Underneath It All (12 page)

Reeve helped me get my equipment on, and then he got his on. With his snorkel gear in hand, he dived in headfirst, and when he came up, his hair was wonderfully wet. I marveled at how much I loved watching him dive in and come out. He took his mask off and held out his arms to me. “Come on in.”

“Is it safe down there?” I looked around.

“Don’t be afraid; I swear to you it’s safe. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

His eyes held mine and despite the natural predator swimming around somewhere under my feet, I’ve never felt safer in my life. “I’m not afraid.”

I jumped in. Every fear I had melted away. We didn’t dive too deep, only twelve feet or so.

The opportunity to snorkel with a whale shark was breathtaking, and magnificent mantas were a sight to behold.

There was something about being here with him. It was like there was nowhere else in the world I could imagine I would rather be.

After our glorious diving adventures, we ended up sitting on the beach, watching the ebb and flow of the ocean waves as our eyes searched the horizon for sails.

“Tired?” Reeve asked.

“Just a tad bit,” I teased, though I was practically dead on my feet.

As the waves swept under my back and sand clung to my hair and skin, our mouths meshed together, our hands hungrily fighting for control.

“That’s just the beginning, sunshine. The day has just begun.” Reeve stood up and picked me up in his arms, striding toward the waves before abruptly lifting me up over his shoulder.

My mouth opened to scream and instinctively, my eyes closed, expecting to plunge any second into the shimmery depths but he caught me midway, pulling me flat against him.

Spluttering with outrage, I smacked his bare chest. “Reeve!”

Even as I scolded him, my arms snaked around him, holding in an unyielding grip. My legs wrapped around his waist, interlocking.

“Do you really think I’ll let you get hurt? That’ll never happen.”

I was grinning as I curled my arms around his neck, pressing closer.

“Kiss me.” I was smiling as he bent down toward me.

Exhausted, wet but happy and fulfilled, Reeve and I went back to our love nest.

He walked over to my back and unzipped my wetsuit. “We’ve got to get these things off,” he said, grinning impishly as he guided the wetsuit down my body.

“You really want to be inside me while I’m gushing blood from my vagina?”

“I know several ways to make you come without being inside you.” His tone was seductively alluring, the tone that made me want to surrender everything.

I attempted to appear calm, despite the anxiousness I was desperately fighting.

“Don’t worry, I won’t do anything you’re not comfortable with.” Reeve leaned in and kissed me. “I will wait.”

“Thank you. I’m just going to take a shower.” Reeve nodded with a big grin and stepped into the shower with me.

We contented ourselves bathing and drying each other until we settled at the terrace overlooking the infinite Indian Ocean and stayed up late at night chatting and drinking wine.

“Okay, so what are your strange habits?” he asked.

“My strange habits…I always look behind the shower curtain before I go to the bathroom! Yes, even at home, even when I’m alone, ’cause you never know!” I told him.

“That’s crazy!”

“It’s not! I just value my safety, especially against spiders.” I rolled my eyes at him and he laughed, clutching his side. “You, strange habit, now!”

“Me? Stripping down to my underwear almost immediately upon getting home. Door closes. Bam! Naked!”

“I like that. Can I apply as your maid?”

“If you can bear seeing me talking to my pets like they’re little people. Who’s a good little guy? Is it you? Is it you? Yes, it is! What a good little boy!”

I laughed; not just a simple laugh, a full belly, very unladylike laugh.

We talked about anything and everything, about my family, ambition, greatest fear, my life, but never did he spill anything about his. He always made blatant attempts to change the topic, steering it away from my non-existent sex life.

Was he afraid if he said something too personal that it may not fit the image I had of him or the image he forced himself to project? I wanted him to open up to me.

Every day and every hour of my stay were fascinating, wonderful, extraordinary, and unique. I felt like I was in a fairy tale, enjoying every moment in the Maldives.

Our days soon began to take on a familiar pattern. We would saunter along the beach before a buffet breakfast fit for the gods, and head to a spot nearby where there were more interesting things to watch such as catamarans, windsurfers and even the odd yacht out to sea.

Every day at mid-morning, a mixture of fresh fruit juice was delivered with ice-cold towels by a waiter. In the afternoon, more cold towels were provided, this time with fresh fruit ice-pops.

The staff was attentive without going over the top. Ice water was placed alongside our sun loungers and refilled when needed.

I woke first next morning, Reeve half draped over me, his face pressed to the side of my neck as he slept.

I smiled as I turned to observe him. He looked so peaceful and utterly carefree like this, and sinfully attractive. Scooting closer, I ran my hands to his cheek, down his arm just barely stroking his skin.

He sensed my touch even in his sleep. Surprising me completely, he rolled on top of me, his lips drifting across mine. “Morning, sunshine.”

“Good morning,” I replied, my legs locking around his waist.

He leaned down to kiss me good morning when I suddenly twisted my head to the side, causing his lips to land on my cheek. Reeve frowned.

Bringing my hand up over my mouth, I blushed as I explained, “I don’t want to kiss you. I have morning breath. I don’t want to kiss you until I get a chance to brush my teeth.”

Reeve laughed. “I don’t care. Now come here.” Pulling my hand away from my mouth he pressed his lips to mine. He tried to kiss me again, proving that he didn’t care.

“Reeve, no,” I protested, trying to push him away but failing.

Slipping his tongue past my lips he proceeded to kiss me senseless.

I slapped his chest lightly, but couldn’t help but fall into his embrace. His knowing caress and fervent kiss seemed to overpower my every protest.

Reeve swept me into his arms; I’d fallen into his embrace and he changed my world in ways I still could not fathom.

“Happy?” he murmured, his free hand warm and possessive on my waist.

I grinned up at him. “More happy than I ever imagined.”

A mood of melancholy settled over us on our last night. Everything had been perfect. It seemed years ago that we had arrived. I had been stressed, pale-skinned and looked malnourished. Now I was tanned, fit, and relaxed.

I will miss our fishing trips, the sundown dolphin cruise, the fabulous room service, the surfing lesson, sailing with the catamaran, diving adventure, and just making out being witnessed by nature. I could go on and on.

Together, we admired the brilliant sunset over the horizon as we waved goodbye to our paradise island.

This was our sanctuary, off from the crazy world and from judging eyes. This was our escape, here in our happy little paradise.

Chapter XIV

Lucy

We went back in time for Thanksgiving early Thursday morning after spending the whole week in our island paradise.

Reeve and I spent the whole day together and went to my parents’ house that night. Reeve looked confident and relaxed as usual in a smart casual outfit. He was wearing a neutral, textured blazer layered over a cardigan and a white shirt with a neatly folded pocket square for added panache. His well-fitting denim was favored alongside a pair of pristine, brown leather shoes, a style only he could pull off.

I knocked and the door slowly opened. “Welcome back, honey.” Dad was wearing a big smile on his face.

“Dad!” I gave my old man a big hug. I missed him so much. “Uhm, this is Reeve. You met him already, right?”

“How could I forget him? He is your dean. Come in, come in. The table is ready, your brother brought his girlfriend.” His tone was full of excitement as he led us to the dining area.

“Dad, Reeve isn’t only my dean,” I trailed off. “He’s my boyfriend.”

He stopped dead in his tracks and turned around to face us. Reeve immediately held my hand. Dad looked down at our intertwined fingers and his smile faded.

“Pleased to meet you again, sir.” Reeve held out his hand.

“Nice to meet you,” Dad replied as he shook Reeve’s hand. He turned his back and silently motioned us to follow him.

I was surprised when I saw Rogue at the table with my family. Her eyes caught those of Reeve’s and went wide with surprise at his presence.

“Rogue? What a pleasant surprise to see you here!” I hugged her tightly as she stood up from her chair. Then it occurred to me.

Dad said Mikael brought his girlfriend. I was looking from Rogue to Reeve with the same confused look on my face.

“Dad…dinner’s ready,” Mom called, referring to her husband whom she thought was her dad.

“Why don’t we all sit down?” Dad gestured to all of us.

Dad was sitting at the end of the table, Mom took her seat to his right, and Mikael to his left. Beside him was Rogue. I sat next to my mom and Reeve sat next to me across from Rogue.

The tension between us was palpable throughout dinner. Every time I looked up from my plate, Mikael was staring at me.

I couldn’t stand the silence anymore but before I opened my mouth Dad started to speak.

“What is it that you need to talk to us about, son?”

Mikael let out a deep breath and stared down at his plate, which he hardly touched. He held Rogue’s hand and looked at her. “Rogue is pregnant.”

We were silent for a tense moment at Mikael’s announcement until Dad broke it. “What did you say?” His eyebrows furrowed in disbelief.

My eyes were riveted to Mikael, only one word of his speech reverberated in my mind—pregnant. “She’s pregnant?” I repeated dumbly. The word tasted awful in my mouth.

Mikael swallowed, his eyes shifting around nervously. “Yes.”

“Jesus.” Dad breathed. Then he looked at his son for a long time.

I blinked rapidly, my lips parting in shock. Something akin to terror flashed in Rogue’s eyes.

“You heard me right; Rogue is pregnant, Dad,” he repeated and pursed his lips.

The twitch on Reeve’s eyebrow grew in intensity as he was reassured we didn’t hear wrong. He continued to bore holes toward his sister with his glare.

Rogue looked away, furiously blinking against the tears but a couple slipped down anyway.

“I’m sorry,” she muttered softly underneath her breath. I knew those words were directed to Reeve.

“Oh my God,” Mom cried. “I am pregnant too, Dad,” she uttered incoherently. Mom suddenly burst into tears. “I’m only sixteen, I can’t be pregnant. How am I going to go to college? I’m such a disappointment, sorry Dad.” Her body was shaking with sobs.

I looked at my mother, who looked so beautiful and delicate, and whom everyone loved with deep admiration despite her Alzheimer’s disease.

Dad smiled tenderly at her, all the love in the world in his eyes. “Shh…” Dad soothed, rubbing circles on Mom’s back. “Talk to your brother, Agata.” Dad was caught between chastising Mikael and comforting my mom. “You clearly disappointed me, Mikael.” His husky voice remained controlled. He stood up from his chair and took Mom upstairs.

“Let’s go.” Reeve spoke with his jaw clenched staring down at Rogue. He was impeccably calm but his eyes were dark, flinty, and grey, rage and something else marbling the normally light blue orbs.

“Reeve,” I called, but he didn’t even look back and continued his stride out of our house.

Rogue turned to leave but Mikael grabbed her arm to stop her. “Don’t leave, please,” he pleaded.

“I told you, it won’t work,” Rogue’s voice was clogged with pain. She looked at me and uttered, “I’m sorry.”

Mikael grabbed her shoulders, tormented eyes turned to stare at him. “We will make it work.”

Right at that very moment, Reeve appeared and grabbed Rogue by the arm and dragged her away. Rogue stumbled and tripped, but his iron grip kept her from falling.

We followed them until they reached his car. Mikael then went after Rogue snatching her away from Reeve’s grip. “You’re not taking her away from me.”

Reeve stood with his arms crossed tightly over his chest; his eyes reduced into a narrow glare as he opened the passenger door. “Rogue, get in the car,” he ordered.

I was quickly at Reeve’s side but I couldn’t even say anything. My gaze was flicking from him to Mikael. My heart was beating out of my chest. I was worried that Reeve might go far beyond what he is capable of. I was not letting him hurt my brother, though.

“I love Mikael and he loves me and there is nothing you can do about it!” shouted Rogue as more tears started to roll down her face.

“Get in the fucking car, Rogue!” Reeve’s outburst made me jump.

“I’m not letting her go with you,” Mikael said with conviction.

“Just because you fucked her doesn’t mean she belongs to you,” Reeve remarked and shut the door of his car. “You’ll back off to keep your ass out of jail, won’t you?”

“Agata, please,” Rogue pleaded desperately. “Reeve will listen to you…please do not let him take me away from Mikael…I need him.”

I wasn’t sure what expression I was wearing. I was really starting to feel sick. I wanted to be rational about the situation and let Reeve take Rogue away, but the other part of me was saying raising the child together is the moral thing to do, after all this shit that happened.

I didn’t realize until that moment that I was crying, but I was strangely frozen, unable to move a muscle to even wipe my tears. I wasn’t just crying because my twin brother had my boyfriend’s sister pregnant, but there was a hideous feeling of impending doom building in my stomach.

“Let’s talk this out, Reeve,” I implored.

“There’s nothing to talk about,” he said coldly, and looked at me with those piercing blue eyes. He sauntered toward them, grabbed Rogue by her arm and marched back to his car.

Mikael clenched his hand into a fist in frustration. A breath later he attacked Reeve from his back landing two quick punches in succession.

“Mik!” I yelled.

Reeve turned around to face him and clutched the collar of Mikael’s shirt and threw a punch at his face. “You have no idea who the hell you’re messing with right now.”

Mikael landed heavily with a grunt, getting to his feet quickly as he charged against Reeve again. He had regained a good stance and tried to throw a punch at his jaw.

“Mik!” I shouted after him and stood right in the middle of the two men. “Stop it! Both of you.” I looked at Mikael, telling him to back away. He did, but I didn’t let him out of my sight.

Reeve tried to stay calm as he stared at him with clenched teeth. He grabbed Rogue’s hand. “Let’s go; we’ll take care of that thing!”

“This is isn’t a thing!” she growled, pointing at her belly. “This is my baby! I’m not going to let anything happen to my baby like Lucy did!”

Reeve turned pale at the mention of that name but he didn’t falter. “Let’s go.”

Rogue ran toward Mikael, kissed him, and whispered something in his ear. She retreated and walked back to Reeve’s car and slid in.

He caught my gaze and quickly his eyes darted to the ground. He drove his way down the street and rounded the corner out of sight.

***

“You really know timing! Perfect! Just fucking perfect! You just hit two birds with one stone!” I exploded, pacing rapidly around our small house and waving my arms, but then he seemed to calm down sitting on the couch, looking at me strangely.

“I don’t care if the timing was off. We have planned this, way before you met Reeve. You shouldn’t have brought him here if you didn’t want the truth rubbed in your face.”

“How could you do that?” I hissed and pointed a finger straight at his nose.

“For crying out loud! I didn’t mean it to happen!” Mikael said defensively. He took a compress out of the fridge and put it over his swollen black eye. “I’ve been meaning to tell Dad about Rogue and all of a sudden you hooked up with our dean who happened to be my girlfriend’s brother! That’s when things got a little more complicated.”

“You warned me against him when it was you who banged his sixteen-year-old sister!” I screamed at him with angry tears flowing down my cheeks. “You think you know him; no you don’t! Obviously you don’t because he is so much better than you’ll ever understand. He’s not some loser who hardly can finish college and knock up a high school chick!”

“I will take responsibility. I am the father of that child. I am going to do whatever it takes to take care of my baby and Rogue. And if we do end up living in a trailer park on food stamps, I don’t care. We would still be happy because we’d be together, and that’s all that matters because we honestly love each other.”

“You’re delusional,” I stated, shaking my head in disbelief.

“No, you are delusional! Why did you let Rogue go with him? If anything happens to either of them, I will never forgive you.” His voice was stern, distinctively uttering each and every word.

“He will never hurt Rogue,” I scoffed.

“He’s got you so fucked up in the mind that you actually believe all his shit.”

“He’s not the one who lied. He’s not the one who screwed up! It was you!” I shouted at him and pointed an angry finger in his face.

“Would you stop yelling at me?” He yanked my finger away from his face.

“Then try to grow up!”

“Both of you! Shut up!” Dad yelled, causing both of us to jump. “Let me talk to your brother, Agata. Go up to your room.”

“No, Dad, I’m not yet done with him!” I snarled, stepping back in front of him, a fresh round of tears started filling my eyes.

“You’re not yet done with him because he caused impending doom on your budding relationship with your dean,” Dad said in a sarcastic tone. “Now, go up and let me talk to your brother.”

I ran up to Mom’s room and collapsed on the bed beside her. Mom didn’t say anything for a minute; she just held me and comforted me. Warmth and comfort filled my body, forcing me to relax my tensed muscles.

“Why are you crying? Are you also pregnant?” she asked innocently.

“No, I’m not,” I sniffed. I rested my head on her heart and her calm voice soothed my never ending tears.

“Did your boyfriend hurt you?”

“No, he didn’t.” I sobbed back the tears, “…but I can feel it coming. I’m afraid I’m gonna lose him. He was really devastated about the news. I’m not sure if he will fight for what we have just started.”

“You must trust him,” Mom said. “I wish I could tell you otherwise but the truth is that disappointment, rejection, and fear are all part of the deal in relationships. Unfortunately guarantees are not found in relationships, not like washing machines,” she humored. Mom raised her hand and stroked my hair lovingly.

“It’s complicated, Mom. I wish I knew how to explain,” I murmured over her chest.

“I get that you’re afraid. I’ve been there, too. But I want you to know that no matter what, you are going to be okay.”

Her kind words, even if she didn’t know what exactly was happening, comforted me.

Dad walked in with a glass of water and a handful of her medicines.

“You know what? That guy over there is the sweetest and most thoughtful guy I’ve ever met,” she whispered in my ear and pointed at Dad who was setting her medicines on the night table. Dad paused for a minute and looked fondly at her before stepping out of the room. “He’s taking care of me and always here by my side. I don’t know him but I trust him. I think I like him,” she giggled.

“He’s your husband, Ivo. You mean the world to him, Mom. He was bound to take care and love you forever.”

“Ivo…” Mom smiled brightly at the mention of his name.

At the state she was in, compared to me, I required less care but she took care of me more.