“What have you done!” the enraged Bensaí shouted. “Where are Ontu and Mila?”
“It matters not! We come to tell you The Supreme is drawing near,” Huria said.
“That is impossible!”
“It is the truth!” Huria shouted defiantly.
Veshlu moved menacingly around Bensaí. “The scent of human flesh stains your essence. It has become a part of you!”
“Do NOT challenge me, Veshlu!”
“We are certain The Supreme also felt Asira. IT is coming… or do you even care?”
“If what you say is the truth, then we will bind together and destroy IT, with or without Asira. Nothing has changed!” Ben replied.
“You have changed! You will find Asira and come back to us before The Supreme appears,” Huria said.
“Is that a threat?”
“You seal your destiny, Bensaí! You will be as useless as Asira.”
“How dare you speak to me with such impudence! Where are Mila and…”
Something felt different. Bensaí felt unsteady, and his strength was leaving him. He couldn’t summon his powers against Huria and Veshlu. Just as he’d been ripped from his mortal form, he was being yanked back into it. None of this made sense.
“Oh my God, Ben! Baby, please. Come on, please. Breathe!” Deborah shrieked shaking him frantically. “Ben, please wake up!”
Straddling him, her mouth was on his breathing air into him. She added chest compressions trying desperately to revive him. Opening his eyes, he looked at her gasping and coughing trying to catch his stolen breath. But he couldn’t speak right away. With his breathing returning to normal and his focus sharpened, he saw the sheer panic in Deborah’s eyes. For a split second, he was livid knowing Veshlu and Huria deliberately pulled him from his body incorrectly, but somehow she’d pulled him back.
“Oh thank God! Oh thank you, God!” she said with tears streaming down her face. She kissed his face repeatedly.
He reached up touching her face and wiping away her tears unsure exactly how he’d explain this.
“Talk to me, Ben! Please.”
Taking a deep breath, he replied, “I’m fine.”
“You’re not fine. You stopped breathing. You were so pale.”
“Deborah, I’m fine.”
“What the hell? How can you be fine? You were…” She couldn’t bring herself to say dead even though she detected no heartbeat or breathing from him. That’s when she dragged him out of the bed and onto the floor to began administering CPR trying to revive him.
“It’s a form of sleep apnea. It can be brought on by severe migraines.”
“I’ve never heard of anyone having a migraine in their sleep!”
He lied further saying, “I had one earlier today. It must’ve triggered the apnea.”
“What?” She couldn’t understand what he was telling her. “Ben, sleep apnea patients are out for a few seconds, maybe a minute, but you were out much longer.”
“I’m sure it felt like an eternity to you, my sweet. But as you can see, I’m fine.” He sat up with her still straddling him.
Throwing her arms around his neck, she confessed, “I thought you were dead!”
He held her close and whispered in her ear. “I’m sorry you saw that. I’m sure it was very frightening, but truly, I’m fine.”
“Do we need to go to a hospital?”
“No. I just need some water and rest.”
“Do you have medication or something?”
“Yes. If you’ll fetch water from the kitchen for me.”
“Of course!”
She helped him off the floor and rushed to the kitchen. Sitting on the side of the bed, he reached into his nightstand pulling out a small bottle of aspirin. Taking two tablets in his hand, he deceived her into thinking it was a prescription for migraines.
“Did I do the right thing? Or should I just let it happen, like with a seizure?”
“You did what you thought best. Thank you.” The worry was still evident on her face. Trying to calm her down further, he joked, “I’m sure I’ll have quite a bruise on my chest in the morning… and the kisses were not your best.”
“Don’t, okay? Just don’t! It’s not funny!”
“It’s over. I’m going to be fine.”
He hugged her tightly and lay back on the bed bringing her to his side. As they lay together, his rage at Veshlu and Huria increased. He’d make them pay for what they’d done… to both of them.
CHAPTER 18
While Ben was away at work, Deborah spent several hours scouring one source after another about sleep apnea and any correlation to migraines. The fact he had any form of apnea at all defied everything she read. Excepting the occasional cigar, he didn’t smoke, and he certainly wasn’t overweight. He was in perfect health, but something definitely happened to him. She couldn’t help wonder what might have happened had she not performed CPR. Could he have died by her side?
I love him. I love everything about him, she thought. She reached for the phone and dialed his cell. It rang several times before he answered.
“Is everything all right?” he asked.
“Everything’s fine. I’m worried about you. How are you feeling?”
Leaning back in his desk chair, he relished her concern as much as he hated the fact she’d witnessed the event. Except for Peter, no human had ever witnessed it.
“I’m fine.”
“I’d feel a lot better if you saw a doctor.”
“Deborah, my sweet, I have doctors. I’m perfectly healthy except for this very rare thing.”
“So it’s happened before?”
“Yes.”
“What triggers it… besides a migraine because I can’t find anything linking…”
“Deborah, stop. I’ve told you, there’s nothing for you to worry about.”
She got very quiet before saying, “I can’t help but worry. When I rolled over to make love to you, you were lifeless. It scared the shit out of me. I can’t stand the thought of…”
“The thought of what?”
“Not having you in my life.”
“I am in your life. Let’s treasure what we have.”
“I don’t like the way you said that. Tell me the truth.”
There was no way he could explain it to her. Not now. “I don’t know what else to say that you’ll understand. I am fine. I will be fine. That is the truth.”
She wanted to believe him. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.”
“Okay… okay. So when are you coming back?”
“Arthur will pick me up at four, and we’ll drive down to Sussex. Are you packed?”
“No, but I’ll have everything together.”
“Good. Now stop sleuthing and enjoy the rest of your day. I’ll see you in a few hours.”
With emotional relief came exhaustion, and it hit her hard. After the episode, she couldn’t fall back to sleep. She lay next to Ben watching over him most of the night. When he woke the next morning, it was if nothing happened. He was refreshed and his usual self, trying to make light of it all. Only adrenaline kept her going, and now it was subsiding. She went to the bedroom to nap.
Arriving back at the apartment to pick her up, it was very quiet. Stepping into the bedroom, he saw her spread across the bed asleep. Gently closing the door, he spoke briefly with Arthur.
“I’m going to let her rest. We’ll leave in the morning instead.”
“I’ll alert Adele to arrange your dinner plans.”
“Thank you.”
“What time should I return in the morning, sir?”
“Ten should be fine. We’ll get there by noon and resume plans at that point.”
“Very good, sir. Enjoy your evening.”
Within the hour, prepared food was delivered to the apartment. Ben placed everything in the kitchen. Uncorking a bottle of wine, he poured a glass as he settled into the wing chair watching the sun—his creation—set in the distance. He thought about Deb
orah and all she’d become to him. He also thought about Veshlu and Huria’s information regarding The Supreme. Why after so much time was IT coming? Was IT coming to protect Asira from Bensaí? Did IT know what he planned?
Destroying The Supreme was no small feat. It would require their combined powers and that of Asira to do it. Together, they could put an end to it all and restore balance to the chaos erupting throughout the known universe. He could bring peace back to their realm without The Supreme. There’d be rule… his rule over the Bensaí and Nubí… and she’d be by his side.
Finishing half the bottle, he went to the bedroom to change into more comfortable clothes. Slipping into a pair of joggers, he moved as quietly as possible not wanting to wake her. But looking at her, she didn’t seem to be resting peacefully anymore. He watched as she tossed and turned a few times. He stood quietly hoping the emotional upset she’d experienced didn’t trigger a night terror. She turned again grabbing the pillow and holding it tightly before settling into slow rhythmic breathing again. He eased out of the bedroom closing the door behind him.
It was a little after eight when she finally woke up. Rubbing her eyes, she came into the living area where he sat reading.
“Why didn’t you wake me?”
“Because you needed the sleep.”
“Is it too late to leave?”
“We can leave in the morning. Are you feeling better?”
“Yeah, but I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. There’s no place we need to be but with each other. We’ll spend another quiet evening together.”
She came to his side, leaned over and kissed him. He pulled her onto his lap holding her tightly.
“Are you hungry?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“I’ll need to warm the food, then we can eat.”
“I wasn’t talking about food, Ben.”
His eyebrow shot up. “Really?”
Standing up, she shimmied off her shorts. Then seductively pulled her shirt over her head. Swaying down the hallway, she removed her bra while looking over her shoulder at him. He slowly rose from the chair keeping his distance as she continued undressing. Completely naked, she stood in the bedroom doorway with her hands high on its jamb looking into his eyes with a provocative expression. She was a sight to behold.
He moved in close taking in all of her beauty. Reaching up, he slowly moved his hands down both of her arms until they slid down her back. Never taking his eyes off hers, he continued touching her delicately. She shivered at the tickling sensations, struggling to maintain her posture. Staring into his steel blue eyes, her breathing deepened. She ached for more of his touches. Letting out a deep sigh, every single place his fingers and hands moved felt divine. His fingers continued tracing her body all the way down to her feet. On his knees, he lifted her foot and delicately kissed it, running his warm tongue across every toe, before doing the same to the other foot.
Where his hands once touched, his tongue retraced moving upward. Interspersing his licks with wet, sultry kisses, he reached her inner thighs. She gasped and tightly gripped the doorjamb to steady herself. Spreading her legs further apart, he lapped slowly, effortlessly before plunging his tongue inside to taste her. His fingers soon replaced his tongue, probing deeper, swirling and exploring while his tongue focused on the outer source of her pleasure. Her moans grew deeper and louder as she swayed her hips away and toward him. Finally releasing the jamb, she placed her hands on the top of his head wanting to both push him away and be lost in him all at once. Removing his fingers, he kissed her recesses once more before gliding his tongue up and across her belly to her breasts.
Coming face to face and staring into eyes echoing the evening sun’s warmth, he let out a deep sigh. He wanted her. Nothing else mattered than being inside her. Lifting her up, she wrapped her legs around him as he carried her far enough to place her firmly against the wall. Beyond rigid, he eased inside while she held on. The enormous pleasure he felt left him breathless for a moment. Unable to control his passions, he pumped faster as she bounced against the wall. He felt ravenous, as if he’d never get enough of her.
When she lowered both feet to the floor, an uncomfortable tightness gripped him as he slipped out of her. Seeing the hunger in his eyes, she grinned. Turning to face the wall, she planted her hands on it while looking over her shoulder at him. Leaning over her, he kissed the back of her neck before plunging even deeper. She met each insertion with equal force and rotation of her hips. Grabbing hold of her waist, he plunged a few more times before releasing then gingerly eased away from her. Slowly kissing the back of her neck and spine, he waited until his breathing slowed before moving again.
Exhaling deeply, he picked her up and carried her to the bed. Rather than lie still while he recovered, she rolled on top of him laying her head on his chest. Closing his eyes, he loved the feel of her body on his.
“Every time we’re together, it becomes more amazing,” she whispered.
“Because we love each other,” he whispered back. Realizing what he’d said, he opened his eyes to find her staring at him.
Her heart was so full of love she erupted in joyful tears. Recognizing them for what they were, he gently kissed her cheeks.
“Yes, Deborah Brooks. I love you.”
“I was afraid to say it,” she said sheepishly.
“Why?”
“It sounds crazy to tell someone you love them after a few months.”
“Tell me anyway.”
“I love you, Ben.”
CHAPTER 19
It greatly pained him to see her get on that plane. Their remaining days together at his West Sussex home were filled with garden walks, horseback riding, and even pond fishing. They laughed, talked history and politics, and swam. Making love in every bedroom, the kitchen and on the billiard room table, they were free to love without interruption. They had sex as often and with as much care or deviance as they chose. When playfulness struck, they laughed with all the joy their hearts could muster. Time with Deborah Brooks revealed all of humanity’s greatest pleasures, and now he was experiencing a choking pain caused by not having her by his side.
Monday morning, Deborah woke with Ben on her heart. Missing him as she did, she also knew she’d see him in ten days. He had to fly to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo and then to Paris before returning to London. He promised to stay two weeks when he finally got to Detroit. In the meantime, they promised to talk at seven each evening regardless of his time zone. Fortunately, she had plenty to keep her busy until his return.
Arriving at work, she gathered her things and walked briskly toward the door when stopped by Mr. Mugabe.
“Hello, Miss Deborah!”
“Good morning, Mr. Mugabe. How are you?”
“I’m fine now. I was a bit worried when I didn’t see you around. I didn’t know you were taking a vacation.”
“I went to London!”
“London? By yourself? Is that wise?”
“I spent time with someone very special.”
“That so? You got a boyfriend? Since when?”
She knew he was likely just curious, but his query was inappropriate. She only answered because he was always so sweet to her.
“Yes, there’s someone special in my life.”
“I look forward to meeting him.”
“We’ll see. I have to get inside.”
For the first time, she felt uneasy around him. She didn’t give him time to respond moving swiftly into the building. But he was still standing near the doorway looking at her when she turned to close the office suite doors.
“Welcome back!” Bonnie said.
“Thanks!”
“You must have had a great time because you look fantastic.”
“The best time of my life! Is Megan in?”
“She’s got off site meetings all day.”
“Okay.
Deborah went to her office and started up her desktop. There were over a hundred emails. M
ost were from industry subscription lists. Deleting them allowed her to focus on the dozen or so research queries and the interoffice emails. It took almost two hours to get through them all, and she was beyond irritated. Nothing drove her crazier than numerous ‘Reply All’ emails with simple acknowledgments.
Finishing up, she gathered her laptop and headed to the secured storage area to get back into Father Willem’s diaries. She wanted to know what he did after witnessing the ceremony with Sese, the local villager he’d befriended.
Sliding on her white gloves, she opened the diary to the next entry and began translating.
October 15, 1895
I spent the whole of the night with sleep evading me. Nothing could explain what I have seen. Searching scripture provides no solace. I have prayed unceasingly searching for an answer.
Our Minister, Father John, must know what transpired. His guidance will surely aid my troubled soul.
Flipping the page, she was stunned by what came next.
October 18, 1895
I cannot bear to look Sese in the eyes. My betrayal of his trust is cast upon his countenance in ways I cannot describe. I have wronged him. At Father John’s direction, the Force Publique came upon the village with rifles drawn and bayonets fixed as they destroyed every remnant of the ceremonial grounds. They burned whatever remained and searched for the woman and man placed in the center to no avail.
Sese refused, as did others to tell where the couple had been sent. For his defiance, the hands of his children were removed in front of all.
After lodging my complaint for such barbarous treatment of the Bakongo, Minister simply quoted Matthew 5:30, ‘And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.’
“Oh my God,” Deborah said out loud though no one was there to hear. She flipped to the next page.
I have prayed every bead and can find no peace. Surely this is not as Our Lord God has commanded. They force labor upon the people even in the dark of night. The smallest to the eldest of them labor.
Asira Awakens Page 13
