Kesari

 

“I cannot believe you talked me into this,” Roy muttered, as we stood side by side in the lab. His jacket was off and he’d fished a pair of glasses out from somewhere. At my curious look, he’d given me a tilted eyebrow and I’d just smiled as I turned away.

“He said he’ll talk if we help him,” I responded.

“Convenient.”

“Yeah, I don’t exactly believe him either, but this is what the job is, right?” I asked.

“Doc,” he said, grabbing my arm as I went to walk by him and pulling me in close. I stared up at him as he leaned in, glancing around and said, his breath in my hair, “Don’t ever be alone with him.” Gently, he let me go and squeezed my shoulder. “I don’t like the way he zeroed in on you.”

So, we’re back to Doc now? I wanted to ask, but I refrained. It was four a.m. and we’d been up all night trying to untangle a knot I wasn’t even sure we could.

“Sir, Director Weslark is here,” someone called from the front.

Roy looked up and then back at me. “You don’t get to be alone until this over. Seng!” She came running over, her hair wild and eyes bloodshot. “Watch her.”

"Yes, Sir," Dara said without any sass whatsoever.

He strode off and I couldn’t help but watch him go. People ran up to him, asking questions and wringing hands. Roy smoothed it out, efficiently and calmly. He was the anchor in this storm.

“Enjoying the view?” Dara asked in a sly whisper.

“What?” I said, glancing at her, alarmed.

She smiled and said, “Relax, I’m kidding.” Leaning on the table, she watched me get back to work and was quiet for another minute. “Although…”

“Dara,” I said. “Trying to focus here.”

“Hm, sure.” Dara stood and stretched. “Just sayin’, been a little easier to breathe around here these last few days.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I said, even as my cheeks heated.

Dara glanced around, biting her lip and leaned forward, “Listen, Kesari, I know how he can be. But I didn’t… He needs someone like you, someone who–”

“Mornin’ Dara, Kesari,” said a tired, familiar Greek-accented voice. “Fresh coffee and muffins upstairs.”

“Oh, hi, Balt,” I said, straightening as Dara fell silent. “Thank you.”

“Where’s the Director?” Dara asked.

“Upstairs,” Balt said, giving her a knowing look.

“Oh, wish I could be in on that,” Dara sighed wistfully.

“Is she questioning him?” I asked.

“Uh, sure,” Balt answered, giving me an affectionate grin.

Dara and Balt began to talk, as I went back to work. Or tried. My brain was addled from staying up, the excess caffeine and all of the equations. I was starting to see them on the back of my eyelids whenever I closed my eyes. Sitting down, I rested my forehead on my hand.

Yes, Kesari.

He’d said my name again earlier. Why did he do that? Start and then stop again? Was it conscious? Why did I care?

Kesari, I am not a chair!

Had I really sat on him? What was wrong with me?

Or just sit here, sure.

Why did I like the way he said my name?

 

Kesari?

She’s been out cold for about an hour, boss. Hello, Director.

Boss? That’s cute, Roy. No, don’t wake her, Balt can–

No, I’ve got it.

 

I was warm and safe, tucked against something solid and something moving. Cracking an eye open, I saw the edge of a scruffy blond jaw and shut my eyes again.

“We’re going to have to pull everyone over here to handle this, I’m sorry Roy. I know you wanted extra security around the house, but you’re more than capable–”

Roy’s voice rumbled in his chest. “I get it, Piper.” He paused. “I wish you’d told me sooner.”

“I was hoping I was wrong,” she responded, her voice anxious and distracted.

“You’re never wrong,” Roy answered grimly and his arms seemed to tighten around me.

As I tried to stay awake, exhaustion rose up and the next thing I knew we were in a car, then back outside and in the house. Feigning sleep still, he hesitated for a moment, then we were in my room and I was being gently placed down.

“Ruri, can you do a sweep? And Lev, do not leave her,” I heard Roy whisper.

When I sat up, I was alone in my room except for Lev. Fully dressed and on top of the covers. Still in my lab coat in fact. But my glasses had been taken off and put on the nightstand.

Disoriented, I fumbled in my pocket for my phone and then blinked when I saw it was three in the afternoon. “What the hell? I should have been up hours ago!”

Stumbling out into the house, it was eerily quiet. Rurik was asleep by the door, his legs in the air and I tiptoed past him. I desperately needed a shower and to wake up. Yesterday was coming back in a tidal wave and I knew they’d need my help at the Cantina.

But as I passed Roy’s room, I stopped in my tracks when I saw it was empty. The bed hadn’t even been touched. I bit my lip, realizing I must have dreamed everything that happened earlier. Had he even brought me home?

Shaking my head, I got into the shower and told myself the sting in my eyes was nothing. Makeup from yesterday or something. Wrapping a towel around myself, I let out a sigh. I was so exhausted. Going back to the Cantina right now seemed a monumental task.

Dragging my feet through the house, I was crossing through the kitchen when I stopped and stared into the living room. There was Roy, fast asleep on a couch, wearing pajamas and his hair messy as though it’d dried funny. Walking over, I stared down at him. Why was he in here?

Closer to my door, I realized and I shook my head.

Annoyed, I poked his cheek and he didn’t stir. “Hey,” I said. “Hey.” An exhale of air met that and he rolled over slightly. “Roy, go to your own bed.”

“Kesari, what are you doing here?” he asked, opening his eyes and trying to focus on me. His voice was deeper and huskier than usual, with an odd warmth to it. I could hear more of the Icelandic. “Go back to bed. We’ve got the day off. Everyone does.”

“What did you call me?” I demanded. His eyes closed again and I glared at him. “Roy, go to your bed.” No answer. “Fine,” I said, yielding to the same impulse I had the day before and I sat on his stomach. “Try to sleep now. I’m not moving either.”

“I can sleep anywhere, it is one of the things they teach you in SOA,” Roy said, his voice crisper and more awake. “But if you…” I stared him down as he opened his eyes and a quizzical expression crossed his face. “Kesari, are you only wearing a towel?”

“What? Oh! Oh!” I jumped up and clutched it to my chest. “I-uh. Sleep where you want.” And with that, I went to flee when a rich, warm sound stopped me and I turned back in spite of myself.

Roy had a hand over his face and he was laughing. And my skin seemed to flush hotter. With a sigh, he raked his hand through his hair and then leaned on it. Smiling at me.

It lit up his face, made his eyes bluer and hair ten times more gold. There was an edge of roguishness to it, something a little dangerous and fun. Sexy.

Roy was handsome, I knew this.

But when he smiled, he was gorgeous. Full of color and warmth. You wanted to throw yourself at him. The intelligence and sharp mind he carefully kept quiet were on full display.

This was a man who wanted you to know he had you in his sights and you were helpless.

At that moment, his phone rang, he glanced down and I somehow got a grip. As his expression fell into those familiar, serious lines, I turned and ran. Leaning against my closed bedroom door, I tried to pull in one full breath, but I couldn’t. I was panting like I’d run a marathon.

Scrambling to get dressed, I tried to stop replaying that entire exchange over and over in my head, but I couldn’t. My fingers slipped on the buttons of the bulky sweater I was trying to wrap myself in. Or maybe bury myself. I sank onto the bed.

What is going on? What is wrong with me? So, Roy has a nice smile, so what?

He was still aloof and a jackass most of the time. But he watched out for me. And sometimes, he was kind. Making my breakfast the other day, then the following days… The contract.

A rap came at my door and I let out a squeak. Lev gave me a look as Roy asked, “Doc?”

“Yes?” I got out, hugging my knees up to my chest.

“Can I come in?” he asked.

“Sure,” I said. Hell no! I need time to think, I need…

Roy was fully dressed and his eyes were a thousand years away. But I couldn’t help but see him in a completely different light. It was like someone had neatly wiped away a coat of paint and I could see something different peeking out from underneath.

Something I wanted to take in entirely. Drown and revel in. I flushed.

“Sorry, Doc. We don’t get a day off after all,” he said. “Ready to go now? Dressed?”

If I didn’t know better, I could have sworn there was a light mockery to his words and there was no denying the smirk on his face. I wanted to slap him. Or hug him. I didn’t know what.

“Give me one minute?” I asked.

“Sure,” Roy said, walking away and pulling the door halfway shut behind him.

A quiet car ride later, we were walking into the facility. The snowmobile wouldn’t start. There were guards everywhere and more SUV’s. I glanced around, trying to figure out what was happening when Roy grabbed my arm and steered me inside.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“Your guess is as good as mine, Doc,” he said, as we walked up the stairs.

Kesari! I wanted to scream suddenly. Call me by my damn name, Roy!

Piper was waiting in the hallway and I blinked at her. This woman was all business, her dark, elegant clothes, and neatly coiffed hair. The jacket hid the baby bump and Balt stood by her side, silent and serious. These were not my friends. This was a formidable team.

“We need to stabilize him and get him out of here,” Piper said as we approached her. When I went to protest, she held up her hand. “Not my call. You’ve got twenty-four hours and whatever you need.”

I let out a frustrated sigh. “I need time, I need help!”

“We know,” Balt said.

“Morning, Kes,” came a voice I knew well.

“Dez!” I said, running forward and hugging him. “What are you doing here?”

“Seeing what I could do to help after Greece. Piper rallied the old troops,” said my old friend with a sheepish grin. “Hope I can help, this is a bit wilder and a lot tighter of a deadline.”

“Enele is here?” I asked, with a slight skip of my heart.

“No, he’s still overseas, hon,” Piper said.

“Oh,” I murmured.

Dez came forward and held out his hand to Roy, who was gritting his jaw for some reason. “Desmond Devoy. Or Dez. Nice to meet you officially, Roy.” They shook hands, Roy stayed silent.

“Dez is an old college buddy. And he was a TA for like a bunch of my classes.” I offered affectionately, smiling up at Dez. “Uncle Dez. He’s like the big brother I never had.”

Grinning, Dez ruffled my hair. “Yeah, you’re definitely a brat sister.”

“Nice to meet you too,” Roy said, his voice a little off. I glanced at him and for a moment, he looked relieved. Huh. “Need a place to call home?”

“Sure,” Dez said, looking flattered.

As I went to follow the three men, Piper gently held me back. “How are you holding up?” she asked. There was a look of faint amusement on her face. “Kes?”

I was watching them leave and now I looked back at her. “I’m good. Tired, but great.”

“Roy isn’t a problem?” she asked bluntly, arching a brow.

“No, we’re buds,” I said easily, swallowing as I thought of this morning.

“Okay,” Piper said.

“Okay,” I said, expecting more. “Anything else?”

“Nope, get to work, Doctor,” she said with a crooked smile.