and all she could think of was his penetration. She wanted him in her, hard and large, but feeling like silk. She ran her fingers up and across into his dark, thick hair. She wanted to pull him up, so that, that part of him that she wanted the most would be positioned between her legs.

But, Ryan did not comply with her persistent hands instead he turned her over onto her stomach. Unclasping her bra, he removed it and slightly moved off her, she whimpered her objection at the loss of his touch, and heard him emit a soft chuckle as he came back, and gently lay on her.

His legs between hers his strong flat abdomen covered her bottom, his hand came under her and grasped her breast, it fullness lay in his large hand. His thumb played across her nipple. His other hand caressed her across her ribs, over her hip, and slowly made it down the natural curve of her hip to rest on her V, his fingers then started a sensual exploration of her, his fingers first one then the other, his thumb stimulating her further.

Ryan whispered his breath soft against her ear. “Do you like this, my little one?” His voice husky and out of breathe.

“Yes, mmh, don't stop.” Jenny groan, was that breathless voice hers?

“I have to, but only for a moment.”

His sounded just as desperate. Jenny felt him pull away from her, just as she wanted to turn back onto her back to see why he'd stopped, she heard the zipper to his pants, and the vision of what it held, moistened her already flowing womanhood.

Ryan came back onto her; his entire lean body on her, his silken smoothness rubbing against her bottom. His hands were back at her breasts and her apex, his strong legs, push between her legs, and she opened them wider for him. His silken tip, teased at her opening, his breath, in her ear.

Jenny lifted her bottom, to accommodate his hand and fingers that were giving her so much pleasure and in an effort to insight him to enter her. Her groans of pleasure apparently eked him on. He slid into her effortless and he filled her completely and fully.

He rode her with a rhythm that had her whimpering with pleasure. His fingers joined his fully aroused penetration, as he pushed and stroked her very being.

Her inner muscles closed around his hard erection, her warm liquid spilled onto and around him. Ryan's fingers continued to tease her clitoris, she gasped as she experienced a dual climax as he simultaneously rubbed her deep within.

Her cry of absolute pleasure resounded in the room, his cries joined hers, as he pulsated into her, and a continuous stream filled her.

Then a last guttural groan of pleasure echoed from Ryan as his last pulsating fluid left his body. Jenny felt the continuous tremors of her own body until it felt as if she would blackout from the pleasure of it. Her arms and hands held on to his back tightly until the tiny after shocks of pleasure left her body.

Ryan slowly turned onto his side and took her with him. He felt the intermediate contraction as she held him in her.

He marveled at her strength. He held her tightly against him, her body curved into his perfectly. Even now, Jenny intermittedly contracted around him. Slowly he felt his erection go flaccid; Ryan hoped he'd breached all her defenses.

* * * *

Ryan was first to wake-up, they slept through the night, not waking for dinner.

In her sleep she'd turned to him and Jenny lay in his arms her head resting on his shoulder. Her warm soft breathe on him. Her very scent teased his senses, he felt his arousal firm. She uniquely had this instantaneous effect on him.

At last, she was exactly where he wanted her.

But now to make it permanent, therein was the rub. Andy was staying with his parents for the week; he would take Jenny to visit the family, but for now he wanted her alone, just for himself. He had to work down her resistance and ensure that she acknowledged that she did love him. He knew that she still did, but in order to protect herself, she denied that which in it-self would help her overcome her depression. They had a beautiful life ahead he just had to make her see it too.

Jenny came awake slowly, and looked into her favorite emerald eyes, she smiled, but a look of doubt still marred her happiness. If only she could be sure that he loved her and only her, and that the child she was carrying was not the deciding factor for him. How would she ever know for sure?

“Morning, Jen.”

Leaning forward he gave her loving kiss, then Ryan raised himself and settled between her thighs once more she sighed her pleasure. But though he lay on top of her, most of his weight carried by his arms, he did not initiate anything instead he looked into her eyes with very serious enquiry.

“We better get into the shower, or I will keep you in the bed for the rest of the day.”

She had a feeling that was not what he was going to say, as he rolled off her, and lifted her into his arms. He made his way to the bathroom.

Placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, he gave a light smack on her nude bum, and asked.

“Do you want to use the loo first?”

“No I'm fine, I'll just brush my teeth first” This was getting just too intimate for her!

Ryan had no such inhibition, and Jenny turned in confusion to the basin. Why was he pushing for such personal intimacies with her now? He knew how she liked her privacy.

Ryan then went to the shower and adjusted the water temperature, as the water jetted out he made sure the temperature was just right.

Then he came and stood behind her, she looked at their reflection in the mirror.

“You know that first time I saw you standing at my gate, when you came for the interview, you had your head down, and all I saw was this thick luscious black hair. When you raised your head to look into the CCTV security camera I expected dark brown eyes. Every time I look into your startling blue eyes, I have the same sense of surprise.”

“You never said anything before”

“I know, I should have, but I aim to do better on the communications front from now on.”

Jenny wondered if this was aimed at making her feel better, that she would become complacent, and accept this life without Ryan's love, for the sake of their child?

Suddenly Ryan lifted her up and carried her to the shower cubicle. He set her down on the built in ledge against the wall. She was face to face, with him and he held her eyes.

“What's going on in the head of yours?”

His strong arms held her captive against him.

“Nothing.” Breaking eye contact with him, she knew of only one way to divert him from his question, she draped her arms over his shoulder and clasped her hands around neck. When, he stepped back, her automatic reaction was to lift her legs and spread them around his hips. Their intimate embrace brought a smile to his lips.

“Now that feels good.” He told her.

Nestling her head into his shoulder she enjoyed the pleasure of feeling him against her. She felt and heard his chuckle of pleasure. He stood between her open thighs, his buttocks firm, his thigh muscled contracted as he controlled his movements.

Then Ryan sat her down on the ledge, which had been warmed by the under tile heating, he placed his hands on either side of her knees on the inside of her thighs, and opened her legs bringing her womanhood in line with his erection.

Taking her hands, he linked his fingers into hers, and then lifted her arms above her head and rested their linked hands against the wall. Her full, breasts and round pert nipples lifted as he did so.

Softly he commanded, “Look at me.”

She lifted her eyes to his.

“What you and I share, is unique, people who do not experience what we have will not miss what they do not know. But you and I, Jen, will never be satisfied with anything less now that we have tasted this!” Ryan's voice was husky with desire he leant down and gave her a lingering kiss, savoring her lips, as if it was a delicacy.

“Look at me as I enter you, I want you to see what you do to me.”

Jenny's eyes went down, and watch as he placed his engorged erection, between her legs, and then she watched as it slipped into her inch by inch this was so erotic, as she felt it him go up and deep into the very being of her.

Ryan brought their hands down, and she took him into her embrace as he plunged rhythmically into her. Her seated position gave him perfect access, and gave her a ride that took her to wonderful heights.

As she felt him climax, he softly whispered, “Jen ... I love you!”

Jenny loved him, to deny it would be cheating them both.

“Darling, I love you too.”

Jenny at last said the words.

But Ryan heard the reserve. There was still something that made this moment and the words not quite right. But at least it was a start. He would use all his powers of persuasion to break down her defenses even if it meant seducing her again and again, he was playing the most important game of his life and he intended to win.

Jenny held onto him, not sure that his feeling for her was as deep as hers was for him. That, she sexually more than satisfied him, did not necessarily mean that his feelings for her was as all consuming as hers was for him. He was her morning and her night, her beginning and her end. She wanted to be that to him too.

She'd made do for so long in her life that just this once she'd wanted that all consuming love to be there, just for her. She'd needed it like she needed the air she breathed. But perhaps she should be content with what they had?

Some of her desperation reached Ryan; he still had a way to go, before she could accept that she was his alpha and omega. This child she carried was a product of their love, but a child could never take her place in his life. Even Andy took second place to her needs, being farmed out to his parents. Not that Andy realized this and he enjoyed being with his grand parents, but Ryan would put her needs and his need for her first. She was his lover, his friend and he hoped soon wife and then mother of his child.

He wanted to grow old with her, when the physical was no longer important he would still have his best friend with him. He knew, that he meant all of this to her, but he had to get her to acknowledge that he was all of this to her as well.

As they were finished up in the bathroom Jenny found that her curiousness could not be contained. “Ryan...”

Hearing the question in his voice, he looked at her,” Yes?” He was fascinated by the warm flush on her cheeks, which had nothing to do he was sure with her exertion.

“The steps in the shower...?”

“Ahhh, well that was a little initiative from me. I know that sometimes my height can make it difficult for you to reach me how and when you want to, without assistance.” He watched the flush deepen.

“So, they are there for me, to use?”

Nodding he concurred and the dead sexy smile on his face had her heart melting.

“Yip, I have no use for them, other than to initiate you in their use, being the male chauvinist that I am, I can take from you whatever I want. This puts you in the driver's seat Lady.”

Jenny could see the devilish enjoyment in his eyes, as he anticipated everything she could and would do with him in the future in that shower. Just thinking of it had her body go into overdrive.

“Come woman, let's get out of here, before we are caught in this suit the whole day!”

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter Seventeen

That set the trend for the rest of the week, Ryan still did most of his work from home, and only occasionally went into the office and sometimes he took her with him. Later he would take her out to dine and often went the Theatre.

One such evening after most of Ryan's Office staff had left Jenny got to enjoy him on his large desk. Everything on his desk emptied with one swell swoop of his strong arms.

He did not take her rather she took him, enjoying him under her as she rode him.

Now whenever she thought of him at the office, this enjoyment of each other came to mind. Ryan also confirmed to her with a cheeky grin that he could not look at his desk without thinking of her.

* * * *

Toward the end of the week, Jenny enquired when Andy was coming home, as she missed him. Ryan told her that he could not postpone his trip to America, as he was required on the site of the new resort and hotel they were building in Las Vegas, and he wanted her to come with him, they would be away for about two weeks.

Jenny did not want to be separated from him yet, she had come to enjoy being spoilt with his presence. But she could also see that the toll of being with her and trying to run his business was having an effect on him. He looked fatigued perhaps this would give him an opportunity to take a break as well. She knew she was being selfish and that when they came back she would have to let him get back to his work routine.

They left for Las Vegas on the family jet. Jenny read the book he'd bought her, which she had difficulty finding time to finish as Ryan worked on his laptop, and made conference calls. But the book could just not hold her attention, and setting the book down on her lap Jenny gave him the once over.

Her intent gaze flickered over his beautiful body and face, dressed in perfect tailored, black slacks and black shirt and she thought of all the things she wanted to do to him.

Ryan caught that one look and his immediate reaction to that look had her breathless That he could read her intentions in her eyes and react so instantly to her, made her realize how attuned they were to each other.

He put his work away; lifted the internal phone and instructed the cabin crew in the galley that they were not to be disturbed for the next two hours.

Jenny lifted her brows at the time frame, but laughed deeply and happily as she went to firmly plant herself on his lap, her fingers already undoing his pants and zip. Her, light pink and white floral designer silk dressed pulled up around her hips.

As his hand went between her legs, she knew he felt how wet and ready she was for him. His low-throated laugh filled the cabin. Moving lower, she released his enormous erection from his slacks, her head went down and she took him into her mouth. Her warm moist lips and tongue enclosed around him. Peeping up at him, Jenny watched the look on his face. His head thrown back, the muscles in his neck pulled taunt. Jenny found this a fantastic reciprocal, turn on.

Later when they disembarked Jenny did not make eye contact with the crew.

Ryan proudly left the jet with her, noted the looks of envy from the flight attendants, which Jenny missed. They would not mind servicing him. But their looks did not turn him on nor did it elicit anything more from him than the knowledge that they found him attractive. What he did keep his eye on, were the admiring glances the male crew gave Jenny, to which she was oblivious.

The project that he was working on was huge, and billions were being put into it. It was a City within a City, The lost City, bringing the style and architecture of Africa to America, with vast gardens and waterfalls, suspending rope bridges and a bridge constructed of stone that simulated an earth tremor. Punctuating, an African experience, when a herd of elephants were on the move, or a stampede.

The hotel sported all the luxury that the affluent visitors would expect. The casino, maintained the illusion and atmosphere, bringing the patrons to Africa. The game park would allow the visitors the privilege of seeing the big five of Africa in a man made nature reserve stretching thousands and thousands of miles. For the visitor who enjoyed the sea, a man made sea, with waves that allowed you to surf, and then of course for the brave at heart, a slip and slide to take you on a ride of your life.

Jenny was awed at the size of the project and the expertise that Ryan was bringing to the project, together with the other specialists.

She enjoyed Las Vegas, and Ryan took her gambling, she won at the Roulette table, but only later realized how much the chips were worth. Then she did not want to chance the ten thousand markers of which she held numerous in her hands, a small fortune.

Ryan was very nonchalant and played Baccarat with the expertise with which he handled everything in his life, including her. They cashed in their winnings and then went to their suit to enjoy their victory with each other.

Ryan made time in his hectic schedule to take her to the Grand Canyon by helicopter, and he landed on a high plateau, were they picnicked and enjoyed the spectacular view.

On the last day, Ryan ordered breakfast for them. While they were seated on the veranda, enjoying the view, from the penthouse which over looked the hotel gardens and pool, Ryan placed his hand over her now swollen abdomen.

“You're starting to show.”

Looking up at him Jenny tried to gauge where this was going.

“Have you made up your mind, will you marry me?”

Jenny could see he was very serious, her carefree and playful partner these past idyllic days, was replaced by a committed lover, who wanted an answer. Pulling away from him Jenny sat on the comfortable padded whicker chair, and crossed her legs.

Ryan looked at her attractive legs, as the lace gown fell open.

“Ryan, why do you want us to marry, you have me, and you don't need marriage to secure this child.” Jenny saw his lips firm, and heard him sigh before he answered.

“I'm not trying to secure the child as you want to describe our baby. I want to secure you!” He declared.

“But we do not need marriage for that.” Jenny persisted.

“Why are you set against marrying me, is it because of the kidnapping and what went with that, can't you forgive me?” Ryan probed.

“There is nothing to forgive, it was a misunderstanding, and I would not have given myself to you in the way that I have if I harbored any ill feelings towards you. How can you think that!” Jenny stated firmly.

“Then what, Jen? What is keeping you from saying yes?”

Ryan could not understand what her reservations still were and she was still too much of a coward to come and say it, out loud. He would ride rough shot over it and how would she ever know what was genuine and what contrived? How could she insist, me, or your child, on a scale where am I?

“I don't think you need another marriage you already had one. You married Natalie, I know in order to get your child, but you and I both know that if you really did not want to marry her you did not have to. You and your family resources and influence, could have secured your child anyway without marriage. Just, as you can now. But I do not want to be another Natalie in your life.”

Jenny skirted around the full truth but coming very close to sharing all her doubts.

“I married her because I did not want my child hating me for using my power to take him from his mother. I gave her the opportunity to be a mother to him. My conscience with what happened and went wrong is clear. But you, you are a different story, You I always wanted, and I always intended marrying you. You were never just going to be a mistress, Hell woman, I just had to snap my finger and you would have been in my bed. Is my actions that of a man just wanting a young mistress in his bed?”

As Jenny made to answer he went on, “Tell me why you would want less for our child, than what I wanted for Andy. Would you rather have your child hating you because you did not give him or her the same privileges that Andy has and that comes with being part of this family? What is your child going to feel like when he realizes he is not a Barnard, because you chose to deny him that right! Yes I can take him from you and I should threaten you with it, be careful you do not push me too far.”

Jenny heard the steel resolve in his voice. That ruthlessness which lurked just below the surface of refinement that made him a deadly adversary in the business world very evident.

“But that is not what I want for our life!” he told her.

“When you said I was starting to show, it sounded as if by my showing bore some significance now?” Jenny wanted to know.

“It does, you and I are the only ones that know you are pregnant other than the doctor, I've not told anyone yet.”

“Why not, are you ashamed?” Jenny looked away from him, her eyes unseeingly on the view.

“Hell, woman, why would I be ashamed? I want to shout from the roof tops, my woman is impregnated with my child. But I did not want to put any further pressure on you, you have come out of your depression and I never want to see you going so far and so deep again. I will do whatever it takes to keep you happy and if that means not marrying you then so be it, but you are staying with me, and you are denying our child the privilege he deserves and which he is entitled.”

Jenny had a lot to think about, so she replied.

“He ... you think it is a boy?”

“Whatever it is, boy or girl as long as you and our baby are healthy, that is all I care about.”

“Ryan, I'll think about it.”

Leaning down to her he took her chin in his hands and look into her perplexed blue ones.” When will you let me have your answer?” But he could see by the stubborn pout of her lips he was not going elicit a promise from her now.

“We better get dressed otherwise we are going to be late for the flight.”

“Honey I am sorry to break this to you, but if you haven't already realized it, the plane is mine, we can be late.”

Throwing her heavy embroidered cotton serviette playfully at him, she chided.

“Man, you know what I mean!”

“Yes woman I do, but now I have something different on my mind, and yes we are going to be late, very late for our flight!”

If this was the only way he could get her commitment for now, then so be it.

* * * *

They returned home, and Andy came back from his grandparent's. He took it in his stride, that Jenny and Ryan were sharing the master suit, and that he now had a young au pair to take care of him and to keep him busy when Jenny was not able to do so.

Jenny had resisted this move, but Ryan had been adamant and confirmed that she was the woman who he was waiting to marry and the mother of his child, she was no longer the nanny, and she was also going to need her rest as her pregnancy progressed. Andy was a full time occupation.

He reassured her that the au pair would not detract from her relationship with Andy. Nor he reassured her, would anyone be able to break the strong bond the two had forged together.

Jenny had been present when candidates were interviewed, and she was given the authority by Ryan to select the successful candidate.

She however assumed that Tracy would take up residency in her old room, but when she phoned Ryan to confirm that she had decided on her, he had endorsed her choice and then went on to confirm that Tracy would have accommodation in the staff-wing of the home. Andy was now old enough and did not need someone constantly with him, and as his room was adjacent to theirs, they would hear if he needed anything.

She wanted to take care of their baby on her own, the au pair could when the need arose, use his old room and then she could keep an eye on both children when needed.

They lived as a family, the only thing missing was Ryan's ring on her finger. But still she clung onto the self-doubt, if only she could be sure that what they had was real. She thought it was before, and just look how that turned out. Was this it, or could she hold out, and wish for the moon? What if she was not the love of Ryan's life and he one day met someone else? She would not be able to stand it, if she had to loose him after he had been hers.

If they never married, she would just treasure what they have now, for the time they had it and not expect more.

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter Eighteen

Some months on, they had a family barbeque, and invited mutual friends over. Ryan's family were pleased about the coming baby, and so was Andy, Jenny could see their delight. His mother took the time to reassure her of how much they loved her, as did her eldest son, and enquired from Jenny when she was going to take Ryan out of his misery?

But Jenny could not commit yet. Ryan had not pushed the matter further either, though as the months past and her body grew, she sometimes saw a glimpse of his disappointment, and hurt when he thought she was not looking.

Mike and Ryan sat on the comfortable loungers at the pool entertainment area. Everyone there swam, except Jenny, who's inherent shyness, would not allow her, to wear a costume, nor to swim in front of the others, now that her pregnancy was so advanced.

From his vantage point at the poolside Ryan watched Jenny, as she stood talking to Mary. She wore a layered white and blue floral, chiffon dress, with thin straps. Hell he was sure that she did not realize what a sexy sight she made.

The chiffon dress had a thin lining, but this did not prevent the sun from highlighting Jenny's silhouette, as the sunlight from behind her defined her full breast, round belly and beautiful legs. Ryan swallowed something that had lodged in his throat, his cheek muscles working.

Just then Andy came running to her, and with no hesitation or regard to herself or her clothes she picked his wet body up. Hugging him to her, as he planted his kisses on her. Her wet dress now clung to her large abdomen.

Mike stopped his conversation, when he saw that his brother was not listening to a word he was saying, Ryan's whole attention and concentration focused on Jenny. Mike watched the play of emotions on his brother's face. This woman was eating at him.

“When are you going to make an honest woman of her?”

Ryan came out of his reflection of Jenny, and startled he answered hoarsely.

“I've offered, but the lady has refused me.” Not waiting for further comment from Mike he went to collect Andy from Jenny, he could see her arms straining to keep his son in place on her hip.

“Hi, Honey, give him to me, he's heavy.”

Giving Andy a quick kiss she handed him over to Ryan, and then held her face up for Ryan's light kiss on her lips.

The guests shared in the moment as the three stood together. They made a lovely couple.

Mike took a photo of them from his mobile phone, Mary would be able to make up a nice gift of it for Jenny and Ryan, catching his wife's eyes, they too shared a secret.

When Mike saw Jenny go back to the house, he assumed to change out of the wet dress, he followed her, he wanted to talk to her for some time now, and of course he had an alterative motive, they had news of their own that they wanted to share with the family which Mary stubbornly refused to do until Jenny and Ryan resolved their status quo.

Jenny had almost reached the house, when Mike caught up with her.

“Jenny, a moment.”

Jenny waited for him, the pleasant smile wiped from her face, with Mike's opening words.

“My brother is hurting, I'm not sure that you can see it, but he does love you. No person here doubts it but you.”

Looking back at the people at the pool, Jenny saw Ryan with Paul, but although Paul was speaking to him, Ryan was watching them.

“My brother is a patient man, but only up to a point, how far do you want to push him. We all accepted you in the family, why won't you let us into your life? Mary thinks of you as a sister, and you are the sister I never had, come on Jenny, give the man a break”

Lifting her hand to Mike in an affectionate gesture, Jenny said. “I am working on it, believe me Mike I am.” She then turned away from him and walked away.

Ryan saw this exchange and wanted to go to Jenny and Mike to find out what was going on, but he had to let her go for now as Paul cornered him to give him his final update.

Paul confirmed that Derrick never connected Jenny with Perry. Derrick had been too selfish to take care of his brother when a terrorist bomb killed their parents. This the reason Perry ended up in the orphanage.

But Paul had done as Ryan had instructed, and destroyed Perry's aspirations of running for Parliament. Some very tough characters made him understand very well, that he had no political career waiting for him anywhere in the world.

Rumor also had it that he was in any case more inclined towards men than woman. His attack on Jenny was most probably an attempt, to prove him a man.

Ryan was further detained as other guests waylaid him. By the time he reached the house he was told that Jenny had called for a taxi, and had left.

Ryan did not have time to confront Mike for the reason for Jenny's hasty flight. Last time he'd hesitated it had almost cost her life. On the way to his car, he punched in the local Taxi Dispatch center on his mobile, and got her destination.

When he arrived at the orphanage in the Cape Flats, the taxi driver was still parked in the road. When Ryan enquired, the taxi driver confirmed that Jenny had asked him not to drive into the grounds, but to wait for her there. Ryan paid him his fee, and gave him a generous tip and told him he could leave he would wait for Jenny.

He sat in his Porsche waiting for her, some two hours later he wondered what was keeping her, but he did not want to intrude, but then doubt set in, what if she'd left via another entrance?

Ryan did not drive into the grounds either but made his way on foot. The buildings were situated quite a distance from the gates, and there was ample parking space, why had Jenny elected to take this long walk?

When he came into the building the coolness was a relief, an elderly lady came out of an office, as he was about to press the bell for attention.

“I'm looking for Jenny Smith, she came here about two hours ago.”

“And you are?” The woman enquired.

“Ryan Barnard,” Before he could qualify the answer she said.

“Jenny's friend,”

Ryan thought what an understatement.

“How nice to meet you. Jenny usually visits us once a month; she is late with her visit this month. Usually she drives in with her car, but today, she did not want the attention it usually attracts., The kids know her car by now, and she always has something for everyone. Jenny expressed her wish just to spend some quiet time here. She wanted to have a look at her old room, and then she wanted to spend some time with the babies in the nursery. I feel I should share this with you, I get the feeling Jenny has important decisions to make, if so, then, this is the best place. Some or other time, these kids usually find their way back here. It is as if they cannot move on with their lives, until they do.”

“I see, thank you for telling me, could I also have a tour, but I would prefer to avoid Jenny for now, I want her to have this time to herself, if we could do it discreetly.” Ryan requested.

Walking around the dormitory, the kitchens and showers, Ryan again came to realize how he had failed Jenny. By not taking an interest in this place and by ignoring her background he had made it difficult for her to share this part of her life with him.

She obviously had a desire to see and visit and to help the children here.

He felt ashamed that he never considered the needs of these children before. Other institutions and Charities yes, but not this one!

Instead of having empathy for this place, as it gave him Jenny, he'd acted as if this part of her life no longer existed. He only now comprehended that she would interpret that he was ashamed of her, and guilty of withholding something of himself. He'd only allowed her the freedom to share with him, what they now had in common, while he avoided her past.

Ms. Botha, showed him Jenny's old room, and told him that not much in it had changed. He also saw how little privacy the girls would have in the showers, as all the division walls around the cubicles were only about 4 foot high, thus anyone coming into the open plan shower area would have a full view of all the shower cubicles. He understood the need for it, as this made it easier to monitor any impropriety, but it gave him a better understanding as to why she was so shy and protective of her privacy.

They then went to the nursery, Ms. Botha, confirmed that Jenny was still there, but like everything else, one could view the vast open plan area, she indicated with her finger on her lips, that they should be quiet if they were not to disturbed Jenny.

Ryan watched as Jenny sat on an old rocking chair, holding a small baby of about three months on her lap. She fed him his formula, while gently rocking the chair.

Ryan nodded to Ms. Botha, and they left undetected.

“I would appreciate it if you wouldn't mention my visit. As you noticed she's pregnant, with my child. I hope that this visit will give her the insight she needs to accept my love and my offer of marriage. I'll wait for her outside.”

A smiling Ms. Botha, saw him to the front door.

Jenny spent a wonderful three hours, and then went to find Ms. Botha.

“Thank you for the visit today. I needed some quiet time and this is just what I needed. I'll come and see the children as usual next week.”

The two women hugged and when Jenny left the main building she put her sunglasses on, and walked to the gate. She hoped the taxi driver was still there. The first person she saw as she reached the gate was Ryan, leaning against his Porsche.

“What are you doing here?” Ryan heard the surprise in her voice.

“Making sure you come home.” Ryan pushed himself away from his car, and opened the car door for her. “I sent the taxi away.”

Perplexed, Jenny allowed Ryan to help her into his car. Coming around the car he got in and gave her a warm loving smile.

“Did you really think you could disappear for what, three hours, and think no one, much less me, would be non the wiser?”

“At the time I was not really thinking, but no, in hindsight, I would be missed and you would be worried, sorry.” Her voice was contrite.

“No harm done, please just don't do it again, I don't think my heart can stand anymore shocks.”

Jenny smiled at him, and turned and looked out of the window at the passing countryside as they made their way home.

Once on the freeway, Ryan made up lost time. She was in a contemplative mood and he left her to it.

* * * *

They arrived back just in time, to see most of their guest off, his family would stay for a while longer.

Mary in the meantime was talking to Jenny, and Ryan shared with his parents and Mike where Jenny had been.

“Jenny I ‘v seen the way Ryan looks at you, he loves you very much. Why won't you marry him?”

“Mary, he asked Natalie to marry him for his son's sake why should I think I am any different?”

“I saw Ryan with Natalie, there was no chemistry. But you and Ryan set fire to a room when you are together. You are all consuming and the rest just falls by the wayside.” Mary shared with Jenny.

“That could just be good sex.” Jenny blushed as she said this.

“Well, that too, but I never saw Ryan look at Natalie the way he looks at you. Even now pregnant he watches you with hungry eyes; his hunger for you to be his wife is eating at him. He doesn't know where to go from here. So he's just keeping the status quo. For Ryan to be in this precarious position is unusual. He is a man who is used to taking action and making decisions in a split second everyday. For his family as well as at the Company.”

“As strong as what Reed and Mike are, there can only be one leader, and that is Ryan, it suites him and he is able to do it, but when it comes to you, well you have him floored, you have from the first day. If that is not love then I don't know what is.”

“How was he with Natalie when she was pregnant?”

“Well, he was courteous and considerate, but they did not share a room, and sometimes the look he gave her, as her body filled out was almost, dare I say, it ... contempt.” Seeing Jenny's startled look, Mary nodded her head.

Ryan, who was watching them, then came to join them.

“Jen, my parents want to leave now.”

Jenny, Andy and Ryan saw the last of their guest off.

* * * *

Later that night, when Andy was settled, Jenny saw the watchful looks that Ryan was giving her, but he did not elaborate, other than to say, that he would set up a Trust for her, for the Orphanage, and that he would get involved as much as she needed him. Laying with him in their big bed, she felt safe and loved in his arms.

Ryan left before dawn on Monday morning, as he had to visit a site off the West Coast. He gently woke her with a tender kiss, so that she would know that he was leaving.

She waited until the sound of his helicopter receded, before she turned over to snuggle into his pillow and then fell asleep again.

Jenny spent the day at home still in her pensive mood. She had to give him her decision that evening; she had left it far too long already.

Ryan resisted the urge to phone Jenny during the day, and it was late when he returned home. Wondering if she would still be awake, he noticed the pool lights on. There was only one person who would be in the pool at this time.

Ryan felt his strong reaction to her in his loins, as he felt his shaft stiffen and his groin ache in anticipation of making love to her tonight. For someone who had been able to remain celibate for long periods of time, despite his high sex drive, he now found that his usual iron will and control, was mooted by his overwhelming desire for her. Once the pilot landed the helicopter on the roof, he quickly exited and ran hunched over under the still moving blades, he quickly made for the stairs.

His stride did not slow as he negotiated the stairs, and headed for the swimming pool. Jenny had the ‘Do not disturbed/occupied’ sign on the door, and he quietly opened the door, going in he placed his bag, and laptop down on a whicker table, and hastily discarded his jacket and tie, loosening the buttons to his pink shirt he collected a bath-sheet towel before making his way to the far end of the pool.

He stood motionless as he appraised her careful negotiation of the pool steps with a tender smile. She had no clothes on, except for a black costume G-string. As she came out of the water, she lifted her arms to wring her hair out, her full breasts rested on her burgeoning stomach, ripe with his child.

She looked so desirable. Only then did she become aware of him, and her delight and pleasure at seeing him radiated from her.

As she eagerly moved into his embrace, he ran his hands over her stomach and tenderly kissed her temple.

“Hello, you.” Ryan's greeting was especially tender.

“Hello, you too.” Jenny whispered back.

Bending his knees so that his body could accommodate her stomach his head descended. He captured her eager lips, his demanding kiss drew from her all she had to offer. His tongue invaded her mouth, seeking all her sensitive areas. His warm mouth caught her gasp, as his hands and body molded her to him.

By the time they came out of their passionate embrace his shirt and pants were wet, but neither had a care for his clothing except to have him out of them as speedily as possible.

Jenny had already undone all his shirt buttons and pulled it from his waist. His black belt was unbuckled and his black suit pants button was already loose and the zip partially undone!

Ryan picked up her almost desperation to hold him and have him hold her as closely and tightly as possible. Looking at the loungers and the practicalities, he gave a humorous laugh.

“I'll have to carry you to my bed, my beauty, my size and you added proportions, will not allow us to make love comfortably here.”

“Well then carry me away, dear Knight, but can you still carry me all the way considering my added ‘proportions’ as you so nicely put it?”

“Honey, I can carry and take you all the way, I assure you.”

Laughing into his green eyes, Jenny tenderly brushed his hair back from his face. “Then proceed, man of mine, proceed.”

“A few practicalities, I do not want to share this view with any of our staff.”

Ryan helped her dry off and took one of the robes off the rail he helped her into it. Then with one smooth and easy movement he swept her off her feet and carried her all the way to their bedroom. Her head nestled in his shoulder.

Once there, he took her into their dressing room and gently placed her down on the couch and then dried her hair with the dryer.

He mused that his business associates would not recognize him as an astute and ruthless businessman if they saw the gentleness in him now, which came to the fore, only for this woman.

Once her hair was reasonably dry, he picked her up and carried her to their bed. Not once taking his lips from her body, as he took liberties with his mouth, her whispered sighs fueling his ardor.

That night he made tender love to her, her growing body, not distracting from his desire for her. But his lovemaking had gentled into just what she needed at this time, satisfying her own heightened sexual needs while hopefully sating her desire to feel loved and special.

Then, just before he fell asleep, she whispered to him. “I love you, and yes I will.” She felt him still, then his husky enquiry.

“Yes, you will ... marry me?”

Cuddling up to him, she whispered again.

“I will marry you, yes.” Jenny then fell soundly asleep.

He lay with her in his arms, a rueful smile on his lips, trust Jenny to choose her own time and place and then to fall asleep as if she had not just delivered the most important news that he had been so desperately waiting for.

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter Nineteen

The next morning Jenny was woken by a call from Susan, she was ecstatic about the news, and so the day progressed with calls coming from all and sundry as Ryan informed everyone of their pending marriage.

Later in the day a florist came to deliver the flowers Ryan had ordered, the whole house was filled with white and yellow roses, Jenny's favorite, but he'd also sent her a single red rose, which she placed on her beside table next to their bed.

That evening when he came home he and Andy made her feel extra special, and the two men in her life took her out to dinner. People watched the family and thought how happy the family looked, the handsome man, with his pregnant wife and son.

Later when Andy was asleep, they were laying in their bed discussing the wedding, Ryan informed her that it must take place as quickly as it can be arranged, she just had to say what she wanted and the firm who did their Company, corporate functions would take care of the rest, Jenny told him she just wanted a small intimate wedding with the family and their best friends. Ryan said that what ever she wanted she could have.

“Ryan, remember when you asked me if I knew that I was pregnant, and I confirmed yes.”

Lifting his head, Ryan looked down at her, “Yes, I remember. Jen you do no have to explain anything to me, because you feel that you must, my love.” Ryan reassured her.

“I ... I know that you worry about me, and that one of the things the doctors would've told you was that you were to watch me. If I did it once, I could do it again.”

Jenny looked into his concerned eyes, and she acknowledged maybe for the first time what he went through when he found her and what he was still going through wanting to keep her happy and safe.

“When I said I knew I was pregnant, that was not completely correct. What I meant to say was that when you told me, it was not a surprise. I'd missed two monthly cycles and the thought had come up. But that night, Ryan, if I'd known for sure that I was pregnant, I don't believe I would've gone that far. I would've had something very special, your child. I also never planned or considered doing it until I saw the razor blades in the bathroom. Something just snapped. My Darling I love you and I would never ever do anything like that again. I promise. Please tell me you believe me.”

Jenny watched as Ryan closed his eyes, as if in prayer and then holding her close to him, he said.

“Thank you for sharing that with me. I needed that assurance from you Jen.”

A month later, Ryan and Jenny had an evening wedding at home in the large gardens. The garden was decorated with fairy lights, which illuminated the whole garden from the drive from the gates up to the house and between each and every shrub, plant and tree. It looked like a fairytale world.

The guests were seated on either side of a burgundy carpet, on plush velvet burgundy seats. The bride's path illuminated by fairy lights and one dimmed spotlight, a string orchestra started the wedding march.

When Jenny walked down the isle, everyone gave a soft gasped at her beauty. Her hair was taken up in a braid and twisted on her head, held in place by a dainty diamond and ruby clip.

Jenny chose a non-traditional wedding dress, due to her advanced state of pregnancy. She wore an off the shoulder, cream layered silk dress, with fine gold an burgundy embroidery, decorated with Swarovski crystals, the soft folds of the dress, sensually complimenting her ripened figure.

The style and added embroidery design and crystals drawing the eye to the gown and away from her figure. Her bouquet made up of white and burgundy roses, with long silk gold, cream and burgundy ribbons. Around her neck she wore her love knot pendant with the ring that Ryan had given to her in hospital. Her ears were adorned with a single teardrop diamond circled by rubies.

Andy walked in front of her leading her to Ryan.

As she walked towards him she thought what a handsome figure he made, he was dressed in a black evening suit, with a white shirt and a thin, cream and burgundy tie, accentuating his dark good looks. Andy wore the same as his father, but he did not wear a jacket. When she reached Ryan he leaned down and gave her a heart stopping all consuming kiss.

Ryan whispered to her, “My Jen, thank you for being you and being mine, I love you.”

Reaching up to him with her hand, Jenny gently laid her hand on his cheek, as she recognized this very self-assured man of hers, desire for re-assurance, of her love for him.

“I love you, I was just a little lost for a while, thank you for waiting for me.”

She raised herself on her toes, to give him a brief but intimate kiss.

The Minister was then able to begin the ceremony, when they came to exchanging rings, Ryan reached for the chain, Jenny had never removed since the day Ryan placed it around her neck, with the request that it stay there until she was ready to wear his ring.

Undoing the clasp he removed her ring, and then fastened the chain around her neck again, he then placed his ring on her finger.

Ryan had chosen for himself a plain broad gold wedding band, but Jenny felt that something was missing and had the center engraved with an intricate design.

This caught Ryan's attention when she placed it on his finger, with interest he looked at the design he raised his brow, as his eyes adjusted to the clever engraved design, he made out the inscription, which would not be easily decipherable by another, “No one's Fool but Mine.”

* * * *

Later that evening as the last of their guests departed, Jenny had the opportunity of spending more time with Mary's parents who were visiting from Australia.

Jenny liked them, but felt a restraint she could not fathom. Mary got her beauty from her mother. Brenda was a slim, tall woman, with blond hair, but Mary had inherited her fathers blue eyes, but he had black hair.

Ryan had taken Andy up to his room earlier, as he had fallen asleep on his Nana's lap, having fought his tiredness till the very end.

As they all stood together talking, Jenny tucked under Ryan's arm, Mike asked Ryan, whether they would have more children if they had a little girl, as then they had their pigeon pair, or did they want more children.

Looking down at Jenny Ryan answered, “That's my wife's department, if she wants more children, I will gladly oblige, but it is entirely up to her.”

Ryan leant down to Jenny as she reached up to him and together they shared a kiss.

“Well if you two love birds are finished, Mary and I also have some news, we did not want to mention it earlier, as we did not want to take any of your thunder, but Mary is also pregnant.” Mike hugged his wife to him and gave her a kiss that put the rest of the family in no doubt that his wife was much loved as well.

Amongst congratulations and well wishes, Jenny saw Mary's father lead Ryan away and talk to him in earnest.

“Ryan, what I have to ask you is very personal, and please I must ask that you just bear with me for a moment. If what I ask you seems strange please don't punch me until you've heard me out, okay?”

“Matthew, you have all my attention, you have stirred my curiosity.”

“Well Jenny...” Matthew coughed, before continuing “Ryan, only a man very intimate with his wife, could answer this for me, and well there is just no other way but to come out and ask ... does Jenny have a ‘butterfly’ birthmark high up on her inner right thigh?”

Ryan was surprised, but before he could react, Matthew went on.

“Ryan you know Brenda and I lost our youngest child, at three months due to a hi-jacking, and well, when we saw Jenny, there is just something so familiar about her, that Brenda asked me to check with you.”

Ryan placed his arm around Matthew's shoulder,

“Matthew, I don't know if Jenny is that child, but yes, she does have a birthmark like that. I don't think she is even aware of it, as it is so intimately placed. But surely there could not be another with the exact same birthmark?”

“If you are in agreement, then I suggest we take this up with the rest of the family.” Matthew suggested.

Brenda stood next to Jenny, waiting in anticipation as the two men came walking towards them, her eyes earnestly on Matthew, she saw him nod.

At that moment Jenny felt herself enclosed in a hug of such warmth and love she stood speechless for a few moments.

By then Ryan reached them, he asked everyone to join him at the house. He saw his family settled in the formal lounge and said he and Jenny would come down in a few moments.

Ryan took a confused and baffled Jenny to their room and then seated her on the bed. he explained what Matthew had said to him. Ryan watched as her eyes widened in surprise. “No, I didn't know I had a birthmark like that.”

Ryan concurred, “It is situated high and at such an angle, that as a baby your parent's and nanny changing your nappy would've seen it, and now of course only I would be privy to that lovely birthmark of yours.” Ryan tried to lighten the mood. This was a huge shock to her, he could see but she blushed beautifully at his quirk.

“Are you okay with this?'

“I think so...”

“Ready to go down?”

“I suppose as ready as I'll every be.”

Jenny still felt overwhelmed with it all, went back down with Ryan he held her tenderly, she knew he wanted her to feel safe and secure in his arms, as they went to face the waiting family.

By now Matthew and Brenda had told Reed, Susan, and Mary and Mike what they suspected. The rest of the family understood why Ryan would want to discuss this in private with Jenny and also allow Mathew and Brenda the privacy to tell the rest of them.

Later sitting comfortably on Ryan's lap, Jenny learnt, that one night her parents’ car was hi-jacked. Mathew and Brenda were simultaneously violently pulled from their car. Mary though only eight at the time was able to get the car door open and jump out of the speeding car and luckily came away with only a broken arm. But Jenny, then only three months old strapped in her car seat was taken away with the hi-jackers.

Though Matthew spent a small fortune trying to find her, neither she nor the car was ever found.

When Mary married Mike, Matthew decided to take Brenda to Australia for a while, where he had business interests, as he knew that she still hankered for their other little girl as he did, and he thought that a change of scenery would help them to finally accept the loss of their child. Not for one moment dreaming that on their return they would find her.

Jenny marveled at the turn of events that brought her to Ryan's gates that day,

They all talked till late in the night, deducing that the hi-jackers or their accomplices must have decided to leave her at the orphanage.

Jenny insisted that she have blood tests taken, just to make sure.

Ryan instinctively knew that the blood test would prove Jenny was their lost child. Her dark hair and blue eyes were the same as her father's.

In the joy of discovering her family and her background Jenny also learnt her real name, not so far off from what she'd been named at the orphanage, Jane Smyth.

And from now on she would be celebrating her correct birth date, for sure!

* * * *

Jenny and Ryan went to bed very late, in fact one could say, very early as they got to bed at about three am.

Jenny couldn't sleep from all the excitement she still had to absorb that her life had taken a turn forever.

Ryan had hardly fallen asleep when he felt Jenny's hand on his chest, turning to her he groaned, “Do you have energy for this now, my little one?” His arousal belayed his groaned question.

“No, Ryan, it is not that, I think the baby's coming.”

Ryan was instantly awake, as he turned towards her; he saw her wince and then a groan come from her as a contraction took hold of her. Ryan helped Jenny dress, the au pair, Tracy was woken up to keep an eye on Andy, and then in the early hours of the morning Ryan sped to the Private Hospital.

He stayed at Jenny's side the whole time, and he agonized with her, her small hand squeezed his as her body tried to give birth to their baby.

She'd been in labour for fourteen hours when Ryan told the doctor that he couldn't stand it any longer to see his wife suffer like this, and what were they going to do about it. Their gynecologist assured Ryan that it was almost over.

But he was wrong and three hours later Jenny was tearful and disorientated. She told Ryan she felt something was seriously wrong with the baby.

The doctor called the pediatrician in, and they were then in an earnest discussion with Ryan.

Jenny heard as the doctors spoke to him and he answered with no hesitation.

“You do whatever it takes, but you keep my wife safe!”

Jenny was going in for an emergency caesarian, the baby's heart monitor indicated that the baby was in distress, and the mother was exhausted.

Grabbing his hand Jenny held on for dear life.

“Ryan don't leave me, what about our baby, please Ryan don't let anything happened to our baby.”

“Jen Honey, the doctors will take care of you both.” He tried to reassure her.

But just before the anesthetic kicked in, Jenny heard Ryan again telling the doctors.

“There can be other babies, you must please take care of my wife. I cannot loose her.”

* * * *

Jenny came round, to such pain, the bikini caesarean section hurting as if someone had placed a hot iron on her, but her only concern was for their child.

Jenny moaned in pain and asked Ryan, who was still holding her hand.

“Our baby?”

Ryan looked into her pain filled eyes, and told her, with tears in his eyes.

“Jen my little one, she is beautiful, our little girl is fine, she looks just like you.”

“Are you sure?”

“Honey I stayed with you the whole time, I was with you when she was born, and yes, she is fine, and so are you.”

“No I am not.” Seeing his look of concern Jenny quickly added, “Please get me something for the pain.”

Ryan's usual low deep voice bellowed down the Maternity Unit corridor, for a Sister, completely forgetting about the emergency bell he should be pressing.

* * * *

Daina Barnard was christened at three months, with all her family present including her ‘new’ grandparents Matthew and Brenda, and her proud Godparents, Mary and Mike.

When the guest left, and the children were settled, the house was quiet and Jenny had Ryan exactly where she wanted him, laying under her on their bed, as she straddled him, his look of utter complacency she knew was going to be replaced very soon if she had her way, by raw desire.

Ryan brought his hands up to cub her bouncing breasts, which were there for his sole enjoyment, now that Jenny had stop breastfeeding. He'd enjoyed having the pleasure of watching her with their daughter, this was something he did not share with Natalie, neither had he been present with Andy's birth.

“Ryan, you said that babies were my department?”

“That I did my dear, but don't tell me you want to start working on that already, you've just gone on the pill?”

Hearing these words put aside any doubts Jenny may have had. Ryan did not have babies on his mind, when he took her to bed.

“No, what I want to say is that as we have our son and our little girl, and as I want to finish my Child Psychology degree, and then also spend time with the orphaned children, I thought ... what would you say if I said, no more babies?”

“I would say ... that as that is not the reason I married you, then this decision of yours would mean you are going to have more time on your hand, to give me all the attention and time I need, to explore the real reason I married you.”

“Which is?”

“Time in which to keep on showing you how much I love you!

“Ditto.”

Ryan then proceeded to do exactly that, while Jenny offered no resistance. She was after all exactly where she wanted to be.

The End

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Also by Linde Lean at www.midnightshowcase.com

Trapped In Love

Wendy wants more than just being Brian's live-in mistress.

She will do whatever it takes to make him realize that, even if it means not being much of a lady in his arms. Brian cares deeply for Wendy. When a crisis throws a dangerous curve in their romance, he's soon chasing planes and racing against the clock to keep her in his life forever.

Visit www.midnightshowcase.com for information on additional titles by this and other authors.