Playing With Fire

74

They spend the weekend together with kids, having the much-needed family time.

Sunday night. She sat on the bed, in thoughts, rubbing the back of her neck. He was walking by her, then came to her, crouching down.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" he asked brushing his fingers through her hair. She shrugged her shoulders

"As ready as one can be." smiling to him and asked "Anything I should know or prepare for?" He shook his head, standing up.

"Even if I had something to warn you about, I couldn't." he said and pulled her to stand up "You'll be fine." He lifted her on his hips and walked to the bathroom.

He let her slide off from his lap like she wasn't weighing nothing and snaked his arms around her. They were standing in front of the mirror. He stood behind her and slid his hands over her body, looking at every stroke he did. He kissed her neck, holding her breasts with one hand and her neck with other, nuzzling his nose against her neck between kisses. He saw her looking at the reflection and looked her with his hungry eyes. He brushed over her lips with his fingertips, over her chin and neck. She tilted her head back, supporting it on his shoulder and snaked her hands behind his neck. He walked them to the shower, holding her tight when he turned on the water. She turned around and kissed his needy lips, moving over his chin and jawline, making him tilt his head back and moan. He lifted her up on his hips and made love with her under the running water.

She woke up some time before their alarm was set. He was sleeping, snoring slightly, his one arm over his eyes, the other holding her hand.

What ever has happened, what ever will happen, remember this moment. My hand on his, she told herself looking at him. He's the most handsome and still most intimidating man I've seen. I'm his, even when he's as asleep, he knows it.

This was the day she had her evaluation with doctor Lever and the day of the trial. She had made a lot of improvement with her therapy and she was sure the doctor sees it the same way. What made her uncertain was the trial and the fact that he wasn't telling her anything.

"Relax." he suddenly said.

"Morning." she said and sighed. He turned on the side and snaked his arms around her.

"You're so tense." he said snuggling closer.

"Am I?" she asked uncertain.

"Yeah, squeezing my hand like this." he pumped his fist, chuckling "Almost cut off the circulation."

"Sorry. I guess I am." she apologized.

"I can fix this." he purred pulling her tight against him. She let him kiss her neck but when she realized that the following would make her run late, she tried to push him away "I need to go."

He shook his head, saying against her skin "Fuck 'em.", not a care in the world.

For a moment she forgot everything, the world outside their bedroom, the trial, everything. But then she came back to the reality, whining "How I'm supposed to explain being late or my absence?"

"Tell them that the leader got a hold on you." he said, still determined to continue.

"Cause that would be so professional, Eric." she gave him a serious look. He eyed her for a moment, then said serious "Nah you're right." and gave her a last kiss before getting up. He went to the bathroom to get himself ready. In a moment Jamie followed him, leaning against the wall, admiring Eric's naked body. He smirked noticing it and flexed his muscles extra, knowing how it would affect her. He started to style his hair, glancing her from the reflection. When he was done, she stepped to him and wrapped her arms around him "Wish me luck." He took a hold of her hands, looking at her from the reflection "You're gonna be fine, baby."

She was fine. Doctor Lever was the best at the job. She felt safe talking to him. He was very impressed by the work she had done with gathering her memories and the support she got from her family.

"See you at the trial, Jamie." he said serious, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. She smiled to him faintly and walked out. She stood to stand behind the door, looking around. Eric promised to wait her in there after her appointment but was nowhere to be found. She stood in place for a moment to listen for a sound of his boots walking towards her- nothing.

Okay..., she thought and started walking home, maybe he's busy, and texted him I guess I'll see you at home.

But there was no one at home. She stood in the middle of the apartment, trying to recognize any sounds coming from their bedroom- nothing. Only some random noises from outside, water dripping from the tap and sun making a visual noise that made her mesmerized for a moment. She sat down and waited, went to the window and waited, looking outside seeing people walking pass the building, birds flying, the tall buildings at the distance. This is where I'll be in few hours, she looked at the tallest building shining on the sunlight. To distract herself, she tidied the kitchen. When it was done, she went to the window again. But then the building seemed more frightening. She sighed and glanced at her watch "Where the fuck are you, Eric?" As an answer there was a knock on the door.

"Eric!" she gasped and quickly walked to the door, ready for some answers.

"Martin!" she said surprised and bit disappointed.

"Yes, me." he said walking in "Sorry to disappoint you."

"No, it's not that." she tried to apologize "I was waiting for Eric. Do you know where he is?" she asked confused "We were supposed to meet at the doc's office..."
"He was asked to go to Candor for some preparations." Martin said and added bit more cheerful "I have the honour to escort you to Candor."

"Prepare for what?" she was more confused and asked "Escort? As in...?" she was confused but then realized "Martin, am I under arrest?" crossing her arms on her chest.

"He is taking a part of the council, making sure you'll get the minimum." and added "You could've been if someone else had been assigned to this." he pointed on his cuffs "I'm not gonna cuff you.."

Jamie sighed, feeling panic rising "Is this what it's come to??? I'm treated like a criminal!??!" she paced back and forth. Martin looked at her for a moment, sorry in his eyes, then stepped closer and grabbed her shoulders "Look at me! Jamie!" When she did, he said "You need to calm down! Okay?" She looked at him and nodded, still on the verge of losing it.

"I'm here for you!" he gave her shoulders a shake "Eric made sure you were taken in by me, Jamie, I wont let anything happen to you." She nodded, still confused.

"I know you don't remember much but we were friends, you trusted me." he said to her and she nodded again.

"I want you to put your trust in me. At least believe in his trust, Jamie." Martin said "We've been through a lot." She nodded again and looked at him.

"Okay?" he asked looking at her. She nodded.

"Then lets go." he said and pointed on the door "After you." They left the apartment but before she closed the door, she gave a look at the view. Like it was the last time she'd see it.

"Oh come on, you're gonna be back here!" Martin said jokingly, pulling Jamie out of her thoughts.

"I killed a man, Martin." she said serious.

"He was a brick!" he said and added with different energy "You know, this, you and me, going somewhere, reminds me of your wedding day." he was hoping to get her thoughts away from the trial for a moment.

"Really?" she asked. It worked.

"Yeah." he said glad "Eric assigned me to get your pregnant ass to the venue." he chuckled "Man, you were a mess."

"Watch it!" she said challenging him.

"Sorry, your highness." Martin teased and said "But they managed to make a decent bride out of you. It was a nice day."

"So I've read." she said in thoughts and sighed "Thanks for the memories."

"No problem." he said pointing his hand to the elevator. He remembered other moments he had witnessed. Not so happy memories, wondering if she remembered them. Maybe some day..., he thought and sat in the car.