Time, Death & Scar Tissue...

16. A Stir of Echoes

Kathryn woke slowly, relishing the sensation of drifting between sleep and waking wrapped in silky sheets and his arms. Once her mind was more awake she wondered if there was anything else in the world that could be more luxurious. She lay still and realized that he was still sleeping deeply. She got up carefully, pulled the nightgown over her head and carefully counted off the steps to the bathroom door. She had read somewhere that was a technique used by the blind and so she had counted off the steps before he got back the night before. It got her there without any accidents, though she found she was less disoriented if her eyes were closed. She turned on the bathroom light when the door was safely shut.

Kathryn looked longingly at the tub, but even if she had time to wait for it to fill she would still need a shower after class. She washed up in the sink, glad the bruise on her wrist was nearly gone and the one on her neck looked decidedly better. She pulled on a mock turtleneck and gray leggings and a pair of white socks before brushing out her hair and pulling it back in a ponytail. She listened closely for a moment, thinking that she heard him stirring. Last night he had been so upset with her and then with Corey she had wanted to simply let him sleep and hope that tonight would be better. She shut the light off and opened the door. She found him stretched out in bed, watching her.

“I didn't wake you, did I?” She set her bag by the door and curled up next to him, kissing him lightly. He pulled her close and deepened the kiss.

“I knew you were gone.” Kathryn snuggled close and he nuzzled the side of her neck softly. “Were you going to just leave without saying goodbye?”

“No,” she settled comfortably against him. “I was going to leave you a note and then call you after class was over. You looked like you were sleeping so soundly when I got up.”

“Considerate and fetching, but I'd prefer you to wake me.” He kissed her softly and Kathryn relaxed against him. One finger stroking his chest softly. “You didn't have a chance to take a proper bath though.”

“Well no, but I always shower after class anyway.” Kathryn felt the soft blush return to her cheeks and she wondered if washing up hadn't been enough. “Besides, it seemed a waste to fill that huge tub just for me.”

“Indulge whenever you wish, I do.” He chuckled softly. “So you have your dance class tonight, and then what?” His fingers traced her arm lightly.

Kathryn didn't think that anyone had been so concerned about her schedule since she was a teenager and part of her wanted to tell him that it was none of his business. That was not the part that answered though.

“Probably dinner with Corey, attempt to settle her down, or at least find out more about what's wrong with her. I've never seen her have such a strong reaction to anyone.”

“And you'll be coming back here after.” It wasn't a question or a request. Kathryn shook her head and looked away, ready to protest. There had to be some reason, ANY reason to say no. She couldn't just move in here with him, even if she did sleep better here than she did at home. “Are you struggling to find reasons to come back, or to find reasons to stay away?” He asked, as if reading her mind. He stroked her cheek softly and she turned to face him again.

“You'll get bored with me if I stay all the time. You've seen how I get when I write.” She said quietly. She knew she was bad company when she was actively working on writing something and not just researching it. She tended to be distant and engrossed in her project and none of that was really conducive to making another person want to have her around.

“Is that your only reason?” He kissed her softly, his tongue barely brushing hers.

“The only one I'm able to think of right now, yes.” She blushed. The touch of his mouth and his closeness was almost more than she could take.

“I'm quite capable occupying my own mind if you're writing.” His lips continued to tease hers and Kathryn moaned softly, feeling her body start to respond to his light touches. She arched as one hand slid under the hem of the shirt. “You'll come back.”

“I'll come back.” She said, her fingertips tracing lightly up over his chest. Kathryn wondered if she was ever going to be able to say no to him again, of course a few more minutes laying there and she wouldn't leave in the first place. Kathryn felt herself tense as his fingers teased over her nipples lightly. The ache might have left the bruise on her neck but it was still fresh between her legs. “I'll be late for my class.” Her voice sounded uncertain as she said it.

“Still hurting, sweet Kathryn?” His lips softened and his hand moved back down to her stomach, resting it there.

“I'm sorry.” Kathryn found she wasn't sure what else to say and she looked away.

“No apologies needed.” He turned her to face him again. “You’ll heal in your own time. Speaking of healing, how is the bruise on your neck?”

“Better, it's hardly tender at all this evening, and it's fading.” He turned her head and tugged down the collar of the shirt, inspecting the mark. It made Kathryn a little nervous for some reason, but she stayed where he positioned her.

“You heal quickly.” His lips brushed the spot just below her ear.

“You know the old saying, people who heal quickly have a powerful force of goodness in them.” She smiled but thought she saw something flash across his face. It was gone before she could tell for certain though. Her smile faded a bit and her voice took on an uncertain sound. “Or at least that's what Grandmother always says, maybe she made it up.”

“No, she didn't.” He kissed her softly. “I haven't heard that in quite some time, though.”

“That’s my family, we’re all wrapped up in the past in one way or another.” She kissed his shoulder lightly, but there was a definite shift in him. There was nothing in his face, just a bit of tension that hadn't been there a moment ago. “I really should go, I'm sorry.”

“You have the driver's number?” He asked, holding her close.

“I'll only need to be dropped off at the gym. Corey will have her car and can drop me off here, or if she's being a pain she can take me home and I'll drive myself.” She hesitated to move out of his embrace, but after a moment he let her go and handed her a card with a number and a key.

“The key will let you in the private entrance, though if you find it more convenient you can ask for me at the door of the club and I'll let you in. And the driver's number, just in case you need it.” He kissed her deeply and Kathryn stroked his tongue softly with hers.

“Thank you.” She moved slowly out of his arms, but kept her fingers twined with his. “Are you alright?”

“Why?” He looked a bit surprised that she would even ask.

“I don't know, you just felt different against me all of a sudden.” He pulled her close and kissed her again.

“It's nothing for you to worry about. Now go, while you still can.” He smiled and released her hand.

“I won't be too late.” Kathryn picked up her bag as she left the room, closing the door softly behind herself.