Chapter 9 Know Your Place

"Great! Sounds like you know your place quite well."

Reaching out for the expensive ashtray on the adjacent cabinet, he gently knocked. Ashes draped the periphery, as if it wasn't their fault to have fallen on the ruby inlay.

A ruby that could have easily secured the life of any ordinary person.

"Of course! I'm just making our lives easier. I can never be your wife, so better be your lover. For now you are ready to give me your car, money and house. After a while, you will expect me to obey all what you say."

"Even if you turn down all those things, you will have to do all what I say."

His low and hoarse voice broke the monotony of her monologue

Nehemiah saw through her hypocrisy but enjoyed the discussion. Exploring new limits was always his passion.

"No, this is different. As long as I do not accept anything from you, my integrity is intact, I stay human."

Staying self-reliant, to a large extent, was vital for her and she knew that whatever may come, she always had her education to back her up.

"I'm listening!"

She looked up as his soft features cleared from the mist of rings he exhaled leisurely. Pleased, she continued.

"Lover - well? Yes. You can definitely feel good about such an arrangement. And, if I allow this, regardless of the fact that I am not comfortable nor agree completely, one day I will fight back only to cause more bitterness. To what extent? Even if this continues, you will be happy for only a while. Any relation that is based on false or hidden emotions can never last. Ultimately you need a living, feeling human, not a puppet, right? So, if you allow me to be myself

I am sure you will enjoy every moment of us being together. We can meet whenever we feel like, wherever we decide. Be assured of my complete involvement as your perfect lover. I promise you to return your favor."

She was all perked up. While her beautiful lips shaped out her thoughts, he felt carried away into her world through those dazzling eyes. She saw that he was listening intently.

In the whim of a second, Nehemiah put his cigar down. The next moment, Cara found herself flung to the bed, his lips pressed hard onto hers sending chills down her spine.

The two minutes seemed like ages before their lips separated.

Looking down at her puzzled face, he nodded nonchalantly. "Do you think I'd ever force a woman into doing anything? You have my word for that."

She smiled, relieved. "Well, in that case, I think you could let me go now. What do you say?"

Turning away in a bid to get his robe back on, he reminded, "Don't forget your medicine once you're back."

"What?"

Nehemiah's words left her baffled.

Taken aback by the suddenness of his remark, she wondered what he was trying to convey. "What on earth do you mean?"

"You are not qualified to have my baby."

"Oh, okay. I understand. Don't you worry! Trust me, I am aware of my limits. I'll take my medicine the moment I get back."

Once she got her clothes right, she wore her black rimmed glasses back. He wore a distant look. She still said "Sir, I'm leaving now."

"Do not call me sir. You can call me Nehemiah."

Cara nodded, "Done.

Wouldn't repeat."

'I know you are an influential personality, well known and respected in City A. So I will book myself a ticket out as soon as I get out of this house.

Humph!' Cara thought to herself.

She raised her cunning eyes, her lips giving way to a smirk.

All the time, Nehemiah was watching her reflection on the ceiling window. Unaware to even Cara, he saw that smile of hers.

Raising his eyebrows, he looked at her, to take stock of the situation. He knew this was just the beginning and he was thrilled at the very prospect of this game.

Once Cara got home, she got herself the next day's air ticket to B City.

"Where there are monsters? They are to be killed." She was humming happily.

Once the booking came through, she picked up a bag of chicken legs, finishing almost half of it. She then cleaned up.

"Nehemiah, see you next time," she exclaimed with great excitement.

She rapped to express her happiness.

The very thought of traveling to another city set her spirits high. She finished packing up, ready to explore her new life in a new city. This excited her, lifting her mood instantly. She set the alarm clock and fell asleep on the bed.

Back at the luxurious villa, the light from the crystal chandelier was flowing through the decadent night. Relishing every sip of the age old wine, Nehemiah sat there relaxed. His bathrobe slightly open to bare his strong but calmly heaving chest. His deep eyes were set on the LCD screen. Slowly he motioned the staff in waiting. "Send Miss Cara's photo to the airport where she booked the ticket and ask the airport staff to stop her somehow."

Nehemiah's eyes narrowed as he gave this order.