Chapter 11

God the hot water felt good on her skin. For some stranger reason, she almost felt bad for not inviting David to join her. I mean, he's handsome enough. He's not a bad looking man, that's for sure, she thought to herself. I wonder if I asked him to sleep with me tonight, what he would say. She shook her head. He'll probably think I'm wanting sex... which is about half assed true. I haven’t' been with anyone in over two years. I need to experience release and all that as well every now and then. Why shouldn't I ask him? she thought. Then it dawned on her. That's right. He's supposed to protect me, not fuck me. Well, shit. Guess it's me and my hand tonight. She shook her head and turned off the water. As she climbed out of the tub, her stomach growled. It was time for her to eat. She slid on her sleeping pant, ironically enough an old pair of scrubs that she didn't wear for work anymore, a black camisole, and padded down stairs.

David was in the kitchen setting the table when she came in the room. "I hope you don't mind, but I ordered take out."

She smiled. "No, it smells great. I take it this is Chinese, right?"

"You don't miss a thing, do you?"              

"Not usually."

He smiled. "I ordered your favorites... Beef Lo Mein, Egg Drop Soup, and Crab Rangoon."

"You really have been studying me, haven't you?"

"You've been my only assignment other than writing for this new album."

"Why am I not surprised?"

He shrugged as he opened up his chop sticks. He sat in awe and watched as she sat and prayed over her food and he wondered what she asked God to do. He was sure that she asked God to keep Malachai safe. But did she ask God for anything for me? I'm curious, but I'm not going to dare to ask. Prayers are between the pray- er and God. It's not any of my business. I'm sure she didn't ask for anything for herself, though. She's obviously completely self less.

She took a bite of her Lo Mein. It was still a little too hot to eat, but she didn't care. She was starving. This was the first bit of solid food she's gotten to eat all day. Her breakfast was a protein shake when she left her house this morning. Her house.. she had to shove the thought aside. She couldn't allow herself to think of what was. Irian Cartwright was for all intents and purposes dead. She would still be called Irian until David's employers got her a new identity. She briefly wondered what it would be like to attend her own funeral. Who would show up? She shook her head to clear the thought. That was rather morbid, even for her.

David noticed Irian's sudden rapid shaking of her head. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"I had a morbid thought. I was trying to figure out what it would be like to go to my own funeral."

David laughed. "Yep, that was rather morbid. Not that you're wanting to go, right?"

"Oh, no. I really don't want to go my won funeral. Anyway, I request that I be cremated should I meet my demise, timely or not." She took a bite of Crab Rangoon. Dear GOD it was delicious! Once she swallowed, she looked at David. "Can I ask you a favor, David?"

"Yeah, sure."

"I was wondering, and I know I'm about to sound like I'm five, but oh well, but I was wondering if you would sleep with me tonight. I'm not sure I can sleep alone."

I thought you'd NEVER ASK! is what flowed through his mind. What he said was. "Yeah, I'll sleep with you tonight."

She hesitated. "I don't mean just for sleep either, David. I haven't been with anyone, male or female, in two years. I'm not saying that I want you to make sweet love to me, but please, at least fuck me."

In his mind, he was dancing up and down the street. In the real world, he nodded solemnly. "If that's what you need to make this stay a little more easy, that I'll do it. I know I'm supposed to be protecting you. What better way to be sure that you're safe than to have you in my arms?"