Soldier


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Cobblestone Press www.cobblestone-press.com
Copyright ©2008 by Dee Carney
First published in 2008


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


Dedication


Chapter One


Chapter Two


Chapter Three


Chapter Four


Chapter Five


Chapter Six


Chapter Seven


Chapter Eight


Chapter Nine


Chapter Ten


Chapter Eleven


Author Bio

* * * *



This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Soldier
Copyright© 2008 Dee Carney
ISBN: 978-1-60088-244-9
Cover Artist: Dan Skinner
Editor: Devin Govaere
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.
Cobblestone Press, LLC

www.cobblestone-press.com








Dedication

To Steve, my soldier.

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Chapter One

As he landed on his side, Nicholas felt the familiar wrench of his shoulder as it slid out of its socket. He bit back a groan at the injury and forced himself to roll to block the inevitable blow to his body. Feeling the wind from a close swipe of his opponent's sword tousle his hair as the swing barely missed his head, he brought up his own sword with his good arm in time to slice through his opponent's thin armor. The cut was superficial, but painful enough to need tending and force a temporary reprieve from the fighting. Nicholas took the fleeting opportunity to scramble to his legs in preparation for the next blows.
His breath was ragged and he was bleeding in several areas. The pain of each inhalation was an immediate reminder to himself that his time would soon be up. He was no longer a young man in a young man's fight. At thirty-three years old, he was living on borrowed time as most Soldiers did not live past their thirtieth birthday. His limbs felt heavy and he had to acknowledge that today was a good day to die.
The Once-man facing him showed no signs of slowing, despite the numerous lacerations it had also received. Gritting his teeth, Nicholas charged again, feinting to the left, his opponent's weakest point he had learned from observation. Taking two short steps, he whirled in a graceful move, his sword reaching for vulnerable flesh where armor-like skin did not cover. To his surprise, the Once-man parried and easily side-stepped his thrust. Overconfident, Nicholas stumbled and was unable to bring about his good arm in time. Nerve endings screamed in protest as he was forced to move the arm attached to a dislocated shoulder to defend himself.
Not enough and too slow.
In horror, he watched the Once-man drive its sword into his side, almost to the hilt of the blade. Recognizing his grave situation, he gathered himself in time to locate a short scabbard attached to the inside of his arm shield and used it to swipe at the head of the creature. It howled as its ear was cleanly sliced off, leaving a bloody trail in its wake. Enraged, its knee came up in an unexpected thrust, planting directly into Nicholas's abdomen. The wind knocked out of him, he stumbled again, pulling himself from off of the sword. He was gasping now. Darkness was swimming at the periphery of his vision and he raged against the thought of his mortality. He tried once again to lance the Once-man and, again, it side-stepped him easily.

Something was wrong.

His legs were heavy and would barely support him. Despite years of training and experience in battles both won and lost, he was laboring in the effort to even stand. Sweat poured down his head and trickled into his stinging eyes. The suddenness by which he was being overcome brought to his muddied mind the idea that he had been poisoned by a substance placed strategically on the Once-man's weapon. He had suffered worse injuries in battle than he currently had and had fared better than he was doing now.
For brief moments more he was able to stand. With each ragged breath he took, however, he felt more deprived of air. His vision would not focus and he could not tell where the Once-man placed itself. He dropped to one knee and then the other. His sword was on the ground next to him. Nicholas could not remember dropping it. His heartbeat was roaring in his ears and he felt as if his pounding heart would burst out of his chest. He tried to clutch at the sword weakly, but failed in his effort. Frustrated with the circumstances under which he would die, Nicholas screamed into the humid night air, then blackness took him and he knew no more.

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Chapter Two

Eyes gritty, Anna dragged herself into an upright position. The day after working a twelve hour shift was always a lesson in the aftermath of dehydration and exhaustion. The day after working two-twelves, as they were called, was a lesson in sheer torture. This was the day after three-twelves. Words could not adequately express the pounding of her head, the thickness of her tongue and the ache in her major bones and muscles. Despite a year of anatomy and physiology classes, she was sure she had discovered some muscles not previously identified in textbooks based on the way they announced themselves this morning. Her feet felt swollen after pounding them against the walkway between the five patient rooms for which she was responsible. Nursing truly had to be a calling, she mused. No sane person would put themselves through this on purpose.
Groaning, she disentangled her legs from the cotton sheet wrapped around them and swung her body to the side of the bed. Coffee. My kingdom for a cup of coffee, she thought. Yawning in a most unladylike manner, she stood and shut her eyes against a brief wave of vertigo brought about by the sudden change in position. Slowly making her way towards the small bathroom, she stopped to inspect herself in the mirror above the vanity.
The first things she noticed were the dark circles and pockets of bags underneath her brown eyes. Sighing at the sight, she stripped off the faded yellow t-shirt and white cotton underpants and inspected herself in the mirror again. As usual, she awoke with her short brown hair pointing in every unnatural direction possible. What was more disconcerting were the dark circles against her pale skin. She had picked up the extra shift because the unit she worked on was short-handed, but the extra shifts were becoming too often and her body rebelled. The one good thing about the circles, though, was that they drew attention away from the freckles that spotted her nose and cheeks. Years of trying to cover them up with concealers and foundation had predictably failed, but she continued to try anyway. Mockingly pouting her lips, she tried to critically appraise her looks. Turning to the side, she surveyed her nude body from head to thighs and decided not too bad.
She flipped the exhaust switch and turned the shower on, allowing time for the water to heat to a temperature that was tolerable. Despite a lack of sleep, she was never one to enjoy a cold shower. She didn't enjoy the cold at all, in fact. Even with the humidity, she much preferred the sultry heat of Florida to the prospect of cold weather anywhere else in the country. Stepping into the warm spray of the water, she luxuriated in the feel against her skin. Sweet heaven, even her skin felt tired. Meditatively, she stood under the spray for another five minutes before bothering to lather. Mindful that the warm water wouldn't last for too long, Anna soaped her body and quickly rinsed off, not bothering to wash her hair today.
While toweling dry, she ran through the list of items that she planned on completing. The guest bathroom renovation was going well. The next item on the to-do list was to add a window to the small room. She needed to go to the hardware store to pick up the supplies first though. While she was there, she would look at tiles and laminate flooring for the living and dining rooms. Lastly, while there, she wanted to pick up a book or two on landscaping. The barren desert that was her backyard would not do if she planned on profiting from any sale of the house in the future.
After toweling dry, she donned a faded pair of jeans, a simple cotton t-shirt and an old pair of sneakers. Deciding to eschew breakfast at home for a quick trip to Starbucks, she grabbed the keys to the house and car and headed towards the garage after a brief walk through the living room and kitchen. Old Faithful waited for her in the hot room. Her blue Honda Civic, a relic from two decades ago that still purred like a kitten, patiently sat. Unlocking and then opening the door, a blast of heat wafted from the vehicle and Anna forced herself inside nonetheless and turned on the starter.
After pressing the button to open the garage door, the gearstick was shifted in reverse and she turned her torso around to cautiously back down the driveway. Easing out of the garage, she pressed the button to return the garage door to closed. Her eyes flitted to the grass separating her property from the neighbors. Slamming on the brakes, she threw the gearstick back into the park position and scrambled outside. On the grass lay the nude body of a man.
Quickly donning her nursing persona, Anna ran to him and scanned the prone body for level of consciousness and obvious signs of any injury. He was unconscious, but his respirations were steady and even. His pulse was also strong. On her knees, she gingerly pulled back an eyelid, noting the pupil size, then doing the same to the other eye. She frowned and looked at both eyes again.
"Well, I'll be,” she muttered to herself. Mystery Man had one green eye and one brown eye. Other than an actress whose name she couldn't recall at the moment, Anna hadn't known anyone with this oddity before.
From where she knelt beside him, she couldn't find any signs of trauma or injury. There were probably a dozen or so well healed scars across his torso, but none looked recent enough to cause his current condition. He was obviously well nourished, so she didn't think he was homeless. That was all she could surmise about where he came from though.
She stood up and ran back to the car, cursing herself for forgetting her cellular phone inside of it. Dialing 911, she walked back towards him, watching him for any signs of change in his status. The call was quickly answered after the first ring and, after giving the operator the essential information, she stood by his side waiting for help to arrive.
As she stood there, Anna felt torn on whether to drape his naked body and risk missing a change in him or leave him exposed, offering her a rather thrilling view. Seeing someone nude was part of the job and sadly, even in a natural state, it took a lot these days for a man's body to capture her attention. This one did. He was tall, probably over six feet with a tan that suggested outdoor activities. Notably, he had close-cropped brown hair, suggestive of the military. His face was angular, an architect's dream. His shoulders were broad; his chest more so, with fine dark hair snaking its way down his body. The biceps also suggested a lot of attention and activity. His abdomen was flat with only wisps of hair surrounding his navel. Trying to convince herself that she was still in professional mode, despite the flush of heat to her cheeks, Anna's eyes slowly traveled further down. She almost screamed however when he jerked and started a fit of coughing. Ignoring the tremor in her hands, she kneeled next to him again, rolling him onto his side as his coughing worsened. When he moaned, her personal safety won the battle over occupation and she took a step backwards, simultaneously glad to hear the faint sound of sirens in the distance.
Although the coughing was subsiding, he continued to moan intermittently. He slowly turned onto his back and then to his other side, facing away from Anna. After a few minutes when he had not coughed or made another sound, she stepped closer. Kneeling again, her hand tentatively reached out for him. She did scream this time when his hand clamped onto hers. Rolling deftly, he turned to face her and those mismatched eyes stared at her with intensity and fury.
Not letting go of the vise-like grip on her wrist shooting bolts of pain through her, he sat up, surveying both her and their surroundings. If he cared that he was naked, he did not show it.
"Who are you and where are we?” he growled.
Anna tried to pull her arm away and winced when he pulled back. Before she could reply, however, his head cocked at the sound of the sirens only blocks away and he rose shakily to his feet, dragging a reluctant Anna with him.
Still amazed at his nonchalance of his state, she tried to focus her thoughts to the danger she was in. What had she learned from those self-defense courses the hospital had offered last year? Never go with your attacker, the instructor had said. Fight, kick, scream! Do whatever you can do to make him want to leave you there. The minute you go with him, it's game over. Someone in the back asked about the attacker having a gun. The reply was harsh and instant. If he has a gun, you run. Even trained police officers have a difficult time hitting a moving target.
Finding her paralysis broken, Anna yanked her arm for all she was worth and turned to run towards the house. To her surprise, his hand lost its grip on her and she was able to flee. Screaming at the top of her lungs, she found her strength and ran. It only took two full length strides for her to realize her latest predicament. She had already closed the garage with the remote and her keys to the house were also in the car.
With the calm only someone used to saving lives could know, she changed direction for the backyard. She was almost around the back of the house when she turned her head to find her assailant. Anna's eyes widened when she found him not even a full stride away from her. She shrieked again, not realizing that she had stopped, and turned to find a pathway to safety. It was only a few more feet before she felt his hand grip onto her shoulder, the force throwing her off balance.
She stumbled and he took the opportunity to force her to the ground. The impact was jarring, but Anna started scrambling forward immediately, ignoring the sting to her hands and knees. His hands climbed over her legs and pinned them down. Suddenly, his full weight was upon her and before she could scream again, a hand clamped over her mouth, cutting off any sound.
His breath was coming as quickly as hers as he whispered harshly into her ear. “Do not move! Not one sound!"
Torn, not knowing if it were more prudent to struggle or do as he commanded, Anna chose the latter, deciding to save herself for another or better opportunity to flee.

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Chapter Three

Nicholas struggled to get his heartbeat and breathing under control. What had happened? He had never raised even so much as his voice to a woman and here he was with a woman pinned underneath him, the tension in her body a tell-tale sign to the terror she must be feeling. The last he could remember was losing the ability to stand, then he was awakened by this woman's touch. He was not where he had fallen, although he could recognize brief similarities in the terrains. But this was where the similarity ended. Gone was the evidence of death and decay, replaced by inhabited dwellings and plants rich with life.
In fact, as he breathed over the woman's head, he could smell sweetness from her hair. On deeper inhalation, he blinked twice in surprise. Berries. The scent was that of strawberries, fruit he had not tasted since his childhood.
He whispered into her ear, trying to shake the memory from his head. “I will not hurt you,” he insisted. “What is your name?"
His hand loosened over her mouth, poised to resume its position if she tried to scream. He could feel her struggle with herself on what position to take and he relaxed when she finally spoke.
"Lisa,” came the tense reply.
"Lisa,” he repeated. “My name is Nicholas and I am sorry that I have frightened you. I should not have chased you, but it was my instinct.” He paused. “I cannot remember where I am or how I got here. I need just a little time to think and then I will leave you in peace for good if that is what you want."
The sounds of the sirens were almost deafening at this point, the source slowing to somewhere at the front of the house.
"Is that noise from the authorities?” After he saw her nod, he continued speaking. “Please, send them away. I am not harmed nor will I harm you. I promise you that they are not needed.” He slowly slid himself from off of her body and stood. Poised to flee if necessary. He did not have any reason to hurt her and he would not.
He watched her turn her head to look at him and she met his gaze. Defiance was clearly written in her eyes and body language, but he did not change his position. He would not blame her for not trusting him. Had their positions been reversed, he would have done the same.
"Are you so certain of your intentions towards me?” she whispered hesitantly and gestured at him with her chin.
To his astonishment, he noted that she pointed towards the slow beginnings of an erection that had started when he'd first lain across her lush body. He looked levelly into her eyes. “Never without your permission. A physiologic reaction to our proximity, I assure you."
She studied his eyes intently as she drew herself to her knees again. After a few more moments, she sighed and she rose to her feet a little unsteadily and walked with purpose towards the front of the house.
Nicholas stood and placed his back against the house and tried to focus his thoughts on his current predicament, instead of thinking about the body of the pixie into whose hands he had just placed his life. His mind betraying him, he could only think of how she had felt underneath him. It had been a long time since he had been with a woman and her curves had reminded his body how he craved another opportunity. The view from the front had been as equally delightful to the lushness of her backside. She was petite in stature, with hips designed for the passage of children. In fact, he could imagine getting her pregnant with several of them. Groaning inwardly, he tore himself away from the thoughts he was having, otherwise she would return to a raging hard-on that he would have difficulty explaining away as easily as he had the first time.
Straining, he tried in vain to hear some evidence of what was going on at the other side of the house. He could hear voices, most of them male, but the distinct words were lost to him. At one point, it sounded as if a voice was floating nearer to his position, but then he heard the woman's voice rise a little louder and the sound subsided again. More stressful minutes passed and he heard the sound of engines coming to life. The tension in his muscles ebbed as he realized no more sounds came from the front.
The woman stepped into view, but maintained a distance of several feet from him. Cautious, this one, he thought.
"My instinct has never failed me before, Nicholas. I am trusting it and you.” She took a deep breath. “I've sent the emergency crews away with a story, but I promise you that, with the slightest provocation, you will not get a second chance."
He analyzed her stance. Both feet were shoulder width apart, her right leg, probably the dominant one, slightly behind the other. Her chin raised high, he recognized the boldness in her tone and look. Her body suggested that she did not trust him despite his words and she would flee as easily as she stood there.
Careful not to startle her with any movement of his own, he spoke softly. “You will never have anything to fear from me."
Still wary and unbelieving, she nodded and indicated the furniture leaning against the house.
"You can get yourself comfortable on one of those for now. I'll see if I can find something inside to cover you up with.” Her hand pointed to the tall hedges surrounding the yard. “These do not keep nosy neighbors from seeing what is going on over here."
While this bit of information may have been true, Nicholas felt it another method for her to warn him that she could summon help easily. He didn't bother to point out that no one had come to her aide when they were struggling on the ground only moments before. Instead, he said nothing and watched her walk away.
He pulled one of the chairs to the shade of the house, sat in it and leaned forward, planting his face in his hands. Suddenly, he felt so weary. It was disturbing to be in this predicament of not knowing where he was, yet at the same time, recognizing that he should know where he was. While there were similarities to where he came from and this place, there were so many differences. This place had vehicles. So had his home. Only in this place, the vehicles were bright and shiny. The ones of his home were loud, rusty, patched together from pieces of older cars and no longer usable. This place had plants. In his home, the few plants he had ever known were grown in pots for the purpose of bringing forth rare fruits or vegetables. Here, the plants were plentiful. The hedges were just an example of this. True, the ground covering in this yard was mostly dirt, but he'd noticed that the other dwellings had lush, green grass.
And Lisa. In his home, no one, man or woman, dared walk without a readily visible weapon. She had no weapons that he could see. She also trusted him to a degree. In his home, you did not trust anyone. Ever. The shift from man to Once-man was too rapid, too uncontrollable. The Once-men knew when change was coming, but the humans did not and so Once-men exploited the rapid change. You never knew if what you said to someone would be used against you once they had changed. Not everyone would change. It was unheard of that a Soldier would change. It was one reason for their charge. But everyone else? It was too difficult to try to predict.
All of this was of little consequence. What mattered now was trying to determine how he had come to this place and why. By all rights, he should be dead. In his last battle, his body was ragged, with wounds both deep and superficial. None of that was evident now. He dragged the memory of being poisoned forth and pondered the possibility that the poison had done this. That made little sense, but what thus far had made sense?
Inside the house, Anna's hands shook with a ferocity that she could not quell. Now that he wasn't chasing her, she had to admit that he was just a little less scary than he had been. Chewing on her lower lip, she thought about her choices and what option she should choose. Her brain encouraged her to get help now while her curiosity suggested she slow down just a little and give him a chance. His good looks were certainly helping curiosity win the argument.
It was madness to take this man at his word, to turn away those who could have helped her and on top of that, invite him to make himself comfortable on her furniture! Well, she decided, even if I'm not going to be smart about this, I don't have to be stupid. Stifling a mad cackle, she walked through the house locking all exterior leading doors and windows. That accomplished, she felt moderately more at ease. While with the paramedics, she had taken the opportunity to retrieve her keys and cellular phone and she made certain both would remain on her body at all times while he was around.
She walked into the bathroom again, turning on the faucet and finding a washcloth to run under the warm water. Wincing, she used it to dab at the abrasions running along her arms. She also noted the beginnings of a bruise on the hand he had grabbed when he had awoken. The area still throbbed. Her knees were also aching and, glancing down, she realized that there was a hole in one pant leg at the knee. Reluctantly she pulled the keys and phone out of her pocket and placed them on the counter, then removed the jeans. After running the cloth under the water again, she wiped at her knees, knowing with certainty that they would also be bruised by tomorrow. This was shaping out to be one hell of a day.
Sighing, she found a comfortable pair of shorts and put those on, mindful to pick a pair that had pockets for the phone and keys. She grimaced when she pulled the cloth over her knees, but then released the breath she hadn't realized she was holding when she made it past that area and her knees were exposed to the air. In the closet Anna also found an old pair of sweatpants for him. She located a t-shirt she had been given at the last blood drive and figured the clothing would have to do. Shaking her head, Anna decided he was on his own for shoes. Dressing in women's clothing would have to be alright. Besides, it wouldn't disguise what was important. He wasn't hard on the eyes at all.

Now where the hell had that come from?
Methodically, she slowed her pace to think about that. Yes, he was good looking, mismatched eyes and all. He was damned good looking. And that body? Whew! Her cheeks started to burn and she commanded her racing pulse to slow down to a horse's gallop. She grinned to herself about the pleasurable thoughts of his naked body and caught a glimpse of herself in the kitchen window's reflection. The hair on the back of her neck rose when she turned to fully face the reflection. Unfortunately, standing right outside of the window, looking directly at her, was Nicholas.
Failing miserably at her attempt to not appear startled, she stiffened her back and strode with purpose again to the outside. Careful of not stepping too close to him, she tossed the clothing onto the table that separated them.
"These should fit you,” she commented, dismayed to feel the burning in her cheeks still there. “I didn't have any shoes that would fit."
"Thank you,” he replied, reaching for the clothing. Without shame or pride, he donned them in front of her, all the while maintaining eye contact. The pants were too short and tight, but he didn't comment on it. When finished dressing, he gestured for her to sit in the opposite chair. After she sat down, he did the same. Nothing was said for a few minutes and Anna started to become uneasy with the silence. At last, she decided to speak first.
"So,” she started. “Where do we go from here?"
He gazed at her coolly, pondering the answer to the question. In truth, he didn't know. His first thoughts had been to figure out where he was and how he had gotten there. His second thoughts were a little more carnal.
"I do not know,” he sighed. “Would you please explain to me where I am?"
Anna spoke without hesitation. “You're in Jacksonville.” Noting his frown, she continued. “On the north side of the city."
He said nothing, but the confusion was evident. For the first time, she noticed the sadness in his eyes.
"Oh my God. You really don't know where you are, do you?"
"No,” he admitted.
"Are you from Florida at all? We get a lot of tourists, especially people who are familiar with boating. Maybe you fell off of a ship.” She stated the last sentence hopefully, but then immediately realized the improbability of it.
"I am not familiar with Florida."
"Well, we're close to the Georgia border. Perhaps you made your way here from there?"
"I do not know Georgia, either,” he said.
She watched him without saying anything more. This was insane to be sitting here trying to help an amnesiac remember which state he was from. They sat in silence for a while before the sound of his stomach broached the quiet air. She cursed her mother for forcing good manners on her and took a deep breath.
"If you are hungry, I can get you something to eat from inside.” It was an effort, but she got the words out.
"Thank you, but no. You have gone further than necessary already by not betraying me. I will not intrude upon you any further than I have."
"Now that's just stupid,” she exploded. “What are you going to do for food? For money? I found you without a stitch of clothing. You don't even have any shoes, so where are you going to go? How are you going to take care of yourself?"
He silently regarded her with his odd eyes.
"For crying out loud. Just stay there,” she bristled. Standing, she turned and stomped back inside of the house. She came back a few minutes later with a hastily made ham and cheese sandwich, diet soda and an apple. She pushed the food towards him, still mindful about keeping the table between them. He grabbed the food and quickly ate without hesitation. She hid a pleased smile as he savored the apple in particular. The can of soda seemed an enigma, however, and he eyed it suspiciously.
"You're kidding me, right?” She looked at him with her head cocked to the side. Grabbing the can, she opened it by the tab. She held it back out to him and then placed it on the table when he did not reach for it. He still ignored the can and leaned back against the chair, closing his eyes. Anna chose to follow his lead and leaned back against her chair, enjoying the morning.
The sun had not risen to the full sky yet and, while muggy with humidity, it was still a pleasant time to be outside. In a few hours, even the bugs headed for shelter. Summer was only a few weeks away and with it came heat well into the ninety degree range. Every year, she had known herself to complain, Anna felt as if summer started earlier in the year. Once upon a time it didn't get hot until June settled in. Now, it seemed as if March began the beach season.
Although the silence was beginning to irritate her, Anna remained quiet. Because his eyes were closed, she took the opportunity to look at him closer. A Greek nose was his most prominent and flawless feature. His lips, on the other hand, while otherwise unremarkable, had a small scar that crossed at the top left corner of his mouth. Her nurse's eyes followed the trail with curiosity. The fine scar continued onto his left cheek where it was hidden by deep etchings that bordered both sides of his mouth. She noted that the scar was probably a continuation of the one that started at his left ear. Whatever kind of life Nicholas led, it had to have been a tumultuous one. Still, the look suited him. She could not imagine him looking more genteel. There was something very bad boy and sultry about his face.
He opened his eyes and she guiltily looked past his head, trying to disguise how she had been previously reviewing him.
"If you are willing, I would like to offer my services in exchange for food and shelter,” he said.
Anna almost choked on air.
"What kind of services were you thinking of?” she managed to breathe out.
"The outside of your home is unlike the others around it. I can help you grow grass like what the other domiciles have. And if it is privacy that you seek, I can build a fence. The hedges are not sufficient.” He raised an eyebrow as he spoke the last sentence, but that was the only indication of amusement.
Anna considered what he said and waged an internal battle with herself. How had she gone from rescuer to victim to employer in a matter of an hour? They were sitting in her backyard like old friends and not long ago, she had feared for her life.
"How can you go from not knowing where you are to looking for employment here? This makes no sense,” she replied.
"I cannot change the circumstances. I can only make the best of them,” he said. “No matter what, I have to have a place to sleep. Food to eat. You have both here."
"You're assuming that my boyfriend won't mind,” she offered. Her eyebrow rose on her face in a challenge. Then, something curious in his face shone through after she said this. Disappointment? No. That couldn't be it.
"You are right. I did assume. Consult with him if you must."
There was a slight pause. “I don't have one,” she waved at the air with a hand. “I just don't like that you made the assumption. And you know another thing? May I suggest the first thing you do is try to remember where you're from? I doubt it's here. You definitely don't speak like you're from around here at all."
"Yes. I have noticed your particular accent,” he calmly replied. The emotion that flitted across his face before was gone now. Replaced with something that looked like relief.
"My accent?” She was appalled. “Buddy, I don't have an accent. You have the accent. Listen to you. I mean, what's up with not using a contraction?” Of course, she admitted to herself, she did have a Southern accent, but in a city full of Southern accents, his lack of a drawl made him the oddity.
"A contraction?"
"Yes, a contraction. You know. Can't. Won't. Don't. Instead of cannot, will not and do not,” she explained. “I have not heard you use a contraction once."
Nicholas mused over her criticism and nodded his head. “You are right. I do not use contractions.” He shrugged one shoulder to indicate how inconsequential this finding was.
She grunted at him in frustration. “So, what? You're going to work for me and then what?"
"Learn about where I am and how to get back home,” he calmly replied again.
Anna wanted to scream. This was too surreal. How often did a handsome man wind up naked in a person's yard and then offer to do handyman work in exchange for food and board? Then again, she reasoned with herself, don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
"I'll tell you what,” she said after more silence. “Let me think about it.” She sighed. “I guess you can wait here until I make up my mind."
She stood and went back inside of the house, locking the back door behind her.

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Chapter Four

"So how crazy am I for even considering this?” she sighed for what seemed the tenth time this morning.
There was silence on the other end of the phone. Anna had called her best friend Lucy for a sounding board about the situation with Nicholas. She and Lucy worked at the same hospital although no longer on the same unit. They had met while working on a medical/surgical unit. Anna had been a new nurse, the ink on her diploma still drying. Lucy had been her preceptor, a nurse not long out of school herself. They hit it off as friends immediately. Lucy had since gone the path of critical care nursing while Anna felt her calling with cardiology patients.
"So, do you want to hear what you want to hear or do you want my honest opinion?"
Anna went on her guard. This was Lucy's style. Known for the brutality of her honest opinion, she always gave an option out when her trademark bluntness was about to surface. Not everyone liked to hear what she had to say, yet they were drawn to her advice nonetheless. The irony was not lost on Lucy.
"Go for it,” Anna offered.
"When is it that you usually go wrong?"
Anna frowned. “I'm not certain what you mean."
"How about this? How often is your instinct wrong?"
"Almost never."
"Not almost never. Never.” Lucy took a deep breath. “It's what makes you a good nurse. You listen to what your inner voice says without thinking it through. But, there are times when you go wrong. When is that?"
Anna could see where she was heading with the question. “I usually go wrong when I think something through too much,” she admitted.
"Bingo! You're thinking about this entirely too much. So what if it isn't conventional? Who says it has to be?” She went on without pause. “If your gut is telling you that you can trust this guy, then trust him."
"So you gonna plan my funeral when it turns out to be the first time my instinct is wrong?” Anna chuckled.
Lucy chuckled with her. “True. There's always a first time. But I don't think so. And girlfriend,” she lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, “if he's a gorgeous as you say he is, jump his bones."
Anna shrieked with laughter. This was the advice she was really after. Trust Lucy to see through the pretense and get to the point. They continued to chat amicably for a few minutes more before Lucy begged off to run some errands. They promised to get together soon and mutually hung up.
She walked out of the bedroom and into the living room, flopping onto the faded green couch. She really wanted to ponder the wisdom in this decision, but conceded that Lucy was right. If she thought about it too long, she would overanalyze the possibilities. Instead she thought about what tasks could be done by Nicholas. He had offered to start some of the landscaping and build a fence. The latter idea intrigued her. She hadn't considered having one before now, but the idea was appealing. She had been saving for a long time to afford the upgrades she had been planning and the fence wouldn't pose too much of a threat to her bank account. She also had the next five days off from work before she had to return for another shift, assuming they did not call her in before then. So, it seemed she had decided. Anna rubbed her eyes and stiffly rose from the couch to let him know the news.
When she unlocked the back door, he was not where she had left him. She slipped on a pair of flip-flops just outside of the door and walked the perimeter of the yard to find him. She found him in the front yard surveying the street in both directions. He did not even appear cognizant of his ill-fitting clothing or lack of shoes. Walking up behind him, she stopped when she saw him start in surprise and his hand reach for his hip at her approach. The gesture seemed oddly reminiscent of a police officer whose hand instinctively reaches for his gun when threatened. She thought again of a possible military connection and tucked the thought away to address later.
He smiled down at her and said, “Did you make your decision, Lisa?"
She'd forgotten about the hastily made up name. When to let him know the right one? Trying to still remain at least a little bit cautious, she decided it would suffice until she felt more comfortable.
"For a few days only,” she emphasized, “you can stay here.” She still couldn't believe she was saying the words. “In exchange, you'll be doing some projects around the house that I had planned on doing."
Nicholas nodded his assent, but did not speak. She continued.
"There will be ground rules. One, you are permitted into the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom where you'll sleep. You do not stray from those areas into any of the others. Understood?"
He nodded again.
"Two. No guests of any kind.” When he started to smile, she hurried on, feeling foolish. “Three. As soon as I say you leave, that's it. You leave. No questions asked."
"All fair rules, Lisa. I agree to them and any others you decide are necessary. I am in your debt.” He gazed at her, his eyes soft.
Involuntarily she straightened her back, widening the distance between their bodies. She felt a slight burn to her cheeks and scalp, a burden of his eyes boring into hers. Averting her eyes away, she internally admonished herself for cowardice.
"What's going on?” She glanced around the neighborhood.
"I remember some things,” he replied. He shifted his weight and Anna's eyes were drawn to his naked feet.
"That's good, isn't it?” When he didn't respond, she continued on. “What do you remember?"
He shifted restlessly again. The movement was not lost on her, but she wasn't sure of its significance yet.
"This reminds me of my home. I'm certain I'm not too far away."
She smiled and glanced at her watch. Mystery solved in just under four hours. Her smile faltered when she realized he did not share her joy.
"You're not too far away from home, but you're not happy?” Nothing this man said or did made any sense.
"Perhaps remember is too strong a word. You might describe it as more of a feeling."
"Oh.” Her shoulders slumped and she felt small. Easy come, easy go. “It doesn't matter. It's progress. And speaking of, we have a lot of work to do today. You ready to get started?"
He nodded and they walked back to the house where Anna went inside to retrieve her purse while he waited outside. True to her promise to herself earlier, her keys were still in the shorts’ pocket. By the time she came back outside, even though it was only minutes later, she found Nicholas staring at the neighborhood again. His face was emotionless and she felt torn for him.
"Do you have yard tools?” He hadn't turned to look at her, so the question caught her off guard. She showed him where they were inside of the garage and indicated that she would leave the garage door open for his use. That, however, would be the only door left open for him. Anna watched him remove a small pick axe and tried unsuccessfully to banish the goose bumps that rose when she saw the potential weapon in his hand. Her heart rate increased as he walked towards her, but the adrenaline that was starting to surge subsided when he continued past her without pausing. She told his retreating back that she would be back later and all but ran to the waiting Honda.
Several hours later when she had returned, she rounded the corner to the backyard and stopped in her tracks. Anna felt her eyes go round with surprise and her mouth went dry.

Sweet Jesus.
Shirtless, Nicholas stood near the house with running water from the hose cascading over his head and torso. From where she stood, she could see the small pimples across his skin where the cold water licked him. Remembering to start breathing again, she watched a particular trail traveling from his right shoulder in a haphazard pattern down to the small of his back. The damn pants got in the way of watching the trail further down his body.
He washed himself, oblivious to her presence. She stood transfixed, unwilling to let him know she was there. He switched the hose to the other hand and she licked her lips when the dirt that speckled his chest and shoulder started to drizzle down his body with the falling water. She must have made a noise or he felt her presence because, too quickly for her, he stiffened and opened his eyes. He gave her a toothy smile and took a long drink of the water from the hose. She watched the water play on his tongue and lips and felt lightning strike through her stomach and below. He glanced at her again before reaching to turn the faucet off. Walking towards her, his hands swept over his hair, wringing the excess moisture from his scalp.
"Are you alright?” He moved quickly and stepped into her personal space. “You seem flushed."
This time, the heat rose not only to her cheeks and scalp. Anna felt the burn cover her to the tips of her fingers and toes. If she had doubted it before, she knew for certain now that it had been too long for her without a good romp in the hay. Almost every gesture he made seemed overly sexual and directed towards her. This had to be her imagination, right? She took a step back and, dismayed, watched him step forward again. The gap between their bodies remained small. It felt as if the energy from their mutual bodies was crackling with life.
"I brought back stuff for you in the car,” she mumbled. She took a slow step backwards and then another when he did not move. She turned to move away and glanced over her shoulder to ensure he was following. He called to her before she'd gone too far though.
"Are you going to comment on the work first?"
He sounded so disappointed that Anna turned back around quickly. Now that he gave her an excuse to look at something besides his body, she did survey the backyard. True enough, it had been transformed. The weeds that had previously made up the boundary to the property were gone. The hedges had also been properly weeded and trimmed back to a state of glory. Forgetting her previous reticence, she turned to him grinning.
"I can't believe you did this.” There was still much work that needed to be done, but the transformation was remarkable. In fact, not in the three years of owning the house or in the months prior when the house had been for sale had the yard been in this condition. She surveyed it from end to end. Purple potato vines had taken over as ruler supreme of the back corner, but she could see why it had been originally planted. The reddish-purple of the leaves were a stark contrast to the vibrant green of the hedges and sparse clumps of grass. When the grass was fully established, the vine would break up the monotony beautifully.
Anna realized too that the ground had been tilled. She looked back in awe at Nicholas. Some day when she had decided to undertake this project, she had planned on renting a machine to do this back-breaking task.
"I can't believe you did this,” she repeated.
At first, Nicholas wasn't sure of her feelings. The fact that she hadn't at first acknowledged his efforts had been disconcerting. As he watched her walk from section to section, at times stopping to run her fingers along the thinned plants and shrubs, he was reassured. The work truly hadn't been that difficult, albeit lengthy, and allowed him the opportunity to think methodically.
Nicholas was confident that he was where his home existed. The landscape assured him that he was only meters away from his home. Or, at least, what should have been his home. This place was newer and more teemed with life. The large oak tree that sat on the border of his home was here, but not as large or gnarled as the one he was used to. What he needed to solve now was how he came here during this time. Surely that was the difference? He was in another time—same place, but another time. Along the same thought continuum was the question of if he were to return to his own time, how was that achieved? Even after replaying the battle scene in his mind over and over, he could not identify one specific moment that could have initiated this change. If he could not identify the instigator of change, there would be little chance of going back on his own terms.
The last disturbing thought he had along these lines was whether in fact he wanted to return. His life as a Soldier was fulfilling, against its infamous beginnings. Age worked against him, however, and his ability to live through each battle was waning. If he went back, he could gauge his life expectancy in terms of months, not years. He had decided that he wanted to live and he wanted to spend his years living with a woman like Lisa. There was something about this woman who was braver than she realized but who also had a kind heart. She was a little naïve, but it had worked in his favor. He would be certain to not betray this little bit of trust that she placed in him. If she gave him the opportunity though, he had already made plans to kiss her lips until they were swollen and lost all sense of feeling. He wanted to lose himself in those lips. Nicholas watched them now as she grinned broadly at him.
"Come on. I have a surprise for you.” She led him towards the front of the house and the waiting blue car. He put the t-shirt over his damp head and pulled it into place as they walked. The trunk to the car had been propped open and immediately visible were half a dozen full plastic bags.
"Not only did I get some groceries, I got you some clothes.” She handed four of the bags to him. “Because they're going to be work clothes, I hope you don't mind that some of them are second-hand. And I got you some shoes too."
"I am grateful that you thought of me at all. I did not expect it.” He was genuinely surprised.
"Well, I can't have you half-wearing my clothes while you're here.” She started gathering more bags and when he moved to intercept them, she indicated for him to get the bags of soil and grass seed that were under the groceries. They walked inside first and she showed him the bedroom where he could store his items. He stopped long enough to put on a better fitting pair of pants and the shoes. The pants fit perfectly while the shoes were a half size too big. He thanked her again on his way out and she told him to thank the fit to the years of sales in retail when she had worked her way through school. She said she was starting dinner and he could clean up while she got it ready.
* * * *
Anna was standing at a cutting board slicing tomatoes and cucumbers when Nicholas walked in, still damp from the shower. She had already set two places at the table and not a moment too soon. His stomach was protesting loudly.
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
"You can cook?” Anna didn't mean for the words to come out so shrilly with an inflection at the end, but there it was.
He ducked his head and didn't look into her eyes. “Not like this."
"What's this?” She looked around. “This is only frozen ravioli that I'm throwing some jarred sauce over. Chopped salad to go with it and voila!"
He said nothing and she sighed inwardly. He was being a polite guest by offering to help and she was not only refusing the help, but mocking him for not being able to help. Maybe her mother's lessons on good manners hadn't taken after all. “Help yourself to some pasta. The salad will be done in a sec."
Nicholas went to the small table and sat there without reaching for any of the food. When she came over, she placed the bowl of vegetables on the table and reached for the pasta herself. He waited patiently for her to finish with the pasta and then offered her the salad bowl. When she declined, he pierced the crisp vegetables with a fork and proceeded to mound a large portion onto his plate. Wide-eyed, she watched him work his way through two helpings, the salad dressing bottle off to the side and ignored.
Glancing up at her, his ears darkened a little and he grinned. “I do not get to have vegetables or fruits very often. I enjoy them."
"Eat up, darling. There's a lot more where that came from."
"Really?” He slowed his chewing and put the fork down next to his plate. Anna could feel him watching her as she pushed the food around on her place.
"Is there something wrong?” he asked.
"I think you remember more than you are telling me.” She sighed and sat back against the chair. Her brown eyes reached his. “What is it that you don't want me to know? On the one hand, I'm really trying to do the humane thing and help you out. But I gotta admit that, on the other hand, I'm still a little freaked out."
They both started when the doorbell rang as she finished the sentence. Anna stared at him a moment longer and then rose to answer it.
When she was no longer in his sight, he stood quickly and grabbed the chef's knife from the cutting board. He held the instrument deftly in his hand as he pressed himself into the doorway leading into the next room. He saw her as she glanced out of the window and then laughed as she opened the front door. His posture relaxed and the knife was replaced where he had found it.
"Girl, what are you doing here?” Anna shrieked. She was glad for the distraction that Lucy provided. She opened the door wider and allowed her friend inside. A short black woman stepped into the room, bearing flowers. She whispered something low and both women laughed. “Come on back. We were just getting something to eat. You hungry?"
When the two women walked into the kitchen, Anna could feel herself beaming. Lucy was a pretty woman and the first thing anyone ever noticed about her when she walked into a room was her broad, white smile. She watched Nicholas's predictable response to her friend in the form of a grin.
Lucy, her typical self, stopped short when he came into sight and let out a low whistle. “Anna, you said he was gorgeous, but damn!"
His hand went under his chin and his head tilted to the side. “Anna? You said I was gorgeous?” he mocked.
"You can never keep your mouth shut. I told you he thought my name was Lisa.” Anna turned colors of pink previously undiscovered and Lucy hooted with laughter, holding her waist with both hands. The sound was beautiful and Nicholas chuckled in response.
"Is that what you're mad about? I thought you'd be mad because I told him what you think about his body."
"That too, you idiot.” Scowling, she glared at Lucy. “I do not know why I call you my best friend.” Reluctant introductions were made and Anna set a third place at the table. The flowers were placed in a vase and set in the middle.
"Sorry about outing you, but you know I have to live vicariously through your adventures. Why do you think I brought some romantic ambience with me?” Not believing her for one moment, Anna glared. She knew that Lucy was happily married to a consultant who was currently out of town for work. From what little she divulged, Anna guessed her life in the bedroom outdid most Penthouse write-ups. She watched as Lucy glanced at the pasta dish and vegetables and nodded her approval. “What are you serving?"
"Don't worry. No peanuts anywhere."
Anna referred to the allergen that had on two occasions sent Lucy to the hospital because of a severe anaphylactic reaction. On the last occasion, they were caught completely unawares. They had been with a group from the hospital eating Chinese food at a local haunt. Lucy had swallowed a bite of an egg roll and stilled. A flush crept over her neck and face and she began to reach for her throat. Before their horrified eyes, they saw her face and neck starting to swell. Thankfully, it was a group of healthcare workers consisting of both physicians and nurses.
Anna had frantically dumped the contents of Lucy's purse onto the table in search of her EpiPen. Located, the injector was plunged into her thigh while paramedics were called. The medical team worked quickly and efficiently while the rush of epinephrine worked from the inside. Lucy was eventually rushed to the hospital and treated more extensively. Since then, Anna kept an extra injector in both her own kitchen and purse. That day had taught the two nurses to never underestimate where peanuts or their derivatives might be found.
The chatter continued on between the two women. Nicholas did not interject very much or often, but he laughed as often as they did and Anna was that much more attracted to him for it. Although she did attempt to draw him into the banter, he politely answered any questions, but then diverted the conversation away. Anna assumed that he was not yet ready to let her know what plagued his thoughts.
"So, handsome,” Lucy tried again, “where did you get your scars?"
Anna perked up at this question. She'd wanted to know the answer since she'd seen him this morning. Lucy's lack of tact sometimes worked in her favor.
"I am a Soldier,” was his simple reply. Both women exchanged glances.
"Don't let that get out, honey. You're right smack dab in the middle of a bunch of squids.” Seeing his questioning look, Lucy continued. “It's a derogatory term for the Navy men and women who practically monopolize the city. But don't let my use of the word fool you. Heaven help any person who says a negative thing about military personnel in front of me or girlfriend here. You just don't dis’ someone who puts their life on the line for his or her country,” she admonished.
She took a final swallow from the glass next to her empty plate and stood to place the used dishes into the sink. “Thanks for the meal and fun, but I'm working seven-a to seven-p tomorrow. It has to be an early night for me."
Both Nicholas and Anna walked her to the door, where Nicholas placed a chaste kiss on her cheek. “It was truly a pleasure meeting you, Lucy. I see why you are considered Anna's friend."
Startled by his words and action, Lucy leaned over to Anna. “If you don't want him, send him my way."
She winked at them both and walked out of the door towards her car. When Anna called a goodbye, she raised her hand in response without turning around. They watched a little while longer as she backed her silver Benz out of the driveway. She honked once and soon all they could see of the car were the retreating taillights.
They walked back into the kitchen and cleared the dishes from the table. Anna put the leftovers into the fridge and Nicholas used a cloth by the sink to clean what had been used. She watched him work from the corner of her eye and bemusedly thought of how harmoniously they worked together. When everything had been washed, dried and put away, she started to feel the stress of the day melt into familiar fatigue of her back and shoulders.
Anna made certain he didn't need anything additional and then said her good night to him. She watched him go into the spare bedroom before turning to go into her own room. She let the door close softly and before stepping away from it, turned the lock.
Inside the room, Nicholas stripped. He replayed the day's events in his mind with every movement he made. Anna. The name suited her better than Lisa had. He smiled to himself when he brought to mind the look on her face when her real name was announced. When he slid between the cool sheets, he closed his eyes and recalled her voice. Then her face. Then he drifted contentedly into darkness.

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Chapter Five

Nicholas opened his eyes and was immediately horror-struck. Gone was the soft yellow paint and cool cotton sheets that had surrounded him. Instead, he lay on the ground, covered in dried blood and damp mud. His body screamed in protest as he tried to sit up. A gash in his side opened and blood began to flow copiously. Clamping a dirtied hand to the injury, he surveyed his surroundings.
He was home.
He stood unsteadily for a moment, but then crouched into a stealthier position. Not far from his present location, he could see Once-men scouring the ground for survivors. Any Soldier found alive, some writhing where they lay, was immediately terminated. His mind started to drift towards Anna, but he tried to force his thoughts back towards his present situation. Try though he might, he could not banish the idea that she may have been a figment of his imagination.
Crawling, he searched frantically for a place to hide. He could feel the injury bleeding openly and he needed to stem the flow. He could recall how he had been sparring with the Once-man and how it had bested him with the jab to the side as if it had happened only moments ago.
Ahead, he could see an abandoned vehicle standing next to a small building. Eyes furtively darting around, he made his way quickly to the vehicle. He surveyed the building for any signs of movement and seeing none, scurried towards it. Nicholas was panting by the time he was inside.
Finding an old cloth sack on the ground, he balled it up. He lifted the remains of his shirt and pressed it to his side, wincing as it touched his flesh. There was a scraping noise from outside and his ears perked as his skin prickled. Despair began to gnaw at his mind when he realized that he had no weapons with which to defend himself. Undoubtedly the Once-men had appropriated his fallen sword as the creatures were not capable of manufacturing complex weapons for themselves.
Desperation setting in, Nicholas searched for an adequate hiding place. The two-room place was almost bare. The first room held only an old stove and pantry. The second room held a small table and two chairs which were off to the side. Grimacing at the noise it made, he turned the small table on its side and crouched behind it. He listened as he heard the front door creak noisily. He then glanced at the table, deciding to pull one of the legs off to defend himself with if it came to that. Today may be his day to die, but he would not go easily or quietly. His mind drifted back to Anna again and he shook his head to refocus.
He flattened himself to the floor and stifled a shiver as the hair on the back of his neck rose. Even though he could not see it, he knew that a Once-man had entered the dwelling. His eyes closed, he held his breath while trying to follow the beast's movements. It would find him if it walked into the second room, so mentally he prepared himself for the inevitable stand-off.
The whistling above his head was the only clue in the dim room of a club-like instrument being swung at him. He'd been spared by mere millimeters, but the splinters from the crumpling table sprayed towards him, some embedding themselves in the skin of his face and neck. Nicholas rolled away and struck the wall. His legs were sluggish as he tried to make his way to his feet. The table was out of reach now and he stood before the Once-man with only his hands for weapons. The creature yelled at him in undecipherable guttural speak, but Nicholas only growled in return. All hope sank when he saw the second creature come up from behind. It was followed by a third.
He clenched his hands into fists, trying to determine a course of action that would spare his life. There were no windows and the three creatures stood between him and the door. His stomach tightened as he realized his rookie mistake. There had been one way in and one way out of the building. He had let them block him in. Despite his earlier resolution, he stood slowly and walked towards the middle of the room. Offering a small prayer of thanks for his life thus far, he closed his eyes as the Once-man closest to him swung the club.

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Chapter Six

Anna shook Nicholas's body again, this time rougher than before. He had been crying out in his sleep when she walked past the bedroom to use the house's only bathroom. That had been almost five minutes ago. The sun wasn't all the way up, but she could see well enough inside the room.
He hadn't said anything intelligible, but he was obviously in distress. His pulse was strong, but erratic. His respirations were even, but fast. Not knowing whether the stories were true, she hesitated on deciding whether or not to wake him. She'd heard more than once from her grandmother never to awaken someone when they were having a nightmare. It could kill them she had been warned gravely. Taking a chance against an old wives’ tale, she called his name again.
His eyes flew open and, startled, she stepped back. His respirations went from their even rhythm to one that was more labored. She glanced down past his diaphoretic chest and her mouth dropped open. He swallowed several times and then, seeing her expression, followed her gaze. The sheets were streaked with fresh blood.
She pushed him back down on the bed and demanded, “Where are you injured?” Anna ran her hands over his chest and, not finding the source of the bleeding, threw the sheets back to uncover his groin and legs. The chest pain he was feeling from his erratic breathing subsided and he groaned. He pulled the sheets back up to his waist and stilled her roaming hands with his own. She shook his hands off of hers and tried to resume her inspection.
"I am not injured,” Nicholas protested. She did not listen and tried to turn him on his side to find any potential injuries there.
"Dammit woman, I am not injured,” he growled. Anna's hands stilled and her back stiffened. He hadn't meant to sound so severe with her. “I am merely naked,” he offered softly.
"I've seen you naked before,” she curtly replied. “And besides, I'm a nurse. I see lots of people naked."
"If you must look, then look. But I assure you, I am not injured.” His hands fell down on the sheets again and he turned so that she could see his back. Not declining his offer, she ran her hands over his backside and satisfied that he was not truly injured, allowed him to turn back over and recover himself.
"I was worried because there's so much blood on the sheets.” Her eyebrows knitted together. “Where did it come from?"
"I don't know,” he said, his voice gentle again. She'd obviously been sleeping before she'd encountered him. She stood before him in a t-shirt that fell to her knees. It was wrinkled and her hair was standing on end. He could see a faint silhouette of her body inside the shirt when she moved just so and he started to appreciate the soft material.
She glanced into his face and went on guard. His green and brown eyes had darkened and were almost the same color. “What?” she demanded.
He took one hand in his and placed his lips gently on it. He looked up into her face and whispered, “You are so beautiful."
Anna's mouth fell open. She closed it again, but it opened on its own again. She immediately felt sticky and involuntarily removed her hand from his and took a step back. When his legs swung from under the sheets over the edge of the bed towards her, she stepped back again. The sheet fell away as he stood and she forced herself to not look below his waist. Continuing to back up, she pressed herself against the wall until she could not move any further.
"I'm not beautiful,” she stammered. “I have fat thighs and my boobs are too small.” Sweat started to form at the base of her spine.
His eyes lazily roamed over her from head to toe and he stepped slowly closer. Nicholas stopped just shy of his own body being pressed against hers and brought his arms up on either side of her head and splayed his hands against the wall. “You. Are. Beautiful."
Each word was succinct and full of expression. Doubtless, he would not be swayed from his opinion. A gentle breeze fanned her cheek with each word. The damned sweat was now all over her back and heading south. She could feel the drops leaping onto her underwear.
"You're naked.” She couldn't think of anything else to say to him. The obvious seemed the most logical choice.
"You have seen me naked before.” He sniffed calmly at her hair. “Besides, you are a nurse. You see lots of people naked."
Anna couldn't believe he could taunt her with those familiar words. She shivered as his lips touched the crown of her head. He trailed the kisses down the side of her face, stopping to play with her ear. When his tongue gingerly flicked at the lobe, her breath caught in her chest. He pulled his head back long enough to look at her again and she tried to stop shivering.
"Are you naked under there?” he questioned gently. His head dipped down and, with his teeth, he pulled at the neck of the shirt.
"No,” she whispered back to him, the word barely a croak.
"Would you like to be?"
His eyes met hers again and they searched hers imploringly. Her mind raced frantically, weighing the scenarios and trying to choose the best course. His mouth had resumed its journey against her skin and she could barely think while his tongue flickered out for tentative tastes. He licked at the small pool of sweat at the dip in her neck and Anna's thighs screamed for release. Sighing, knowing she was making a mistake, she closed her eyes when she responded.
"No."
Nicholas stilled and looked into her eyes again, but then dropped his hands to his sides. “Try to get some more sleep, Anna. You look tired."
He took half a step back and gestured that she was free to leave. He watched as she slid against the wall until she was completely free of him and then hurried out of the sweltering room.
* * * *
Anna slunk back to her room, her heart racing. She had really, really wanted to give in to him, but could not force her wanton body to reconcile with her brain. Locking the door as soon as she closed it, she crossed the room to throw herself on the bed. Any thought of going back to sleep was banished. As she lay there, her mind replayed the scene over and over. She could feel every burning kiss, remembering every spot that he had touched. Then her mind replayed the sensual words, the turmoil she felt when she had turned him down and his final parting words.

How dare he?

Desire quickly turned to fury as she recollected again and again what he had said. You look tired. That was a sorry thank you for his benefactor. Her face grew hot and she assaulted the pillow with a fist. Anna turned on her back and let out a deep breath. In truth, while she was annoyed with those words, she was angrier about the circumstance. Nothing about what she'd done today was conventional and she had shied away from the one thing she had wanted to do without hesitation.
Anna lay on the bed, trying to figure out how her personal life had gone so wrong. Sure, she had a great career, was able to afford a comfortable house and the occasional all-girl vacation, but when it came to a long-term relationship, she couldn't make the connection. The encounter with Nicholas was the closest she had come to sex, much less a relationship, in almost a year. Despite the stereotype perpetuated by television, she had no intention of trying to set herself up with a physician.
Sighing again, she turned back over onto her stomach. Half an hour had gone by and she could see light peeking through the curtains. Her mind wandered back to Nicholas again. Maybe her gut instinct was wrong this time. Maybe it was time for him to leave. He knew he was close to home and he chose not to share much with her. They could not live under the same roof if he could not be honest with her. Nor could she have him living there if she wanted to be honest about her desire for him. The very thought was enough to send blood flooding into her cheeks. The sound of him. The smell of him. The touch of him. All were so seductive. Was it really so bad that he did not tell her everything? Anna smiled to herself and her fickle nature. It was like her to want to have her cake and eat it too.
She rolled across the bed one last time and landed gracefully onto her feet. When he became honest with her, she would allow herself to be honest with her feelings. With this resolution in mind, she strode into the closet in preparation for her second day with him.
* * * *
Nicholas could hear Anna moving about the bedroom and when she made her way into the bathroom, he slipped outside to avoid the inevitable confrontation. When she finally came into the kitchen though, he couldn't help but look up occasionally to watch her through the window.
He saw her pour herself a cup of coffee from the programmable maker, glancing at him with the first sip. Trying to remain inconspicuous, Nicholas continued his work, methodically ensuring the dark soil was tilled. He knew she watched him as he sprinkled grass seed by hand over the earth, covering each area evenly. She poured a second cup of coffee when he started scraping the dirt over the seeds. It was at that moment when he glanced again in her direction that their eyes connected. From where he stood, he tried to convey to her the tenderness in his heart. Either he did a poor job of letting it show or she was ignoring him, because instead of returning the emotion, she turned her back to retrieve some food items from the fridge.
Seeing this, Nicholas gripped the handle of the rake harder. He redoubled his efforts with the ground work while trying to reign in the anger that boiled within. He had never meant to alienate Anna and he knew his actions had labeled him a rogue in her mind. He wanted to be with her, but it was obviously too much, too soon for the both of them. He could only fathom how irreparable the damage might be. Earlier this morning his actions had seemed so well timed. In the light of the day, however, he felt irresponsible. Instead of resolving how he had even come to be here, he was trying to seduce a woman.
Reflecting on this, he thought of the bloodstained sheets and of the dream that was no dream. Nicholas could remember the heat of the room. He could remember the sounds the Once-men made. There was even the sound of the Soldiers as they lie on the ground waiting for death. He remembered the sound of the club being swung. He could not remember it making any contact. How had the blood ended up on the bed then? He had checked himself carefully when Anna had gone and there were no open cuts. No evidence of blood anywhere on his person.
He scraped the ground with the rake again and stifled a yawn. Despite the hours that had passed from the time he went to bed and the time he was woken by Anna, his eyes were heavy and felt as if weighed down by sand. The thought brought him to another realization. While hours had passed here, he had been captured and presumably killed in a matter of minutes in his world. Was there any significance to this too?
He shook his head and stifled another yawn. When his stomach grumbled in reminder, he contemplated again what would await him inside. Squaring his shoulders, he glanced through the window again and strode inside.
"Good morning.” She spoke softly and did not look him in the eye, but he was just pleased that she spoke to him.
"Good morning,” he replied. He waited at the door, not moving, but willing her to look back at him. His lack of movement must have served as an impetus because he did not have to wait long. She looked at him from the corner of her eyes, unwilling still to look at him directly. He accepted this as another small step in the right direction and inquired as to how he could help with the morning meal.
Softly, she asked him his preference for coffee or tea in the morning. When he replied coffee, she sat a steaming mug in front of him. He watched her walk to the fridge and remove a large bowl from inside. She sat this and a fork in front of him as well. He removed the tinfoil lid and was surprised to see a medley of fruits in front of him. He grinned at her.
"Do you have any for yourself?” Despite the proclivity to begin, he would wait until she had a meal too before delving into the treat.
"Ack, no.” She scrunched her face. “I just drink some of this stuff in the morning. That's it. Especially until it has a chance to kick in. Eat up."
He needed no additional prompting and dramatically rolled his eyes as he chewed, hoping he could make her laugh. He mocked ecstatic noises and she looked as though she couldn't decide whether to blush or laugh. Soon she giggled softly and his heart leaped a little at the sound as the initial embarrassment ebbed.
While he ate, they discussed the plans for building the fence. Nicholas had already reviewed the fences surrounding her yard and was confident in his ability to recreate the same kind for her. The food was consumed quickly and when he was done, they went outside to start the work.
By midmorning, the full measurements for the yard were complete. Nicholas started digging the holes necessary for the posts while Anna called the lumber company for a delivery of the needed supplies. Less than two hours later, to her surprise, they had stacks of plywood and posts in the yard. He carried the bags of concrete to each hole and she took on the task of opening the bags and pouring the contents into the holes. Often, the concrete ended up on the ground as much as in the hole, but Nicholas didn't criticize or cajole. She added water from the hose and Nicholas mixed the concrete in the ground. A post was stood in the middle and before long, the entire yard was done. Anna begged a break for lunch and Nicholas agreed, the time convenient for the concrete to solidify.
After a brief lunch of burgers and potato chips, which included a salad for him, Anna began to complain she could feel the muscles in her arms, legs and back starting to tighten. She groaned at the thought of having to go back outside to attach the boards to the posts.
"We have to start now. It looks as though the rain is coming soon.” He took a chance and walked up behind her, his hands resting gently on her neck. When she didn't move away or show any sign of distress, he massaged lightly, eliciting a low moan from her. He felt the sound in his heart, his chest contracting in response. Reluctantly, after several minutes, his hands dropped away and he walked past her to go outside.
It was a few more hours before the raindrops did start to fall. They had finished about a third of the fence. Anna stared up into the light drizzle, willing it to stop since they had finally found a rhythm that worked well for the task. Following her lead, Nicholas continued to work through the large drops. A loud thunder clap echoed in the sky and Anna shuddered at the sound. The rain started to fall heavier now and they both started to gather supplies that needed to be sheltered. Allowing the rain to sneak up on them resulted in a frenetic scurry from the backyard into the house, twice for each of them to bring in all of the tools. By the time they reached the house for the last time, Anna was laughing as they were both soaked through to the skin.
"What's the point of running? We're already drenched!” She stepped back just outside of the door and opened her arms in a welcome embrace to the elements. He crossed his arms and stood inside the shelter, shaking his head at her antics.
As Anna stood in the rain, she watched him watching her. All day he had been patient with her, explaining each task as they did them. She'd peppered him with questions on what they were doing and why. His answers were calm and instructive. Even now, he watched with a serenity that was enviable, especially in light of their brief history together. She closed her eyes against conflicting feelings and, when she opened them, they were looking directly into his.

Screw it.

She shimmied out of her wet shorts, allowing them to land to the ground with a soft thud. Inside the house, Nicholas's folded arms dropped to his sides and he took a step backwards. His eyes were so round that even from the distance she could see the distinction between them.
"Ask me again,” she called.
He stood transfixed, as if not knowing how to respond. “Ask you what?” he gulped.
"What you asked me this morning. Ask me again.” She let her voice drop low and he cocked his head at her. A brief flicker of confusion crossed his face and she wondered if he had heard her. Unhurriedly she waited for him to understand and the wait was not long.
"Are you naked under there?” he challenged, his voice low.
Anna could see his breathing quicken. “No!” she called back.
"Would you like to be?” He was almost whispering now.
"Yes!"

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Chapter Seven

In three strides, Nicholas crossed the yard and stood before her. He waited as if transfixed, as if he wanted to allow her the opportunity to rethink her decision, but Anna needed to touch her skin to his. When she tilted her head up to him, he needed no additional prompting. Gently and tentatively, he brought his lips to hers in a whisper of a kiss. She brought her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, deepening the contact between them. Opening his mouth, his tongue touched her lips, and she could taste him through the rain that continued to fall around them.
She shivered and opened herself to him. His tender kisses became a craving that could not be satiated. He pressed himself harder against her mouth and moaned when the gentle dance with her tongue became frantic. He pulled away and gazed into her burning face.
"Look at me,” he commanded.
Anna did so, blinking against the raindrops. When she finally glanced at him, her throat tightened. His mouth crashed down on hers and his arms wrapped around her waist so tightly he threatened to crush the breath from her. His grip was fierce as if wanted to consume her with his desire. Instead, Nicholas gently backed away his kisses. He took one of her hands in his and walked inside the house. Grateful, Anna followed with unsteady legs. She had in mind how their first time together should be and in the middle of a drowning rain was not it.
When they crossed the threshold, she stopped long enough to remove the clinging shirt. Anna did so with her back to him, not quite ready for him to see her in a state of undress. He quickly stripped of the wet shirt he was wearing but also seemed reluctant to remove anything additional. He took her into his arms again, pressing her against his body. She could feel the evidence of his passion against her belly and she trembled. She broke away, stopping long enough to place a soft kiss against his bare chest. Anna inclined her head towards her bedroom and walked towards it, certain that he would be following closely behind.
The room was shadowy, the sun long since hidden by the clouds. She walked to the bedside lamp, turning it on and opening the drawer to the nightstand. A brief search revealed the foil packets she had been expecting to find and she placed them on top of the furniture. Nicholas stood at the entrance to the room, watching her every move, saying nothing. Turning her back to him, she removed the beige bra clinging to her skin. She could hear him walk towards her and then felt his warm hands rest on her shoulders.
Not wanting to turn yet, she mellowed as his hands ran over back and arms. Feather-light kisses followed the trail his hands established. Slowly she broke the contact to turn to face him and his mouth found hers again. He stopped long enough to gaze down at her and sucked in his breath at the sight. She proudly held herself still for his inspection.
She was not model-thin, but she'd always felt good about her body. It was a woman's body. She had full hips, a slight curve inward at the waist, a pooch at her belly, and breasts that hadn't yet succumbed to gravity. Closing her eyes against the wave of euphoria, she could feel his eyes burning a hot trail. When she felt his warm breath against her face, she opened her eyes and stared into his. The odd colored eyes still made her look twice. One of his eyebrows rose slightly and he grinned at her.
He brought his face closer to hers and she lowered herself onto the bed, forcing him to lean forward to kiss her prone body. One hand brushed against her abdomen and she gasped as she felt the tickle of his flesh against her naked stomach. His mouth crashed into hers as she gasped and, for a brief moment, she felt suffocated, her head swimming from a sudden lack of oxygen. He pulled his lips away from her for a split second before rushing back in for a fierce kiss. His tongue tentatively touched her lips and she opened her lips to allow him entrance. Anna was surprised to hear moaning in the air. Surprise turned into a rush as she realized the sound was coming from her. Her breasts were bared to the air and his warm palm kneading her flesh made her breath quicken.
Pulling his head away from hers again, he unbuttoned his pants. He glanced quickly again towards her face and smiled. Nicholas stopped the removal of his own clothing and placed one hand on her stomach, the other moving below her abdomen, quickly finding the moist area of her panties. She thought her heart wound burst when he slipped a finger underneath the cloth and touched her hot nakedness. Her skinned flushed and she moaned again, unable to contain it.
Her thoughts scattered as he brought his head down towards her body again, stopping to place his mouth over her breast, sucking gently at her nipple. She arched her back towards him, forcing herself into his mouth. Frustration mounted as he took his mouth away and trailed scorching kisses down her abdomen. She held her breath as she felt him kissing further down still. When his mouth covered her moist panties, she felt her hips involuntarily leave the bed towards him.
As his mouth created suction, she felt the stirring of long-forgotten memories awaken from within. Quickly, his fingers raked the panties away from her body, leaving her fully exposed before him. He looked into her eyes before lowering his head once more, and resting his lips on her trembling wetness. She cried out and his arms wrapped around her legs, forcing her in place to endure an agonizing ecstasy.
His tongue flattened against her clitoris and, as he licked, wickedly passionate pressure swiftly began to rise from deep within. Her hands raked through his hair as he tortured her with his mouth. Her cries were coming faster and shallower as her emotions tumbled. It wasn't long before her hips thrust forward, pressure exploded and she called out, crying, cursing and moaning in the same breath.
He gradually eased his nibbling and planted a chaste kiss on the inside of her thigh. Looking down at her, his face hardened; his self-satisfaction clearly evident. He kissed her lightly on the lips again and she smelled and tasted herself on him. It was heady and rich and she delighted in it. She opened her mouth to him and explored his with her tongue, reveling in behavior that was foreign. She tugged at his almost undone pants and he looked down at himself. He lithely stood up and slowly peeled the clothing away from his body. She marveled at his body as his skin was exposed.
Her eyes were half-closed, but she did not miss one inch of his firm abdomen and the thin wisps of hair trailing along it, leading to a chest that was broad and able. The dark hair fanned out across his chest, barely able to conceal the flat brown disks of his nipples. His shoulders were broader still and, had his chest not done so already, gave her prelude to strong muscular arms. When his pants slipped down over narrow hips, the view of his naked erection caused her to shiver again. The pants hit the floor and he stepped forward, bringing his lean body against hers again on the bed.
She closed her eyes again and felt the electricity between their bodies, close but not yet in full contact. His finger traced over her eyelids, nose and mouth. She allowed the finger into her mouth, sucking on it lightly. He removed his damp finger and used it to trace around a nipple, pinching it lightly after making small circles. Lightning slid through her body at the gentle pain. She was wet and very ready for him.
"Open your eyes,” he commanded. She complied.
"Show yourself to me."
Momentarily confused, she paused.
"Show yourself to me.” This time he whispered, raking her body with eyes that danced from area to area, unable to land in one place for more than a moment.
She flushed, but seeming to understand his request, she started at her breasts and ran her fingers and palms over them. She cupped herself, giving him full exposure to their fullness. His eyes darkened in response and she felt herself immediately moisten. She didn't think it was possible to become wetter. She brought a finger to her lips and sucked on it. The finger followed its predecessor and traced a circle around her nipple, but then snaked further down her body. The finger dipped inside of her sex and almost as quickly came back up to her lips. Defiantly, she stared directly into his eyes and sucked on her twice wet finger. With glorious gratification, she heard him inhale sharply and then groan.
With growing impatience, he reached over for a foil packet and placed the contents over his thick penis. With one hand on his shaft, and the other holding her moist hand, he slid inside her as he slipped her moistened fingers into his mouth. The sensation was dizzying and if ever in her life she felt the need to lose consciousness, this was it. He pushed himself slowly inside of her, not stopping until her pelvis was crushed against his. As slowly, he withdrew and she ached from the emptiness. Sliding in again, she brought her legs around his waist, drawing him as close to her body as she could, his chest covering hers.
Apparently unsatisfied, he forced his weight onto his side, rolling them both over until she was seated astride him. The act forced him so deep inside of her that she let out a long, low moan, feeling stretched completely. Repositioning her legs for comfort, she realized how exposed her sex was to him. His head resting against a pillow, he looked down at where his body went inside of hers and this time, he trembled at the sight of it. His finger flicked at the exposed clitoris and her back arched and her hips thrust in response.
He grinned as she slowly began grinding, allowing his fingers to assault her. She moved against him with increasing tempo, her body wanting more of him, needing more of him. He rubbed against her with more speed and he could feel her clenching him tighter, her body responsive to his manipulations. He watched as she flushed again, her breasts and face darkening. Her mouth ground out small moans and, again, she cried out against the onslaught as it reached crescendo. Slowly he removed his fingers from her sensitive nub and rolled them onto their side, allowing her a few moments for the feelings to subside.
Still achingly hard, he slowly began thrusting inside of her. At first, she appeared ready to protest, but within seconds was groaning in pleasure from him. One leg rose high onto his hip to allow him better access and he quietly accepted the gift. He let one hand rest on her breast and he could feel her heart quickening. His own heart felt as if it would come through his chest from the pounding it was doing.
He took one last look at her flushed face before closing his eyes, no longer able to focus his vision. He felt the familiar pressure rising within and growled as he exploded within her with one final thrust. When the pulsing subsided, he pulled out, kissing her long and deep. She curled against his chest and sighed contentedly while their racing hearts slowed. Nicholas placed a soft kiss against her forehead when she closed her eyes and he watched her drift to sleep.
He couldn't focus his thoughts on any one thing. The passion they had just shared was too fresh. Anna started to snore softly and he smiled down at her. He was feeling an incredible sense of satisfaction knowing that their first time together had been so good, so right. His eyes fluttered against growing fatigue, but he forced them open again. He wanted to look on her as long as he was able to and the possibility of having to leave her side was crushing.
At that moment, she started in her sleep and he ran his hand over her bare shoulder, murmuring sounds of comfort. She opened her eyes and smiled lazily at him. Nicholas brought his mouth down against hers again and she welcomed him. They made love again, gently and timelessly. Their earlier driving hunger satisfied, the second time was methodical. Each took the time to review the other's body, memorizing small details and reveling in the larger ones.
When Anna awoke again to hunger pangs later in the night, she found Nicholas standing by the window in the nude. Surprised that he had been unable to sleep, she quietly joined his side where he was staring into the night sky. She marveled at the brilliance of the stars but said nothing, enjoying the stillness of the night with him. He reached out his hand for hers and clasped it gently. He did not turn but spoke into the warm air.
"My name is Nicholas Charles Reardon. I am told that I am thirty-three years old and I know that I am a Soldier."

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Chapter Eight


Nicholas Charles Reardon. Anna echoed the name in her mind and waited patiently for him to continue. One of the greatest things she had learned as a nurse was how to listen to people when they spoke. She searched his face, willing him to tell her more. Reflecting on the oddness of the statement about being told his age, her curiosity had begun to grow.
"Two days ago, I lay dying, knowing that I had no other chance. Knowing I was experiencing my last moments on earth. Then I awoke here. And I barely know where here is, but I know that it is not my home. As crazy as this will sound, I am certain that here is not during my time."
"Whoa,” Anna interrupted. “What is all of this?"
She removed her hand from his, not caring about the message it sent him. He turned to face her, trying to read her expression in the dark room. Unable to face his prying eyes, she turned away, walking to the bed where her legs collapsed underneath her. She folded them under her body and wrapped her arms around her middle. Anna's only thoughts now were of how much she had hated psych nursing in school.
Nicholas walked to the light switch and flipped it on. She watched him, dismayed by the action. The light would help them communicate a little better but she knew that her face was set into a look of disbelief; eyes narrowed and lips pressed firmly together. He smiled at her expression but it disappeared as soon as she wrapped the sheet around her body. Her body language screamed her withdrawal from him, but Anna couldn't care less. Now she felt like the consummate fool after having been so demonstrative during the night.
"Please,” he held a hand out towards her. “Just allow me to tell you what I know before you pass judgment."
She ignored his outstretched hand. Not trusting the conflagration of anger, disappointment and sadness to be evidenced in her voice if she spoke, Anna simply nodded. She leaned against a pillow and tried to reconcile her carnal knowledge of the man standing before her with the incredible information he wanted her to believe.
He let out a loud breath and continued. “What I do know from what I have been able to see and understand with you is that I am not from now."
He stopped and tried to determine where he should begin so that his tale was brief but also conveyed his point.
"Although there are many things about your home and mine that are similar, in fact, most are, the differences are vast and ultimately mean the difference between life and death. In my home you live in fear for your life on a daily basis. Every second of each day is a gift that is not to be taken for granted, especially for a Soldier. I am a Solider, Anna, and what that means is that most of my life has been spent defending our home from its enemies. But I am afraid that, despite many small battles being won, we are losing the war. We are being slowly overrun and there are simply not enough Soldiers being born to make up for our losses."
"Wait. Born? What do you mean, born? I don't understand any of this.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “How old were you when you joined?"
"Soldiers are not made, they are born. I see this isn't making much sense.” He gave a small, humorless laugh. “Let me back up. Once-men, our enemies, are exactly as the name implies. At some point, man began to metamorphose into beasts without reason or humanity, although oftentimes retaining a cunning intelligence. Occasionally, they even retain their human knowledge, but that is the exception and not the rule. In the beginning, and even now, the change is rapid and unpredictable."
He paused for a moment, studying her for a reaction, but she sat still. Nicholas hoped above all else that she was remaining open-minded to him.
"In the beginning, to defend ourselves, our leaders tried to predetermine the people most likely to change and, for a little time, we were able to predict. Scientists discovered the problem at the cellular level. So cellular flaws, genetic flaws were determined to be the culprit and those with flaws were imprisoned immediately and usually killed. For a brief time in our sad history, even newborns with flaws were immediately euthanized. Then something changed somewhere and the only people who were not changing were those with the flaws. Because of the swiftness and unpredictability of the change, another advantage was needed and so we found it. It was decided that those who would never change were best suited to defend against the Once-men. So, now, any child born with a genetic flaw is taken from their family by their first birthday to be raised as a Soldier."
"Well, what kind of flaw do you have?” she asked gently, not knowing how to soften the blow of the question. He said nothing, choosing to look at her with the adoration he was feeling. She studied his expression and he could almost see the understanding blooming in her mind. “Your beautiful eyes? You were taken from your family because of your eyes?"
"Thank you for not seeing them as a flaw.” He sat on the bed next to her and reclaimed her hand in his. “As I said, we are losing. Soldiers see their first battle by eighteen years of age and most are deceased by their thirtieth birthday. It is a hard life, but fulfilling."
The hot anger flashing through her was almost palpable. “Fulfilling? What part of a life that you did not choose for yourself could be fulfilling?"
"I do not know anything else. The last few days with you have been my only glimpse at what we fight to preserve. Soldiers have no families. We do not purposely procreate. We do not form long-term relationships. Once-men kill without discrimination or reason. It is just their purpose, for lack of a better word. It is our purpose to destroy them before they destroy us. So we give our lives willingly."
Sitting back to share the pillow she used, he reflected that her questions were a good sign. She had not removed her hand from his and this positive body language was precious to him.
"The day I was brought here, I had just been defeated in battle. I was about to die. I know I was. I could feel it approaching. Then I awoke here with you. Last night when you had woken me from what you thought was sleep, I had traveled home again. And again, while there, I was defeated in battle. I did not feel the final death blow, but knew with certainty that I faced my death. I was as surprised as you to see the blood on the sheets when I came to. Could it be a sign of something bringing me closer to actual death, instead of flipping between the two places at its brink? I don't know."
"That's the second time.” Eyes closed now, Anna's chest rose and fell with each breath. When she didn't say anything additional, he prompted her to explain her statement with a quizzical grunt. “You've said ‘I don't know’ twice in the time that I've known you. You're using contractions."
She opened her eyes and looked at him. She began to smile but the expression faltered on her face. Her hands played with the soft sheet, rewrapping it across her chest where it had started to fall. When she glanced at the window, it seemed her attention was focused momentarily on the stars in the sky.
She returned her attention to him where he patiently waited. “Why are you telling me this?"
"Do you really have to ask why I am choosing to explain this to you? After what we have shared together?” Jaw clenched, Nicholas continued when she did not answer. “I think I am getting closer to true death. I think I may return one, maybe two more times, before the death I am evading catches up with me. I do not know why I am being spared, why I am brought here, but I feel that I am running out of time."
The reversion to ‘do not’ was not lost on Anna. She yawned suddenly, unable to stifle the action. Turning away from him, she planted her feet on the floor and stood. When he started to get up with her, she stopped him with a motion.
"I'm really, really tired. I can't think about this right now.” She paused. “I wish you had told me this before."
She didn't complete the thought, knowing that he would know she meant she had wished she had known about him and his theory before they had made love. Twice.
"I need some time alone. Would you mind?” She nodded towards the door.
Nicholas minded greatly. The hurt that he felt in his heart was the worst pain he had felt in a long life of dueling. Wanting to rage against her request and force her to see the truth in what he was saying, he acquiesced instead. Standing, he winced when he noticed her step away to avoid physical contact with him. He made an effort to respect her decision and turned toward the door without attempting to touch or reason with her. He stopped in the doorway with his back to the room and said the words weighing on his heart.
"No matter the how or why, or even how this ends, I want you to know that I am so very grateful to have met and been with you, Anna."
After he had left the room, Anna crossed the room and closed the door. Her old habits dying hard, she turned the lock. Her eyes burned with fatigue and tears that she would not allow to fall. She wiped at them angrily with balled fists. What to think? He wasn't clinically insane, she knew that. No matter what he had said, he was rational and intelligent. That much was obvious from previous conversations.
She supposed the greatest disappointment was in her so-called reliable gut instinct which was not only plain wrong in this case, but had led her straight into the arms of a delusional, albeit stimulating, man. Realizing her appetite had vanished with the tale she had been told, she got back into the bed where she could still smell him on the sheets. The tears were still coming through her closed eyelids when she fell asleep.
The sunlight glaring into the room forced her eyes to flutter open. Squinting against the harsh light, she sat up groggily in the bed, eyes automatically searching for the clock sitting on the armoire across the room. 10:23. She hadn't meant to sleep so long and wondered briefly after Nicholas. Not certain if she wanted to face him yet, she crept out of the bed noiselessly, opening the door to the room just as quietly.
Inside the bathroom, she winced at her reflection. The puffiness in her eyes was a tell-tale sign reflecting the night she'd had. So were the swollen lips and the streaks of red across her breasts, abdomen and thighs where his mouth and hands had explored her in the night. A small shudder ran through her groin at the memory and she forced the feeling away. Stepping into the tepid shower, she replayed their conversation and tried to decide what to do with the information.
Inside the kitchen later, she poured a cup of the coffee long since turned cold from the machine that had turned itself off an hour after turning on. Adding a spoonful of sugar and some ice cubes, she drank the cold concoction, grimacing against the bitterness. A small splash of cream was added to the drink and she drank again, this time with a small sense of satisfaction.
She watched Nicholas outside where he was nailing up boards. Every few minutes, he would stare off into space, but then almost as quickly shake his head clear before resuming working again. She noted that he was moving slowly this morning and wondered briefly if he was feeling the effects of the physically strenuous night. Too quickly for her, she finished the drink and, not wanting any more, decided she had stalled long enough and walked outside.
* * * *
Nicholas heard her approaching and he turned to watch her. When she didn't speak, he turned back to the board in front of him and began hammering. They continued to work without speaking and it was not lost on him that she continued to avoid any physical contact. She offered a small apology later when she dropped the nail being held out to him as he tried to touch her hand.
Almost an hour later when it happened a second time, he barked at her in frustration. “You cannot avoid touching me forever, can you?"
He was immediately sorry as soon as the words left his mouth. All night he had forced himself to stay awake and he could feel the effects. Waves of nausea were coming and going and his eyes stung as he had never felt them before. Often he found his mind drifting and only literally shaking his head helped him to refocus. Little things like the sound of a distant lawn mower or a bird call were beginning to make his nerves crawl. He knew he could not stay awake forever, but he feared what would happen when he did finally sleep.
"I apologize,” he offered.
Anna turned to look at him and seemed taken aback by the transformation. In the night his eyes were rimmed with red. A close inspection of himself in the mirror this morning showed him how his eyes were now bloodshot with dark circles lining them. The red around his eyelids had deepened and covered a larger area since the night. His face looked haggard and stubble was beginning to show across his jaw line. He couldn't trust himself to use the razor that she had thoughtfully provided, afraid that his trembling hand would inflict more damage than he cared to tend. The haunted look he found in his own eyes reminded him of what it was like to see friends he'd cared for mortally wounded. It was the solemn aura of someone who was watching a loved one die.
"Are you ok?” Her hand went tentatively to touch his face. Despite looking feverish, he knew his skin was cool to the touch.
Nicholas breathed a small sigh of relief that she was still capable of performing an act of caring towards him.
"I am tired,” he admitted.
Fighting the urge to say more, he stood silent. He wouldn't give her more information than that for now. She was having too hard a time with everything else that had been said. As her hand started to slide away from his face, he turned and kissed it. Reacting as if she had been scalded, she drew the hand away sharply. Wounded, he grabbed her by the shoulders and stepped closer.
"Why are you being like this?"
"I'm not being like anything,” she mumbled. Anna's eyes had dropped to the ground and she wouldn't look into his.
"Yesterday you could not keep your eyes off of me."
He was almost screaming. Nicholas recognized the fatigue was keeping him on edge and he would not allow it to drive a further wedge between them. His voice dropped back down to an even level. “Dammit, look at me!"
Anna's eyes closed as if she was deep in thought. His emotions were raging through him and he needed to understand them for both of their sakes. Nicholas shook her shoulders and she opened her eyes, looking directly into his. His chest tightened when she began to shed large tears.
"What do you want from me?” she cried.
"I want it to be like it was before,” he said. Each tear drop he watched fall was like a stab to his heart. “Are you really so torn by what I have told you? It changes nothing. Nothing."
He released her shoulders and pulled her against his body. Breathing relief as her arms wrapped around his waist, he closed his own eyes. He murmured against her hair.
"You are not upset by what I told you, are you.” It wasn't a question. “You are upset because of what we are feeling for each other. You are upset because I have started to upset what is blossoming.” His words were followed with a kiss against her head. “I promise you. Nothing has changed."
The only response was the sound of Anna sniffling.

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Chapter Nine

When they broke apart, Nicholas did not feel as if the issue was resolved, but he knew he had identified the true source of friction between them.
"Can you at least prove any of this about your home?” The tears had stopped but her face hadn't lost the haunted look that it had assumed.
"You know I cannot,” he said.
"Then I don't know what to believe. I'm sorry."
"I can understand that. Just do not dismiss me yet. If I can find a way to prove this to you, I will."
Mutely, she nodded and turned to walk back inside the house. He watched her retreating figure and tried to determine how to find the proof she needed. Bending to pick up another nail, he fought another wave of nausea. He had helped himself to several cups of coffee this morning, but the drink had only caused fine tremors in his hands from the over-stimulation.
Stifling another yawn, he glanced at what was left to be done. Only a few more boards needed to be nailed in place to complete the fence. He turned and surveyed the full expanse of the yard. Now Anna's neighbors would be hard-pressed to see inside her boundaries. He grinned at the memory of her warning him from trying anything dangerous against her because the neighbors could see everything. If he had his way, she would never fear another person again. He would be there to keep her safe.
He gritted his teeth against yet another yawn and thought of how he could prove to her who and what he was. The yard around him darkened and he looked up. The sun was being covered by darkening clouds. Apparently the rain that had fallen yesterday was making a come-back. Working faster, he started trying to come up with a rudimentary plan. The only problem was that he was having a hard time maintaining his concentration. The few times he was able to focus, his thoughts were muddied. He just needed to rest, just for a minute. If he could just get a quick nap, he would feel better. Nicholas was sure of it.
Hammering the last nail into place, he stepped away from the completed fence. The hammer slipped out of his hand as he did one final chore, but he didn't notice. Listening, he heard a clap of thunder in the distance, probably several miles away. Nicholas propped his back against the fence and didn't bother to try to prevent himself from sliding to the ground. He felt strangely at ease leaning against the cool wood. Repositioning himself to get more comfortable, he closed his burning eyes. Just for a minute.
* * * *
"How did you know that Harry was worth it?” Anna was so relieved to have gotten Lucy on the phone. She was locked inside of her bedroom once again, a pillow lying across her lap as she sat on the bed. She had felt hollow inside since talking to Nicholas and didn't know how to resolve the feeling.
"What's going on, sweetie?” Lucy didn't try to disguise the concern in her voice. She was very protective of her best friend and would drive immediately over if Anna gave even the slightest indication that she was needed.
"I,” she faltered. “I don't know."
"Has Nicholas done something wrong?"
Anna gave a humorless laugh. “He's done too many things right. That's the problem.” Her words dropped off and she didn't offer more. Lucy didn't press, hearing the unspoken plea to not pry any further. Before speaking, she considered her response carefully.
When Harry had come to the hospital as a consultant charged with improving the flow of patients through the hospital, Lucy had been one of the reluctant staff nurses instructed to speak with the consulting group. The nurses had come to the meeting, ready to let the consulting group know about every flaw in the hospital's current system of caring for patients. Lucy, ever the outspoken one, had become the group's unofficial leader. Harry had seen himself as someone the nurses would appreciate as he was there to help them. They, on the other hand, knew all about consultants and their usual M.O. of instructing administration to terminate staff if they really wanted to bring in more money. Lucy had gone in, ready to tell him exactly what was on her mind, fearless of losing her job. She figured that she would simply go to the next hospital down the road and by morning have another. She had nothing to lose.
Something about her cocksure attitude and fearlessness took Harry aback. Although normally cool under pressure, her attitude and aggressiveness put him on the defensive and for the first time in his life, he felt like throttling a woman. The friction between the two was immediately palpable to anyone else who entered the room and the other nurses and consultants chose to remain quiet while the two battled over the hospital's needs versus the patients’ needs.
By the end of three hours of arguing, they were both worn down and could only glare at each other, insults having long since been hurled recklessly. Nothing having been accomplished, the nurses were politely dismissed and requested to return the next day for another session. Harry was severely reprimanded for his volatile approach after they had left and the reprimand fueled his anger further. He stormed out of the room, heading straight for the unit where Lucy worked. When he found her at the nurse's station, he surprised them both by asking her out to dinner. They were married eight months later.
It was no wonder to Lucy that Anna questioned how she and her husband had managed to make it thus far through to their fourth wedding anniversary. To this day, everything they did together was reminiscent of their first meeting. They were a fiery couple but truly lived for each other. They had started trying to have a baby a year ago and the challenge brought another dimension of enthusiasm to the relationship.
"When it's right, you'll know,” Lucy promised.
"What if,” Anna started, “what if there are obstacles that make you doubt yourself?"
"Sometimes my dear, you'll just have to rely a little on faith,” Lucy said. “Sometimes it's nothing but faith."
* * * *
Nicholas didn't open his eyes right away. He could tell by the burning in his scalp that he was back home. It didn't take him long to figure where the Once-man's club must have landed in his last encounter with them. Careful to not alert anything to his presence by moving when they expected him to be dead, he slowly opened his eyes to a slit. Allowing his eyes to adjust, he peered out and scanned his surroundings. The small house was dark, but there was nothing moving in the stillness of the night. Gathering himself to his feet slowly, he remained wary. He pressed himself against a wall and silently stalked towards the entrance.
He crouched in the doorway and peered outside. Again, he found only stillness in the night air. Ignoring the throbbing that was crawling from his head into his neck, he dashed outside, eyes furtively darting from side to side. Hoping against the odds that Anna would get her proof, he turned in the direction he needed. The tree was a few kilometers from his current position. In order to make it there in one piece, he needed to secure a weapon.
Nearby were three abandoned cars. The first car was unlocked and a quick search yielded him nothing useful. Pausing to listen around him, he moved to the second car. One of the back doors was unlocked and hidden in the padding of the two front seats were two Japanese sais. Testing the weight of each, he brought the three pronged instruments about in a graceful arc. Breathing a sigh of relief, he muttered a word of thanks. The hiding of weapons was an old, but effective, Soldier tactic. Hand weapons were often left in the field for someone who might need them. On occasion a few fell to the Once-men, but most were overlooked by them.
Now armed, he felt more comfortable with being in the open. Nicholas started trotting, warming his muscles to ritual exercise he had not felt in a few days. The headache was subsiding and he could feel tension ebbing with each motion. Soon, he had eased into a slow run. He had only traveled about fifty yards when a stabbing pain in his side forced him to slow again. When he looked down, he saw and remembered his injury. It had stopped bleeding while he was unconscious, but his motion had aggravated it open again.
Relieved that it was not openly seeping, he removed his tattered and bloody shirt and ripped it into shreds. A small amount of cloth was reserved and folded into a tight wad. The shreds were wrapped around his abdomen, with the wad pressed directly against the open wound. Satisfied with his work, he began a slow trot again. He was more cautious of being caught in the open than bleeding to death before he reached his destination.
It was slow going, but eventually he found what he was looking for. The old tree stood where he knew it would. Stopping, he stood with his hands on his hips. His breathing was coming easier now and he squinted around the area. Anna's house would be a hundred yards in a southern direction from the tree. He trotted the distance, trying to suppress excitement. There was a building there. Almost running now, he went to the back. Be there, be there he repeated to himself. Turning the corner, his heart sank when the fence that he had counted on did not appear.
He walked to where the fence he had helped build for the past two days should have stood. Nicholas walked the perimeter, cursing. He was certain he would be right. Now, he did not know what his next steps should be. How he had made it to Anna's time remained a mystery. Walking again towards the front, a pile of rubbish to the side of the house caught his attention. He might have missed it had the blue tarpaulin covering it not flapped in the wind at that moment. Curiosity turned to elation when, as he walked closer, he realized it was not a pile of rubbish. Underneath the cloth was a pile of old wood. Excited again, he pulled the cloth away and started sifting through the rubble. The third post he found was the one he sought. Faded, but still there, were the letters he had carved with a rock. A. N. N. A.
Grinning to himself, he took a smaller piece of wood and started carving on it with a handy rock. It was slow going, but he was not in a hurry. Once-men did not appear to be in the area and he wanted to make certain this was done correctly. Finally satisfied with his work, he went to the back corner of the lot and using a sturdy piece of plywood, started to dig into the soft earth. Almost an hour later, his task was accomplished. Nicholas stretched and grimaced as his back popped uncomfortably.
Now he only had to get back.
* * * *
Anna had to admit to herself that the talk with Lucy, once again, had made her feel better. Nicholas's story was far-fetched, but once upon a time, so did the idea seem of traveling to the moon. While she wasn't quite ready to believe all of it, she could at least wrap her mind around the small possibility.
She walked out of her bedroom and went into the spare bedroom where she expected to find him. When he was not there and, after a quick look, ascertained he was not in the bathroom, she walked directly into the kitchen. The room was also empty. A nagging feeling beckoned at the back of her head, but she chose to ignore it. The rain outside was coming down heavily now. At first, she became concerned that he had left, but when she went into the room he was using again, she noted that the items she had purchased for him were still there.
Perplexed, she walked to the kitchen again and opened the back door. The completed fence was the first thing she saw and it gave her a small thrill. Surveying its length, the hair on the back of her arms raised when she spied Nicholas sitting against the fence, not moving.
Running out into the rain, she called out to him. Reaching his side, she dropped to both knees and tried to shake him awake. When he did not respond, she checked his breathing and pulse. Satisfied that both were unremarkable, she waited impatiently, not knowing how else to proceed. He was too heavy for her to move by herself and she couldn't leave his side for a blanket in fear of missing a change in his status.
Again, there was no obvious sign of injury. For a split second, she wondered about the possibility of a lightning strike. Florida was the lightning capital of the United States. She puzzled for a minute over whether to call for help when he started to rouse.
This time when he awoke, he looked into her eyes and pulled her head against his, their lips locking. Lucy's words echoed in her mind. Sometimes it's nothing but faith. She gave in to the kiss, tasting him with each inhalation. Wanting more with every exhalation. Anna leaned into him, her tongue frantically searching for his. Nicholas wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer, threatening to squeeze the breath out of her and not wanting to let her go. The rain poured down around them and they were oblivious to it.
She pulled back, looked into his mismatched eyes and again brought her lips hard against his. His hands explored her back, her sides, her breasts and abdomen. He could not seem stop touching her. The tension of the day had driven a wedge between them and, in moments, was broken. Reluctantly, she pulled away again and looked at him.
"Hi there,” she smiled. “Are you ok?"
He grinned back at her. “You have no idea."

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Chapter Ten

Nicholas groaned openly when he stood. Guarding his side, he lifted his shirt to determine the source of the pain. Anna gasped when she looked with him. His entire side was the ugly blue-purple of a massive trauma. She ran her hands across the bruise, wincing with him when he drew away from her touch. It spanned almost his entire left side, starting just an inch to the side of his navel and going around to almost reach his spine.
"When did you do this?” she questioned. “You need to see a doctor. This is bad."
He shook his head, dismissing her concern. “Later. Do you have a shovel?"
Anna started to argue, but she must have seen the determination in his face, nodded and turned to get it. He pulled her back to him first, stealing another kiss. When he released her, he hoped she could see his feelings for her in his eyes. The narrowing of her own eyes was concerning, but just as quickly was followed by something that looked like optimism. This gave him a small measure of comfort and he offered another quick grin before she went in search of the shovel.
When she returned, he was in the back corner of the lot. From the back post, he took five measured steps forward and then stopped. Reaching out for the shovel, he dug his toe into the ground where he stood. Grunting, he stuck the tip of the shovel in the earth and started to dig.
Anna stood in the rain watching him work before it dawned on her to go get an umbrella. She walked back inside and located the spare in the garage. So intent on his task was Nicholas that he did not seem to notice that she had left. He did not even look up when she stood by his side, the shelter proffered. The only sounds were his soft grunts as he toiled and the sound of the drops hitting the umbrella's cloth.
She wanted to speak. Anna wanted to know more about his home. She wanted to ask why he had been unconscious in the rain—again. She was itching to know what he was looking for in the inclement weather.

Sometimes it's nothing but faith.

The minutes passed slowly and she started to shiver. The umbrella was not large enough to cover them both sufficiently. There was a small urge to angle it so that she had the lion's share, but Anna resisted. Goose bumps traveled her arms and she started to fantasize about a warm shower. Thoughts of the warm water also brought fleeting thoughts of Nicholas's tongue. Anna shivered hard.
Nicholas became more frustrated each time the shovel failed to yield what he was looking for. The markings he had left on her post had shown up in his time. He reflected that an item left in his time would therefore appear here. Slowing down, he turned back to gauge the distance between the hole and the fence. He was certain he had used the exact same measurement. Why wasn't he finding it?
Wanting to throw the shovel, he watched with mounting anger as mud slid into the hole he was creating. He glanced in Anna's direction and was taken aback at her willingness to stand next to him while he dug. When he perused her patient stance, the small goose bumps on her arms and legs became obvious and were enough to make him drop the shovel.
"Oh, honey,” he mumbled sheepishly.
Stepping closer to her, he ran his hands over her arms briskly. With the rain falling in hard rivers around them, the action was moot. He took the umbrella from her cold hands and leaned her against him. Anna complied willingly, not uttering the slightest complaint.
By the time they stood inside the back door, she was shivering violently. Nicholas cursed his own thoughtlessness and began to strip her of the wet clothing. Anna obediently let him manage the task. Seeing her blue lips, Nicholas quickly stripped nude and pressed his naked body against hers. Arms continuously rubbing her body, he walked them both to the bathroom where the shower was turned on to almost scalding.
He eased them both under the water, using his body to shield her from the spray in case it was too hot. The drops felt like stabbing needles against his cold flesh, so Nicholas allowed only a tiny stream to reach Anna. When he thought she might have thawed sufficiently, he repositioned and allowed her to get more of the hot water. Relief coursing through him, he watched the color come back into her skin, the blue tint to her lips also fading.
"Why would you stand there like that?” He glared at her, frowning.
Her lower lip trembled and she returned his glare. “I just did. I don't know. I'm fine."
Despite the pink hue to her skin now, she looked fragile, as if ready to collapse at any moment. His gaze did not waver and he could not decide which emotion to act upon. Anger, relief, and love coursed through his veins. Realization of the latter emotion surprised and pleased him. Yes, he decided, he did love her. Eyes softening, he leaned in closer and kissed her gently. When he pulled away, he opened his eyes to see her smiling.
"What is it?” he said.
"I guess water turns you on,” she giggled shyly. “We're always kissing in a downpour."
He smiled back but the smile did not reach his eyes. Instead what Anna found there was a smoldering fire, each passing second a fan to the flame. His gaze searched her face and then traveled her body, taking in each detail. Her heart pounded beneath his look and she began to ache for his body to be inside of hers. She brought her hand up to trace the blue outline on his torso.
"You really need to have this looked at,” she murmured.
"Later,” he countered. Nicholas reached for the faucet handle and turned off the cooling water. His arms wrapped around her body and pressed it close against his. She nestled against his chest, sighing contentment at the perfect fit. His desire pressed against her abdomen and trembling, she reached to touch him tentatively. Abdomen tightening, Nicholas groaned at the sensation.
They stepped out of the shower and hastily dried. She walked out of the bathroom before him, a towel loosely tucked around her body like a dress. With each step she took however, she let him watch it drop down her back. When it finally slid completely off to the ground, Nicholas sucked in his breath. Anna turned at the sound and gave him her most sultry pout.
"You minx,” he muttered.
She returned a devilish grin and squealed when he rushed at her, playfully knocking her onto the handy green couch. Starting to protest, her words became intelligible as he fell on top of her and started to nip at her collarbone. The nibbling, with its mix of pain and pleasure, trailed across her neck and along her jaw line. Meanwhile, his hands kneaded her warm flesh and writhing, she groaned, wanting to feel more of him. Raising himself onto his forearms, he lowered his head to a breast, the nipple forming into a hardened peak under his touch. Gently tugging on it with his teeth, she curled her back in response, needing him to take more of her into his mouth. Her nails scratched lightly at his chest, leaving behind a wake of pink streaks.
When his nibble became the hungry grip of a starving man, her fingers curled tightly against him, leaving harsh, red marks. Taking her hand in his, he led her to his hard flesh, encouraging the possession of what was hers. Gingerly, he lowered himself, his arms straining and Anna's legs involuntarily opened for their mutual comfort. When she felt him nudging at her opening, her hands shot out against his chest.
"Wait!"
Wriggling out from underneath him, she hurried into the bedroom to return with a condom. She held out the package and he grasped her hand in his. After ripping the package open with his teeth, he put the contents in her hand and sat back leisurely on his haunches. Feeling naughty, Anna unrolled the contents onto his shaft and crawled forward, straddling his thighs with her own. His fingers grasped her waist and he gritted his teeth as she lowered herself onto him. Sighing, she closed her eyes at the intrusion.
"Anna,” he whispered.
His voice rose to a gentle murmur in the hushed room. She looked at him and his eyes bore into hers. Unhurriedly, he gyrated his hips, the pressure causing pulsating heat to rise within her.
"We are going to take this as slowly as you need to, but I need you to know something.” Nicholas increased his tempo, sending waves of pleasure rippling through her body, instigating a series of low moans.
"I want to be by your side forever.” She felt her eyes widen at his proclamation, but then soften again as her body began to vibrate with liquid fire.
"I want to make lots of babies with you,” he said.
Her body involuntarily tightened around him and it was his turn to moan. Anna's heart pounded an erratic rhythm and she bit her lip to stifle an outcry of pure pleasure.
"Be with me,” he demanded.
And she was.
* * * *
When they walked outside later, Anna remained mutely stunned. When did Nicholas begin to have feelings of forever? She debated internally at the seriousness of his words and his sincerity. True enough, she hadn't received an actual proposal, but he came as close as you got. Babies? Wow.
Despite her protests, they were back outside, the rain having subsided for the day. Nicholas had gone back to the same corner as before and recounted his steps. He shook his head as he landed in the same spot where he had been digging previously. The hole was now partially filled with water and he glowered at it. Methodically, he began working on the hole with the shovel, sending mud flying over its edges. This time, not consumed as before, he periodically took the time to look at her.
Anna's cheeks felt flushed from the efforts of the afternoon and he carried himself as if beaming with pride. She had tried to get him to retract his statements made during the heat of passion. Nicholas had resolutely refused, stating that he had no intention of taking them back and that she held his heart. It was up to her to decide what to do with it.
Lost in their thoughts, they almost didn't hear the change in noise when the shovel struck an object. When it struck a second time, he looked up at her and smiled. He got down on his hands and knees and started moving the earth with his hands. Farther down, a piece of wood lay wedged into the dirt. He grasped its edges and brought the piece up for her to see. They both stared down at it and he turned it around so that she could read what it said. Anna's hand covered her mouth when she saw the words. Jaggedly etched, they were faded but readable.

Believe in me. Always yours, Nicholas.

* * * *
Later that night when they crawled in bed together, Anna tried for the last time of the day to convince him that he needed to see a physician to no avail. The afternoon had been spent discussing the significance of the wood buried in the yard and how Nicholas had gotten it there. While she could not admit to believing all of the story yet, she did admit that the wood gave her a reason to pause and think. However, lying in bed, weariness overtook her and she soon settled into a comfortable sleep.
By her side, Nicholas draped his arm across her waist, spooning her against his body. His eyes were heavy with fatigue but he was so grateful at having proved himself to her. She was stubbornly resisting the idea, he thought, but he could sense that her disbelief was breaking down. Becoming in tune to the hypnotic rhythm of her easy breathing, he closed his eyes too.
A few minutes later, Anna jolted upright, not certain what had disturbed her. Not wanting to awaken him, she looked down at Nicholas's prone body and her mind again went back to his words. I want to be by your side forever. That was enough to keep someone up at night. She chuckled softly and wedged herself next to him.
That was when she noticed the stillness in the air. In a neighborhood of yard dogs and meandering cats, no sounds could be heard from the outside. Even inside the house, she could not hear the familiar hum of the refrigerator or a simple clock tick. The hair on the back of her neck stood. Anna did not even hear Nicholas breathing.
Groping for the bedside lamp, she fumbled with it until it was on. Her eyes locked onto his chest where the rise and fall she expected did not appear. She shook his shoulder in a futile effort to rouse him.

Oh God.

A cold sweat broke out on her skin and she turned him too easily to find his carotid pulse. Finding none, she brought her head down to his lips, looking down his chest again for the rise and fall.
Nothing.
Anna scrambled out of bed and fought the panic that was rising. Grabbing his arm, she rolled him until he was on the edge of the bed. Cradling his head, she pulled again until his lifeless body was on the floor. Lowering his head to the floor, she scrambled to his side. Locking her elbows, she began to perform chest compressions, counting with each downward thrust.
One and two and three....
After a minute of compressions, she checked for a pulse again. Finding none, she got off of her knees and ran for the phone on the bedside table. Quickly dialing 911, she didn't bother to speak with the operator, but placed the receiver on its side. Tears blurring her vision, she ran into the kitchen, almost slipping at a frenzied stop in front of the junk drawer. Anna found the injector and ran back to Nicholas. There, she plunged the EpiPen into his thigh and began the chest compressions again. Hearing the muted sounds of a voice in the phone piece, she screamed at the phone for ambulance assistance.
One and two and three....

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Chapter Eleven


Six months later

Anna sat at the kitchen table, looking out into the expanse of the back yard. Vines were beginning to find their way along the lower posts of the fence and, by the end of a year, would probably take it over. She mused for a moment on whether she should allow the change and decided to let nature take its course. Despite the heat of the sun, the grass covered the yard fully. This past summer was full of cursing, almost every weekend a chore in taming the foliage back into submission. Azalea bushes, hibiscus and impatiens flowers were part of the features that had been added to the landscape. The occasional butterfly also dropped by to enjoy the colorful additions and Anna appreciated their company.
Sighing, she stood to retrieve her notebook. The changes to the yard were among the last she had planned for. The bathroom was up and the laminate floor laid. Although cool weather would probably not arrive for another three months, she looked forward to having the cool floor to walk upon. There was now only one more project to finish.
When her foot landed upon the squeak toy, she accidentally sent it skidding across the room with a high-pitched squeal. Morgan, the four month old retriever-mix puppy came bounding out from whatever mischief Anna was certain to discover later and rescued it. The eternally happy dog slobbered onto the toy, trying out its recently discovered bark at Anna. Smiling, she reached down to tug at the toy and the dog backed away, his body language playful, despite the mock growls. When Anna stood, a wave of vertigo threatened and she vowed to herself to move up her next doctor's appointment, just in case.
"Honey, are you ok?"
Lucy waddled around the corner, her extremely large belly leading the way. She was thirty-nine weeks into her pregnancy, but insisted on caring after Anna as if nothing had changed, despite everyone's protests. Watching her clumsy movements always made Anna smile, especially when she thought of the dedication her friend continued to show.
Weighing Lucy down were two coffee-based drinks, a fruit smoothie and sundry breakfast sandwiches in a fast-food bag. Anna reached for the bag of food to place it on the table, but then gagged as the scent of the food wafted into her atmosphere. Dropping the bag to the floor, she slapped her hand over her mouth and ran to the bathroom. For the next several minutes, she retched over the toilet, emptying the remains of yesterday's dinner of baked chicken and roasted vegetables. Her stomach lurched one last time and she stood with shaky legs. Groaning, she went to the sink to rinse her mouth. Lucy appeared in the open doorway and murmured sympathetically.
"I didn't think,” she said. “Was it just the food?"
Anna nodded and rinsed again. She started to tell her that it was ok, but wasn't feeling that generous. Besides, recognizing the queasiness as still being present, she decided to not risk aggravating it by even speaking.
"I hate to do this to you, sweetie,” Lucy continued without a trace of apology in her tone. “But I'm famished. Why don't you go lie down while I eat, so you don't have to smell it?"
Anna's glance shot daggers in her direction but she complied with the request. It was in everyone's best interest. Since becoming pregnant, Lucy was a human vacuum cleaner, eating anything and everything in sight.
On the bed, Anna lay on her back, listening to Morgan whine on the floor at not being able to climb up onto the furniture. She had quickly come to love the little dog and its antics. Dropping her arms over the edge of the bed, she let the puppy nibble at her fingers and scruffed it behind the ears. Interest in the woman waning after a few minutes, the puppy padded out of the room for another diversion. Disappointed, Anna closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she smiled. Looking down at her was one green and one brown eye.
"Lucy told me you had another bout of morning sickness. Do you need these?"
In his hands were a package of saltine crackers and a cold can of Sprite. From the moment she had told him that she was pregnant, Nicholas had been her faithful attendant, his first order of business to take her down to the courthouse where they were married in a no-frills ceremony with Lucy and Harry in attendance. On that day, she had reflected on how very grateful she was that he had survived the harrowing week in the ICU. She determined that nothing more besides her new state of pregnancy could have made her happier.
He had tried to marry her upon his immediate release from the hospital, but she had turned him down. The sight of the man she had come to love in a short time with what looked like hundreds of tubes coming out of his body had made her scared that she could lose him again. Despite her years of nursing, she had not been prepared for the draining toll that week had placed on her. Only months later, after the home pregnancy kit had been confirmed by her gynecologist, did she agree to marry him.
Since his release from the hospital, Nicholas had adjusted well. When a neighbor a few houses down came to inquire about who had built Anna's new fence, a handyman and landscaping business was born. Harry had secured identification documents for him and chose to live by the military policy when anyone, including his wife, had asked how they had come to exist. Don't ask, don't tell.
Anna and Nicholas still spoke on occasion on their guesses about how he had come to be here. As she became less timid about his critical condition, Nicholas would feed her more information, including details of his last travels to his home.
"But I don't understand something,” she said one night. “That last time, what had happened so that you traveled here? I mean, those other times you were dying. The last time, you didn't die. So how did you get here?"
He paused for a while before speaking, not certain how much she needed to know or he needed to tell her. On that last trip, Nicholas had concluded with certainty that his life was not worth living without her. Instead of responding though, he leaned in to kiss her, shrugged his shoulders and then smiled noncommittally.
Now, when she replied that she didn't want any food, Nicholas put the package and can on the nightstand and lay down on the bed beside her. He glanced at his still shiny, new wedding band and began reciting potential names for the baby. Anna interrupted with a question that had been weighing on her mind.
"So how many children do you want?"
"Easy. Ten,” he said.
"Try again, mister."
"Eight?"
"Two,” she countered.
"Pshaw. Seven is reasonable."
"Three,” Anna growled.
"Six is a good even number,” he calmly replied.
"Four is pushing it."
"Five it is then,” he said with some satisfaction.
She paused for a moment to think about it and nodded. “Five,” she agreed.
When he rolled over onto his side and began to trace an outline of her body with his fingers, she lowered her eyelids at him. Recognizing the sultry look, he dipped his head and began methodical nibbling of her neck. Unable to contain herself, she giggled at the sensation and tried to shimmy away.
"We've already got one on the way!” she gasped.
"Oh, this is just practice for the next one,” he grinned.
She cocked an eyebrow at him, but found herself sliding back in his direction anyway.
The End

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Author Bio

Dee Carney began writing short stories in middle school, but did not attempt completion of a novel until almost ten years later—which despite good intentions was never finished. Almost ten additional years later, she challenged herself to begin writing again and the love for storytelling was rekindled.
Dee lives at home in Kingsland, Georgia with her husband, two dogs and a cat. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degree, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and a Master of Science in Public Health degree. When not writing, Dee is usually curled up on the couch with a good book!
Dee welcomes mail from readers. You can write to her at [e-mail]. To learn more about her upcoming releases, visit her on the Web at www.deecarney.com.
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ROMANTIC FANTASIES FOR EVERY READER!
MAINSTREAM, SENSUAL, AND EROTIC ROMANCE
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