Chapter One - Treachery

Chapter One
Aidan Callaghan sat in the courtyard outside the school's cafeteria, relishing in the early spring Irish sun. Gazing into the cafeteria, he watched as Rhiannon Adair and her clique took over "their table". Silently wondering to himself why such beauty was wasted on girls who could think of nothing better to do than ridiculing others.1

He was close enough that he could hear snippets of their inane chatter through the open window.2

"Oh my god! Can you believe what she is wearing?" The girl next to Rhiannon was saying. 3

"I know it looks like she has been rummaging through her mother's closet again." Rhiannon replied.
Shaking his head with disgust. Aidan wasn't sure who they we're discussing, not that it mattered. They found pleasure in mocking anyone who was poor, unattractive or just different. And while they never openly abused him, Aidan knew Rhiannon and her friends thought he was beneath them.4

The irony was almost comical. Aidan knew the Callaghan wealth was greater than the Adairs' or any other family in town. But he chose to be a loner who neither wanted nor needed the kind of attention money could draw.5

It was kinda self-contradictory that his only real friend was a member of the very same group he was criticizing. Deirdre was different though, having not been born into money like the rest of us. After being thrown together for various school projects, he knew he couldn't compare her to the rest of the superficial twits she hung out with. She knew what it was like to have to struggle for what you needed.6

Being the only common factor between him and Rhiannon. She was the only one who knew of his true feelings. It wasn't something he had openly intended to share. It had just slipped out during one of their study sessions. He had overheard a phone conversation between her and Rhiannon, talking about their plans for the weekend. 7

"Hey, a bunch of us are going to the beach this weekend for a little R&R before finals. You should come." Dierdre told him after hanging up the phone.8

"I don't think so." He replied, stumbling through his own laughter.9

"Why not? And what's so funny?"10

Trying to be serious, Aidan said," Sure can't you just see me at the beach with the queen, and her band of superficial twits." Realizing he may have just offended her, he tried to smooth it over. "That wasn't intended for you, you know that. I just wouldn't fit in with that world."11

Fuming now, Deirdre said. "Just for the record Rhiannon isn't as bad as you make her out to be, and you would know that if you would just give her a chance. When are you gonna stop pretending that your so different from the rest of us?"12

As he sat there contemplating her words, he almost wished he could tell her just how different he was. "Just because I have money doesn't mean I would fit into that world. As for Rhiannon, I wish I could give her a chance. Then maybe I could get her out of my system, instead of being trapped in this hell I've created for myself."13

Deirdre sat there stunned by his outburst, but she knew she couldn't just leave it at that. "Wait just a second! Are you trying to tell me you have a thing for her?"14

"God, I wish it was just a thing, something a crazy fling could take care of, that I can handle. It's how I work. But with Rhiannon it's not the same. All it takes is her walking into a room, and I want to forget everything that draws the line between us," He revealed this as if someone was ripping the very confession from his heart, "When she's in the same room, I feel as if I'm drowning in this pool of wanting that I can't escape from. The insults and the distance are my way of coming back from that. So you see why I can't go." And with that he turned his back indicating that the subject was closed. 15

Deirdre wanted to pursue the topic more, but she knew that when Aidan retreated behind his walls there was no penetrating them.16

While Deirdre went back to the assignment, Aidan sat there lost in his thoughts. It would be relieving to be able to share his burden with someone. If he could it would definately be Deirdre. Now that she knew about his feelings for Rhiannon, and the fact that he wasn't some stuggling kid who worked at the mechanics shop out of necessity of trying to make it day by day. There wasn't much left to know about him, but even she wouldn't understand the burden he had to live with.17

Dragging himself back into the present, He spied Deirdre looking at him from her seat next to Rhiannon. Figuring she was up to one of her schemes to throw them together, he decided that was his cue to go.18

As he stood to leave, Aidan noticed the stares he recieved. Six feet tall, smoke-gray eyes, and silky black hair that fell just above his collar. The black jeans and snug tee shirt he wore complimented his firmly trimmed muscles. He slipped on his leather jacket, loving the way the cool material slid across his skin, and thought about his bad boy image. Though Rhiannon and her friends thought he wasn't worth the ground they walked on, there were plenty of other girls who couldn't resist his devil without a cause attitude.19

Aidan felt no guilt over using that to his advantage when he was in the mood. After all, he was just a man, and men had needs. But he never lead any girl to believe she had a real chance beyond that.20

Loneliness had become a way of life for Aidan. Aside from Deirdre, he kept to himself, spending most of his free time in the mechanics shop. He loved cars, and being able to restore them to their previous glory. But what he loved most is that they never questioned you or tried to make you do something you didn't want too. As long as he kept to himself and his cars, no one would ever have to know the truth about him. He only had one secret, but it was big enough to destroy his life - and the lives of those he loved. So no matter how much he wanted Rhiannon, there would be no cure for his loneliness. Snapping himself out of his day dream he left the courtyard. 21

The next day Aidan had finshed his shift at the shop and was walking to his motorcycle. It had rained earlier that day but now the sky was totally clear with the stars shining brightly. He was enjoying that veiw when he rounded the corner and collided into someone coming from the opposite way. 22

The pain from the impact was quickly replaced with desire when he took in the body before him, in its little black mini skirt and white blouse that had been left unbuttoned just enough to stir a mans imagination.23

"Oops Sor..." His apology was cut short when he realised who the shock of flaming red curls belonged to.
"Rhiannon."
Her deep emerald eyes pierced through him.
Everything about her confirmed what he already knew - she was out of his league. But at the moment he didn't give a damn.24

Aidan knew he should excuse himself and keep walking. He knew the distance between them should continue. But with his every wish so close, he could only stare, unable to speak, unable to walk away.25

Pulling himself together, he knelt down to pick up the bags she had dropped. Instantly he could picture her gloriously long legs wrapped around his waist as he buried himself deep inside of her. Without a word he stood and handed the bags to her.26

He knew if she looked into his eyes, which would be black now as they always changed when he felt something so intensely, that she would see all that he couldn't put into words.27

His hand grazed hers, and it took a moment to recover from the spark of their touch. The need raidiating off of him was so intense he knew she would feel it too. It seemed as if the air temperature had risen a hundred degrees.28

Neither of them spoke as they walked back to her car. She knew she should thank him, but couldn't find the words. Why did he have such an effect on her, when nothing else did? She prided herself on being able to stay level headed in any situation. Being able to do so with him should have been simple. Aidan started to walk back to his bike, then turned around and in an unsure voice asked, "Wanna go for a ride?" He hoped she didn't pick up on his insecurity. At the moment he felt as if his life depended on her saying "yes."29

"I don't think I'm dressed quite right."30

Aidan knew she wanted to go but fought to hide his disappointment. "Okay then, if you don't want to go, I guess I'll see you around." 31

He revved up the bike and was about to pull off when he heard her yell, "Wait!" She ran up and climbed on behind him. Rhiannon whispered in Aidan's ear "The skirt is a little uncomfortable, but what the hell!" She wrapped her arms tightly around him and held on for the ride, not caring at the moment where he took her. She had imagined having Aidan in her arms for so long...now it seemed unreal.
Aidan stopped just near the edge of the cliffs. Rhiannon wondered how he knew it was her favorite place in all of Ireland. She walked to the edge of the cliff and stared at the view. The sea ahead, waves crashing against the rocks below, rolling over them like little waterfalls. For the moment, it seemed the world was just as it was meant to be.
Rhiannon suddenly felt Aidan behind her. "I love it here," she said. "I come here sometimes when I just need to get away".  
Aidan placed his arms on either side of her, bracing them on the fence post. "What could a girl like you have to run from?" he asked. He was thinking, “If you were smart you would run from me,” but he was glad she didn't. Resisting the temptation to loose himself in her was almost more than he could bear. 32

"You think just because I have money I should be happy all the time? Money doesn't buy happiness. I know what you’re thinking. Spoiled little rich girl wouldn't know the meaning of unhappiness if it bit her in the ass. But you’re wrong!" Rhiannon was surprised by her sudden anger. His opinion had never mattered to her before. Now it was the only thing that did. 33

Aidan stared for a moment, then said, "Actually, I was wondering why a girl like you would be here with me?" 34

The familiar nervous feeling overtook her, and she started to babble, "I don't really know, I mean I don't know you, not really, but I couldn't just let you leave. Being near you makes me feel.... Oh, I don't know what I'm feeling. I know should probably turn away from this and go back to my own little world, but at the moment I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be than here." 35

When his lips neared hers, she knew she should stop him but couldn't. Who was she kidding - she just didn't want to. Then his lips touched hers ever so softly and she was lost. Before Rhiannon knew it, her arms were around Aidan’s neck, and she was returning his kiss with a passion she didn't know she possessed. 36

He pulled away, and when she started to object he said, "It's getting late. I should get you back to your car." 37

They walked back to his bike in silence. The whole way back she thought, "What went wrong?" It had seemed so perfect, but then he had pulled away, had distanced himself from her completely. She didn’t know if she had done something wrong, or he had just been having fun, getting her hopes up only to dash them.
Aidan stopped his bike next to Rhiannon’s car. She got off and stood there unsure of what to say or do. He walked up behind her, put his arms around her, then asked, "Can I see you again?" 38

All she could think of to say was, "When?" 39

"Tomorrow night, meet me at the cliffs?" he asked. Again, he held his breath as if his very life depended on her answer. 40

She stared up at him uncertain if she should agree, but knowing she would. How could she just walk away when she knew she would never again feel like she did with him. She couldn't make herself speak, so she nodded. When he kissed her again all her uncertainties drifted away. 41

Aidan got back on his bike, looked over his shoulder and said, "Until tomorrow then." As he drove off, Rhiannon was filled with anticipation of what was to come.42

She dreamt of him that night.
She was standing alone on the cliffs. It was storming, as it often did. But Ireland without rain wouldn't be Ireland at all, would it? She gazed out over the sea, thinking there must be more to life than she had experienced. Her life was certainly not bad, but she was far from being fulfilled. In her heart, she knew she was destined for something more than the superficial life she was leading. 43

Lost in her thoughts, she was shaken back to reality when she heard someone approaching. Panic set in because it was late and she was alone. She turned quickly and was relieved to see Aidan. The fear was gone, but Rhiannon couldn’t help but wonder why Aidan was there. She was not used to sharing the cliffs with anyone else. She was always alone here. It was her sacred place. Unable to stop herself, she voiced that very thought aloud, "What are you doing here?"44

"I'm sorry. I didn't know I needed permission to be here, your Highness." 45

It bothered her to hear the sarcasm dripping from his voice. Is this what he thought of her? She knew others mocked her, but it was painful to hear it from Aidan, the one she longed for so deeply. "That's not what I meant. I'm just not used to anyone else being here this late."
When he didn't respond, she knew her words had not affected him. Thinking her attempt to redeem herself was a lost cause, she turned to leave. His voice stopped her. 46

"Don't go." 47

Not exactly a confession of his needs, but a start nevertheless. "Why would you want me to stay? You obviously can't stand me." Oh, how it hurt to say those words. She had known it before tonight but it was still difficult to speak the truth aloud.48

" If only that were the case. I don't hate you Rhiannon. Hell, I think I've loved you for as long as I can remember."49

Hearing him utter those words was almost to good to be true. Suddenly, the only way her night could possibly get better was if he kissed her. As if he had read her thoughts, his head neared hers. She tensed when his lips first touched hers. Slowly, she gave into her desires. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him back. What had started out so tender was quickly becoming heated. She didn't care. He had said he loved her. She was his now - that was all that mattered.
When he pulled away, a feeling of complete emptiness washed over her. Thinking he needed encouragement to continue, she leaned in and whispered, "I love you too, Aidan. Always have." 50

Upon hearing the words, Aidan went completely rigid in Rhiannon’s arms. Without a word, he turned and began to walk away. Desperate to understand, she went after him. Grabbing him by the arm, she didn’t care that he could hear the desperation in her voice. "Aidan, what's the matter? Didn't you hear me?" 51

His voice was cold. "Go home Rhiannon. I don't want your love." 52

"But I don't understand? You said you loved me. I thought you would be happy to know that I felt the same." She was trying to hold back tears now, but lost all control when he turned to face her. 53

Terror raced through her. She was staring at Aidan, who now seemed to be a completely different person. 54

"Tell me, Rhiannon, can you still love me now?"
He leaned in as if to kiss her, only this time he wasn't looking at her lips. She was frightened beyond belief.55

Her own screams woke her. Relief washed over her as she realized it was only a dream. She was in her own bed drenched in sweat. It had felt so real, but that was a ridiculous notion she couldn't even put into words what she had seen. Blaming the excitement of the evening she shrugged off the dream, and went back to sleep. 56

The next day it seemed as if everything had returned to normal. Aidan and Rhiannon avoided each other at school. It wasn't as if she regretted what had happened between them the night before, but he wasn't the kind of guy she normally associated with. Her friends wouldn't understand what she saw in a guy like Aidan. She didn't understand it completely herself. 57

As she finished getting herself ready for their date, she briefly wondered if it was a waste of time. Maybe he had come to his senses and admitted to himself that they were too different for this to work. What if he didn't show at all? She dismissed the thought - she had made up her mind to go no matter what.