Addicted In Cold Blood (48 page)

Thunderous applause broke out and Jayme stood from her seat, her black, strapless flowing gown under the overhead lights, highlighting the slight curve of her stomach. The pregnancy was progressing quickly...

“Thank you, everybody. My condolences also go to the families of FBI agents that lost their lives on this case...” She shot Xzion a look. He knew she was sincere, though he didn’t have the same empathy for the situation.

“I missed you all so much!” She smiled as she looked all around the room. “I will definitely heed the Captain’s warning about me transitioning slowly, taking it east. I will be on desk duty for the first few months, but after that, it will be business as usual.” She looked around, visibly choked up with emotion. “Thanks again,” she said to enthusiastic applause.

Jayme had introduced Xzion as her boyfriend when they’d entered, causing a litany of stares, elbow pokes and questions. She explained that she’d met him on assignment as she shot him an occasional smile. She was pulled to and fro into various conversations, but Xzion wasn’t worried. They had gone over everything that was to be said, right before he created his new identification papers with his actual birth name. He made his calls, went to the necessary offices, got everything changed over—it all looked legit. He even had a new social security number tied to the name now. He’d never used his real name on Earth, with
anyone
, but it was time to set up roots—to get grounded. He had a family now.

They’d rehearsed. She would simply say she had been working undercover, part of the top secret assignment called for her to leave the country, and the FBI lost track of her—simple as that. Historically, they’d lost track of people before—and the police department, undoubtedly, would get a secret thrill from this, knowing the bureau had somehow failed after being the brunt of the FBI’s arrogance so many times. This same fish story was what she had to tell her parents, and the entire questioning world. Too much was riding on it for them to deviate from the plan. Regardless, the buzz around the office was how the murders had suddenly stopped until the death of Agent Stephenson—but that was rumored to be a copy-cat or completely unrelated. No one knew for sure and Xzion had no desire to set the record straight. He sat listening to the chatter, smiling and shaking hands, and catching the glimpses his way, curious, yet warm. Every now and again, she’d move just so under the light, her earrings sparkling and her hair, pinned to one side exposed her long, elegant neck that he so desperately wished to trail his lips on.

Finally, to his joy, she grabbed her shawl and purse. He had a lot on his mind, and just wanted to get her alone. Quickly saying their goodbyes, he ushered her to his car. After he’d been driving a while, Jayme looked around.

“Hey, what are you doing? You missed the turn you know.”

“What turn?” He stifled a laugh.

“The turn down your street.” She rolled her eyes and pointed as they whirled past the next block. Her signature look of annoyance brewed on her face. “Okay, what are you doing, Xzion?”

His response was laughter...loud, obnoxious hilarity, and it felt good as he continued to make his way to their undisclosed destination, passing several trendy restaurants and bustling, youthful crowds in the closed suburban shopping area. People moseyed around on this gorgeous evening, too beautiful to pass up by staying cooped in the house when the night air promised a good time.

Soon, he parked, and helped her out of the vehicle. Holding her hand, they walked up a quaint sidewalk landscaped with flower-pots. The night was long in the tooth, but the tiny family- owned movie theater was populated by late spring fling teenagers enjoying bags of freshly popped popcorn in anticipation of the late night viewing of a chick flick. Jayme looked at Xzion and put her hand on her hip.

“How’d you know I liked this place?” She laughed. “It’s a guilty pleasure, you know. They play all the movies from the ’80s and the most awesome independent films.”

“Your brother and I had a lot of time to talk.” He grinned as he ushered her inside.

“Look how I’m dressed!” She giggled. “I look like I just came from prom, good Lord. I wish I would’ve known, I would’ve brought a change of clothes, Xzion.” She slapped him playfully on the arm.

“Don’t worry, I’m overdressed, too. It will be dark in there. No one will see us.”

He got in line, paid for their movie tickets and handed her one. “Are you thirsty or anything? I know we just ate, but I...”

She smiled and shook her head. “I know my appetite has been voracious lately, but I’m good.”

“I know it’s late, and if you fall asleep, it’s okay—but, before you go back to work, and things get really busy to the point where it seems we even barely have time to kiss,” he brushed his lips against hers, “I wanted to give you a little time to just kick up your feet and relax.”

“I love you, Xzion.” She was obviously touched by his simple gesture, even though it was only a movie—nothing special. He wasn’t certain if it was prompted by her pregnancy hormones, but nothing could replace the feeling he had as he looked at her glowing, smiling face.

He stared deeply into her eyes...that was the second time she’d uttered it since they’d reunited. It made the blood in his veins run faster. He had no idea how words could move him so; three little words, made all the difference in his world and hers.

FOREVER...

“I love you too, baby.” And he meant it, with everything in him.

They took their seats in the theater. He briefly closed his eyes as she nestled her head against his shoulder. After a few moments, the lights dimmed. They watched the beginning credits and advertisements for upcoming movies. It was peaceful, exactly what they needed—a much needed time of no drama, no fighting and no worries. He heard her stomach growl and shot her a look. They both burst out laughing.

“Are you hungry, baby? If you are, it’s okay. Don’t be embarrassed. You’re eating for two now.”

Jayme hesitated then shamefully admitted that she wanted more to eat. In a flash, Xzion was out of his seat, soon returning with treats and drinks. He sat back down and she nestled against him once again as she reached into the popcorn bucket. A grin spread on her face as a funny promo played and a white, buttery piece disappeared in her mouth. Then, the screen went black. Several people began to whisper and complain until a large image of a dazzling glacier, so clear it appeared to be made of diamonds, appeared. Rick James’ began to croon,
‘Fire and Desire’.

“What in the world?” Jayme wrinkled up her nose and smiled as she sat up straighter, gripping the popcorn bucket.  “They must be having technical difficulties. It is an old theater, or maybe someone is playing around.” She cranked her neck to the back of the room, looking up at the tiny window with the projector rolling and flickering under shadowy filters of light. “I wonder what’s going on.”

Xzion shrugged. “I have no idea,” he said blandly.

Soon, the glacier image began to spin and floating across the screen were these eight words:

Officer Jayme Knight, Will You Marry Me?

- Xzion Khrome

Everyone began to look around the audience, happily whooping and hollering as they tried to guess who the people from the screen could be. A light slowly came on, illuminating the couple. Applause rang out, bringing more focus to Jayme’s stunned face.

The lyrics from the song floated across the screen and the volume increased:

“...
It's really good to see you again, baby

And I must admit you're looking v
ery, very, very nice these days

I guess life
must be treating you well...

....And it's a little different than it was when I was with you
You know, I think back to when we met

The way I use to be and the cold way I use to act...
But more than that... I think of how you changed me with your love and sensitivity...

Jayme stood frozen, her eyes glistening. He rose and grabbed her, making her sway to the music while the people in the audience continued to clap as the lyrics in the song became louder...

...It was pain before pleasure

That was my claim to f
ame

With every measure, baby

Tasted teardrop stains, yeah

I was c
old as ice long ago, baby, baby

I wasn't
very, very, very nice, you know

Sugar, sugar, sugar

Then I kissed your lips

And you tuned on my fire, baby

And you burn me up within your flame

Took
me a little higher

Made me live again

You turned on my fire, baby

Then you
showed me what a love could do

Fire and desire, baby

Feel it comin' through...

Rick James, ‘Fire and Desire’

“Oh my God,” she whispered, turning weak in his arms.

He pressed her closer to him, keeping her steady as he spoke close to her ear. He knew she loved this song, and the lyrics fit their relationship so seamlessly.

“Everything is going to be all right. I love you so much, Jayme.” He pressed his eyes closed, wondering if he, too, would need someone to help him stand up soon. A flood of emotions ran through his body, making him warm, so uncomfortably warm, and so beautifully in love.

“Yes, Xzion, I will marry you.” She pulled back from him, cupping his face in her hands as she looked up into his eyes.

After the explosion of applause and congrats from strangers subsided, they settled back into their seats. Xzion removed the ring box from his pocket, and as they gathered closer together, he opened it, presenting the pear shaped, five carat diamond ring. He slid it on her finger, then kissed her hand before they leaned back in their seats.

She rested on his shoulder, a huge smile on her face as they began to watch the movie. But he didn’t pay that any mind for his eyes were fixed on her, and he was feeling things he never knew were possible, amazing things—things that came from being helplessly in love with her. She’d accepted him as a soldier, carrying out the commander and chief’s order to go to war, even if it was against her own people. She understood the complexities of the mitigating circumstances. For anyone, it would have been a hard pill to swallow, but after their mutual attraction grew to love, and understanding, she accepted him for
what
and
who
he was and for that, he would be eternally grateful...

****

One week later...

“Dr. Iszox would like to speak to you, Xzion.”

Xzion stood stunned by his front door when Aton and the smaller man with wavy salt and pepper hair walked inside his home at exactly
3:17 in the morning.

“What are you doing here?” Xzion asked angrily.

“What do you mean?” Aton’s thick brow arched. “You stated you needed assistance. He needs to examine the specimen.”

“What specimen?! My
mate
?” He shot Dr. Iszox a menacing glare. “She
isn’t
a specimen. She is my partner, soon to be my wife.”

“I never referred to her as such,” Dr. Iszox corrected as he studied his surroundings with a discriminating glare. “Nevertheless, we don’t have much time, Xzion. I am especially sensitive to Earth’s atmosphere. I am not feeling well, so we must get this onward.”

“She’s asleep...it would’ve been nice for you to call first and Aton, you shouldn’t even be here.” Xzion wanted to put his fist through the man’s face. He’d contemplated it all right, and he knew Aton could see that should they be left alone together, bad things—
very
bad things—may occur...

The two men followed him into the master suite. The light from the muted television glowed down on Jayme’s sleeping frame. She was beautiful, and he had no doubt that the doctor and Aton saw that, too. He could see on their stunned faces when he turned to face them. The first time he’d laid eyes on her, she had taken his breath away. It wasn’t that she was uncommonly beautiful, it was simply something about her, the curve of her lips—the entire package. She exuded sexiness from the top of her head to the bottom of her feet. Her tall, toned body was strong, yet so feminine. If he had to draw his ideal woman purely from aesthetics, she’d be it.

A cherry on the icing—her voice, and the way she moved, called to him like a drug. She was his ultimate addiction. Finally, he was validated—the two men saw it, too, though they’d never admit it.

Aton quickly snapped out of his gawking, cleared his throat and clapped his hands, causing Jayme to shoot up out of bed, grab the gun from under her pillow and aim it within seconds. Focused, steady and ready to fire.

“Whoa, baby!”

Aton brandished his own, neither of them flinching.

“Jayme,” Xzion said, “this is Aton, I told you about him, and this is Dr. Iszox, he is a specialist in neonatal care.”

“They are Zarkstormians?” she asked in almost a whisper, half asleep but fixed on that gun. If anyone moved a hair wrong, she’d attempt to blow them to kingdom come. After a few moments of silence, Aton lowered his gun, and she slowly followed suit.