Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Promises ❯ Promises Kept ( Chapter 2 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Marika Webster 
Dinner, revelations and much chaos.
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 02.16.2005 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.9K | Visits: 209 | Status: Work In Progress
Dinner, revelations and much chaos.
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 02.16.2005 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.9K | Visits: 209 | Status: Work In Progress
Megan groaned and threw a hand over her eyes as the early morning light coaxed her into full wakefulness. The full gravity of what day it was hit her as she pushed herself into a seated position. She sighed heavily. Her graduation had been the previous day. She’d passed pottery by the skin of her teeth, earning a D for the course. She’d been immensely proud of her D. Her fathers had been satisfied as well. Her final project, a bowl that resembled a lopsided disk more than anything, was now proudly displayed in the china cabinet in the formal dining room.
It was officially her first day of adulthood. It was rather a scary thought. She rose from her bed and padded barefoot into the bathroom, grabbing the clothes she’d laid out the night before from the armchair next to the TV armoire. Fifteen minutes later she was showered and dressed and entering the kitchen. One of her fathers sat reading the paper as he had every morning for as long as she could remember. Quatre always waited for her to eat breakfast. Trowa however, preferred to sleep late, not being a morning person.
“Morning, Babu.” She paused to kiss her Quatre affectionately on the cheek.
He folded his paper and smiled at her gently. “Good morning, Meggie. How does it feel to be all grown up?”
She laughed softly as she reached for the carafe of coffee and poured herself a mug of the steaming hot Turkish brew. “I feel exactly the same as I have every morning since I can remember.”
“What’s on the agenda for today?” He slipped his glasses off his nose and folded them, tucking them into the breast pocket of his suit jacket.
Megan took a sip of her coffee before answering. “I’m going to meet Heero for boxing at 9 and then I thought I might come to the office and have lunch with you if you think you can squeeze me in.” She spoke hopefully. Lunch with Quatre was a regular occurrence when she had free time, one that she looked forward to without fail.
He nodded happily. “That would be nice. Thai sound okay?”
“Yes, Sir. Especially since you’re the only person who will eat it with me.” Thai food was an indulgence only her Babu shared with her. A guilty secret he himself had only disclosed to her when she’d turned 16, was having a weakness for a certain spicy pork dish.
“Master Quatre, I’m terribly sorry to interrupt, but there’s a call for you from Tokyo. They say it’s urgent.”
Quatre groaned aloud and tossed his abandoned newspaper aside. “Yes, thank you Margie. I’ll take it in my study.” He rose from his seat and kissed Megan on the cheek gently. “I’ll see you at one sharp. Have a good day sweetheart.”
“You too, Babu. I love you.” Megan sighed heavily.
Margie tapped her on the shoulder. “There’s also a call for you, Miss. Master Chang on your private line. He said he would hold.”
“Did he say what it was concerning?” Megan’s heart caught in her chest as it always did. It was Monday, Wufei’s weekly call to check in on her wasn’t until Wednesday. Something must be wrong. Worry rose through her.
“He didn’t say, Miss. Should I ask him to call back after you’ve finished breakfast?”
Megan quickly shook her head. “No. I’ll pick up in my own study.” She rocketed from her seat, leaving her still hot coffee behind without a second thought. The run up the back stairs to her home office seemed to take much longer than the 11 seconds she knew it to take.
She dropped into the leather chair behind the antique mahogany desk that had belonged to her mother and punched the button to activate the vid-phone. Wufei’s face filled the screen, his expression relaxed, giving the impression that nothing was wrong. This only served to confuse her more. “Wufei? I’m sorry it took so long to answer. I was having coffee with Babu. What’s wrong?”
“Wrong?” He blinked in apparent confusion. “Nothing’s wrong.”
Megan stared, now completely lost. “Well then, what can I help you with?”
“Dinner.” He stated without preamble. “I’ve been meaning to call for the last week, but I got busy with a case at work. As I recall, I made a promise that I have yet to fulfill.”
Instantly she knew what he was referring to. Her heart stopped for a split moment, her breath catching. This was it. It was her chance. She’d always known Wufei was a man of his word, but now when faced with the reality of it, she was stunned. “Dinner?” She repeated dumbly.
He nodded, amusement passing briefly over those handsome features. “Yes. I owe you dinner.”
She stared at him, lost for a moment in those obsidian eyes. His face remained unlined, giving him an appearance far younger than his years. But then, perhaps she was biased. After all, she’d been in love with the man since she was 5 years old. “Dinner sounds great.”
He appeared surprised for the briefest of moments, the smiled wryly. “When are you free?”
Megan reached for her planner and flipped it open to that week’s to do list. Her week was suspiciously clear. Vaguely she wondered if her sub-conscience had instigated the free time. “I’m free tonight, Wednesday and Thursday. How does your week look?”
He glanced down for a moment, obviously checking his own calendar. “I have a business trip Wednesday. I’ll be gone until the end of the week. Will tonight work for you or is the notice too short?”
“That’s fine.” Megan fought to keep her voice level, but it felt like her heart was trying to pound it’s way free of her chest. “What time should I meet you and where?”
Wufei’s laugh was clear. “I promised you a real date, didn’t I? I’ll pick you up at 7.”
“Okay. Casual?”
“Evening casual.” He corrected as he smiled affectionately.
Megan nodded and laced her fingers together to keep from fidgeting. “I’ll be ready at 7. I’ll see you tonight, Wufei.”
“Tonight then.” Wufei gave a cheerful wave as he signed off.
Megan disconnected from her end and waited for the screen to go black before she squealed in excitement and bounced in her seat. It was her chance! Her chance to make him see her for a woman and not a child… “I’ve got to go shopping. I have nothing to wear.” She bolted from her seat and headed for her room once more. She suddenly had a full day and not nearly enough time to accomplish it all.
*******************************
Wufei stared at the phone vaguely wondering what the hell had just happened. He’d certainly not expected Megan to say yes to dinner. He’d fully expected her to recoil in disgust or at least laugh it off. He’d definitely not expected her to appear surprised and then pleased. His forehead creased in a frown. It didn’t make any sense. He’d made a promise to a five year old. He’d fulfilled the promise with the invitation. She wasn’t supposed to accept it. But she had, and he was honor bound to follow through. He resisted the urge to bash his head on his desk. “Quatre’s going to kill me.” He settled for groaning aloud and burying his face in his hands. If Quatre was going to be upset, then Trowa would be out for blood.
It was too much like incest for his liking. Megan was barely more than a child. No, he mentally corrected himself, she wasn’t a child. But she was very young. Granted he’d been married and widowed, fought in two wars, and started his career by the time he was her age. And yes, she had completed her education and had a good start in life, but she was just starting out. She was his niece for crying out loud. “Too much like incest.” He muttered to himself as he reached for the battered coffee cup on the corner of his desk and drained it in one long draught.
He sighed heavily gave in to the urge he’d been fighting. He set the coffee cup aside carefully and let his head fall heavily to the metal surface of the desk. “What the hell have I done, Nataku?”
*******************************
Trowa glanced up from the book he was reading to regard the whirlwind that was his oldest child as she flitted into the room. She stood before him, her expression apprehensive. “Well?”
He blinked. “Well what?”
“Do I look all right?” She pressed him impatiently.
He took in her appearance and nodded slightly. “You look lovely. But maybe you should wear a sweater.”
“Papa, it’s 80 degrees outside.” She frowned.
“I know. But you’re wearing spaghetti straps and you don’t get that dressed up unless you have a date. I don’t want you exposing yourself to strange young men, so I’d prefer it if you’d wear a sweater.”
“It’s not spaghetti straps, Papa.” Megan rolled her eyes.
Trowa knew it wasn’t exactly a spaghetti strap dress, but it was sleeveless. The black dress was cut to her petite figure, ending just above the knee. She wore a pair of sling back kitten heels, an impossibly tiny black bag dangling from one wrist. “You look beautiful, Kitten.” Quatre’s voice interrupted Trowa’s thoughts. “Your Papa’s just being overprotective as always. There’s nothing wrong with your dress.”
Trowa frowned, knowing his spouse was right. “Babu’s right. I wouldn’t be happy with men looking at you even if you were dressed in a sackcloth and full hood.” What he didn’t say aloud, was that no man should be looking at his child in that way. Ever. If he’d had it his way, she’d never have started dating. Ever. Nor would she have worn make up for the first time. Ever.
Quatre perched himself on the arm of the chair Trowa occupied and stroked Trowa’s shoulder soothingly. “You’re awfully excited about tonight. Who’s your date with? He is of course coming in to meet your parents, right?”
Trowa silently thanked his lucky stars that though Quatre was far more reasonable concerning their daughter’s freedom to have her own life than he was, his spouse was still adamant about manners. Megan had always been conscientious about introducing her dates to them, and responsible about curfews. When she was 17, they’d agreed that as long as she let them know where she was and who she was with, a curfew wasn’t really necessary. Only a week earlier, they’d negotiated around the delicate subject of allowing her the freedom she desired to come and go.
Good girl that she was, she hadn’t even threatened to move out when she’d blatantly informed them that she was an adult with a college degree, her own money and her own car and she would pay rent in exchange for the ability to have complete freedom. Trowa and Quatre had agreed, though not without certain stipulations, one of those being that she could have no overnight guests of the opposite sex without clearance from them. It was an odd sensation. Trying to view Megan as an adult and not a child to shelter and protect anymore. But then that desire to smother her had never fully gone away.
“You don’t really need to meet my date. But yes, he’s coming to pick me and seeing as how you already know him I don’t think you’ll have a problem with him.” Megan’s grey eyes sparkled mischievously. “He’s a perfect gentleman, handsome and smart. And he’s also very responsible.”
Beside him, Quatre’s eyes narrowed marginally, though his tone was gentle. “Really? Who?”
Trowa felt distinctly like he was missing something. He’d have to ask Quatre about it later. That mental note was suddenly moot as he heard Megan say the name. “Wufei.”
Silence permeated the room for a tense moment. Megan was oblivious, Quatre quietly radiating rage, and Trowa… well he was just lost. Why would Megan be dressed up for dinner with Wufei? And why would she be calling it a date? “Quatre? Megsie? Care to enlighten a decrepit old man as to what I’m missing here?” He ventured quietly.
Megan grinned happily. “Wufei called this morning, Babu. Just when you left the room. He asked me out to dinner because of a certain promise he made when I was little.”
“And you accepted?” Quatre’s voice was deathly quiet.
“Of course, Babu. You know I wouldn’t pass this opportunity up.” Megan appeared confused briefly.
Quatre drew in a quiet breath. “Megan, I wish you’d considered that more carefully.”
She blinked. “Why? What’s there to consider? Papa… Babu… I don’t understand. I thought you’d be happy for me.”
Trowa’s confusion grew incrementally. He frowned, attempting to work out what he thought he was hearing. Evidently Megan, his child, his oldest child… the special one. She was going on a date… with Wufei. Because of a 13 year old promise. And Quatre was… Trowa groped empathically out to his husband for confirmation, yes… outraged was a good word for it. Quatre was livid. But not with Megan. Trowa’s frowned smoothed out. “I think I understand.” He closed his book and set it aside, lacing his fingers through Quatre’s.
“Megan, you go out to dinner with Wufei and have a good time.” He smiled gently as the doorbell rang as if on cue. Beside him, Quatre stiffened. Trowa squeezed his husband’s hand gently as Megan smiled brilliantly, her good humor restored. She leaned over, kissing them each on the cheek before turning to head out the door.
It wasn’t until after the front door closed the Quatre wrenched his hand away and turned on him, glaring at him accusingly. “You just let her go! Just like that? Do you have any idea what you’ve just done, Trowa?”
Trowa sighed quietly. He hated fighting with Quatre. Even now, after 16 years of marriage, their blow ups, though much more rare, were still spectacular. He extended his hands, resting them lightly on Quatre’s shoulders. “Yes, I know what I just did. I think you’re overreacting. Wufei made a promise and he’s keeping it. Megan and he will go out on their date and have a pleasant evening. He’ll bring her back before it gets too late and it will be over. She’ll finally get over her fixation and he’ll be able to move on without clinging to an excuse he’s worn out.”
Quatre’s eyes widened. “You’re so naïve sometimes, Trowa.” He pulled away from Trowa, shaking his head. “You don’t understand, do you? Megan thinks she’s in love with him. And he’s done nothing to discourage her.”
Trowa frowned. “Nor has he ever done anything that would be inappropriate towards her. He regards her as his niece, nothing more. He won’t encourage her affections. She’ll be returned to us with her eyes a little more open about who Wufei really is. She’ll hurt for a little while and then be fine.”
His husband ran a nervous hand through platinum locks that were still as thick and baby fine as the day they’d met. Trowa smiled wistfully. Quatre glanced at his anxiously. “You really think so?”
“Yes, I do. I trust Wufei with my life and I’d certainly trust him with Megan.” Trowa’s voice was soothing as he pulled Quatre into his arms, hands gently stroking his back. “It’ll be fine. You’ll see.”
***************************
Wufei’s eyes widened as Megan answered the door. His grip tightened on the bouquet of daisies he’d picked up on the way over. What the hell was she thinking, dressing like that? He resisted the urge to spin her around and march her back up to her room and make her change. He supposed the dress really wasn’t that revealing, but still. She was dressed as though she were going on a date and… he stopped himself abruptly. This was a date, he sternly reminded himself. That was the entire reason he’d gone to the trouble of flowers and polishing his shoes, wasn’t it?
It would appear the evening was going to be a touch more difficult that he’d originally thought. Megan had taken him seriously, something he’d never intended. And now, how was he to act on this farce of a date? Megan wasn’t a child anymore, the curves hidden in black silk revealed that much. But she was still 15 years his junior. He was old enough to be her father. What was she thinking? He stifled a groan and pasted on a bright smile. “Hi. I brought these.”
“Flowers? That’s so sweet!” Sea grey eyes lit up in delight as she accept the daisies.
She grinned at him in unabashed pleasure and Wufei could feel his heart begin to pound uncomfortably in his chest. An answering smile rose to his lips and he shrugged lightly. “It’s what any gentleman would do on a date? Right? Or have I been out of the game too long?” The teasing tone covered the awkwardness he felt. The apprehension in his stomach stubbornly refused to uncurl.
Megan’s smile softened as she turned from the door, setting the flowers on the table in the foyer. “Margie will put those in water for me, thank you Wufei. And I have to say you look really nice. Red is a good color for you.”
Wufei’s face heated up under the scrutiny. There was something measuring in her gaze as she studied the blacks slacks and red button down he’d worn for the occasion. He gestured towards the car. “Are you ready to go have dinner then?”
“Yes, I am.” Her smile did not waver as she exited the house, pulling the door shut behind them.
The drive to the restaurant was made in short, blissful silence. Wufei searched his mind for something to say, but there was nothing appropriate that came to mind. He rationalized the stillness he felt with the knowledge that Megan knew him well enough to know that he abhorred small talk. She seemed content to look out the window at the passing scenery. They pulled into the Italian bistro he’d made reservations at. He took advantage of her distracted state to kill the car’s engine and go around to open the door for her. When she glanced up at him, her expression was startled.
She said nothing, but smiled in thanks and accepted the hand he extended to her. What he didn’t expect was that she didn’t release her grasp on him as they walked from the Jeep. He frowned lightly, wrestling with propriety in his mind. If he dropped her hand, it might hurt her feelings, but he didn’t want her to read something into the night that wasn’t there. There was nothing there after all. The idea of becoming involved with a girl he regarded as a favored niece was repugnant.
By the time they reached the door of the restaurant he’d come to the conclusion that the hand-holding was all right. Sort of. He’d held her hand when she was little after all, this was no different. *But it is different and you know it. She’s not 6 years old anymore. You don’t have to worry about her taking off into traffic.* He silenced the niggling little voice with a firm hand. The maitre de smiled a friendly smile at them as he greeted them. “Do you have reservations, Sir?”
“Yes, Chang, party of 2.” Wufei’s voice was steady, belying an assurance he did not feel.
They were shown to a table in a far corner, secluded by a tall wall on one side and a blazing fireplace on the other. Bewildered, he cast a glance at the man, who merely winked. Wufei frowned. What nerve the cad had for looking at Megan like that? He tightened his grip on her hand possessively, then realizing what he was doing dropped her hand altogether. Mentally he berated himself for the third time in less than half an hour. If the start of the evening were anything to go by, he’d probably worry himself into an early grave by the end of the night. He only had to make it through dinner, then he could return her to Quatre and Trowa unharmed and his promise fulfilled.
He held out Megan’s chair for her, letting her take her seat before seating himself in the seat beside her. “Your server will be with you momentarily, Sir. Our wine list while you wait.”
“Thank you.” Wufei accepted the slender leather-bound menu and nodded curtly to the man.
The maitre de left, leaving them to themselves. Wufei flipped open the wine list and scanned it carefully. Megan’s voice was soft as she spoke. Evidently the waiter had appeared without his even noticing. He blinked in surprise as he heard her order. “I’ll have a glass of the ‘87 Sauvignon Blanc.”
What was she doing order wine? His brow furrowed as he stared at her. Not wishing to cause a scene he echoed her order softly and handed the menu to the teenager serving them. When the waiter left he broached the subject cautiously. “Are you certain you should be drinking?”
The corner of her lips lifted in a smirk. “Wufei, I’ve been allowed to drink wine since I was 7. My fathers stopped watering it down when I was 12.”
“But you’re still…”
“Young? Yes I know. But my parents did teach me to respect alcohol.” She spoke softly, but firmly. “And you aren’t my father, Wufei. No one gets to tell me what to do anymore.”
Her point sufficiently made, she lifted the menu and flipped it open. “The shrimp fettuccini looks good to me. What are you going to have?”
***********************
By the time dinner was over, Wufei had relaxed enough to actually enjoy himself. He’d found Megan to be amazingly knowledgeable about any number of subjects ranging from philosophy to politics to music. She was a skilled conversationalist, but never left him bored or let the intervening silence become awkward. To his amusement, she even laughed at his lame jokes rather than looking at him as though he were from a different planet.
In one of those rare moments of silence as they ate desert, he caught himself staring at her. He amended his earlier assessment of her appearance. She was lovely in an understated way. Her hair was caught back in a loose chignon, a few curls softening the lines of her face. It was the oddest shade or red, not quite auburn like Trowa’s anymore, it was brighter and caught the light when she moved her head. Odd that he’d never noticed that before. Her eyes were unadorned with makeup, only the slightest touch of mascara made those grey depths appear bottomless.
And she smelled good, really good. He’d caught himself leaning closer, just to inhale that odd amalgamation of coconut and Chanel. It wasn’t an overpowering smell, just the slightest tinge of something besides the smell that was uniquely Megan.
He was pulled from his reverie by her voice, she seemed vaguely amused by something. He blinked and then noticed that she was holding her fork in front of his lips, insisting he try her desert. He began to shake his head, but at the expression of disappointment in her eyes as she withdrew her hand he surprised himself by reaching out to grasp her hand. She appeared startled for a moment as his fingers closed over her wrist, gently pulling the hand and the fork with it back to him. He accepted the bite, pleasantly surprised by the light taste of the cocoa and ladyfingers laden treat.
Wufei held it in his mouth for a moment, before chewing thoughtfully. “That’s really good. What is it?”
She stared at him distractedly before speaking. “Tiramisu.”
“Tiramisu.” He repeated the foreign word, nodding in satisfaction. “It’s not as rich as it looks. Does it have coffee in it?”
“Espresso.” Her voice was all but a whisper. It was at that moment he noticed that he heart was pounding beneath his thumb. He swallowed hard, wondering when his thumb had developed a mind of its own. It must be acting of its own accord after all, he wouldn’t willingly be caressing Megan’s pulse point.
Wufei released her hand slowly, and cleared his throat. He retracted his own hand and laced his fingers together, placing his hands in his lap. “I have a meeting in the morning, we’d better get going.”
Megan frowned. “That’s all. Just dinner?”
He blinked at her. “That’s what I promised you, nothing more.” His tone was gentle, yet he wondered why her expression suddenly darkened as she nodded. He signaled for the check and paid, leaving a generous tip for the server who’d been attentive yet unobtrusive.
Megan’s entire demeanor changed as he guided her out of the restaurant with a hand at her elbow. When they reached the car he pulled her door open. She still did not speak. The short drive back to her home, she said nothing. Her silence remained as he pulled into the driveway. A light burned in the downstairs sitting room, the blinds up revealing that the room was empty.
“Where are your fathers?” Wufei made yet another vain attempt to begin conversation again.
Megan shrugged lightly. “It’s 9, they’re probably swimming by now. They swim laps together every night before going to bed.”
“I see.” He put the car in park and listened as the engine slipped into idle.
Beside him Megan unbuckled her seat belt and reached for the door handle. “Thank you for dinner Wufei. I had a nice time.”
“Wait, let me open your door for you.” He did not give her time to answer, instead unsnapping his own belt buckle and exited the car. She remained silent as he opened the door and stepped aside to let her out. She stared at him hard for a moment before averting her eyes, but not before he saw the tell-tale shimmer of the tears she was obviously holding back.
He sighed heavily as she moved to step around him. He moved with her, his arm snapping out to connect his palm with the window of the back seat of the Jeep. The move effectively blocked her in. Her hand strayed to the chain at her neck, a habit she’d had for years, toying with the chain when she was uncomfortable. Her voice was soft but firm as she spoke. “Good night, Wufei.”
Wufei ignored the dismissal. “What’s your problem?”
She looked at him then, fixing him with a glare that would have done Heero Yuy proud. “Good night, Wufei.” Her tone did not change.
Wufei stepped closer, using their height difference to his advantage. It was a move that worked well in the past. Apparently Megan was having none of it tonight. He did not speak, but was rewarded with a small sigh. “I’m tired, Wufei. I want to go inside.”
“Really?” His own voice held an edge. “Twenty minutes ago you didn’t seem to be in such a hurry.”
“It hit me all at once.”
“You’re a rotten liar, Megan.” He chuckled darkly. “You’re an adult now, aren’t you? Adults don’t run away when there’s a battle to be fought.”
Megan’s eyes were on him again. “Battle? It’s hardly a battle, Wufei. It’s just the end of a very interesting evening. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go inside and have a long hot bath before I go to bed.”
Wufei’s eyes narrowed in the face of this avoidance. He frowned lightly. “Okay, I won’t press you to talk to me about what’s going on.” Her relief was immediate and visible, but didn’t last long when he continued. “There’s just one more thing I promised you.”
She blinked, apprehension settling on her delicate features. “I don’t understand?”
He smirked lightly and leaned forward, catching her lips lightly before pulling away. “That. I promised you a kiss.”
“No.” Her negation was immediate.
Wufei arched a brow. “I didn’t?”
“You promised me a real kiss.” She corrected softly. “Like Babu and Papa.” Megan snorted with a lightness he knew she did not really feel. “But I’ll settle for what I’ve gotten.”
His voice was suddenly lower as it seemed all reason left him. “Well then, I can’t disappoint you can I?” He closed the distance between them and captured her lips once more. His intention was to put an end to this nonsensical infatuation once and for all. Too late, he realized that this kiss was going entirely too far. He let his eyes slide shut as he inhaled that strange scent once more. His hand left the car, coming to rest on her neck, cradling the back of her head gently.
He angled her head to give himself better access to her mouth, his tongue snaking out to trail along the seam of her lips. She made a little sound in the back of her throat, a sound that rocketed straight through him. He could feel himself grow hard instantly as she leaned into the contact. Her lips parted, granting him access to that previously unexplored territory. His heart quickened, his blood pounding in his ears as he heard a ragged intake of breath from one of them. His other hand left the car door and went around her waist, dragging her to him harshly as the pressure of the kiss changed from gentle to something far more primitive and savage.
Acting only on instinct, he pushed her roughly against the car door plundering her mouth, taking what she offered so freely. His hand drifted from her waist down the length of her thigh as he lifted her leg insistently, slipping his hand onto the bare skin just behind her knee. He thrust his hips insistently into hers. It had been too long since he’d touched a woman like this, far too long. Of its own volition his hand slid from down her leg, hooking it around his waist as he lifted her easily. His fingers trailed back up to her thigh, slipping under the dress to caress her roughly, his fingertips devouring every inch of flesh they could reach.
Gods, she was so soft beneath his hands, her lips pliable and yielding to the rough nipping of his teeth and the harsh scrape of his nails on her bare skin. He needed this, needed to be with her. He needed Megan. Megan. His arousal fogged brain suddenly kicked back into gear. He ripped his lips from hers and pulled away suddenly, letting her abused form slide back to solid ground. What was he doing. This wasn’t some common harlot he was pawing like a horny teenager. This was Megan, his niece in every way but blood. He was suddenly sickened by the very thought that had provoked him only seconds before.
She stared back, stunned. All anger and sadness had left those sea grey eyes, replaced now with confusion. Her lips were swollen from the rough treatment, evidence of his loss of control. Her entire body was trembling. Guilt pervaded his being as he realized that he’d almost taken her virginity right there, within a stone’s throw of his best friends’ home. And he did not doubt she was still a virgin. She was too focused on her goals not to be. His chest was heaving from the effort it took not to run from the very spot.
Megan bit her lower lips as she held his gaze. He took a step back, steeling himself for the tongue lashing she would doubtless lay on him for treating her in such a harsh manner. Her words startled him even further. “Why did you stop?”
“What?” He breathed the word in disbelief.
She stared at him, unblinking. “I don’t want you to stop, Wufei.”
He took another step back as he groped for the ring that he’d worn for so many years. He slid it off his finger and touched her only long enough to push it into her hand. She stared at it in disbelief for a moment before looking back to him, head tilted to the side. He shook his head, his voice still laden with some odd mixture of arousal and grief. “I’ve fulfilled my promise. Never speak of this again.”
Wufei slammed the forgotten passenger door shut and spun on heel to go around to the driver’s side. He tried not to notice Megan staring at him in bewildered disappointment, still clutching the band in her hand as she watched him turn around in the circular driveway and leave her standing there alone. He tried not to notice the tightness in his own chest. And he tried not to notice the tears that began to fall as he glanced at her in the rearview mirror.
*******************************
It was officially her first day of adulthood. It was rather a scary thought. She rose from her bed and padded barefoot into the bathroom, grabbing the clothes she’d laid out the night before from the armchair next to the TV armoire. Fifteen minutes later she was showered and dressed and entering the kitchen. One of her fathers sat reading the paper as he had every morning for as long as she could remember. Quatre always waited for her to eat breakfast. Trowa however, preferred to sleep late, not being a morning person.
“Morning, Babu.” She paused to kiss her Quatre affectionately on the cheek.
He folded his paper and smiled at her gently. “Good morning, Meggie. How does it feel to be all grown up?”
She laughed softly as she reached for the carafe of coffee and poured herself a mug of the steaming hot Turkish brew. “I feel exactly the same as I have every morning since I can remember.”
“What’s on the agenda for today?” He slipped his glasses off his nose and folded them, tucking them into the breast pocket of his suit jacket.
Megan took a sip of her coffee before answering. “I’m going to meet Heero for boxing at 9 and then I thought I might come to the office and have lunch with you if you think you can squeeze me in.” She spoke hopefully. Lunch with Quatre was a regular occurrence when she had free time, one that she looked forward to without fail.
He nodded happily. “That would be nice. Thai sound okay?”
“Yes, Sir. Especially since you’re the only person who will eat it with me.” Thai food was an indulgence only her Babu shared with her. A guilty secret he himself had only disclosed to her when she’d turned 16, was having a weakness for a certain spicy pork dish.
“Master Quatre, I’m terribly sorry to interrupt, but there’s a call for you from Tokyo. They say it’s urgent.”
Quatre groaned aloud and tossed his abandoned newspaper aside. “Yes, thank you Margie. I’ll take it in my study.” He rose from his seat and kissed Megan on the cheek gently. “I’ll see you at one sharp. Have a good day sweetheart.”
“You too, Babu. I love you.” Megan sighed heavily.
Margie tapped her on the shoulder. “There’s also a call for you, Miss. Master Chang on your private line. He said he would hold.”
“Did he say what it was concerning?” Megan’s heart caught in her chest as it always did. It was Monday, Wufei’s weekly call to check in on her wasn’t until Wednesday. Something must be wrong. Worry rose through her.
“He didn’t say, Miss. Should I ask him to call back after you’ve finished breakfast?”
Megan quickly shook her head. “No. I’ll pick up in my own study.” She rocketed from her seat, leaving her still hot coffee behind without a second thought. The run up the back stairs to her home office seemed to take much longer than the 11 seconds she knew it to take.
She dropped into the leather chair behind the antique mahogany desk that had belonged to her mother and punched the button to activate the vid-phone. Wufei’s face filled the screen, his expression relaxed, giving the impression that nothing was wrong. This only served to confuse her more. “Wufei? I’m sorry it took so long to answer. I was having coffee with Babu. What’s wrong?”
“Wrong?” He blinked in apparent confusion. “Nothing’s wrong.”
Megan stared, now completely lost. “Well then, what can I help you with?”
“Dinner.” He stated without preamble. “I’ve been meaning to call for the last week, but I got busy with a case at work. As I recall, I made a promise that I have yet to fulfill.”
Instantly she knew what he was referring to. Her heart stopped for a split moment, her breath catching. This was it. It was her chance. She’d always known Wufei was a man of his word, but now when faced with the reality of it, she was stunned. “Dinner?” She repeated dumbly.
He nodded, amusement passing briefly over those handsome features. “Yes. I owe you dinner.”
She stared at him, lost for a moment in those obsidian eyes. His face remained unlined, giving him an appearance far younger than his years. But then, perhaps she was biased. After all, she’d been in love with the man since she was 5 years old. “Dinner sounds great.”
He appeared surprised for the briefest of moments, the smiled wryly. “When are you free?”
Megan reached for her planner and flipped it open to that week’s to do list. Her week was suspiciously clear. Vaguely she wondered if her sub-conscience had instigated the free time. “I’m free tonight, Wednesday and Thursday. How does your week look?”
He glanced down for a moment, obviously checking his own calendar. “I have a business trip Wednesday. I’ll be gone until the end of the week. Will tonight work for you or is the notice too short?”
“That’s fine.” Megan fought to keep her voice level, but it felt like her heart was trying to pound it’s way free of her chest. “What time should I meet you and where?”
Wufei’s laugh was clear. “I promised you a real date, didn’t I? I’ll pick you up at 7.”
“Okay. Casual?”
“Evening casual.” He corrected as he smiled affectionately.
Megan nodded and laced her fingers together to keep from fidgeting. “I’ll be ready at 7. I’ll see you tonight, Wufei.”
“Tonight then.” Wufei gave a cheerful wave as he signed off.
Megan disconnected from her end and waited for the screen to go black before she squealed in excitement and bounced in her seat. It was her chance! Her chance to make him see her for a woman and not a child… “I’ve got to go shopping. I have nothing to wear.” She bolted from her seat and headed for her room once more. She suddenly had a full day and not nearly enough time to accomplish it all.
*******************************
Wufei stared at the phone vaguely wondering what the hell had just happened. He’d certainly not expected Megan to say yes to dinner. He’d fully expected her to recoil in disgust or at least laugh it off. He’d definitely not expected her to appear surprised and then pleased. His forehead creased in a frown. It didn’t make any sense. He’d made a promise to a five year old. He’d fulfilled the promise with the invitation. She wasn’t supposed to accept it. But she had, and he was honor bound to follow through. He resisted the urge to bash his head on his desk. “Quatre’s going to kill me.” He settled for groaning aloud and burying his face in his hands. If Quatre was going to be upset, then Trowa would be out for blood.
It was too much like incest for his liking. Megan was barely more than a child. No, he mentally corrected himself, she wasn’t a child. But she was very young. Granted he’d been married and widowed, fought in two wars, and started his career by the time he was her age. And yes, she had completed her education and had a good start in life, but she was just starting out. She was his niece for crying out loud. “Too much like incest.” He muttered to himself as he reached for the battered coffee cup on the corner of his desk and drained it in one long draught.
He sighed heavily gave in to the urge he’d been fighting. He set the coffee cup aside carefully and let his head fall heavily to the metal surface of the desk. “What the hell have I done, Nataku?”
*******************************
Trowa glanced up from the book he was reading to regard the whirlwind that was his oldest child as she flitted into the room. She stood before him, her expression apprehensive. “Well?”
He blinked. “Well what?”
“Do I look all right?” She pressed him impatiently.
He took in her appearance and nodded slightly. “You look lovely. But maybe you should wear a sweater.”
“Papa, it’s 80 degrees outside.” She frowned.
“I know. But you’re wearing spaghetti straps and you don’t get that dressed up unless you have a date. I don’t want you exposing yourself to strange young men, so I’d prefer it if you’d wear a sweater.”
“It’s not spaghetti straps, Papa.” Megan rolled her eyes.
Trowa knew it wasn’t exactly a spaghetti strap dress, but it was sleeveless. The black dress was cut to her petite figure, ending just above the knee. She wore a pair of sling back kitten heels, an impossibly tiny black bag dangling from one wrist. “You look beautiful, Kitten.” Quatre’s voice interrupted Trowa’s thoughts. “Your Papa’s just being overprotective as always. There’s nothing wrong with your dress.”
Trowa frowned, knowing his spouse was right. “Babu’s right. I wouldn’t be happy with men looking at you even if you were dressed in a sackcloth and full hood.” What he didn’t say aloud, was that no man should be looking at his child in that way. Ever. If he’d had it his way, she’d never have started dating. Ever. Nor would she have worn make up for the first time. Ever.
Quatre perched himself on the arm of the chair Trowa occupied and stroked Trowa’s shoulder soothingly. “You’re awfully excited about tonight. Who’s your date with? He is of course coming in to meet your parents, right?”
Trowa silently thanked his lucky stars that though Quatre was far more reasonable concerning their daughter’s freedom to have her own life than he was, his spouse was still adamant about manners. Megan had always been conscientious about introducing her dates to them, and responsible about curfews. When she was 17, they’d agreed that as long as she let them know where she was and who she was with, a curfew wasn’t really necessary. Only a week earlier, they’d negotiated around the delicate subject of allowing her the freedom she desired to come and go.
Good girl that she was, she hadn’t even threatened to move out when she’d blatantly informed them that she was an adult with a college degree, her own money and her own car and she would pay rent in exchange for the ability to have complete freedom. Trowa and Quatre had agreed, though not without certain stipulations, one of those being that she could have no overnight guests of the opposite sex without clearance from them. It was an odd sensation. Trying to view Megan as an adult and not a child to shelter and protect anymore. But then that desire to smother her had never fully gone away.
“You don’t really need to meet my date. But yes, he’s coming to pick me and seeing as how you already know him I don’t think you’ll have a problem with him.” Megan’s grey eyes sparkled mischievously. “He’s a perfect gentleman, handsome and smart. And he’s also very responsible.”
Beside him, Quatre’s eyes narrowed marginally, though his tone was gentle. “Really? Who?”
Trowa felt distinctly like he was missing something. He’d have to ask Quatre about it later. That mental note was suddenly moot as he heard Megan say the name. “Wufei.”
Silence permeated the room for a tense moment. Megan was oblivious, Quatre quietly radiating rage, and Trowa… well he was just lost. Why would Megan be dressed up for dinner with Wufei? And why would she be calling it a date? “Quatre? Megsie? Care to enlighten a decrepit old man as to what I’m missing here?” He ventured quietly.
Megan grinned happily. “Wufei called this morning, Babu. Just when you left the room. He asked me out to dinner because of a certain promise he made when I was little.”
“And you accepted?” Quatre’s voice was deathly quiet.
“Of course, Babu. You know I wouldn’t pass this opportunity up.” Megan appeared confused briefly.
Quatre drew in a quiet breath. “Megan, I wish you’d considered that more carefully.”
She blinked. “Why? What’s there to consider? Papa… Babu… I don’t understand. I thought you’d be happy for me.”
Trowa’s confusion grew incrementally. He frowned, attempting to work out what he thought he was hearing. Evidently Megan, his child, his oldest child… the special one. She was going on a date… with Wufei. Because of a 13 year old promise. And Quatre was… Trowa groped empathically out to his husband for confirmation, yes… outraged was a good word for it. Quatre was livid. But not with Megan. Trowa’s frowned smoothed out. “I think I understand.” He closed his book and set it aside, lacing his fingers through Quatre’s.
“Megan, you go out to dinner with Wufei and have a good time.” He smiled gently as the doorbell rang as if on cue. Beside him, Quatre stiffened. Trowa squeezed his husband’s hand gently as Megan smiled brilliantly, her good humor restored. She leaned over, kissing them each on the cheek before turning to head out the door.
It wasn’t until after the front door closed the Quatre wrenched his hand away and turned on him, glaring at him accusingly. “You just let her go! Just like that? Do you have any idea what you’ve just done, Trowa?”
Trowa sighed quietly. He hated fighting with Quatre. Even now, after 16 years of marriage, their blow ups, though much more rare, were still spectacular. He extended his hands, resting them lightly on Quatre’s shoulders. “Yes, I know what I just did. I think you’re overreacting. Wufei made a promise and he’s keeping it. Megan and he will go out on their date and have a pleasant evening. He’ll bring her back before it gets too late and it will be over. She’ll finally get over her fixation and he’ll be able to move on without clinging to an excuse he’s worn out.”
Quatre’s eyes widened. “You’re so naïve sometimes, Trowa.” He pulled away from Trowa, shaking his head. “You don’t understand, do you? Megan thinks she’s in love with him. And he’s done nothing to discourage her.”
Trowa frowned. “Nor has he ever done anything that would be inappropriate towards her. He regards her as his niece, nothing more. He won’t encourage her affections. She’ll be returned to us with her eyes a little more open about who Wufei really is. She’ll hurt for a little while and then be fine.”
His husband ran a nervous hand through platinum locks that were still as thick and baby fine as the day they’d met. Trowa smiled wistfully. Quatre glanced at his anxiously. “You really think so?”
“Yes, I do. I trust Wufei with my life and I’d certainly trust him with Megan.” Trowa’s voice was soothing as he pulled Quatre into his arms, hands gently stroking his back. “It’ll be fine. You’ll see.”
***************************
Wufei’s eyes widened as Megan answered the door. His grip tightened on the bouquet of daisies he’d picked up on the way over. What the hell was she thinking, dressing like that? He resisted the urge to spin her around and march her back up to her room and make her change. He supposed the dress really wasn’t that revealing, but still. She was dressed as though she were going on a date and… he stopped himself abruptly. This was a date, he sternly reminded himself. That was the entire reason he’d gone to the trouble of flowers and polishing his shoes, wasn’t it?
It would appear the evening was going to be a touch more difficult that he’d originally thought. Megan had taken him seriously, something he’d never intended. And now, how was he to act on this farce of a date? Megan wasn’t a child anymore, the curves hidden in black silk revealed that much. But she was still 15 years his junior. He was old enough to be her father. What was she thinking? He stifled a groan and pasted on a bright smile. “Hi. I brought these.”
“Flowers? That’s so sweet!” Sea grey eyes lit up in delight as she accept the daisies.
She grinned at him in unabashed pleasure and Wufei could feel his heart begin to pound uncomfortably in his chest. An answering smile rose to his lips and he shrugged lightly. “It’s what any gentleman would do on a date? Right? Or have I been out of the game too long?” The teasing tone covered the awkwardness he felt. The apprehension in his stomach stubbornly refused to uncurl.
Megan’s smile softened as she turned from the door, setting the flowers on the table in the foyer. “Margie will put those in water for me, thank you Wufei. And I have to say you look really nice. Red is a good color for you.”
Wufei’s face heated up under the scrutiny. There was something measuring in her gaze as she studied the blacks slacks and red button down he’d worn for the occasion. He gestured towards the car. “Are you ready to go have dinner then?”
“Yes, I am.” Her smile did not waver as she exited the house, pulling the door shut behind them.
The drive to the restaurant was made in short, blissful silence. Wufei searched his mind for something to say, but there was nothing appropriate that came to mind. He rationalized the stillness he felt with the knowledge that Megan knew him well enough to know that he abhorred small talk. She seemed content to look out the window at the passing scenery. They pulled into the Italian bistro he’d made reservations at. He took advantage of her distracted state to kill the car’s engine and go around to open the door for her. When she glanced up at him, her expression was startled.
She said nothing, but smiled in thanks and accepted the hand he extended to her. What he didn’t expect was that she didn’t release her grasp on him as they walked from the Jeep. He frowned lightly, wrestling with propriety in his mind. If he dropped her hand, it might hurt her feelings, but he didn’t want her to read something into the night that wasn’t there. There was nothing there after all. The idea of becoming involved with a girl he regarded as a favored niece was repugnant.
By the time they reached the door of the restaurant he’d come to the conclusion that the hand-holding was all right. Sort of. He’d held her hand when she was little after all, this was no different. *But it is different and you know it. She’s not 6 years old anymore. You don’t have to worry about her taking off into traffic.* He silenced the niggling little voice with a firm hand. The maitre de smiled a friendly smile at them as he greeted them. “Do you have reservations, Sir?”
“Yes, Chang, party of 2.” Wufei’s voice was steady, belying an assurance he did not feel.
They were shown to a table in a far corner, secluded by a tall wall on one side and a blazing fireplace on the other. Bewildered, he cast a glance at the man, who merely winked. Wufei frowned. What nerve the cad had for looking at Megan like that? He tightened his grip on her hand possessively, then realizing what he was doing dropped her hand altogether. Mentally he berated himself for the third time in less than half an hour. If the start of the evening were anything to go by, he’d probably worry himself into an early grave by the end of the night. He only had to make it through dinner, then he could return her to Quatre and Trowa unharmed and his promise fulfilled.
He held out Megan’s chair for her, letting her take her seat before seating himself in the seat beside her. “Your server will be with you momentarily, Sir. Our wine list while you wait.”
“Thank you.” Wufei accepted the slender leather-bound menu and nodded curtly to the man.
The maitre de left, leaving them to themselves. Wufei flipped open the wine list and scanned it carefully. Megan’s voice was soft as she spoke. Evidently the waiter had appeared without his even noticing. He blinked in surprise as he heard her order. “I’ll have a glass of the ‘87 Sauvignon Blanc.”
What was she doing order wine? His brow furrowed as he stared at her. Not wishing to cause a scene he echoed her order softly and handed the menu to the teenager serving them. When the waiter left he broached the subject cautiously. “Are you certain you should be drinking?”
The corner of her lips lifted in a smirk. “Wufei, I’ve been allowed to drink wine since I was 7. My fathers stopped watering it down when I was 12.”
“But you’re still…”
“Young? Yes I know. But my parents did teach me to respect alcohol.” She spoke softly, but firmly. “And you aren’t my father, Wufei. No one gets to tell me what to do anymore.”
Her point sufficiently made, she lifted the menu and flipped it open. “The shrimp fettuccini looks good to me. What are you going to have?”
***********************
By the time dinner was over, Wufei had relaxed enough to actually enjoy himself. He’d found Megan to be amazingly knowledgeable about any number of subjects ranging from philosophy to politics to music. She was a skilled conversationalist, but never left him bored or let the intervening silence become awkward. To his amusement, she even laughed at his lame jokes rather than looking at him as though he were from a different planet.
In one of those rare moments of silence as they ate desert, he caught himself staring at her. He amended his earlier assessment of her appearance. She was lovely in an understated way. Her hair was caught back in a loose chignon, a few curls softening the lines of her face. It was the oddest shade or red, not quite auburn like Trowa’s anymore, it was brighter and caught the light when she moved her head. Odd that he’d never noticed that before. Her eyes were unadorned with makeup, only the slightest touch of mascara made those grey depths appear bottomless.
And she smelled good, really good. He’d caught himself leaning closer, just to inhale that odd amalgamation of coconut and Chanel. It wasn’t an overpowering smell, just the slightest tinge of something besides the smell that was uniquely Megan.
He was pulled from his reverie by her voice, she seemed vaguely amused by something. He blinked and then noticed that she was holding her fork in front of his lips, insisting he try her desert. He began to shake his head, but at the expression of disappointment in her eyes as she withdrew her hand he surprised himself by reaching out to grasp her hand. She appeared startled for a moment as his fingers closed over her wrist, gently pulling the hand and the fork with it back to him. He accepted the bite, pleasantly surprised by the light taste of the cocoa and ladyfingers laden treat.
Wufei held it in his mouth for a moment, before chewing thoughtfully. “That’s really good. What is it?”
She stared at him distractedly before speaking. “Tiramisu.”
“Tiramisu.” He repeated the foreign word, nodding in satisfaction. “It’s not as rich as it looks. Does it have coffee in it?”
“Espresso.” Her voice was all but a whisper. It was at that moment he noticed that he heart was pounding beneath his thumb. He swallowed hard, wondering when his thumb had developed a mind of its own. It must be acting of its own accord after all, he wouldn’t willingly be caressing Megan’s pulse point.
Wufei released her hand slowly, and cleared his throat. He retracted his own hand and laced his fingers together, placing his hands in his lap. “I have a meeting in the morning, we’d better get going.”
Megan frowned. “That’s all. Just dinner?”
He blinked at her. “That’s what I promised you, nothing more.” His tone was gentle, yet he wondered why her expression suddenly darkened as she nodded. He signaled for the check and paid, leaving a generous tip for the server who’d been attentive yet unobtrusive.
Megan’s entire demeanor changed as he guided her out of the restaurant with a hand at her elbow. When they reached the car he pulled her door open. She still did not speak. The short drive back to her home, she said nothing. Her silence remained as he pulled into the driveway. A light burned in the downstairs sitting room, the blinds up revealing that the room was empty.
“Where are your fathers?” Wufei made yet another vain attempt to begin conversation again.
Megan shrugged lightly. “It’s 9, they’re probably swimming by now. They swim laps together every night before going to bed.”
“I see.” He put the car in park and listened as the engine slipped into idle.
Beside him Megan unbuckled her seat belt and reached for the door handle. “Thank you for dinner Wufei. I had a nice time.”
“Wait, let me open your door for you.” He did not give her time to answer, instead unsnapping his own belt buckle and exited the car. She remained silent as he opened the door and stepped aside to let her out. She stared at him hard for a moment before averting her eyes, but not before he saw the tell-tale shimmer of the tears she was obviously holding back.
He sighed heavily as she moved to step around him. He moved with her, his arm snapping out to connect his palm with the window of the back seat of the Jeep. The move effectively blocked her in. Her hand strayed to the chain at her neck, a habit she’d had for years, toying with the chain when she was uncomfortable. Her voice was soft but firm as she spoke. “Good night, Wufei.”
Wufei ignored the dismissal. “What’s your problem?”
She looked at him then, fixing him with a glare that would have done Heero Yuy proud. “Good night, Wufei.” Her tone did not change.
Wufei stepped closer, using their height difference to his advantage. It was a move that worked well in the past. Apparently Megan was having none of it tonight. He did not speak, but was rewarded with a small sigh. “I’m tired, Wufei. I want to go inside.”
“Really?” His own voice held an edge. “Twenty minutes ago you didn’t seem to be in such a hurry.”
“It hit me all at once.”
“You’re a rotten liar, Megan.” He chuckled darkly. “You’re an adult now, aren’t you? Adults don’t run away when there’s a battle to be fought.”
Megan’s eyes were on him again. “Battle? It’s hardly a battle, Wufei. It’s just the end of a very interesting evening. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go inside and have a long hot bath before I go to bed.”
Wufei’s eyes narrowed in the face of this avoidance. He frowned lightly. “Okay, I won’t press you to talk to me about what’s going on.” Her relief was immediate and visible, but didn’t last long when he continued. “There’s just one more thing I promised you.”
She blinked, apprehension settling on her delicate features. “I don’t understand?”
He smirked lightly and leaned forward, catching her lips lightly before pulling away. “That. I promised you a kiss.”
“No.” Her negation was immediate.
Wufei arched a brow. “I didn’t?”
“You promised me a real kiss.” She corrected softly. “Like Babu and Papa.” Megan snorted with a lightness he knew she did not really feel. “But I’ll settle for what I’ve gotten.”
His voice was suddenly lower as it seemed all reason left him. “Well then, I can’t disappoint you can I?” He closed the distance between them and captured her lips once more. His intention was to put an end to this nonsensical infatuation once and for all. Too late, he realized that this kiss was going entirely too far. He let his eyes slide shut as he inhaled that strange scent once more. His hand left the car, coming to rest on her neck, cradling the back of her head gently.
He angled her head to give himself better access to her mouth, his tongue snaking out to trail along the seam of her lips. She made a little sound in the back of her throat, a sound that rocketed straight through him. He could feel himself grow hard instantly as she leaned into the contact. Her lips parted, granting him access to that previously unexplored territory. His heart quickened, his blood pounding in his ears as he heard a ragged intake of breath from one of them. His other hand left the car door and went around her waist, dragging her to him harshly as the pressure of the kiss changed from gentle to something far more primitive and savage.
Acting only on instinct, he pushed her roughly against the car door plundering her mouth, taking what she offered so freely. His hand drifted from her waist down the length of her thigh as he lifted her leg insistently, slipping his hand onto the bare skin just behind her knee. He thrust his hips insistently into hers. It had been too long since he’d touched a woman like this, far too long. Of its own volition his hand slid from down her leg, hooking it around his waist as he lifted her easily. His fingers trailed back up to her thigh, slipping under the dress to caress her roughly, his fingertips devouring every inch of flesh they could reach.
Gods, she was so soft beneath his hands, her lips pliable and yielding to the rough nipping of his teeth and the harsh scrape of his nails on her bare skin. He needed this, needed to be with her. He needed Megan. Megan. His arousal fogged brain suddenly kicked back into gear. He ripped his lips from hers and pulled away suddenly, letting her abused form slide back to solid ground. What was he doing. This wasn’t some common harlot he was pawing like a horny teenager. This was Megan, his niece in every way but blood. He was suddenly sickened by the very thought that had provoked him only seconds before.
She stared back, stunned. All anger and sadness had left those sea grey eyes, replaced now with confusion. Her lips were swollen from the rough treatment, evidence of his loss of control. Her entire body was trembling. Guilt pervaded his being as he realized that he’d almost taken her virginity right there, within a stone’s throw of his best friends’ home. And he did not doubt she was still a virgin. She was too focused on her goals not to be. His chest was heaving from the effort it took not to run from the very spot.
Megan bit her lower lips as she held his gaze. He took a step back, steeling himself for the tongue lashing she would doubtless lay on him for treating her in such a harsh manner. Her words startled him even further. “Why did you stop?”
“What?” He breathed the word in disbelief.
She stared at him, unblinking. “I don’t want you to stop, Wufei.”
He took another step back as he groped for the ring that he’d worn for so many years. He slid it off his finger and touched her only long enough to push it into her hand. She stared at it in disbelief for a moment before looking back to him, head tilted to the side. He shook his head, his voice still laden with some odd mixture of arousal and grief. “I’ve fulfilled my promise. Never speak of this again.”
Wufei slammed the forgotten passenger door shut and spun on heel to go around to the driver’s side. He tried not to notice Megan staring at him in bewildered disappointment, still clutching the band in her hand as she watched him turn around in the circular driveway and leave her standing there alone. He tried not to notice the tightness in his own chest. And he tried not to notice the tears that began to fall as he glanced at her in the rearview mirror.
*******************************