Chapter 11 - The Ferris wheel

or because you're in love with my daughter?

My father fixes his steady gaze on Warren, whose facial expression is impossible to read

I...

Before anyone can comment, my father lets out a loud, booming laugh

it was just a joke, son!

Dad?

what? He's so serious all the time, I wanted to see if I could get him to crack a smile

My mother rolls her eyes, and the tension in the room seems to relax

So, Warren

Yes, sir?

Tell me a little about yourself. How did you become my daughter's bodyguard?

I watch with interest as Warren talks to my father

He seems so at ease

While my father and Warren are talking, Hannah whispers into my ear

it seems like your dad hit the nail on the head

He's not in love with me. He couldn't be

Are you blind? This man is in love with you, Kiara

Warren chooses that moment to glance over at me. Sensing my anxiety, he catches my eyes with a curious expression as if to ask if I'm okay. I give him a shy smile and nod, tucking my hair behind my ear. His lips part in response, and he quickly looks away. I think back to everything he's said and done since we've started this crazy journey together

if he is, I'm happy.....because I feel the same way! And that sexual tension between us surely isn't helping...

Hannah smiles at me

sometimes, you need to let go and permit yourself to experience things. Don't you agree, Kiara?

Are you sure you don't need anything? I can bring up a glass of water, maybe some tea?

Mom- - -

What about more blankets? Don't forget it gets a little colder at night

seriously, mom - -

Are you two using protection?

Mom!

I just want to make sure you're being safe!

I'm not a teenager, for crying out loud!

Warren coughs out a laugh from behind me

You can never be too careful

please leave

I put my hands on her shoulders and started ushering her towards the door

it's completely natural -

Goodbye, Mom!

I shut the door and then leaned my forehead against it. Warren can't seem to hold in his laughter any longer. He let out a loud guffaw, I turned to glare at him

That isn't funny! I don't remember them being so humiliating

it wasn't that bad. She's just looking out for you. I think it's sweet

Sweet?

she cares about you. You have nice parents

please. I can't believe you're saying that after what my father pulled tonight

My cheeks burn at the memory. His lips press together into a firm line before he takes my hand and guides me over to the bed

I saw your face when he asked me that question

You did?

Warren nods

I didn't realise you were watching me

I'm always watching you

he leans his head down until his mouth is only a few inches away from mine. My eyes flutter closed as I feel his breath caress my lips

You are?

Yes

Warren's hand weaves around my waist while the other comes up to cup my cheek. His arm guides me closer until our bodies are aligned. I can feel every part of his strong, unyielding form pressing up against me, and it sends my thoughts reeling

I'm not very good with words

His thumb gently strokes my cheek

But somehow, I find myself struggling to hold back the words I want to say

what words are those?

I sense his hesitation and open my eyes to meet his gaze. The desire I see reflected has me weak at the knees

I can't give you an answer right now. But maybe I can show you

As the words leave his mouth, he carefully leans forward to press his lips against mine. My body responds immediately, hopeless to resist. My arms go around his neck as I part my lips and kiss him back. When his tongue brushes up against my own, I shiver in pleasure. it feels different this time. Every soft caress, every gentle touch, and every passionate flick of his tongue communicates what he's feeling inside. when he breathes out, he sighs my name, and it stirs something deep within my chest... something so painfully beautiful that I never want it to end. His fingers move down to grasp my top, and slowly, they begin to pull it up and over my head. I follow his lead and lift Warren's T-shirt so that I can feel his warm skin underneath. His hands tenderly grip the back of my thighs. He effortlessly lifts me until my legs are wrapped securely around him. I feel almost weightless as he climbs onto the bed and lays me down beneath him. His lips trail down my neck, evoking a quiet moan from me in response

You feel so soft, Kiara.....I love the way you taste

Warren weaves his fingers with mine and pins my hand by the sides of my head. He slowly grinds his hip against my thighs, and my legs shake at the delicious friction of his movements. I arch my back into him when I feel him seductively sucking the skin on my neck. Before I can moan his name, he lays his hand over my mouth

shh...

His lips come back up to capture my own, he swallows my cries. A hand travels down to the place where I need him most, I shudder with the need

we have to be quiet, baby

Warren's hand dips down further, and he tantalisingly teases me over the lace of my panties

Do you think you can be quiet for me?

His fingers brush against the wet fabric. Ripping another cry from my throat, Warren's mouth falls back onto mine

Will you let me show you?

I struggle to remember our conversation and his mouth, and his fingers electrify every inch of my body, but Warren clarifies it for me

Let me show you how you make me feel

I nod my head only to bite down on my lower lips as he slips a finger in. I grip the sheets as they expertly work me... making all the right moves, hitting all the right spots... until I can't hold it in anymore

Warren.....please.....

I beg him. Without needing to be told twice, Warren's needing to be told twice, Warren's hands slip off my underwear until I'm lying naked beneath him. His lips continue to caress my own, his kisses overpowering my senses. As I suck on his lower lips, he positions himself above me, and I spread my legs to accommodate him. I can feel his hardness rubbing against my opening, asking for permission, and I lift my hips to invite him in. We start moving together slowly at first, then picking up speed once I adjust to his hard member. His gentle demeanour and fervent kisses have me reaching the peak of my pleasure over and over again. His mouth devours every moan, every scream I let out. I wrap my legs around his neck to feel him deeper, and the act pushes me over the edge, making my body shiver in bliss. He soon reaches his climax and then collapses next to me on the bed. A gentle smile softens Warren's expression when he sees me moving closer. His arm comes around my waist, and he pulls me tight into his side, draping the comforter over our bodies. We wish each other goodnight before we fall into a deep sleep

The next morning, I'm helping my mom prepare lunch

it was...nice of you to give the chef a day off

Well, I can't expect her to work every single day of the month, now can I?

of course not. I've just never seen you come to that conclusion yourself before

My mother narrows her eyes at me

I'm not some haughty, rich overlord with no regard for the people I employ. I give them four days off a month!

Four days? How very kind of you, mother

I laugh, and she tosses a piece of bread at me

Hey!

I pay them almost triple the minimum wage, missy! No one can say I don't take care of my staff

I'm just joking with you, Mom

I nudge her with my elbow, and she finally smiles. As we continue to make lunch, I can feel her curiosity reach its boiling point. I can tell it's killing her that I haven't brought up Warren. Unfortunately, I can't avoid the topic forever

so...

just ask mom

Ask what?

you know what

okay, fine! He seems... nice

he IS nice

and strong, too

yep

he's a man with good morals. it's about time you found one of those

Mom - -

maybe this time, you'll have the good sense to keep this one

what is that supposed to mean?

My mother shrugs and busies herself with grabbing something from the refrigerator

All I'm saying is that I like him

we fall silent and continue preparing the food

one hour later...

I have to say, I'm glad you're here, Kiara. This meal hasn't been half bad. Whenever your mother tries cooking, we usually end up ordering pizza

Ricard!

I think it's delicious, Mrs Harington

My mother gives Warren a satisfied smile

See, Ricard, that's how real gentlemen are supposed to act

Nice, Garcia. You just had to make me look bad

My father claps Warren on the back while my mother rolls her eyes

Honestly, you could learn a thing or two from him. it seems he knows how to treat a woman with respect. Maybe I'll go out and get myself a bodyguard if this is what they're all like

what would you need a bodyguard for?

I think I just got lucky with Warren. All eyes turn to me, and I pause with my fork raised to my mouth. What?

A small smile plays around Warren's lips, but he stays quiet

So, what are your plans now, Kiara?

What do you mean?

Well, are you going to announce to the world that you're alive?

I guess I haven't given it much thought

My parents share a look, and their faces seem to turn sombre

it feels...surreal having you here, Kiara

We don't want you to go

My father reaches out to grasp my mother's hand. She bites her lip and nods to him

Your mother and I have been talking, and we'll help you in any way we can. if you need a place to stay, if you need food or clothing...You name it, and it's yours

Anything at all

I can even help you find a job if you need one

And with your father's connection to the government, we could get you a new I.D., if you wanted to start over completely

what brought this on?

We love you, Kiara. we just want to be part of your life again

Letting you leave all those years ago was the biggest mistake of our lives. We'll never forgive ourselves for that

we can't take it back... but we can try to make it up to you. We missed out on so many years together. so many birthdays, so many Christmases...

will you consider letting us back into your life? Let us help you.

of course, Mom! I love you both so much. How could I not?

I get up and hug them both, and when I pull away, I see tears in their eyes

we love you, too

I'll make some calls this afternoon. We'll get housing for you set up as soon as we can, but in the meantime, we'd love to have you both stay here

I would appreciate that. I have to give it some thought, though. I'm not sure what my next steps are going to be. it feels like I'm always looking over my shoulder. Warren and I have barely gone outdoors since the whole ordeal started

Well, there might be a solution for that. What about the amusement park?

What amusement Park?

The Halloween one that the town holds every year. You used to love going when you were younger

I don't know if that's such a good idea. Aren't there usually a ton of people there?

it's Halloween this weekend, so I doubt anyone would recognize you if you gp in a costume!

I don't know, mom

it sounds like it might be good for you to get out of the house for a while

Good for both of you

Do you have any masks here?

My mother's face falls a bit, but she doesn't let it deter her

No, but I'm sure we can find something that works

Well, if anyone asks me who I'm supposed to be...I can always just tell them, " I'm the dead wife of the senator."

Two days later...

A date to the amusement Park with Warren sounds so surreal... yet it's happening tonight. I should find a nice outfit to wear

okay, I think I finally found the perfect one (angel costume). Maybe I should change something about my hair, too? if there is photographic evidence of me Warren in town, a new hairstyle might fool them...Done ( Half packed up hairstyle)

Kaira? Are you almost ready to go?

Yes, I'm coming

Here goes nothing

I forgot how many rides this place had! What should we do first?

I glance over at Warren excitedly, only to find him already smiling at me

What?

it's nothing

no, tell me!

it's just nice to see you so happy

My cheeks redden

Thank you. So, where should we go first?

Wherever you want to go. This is your night

Let's go to the haunted House

Really? I didn't expect them to have one of those here

You're not scared, are you?

Warren rolls his eyes

which way is it?

This way, I'll show you

I grab his arm and pull him behind me

see it! it's right over there

That tall, creepy building? How cliche

Hey, don't be like that. This was one of the scariest haunted houses I've ever been in. I'd like to see you try not to scream

I don't scream

I give him a smug look

we'll see about that

As we near the haunted House, a clown holding a red balloon is stationed in front of it. I go to walk past the clown, but Warren stops

Warren?

what?

why did you stop?

I didn't stop

I turn to face him only to find him staring menacingly at the clown

is... something the matter?

No

okay, can we go inside?

I don't trust him

what? who?

That thing over there. I don't trust him

The clown?

I glare back at the clown, who's waving at us. His face is painted white with huge red lips and pointy teeth. The balloon he's holding has a sad face drawn on it

it's a clown, Warren. Come on, I want to go inside

I pull at his arm, and he reluctantly follows behind me

Are you scared of clowns?

Nothing scares me

if you say so

when we get inside the house, it's pitch black. The flickering lights and the small lit-up arrows glued on the floor are the only things illuminating the place. I clutch onto Warren's arm

was this a bad idea?

There are fake bats on the ceiling that swoop down now and then and cause me to jump. Around every corner, something scary jumps out at us, and I can't help but scream in terror. Warren stays on course, never once faltering, but always stopping to check to see if I'm okay, When we finally reach the exit, something is blocking the door. I didn't notice it until Warren stopped

Warren! Don't stop! There are things behind us!

There's something in front of us, too

what?

I peer around his shoulder to find the same clown from before standing in the doorway. in its hand is a knife

Warren?

don't move?

it has a knife!

I know

Warren draws closer to the clown, and it follows his every move. it's lifts the knife into the air and stans the balloon. The loud popping noise makes me jump and shriek. To my shock, Warrem jumps a bit as well

who are you?

The clown tilts its head slowly to the side

I asked you a question

Warren walks up to the clown and lifts his fist. The clown screams and runs back out the door

What was that? were you going to ATTACK the clown?

he could've been the man sent to kill you

Warren, there's been a clown at the door every year since I was a little girl. it's one of the scariest parts of the haunted House because it follows you around

Warren turns to look at me with confusion

Why would they hire a clown to do that?

because it's scary?

right

He shakes his head and stalks towards the exit. I watch with humour as he rips open the door and storms out

is it just me, or did I find out that Warren Garcia is afraid of clowns?

I run to catch up with him

Two hours later...

come on, hurry up

we don't have to run to every attraction, you know

Tugging Warren along behind me, I heard to our final destination of the night. it's nearing one o'clock in the morning, and most of the families have cleared out by now

where are we headed to?

My favourite part of the amusement park

which is?

I point at the Ferris wheel

This is your favourite, huh?

we reach the entrance easily, and the Ferris wheel slows down to let us in. I step on first and feel the cart swing slightly from my weight. Warren steps in next and then sits across from me. The Ferris wheel attendant waves us forward, and the wheel takes off once again

This is amazing. I'm so glad we came tonight

You had fun, then?

This has been one of the best days I've had in years

I smile at him

I know it was technically your job to come here with me, but either way, I'm glad you did. I hope you had at least a little fun

it was fun

I mean, other than the scary clown from the haunted House- -

I wasn't scared, how many times do I have to tell you that?

I throw my hand in mock surrender

of course

I was just looking out for your safety

I'm sure you were

I was

I never said you weren't

Your tone implied that I wasn't

True, but I never actually said the words

I grin at him, and he lets out a reluctant chuckle

Hey, Warren? can I ask you something?

Anything

I glance away from him and out at the view

Do you have feelings for me?

When he doesn't answer, I look back at him, and Warren's face is carefully blank. After a long moment of nothing but the sounds of the amusement Park around us, he finally speaks

Yes

what?

Yes, I'm falling in love with you

His voice was barely a whisper, but I heard it all the same. My heart begins to pound in my chest. When I don't say anything, he sighs and shakes his head

it's okay, you don't have to say anything. I should've kept it to myself, but I thought you should know. Please tell me this won't change anything between us. I can keep things professional, I assure you

I simply nod. An awkward silence sits between us as the Ferris wheel comes to a stop. I can sense Warren's disappointment at my lack of response, but I know he'll get over it. when I look out the cart window, I notice that we're at the very top of the ride. I glance down at the ground, and I see a few people walking around the park grounds below us

They look so small down there.

Warren looks out as well

it's almost like all of my problems seem so insignificant when I'm up here so high. like nothing can touch me

We spend the next few minutes silently watching the crowd below us, and then the wheel finally begins its descent back to the ground

As I lie in bed an hour later, Warren's calm breathing is the only sound in the room, i think about the lunch conversation

My parents think money and connection can solve my problems....but if that man found me in the cabin and tried to kill us instead of taking me hostage, I don't think a fake identity is going to stop him

I frown to myself

There has to be something I'm missing. A clue or a piece that could tie everything together. And if anyone has a clue, it's Eli. I should go home. staying here is pointless. The only problem is that Warren is never going to agree to this

As my resolve hardens, I realize what I have to do

I refuse to stay here and risk our lives again

I carefully slip out of bed and creep over to the closet. Sliding on a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie, I make my way over to the door and quietly turn the knob. Just as I'm about to pull the door open, a familiar voice makes me freeze in panic

where the hell do you think you're going?