Chapter 45

Final Desire

The thought that was dreading Iris moments ago was thrilling her now.

She was euphoric at the sight in front of her.

Iris actually jumped on her feet and bumped to hug him.

He got conscious all of a sudden and blushed giving a side glance to his officer.

"Hi!" he murmured sheepishly getting back to his cop mode as he shook his hands with Iris "Good evening ma'am"

'Wow' Iris said in head. He really looked hot and dangerous in his uniform. "Iris for you always!" Iris said as she pulled him into another hug.

He hesitated for a while and then he couldn't hold himself giving in and hugging her back.

Mr. Clark was shocked and amused together to see an unexpected reception his bodyguard who wasn't welcomed minutes ago was getting.

"Now I realize" Mr. Clark said "why the seniors insisted on setting a person with a much higher profile into this guard job. They knew you guys were friends."

With arrival of Ben everything, the meeting, the set up turned really casual.

"I was so nervous when realized that I had to keep a guard as per obligation to National security," Iris admitted "not that I feared of anything. I guess they were only exaggerating the matter. But now the three of us sitting casually sipping coffee; all this is so amusing"

"I wonder how your stay over is still under the reserves, you being a star figure?" Mr. Clark asked.

"Oh! This is the superiority of Edwin's management skills that he'd scooped his staff about it. My secrecy is no threat here." Iris said easily.

"Edwin?" Mr. Clark asked with suspicion.

"My old friend, my first director and my host during my visit over here. Don't worry his back ground is checked and cleared by your officer in the past." Iris glared at Ben with a mocking accuse.

Ben smiled uneasily at the wary remark but kept to his ambiguity pertaining to the presence of his officer.

Iris wished she could kick that boss of his out and be both could be like same old friends.

Iris sighed at that thought.

"It would be so great to have you as a friend back in my life." Iris was bouncing on her seat "I missed you"

Ben smiled "I missed you too" he muttered softly.

"Who are you?" Iris asked "where is my friend Ben,

his casual outlook, his sense of humor, his flirting, not to forget his dedication towards the job,"

"You guys were very close." Mr. Clark commented

"I was" Iris mocked "I do not know about him. I could never make out all the while that he was an under cover cop meant to spy me."

"Sir" Ben was back in his professional mode "Considering to the threats and the people involved and pertaining to the fact that nobody knows that Iris is here, can I act as an undercover body guard. I mean I'll stay with her as her body guard but not in my uniform to avoid any doubts or unnecessary attention."

"I guess that won't be a problem officer." Mr. Clark said with admiration in his eyes for Ben.

"You can resume tomorrow. But for now please get back to being My Ben" Iris said laughing once she saw the huge vehicle laden with Mr. Clark and his gunmen out of sight.

"I am still on duty." He said smirking as he stood erect in his uniform looking extremely $exy.

"Loosen up Ben. We are at home and there is no threat to me over here. Edwin loves his wife too much to safe secure his house with an effective security system."

Ben nervously replied "Yeah! He does." He said smilingly as he remembered past when Iris and other girls were taken.

He remembered Edwin head over heels over Stella's kidnapping.

"Come sit and relax" Iris pulled him on the couch of living room. His presence itself was elating happiness in her.

It was after a long time that she felt so homely with anybody.

Of course she was at home with Edwin and Stella but Stella's illness and the reason she brought her there plucked that joy out of his visit.

Iris looked at Ben. He was biting on himself, working for words, his eyes dancing as she looked at him but he was tongue tied with his lips moving but his vocal sacs not cooperating.

"How.."

"How..." both of them erupted at the same time.

They laughed together.

He suddenly cupped her face in his hand "You are okay? Not angry with me?"

"Of course not" Iris pulled out of his grip.

She felt uneasy with that closeness.

She didn't know why.

His eyes were saying something else that Iris was not able to decipher.

"How are you? How's Vanissa?" Iris changed to a comfortable discussion,

"Vanissa..." he paused closing his eyes as he pushed himself resting his head to the back rest of the couch.

"We are not together any more.." he whispered painfully.

"Why?... what happened?... she seemed to be so much in love with you?" Iris asked shocked.

Of everything that happened Iris was always happy that Ben had a small happy life in some part of the world.

Now she could read the emptiness of his life.

She realized what his eyes were speaking. He was lonely........

"Do you mind sharing why did she leave you or umm.... You left her?" Iris asked a little scared of poking on his personal life. Would he think otherwise?

But she cared "I need to know." Iris said "I always wanted to see you happy."

"We just didn't work well together." He said shrugging as if he was trying to brush the topic aside.

Iris thought it was better not push the topic further but couldn't resist asking "why do I feel that it was you who was not working well?"

Iria had to "because when I saw Vanissa at the hospital other day I didn't feel her to be the kind to break away from relation easily."

"You caught me right." he admitted a little sheepishly with a tinge of guilt "I realized I did not love her and then I just couldn't fake that feeling especially when I knew my heart ...." He stopped

"You can say Ben. We are friends" Iris helped him so he could to express freely.

"My heart yearned for somebody and I love someone else." He said.

"So wow! You are in love. That's nice. And who is she? When are we meeting?" Iris asked excited like a Cheshire cat.

"Hey! Hey! Hold on. I said I love her, I never admitted I am dating." He said smiling at her excitement.

"Awww! You did not propose her yet?" Iris cooed pulling his cheeks realizing how soft and pleasant he felt.

"No! And I am not proposing her." He said as he relaxed himself.

"Why? Scared of rejection?" Iris teased him.

"Yeah! You caught me." He said mockingly.

"Who is she? Do I know her?" she asked him. Excitement was bubbling inside her. He really looked like he was fallen deeply for her.

"Nay!!! N don't push. It can be you too" he winked at her playfully.

Iris looked at him with her heart caught in my lungs. 'Oh! God don't be me. I need him as a friend. It would hurt if I knew I was the one and I can never love him back.'

He laughed a roaring laugh confusing her. "Look at your face." He almost held his stomach laughing with a tear out on his eyes. 'Just joking" he ruffled her hair playfully.

Immediately Iris's breathing normalized and she eased on the couch with him.

"You are the same arrogant flirt. Haven't changed much." she said hitting him on his chest playfully and then regretting.

Heavens his muscles were tight beneath.

"So you think I should blow my chance of flirting with the most popular Hollywood star of the millennium?" he smirked.

"Come on Ben. Now don't start with that." she warned him.

They sat and enjoyed revisiting the past memories. Though it was only few months they had spent together but they had a lot to ponder to.

Iris realized that the times they spent together was nicest part of her college life though he was a practically a non-college student.

But he was her only friend then. She couldn't risk befriending anybody else.

"You simply entered my life, though for a reason" Iris shared "but you guarded me then and are again allocated to guard me now. How life plays with you?"

'He loves someone and that she doesn't even know about it.

I love someone and that he won't ever know about it.

These are the games of life.'

After spending couple of hours together chatting about nothing and everything which was such a good feel because at least for sometime Iris forgot that Stella was unwell and she was here to replace her as per Stella.

Iris wanted her to get well and take on to her home making and family.

Part of her also wanted Edwin to have a happily ever after though it still hurt when he playfully cups Stella's breasts making her hot all of a sudden and the way she blushes trying to be out of his grip but still unknowingly getting too close to feel his strong erect^.

To say it didn't affect her would be an open lie.

But Iris was ready for that bargain when she agreed to come over.

This time spent with Ben really rejuvenated her and when he offered to have dinner at a nearby diner, which he assumed, was safe Iris agreed instantly.

"Are you here for your work or to take a break?" Ben asked as he sipped the hot chicken soup enjoying the taste. He seemed very happy.

"Well I guess I needed a break from the stardom or crazy stalker fans" Iris said casually surveying the diner

Iris was a little reluctant initially to join a uniformed officer to the diner but he agreed to change and pick her up.

She was used to disguising herself by now.

They easily blended in the local not so famous diner whose walls were cracked and tables had scrapped polish but the food was tantalizing, the lollypop starters seems to melt in your mouth with perfect blend of flavors.

Ben as usual was hungry and enjoyed the main course while Iris skipped to a desert, which was butterscotch and coffee pudding.

"So we two can go and explore the city while I am still doing the guarding job?" he asked expectantly.

"Yeah!" Iris shouted excitedly like a kid would be once permitted to go for a joy ride meant for adults.

"But no fighting or kick boxing.. I don't want to see you all bruised up with a black eye for some 500$." she said chuckling.

"So you care?" he asked grinning.

"Of course I do." Iris said honestly "and what if your secret love sees you with those marks on your face, she might not give you a chance." she teased.

"Otherwise with my looks you think I have a chance?" he asked pouting.

"Silly, you are one of the most handsome guys I have met so far." Iris said encouragingly.

May be if he had some conscious conflict in his mind, he'd ignore and propose his love.

He blushed not answering back which was strange because he was always upright with a back fire answer.

God he was serious about her. Iris could tell.

''''''''

Iris's life had taken a new gear with Ben's arrival. He was my stress buster. With all the worries and pains that she'd collected through out the day with Edwin and Stella with Stella's health deteriorating each day and Edwin's plight.

He was working very hard to gather his pieces of life.

He was a little worried about the fact that she had a threat but once he realized that she had Ben as her official guard provided by national front. He was relieved.

Surprisingly enough he was not upset about his break up with Vanissa. He was glad to hear that.

I guess he was trying to be a match maker between me and Ben but that wasn't possible for his wife had different plans for me and also Ben had his so called mysterious girl who he is in love with.

More than that Iris could not think about anything till her Love aka Edwin was happy in his life.

Ben however was a pillar for her.

He supported her a lot. He understood the importance of Edwin and Stella in her life.

When things got out of control, he helped her with a shoulder and a tissue to wear her tears out.

His patience was overwhelming.

And when he thought things were getting out of control, he'd take her out for a picnic or excursion.

"Lets go rappelling." Ben proposed, "the one we'd plan when we were in college"

"I was in college" Iris clarified mocking at him "You were the undercover cop"

"Rock climbing it is then." Ben was too excited to be bothered about her comment.

'''''''''''

They were provided with gears to ensure safety.

They wore jacket, which was more of cobweb of belts with loops around to tie the rope securely.

Ben worked a little extra even after the volunteer confirmed that it was fine but he was doing his guarding job so he said, "I don't want to take any risk."

The climbing was good, a little difficult and strenuous.

All the time Iris was scared that she would scratch the rock and bruise her elbow.

She mentally patted herself for wearing a full sleeve tee.

Iris managed the adventure climb uneventfully and enjoyed too with Ben following her and cracking jokes every now and then

He teased "This is the best way to have your ass in my hand" Iris kicked her softly "otherwise I'd be kicked ass if I tried at any other occasion."

Iris was enjoying so much that she did not realize that they had reached at the top and she remembered she was scared of heights.

Once they reached the top Iris did observe the spectacular view where everything below seemed to smaller than an ant, her acrophobia was at worst and getting back down seemed to be impossible.

Iris shivered like a drop of water sizzling on a hot plate.

Ben pulled her into a hug, lacing his fingers into her hair.

His thumb caressed her cheeks and his dark blues trying to look into her darks invading her soul and he asked, "Trust me?"

Iris's heartbeats had increased into multiples. All she could do was give a simple nod.

He buckled the loop of his belt with her and hugged her saying "only look at me and trust me."

He also convinced the authorities with the identity badge he had and climbed down with her in the tight grip of his strong muscular arms.

Iris wasn't scared any longer.

This is what a friend is for. They take all your fears away.

Iris was euphoric when she returned home.

Ben had taken her for a romantic dinner with an excuse that he wanted it as a practice session so that he is a little less nervous when he takes his Love for such a dinner.

He took the act so seriously that he even brought flowers and a gift for her.

He even sealed the dinner date though fake with a small goodnight kiss on her lips.

He is going to be hell!! Of a boyfriend.

Iris couldn't help smiling as she entered the house.

She punched her thumb on the identity lock of the house to be welcomed by Stella who looked really pale today.

In huge pyjama pants and a comfy t shirt she stood hands folded around her waist, her milky white skin now looked like a tinge of cream and there were dark circles around her eyes.

Her eyes were swollen due to crying.

She'd been doing it often lately making Iris cry too.

Guilty conscience immediately rushed into her veins feeling so low for enjoying and partying when some one she cared and loved was in disdain.

"I thought you loved Edwin?" Stella said accusingly, her nostrils flared due to anger.

"I do." Iris murmured. Stella's temper was something new Iris was witnessing and with her ill health and she never wanted to disappoint her.

"But your actions outside suggested otherwise?" she said angrily.

"NO! You are misinterpreting. Ben is just a friend... only friend." Iris bit her lip as if caught doing something wrong.

"I never had any such intentions with Ben." Iris felt like she was back to being under teen explaining her mother "It was only such that I enjoy his company."

"You love Edwin?' Stella asked firmly.

Stella's tone intimidated Iris.

"Come on Stella. This was only a pretend date so that he could replay it with his girlfriend when he proposes her." I tried to explain.

"Do you think I am blind? I cannot see the way he looks at you." Stella hissed like an angry snake.

"You are assuming things" Iris was pissed at her. "I understand. It's your illness followed by weakness with lots of antibiotics and the stress about Edwin and his wellbeing, the fear of losing love is making you like this."

"so you start dating that guy because..." Stella shouted "explain"

"I am very sure about Ben and I trust him." Iris was calm now "We'd never do anything wrong."

"But then what was that?" Stella furrowed her brows

"For your satisfaction I promise you my loyalties. I have already fallen for the best and have no intentions to have any other male in my heart." Iris said assuring and in a firm note adding "I still want and pray for you to live happily with Edwin and have a family with him."

"Can you give me one thing that I ask for?" Stella asked, her tone loud, clear and determined. Her eyes stationed at Iris looking deep into her soul.

'''''''''''

I am so scared these days!

Edwin would wake up every day kissing Stella besides.

And his heart kept on beating erratically till she kissed him back confirming her presence in life.

His nights were getting restless too as every time when Stella stirred in bed he'd get an err feeling in his stomach.

Most of the times he'd rest his head on the elbows over the pillow staring at her beautiful flawless face. Everyday he watched her he fell in love with her again. Even with her pale skin now, dark circles around the eyes and the collar bones which are even more visible as she was loosing more weight each day even after the medications and proper diet, she still was the most beautiful woman in the world.

He wished he could still the time, stop the earth from spinning or leave the sand clock on a horizontal position so that he could have her in front of his eyes for ever.

He felt the warmness on his skin and got scared and panicked to realize it was nothing but his own tear.

And when Stella moved, he quickly wiped it off and pretended to sleep so that she did not fuss over his health.

She was getting irritated about his behaviour these days.

Last time when he had a breakdown in front of her she cried bitterly saying "Death is evitable and is a truth but I see myself dying each day in your eyes. Please" she begged "my only desire is to see you happy."

Edwin hugged her back promising not to cry in front of her as he admitted "my only desire is to make all your wishes come true."

Since that day he hadn't cried in front of her and during weak moments either he would excuse himself for a phone call or drop something off the table and wipe his tear underneath or simply look away from her so that she didn't realize that he had tears.

Edwin got new hopes each day when he surfed the net of promising medicine guaranteeing the cure of the disease and he did not hesitate to approach them. But none of them seemed to work.

Alex had introduced him to Dr Murray who is the best so far for the disease.

He'd given the last resort of chemo therapy which was again a very painful therapy.

He wanted to do one final test before opting for it.

Rather they'd been doing tests frequently whenever they started a new drug but results weren't that promising.

So was the report stale today.

Stella looked at him expectantly smiling broadly but he knew it was difficult for her to smile like that because the pain was visible in her blues.

But instead Edwin hugged her kissing her possessively.

She smiled shyly.

She served dinner. Though they'd have enough staff to do but these petty jobs pleased her so he let her do.

She was silent all the while at the dinner table so was Edwin.

Edwin was scared to disclose about the results of the tests so he kept the conversation closed so that she didn't ask.

He hated to admit it to her that the virus seemed to be spreading a bit and he wasn't sure if he would be able to control my slopping emotions in front of her.

The dinner table was extremely quite today for Iris was missing too as she had a dinner date with Ben.

With all the atrocities of the life Edwin was glad that she and Ben were spending times together especially when Ben was single now.

He trusted him with Iris and strongly believed they'd make a good couple.

But still if Iris had her dinner at the diner and she was back home, it is a bit strange that she was not here with them.

..........

Stella hugged him tight dressed in a beautiful blue lacy gown that matched her eyes.

Her popping flesh under the netted fabric really made him hot and hard.

Edwin had limited their lovemaking because he did not want to stress her.

She kissed him hard which filled him with lust, Edwin rounded his hands into a fist trying to control but Stella was in her own accord.

She turned him around, his back facing her. She stood on her toes, licking his neck under the hair making his body rage with desire.

Edwin's hands slid to the centre beneath the lacy dress.

Gosh!!! She was really wet.

She moved standing in front and got face to face with him.

"Edwin you said you would make my all wishes come true?" she asked.

Should she ask such a thing? So much in love with her Edwin could do absolutely anything for her. She herself has no idea how much power she had over him.

"Yes" Edwin replied trying to fill in his appetite for her.

He kissed her once more trailing his tongue on her chin slowly following her jaw, leaving wet kisses on her neck going deep till he reached her soft pout skin iced with beads of dark pink.

"Edwinnnnnn..." she shouted lustfully "Can you give me one thing that I ask for? Just one last favour?".......