CAPTIVE FREEDOM PART 12

Nikita piled on a few more logs in the floor beside the stove, her ears catching the thunder in the far off distance. The radio had called for a rather bad nor easter heading in their direction and she was busy preparing the house for the strong winds. As much as she loved the house and the town, the location offered little if anything in the way of protection from the harsh weather the Irish winters brought.

Jerry had dropped off some supplies for her, telling her too bring in wood and prepare the gas lamps for she would surely be needing them by nightfall.

Pushing her long hair back over her shoulders, she peered out the porch windows, pulling her heavy wool sweater closer to her. A bolt of lightening out over the ocean caught her attention, the flash temporarily illuminating the rough seas. She was surprised at the height of the waves, grateful she was high above them. A flood was not on her list of things to experience just yet.

Michael had sent her a message that he would be arriving by nightfall and she was growing anxious to see him. All last night, she had tossed and turned, her thoughts returning to their baby deep inside her. The whole thing scared her, leaving her to wonder what kind of a life she could offer this child. A life without its father. The idea was devastating and she had spent a lot of time pondering the now very uncertain future. She knew Michael well enough to know he would never abandon her or the baby if he could manage it. Losing Adam had nearly left him dead, proving to Nikita that under no circumstances as this man a monster despite his actions upon occasion. The Michael he shared with her was vastly different then the Operative Michael section knew so well.

A gust of wind hit the side of the house making it shake, startling her, drawing her mind back to the present. The first few sprinkles of rain began to hit the windows; the sound was like small pieces of hail hitting the windshield of a car as it got heavier. She was relieved she had managed to bring in enough wood to last well into the next day and she turned to go back into the relative warmth of the house.

Just as she was going to shut the inner door, the definite lights from a car appeared from the main road, and then pull up the long winding driveway towards her. Biting her lip excitedly, she knew it was him and waved as the car drew nearer.

Pulling up to the door, the engine turned off and the driver’s door opened.

Nikita smiled happily seeing the familiar form of Michael appear; his hair instantly blown in all directions was making her suppress a nervous giggle behind her palm.

With bag in hand, he ran up the steps, his face turned away from the now driving rainfall and stepped into the porch.

Nikita shut the door and turned to face him, feeling very apprehensive suddenly.

Michael shook his head, the water dripping from his damp hair onto his long lack jacket as he set the bag down onto the floor beside him. Michael then turned around to face her; his eyes took in her every curve, every line as if it had been years since he had seen her.

Hi. She managed to squeak out, her voice showing her stress plainly.

Michael stepped forward, his one hand reached down, taking hers into his gently, raising it between them and holding it to his lips.

Nikita held her breath, unable to pull her gaze from what he was doing to her hand recalling the many times before how he had done this very thing to her thrilled it had the same effect on her now as it had the first time.

Wordlessly, he stepped even closer, the smell of his leather jacket wafted over her like a cloud and she leaned forward, lifting her mouth to his.

Cupping her face with his free hand, he pressed his mouth onto hers, their tongues darting over the other, the kiss deepening quickly.

Nikita raised her arms, pulling her hand from his to encircle his neck, holding onto him tightly.

Michael wrapped his arms around her too trim waist, lifting her so her feet were a few inches off the floor, a deep growl sounded from within his chest. Pulling his mouth from hers, he buried his face in her neck, loving the feeling of her in his arms once again.

I missed you. Nikita sighed resting her cheek on top of his head; her hands weaved into his silky hair as he held her tightly. A crash of thunder rocked the house making Nikita tense up in his arms.

Immediately, he loosened his hold on her, lowering her back so she could stand on her own, and stepped back, a look of concern on his face. His hand went to her stomach before he realized what he was doing and rubbed gently.

Did I hurt you? He asked his gaze fell on her worriedly.

Nikita looked down at his hand and then back to his face.

Realizing what he was doing, he snatched his hand back. Nikita smiled faintly, shaking her head. No, we are fine.

A flash of brilliant blue white lightening lit up the yard casting an eerie glow over them both. Michael looked almost flustered for a second and then picked up his bag, watching her lock the door behind them securely, her other hand ushered him inside where it was warmer. Michael pulled his long jacket off, hanging it up in the closet, his eyes taking in the sight of her as she stepped past him into the small living room.

She leaned down, checking the stove, satisfied with the height of the fire. At least it was warm in the house despite the high winds now beginning to kick up from the sea below. Turning to look at him, she crossed her arms over her waist, watching him carefully not quite sure what to say.

Michael ran both his hands into his hair, pushing it back from his face, his eyes uncharacteristically avoiding hers. Making his way into the room, he stopped behind the chair; his hands clasped in front of him and slowly looked around the room.

How are you? He asked finally, bringing his attention to her directly after hesitating when she remained where she was, not coming to him.

Sitting down on the couch, she relaxed as best she could and looked down into the smoky window of the woodstove. Well, I don’t really know. I think I am a bit scared, apprehensive. She paused looking back up at him, her expression one of bewilderment. I am wondering how you managed to come here to see me without them knowing, I am wondering what my life is going to be like 7 months from now when the ………

Her voice trailed off; looking down into her lap finding she couldn’t even say the word baby.

Michael came around from behind the chair and sat down beside her, his hand reached for hers and bringing to his lap. He toyed with her fingers, tracing them gently as they sat in silence.

I am sorry. He began turning his head to look at her directly.

Nikita pulled her eyes up, returning his gaze. Sorry for what? She asked as yet another roll of thunder rolled overhead.

Michael seemed to hesitate once again and then brought his gaze down to her stomach. I was careless.

Nikita stiffened immediately; trying to pull her hand from his but couldn’t when he tightened his grip on her. Sensing she might misinterpret his meaning he shook his head.

I didn’t mean it that way. He said quietly relieved when she relaxed once again in his hands. Looking down at the floor, she sighed. Operations is aware that I came to you. He gave me time he owed me.

Nikita gave him a look of shock, but remained silent waiting for him to explain further.

We have to go back. Nikita yanked her hand from within his forcefully, getting to her feet, wanting to put some distance between them.

Michael remained seated, trying to stay calm knowing how upset she must be.

I am not going back. Not now, not ever. She swore vehemently, not believing what she was hearing. Nikita turned her back on him, her palms sweating profusely now.

We have 9 days before we report..

Nikita whirled back on him, her face flushed as she cut him off with a wave of her hand. You weren’t listening Michael… I am not going back. In case you forgot, things have changed. She glanced down at her stomach and then gave him a look of pure sarcasm.

Michael nodded, getting to his feet. I will see that we keep it. He began hoping to calm her rising temper before she got past the point of wanting to talk to him.

Nikita laughed harshly, side stepping him, pulling free of his hand on her arm. It?….. God, you can’t even say the words can you? Baby , Michael,,, Our baby…. Say it….. She insisted her face gave away the hurt she was now feeling.

Did you come back to bring me back yet again? I am not going back,,, not ever again. Our baby will not be taken from us Michael…..

Michael grabbed a hold of her arm, swinging her around to him, gripped her tightly as he spoke to her quietly. I won’t let that happen.

Nikita winced under the pressure of his fingers, raising her chin to look at him defiantly. I seem to recall you saying the same thing about Adam. She retorted. Now he thinks you are dead.

Michael closed his eyes, a look of pain crossed his features as he released her suddenly, turning his back to her.

Nikita rubbed her arms where he had held her so tightly, watching him leave the room, disappearing down the hallway. Frustrated, she leaned her for head on the cool window pane, staring out into the darkness, the rain coming down even faster. She knew she hurt him, but she wasn’t going back, not now that she carried their baby.

Michael ran the water in the sink, cupped his hands and then splashed his face. It sent shocks through him as he looked up into the mirror, regarding his reflection in silence.

She had hurt him with her comments but he felt he deserved it. He didn’t really know how to keep them from losing the baby. He had deluded himself for the last time.

Reaching for the towel on the rack beside him, he patted his face dry, tiredness threatening to take him over. He hadn’t slept in well over 25 hours now and it was wearing him down.

Deciding to sleep for a bit, he set the towel down reaching for the light switch when suddenly, a loud bang went off and the house fell into total blackness.

Before he could call out to her, he saw a flicker of light come from the living room. She had obviously been prepared for this. Nikita held the lamp up and made her way down the hall, hesitating for a moment when she spotted him. Looking away for a moment, she cleared her throat and proceeded to come down the hall.

Michael watched her, wondering if she would ask him to leave. He couldn’t blame her if she did, but he prayed she wouldn’t. Stopping a foot or so away from him, she finally brought her eyes up to meet his.

I don’t want to fight about this Michael, but I wasn’t kidding when I said I won’t go back. She said wishing her voice sounded stronger watching him closely for any outward signs of how he felt.

Michael merely stood motionless, his face unreadable as always as he stared at her.

Nikita frowned; her hand went to her stomach, tears beginning to form once again.

Something inside snapped and Michael drew her into his arms, taking the lamp from her hand and placing it on the floor beside them. Nikita buried her face in his neck, sobbing quietly as she clutched his sweater in her fists. Stroking her head and back, he rested his chin on the top of her head, trying to soothe her as best he could.

Outside the storm raged on, gathering strength with each passing moment, almost equalling the storm that waged within his heart and mind.

TO BE CONTINUED

CONTINUE TO PART 13 OF CAPTIVE FREEDOM
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