+ Forbidden Affair-Chapters:8-10+

“So how are you and Nick getting along?” Brent asked and Cheyenne looked at him, as she poured him a drink.

“I guess ok,” Cheyenne replied.

“He said you met at a wedding.”

“Yeah; Skye and Howie’s wedding.”

“That was the other day, right?” She nodded and leaned on the bar. “You like him?”

“He’s alright.”

“But…”

“But he’s married and expecting a child.”

“He doesn’t love Keera and never will.”

“I’ve been told that a lot lately.”

“Well it’s true. He may not love Keera, but he loves his unborn child.”

“And that’s just something I’m not ready for, ya know. God, Brent, if Nick and I were to get involved and it turned into something serious I’m going to have to be, like, a mother to his child. That’s just something I can’t deal with right now.”

“It’s something a lot of people aren’t ready for, but if they love each other it’s something they’ll give a chance.”

“We just met so I highly doubt its love.” He smiled. “Nick’s a great guy and all, but it’s not going to work between us as long as he’s married.”

“Then maybe I should’ve introduced ya’s when we were still together.” She just looked at him and got herself a drink. “You’re not having good luck with men are you?”

“Thanks for pointing that out.” She left out a disgusted sigh. “I’ve been thinking and maybe we should’ve gotten married.”

“It was your decision not to and I wasn’t going to pressure you into it. You believed we were still too young.”

“I know that and maybe I was wrong.” He just looked at her interested. “I mean my life was easier with you. Ever since we broke up it’s like all the guys I’ve been finding are married men with children. I finally met another guy, after six months, that could be a future possibility and he’s married. I met him at a wedding for crying out loud so that should’ve said something. Ugh!”

“You think that was a sign to let you know he was a married man?”

“Yeah and I think that all these married men I’ve been finding have been a sign.”

“Really?” She nodded. “And what have they been telling you?”

“They’ve been telling me that you and I should’ve gotten married after all.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m being serious.”

“And I think you need another shot.”

“We were good together.”

“Yes we were.” They smiled and she got closer to him. “But that’s in the past and this is the present. We should concentrate on now and the future. We both know that it doesn’t include us romantically involved.”

“Yeah.” She left out a disappointed sigh and backed up. “I should’ve seen this coming. I’m going to die a spinster.”

“I love you dearly, Chey, and you know that. We had our shot and it didn’t work out. And you’re not going to die a spinster.” She grinned.

“We could give it another shot.”

“Sounds like a great idea.”

“But?”

“Who said there’s a ‘but’?”

“No one, but you have that tone in your voice when there’s a ‘but’ coming on.”

“Whatever.”

“Yeah whatever.” They laughed.

“Hey, man,” Nickolas said and they looked, as Nickolas sat down.

“Hey,” Brent said.

“Cheyenne,” Nickolas said.

“Nick,” Cheyenne said. “What can I get for ya?”

“Ten minutes of your time,” Nickolas replied.

“I’m busy,” Cheyenne said and Nickolas looked around.

“There’s like, fifteen people here,” Nickolas pointed out.

“And I have to make money,” Cheyenne stated walking to the other end of the bar.

“Is she always like this?” Nickolas asked.

“This is quite pleasant actually,” Brent replied.

“Stuff it up your ass,” Cheyenne said rejoining them and looking as the door opened. She saw Keera and looked at Nickolas.

“What?” Nickolas asked and Cheyenne looked back at the door, but didn’t see Keera. She looked around and didn’t see her. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Cheyenne said and Nickolas and Brent looked at each other confused, as Cheyenne took another shot.

“So what’s up?” Cheyenne asked sitting with Nickolas and Brent. They looked at each other then at Cheyenne. “I’m giving you ten minutes of my time.”

“Oh,” Nickolas said.

“So what’s up?” Cheyenne asked again.

“I’ll leave you two alone,” Brent said getting up.

“You don’t have to go,” Nickolas said.

“I have to use the restroom anyway,” Brent said and leaned down to Cheyenne’s ear. “He’s the ‘but’.” Cheyenne looked at him, as he walked away. She sighed and looked back at Nickolas.

“So,” Cheyenne said.

“Um, well I just wanted to apologize for the way I acted on the phone,” Nickolas explained. “I shouldn’t have said what I said.”

“No, you’re right. When your baby comes we won’t have time for each other.”

“But you’re right by suggesting we use the time we have now. The baby’s not going to be here for another five months or so. Why not take advantage of this time?” She just looked at him. “Opportunities like this come once in a lifetime. And how often do you say ‘fuck the rules’ and just go for it?”

“Not often.”

“So let this be one of those times and let’s just do it.” She sighed. “This will most likely never happen again.”

“Oh it will and trust me. It happens all the time.”

“Am I detecting sarcasm?” She grinned.

“No.” She got up. “Married men are all I attract, Nick.” She walked away and Nickolas followed her to the bar.

“So it has happened before?”

“Yes it has and more than once. And they just let it continue until I find out the truth. It’s been happening ever since Brent and I broke up. I haven’t dated for the past six months and then I meet you and think you wouldn’t be like the rest. It turned out you were though and I was the fool…again.”

“You’re not a fool.”

“No need to suck up.”

“I’m not. I’m the fool for not waiting to get married, because I’m most likely probably going to miss out on what could be the best part of my life. If I knew I was going to meet someone as truly, amazing, caring, sweet, beautiful, and affectionate as you I wouldn’t have gotten married. But I did get married, because I thought it was right and didn’t think about how it would mess up my future.”

“Are you trying to make me feel guilty because you made a bad decision?”

“No; I don’t like making people feel guilty.”

“Good, because I don’t feel guilty.”

“Good.”

“Nick, last night was…”

“Chey, phone,” Chris said.

“I’ll call back,” Cheyenne said.

“It’s Codie and he said it’s important,” Chris said.

“Hang on,” Cheyenne said walking to the other end of the bar and taking the phone from Chris. “What?”

“Um, I think you should come home right away,” Codie said.

“Why?” Cheyenne asked.

“Um, your house is in flames.”

“Excuse me? What did you just say? It sounded like you said my house is in flames.”

“Yeah; the whole thing is in flames and it’s not looking good.” Cheyenne didn’t say anything and just stood there in shock. Was this her punishment for sleeping with a married man? Would God just take someone’s whole life for one stupid act of sexual passion? Nickolas looked at her, as she wiped away a tear. “Chey? Are you there?”

“I’ll be right there.” She quickly hung up the phone and looked for her keys. “My keys, Chris, my keys!” She moved the bottles and glasses. “Where the hell are my keys? I laid them right here!” Everyone looked, as Chris held up Cheyenne’s keys. Cheyenne grabbed them from him and climbed over the bar.

“Cheyenne, what’s going on?” Brent asked, but she just ran out the front door. “What’d you say to her?”

“Nothing,” Nickolas said, as the two guys went outside just as Cheyenne drove off.

“I’m following her.”

“You don’t know where she’s going.”

“Who called?”

“Um…Codie.”

“I’ll call him and find out.” He ran to his car and Nickolas watched. Nickolas sighed and went to his own car and followed Brent.

“Codie!” Cheyenne yelled getting out of her car and looking at her burning house. “My God.” The tears went down her cheeks. “My whole life.”

“Chey,” Codie said and Cheyenne ran over to him. She threw her arms around him and cried into his shoulder. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s gone.”

“I know and I’m so sorry.”

“What happened?”

“I don’t know. I just came by to get some things and the whole place was in flames. I called the fire department and then I called you.” She looked at him.

“My whole life was in that house, Codie. How could this happen? It was the last thing from my family and now I don’t have it anymore.” Codie hugged her and looked at Tess, as two cars pulled up. Codie looked and saw Brent and Nickolas get out.

“Brent’s here.” Cheyenne looked, as Brent and Nickolas joined them.

“What happened?” Brent asked, as Cheyenne hugged him.

“No clue,” Codie replied.

“Get a hose over there!” someone yelled. “Put those flames out!”

“What am I going to do?” Cheyenne questioned.

“We’ll figure something out,” Brent answered and Cheyenne looked back at her house. Brent wiped her eyes and she just stared at the burning house.

“Codie,” Cheyenne began, “Devon wasn’t inside was he?” Codie just looked at her. “He was coming home tonight.” They just looked at each other.

“When was he supposed to come home?” Brent asked.

“He said around seven,” Cheyenne replied.

“It’s after ten,” Tess replied.

“Give me a phone,” Cheyenne demanded leaving Brent go. “Somebody give me a damn phone!” Nickolas got his phone out and handed it to her. They watched as she dialed numbers and left it ring. “C’mon, Devon, answer your cell, please.”

“Maybe he’s on a date,” Brent suggested.

“Yeah,” Codie agreed.

“He’s not answering,” Cheyenne stated. “He’d call if he was going to be late or if he was going out. What if something happened to him?”

“I’m sure it’s nothing,” Codie said. “What if he was in the house?” Cheyenne wondered. “How am I going to tell his family?”

“Let’s not jump to any conclusions,” Brent said.

“But what if he was in the house?” Cheyenne said. “No one could survive that.” She walked away and they watched her run to the house.

“Chey!” Codie yelled, as they ran after her. “Not so close!”

“Excuse me,” Cheyenne said stopping the fire chief. “Was there anyone inside?”

“You shouldn’t be here miss,” the chief said.

“This is my house,” Cheyenne stated. “Was anyone inside?”

“No one was found yet. Even if they were it would take a miracle to survive this.” Cheyenne just looked at him. “Should there have been someone inside?” Cheyenne just looked at him. “Miss.”

“What happened?” “We’re not sure yet. Once the fires out we can go in and determine the cause.”

“But no one was found inside?”

“Not yet. Who would be inside?”

“I don’t know. My-My-My-My…a friend was coming home around seven and I haven’t heard anything from him.”

“We got a body, sir,” Cheyenne heard over the radio.

“How bad?” the chief asked.

“He’s still identifiable, but I don’t think he’s alive.”

“Get him out of there.”

“Devon,” Cheyenne said and the chief looked at her.

“Chey!” Codie yelled and she looked, as he joined her. “I wish you didn’t run off like that.”

“They found Devon,” Cheyenne said and Codie hugged her.

“Are you sure it’s him?” Brent asked.

“Who else would it be?” Cheyenne asked herself. “We’re the only two that lived here.”

“I’m sorry, Cheyenne,” Tess said.

“Let’s sit down,” Codie said leading her over to a bench in the yard. “Here.” She slowly sat down and he sat next to her. Nickolas took his jacket off and put it around her. “Everything’s going to be fine.”

“How long has she lived here?” Nickolas asked.

“Her whole life,” Brent replied. “It’s her family homestead.” Nickolas nodded and looked at Cheyenne.

“It’s never going to be the same,” Cheyenne said. “My whole life went up in flames.”

“Is there anything I can do?” Tess asked.

“Not at the moment,” Codie said.

“Ok,” Tess said. “Just let me know if there is.” Codie nodded and embraced Cheyenne, as the others looked on.

Cheyenne stood in front of the rubble that once was her house and wiped her eyes. She lost her family six years ago and now she lost the only thing she had left of them. Her whole life was in that house and now it was gone. She had nothing left anymore. All she had was the twelve acres of land that came with it. She had no home. She had no where to go. In just one moment her whole life was taken form her and it would never return. She wiped her eyes again, as she felt a hand on her back. She looked and saw Nickolas.

“Hey,” Nickolas said.

“Hey,” Cheyenne said.

“I’m sorry this had to happen.”

“So am I.” She sighed. “I never thought that in one instant my whole life would be taken away from me.”

“No one ever thinks about that.”

“I don’t know what to do.”

“I’ll be here if you need anything.”

“Thank you.”

“Miss Corinthos,” a lady said and they looked. “Lt. Aimee Jones.”

“Yeah,” Cheyenne said.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Aimee said and Cheyenne nodded. “But we need you to identify the body.”

“Now?” Nickolas said.

“I know this is not something people like to do,” Aimee began, “but it needs to be done.”

“Can’t it wait?” Nickolas asked. “It’s ok,” Cheyenne said.

“Right this way,” Aimee said and they followed her. “Over here’s the body.” They walked over to the medical examiner’s van and they saw the covered body. “Are you ready?” Cheyenne didn’t say anything and just looked at the covered body. “Miss Corinthos?”

“Chey,” Nickolas said and she looked at them.

“Uh, yeah,” Cheyenne said and Aimee unzipped the body bag. They looked at the body and Cheyenne started crying again.

“Is that him?” Nickolas asked and Cheyenne nodded.

“We need name confirmation,” Aimee said.

“Um, Devon,” Cheyenne replied. “Devon O’Neill.”

“Thank you,” Aimee said covering the body back up. “That’ll be all.”

“How did the fire start?” Nickolas asked.

“We won’t know until tomorrow,” Aimee said. “But when I know I’ll stop by.”

“Thank you,” Nickolas said and Aimee walked away.

“I can’t believe he’s actually gone,” Cheyenne said.

“I’m so sorry.”

“Devon and this house was all I had left and now they’re gone. I have nothing left anymore.”

“You’ll get it all back.”

“Maybe some stuff, but most of it was antiques and family heirlooms. And I’ll never get Devon back.” Nickolas hugged her and left her cry into his chest.

“How is she doing?” Codie asked.

“She just identified, Devon,” Nickolas replied.

“Damn it,” Codie said.

“I have to tell his family,” Cheyenne said.

“I’ll take care of it,” Codie said.

“No I have to do it,” Cheyenne said. “He worked for me.” She walked away and they watched her. She walked through the rubble and stopped in the middle of it. “Is this my punishment God? Is this my punishment for sleeping with a married man? Is this how you punish me by taking away the only thing I have left of my family?” She started walking and kicked her way through the rubble. She stopped and went to bend down just as she was pushed out of the way. “Ahh!” She hit the floor just as debris fell to the floor. Cheyenne looked at her savior and they grinned. “Nick.”

“Hey,” Nickolas said.

“I think you just saved my life.” He smiled. “Thank you.”

“It was nothing.” She hugged him. “You’re welcome though. It was the least I could do after a wonderful night.” She looked at him. “Are you all right?”

“Yeah.”

“I didn’t hurt you?” She shook her head.

“I’m fine.”

“Why can’t you be careful?” Brent asked and they looked at the people standing over them.

“I’m fine,” Cheyenne said, as Brent extended his hand. She just looked at him, as Codie pulled Nickolas up.

“Just going to lay there?” Brent asked and Cheyenne put her hand in his. He pulled her up and they looked at each other a moment. “Are you ok?”

“I’m fine,” Cheyenne said and he put his hands on her arms. “Ow!” Brent moved his hands and they looked at her arm.

“You’re cut,” Tess said. Cheyenne looked at her, as she looked at her cut. Tess touched it and Cheyenne jerked. “Sorry.” Cheyenne nodded and Tess examined it. “Ya might need a couple stitches and a shot to prevent infection.”

“But she’s not going to lose her arm?” Codie asked.

“No,” Tess said ripping the bottom of her shirt off and tying it around Cheyenne’s arm.

“Easy,” Cheyenne said. “Not so tight.”

“It’s to save blood,” Tess said. “Ya really have to go to the doctor.”

“Later,” Cheyenne said.

“There’s the safe,” Brent said and Cheyenne looked to see it on the floor. “Fireproof?”

“Grandpa didn’t want it any other way,” Cheyenne said walking over to it. She tried the combination, but it didn’t work. “The heat must’ve melted the lock.”

“So how are you going to open it?” Codie asked.

“I have no clue,” Cheyenne said looking around and sighing. “I can’t believe it’s gone. It’s all gone.” She shook her head and walked away.

“Chey!” Codie called going after her and the others just looked at each other.

“Thanks for letting me stay,” Cheyenne said to Nickolas, as they walked into his house the next evening.

“Don’t worry about it,” Nickolas said. “I have more than enough room.” She grinned. “You can put the safe in the study.”

“This way, man,” Brent said leading Codie back to the study with the safe.

“Nick, is that you?” Keera’s voice echoed down the hall and they looked.

“Yeah it’s me,” Nickolas said, as Keera walked down the hall.

“Where were you last night?” Keera asked. “And why are they all here?” Nickolas just shook his head and took Cheyenne into the kitchen. “Why are you all black?”

“Not that you’ll care or anything,” Nickolas started, “since you are a heartless bitch, but Cheyenne’s house was torched last night.” Keera just looked at them. “And she lost the only family she had left.”

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” Keera said. “If there’s anything I can do just let me know.”

“Thank you,” Cheyenne said.

“She’ll be staying with us until everything’s straightened out,” Nickolas stated.

“Are you sure it’s necessary?” Keera asked. “Can’t she just rent a place?”

“I can’t believe how cold-hearted you are,” Nickolas stated. “This is my house and I’ll invite whoever I want to. If I want the whole army to stay here they can.”

“Well I live here too. I’m the pregnant one and don’t need stress of another woman in my house.”

“It’s my house and we’re only married because of the baby.”

“Maybe I should go,” Cheyenne said. “I don’t want to cause problems.”

“You’re not going to,” Nickolas said. “And you can stay. This place is big enough for more than two people.” He grinned. “C’mon, I’ll take you up to your room.” He took her hand and led her upstairs. “You can have the whole upper west wing to yourself.”

“It’s almost like the upstairs of ‘Beauty and the Beast’.” He smiled. “My upstairs was big and had a lot of memories.”

“Just because your house is gone doesn’t mean your memories are.” She looked at him. “They’ll always be in your heart so don’t ever forget that.”

“You actually made sense.” He smiled and opened a door.

“After you.” She walked into the room and Nickolas followed. “So what do you think?”

“Wow!”

“It also comes with a private bath.”

“Then shouldn’t this be yours?”

“I have a private bath of my own.” He stood behind her and put his arms around her. “And it comes with a Jacuzzi.” She smiled and nodded. “Big enough for two.” She looked at him and he kissed her.

“Your wife is downstairs.”

“Do you think I care?”

“No, but I do.” He sighed and left her go. “The other night was great, Nickolas, and I appreciate you letting me stay, but your wife is here also. I didn’t agree to stay for us to be closer. I’m staying because I need a place to stay.”

“I understand.”

“No you don’t. My house just burned down and I lost the last person of my family and all you can think about is getting into my pants again.”

“I’m not thinking that.”

“It’s no way to score points with me.”

“Ok and I’m not thinking that. I’m just thinking about us spending time together. Is that so wrong?” She looked at him and started crying.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bite.”

“It’s ok.” He took her in an embrace.

“It’s just so hard, ya know. Devon was a father to me after my dad died…even before that.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“I have no idea what I’m going to do.”

“Why don’t you start with a warm bath? Throw some bubbles in and relax.”

“I have nothing to wear.”

“I’ll find ya something.” She looked at him. “Stay here and I’ll go get ya some bath stuff.” She nodded. “I’ll be right back.” He kissed her forehead and walked out. Cheyenne sat on the bed and left her tears flow. She sat there a moment alone before she noticed someone watching her.

She looked and said, “Keera.”

“I’m on to you.”

“Excuse me?”

“I know all about your plans of seduction to get my husband away from me. It’s not going to work.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t play games with me. I seen the way you’ve been looking at him. You’re not going to get him. I’m having his baby and when this brat comes he’ll be devoted to us.”

“You have no reason to feel threatened. I’m not after Nick or anyone for that matter. I’m happy being single so why don’t you just keep your nosy jealous self out of my personal life.”

“I’m curious.”

“About what?”

“How did Nick know about your house?” Cheyenne just looked at her. “Did you call him and tell him in hopes that he’d come to your rescue?”

“If you must know he was with Brent last night and Brent stopped at the bar to see me. While they were there I got the phone call about my house. Brent and I go way back so he was concerned and tagged along. For Nick not knowing me he seemed pretty concerned too; unlike his pregnant wife.” Keera glared at her. “I was only going to stay the night and find a place in the morning, but I think I’m going to stick around longer now.” She grinned.

“I’m warning you, Miss Corinthos, my husband’s off limits. If you don’t stay away from him there will be no reason for you to find a new place.”

“Ok, Chey,” Nickolas said walking into the room. “I got ya some soap, shampoo and conditioner; towel, washrag, and I swiped some of my sister’s bubble bath.” He stopped and saw Keera. “She went through enough in the past couple hours so I don’t think she needs your harassment on top of it.”

“I was just welcoming her,” Keera lied.

“Right,” Nickolas said rolling his eyes and going into the bathroom.

“Hands off,” Keera said and Cheyenne looked at her.

“You’re awful protective for a one night stand,” Cheyenne said. “Everyone knows you’re only married for the baby.”

Keera went to speak, but stopped by Nickolas, “If there’s anything else ya need just let me know.”

“Thank you,” Cheyenne said.

“Anything to help,” Nickolas said grinning.

“Here are the happy roommates,” Brent said and they looked. “The safe is safely tucked away in the study and good luck trying to open it.”

“I’ll get it,” Cheyenne said.

“I stopped at the mall after work,” Tess began, “and got you some things.”

“You didn’t have to,” Cheyenne said, as Tess put the bags on the bed.

“Well I wanted to help out,” Tess said. “I hope you like them. Codie gave me your sizes.”

“I’m sure I will,” Cheyenne said. “Just let me know how much it cost and I’ll pay ya back.”

“Think of it as a gift,” Tess said and Cheyenne nodded.

“Why don’t we leave Cheyenne alone so she can have sometime to herself,” Nickolas suggested pushing everyone out the door. He looked back at Cheyenne and she grinned. “Just let me know if you need anything.“ Cheyenne nodded and Nickolas closed the door.

Nickolas sat in his study and tried concentrating on his missed lectures, but his mind kept going to Cheyenne. She was all alone upstairs in the bathroom; no one to keep her company. No one to watch the water glisten on her body, as the moonlight shown through the skylight. No one to look at her beautiful well toned naked form. No one to…

“Nick,” Keera’s voice interrupted his thoughts. He looked and stopped the tape.

“What?” Nickolas asked.

“I’m going to bed.”

“It’s only nine. Are you all right?”

“Yeah, I’m just tired.”

“Ok.”

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” He watched her walk out and close the door. He sighed and got up. Maybe if he ate something he’d be able to concentrate more. He walked from the study and to the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator and just stood there looking in. How long was it going to be before he would lock himself in a room with Cheyenne and make love to her all night? Just knowing she was upstairs all alone in that room was driving him crazy. He wanted to be with her, but Keera was here. It wouldn’t be right to be with another woman while his wife was in the same house. He sighed and shut the refrigerator. He had no idea what he was going to do. The woman of his dreams was upstairs in his guest room…and naked on top of it. “Son of a bitch.” He ran both his hands through his hair and paced the kitchen for what seemed like eternity. He looked at the clock and sighed; after 9:30. “Screw this shit.” He turned the kitchen light off and went upstairs. He stood at the stairs and looked. He saw Keera’s light was off and walked over. He slowly opened the door and peeked his head in. “Keera?” There was no answer and he saw her on her bed then slowly re-closed the door. She was always a fast and sound sleeper, he thought. He looked down to the other end, but didn’t see Cheyenne’s light. He stood there a moment then walked towards her room. He knocked on the door, but got no answer. He knocked a second time and still nothing. “Chey?” He slowly opened the door and noticed the light from the bathroom. He walked in just as Cheyenne walked from the bathroom. They looked at each other a moment and he smiled. “I knocked, but got no answer. I thought you were sleeping.”

“I didn’t hear you,” Cheyenne said.

“Oh.”

“What do you want?”

“Well I was trying to catch up on my missed lectures, but I couldn’t get you out of my head.”

“Oh.” She just looked at him.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about you up here and the moon working its magic on your body. I know it’s wrong considering what’s happened to you and Keera is right down the hall. I tried to ignore it, but I can’t.”

“I was thinking about you too.” She smiled. “I was relaxing in the tub and it finally dawned on me that I was in your house and you were right downstairs. But then I realized that nothing can happen, because Keera is here also.” He sighed. “Right now though I don’t care. I want to be with you tonight and I don’t want anything to stand in our way.” She walked over to him, as he closed the door and locked it. “Is Keera in bed?”

“Sound asleep.” They smiled and she stood in front of him. “Are you sure?” She kissed him in response and let the towel fall to the floor. “I guess so.”

“Besides wanting you so much, I need something to take my mind off what happened. I guess getting drunk by sex is better than getting drunk by alcohol. At least this way I don’t have to drive.” He smirked.

“The only thing you’ll be riding is me.”

“Can’t wait.” He kissed her and picked her up. He carried her over to the bed and laid her on it; continuing to kiss her.