Chapter Two
*
Isabelle sat across from her friend Mary in the deserted Library. It had been nearly two
weeks since that night. Since then she could think of only him. She could still see his haunting
eyes as if he was standing before her this very moment... She found it extremely difficult to
sleep, eat and concentrate on the simplest of things.
"Please, Just think about it." Mary smiled and laid her warm hand upon Isabelle's trembling
one. Think about it, Isabelle thought. Mary had been asking her for quite sometime
to date a man she knew, Rob Stefan. Isabelle knew she had no desire to date a man at
his point in her life. But Mary had been insistent.
Isabelle was quite content with the way her life was progressing. At least she had been until
the encounter.
"Alright.I'll go." Isabelle answered. Her heart was definitely not into it, but she knew she had to
do something and soon. This horrible empty feeling was beginning to consume her.
"I'm so glad. Actually, he asked if you would like to go to dinner tonight " Mary could not hide
excitement. She was clearly enjoying this matchmaking business.
"Tonight ?" Isabelle replied.
Rob Stefan had at least been punctual. They were to meet at "Martina's fine Italian Restaurant."
Isabelle had dressed carefully. A crisp white button down blouse tucked into a simple long black
skirt. Her long dark hair had been swept into an elegant knot with a few wayward strands tumbling
down across her cheek and neck.
Rob made his way confindently across the busy restaurant. He was dressed in a casual tan suit
and wore no tie. His blonde hair was neatly combed and he appeared to have gentle features.
The evening was filled with limited conversation. He was an investement banker and he
liked to talk about himself. It was obvious.
The meal was served and as the evening progressed, Isabelle could feel this impending
sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She wanted to flee, to be alone. Finally, the plates were
cleared away.
"I'm afraid I am feeling rather tired." Isabelle interjected before Rob could start another session
of his achievements.
"Forgive me..Of course..Allow me to see you home." Rob drank down the last of his wine and
stood. "No you really don't have to." Isabelle added as she slipped on her sweater she had draped
over the chair.
"Please, I insist." He grinned and led her out of the restaurant.
The night air was cool as they walked towards her apartment. It was only five blocks after the
park. But he had made it clear he would take no refusal.
"I had a wonderful time this evening." Rob announced as he casually grabbed her hand.
Isabelle nearly jumped out of her skin. She outwardly allowed him to hold her hand as they
walked but it felt so wrong. She wanted to tear her hand away and she hoped her face
didn't reveal her true feelings.
"Yes, I had a nice time, thank you." Isabelle had never felt this way before. To have this man
touch her brought forth this horrid reaction.
"Come, walk with me for a bit in the Park." Rob slowly led her from the sidewalk and into the grass.
Isabelle knew she should protest. "Rob, I'd rather just call it a night." She tried to sound firm.
He pulled her along inspite of her protest. "Come on.." His tone had changed slightly.
"I said NO." Isabelle protested louder and tried to wrench her hand free of his painful grip.
Rob stopped suddenly and turned to face her. He had not released her hand.
"I want to kiss you." He stated rather plainly. Isabelle began to feel panic. She looked around and
could see no one. Just thick shrubery, a perfect place for an assult.
"Please, just let me go," Isabelle's voice sounded very weak and weary. Rob lowered his head and
roughly tried to kiss her. "No!" Isabelle screamed and was rewarded with a sharp stinging slap
across the face. He shoved her to the ground and was on top of her.
"Come on now, none of this shy chick stuff !" He began to run his hands all over her neck and
to the buttons on blouse. "You know you want me to." he laughed as he ran his tongue over
her cheek. Isabelle was unable to fight him, he was to strong.
Pik could feel the raw rage burn through him as he watched the struggle. A rage like he had
never known.
With one hand , Pik gripped the collar of the assailants jacket and flung him to the ground.
Isabelle scrambled free and could scarcely catch her breath. The look upon Rob's face was
nothing more than fear, For he was starring down into the very large barrel of Pik's gun.
"No!" Isabelle called out in a hoarse voice. Pik had clearly intended to kill him.
With one quick powerful thrust , Pik landed the pistol against Rob's head knocking him
unconcious.
Isabelle couldn't stand. She was unsure if it was from Rob's attack or the realization that this
man was but a few feet from her.
Pik slid his weapon into the folds of his coat and then pulled the collar up around his neck
as if nothing had occured. There he stood for a moment, looking down at her. Not understanding
his own actions. Killing a man was something he did for a living. With but a simple word from
this woman, he did as she bid.
For the past two weeks she had lingered in his thoughts and
he could not explain this urgent need to see her again. He was not a man who gave in easily to
a whim of the moment. Afterall he was a proffesional killer.
He stepped towards her and extened his hand. All the uncertain thoughts he had felt seem to
drain away as she took his hand without hesitation. He pulled her to her unsteady feet.
Isabelle was trembling and began to sway but he seemed to sense that and placed his other hand
on her shoulder.
Isabelle allowed him to lead her from the park and onto the street. Who was this man ? She thought
as he escourted her down the darkend street. And how in the world did he know where she lived ?
Pik stood behind her as she fumbled with the keys to her door. His presence was overwhelmingly
powerful. She could feel the warmth coming from his body and she almost caught herself leaning
back against his chest. She could barely stop herself, but the key turned and the door creaked open.
Pik stood unmoving as she fumbled with the lock. He raised his hand to touch her hair then thought
better of it.
Isabelle slowly turned to look up at his serious features. How would he look if he smiled, even just a
little ? Those eyes penetrated into her and she had to fight with every ounce of strength that she had
left, not to raise her hand and allow her fingers to trace the outline of his powerful jaw.
Pik had no idea what was happening. One moment he had made the choice to walk away.
She was out
of danger, he was no longer needed. The next moment he was leaning lazily against the door frame
and lifting his hand to her face.Tenderly, his fingertips traced the small bruise upon her cheek.
He should have killed him, he deserved to be punished. He allowed that man to get off to lightly.
Pik began to slide his fingertips down her chin and to her neck where he allowed himself to
linger. Her skin was silky smooth and he watched her eyes close and a small sigh escaped her
lips.
He was pleased at her reaction to his touch, it was as if he knew it already.
Whatever possessed him in that moment of weakness he may never know, but he found himself
pulling her closer. He lowered his mouth to hers and barely brushed his lips against hers.
Isabelle's heart nearly lauched from her chest at the contact. He was awakened something within her
and she was powerless to stop it.
Pik moved away, hesitantly. "I should go." He said in a low tone laced with uncertainty. He could not
allow himself to be here. He slowly removed his hand as if it pained him to do so. Isabelle could not
speak. So powerful was his presence.
Then he was gone. He turned away and shoved his hands into his pockets and did not look back.
Isabelle closed and locked the door. His touch still burning on her skin and her lips. How could she
so drawn to a man she didn't know. She didn't even know his name.