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As I looked up, I recoiled in fear at the large snake decorating his neck and arm. Hard, emotionless eyes looked at me and I had never seen such a frightening sight in my life before. Then he smiled softly and said, “Don’t be afraid, you’re safe. You’re with the Reapers now and nobody will ever harm you again.”
I’m brought back to the present and the tears slide down my face as I mourn the loss. Cut free and rejected by the man I loved for another. I will never forget my time there, but I know it has ended. What my new life will bring is uncertain, but I have hope at least. If I can just get through the next few weeks, I know I’ll be ok.
Then I think about Sam and my heart beats a little faster and I shiver inside. So like Ryder in every way but one. He has feeling, and he looks at me like I matter. When he kisses me, it lights a spark in my soul and breathes new life into it. With him I’m a person who matters, not some toy to be played with and then discarded when the interest runs out. Don’t ask me how I know, I just do. For the first time in my life, I believe there may be a‘happy ever after’, after all.
* * *
I must fallasleep because a gentle knock at the door wakes me. Opening my eyes, I see the room is in darkness and look over at the clock by the bed and see it’s 5pm. Then it all comes flooding back and I feel the anxiety return.
The door opens and Sam stands in the doorway looking - well, stony-faced actually. He smiles briefly.
“I’m sorry, Katherine. We don’t have long before we need to set off. It’s best you get something to eat before we go. Susan’s prepared some food and then you should get dressed.”
I nod and follow him to the kitchen. As usual, Susan has prepared a feast and I tuck in gratefully. Sam sits opposite and looks at me with a worried expression.
“You sure you’re ok with this?”
I sigh, “Yes, let’s just get this over with.”
He smiles reassuringly.
“The car will leave at 7 pm. Thetheater’s booked for 7.30. Remember, dress accordingly, and we shouldn’t have any problem.”
Pushing my plate away, I shake my head. “You know, I never thought it would be so hard. I was quite excited at the thought of playing Reaper for once. I know I’m not trained like they are, but I didn’t know emotions would figure so much.”
Sam nods. “They don’t prepare you for the emotional part. I suppose that’s why I gave it up.”
I grin wickedly. “Some say you don’t have any emotion. In fact, I was warned about what a cold, hard. bastard you were before I even met you.”
He grins. “They were right. I suppose that’s how I deal with things. Like I told you, no emotion means no disappointment. What about you, Katherine? What do you want out of this?”
I shrug. “You know it happened so fast I never thought about it. I always thought I’d live with the Reapers forever and could never see anything else in my future. I had hoped Ryder would see that I was a woman worth keeping after all, but that wasn’t to be.”
I see Sam’s eyes darken and his lips tighten angrily. I can tell he’s uncomfortable with my feelings for Ryder and yet those need dealing with before I can move on. I smile softly.
“When I was a little girl, I had many dreams. All little girls do. Aside from marrying Prince Charming, I always had an idea I’d like to live on a ranch with my very own cowboy. You know, the strong, silent type who is good with his hands.”
I giggle as Sam rolls his eyes. “Cowboy, huh?”
Laughing, I gaze at him dreamily. “Yes, the simple life. That’s all I wanted. To live in the great outdoors and to be free. I would have purpose in my life and things would be so simple. It was never to be, though. Life is brutal in so many ways, and mine has been more brutal than most. Anyway, who knows? When this is over, I can start again. I’ve been assured a hefty fee for my services, enough to start again anywhere in the world. Maybe I’ll travel for a bit and see some of this amazing world we live in.”
Sam looks thoughtful. “What about the Reapers? I understand you can always go back there.”
I look at him sadly. “We both know I can’t. Ryder made his choice, and I’m not sure I want reminding that I came second. No, this is my chance to make something of my life and I’m gonna seize it with both hands.”
I try to ignore the pain in Sam’s eyes as he looks at me. It’s obvious he’s battling demons of his own.
I say softly, “What about Sam Carrington, the billionaire owner of Carrington Steel. What does he really want out of life?”
He shakes his head. “I haven’t figured that out yet. More of the same, I suppose. We are always looking for the rainbow, aren’t we, Katherine? Some get there faster than others, but we never stop looking. I’m starting torealizethat things are not always as they seem. I thought I was content with my life, but now I’m not so sure.”
Before I can ask him what he means, he looks at his watch and says gruffly.
“Anyway, we have thirty minutes to get ready.”
He looks at me with a hard expression. “You ready for phase two, darlin’?”
I sigh heavily. “Bring it on.”
