The last part was what saved him. Upon hearing the command tone, she had been about to turn and let him know that he couldn't tell her what to do, however, upon hearing the rest, her anger receded a little, and she turned. "You have five minutes." She stated, crossing her arms over her breasts.
Kyle drew in a deep breath and seemed to relax. "Thank you, it's probably more than I deserve." He paused a moment to think. When he looked into her eyes this time, there was sorrow. "When I said that you were beautiful, I wasn't lying. Your face has haunted me for two weeks. I think I could easily fall in love with you." He admitted.
Maria, however, was still suspicious. "So, who is she?" She demanded, playing what she thought was her trump card.
"Who is who?" Kyle was distracted.
"The woman I remind you of?" Now, I've got you. She projected towards him as she tapped her foot on the ground. I'd like to know who this mystery woman is. She shook her head minutely. You coward, she chided herself. You know that you don't really want to know about your competition.
Maria was prepared for anything from denial to boasting, but she wasn't prepared for anguished sob, "No, please." For one horrible moment, Kyle was thrust back into that moment, when he was forced to watch those Klingons defile and kill his one and only love. Maria watched as his fists clenched so tight in rage, that his knuckles were white.
"Tell me, or I'm leaving." My, you are a brave girl, aren't you? Her inner voice asked. You can tell that he's angry, and you still push.
When Kyle spoke, his voice matched the slow smoldering anger that his body betrayed. "Are you sure you really want to know?" He inquired in a cold, calculating voice. His eyes borrowed into hers, promising payback, at some point, for the pain she was putting him through.
When she nodded, Maria could almost swear that the temperature in the officer's lounge dropped fifteen degrees. Kyle drew in a deep breath and calmly, coldly said, "Her name was Angelica, and she was killed right in front of me. But, if wasn't that easy, for you see, before they ended her life, they forced me to watch as they raped her, over and over, for three hours." He leaned forward, "I watched her beg me for help, and when she couldn't take it anymore, she begged for death."
Maria took a quick step back as the Marine raised one hand and clenched his fist. "The Klingons killed her, but not all at once, and not fast." His eyes promised retribution. "They took another two hours to kill her."
I thought that I was all alone. She castigated herself as she covered her mouth with an open hand. She found herself reaching out to him. "I'm sorry.... i didn't know." My god, how has he managed to stay sane?
Kyle shook his head, as he tried to clear his mind. "It's not your fault. I thought I was over Angelica." He turned to her, "You're the first person I've ever told, not even my XO knows." Because if he knew, I'd be in front of a counselor so quick that I'd never see it coming....and god knows I need help.
For a moment there was an uncomfortable silence as each one watched the other. The Marine wondered if she was going to report him to Captain Markson, while the Intelligence Operative wondered if he was going to flip out.
After what seemed like an eternity, Kyle broke the awkward silence. "Maria?"
Caught by surprise, she glanced toward the exit before looking back at him. "Yes?"
"Would you like to have dinner sometime?" Where did that come from? He wondered as he watched the look of surprise cross her face. That's twice, in as many minutes. Are you brave, or are you just stupid? He asked himself.
Maria's eyes reflected the suspicion that she felt. Are you serious? She wondered. Then as a different emotion danced across her psyche, a mixture of compassion and concern, she found herself leaning slightly toward him. Are you insane, girl? She met his gaze, trying to figure him out. No, no you're not. Admit it, you're intrigued. To which she answered, Darned right I am. After watching him for a minute or two, she calmly answered. "Maybe."
What else did you expect? Kyle asked himself as he watched Maria. Did you expect her to just jump in your arms and declare her endless love? He dared look into her eyes and found himself getting lost in the shifting emotions therein. "I guess that's better than no."
Darned right, buster, She projected in his direction. Instead, what she said was, "Dinner will be at eight o'clock sharp, in the mess hall." She gave him another look, "Don't be late."
I don't believe it, he watched her face as she turned and walked out of the officers lounge. Hey, was that a smile I just saw?
Enjoying your story! Looking forward to more! Upvoted and followed.
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