Welcome to Gaia! ::

Lena slipped an arm around her man. She loved the solid frame that she was pressed against currently. Archie made her feel safe, and sexy and more importantly wanted. David and Lena's marriage had not really been a super affectionate and sexually charged marriage toward the end. Not because they didn't find each other attractive, but because their son became their primary focus.

The relationship they had before their child was born had been one full of lust and romance. One that made Lena and David very appreciative of their partner, and what they brought to the table. That all seemed to die sometime after Tyson was born. It gradually grew more and more over the years.

So now this new relationship with Archie had reawaken the sexual side of Lena. It was like being reminded that she was a woman and not just a Mother. It was nice, and Lena was enjoying both the attention and the feelings.

The relationship with Archie wasn't just about sex though. Yes there was a healthy dose of sex in the relationship, but there was more there. She enjoyed the talks they had, or the talks they didn't have. She enjoyed just sitting with him and watching a movie on tv, or watching for fallen stars. The relationship was easy, comfortable and there was now pressure or demands.
"Oh well, if you insist. I think I will be beautiful right over there, where I am not in your way." She kissed his cheek and moved to a seat close by, but not right in the work space.

Maralyn shook her head at her cousins goofy smile. She listened, thinking over his words as they walked to and reached the car. A deep blush filled her cheeks at his comment. She shook her head with a light laugh, "How much more shopping do you really want to do today?" But he did have a point. She should get more alcohol... and dessert would top off the deal. Well she was certainly rounder than she had been since her and Dereck started dating. But her cousin was right, that didn't mean she couldn't...Lyn opened her door and began to step out before turning back to her cousin,"Alright, I'll be right back, then we will be on our way to the liquor store. Be a dear and pull up by the front?"Before Lincoln could even answer, Lyn was out the door and walking back into the store that they had just come out of. She wasn't really sure what she should get for dessert, so instead she first picked up some toppings before heading to the bakery. There she stood for a few minutes before grabbing an item and moving to the register once again.

When Lyn stepped out this time she had a few more bags to add to her growing collection in the back seat of Lincoln's car. Then she took her seat back in the passenger seat. With a laugh she squealed pointing out of the parking lot."Onward to Liquor!"

Archie Thompson

Archie laughed, a deep, throaty laugh when Lena moved to stand a bit away from the grill. He couldn't help it. She always had a wittiness about her that drew him in all those years ago. He loved being able to laugh with her, tease her, joke around and not be put out in the dog house for it. Women nowadays were way too serious in relationships. Always wanting the end game to be marriage, but Archie was older. Probably too old to ever marry anyone, not that he was thinking about that, but it was the main reason he kept dating to a minimum. Women were too demanding and wanted what they wanted, instead of enjoying the ride and seeing where it takes them.

After about five minutes he loaded the steaks and grilled veggies onto two different plates, and shut off the grill before carrying them inside, and motioning for Lena to follow. He certainly lived like a bachelor, except for the fact that his house was exceptionally clean. "Wine or beer?" He placed the plates on the table and moved to the fridge, grabbing himself a beer.

Once dressed Victoria turned around to Jasper, and ran her hands down the soft fabric. She even did a little twirl, followed up by a giggle. "I'm glad you like it." After a moment she changed into a matching light pink set of bra and panties made of silk. She did a little mock model walk, even flipping her hair obnoxiously over her shoulder. After that she changed into a red teddy, but around the waist was a satin skirt, and it was decorated with light pink hearts, in honor of Valentines Day, which was right around the corner.

"Is that a trick question?" Lena asked and grinned at Archie.
"A beer please. Steak, beer and grilled veggies make me think of summer. I can't wait for summer. It is my favorite time of year." She followed Archie and then settled herself at the table. She pulled out her cell phone from her bag and turned it off.
"No interruptions tonight. I am all yours." She gave Archie a flirtatious little smile. She finally took a sip of her cold beer. Her chocolate brown eyes were on Archie as he moved about. She could just eat him up! He had definitely gotten sexier with the passage of time. How that was possible, she had no clue!
"You fill those jeans very well Archie...." She winked at him and set the beer down on a coaster.

Killian glanced at his passenger. She was silent which was odd for her, but given the fact that her jaw was still healing it made sense. He reached out a hand and patted her leg. Immediately she recoiled and Killian pulled his hand away from her. He tried not to take her actions personally. He knew she had been through a great deal in the last year, especially the last few weeks.

Killian focused on the road ahead of him. Trying to put his companion's mindset out of his thoughts. He had to believe that she could pull through, as she had everything else. She had to because no one could do it for her.
"Cadie, I am taking you to my friends. Ethan and Eden, Eden will look after you for a few weeks. Until I can come back and..." Cadence furiously began to scribble on her notepad.
No! You promised me I would disappear. She held out the notepad. Killian glanced at it several times to read the complete message.
"Candie, I know what I promised you. It will take some time though. Besides Diana may need you for court." The scribbling sound filled the car
No. No. No. I will not go to court! I never want to go back to the Creek, I will be hunted down as long as they believe I am alive. Black, and Ben have many connections. They may be sitting in a cell right now, doesn't mean anything is over just yet. Cadence held up the pad again and Killian didn't read past 'no'.

She was terrified. Of course she was, she had every reason to be. She had been living in hell. Alienated, abused, and tormented. Killian would not push the issue right now. She was not in the best place mentally or emotionally currently, so he would give her some time. He was not ready to let her walk out of her own life. To just give up, and hide out of fear.

Cadence shifted in her seat, turning her attention to the scenery. She wanted to be away from Killian. She normally would trust Kill with her life, but given her brother's close friend had just attacked her twice, and it was a very real possibility her brother had put him up to it. At first she had not believed it but now...she wasn't so sure. Ben had insisted that Orion had put Black up to it, of course Cadence had not believed it. Though now she just didn't know what to believe.
"Eden is a Nurse Practitioner. She is more than capable of taking care of you. You should reat. We have another day or so if driving ahead of us."

Lyn smiled at her cousin, and patted his hand, "I was really hoping you'd come in with me. A pregnant woman buying liquor may not be the best scenario by itself." She wouldn't ever put her children at harm. Altough she couldn't deny missing the ability to drink alcohol sometimes. However the shop keeper or any other customers she was sure to get looks from. Espceially since she planned to buy more than just sake for Dereck. THere wasn't much beer left in the fridge, and if she remembered correctly his favorite whiskey was running low. So since she was here, Lyn planned to fill them up.

When they arrived, she followed Lincoln's suit of getting out of the car. However it did take the woman a little longer than her male cousin due to the unbalance due to her extra weight and rounded tummy. Lord's she couldn't believe that it was going to continue to grow yet. Soon she may feel like a round, blueberry ummpa-Lumpa. Once out she walked up to Lincoln with a nod,}Ready then? What you getting tonight?"Hopefully not more tequila, but she wondered what kind of night was her cousin planning after their day. As they walked into the store, Lyn first went to the back wall of coolers and walked into the cooler itself. That would be an easier way for sure to pick up the 12 pack of beer then trying to pick it out of one of those doors. Finding the box she wanted, Lyn hefted it in front of her stomach and walked out of the cooler to place it on one of the cash counters to save for a moment while she collected the sake and whiskey. Returning to the counter she paid for the three items, and shook her head at their offer to help her to her car. She had Lincoln for that. Lyn waited at the end of the counter with her items as she waited for her cousin to finish his shopping.

'Cause sometimes you just feel tired,
Feel weak, and when you feel weak,
you feel like you wanna just give up

~Cadence Jaycey Sinclaire-Caine~

Two weeks had already passed since Killian had left Cadence with his friends, Ethan and Eden. Ethan was a Welder by day, Biker/local rock star by night. He was the Killian of the MC he ran with. He was the one working on getting Cadence a new identity, supposedly. Eden was a Nurse Practitioner, and had a interest in holistic healing practices as well. It turned out Eden and Killian once dated long long ago and were just friends now. Eden was married to a man named Jethro. He was the President of the local MC, and thought highly of Killian. (It was actually why he had agreed to let Cadie stay with them until his V.P. Ethan procured the documentation Cadence needed. Also because Eden would be the only one with the proper training to look after Cadence.)

Eden was helping Cadence dress after her shower. It was quite the task to maneuver the slight woman when she had two bulky casts on. The woman managed somehow each day. Cadie's hair was slowly growing back, but she was very self conscious about her appearance. So Eden had went out and purchased several different wigs. Some in everyday colors and styles, some in wild fun colors. She found it cheered up her patient, and Eden herself enjoyed it. She sometimes wore a different wig, to make Cadie feel a bit more comfortable.
"The bruising is nearly non existent now. So I am not going to cover your pretty face in pounds of make up anymore." Eden said as she examined her face carefully.
"You will be out of the wires in another couple of weeks, and the casts a few weeks after that." Eden stood up and grabbed two different tops and held them up for Cadie to pick one. She picked the one on the right and Eden tossed the other aside.
"Killian will be returning in a couple of days I think. Probably the end of the week, he wants to check on you I guess." Eden sat back and gave Cadie a devilish smile.
"So.....are you two like a thing?" Cadie clumsily shook her head no. Eden pouted for a moment then smiled.
"Good! So he won't care if Ethan and you end up together!" Eden chirped happily and Cadie tried shaking her head.
"Ethan seems a bit smitten with you Cadence." Another awkward shake. Cadence had been doing her best to stay away from Jethro and Ethan. She didn't believe they would harm her, but she also did not trust any man anymore.
"I know you think running away, and becoming someone new will solve all of your problems but it won't. I think you will be allowing them to have power over your life if you do that." Eden had instantly felt connected to Cadence upon meeting her. She liked the young woman, the energy she gave off was positive and lively. She had seen more and more of Cadence's true personality as the woman became more and more comfortable with her.

Eden felt Cadie and Ethan would make a good couple. Ethan was all gruff and reserved on the outside, but on the inside he was a teddy bear. Eden had noticed how he seemed to soften a bit in Cadence's presence. He had taken an interest in the young woman's health though he normally kept everyone at arm's length. Eden at first believed it was because he was horrified about what a grown man had done to such a tint defenseless little female. Perhaps it had started at as horror, now...he seemed interested in Cadence.

Eden put on a wig that was of a similar style and color to Cadence's real hair. It was the one she picked most often. Once she was dressed and ready Eden pushed her out the room and down the hall to the kitchen. She put the music on low, and chatted easily with Cadence who was watching her move about the kitchen. She was preparing breakfast for Jethro and Ethan. Ethan lived next door but he always took his meals with Eden and Jethro.

Ethan was a bachelor, and his ex girlfriend lived clear across town with their young son. She did whatever she could to keep Ethan away from Ethan Junior, unless she wanted extra money of course. Ethan hated being alone, so he spent his time with his chosen family, which now included Cadence.

Ethan walked in the kitchen and straight to Eden. He kissed her cheek, and moved to the fridge.
"Morning ladies." He said as he ducked in the fridge and pulled out the orange juice. He glanced back at Cadence a second, then moved to the cabinet to grab a glass.
"You two coming to tonight's show?" He asked casually as he poured himself a glass.
"Morning Eth honey." Eden replied, she turned to look at Ethan.
"Yesssss! We are looking forward to it! Right Cadie?" Eden asked as both she and Ethan turned to look at Cadence. She did her best to nod. Cadence actually really liked his band. The music was great, and Ethan was damn sexy! On stage, his energy, his voice. It made her have that flutter in her stomach.

Cadence was surprised because as much as she was fearful of men, she couldn't help but notice Ethan was a damn good looking man! He was fit, and rugged looking. She even liked his profession because it was very masculine and seemed to fit him so well.

Like even now his work boots and faded blue jeans, and fitted T made her give him a second look. Which of course made her feel guilty and very uncomfortable. She had not found herself drawn to any other man since Jasper. Sure she had admired a good looking man here or there, but it was always in passing. Being so close to Ethan daily, seemed to make her very aware of Ethan. It seemed to be making her attraction to him a very real thing.

It was terrifying, and frustrating. She wanted nothing to do with another man ever again. That much she was sure of! Her dealings with Ben, Black, and Dylan's men had really made that much known to her. The only man she had ever really trusted was Jasper and he was getting on with her life. Ben had made sure to rub that in her face. She didn't blame him, but she had to admit it did hurt. If she thought about it to long, or thought of their relationship it really hurt. So she did her best to forget about him, to act like he never ever existed. Of course it was hard when every time she was undressed she saw him name tattooed on her hip. Truly the dumbest thing she had ever done! She would have it covered up as soon as she was able to get herself around again.
"Good...." Ethan replied as he looked at Cadence once more. He looked away and had to remind himself that she was troubled. ALL women were, she was even more troubled though. Her appearance was proof of that. No one went out of their way to deliver such a fierce beating for no reason. He wanted to ask her the details but was keeping his distance.

She was shaping up to be a very beautiful woman. Large intriguing eyes that shown with intelligence and determination. The olive complexion, and when her hair grew back he was sure it would be dark and thick. Only adding to her exotic and seductive appearance. Ethan wouldn't be against a casual hook up with her when she was healed, hell maybe even a few hot hook ups before she disappeared.

Jethro entered the kitchen. His heavy boots thudding across the floor. His large hand rested on Cadie's shoulder a few seconds as he passed her.
"Morning." He grumbled and moved straight to his wife. He pulled her against him and gave her a long heated kiss.
"Morning baby." He murmured in his deep husky voice.

~Candie~