9

Gin stood up and helped to clear the table. Her eyes met Ethan's meaningfully. He seemed to have read the silent plea there accurately for he picked up a casserole dish and followed her into the kitchen. The second Ethan entered the kitchen, she pounced on him. "You're taking me home right? I mean I don't want to inconvenience Kin Arvis. I'm sure ___ Heather would appreciate the time with her ___ her ___." Gin could not get the words out to describe what Kin Arvis was to Heather. Ethan laughed heartily. "Gin," his hands cupped her elbows, "you're safer with my big brother than you are with me," he grinned. I beg to differ! She smiled. "If you don't mind, I'd rather go home with you. I trust you to behave like a gentleman," her grey eyes challenged him. "Now that's what I call a low blow," he sighed. "Sorry," she grinned. "We're good?" "Yeah ," his eyes fell to his hands holding her elbow then lifted to her lips. "You sure are a looker, Gin. One hot, sexy babe," he grinned, "yet for my seemingly immeasurable sins, I am being punished." "Don't make me feel like a wicked witch," she spoke softly. "All right," he relented. "Plant one right there," he pointed to his cheek. Gin chuckled softly. She reached up and pressed her lips to Ethan's cheek and at that precise moment, in barged Kin Arvis. Gin guiltily stepped back as if she was caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Ethan was still smiling, his arm still holding onto Gin. When Gin dared to lift her eyes to Kin Arvis's, his were dark and thunderous. Her eyes narrowed indifferently. She did not understand what the hell his problem was, not like they were in a relationship or something. And wasn't he sleeping every night with Heather? "Heather would like to leave," Kin Arvis announced, glaring at Gin. Her chin came up defiantly. She linked her arm through Ethan"s. "We're leaving too, right?" She smiled at Ethan. "We were just about to come say goodbye to you guys," Ethan nodded, innocently, unaware of the highly charged current flowing between Gin and his big brother. "I guess it's good night then," Kin Arvis's eyes held Gin"s. He tried to read the expression there, but May's lids were shuttered. She refused to meet his eyes. "Good night," Gin and Ethan echoed simultaneously. Kin Arvis nodded, turned and stormed out. Very slowly Gin released the breath she was holding. Ethan crooked his arm, so she could hold on as they walked back into the lounge. Heather was slinging her handbag onto her shoulder and walking towards the kitchen. "I was just coming to say bye," she smiled at Gin. "Good night," Gin forced out. She was furiously trying not to think of a very naked Heather wrapped in Kin Arvis's arms. "Was lovely to meet you," Heather touched Gin's arm. "Hopefully we can meet again?" "Sure," Gin lied. "We're leaving too," she dragged Ethan with her and rushed out without looking Kin Arvis's way. Ethan turned towards Gin in the passenger seat, his eyes searching hers. Gin silently prayed he was not going to attempt to kiss her, not now, she wanted out of here. "He's not an ogre, you know." "What?" Gin looked at Ethan all confused. "My brother. He may be your boss, but he's a respectable guy." Gin did not doubt for a second that Ethan loved and respected Kin Arvis very much, considering he defended his brother's honour with unmistakable pride. "I'm just tired," Gin lied for the second time. "So you definitely don't want to go dancing with me," he tried to convince her to change her mind. She did not want to hurt his feelings. "Perhaps another time," she responded. "Gin?" Shin looked surprised to see her daughter home so early from a party. "Hi mum," Gin smiled, throwing her keys onto the cabinet in the entrance lounge. "The party not good?" Her mother questioned, lowering herself on the sofa. "It was just a dinner and it went well," Gin answered economically. "It's Saturday night and you're home so early," Shin smiled. "Vin is already in bed you know," Shin implied there was no reason for Gin to have rushed back home so early. "You know I'm not one for those protracted evening do"s," Gin dragged out. "You're so young dear. You should go out more often," her mother grinned. "How else are you going to attract a charming prince?" Gin laughed. She slid onto the sofa next to her mum, leaning her head against the back rest. "Why is it so difficult to find somebody to have a relationship with?" She questioned innocently. Gin turned her head towards her mum, when she heard her mum roar with laughter. "What's so funny?" Gin questioned innocuously. "Honey, men are falling at your feet to date you and not surprisingly, because you're a very beautiful young lady." "Says my mother," Gin pursed her lips, though silently conceding, she was not unattractive. "I don't know who he was that set the bar so high darling," her mum gently patted the back of her wrist, "but you measure every man against that standard and conclude they're not good enough." Gin squirmed uncomfortably. "I can't force myself to have a relationship with a guy, if I don't feel an attraction to him mum." "Perhaps you're way too discriminating," her mum smiled. "I'm not saying drop your standards, but make some allowances. "You know Dr. Alice is crazy about you and there'snothing wrong with him," her mum's eyebrows rose questioningly. He's not Kin Arvis! "Right," Gin smiled and stood up. "I'm going to kiss my sleeping son goodnight," Gin announced. "Copout is what I call it," her mum smirked lovingly. Gin laughed good naturedly as she escaped. "Put your phone away Vin." Vin looked up demonstratively at his mum, "but our breakfast has not arrived yet." They were at the Wimpy, in Hyde Park. She had wanted to take Vin to breakfast and then get him some sweaters for winter. From the grin on his face earlier, he had to be texting some girl. "That's rude you know," she stirred her coffee. "Talk to me." "About what mum?" "I don't know." Gin laughed . Vin grinned. He liked it when his mum was happy. She worked long hours and was often tired. Sometimes her eyes were sad and he wished he could do something for her, to take away that sadness. He often wondered how the man who fathered him could have walked away from such an amazing lady, but in his early years when he'd bring up his father, his mum would have that hurt look in her eyes, so he stop asking about the man who was supposed to be his father. Kin Arvis gulped down his steaming coffee. He'd heard the familiar laugh before he realized who it was. His head jerked up. He was surprised to see Gin in his neck of the woods. She looked happy, having breakfast with her kid. They seemed to be having an enjoyable conversation. She was so beautiful, attractive high cheekbones, her skin, soft, unblemished, she had bright intelligent eyes. Her jet black hair held together in a ponytail. She was in jeans and a sweater, but he could make out her slim, shapely hips and slender legs. It rankled Kin Arvis that he was not the only male whose eyes were on Gin. "Oh I get it. This is about quality time," Vin slipped his phone into his pocket. "So ___ how was your day mum?" Gin's brows arched. "It's still morning! How can you ask me how was my day? And we"ve been together all morning." "Oh," he seemed to ponder on that for a second. "How was your day yesterday?" "Forget it. Go back to your phone," her eyes narrowed, accusingly. "Sorry," he grinned, flashing his pearly whites at his mum. "So what's her name?" Gin smiled. "Rachel," Vin leered. "She plays in the girls" soccer team at school. She's very good." "Interesting," Gin laughed, as their breakfast arrived. "Thank you," Vin graciously smiled at the waiter. "Anything else for you, Dr. Mikhayla?" The waiter politely asked Gin. "No thank you, everything looks perfect" she picked up her knife and fork to tuck into her bacon and eggs. "So this is where you two are hiding out." "Dean!" Gin stood up and hugged her brother. "When did you get back from Vegas?" "Gin," Dean smiled adoringly at his sister, and kissed her cheek. "Got in last night," he drew Vin into his arms and hugged his nephew. "Mum said I would catch you guys here." "Hi Uncle Dean." "Please join us, " Gin shifted, to accommodate Dean. "I'm starving," Dean accepted, stealing a slice of Gin's toast. "So what did you do in Vegas, Uncle Dean?" "Played in a few night clubs, visited the casino," he winked. "I made some money," he lowered his voice and laughed. The waiter arrived and took Dean's breakfast order. Kin Arvis's brows knitted together angrily. His eyes glared furiously at the man joining Gin at her table. Who the hell is that? Kin Arvis clenched his fists as the man possessively draped his arms around Gin and she___ she was encouraging him. "Hello Gin." "Kin Arvis!" Gin gripped her cutlery tightly. He hadn't known he'd left his table until he was looking into her eyes and heard her speak his name. Gin's knuckles turned white. She looked down uncomfortably. She did not want to introduce Kin Arvis to her brother. Gin prayed fervently that Dean would not see the resemblance between his nephew and the man who stood at their table. Vin looked curiously from his mother to Kin Arvis. Why was mum so afraid of her boss? Was he a bad boss? She must find another boss if this boss was mean to her. "Morning Dr. Ra," Vin intervened. "Good morning Vin," Kin Arvis's eyes remained on Dean, even though he responded to Vin. Gin reluctantly made the introduction. "Kin Arvis meet my brother Dean. Dean, this is Dr. Kin Arvis Ra." Dean recognized the surname. He stood up, smiled pleasantly, extending his hand. "Hi," he shook Kin Arvis's hand firmly. Her brother! "Morning," the muscles on Kin Arvis's face suddenly relaxed. "Pleasure to meet you." "Judging from my sister's discomfort, you must be the boss," Dean grinned. "I prefer to think of ourselves as colleagues," Kin Arvis turned on the charm. "We each have our area of expertise. Look, I won't keep you. Enjoy your breakfast," he nodded to Dean. "Gin," he offered a courteous smile. "Why don't you join us?" Dean offered. No! "I'm sure Dr. Ra has patients to get to," Gin's eyes narrowed at Kin Arvis threateningly. He was disappointed she did not want his company. He would have liked to stay. He'd already completed his morning rounds in the hospital and Gin knew very well, that he started his rounds very early each morning. It was her day off, he guessed, she wanted to spend it privately with her family. "Thank you. I'm on my way back to the hospital," he was not lying. There was a mountain of paperwork waiting for him, not that he was in the mood for that administrative task. In the week that followed, Kin Arvis was restless. He stayed away from Gin's ward. He tried to wipe her out of his memory, but that was as impossible as trying to make time stand still. He was also avoiding Heather, he felt a tad guilty about that. He had not seen her in the last three days and he had not been answering her calls. He knew he had to ends things with Heather. It was pointless lying to himself and stringing Heather on. Gin was astounded, one early afternoon, when she saw Heather at her door, at the hospital. "Heather ___ hi," Gin swallowed uncomfortably. What was she doing here? "Kin Arvis's on the seventh ___." "I asked your secretary when is your lunch break," she smiled, cutting Gin of. "I told her it was ___ personal." "Personal " ___ you and I! "Have a seat," Gin pointed to one of the chairs in front of her table. "Thank you," Heather's eyes were trained on Gin. Uncomfortable at Heather's dissecting gaze, Gin looked away. "I'm sorry to just barge in," Heather apologized. Gin shrugged her shoulders and remained silent. "Kin Arvis does not know I'm here," Heather murmured. "What?" "He broke up with me, Gin," a sob escaped Heather's throat. Gin's eyes widened in surprise. Heather and Kin Arvis could not keep their hands of each other at the Barbequi. Gin guiltily thought she was the last person Heather should be confiding in. "I thought you were ___ happy together," Gin lifted a tissue from the box and handed it to Heather. "Something changed since Ethan's birthday, Gin," Heather spoke between sobs. Can't be me. I've hardly seen Kin Arvis since that evening. Gin looked away. She did not know why she was feeling guilty. Perhaps it was because Kin Arvis was the father of her child. "I'm sorry," Gin murmured. "I haven't seen much of Kin Arvis. He's rather busy." Which was the truth. He was chief of staff; head of cardiology and he put in a lot of hours in the orthopaedic department. "The night of Ethan's birthday, he dropped me off and said he wanted an early night, even though, he promised he'd stay over at my place," she stated. ""He's not taking my calls," she sobbed again. " "Perhaps he has a lot on his plate here," Gin offered., knowing she herself didn't believe what she just spoke. Kin Arvis was not a guy who bulked at the weight on his shoulders or any pressure for that matter. He was the type of man who would handle every situation with consummate ease. Still Gin could not deny something leapt in her heart, knowing that Kin Arvis was free. She silently berated herself for her insensitive thoughts. Not that he'd bothered pursuing her. Late that same evening, Gin was about to turn into bed, when she heard the rasping knock on her front door. Dedicated to the call on her life; knowing a knock meant somebody needed help, Gin never neglected to answer her door or the telephone for that matter. She was speechless then, when it was Kin Arvis standing there, both hands leaning on the door frame. He looked fatigued. He was still in a suit and it did not look like he was in a very pleasant mood. "Kin Arvis! It's almost midnight." "Let me in Gin," he demanded. "Why?" "Because I need you," he barged in, his eyes raking over her, watching her chest rise and fall. "I need you" Gin was stunned to see him, but Kin Arvis saw the flair of recognition … the lust in her eyes. She tried to drag her eyes away from him, but her eyes could not comprehend her silent rationale. Kin Arvis grabbed her roughly, bringing her up against the muscular wall of his chest. "What are you doing?" She struggled in vain. His arms were like a steel band. She stopped resisting when his warm breath fanned her lips; when the heat beneath the silk of his shirt fuelled her desire for him. His mouth was descending on hers. Gin wanted to resist but her fingers crumbled on his chest. She should shove him away, but she was weak, powerless, hungry for him. How could she deny herself when she was madly attracted to him, unable to keep her hands of him; her lips parted, allowing him entry. She kissed him back. Her fingers smoothed over his chest. She heard his sharp hiss of breath. Her arms snaked over his shoulders, around his neck. Twin pulled her closer, his arms moulding her to his hardened frame. Gin's hands went wild, entangling in his dark hair. She returned his kisses passionately. A soft moan escaped her throat. She whispered his name, pleading for him not to stop. Her nipples were aroused; piercing against his chest. Her body pressed closer to him. They continued kissing passionately, deepening the kiss. Gin angled her head, more hungry for him, like ten years of starvation to be precise. "Gin___ who's there?" Her mother entered the lounge to find Gin in Kin Arvis's arms. Embarrassed, Gin discovered she was still holding on to Kin Arvis. Her hands dropped to her sides. Kin Arvis could see her face all flustered. Her eyes still dark with desire; her lips swollen, from his kisses. Silently, he felt a sense of triumph that she was still attracted to him. He took a moment to gain some control before he calmly greeted Shin Mikhayla. Her mother stared wide-eyed looking from her daughter to the visitor. She looked at Gin questioningly. Reluctantly Gin introduced Kin Arvis to her mother. "I should leave," Kin Arvis said goodnight to Gin and Shin and walked out. "It's him, isn't it?" Her mother questioned perceptively. Gin shut her eyes for a second. Why on earth did Kin Arvis come here? "I have often wondered if you would ever tell me," her eyes softened. "I'm sorry, I never did," Gin whispered. "So he's your boss?" she grinned. Gin blushed, she kept quiet. "Does Vin know?" "No!" "He has a right to know, Gin." "I'm trying to find a way to do that," Gin breathed heavily. First I need to talk to Kin Arvis Gin smiled. "In the past it was easy when I could tell Vin his dad left the country before he was born. Now ___." "So he's just returned to South Africa?" Gin inhaled heavily. "Yes ___ but it's a long story mum." Shin could see her daughter was still reluctant to talk. "Don't leave it too long Gin your Kin Arvis, does not look like a man who suffers fools gladly." Shin Mikhayla finally understood why her daughter had remained without a man for the last ten years of her young adult life. Kin Arvis Ra was an extremely good looking man, now she understood her daughter's reluctance to date any other man. He's not my ___Kin Arvis. I wish he were. "I need a partner for dinner on Saturday night Gin." "Alice, I told you, I'm not interested." Quite frankly she was getting tired of Ethan and Alice trying to monopolize all her free time when she only wanted Kin Arvis now that he was a free man. "You don't have to be interested Gin," Alice groaned. "Just accompany me." "Alice!" She stood up and removed her handbag from the drawer. "Find yourself a girlfriend. I'm going home." "Gin please," he gripped her arm. "You understand me. Other girls expect commitment or the promise of a wedding band," his arms circled her waist. "You know you can trust me Gin." She looked up into his eyes. He was sincere, trustful … but not Kin Arvis. Her hands closed over his palms on her waist to push him away. "Even though I want you, you know I do, but I've never overstepped the mark, Gin" he pleaded. "Stuart what the hell are you doing?" Gin and Alice guiltily stepped apart. Kin Arvis's thunderous voice was like an electric chainsaw cutting through the air. "Get your hands of Dr. Mikhayla," Kin Arvis stormed in, shoving Alice away from Gin. "Kin Arvis!" She gasped, but his angry glare and the scowl on his face silenced her. "Get out!" He growled at Alice and stay away from Dr. Mikhayla." "Kin Arvis you're being ridiculous!" Gin exclaimed, seeing Alice hastily backing out of her office. "If he touches you again, I will fire him," Kin Arvis threatened. "Now you are being absurd!" She picked up her bag again. "I came to see you," he murmured," his eyes sweeping over her flushed face. "I'm leaving," she hissed. "Not yet Gin," he blocked her way, his hands slipping into her silky hair. "Alice's not supposed to touch me but you can!" Feint colour stained his cheeks, a pulse throbbed at his throat, yet his eyes lustfully held hers. He watched her breathing accelerate, her lips part. "Kiss me Gin," he dipped his head close to her face, his lips inches away from hers. Her features were flushed, her grey eyes dilated. She desperately wanted to kiss him as much as he wanted it. Lifting her heels, she reached for his mouth., her arms wrapping around his neck. Melting against him, Gin was lost in the amorous kiss. Her fingers unbuttoned his shirt, her nails raking over his chest. He was so much more well-built, his muscles so powerfully defined. "Gin," he growled huskily, his lips pressing soft kisses on her slender throat. "You are so beautiful … your skin so soft." His lips trailed down her neck. Hurriedly he unbuttoned her blouse, his tongue laving over her cleavage. His lips teased her aroused nipple until it bruised from the pain. Gin sighed pleasurably, her fingers at his nape, pressing him closer. Kin Arvis unbuttoned her blouse completely, her bra was unhooked. His fingers tracing over her shapely breasts, cupping them until Gin groaned with delight. She could feel his arousal piercing against her pelvis. "I want you, Gin," Kin Arvis groaned, cupping her sexy bottom against his aroused shaft. Gin looks into his dark eyes. She could not believe how aroused Kin Arvis was and they were in her surgery. There was a patient bed in there, that could do … right? "Your breasts are so beautiful," he whispered against her ear. Gin was battling with herself. Should she allow Kin Arvis to make love to her? God knew she wanted him so badly. But what would become of her? Was she going to become his doormat for him to just use at his leisure? "What does that mean?" Gin heard Kin Arvis ask. "What?" She looked confused. Kin Arvis smiled sexily. "You seem to have a tattoo, just below your left breast. What is that symbol?" He stared at the artwork curiously. Oh My God! Gin's eyes shifted. "It's ___ nothing," she mumbled evasively, quickly adjusting her bra and buttoning her blouse again. She was not in the mood to explain the impulsive actions of an eighteen year old to Kin Arvis. "Gin?" He groaned pleadingly. "We're not stopping now are we?" He asked hoarsely. Thankfully the tattoo was temporarily forgotten. "We are," she breathed heavily. "We should not being doing ___ this anyway," she moved away from him. "Why shouldn't we?" he caught her arm. "We are two consenting adults and we are attracted to each other, you cannot dispute that." "I'm not going to bed with you ___ again." "We're going to Gin," his arms circled her waist. "You don't have the will power to fight it, neither do I." "Kin Arvis ___ please. We can't do this." "Spend the night with me Gin." "No! I have to go home to Vin." "Your mum's there," his thumb lifted her chin forcing her to meet his eyes. "I am Vin's mother." He sighed resignedly. "Fine. Let's go away this weekend. "We can arrange for Vin to be taken care of." "I don't want to go anywhere with you, Kin Arvis." Kin Arvis looked at her with dark, angry eyes. "I don't want Stuart anywhere near you!" he instructed. "You're mad," her eyes narrowed unbelievingly. "I have to go home Kin Arvis." "Okay," he could see he was losing ground here. "This is not over Gin," he lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers. He kissed her one more time and smiled. "Should I walk you to your car?" "No! You'll probably attempt to kiss me again in the car par. Go to your office," she instructed. Kin Arvis laughed, that throaty, sexy laugh, she adored. "Okay Dr. Mikhayla, enjoy your evening, if you can," he walked with her to the lift. Gin knew she was going to spend half the night awake, thinking about him. She heaved a heavy breath before she took the lift to the car park, whilst Kin Arvis dragged himself back to his office