Gate Deadlock

  Chapter 7

  Ambush

  He was already up when I opened my eyes the next morning, staring at me from the armchair across the bed. It must have been very early, as the sunrays had not yet broken into our room through the small arch window on the eastern wall.

  He was dressed in his sailing outfit, white shorts and a blue polo shirt, looking gorgeous, as always. But the shade of gloom over his eyes was obvious once more, despite his sweet smile.

  I sat up and looked at him warily. ‘What’s wrong?’

  ‘We’re going sailing.’ he said, trying to keep his face expressionless.

  ‘Right now?’

  He shrugged. ‘As soon as you are ready.’

  I got up and walked around the bed to sit on his lap. I put my arms around his neck and kissed him.

  ‘How’s your head?’ he asked, reminding me of my last night’s foolhardiness.

  ‘A little heavy. I’m sorry for that. I hope I didn’t make a complete fool of myself, again.’

  He smiled widely, raising his eyebrow. ‘Quite the opposite, you were really amusing. You laughed a lot you know, and …you’ve been very childish about going to bed.’

  ‘How long have you been up?’ I changed the subject quickly.

  ‘An hour or so.’ The black circles under his eyes betrayed him. He must have been up for much longer.

  ‘And what have you been doing all this time?’

  ‘Mostly… looking at you.’

  ‘I wish you had woken me up too.’ I said, looking down. I hated having lost so much time sleeping when he was right there.

  ‘And miss all the fun?’ he teased but then he saw my embarrassed face and went on. ‘I’m just joking. You sleep like a baby. So calm, so… ignorant.’ He touched my face softly.

  There was no doubt I was ignorant of many things, but right now what I wanted to learn was the reason for his apprehension.

  ‘You’re worried about the meeting, aren’t you?’ I asked him.

  ‘Well, I count on Plato’s help. Much of it will depend on the impression you will make on him. But that’s the easy part. You just have to be yourself.’

  ‘Then?’

  ‘There are several other factors I have to consider.’

  ‘Christopher, I need to tell you this. If this doesn’t work out, I don’t want you to take the blame once again. You can’t protect everyone forever, you know. You carry too much of a burden already.’

  ‘Emma, I will keep you safe one way or another. You can count on that. When it comes to you, I can take on any burden because you are my one and only priority.’

  I would rather he had said we were his one and only priority. My instincts warned me. There was something really wrong in his eyes, something he was trying to conceal.

  He kissed my forehead. ‘I’ve already packed everything. Your clothes are right here. We’ve got to be to the meeting point before noon and we have a long drive ahead.’

  He pointed towards the chair where he had put the shorts and T- shirt he had bought for me, with a pair of matching white sneakers.

  Martha brought us a tray with breakfast that we ate very hastily before thanking her and Sebastian for their hospitality. Sebastian wished us good luck and reminded me that I would always be welcome to his house. Then, he took Christopher aside to talk to him in private, they shook hands and we left.

  We were back in Suzan’s car, leaving the medieval fortress behind us. With sorrow in my heart, I wondered whether we would be able to return here together in the future. The future. The thought of it made me shiver as I felt the cold hand of time squeeze my heart, causing me pain.

  He reached for my hand, reading my face as always. ‘We will be okay.’ he said trying to comfort me.

  ‘I know.’ I said in response, but I was lying.

  The landscape changed and the jeep roared as it ascended the road on a mountain slope.

  I was anxious about the meeting with Plato, wondering whether he would be angry at my silly plan and me.

  I suddenly remembered that I still had not told Christopher the whole truth about the excavation plans. I wriggled anxiously in my seat, trying to find a way to break the news to him, but I did not have the time to worry for long as he perceived my anxiety instantly.

  ‘What’s bothering you?’ he asked calmly, without taking his eyes off the road.

  ‘I think you will be angry if I tell you.’

  He smiled. ‘Try me.’

  I took a deep breath. ‘You know, I still haven’t told you about something … Something I’ve done.’

  He nodded. ‘You mean changing the plans and messing with Point-X?’ he said in the same calm tone.

  My eyes widened with surprise. ‘You know? But why didn’t you say anything?’

  He looked at me and said in the most natural manner ‘I thought you wanted to keep it a secret. I didn’t want to spoil it for you.’

  ‘So… you’re not angry?’

  ‘Am I disappointing you?’ he teased.

  ‘No, I mean, I wouldn’t blame you if you were angry.’

  ‘I have already taken care of the most part. There are a few things left to do. I was thinking, maybe we should keep this between us; use it to our benefit later on. It doesn’t hurt to keep an ace up our sleeve.’ he said, his face becoming suddenly serious.

  ‘It’s okay with me.’ I responded.

  ‘Can I ask you something?’

  ‘Sure.’

  ‘Why did you keep it from me?’

  ‘Well, that night you seemed to be carrying the world on your shoulders and I didn’t want to make it harder for you. And then, you kept me so distracted that I completely forgot about it.’

  ‘So, it wasn’t a matter of trust.’ he sounded relieved.

  ‘No, never. Initially, I just didn’t want to put you in more trouble with the League, that’s why I acted on my own. I wouldn’t have you go through Court Marshal again for me.’

  He shook his head in disapproval.

  ‘Now you’re angry.’ I tried to joke.

  ‘I don’t have time to waste arguing with you.’ he said as he squeezed my hand.

  ‘I know. You are living for the moment, right?’ I tried to scrutinize his face but he was keeping his emotions from me.

  ‘Right.’ he said in a stiff, wrong voice.

  We reached the town of Nafplio thirty minutes before twelve. Christopher parked the car near the port. Before getting off, he turned to me.

  ‘Emma, I need you to stay very close to me until we get on the boat.’

  ‘Is anything wrong?’ I asked warily.

  ‘I’m not sure.’ His eyes were scanning the area around us.

  ‘Come on.’ he said and we got off.

  We walked towards the pier, hand in hand. The sea on my right seemed still and the heat was almost smothering. The coffee places and the street on our left were very busy and made me think that it would be very easy for someone to be following us; there was no way we could notice. We were closer to the pier now, but the line of shops was interrupted by a small square. We were behind a cluster of trees that blocked our view to the cafés. A seagull, diving into the still water for food, drew my attention. It was then that I heard the cold, gleeful voice.

  ‘Well, well. Look who’s here.’

  I froze, but Christopher turned around abruptly, shielding me with his body. I turned slowly to see the three black-suited men who looked like chucker-outs or gatekeepers in nightclubs.

  ‘Tex.’ Christopher said in a cold voice, not the least surprised. I could not see his face as I was still standing behind him, but I felt his body tense in front of mine.

  ‘Isn’t it a little too early in the day for such an outfit?’ he mocked.

  Tex, my father’s murderer, kept his expression unchanged.

  ‘Don’t worry about me. There are plenty of other things you should worry about.’ He pointed at me. ‘She’s really messed up this time. You can’t protect her anymore. She’s ours.??
? he hissed with a sardonic, baleful grin twisting his face.

  ‘Somehow I don’t see it happen.’ Christopher said in the same calm, sarcastic manner.

  Tex ignored him. ‘You could have saved us the trouble, if it hadn’t been for that sensitive conscience of yours.’ He made a step towards us. ‘Step aside Christopher.’ he commanded. ‘I have orders.’

  Christopher did not move an inch, but I felt his body hardening.

  ‘So have I. And I don’t intend to disobey them this time. Call your boss. He should put the three of you on a leash.’

  With fear overwhelming my body and mind, I wondered why he was trying to infuriate them. Tex slid his hand on his jacket, hiding the tips of his fingers behind it, at the level of his chest. I had seen this happening in films, when someone intended to get reach of a gun hidden inside the jacket.

  I felt the strong urge to run away but Christopher squeezed my hand again, trying to calm me. The place seemed suddenly deserted, as if we were away from any other human being. My stomach flickered as I waited for Tex to point his gun at us. I wondered if Christopher was carrying a gun too.

  ‘Why don’t we relax a little, boys?’ Suzan’s voice sounded amused. She was standing behind the other Squad member, the driver of the black jeep I had seen that night at the university. Tom also nodded to us behind the third black-suited man, who looked startled like his partner. I was sure Tom and Suzan were holding their guns behind the men’s backs, although I could not see them. I wondered what would happen if they pulled the trigger? Was it possible that the Squad could be killed outside their world? Would they risk it?

  ‘There is no need for blood.’ Christopher said in the same sarcastic manner.

  Tex’s face was furious but Christopher went on. ‘Call your boss. Your orders have changed. You’re not that fool to act on your own, are you?’

  Tex looked at his watch, which, as I noticed, was like the one Christopher was wearing. He pressed something on it and then he seemed to be having a conversation with someone, probably through an invisible earphone.

  ‘Yes sir.’ I heard him say reluctantly and then he pressed the same button on his watch. I wondered whether their watches worked as time machines too.

  Christopher turned his face to the side and I could see he was smiling triumphantly. ‘I told you, on a leash.’ he mocked again as Tex dropped his hand.

  ‘We’re not over yet.’ he threatened us, gnashing his teeth with fury. He turned and waved to his partners to follow him. As soon as they were at a safe distance, Suzan and Tome came closer.

  ‘Are you all right?’ Christopher hugged me. I was about to burst into tears, so I just nodded and he leaned to kiss my forehead.

  ‘Thank you guys. I thought you would never come.’

  ‘Damn traffic. How can they have so many cars in such a small town?’ Suzan complained. Christopher gave Tom his car keys.

  ‘You’d better go now. Plato doesn’t like to wait.’ Tom said. He patted Christopher’s shoulder. ‘Good luck.’ he said.

  ‘Thanks.’ Christopher responded. Whatever the dispute they’d had, it seemed to be over now.

  Christopher put his arm around my waist and we started walking to the pier again. ‘Are you all right? Can you make it to the tender?’ he asked me.

  ‘I…think so.’ I muttered, walking like a robot, having lost any sense of place or direction.

  A young man in white appeared in front of us. ‘Good morning sir.’ he greeted. Christopher left me for a second to jump into the boat and then he turned to help me do the same. The vessel was

  unsteady under my feet and I was too jittery for that. Still shocked, I fell clumsily into his arms and I would have taken him down too, hadn’t it been for another young man in white who helped us.

  ‘Steady Emma. Sit down.’ he said pushing me softly backwards and seating me on a soft leather seat I had not noticed since then. He sat next to me and I cuddled in his arms, trying to pull myself together.

  ‘We’re ready.’ he said to the men in white. ‘I’m sorry baby.’ he whispered to my ear. ‘I was expecting that. It was all under control. It’s over now. You’re safe.’ He stroked my hair but I could not speak yet.

  The boat was going fast now and I closed my eyes, letting the fresh air take me out of the state of panic I was in. In front of us, in the open sea, I could make out the shape of a large yacht, the kind you see on TV, used by VIPs for their holidays away from the paparazzi's curious eyes.

  The tender stopped at the side of the yacht and one of our attendants climbed a metal staircase to tie the dingy to it. Then Christopher asked me ‘Are you ready?’

  I took a deep breath. ‘Yes.’ I said. I was feeling much better now, although the image of Tex’s sardonic smile was still on my mind, and I was sure he would be haunting my dreams every night from now on.

  Climbing up the yacht was much easier than it I thought. A man in his early thirties, dressed in white too, welcomed us aboard and led us inside. From the way he spoke to Christopher it was obvious that they knew each other well.

  It was a luxurious yacht, but my mind was too busy to notice the details. We were in a cabin that looked like a hotel lounge.

  ‘Wait here, please.’ the man said. ‘Would you like to drink something as you wait?’

  ‘Juice will be fine.’ Christopher replied. He sat on a black, leather loveseat and pulled me next to him.

  ‘Relax Emma. Plato is very friendly; he’s not going to make you uncomfortable. The worst part is over.’

  But I was not worrying about Plato, as I was still thinking what would have happened if Tom and Suzan had not shown up in time.

  ‘I’ll be okay. I just need a few more minutes.’ I said.

  A waiter appeared through the door carrying a tray with two crystal glasses of cool, fresh juice.

  ‘Try some.’ Christopher said, but it was impossible for me to do so, as my stomach was still fluttering. I simply shook my head.

  ‘Have you been on a yacht before?’ he tried to distract me.

  ‘No, never. I’m not so much into sailing anyway.’

  ‘I thought that being half Greek you’d have a better relationship with the sea.’ he teased. He lifted my chin and brought his face closer to mine.

  ‘The sailing outfit suits you perfectly you know. You would make a very sexy mariner.’ He gave me one his wild, distracting kisses that always made me forget about anything else. When he stopped he did not draw back but went on brushing the back of my ear with his lips.

  ‘Too bad you were drunk last night.’ he whispered.

  ‘I know.’ I sighed in response.

  ‘I can get us a cabin, you know.’ he said and I felt him smile against my cheek. I drew back, blushing with embarrassment and he laughed at my reaction.

  The man in white came back. ‘You can both go in now.’ he said.

  ‘Thank you.’ Christopher smiled, without taking his eyes off mine.

  ‘Ready?’ he asked.

  I stood up and he followed. We let the man lead us to another cabin. Christopher knocked softly and the door opened.

  Plato welcomed us with a warm smile. He was a tall, black man, with gray hair and a beard, inspiring respect and admiration at first sight. He embraced Christopher and looked into his face for one long moment as if he was able to read on it all the adventures he had gone through the past few days.

  ‘It’s good to have you back, son.’ Plato said. Christopher introduced me to him.

  ‘This is Emma.’ he said, putting his arm around my waist.

  ‘Emma, we meet at last.’ he held my hand in his, squeezing it warmly for a few minutes. ‘You’ve made my boy crazy, you know. But now I see why he’s been acting this way.’ He smiled, as he cast a side look to Christopher.

  ‘I’m sorry about that.’ I apologized.

  ‘Don’t be.’ he said as his eyes penetrated mine. ‘I’m sure he has told you how important you are to him. Of course, there is a cost to everything.’


  I could not agree more. He released my eyes and turned to Christopher again.

  ‘I understand there was an incident with the Squad. Denzel made a last effort to get you, letting his men know about the new orders at the last minute. So typical of him!’ he said with disappointment.

  ‘It was all under control.’ Christopher reassured him in his usual calm voice.

  ‘I’m sure it was.’ Plato smiled to him. ‘Will you give us a minute Christopher?’ he said, sitting in the armchair behind him.

  Christopher’s expression changed instantly. ‘No way!’ he frowned.

  Plato widened his eyes with fake-surprise and smiled. ‘Don’t you trust me?’

  I hated to see Christopher argue with Plato over me. ‘I’ll be okay.’ I assured him, squeezing his hand. He looked at Plato who nodded with a hint of a reassuring smile on his face. He hesitated for a second.

  ‘I’ll be right outside.’ he told me, and turned reluctantly to the door.

  As soon as Christopher had closed the door behind him, Plato pointed to the armchair next to him. ‘Please, sit down Emma.’

  ‘He really loves you. I knew it of course, but it is so intense when the two of you are together. And you?’

  I took a deep breath. So it was time for the truth, but I was prepared for it. I had been thinking all morning about what I was going to tell Plato.

  ‘I love him too. He has changed my life. I’m… not the same person anymore.’

  He shook his head, his eyes fixed on mine. ‘Do you know why he has brought you here?’

  ‘He wants you to help us. I don’t know exactly what he’s asked you to do for him, but I really hope you won’t let him down.’

  ‘Not let him down.’ he repeated. ‘Christopher is like a son to me, Emma. When I first met him, he was devastated. He had been facing his personal demons and they had defeated him. I offered him a family. I like to think of my Crusaders as my children. Each one of them is very special to me. But Christopher…is my favorite. My efforts to bring him on his feet again were not enough for him. I was often scared he might do something foolish until… he became obsessed with you. I knew about his secret visits to you and I just let him go along because you were good for him. He had found a meaning in life. He had found hope. He was determined to save you, bound to the promise he had given your father, to protect your future. And he has protected it in many ways you may never be aware of. I knew he had fallen in love with you, of course. May be I should have stopped him. But how could I take away from him what made him going? A father must face the dilemma to let his son spread his wings and fly even if it hurts so much to watch him fall.’

  I was impressed and deeply touched by his feelings for Christopher but his last sentence echoed warningly in my head. Fall he had said. He was watching Christopher fall? Before I found my voice again, he took a deep breath and went on.

  ‘I am glad you have responded to his love. Things like that are very rare among our worlds. I hoped that you would make him get rid of all the qualms of conscience he has about his past.’ He stood up and walked to the small window. Once again I tried to

  say something, but I had got too emotional and I could not find my voice.

  ‘I haven’t been able to make him forgive himself. You see Emma, I strongly believe that a man is defined by his choices, by the decisions he makes, on his own. Christopher’s choices have been wise, but he has been so unfair to himself. I wish you could change that. Much depends on this you see.’

  This time my response was spontaneous, unsolicited. This was a very sensitive subject after all, and I had spent hours trying to find the way to comfort Christopher.

  ‘I am… working on this. I hate to see him tortured because of what they had him do. He’s not what he thinks he is. If only you had found him before them. He would be a different man.’ I whispered.

  He gazed at me with a smile before he spoke again. ‘The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper.’

  ‘Aristotle.’ I added.

  He nodded approvingly. ‘Tell me Emma, when you look at him what do you see? Does he frighten you at some point?’

  It was very easy for me to talk about Christopher now. I closed my eyes, determined to express my feelings in all sincerity.

  ‘I was never frightened by him. So, I guess my answer to this is…I see a brave man, a super hero, a guardian angel, and at the same time… a lonely, abused child with so much love to offer. Ultimately, I see …pure, unselfish love.’ He seemed contented with my answer. He stood up and walked around his desk to open a drawer. He took out a small envelope on which I recognized my handwriting. It was the note I had sent to him with Susan.

  ‘This is yours, I believe.’ He unfolded the piece of paper, looked at it, then folded it carefully and put it in the envelope again. ‘You have asked me to keep him safe. What does safe mean to you, Emma?’

  ‘I don’t want him to take the blame for my poor judgment, for what I’ve done to fight back the League. They might hold him

  responsible for that and punish him for something he hasn’t done.’

  ‘But it’s too late for that, as he chose to protect you once more instead of giving you in. Let me ask you something more. What if keeping him safe means keeping him away from you?’

  I was hoping he would not ask me that. I took a deep breath to fight the tears that had started to moist my eyes. Trying to keep my voice steady, I surprised myself as I said,

  ‘He once told me that true love is measured by the sacrifice you are willing to make for its sake.’

  ‘And… are you ready to sacrifice your love for him to keep him safe?’

  If this was a test, it was a very cruel one. I closed my eyes trying to endure the throbbing pain in my chest. ‘I would do anything for him, anything.’ I said, unable to stop the tears any longer.

  Plato sat next to me again; his voice was soft and careful as he went on.

  ‘Has he told you that he has not been able to locate your future anymore? I mean, ever since you met him?’ I was shocked by what he had said. He probably read the fear on my face, for he went on. ‘Don’t be frightened. This doesn’t actually mean you don’t have a future, but that your future is being…reformed. Like, you haven’t decided about it yet. As I have often told Christopher, it’s free will that determines everything. Nature will soon find a way; it only takes a decision to be made, by you or… by him. You see, I’ve always thought that the two of you are connected in some kind of cosmic way. I think it wasn’t pure luck or coincidence that has brought you together. Do you think that everything happens for a purpose, Emma?’

  ‘I guess so. I just…. can’t imagine my future without him.’ I said, feeling the pain in my chest grow, as if an invisible hand was squeezing my heart, the cold, cruel hand of a monster, the hand of the League.

  Plato leaned forward and took my hand in his, looking straight into my eyes. ‘I am not going to lie to you, Emma. I cannot see how you can have a future together. In your world he does not

  exist and you do not exist in his. It’s not like any other couple that gets married, have children and live happily ever after. The odds are against you, you do realize that, don’t you?’

  He was right of course. I had known this all the way, but I had decided to ignore it and hope for an alternative.

  ‘Even if this is so, I will fight for him, for us.’ I whispered.

  He sat back and sighed. ‘I've heard all I wanted to hear.’ he said.

  ‘Let him have it his way, then.’ He put his hand in his pocket and took out a blue handkerchief.

  ‘Dry your eyes please Emma. I don’t want him to get angry with me for making you cry.’ he said with a bitter smile.

  I did as he said, fully aware of the fact that Christopher could not be fooled that easily.

  ‘Come in Christopher.’ he said in a voice a little
louder than before, assuming that he was standing behind the door, which was probably the case, as the door opened before he had finished his sentence.

  Christopher put his hands on my shoulders and inspected my face with a frown.

  ‘Are you all right?’ he asked. I nodded, forcing out a smile.

  Plato stood by the window. ‘Will you give us a moment Emma? I need to talk to my boy.’

  It was the only time I did not mind walking away from Christopher, as I needed some time to overcome the emotional outburst that was threatening to overwhelm me. When he came back to me, his face was expressionless.

  He put his arm around my shoulder and said in the most casual manner,

  ‘We have a few hours before they drop us off in Loutraki. So, what do you want to do now? Plato said we have the whole yacht to ourselves.’

  ‘What happened? Is he going to help?’ I asked anxiously.

  ‘Oh, yes, he is going to help.’ He pushed me softly towards a staircase.

  ‘Let’s enjoy the view from the deck.’ he suggested. I thought he was joking but his face looked serious. He wasn’t so eager to fill me in on the outcome of the meeting.

  ‘Isn’t Plato joining us?’ I asked, mystified.

  ‘No, he was called up. He told me to say goodbye to you on his behalf. He’s a very busy man, you know.’

  So Plato was already gone. He must have vaporized or something because there was no sign of a dingy around and we were sailing in the open sea. They come and go just like that, I thought in awe. I was dying to know how they did it, but I was certain that Christopher would never reveal this to me.

  We climbed the narrow staircase to the deck, to find a comfortable lounge in the shade and two sun beds. We lay on the soft, comfortable sun beds, which looked more like huge armchairs. I was aware of his determination to carry on the silent agreement between us, to put on the facade of the ordinary, happy couple. I decided to go along with it.

  The sun was burning hot. Christopher took off his polo and I looked around to make sure we were alone before following his example, taking off my clothes to lie under the hot sun in my bikini. The absurdity of our situation made me chuckle nervously. Christopher looked at me mystified, but then the waiter showed up again to serve us ice-tea and cold sandwiches.

  ‘Do you want to talk about your conversation with Plato?’ he asked, sipping his ice tea, while his eyes were trying to read mine.

  I tried to avoid his look. ‘Not really.’

  ‘Was it that hard?’ I could feel his eyes calling for mine, like magnets. I gave up and turned my face to him.

  ‘Well, mostly, we talked about you. It’s a subject I am specifically sensitive about.’ I smiled. He could not hide the grief on his face at my words, however funny I had tried to sound.

  ‘I shouldn’t have left you alone with him.’

  ‘For God’s sake Christopher! I’m not made of sugar! I’m much tougher than you think. Stop trying to protect me from everything.’

  He was not angry about my outburst. He just shrugged and smiled, his disarming, childlike smile.

  ‘Force of habit.’ he said, and I could not help laughing at his honest, self-criticizing remark.

  I was curious to find out what impression I had made to Plato. ‘What did he tell you about me?’ I asked imitating Christopher’s casual manner.

  ‘That you intend to fight for us.’

  ‘It’s true. I do.’ I said with all sincerity.

  He shook his head. ‘That won’t be necessary. I will fight for both of us.’

  I thought that this was not the place or time to argue over this.

  ‘So, what’s next?’ I asked him anxiously.

  ‘For starters, we are free for now. He has managed to buy us some time. So there is no need to hide anymore.’

  ‘Pity. I was kind of enjoying hiding with you.’ It was true. He had turned our manhunt into a lovers’ escape.

  ‘I know. It wasn’t that bad, was it?’

  ‘What else?’

  ‘Plato has asked for a Board Hearing, hoping to reach a compromise.’ he said, keeping his face completely expressionless. But he didn’t fool me this time.

  ‘Why would the League care for a compromise?’

  ‘He can offer them something they might want.’

  ‘Is this confidential too?’

  ‘I’m afraid so.’

  ‘Are you going to tell me when the hearing is going to take place?’

  ‘There is no need for you to worry in advance. It will not help anybody.’

  As he lay next to me, my eyes fell on the tattoo on his arm. Since then, I had been determined to ignore this too, trying to forget its

  tragic significance to both of us. But at that moment, I was unable to take my eyes off it. It was there, mocking me, reminding me that they would always win, as he had once told me.

  Christopher noticed my frustration, of course, and his face became sad as he reached for my hand. ‘You cheat. Living for the day, remember? Don’t let them poison our time together.’

  I closed my eyes and he put his hand on my chest to sooth the pain.

  For the rest of the trip, we played Christopher’s game. We were still the two carefree lovers, enjoying their time together, as if there was no menace hanging over us, as we would have done if things had been normal, if we both belonged in this world.

  They left us in Loutraki, a little after 9.00 p.m. Tom had parked the awesome Audi Q7 near the port and we had no difficulty finding it.

  On the way home, I was wondering whether he was taking me to his house or mine for the night. The truth was, a short visit home would not hurt, as I was in need of clean clothes and some of my make-up essentials. But it was hard for me to stay away from him even for a few minutes. I had become so attached to him these last few days that I felt like I was addicted to his presence. His absence, however short it would be, was so profound it caused to me an intolerable pain.

  Plato had warned me that there was no future picturing Christopher and me together, but to me, that was totally unacceptable. I was fully aware of my impuissance to go on living without him, there just had to be another way.

  Trying to put aside that painful thought, I asked, ‘Christopher, can I stay with you tonight?’

  He looked at me surprised. ‘And I thought you would never ask!’ he teased me. ‘Where did you think I was taking you? Besides, we have to make up for the night we missed, don’t we?’ He put his arm around my shoulders and I rested my head on his chest, lost in Christopher’s world again.

  His house felt cozy and safe. It felt like home. I took a shower and Christopher gave me one of his long, sleeveless cotton T-

  shirts to put on. When he was in the shower, I started making a light dinner for us with omelette, Greek salad and cold beer.

  I was putting everything in the large tray to take it to the porch, when my mind started playing tricks on me. I pictured us being normal and together in a world big enough for both of us, with me taking care of him and our children, in this beautiful house by the sea. My eyes began to moist. What would it take to be worth of such bliss? Living for the day, Christopher had insisted, but I knew this was not enough anymore. For I did not want just a glimpse, just a taste of paradise. I craved for the whole package.

  I wondered what life in his world would be like. Would there be room for me in his real life? The thought started to grow with tremendous speed in my mind. What if…he took me there with him? I was more than eager to follow him, because my life here would be meaningless without him. I would be ready to do what the League asked me as long as they allowed me to be with Christopher. Why hadn’t I thought of this when I was with Plato? Could he be expecting me to ask him exactly that? Or, was there any chance that this was what Christopher had asked him to help us with? I decided to talk to him about it that night.

  I found him at the porch. He was lying on the sun bed with his hands folded behind his head. In the dim light of the vanilla scented candles,
another detail of Suzan’s decoration ideas, he looked even more gorgeous. His hair was still wet and he was only wearing a pair of long, black shorts. His strong, slim but muscular body seemed more attractive than ever, an absolute magnet to mine.

  ‘You’ve gone too far tonight Emma.’ he teased. ‘You didn’t have to cook, love. I was about to order us some pizza.’

  I pretended to be offended. ‘Well, I wanted to take care of you for a change. Does it bother you?’

  ‘Quite the contrary. But I don’t want you to waste your time in the kitchen. I want you right here.’

  He grabbed my arm with a sudden move, as he had done so many times, a second after I had placed the tray on the table, and pulled me close to him. I fell clumsily once again, but his fast, strong

  arms were able to hold me before I crushed my face on his shoulder. He laughed and tightened his embrace pressing me on his chest, permitting me no escape, not that I needed one. He kissed me with a deep, demanding and much promising kiss, as his hands burnt my skin, touching me under the soft, cotton T-shirt. I felt his hot breath in my mouth and the fast movement of his chest, as once again I was not the only one breathing fast.

  ‘Our dinner will get very cold if we go on like this. I don’t want it to be a waste of effort for you.’ he whispered.

  ‘Mmm.’ was all I was able to utter. I needed all my strength to let him push me backwards as he sat up. Besides, I had to take the chance to talk to him before he was able to distract me again.

  Christopher either pretended he loved my omelette or was really hungry, because he emptied his dish before I was able to take down a couple of bites. The truth is I had suddenly lost my appetite, as I was engrossed in this new idea of mine.

  He noticed I was playing with my food. ‘Is there something I should know about this omelette?’ he asked playfully, raising his eyebrows.

  I looked at him surprised. ‘What? It’s not good?’

  ‘No, I don’t mean that. I’m just wondering if it is poisoned or something because you’ve barely touched yours.’

  ‘Oh, well, I was not really hungry, as it seems.’

  ‘Aha!’ He wiped his mouth with his napkin with a slow move and leaned back on his chair. ‘I know this look. Last time I saw it, you were plotting against the League. So, let’s hear it.’

  ‘Hear what?’ I pretended to be ignorant of whatever he had suspected. He knew me so well; I couldn’t keep a secret from him anymore.

  ‘Obviously, something is troubling you. Do you care to share it with me?’ he insisted.

  I looked at my dish, playing with a piece of my omelette.

  ‘I’m not sure.’ His intense look made me have second thoughts.

  ‘Emma,’ he said in an authoritative manner but then softened his voice, ‘…please?’

  I put on a brave face and took my chances. ‘Do you think you can arrange another meeting with Plato?’

  He certainly did not expect me to ask this. He slotted his eyes, trying to comprehend the meaning of what I had asked him. ‘It depends. Why do you want to see him?’

  ‘You see, I’ve come up with an idea that might get us both out of this, together.’

  ‘Let’s hear it then.’ he said in a composed manner, but I couldn’t help feeling that the look on his face was not at all encouraging.

  I put my fork down and hid my hands under the table, trying to conceal my nervousness. He was staring at me, with his hand under his chin, his eyes fixed on mine, imprisoning me again in his deep blue.

  ‘You’ve said you and Plato are going to trade with the League. Well, I have something to trade with.’

  It was obvious that he was making a considerable effort to keep himself composed now. ‘You mean the excavation plans.’

  ‘Exactly.’ I smiled, a little jaunty this time. ‘And something you don’t know. The rest of the files in my father’s archives. I’m sure that if I study them I’ll be able to find information about other Gateways. You’ve said it yourself. This is not the only one in Greece.’

  ‘It is true.’ he agreed. ‘But may I ask, what you intend to trade this with?’

  That was the worst part. There was no easy way to say this, as I had been able to realize Christopher’s mind-set a long time ago. He was obsessed with protecting me. This meant that there was no way he would welcome my idea. I decided to get over with this fast, so I let it out, speaking surprisingly fast.

  ‘With their permission to let me come with you.’

  He slotted his eyes again, leaning his head sideways. ‘Come with me where?’

  I took a deep breath. ‘In your world. To let me stay with you, in your world and time.’

  His expression changed instantly. His face twisted with anger and his blue eyes were as cold as ice when he spoke again.

  ‘That is certainly out of question!’

  I cringed in surprise, taken aback by his abrupt tone. ‘But why?’

  ‘Because it will never happen.’ He had stressed every word to underline the impossibility of what I had suggested. But he should know better than that. I was not going to give up that easily. After the first shock, I was ready for a second blow.

  ‘Can’t you see that it is the only way to stay together? They may never let you stay here but they have no power over me. It’s easier for me to follow you there, don’t you see?’

  ‘Follow me there? Where? To a world hundreds of years away from this? Do you have any idea what this means? Leaving behind everything, your family, your career, your friends, to start over in a world you hardly understand? Do you realize the huge gap between your world and mine?’

  ‘I know it will be hard in the beginning. But you will be there to help me get over the problems.’

  ‘What if I’m not there? What if something happens to me? Let’s face it, I’m doing a dangerous job, will you be able to go on, on your own?’

  I looked at him, totally crestfallen. ‘Don’t talk like that.’ I whispered.

  ‘Why not? I’m not immortal, you know. Besides, what makes you think that I am willing to carry the burden for such a sacrifice?’

  That was an option I had not considered. He should not take the blame for this too. It would have to be entirely my decision. Plato had said it needed a decision for my future to be reformed.

  ‘So, I guess that means this is not what you have asked Plato to help us with.’ I said, disappointed.

  ‘Of course not. I would never do anything like that.’

  I thought he was being very cruel to me. My stomach fluttered, as a new fear had started to grow in my mind.

  ‘Don’t you…want me in your life back there?’ I muttered.

  He looked down with his hands supporting his forehead. ‘I wish … I wish I could lie to you about it. I wish I could tell you I don’t want you and sound convincing to you. But I have promised myself never to lie to you again.’

  He looked straight into my eyes and his voice sounded unbearably sad as he went on.

  ‘Don’t you think I would do anything to be with you? Make no mistake though. I’m talking about what I would do, not what I would have you do. You are so special to me as you are, and I want you to remain like this. I have seen people who were accidentally transported into a different world and lost their sanity. I’d never like to see such a thing happen to you. I will not be the cause for your destruction.’

  ‘But you do it all the time, Susan and Tom do it.’

  ‘It’s not the same. We are soldiers. We are trained to do so, it is who we are, what we do. It isn’t common even in my world for normal people to travel in time.’

  ‘Fine.’ I said stubbornly. If you don’t help me I’ll find some other way. Let’s see what Susan and Tom will have to say about it. I’m sure they will be more willing to help.’

  ‘I doubt it.’ he said calmly.

  ‘We’ll see about that.’

  ‘Emma, this discussion is over.’ he said in the same abrupt tone.

  ‘Fine.’ I stood up and started put
ting everything on the tray. He helped me and before I was able to touch the tray he had lifted it and carried it to the kitchen. I followed him and started putting the dishes in his brand new dishwasher, making sure my every movement revealed my anger.

  Christopher was leaning against the kitchen table and I was absolutely conscious of his staring, but I was still too angry to respond. Acknowledging my sulkiness, he came behind me and put his arms around me as his lips were brushing the back of my neck. I heard him chuckle.

  ‘What?’ I tried to sound cold and surly but I knew my defenses were about to go down.

  ‘It is the first time I see you angry and…I like it.’ he whispered kissing me behind my ear. ‘The way you knit your eyebrows, how you keep your lips tight, and the sparkle in your eyes… And the best of all… the red on your cheeks. You’re just so… irresistible.’

  ‘You’re crazy.’ I said, accidentally dropping the last plate in the sink. My hands felt unsteady under his scrutiny. He put his hands on my shoulders and turned me towards him.

  ‘I haven’t finished the washing up yet.’ I tried to sound angry again.

  ‘Forget it. Your time is over.’ he whispered, making my heart pound. He lifted me in his arms and carried me to the bedroom. He put me on his bed softly.

  ‘I am still angry, you know.’ I told him as he was getting rid of the T-shirt I was wearing.

  ‘I know. Keep it up. I like you even more when you’re angry.’ he said, drawing a path with kisses from my breast to my lips.

  ‘I’m …not…going…to… give up.’ I tried to say.

  ‘I know.’ he whispered. ‘You will fight.’ Then he stopped and looked into my eyes. His look was full of passion and desire, but when he spoke he sounded amazingly serious.

  ‘When you get to a deadlock, will you please remember that I love you …that you are my life…my heart and my soul…belong to you…wherever I am…whatever I do?’ As he said that, he stopped in between words to kiss my lips. ‘Promise me…you won’t hate me.’ he pleaded without stopping his kisses.

  ‘But …I can never hate you. Whatever you do or say, you just…make me love you …more.’ I whispered.

  He stopped kissing me and looked at me with burning eyes. ‘Promise me.’ he demanded. His perfect face, suffused with the weirdest expression, almost unearthly, made me shiver. How could I deny him anything?

  ‘I promise.’

  He sealed my promise with a deep, passionate kiss. I could not remember anymore why I was angry with him. I only craved for

  his love, anxious to show him how deeply I loved him and feel his torrid passion overwhelm my whole existence once again.

  The next morning I woke up in my angel’s arms. Every morning I found him lying next to me, waking me up with sweet kisses, and every time I experienced so much happiness and gratefulness that I became emotional. Christopher knew it and tried to joke about small, unimportant things to make me smile.

  We had breakfast in the porch, gazing at the calm sea.

  ‘I need to drop over to my apartment to get a few things.’ I said after we had finished breakfast. I couldn’t postpone it any longer.

  ‘I’ll drive you there. I need to take care of a few things too, and you should spend some time with your friends. I have monopolized you long enough.’ I felt his warm breath as he brushed his face in my hair.

  He was right. It had been a long time since I had last really talked to Kate. But I was not sure this was how I wanted to spend my day. Mainly, I did not want to spend it away from him, but he knew this of course. I moved closer and rested my head on his strong chest.

  ‘I can stay with Susan.’ I said casually, but he guessed the implication of my suggestion and gave me a warning look.

  ‘Susan and Tom are on a mission.’ he smiled triumphantly.

  ‘Well, they will be back, won’t they?’

  ‘I guess so. But they won’t be coming back today.’

  He had won this one. My plans could wait a little longer. I tried to hide my frustration and changed the subject. ‘Will you be long?’ I asked him.

  ‘Just a couple of hours.’ he reassured me.

  I did not want to know where he was going. I did not want to hear anything about the League right now. I needed to pretend we were normal, ordinary people, discussing their plans for the day.

  Christopher took me to my apartment an hour later. From the car window, it did not seem the same; it was not my house anymore. My house was wherever he was.

  He noticed my unwillingness to get off. ‘It will be just for a couple of hours, I promise. Try to catch up with your friends, Emma. You need them too. Call me when you are ready to go.’

  I put my arms around his neck and kissed him softly.

  ‘See you later.’ he smiled.

  My apartment seemed strangely small. I knocked on Kate’s door but there was no answer. I thought it might be better this way. If she were not in, I would have a perfect excuse to be with Christopher sooner. Of course, he had said he would be busy for the next couple of hours. At that moment, time away from him seemed too long and frustrating.

  I went into my room, opened one of my suitcases and started filling it with my clothes. I did not know how many I needed, considering the possibility that Plato accepted my offer. I smiled at the thought of how my clothes would definitely be old-fashioned in Christopher’s world. I put my dirty clothes in the washing machine but I decided to give the clothes he had bought for me to the dry-cleaner’s, worrying my washing machine might ruin them. I checked my watch.

  All this had hardly taken me half an hour. I turned on my laptop and looked at my e-mail. My inbox was full of unread messages. This would keep me busy for a while. I started clicking on each one, taking my time to read them.

  I was startled by the knock on the door. I turned and saw Kate’s face in the opening. She looked drowsy, probably having just got up.

  ‘Hey. Good morning. Can I come in?’ she asked warily.

  ‘Do you really have to ask?’

  She came in and dropped herself on my bed, yawning.

  ‘How come you’re here? Everything okay with Christopher? ‘

  ‘Everything is fine.’ for now, I thought. ‘I just needed a few clean clothes.’

  She looked disappointed. ‘That means you have to go right away?’

  ‘Not necessarily. I still have about an hour. Why?’

  ‘Nothing really. I just …hoped you would stay longer.’ She looked really disappointed and, for some reason, I felt the guilt of having let her down again.

  I left my chair and went to lie next to her. ‘What’s wrong?’ I asked her, stroking her hair. ‘Anything wrong with Tony?’

  ‘No. Tony and I are just fine. At least, we’re fine now. It’s a long story. I only … miss my friend. I worry about you Emma. You don’t show up, you don’t call. ’

  ‘How can you be so silly and let yourself worry about me?’ I teased her. ‘I’m in very good hands.’

  ‘Are you? I have a very strange feeling about Christopher, Emma. You just seem so attached to him. I mean…you left summer school. He has changed your life in a month. What will happen after he finishes with the supervision of the project? Have you thought about it?’

  I wanted so desperately to open my heart to her, tell her everything, as any girl would confide her best friend, without worrying about the consequences. But I knew this would only put her life in danger. So I decided to lie again.

  ‘He has a few ideas about working in U. K. this year. But nothing is certain yet. How can you ever be certain when it comes to love?’ I had said this last one as if I was talking to myself.

  ‘It is love then? Are you sure?’

  ‘Oh yes, it is absolute, mad, compelling love. Nothing I can describe to you in words. It is so …beyond anything I could ever imagine. But…it is torturing too.’

  I was speaking with my eyes fixed on the ceiling, picturing his face on it, his beautiful lips smiling to me.

  ‘Wow! I
had no idea. Girl, you are really love-sick.’ she laughed. ‘I’m happy for you, happy you feel this way. I have to admit, I thought you were just trying to get even with Colin.’

  ‘Colin? I couldn’t care less about him right now. Ever since the incident at Tina’s wedding, he simply disgusts me.’

  Kate looked at me surprised. ‘You never really told me what happened that night.’

  That night was unforgettable. It was my first night with Christopher. It was the start of my new life. But I was not going to share that with Kate. I started describing the incident with Colin at the wedding reception, how Christopher had come to my defense and how Colin had abased himself by turning Daugh against me, who took his turn to dispraise Christopher. Of course, Daugh had his own reasons to dislike Christopher, but there was no reason to reveal this to Kate. I only told her about Colin.

  Kate blinked. ‘I just don’t get it. Colin came to make up with you and he brought another woman with him? What was he thinking?’

  ‘I’m pretty sure he did it out of pure vanity. He didn’t want anybody to notice he had come for me. He wanted to make it look like I was the one who wished to get together again. Besides, he wanted a back up in case I turned him down.’

  She seemed thoughtful for a moment. ‘I guess there must be some truth in the rumors then.’

  ‘What rumors?’

  She hesitated for a moment, considering whether it would be wise to let me know.

  ‘Well, some of us thought that he was dating you for your connections with the academic community, you know, your stepfather, and Daugh… We all know how ambitious Colin is.’

  I nodded in agreement. ‘Over ambitious… and quite haughty.’ I added. We both laughed loudly. It was so refreshingly delightful to be with Kate again. I realized how much I had missed this.

  She became serious when she talked again. ‘You were good for him, you know. Whenever he was with you, I always thought you brought out his good side. I can’t believe he could be so fair-faced. No, I think you were too good for him. Pity it didn’t work out. It’s his loss anyway.’

  ‘He’s out of my life. Forever. My life belongs with Christopher. It always will. It’s as simple as that.’

  We were both silent for a few minutes.

  ‘Enough about me. Tell me about you and Tony now. I want to know everything I’ve missed.’

  She smiled, contented with my question, as if she had been expecting it all along.

  ‘This needs a lot of coffee.’ she said. ‘Come on.’ She got up and walked out of the room. I followed her looking anxiously at my watch. Surely time was flying when I was with Kate. There were forty-five minutes left.

  We made two huge cappuccinos freddo, put on our sunglasses and sank in the bamboo armchairs, under the shade of the olive tree in our garden.

  Kate started explaining to me how Tony had been induced by Mick and Bill to follow them for a crazy weekend on the island of Myconos, a boys’ weekend they had named it. Poor Tony was challenged to prove to them how much Kate trusted him and would let him have fun with the boys whenever he wanted. His ego was hurt when Kate got mad about this boys’ trip. Tony put his foot down and after an awful fight with Kate, he decided to go with the boys.

  Of course, he was at her doorstep on Monday morning, at the crack of dawn, begging her to forgive him. Kate played tough and tortured him for as long as she could take it. Then, realizing she had made her point, she decided to forgive him. Since then, Tony had been trying to make up for what he had done by “treating her like a princess’’ as she said proudly.

  As Kate was talking, I realized how different her relationship with Tony was from what Christopher and I had. I could not help envying her insignificant, almost trifling to me apprehension about their argument. But wasn’t this how a woman in love was supposed to feel? Wasn’t this the normal, healthy state lovers should be in? Why should I be the only woman on earth right now to worry about chasing the love of my life in the realms of time?

  I was glad I had my sunglasses on, otherwise it would be very hard for me to explain to Kate my sudden plunge in grief. I took a

  glance at my watch. My time with Kate was almost over. My cell phone was on the table, almost yelling at me. Kate noticed my abstractedness with a sigh.

  ‘Do you really have to go?’ her face was filled with dismay but my heart was already replete with remorse for her. She had always been an open book to me, trusting me with her fears, her hopes, her dreams and I had been avoiding her in return, lying to her, even putting her life, involuntarily, in danger. I could not have been a worse friend.

  ‘I think I can stay for lunch…only if you let me cook!’ I said.

  Her face became bright at once. ‘That was my intention.’ she teased, making us both laugh.

  The sound of Christopher’s horn startled us. ‘Oops! Too late I’m afraid.’ Kate frowned.

  ‘Would you mind if Christopher joined us?’ I asked, hoping for a golden mean.

  Her eyes widened with surprise. ‘Are you crazy? Mind about having a gorgeous man around?’

  ‘Give me a minute.’ I said laughing, making my way to the door.

  Christopher seemed surprised to see me walk around his car instead of jumping into the passenger seat. I leaned over his window.

  ‘Am I too early? You didn’t call and…’ he said guardedly.

  ‘You’re on time, as always. It’s just Kate. She has invited us to lunch and I hate to disappoint her.’

  He scrutinized my face for a long moment before saying with his angelic smile,

  ‘Okay, but…are you sure you two don’t want to have more girls’ time?’

  ‘Just get off the damn car, Christopher.’ I replied wearily opening his door. I had outworn my limits of endurance having to be away from him for the last couple of hours. He chuckled at my curt reply before getting off and walking into the studio holding my hand.

  Christopher was absolutely perfect with Kate. He was not keeping up his tutor façade anymore. Kate asked Tony to join us

  and he showed up at the doorstep within minutes. He seemed a little aloof towards Christopher at first, but this lasted only a few minutes. As soon as he realized Christopher’s cool and laid-back manner, he loosened up too.

  We used the common barbeque to make steaks and sausages with homemade fries. Christopher was all over me and I discovered he had another talent; his glib tongue on that day revealed a remarkable sense of humor that made Kate and Tony worship him. I watched him, considering how much at ease he was, released from all the restraints of his past life. There was nothing on that gorgeous, lighthearted face to imply the man who had suffered so much, who had taken people’s lives; the man who had served the League both as a mercenary and a Crusader of the future. This is how it would be if we were simple, ordinary people. Just another glimpse of paradise, I thought.

  We were two young couples having fun, carefree and merry, but superficially only. Under the joyous surface, the menace that had been misting our bliss for so long was lurking, ready to ruin everything. Kate’s instinct had already foreseen the storm that was coming. I felt the same, but I had chosen to ignore it, hoping for a miracle. After all, my life had become full of miracles those days. I wondered how much time Plato had bought for us. Christopher had told me a few weeks ago that our time was running out. I reminded myself to call Suzan as soon as I skipped Christopher’s attention but that did not happen until late in the evening. We were back in Christopher’s house and he was in the shower. I called Suzan but her answering machine asked me to leave a message.

  ‘This is Emma. I have to talk to you A.S.A.P. Not a word to Christopher.’

  Next morning I woke up with the same nightmare that had been haunting my dreams for a long time. Only now, it was more intense than ever. I was in Christopher’s house and it was very dark. I was searching the rooms for him desperately, shouting his name, but he was nowhere to be found. I got out to the porch but still no sign of him. I scanned the dark sea and shou
ted his name

  again, crying, until my voice faded out, unable to be heard anymore.

  I woke up with a start to find that he was not lying next to me. I was in the worst mood ever. I got out of the bedroom to find him but then I heard his voice from the porch. He was not alone. Feeling kind of under the weather, I decided to take a shower and try to calm down before joining them. Then, I put on a short, white, cotton dress and flumped about to the porch. My mood got worse when I saw that our guest was Suzan. I noticed that they stopped talking when they saw me.

  ‘Good morning baby. We didn’t wake you up, did we?’ Christopher asked silkily. I did not respond, just seated myself on the armchair across him, for the first time refusing his embrace. His eyes became overcast but he kept his angelic smile. I knew what he was up to.

  ‘Emma, honey, you look awful. What have you done to her Christopher? She looks like she needs a good sleep.’ Suzan remarked, making my day worse. Christopher had his lovely blue eyes fixed on my face, obviously bewildered by my reaction.

  ‘She’s just too much addicted to caffeine, I’m afraid. She’ll be fine after I get her a large cup of strong coffee.’

  I shot him a withering look and he stood up and came to me, leaned over me and lifted my chin. I did not look at him as he kissed my lips. He chuckled when he found them still and frozen under his. Then he sighed and made his way to the kitchen.

  As soon as he had disappeared into the house, I turned anxiously to Suzan. ‘Didn’t you get my message?’

  ‘I did. I am here, aren’t I? I’ve just come back you see, but Christopher heard my car and asked me in. I could not think of an excuse to avoid him.’ She looked at the open glass door before she went on in a lower voice. ‘I’m dying to hear what this is all about.’

  ‘He hasn’t told you?’ I stared at her in disbelief.

  ‘No.’ Her face looked too innocent to make me believe her, but I took my chances. I told her about my plan as concisely as

  possible. ‘All I need you to do is arrange a meeting with Plato.’ I concluded.

  She looked thoughtful for a few minutes. ‘I don’t know Emma… if Christopher does not approve…’

  ‘Don’t tell me you are afraid of him.’ I challenged her.

  ‘Well, you haven’t seen him angry, have you?’

  I recalled Christopher’s face when he was ready to attack Colin. I had some idea of what she meant.

  ‘Anyway, let me think about it, but…I can’t promise you anything.’ she finally said. ‘You can’t even be sure Plato will be willing for another meeting, in the first place.’

  ‘Will you at least try?’ I pleaded.

  Christopher walked through the open glass door carrying a tray with breakfast before Susan was able to respond.

  He is so accommodating because he feels guilty, I thought, convinced that he had got to Susan first in order to prepossess her in his favor.

  He and Suzan enjoyed their breakfast, chatting in a carefree manner, but I retained my silent and frowned countenance, pretending not to notice Christopher’s fleeting glances. Soon Susan asked to be excused, saying she needed a good sleep and advising me to do the same.

  It was only the two of us in the porch now. Christopher stared at me.

  ‘Emma, why do you have to be so surly today?’

  I glowered at him. ‘I’m not.’ I protested.

  ‘You look really angry to me.’

  ‘You’re wrong.’ I insisted.

  ‘Come and sit with me then.’ he challenged me in the soft, unbelievably inviting voice I heard every night among his kisses and cuddles.

  He was totally aware of how irresistible he could be. I decided it was hopeless to keep the long face any longer, as it would only make us waste time. Time was precious. Each second we shared was irreplaceable. I sat next to him.

  ‘Well, what have I done this time?’ he asked.

  ‘Nothing.’ I lied. ‘I just had a bad dream and… I didn’t see you next to me when I woke up… That’s all.’

  ‘I’m so sorry. What can I do to make you feel better?’

  ‘Coffee helped a lot.’ I tried to smile.

  ‘Shall I try something… more drastic?’ he said, his irresistible voice was like music to my ears.

  He came closer and put his arms around me. He kissed my lips softly.

  ‘I’m sorry you’re having nightmares. And I promise to be next to you every morning from now on.’

  ‘Every morning?’ I was aware of his limited definition of the word “every” in our situation .

  He kissed me again, changing the subject, ‘Do you want to talk to me about your dream? Will it make you feel better?’

  ‘No. I just want to forget it.’ I said, hiding my face in his chest as he squeezed me softly against it.