Vertigo

© Sweet-Kisses™

~*~

"I don't understand how this happened!" Andrew shouted, pacing the floor of Kevin's room. "I don't understand."

"Neither do I," Kevin contributed, failing to add a few other things that happened between him and Lyra. He was acutely aware of the fact that if Andrew knew anything, even something remotely close to what was happening, Kevin would be a dead man walking. 

Andrew stopped and whirled around. "You were supposed to be looking after her!"

Kevin sat down on the sofa. He understood that Andrew was angry. But what had happened, happened and he needed to be understanding. "Andrew, I can't be here all the time. I know you work incredibly hard, but so do we. I can't be here all the time to watch her every move."

Andrew sighed and massaged his temples with his fingertips. "I can't believe she would do this. When Nick told me, I was horrified!"

Kevin knew what he needed to say, but he wasn't sure how to say it gently. "Andrew, she's your sister. You should be the one looking after her, not me. You need to talk to her, find out the kind of person she is and why she did this."

Andrew remained silent for a few moments. "Oh, sorry," he finally said with mock-apology, "I was looking for your psychology degree."

Kevin rolled his eyes. "Nice one," he murmured.

The door to Kevin's bedroom opened slowly and Lyra staggered out, wearing one of Kevin's shirts. Her long hair was tousled and her eyes were bleary and red. Her normally olive complexion was pale. She plopped down on the sofa next to Kevin. She closed her eyes and placed a hand on her forehead.

Andrew was instantly standing before her. "What do you say for yourself, Lyra? How could you do this? Why?"

"Easy, Andrew," Kevin warned.

Andrew glared at Kevin. "She's not getting out of this because she's hung-over," he snapped. "What is going on with you?"

Lyra sighed. "I think I'm going to be sick," she whispered. She looked up at her brother with small eyes. "I just went out to have fun. This whole set-up is boring. And don't get all high and mighty on me. You were doing the same thing at my age."

Kevin, however, tried a gentler approach. "I think you should stay with Andrew for a while."

"I'm fine here," she said quietly, her eyes closed again.

Something occurred to Andrew all of a sudden. The wrong bedroom, the shirt...He placed his hands on his hips. "Kevin, what the hell is going on between you two?"

"Andrew!" Lyra tried to yell, but came out as a loud whisper.

Kevin blinked. His stomach did a small somersault and his heart pounded in his chest. How did he know there was something going on? Was it that obvious? He had no choice but to lie. "Andrew, calm down. Nothing is going on."

"Explain her staying in your bedroom, wearing your shirt!" Andrew bellowed.

Lyra groaned, her head placed back on the sofa, supported by her hands. "Shut up!" she cried softly.

"It was the closest bed for her to sleep in," Kevin replied, amazed at how easily the lies formed. "I slept on the couch. As for my shirt, I have no idea how that happened," he added, staring at his manager with clear, large eyes. "It's just a shirt, Andrew. It doesn't mean anything."

Andrew stared down at Kevin. He had known Kevin for a long time and also knew that he was one of the most decent, noble men that he had ever known. Kevin was the epitome of honesty. "Right, here's my plan. As of now, Lyra, you are not going to be by yourself at any time. You will now go to everything Kevin, myself and the rest of the boys have to. Understand?"

"Fine," she whispered.

"And Lyra," Andrew added, folding his arms across his chest, "if you step even one inch out of line, Kevin has permission to rectify the situation if I'm not able to."

Lyra raised her head to stare at Kevin. Even though she was sick, her eyes managed to gleam with a hint of mischief. She noticed that he was shocked. "Whatever you say. Kevin can...punish me."

Kevin felt her words run right through his body. Punish her? He felt that there were two different meanings to the word floating around. Kevin didn't want to admit to the one he liked best of all. "I'm sure that won't be necessary. You can do that for yourself, Andrew." 

Andrew nodded once at Kevin. "We'll talk more about this later."

Kevin watched his manager leave the room and close the door behind him. He turned to face Lyra, who placed her hands back on her forehead. "Don't feel too good, huh?"

Lyra moaned and slinked closer to Kevin. She rested her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I feel like shit." She paused. "You could make me feel better."

At this point, nothing she really said to him shocked him anymore. He was getting used to her abrupt comments, however sexual sometimes they were. "No, you don't." 

"You're such a dirty liar."

"I know." Kevin let out a shaky breath. "I don't like it."

Lyra giggled softly and ran her hands underneath the shirt Kevin was wearing. She loved touching him. His body was magnificent, and she loved the fact that Kevin's face took on a faraway look and he shivered every time they made contact. "So, you really going to punish me if I'm bad? I can be, you know. You might even have some fun."

All he could say in return was, "No."

Lyra raised her head and stared into Kevin's eyes. "Why did you take me to your bed?" she asked. Her lips formed a small, wicked smile. "I was right, huh?"

Kevin widened his eyes. "About what?"

"You do want me in your bed."

Kevin blushed. She had him on the edge and out of control of the situation he was in. It was all too unfamiliar. "Well...uh..."

"Just admit it, huh? You'll feel a hell of a lot better."

Lyra smiled sleepily as she wandered out toward the deck. Kevin gazed after her. He could've been thinking about a way to stop what was happening, to stop lying and to stop himself from possibly losing everything he had. But all he thought about was how good Lyra looked wearing his shirt.

Stop it, he thought to himself. "Lyra? Why did you do all that? Is there a reason why you can kiss a random guy and...and not me?"

She could tell that she was getting to him, making him desperate, impatient. So much so that he would be the one to make the major move. It was just too easy. "I'm not in love with you, that's why I won't kiss you. What's the point if there's no feelings behind the kiss? As for the guy, he's just a guy. And he kissed me, if you really noticed."

Kevin watched her walk out on the deck. He had so many thoughts whizzing through him. He was so confused, he had to get to the bottom of what was happening. He followed Lyra out the door and found her leaning against the deck, facing him, a cigarette perched in her fingers.

Kevin frowned. "Not exactly the best way to combat a hangover."

Lyra shrugged and exhaled a steady stream of smoke in Kevin's direction. "Like I care."

"I do," Kevin said firmly, snatching the cigarette from her fingers and crushing it in an ashtray. "Andrew's pissed at me because of you. He thinks this is all my fault. I don't want you doing this to yourself."

"Fucking hypocrite," Lyra murmured angrily, storming back into the room.

"Excuse me?" Kevin demanded in a loud, authoritarian tone.

Lyra quickly spun around, her hair spinning around her body. She seemed to suddenly regain some volume to her voice. "You smoke, right? What's the difference? And so what if I kissed some guy? How is it any different from you pursuing a seventeen year old girl with the intention of fucking her at some point?"

"My point is that you're too young for this!" Kevin yelled back.

Lyra stared at Kevin with narrowed eyes for several long moments. Then, without any hesitation, she slipped the shirt off her body and held it at arms length. She watched Kevin's eyes widen with shock and uncontrollably roam over her naked body. "I'm guessing it's taking every single ounce of your sanity and willpower to keep yourself from taking me to bed right now."

There was still silence.

"That's my point." Lyra then threw the shirt toward Kevin. "Have your shirt back. I'm probably too young for that, too."

Lyra stormed into the bedroom. Seconds later, Kevin heard water running. He shook his head and reached for his bag. He checked his watch and suddenly bolted for the door. He had better things to do than be involved in teenage hysteria.

~**~

Kevin had his eyes on Andrew, waiting for the right moment to talk to him. Andrew was surrounded by three people, and he seemed to be giving orders to them all. He knew Andrew worked hard for them, to keep them at the top of their profession. He knew that, and he knew that was why Andrew had asked for Kevin's assistance. But there was no way that this was going to continue.

He had to put a stop to this, once and for all.

Before someone lost everything...

Kevin slung his towel over his shoulder and moved closer to his manager. "Andrew? We really need to talk."

Andrew took a quick look at Kevin before concentrating on his clipboard. "Not now, Kevin. I'm busy."

Without thinking, Kevin snatched the clipboard away. He didn't even flinch when his manager eyed him with annoyance. "Not later, now."

"Where's Lyra? She's supposed to be here."

"You really expect her to be here in her condition?"

"Hmm. Okay." Andrew folded his arms. "What's going on?"

Kevin shrugged. "Lyra's not happy staying with me. That's why she did what she has. She needs to stay with you. There's no compromising here. She's going to stay with you."

It was as if Andrew had selective hearing. "Not happy..." He suddenly smiled. "That's it! You'll make her happy."

"Huh?"

"I mean," Andrew corrected himself, "you can make sure she has a good time. Take her out, you know. Within reason, of course."

"Andrew, no," Kevin said firmly. "I think you're forgetting something here. You're our manager. You know how much little free time we have as it is. I can't do it."

Andrew was unconvinced. "You can, and you will. Take her out. Tonight."

This was going all wrong for Kevin. He suddenly felt sick. "No, she's - "

"She'll be fine," Andrew said, waving a hand in the air. "I'll let her know."

Kevin tried again to object, but Andrew was already walking away.

This was not the 'end' that Kevin had imagined.

~***~

Kevin felt a sense of deja vu, standing at the front of Cuba - a building that served as a three functions in one which catered for all people. A large area was secluded for couples and families of all ages to relax and a club and bar at the back which catered for the independents. He walked through the doors and past all groups of people on authentic Cuban seating. He past through more doors into the club and bar area. Immediately, he was hit with loud, salsa music and lots of people.

He didn't want to be there. That was an honest feeling that he identified with. He didn't want to be around Lyra. He knew she was right about everything, about what he was doing with her. He knew he had said it before, but this time he was going to be honest. Yes, he was attracted to her but no, there was nothing he could do about it.

Not that he would...

He spotted Lyra dancing to the infectious beat of the music. For some reason, Kevin thought she looked completely different from the last time he had seen her out. Her long hair was scooped into a dark ponytail, an equally dark skirt fell to her knees and a bright, sequined top caught the colors of the lights around her, making her seem as though she were sparkling. He noticed she was wearing flat shoes, no makeup, no drink or cigarette in hand.

He also noticed that she looked completely gorgeous.

With a drink in hand, Kevin was soon sitting at a table. He locked his eyes on Lyra, who hadn't yet realised that he was there, watching her every move. He was fixated on her. She moved her body gracefully, effortlessly to the music. She had no concern about being by herself, even around a few couples who looked like professionals, using the club for fun and practice.

His thoughts were interrupted by a male who appeared a few years older than Lyra. He began to dance in front of her and Lyra didn't seem to care. Kevin kept his eyes on her. He took small sips of his drink. He raised his eyebrows when the guy put his hands on her. She looked distinctly uncomfortable, trying to fight him off. Kevin watched him lean closer to Lyra. Lyra wrinkled her nose in disgust and pushed him away. This made the guy advance further.

Kevin downed the rest of his drink quickly, jumped up and moved through the people. Kevin tapped the younger male on the back. He looked annoyed as he spun around to face Kevin. His expression changed from annoyed to shocked. Kevin knew that when possible, he could have a formidable presence.

"Kevin!" Lyra exclaimed.

"She's mine," Kevin said in a controlled voice. "Move on."

Lyra giggled, glancing over at the guy disappearing into the crowd. "How long have you been watching?"

"Long enough."

Lyra took in how Kevin looked. She was amazed at how good he could look in his clothes. Wearing dark green cargo pants and a black unbuttoned shirt over a black wifebeater, he looked casual but still amazing. He was the type of guy that could wear anything and still look a million dollars. She loved that.

"You're such a good looking guy, Kevin," Lyra said, wrapping her arms around his neck. He looked embarrassed that she had said those words. Not like she cared. She moved her body close to his and felt his arms encircling her waist. "So, you're a professionally trained ballroom dancer, huh? Let's see what you got."

Kevin was surprised. "How did you know?"

Lyra smiled. "I do my research." She giggled. "Let's move, baby. I want you all over me in a big hurry."

Kevin exhaled slowly and lost himself in the music with Lyra. He had to admit, she moved well and her body felt exhilarating against his own. He couldn't help but love to touch her. It was like he was lost in her world, where consequence, reason and the fact that she was only seventeen didn't matter.

Kevin pulled Lyra's body against his, supported her with one arm and dipped her low, her head just clearing the floor. As he pulled her up quickly, he pressed his lips against hers. She immediately placed her hands on his shoulders, trying to pull away. Kevin, however, held on too tight. It was the first time that he had purposefully used his strength to get his way with her and as far as he was concerned, it was worth it.

Lyra hadn't expected the kiss, and she sure hadn't expected his tongue to gently touch hers. It was as though he were gently teasing her. A bolt of excitement ran through her entire body, from head to toe. She tried again to push away, but he only responded by kissing her harder, his tongue pushing its way entirely into her mouth. She relaxed her body and allowed the kiss to continue. He was a great kisser, she had to admit and she felt slightly disappointed that she had refused to kiss him before.

But, her rules were the rules.

After a full ten seconds, Lyra took her hand and placed it firmly between his legs. It got the reaction she was after. He broke the kiss immediately and pushed her hand away. His eyes were blazing with passion. Lyra simply shook her head and turned her back to him. Kevin wrapped his arms around her waist and nuzzled her neck. He moved his hands to explore her body. He could feel her heaving in his arms. Excitement flowed fast through his body. And he loved it.

They lost themselves in their own little world until both needed to sit down. Lyra looked down into her glass of water. She cast a small glance in Kevin's direction. A cigarette was perched in his fingers, a glass half full of a murky liquid in front of him. She knew he was purposely looking away from her, and it was because of that she decided to get right to the point.

Lyra leaned across and stole the cigarette out of his fingers. It certainly got his attention. "You look so sexy when you frown," she drawled, inhaling quickly on the cigarette. She motioned with a nod to the couple next to them who were heavily engrossed in each other. "Want to show them how it's really done?"

Kevin shook head and took the cigarette away from her. "Lyra," he said seriously, "you don't want to get involved with - "

"But I do," Lyra said, taking a small sip of water. She then moved toward Kevin and climbed into his lap. She placed her hands on his shoulders.  He loved it, she knew he did. She slipped the cigarette from his fingers and held it away from him. "Just say it, Kevin. Say it already. You want to have sex with me. It's no crime, I won't tell anyone."

Kevin closed his eyes momentarily. He looked in pain. "I do."

"See?" She smiled. "Don't you feel better?"

"No. I feel worse."

"Don't worry, babe," Lyra cooed, kissing his forehead gently, "I'll make sure that no-one knows, and you're taken care of." She leaned in closer and whispered into his ear, "I'll make sure you follow through." 

Kevin stared in awe as Lyra made her way back into the crowd to dance. He was transfixed. He shook his head and exhaled shakily. His hands were trembling. He had never been this on edge before, or felt so guilty. He knew what  was going to happen and he was powerless to stop it. Kevin finished off his drink in one motion. He stood up in search of another drink.

What he didn't know was that he was being followed by a journalist who was smiling with all that was transpiring between the married celebrity and the young girl, knowing he had just struck gold. 

~****~

Kevin stood out on the deck of his room, feeling incredibly light-headed, a glass in hand. He gazed into the black distance and wondered how he had gotten to where he was. His marriage was completely ruined. He hadn't had any contact with his wife, not even her voice, in over a week. He hadn't seen her in over two and a half months. He missed her, he really did. It made him sad. He took a long swig of his drink and felt a tear trickling down his cheek. He brushed it away furiously.

He was always emotional when he drank too much, and that night he had drunken quite a lot.

Kevin spun around to find Lyra standing at the glass door, her arms folded. She arched an eyebrow and took the drink away from him. She took him by the hand and led him inside toward the bedroom. He seemed easily led. She knew he was drunk, but she didn't care. She had noticed that when he was drunk, his movements became increasingly slow. She could work with that.

But she was wrong. He moved fast at taking off her clothes. He pulled at her skirt, her shirt, her underwear. He threw them across the room and pushed her onto the bed, her head crashing against the pillow. He could feel her breathing heavily in anticipation. He quickly took off his own clothes and cast them to the floor. They were both panting against each other. Kevin ran his hands up her body in a slow, drunken admiration, touching her every soft curve. He thought he could hear her sigh.

By this stage, Kevin didn't care what he did anymore. No-one seemed to care what he did, not even his wife. So why was it wrong if nobody would care?

He took hold of her arms and placed them above her head, running his fingers against her skin until he clasped them around her wrists. He then positioned himself more comfortably on top of her and pushed himself into her. He heard Lyra gasp loudly, her voice displaying a degree of pain. He didn't stop, though. His head was spinning, from both ecstasy and alcohol.

"So you really are a virginal saint," he whispered in her ear.

Lyra struggled against his weight and his grip. He was too strong for her and she winced in pain. This wasn't what she had planned. She squeezed her eyes shut and struggled again. He pinned her down tighter and continued moving against her. She could hear him moaning into her ear. He seemed to be in a state of pleasure, but she wasn't. Pain seared through her body. He must've heard that, she thought but he was hardly sensitive to his realisation.

Lyra gasped a final time after Kevin had his too-quick, drunken satisfaction. His body covered hers, both heaving but for different reasons. Lyra opened her eyes and pulled her hands away. Kevin didn't appear to care. She pushed him off her. He rolled onto his side and seemed to pass out quickly.

She stared at the ceiling, wondering how she had let that happen, how it had all gone wrong. But she knew. He was drunk. She couldn't have expected much better than that. She squeezed her eyes shut again, as though she was trying to shut out the event.

Though she had wanted him, she was still only a young girl when it all was said and done.

Lyra quietly got out of the bed, picked up her clothes and moved toward her room. She groaned in anguish. She looked around what was supposed to be her room. She placed her hands over her eyes and shook her head. She sighed and began to dress in loose pants and a shirt. After splashing water over her face, she quickly crept out out the room and closed the door noiselessly behind her.

She had a plan.

Lyra was soon standing in front of another hotel room door. She took a deep breath and knocked. She waited several long seconds until the door opened.

"Lyra!" Andrew said softly, rubbing his eyes. He blinked a few times and stared at his sister. He could see hurt in her eyes, across her face. "What's wrong?"

"I'm staying here."

~*****~