Bound by Fire: Burning desire (#2)

Lisa p.o.v.

Gasping I sat up on the bed. My hands went through my hair trying to massage my pounding head. Every night was the same. Going to sleep with difficulty and waking up at odd hours because of the strange dreams. I took a few deep breaths trying to calm myself. I looked around and remembered I was in Ace’s mother’s house. I felt sweat trickle down my spine. Ace was asleep beside me so I stood up silently and exited the room. As quietly as I could I opened the door to Aiden’s room and let out a breath, I didn’t even know I was holding, seeing him sleeping peacefully.

Descending from the stairs I searched for the kitchen in the dark. A glass of cold water calmed me a bit. My body perked up hearing footsteps behind me and my body automatically switched to attack mode. Turning around I threw a punch to the person behind me and she screamed. My mind was quick enough to recognize her and I managed to stop my fist from hitting her.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. I didn’t know who it was.” I leaned against the kitchen counter breathing deeply.

“No. It’s okay. I shouldn’t have sneaked up on you from behind.” She held her hand in front of her chest. I must have frightened her. “And please call me Ida.” She smiled sweetly. I nodded a bit reluctantly. I can’t seem to figure out if she really is like this. When Ace called her mom I was stunned at first. I didn’t even know if she was alive or not. No one ever spoke about her. And seeing her behavior I wondered how she was even involved with mafia men. Her surroundings were the complete opposite of what one would expect.

But you lived just like this in Croatia. A voice in my mind reminded me. But that was different. I escaped the dangerous life and wanted to blend in as much as possible. Maybe Ida was trying to do the same. Suddenly I saw her waving to me. I shook my head trying to rid myself from these useless thoughts.

“You okay sweetheart?” I nodded. “Okay if you say so. Do you want a cup of tea? I usually have that when I can’t sleep.”

Without waiting for an answer she turned around and took two mugs from the cabinet and started making tea. She handed me one cup and suggested we go outside on the patio. We eased into the chairs and sipped the hot tea in silence.

“Aiden is a sweet boy.”

“Yeah he is.” There was a smile on my face thinking about him. I traced the edge of the mug and Ida’s voice snapped me out of my daze.

“I’m happy you brought him here. I can’t believe I missed so many years of his life.” I looked up and there was a smile on her face but her eyes held sadness. “But then again I also missed years with Ace.”

“I don’t mean to intrude but how did you and Abram …” I trailed off trying to think of the appropriate word to say. “I mean you are so different from each other…”

“I know what you mean, dear. Abram and I are polar opposites, but I guess that’s what attracted us to each other. He was this powerful man with the bad guy vibes and I was the shy and innocent girl.” A heavy silence swallowed us. “So tell me about Aiden’s childhood.”

Her mood changed instantly and that was the que that she didn’t want to talk about her past but about mine. I don’t usually open up to people, but I don’t know why I felt like I could talk to her. I sighed and started telling her about Aiden and the funny and weird things he does. Up till the kidnapping then I choked.

“You are a strong woman.” She smiled as she patted my back. “I wish I was as strong as you.” There was something in her voice that made me wonder what she went through. We were interrupted when the door opened and a confused half asleep looking Ace walked through.

“What are you two doing up so late?” he scratched the back of his neck.

“Well we didn’t realize it was this late. Better go to bed. See you in the morning. Night sweethearts.” Ida stood up so quickly and walked away, leaving us alone.

Without saying a word he picked me up and walked inside. Feeling emotionally and physically drained I gave in and rested my head against his shoulder. I drifted off to sleep shortly after getting into bed.

After a few hours of sleep my eyes opened again. This time I was blinded by the light coming through the window. I turned and noticed I was alone on the bed. I stared at the ceiling for a while. Finally I mustered up some energy and stepped out of bed. After a quick shower I walked out of the room. The door of Aiden’s room was open and I noticed he wasn’t there. Walking down the stairs a delicious aroma of bacon enveloped me.

“Morning.” I mumbled as I walked into the kitchen. I didn’t want a repeat from last night if frightening Ida.

“Good morning, sweetheart.” She turned around smiling.

“I noticed Aiden’s room is empty. Have you by any chance seen him?”

“Owh yes he went with Ace to the stable.” She turned the stove off and plated the bacon. “Why don’t you help me with carrying this out then we’ll all have breakfast in the back.” Nodding I grabbed what I could and she took the rest. The backyard was more like a large field.

We put the food on the table and Ida called the boys. I looked up and saw Aiden and Ace riding a horse. Aiden seemed so happy which matched the look on Ace’s face. He looked so carefree.

“He looks different then when he is in America, doesn’t he?” Ida said with her eyes trained on the boys.

“Hmm” I took in Ace’s appearance. He looked like a cowboy with his shirt, which was unbuttoned, his blue faded jeans and boots. He even had the hat. If someone saw him right now they wouldn’t have guessed his occupation. A smile tugged my lips when I noticed Aiden looked like the mini version of Ace.

“I’m glad I didn’t throw his childhood things away.” Ida smiled. We sat down and the boys joined us.

“Mama did you see me on the horse?” Aiden exclaimed as he ran towards me. I picked him up and he sat in my lap telling me about his morning. We had our breakfast and Aiden wanted to go see the animals Ida had. They walked away leaving me with Ace.

“Come on.” He stretched his arm out as he stood up.

“Where to?”

“For a ride.” He smirked.