Safe In Your Heart

Italics denote a Flashback

Walking in, with the security agents—14 in total—in tow, Jim did a double take upon seeing Addie out of bed, and what’s more—smiling. Orlando was seated on the sofa with a bowl of jell-O on his lap, feeding Addie. Both were covered with spilt jello, and Orlando was clearly enjoying himself. When Jimmy cleared his throat, Addie looked up suddenly, causing the spoon Orlando held to miss her mouth, and jello to hit her face and fall to her neck; she squealed as the cold gelatin hit her neck. Laughing, Orlando looked up and grinned at the bewildered look on Jim’s face. ‘Okay, who are you and what happened to my sister?’ Jim demanded in a mock-serious tone.

With a sassy look Addie responded, ‘I just found better company ’ and stuck out her tongue, now green from the jello.

Shaking his head, Jim sighed. ‘Well, at least you are up, but I wasn’t expecting to come back to a green slime covered sister, friend, and sofa.’

A strangled cough drew the attention of the two men and Addie. Looking up they saw one of the agents trying to suppress his laughter.

‘Sorry,’ he choked out. ‘I know laughing isn’t professional, this just reminds me of my own sister.’

‘She likes to dress up in green jell-O too, mate?’ teased Orlando, drawing chuckles from all present. ‘Don’t worry about laughing, mate, we are all pretty laid back here.’ Looking down at Addie, he added with a cheeky grin, ‘Some of us more than others, right love?’

‘Oh bugger off, Bloom ’ Addie replied in mock-anger, drawing more laughter.

‘I’m going to show the men the house, the beach, and a few places in town that I need looked over. Oh, Viggo was at the airport, dressed like a nerd,’ Jim added with a chuckle. ‘I need to get a picture of this: big black glasses with tape in the middle, Urkel pants, rainbow suspenders, just funky I know why Addie calls him a chameleon, now ’

Orlando choked on a laugh as Jim and the men left the room. ‘A chameleon, huh?’

‘Yeah, a chameleon,’ Addie retorted defiantly. ‘He is so good at changing his appearance. Like the lil critter,’ she concluded, again sticking out her green tongue.

Orlando’s eyes darkened, and bored into hers. ‘Girl, you keep sticking that tongue out, something might happen to it,’ he warned, his voice rough with desire.

Addie didn’t reply; she was lost on Orlando’s gaze. Unconsciously, her tongue darted out to moisten her lips. Orlando groaned. ‘Damn, love, but you are making me crazy Oh, hell but I have to. . .’ Leaning forward, he captured her lips with his, groaning when her lips parted.

Unlike their kisses before, which he had taken care to keep gentle and sweet, this kiss was white-hot. Running his tongue across her slightly parted lips, he sought and gained access. Boldly, her tongue stroked his before gently sucking on it, making him groan; he felt himself getting hard. With a groan, he pulled back, looking her deep in the eyes.

They were both breathing hard, and it was a moment before he could speak. ‘God, Addie, you make me so hot, so crazy. . .’ Seeing the questioning look in her eyes, and interpreting it correctly, he sighed. ‘Addie, you are everything your brother told me: beautiful, smart, strong. You are just amazing. Do not think for even a second that I don’t want you, cos I do, baby. But, when we make love,’ at the surprise in her eyes from his bold use of the word “when” he smiled, an intimate, private, smile. ‘Yes, Addie love, WHEN. When we make love, I want you to be able to feel everything I do to you, every place that I kiss, lick, nibble, and suck. And you will, I promise, love.’

Orlando looked down and laughed, breaking Addie’s trance. She looked down and started laughing too; they were still covered in jello, now thoroughly mashed into their clothes.

‘Well, we both need cleaning up; um, how should we go about getting you cleaned up? Jim and Vig both said that they are willing to help; I am too. But,’ he suddenly realised, ‘neither one is here. . . We were going to wait for Sam to get here, so she could help. . . do you want to wait for someone else, or. . .’ his voice trailed off

Addie considered her options. Sam wasn’t getting in for at least 6 hours, Jim and Viggo would be gone heaven only knew how long. . . She sighed. ‘You’re going to have to do it, I can’t stand this jello making my neck sticky. . . do you want to just wash my face and neck. . .? I mean, I don’t wanna make you uncomfortable any more than you want to make me uncomfortable. But I’d really like to be CLEAN. . .’

Orlando looked at her, and smiled gently. ‘I understand. Remember, I’ve been there, love.’ He grimaced, recalling the time he broke his back. ‘The worst thing was, the nurses wouldn’t let anyone but a “trained medical professional” give me a sponge bath. So they kick Mum out of the room, and make me strip, well, they stripped me—I couldn’t move—and I’m laying there bare arsed, willy exposed, so that a FEMALE nurse can bathe me. OI was I glad to go home ’

Addie had to laugh, his face was beet red.

‘So, I will give you whatever kind of bath you want, I just want for you to be comfortable love. I never want to do anything to make you uncomfortable,’ he finished quietly.

‘Would you bring me in the tub?’ asked Addie, blushing slightly, and avoiding his eyes.

He reached out and cupped her chin, tipping her face up so that she was looking at him. ‘If that is what you want, that is what you shall have,’ he said, with a gentle smile, and brushed a soft kiss across her lips. Leaning back, he grinned and said, ‘Of course you realise that I’ll be in there with you, love.’ He made such a lecherous face that she had to laugh. ‘Ah, that’s what I wanted to see. Let me go get the bath drawn, and I’ll come back and get you. Now, don’t go anywhere,’ he said cheekily, causing her to again stick out her tongue. He growled deep in his throat, and bent over her again. ‘Remember what happens when you do that love,’ he said huskily, and pressed a hot, fast kiss to her lips, eliciting a groan from her. ‘I’ll be right back, baby.’

True to his word, Orlando returned quickly; gently, he picked her up and carried her to her bedroom. At her questioning look he explained, ‘I can’t hold you upright and undress you. So I need to undress you in here where I can lay you down.’

The reality of his words hadn’t fully sunk in until now. Addie, looked down, face red, embarrassed. Orlando noticed, and sat next to her on the bed, tipping her face up to look at him.

‘Sweetie, if you want to change your mind, it is perfectly okay. Sam will be here in about 6 hours. . .’

‘No, it’s okay. It’s just that. . . well. . .’ she whispered something barely audible, but Orlando caught what she said.

‘That isn’t something to be ashmaed of, love. It’s actually pretty respectable,’ he reassured her.

She looked at him, meeting his eyes. He saw the uncertainty in them. Her vulnerability touched him; she was so different than the girls he was used to hanging about. He felt a strong protective desire.

‘Look, let’s do this. I’ll wash your face and neck, get rid of the jello. I’ll make Sam’s first task helping you with a bath. I want you comfortable, and that means taking things at the pace you WANT, not the pace you think I want you to keep.’

The relief in her eyes was evident. ‘As much as I do want a bath, you are right. I do think I will be more comfortable with a woman for now. Thank you for understanding, Orlando. I thought I would be okay with it, but saying and doing are different.’

Orlando squeezed her hand, and to his surprise, she squeezed back. Looking down at her he smiled. ‘Uh, love, either I’m holding the wrong person’s hand, or you are regaining some use of your body.’

Addie’s eyes widened, and she looked at her hand, still nestled inside his larger one. She squeezed again, and seeing her hand respond, she burst into tears. Laughing, Orlando thumbed away the tears. ‘Now love, this isn’t supposed to make you cry ’ he teased, kissing her forehead. ‘Let me go get a basin of water and a cloth. I’ll be right back, love.’

Orlando returned with the water and a soft cloth, and very gently cleaned her face and neck. When he finished, he did the same for himself, before emptying the basin. He returned to Addie’s room, finding her half-asleep. With a gentle smile, he drew the curtains and kissed her gently. ‘Get some rest love, I’ll wake you when Sam gets here.’

‘Stay with me?’ she asked sleepily. He smiled tenderly, and kicked off his shoes and slipped his shirt off. Addie felt a flutter in her heart at the sight of his chest, muscles well defined. He slid into bed next to her and lay on his left side, pulling her over so that she could rest her head on his arm.

She looked at him, deep into his chocolate coloured eyes. He rested his right hand gently on her neck, at the shoulder, gently massaging the muscles there. She sighed, enjoying his touch. His hand stilled, and he leaned his head forward, angling it slightly to kiss her. Lord he loved kissing her Her lips were soft and gentle, and she gasped softly when he sucked her bottom lip into his mouth, nibbling gently. They kissed and cuddled until Addie was just unable to keep awake. Seeing her eyes flutter closed again, and her struggling to open them, Orlando chuckled softly. He kissed her again, lightly, and nestled her head against his shoulder, his cheek resting on hers. ‘Sleep well, love,’ he murmured.

Holding her close, he relaxed, thinking to himself that he could get used to spending every day with Addie. She made him feel like no other girl ever had, and brought out a protective streak within him that he’d never felt before. ‘God in Heaven, I’m falling in love with her,’ he thought. Rather than be frightening, the thought was oddly comforting. He sighed, letting his eyes close, and soon his breathing was deep and even; he too was asleep.

‘OI So this is why you couldn’t come pick me up then?’ a loud female voice chided cheekily.

Mind still fuzzy from sleep, Orlando sat up and shook his head whilst rubbing his eyes. When they finally focussed he grinned.

‘Hey Sam. I’m sorry; I wasn’t expecting to sleep so long. Jim pick you up then?’

Sam shook her head. ‘Viggo accosted me. I almost screamed cos I didn’t recognise him, I swear that man is like a chameleon,’ she griped.

Orlando choked and started laughing at her description causing Sam to look at him as though he were mad. ‘Sorry, but you are the second person today to call him that.’ He looked fondly at a still sleeping Addie.

Following his gaze Sam smiled. She suspected her brother had finally been tamed, something she had long feared would never happen.

‘I need to freshen up. I’ve been going nonstop since early this morning. Shall I come back here, or the sitting room?

Orlando indicated the latter; as Sam stepped out, he leaned over to Addie, intending to wake her up. Instead he watched her sleep; her eyelashes lay heavily on her cheeks, the dark lashes a stark contrast to her porcelain skin. He pressed a soft kiss to her cheek; with a sleepy moan, she turned her head meeting his lips. Her eyelids fluttered open, meeting his dark eyes, their lips still pressed together.

‘Mmmm, that was a nice way to wake up,’ she smiled. ‘Is Sam here then?’

Orlando nodded, ‘She’s freshening up. I thought we would go into the sitting room if you’re up for it.’

She smiled, ‘I’m sleepy, but if I lay out on the sofa I ought to be okay.’ With a cheeky grin she added, ‘be even better if you’d hold me.’

Orlando grinned, so happy that he had his Addie back. The thought stunned him; ‘his’ Addie; had been a long time since he felt that way about anyone. The relationship with his last girlfriend—Kate—had been mainly two adults enjoying each other’s bodies; ther had been very little emotional attachment. ‘My Addie,’ he repeated silently. He liked that thought a lot; with a shit eating grin he scooped her up in his arms. She snuggled her head into his neck, and gently pressed her lips to the underside of his jaw.

‘Well, I wondered if you were going to join me,’ Sam chided gently, but with a cheeky grin. Walking over to Addie, she smiled and took Addie’s hand saying, ‘Hi Addie, I’m Samantha Bloom, Orlando’s sister—his BIG sister,’ she teased, earning a mock scowl.

Lifting her head from its spot on his shoulder, she smiled, returning the greeting. Orlando shifted her in his arms so that he could sit down. Sam looked on and marvelled—even carrying a full grown woman in his arms he still moved gracefully.

Settling onto the sofa, he sat back facing the wall, Addie settled between his legs, up against his chest. Holding her securely with one arm, he used his other hand to sweep her hair back from her forehead, before placing a gentle kiss there. Addie’s eyelids drifted downward again, and she yawned.

Pressing another kiss to her forehead, Orlando whispered, ‘Go to sleep baby, I’ve got you; I know you’re tired.’

With a grateful smile, Addie let her lids fall, listening to the steady thumping Orlando’s heart made inside his chest. The sound quickly lulled her back to sleep. Smiling down, Orlando stroked her cheek, before resting his hand at her neck, thumb stroking her jawline unconsciously. Sam’s bright eyes missed nothing, and when Orlando looked over finally, he saw her grinning.

‘What?’ he demanded suspiciously. Her grin got wider.

‘I think the great Orlando Bloom has finally been tamed, much to the chagrin, I’m sure, of his fans,’ she teased gently, as sisters do oh-so-well.

Instead of panicking him as they once would have, the words confirmed to Orlando what he’d been thinking right before they came out. ‘Sam, she’s just. . . I. . .’ he stuttered, not sure how to say what he felt in his heart.

‘You love her don’t you? No, I know you, let me re-phrase that—you are IN LOVE with her aren’t you?’ she questioned, all traces of her earlier cheek now gone.

Without hesitation, and looking straight into his sister’s eyes, he replied, ‘Yes I am. She is absolutely amazing. In some ways she reminds me of you—her attitude, she’s just so strong, and strong-willed.’

‘Does she know?’

Orlando shook his head, ‘I don’t know. I haven’t told her. She has so much on her plate right now, I’m not sure how she would react.’

Samantha nodded. ‘Wise decision although, since you think she and I are alike, let me say this: I think she will react well. If what you’ve told me is true and she’s been badly hurt, then she needs to know that she has people in her corner. Just think about it, you don’t need to tell her right away if you think she may react badly.’

Orlando smiled at his sister. There relationship was special; although she did occasionally torment him, she had been a rock for him when things got insane, as they often did with his job. She was also good at keeping his ego in check, if he took being ‘Orlando Bloom, Internation Heartthrob’ too seriously, which had happened in the past, thankfully only once or twice.

‘Thanks sis; you know, for a pain in the arse big sister, you’re pretty cool,’ he said, unable to resist a small dig.

‘And you are pretty cool, for a “movie star”’ she drawled only half-joking. She clearly had little use for stardom, and despised those who took themselves or their status too seriously.

Addie stirred beneath his arm, the movement shocking him. He looked at her in wonderment, thanking God he had been right in his assurances that she would not be permanently paralysed.

Sam, as usual, missed nothing. ‘Not expecting that so suddenly, I gather?’ When he shook his head, she smiled. ‘Tis an amazing thing, the human body. Remember what they told you. . .’ Suddenly she grinned. ‘When they told Mum that you were not likely to walk again, she laughed in their faces. Said they didn’t know you as well as she, and that if there is a God in the Heavens, you’d be walking in a month’s time.’

Orlando looked at Sam. Mum had never told him that. He could see it happening though. ‘Bloody doctors, always have to think the worst,’ he growled. That’s why he liked Drew. He was realistic, but optimistic. And it looked as though the optimism paid off. He recalled something Jimmy had told Drew at the hospital, right before Addie had awakened.

‘Drew, I don’t want anyone telling her she isn’t likely to walk again,’ Jim had insisted. Drew agreed, but curiously asked why the vehemence. ‘When people get told something, it sticks with them. Being vulnerable right now, she may grab onto that and give up. I’ve seen it happen. It then becomes self-fulfilling prophecy. I don’t want to chance it with Addie.’

‘Earth to Orlando, come in Orlando.’ A voice cut into his thoughts. Shaking himself out of the past, he looked up. A gentle smile on her lips, Sam nodded to Addie. Her eyes were open and filled with two emotions. Pain and wonder.

‘I can feel Orlando, I can feel my legs It hurts, but oh Orlando, I can FEEL ’ she exclaimed joyfully.

Planting a kiss on the tip of her nose, he grinned. ‘That is so wonderful sweetheart ’

Sam looked on, a stab of jealousy cutting briefly, sharply, through her joy. She had always wanted a love like her baby brother had found. When they were together, the rest of the world ceased to exist. She shook the thought out of her head, as quickly as it had arrived. ‘Don’t rain on their parade, girl,’ she silently warned herself.

She walked over to the couch, sitting near Addie’s feet. ‘I’m so happy for you hon,’ she said to Addie. ‘I’m going to go sit on the deck, get some fresh air,’ she said giving a meaningful look to Orlando.

‘Addie, honey, I’m so glad you are getting your body back,’ he said with a smile. She detected a glimmer of worry in his eyes despite his trying to mask it.

‘What’s wrong Lando?’ she asked. ‘And don’t say nothing. You don’t let ME get away with it ’

He sighed, troubled. ‘I. . . well, I,’ he started, faltering. She looked at him quietly, waiting for him to continue. ‘I’m just afraid that. . . that once your well. . .’ he sighed. ‘Ah bugger it, he thought, just blurt it out.’ He drew a deep breath. ‘I’m afraid that you won’t need or want me around when your well.’

Addie looked at him, surprised and, truth be told, a little hurt. ‘And what makes you think that?’ she started, surprised by the anger she heard in her voice. ‘How on earth could you think I am the type of person to want someone when I’m not well, and drop them when I am If that is what you believe, Orlando Bloom, you aren’t who I thought ’ She looked away tears threatening to spill over and roll down her pale cheeks.

He groaned, dropping his head back. ‘Dammit ’ he cursed himself. That wasn’t what he originally wanted to say, he wasn’t even sure where the thought had come from. He was shocked when he felt HIS eyes tear up. He hadn’t cried in a long time, not from real emotions. Embarrassed, he wiped his eyes, trying to be disceet. He felt Addie turn her head, looking up toward his face.

‘Lando?’ she said quietly. ‘I’m sorry. I know you didn’t mean that I was like that. Truth be, I was afraid that you’d not want me around; when I yelled at you, I was yelling at myself.’

Orlando looked down, with a gentle smile, and thumbed away the tears from her beautiful face. ‘You don’t have to worry about that, angel. Because I will always want you around.’ This time he wasn’t afraid to say the words. ‘I will always want you around,’ he repeated, ‘because I’m in love with you.’

Addie’s jaw dropped and her eyes went wide. She hadn’t expected him to say that to her, ever It was virtually a dream come true. She recalled watching him say those words to some fictional girl on the tv, pretending it was she to whom he spoke those cherished words.

She closed her mouth, and opened it a few times, trying to speak, but finding no voice. Finally, she swallowed, closed her eyes briefly, and spoke, ‘I love you Orlando. I need you in my life, you’ve done more for me in the past few days than most people I know have in months, or years. God, I love you, Lando ’

Orlando loved hearing Addie say that. ‘I’ll never get tired of hearing her say that to me,’ he thought, his heart skipping a beat at the words. With a tender smile, he looked at her and said, ‘I love you Adrianna Johnson,’ before capturing her lips with his.

Like their last kiss, this one was white hot, and Orlando could swear he saw fireworks, like he’d always heard people saying. He traced her lips with his tongue, and when they parted instinctively, he dipped his tongue inside her mouth, beckoning her tongue to come out and play. When her tongue followed his, his caught it gently in his teeth, and started sucking on it, causing her to moan. His hand traced up her hip and side to her ribcage.

Pulling his head back, he asked, ‘Can you feel that baby? D’you feel my hand?’ With a huge grin she nodded, and raised her head, seeking his sweet lips again. Very gently, barely touching her, he traced her ribcage, down her tummy, slipping his hand under the loose tee shirt she wore. She gasped against his mouth as his hand made contact with her bare skin, sending a spark of electricity through her.

Still gently, but with a bit more pressure, he traced back up her tummy, stroking her side as well. When his gentle hand made contact with her breast, she gasped again, arching her head back. Orlando took that opportunity to run his tongue down her throat, stopping at the small hollow between her collarbones.

His hand moved up her breast, searching, until he found her already erect nipple. With his other hand, he caught the back of her head, and lifted her head up so he could kiss her again. As soon as their lips met, he brushed his thumb across her nipple, and was rewarded with a moan deep in her throat.

When his finger brushed across her nipple, Addie gasped. She hadn’t felt like this with any other man. Truthfully, she hadn’t given many a chance to touch her this way; because of her past she tended to keep away from men. When he rolled her sensitive nipple between his thumb and forefinger, she cried out, simultaneously feeling a shock run through her body to her core.

She closed her eyes, but Lando pulled back and whispered, ‘Open them baby, let me see your beautiful eyes.’ She complied, looking up into his eyes, into his soul. His eyes had deepened to the colour of dark chocolate, and burned with desire. Settled on his lap, she could feel him grow hard, his manhood rigid against her bum.

He broke the kiss pulling back only slightly, and groaned, ‘God baby, the things you do to me. Can you feel it? Do you feel what you’ve done to me?’ She nodded, suddenly shy. Orlando smiled. She was so beautiful, especially when she got shy. The way she was so passionate, yet so demure made him think of denim and lace. Yes, he could see her wearing wild lacy panties under a pair of denims.

He cupped her face with the hand that had been exploring her chest, and kissed the tip of her nose. ‘I’d better stop before I take you here and now,’ he said, voice slightly shaky. ‘When we make love, it wont be on this old sofa, I promise you that.’ His voice held a lot of promise, and she stared into his eyes, lost in his gaze.

Just then, the deck door opened, and a female voice called out. ‘Oi, Addie’s brother is wanting to know if it’s safe to come inside with you two lovebirds ’ Addie blushed a bright red, and Orlando grinned.

He pressed a kiss to her lips, a kiss that held promise, and spoke of fantasies yet unfulfilled. Looking deep into her eyes, he whispered, ‘I love you,’ before calling back, yeah it’s fine, Sam ’

Jimmy walked in and Orlando noticed that the group of 14 had grown to 17 now. Viggo had joined them at some point, and Orlando did a double take when he saw two familiar blond heads. Jimmy said, ‘I found these two ragamuffins at the airport, figured I’d get them out of there before we had to call in a non-existent riot squad. Some girls were starting to take notice of ‘Merry’ and ‘Pippin’ here.’

Billy, aka Pippin, rolled his eyes. ‘You mean they took notice of him,’ pointing to Dom aka Merry. ‘They ALWAYS notice him. What am *I* liver pâté?’ Addie hadn’t seen the two men, but if Jimmy’s use of their Lord of the Rings characters’ names had somehow slipped past her, the full blown Scottish accent she now heard would’ve been a dead giveaway.

Whispering something to Orlando, Addie grinned mischievously. Nodding, Orlando helped her sit up, and she held out her hand to the men in welcome. Jimmy did a double take, dropping his jaw. ‘Addie, you. . . you’re. . . but how?’ Shocked, he stumbled, starting to fall to the ground.

Dom grabbed a chair, and gently pushed Jimmy down onto it. Billy brought a glass of water from the kitchen and, squatting down in front of Jim, handed it to him. Putting a hand on Jim’s shoulder Billy asked, ‘Ye all right then lad?’

Face red with embarrasment, Jimmy looked down, before putting his face in his hands. Orlando picked Addie up, and brought her over to her brother; her face was white, her eyes scared. He settled her on the floor at Jim’s feet, supporting her against him.

‘Jimmy?’ she asked, her voice small and scared. Summoning her strength, she lifted her hand to his knee. ‘Jimmy, I am so sorry, I feel terrible.’

He took her in his arms and hugged her fiercely. ‘I am so glad you are getting better, sis I was just surprised. I also think I haven’t eaten today.’

‘James Michael Anthony Anderson ’ exclaimed Addie.

‘I know, I know, I know. . .’ he muttered.

Within minutes, Sam had made Jimmy a grilled sandwich, which he quickly devoured. After he ate, he looked up, sheepishly, at the concerned faces—all 20 of them. ‘Uh, sorry guys. . .’

Orlando smiled at him. ‘Hey mate, it’s all good.’

Billy added, ‘But why so busy that ye can’t eat? You’re no good to anyone if ye get ill.’

Samantha spoke up, ‘If you ever scare me like that again, I’ll. . . I’ll. . . well, I don’t know WHAT but it’ll be bad ’ When Orlando heard the fierceness in her voice, he looked up at her surprised. He collected Addie in his arms again and whispered something in her ear, making her giggle and nod. She whispered something back to him, and he laughed, looking at Jimmy.

Dom, Billy, and Jim just looked at each other and shrugged, but Sam looked at him sharp eyed, suspecting her brother had figured out her secret. She hadn’t meant to speak so fiercely, but by God had Jim scared her

Addie yawned hugely, seemingly drained by the excitement of the last few minutes. Orlando couldn’t miss it, and rose, saying, ‘OK, sleeping beauty needs her rest.’ Addie started to protest, but her words were cut off by another yawn. Orlando looked at her, his chocolate eyes laughing at her. Billy and Dom stepped over to take her hand and greet her properly. Giving Orlando an evil grin, Billy also kissed her on the cheek, which drew a mock growl from the Brit.

‘I’ll be back out in a bit guys,’ Orlando told his mates. ‘After she is sleeping.’

Watching his mate walking down the hall, Dom looked to Billy and whispered, ‘He’s got it bad, but I am glad he found a girl who deserves him.’ Billy grinned his agreement.

‘Okay guys, sorry to bail on you, but I have to go with these guys and get assignments and such sorted out,’ Jimmy said, excusing himself.

Viggo, Dom, and Billy looked at each other. ‘SWIMMING ’ They all chorused. Sam laughed at them before adding, ‘Have fun guys. I’m going to clean up and have a lie down. Bit tired from the trip.’ She stood gracefully and left the room, unaware that she was being watched by one of the men.