CAPTIVE FREEDOM- PART 4

Michael pushed the heavy wood door open with his one foot, gun drawn as if expecting trouble from inside. His Section training kicked in as if on queue, always expecting the worst yet hoping for the best. A quick look around proved he was alone and so he relaxed a bit, holstering his weapon.

Placing his jacket on a small wicker chair in the hall, he ventured in to look at the place Nikita now called home. It was a small house, one floor facing the ocean near a cliff. The yard was open save for a few green bushes and one small tree which naturally leaned to the one side due to the winds from the open ocean over the years. The living room was decorated with rich brown over stuffed furniture with what appeared to be homemade multicoloured blankets tossed over their backs. There was a woodstove in the corner, a small television and stereo stored in a small cabinet. A thick dark burgundy rug was placed in front of the couch with a square wooden coffee table on it.

A drastic change from her tastes in her apt. He thought to himself as he turned to go into the kitchen. The kitchen was typically European. Dark wood cabinets, festive curtains on the small window over the sink, a large old fashioned cook stove, and built in kitchen nook in the corner. A few dishes were in the sink, and fresh flowers on the small table. Opening the fridge door, he was shocked to see food.

Again, a drastic change from the Nikita he knew of not too long ago. Then again, he supposed she had time to eat now too. Shutting the door, he pulled his jacket off and turned to go down the hallway. Turning to look in the first door, he saw a laundry room/ pantry. It shelves were partially stocked with canned foods and some canning jars.

Continuing on down, he saw the next door and flicked the light on. The bathroom with its huge four footed tub looked inviting but he held off for now.

The next door was a small bedroom which seemed to be used for storage. Her bicycle lie up against the wall and a few boxes lay open with some clothes in them.

The last door was her bedroom. He smiled instantly when he saw the bed unmade. Now some things didn’t change and he found it comforting too see. The blankets were bunched up , the pillows both lay haphazardly across the sheets and the down comforter was on the floor lying in a heap.

The nightstand to his side had a large framed mirror with her perfumes and hair brush lying on it. Picking up a bottle of perfume, he raised it to his nose, inhaling the orange blossom fragrance he recalled so well. It was like revisiting heaven, calming his nerves that felt so raw right now. The lack of sleep, the anticipation of seeing her, worrying about capture was wearing him thin.

Dropping his jacket on the chair by the nightstand, he set the bottle back down and sat in a heavy heap on the bed. Rubbing his face tiredly, he glanced at the small clock beside him, grateful it read only 12:30. He had a few hours to sleep before she got back. Letting himself fall back, Michael rested his for arm over his eyes, relaxing in the softness of the comfortable bed and all too soon, fell fast asleep.

Nikita pulled up the winding driveway of the house, her stomach in knots at seeing Michael after all this time. A million questions had coursed through her head all day, making it difficult to do her job which didn’t go unnoticed by many of the patrons.

Jerry had insisted she toke the next day off to relax in case she was coming down with something. Normally, she would have refused, but this time, she readily accepted knowing they would want the time together alone.

Pulling up beside Michael’s car, she turned the engine off, and opened her car door. Looking up at the house, she saw the door open revealing a smiling Michael.

Nikita blinked back the tears, thrilled to see his normally serious face break into one of his rare smiles and stood up, letting her door close in the wind. Breaking into a run, Nikita squealed like an excited child as she launched herself into his open arms. Wrapping her legs about his waist, she buried her face in his neck, rejoicing in the feeling of his arms tightening about her waist, the smell of his hair, the sound of his voice as he twirled them in a tight circle.

Nikita laughed out loud, pulling her head up from his neck, playfully slapping him on the

Letting her down slowly, Michael pulled her mouth onto hers, kissing her deeply, eliciting a soft moan. Pulling back, he gazed down into her eyes, watching the hot wet tears fall onto her cheeks as she smiled. How did you find me? Michael. I missed you so much.

Michael pulled her inside out of the coldness, his eyes darting about the property as he shut the door after them. I had help. He said simply watching her take her coat off, hanging it on a hanger in the hall closet.

Nikita pulled her hat off, placing up on a shelf with her purse, her blue eyes drinking in the sight of him. Walter. How is he? Birkoff? Are they both alright? She asked watching him as he stepped towards her, his hand reached out pulling hers up to his mouth, lips grazing the skin of her knuckles.

Yes, they’re fine. He said pulling her into his arms wanting to be as close to her as he could.

I missed you. He whispered running his free hand through her long hair, Happy to see she hadn’t cut it like he thought she might have.

I missed you too. I thought of you every day, wondering if you were alive, if you were thinking of me. Oh Michael,,, will you be staying? She said giving him a tight hug, her fingers winding into his now longer and curlier hair.

I left Section for you,, of course I am staying.His voice was thick with emotion as he held her to him tightly, unwilling to let her go.

Another soft sob escaped from deep inside her and she kissed his neck, unmindful of his hair in her face.

Michael pulled her up off her feet, guiding her legs up to wrap about his waist and walked down the hall towards her room. With kisses raining down on his face, he managed to get them to her bed side and lowered them both onto the softness of the mattress.

Nikita felt herself sink into the still slightly warm bed where he had so recently awakened from, relishing in his familiar touch once more. The sudden realization of his statement hit her and she pushed him back, her face suddenly drained of all color. Wait, you left Section,, as in for good? How are you eluding them….

Her voice trailed off when she saw him sit up on his knees over her, and lifted the hem of his top up to reveal a small freshly stitched incision. Running her fingers over it gently, she looked up at him understanding his tracker implant had been removed. Who took it out? She asked hoping it didn’t hurt him too badly. She recalled hers took a full week before she felt right. His silence answered her question making her shudder. Oh Michael,,, you?

He shrugged letting the hem drop and lie down on his other side beside her, his hand resting on her stomach under her top.

That must have hurt like hell. She said quietly resting her hand on his under her shirt.

Michael looked around the room enjoying being near her again yet still feeling very tired. Yes, it did. He finally replied. Nikita sighed, turning herself so she faced him; her hand went up into his soft hair, winding the long strands around her fingers.

You said you had help……. Who? She asked sliding her one leg over his, enjoying the feel of his one hand lightly scratching the small of her back with his nails.

Michael leaned towards her and placed a soft lingering kiss on her nose. We’re safe for the time being. He replied easing her onto her back carefully shifting himself on top of her.

Nikita smiled at his obvious request and wrapped her arms about his neck; her one leg pulled up and wrapped itself around his one hip, heel digging into his tight rear. Without a word, they began what the other had missed for so long.

(c) 2000 vthomas@carolina.rr.com