Chance: An Action & Adventure Romance Novel (Sacrifice) by A.C. Heller

sad, almost as sad as I feel.
    “ It's okay.  I'm pretty used to this actually. Thank you for bringing me food.  This looks really good.” Liza sets the tray down on the desk and walks over to me, far closer than I expected her to get. She places a hand on my face and looks directly in my eyes.
    “ What I am about to say is not something you want to hear but you will listen. Aiden did not know Al was here to create this prison for you. The emotions he feels for you are as real as those you feel for him and trust me when I say, he will stop at nothing to get you out. The Order often makes decisions we do not understand and this is one of them. If Aiden had refused, Mr. Feliciano would have had him removed from the compound.” The emotional barriers I was working on building crumble at her words. Looking up at her I say the first thing that comes to my mind.
    “ Did he tell you this?”
    “ No, dear. He did not have too. I have abilities just as you do.  Like you, sometimes I am incapable of controlling them. In my case, I often find my thoughts are not my own.”
    “ You can read peoples thoughts?”
    Liza nods once and continues to explain, “ If I choose it, but if the thoughts are persistent enough there are times they override my own.  Since you walked out of Aiden's bedroom his thoughts are all I can hear.” She smiles and glances around the cell before smirking at me.   “ This room is actually quite effective at blocking them out. Perhaps I should have them build me one.” She's joking and I can't help but to laugh and smile up at her. She grins back at me and motions with her hand towards the food.
    “ Enjoy your dinner.  I'll come back later to collect the dishes.”
    After thanking her I watch as she leaves and I do as she said. The chicken parmesan she brought me was amazing and I know Chasca made it. She had been talking my ear off about wanting it all week. Powering on the computer an application pops up that says it's specifically used for instant messaging. Looking at the contact list I see that everyone I have met since I've been here is listed, but only one is green.  I can only assume green means they're online.  I begin typing in the chat box.
    Dora : Hello is anyone there?
    Deluca : Yo.
    It takes me a minute to remember who this is.
    Dora : Angelo?
    Deluca : You got me. What's up?
    Dora : Is Aiden around?
    Deluca : Yeah. Want him?
    Dora : Please.
    There's no response from him, so I sit staring at the application on my screen. Luckily I did because I notice immediately when the icon next to “Ripley” turns green.
    Ripley : Dora?
    Dora : Yes.
    Ripley : Darlin' I'm so sorry.
    Dora : I know Aiden, it's alright.
    Ripley : You do? How? You were so upset.
    Dora : I had a conversation with Liza.
    Ripley : Shit.
    At that I find myself giggling at my computer. I felt so betrayed when he told me about the chamber, but deep down I knew that Aiden would not betray me.
    Ripley : Dora?
    Dora : I'm here.
    Ripley : Talk to me.
    Dora : Sorry I was just thinking.
    Ripley : About what?
    Dora : You.
    Ripley : Good things I hope.
    Dora : Very. I was thinking that I should have known you had a good reason for this.
    Ripley : I should have told you sooner but I had just found out.  Then there was the explosion and I saw you.  I just couldn't stop myself. That's what you do to me.
    Dora : I know how you feel.
    Ripley : Is that so?
    Dora : Yes. When I first saw you at The Sapient facility I thought I was seeing things. You were something out of a romance novel.
    Ripley : That I can relate to. Never in my life have I seen a more beautiful woman.
    My heart flutters in my chest as I read those words over and over again. Before I get a chance to type a response he continues.
    Ripley : And I know I never will. I think you're it for me darlin’.
    Oh. My. God.
    Dora : Aiden we barely know each other. Don't you think this is a bit sudden?
    Ripley : Nope. I'm not a man that makes impulsive decisions. And this may