11

Kin Arvis recognized the flash of awareness in her eyes. His fingers brushed down her cheek. Gin could not stop staring at Kin Arvis. His eyes were so dark, like the colour of molasses. She swallowed anxiously … her eyes locked on his. Instinctively, her hand closed over his. Their hands linked. A tingling sensation from Gin's fingers rushed all over her body. It made her shiver. It's just a reaction to the chill of the air conditioner she told herself. Strangely a few moments ago she wanted it turned higher. Kin Arvis's head was moving closer to her face. She should stop him, she cautioned herself, yet no words passed her lips. When his mouth hovered an inch from hers, when his warm breadth caressed her lips, her eyes closed, her mouth opened to receive his kiss. Why then, did she not stop Kin Arvis when he removed the glass from her hand? Why did she lean into him, when his head dipped towards her mouth? His hand slipped through her gown, cupping her starved breast. Gin stilled. Her hand stopped him. She was so confused. Should she do this with Kin Arvis … again? God knew he was the only man in the world that held her heart. "Gin relax," he murmured against her lips. He could not comprehend her anxiety. They had made love previously, even if it was ten years ago and she's had a baby. He would understand her anxiety, if she was a virgin. "I am nervous," she breathed heavily. It has been ten years, you know! She did not feel so confident about her body anymore, not after she'd given birth to a child. She did not possess the boldness she did when she'd been a naive, unsuspecting teenager. Her innocent answer shook him with its strength. Kin Arvis liked his affairs short, straight forward and non-placating. Somehow this time, he doubted that would be enough for Gin … .still he had to have her. "You are so beautiful." He watched her blush deepen as his eyes dipped to her breasts, admiring the petite, aroused pink tips. Gin wanted him. She was too far gone. She needed to know what it would feel like to be made love to again, by Kin Arvis. She may never get another chance. She just had to. Her hands roamed his body experimentally, her fingers thrilled at his muscular biceps. She sighed, pulling him closer, allowing her fingers to become buried in his dark hair, twining wonderfully in its thick strands. Gin's fingers undid the buttons on his shirt. She was kissing him back, her fingers wreaking havoc on his flesh. She heard his grunt of frustration. The settee was not made for two. Kin Arvis stood up, lifted her into his arms and marched with her to the bed. He tugged at the belt at her waist, her robe was loosened. Gin would not let Kin Arvis look at her body. She pulled him over her, her arms wrapping around his neck. Kin Arvis hastily removed his shirt, his trousers was dispensed with next. He kicked his shoes off and with lightning speed his socks went flying into the air. Their lips locked hungrily, their hands exploring curiously. Gin clung tightly to Kin Arvis. He was so much more of a man now, so well built, sturdy muscles. His love-making so much more artful … like an expert. She needed to touch and re-discover every inch of his body. Kin Arvis removed her gown. "Gin," he cried out hoarsely. "You leave me breathless." He lifted himself up, leaning on his elbows. He wanted to taste every square inch of her body. He had all night. He heard her pleas, urging him to end the agony, but her body was like his master, he wanted to serve and worship it at great length until she pleaded and begged for their consummation. Gin smiled ecstatically, totally satiated, her arms possessively around his neck. "Come shower with me," Kin Arvis smiled, he was brushing soft kisses on her throat. Gin kept her eyes closed. She would love to see him in all his naked glory in the shower. She would love to lather foams of soap across the expanse of his chest and Kin Arvis wanted to know how it would feel to have her body pressed to his … all wet, but she was not going to give into the invitation in his eyes. She was not going to be standing naked in front of Kin Arvis for all her baggage to be scrutinized. "You go," she murmured. "I'll go just now." He was disillusioned, but he nodded, with a slow kiss to her lips, he slipped away to her bath room. When he returned he was devastated, Gin had fritted into the depths of slumber land. He slid in next to her and drew her into his arms. They had made love once only, disappointingly for him. He wanted her again. Gin had fallen asleep, satisfactorily snuggled tightly in Twin's arms. Kin Arvis would give anything to have her one more time, but she looked so peaceful, he did not have the heart to wake her up. Gin stirred sleepily. Her eyes opened to a watchful, smiling Kin Arvis. He looks so good in the morning. Gin pulled the sheets up to cover her chest. "Morning," her eyes fell to his luscious lips. What time is it?" She murmured in a heavy sleep induced voice. Kin Arvis laughed, amused at her show of modesty after their enthralling night of passion. She was fine with him being there, as long as she has the protection of the sheets. She did not want him looking at her unclothed. Ten years ago, she did not mind, her youthful body had held appeal. Ten years on, one baby later, she was not so confident. Not that she had any child bearing scars as evidence, but she had nursed Vin and in her subjective view, she thought her breasts had altered its natural shape somewhat. "Morning, Gin," he leaned over, his naked chest draping over her, "just after six," his lips met hers in a sensual kiss. She kissed him back, wide awake now, her fingers at the nape of his neck, caressing, enjoying, stimulating. "Why are you awake?" she murmured against his lips. Day two of the conference was only starting at nine. Kin Arvis was one of the mid-morning speakers. "Don't you know why?" He murmured huskily, leading her hand to a very aroused organ of his enchanting body. She was starving for him too, never mind that she'd ordered room service and neither she nor Kin Arvis had even lifted the lids of the delicious smelling dinner last night. After their marathon love making session, Gin had promptly fallen asleep in Kin Arvis's comfortable arms and she was more than exhilarated that he'd stayed in her bed the entire night, even though she'd slept like a baby. "So you didn't go back to your own room?" she murmured, shyly. "Did you want me to?" He looked thwarted … disappointed. She gazed into his dark, unmistakable, desire filled eyes. "No," she responded sincerely." Kin Arvis smiled happily. "Tell me," he urged. "What does this tattoo mean?" he lowered the covers, his thumb tracing over the mysterious symbol. "No ___," she whispered, lifting the covers again. Kin Arvis chuckled softly, pressing his lips to hers. "You're so secretive." Her cheeks scarlet, she smiled shyly, drawing him over her naked body … invitingly. Kin Arvis groaned pleasurably, his arms wrapping around her possessively. His lips left her mouth, rushing to her throat. His tongue laved erotically, before it moved lower to capture an aroused nipple between his teeth. He could not get enough of Gin. Her body was detectable. She was deliciously sweet … he'd tasted every inch of her last night. Recalled her cries of delight as his skilled tongue had bought her wave after wave of amatory pleasure. Hungrily his lips moved below her navel, he just had to taste her again. "Oh my God, Kin Arvis!" Her hands pushed him of her body. "Gin! What!" He looked shattered that she'd shoved him away. "Last night, you did not use protection," she whispered. "Oh," he smiled. "You don't need to worry Gin." He looked at her uncomfortably. "You're safe. I'm unable to father any children," he dragged that out grudgingly. Gin's eyes widened. She lifted her upper body, staring into Kin Arvis's eyes. "So ___ you"ve never used protection, even ___ with other women?" He groaned loudly. "I always do Gin, for health reasons." He let his hands slide off her shoulder. "I've never not used condoms with any of my past lovers," he stated. "It avoids questions ___ explanations I'd rather not get into. Last night ___ I guess I was out of control," he looked sheepish, "although, you have nothing to fear, I have a clean bill of health," he asserted. Gin was only half listening. So he thought he was not able to conceive! Her eyes raked over him questioningly. He is a medical practitioner, how could he not have researched his condition. Her eyes fell to the dark imprint on his chest, the constant reminder every day in her life, the indisputable connection between Kin Arvis and Vin. "Gin?" The questioning frown on her face troubled him. "Kin Arvis," she inhaled heavily. "There'sno easy way to say this, so I am just going to say it." "What?" He laughed nervously. "Vin is your son." Kin Arvis laughed again, but when he saw the severity on her face, he stopped smiling. He shook his head from side to side. "No, Gin. It is medically impossible. I cannot father children!" "That's not true," she whispered. "Gin, I had a motor cycle accident when I was sixteen. There was serious trauma to the pelvis ___ testes ___ spermatic cord." Gin just stared. He could see she was not convinced. "I saw the scan; the x-rays, Gin. The sperm-conducting tubes were damaged. The surgeon informed me I was permanently sterile." Gin shook her head. She could not believe what Kin Arvis was saying. He was a medical practitioner for heaven's sake. Nothing was cast in stone, not when it came to the human body. "Gin, for five consecutive years, I was tested and the results were always the same. Permanent damage … permanent sterility," he announced in a dead-pan tone. "They were wrong Kin Arvis! They were wrong," she murmured. Her hand reached out, tracing the conspicuous mark on his chest. "Why does that fascinate you so?" His hand closed over hers, yet he was alarmed by her claim yet again. Well if she wanted him as her husband, this time he would not say no. He was attracted to her, they were good in bed. She would respect his commitment to his career. It was a good match. If she continued to insist that he fathered Vin, he would go with the flow … He recalled her telephone ramblings to him ten years ago. Even if he knew it was a lie! "Vin has this exact same mark," Gin broke into his thoughts. Kin Arvis's eyes widened unbelievably. Now that was an impossibility! He knew his father had that mark and so did Ethan ___ strange Ra characteristic, but not uncommon. "Gin, millions of babies are born with congenital nevi!" Gin lifted her upper body, turning towards Kin Arvis. "That is true Kin Arvis, but this exact same clover-shape, and at exactly the same place on Vin's rib-cage! If you need convincing, we can do DNA testing," she offered. Kin Arvis sat up, wide eyed. Gin seemed convinced he was not sterile. Of greater concern was her astounding claim that he was Vin's father. Kin Arvis wanted it to be true. He wanted to know he was not infertile. It was harrowing to his manhood, more especially since he was the Ra heir. He wrapped his arms around her. Vin is my son! I am fertile? How the hell did dad not investigate my condition? "I want to meet Vin," Kin Arvis tossed the duvet aside and jumped out." "No!" Gin blurted, tightening the duvet closer around her chest. She knew what he meant. He already met Vin. He wanted to be introduced to his son. Kin Arvis's hands pounded his waist. His eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Put some clothes on ___ please," she pleaded. Kin Arvis looked around the room, found his trousers and slipped into them, without bothering with his boxers. "Why can I not see Vin?" He demanded. She wanted to get out of bed as well, but she was not prepared to relinquish the protection of the bed covering. "Firstly, you're presenting a session this morning, remember?" Kin Arvis looked at his watch. He inhaled then exhaled sharply. "We're flying back after my session," he instructed. "Kin Arvis ___." She needed to talk to him. This was not how she had planned this scenario to play out. "Could you turn around please," she entreated. "You're being ridiculous Gin, especially after everything that happened between us last night." How could she ever forget last night? He had made love to every inch of her body, and she had loved every second of it … and she could be pregnant again! Gin heard Kin Arvis curse softly, as he turned his back to her so she could wake up. Hurriedly, she hopped out, her eye on Kin Arvis as she quickly scrambled into the gown. "Kin Arvis," she touched his shoulder. A stab of pain wielded through her as Kin Arvis stiffened … recoiled as if he found her touch repulsive. When he'd rejected her ten years ago, she had been too hurt to pursue him further. "I'm sorry," she mumbled, not sure why she was apologizing. "Before you see Vin, I want to tell him first," she spoke quietly. He stared at her. Somehow he did not need to do the DNA tests. He believed her. He saw it in her eyes. She was telling the truth, but something, riled him, made him act like the devil. "This afternoon, we will do the DNA test," he announced. Kin Arvis ignored the pain reflected in her eyes. So he still does not believe me! "No Kin Arvis ___ please," Her eyes widened pleadingly, but his were shuttered, ignoring her pain, anguish. "I can't just say to Vin, open our mouth. I need a buccal swab. Your father wants proof that you're his son!" The colour darkened on his cheeks. "I want verification, today," Kin Arvis stated gruffly. "Vin is going to ask questions!" Gin tried to reason with him. "We don't have to do a swab," Kin Arvis responded. "We can use his hair follicles." Gin shut her eyes for a second. Why was he being so unreasonable? Why couldn't he wait a day or so? Kin Arvis had every reason to be impatient. All these years, he thought he was unable to father children. Deliberately, he stayed away from children so it would not hurt, that he could not have any. Deliberately, he resigned himself to bachelorhood, because he did not want to marry a woman, and then she would hate him because he could not give her children. "I suppose you expect me to pluck strands of Vin's hair in front of your eyes?" She glared at him. "Exactly. I want no room for any doubt whatsoever. I will have a private lab do the test and I will have the results, first thing tomorrow," he avowed. Gin just stared. She knew most labs had a minimum turnaround time of three days. She supposed a man like Dr. Kin Arvis Ra would have that type of connections. Kin Arvis marvelled at her inner strength. She could have accused him that ten years ago he had failed Vin. She could argue that ten years ago, she had invited him to be that father figure, but he was too angry with the world to believe her. From the corner of his eye, he saw her fiddling with the belt tightly holding her gown together. Why hadn't she demand he do a paternity test when Vin was born? Why didn't she demand child support? He was wealthy enough she could have taken him to the cleaners! When he became Chief of Staff, she could have had her moment of glory. He could just imagine the media headlines. 'renowned cardiologist embroiled in bitter paternity suit'. Why didn't she go to his parents and make a scene? They would have demanded he marry her for Vin's sake, and he would have too. A child required both its parents. He knew the benefit of having two wonderful, doting parents. He was a man of wealth, power and status, why did she allow him to get away with murder? "I'm going to shower. I will meet you in the breakfast hall," he announced, needing to put some distance between them. Gin wanted to talk to him about so many things, but she stared helplessly at the back of his broad shoulders, as he picked up his shirt and stormed out. His socks were still lying on the carpet and Gin noticed his mobile on the floor. It had somehow fallen out of his pocket. As she picked it up, Gin heard a message come in. She did not want to be inquisitive, but the message flashing on the screen, caught her eye. "I'm running ten minutes late, Kin Arvis." It was signed Louise. Is this his new lover? Envy consumed her like a raging force. She wanted to go and give him his phone, but she decided she would hand it to him downstairs. Hopefully, he would assume "his Louise" was not going to pitch and he would not meet her. Gin could not believe her devious train of thought, still she did not go and give him, his phone. While she was on a roll with her devious thoughts, why not scroll down all his messages and see who he's been texting and the content, thereof. No! I shall not invade his privacy! Gin slammed his phone on the table and escaped into the bathroom. So, Kin Arvis finally knows, he's Vin's father. She stood under the shower, consumed with trepidation. Just what is Vin going to make of all this? What about her mother and Dean and everybody at the hospital? Gin nervously walked into the breakfast court of the prestigious Mount Nelson hotel. Why she felt like public enemy number one, she had no idea. Part of her did not want to see Kin Arvis this morning. He had been so cold, dismissive and distant in her room before he stormed out. Clearly he blamed her for falling pregnant. Clearly he did not want to be saddled with a wife and kid. She remembered the cautionary warning he'd give to Heather. Poor Heather! Gin felt a tug of guilt after her spectacular night in Kin Arvis's arms. Heather cared deeply for the cold hearted Swine … and so did she for that matter. "Ah! There you are Gin." It was only at the mention of her name, did she realize she was hovering at the entrance to the breakfast court. Gin's eyes flew to the direction she heard Kin Arvis's voice come from and was astounded to see a tall blonde woman at his table. Her back was to Gin, so she could not see the woman's face. No doubt, some sexy attractive bimbo! Gin could not suppress the sharp pain gnawing at her heart. So even after sleeping with her all night, he had the gall to entertain another woman! "Morning," he draped his arms around her and planted a kiss on her lips in a show of affection. Gin knew his greeting was not sincere, because his eyes were unsmiling. She averted her eyes from his cold distant gaze. "Come and join me for breakfast," he instructed, his hand at her elbow. She did not want to have breakfast with him, not when he was looking so morose and sullen. She had delayed as much as possible up in her room in the hope of avoiding seeing him at the breakfast court. "No, I don't need breakfast," she shook her head. She really did not have any appetite to eat. "I just wanted to give you this," she placed his phone into his hand. "Without his eyes leaving hers, Kin Arvis slipped it into his pocket. "You will have breakfast Gin," he ordered. "You and I did not have supper last night and I've been waiting for you to join me." She looked away uncomfortably. She felt bad now that she had kept him waiting. He must be starving. Still she stood her ground. Why had he been waiting for her, when he had that Bimbo at his table? "Gin?" He hissed impatiently. "You seem to have company. I don't want to join you," she could not keep the jealous accusation out of her voice. He had the nerve to smile. She wanted to smack him over the head. Only he was much taller and she could not reach the top of his head. "Come, I'll introduce you," he took her by the elbow. "Kin Arvis___ no!" Her protests were ignored as she found herself in front of the blonde. "Gin, I'd like you to meet a very good friend of mine, Louise Coleman, Senior lecturer and faculty member at Stellenbosch University's Heart Centre. Louise, " Kin Arvis linked his hand through Gin"s. "Meet my fiancée, Gin Mikhayla, who is also a pediatrician at Ra." Oh! Good heavens. Gin's head swung to Kin Arvis's, her eyes narrowing incredulously. Just when had she agreed to marrying him? When Kin Arvis's grip on her hand tightened warningly, Gin turned her eyes to the woman seated at Kin Arvis's table. Gin was silently livid. The woman was blonde all right but she was about the same age as Gin's mother, if not older. "Morning Dr. Coleman," Gin greeted, "it's a pleasure to meet you," she sincerely announced, now that that she discovered the blonde was old enough to be her grandmother and she was obviously no bimbo. "Hi," she smiled. "Pediatrics huh, only the brave venture there, right Kin Arvis, "the good doctor grinned at Kin Arvis. Gin smiled. She silently conceded, sometimes, one needed nerves of steel to deal with infants … or hormonal teenagers. "Gin is an amazing pediatrician," Kin Arvis smiled proudly, curving his arm around her waist. He was bold enough to even kiss her cheek. "Take a seat," Dr. Louise Coleman, patted the chair next to her. "Thank you, Dr. Coleman," not wanting to seem impolite, Gin slumped into the chair." "Darling, shall I get us some breakfast?" It took Gin a few seconds to comprehend who "darling" was. She stared into his face, not wanting to play his game, and he got the message loud and clear. "Hot breakfast?" Kin Arvis offered. "Actually, I feel like pancakes," she countered. In the shower, that was what she had been craving. "Pancakes!" Kin Arvis groaned, "how about that, after breakfast?" He proposed. "Excuse me," Gin smiled at Louise and stood up. She turned on Kin Arvis. "You can have the hot buffet, darling," her tone was saccharine sweet. "I want pancakes." Gin stormed off, a small sense of satisfaction at snubbing Kin Arvis. It was short lived when she felt Kin Arvis literally breathing down her neck. "What's your problem?" He growled in her ear. Gin glared frostily at him. "When the hell did I become your fiancée?" Gin smiled at the attendant at the confectionary stand and pointed to the pancakes. "Two hours ago, when you told me, I am Vin's dad." Parkers" dad, that has a nice ring to it. "I did not agree to marry you," Gin's eyes were like daggers. "It does not require your agreement," his fingers curled around her wrist like a steel band, " and there will be no discussion about it." "Shouldn't you wait for the results of the DNA before you declare me your fiancée?" she spat at him. "I could be lying." He looked away. He knew she had not lied, yet he needed scientific proof. "Let's eat," he slapped bacon, eggs and sausages onto a plate, and waited for Gin to collect her pancakes. When they returned to their table, Kin Arvis held out the chair next to his, for Gin. Reluctantly, she slid into it. Deliberately, Kin Arvis's heavy thigh was pressing against her leg. If she moved, she knew, he would just lean closer to her. Louise watched with interest, how Kin Arvis was all over Gin and she, totally indifferent to the fiancé next to her. "So when's the wedding?" "In the very near future. " "We haven't decided yet." Gin and Kin Arvis spoke simultaneously. Louise's eyebrows rose slightly, her curiosity further sparked. She drank slowly from her coffee cup. Kin Arvis laughed. His eyes narrowed in Gin's direction. "But we will be married, won't we?" Gin panicked when Kin Arvis leaned over to kiss her. She wanted to turn away. She wanted to prevent the kiss from happening, but when his lips captured hers in a slow seductive embrace, her mouth opened. She sighed softly, returning the kiss. Of its own volition, her palm cupped his cheek, her fingers gently caressing the hair roughened surface of his face. Only when Kin Arvis slowly pulled away, his eyes smiling victoriously at her, did Gin realize, her hands were incriminatingly on his person. She noted annoyingly that Kin Arvis's hands were holding his cutlery and only his mouth and tongue had been employed to demonstrate his point, whilst she had fallen into his trap of seduction Kin Arvis smiled again, his hand closed over hers on his face. He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to the inside of her palm. Gin Mikhayla might be playing hardball. But she was in love with her Dr. Ra hook, line and sinker, Dr. Louise deduced conclusively. "You two love birds better get going with your breakfast," Louise interrupted the magic moment. "Kin Arvis, we're on in twenty minutes." "You're also on the panel?" Gin enquired. She did not recall seeing a Dr. Louise Coleman's name on the program. "I called Louise yesterday," Kin Arvis smiled and invited her to co-present with me." "And I'm sure you know this man of yours can be very demanding," Louise laughed softly. "This man of mine!" "I know exactly what you mean," Gin agreed, cutting a piece of pancake and forking it into her mouth. "Gang up on me, why don't you?" Kin Arvis finished his breakfast and signalled for more coffee. Louise and Gin smiled, enjoyed their moment of conspiration. "We should have coffee, when I'm next in Johannesburg," Louise extended an invitation to Gin. "Thank you. I'd like that," Gin accepted courteously. When they landed at the airport, Kin Arvis hurried her through the arrivals lounge, insisting he wanted to meet Vin. She had hoped he would change his mind, but the second he'd finished his presentation, he had confidently strode to her chair and instructed her they were leaving. The colour on Gin's cheeks was brighter than a beetroot"s. Every delegate at the conference seemed distracted by Kin Arvis towering at her chair. He was unperturbed, as he hooked his satchel and Gin's over one shoulder, his other arm, at the small of her back, as he had guided her outside. Now they were parked outside her home, she was attempting unsuccessfully, to get rid of him. "We're doing this now," he asserted. "Kin Arvis please___ can't we do this another day? I'm tired," she pleaded. They were still sitting in the car. "Afraid the results won't tip in your favour Gin?" "Of course not! You're the only man, I've ever been to bed with." His eyes were going to pop out of their sockets anytime now. He had suspected, on that night, ten years ago that she may have been a virgin, but she had made love to him with such boldness, he had doubted, his own suspicions. "You're telling me in the last ten years, you have been celibate?" His tone was incredulous … unbelieving. She was so passionate, so skilled, so responsive in bed. She looked away uncomfortably. "There was no way I was going to have sex with another man, after I found out I was pregnant," she spoke softly. " He brushed aside the guilt consuming him. "What about Stuart?" Kin Arvis demanded, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. She shook her head. "We're just good friends." "He feels more than "friendly" towards you." Gin coloured profusely. She could not dispute that Alice did want to take her to bed. "Well I did not go to bed with Alice." I'll kill any man that harbours such an ambition. "When Vin was born___," her finger traced the pattern on her skirt. "I focused on being a mother and getting through med school. That took up so much of my time, I did not have the energy to think about relationships," she whispered. What she did not tell Kin Arvis, was the odd men, who did try to date her, she kept at arm's length, because no man could hold a torch to Kin Arvis Ra. Kin Arvis's entire face turned red. "And my brother?" There was anguish on Kin Arvis's face. He hated to think Gin had slept with his brother, but he needed to hear her say it. He had harboured a suspicion that if Gin could not get the Ra heir, then the charismatic younger brother would suffice. "No! What the hell do you think of me? Don't answer that," she hissed, " clearly not much." Gin opened the door and slammed it loudly. He could not wrap his head around the fact that he was her only lover. It was impossible as impossible as he being Vin's father. Kin Arvis rushed out of the car, striding to catch up with her. Gin turned around, pointing her finger to his face. "Don't you speak a word to Vin," she warned."Not a single word, do you understand?