Incest/Taboo Body of Water

All through dinner, I couldn't concentrate on a word he said. It took all my focus and energy just to aim my fork in the right direction so I could eat.

Sustenance, I kept reminding myself. I have to eat if I'm going to get lucky tonight.

As the thought ran through my head for the tenth time, his dark eyes met mine, twinkling in the candlelight of the romantic restaurant. I worried, not for the first time, if he knew what I was thinking.

"So how long have you worked at Landbourne?"

"Oh, gosh, it's been so long." I blushed, another repeat offense that I was not enjoying tonight. "Five years. Six, come November."

"That's quite a while. Do you ever feel that you'd go somewhere else?"

"I don't know. I'd never really given it much thought. They're a good company to work for and I love this city."

"Really?" He sounded so surprised, that I had to smile.

"Why does that shock you?"

"I don't know." He shrugged and lifted his wine glass to his lips. He'd selected the wine for the night, since I knew nothing about them. This one he'd said he enjoyed because it was a bold, earthy flavor. It was red and sweet to me, but I wasn't complaining. "I guess I figured you for an ocean lover."

"Really?" I gave a light laugh and took a sip of my wine. "I've visited the coast but I don't know that I'd ever consider relocating."

"Never?"

The single word was so intent that it caught me by surprise. I studied him over the rim of my wine glass, my smile slipping. Then he grinned, lightening the moment and putting me at ease.

"It would take the right inducement, I suppose."

"That's interesting."

He cut a piece of his steak and lifted the fork to his mouth. I watched the motion, transfixed as he chewed the meat and licked his lips.

I'm sure a gasp fell from my lips as I watched his pink tongue slide across his full bottom lip. The tickle between my legs disappeared to be replaced in an instant by a much stronger sensation. It felt like someone was kneeling between my thighs, with his head shoved in my crotch. If I hadn't been in the middle of a restaurant, on a date with a gentleman, I'd think I was getting oral service from a skilled, thick tongue.

"Are you all right, Nerina?" His tone was soft but carried to my ears.

I managed a nod, stifling an all-out moan as the invisible tongue licked my privates again.

"Because you look...out of sorts."

Avan leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table as his eyes searched my face. There was a glint in the dark orbs that made my nipples start to tingle and I wondered if I was having some sort of seizure. Then he chuckled and I came apart, sagging in my chair and vibrating all over as a tiny orgasm rocked me.

"Perhaps it's time I get you out of here."

I couldn't do anything but nod in agreement. I'd agree to almost anything if I could have what I wanted later.

Again, it was as if he was reading my mind. His tongue flicked out to slide up the corner of his mouth and the moan left my lips this time. I flared red in the face and wondered if anyone was looking our direction.

It's all right. It was a soft voice, probably my subconscious telling me to chill out.

It had been a long time since I'd been on a first date. Being out with a handsome, well-off man was having a greater effect on me than I'd anticipated.

"Waiter?" Avan raised a hand as our server passed by. "I think we're about done here. Would you mind bringing over the bill?"

"Of course, sir." The waiter scooped up our half-eaten dinners before hurrying away.

"Please, excuse me." I was trembling from head to toe and I wasn't sure if I'd make it, but I needed to get to the ladies room.

"I'll wait for you here, Nerina." Avan watched me scramble from the table.

I hurried away without stumbling too much. Once inside the cold silence of the ladies room, I braced my hands against a sink and bowed my head. I sucked in deep breath after deep breath, ordering myself to get a grip. I knew my panties were soaked through and I was horrified to think that my pants might now have a wet spot in the crotch. I turned and went into a stall, locking it behind me as I bent to check. It looked all right but I was trembling so much, I almost couldn't do my zipper and belt up again.

Away from Avan's presence, I found it easier to think. After another few minutes, my breathing returned to normal and my color faded. I left the stall and walked over to stare at my reflection in the mirror. I looked normal: dark hair pulled back into a practical ponytail, eyes devoid of make-up. I frowned as I studied my appearance.

What's so attractive about me? Why is Avan paying so much attention to me? I'm nothing special. How can a man like him even want to look twice at me?

They were silly, insecure thoughts and even though I knew I wasn't the most attractive woman around, it wasn't like me to question myself. I'd never questioned why Harlowe desired me and he was the best-looking guy I knew.

"What's happening to me?"

There was no answer, of course. I sighed as I reached for the taps. I took my time washing my hands, letting the cool water run over my hands. It brought me a measure of comfort and made me feel more confident. By the time I was ready to walk out of the ladies room, I felt that I was back in control. I saw that the dining room was still filled to capacity and as I approached our table, Avan rose to his feet.

"Are you ready to go?" He reached for my arm with one slender, dark hand.

I'd thought I could handle him now. The time away from him had cleared my head, steadied my breathing. Now, with him looming over me, his scent wafting up my nose, I felt my control sliding. My breathing grew shallow and it felt like a great hand was squeezing my chest.

"Nerina?" His warm, spicy breath washed across my cheek.

I stared up at him, taking in his dark eyes, the knowing smile on his full lips, and the careful styling of his glossy black hair. He looked harmless and yet, I was being pulled under by lust.

Lust.

The word was spoken into my mind in a tone that was almost mocking. I continued to stare at Avan, glad that I still had enough control to keep any reaction to the voice from showing on my face. He smiled, his eyes moving across my face.

"Would you like me to take you home?" This time, the question was different. I felt it; he wasn't dropping hidden innuendos or insisting that I would enjoy time alone with him. He was simply offering to ensure I got home all right.

Maybe I looked worse than I thought.

"Yeah. I'm ready to go." I left it at that, not offering anything more, and not answering his polite question.

He escorted me out of the building and helped me into his car in the parking lot. I'd left my car at Landbourne when he'd picked me up for dinner.

We said little on the drive back to the Landbourne office. I gazed out the window, concentrating on making myself breathe at a regular pace. My eyes went up to the sky and I saw how dark it was. Still, I found the moon, full and silvery grey, as always. I didn't tell anyone about this quirk of mine and I wasn't going to bring it up with my potential new boyfriend. He didn't need to know that I saw the moon every single night and it was always full and bright.

He pulled into the deserted parking lot and rolled to a stop next to my little VW Golf. He didn't say anything as we stopped, just reached down and shut the engine off.

I cleared my throat and risked a glance at him. "I had a lovely time."

He smiled, most of his face hidden in shadow. "I'm glad. I'd like to do this again sometime."

I met his gaze and found myself nodding. "I'd like that."

"Would you?" He tilted his head to one side. "I got the impression you were a little uncomfortable at the restaurant."

"I wasn't uncomfortable." I'd been turned on, not uncomfortable, stroked to climax by an unseen mouth that reminded me of Avan.

His mouth curved up at the corners and his thick eyelashes swept low over his eyes. "I'm glad. I'd like to make you very comfortable around me."

"Would you?"

Then he moved closer, sliding an arm around my shoulders and I let him. His scent, his musky warmth was all around me and I swallowed, telling myself not to panic at the thickness I felt in my throat.

"Are you comfortable now, Nerina?" I noticed his breath was coming shorter as well and it gave me a small measure of satisfaction.

Whatever my misgivings at the restaurant had been, it was obvious that he was attracted to me on some level. At the moment, the tingling low in my belly was telling me I should take physical lust for now.

His eyebrows flew up and his eyes opened wide as the thought crossed my mind and I wondered if I'd spoken out loud. Then I threw caution to the wind and put my hand behind his head, drawing his lips down to mine.

At first, Avan didn't kiss me back. I sensed his surprise at my move and, even though I longed to shove my tongue down his throat, I held back. I breathed hard through my nose, inhaling his heady musk with every indrawn breath. It sank into my senses, making my head reel. I let my eyes fall shut and as they did, I felt him shift around me.

His arms closed around my body, hauling me against him. His mouth opened over mine and I felt the push of his tongue against my lips. I parted my lips, welcoming him inside and acknowledging that I wanted more of him inside more of me.

Lord, but he tasted just as he smelled: deep, spicy and so masculine my breasts began to ache. They felt heavy and I knew without looking down that my nipples had hardened. His hands moved up and down my back. Then one of his hands lifted and it was minutes - or maybe hours - later when I realized the buttons on the front of my shirt were popping open.

With a gasp, I managed to wrench my lips from his and look down. Avan allowed me a brief glimpse of his dark hand pulling my shirt open before he gripped my chin in his other hand. He kissed me again, no hesitation in the pressure of his lips on mine. His tongue snaked into my mouth and stroked the underside of mine. I moaned and let him lead the kiss, let him drive me mad.

His hand finished working the buttons of my shirt free and he laid his palm flat on my belly. I jerked against him, feeling the touch all the way down to my toes. His fingers flexed against my skin and more moisture gathered between my thighs. I heard him inhale through his nose, as if smelling my arousal. Heat flamed in my cheeks at the thought that he could smell me.

I tried to pull my mouth from his but he wouldn't let me. His hand moved from my chin to the back of my head. He tangled his fingers through my ponytail and gripped the back of my head with a surprisingly strong hold. His assault on my mouth turned much more intense. I felt the suction of his lips and tried to keep up with the twisting dance of his tongue.

So intense was his kiss that I almost didn't notice his hand moving across my bared skin. He stroked my belly a few times and then his fingertips danced over my ribs. All the sensations he raised in my body were focused in one spot, several inches below where he now touched me.

He cupped my breast, gently bouncing the generous weight in his palm before shoving the cup of my bra down. When his fingers closed over my breast - warm, calloused skin to sensitive flesh - I groaned and arched into his grasp. He released his hold on my head and slid his hand to my back. Our lips parted at last and I sucked in air like it was going out of style. All the while, his mouth didn't move from my body.

He trailed kisses down the exposed column of my throat until he reached raised ridge of my collarbone. There, he lifted his lips and licked me, leaving a moist track on my skin. I shuddered, digging my fingers into his firm biceps, unaware until that point that I'd even been holding him. My senses felt very far away from me. I felt very far away from myself.

This doesn't seem real. I was breathing hard and making mewling sex noises as Avan continued to explore my body. How does he know what makes me hot? How is he even getting me this worked up?

No other man in my past had produced this kind of response from me. My mind flittered back to my most recent lover, Harlowe, and I compared my body's response to him. He'd been great, making me come every time.

Avan was not great. He was earth shattering and there was a roaring in my ears as he closed his lips around one taut nipple.

I could feel his fingers firm against my back where he held me and his other hand was holding my breast up to his mouth. His lips clamped down on the puckered skin surrounding my nipple and his tongue flicked back and forth over the very tip. It was almost taunting, never touching quite enough to satisfy. I rocked and groaned in his arms, helpless to even articulate my desires.

As it turned out, I didn't need to. Even as the thought crossed my mind, his tongue flattened against my nipple, giving it a slow, sensuous stroke before returning to the flicking motion. I gasped, pressing more of myself into his mouth. His hand tightened on my breast and he lifted his head, his dark eyes hooded as they bored into mine.

Nerina...

My eyes widened and I parted my lips to speak but Avan leaned close, thrusting his tongue into my mouth. It kept me silent and I shut my eyes, feeling light-headed again. I tried to draw in air through my nose but I couldn't get enough. The sharp edge of panic tickled at my brain but it was hard to grasp as Avan's lips moved over mine.

Then his mouth was on my neck again and I was able to breathe. His tongue slicked a path from my chin to my exposed breast and his hand was yanking at the other cup of my bra. This time he wasn't so gentle. He bit down on my nipple and I howled as the sensation sent a frisson of electricity to my groin. I knew I must be soaked through my pants as well as my panties now. What surprised me was that I didn't care.

Yes, Nerina...

The hissing voice filled my ears and I squeezed my eyelids shut, giving my head a feeble shake.

Avan's tongue worked against the nipple he'd just bitten, soothing the sting. He lapped at it with wide, wet strokes and short flicks. By the time he moved on, I couldn't have said what my own name was.

He hasn't even taken my pants off yet, I thought, my mind hazy with lust.

He chuckled, startling me out of my daze. I tilted my chin down and met his eyes. He was stroking my stomach, below my bellybutton but above the flat button of my dress pants. I let my gaze slip to watch the teasing caress and didn't feel the usual twinge of embarrassment over having my round body exposed to a new man for the first time.

You're beautiful.

The thought should have come from myself but I knew that it hadn't. I met Avan's dark gaze again and blinked. He was no longer beside me. Somehow, he'd laid me onto my back and I saw that we were in the back seat of his car. It was more spacious than I'd suspected.

There's more space to enjoy your luscious gifts.

This time, I knew I wasn't imagining things. It was his voice I heard in my head, rough and accented by some unfamiliar lilt.

'Luscious gifts,' he'd whispered to my mind. Something tickled the back of my brain because of his words and I couldn't shake the feeling. Even when he snapped open my pants and slipped his hands inside.

He didn't waste time teasing me over my panties. He simply pushed in, shoving my pants and underwear out of the way as he caressed me. My eyelids grew heavy and I fought the urge to close them, to give in to what Avan was offering me.

How does he know what to do? I bit down on my lip as he parted my folds and shoved a finger inside. I was so wet that it was nothing but an exquisite sensation.

Two thoughts warred in my mind now; how did he know me and my body so well and, good God, how long is he going to make me wait?

Then his hands were yanking on my pants, fighting to pull them down my legs. I squirmed, responding automatically since my brain was half-gone with desire for the same thing. But I was clumsy in my assistance, like that confused part of me still had some control.

Nerina!

It was a shout and I gasped, startled by the intruding thought. My eyes snapped open wide and I knew Avan must think it was in response to his mouth so low on my abdomen.

God, yes...Please...I want...his tongue...my lips...

NERINA! Remember yourself!

The feeling washed over me then, that this was wrong. All wrong.

Avan's tongue slipped over my engorged flesh and I choked back a sob, wanting to stop this somehow. It was so confusing, wanting him to lick me, to fuck me, and knowing somehow that it just wasn't right.

Avan was no longer listening to me, if in fact he'd ever been listening to my scattered thoughts. I twisted under his hands, struggling to get away from him but he seemed to take it as a sign of response. His tongue pushed inside me and a strangled moan pushed out from my lips.

Yes...

The hissing thought was different from the shout but I don't know how I knew that.

Tears gathered in my eyes and I wanted to cry. This confusion, this fog settling into my brain as Avan tongued my insides, was bringing me pain. My mind tried to sort it out but it was like banging my head against a brick wall. Pain pulsed behind my eyes as the tears spilled out over my cheeks and I started to struggle again.

No matter how Avan made me feel, no matter that I was seconds away from coming against his face, I had to stop it.

Help, I begged, not knowing if anyone would hear my silent cry; not knowing if I was so far gone to have hallucinated the shouted voice in my head. I can't do this alone.

A roaring crunch broke through the foggy interior of the car and Avan's head lifted from between my thighs. Both of us sat upright and watched in shock as a car crashed through the fence lining Landbourne's property. It careened through the low wooden posts and right into the corner of the building. Before either of us could move, it burst into flames that rolled into an enormous ball and burst upward into the night sky.

"Oh my God!" I gaped at the spectacle.

I don't know how long it was before I reacted. Then I was reaching into the front seat, seeking my purse while keeping my eyes glued to the disaster unfolding before me. I found my purse and dug out my phone to call 911. Beside me, Avan shifted and a quick glance showed me the deep scowl on his face. It transformed his appearance and he looked angry, which didn't make any sense.

What could he have to be angry about? Upset, sure. Shocked and maybe scared, but angry...that seems a little extreme.

I spoke to the woman on the other end of the phone, detailing my location and what had happened. Beside me, Avan moved, straightening his clothes and pushing open the door on his side. I remembered my state of half-dress and flushed as I tucked my phone between my ear and my shoulder. As I continued to speak to the 911 operator, I covered my breasts and pulled my shirt closed. I fumbled with the buttons, making them uneven but at this point, it didn't matter. I was certain that when the authorities arrived, I'd be facing all sorts of invasive questions.

'What were you doing here so late at night?'

'Why is your car parked here?'

'How do you know Mr. Mahisa?'

I shuddered at the thought of explaining my conduct and I could only hope that word wouldn't get back to my superiors about what I'd been doing. With any luck, I could disappear before the owners or managers showed up to survey the damage. I wondered if I could swear the cops to secrecy.

Yeah, that wouldn't make me look suspicious at all.

At last I had myself dressed and looking less tumbled. I clambered out of the car, still speaking to the dispatcher. I looked around for Avan and saw him standing too close to the fire.

"Avan!" I started running towards him.

I could feel the heat of the blaze against my skin, growing hotter the closer I got. I stopped about fifty feet away, feeling the waves of heat wash over me.

Avan was shouting at the fire, waving a fist at it and I couldn't do anything but watch in horror as the fire pulsed in his direction. Flames shot out and looked like they were brushing his body. I gasped as a flame wrapped around his wrist and yanked him so that he stumbled a half-step.

"Avan." I whispered, my voice hoarse. What the hell is happening?

Then something brushed against my face, soft as a lover's touch. An impossibly warm hand caressed my cheek, cupping my chin and then searing heat made my lips tingle. I inhaled, startled by the sensation and drew in a lungful of hot, tangy air. I gasped again, sucking in more of the molten heat and wondering if it was possible to die from inhaling imaginary scents.

"Miss? Are you there?" The voice of 911 dispatcher broke through my thoughts and drew me back into the present.

My eyes stayed on Avan as the sounds of sirens grew louder. I knew they'd be there in another minute and acknowledged the noise to the woman on the other end of the phone. I took another step towards Avan, intending to get him away from the fire but something prevented me from moving. There was a wall before me, a wall of hazy warmth, smelling of tangy musk and sulfur.

"Avan!" I was confused but still aware that I needed to get him away from the accident before there was another explosion.

"You'll pay for this!" he shouted. He glanced over his shoulder at me and his eyes grew wide for a moment. He threw one more look at the fire before retreating and running towards me.

Only when he reached my side, did I sense the wall falling away. Then Avan was there, holding me, his strong arms slipping around my waist as his familiar scent wafted around us both. I inhaled again, searching for that other scent, but found nothing.

A second later, the emergency vehicles appeared and a fireman hurried over, urging us to back away. We obeyed and I let the lady on the phone know that they'd arrived. We spoke for a few minutes longer before she let me go. Then there was nothing to do but stand back and watch the firefighters struggle with the blaze.

It was very late when I got home and I called the office before I went to bed. I knew I wouldn't be able to make it to work at my usual time. It was close to four a.m. when I walked in the front door and I would have had to have been up in two hours. So I called and left a message with Lindsay, asking her to reschedule my morning appointments.

Angela was waiting up for me because she knew it was unusual for me to not be home by six. She'd been off for most of the afternoon and worried that I didn't even come home before dark. I checked my cell and saw that she'd called me several times. I'd had my phone on silent for the evening.

In a tired voice, I explained what happened, starting with the date. After that, she almost wouldn't let me out of her sight. I snapped at her, telling her I needed a shower to wash the stench of burning gasoline from my hair. She agreed and then ordered me to sleep in her bed that night. I refused and she was on the verge of inviting herself into my bed. I told her I was fine, the house was fine and there was no need to share a bed.

After that, I stalked off, stripped out of my soiled clothes and got in the shower. I turned the water on as hot as I could stand it and let it pound against my back and shoulders for a long while. Then I washed my hair, shampooing twice and soaping my body three times. I told myself it was because of the strange accident, not the intimacy I'd shared with Avan.

I like Avan, I told myself as I rinsed the soap from my body the last time. He's handsome, gainfully employed and he's a great kisser.

I knew my standards should be higher but I was making excuses. I didn't want to face the reality of what had happened. It was too strange, too...fantastical to be real. I wasn't hearing voices and almost making love with Avan had freaked me out only because we've just met.

I finished in the shower and wrapped a towel around myself. I crossed to my room, relieved that Angela wasn't waiting in my bed. In spite of my firm words, Angela could be stubborn and I'd half-expected to see her in my room.

I fell naked into bed and let the dream take me away.

I was floating, sitting up in the middle of a turquoise sea. It was warm to the touch, which struck me as unusual. Even in the middle of a tropical ocean, the deep waters should still be cool.

Then a wave dipped me and rolled me face down in the water.

I flapped above the surface and sputtered with laughter. Another wave rolled against my body and this time it felt like a caress. I sighed, spinning to my back and gazing up at the sky. I blinked and focused on a full moon in a black sky that was punctured all over with stars. The light surrounding me, however, was almost full daylight.

I thought you liked the contrast.

I smiled, recognizing the cadence of the thought, and looked around for the owner. He wasn't showing himself and then I realized that the daylight, and the warmth surrounding me, was all him. He was there, just not in human form as I was.

I love the contrast, I replied. I love it even more when you're inside of me.

A deep vibration stirred my body and I shuddered. The warmth intensified and I spread my legs, inviting him to tease me there. He obliged. I lifted my head as a ribbon of heat shimmered below my feet. It coalesced into something more solid, something I could almost see. His fingers danced up my calves and spread my legs further. Then I felt the deep searching plunge of his molten tongue and dropped my head below the water to keep from burning up.

You don't burn up. There was laughter in his tone.

When I looked up again, bringing my head back into the cool air, I saw his laughing face above mine. He kissed me, sending sparks up around us. I laughed and watched them settle on my skin and in my hair where it swirled on the water's surface.

I blinked, noticing the space around us had grown dark. We were glowing, of course, his nature making it so.

I cupped his cheek in my palm. You make me want to burn up.

I stared into his eyes, his beautiful irises dimmed enough that I could see the actual color; golden-brown. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my hand melting and ordered it to remain solid. I wanted to be whole when he took me.

Do you want me so badly? He gave me a playful smirk and his eyes danced at me.

I laughed and reached for him, pulling his hot body down onto mine. We bobbed beneath the surface, and I heard the hiss as he turned part of me to steam. Laughing, we floated back up and he blew a stream of heat at my face, drying me just enough. Then he kissed me, a soft touch, so soft that I almost couldn't feel it.

But I did feel it, as I always felt him. I closed my eyes and knew without seeing that he was reaching up to run his fingers through my hair. I heard the crackle and he snickered, repeating the motion. This time, I felt the hair singe from my head and pushed him off as I reformed it around my scalp, even as he laughed again in playfulness.

You are so amazing, Ryujin. He stretched out beside me, running his fingers up the center of my belly. He splayed his hand flat between my breasts, tickling the nipples.

The name he used startled me and his golden eyes swept up to my face.

Am I?

It's the one I thought you preferred. He sounded cautious for the first time.

Is it? I hardly know what I prefer anymore.

My sleeping mind stirred, jostling the dream and making it waver.

As the vision settled, I looked up and saw my handsome lover hovering over me, his eyes glowing molten red again. His face was sad, resigned even, but in their depths, I thought I saw something else; hope.

I wish for so many things, Ryujin.

So do I.

Do you? Do you remember what you used to wish for?

I thought about it, strained against a strange pressure in my mind. The water lapped over my body, sucking my limbs down below the glossy surface.

I don't know.

You will. He sounded confident. I'll keep coming to you until you do.

Promise? I didn't mean to sound needy or whining and he didn't care.

His smile was brilliant and I watched the beauty of him as he burst apart into white hot fire.

I promise.

I sank beneath the water then, his words echoing in my mind. The water cooled, seeping into my pores and dragging me under. For the first time, I fought it, not because the submergence worried me, but because I didn't want to go.

I want you!

You have me. I promise you'll always have me. Try to remember that when you wake up.

I was no longer warm and the world was black as I sank deeper. Wake up? I don't sleep.

I twisted, diving deep, spreading far and wide. Then...nothing.

"These fucked up dreams are going to be the death of me," I groaned aloud as my alarm blared on my nightstand.

Try to remember when you wake up...

The words drifted through my mind and I rolled onto my back, glaring at my blank ceiling. Like I said, fucked up.

With a sigh, I pushed it from my mind, writing it off as too much excitement last night. I got up, startled when I saw the time on my clock and then recalled how late I'd arrived home. That reminded my that I'd only had about six hours of sleep.

It didn't help that the dream always felt like physical activity.

I darted naked across the hall to the bathroom. I showered, dressed and made a quick brunch of toast and grapefruit. Then I headed out to my car.

As I drove to Landbourne, I reviewed the events of the previous night. I hadn't managed to escape the authorities before my bosses had shown up, but the owners had been so upset about the damage, that they hadn't even bothered to acknowledge my presence. I'd slunk away a short while after their arrival and driven home unscathed.

My good-bye with Avan had been awkward as well. He'd still looked angry, which I couldn't figure out, and barely patted me on the hand. It was a stunning change from earlier in the night, when he'd been moments away from burying his penis inside of me.

That thought made me cringe. Then I wondered why it bothered me.

Hadn't I been attracted to him? He'd certainly seemed interested in me.

As I pulled into the parking lot at Landbourne, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was missing something; forgetting something vital about last night, and I didn't think it had to do with the accident itself.

Shaking it off, I walked toward the building, steeling myself for the questions. Luckily, no one seemed to know I'd been here last night. Maybe the policemen or fire inspectors weren't required to reveal any of that information to the company.

The corner of the building that had been hit was badly damaged on the outside, as was evident from all the tape and makeshift patching I'd seen on my way in. Inside, however, there was minimal damage. The walls in that corner had caved partially in, but only on the main level. The offices on the second floor weren't affected, except for cracks in one window. The entire corner of the building, first and second floors, was taped off, for everyone's safety.

As I walked through the lobby and eyed the mess of crumbled drywall and dust, I wondered at the lack of damage. It had certainly seemed last night as though the wreck of the car would have caused extensive damage to the building. Landbourne was a fantastic builder, but I didn't think even they were capable of making buildings fireproof.

I shook my head and paused by the reception desk to pick up any messages. The receptionist, Penny, handed over a couple slips of paper and a file that Lindsay had left for me before leaving for the rest of the day.

"She had an appointment with her dentist or something," Penny explained in a bored tone.

Smiling, I took the items and continued walking towards the showroom. Inside, I looked around for Bianca, the other designer. She was supposed to be returning from holidays today but I saw no sign of her. I headed to my office in the back and scowled at the continued absence of a computer from my desk.

Can't anything go right?

Ignoring the empty space under my desk where my computer should be, I organized myself without it. I arranged my file for my afternoon appointment, returned phone calls and started making notes on the files from the previous day. I'm not sure what time it was when I at last rose from my desk and went out to get some water.

I paused in the main foyer, staring at the damage in the corner. It was hidden from sight now behind a sheet of plastic that had been hung. I couldn't see through it, except for colored shapes moving back and forth - workers already working on repairing the damage. I watched the shadows and colored blobs move back and forth before moving on towards the stairs.

I smiled and said 'hello' to a few people as I made my way down the hall to the lunchroom. At the moment, no one else was in the room. I walked over to the water cooler in the corner and yanked out a paper cup from the dispenser attached to the side.

"Hey, Nerina," Kyle greeted me as he walked into the room.

I straightened and smiled at him before downing my water in one long swallow. He was a nice, older man, a little overweight, and had been with Landbourne Homes in the accounting department for about ten years.

Kyle moved around to grab his lunch from the fridge. "That's pretty crazy downstairs, isn't it?"

That's when I noticed the time; nearly one in the afternoon. It shouldn't have come as a surprise since I'd come to work so late that morning. I just didn't think I'd been working on my files for that long. I filled my water cup again and walked across the room.

"You're not taking a lunch today?" Kyle asked as I passed him.

"No, I was in late." I paused in the doorway and looked back at him. "And yeah, that is pretty crazy. I'll see you around."

I hurried back downstairs and through the showroom. I couldn't believe I'd let the time get away from me. I had my usual afternoon appointment today, and I'd almost forgotten all about it.

Just as I was heading back out to the main showroom from my office, the big doors opened and in walked my clients; a younger couple buying their first home.

The rest of the afternoon passed by in a blur. I did my best to concentrate but I was so tired, I couldn't tell the difference between chocolate and mahogany. In the end, the couple couldn't make any final decisions so we had to reschedule for next week.

By the time I was alone in the showroom again, I was exhausted. I sat down at my desk, eyeing my full cup of water with a scowl. I hadn't even touched it since I'd spoken with Kyle at one. It was after four now. With a sigh, I folded my arms on my desk and rested my head on top of my arms.

I'll just sit here for a minute. I blinked and squeezed my eyes shut as a yawn snuck out. Then I'll gather my files and take my work home tonight.

As much as I hated to do that, I couldn't deny that I needed to. So I gave myself a minute, letting my eyes stay closed and relaxing until my breathing evened out. The dream licked at the edges of my mind but I refused to sink into it. I rested without really resting, my mind turning to different things. As always, sleep, and the dream, pushed in without my consent.

I felt my slumbering awareness reach out and slide over my surroundings. The smooth desk under my chin, my warm arms cushioning my head, the full glass of water...

Oh, heavenly...

The words shivered through my mind and I wondered what was so wonderful about a glass of water. I watched, through my sleep, as the cup tipped and the clear fluid washed across the desk surface towards me. It soaked the sleeve of my shirt and tickled the ends of my hair. I sighed, sending a ripple across the surface of the spilled puddle and it responded to my caress.

I sank down, letting the miniscule amount of water sweep me away and I slept.

You must be stronger, Ryujin.

The voice was familiar and it didn't shock me that I heard it in my head at the same moment that the ocean rose around me. I rolled to my side, floating lazily along with the current. Heat singed my liquid skin and I sat up, glaring around myself.

Don't be angry.

Show yourself, I insisted and felt the warmth of him seep into my form, turning my errant hair to mist.

I'm sorry, Ryujin. I can only be strong if you are.

His words confused me, as did the panicked look in his flashing eyes. He wasn't solid before me, instead forming only a half-human, half-beast shape that was still familiar to me. His warmth licked at my skin and I smiled, remembering our last encounter. His eyes flared bright red and he slid further away.

You can't give in every time. He drifted further away and took with him all his heat. It's what he wants.

Who?

He looked so sad then, and my puddly heart ached for him, as much as it could. I swam towards him and he slid further away.

Why do you flee? I would hold you, make you feel better.

His face softened and his eyes dimmed, glowing a golden amber instead of fiery red. I would have you hold me as well, love, but you must wake.

I laughed. His words always amused me.

Trust me, love, and find the strength you must have.

His words lapped at my legs, my arms, swirled through my hair and sank into my ears, giving me a sensation of euphoria.

Then...nothing.

"Lord, Nerina, if you're that tired, go home."

I jerked upright so hard and fast that I cracked my elbow on the edge of my desk.

"Whoa, calm down."

I looked over and saw Penny giving me a strange look. I frowned, wondering how she came to be swimming in my ocean and the thought frightened me. Shaking my head, I put a hand to my forehead and that was when I felt the dampness on my sleeve. My eyes followed the trickle of water across my desk to the paper cup, tipped on its side. Some vague memory of my dream, a gentle deep voice urging me to wake up, washed over me and I stared at Penny.

"Are you all right, Rina?" Penny's look changed from surprise worry.

I nodded and brushed at the damp spot on my sleeve. "I'm just tired. I...it was a weird night."

She nodded and handed me a file. "Go home and get some rest. Tomorrow's Friday and then you can cut loose over the weekend." She grinned and walked away, leaving me alone with the echo of her words.

Cut loose. I blinked, brushing a hand over my hair. A vague memory of 'cutting loose' with Angela the previous weekend went through my mind. It had been a night out at a club but nothing eventful had happened.

Had it?

With a heavy sigh, I pushed all the irrational thoughts from my head and cleaned up the spilled water. After sorting through my files and arranging things for the following day, I grabbed my purse and walked out of the building.​