Rafe

There was nothing he enjoyed more than experiencing new things, especially from the people around him. At one point in his life he had gone to great lengths to let people be who they were, but as time went on he had tailored his abilities to help, and sometimes hurt, the people around him. He wasn’t a bad person, not really. There was simply a time and a place for everything and everyone. When bad people did bad things, they simply needed to be punished, and if the people sworn to protect the townspeople failed to do so, he often took matters into his own hands.

There was, of course, a flip side to that idea. He loved to get his own way, always had. He could use his powers of persuasion to get exactly what he wanted, though he went out of his way to not do that, not when it was so much more of a challenge to conquer whatever he wanted on his own terms. Tonight was one of those nights, as he pursued the crowd of people and singled out a lucky lady whom he would enjoy playing with for the night. Playing was a good word for it, really. He barely finished up one dalliance before he was bored with it and ready to move on.

This one was a blonde, petite and she was eager to please, which he needed tonight. He was in no mood for games and the way she was looking at him made her obvious. He stood, his tall 6′2″ frame easily noticeable among the crowd, and smiled rakishly at the bartender, sliding his money over to her before heading away from the bar and towards the blonde. She smiled up at him and he offered her an arm, which she took, rubbing one of her manicured hands over the rough texture of his coat.

He knew by the way she carried herself, she would be more than willing to please him, and the night would still be young when he finally made it home. He was no stranger to the wiles of women and he knew how to give just as much as he took. As they made their way into her apartment, he watched and waited for her to begin.

He glanced at the clock and saw that it was 12:05 before he stood and made his way to the bathroom. It had been an hour and ten minutes. As he splashed water on his face, he stared hard at his reflection. He was average in his own opinion, but many women would disagree. His black hair fell in waves on his head and the razor stubble across his face and chin gave him a more devilish look. Even his chocolate-brown eyes seemed to gleam as he blinked at his reflection before slipping into his clothes and making his way out into the darkness of night.

He hadn’t always been so cavalier about women; it was something that came with the business. A business that was near and dear to his heart—and in a little bit of trouble. His father had warned him about his ways, something about being a womanizer coming back to bite him, but what he had been in school was nothing compared to him now. After the death of his father, he had taken up all the responsibilities of running the business, but that brought about a certain coldness in him.

Looking at it now, it was then when his father had told him of the mutation in him. Up until that moment on, Rafe had assumed he had a way about him, a way of getting people to respond to him. He always thought he was the type to be able to make change simply by raising a voice. Sadly, it had been his ability to persuade that had been doing it for him for years.

He thought of himself as the only one, but his father had given him a list of people to contact, others like him. With that he had a network of friends, some he would even call family; all of them had their own unique talents. That was when he met Angel, and with her came a different kind of understanding. He had loved her, in his own way. She had come barreling into a room full of people her head held high and her blond hair flowing down her back. She had been pissed off, and not afraid to let people know it.

She caught his eye on her way out of the room, gave him one look, and kissed him full on the mouth. From that night on they had been together. It seemed so long ago now, before he had learned to be hard, learned to put emotions away and face the reality of what running the company really meant. Somehow, they had drifted away, both wanting too much or too little from the other until he had left her and everyone else behind to live his life as “normal” as possible.

His mother had wanted more—a lot more–for him, and she never failed to tell him that. Just yesterday she drilled him full of questions.

“Rafey, why don’t you give your old mothers some grands before I get too old to enjoy them?”

“Come on ma, you know I don’t have time for all that stuff. Business is booming and I have mergers on the table. Plus, you wanted me to take on that charity stuff with you remember?”

She was frowning and still pouting when he dropped her home after lunch.

“Rafey I want you to understand. You are a good man; you work too hard just like your papa. Go have fun and meet a nice girl. Give me that much before I am gone.” With a sigh, he helped her inside and she hugged him close before he left.

He wasn’t sure what she was worried about. At 31 he still had plenty of time to meet a girl and give her some “grands” as she called them—plenty of time indeed.

 

Angel

She still had it, whatever “it” was exactly. She smiled at the dark-haired man who just entered the bar, and right on cue, he smiled back, giving her a once-over. His aura was red, lustful, just as she thought it would be. She flipped her long, blond curls behind her shoulder as she moved on to glancing around the room once more. Something was shifting with her abilities, but testing it now she felt better than she had in weeks.

She wished she had something better to give to the community. She could read emotions, which really didn’t seem like much of a gift. Most people were blatant about how they felt, at least eventually. She could sense a color surrounding someone and that would tell her what that person really felt deep down, even if they didn’t know it yet. Lately, things weren’t as easy to accomplish and by the way people in her community were acting, she knew it wasn’t just her alone that seemed to be struggling with it.

Now she found herself on a mission to find him of all people. She wasn’t sure whose great idea it was to send her, but now she was here in the seedy Washington D.C. weather looking for him. She hadn’t completely left him. She would pop in from time to time to check on him, but the last time had been four years ago, and she knew the interaction would be difficult for them both.

She had loved him then, and she still did. She had been chosen to find him and build a new community together, but she wasn’t sure if he was even interested in the community anymore. He had been gone so long now, most people thought he was dead. She glanced up at the lights on the bar, noticing how they dimmed slightly and suddenly she felt him there. She watched him as he took a few long strides towards the door, taking some blond with him as he went.

She sighed, sipping her drink. He was different, but he still loved a good time. She would have to use that to her advantage tomorrow when she went to see him. Hours later she made her way to her own apartment, one she had rented just for this purpose. Everything would be better soon, and she would be able to feel like herself again. Stripping down for the night she was reminded of her past. The scars on her back were proof of the little girl she had once been. She had been raised in one foster home after another until she escaped it all one day. It was back then that she had met Rafe, and her life had changed forever.

 

Melody

She was in trouble and there was no denying it. Melody pushed back her mass of flaming red hair off her shoulders and then slumped down in the chair once more. There had to be some way out of this mess, but she couldn’t see it. She thought once more about her job at the diner and if she should have given it up so quickly. She thought about Roger and his groping hands and visibly shuddered. There was no way she could feel like her decision to quit was a bad one. That had been two weeks ago, and despite her best efforts, she was running out of options, and fast. She glanced once more at the classifieds, though there was nothing different.

She decided to go for a walk to clear her head—anything to change up the monotony of her day. She slipped into a coffee shop on Main and settled into a cozy booth to wait for her name to be called to pick up the hot brew. There was something soothing about this place, something that made her feel warm and cozy, especially since the weather was getting colder. Even the two dollars spent on this coffee was a luxury, but one she afforded herself since it was really her breakfast.

The days seemed to get shorter by the minute and with them went her options for work. She thought long and hard about her brother’s offer to come live out west with him and his family, but she didn’t want to be a burden on him. He was happy, with a massive family of his own; the last thing he needed was his kid sister tagging along because she hadn’t found her own way in life.

It wasn’t for lack of trying that’s for sure. She was still in school, though the semester was at an end and she would have almost a month off to get her life in order. She heard her name and stood to get the coffee, smiling at a nice older woman as she went. She had just grasped the paper cup when she felt the rush of something hard hit her from the side.

Had it been anything else but coffee, she would have likely smiled the situation off as bad timing, but not today and not when she was covered in it. Not to mention that it was her morning coffee—one she had accepted as a necessity to start her day. She glanced up at the tall figure beside her and wanted to yell.

“What the hell are you doing, trying out for barrel racing or what?” She turned her head then, really looking at him. She felt the heat radiating off him the moment his eyes met hers. He was perfect, in as many ways as she could see. Dark hair and eyes and he was tall—taller than most men. There was something remarkable about his eyes, the dark brown with lighter brown flecks in them, making her look away as quickly as she had looked at him.

“I’m terribly sorry. I was looking in the other direction for some reason.” He sighed, running a hand through his dark hair, before looking down at her again. “Please get the lady another coffee. Would you like a muffin or scone perhaps?” he inquired carefully.

“No, I’m fine. I just need to go clean up this mess.” She stomped off to the bathroom and once inside she let out the breath she had been holding.

Aside from a little hot coffee, she was no worse for the wear. Her only concern now was going back out there and facing the man who had knocked her over in the first place. She had nothing to worry about, not really. No man like that would ever give her a second glance. She did her best to calm her racing nerves and head back out into the shop.

She saw him immediately, smiling at her from a table in the corner. Despite refusing his offer, she found herself faced with a new mug of coffee and a blueberry muffin on a paper plate at her seat.

“I’m not hungry.” She pushed it towards him.

“Very well, it’s just that you looked like a muffin kind of gal to me.” The man shrugged and gave her a sly smile.

“Well I am changing directions.” She eyeballed the muffin before focusing her attention on him. “I trust I can sit now and not worry about being pummeled?”

He smiled at her, gesturing to the chair beside him. She sat down carefully, her stomach making a growling noise, which made her blush. He pushed the muffin in her direction, not saying a word as she broke it apart and ate it in chunks.

He didn’t speak for a long time, not until she glanced up at him. “I just wanted to apologize once more for my erratic behavior. I trust you weren’t really hurt?”

She didn’t have the heart to tease him, so she nodded. “I am fine. It was just a little bump.” She smiled as she put the brew to her lips, tasting the warm heat there.

“So, my name is Rafe. I wanted to introduce myself to you just in case something breaks later and you need a name to blame.” He smiled at her and she returned it generously. The two of them decided to sit for a moment and simply be friendly.

“So Rafe, what do you do?”

“I am a business owner, and I invest in new businesses. What about you?”

“Oh, my...” She frowned for a moment lost in thought. “Well, I am between jobs right now, and I go to school. I am just here for the coffee, I suppose.” She drifted off, glancing at the far side of the bar.

“What kind of work do you do, normally?” He smiled as he watched her.

“I am in school for teaching. I want to teach theater arts. It was always a long-term goal of mine to do some acting.” She frowned again. “I can’t believe I just said that. I am sorry, I don’t mean to bore you with the details of my life.”

He laughed slightly. “On the contrary, I am rather enjoying living vicariously through someone else for the moment.” He glanced at his watch and I knew the moment had passed.

“Well, Rafe it was nice meeting you, even at the expense of my sweater.” She smiled at him as he stood to go.

“Here, write down your number and I’ll write down mine. Just in case.” He gave her a wink and soon he was gone.

Once more, Melody sank back into her cushioned chair, she smiled as she noticed that he had splurged for the coffee with free refills. This day was looking up after all.

 

Rafe

“What do you want me to do Angel? I am powerless to help the community. Plus, I must focus on my business now.” He crossed his arms over his chest, watching her as she moved. She was like a cat in many ways, always slinking about.

“I just came to see if you were having the same issues, that’s all Rafe, and to see you. Don’t tell me you don’t miss me a little?”

“I don’t, and I want my life to stay simple. I don’t care if my powers diminish. Every time you're around me things get out of hand. I’m done with that life Angel, for good.”

“Fine Rafe, but I’m not ready to give up on you, not yet. Can you at least try and help me, please?”

She meant it, and since their abilities were not active on each other, he was not able to read her and had to rely on his intuition. It was no secret that Angel was always looking out for herself, but she also seemed concerned about the mutant community they were a part of.

“Fine Angel, I’ll look into the situation, see if I can help. But you and I are finished. I have a fiancé now, and I care very much about her. I won’t have her hurt, is that clear?”

Her eyes lit up as he spoke. She was bothered by his announcement. “Fine, I’ll see you tomorrow for dinner.”

He watched her go. He had lied and knowingly played with fire. Now he had to find a girlfriend, to make sure that Angel left soon. If he got tangled up in her again, he may not recover this time and he could not risk his life and business again. He needed someone who could work hard, and look the part. He smiled as he thought of the perfect person.

An hour later she was smiling up at him from an overstuffed chair in his office. He tried not to notice how her flaming hair spilled down her shoulders, or how the green of her eyes made them sparkle. Instead, he was doing his best to explain the situation to her, but without the parts she wouldn’t believe anyway.

“All expenses, room, board, a stipend. You will have to say with me, we are engaged after all, or soon will be.” He arched a brow at her.

“How do I know you’re not some crazy person out to kill me or something?” She swallowed hard.

“You don’t, not really. If it helps I have a background check ready, and can give you anything else you may need. And as I said, it’s just for a few days”

He was serious and she looked at him with a frown on her face.

“Ok, I’m in. Tell me where to begin and what to do.” She sat up quickly, her mind racing. She knew he was attractive and she could really use a job right now. This was an odd offer but what the hell, how bad could it be, she thought.

“I also want you to feel assured that this is in name only, and photo ops. I would never ask you to do anything you didn’t want to do Melody.” He stood in front of her now, his gaze intent as he watched the array of emotions cross her face.

He leaned down to kiss her lightly, his lips were hot and despite his efforts, he soon found himself wrapped up in her kiss, deepening it and the heat was rising within them both. When the kiss broke, she found herself taking in air deeply. She felt his hands on her arms to steady her and she smiled up at him.

“We will have to kiss I’m afraid, and you will have to play that part just as convincingly, based on that, you will do fine. Gather some things at your place. I’ll send a car for you tonight, in time for dinner.”

He needed to go, but he found himself lost in thought about her. When she nodded, he slipped off to his car. He smiled thinking how she did not object to the kiss and how he had enjoyed that far more than he thought he would. This was going to be interesting.

 

Melody

She spun around, looking at her reflection. She had never owned anything like this. The dark purple of the gown and the rich highlights that she had endured that afternoon was more than any one person could handle in one day. She would see him tonight, and he had yet to see her like this. She stepped out of the curtains and into the main room, her heart thumping as she walked. The dinner was important to him, that’s what he’d said. Something about an old friend, and even though she knew this was all for show, she wanted to make a good impression.

Together they had created a story about how they met, and their future plans. She had been going over it in her head now for days and she felt pretty good about all of it. She grabbed her clutch as she took the long strides out of the room where she dressed and into the foyer to meet him. She was smiling as she rounded the corner, until he spun to face her.

He was striking in his black suit and tie. His hair was slicked back, laying against his head and enhancing his features. He had shaved for the occasion, which made her a little sad, but he gave her a once over and his smile seemed genuine enough.

“You look amazing Melody, just beautiful.”

“You’re not so shabby yourself.” She gave him an impish grin and they made their way out to the car and into the night.

As they rode along she felt him take her hand in his, slipping a ring onto her delicate finger. She glanced up at him in surprise.

“We are engaged now, I should have given this too you from the beginning, but I wasn’t sure how.” He shrugged, giving her a smile, not once moving his hand from hers.

The restaurant was bustling with activity and they both moved through the people with ease. One of the perks he enjoyed was always having a standing table. They settled into the corner, both enjoying the evening, though she sensed some tension rolling off his back.

“So, you gonna tell me what’s up with you tonight Rafe?” She sipped at her water casually.

“I don’t know what you mean,” he countered with a smile.

“We have been putting this thing together for a week now, I think I know you pretty well. I know when something is bothering you.”

He lifted a finger to the waiter, who scurried off to get him a drink.

“I am fine, Melody dear, just fine.”

She saw the woman as she approached. She gave the impression that she was far more than just anyone. Her blond hair was perfectly arranged on her head, and her body, which could only be described as flawless, was encased in a tight form-fitting dress in blue silk. She smiled at Rafe easily, seemingly ignoring Melody altogether. Finally, after a brief hug from Rafe, she turned her eyes on Melody.

“So, you’re the girl who has snatched up Rafe then?” Much like Rafe, she signaled the waiter for a drink. It was obvious she had been here before.

“I wouldn’t call it snatched up, but yes. I do my best to make him happy.” She gave Rafe a smile, which he appreciated.

“Well, I know my Rafe, and I know when he doesn’t respond to me, he must be occupied.”

Melody felt her body start to burn. It was obvious this woman had some previous arrangement with Rafe, but whatever it was she was certainly still hung up about it. She glanced at Rafe, who seemed to be more than a little uncomfortable. She would have to stand up for herself, or lose everything they had worked for.

“Well.” She smiled sweetly. “I know my Rafe, and he always responds to me, so I’m sure I don’t know what that must be like.”

She watched the other woman’s eyes narrow slightly. “So, tell me how you two met, I’m sure it must be a good story.”

“It was at a café, he bumped into me and I have been with him ever since.” She gave Rafe a loving look, which he returned.

“Do tell me, how is it serving people? I’ve never had to do such menial labor before?”

“I was a customer, not an employee.” Breathe Melody, she told herself. “However, generosity is a virtue I am proud to have.”

“Oh, that is sweet. I am a giver too, just in different ways.” She gave Rafe a longing look, and Melody was ready to fight. Not because she was jealous, but because of the blatant disrespect.

“Speaking of giving, Rafe is quite a giver himself.” She smiled at him, her ring twinkling in the light of the room. She watched Angel narrow her eyes and she could have sworn she heard a slight hiss.

“How sweet, and cute.” She blinked, doing her best to seem unaffected.

“If you two will excuse me, I need to go to the restroom.” She stood, carefully making her way to the back of the restaurant. She slipped into the bathroom, pacing slightly before she exploded. Who the hell was that woman anyway? She would need to regain her composure if she was going to have the upper hand in dealing with someone like her.

 

Angel

“What the hell Angel. I agreed to this dinner because you wanted to meet her, not so you could bully her.” Rafe threw his napkin down on the table in disgust.

“I am doing you a favor Rafe, look at the little lamb. She can barely hold a conversation with me, much less be there for you, especially with everything you have going on.” She paused, waiting for him to say something.

“I don’t need your help, or your advice Angel. I told you I would look into a solution, but this thing with you and me has been done for a long time. I care about her, so leave her alone. She’s not bitter and angry like you are and I don’t want her to become that way.”

He stood and she felt herself losing this fight. She knew then she would have to find a little finesse with it. She touched his hand, trying to pull him back in.

“Fine, I’m sorry Rafe. Please just talk to me for a minute.” She waited and finally he settled back into the chair. “Do you remember when we met, the afternoon with Bobby, and how I yelled and screamed to get what I wanted?”

“I remember that you almost got yourself killed, that’s what I remember.”

“I was angry, and full of hot air, but you calmed me down. You always have this ability in you to give me peace Rafe. We are good for each other, no matter if you see it or not. I know everything about you, and I could be a better fit, that’s all I am saying. She would never make it in our world Rafe, not really.” She stood, gathering her things.

She felt Melody’s presence as she came back into the area where their table was and she glanced her way. She saw the pink hues surrounding her as she smiled at Rafe, and Angel felt the pressure of what she was here to do even more. Melody liked Rafe, liked him a lot, even if she didn’t know it. Based on the way he was looking back at her, she had a suspicion that he liked her too. Damn, if only she could read his aura as well. She smiled at Melody who now looked her way, a steely look to her now.

“Well, I have to get going. Something has come up. I do hope to get to do this again soon.” She smiled sweetly at them both before she left, but gave Rafe a knowing look that he seemed to be aware of.

The air was cool against her skin as she made her way home. There had to be some way to get to him, but for now, as long as he had a fiancé, she would never get what she wanted.

 

Melody

She knew something was wrong the minute she walked back to the table. She’d taken a moment to compose herself, doing her best to keep her cool. That alone was something new for her. She had never been any good at keeping her emotions in check, and starting now seemed unlikely. Growing up, she had to fight for everything she had, and she was fully prepared to do so now. Finding herself faced with a viper like Angel had pushed her into a dark place, and she realized that this job was far more complicated than she had expected it to be.

Angel sneaked out of the restaurant and once more she was alone with Rafe. She felt the tension between them, though she had no doubt it was from a conversation he had been involved in before she came back. She settled into her seat, just as the food was being cleared, smiling as the waiter took everything away. She finally let her gaze meet his and felt his gaze on her like a fire. His look was so intense she wasn’t sure what to do next, and she smiled at him sweetly, doing anything to change the mood.

“I’m sorry about Angel, she can be intense,” he offered.

“I see that. I suppose she is still upset over the break up.”

He frowned. “I never said we were together.”

“Ahh, well call it women’s intuition.” She sipped a drink of water. “I just knew.”

He held her chair as she stood to go, and she linked her arm with his as if it were the most natural thing in the world. She felt his arm, enjoying the pressure of him, once more thinking of how her feelings for him had developed so quickly. They made it back to his place, and she climbed into the elevator, a small tingle in her stomach as she thought about how he had looked at her tonight. It was changing with them, shifting somehow.

As they entered the living room, she gave him a sweet smile as she made her way to her own room. He had given her plenty of her own space, a room and a massive closet. His rooms were on the opposite site of the apartment. Her thoughts raced as she thought about the evening. She felt the heaviness of the ring on her hand, and she spun it on her finger subconsciously. She thought about what would happen if she was actually his wife and they had returned from dinner together. She would be in his room right now making love to him. Using her hands to scan every inch of his perfect body and getting a good taste of his luscious lips.

There were so many sides of Rafe that she had yet to learn of, but the parts of him she did know made her heart race. His eyes made her feel heat deep in the pit of her stomach. She wanted him to feel the same way, but if he didn’t at least she was getting paid to kiss him and play the part. She left her room to go into the kitchen for some water and stared out the window, into the night. She heard him behind her and she turned just in time to feel his lips on hers. There was no pretense and no reasoning for the kiss. There was no one to impress, and no one was watching.

He let her go, tracing her cheek with his finger. “Goodnight Melody.”

She could still feel the tingle on her lips as she watched him go to his room.

 

Rafe

She was under his skin and he liked it. There was something about her that made him feel things he hadn’t felt in a long time… if ever. He had kissed her only two days ago, just because he wanted to. He was waiting for her now, for a dinner together as he had requested. He wanted her, and badly. He swore not to cross a line with her, to keep things professional, but as they had gotten closer, and the outfits she wore were more and more suited to her, he wanted nothing more than to rip the clothes from her body and have all of her. He let his thoughts drift to Angel once more. She was persistent, though she had calmed down considerably since the dinner the three had shared.

Melody walked towards him on the street. He looked at her and saw her lithe frame encased in designer clothes, and he knew tonight he would take it as far as she let him. He smiled as he took her arm.

“You look beautiful, as always.”

She blushed slightly. “Thank you Rafe, as always.” She gave him a slight smile and he shut the door behind her.

He saw a flash of light out of the corner of his eye. He knew almost immediately that it was Angel. For some reason, she knew his locations, and it freaked him out. But then again, he was not a stranger to people’s special powers. She walked up to them as they stood in front of the restaurant. She looked at them, pausing for a long moment to look at Melody. She swallowed hard, and shifted her focus back on Rafe.

“Hello, Rafe. I just wanted to see how you were, and about the situation we have been talking about.”

He sighed. “Angel, can you stop acting crazy. I already told you I am with Melody and that won’t change.” He glanced over at Melody who was lost in conversation with a friend she bumped into.

“Ok, Rafe.” Angel said, defeated. “I’ll leave it alone. When can the three of us meet again?”

He cut her off. “Not anytime soon Angel, not after how you acted the last time. Now just please leave us alone will ya?”

He didn’t say another word and watched her walk away into the night.

Dinner was a beautiful affair; he had specifically asked for every detail to be just right. He wanted to ask every question he had in his mind, but he could only think of one.

“Tell me what you want Melody.”

She looked at him, startled. “What do you mean?” She shrugged. “In life, in work, what do you want to know?”

“No… what do you want from me?” He focused on her, his mind pushing and prodding to get more from her than she wanted to give. And he knew he would have it his way.

He watched her shift in her seat, and her hand began to tremble slightly as she looked at him. Rafe was quick to hold her hand.

“I want you... to… love… me.” She whispered out each word, as if they were pulled from her mouth.

He smiled to her, letting his hold on her go and she sighed, her body relaxing in her seat. All he could think of now was Melody’s naked body on top of him, her beautiful large breasts out of her dress, left free for him to play with. He looked right into her eyes and she blinked rapidly as she looked around.

“Rafe, do I seem ok to you?” She smoothed down her dress self-consciously.

“You are fine, Melody. You are beautiful.”

After dinner, he held her hand in his, feeling the tension leaving his body as she relaxed with him. He was apprehensive, guilt creeping in slightly as he thought about how he had used his power to be sure that she wanted him as much as he did her.

She was chatting happily as they entered the building, her gaze lingering on him from time to time. He was happy she wanted things to be casual, just like he did. She had said the words he needed to hear. She wanted him to make love to her, it was her deepest thought and he would give her exactly what she wanted.

Melody

She was not herself. She had blacked out, or that’s what it felt like at least. She entered the apartment still in a good mood, chatting happily about the details of their upcoming trip. They had planned to go to New York for some work he had, a dream she’d had for a long time. She spun around to face him, breathing in just in time to feel his hands on her, covering her everywhere at once. This was no normal kiss, not like the ones before. No, this was demanding, and loving. Far more than anything she’d experienced with him before.

He moved quickly to remove first her clothes and then his. She felt the coolness of the night air on her skin as his hands set her body aflame. She felt him move, shifting until he had her standing before him naked, pulling her body into his. She wasn’t in control of how or when her body moved, as it was being controlled by Rafe’s comforting yet powerful touch. She had waited so long to love him, precisely since the day at the coffee shop and he was finally there all to herself. He kissed her once more, his mouth seeking and tasting her. She felt him moving and shifting then, until he was on top of her, looking down. She smiled up as she looked into his eyes.

She felt outside of herself as she moved, her hands touching him everywhere at once. She grabbed his face, pulling his head down to hers, her mouth now kissing him. He pushed, filling her completely. He stopped moving then, letting her body adjust to him. Soon she was pulling him down to her, moving with him as he shifted. She looked at him, noting the gleam in his eye and she suddenly felt a surge of energy fill her to her core. She moved, feeling him lift her and turn around to lie back on the bed, this time allowing her to easily slide down the length of him as she straddled his hips. She looked up at him and saw his lazy smile. She heard him tell her to take what she wanted, to move until she had pleasured herself.

She did as he asked, moving on him, loving him as she moved her hips over him. He gripped her hips then, and she smiled wickedly as she felt his fingertips digging into the flesh of her hips, pulling her down even more onto him. She felt her head clear. Somehow, she felt more like herself as she found a rhythm with him; somehow despite the position never changing, he was back in charge, moving her with him and not the other way around. She looked down at him once more, enjoying the feel of his body against hers and love filling her heart as they moved.

Soon their bodies found a rhythm, pushing and pulling together until soon they both reached that ultimate peak. She arched her body up and into his, feeling fulfilled for the first time. Sated, he pulled her body into his, cupping her in front of him as they drifted off to sleep.

The sun was high when she woke. She knew he was gone as she felt the spot next to her where he had been only hours before. She smiled, her body sore from the night they shared, slipping her dress over her head, and heading out into the kitchen where she knew he would be. He gave her a smile as she settled into a bar stool, accepting the hot mug of coffee he handed her.

She let her mind wander, thinking about how he felt and where their relationship would now go. She wanted to shout her love for him from the rooftops, but her reserve was intact as she watched the way he flipped the hotcakes on the stove.

He handed her the food and settled in across from her. “I have to say Melody, I’m glad you and I are on the same page.” He took a bite, encouraging her to try the food.

“How do you mean?”

“Well, last night you said you wanted me to make love to you. I know if you wanted something more serious you would have said that. I’m not ready for anything more than casual, so I am glad we are together on this.” He gave her a smile, turning around to refocus his attention on the food in front of him.

She felt her heart breaking and her intuitions had been incorrect. She’d assumed he wanted more, wanted her. She looked down, doing her best to keep her heartache from him. She finished her coffee and smiled.

“I am glad we are too. So much to do today, I really have to get going.” She walked quickly back into her room, praying he wouldn’t follow. Today she needed to spend time away from him, at least for now, at least until she could face him and not feel the hurting.

 

Melody

The sand under her toes was exactly what she needed. She glanced over at the couple next to her, all cozy and kissing. She didn’t feel jealous. There was some part of her that knew that leaving without saying anything was wrong, but she had given him so much… too much of her the night they had shared together. She could still feel him beside her and feel the power he seemed to radiate in everything he did.

She had been in love with him for so long now; she wasn’t sure when it had started, or when she had fallen for him so much. The girlish part of her had fallen asleep after making love and woke to a new morning and silly ideas about the type of husband Rafe could be. When he had kissed her that night it had been different somehow. His touch had given her a new kind of hope. Hope for a better future of happiness and togetherness that she had missed for a long time. Leaning back on the chair now she knew she would have to make the two-hour drive back, but not today. She would give it one more night before she went back to the reality of her heartbreak.

The next morning came and she slid into her car to make the trip home… back to her apartment anyway. As she passed the exit on the freeway she felt her heart ache. She blinked away the tears that she felt forming, and set off for her apartment. It would be nice to be home, especially after all the time she had spent away. She sighed as she opened the front door and went inside, what she really needed now was a glass of wine and a feel-good movie.

Rafe

She was gone. He felt something deep down shift and ache when he thought about losing her in his life. The one night they shared had been wonderful, and it had changed him. Deep down he felt guilt over using his power, but she had done it so easily. He’d used his mind to push her to take whatever she wanted, and she had done just that. The result was a wonderful experience. Today he woke with a new sense of purpose, and still on a high he had gone into her room to find a note.

Something has come up. I am afraid I can’t work for you anymore.

Best of Luck,

Melody

He crumpled the letter in his hands, tossing it on the table in the main room. He had no right to get upset; they had a casual arrangement after all. What she did and where she went was really none of his business. He had probably told himself that over and over throughout the day, but he still found himself worrying about her, and if she was ok.

He set off for the day, running more than a few errands, with not nearly enough time to get it all done. He walked into his office, feeling Angel’s presence as he did. Did she know that Melody had left? Deep down, part of him wished he could give her more, give back the community more, but he was lost. She was trying to read him, though, to gauge his ability and how it affected him.

“Let it go Angel, it won’t work.” He never once turned to look at her

“Rafe, you don’t have to be such an ass.” She stood, her hands crossed as she leaned on the door jam. She was looking him over, searching for something. “What’s wrong Rafe?”

“Nothing, let it go. What do you want Angel?” He went back to work, doing his best to ignore her.

“You know what I want. I want you, Rafe.”

“I told you I am done with this between us Angel. As for our community, I have tried, but every solution I try to find seems to be falling apart.” He ran a hand through his hair.

“It’s because of her, isn’t it? I knew the last time I saw you…” She trailed off.

“She is gone actually. I don’t know where she is.” He tapped his fingers on his desk.

“Ahh, there it is.” She smiled at him. “Rafe let her go, she is fragile and scared. I know you care about her but you have to know she could never survive with us, or be a part of the community.”

“I have no intention of making her a part of the community, in fact it’s probably for the best that she is gone. Mother was having a field day with the idea of she and I getting serious.”

“I, for one am glad she is gone. She is a distraction you can’t afford right now. We need your help, and I think it’s time I tell you what I know.”

He frowned at her, his brows furrowed. “I don’t understand Angel, what are you talking about?”

“They sent me here to tell you about the loss of the powers everyone is feeling. It’s much bigger than just you and me. Apparently, they sent me to find you and create an heir.” She held up a hand. “I know that sounds absurd, so don’t go to any great lengths to insult me. I just wanted to give you all the facts. They seem to think your father had some unique powers, or something that could help anyway.” She shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“He was different. I will look into his stuff again,” said Rafe.

“Thanks, Rafe. I know we have had a rocky past, but I just want the community to survive.”

He ran a hand through his hair. “I do to Angel. Listen, I am not much of a liar, and I have a confession. Melody was not my fiancé. I had hired her to pose as one, so I would have an excuse for you. I am sorry”

“Wait, she was just posing? God how could I not guess that. The hue of her aura was peachy like a girl madly in love. I could have never guessed,” Angel said, nodding her head and drifting in thought.

“Angel what are you talking about now?”

“Did she tell you, I mean before she left?”

“Tell me what?”

“Come on Rafe, you had to know she was in love with you. Even a fool could see it in the way she looked at you.”

He stared at her hard, a slight twitch in his left cheek. “No, she didn’t. We had an arrangement.”

“I’m going to tell you something Rafe, despite your best efforts to act as if what I am saying is out of this world.”

He waited, watching her eyes hard.

“She is special Rafe. I didn’t see it the last time, not really. My entire focus then was about my part in helping find a solution for the community. She has a peach hue Rafe, you know that’s unusual, and more importantly it’s rare.”

He swore under his breath, his movements slow at first, and then he looked up at her, his face ashen.

“She is in love with me.” It was more of a statement than a question.

Angel smiled at him. “I am pretty sure you’re in love with her too, Rafe, even if you don’t want to admit it.” She smiled at him, this time full of friendship. She stood once more, wiping the dust off her pants. “I still stick to what I said, I don’t think she will make it, especially if you tell her the truth.” She started to walk out but turned at the last minute. “Just don’t forget about us Rafe.”

He moved then, propelling his body into action. Standing, he grabbed his jacket and keys, brushing past Angel as he went. He paused, coming back to her to drop a kiss on her forehead. “You’re not a bad one Angel, not really.” He reached down into his pocket and handed her something in a small box. “My father gave me this, I don’t know if it can help or if it’s useless. All he said was to keep it safe for the community. Give it to one of the higher ups and see what it is. After this conversation with you tonight, I think it may actually be the key to something bigger that can save us.”

Angel jumped up, flashing him a smile before she moved to head out from the house.

“Be careful Rafe, if you love her find her and be careful.” She gave him a half-smile and she was gone. He could only hope he could find a way to see her again one day.

He slid into the cool seats of his car and set off for the smaller outskirts of town. He knew where she lived and he had to hope he would get there in time to catch her. He pulled into her parking area, making his way up her stairs quickly. He started to knock on the door when it opened and she stood there.

“Rafe what are you doing here?” She waited expectantly.

“I can’t let you do this Melody. I mean, I don’t want you to go. I guess I am saying…”

“Wait, what are you talking about Rafe. I have to get going, I have an interview.” She did her best to walk past him, but he stopped her, the contact of his hand on her skin making him feel as though time was slowing down.

She never looked at him. “Rafe, please don’t do this.” She whispered it.

“I need to talk to you Melody, please just give me five minutes.”

She paused, and then moved back into her apartment, allowing him to follow.

“Five minutes Rafe.”

“Ok, so I misunderstood something you said the other day. You said you wanted me to love you, and I thought you meant make love to you.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I thought that’s what you wanted, casual, but then when I walked into your room and you were gone, I felt like the world had been ripped away from me. I haven’t been the same since you’ve been gone and then I realized that it has everything to do with the fact that I am in love with you. I don’t know how it happened or when but here I am, telling you everything I have ever tried to avoid is real and it's happening with you.”

“But you said…” She trailed off.

“Everything I said before right now means nothing. Melody, I was a fool and I am sorry if I hurt you. The night we shared was the best night of my life. I want nights like that for the rest of my days… with you.”

He knelt then and he watched her face shift, her eyes lighting up as he opened the small black box. It was his mother’s; she had given it to him years before.

“Marry me Melody, let me love you, in every way I possibly can.”

She nodded her head. Her eyes filled with tears. “Oh Rafe, yes, yes, I will.” She had thought about this way too many times and her response was almost instant.

He picked her up, spinning her and holding her close, once more breathing in her love. He pulled back and looked at her. He reached down, slipping the fake ring off her hand, smiling as she tucked it in her pocket and allowed him to put the real one on her finger.

“Well, that was certainly a better proposal than the first time.” She giggled.

“True, very true my love. Now that you’ve said yes, I think there is much more about me, you should know.” He paused.

“Oh no, is it bad?” She gulped.

“It can be bad or good, but there is an entire other side of me I want to share with you.”

“Whatever it is I don’t care, we can handle anything, just you and me.

He smiled, kissing her lightly on the mouth once more. He put her hand in his, and started to share the story of his life with her, and she had more than a few questions as they escaped into the night.

*****

THE END