Chapter 5

Eric was locked in a cell, and in the confines of the gloomy cage, his mind was free to wander. In the cell, he had time to think, to take stock, and gain perspective. He always dreamed of falling in love with a woman as graceful and elegant as Asha. And now that he had finally found his ideal woman in the flawless damsel, he was faced with a seemingly insurmountable obstruction. For while Eric always dreamt of unconditional love, he never thought that he would have to fight for love. And even though he had heard the legends of fighting for love, he never imagined that he would be in this kind of fight.

Eric always fancied himself a man of unwavering morals and principles. However, as the words of Jason rang through his ears and the events of the night played in his memory, he found it hard to decide if he was the hero or the villain. Was he on the side of evil or good? Was he truly an angel or a devil that had entered a fray and joined the dark side in the name of love? For a man who strongly believed in the concepts of good and evil, right and wrong, Eric found himself in a moral dilemma. However, despite all this uncertainty, one fact remained true, and on this fact, he anchored his mind and focused his thoughts. The fact was that he loved Asha, and he would do anything to make her happy. The question was, what would it take. He was willing to pay any price, but yet he feared the price might be too great for his conscience and soul to bear. His heart was made up, and his mind was set, but his conscience and soul stood against him, condemning him.

The argument between the demon and angel on his shoulders was abruptly interrupted as a uniformed officer hit the gate of the cell and called his attention. He was brought out of the cell and led to the interrogation room where the detective was waiting patiently. Eric was led to a seat, and the uniformed officer walked away. Once the door shut, the detective spoke.

'Mr. Eric Daleel, I am Detective Walters.'

Eric replied with a solemn nod finding his mouth too bitter to open.

'From the report, we have gathered you attacked Mr. Jason, and he has the right to press charges. But as far as I am concerned, I had preferred if he didn't press charges at all. I hate to go through the paperwork and stress all because of a mere brawl. However, I would totally understand if he did press charges and took you to court. You are looking at some serious jail term if he did, and I wouldn't begrudge any jury that finds you guilty. I mean, you fuck the man's wife in his matrimony home on his own damn bed. Then you steal her away and begin some wild romance. Then as if that is not enough, you beat him up like he is a worthless piece of shit. Marriage is a sacred institution, and you just pissed all over it like it is nothing. Quite frankly, I am disgusted by you. Luckily for you, Mr. Vickers is a rational man, and he had agreed to drop all charges, but first, he wants to have a word with you before he finally makes it official and signs off. It is in your own best interest that you apologize to the man and stay away from his wife. It's the least you can do given the situation.'

Eric stared at the man for a few seconds before responding.

'I understand your perspective and acknowledge your disgust. But I assure you, officer, there are things more important than principles, ideals, and institutions. There are things more powerful than law and morals. For all morals, principles, ideals, and institutions become mere cages when our soul is starved, and we let go of our freedom. Tell me, officer, would you rather stay in a cage and wallow in misery or sacrifice your empire of dirt and enjoy freedom.

Detective welters stood up as he looked down on Eric with content and disgust. 'Mr. Vickers is a reasonable man. For your own sake, don't do anything stupid.'

'If you expect me to grovel and beg, then I am afraid you shall be highly disappointed, and that paperwork you hope to avoid shall land on your desk.'

'One year in jail. That's what you are facing,' detective Walters said as he walked towards the door. 'Just thought you should,' know he said as he opened the door, stepped out, and shut it behind himself.

A few minutes later, Jason entered the interrogation room in the company of a uniformed soldier who stepped back as soon as Jason took his seat. The uniformed officer stayed at a corner where he was almost invincible, so the two men could talk like he wasn't around. He couldn't leave them alone in the room as they still seemed to harbor some level of animosity against each other.

However, Jason looked like a charming gentleman with class and grace. The madness was invisible in his eyes, and Eric had a hard time believing that he was looking at the same man who displayed such wild madness at the restaurants. Jason looked so calm, collected, composed, and gentle. Like a man who could see nothing but reason.

'Hello,' Jason said with a bright smile that held only a hint of mischief.

Eric nodded in response, careful to tread lightly. He didn't know what Jason was playing at, but whatever it was, he knew it wasn't going to be good.

'You got me real good back there, mate,' Jason said jokingly with a jovial smile on his face.

'I'm sorry,' Eric said as he let out a sigh and let his guard down. 'I shouldn't have hit you.'

'Bah, it's fine. I took things too far myself. I really thought I could take you, you know. But god damn, you are freaking fast. Do you work out?'

'From time to time.'

'I see. I guess I was at a total disadvantage then. I haven't been to the gym in years. Perhaps one of these days, we could spar under more controlled circumstances. You know, in the gym or something. Of course, after a few months. You would have to give me some time to get back in shape,' Jason said jovially.

'I would be honored,' Eric said with a smile and a nod. Look, man, Eric began. 'This doesn't have to be this messy.'

'I couldn't agree more,' Jason said, spreading his arms in gesticulation.

'We don't have to fight,' Eric said.

'Of course, we don't.'

'So would you sign the papers? We could be friends after this and laugh about this series of events over a cup of beer or something.'

'Yeah, about that,' Jason said, crossing his legs and resting his back fully into his chair. Not gonna happen.

'What?' Eric asked as he squinted his eyes in confusion.

'See, I was kinda hoping that you step away from all this and mind your business. I mean, we could be friends, but I would really appreciate it if you stop messing with my marriage.'

'Oh,' Eric said as realization hit.

'Yup. I mean, she is still my wife, and it is quite wrong of you to intrude in our home so brutishly and wickedly.'

'I understand,' Eric said as he bowed his head in defeat. 'If that's what she wants, I would fall back and give you the space to rebuild your home. But I would need you to promise to treat her like a queen and not take her for granted.'

'Hmmnn,' Eric groaned. 'You still don't get it, my friend. See, it's none of your business whatever happens, and there is no way in hell I am getting back with that slut.'

'You really have to stop calling her that.'

'Yes, yes. But that's by the way. See, what I really want is that you back the fuck off and leave Asha and me to settle things between ourselves.'

'Ah, I see. You need me out of the picture so you can have your fun tormenting her to your satisfaction.'

'Bingo. I knew you would see reason. These bitches… Sorry old habits. These women aren't worth our sweat. We men mustn't fight among ourselves. And even if we are ever to fight, we shouldn't fight over an unfaithful woman like Asha.'

'You are sick,' Eric replied. 'If she wants a divorce, she is going to get it. And I would be dammed if I stand by and watch as you torment her for your amusement.'

'She is my wife, and until that marriage is annulled, you have no right to interfere.'

'You know I almost agree with you. Your argument makes sense at face value, but there is something fundamentally wrong with the vile rubbish that spews out of your mouth. The idea that marriage is a do or die affair. It is an institution of love, growth, happiness, and joy. The fact that you have twisted it into some sick prison of pain and misery is repulsive and vile. And for you to think I would watch you break a soul as pure as Asha's, now that's just you being totally foolish and borderline retarded. Marriage is a bond, not bondage, and I would be dammed if I let you twist it into the latter. Now the question is are you pressing charges, or are you going to let me go. Perhaps you are scared that without these cuffs, you are powerless against me. But in truth, there is only one thing I respect about you. The fact that you like a good game and you never back down. You might be sick, and your motives might be dark, but you are a fighter. So what's it going to be, Jason? Charges or no charges. You know where I stand, and I am not going to bulge. So make your decision.'

Jason snarled at Eric for a few seconds as his anger smoldered, fueled by hate and disgust, but in the end, he decided to let go.

'I would advise you to reconsider. But I fear you won't. Nevertheless, the truth remains that I can't press charges. It's not fun, and it's not my style. I would like you out of the way but not like this. However, if you keep standing between me and my sweet revenge, I would tear through you to get to her. This proves that I can always defeat you. You in chains and your destiny in my hands. I won this round Eric Daleel. Don't forget that,' Jason said as he got to his feet and walked out of the station.

A few minutes later, Eric was released and allowed to leave the station. However, when he walked out of the station, Jason was long gone. He was about to get a cab home when he saw Asha waiting for him in the parking lot standing next to her car.

Eric smiled as soon as he set eyes on her. In that moment, he realized that as long as she loved him, he would never let go of her. As long as she wanted him, he would never stand down. She was his ideal woman, and his dream come true. He walked towards her until there was barely an inch between them. Then he stepped closer till their faces were almost touching.

'Hey,' he said with a bright smile looking at her downcast face.

'I'm sorry,' she said a she looked down at her feet, suddenly taking a keen interest in her shoes.

'For what,' Eric asked with a smile as he raised her chin up with his index finger.

'For dragging you into all of this,' Asha said as a tear rolled down her eyes. 'I shouldn't have made you follow me to the restaurant. I shouldn't have put you into that position.'

'Shoo,' Eric sounded, shushing her as he put his finger on her lips.' You didn't drag me anywhere. You didn't put me in any position. Going with you was my decision, and I have no regrets. I can only imagine what he would have done to you if you were alone. I'm glad that I was there to protect you. I love you, Asha. I would do anything to protect you. I would do anything to show you that I love you,' Eric said as he went in for a kiss and their lips locked in blissful sensuality. He closed his eyes as he enjoyed the warm feeling of her mouth and savored the softness of her lips. After a few minutes, they stopped kissing.

'You don't have to show me that you love me, Eric. I already know,' Asha said.

'Doesn't matter. Loving you in every way I can fills my heart with joy. Let's get out of here,' Eric said as he opened the door for her to get into the car. He collected her keys and walked to the driver's side of the car. He opened the door and got in.

'Let's go home. I can't wait to love you in a special way,' he said as he pushed the key into the ignition, started the car, put it into gear, and zoomed off.

As soon as the car was cruising at a good speed, Asha rested her head on Eric's lap. She wanted to be close to him by all means. She wanted to always feel him around her. She had been so scared that she would lose him to the hands of her cunning husband. Now that she had Eric with her, she wanted to spend every minute of her life linked with him, touching him, feeling him.