The Shadow That Haunts Me

by BadlyBitten

Summary:

Abigail Sommers thought she had asked for this, regretting her comment online for all to see. Her worst fear becomes reality when a man destroys and breaks her to his content.

Chapter 1: He Terrified Me and I Hated Him

“It's okay not to be okay,” I repeated my mantra. All the arguing and stress melted away slowly. I would forget about work and move on with my evening. I started my car, the engine coming to life, and the headlights illuminated the parking garage.

The squeak of leather startled me, whipping my head to the rearview mirror. I saw nothing, but I felt a presence, something that made my blood run cold. Colder than it was outside, colder than seeing my breath fog up, and I panicked.

“Drive,” a deep voice said. I could have sworn it was all in my head. “Drive,” he said again after a few minutes.

I carefully put the car in drive, my hands shaking, and drove out of the parking garage. My heart was racing, I had tears in my eyes, coming up to the first stoplight.

“Where are we—” I muttered through tears.

“You know where?” he sounded angry when I asked. I didn’t think he had a weapon, as he didn’t subdue me in any way. No chloroform, no injections, and not pulling a gun on me. You would think I would have screamed or attempted to fight for my life, but that was not the case. I may have asked for this but blaming myself only made it worse.

Three months ago, I was on a forum, that was for kinks. It was meant to be a joke when I, and I quote, ‘It would be hot to be dominated, for a man to kidnap and have his way with me, I’m wet already thinking about it’. I was being funny, not to be taken seriously, but people are unhinged. I shouldn’t have aired any fantasy that I had to strangers over the internet.

I received messages from fifty men asking if they could surprise me. I replied ‘no’ to everyone and blocked them. Some men had the nerve, and apparently, this man had more than nerve; he had the balls to follow through. In the back of my mind I knew I was fucked.

My arms felt heavy turning the steering wheel, stopping at every red light, and waiting for cars to pass. My body was on edge, like at any moment I could vomit or pass out, which would be dangerous. I hated this part, the part where I may get myself killed, or worse. The thought didn’t form until I was being kidnapped by a mystery man who shouldn’t be a mystery. I didn’t know where he was sitting or what he looked like; it was just that he was here, with me, in my car.

“May I ask who—”

“No,” he said, cutting me off.

If I were being honest, I prayed that he was hot. Getting murdered or never seeing my family again was not ideal, but I should get someone who was hot, at the very least. The final minutes ticked by, it felt like I was driving forever, even though the commute was only twenty minutes.

I could have driven us into a ditch if I wanted to. The mystery man had absolutely no reason to trust me or my actions. We would be at my house soon, and I had a doorbell camera, hopefully it would record us or him. I swallowed hard, and my anxiety increased as I pulled into my garage. Cutting off the engine, I was afraid to look back, fearful of who he was.

“Get out,” he ordered.

I did as he said, my legs trembled, feeling like Bambi. Taking off my shoes and unlocked the door, he walked in behind me, slowly. I reached for the first light switch, he grabbed my wrist, hard.

“Keep the lights off, go to the bedroom,” his voice now even and controlled.

I nodded and walked slowly through the kitchen, maybe I could grab a knife and stab him. The knives were an arm's length away, it wouldn’t be so hard, but the way he grabbed my wrist hurt. I was very wrong to assume I could take him down without a fight. Maybe I should have rolled my car into a ditch; at least then, he wouldn’t be here, in my home.

We stepped into the bedroom, he circled around me, looking me up and down. I couldn’t see his face or any other markings. He towered over me easily, making me feel small and weak. He sat down on a chair in the corner, it looked like he was right at home.

“Strip and touch yourself if you don’t, I won't hesitate to help you find encouragement,” he demanded.

I wasn’t sure what to think; my body stopped moving, and the urge to vomit was intense. I took a deep breath, telling my brain this wasn’t stressful. I have done this before as a cam girl, but all the men were on the other side of a screen. I began removing my clothing slowly, careful not to make any sudden movements. my dress slid off my shoulders, down my breasts, exposing my pussy. Standing naked before him, climbing onto the bed felt like a feat.

I opened a drawer below my bed and took out a toy. Leaning back, I spread my legs for him. I wasn’t sure how much he could see since it was so dark, and I’m sure his mask wasn’t helping. As if on cue, he reached over to turn on the lamp. Head to toe in leather, everything about him radiated power.

I took a deep breath once again; I began rubbing the textured dildo over my clit. Warming it up to my body heat before lying back a little more and inserting the toy in my pussy. I angled it upward, so it hit my G-spot, over and over. The toy began to glisten.

The dangerous man in leather just watched; he made subtle movements. My eyes grew wide seeing he had an erection, it looked like it could destroy me. It terrified me even more how wet I was becoming, the wet spot growing underneath me. I shouldn’t be turned on by a complete stranger, but he was being nothing but respectful, right now.

I threw my head back, moaning, alternating between stimulating my clit and g-spot. My legs closed and shook, my muscles squeezed around the dildo, and my hips rolled forward. I rode out my orgasm for a while, until I relaxed again. My thighs now wet.

He got up from his seat, undid his pants, taking out his cock. Long and thick, he stroked down his length, precum formed at the tip. I tried inching myself away from him, when he grabbed my ankle. Pulling me forward, climbing on top of me and inserting himself in me. At the rate we were going, I felt I was going to have a heart attack any moment.

It wasn’t a pleasant feeling being violated but my pussy certainly liked it. No, my pussy craved his cock, feeling myself become soaked even more. I looked up at him, as he thrust in and out of me.

“You’re such a disgusting slut, letting me fuck you like this” his voice like gravel.

I had no idea what to say or do, my body was locked in place, I couldn’t move or think coherently. I tried to take my mind away from how good it felt, being dominated in a way I didn’t think was possible. It was also wrong, wrong to want this or even enjoy it.

A soft moan escaped with a ‘Yes’, which scared me. Why the hell did I even say that.

It just gave him confirmation that I wanted this, and he didn’t just force himself inside me. His hands were on the thighs, keeping me spread for him, I surprised myself for taking all of him.

His thrusts increased, my body rewarded him, clenching around his cock. My back arched, feeling my long hair stick to my neck while fisting the sheets for stability. His cum felt warm as he emptied himself inside me. At least if he did murder me now, I would have evidence of his DNA.

He reached out a hand, touching my face, his thumb tracing my lower lip, “You wanted this, didn’t you, sweetheart? Does it make you feel good to want my cock?”

I didn’t reply. Instead, I just stared at him.

He still spoke, “Don’t worry, you’ll learn to like it when I properly dominate you.”

I’m not sure what that even meant, but I knew I would see him again. The next question to that answer was when. When would he violate me again and force himself inside my personal space?

Reality hit me as his cock was still nestled inside me, “Sweetheart” he said to get my attention back to him, “Don’t call the police, I will know and then I would really hate to kill you. I like you alive,” pulling out of me slowly that I felt every inch slide out of me. It wasn’t fair that he got to make the rules.

When he left, I felt empty, disgusting, and dirty. I stepped into the shower, scrubbing my skin until I was red and raw. Climbing into bed was another chore; I didn’t change, but wrapped a towel around me and pulled the covers over myself.

_____

The next morning, my brain was foggy, not sure if what I experienced was a dream or real life. I didn’t feel any different, just aroused in a way, I thought I would never be. Heading down to the kitchen to make myself coffee, sat a note next to my favorite mug. On thick shiny cardstock:

Next time, you will call me Daddy, sweetheart.

Who did he think he was, making threats and now demands when he wasn’t even fucking here. I poured my coffee and added ninety percent of sugar and cream. Every emotion was going through my fucking body. Sitting down at my computer and going through every one of the nasty messages I received. How the hell was I supposed to find him, or better yet, did he even message me? I had no answers and no fucking clues.

Chapter 2: Mind Games

I was sitting in a corner booth, accompanied by Sasha, my best friend. I had a drink in hand, and I was ready to let loose tonight. It was easier said than done, though. It had been a long week, and he still hadn’t shown up. He might be here tonight watching me, but who really knew?

“Get out there on the dance floor, be a hot, sweaty mess,” Sasha yelled excitedly, sliding in to sit beside me.

“I like the music, but grinding on sweaty men is not really my thing.”

“You’re not going to find Mr.Perfect sitting here.”

I sipped my drink, “I don’t think any of those men would even qualify,” I pointed around the club.

“Fine, just please come dance with me then,” she grinned.

I got out of the booth, finished my drink, and made my way over to dance with Sasha guiding me. The dress I wore was short and silky, red, my favorite color. My body swayed in tune with the music, fighting to stand upright on my heels. I started to become sweaty with everyone else.

The song finally ended, and I made my way over to the bathrooms. They looked nice, and each stall was bigger than normal. However, it was too quiet. I could barely hear the music, like this was supposed to be a soundproofed room. It made me uneasy, but also comforting. I started to repeat my mantra until a group of giggling women broke the silence. I washed my hands and left.

“There you are,” Sasha exclaimed, “Abigail,I thought I lost you. Some men invited us over isn’t that nice?”

“Yeah, sure,” I said, doing my best to sound bored.

We followed them out into the cold, and drove over to their place. The house was grand, no curtains and big windows. The furniture seemed stiff and harsh, the two men introduced themselves as Paul and Jared. Sasha went upstairs immediately with Paul, I hoped we wouldn’t be able to hear them.

I stood in the kitchen. It was so clean that I could eat off the floor. White countertops and cabinets made the room seem bigger. I hadn’t seen Jared; he must have left, leaving me alone. I didn’t want to leave until I left with Sasha; I wanted to make sure nothing happened.

My phone buzzed in my hand, the text read, “Don’t wait up, Paul is taking care of me tonight.”

That answered my question. I turned to leave, but I felt hesitant. I’m not sure what was stopping me until I opened the door, surprising Jared. In this light, he looked taller, with angular features and dark eyes. Similar to Paul but with a harsher appearance.

He took a drag of his cigarette,” Hey there, sorry to ditch you. You’re not really my type,” shrugging.

“Ditto, my friend is with your friend upstairs. She will probably stay the night” I retorted.

He nodded and muttered incoherently, as I walked away, getting into my car. The twists and turns took to get here was confusing. There were hardly any street lights or signs, I knew the rich liked their privacy but this was overkill. When I got back out to the main road, I hit every red light.

When I finally got home, the kitchen light was on. I don’t remember leaving it on. I carefully walked over, half expecting to see my stalker or whoever he was. Instead, it was just quiet, I felt a sudden urge of loneliness overpower me. I leaned against the counter, kicking my shoes off. The cool countertop eased my worries, lying my head down, cooling the fire from my cheeks.

At this angle, I noticed another piece of paper sticking out from under my tea kettle. Grabbing it, it read: ‘Thank you for the key, sweetheart. Be a good girl and don’t make me regret you.’

I truly hated him, what the fuck. He let himself in while I wasn’t here. I wondered if he took anything. If he did, it would have been my panties or the toy I was using last night. He made it clear he didn’t show up because I had money or any valuables; he showed up for me.

I ran to the toilet, emptying my stomach of everything. Bile stung the back of my throat, heat and sweat overwhelmed me. My eyes watered, the tile floor felt safe, secure, I could lock myself in and hope he doesn’t come back. Finding space on the floor, I lay my head down.

________

The next morning, my head was aching, my jaw sore, and my mouth tasted awful. I steadied myself, standing to look at myself in the mirror. I brushed my hair out and removed last night's makeup. I finally changed into sweatpants and a T-shirt. I looked like hell, but I was comfortable.

Making my way downstairs, I smelled food, maybe Sasha had come to her senses after all, and had Paul drop her off here. I turn toward the dining room, a plate of eggs, biscuits, baco,n and orange juice sat. A single dahlia in a skinny vase beside the plate, with another note, the words printed in blue this time: ‘I’m disappointed, you need to take better care of yourself.’

He doesn’t get to be disappointed, he doesn’t get to be anything. I looked over the plate, lifting it, smelling it, thoroughly inspecting it. I was hungry, and it looked good, poisoned or not, I took a bite. It was the best-tasting food, or maybe it was because I had a terrible hangover. I couldn’t tell.

I finished it all in maybe ten bites, my kitchen was immaculate, all dishes put away, and counters cleaned off. I was beginning to think he was my prince charming, but then realization crept back in. How was a guy who was supposed to be hurting me, do nothing but help me?

I would never figure out who he was, would I?

My phone vibrated against the table. Unknown, I hit answer. The other end greeted me with a brief silence.

“Did you eat?”

“You mean the plate of food you left for me, possibly trying to poison me?”

“It’s not poisoned, I said, I like you… alive”

“Okay, what do you want?”

“An answer, did you eat?”

“Yes, I ate everything?” I knew the rules, but I wasn’t about to call him ‘Daddy’

“I’m confused, who are you replying to. ‘Yes’ to whom?”

Fuck it, I hung up, I was sick of playing his mind games. I’m not sure if hanging up was the right call or if I should call him back. The choice tore through me like a tornado when my phone rang again.

I didn’t answer I was too nervous, I didn’t want to hear his voice again or see him. He terrified me into oblivion, I took a deep breath chanting, “Its okay, not to be okay.”

A text message came through: This is the second time you have disappointed me.

Fuck. I was totally, fucked. In the back of my mind, I knew I earned that punishment. I could have been good and answered all his questions accordingly. I was going to have to watch my back before he tries to abduct me again. I wanted to stop playing this game. I slumped down to the floor and placed my head on top of my knees.

I stayed like that for a couple minutes, I had no energy for the rest of the day, making up my mind to go back to bed. Taking my favorite snacks and laptop, maybe I could keep my eyes open long enough to watch a movie.

Chapter 3: Dissapointed

I opened my eyes to a dark room, with my laptop the only light illuminating it. Breathing deeply, I forgot why I came here and slept the whole day. Then I remembered the man who knew no boundaries, the man I hated. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be as depressed as I am now. My world now, maybe, revolved around him, although he hasn’t shown up for a good week.

I made my way around the house, looking everywhere for clues if he had broken in again. There was absolutely no trace of him anywhere; either he didn’t break in, or he got bored. I doubted the latter happening, and as I chuckled to myself, I was going crazy.

I grabbed a glass of water as my throat was dry and itchy. I sat on my sofa and scrolled through channel after channel. Finally deciding on a rom-com, this would definitely put me in better spirits. I was still waking up, my brain foggy, and sweet silence filled the air. I had half a thought to invite Sasha over, but I didn’t want her over if I had any surprise visitors.

Watching the movie, I ran the tangles out of my hair and scrolled through my phone. I’ve seen the movie a thousand times; I couldn’t pay attention long enough even if I tried. A message came through, the back of a woman’s head; it looked familiar, but I couldn’t quite place it. Until I noticed I had the same fucking sofa, I turned around, expecting to see him. Nothing.

I got up from the sofa, went over to the kitchen, and grabbed a knife.

“I know you’re here, c’mon, you don’t have to hide,” I said, passing the wall mirror. I looked like something out of a horror movie.

“You’re an asshole playing games with me, I just looked at the picture you sent me,” the first step of the stairs creaked as I stepped on it and I was about to have a heart attack.

Stillness rang through the air, as something hard pressed against me. Him. He forced my hand open to drop the knife. The handle made a thud against the wood. In two seconds, I was on the floor, his hand pressed against the side of my head.

“Remember when I said I was disappointed?” his voice was harsh.

Tears stung my eyes. I was better than this, stronger even.

“Y-Yes, ” I stuttered.

“Yes?, I think you need to learn a lesson. Try paying attention this time.”

He removed my sleep shorts, feeling the soft leather glide across my skin from his gloves. He started spanking me, not with his hand but something worse. My skin stung from the impact, and my face was still on the cool floor. Every impact made me squirm, and the discomfort became overwhelming.

“Stop moving,” he said.

To make this bearable, I gave in, “Yes, daddy,” I whispered.

He stopped for a second before sliding something hard and textured down the center of my labia.

“Good girl, I hope that was a lesson well learned.”

“Of course, daddy,” I felt a little sick each time I said it.

Still stroking me with his toy over my clit, my pussy was dripping. Squirting. I lifted my hips a little, inviting the sensation, calling to it. He pushed down my hips.

“Sluts don’t get rewarded so don’t be too eager,” his leather warmed against my skin, I felt just how big he was all over again, “you’re making this tight pussy weep for me.”

He pushed the toy into me, and every sensation in my body lit up. I whimpered, giving in to how good it felt. Every thrust was teasing, as a wet spot formed under me.

“Don’t stop, daddy,” I cried out. Fuck.

Lowering his lips against my ear, “You don’t get to decide. Your pussy is mine.”

The thrusts became harder, vigorous, I was pleasurably sore. Wave after wave passed through me, and I never knew how good he could make it feel. This was next level. I had a sudden urge to vomit again, as tears slid down my cheeks.

Wrong, wrong, wrong. I couldn’t do this.

My body was spent when he stopped. His fingers stroked the side of my face and hair.

“Don’t pretend you didn’t like it. It's written all over your face,” he said, sounding annoyed.

“I hope I was good enough for you…Daddy,” I breathed, hating myself.

“Next time, all your holes will be filled, if you don’t disappoint me,” he lifted the toy to my lips, only to realize it was my pink spatula with the textured handle, “open up that gorgeous mouth.”

He shoved the handle in my mouth, I relished just how good I tasted, my pussy became wet again. Aching. For a moment, I wanted to be good for him. For a moment, I wanted to be wrecked by this man, before reality set in.

I was still on the floor, on my stomach, with my face against the hardwood. My thighs were now cold and sticky from the mess I created. I’m sure he was more than pleased with himself, seeing me helpless.

I didn’t hear him leave until the lock clicked in place. I got up to stand on shaky legs, walking to the guest bedroom and turning on the shower. Warm water flowed over me, taking the handheld shower down. Adjusted the setting and ran it over my clit.

I felt another wave of pleasure course through me, moaning softly. Secretly hoping he was listening, in a fucked up way. I wondered if he went home stroking his cock with the panties he stole, cumming all over them. God, I needed to come again.

He ruined me, my thoughts consumed by when I would get my next fix. The pleasure he brought over me, made me sick and satisfied. Turning off the water, and three extra orgasms later, my stomach tried to hurl up whatever it could.

*****
It was painful to be back lying in bed when I noticed something attached to the ceiling. This time it was an envelope, I could barely reach it, feeling thick. Opening it up, I saw pictures of me, each one dated from the day I went out clubbing with Sasha.

I never noticed anyone taking photos, but I was buzzed, and my friend was trashed. I got to the last photo of me sleeping, I looked peaceful, then another one with his cock resting against my pussy. I don’t remember him taking a picture last week, because he didn’t. I tried holding back everything inside me, not to burst. I turned the picture over, it read, ‘You’re mine.’

I dropped the pictures on the floor, I pushed the invasive thoughts away. My eyes grew heavy as they closed.

—--------
Bloop.bloop.bloop.

Messages came through on my computer one after another. I sipped my coffee, still waking up, and my screen looked fuzzy.

Organizing my desk to start the day felt meticulous and boring. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Dan, my boss.

“Abby, are the notes from the meeting last week done?” he asked.

“Yeah, here they are,” my voice cracked.

“Are you okay?” He gestured to my face, “You look a little–”

“I'm fine, just a rough night," I said, cutting him off.

He nodded, not believing me.

Silence at last, my mind wandered, what if he showed up here maybe when I was alone, fucking me against a desk. Apparently, my mind was broken.

I moved my keyboard up to slide a paper under; it caught on something.

A note: I wouldn't mind tasting another man's cum in your sweet pussy.

At my work no less, who the fuck was he talking about. He didn't really expect me to seduce a coworker for his sick fantasy. He probably already put my panties in my boss’s office, the second pair he took.

A soft knock jolted me back into reality. I looked over to see Dan, and I immediately hid the card.

“I was wondering if you could come to the manager's meeting today…to take notes.”

“Oh sure, yeah,” it struck me as odd since he never asked me.

I thought harder about who the mystery man was, how he may have influence, power, access. It didn't turn me on, I just felt like another statistic.

Chapter 4: Mundane

The meeting was over and I was helping Dan clean up. It was awkward, to say the least. He didn't try to make small talk to pass the time, which I appreciated. I accidentally knocked my notebooks and papers onto the floor and started to pick them up with an annoyed sigh.

“Let me help with that,” he said.

“Thanks.”

Our fingers brushed as he helped me. Never had I touched the man besides a firm handshake. Electricity shot up my arm; I couldn't tell if he felt it, too.

“Hey, look, are you sure you are doing okay?...” he tried to find the right words, “it's just you have been looking worse for wear lately.”

“Yeah, I'm fine, like I said, I just haven't been sleeping well.”

“If you need time off…let me know,” he said, exiting the room.

I didn’t need another reason for the mystery stalker to show up, more often. I hurried off to the bathroom and splashed my face with cold water. I finally looked at myself, my eyes were red and puffy, my skin looked paler than usual, I looked thinner too. I needed to eat, and start taking care of myself or maybe I needed to go to therapy.

I silently laughed to myself, what would I even say, ‘I have a stalker and I kinda liked it. Even fantasized about what he does after degrading me.’ I was broken, weak and I couldn't really be fixed. Have I been lying to myself this whole time?

My car sat in the darkest corner of the parking garage. I liked It, away from everyone else. I got in expecting something exciting to happen, but I was only met with silence. When I got home, It felt empty And quiet just like my commute. I know The excitement has worn off now, and I shouldn't be feeling loneliness.

My routine felt mundane, I was content that I didn't hurl today. Until I saw a piece of paper sticking out from under my throw pillow, which read:

Kitten

Kitten?, kitten…, was this his name for me now?. Who the hell leaves a note with no context besides one fucking word. All my nerves were set on fire. I chucked all my throw pillows across the room like a psycho, and checked under every sofa cushion. I found nothing else.

When I laid down that night, all I could think about was the subtle touch, that spark I shouldn't have felt because I would be wholly punished or worse. The note he also left me at work, didn't sound like him. It sounded different.

Ding!

The screen from my phone illuminated, a text from Dan, ‘Take tomorrow off, I will have Teresa take over for the day.’

Oh great, now I will be home to do what exactly? nothing, I will be doing nothing.

—-------
The smell of coffee was magical at six A.M. although my day had just started and I had nowhere to be. It was strange, Dan texted at 11pm, right when you would think people would be sleeping. I couldn't say the same for myself.

I texted Sasha, knowing she wouldn't be up till ten but would see my message by the time I would be fully awake. I leaned against The counter scrolling through posts once again. Every person seemed like they were getting married, even all the my old high-school friends. I never was interested in the subject, marriage, kids and the picket fence, it was not what I wanted out of life.

By the time the afternoon rolled around, I had nothing to show for it. I spent all my time either on my phone or in front of the TV, watching the news or some other local program. It was depressing to say the least. I wondered how Dan was doing. Teresa was probably up to her ears in paperwork. I chuckled to myself a little.

Sasha responded,

“I will be over this evening, it'll be a girls' night.”

“See you soon,” I replied.

The evening was filled with Sasha’s bragging about Paul and their wonderful life right now. I listened drinking cucumber and strawberry mocktails.

“Well, I'm happy for you. It seems like you chose a great man," I said, trying to sound hopeful.

“I admit it's a little cheesy to be gushing over a man…like we've only been on a few dates.”

“Yeah, you let me know every date ended in sex though.”

“I just love spreading my legs for him,” Sasha said, sighing dreamily.

“I couldn't say the same for myself,” I drolled.

The difference between me and Sasha was that her relationships were transactional, meaning she got something out of them, like a new car, her rent paid for, or a nice handbag. I looked for genuine companionship, someone who would be there for me. I couldn't very well bring up that I was being stalked; it would set her on edge.

Chapter 5: A Date With The Boss

Sometime next week. The smell of coffee woke me up, until I realized I didn’t set a time on the coffee machine. I sat in bed, afraid of what I would be met with, and I took a deep breath. My body was simultaneously freaking out and enjoying this moment, my body felt heavy. Feeling every step I took, each stair creaked under my weight. I turned toward the kitchen, and met him, his back to me.

“Good morning,” he said.

I didn’t answer but made my way over to a mug with coffee and looked to be creamer, waiting for me.

“No food today,” I said aloud, my voice shaking.

“I wanted to deliver this message in person, before you go to work,” he stated.

He got up from the chair, and I forced myself to look up at him. My back hit the counter. All my senses heightened as he ran a hand over my waist. “I have been so,so gentle with you…” I tried opening my mouth to counter, but his hand covered my mouth. “When I take you further, kitten, you will call me master,” he emphasized.

His hand snaked around my neck, squeezing, his other hand explored my body, pressing himself against me. He finally let go, letting me breathe again, “But for now, let me take care of you.”

“Yes, daddy,” I managed to say.

I could tell he was smirking, “Good girl, and drink up.”

I picked up the coffee mug and took a sip, I was met with warmth and sweetness. When he was here, I didn’t have the urge to vomit, it was only when he left. The feeling between us seemed to change, I was still on edge to even think about trusting him.

He pushed a hair back from my face, “Thank you, daddy,” I whispered.

—

Walking into the office felt different, I went to go drop off Dan’s schedule when his door was closed. I knocked gently and waited. Still nothing, he must need time to himself, I thought. His door swung open when I was halfway down the hallway.

“Abby, did you need something?” he said.

Running back toward him, “Here you go, I wanted to drop this off,” handing him his schedule.

“Right thanks…um, can I invite you to dinner tonight?” he cocked his head to the side, “I had plans with my brother but he bailed and I still have reservations booked and I didn’t want to waste it,” he continued.

“Um….” I was taken aback, but I couldn’t turn down free food, “sure I would like that,” I smiled.

The rest of the day I was excited to have tonight be a little more personal with him. I kept thinking about the day I got hired, right on the spot. He had over a dozen people sitting in the lobby. Out of everyone, he chose me and it still puzzled me.

I finished my work and headed to the bathroom to freshen up, I looked tired and frumpy. I fished out a sundress from the back of my car, it was supposed to be donated, but tonight, it just might work.

The dress came down to my knees, a light blue flowery print against the crisp white background, and my heels were tan. I decided to brush my hair down, soft waves curved around my face. I didn’t bother with makeup since this wasn’t a date, or so I told myself.

I waited for him to come out of his office, waiting in the hallway. I looked at the awards on the wall for the first time since I started working here. I never looked twice at pieces of paper, framed, it was a waste of space. Telling other people how important you must be to have something printed with your name on it.

I was lost in space when I heard my name being called, “Abby…” I looked over at him; my brain wasn’t registering. “Abby, are you ready?” He wore the same clothes, but they looked cleaner, like he had a spare set.

I nodded, as he said, “I think we can just take my car, since parking is shit anyway.”

“Yeah, sure,” I repeated to myself. This was not a date.

Being in his car felt like I was violating some code. Assistants and bosses shouldn’t be this close to each other. I stared out the window quietly, and the lingering silence settled between us.

“Let me know if you need more or less air. I usually like it cold,” his fingers adjusting the dials, “my brother always, gives me shit for it y’know, but It just helps me think better.”

“It’s fine,” I lied as goosebumps prickled my skin.

His driving shouldn’t have turned me on as much as it did. It gave me a chance to really look at him. He commanded power, control, and confidence, something only rich men exuded. I was never in the groups of people who had money; I grew up poor, where we had ramen almost every night. Being on food stamps and welfare, it was tough making friends.

I was sitting in a black SUV with a man who had more money than I think he knew what to do with. I smiled to myself silently.

“Is something funny?” he stared over at me.

“Not really, well kind of, I um…never been in such an expensive care before. It feels surreal.”

I’m not sure how he interpreted my confession, maybe I could crawl under my desk tomorrow and hide from embarrassment.

“It did to me too at first, the first car I ever owned was a piece of junk twenty-year-old car. I don’t even remember the model or brand at this point.”

That wasn’t my point, but I guess I had to take it. It was endearing that he tried to relate.

You’ve arrived, the GPS stating the fact that we indeed have arrived.

I got out and started walking towards the entrance. He was still shuffling around in the car. Our table was a back corner booth, the lighting was just dark enough to probably hide the fact, I was blushing.

“My brother and I usually drink a lot whenever we come here, but I’m pretty sure you don’t have that particular interest,” he said, his eyes looking up over the menu.

“I like to eat first,” I tried to keep my voice even.

He flagged down our waiter and whispered into his ear. I was nervous, so nervous, my thoughts just emptied.

“Order whatever you want.” he said.

I nodded, the waiter came back over with wine, poured two glasses and set down appetizers. We clinked our glasses together, before I downed mine. I could tell he was trying to hide his smile, I was a mess and he knew it too.

“Tell me about your brother,” I blurted out.

“There isn’t too much to tell, he owns a gym in the city and is always in competition with me about everything these days,” he sounded amused.

“Ah, so owning a business runs in the family, I take it?”

He threw his head back, “Yeah, always trying to outdo each other.”

“Can I ask—” he started.

“Are you ready to order,” the waiter said, cutting him off.

After we ordered, he laughed, claiming he forgot what he was going to say.

DAN***************************************
You could say I would be the luckiest man alive. Sitting next to her, I deemed her attractive in all the right ways—her curvy figure, full lips, and long dark hair. She was beautiful. I didn’t want to force anything tonight, but my subtlety worked. This table was always reserved for me and I threw in a good excuse about my brother, too.

I did have a brother, but we weren’t close, and he was in competition with me about what woman he could steal right from under me. He slept with my fiancée right before our wedding, the whore and douchebag I called them. You would also like to think I have my life figured out by now. If you only knew the reason why I hired Abby in the first place, you would be appalled.

The moment she walked in was breathtaking, I knew I had to have her right then. I couldn’t focus during her interview; all I could imagine was bending her over my desk. Then I just hired her, not even thinking about the other candidates. Now, I was on a date or sorry, excuse to be here with her.

She kept downing drink after drink, I wasn’t going to take advantage of her tonight. I had to keep my strong will in check, nor would I drop her back off at her car.

“I’m glad you invited me, I had fun,” she said. Not catching any flirty vibes.

I took a deep breath. “I’m glad I could help; you seem more relaxed.” The waiter came by with the check. I was waiting for her outside as she finished up in the restroom. When she stepped out, the soft glow of her skin in the moonlight couldn’t compare to anything else.

The air was cold, humid, it began to rain, and I placed my jacket over her shoulders. Opening the car door for her felt like a feat, as she steadied herself by placing a hand on my chest.

“Do you feel it too?” she said clearly, “When our hands touched and now?”

Dammit.

“Not really, look, we can talk about this later. Okay.”

Her hand slid down farther, whispering, “Did you think I wouldn’t notice how hard you were tonight?”

“Abby, please,” I sighed. Her leg slid up my thigh, pulling me in close, “You’re drunk.” I continued. Looking at my watch, it was nine p.m., and we had spent four hours at the restaurant.

“Don’t you want to know what I taste like, just a little?” she said seductively.

I slammed the passenger car door shut, trying my best to keep my temper down so I didn't shove her in myself.

I pressed myself against her, making her gasp, and what a lovely sound that was. I leaned in close to her face. I couldn’t for the life of me tell her no or pull away. I rested my hands on either side of her, and her arms wrapped around me. She smelled of vanilla, warmth wrapped around my cock, and my lungs were heavy.

Her lips met mine, I parted mine for her tongue, and God, she tasted good behind the wine. Her hips grinding against my leg, tiny moans escaped her lips. She kissed me harder, my lips felt bruised, and my jaw sore. I didn’t care. She ground her hips harder and fervently, taking a sharp inhale through her teeth, breathlessly panting. I barely touched her. Taking in her flushed pink face and neck. I wondered what would happen when I finally had her. My cock straining to be released, to be inside her right now I would give anything to experience that.

“Sorry, I—” she panted.

“No, don’t…please get in the car. Let me take you home,” I kept my voice neutral. I wasn't about to have my way with her when she was still drunk. I didn't care if she felt justifying it.

The drive was quiet as she told me where to turn, “I should apologize, I shouldn’t have done that. It was unprofessional of me,” I said.

Her focus remained on her hands, her brow furrowed. I let the silence fall into place. If she remembered any of this being her fault, it would be awkward. I was fully aware she may not be coming in tomorrow.

Her house was on the smaller side, two story, a rock garden out front and two rocking chairs sat on the porch. It was cute, the soft light illuminated the path to the door.
I walked her to her up, making sure she got in okay before I left.

I couldn’t hold it in anymore, stopping on the side of the road. I began stroking my hard cock, imagining the way her lips felt, I could still smell her, how she felt. In just a few strokes, I came, there was so much cum. I took off my shirt, trying to clean myself up. I rolled the windows down, cooling myself off. When I got home, I stripped off my clothes, catching a whiff of her scent on my pants. I instantly became hard again, and I jacked off one last time before going to bed.

Chapter 6: Feelings are...hard

DAN

The suit was sitting on my bed, the red velvet suit staring back at me. I had no choice but to support my brother and his or rather, the wedding he stole from me. That's right, he stole my fiancé, that whore. Who knew, she was fucking my brother and his golf buddies, I had the pleasure of seeing it front row. sharing her, her face and body a mess. I heard she contracted an STD after that; it was about time her luck had run out. I wish I could bring Abby along and rub it in everyone’s face. I was going to show up regardless of why they wanted me to come. Show them that I wasn't a coward, I'll be the fucking bigger person.

Wearing the ugliest custom-made suit had to be a new low point, I looked like a fucking vampire. My brother had horrendous taste in everything. At least I still had my looks that was one thing I could count on at the age of forty. Even then I had a twenty-eight-year-old squirming to be pleasured while drunk. I wanted to put her in her place, show her how I fucked, more than just a wet spot on my pants. I was also an idiot; it was just a fantasy that couldn't be attainable.

My cock was already straining to be released, fuck this wedding. I jacked myself off over the toilet, thinking of Abby, I wanted to worship her, praise her. Tell her what a good girl she was, being bent over my desk while being railed. Her juices squirting everywhere making a pretty mess for me, I would give anything to see her unraveled. Thick globs of cum fell into the water, God, I felt disgusting.

I showed up late, I was going to let everyone enjoy seeing me. All their smug faces would fall as I walked down the aisle ruining such a romantic moment. Relish in the fact that I could ruin a small part of their day.
___________

Everyone didn't stop to turn towards me as I stood in the aisle though. Only this time no bride or groom was present. I really doubted I was early, the invitation said 10am but it was clearly noon. The ceremony should have been over by now; I was supposed to ruin this wedding. I huffed out a sigh, making my way inside the white Victorian house with red trim. The bushes neatly pruned and flowers lining the walkways in bursts of red, blues and pinks the green lawn providing contrast. The windows clear as day, no streaks, I didn’t expect anything less. I had to say the venue of our old summer house was a nice choice.

Tyler and I spent all of our time here, it was fun until we grew up and he started fucking every woman I was interested in. I hated that part of him –everything had to be about him– I also hated myself going for women who couldn’t say no. I passed by room after room, each one empty until I was standing in front of the study. Our dad loved this room before he got sick and had to put down his own business, so we could build our own.

I heard sobs on the other side, why me, why me, why me? Resting my hand on the knob. I had no desire to walk in or comfort whoever was on the other side. The bigger person and guilt had played a bigger part against me. A piece of me wanted to know who I was going to see, maybe the bride or my mom or aunt even. I turned the handle, poking my head inside. The person was concealed by the darkness, her chest rose and fell, harshly.

The white dress tipped me off, and I shuddered hard. I could back out now, and it would be fine, like I was never here. I began to turn and run out of the room.

“I didn’t know you…you came in,” Sofi whimpered.

I didn’t turn around, “Yeah, sorry.”

“Tyler, was being an ass and I–I– just lost it.”

“I don’t know what to say to that. I guess I’m sorry to hear that.”

Her sobs became heavier, hearing her heels click against the floor. I felt her standing inches away from me. I turned around, “You have some nerve sending me an invite, y’know.”

Mascara was running down her face and red lipstick smeared, she was a fucking mess. On top of that she looked thinner, her curves had disappeared. This is what she deserved, a wedding without a happy ending.

“I–I–, I wished that–,” she outstretched her hand wanting to touch me.

I took two steps back, “Really, you're the one who dug your own grave.” laughing in her face, “too bad, fuck off.”

I left the room and her mouth was agape, that I said something so harshly to her pretty little face. Miss perfect who would have everything handed to her, what a joke. I needed a drink, I needed to forget this mess.

I strode down the hall, coming face to face with my mother, “My baby, you came I thought I would never see you.” in her condescending Italian accent, she could have dropped the act by now.

“Yeah, I thought it would be nice for the family,” I said, keeping my voice even.

“Well, we don’t know if there is going to be a ceremony, can you talk to your brother?” she said, patting me on the shoulder, giving it a squeeze.

My anger rose, my mother knew and yet she wanted me to talk to the selfish prick.

“Where is he?”

“In his old room.”

I nodded, thinking it over trying to have self-control to not punch him or a wall. I knocked, once…twice, before entering. Sitting on the bed, holding his head down, “What did you do this time?”

No answer.

“You ruined her, did you know that? She looks like a mess,” I paced back and forth, “You stole her and now you can’t keep her, it’s almost comical. I’m only here because our mother told me, I needed to talk to you. I hate this as much as you do, too, I still hate you…ok, still not answering. I get it you don’t feel like talking, and I’m going to grab a drink. Join me or not but own up to your mistakes.”

____________

The house felt empty, sad as the warmth of whiskey slid down my throat. I would drown in this if it meant I could be at peace again. Pouring glass after glass, not sure why I need liquid courage, I was already here. The door swung open, I could feel Tyler’s eyes on me.

“Bought time you joined me,” I smirked.

“You’re already–-?”

“The term you're looking for is buzzed, I'm not shit faced yet. You’re the worst one to be a judge of character, huh?”

“Fuck you,” he spat.

“You already did, and for what…she was in the study, crying because of you.”

“And what you’re so perfect,”

“No, but I know when to let go–”

Cutting me off, “You turned your back on everyone. You stopped talking to mom and dad. I get that you hate me but it’s been five years.”

“A lot of shit was going on and who helped me? certainly not you, fucking my—”

“She came onto me—,” his voice low.

“And you had every chance to say no,” I yelled.

“Well, you never gave her anything, you wouldn’t listen to a word she said, and you made her feel inadequate. She talked to me for months about this and I tried to make you see it...mom knew too.”

His words stung, telling me I can’t take care of a woman because I was held up in my own world. I was fuming, I gave her everything, my time, my love, myself, and she still thought that wasn’t enough. I stormed out of the kitchen, cutting across the field, into the woods behind the house. I walked for about a quarter of a mile before entering a clearing, this was my happy place.

I stood still in the quietness, breathing in the crisp air, my chest felt heavy. I leaned against a tree and my eyes were wet. Crying wasn’t beneath me, but it wasn’t something I did, lightly. Was I the problem? Really... me? I was a mess now, also maybe Tyler was right and a little drunk.

I could feel my eyes getting puffy and tender, I punched the tree as my last release. Fuck that hurt. I walked back to the ceremony, solemnly, seeing everyone just made me not want to be here. There were judging and disappointed looks all around, then there were the ones who felt bad, I didn’t need sympathy either. Sometimes it wasn’t so bad reliving the faded memory of Sofi and yeah, maybe I deserved it too. She looked like a wife, her makeup and hair were fixed, the white was a lie though, I hated tradition.

I was standing next to Tyler with the rest of the groomsmen, I wasn’t even in my own body or head. It felt like an eternity, but Sofi seemed happy, keeping her eyes locked on him. Scanning the crowd, a brunette caught my eye, Abby, I had to do a double take. She was sitting next to Paul’s plus one, I never knew they were friends, much less knew each other. They seemed so different, but opposites attract, so I’m told.

She was wearing a black dress, accentuating her curves nicely, even though she was just sitting down. She probably pieced together I was the brother, Tyler and I looked eerily similar, despite being five years apart. My focus was brought back to the bride and groom, “I Do’s” were said and rings exchanged hands.

I hauled my ass out of there the moment everyone stood, pushing my way through. Straight to the bar, ordering a whiskey neat, the familiar friend coating my throat. I watched the crowd disperse, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I found my eyes locked on her, exchanging niceties with the family. When she smiled, it was like heaven, taking me back to that night, I took another sip to dull the memory.

She was coming over; I turned stressing about how I looked to her. Her hand gently rested on my back, ”Funny seeing you here,” she joked.

I turned toward her, “You could say that.”

“I will have the same thing he’s having,” she said to the bartender pointing to me.
“Didn’t take you for a whiskey drinker.”

“Oh, I’m not,” she giggled, “you seemed stressed.”

“Who me?...no.” shaking my head playing it cool.

I laughed with her, God, it felt so natural, “look I—”

“You don’t have to apologize; I was drunk and the next morning I was mortified.”

“I–”

“Get ready for the bride and groom's first dance,” the DJ yelled out over the speakers. The wedding was so rushed that we never even made it to dinner. I was starving, whiskey was the only thing making my decisions.

I needed to take her someplace quiet because I wasn’t about to apologize, I wanted her. She stood next to me, watching the dance. It looked out of place for my brother; I never took him for the marrying type. Enough family cut off my view, the luxury of having a big family everyone knows everything, but still big enough for people to forget.

I felt her hand grab mine as people started entering the floor. Was I expected to dance now to a slow song? My body was defying me, my brain would not cooperate either, until her chest was up against mine.

I leaned down grazing her ear, not caring who saw, “You may be sorry, but I won’t be.”

I felt her breath catch, swaying side to side, I could tell she felt what was happening between us. Physically more than emotionally, I couldn’t help it, but I wanted to make this last with her. Sofi was my past and Abby could be my future; I wasn’t going to fuck it up this time.

“Was she the one you were supposed to…?”

I nodded, my face expressionless.

“Maybe we could go somewhere else…?”

“My room?” I smirked.

“You… your family owns…” she stammered.

“It’s a summer house.”

“Stunning,” she said, under her breath.

She leaned in closer to me, the sun was setting, I took her hand. I guided us up to my old bedroom, everything was left in place. Her eyes grew big, taking in the posters and the black walls.
“You were into all this, huh, I never pegged you as a nerd,” a smile was felt with each word.

“Go ahead and laugh, I was a chick magnet.”

“Oh yeah, sure.”

I sat on the black settee, taking in her delicate figure, my cock was straining after that dance. Having her here felt intimate, I really needed to slow things down.

She stood in front of me, “Do you know what I think we should do?” whispering.

“What?”

She straddled me, my hands rested on her thighs, with her hands holding on my shoulders. If she started grinding into me again, I won’t be able to hide anything. My mouth met hers, and hands slid up to her waist, she felt so good. I invaded her mouth with my tongue, I wouldn’t forget the taste of this, ever. Her lips were soft, full, I couldn’t pull myself away, the world stood still. Grabbing her hips to stay still was a challenge.

She pulled away first, “You don’t want to?”

I managed the words, “Not here and most certainly not now.”

“Should I pencil the time into your schedule?” her head tilted to the side.

She made me angry again, I’m not saying I did the right thing, but I couldn’t help myself. I quickly moved her panties to the side and forced two fingers into her. Not caring about how wet she was, I knew how to pleasure a woman. I felt her gasp, muffled moans against my shoulder, her nails digging in. I wanted to take her, bad, the tension in the room was thick, it was about fucking. I threw feelings out the window, she deserved better, and I could see that now. My actions felt too harsh for her.

“Tell me how you want to be fucked,” I growled.

“I–I–, rough.” she murmured.

“Yes, sweetheart.”

My fingers worked faster, her clit, swollen. My hand covered in her juices; the smell of musk filled the room. Her body was shaking against me.

“Come on baby, come for me. I know you can.”

She whimpered into my shoulder, clenching around my fingers, I let her ride it out.

A sharp knock, startling us out of the fantasy, I pushed her off as she fixed her dress and Tyler stepped in.

“You’re supposed to make a speech,” his eyes shifted between me and Abby.

“I will be down soon, sorry. We, uh… got distracted up here.”

A grin spread across his face, “Yeah...I can tell.” laughing as he left.

She stood in the corner of the room now, a pretty pink flush spread across her chest and cheeks, “If you need a bathroom, it’s through that door.”

“Thanks.” she said, looking mortified, again.

I headed downstairs as she cleaned up, my fingers smelled like her, it was the sexiest thing, and I would never get tired of it. Standing in front of the crowd, I was good at public speaking to strangers, but family was different. I had a whole speech planned and now nothing, my brain couldn’t think of words.

“I–I–, I don’t know how to start, to be honest the state of things this afternoon didn’t help. I put both of them in their place. I came all the way down here out of support…” my tie was choking me, “and I hope they are genuinely happy together.”

The awkwardness settled over the room. I received some laughs.

“Time for cake, give it up for Daniel the very best brother” Tyler announced in the microphone, letting the tension break, whatever the fuck that was.

_______

The dance floor was trashed, and Uncle Chuck was passed out in the bushes, his wife, Esmeralda trying to drag him out to the car. The scene was hilarious.

“I know that was hard for you,” Abby said, startling me.

“Yeah, I hated every second. Oh, I sound so negative.”

“No, you shouldn’t apologize, if you need to be negative then you can be,” her voice, soft.

“Easier said than done, you don’t have a room full of family judging you,” closing my eyes.

Her body leaned into me, my arm instinctively wrapped around her waist, as I leaned in for—hopefully— the last kiss of the night.

“I'm sorry, about—”

“Don’t apologize,” she said, interrupting me.
Her tongue forced its way into my mouth, every taste and sensation amplified.

Chapter 7: Confused, weird, and what just happened?

Every morning, I was presented with something different, morning coffee, breakfast laid out before me, and even flowers. Sometimes he would sit and watch me or leave me his cryptic notes. It didn’t bother me—the small acts— it was when he forced himself sexually. That was where I felt invaded and needed to vomit, it would happen before or after work. He probably knew why, he was trying to get me to eat or secretly relishing in the fact he bothered me so much.

“Dan would like to see you, I think it’s about the conference,” Theresa said. I forgot she was talking to me. Her voice was grating and getting on my nerves more than ever. I waited for the rest of the papers to print, 3..2..1.. Hole punching and gathering them in my binder, felt monotonous.

“Thanks for letting me know,” I replied, my tone fell flat.

“You two sure spend a lot of time together.”

“Well, I am his assistant, it's not that weird.”

“He never spent time with his last assistants, though. Not sure what makes you so special,” she sounded jealous.

“Probably because I’m good at my job. I have…Job security.”

I pushed past Theresa, taking my time to walk to Dans’ office, I had a gut feeling, I thought I knew what this was about. I felt closer to him after the wedding, but he was drunk by the time we did anything. The orgasm though was intense, the way he took over, gentle yet stern.

I rounded a corner and his door was open, sitting at his desk with his usual coffee mug and croissant. After a minute he looked up, “Come in and close the door behind you,” he said. A couple interns in the hall stood around giggling like school children, and I wasn’t going to enter his office without an invite. He sat typing, the keys clicked harshly against the silence. I didn’t know whether to speak first or not, his eyes narrowed for a moment.

He turned his gaze on me, face relaxed, “Do you have the documents I need?”

He looked sexy, with his sleeves rolled up and disheveled hair. Looking like he hadn’t slept in several nights, smelling the harsh scent of mint and bergamot. It was either the shampoo or body wash he used, maybe his own formulation. It drove me crazy.

“Yes, here,” I set the binder on his desk, his eyes were on my every movement.

“This year, I want you to accompany me to the conference in New Mexico,” he said, flipping through page after page, “Or I guess you don’t have to, it's up to you, but I would like you there.”

 

“Is this about—”

Cutting me off with a stern “No.”

He sighed and turned in his chair to look out the window, I wasn’t sure whether to stay or leave.

“I think, I am going to grab a coffee, do you want anything?”

Silence. I began to stand, my hand on the doorknob.

He said, "I was out of line the other night, I shouldn’t have…y’know. I hope we're still, okay?”

“I–, yeah, I’m not sure…we both weren’t in the right mindset… to make good decisions,” I whispered.

“We leave in a few days, I’ll send a driver.”

I nodded and left, the interaction without being drunk made it awkward. I felt we both needed liquor to even remotely be comfortable near each other. It made me feel actually sad, for him or me, I couldn’t decide.

I ordered a mocha latte, and sat in the corner of the cafe, thinking, contemplating. I immersed myself in my audiobook, for once I was not taking this job seriously. I was enjoying myself and at this conference, I could at least socialize to entertain my boredom. Sipping my coffee when a group of interns approached me, “Aren’t you Mr. Decker’s assistant?”

The question was odd, I never called him by his last name, and I never heard anyone call him anything other than Dan. He didn’t even use his full first name when referring to himself. Mr.Decker was reserved for formal meetings or when he gave someone a promotion.

Removing my earbuds, “Yes, why?” looking at three of them, black hair, one had curls, one with blue eyes so striking they seemed fake, and thin frames like they were just out of highschool.

The curly haired girl spoke first. “We heard the conference this year would be like striking gold, and we need jobs, not an internship.”

“I can’t get you in, but I’ll be sure to put in a good word, what are your names?”

“Jessica, Ashley and Beth,” the blue-eyed girl said, pointing to each.

I sighed, “Alright, email me your resumes and I’ll see what I can do.” handing them my business cards.

As they walked away, I realized everyone knew who I was. I started to head back to my office when Dan walked in. All eyes were on him, he owned the company, so it’s not like he cared. It probably felt great to hold onto so much power, he could fire someone at the drop of a hat. Although he never fetched his own coffee for that matter, always scaring the interns and employees.

I put my earbuds back in, I was getting to the good part, hiding myself further into the corner.

“I never said you could take a break,” his foot kicked me harshly under the table, “We have a meeting in an hour, be prepared.”

That comment pissed me off so much, what was this foreplay? He was prepared for the meeting. I knew that much. I sat there like a deer in headlights; how dare he embarrass me. My reputation of having a good work ethic was steam rolled, how could he not show an ounce of respect. I was going to show him how I felt about it, how he made me feel less than everyone in that room.

Sure he expected a lot from me, but seriously, it couldn’t have waited until I was back in my office. He was a jerk—no—more like an ass, never thinking before he spoke sometimes, it was my pet peeve of his.

I stormed up to his office with an air of anger and frustration held over me.

Slamming his door, “What the hell is your problem?”

Crossing his arms, “In public I treat everyone the same.”

“Like an ass…”

“Everyone has a job to do, and I suggest you do yours.”

I moved closer, “Right, you wouldn’t fire me even if you had the chance.”

Narrowing his eyes, “You think I like working with you day in and out,” he stood, gripping the desk, “I haven’t forgotten what we have done. Make of that what you will.”

I haven’t either, but we were both adults and my communications degree didn’t help when it came to complicated relationships. How was I supposed to let him know, I wanted to like him, but I also have a stalker. I doubted that would go over well. I paced around the room, looking at the clock, thirty minutes till our meeting. We have only been talking for five, which seemed like an eternity.

He looked at me waiting for an answer, I sat down in a chair, breathing deeply as he left the room. I followed quietly and quickly on his heels, like a good little assistant that had a role to play. This was all just a game for us, and we both wanted to win. The conference room was filled with the usual people. I sat in the back as he shifted his tone to professional and pleasant, funny how he could play two different roles. My hand was sore, white knuckling the pen against paper.

One day he made me care about how he was heartbroken and the next he ignored me. It was like nothing happened between us; he played everything so well. I wondered if he was like this in all his relationships. He listened to what I had to say then got mad, the whole scenario felt childish.

When he got like this I couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

Someone raised their hand, “I’m curious, do you have any new ideas?”

“Good question, the conference I’m going to next week will have investors to make our ideas come to life. We do have a tried-and-true product, that is the backbone of this company. We need to be in as many homes as possible, businesses and schools. that is the number one goal, create the best and other advancements will follow.”

Everyone nodded in agreement, our products aren’t grand, but he created technology that would transform the industry to be better and more secure. It's good to be boring but sometimes he needed an extra push. I wanted to see this company thrive, I didn’t want to say anything, but we should appeal to not just young but sway older people too. The ones set in their ways, forcing them to change their mind that this was next level good.

When everyone left as if on cue, I lowered the blinds and cleaned up the food and drinks left out. ‘Embarrassing me in front of everyone. The meeting was trash and waste of time that could have been an email. He would say I’m right, but he needs to be front in center to notice how special he is. Such a spectacular CEO, everyone fucking cheers, only in business I guess,’ I said, mockingly.

“Who are you talking to?” he stood in the doorway, startling me.

“Oh–uh–how long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough to watch you almost clean a hole in the table,” his expression was neutral.

“Oh yeah, sorry–”

His stride was even as he grabbed me, “We need rules, you can’t not do your job when you are working for me.” His eyes blazed with fire.

I nodded, “Yes, Mr. Decker.”

“Good, also never call me that again,” he said.

I nodded, his eyes never strayed from me, I wondered if he needed me like I did him.

His lips met mine, needy, hungry and bruising. Our tongues invaded and danced in harmony; he tasted so good. Propping me up on the table, I wrapped my legs around him. We were going to have to sneak out of the room. I could feel his erection pressed up against my stomach. This was reckless, not sneaky, I guess it didn’t matter. I was more worried about others' reactions to us; we were a walking cliche.

His mouth and teeth moved to my neck; fingers wrapped into my hair tightly. My hands wrapped around his neck; I pressed into him even more. Our breath intertwined, sighs and moans filled the room. I’m not sure how we got from him ignoring me and then this happens, every time. I could see why his ex-fiancé did what she did, it didn’t bother me though. I wasn’t her as his fingers lingered on the buttons of my blouse.

“What’s wrong?” Keeping my voice low.

“Not here.” he said, pulling away.

I wanted to see him so bad without clothes on, our bodies tangled together, legs, and arms, fingers, and breath, making sure to feel his touch everywhere. He pulled away every time things got serious, stalling, I’m not sure if he knew how much I needed him.

“Yeah, I agree.”

He looked down at his watch, “Almost five…” he muttered.

“Yeah, I should probably get home.”

When we walked out, it seemed like everyone had left for the night. I couldn’t blame them because it was Friday, and I knew Sasha would be calling me to go out. I didn’t want to, I wanted to go home and finish my errands, cleaning, the usual stuff.

Dan and I said our goodbyes until the meeting, I needed to keep myself distracted until then. Maybe my stalker would–figuratively—knock some sense into me. I have two men obsessing over me, and obviously I’m oblivious. How did this happen?

________________

I found my stalker sitting with dinner already made for me, if it was poisoned then it wasn’t affecting me. He sat across from me, he looked different, his hands clasped together while his head tilted slightly. It felt unnatural to him, as he watched me, take bite after bite.

“Did he fuck you yet?” he asked in that sinister voice.

“No, is that what you're waiting for?” I replied, too fast.

“No, I’m…curious about it though.”

He walked over, standing behind me, grabbing my neck, “You don’t own yourself, get it? You will never be happy even if you think you are.”

His gloves were cold, and rough this time, against my skin. My senses went into overdrive, my heart raced, blood pounding in my ears. I was going to get myself in a lot of trouble.

“I don’t obey threats.”

“Don’t worry, I can take care of that,” his fingers traced down the side of my face. Wrapping his hands in my hair, pulling me to face him, “Every time you eat, we become…closer.”

I shuddered, it could be anything he mixed in and certainly not poison, “What…do you mean…daddy?” my voice shook.

“Kitten, you don’t get to know, at least for right now.”

I made movements to stand, he forced me back in the chair, “I hate you.”

“Now, is that the way you should be talking to me, after everything I have done for you?” raising his hand like he was going to hit me.

“Sorry…daddy,” I said through clenched teeth.

“That’s more like it.” he let go of my hair, beginning to circle me like a shark, “You’re going to do something for me, while you're away this weekend. I want a video of you, so I can enjoy your presence whenever you’re away,” keeping his tone even and neutral.

“I–I–.”

“That's a direct order, and I expect nothing less.”

“What if I–.”

He pulled out a knife, perfectly fitting in his hand, tracing it against my flesh, “I can be very persuasive,” he laughed, “I know what you do when I leave and trust me, I may not have to hurt you after all when you’re doing it to yourself.”

I nodded as he watched me finish the food, it was now cold, and I could barely finish. I would like to know what he was thinking. How could a person treat another human this way, nothing made sense. Dan and Sasha were the only real people in my life who had any ounce of respect for me.

I wish I was poisoned; I wouldn’t have to be sick every time he left, it hurt and left my body numb. He thought I was ungrateful for what he gave, but he gave me nothing. Nothing of value or even treated me like a human, the only thing I could stand was that he was gentle enough, for now. He didn’t tie me up in the basement like a murderer, yet, I had no doubt though that my life was going to—Maybe—be ending soon. I wasn’t sure I had made my peace with death or god yet, not sure If I was going to heaven or hell.

Chapter 8: Settling In

I really hated traveling, the car, the airport, and every human smell was vile. The only rewarding thing was that we were in the finest dirtiest lounge. Complimentary water, drinks, and snacks, but not even real food. What were people paying for, really? The chance to look like they were better. Even though we would all be crammed on the same plane and breathing in each other's air. Why even stop at that when nothing was appropriately cleaned after each flight? Boarding was soon, Dan insisted we get here two hours prior, while I'm not sure why he didn’t have his own plane. He was rich enough owning his own company, but I’m sure he weighed the pros and cons of the environmental impact.

No one knew who he was anyway. I watched the people at the bar; there were a lot of bachelors, hardly any women. Even if there were, they weren’t remotely attractive. I wondered if this was how it was, everyone ignoring each other in their own pretentious ways. Dan sat silently next to me, focused on his phone, his fingers typing furiously. He needed to get out of his head; this was supposed to be our first conference together.

I fished my phone out of my pocket, staring at the time and several messages from Sasha. ‘Hey, how’s it going with Mr.Hottie, ’ and ‘Bring me back something nice. ’ I also couldn’t wait to be back; I never particularly liked clubbing, but now I craved it. It was an itch I couldn’t scratch, maybe I would make some newfound acquaintances.

“You okay?” I finally asked.

He didn’t even turn toward me. “They messed up the booking.”

“I’m sure it can’t be that bad. Maybe some people could switch us rooms.”

“Doubtful, but I guess we can figure it out when we get there,” he said.

I stood with my one carry-on and backpack in hand, and when I arrived hours ago, he looked at me like I was crazy. It was a weekend, not a whole week, and besides, my clothes and items were smaller. I had several dresses, one workout outfit, two pairs of shoes, four sets of underwear, and toiletries. My personal item had space for books and other items, so that if I picked up anything along the way, I could carry it back.

New Mexico was a far cry from back east. I have only ever been to California. I couldn’t wait to see the mountains and what they had in the city. I at least looked up the hotel and accommodations before we left. It was beautiful, and the whole place was reserved for everyone who was coming. I guess having money could get someone everything they wanted.

The plane was less than magical; first class was nice, but again, sharing the same air with others. Dan was still fixated on his phone, and I felt like I didn’t belong. My parents would be proud that I could bag a rich man and have him pay for all my wants and desires. What I desired was to be off this plane, and driving would be my way to go. While not the fastest route, I heard the views were nice this time of year.

The captain spoke over the intercom; the voice was always that of a middle-aged white man who claimed he had been doing the job for over twenty years. It made me giggle as the thought reached my mind. Dan looked over and put his phone down.

“You’re excited?” he mumbled.

“I had a random thought pop into my head,” I whispered.

“Oh…”

I shrugged off my jacket and began reading. I saw him look over at me from the corner of my eye. He was starting to stare, while I kept ignoring him, my focus was purely on the words. It took me a minute to finally settle down, as the plane was in the air.

Dan leaned over, “Ah, I see you’re reading some vampire porn.”

“Excuse me?”

“Hopefully, you are making some notes for tonight,” he said, with a wink.

I couldn’t tell if he was being serious or not. It didn’t pique my interest one bit, since he would not follow through with having sex or even a serious, whole adult conversation. Not to my surprise, he reclined his seat, falling asleep. I envied him, being able to relax, I thought about nothing except that I hoped I had brought warm enough clothes.

___________________

The front desk lady, or ‘Susan’, was the name on the name plate. She looked between Dan and me, smiling pleasantly. Her eyes seemed dead of all life while her face told a different story. She could have been a murderer for all I knew

“You’re room is all set…I’m sorry for the setback. Two queen beds and we had a divider put in between,” she said.

“Thanks,” He looked at Susan with a death glare, even I was scared.

She smiled, “Enjoy your stay.”

I smiled back, hoping we wouldn’t get murdered tonight.

He was a fast walker when he was mad, and I had to jog to keep up with him.

“What was that about?” I said.

He didn’t say another word until we got to the room. “I wanted each of us to have some privacy. I thought you wouldn’t want to share.”

“Well, I do not mind, it's okay, I mean, what's the most embarrassing thing that could happen?”

I spread out across the bed, taking in how big the room was. In the corner was a small kitchenette, sharing the wall with the bathroom and two big closets with mirrors. The carpet was updated to a nice gray—I think—the bedspread was white, and a television was in the middle. The room smelled of coffee like someone had just made a fresh pot, mixed with my vanilla perfume.

I watched Dan organize his clothes and shoes; everything had an order, a place. He hung the suits in the closet, with shoes tucked away underneath. His expression was serious, and he was thinking hard about something, the way his brow furrowed, when a knock on the door came.

“Coming,” I shouted.

It was the housekeeper, as she rolled in a small divider, which I thought was unnecessary.

“Thank you, and here,” handing her a dollar, it was just good manners to do so.

“Gracias,” she said.

I rolled my eyes as I started to hang up my clothes and move my toiletries to the bathroom. I stood in front of the mirror, taking in my reflection, my hair was windblown, and mascara had run under my eyes. I –kind of–liked it.

“I’m going out, we need food,” he said, as I heard the rustle of keys and the door slam.

I tied my hair up into a messy bun and changed into my pajamas, which consisted of leggings and my high school hoodie with the year I graduated. I felt like a child at the age of twenty-eight. I snuggled under the covers and closed my eyes, and the room fell dark.

‘I was running through the woods, my heart was racing, and the scent of pine permeated my nose. Sticks crunched under my feet as I tripped over rocks. Suddenly, I couldn’t move. He was there, his body was a mere shadow, he snaked his hand around my throat. Squeezing harder and harder, he let me know who was in charge. I scratched at his forearms, trying to get him to release, and I couldn’t. It felt like I had wanted this. Tears streamed down my face, and my body felt colder and colder.’

I woke up with Dan standing over me, his face contorted in confusion. “It’s okay, here, drink this,” he said, handing me tea.

The warm mug calmed me down enough, and if I had scratched or hurt him in my sleep, he didn’t seem to mind. I could hear the shower running. I walked over to the kitchen, and a white styrofoam box sat on the counter with my name in black Sharpie. I walked over, opening it up, and it had a turkey sandwich and chips. I sat down at the table, started eating, and waited for Dan to get out of the shower. I wasn’t sure what our next course of action for the night would be since we were supposed to have separate rooms.

I decided to turn on the television, while a sitcom of laughter and witty jokes filled the room. I couldn’t sit still enough to do anything; it was like I was running on energy I didn’t have. I decided to go check out the gym instead, throwing on leggings and a t-shirt. The hallways were quiet, save for a couple of housekeepers or other hotel staff. Paying me no attention whatsoever.

I rolled out my mat and started to meditate; only one other person was on the elliptical when I arrived. The hardwood felt nice, and it made the mat cooler despite the warm temperature inside. I let my brow relax; my spine was neutral as I started to breathe. I sat for a few minutes before starting my practice. The other person was gone when I opened my eyes.

Relaxing myself back into child's pose, then on hands and knees for cat/cow, and stretching out the back of my hamstrings in downward dog. The flow was nice and easy. I remembered just how strong I was every time I needed a break. The scent of leather and harsh cologne felt overpowering, as if someone was standing over me.

I looked up to find a man who seemed like he was up to no good. His posture was perfectly straight, wearing a black suit, shoes that were too shiny, and his face was disturbingly angular. He looked like a rat, to say the least, or someone who would snitch.

“Are you Abigail?” he asked with a hint of confusion.

I wasn’t sure whether or not I should reply; he didn’t even introduce himself, so why should I let him know?

“I have a message to give you, if you are,” he said again.

“Ummm, then yes, I am.”

“You have until the end of the weekend to finish your task.” his face was stoic.

I wanted to pry further, “Who exactly…?”

“You know who, I was just told to give you the message.”

It's great that he sent a minion to do his job. I wondered if I threw a weight at his head, he would then tell me. It was not fun having secrets when I wasn’t even in on them.

“You didn’t tell me your name,” I demanded.

“Joshua,” he turned to leave. “And one other thing: He will be watching you, so be on your best behavior,” he smirked like he knew.

__________________

 

I got in as quietly as I could. Dan might have been sleeping; it was hard to tell with the divider blocking us. I lay in bed scrolling through my phone, ads upon ads, upon ads. It was like companies thought we wanted to be sold to all the time; it was annoying. Increased my anxiety and made my heart palpitate. I huffed out a sigh, staring at the ceiling.

“Are you awake?” I whispered.

I was met with silence and a heavy sigh. Almost as if he were snoring, falling into a deep sleep.

“Mmhmm,” he murmured.

“What do you like to do for fun?”

“What kind of question is that?”

“A fun one, we don’t know about each other's personal lives outside of work.”

“Fair, uh, let's see…I like gardening and I have a greenhouse,” his tone was whimsical, “and you?”

“I would have never guessed you liked plants so much.”

“Yeah, it's why I usually don’t tell anyone. What’s your favorite color?”

I replied, “Pink, what's the point of that question?”

“It's fun, mine's Red. Any dark secrets, skeletons in your closet?”

I had to think about it hard, knowing my stalker was watching me, “No, I don’t unfortunately.”

“Interesting.”

“What does that mean?”

“I think that you think people don’t know who you are. I can overlook it, though.”

“What are you getting at?” I reached over to move the divider, my brow furrowed and my face growing red.

“Do I have to spell it out for you?” he pulled up a downloaded video; the face was cut off, but it was my body on full display. Shit. How long did he know?

“When and how and fucking why?”

“I figured it out by your replies, and your following is massive by the way.”

I rolled over, turning my back to him, “I don’t anymore.”

He didn’t seem fazed by the video; in fact, the opposite happened - he was amused.

“I’m not fucking judging you. I honestly don’t care.”

He moved from his bed to mine, his weight dipped with the mattress, and cool air snaked its way between the sheets. He wrapped his arm around me, and his chin sat on the top of my head.

“And I don’t mind being here with you.”

I felt guilty being in the same bed as him; it was like I was doing something I shouldn’t be. This was high school all over again, except for my stalker who dressed head to toe in leather.

“I also don’t sleep with that many men.” I shrugged out of his grasp.

“Ouch, I think you broke my heart,” he said, mockingly throwing a hand over his chest.

“Didn’t you say we had rules? I don’t remember you telling me about them.”

“More like boundaries instead of rules, so my first question to you is, do you want to go on a date with me?”

“I thought we had already done that,” I huffed.

“No, like a real date, date?”

I thought about it for a second; he was persistent so I could give him that. Weighing the pros and cons, what would a date entail exactly, or where would he take me? Did I have an outfit for whatever the occasion he had in mind? I didn’t want to have a choice in the matter.

“Yes, I will…would like to go on a date with you.”

“Perfect, be ready at six p.m. tomorrow,” he winked and headed back to his bed.

Even if it was just for a moment, I could be happy; I grabbed every chance I could. Who knew what would be waiting for me at home. It could have been just a dream today or something real; I could feel it in my gut. I felt guilty for even thinking it and bringing people into it when they had no idea. Tomorrow was a new day, and I could sneak off to finish my task before six. I hoped that guy–Joshua—wasn’t going to be there tomorrow morning. I didn’t want to risk him following me or us around; I couldn’t be hounded with questions I wouldn’t be able to answer.

Chapter 9: The Real Deal...I Mean, Date

DAN (POV)

Last night, I thought she would have said no. She wasn't exactly forthcoming about certain information, but I painstakingly forced it out of her—a regret. I patted my face dry and applied my favorite aftershave. I've been on dates with plenty of women, but I didn't feel this way when we had our not-date, date. I brushed and moussed my hair until it was perfect.

The Morning was uneventful; schmoozing with people was my strong suit. I still had a way with people, though. It's what made me good at running my own company. I was familiar with the industry's ins and outs and knew how to play the game. It helped that I had the family name too. Tomorrow, maybe Abby will accompany me. Sometimes it felt like I was circling her like a predator; I wasn't forcing her, but it felt like that.

God, I was nervous. I tried to keep my mind off what I would say or do and how far she would want to take things tonight. I thought of lunch with Mr.Porter instead. He was one of the heads of a conglomerate and partnered with me. I hope to get enough money out of them to retire on. I honestly didn't care; I had way too much money anyway. However, traveling can get expensive, and one day I may want kids. Again, I was thinking too far ahead. Would she still want to be with me then?

My reflection mocked me.

I made reservations at a lovely spot. An Italian restaurant with outside seating, and I requested that the patio be empty. I wasn't about to share my time with others, as selfish as that was. I turned to look at my shaven face, making sure I got every spot and I looked like a fucking poster boy for ‘how to look like a douche’. I quickly ran my hands through my hair, loosening it up, and I would have looked better if I hadn’t shaved.

I feel the heaviness in my pocket. Opening the blue velvet box one last time to see the pink sapphire staring back at me. I still had the same feeling when I saw it in the window. Reminding me of her, maybe that was too sappy, and perhaps, I was going a little too fast.

________________

When I arrived with the car and driver, I texted her to come down and waited for what felt like forever. The air had a slight chill, but not as bad as back home. I kept checking my reflection in everything I could; I wanted this to be a night she wouldn’t forget. I was looking down when I heard the elevator open. Red lipstick, a short pea coat, and heels with legs that made me want to skip dinner.

I tried to think of anything else, but my mind would not calm down. It took everything in me not to have her right here and now.

“You clean up well,” she said.

“Same to you.”

Opened the car door for her as she slid in with ease, and I was careful not to get too close.

“I wanted to apologize for last night,” I said

She shied away from me, “Oh, um… It’s fine. I mean, not a lot of people understand.”

“Well, it doesn’t change the way I see you, nothing changes.”

“Oh, and how do you see me?”

Before I could think, “The way your hair brushes against your back, how dark your eyes are, I can’t stop thinking about you.”

She looked down, red lipstick accentuating her full lips. It was the truth, and if she didn’t see it that way, it would be a shame. The ride was bumpy, and this driver wasn’t the best. We kept getting jolted around and almost rear-ended someone, I swear I would carry us home.

“How was your day? I’m sure the break helped?” I asked, placing my hand over hers.

“So nice, I got my hair done and nails,” she held up her hand to show me, “and I finally took a bath this morning.”

It was nice to see her with a certain ease; we had only been in the car for twenty minutes. Already, we were getting to know each other on a personal level, and I hoped I wouldn’t say or do something stupid. I knew she would have forgiven me any other time except for tonight. It was what I needed to think to make sure I was on my best behavior.

The car finally stopped, and the driver opened our door. The bright lettering of the sign glowed in the moonlight. ‘Venissa’. Inside, the place was filled with people, some stared as we entered. The place catered to an older clientele, primarily women and men fifty-plus. Yes, I knew I had a beautiful young woman by my side, and I wasn’t going to let her go anytime soon.

“You must be Mr. Decker,” The blonde said, wearing a black uniform and a perky smile.

“You would be correct.”

“Right this way,” she walked a little too joyously for the establishment.

We followed her right to the back. The patio had warming lights around our table, as well as hanging lights. Abby shrugged off her coat, draping it over the back of the chair in one swift movement. The black dress she wore hugged her curves nicely, and I had no thoughts or air in my lungs.

“Dan, are you okay?”

I was still standing behind her.

Her voice knocked me out of my daze. “Sorry, you look… great,” I said, sitting down adjacent to her.

“Do you come here often?” she asked, laughing.

“Oh yes, very funny.”

Our waiter poured two glasses of the red wine I picked out. “I would like to get to know you better. Where you grew up and how, what were traditions like in your family, y’know?”

“Where do I begin. I grew up in Florida, attended Florida State University (FSU), and graduated with a bachelor's degree in communication. Which I am not doing so well right now, but I don’t have a family. It was my sister and I, and I don’t talk to her that much now.” She half smiled at me, looking up from her menu. “Our parents were alcoholics, so we ignored them until we were old enough to move out. Not so lucky, I moved out at 17 and met a sleazeball of a man who tried to traffic me.”

She wasn’t used to places or experiences like this, if ever. I felt bad, but I knew my upbringing was just as bad, if not worse. I grew up on money, and that made everyone look at me differently. I grew up with assholes and narcissists around every corner. At least she had a sibling who liked her, and if I could get rid of my family, I would.

“Florida, huh?... I don’t mean it in a bad way. You don’t peg me as the type to have grown up there.”

“I get that a lot, I didn’t mind it, though the bugs and animals are terrible.”

“Okay, what about you?”

“What about me?”

“I would like to hear how you grew up rich, with a family.”

“My family was not better; I may well have not had one to begin with. I was born first after my two older brothers, Tyler and Trevor, who are twins. Trevor decided to go away and never return, which left my mom in a depressed state for years. I think he lived with another family member overseas. I was fifteen when it happened, and I had to take care of my mom since our dad wouldn’t. He never loved her, but they tried for another child anyway. I was going to have a sister, but she was never born. I’m sure you can figure out the rest.” I rubbed my sweaty palms against my pants.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“Yeah, well, don’t be. I tried to run the family business, then decided it wasn’t for me.”

“What was the ‘family business?’ “

“I would rather not talk about that, it's truly depressing. Maybe ask Tyler next time.” I blew off the question, but it was rather disturbing to talk about. Truth be told, I wasn’t legally allowed to mention anything.

Our waiter came back over, setting down a tray of appetizers. Tonight I wanted our date to be stress-free. It felt good to call this a date finally. A breeze passed by, letting me get a hint of the vanilla perfume she was wearing.

I watched her take a couple of bites, and her lipstick imprinted on the wine glass. It was a pretty sight, I almost forgot we were supposed to be sharing. The food was delicious, or was it that when I was with her, it made everything better? We shared a moment of silence, letting each other soak up our traumatic childhoods.

“Can I ask you something that might be awkward?”

“I don’t know anything that you could ask me that would be awkward.”

“We never…we get close, but you never fully go through with us having sex.”

“More like a statement than a question, I have my reasons,” I grunted.

“That didn’t answer my question.”

“Look, you’re not like most women I sleep with,” I saw her face fall, “trust me, it’s a good thing, I usually never call.”

She narrowed her eyes at me.

“Take it how you will, but I don’t want to fuck up what I have.”

“I think I like you too,” she said, smirking at me.

The table was cleared, and dessert was presented in front of us. A chocolate dome, with hot chocolate on the side, meant to be poured over. It wasn’t my favorite, but it made for an experience. Besides, it’s what they had on hand on short notice. I tried not to once again stare at her mouth, thinking of all it could do to me.

Until I felt the box, hard and stiff in my jacket, which wasn’t the only thing that was, not what I needed to be thinking about. I pulled it out and set it on the table, sliding it towards her. I felt her eyes grow wide, like I was right and may have been moving too fast. I needed to give her an explanation before she ran away and never talked to me again.

“I just saw it and I thought you would like it. Nothing more, don’t think too hard about it.”

Rolling her eyes, “I’m glad I don't have to worry about you proposing, hopefully not soon.”

She opened the box carefully, like it might explode. I couldn’t read her expression as she was looking down. I gripped my knee hard, that my knuckles went white while holding my breath. Her fingers ran over the necklace with a gentle touch.

I would be first to break the silence again, “Too much?”

Seconds passed, I had never seen a woman so speechless. Shit, it was too much.

“Can you help me?” she asked, holding it up.

I rose from my seat slowly, walking over to her side, and moved her hair to the side. My hands graced the side of her neck, eliciting goosebumps over her skin. My hands shook unnecessarily slow, I never knew before how bad and good it felt to like someone so much. Did I like Sofi this much?, Now was not the time to reminisce on the past.

The pink sapphire, emerald-cut, glowed against her skin. Hanging between her breasts,
“I think we should go,” I said.

“I agree, it’s getting rather windy and cold.” Her teeth chattered while I helped her put on her coat. “You’re not cold?”

“I’m wearing a full suit,”

“Touche.”

The ride back was less than stellar, but my mind was on other things. My pants felt tighter. If I said I was uncomfortable, that would be an understatement. I didn’t have anything else prepared except for housekeeping to tidy the room before we got back. Although I wasn’t going to expect anything out of this, and I hoped she didn’t think that I wanted something.

I knew it was just a date, but she was her own person, and I wasn’t doing anything wrong. Was this wrong? We were nowhere in the same position of power, and taking advantage was the last thing I wanted to do.

“I was thinking instead of going back to the room right away. We could take a walk,” her hand rested on my thigh.

I turned my head to her, “That sounds great.”

Her hand felt hot against me, branding my skin. I thought I was going to lose it; I needed to have her right here and now. I really couldn’t wait any longer; every touch, every kiss, everything about her drove me wild. I needed a release. I have never been so needy for a woman who may or may not be that interested in me. I rolled down the window a little, cooling off. I took off my jacket. I knew wearing a full suit would be a problem.
__________________

We found a park nearby, with a small lake and a lit-up fountain in the middle. It looked like a corporate addition of groomed lawns, and a soft, spongy mat covered the bottom of the playground. Good thing no one was around to see us, but still, anyone could walk by. Some bugs were out, but not enough to annoy me. Thank god, it wasn’t the middle of summer. The lights illuminated the pathway, which wasn’t too bright.

She was leading me around, I had to take a few glances to look at her from behind again. Sexy.

“Abby, I–” grabbing her attention, pressing her back into a pole.

Snaking my hand around her waist and grabbing her chin, with a firm and aggressive pressure, our lips met. My tongue explored how good she tasted. I forgot how good this was weeks ago. I wanted this feeling to be forever. I felt her arms tighten around my neck, drawing me in closer. Feeling her whole body pressed up against mine, drawing my lips harder to hers, almost bruising. She bit my bottom lip, letting me know she wanted more.

Not here though, not here. I swear, if we don’t have the privacy I need to take her, then I will never forgive myself.

“Abby…please—”

“Yeah?” she sounded innocent..

“Not here…” I said, her arms pulling me down, “We will, but—”

“Uh-huh.”

My hands moved fast down her body, caressing every curve, stopping at her hips. I forced my mouth away from hers.

“Abby, not here,” I growled.

I was nearly dragging her as we hurried back to our room, not more than two blocks away. I have been waiting months if not years for this moment. I could hear her heels click against the concrete, matching the pace of my steps. I needed to taste, touch, listen, and see her exposed to me. I wanted to see her come undone in the way that I have been dreaming. I wanted to see the flush across her skin, and I wanted to give her every inch. My heart was racing, too fast.

I fumbled the key fob out of my pocket, trying to open the door as fast as I could. We both needed this but it felt like I needed this more than she did. It felt like I was breaking into a fortress more than anything. Then fumbled for the room key, the room was dark as I pushed her up against the wall. She grazed her leg up my side, while I grabbed her thigh and pushed myself against her.

I pushed myself away and pinned her wrists above her head. My thumb traced her bottom lip, and somehow, her red lipstick wouldn’t smudge. Rolling her hips against my erection.

I nipped at her lower ear, “All you have to do is say stop, and I will,” I whispered.

“I won’t,” she smiled, and sucked on my finger, making eye contact, “I’m ready for you.”

“I don’t think you are baby girl.”

I have known my blessing was a gift and a curse. In my younger years, I have been known to hurt some women without any preparation. I had a feeling, to some degree, I could be rough with her, but I wasn’t sure just how much.

Her fingers gripped my shirt, unbuttoning, she smirked when getting to my t-shirt underneath. She snaked her hands underneath, but I had other plans. I turned her around, and the front of her was pushed up against the wall. Yanking the zipper down on her dress, exposing her back.

Biting the side of her neck, “Get on the bed, baby.”

Turning on the side light to see her better. Rose petals adorned the white bedspread, and champagne on ice sat on the nightstand. I was shocked as I hadn’t planned for this, maybe there was a mix-up with the rooms.

“Such a romantic,” she said, kicking off her heels and climbing on the bed.

“Uh, yeah, I–.”

Gripping a petal between her fingers, “I like it.”

I was mad, even if it was a happy accident, I would have choice words for the staff in the morning. Right now, I wanted to focus on her and what I could do, how far was she willing to go? She laid down on her stomach, begging me to make love to her.

“How much do you want it?” I stood in front of her, taking off my belt. Her eyes looked hungry for what was about to come. She slid down my zipper as I unbuttoned my pants. Stroking my length. Her brown eyes looking up at me through long lashes had me on edge.

“Oh my…god, how–” she breathed.

“Shhh,” resting the tip against her lips.

She was hesitant at first, then began teasing me, licking the tip, sucking gently. Let her take in how big I was, easy and slow. I wrapped my fingers through her hair and pushed any stray strands away from her face. I loved seeing myself between her lips; she was trying so hard to take me.

“That’s it, take your time, baby,” taking a little bit more of me each time, “I can’t wait to see how well you take me.”

She looked so sexy, vulnerable. Saliva coated my shaft, dripping onto the bed and down her chin. I was so close to hitting the back of her throat. I wanted her undone, messy, and all mine. I was going to come if she kept at it, slow, steady, messy, I gently thrust my hips, testing her.

She moaned softly. I thrust a little more; it would be so easy to lose control.

“Want me to bruise the back of your pretty throat?” Degradation suited her. “Would you like that?”

“Mmmhmmm,” she hummed.

“Breathe through your nose, baby girl.”

I controlled my thrusts. I was careful, and I wasn’t going to betray her trust in me. I had so much more planned for her tonight, a lot more. I waited for how many years of pent-up energy just to get to this point.

Spilling myself down her throat, holding myself in her as I finished. Acting a lot stronger than I knew she was.

“That’s it, baby, you’re such a good girl.”

I finally kneeled to her level, smudged mascara, eyeliner, and tears of black stained her cheeks. Brushing my fingers against her cheeks.

“You didn’t hurt me, I’m sorry I couldn’t—”

“You did your best,” I whispered, “I have so much more to give you.”

She nodded in understanding.

“Sit back against the pillows,” I demanded.

She obeyed, a hint of white peeked out between her legs. I crawled toward her with a hunger in my eyes. Gripping her thighs and spreading her wide for me.

“Are these new?”

White lace panties. Soaked. I felt how wet she was through the thin fabric, the fabric that separated me from her. Musk and sweat filled my nose. Fuck. Me.

“Only for you,” her tone was soft.

I ripped the expensive lace, exposing her fully. I was met with a dark patch of neatly trimmed hair with the rest bare. Taking in her scent made me ready all over again. I explored her wetness with my fingers, stroking and teasing. Letting her feel my breath get close, then pull away, I liked feeling her squirm, pushing in two fingers deeply. She let out a gasp.

“Look at how wet you are…almost ready for me,” holding my glistening fingers up for her to see.

Tasting her and teasing myself.

“Pink and perfect,” I murmured.

My tongue flicking and playing, exploring further. I gave myself time to let her come, no matter how long it took. I held her hips down to keep her from moving. I felt like my world had stopped. A new wet spot formed on the bed, and I filled her once again with my fingers. One, teasing. Two, filling. Three, curling deep, squirting, and her legs shaking.

I let her cum flow over and over into my mouth. I lost count of how many gasps and moans came out of her. How many times her hands relaxed as I let her come down. Instilling false confidence, beginning again, only for her to grip the sheets harder. How many times she wanted to buck her hips, while I wouldn’t let her.

When I was satisfied and through, “I wish you could see how beautiful you look.”

I let her slide off the dress, it was a shame I overlooked her breasts. At the moment, I wasn’t even thinking about them. I needed to get between her thighs so bad. My mouth covered one of her nipples, taking my time with each breast. Her body trembled, so sensitive.

“Dan, please,” she begged.

“Tell me exactly what you need.”

She whimpered, “Your…cock.”

The way she said it, oh, my, god. Positioning myself to her entrance.

Sliding into her slowly. So tight, “let me know–.”

“Dan, please,” she panted.

I watched myself thrust into her, “Your holes take me so well, baby girl.” My hand gripped around her neck. Fresh tears stained her cheeks as she whimpered in pleasure. I was going so slow, making her feel every inch, like I promised.

Her stomach and breasts jiggled with each more brutal thrust. Seeing her body for the first time like this was a gift. My balls slapped against her, skin on skin, filling the room. I groaned as she tightened around me.

Running her fingers down my stomach, “Don’t stop. More…more.”

I came hard inside, filling her up with so much of my seed. We were hot and sweaty, despite the room being cool. Her back arched as I kept thrusting into her, wet, hot, and sticky. Pulling myself out of her, my cum spilling onto the bed.

“Wow, Dan, holy fucking gods,” she moaned.

I laughed, “If you think I’m done, you would be wrong.”

I got up and took her hand, leading her to the bathroom. I bent her over the sink.
“Look at me, make love to you.”

Our eyes met in the mirror. Spanking her, leaving my handprint, and entering her from behind. Her hands gripped the counter hard, her knuckles were white. Sticking a finger or two in her exposed ass, made her buck back into me. Slapping her ass harder this time. She looked away.

“Don’t make me force you to look at me,” I said, a vile attempt at a threat.

“Yes, sir,” she said, biting her lower lip.

I loved that she was ruined, begging, and possibly sore. It’s what made her mine, enjoying watching her. It's what I relished the most, even if she didn’t want me after this, because maybe I was too rough or not enough. Spilling into her one last time, I made this one count, until I was completely done.

__________________

I watched the water and soap slide down her back. I pulled her in close, kissing, touching, massaging, easing her back to a calm state, brushing her hair gently with my fingers. My heart rate was coming down with hers, and I was in much of a shock as she was. Her eyes were closed while I wiped a washcloth over her skin. We were in here for a while, my hands started to prune.

It took a while to get back under the covers. Using my body heat to warm her up.

“That was amazing and exhausting,” her voice was rough.

“I have been patiently waiting for you.”

Squeezing her body into mine a little more.

Chapter 10: The Converstion

I woke up, the room was still dark, and I had to use the bathroom. Our session ended with me chugging a ton of water. A smile grew on my face at how amazing it all was, how big he was, how gentle yet demanding. He took care of me in a way I never could have imagined.

I reached for my phone, and the screen lit up the room. A text appeared, “How romantic? I thought it was a nice touch, don't you? Don't forget who you belong to. Kitten.”

Another.

“You will regret it if you disobey me.”

Lying next to Dan, watching the messages come through. It felt like cheating. How was I supposed to keep this from him? I had to tell him eventually, or I could just leave. I thought about which was worse, making him believe I didn't want to be with him, or a woman with more trauma than what I already told him.

He looked peaceful. I was hoping he wouldn't take me to the conference today. I didn’t want to be around a bunch of rich men who could do whatever they wanted. I could focus on the demand that was given to me. Dan fluttered his eyes open. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I have to use the bathroom.”

“Hurry back.”

I quickly shuffled myself across the room in half darkness. I shut the door and began to sob quietly. Life can be cruel sometimes, making me hate myself for having to make a choice. I splashed my eyes with cold water, letting the redness in my eyes calm down. It wasn’t my fault anyway, even the idea left a bad taste. I’m not sure why I let my mind wander to comparing the two men. One had my heart, and the other was a cruel, vicious stalker. To be honest, I was lost in the effort to move past either one, which had problems in and of itself. Was I broken or just fucked up?

The room was cold now, but it was nice after our interaction earlier, but I would end up clammy in a few hours. I couldn't find my pajamas, so I grabbed Dan’s shirt and wrapped it around me. Climbing back into bed.

He wrapped his arm around me, “Come here.”

I could feel his erection pressing up against me again. He came three times and still has more to give me. I was sore all over just thinking about it, but I wanted it despite the fact. At least I enjoyed the freedom, a sliver of a chance to be happy.

My phone alarm went off this time, and I struggled to get up. Dan's arm was heavy, I was trying to push it off. When I finally got to my phone, I silenced it before it fell to the floor, letting out a groan.

Kisses and the prickle of stubble tickled my neck. His hands roamed over my skin.

Pulling on the shirt I was wearing, “This is a problem, it's in my way.”

I turned to face him, “Dan, not right now. I’m…sore.”

“Mmhmm, I bet.”

“Don’t you want to get breakfast?” I asked.

“Sure, if it involves you.” he moved my hair to the side, his breath hot on my neck.

“Dan, not right now, please,” I said, once more.

“Fine, we’ll order in.”

He rubbed his eyes, staring at the ceiling for a minute before he grabbed the hotel phone. Ordering eggs, fruit, toast, and I forgot he ate healthy, no pancakes or french toast. I wrapped the covers around me, burritoing myself. The smell of his shirt was a mix of cologne and sweat, and it was intoxicating. The only other question I had was how long he had been watching my cam shows? Or was it a one-time thing? I pushed the thought back into my mind, as there was a knock on the door. I opened my eyes to see Dan carting our food in and dressed like he was ready for the day.

I walked over to the small table, sitting adjacent to him. I grabbed eggs and fruit first. I wasn’t going to eat a bunch of carbs, at least not over the weekend. He sat sipping his coffee and watching me intensely.

“You’re…very pretty this morning, and I see you’re very hungry.” he grabbed a piece of strawberry from my plate. “You’re bad at sharing. We might have to fix that.”

“What are we?” I asked.

He ran his hands through his hair. “That depends on what you want ‘us’ to be?”

“Shouldn’t we come to a mutual agreement?”

“Abbey, I have already made up my mind about ‘us’ and I’m not telling you because I won’t force a decision onto you.”

He shifted in his seat, like he was nervous, and cleared his throat. “Let me ask you this, did you like last night?”

“Yes, very much.”

“What color are my eyes?”

“What does that–”

“No peeking,” Dan closed his eyes.

“That’s easy, hazel,”

When he opened his eyes to show me I was right, I was staring– green, not hazel. I was wrong. How was it that I worked almost every day with the man and never noticed the color of his eyes? We had sex last night, and I never noticed…how.

“You rarely make eye contact, and last night you avoided mine. Why?”

I wasn’t shy; eye contact was awkward for me, and it’s been a while since I was in a relationship or slept with someone.

“I have never been very good at it.” I guessed.

“Then you will learn that too.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m trying to get you out of your comfort zone. Try new things.”

“My comfort zone is staying in, I rarely try new things.”

Unless I'm forced.

He chuckled. “You’ll come around.” He said it as if he were sure of it; did he even know me?

He grabbed my hand, gently, sending a shiver down my spine. “I like you, Abbey, I’m only going to say this once, so listen carefully. I do watch your cam sessions, and it’s not about what's between your legs that has me falling for you. I like to watch your face, body language, and the way you move. You seem lonely yet fulfilled. Like you're waiting for someone to come home, kiss you, make love to you. But when you’re done, you seem lost and all that’s left is a pretty flush of pink left behind from your neck to cheeks, and that is all I think about.”

“It truly doesn’t bother you?”

“Not at all, and it seems you like it too.”

“I do,” I whispered.”

“Good, then we're on the same page and I won’t be skipping any chapters.”

There was no way there would be an ‘us’. Even if we kept our work professional, I think that people would have nasty words for us anyway. He seemed pretty calm today, like he had nowhere to be in a hurry. Wearing a light pink dress shirt, with the arms rolled up, and tan khakis. His forearms once again made me blush with excitement.

“I do have to go and take care of some things. We have to leave tonight so, do whatever you want today.”

“Oh, um, I promised some interns I’d put in a good word for them.”

Raising his eyebrows, “Did you now?”

“I’ll write them letters of recommendation, let me know their names when I get back.”

He didn’t ask me to come with him? I wondered why. It wasn’t my place to question why, though. I was grateful for this opportunity to get myself together and do my due diligence. He nibbled at the food a bit before finishing his coffee, getting ready to leave. He set a black, thick credit card on the counter. I haven’t seen this one before, but I probably won’t use it.

________________________

I moved over to the bed and opened my laptop, starting my little show. His words rang through my head, and I was suddenly aware of each little movement I made. It’s not like we were serious yet after one session of intimacy, repeating that to myself. I waved to my fans, greeting them. The comment section was blowing up as usual. My name here is Gemma.

‘Back again, beautiful?’

‘Missed you.’

‘You stopped posting once a week, where were you, princess?’

It was nice to get praise, I might well have been my favorite kink. I took out my toy from the side table; it wasn’t new, but a classic that my fans knew well. The way Dan’s shirt draped over my body made me feel an unexplained confidence.

‘You know your way around a toy, how is your skill with a real cock?’

‘The shirt is a sexy addition, I can see you wearing mine.’

‘Let’s see how wet your thighs are, spread them for us, honey.’

Yes, I liked this even more now. I posed and showed myself on the internet in the most vulnerable way. It made me feel complete again, like when someone accomplishes a goal. I thought of Dan and how I couldn’t satisfy myself the way he did. I was now broken by his cock, his lips, his body, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

The way he filled me and bent me over the sink, demanding my attention. He said he didn’t mind me doing this, but would he feel different if he saw the men competing for my attention? The way I was exposed to a wide audience of men. The way their comments affected me, granted it was through a screen, I was glad I wasn’t in a room full of these hungry and horny men. Next time, there might just be a video for his eyes only.

I came, panting, as my chest rose and fell. My heart felt like it would explode, maybe I was wrong again for thinking I was broken. I did almost everything my captor asked, and I wasn’t even held hostage in his basement, yet. I knew the day when he would come for me, and stop playing this game. More praise pinged from the screen. I wondered if Dan was among them. If he was notified I was online, that terrified me for questions later. Questions I probably couldn’t answer.

Several private chats popped up, figuring out which one was my stalker was easy.

“You look good, kitten.”

“Are you here to ruin my day? I already received your messages this morning.”

“Then you know who your priorities are to.”

“Leave Dan out of it.”

“I can’t help myself if I’m a little jealous although I might have to fix that.”

“You already took everything from me, what’s one more thing right?”

My emotions took over, and my chest felt heavy as tears ran down my face. My head started to pound, and my vision blurred. I felt so weak, I needed Sasha here to tell me I would be okay, that she understood, I needed her right now.

“You look beautiful when you're scared.”

I shut the laptop quickly. Again playing games with my head, why or how many people were keeping an eye on us. That is what I wanted to know, Ethan two days ago and now him private messaging me. I’m sure he saw everything that happened between Dan and I. I also wasn’t quite sure what his obsession was with either one of us, but I was scared to go back home. Biting the inside of my cheek until it bled.

The rest of the afternoon, I lay in bed with a migraine after I took my medication. It wouldn’t kick in for an hour or so, but at least I had everything I needed here. I couldn’t stop thinking about the similarities between the two men who were obsessed with me.

_____________________

The sound of the door shutting woke me up. Dan arrived a little later than usual. I could hear him quietly walk around the room, pacing. He was nervous, but I couldn’t read his expression; the room was too dark. Damn how long was I asleep for? Looking over at the bright red lettering of the digital clock, 6 pm.

He huffed out a sigh, collapsing onto the bed next to me, “We're not leaving tonight, we’ll leave in the morning.”

“Sounds good,” I said, yawning.

“Want to go for a swim?”

“Sure,”. I got up to put on my swimsuit, which was a thong one-piece. I’m sure it would get him excited as I threw on a cover-up.

“I’ll meet you out there.”

I took my time gathering a towel, sandals, and messed with my hair a fair bit before deciding to throw it up in a messy bun. I walked down the hallway. Hotels have always made me feel like I was about to get murdered. There were usually very few people around and horrible lighting. Either some lights were too bright or they were burnt out.

I managed to find my way to the large, open pool, where two other people were. I assumed either everyone had gone or were busy with an orgy. I honestly don’t know what rich people do in their spare time.

Dan was swimming laps when I came out, making out the muscles in his back each time he stroked forward. I sat next to his chair and took off my sandals. The concrete was still warm, and the sun looked beautiful over the water. Although there were some gray clouds, I dipped my feet in, sitting on the edge.

Dan swam over to me, “Going to get in, please tell me you can swim,” he teased.

I joined him, and the water was cool. He grabbed me around the waist, pushing my back into the wall. Who knew it was possible to be wet when you already were wet. The quickness of our breath matched each other, and I began to feel lighter. Wrapping my legs around him. Our lips met, gently brushing, teasing, biting his lower lip. His erection pressed against my stomach.

“Mmmm, fiesty.”

“You started it.” I giggled.

“Let’s see what else I can start,” he laughed low in my ear. His hand stroked my thigh and settled between my legs. His hand massaged over the material, providing friction. Sending goosebumps down my arms. My body was needy for him, running my hands through his hair. This weekend, I will have had more orgasms than in a single week.

My body shuddered against him, my hips bucked forward out of reflex. “That's a good girl,” he said, grabbing my face to forcibly look at him, sent another wave of pleasure through me.

He let my head tilt back as he kissed and sucked on my neck. We were oblivious whether or not there was anyone else watching, although I wouldn’t have minded. He was different tonight though, like something was on his mind.

“Slow down.”

He stopped once my body calmed down. “Are you okay? Did I hurt–”

“No,” I blurted out too quickly, “No, it's– this is too fast for me right now.”

He let me go, reality catching up with me, of feeling guilty for what I had done in our room earlier wasn’t helping. What was I saying, ‘our room’, like it had a special meaning? We weren’t that serious yet, I kept telling myself that. I needed to get some distance to think.

I got out of the pool and walked over to sit on the folding chair, wrapping my towel around me. He did a couple more laps before joining me. His body was dripping with water, making his muscles even more defined, curse him. Why do I have to go and mess up a perfect moment, It wasn’t like I was rejecting him. I just needed to take my time; he would be the fifth guy I would have taken seriously in my life.

Although I was familiar with older men wanting me, saying I was an old soul. Or it could have been the fact that my English teacher was good-looking and I completely fell for that line. Making out and having my first time in the back of a car behind an alley wasn’t so hot. I needed that grade to graduate, though, so I guess it worked.

“Relationships don’t come easily for me,” I said.

Letting out a sigh. “I’m willing to go as slow as you need.”

“You could have any woman who would give herself to you completely.”

“I have had hundreds of women, but they were all the same, with me for the money. You don’t seem to care about that, though.”

He was right.

 

___________

I quickly showered, letting water strip chlorine from my body and hair. Dan got in behind me, rubbing soap on my body again. Comforting me, hoping this wouldn’t end, there were a lot of things he didn’t do well. And other things he did very well, like sucking up to me in a subtle way. He was nothing but action; no words could describe how I felt with him.

Wrapping his arms around me, the feeling was too comfortable for me, not what I was usually used to. None of my partners were the cuddly type, let alone sleeping in the same bed. The air was thick with steam, and as he dried me off, he wasn’t even attempting a kiss right now. He was a confusing man. I wondered what decision he had already made up in his mind about ‘us’.

Chapter 11: Now They All Know...Just Not How Bad, Yet

The plane ride home wasn't too bad, if you don't count the speed bumps on the runway– a joke. I couldn't wait to see Sasha, I would tell her—almost– everything. I knew working with Dan would be awkward, too, since we were getting to know each other on an intimate level. Theresa would be the only person to catch on if he did allow us to be caught.

The only thing I couldn't stand would be office sex. It's one of those things you read in books that sound sexy but in reality isn't. Who's to say you can't hear grunts and moans behind the door? The last thing we needed were eavesdroppers. He didn't say a word about us, though, only commenting on my smutty vampire book. There was zero smut.

My house was unfiltered, nothing touched. I expected as much since my stalker knew I'd be gone over the weekend. I took out my phone, getting ready to call Sasha, answering on the first ring.

“Hey girl, how was the conference with Mr.Boss?”

“Don't call him that, and it was good.”

“Dish, you're being cryptic and a bad liar. Spill it.”

“What? We had separate rooms.” My voice went high-pitched.

“Seperate rooms my ass…Paul may have mentioned something.”

“They know each other, on a personal level?”

“Yeah, I didn't know either until I saw his texts. Did you also know they're going away on a boys' weekend?”

“That leaves room for girls' weekend, then.”

“Yes, definitely, but I'm also worried. He told me they’d be fine and no naked women, yadda, yadda, yadda.”

“If Dan is going, then yeah, probably no strippers.”

“What does that mean?”

“He's not the type.”

“You sure about that?”

 

I rolled my eyes. “Shut up. So this weekend we'll Uber downtown.”

“Yesss!” She screeched over the phone, blasting my eardrum before hanging up.

 

Thursday came around, and Sasha had a brilliant idea to skip work and go shopping. She needed new clothes for this weekend and other items. While I tagged along, the storefronts were polished, unlike the many thrift and consignment stores I'd ventured to. It was like they all had the same designer pick out the lettering. Easy to read and clean, too many clean lines, there was no room for dirt or dust.

Clothes and bags were neatly organized throughout the space. It felt very clinical, with how clean everything was. I walked past a couple of dresses that had vile prints. I’m twenty-eight, not eighty. A vanilla brown slip dress caught my eye, calling my name. I picked it out to try on, since she was hounding me to try on something, and I quote, ‘It will make you feel better’.

The material was soft and clung to my curves, hitting just below the knee. I could see myself with Dan by my side, his hands roaming, loving the silkiness of it. That made me excited, plus it made me feel good. I stepped out, and Sasha's face lit up. “That's the one! Oh…hold on…here.” She came back with a cream cropped blazer.

“You look so good, your necklace really pops.”

I forgot I was wearing it for a second.

“Sasha, I don't know.”

“It's a perfect work slash club outfit, wear it tomorrow, and then we can hit the club after.” She was bouncing up and down excited.

“Fine.” I looked at the tags, which was over five hundred dollars. He paid me well, but c'mon, not that well. I couldn’t just throw money at whatever I wanted.

The shopping bag felt heavy, even though I only bought two things. Next on her list was a handbag. Looking for something cute and flirty, she said in passing, Paul was taking her to Fiji. I had to admit he did seem like the one for her. I hadn’t known him or met him in a while, so it’s hard to judge when he’s hardly around.

The sales associate greeted Sasha but ignored me. I didn't look out of place in my pink, flowered sundress and matching sneakers. I shrugged and looked at the bags on the wall. All people cared about was status; having the money to buy one of these was insane. I hoped they paid people well to justify the cost of selling them. She was never like this before; we wouldn't be caught dead in stores like these…well, until she met Paul.

I'm not even sure what he did for a living. The only time I saw his house was with his creepy friend, whose name escapes me. All I knew was that Paul and Dan were friends, close friends. They didn't disclose it, so either one of them had something to hide. My stomach turned, and I no longer felt comfortable.

“I would like to see the cream one,” Sasha said.

It made a statement; it was one hundred percent her. Her style was everything, while mine was feminine. I liked pink and everything soft and flowy. Vanilla was my signature scent after all.

“Did you want to look at anything?” Looking down at her name tag, ‘Sandy’ said.

I waved over to Sash. “I'm good, but thanks.”

“You must be interested in at least one,” Sasha said.

“I like the pink embroidered one, but it's too much, Sash.”

“Don't be ridiculous, you still have the card, don't you?

“It's for emergencies.” I was nervous, still holding on to it.

“It's not like he would care.”

I thought it over for a while, two thousand is a lot of money, and it was true he gave me permission to use it if I needed. Sasha stuck out her bottom lip, pouting with her big brown eyes wide, staring at me. That look made me break down every time. The first time she pulled it out on me was in high school. She wanted to go on a double date, and suffice it to say that night was a disaster.

I gave in, I also gave in buying lingerie, spending yet another three hundred in the hopes that Dan would forgive me for spending his money on trivial things. Tomorrow, I would be handed my ass for barely doing my job. I'm sure Theresa was driving him mad right about now.

All day, going in and out of stores was exhausting. The moment I got home was when I fell onto my sofa, closing my eyes to take a long nap before actually going to bed. I missed my house too much, all my belongings, and the familiarity that settled in me. I wondered what Dan’s house looked like; would it be just like the shops we went into, or would it be homey?

______________

Shit! I slept through the whole night, my back and neck cracked back into place. It must have been one hell of a day if I slept for 12 hours. I quickly showered, got dressed, and applied mascara and eyeliner. My outfit looked good when I looked at it all together. The dress matched my coloring, and the bag wasn't as harsh as I thought. I also hadn’t gotten sick in a week, so yeah, I looked healthier. To tie it all together, I threw on my favorite heels.

The office was busy; it always was on a Friday with people needing to meet deadlines. All projects should start weeks or even months in advance to meet the deadline. If you didn’t, then you would be shit out of luck and your team would suffer. As for me, it was quiet, I had to prepare schedules and meetings for all next week and picking teams that would be the best for the task at hand.

Theresa was the assistant to the assistants; she was responsible for filling and organizing everything we gave her. She and I reported directly to Dan, and if anything went wrong, we were the first to get blamed. The meeting was terribly boring this morning; I could barely keep my eyes open. I kept good notes, though, which made it easier to read back through later.

I was standing at my desk, sipping my coffee and enthralled in my work.

“Hey, so…” Theresa said, standing in front of my desk, startling me.

“What?”

“Dan is not in a good mood today.”

“So?” I should have known he hardly looked at me this morning.

Pointing at me. “You’re his direct assistant.”

“Theresa, he is fine, just going through some stuff.”

“I heard a rumor, he and Brittany got together.”

“It’s only a rumor.” I couldn’t help but feel jealous, a tiny bit. I knew better than that, but I should be at the forefront of that rumor. She was blonde, and as far as I knew, he disliked blondes; it was a fact if you took the time to get to know the guy.

“She’s telling everyone, I guess, and people think it’s true.”

“If you don’t mind, I have work to do, and so DO. YOU.”

Theresa slinked away with a sigh. I should be nicer to her.

I didn’t mind being bossy with her; in fact, I knew I would never get fired. I couldn’t do whatever I wanted, but close to it. That is, if he decides to make things more serious, I would have to find a different position. I couldn’t handle that amount of attention, and yes, I used to be a cam girl and have a stalker now, but I classify those as different entities. I was thousands of miles away from being normal.

My intercom went off, “Ms.Sommers, in my office now!”

He was irritated. I hated him like this. I walked over to his office, taking in a deep breath before entering. He sat at his computer as usual, but not typing, and staring intently at the screen. His eyes were ablaze, with his brow furrowed and lips in a tight line. He must have noticed my little excursion the other day. Shit.

“Come here,” he said.

I sat slowly and quietly, and I felt every inch of clothing against my skin. My heartbeat was lodged in my throat, and my skin was hot, pressing my ankles together.

“Yes, sir.”

“I think you know why you’re here.”

“Do I?”

“Was the three thousand a company expense?”

“Umm…I–”

“I don’t like writing you up, in fact, this is your first one.”

“Oh, I–.”

“Did I stutter?”

Shaking my head. “No, sir.”

“Stand up.” I obeyed.

He walked around the desk, looking a lot bigger than before, or I was imagining things. Standing behind me, his fingers caressed my neck, pushing my hair to the side and down my back. My breath hitched, it was difficult to suck in oxygen I needed for brain function. Was he doing what I think he was? His breath was hot on my ear. “Abbey, I hate doing this,” Playing with my hemline, sliding his hand over my thigh.

He grabbed the back of my head, suddenly, forcing my head down on the cool, hard desk. I was bent over, vulnerable, and heat grew between my thighs. There was no kissing, no gentleness, no caring. He slid my dress up higher, exposing my sensitive flesh. His hand was on my ass, the ring he was wearing was cold. Before I could register what was happening, my skin stung where his hand had been.

His body was heavy over mine. “I hope it was worth it.” Another sting went through me. I was going to have a bruise in the shape of his hand. “Are you going to make this a habit?”

I cried out softly, “No, sir.”

Every sting to my ass, felt good, like he was branding me to be only his. After this, I would be pleasurably sore, thinking if this was my write-up every time. I would break the rules more often, hoping our sessions would become more intense with each one.

“Good, baby girl.”

Sliding his fingers under my panties, pulling them down slowly. Heat rose inside of me, my thighs were slick with sweat, and my wetness. The thin fabric stopped at my ankles, and I stepped out of them for him, while the muscles in my legs went weak.

He helped me to stand, “If you do this again, writing you up may not be the only option.” I could feel him smiling behind my back.

Any other time I would be afraid to ask, but. “What would be the other option?”

“Don’t test me, Abbey.”

Was this our relationship now? Professionalism aside, we would be testing each other to see how far we could push our limits. If this was tame, I wondered what he could do next. We came to a mutual agreement on not having office sex, but there was no agreement on bending the rules. I had to go back out now and face everyone, my ass hurt and I was pantiless. I didn’t see him grab them, but when I looked back, they were gone.

The rest of the day, I couldn't stop thinking about what happened. Theresa stopped by to give her condolences. Apparently, Dan and Steve, the CFO, gave her hell a couple of times this week. I felt bad.

“Hey Theresa, want to come with Sasha and me for drinks tonight?” I asked as she walked past.

It's as if she rewound herself. “Sure, let me know where.”

She had a little bit more joy in her steps for an hour at least. I emailed her the directions and hoped she made it. I invited her, and the least she could do was show up.
_______________

The club was dark, colored lights flickered and streamed across the room. The DJ was up on stage blasting music from speakers on either side, the floor shaking with the beat. I could barely hear Sasha as we sat in our corner booth. It felt like it was ours now; every time we came, we would sit at the exact same table. The only time we didn’t was when a group of men hogged it, and we ended up with a flimsy center table. Theresa hadn’t shown up yet, and I was getting antsy. I fidgeted with the toothpick in my drink. Which was a spiked Shirley Temple, Sash always made fun of me for it.

I saw Theresa walk in wearing a sequined purple dress, which looked hideous, but nonetheless, I did invite her. I waved to her, so she could find us, and made her way through the sea of people. Dodging arms, legs, and torsos. “I’m glad you made it,” I said.

“This is Sasha.” Sasha extended her hand, and they shook hands firmly.

“Let’s get you a drink,” Sasha yelled.

“I don’t really drink, but I’d love to dance,” Theresa said.

They were yelling at each other over the music, and I could hardly hear a thing. It was busier tonight instead of the usual. There must have been an influx of college students, or a concert just ended. The air was sticky and thick, and I swear I could feel sweat droplets fall onto my skin. Even the booth was stickier than usual, like some fat guy just sat on it all day creating swamp ass. I got up and grabbed both Sasha's and Theresa’s hands. Guiding them over to the dance floor, I started to move in time with the music. Sasha followed my lead, and soon enough, a man who wasn’t Paul started grinding on her. It was like sex on the dance floor, and I completely lost Theresa. I looked over and she is already flirting with a guy over at the bar.

I felt someone press up against me, a big someone, whose hands roamed over my body. I tried moving myself away, but he grabbed my waist. “Don’t move, kitten,” he grunted into my ear, and I was now moving slowly through time. Caressing my silk dress, he pulled up my hemline to reach under and move his hand down my inner thigh. I was sweaty but not turned on; way too many people were watching. No one could save me with the amount of drugs going around; no one could see straight. I thought about Dan and what happened this afternoon. He texted me minutes before he was getting on a plane with Paul.

They were going to Florida, and I wished them a good time, although I wasn’t sure how it was going to work out with his brother joining them—a pointy object stuck in the middle of my back. I could feel my skin become wet as if I had just been cut. “Move,” the voice behind me said.

I knew this was him, exposed, without his suit of armor. But why now? And why here? He wouldn’t let me turn my head to face him. Leading me through the throng of drugged-up people to a secluded hallway. I kept my steps even and neutral, not to draw any attention. My bag was across my body with my phone tucked inside. If I knew one thing, it’s that Sasha kept a tracking device on me, just in case.

He forced me into a pitch-black closet, which smelled musty, like a storage closet. My back collided with a concrete wall with a soft thud. His hands and arms caged me in, and his mouth was on my ear. “I think you forgot who you belong to,” he said in a guttural tone, playing with the knife against my flesh. My palms were sweating, and I was going to pass out.

“I don’t think I did, Daddy.” My voice was shaking.

“I know what he calls you, kitten. What he does to you.”

“You’re watching us?” I thought he made assumptions, but honestly, watching us from a camera, why?

“Of course.”

My cheek stung, and my upper body bent forward; I was going to be sick. He grabbed me and sat me down on cold metal. The sharp edges dug into my skin, as he pried my legs open. My body felt heavy. I had no control over my limbs; I had to lie back to keep my head from swimming. I could feel his hands over me, and my body forcefully obeyed. He was rough, I tried to scream, but couldn’t, my eyes grew wide as I stared into the dark abyss.

I was completely numb. I tried kicking him off, trying so hard to stay conscious enough for Sasha to find me. Whatever he slipped me was working. My eyes fluttered closed as the only thing I felt was pressure between my legs before I was out cold.

_________________

 

I was running through the woods again, barefoot, tripping over a rock. My body was sticky, and hair clung to my face. I looked down at my hands, and I was covered in blood, but it wasn’t mine. I had no injuries. Looking behind me, his body lay on the forest floor. Blood pooled around him while wolves ate his innards. His eyes were open, staring at me, and I could see him mouth something incomprehensible. I started to heave. My heart was straining to beat, and my lungs weren’t taking in oxygen.

My eyes shot open, and bright lights blinded me; people with masks surrounded me. I quickly realized I wasn’t in danger when Sasha’s face came into view. I tried to slow down my breathing, and holy hell, I was sore. Were we running a marathon? Trying to bend my arm was a feat.

“You’re awake, that’s good,” Sasha smiled over me.

“Yeah,” my voice was dry and coarse like I had eaten sand.

“Don’t talk too much,” she whispered.

A nurse, or what I assumed to be a nurse, handed me a cup of water. I immediately chugged it, shit, I was thirsty. I could hear the faint sound of Theresa’s voice talking with someone, “She works for….forced?...drinking, yes….no, no…no just us… We’ll keep an eye on her.” Something about intoxication and assault? Was I drugged? The only thing I remember…I was going to be sick.

I hung my head over the side of the bed and heaved up all the contents of my stomach. Hands were holding my hair back, and tears welled in my eyes. I hadn’t felt this nauseous in a long time, and my head started to pound. The darkness and his hands came flooding back, before I passed out. The room came into view, monitors beeping, and tubes were hooked up to me.

“Don’t move too fast, sshhh,” I couldn’t tell who was talking or where people were.

“I–I–.”

“They did a rape kit, whoever hurt you is going to pay, okay honey.” I recognized Sasha's voice again.

I closed my eyes. “Turn off the lights.”

I heard footsteps, then the light switch clicked.

“They are monitoring you for observation…When I found you, it was bad. I don’t want to get into it, but when we got here, I called Paul and Dan.”

“Who…did. this?”

“We don’t know.”

That was bad enough; my stalker wasn’t caught, and he was still out there. My body almost had the nerve to vomit again, but my stomach was empty. I centered myself, ‘it's okay not to be okay. It's okay not to be okay,’ I chanted in the back of my mind. I needed to be home in my bed, safe.

“Dan gave me clear instructions on how to care for you before he got back.”

“I'm not a –” I started to protest.

“He cares about you, Abbey.”

“I know,” I moaned.

I was poked and prodded almost all night, the nurses came in checking my vitals. They were doing their jobs, but in the process, they woke me up. I glanced over at Sasha and Theresa lying down on the nearby couch. They looked more uncomfortable than I was, with their makeup smeared, still in party clothes. I smelled awful, though, and needed a bath ASAP. I hoped Dan wasn’t freaking out, I knew he cared, but I just needed to be alone.

Before I was discharged from the hospital, police took my statement, and I was sent a mental health referral. The process was long, but I was grateful for Sasha being my guardian angel.

Sasha and Theresa accompanied me out of the hospital into Sasha’s gray sedan. They each took turns grabbing clothes from home. While they were arguing about which clothes to grab for me, the whole time. If Dan knew what had happened, then he would let me rest for a week before coming back to work, if I even had a job now. The brightness and heat of the sun felt good against my skin. Her car smelled of old Mexican food, mixed with her cake-scented vape. I guess if I could handle her, so could Paul, and that made me smile.

“We're going to Dan’s,” Theresa said, craning her neck to look at me.

Notes:

My characters are defying me...oh well ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Chapter 12: Karma's A Bitch

DAN

I was sitting on Paul's private jet, drinking whiskey, it always dawned on me that I could easily afford one as well. My morals were strict, though, the environmental impact weighed heavily on my mind. It was nice, with white leather seats and a thick, light gray carpet to hide any dirt. I could move around freely as Paul and Tyler were engaged in conversation.

“I’m in love with Sasha, I was thinking about getting her a ring,” Paul said.

“I never have seen you be the committing type,” Tyler said sarcastically.

“Never until now….she’s…words can’t describe and that’s how you know you’re in love.”

Tyler and I both scoffed at that. We’ve known Paul since forever and he is never this sappy. We knew what it felt like to be in love, but they had only been together a couple of months. I’m sure he gave her everything: money, cars, jewelry, and with Sasha being friends with Abbey, she wouldn’t have asked for any of it.

I reclined back in the chair, eating whatever snacks were in my bag, and getting a slight buzz from my drink. I couldn’t help but think about this morning, which was new for me. I hated and liked being possessive toward her, but maybe I also needed to give her space. I hated logically thinking about relationships because, apparently, I wasn’t very good at keeping them.

The plane ride was quick and we were at Tyler’s condo in no time. It was spacious, three rooms, a full kitchen with food and we each had our own bathroom. I was assured each room would be soundproof, I would hold him to it. I wanted to call Abbey later, I wanted to hear her voice over the other end. I quickly put my things away and headed downstairs toward the bar.

“Can I get a whiskey neat?” I asked the bartender.

“Sure thing,” pouring the liquor into the glass.

Letting the warmth of the whiskey coat my throat, it tasted like home. Home where I should be in bed with Abbey, but instead sharing a condo with the two most dramatic people I know. I was sitting in the far corner, looking around the room, out of the corner of my eye, a blonde sat next to me.

“Bartender, a merlot, please.” Her voice was grating.

“You're too handsome to be sitting alone.”

“I have my reasons.”

“Did your wife or girlfriend kick you out? If you're sad, we can fix that.” She rested her hand gently on my thigh.

I wasn't aroused by her presence or felt the least bit of attraction.

“Im happy, thanks. You might want to try capturing a different audience for tonight.”

“I'm not a–”

“You could have fooled me.”

I didn't feel bad if all the woman wanted was sex. She got up and left, taking her drink, sitting in front of a fat fifty-year-old. She worked up a conversation with him. Desperation didn't look good on her.

I left the bar to find the assholes, and when I did, they were both flirting with a young woman who I assumed to be just out of highschool or college, I couldn’t tell anymore. She was twirling a finger around her hair, touching their arms, pulling down her dress to expose cleavage. It was a funny sight, to say the least. Looking for a quick hookup at our age was hilarious.

I sat right next to them, with my drink in hand. The air was cool for what it was while you could hear the waves crashing against the shore.

“We're going up to the room, care to join us?” Paul said. He had a goofy-looking grin on his face. I wonder how Sasha would feel about this. One minute he was telling us he was going to marry her and the next minute, trying to have a one-night stand.

“Don’t you have responsibilities back home?” Giving them half a thought to back out.

Tyler cleared his throat. “Sure, but this isn’t serious.”

Oh yes, it was. Sofi would be devastated.

“You two go have fun then,” I lifted my hand, shooing them away.

Hopefully, she’s clean enough not to pass anything down. It wasn’t in my right to judge, though, I knew nothing about their relationships. If they were open or closed, or if they gave each other permission to do as they wished. I know Abbey and I aren’t together officially, but I still had no desire to have sex with anyone else.

Although I was horny tonight and I might as well take care of it, especially after this morning. Bent over my desk and taking being spanked eagerly. ‘No office sex,’ she said. I could still tease and taunt her, knowing she would be willing every time. I hoped to hear from her tonight, maybe when she gets back from the club with Sasha. I didn’t want her to be too drunk, but it was not my call to make.

I went back up to the room, the living room was dark, I could hear the young woman moaning and panting. I came back too soon. I walked toward the source of the sound. Around the corner, I could see her getting tag teamed, Tyler was on the bottom in her pussy while Paul took her ass. For as young as she was, she was taking it well. My cock strained against my pants. Oh god, was this a turn-on for me? Watching a woman get railed by two men, whom I know.

I took out my cock, knowing they couldn’t see me and I began stroking down my shaft. I wasn’t cheating, just watching, for a second, I wanted the woman to be Abbey. It was thoroughly disgusting. The woman was looking in my direction, I swear she couldn't have seen me. I could see them switch positions, Paul pulled out of her ass, taking off the condom and straight into her mouth. Tyler was still thrusting into her from below, the amount of cum already pumped into her— my god.

Thick cum running down her thighs, glistening and wet.

“What a good slut.” I heard one of them say.

“Mmhmm,” moaning her response, releasing his cock with a pop from her mouth. “Will you fuck my pussy next?” she stared up at Paul.

“Sure baby, I’ll come in that tight little pussy of yours.”

“I wish both of you were my daddies,” she giggled.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, fuck, I came instantly in my hand—holy fuck— that didn’t just happen. I cleaned myself off and was ready for bed. With the door closed, I couldn’t hear anything else, my eyes fell closed, and vivid dreams fell in place. I dreamed of Abbey, her voice, her touch; it woke me up. I needed to see her. I didn't even know what time it was, only that it was dark. I looked over at my phone and I had twenty missed calls and voicemails. I checked each one, and Abbey was hurt. Fuck. Me.

I immediately called Theresa or Sasha back —whichever one it was; my head was spinning so fast.

Someone picked up, “Theresa, Sasha?”

“Dan, I have been trying to get a hold of you for the last couple of hours.”

“I know, I’m sorry I fell asleep. Tell me what happened.”

“I lost Abbey at the club and I found her in a closet, her skirt was pulled up…” Hearing the pain in Sasha’s voice frightened me. “She was bloody and beaten and raped, I think,” whispering the last part.

“I’ll be home tomorrow. Please take her to my place, where you will be safe.”

“Okay, yeah. I think Theresa knows…she needs you, Dan.”

“I will be back soon, I promise.”

The guilt clawed at me at what just happened mere minutes ago. I asked her to let me know the name of the club, and I contacted someone who could obtain footage for me.

I was waiting for what seemed like eons when a ping came through. The video was clear as day and I recognized the clothes, the walk, and the way he was pressed up against her. The very man who was supposed to protect my father's company ended up hurting Abbey. I had to invite him in for a meeting at least, I had to mull over how I would fucking kill him.

Dreams of hitting him with my car, maybe arsenic, or just shooting him and getting it over with. I couldn’t sleep for the rest of the night. I grabbed a bowl of cereal and sat down in front of the television. Old re-runs of friends were on, it wasn’t even a good or funny show in my mind. It was the only digestible thing on right now, besides infomercials.

___________________________

Tyler and Paul came down, I told them what had happened to her and we were back on the plane that morning. I was a little bummed to have to cut the trip short, but to see her, I needed that. I needed to make sure she was okay, I couldn’t imagine the trauma she must have experienced. I was going to kill him for sure because who knows how long he has been around her, maybe even stalking her. I wasn’t going to take any more chances. The trip was shorter than I realized before. Hurrying off the plane as soon as we landed.

_______________

The first thing I saw was Sasha's car in the driveway. Inside, it was quiet; they must still be sleeping. I immediately went upstairs to check my room, no one, then I checked several of the upstairs rooms with Paul and Tyler helping, still, no one. I decided to give up and hopefully, they may have gotten up early to go for a walk. Wishful thinking. I headed for the kitchen, where I heard laughing on the other side. I halted for just a second before walking in.

“His love language is sex… It’s sweet.”

“I guess so, I just…I get worried about how he’ll react…now.”

“He’s a good guy, just like Paul. They sort of have a Je Ne Sais Quoi about them.”

Is Paul good? I wasn’t so sure about that now or even Tyler.

“Look, he has been pining over you for a while now, everyone sees it.”

I could feel the eyeroll. Am I that obvious? Great, now I will have to be less obvious.

“Yeah…”

Paul and Tyler caught up to me, shushing them.

“Who’s the freakiest one?”

I couldn’t wrap my head around the start of this conversation. I wondered what they were talking about before. Probably more sex. I wouldn’t be surprised if they exchanged play-by-plays with each other of every sexual encounter.

“Theresa, oh, c’mon.”

“Paul for sure… he likes to watch.”

“Watch?...Oh, oh, no.”

“Yes, oh yes…we have regulars, mainly friends.”

“We don’t….”

Before we let them take the conversation any further, I tapped the swinging door with my foot gently. Abbey, Sasha, and Theresa jumped up, standing around the island with smoothies in hand. My kitchen was now a disaster. What happened to the private chef I had?

“Hey, I didn’t mean to disturb, whatever this is,” I gestured to the mess.

“It’s impolite to eavesdrop,” Sasha sighed.

“I wasn’t…”

“We didn’t think you’d be back so soon. We just got back from our walk,” Theresa said, annoyed.

I backed out of the kitchen. “I’ll leave you to it then.”

I freshened myself up and decided to take a nap. Abbey was okay and talking. I was happy they were taking care of her, getting her out of the house. The least I could do was be here if she needed me. I wouldn’t be in for work for at least a couple of weeks now, I would keep my lines open if anyone did want to get a hold of me for some reason.

It was late afternoon by the time I woke up, the house was drop-dead quiet. I stepped onto the balcony to get some fresh air. Over in the garden, I heard giggling and animated yelling. What could they possibly have talked about all day? It was never-ending. I wondered if they had eaten anything all day or were getting blasted with any booze they could find.

I snuck out to go for an evening drive. I wasn’t sure what I would find, but I needed to clear my mind. I figured since I was in town, I could swing by the office and pick up a few things. The garage was clear, save for one or two cars. It was odd, but I immediately recognized a black Audi with custom plates and illegally tinted windows.

With a change of plans, I sat and waited for him to come out. It wasn’t long before he did, shaking hands with Steve. Why did they have to be friends, and why did my father convince me to hire him in he first place? He was scum.

He didn’t stop by his car instead, he kept walking past. I followed him with my eyes, to see where he was going. It looked like he was headed across the street.

A faint thud, collided with the front of my car. I got out and stared at him like he was my prey.

“What the fuck, Dan,” he stuttered…his arm might have been broken, judging by the way he was holding it.

“Good to see you too,Charlie” kicking him once in the face and knocking him unconscious. All I saw was red.

I grabbed him under his arms, dragged his dead weight to the trunk. This was too much work; I never could be a serious murderer. It’s a part-time job in itself. I was sweating and panting by the time he was bound and gagged in my trunk. He wasn’t small by any means, and I might have thrown my back out.
_____________

The car ride back was slower, as I wasn’t about to be pulled over now. It was at least an hour to get back to the house and at night, I wasn’t the best driver. My eyes adjusted slowly, I had to follow the white line down the road for any turns, even though I drove down this road almost every day.

I heard faint moaning in the back. his adrenaline must have worn off and now he’s in pain. Serves him right, karma’s a bitch or he was in the right place at the right time. I smiled. Now my front end was damaged and I wasn’t about to pay for it, not with his fuck up.

I had to pull around back, closest to the cellar. I would tie him up for tonight, then in the morning, figure out what to do with him. He kept thrashing every time I tried to grab him. This was a two-man job, but I couldn’t ask Tyler or Paul. My fist made contact with his face again. This couldn’t be good for brain cells, and I needed him in working order.

When I had him tied up in the cellar, against a metal pole, his head hung down, bruises and dried blood covered his face. I wish Abbey was here to see this. I wish I could tell her, but then what would she think of me? It’s not like I had a desire to murder people.

I snuck back into the house, putting my clothes in the laundry and hurrying to take a shower. The water was grey as it rushed down the drain, and I didn’t get out until it ran clear.

Notes:

Halfway through so far...more twists and turns coming soon.

Chapter 13: The Talk

I have lain in his bed for weeks now and yet, he was nowhere to be seen. He usually went for a run, worked in his office or was in the dining room. He kept an eye on me the best he could after what happened. I didn’t blame him in the slightest. I sometimes went to work and stayed at his condo in the city. It wasn’t anything like here, here, everything seemed vibrant and wholesome. Different patterns of wallpaper in almost every room, a gray and gold kitchen scheme, and fully white bathrooms.

I walked down the stairs, hoping to find him engrossed in his laptop like always. He wore a serious expression with his brows knitted together. I liked to see the faint wrinkles on his face, like he was stressed. It made him attractive and when he looked up, his green eyes pierced through me.

I was quiet so as not to disturb him, as I sat to the side of him on the table.
Dan looked up at me, “You’re up.”

“I couldn’t sleep, I had a nightmare.”

“Was it–” he looked concerned.

“No,” I blurted out.

He nodded like he understood, closing his laptop.

“Want some tea?”

Letting my legs dangle, swinging back and forth. “That would be nice.”

He disappeared for a moment to make it, the only thing I swear he makes himself. Otherwise, he has his cook or maid do it for him, but who am I kidding? If I were loaded, I could say I would do the same. A few moments later, the warmth of the mug spread through my cold hands. My lower half was cold, given that I wore a pink chemise, which barely passed as clothes, with his sweater over my top half. Dan sat in front of me; this was the closest we had been in the last couple of weeks.

I really looked at him tonight and I wasn’t sure if this was something I could handle. I wasn’t the long-term relationship type. If he wanted that then he would be waiting until he died.. The other part of me wanted this to work, to see where it went. But if I wasn’t happy then, what would be the point?

“I’m going to the office tomorrow,” he said.

“I think that’s a good idea.”

"Abbey, I'm glad I get to take care of you now."

Silence fell between us, the more he mentioned it, the more I was reminded of it. It wasn’t something I remembered well, but I remembered all the other times. My fate was sealed.

“It wasn’t the first time. I never blamed myself and sometimes I couldn’t understand why. Humans are emotional creatures. The funny thing is I never felt anything other than confusion. And sometimes I would get angry or feel sick to my stomach, but it doesn’t change the actions that occurred.” I confessed.

He stroked his hands over my legs and feet, thinking. “That doesn’t make me feel better, Abbey. It makes me want to keep you here.”

“Don’t be the hero,” I whispered.

I put down my empty mug, and heat now ran through my blood. I sat on his lap, my legs on either side. The soft material of his pants felt good against my skin, my heart was beating out of my chest, anxiety ran through me. I was waiting for his rejection, admitting he was too afraid to touch me. If he only knew.

He lifted my sweater up and off – a first in weeks– kissing down my neck and collarbones. His warmth bled into mine, the walls were coming in tighter, closer. Tangling my hands in his hair. Feeling his erection growing, his hands traveled up the length of my thighs, up to my stomach and breasts. My nipples hardened under his touch, gently pulling, as wetness gathered on my inner thighs.

I managed to get his shirt off, running my hands over the dips and curves of his chest. The body he worked so hard to maintain. I couldn’t help but want to beg; I would get down on my knees for this man. I was enamored. He grabbed my chin to look up at him, when his lips crashed into mine. Hard. bruising. He let out a faint groan.

The one sound I liked from him.

My fingers met the waistband of his sweatpants, freeing his length. Wrapping my hand around his girth, over the bulbous tip and bulging veins. Precum formed at the tip. Sliding myself down. I relished in how good it felt to have him inside me. Stretching. A perfect fit. He inhaled through his teeth.

“Mmm, baby girl, I never forgot how good this was,” he breathed.

“Dan, just fuck me, please,” I begged.

He stopped me, gripping the back of my legs. “Arms around my neck,” he ordered.

Lying me down against the hard table, the cold digging into my spine. One hand was next to my head, and the other was on my hip. Thrusting into me, hard, deep, painful.

His hand began to snake around my throat, constricting my breath.

“You take it so well, baby girl. I could fuck you all night.”

“Yes,” I managed to moan.

I wanted to tell him.

Everything.

But I couldn’t.

Instead, pleasure grew down my low back,hips, between my thighs. I was wetter than before. He reached down to stroke my clit. It felt foreign. I couldn't come. A tear escaped, down my cheek. I couldn’t tell if it was sadness or pleasure. Maybe both.

“Abbey–” he started.

I placed my fingers over his lips. He brushed his thumb over my cheek.

He helped me stand when it was over. His silence wasn’t reassuring about what had just occurred between us. Stepping out onto the porch, grabbing cigarettes that were hidden under a potted plant. I never took him to be a smoker. Following him as he blew smoke out into the wind chill.

“Have you been going to therapy?” he asked.

I didn’t answer, letting the silence answer for me.

“Please tell me you have,” he said, under his breath.

He turned toward me. His eyes were ablaze with fury and concern.

“I will,” I promised.

A long-awaited sigh escaped from him, like he didn’t believe me. I didn’t blame him, I wouldn’t have believed me either. I have never seen him this stressed, even when I went M.I.A. He took out another cigarette, grabbing it from him before he could light it.

“I will,” I said again. “By the way, it’s a terrible habit,” I snatched the lighter from him and lit it up myself. Taking one drag before putting it out.

__________________

I stared at myself on the small screen, waiting for a face to pop up, erasing the blackness. The wait was eating me up inside. I hated sitting in the oversized library, with big oak doors, and velvet couches that made up a seating area. It felt like work, I opened the balcony doors to have at least some modicum of sanity.

A woman popped up on screen, and this didn’t feel real.

“Hi, Abigail. My name is Alison,” she said, her voice was smooth and calm.

“Do you want to tell me a little bit about yourself and why you’re here?”

“I-Um, I was hurt at a night club and then rushed to the hospital. I’m hazy on the details, I feel like I didn’t suffer too much though.” I managed, with a sigh.

She shifted slightly. “Have you experienced this before?”

“Yes, unfortunately. I don’t remember much then either.” I lied.

“You don’t have to remember specific details, we're here to focus on you,” she said.

“Has anything triggered you recently? It can be difficult to go through something like that even if you don’t remember. Our brains can hold trauma from us.”

“I-I don’t think so, I have been taking walks and breaks off work to help sort through things.”

She kept nodding and noting things I said. It felt weird talking to a stranger about my personal life.

“Do you think you might know your abuser?”

“I don’t think so, I didn’t recognize his voice or anything.”

“Let's move away from this topic, it can be a little too much. Do you have a support system?”

“Yes, I have Dan and we are living together temporarily while I figure this out.” It wasn’t love, but I liked him.

“Anyone else?”

I relaxed into the chair a bit more. “Sasha and now Theresa. One I have known for years and the other I work with.”

“Tell me only what you feel comfortable with, don’t force it.” Her smile was gentle.

“Um–I want to try to be myself again, I want to feel normal and I know I shouldn’t feel shame, but it’s difficult once people know.”

A few minutes pass before she says. “It’s normal and common to feel this way. Its hard to feel close to our loved ones when shame is present. But trust me, no one is judging you for this and it’s not your fault. Please remember that.”

I have only been told a million times it wasn’t my fault, but I still can’t help but wonder if maybe it was. Was I asking for this, or was it my imagination at work? The thirty minutes were already over, and somehow I felt further away from my problems. I couldn’t reach out and touch them, they were more than an arm's length away. Talking about feelings never did me any good; I would rather be in my own head.

I stared out onto the balcony, not taking my eyes off the bunches of flowers lining a path to the greenhouse. Purples, pinks, blues, and yellows. The sun was out, but a chill ran through the air, and my hands and feet became cold. I got up to move, making the blood flow back through my body to warm up.

In such a huge house and with such wealth, you would think heated floors would be in the plans. The floorboards creaked, and Dan was nowhere to be seen. I asked the maid, the chef, the gardener. He paid all these people who did what exactly? He could do all of his chores in a timely manner himself. He was one person and he never had anyone else to clean up after. I didn’t get it, but I went to the kitchen, grabbed coffee and went to sit under the gazebo.

After a few minutes, I heard a car pull in and then Dan with Steve walking up the path. They seemed to be deep in conversation while wearing workout clothes, maybe golf or tennis. A rich person sport of some kind. I didn’t understand it, I knew many housewives would get into a hobby only to cheat on their husbands. I was an outlier it seemed.

God, this was boring, being locked in the house with my boss slash lover. If my younger self could see me now, she would not believe this was real. I kind of hated myself for it, I wasn't supposed to be living here or even in my semi-nice house. I came from nothing. I deserved nothing.

_______

“How was your day?” He asked, taking a bite of chicken.

Pushing my food around. “I had my first therapy session,” I sighed.

“Not good?”

“It's difficult.”

He nodded. “I went golfing with Steve today.” Changing the subject.

“I saw you both come in.”

“Oh?” Furrowing his brows.

“I was sitting outside. What were you talking about?”

The conversation was drab and awkward. Sex was our language, I wanted to just talk most days when he wasn’t hiding. Being inside was starting to get to me, eating me out from the inside.

“His wife is having a baby and he asked me to be a godfather.”

“I didn’t think you were that close with him?”

“We have known each other since high school and he's my neighbor..”

“Do you want kids?” I blurted out. No idea where that came from.

He didn’t say anything for a few minutes. “I can’t have any. I’m sterile,” He said, drinking his wine.

“I’m sorry.” I might have had a look of wonder mixed with worry on my face.

He smiled, “It hasn’t always been a bad thing, and adoption is an option.”

After dinner, I helped clean up and load dishes into the dishwasher. He said I didn’t need to, but I needed something to do that wasn’t walking around aimlessly. I liked having some control, it kept me sane. Dan held me, as I leaned against the sink.

“It may be too early to say this, but I think I’m in love with you, Abbey.” kissing my neck before heading to bed.

His declaration was stunning. I had no time to think or respond. I didn’t even know if I wanted to; we haven’t been together that long and everything that has happened in between felt disjointed. I thought I would try to make it work, when clearly, I probably wasn’t made for this life.

_____

I turned to him in bed. He was halfway asleep, and if he wasn’t awake, well then, I wouldn’t want to wake him. I removed myself slowly, careful not to make any loud noises. I didn’t feel scared at night because the property was well-secured. Unlike my house, where I didn’t live with a security system. The house was quiet, I snuck down to the kitchen, making myself a snack.

He had many things, but junk food was not one of them. I had to make something. Cooking was also not my strong suit; I could slap together a sandwich or have chips and dip. I was definitely not Stepford wife material.

When I sat under the gazebo, it seemed like the house was far away, disconnected somehow. The stars were pretty tonight, though, and a few clouds hung in the sky. The heaters were a nice addition; I assumed it was because he came out here more often than not.

“Did you miss Daddy?” came a deep voice from behind me. Feeling his hand stroke my hair, my stalker.

I froze, not moving an inch, my heartbeat was in my ears. Oh, fuck. I tried to look composed as best I could, not letting myself tremble.

“Why are you here?” I said.

“You made me come here,” he growled. “How did you like my little party trick?”

I stood up. “That wasn’t you, was it? You would never show who you really were.”

“That’s right.” He stood in front of me, getting closer.

Running was not an option. My chest was rising and falling fast. My breath, heavy.

“I hear you’re in therapy now. Tell me, is it working?”

“I-I-”

He laughed, pulling on my hair, forcing me to look into his would-be empty soul. The only time I didn’t feel hate, but desire. I hated myself for this part because I knew what was going to happen next. My thighs were already slick.

“Don’t do this, please, not here.”

“Then where, kitten? Afraid of getting caught?"

“Please,” I begged.

He ran a gloved finger down my cheek and neck. “So soft. So pretty,” he murmured. “It’s a shame.”

Why me?

“Since you have obeyed thus far, get on your hands and knees,” he ordered.

I did. He ran his hands over my ass and back, taking his time to make me squirm. I was vulnerable in this position, I couldn’t see him nor defend myself. Did I need to? Whatever he did to me worked.

“Say the magic words, kitten.”

I still hated myself, “Please fuck me, daddy.”

“Good girl.”

His cock didn't feel big anymore, but it wasn’t Dan and I needed him to save me. My body defied me. My pussy was letting him in too easily, coating his cock, I closed my eyes, imagining Dan, falling into a rhythm with him. I was making a mess underneath us.

He forced my head down. “Play with yourself.”

I circled my throbbing clit, I liked this being ordered around. I deserved to be a slut. A fantasy for him. Tears pricked my eyes. “Yes, daddy,” I sobbed quietly.

“Mmm, whose cock is better?” I sensed he had a smile on his face.

“Don't–I-” I stuttered.

“Answer me,”

“Yours..daddy.”

“Mmhmm.”

His thrusts became rough, digging his fingers into my hips until I felt pain. His other hand met my ass hard. I could hear him stop for a second, taking off his belt. An electric energy ran through me, strong enough to stop my thoughts, then another. I felt the sting of his belt every time It came in contact with my skin. He wanted me to know I was his and loving every minute.

I let my hips rock back and forth against his cock, my body shook with the last lashing, when he fell back into fucking me relentlessly. I would be sore in so many other ways tomorrow. Warmth spread through my lower stomach. My back arched and my body shook with pleasure, pleasure that he took from me, I felt guilty for coming. For having a stranger's cum inside me. While I shared a bed with a man who truly cares for me.

I lay there for what felt like an eternity, letting myself sob quietly into the wet spot of my punishment. I loved Dan, I did. I couldn’t bring myself to go back in and lie next to him. I didn’t have the heart to break his while mine was in pieces.

Notes:

I will update the tags as the story continues to progress, and I will have reminders at the end of certain chapters.

In the next couple of weeks, I will be busy, but I will try to keep up on my posting schedule.

Chapter 14: Finally, An Answer

DAN

I heard Abbey moaning and kicking the sheets off, her body sweaty and tired.. It wasn’t the first time she did this, and I knew it would go on until she conquered her demons. I rolled over, grabbing her tightly until her breathing slowed to its natural rhythm. It wasn’t every night, but it felt like it.

Shushing her like a child by caressing her hair, it’s a lot of work to keep an eye on her. In this moment, I knew I loved her by holding her; her body fit right into mine. We were made for each other. I fell back asleep shortly, it was still dark in the room with the time splayed in bright red, which read 3 AM.

I didn’t dream, but if I did, it’s because of her; she made me whole again. Quite frankly, I do sound sappy, whipped, or in love. Who wouldn’t be?

The only alarm I had was when she woke up, worming her way out of my arms. The comfort and warmth gone, in an instant. The thought of losing her pained me to even think about. I liked life a little better now.

The sheets tangled between my legs as I dragged myself out of bed behind her. I was going to see how my prisoner, well, not prisoner per se, but I wouldn’t be held accountable if anything happened to him. I’m obviously not a part of the mafia or gang to the wealthy; my father had bad business practices, killing people legally, but not with a conscience.

I, on the other hand, had a conscience; philanthropy is my primary focus, and research and development as my second. The walk to the cellar wasn’t the easiest, through the woods, which led out to a field. The original house burned down, and a new one was built further away to make room on the property.

Gripping the heavy iron handle, making the wood creak, already showing signs of termite damage. It would only be a matter of time before the wood splintered into pieces. I walked down the cement steps. Chris’s eyes swelled black and blue, hunched over. It looked painful.

He groaned, trying to open his eyes. he had been down here for a couple of weeks now. He wouldn’t tell me much information, and I wasn’t throwing around punches to get him to talk. It would have been a waste of my time; instead, I fed him to keep him alive. Although mostly slop, meat, and cheese with tap water. I bound his ankles so his hands were free when I monitored him.

“Tell me, Chris, how much were you paid?” I said, sitting in front of him.

I went through his house weeks before trying to find evidence, but the only thing I saw were old chats from his phone. Some guy who went by the username of 69Angel69, a fucking joke. The divorce took over most of his life, finances, with three kids and a wife who took him for everything. Everything except the house, which he kept tidy if they returned. I felt almost bad for the guy, but then I remembered he helped aid Abbey’s tormentor.

“I don’t know his name,” Chris said.

“What did he want you to do?”

I didn’t have all day to talk to him; in fact, I had to get ready for an event with Abbey..

“Get her… to the r-room,” he stammered.

“Why?” I shouted.

“He wanted me, too.”

Kneeling closer to his face. “And he didn’t say anything else?”

“They put a bag over my head,”

“They?” I was curious to know who they were. If it were more than one person, I would be shit out of luck.

“I heard the voices of two men.”

“Anything identifiable?”

“No.”

He wasn’t telling me everything, keeping secrets to himself.

“You get no food tonight,” I said, warning him.

“What-why?”

“You’re lying, Chris, and I really, really hate liars.”

“You wouldn’t believe me,” He spat.

“Try me.”

“I thought it was Steve. I could be wrong, but he acted the same.” He didn’t seem sure of himself, but seemed hesitant to reveal what he had said.

I kicked him in the side, “Fucker.”

He tried to catch his breath before I landed another blow. I could get used to breaking my own rules.

“Wait…he wore a black suit and a Rolex watch, the gold and red face with diamonds. I swear,” he wheezed.

“Let me know when you have more information, then maybe we can work out a deal…or not.”

He started sobbing, echoing off the cement. “Please, please,”

“You aided in an assault, you can fuck off. Which left her in the hospital, and yet you have a little girl. You should feel fucked.”

I stepped out of the cellar, leaving him to sob and sort out his conflicting thoughts. Leaving Abbey with a custom dress I designed myself, thinking it would be a nice present. I couldn’t wait to see it.

__________________

 

My suit was made of black velvet, paired with a gray button-down shirt and a navy blue tie. I didn’t have to impress anyone, but at least it wasn’t taking place here; I couldn’t afford to have another mess on my hands from the last one. Hell, I could show up in my pajamas for all I cared. It’s nice not to have to pretend once in a while, as I ignored my phone buzzing on the nightstand.

Abbey walked in behind me, her hair swept over her shoulder, the long black silk gown stopped at her ankles—a magnificent sight.

“Sorry, I took so long, ready to go?” she said

“Yeah, my driver already has the car pulled around.” Taking her arm in mine.

“This party, what foundation are we supporting again?”

“To fight wildlife trafficking.” His passion for saving animals led him to take in animals that needed help with rehabilitation.

“Well, that seems nice, not sure why we're so…dressed up though,” she said, under her breath.

I opened the car door, letting her get in first. “People with money like to see other people with money, to give money.”

“You think that sometimes money doesn’t fix the problem, when instead we need to fix the people causing the problems.”

I chuckled, “I think that you’re overthinking tonight.”

She turned toward me in the car. “Why did you say you love me?”

Turning the conversation serious.

“We’re talking about this now?”

“I just wanted to know.”

“Abbey, my feelings are mine, and if you don’t, then it’s my problem, not yours,” I explained.

She was owed something after I left her to marinate in her thoughts – to be clear –, and I should have handled it better. I couldn’t stop thinking about what Chris said. I refused to believe Steve would hurt anyone. I’ve known him since high school; there’s no way I wouldn’t have seen something in him earlier.

Chris was lying; that's all there's to it. I’m sure. The car ride felt slow and long. Silent. I may not have given her the answer she wanted to hear, but it’s the truth. I was the one making her come here, and realizing now, I am the asshole.

I gripped her shoulders, making her look at me. “If you want, I can have my driver take you home, if you don’t want to be here?”

Smiling calmly, “It’ll be good for me, I promise.”

I nodded. “I won’t take back what I said last night, but those are my feelings, and even if you decide you don’t want to be with me, I’ll accept whatever you decide.”

She gave me two nods before we headed inside. His house always seemed to amaze me, with grand crystal chandeliers, marble flooring, and white walls. The entire house still felt clinical, with minimalist art pieces scattered throughout. The fucking animal heads on the walls felt out of place; his taste, always questionable.

Steve walked over to us, “Welcome, I’m glad you could join us this evening,” shaking Abbey's hand. “Have you met my wife, Penelope?”

“Nice to meet you,” Abbey said, keeping her composure.

Penelope showed that her bump was small but noticeable, resting her hand on top. I was excited to meet their baby, while thinking I didn’t usually care for children. I always thought they would get in the way. That is, until I met the right person, and even then, I wouldn’t force the issue unless she wanted it.

Penelope grabbed Abbey’s hand, leading her off into a corner with the other wives.

“When’s she due again?” I said, grabbing a drink off the waiter's tray.

“End of winter,” he said, looking around to make sure there were no prying ears. “Also, an investor pulled out, and we’re losing money.”

“I know, I’m trying my best to do what I can,” I said, keeping my voice low.

“You better figure it out before others start to do the same.”

“I have one investor on the fence, but I’m sure I can get him. Abbey is very–”

“She can take care of herself; you don’t need to wait on her 24/7.” his tone was sharp.

I spotted her laughing, making me happy to see. I turned back towards Steve, “I will set up a meeting, now drop it, I don’t want to deal with this right now.”

I almost lost it when Tyler and Sofi walked in. “You fucking invited them?”I said, through clenched teeth.

“I need money tonight, and what better way to fund the foundation?” Stalking over to them and embracing Tyler in a hug. Showing his appreciation, again, taste was not what he excelled in.

The evening went on as it should. I met many of Steve’s family, friends, and acquaintances again. At some point, I had lost track of Abbey; most likely still with Penelope. Part of me hoped they would be friends, and dinners together wouldn’t be a bad thing.

I walked the halls of his house –avoiding my brother– where old portraits hung on the walls. I remembered that this was an older estate, once owned by his grandfather. If I recalled correctly, his grandfather had fought in World War I. Tragic.

Growing up, seeing this place was a dream; every room was clean and tidy, with everything in its place. While I lived in the luxury I wanted, I didn’t need to throw parties to gain the attention of others. Abbey gave me the comfort and love I needed.

“If these halls could talk, I’d ask them if Steve had always been an asshole,” Said a voice from behind me. I turned around to find Moira, Steve’s younger step-sister.

I smirked, “You’ve always been a ray of sunshine.”

“Well, he is a terrible person by default.”

“Don’t you have your dad to wring money out of, he was somewhere over there.” Trying to dismiss her.

“What fun would that be when I can bother you, the pervert,” she said, thinking it was a funny jab. “You’re new girlfriend seems a little young.”

“She is, but still legally an adult.”

“Oh right, you like them easy and submissive,” she scoffed.

She had grown, but still held on to the dark cloud above her. Never moving past when I dumped her because it wasn’t a good match. She spread rumors about me that I let slide. I wasn’t about to start another argument, not tonight, since I hadn’t seen her after I graduated.

“What happened– I’m sorry.”

“We were young, let's just say, it had been an emotional revelation.”

“And not a day goes by that I think you could have done better,” I said, matching her tone.

We stared at the same picture – time stood still – of what looked to be an aunt. The family nose stood out the most; it was the most striking feature. Even Ethan, his older cousin twice removed, wasn’t excused from the gene pool. They were an interesting family, and it was a nice way of putting it.

“Want to get high?” flashing me a joint she had hidden.

“I’m over that part of my life.”

“It might be a better habit than cigarettes.”

Raising my eyebrow in question. “I need to get back to the evening and my young, hot girlfriend. And why yes, I am a pervert.”

She laughed at my half-hearted attempt at a joke. “Go be free, creep.”

________

The night was winding down, with only a few people left, but most importantly, I needed to find Abbey. I wasn’t staying here all night; the drinks were getting to me, making me dizzy, sleepy. It’s what happened when I drank too much, always telling myself I would never touch champagne again. I liked my whiskey and bourbon; the burn tickled the back of my throat, throwing me back into reality.

I scoured the kitchen to find wine, wine, and more champagne. Not a single drop of hard liquor anywhere.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t my dearest beloved brother,” Tyler said.

I didn’t have to turn around to know who, since Trevor had gone MIA decades ago.

“What do you want?” I said, rolling my eyes.

“If you had any heart to answer our mother, I’m sure you would have realized Dad is dying.”

I stood up to face him, “Why would I care? he was just my sperm donor. You’re the only one who gave in to his lies.”

“You could at least call if you feel that way. Mom is in pieces. She’s hurting.”

“She always has been. What’s your point?”

“They invited us over for dinner, us only, no wives or girlfriends.”

Cocking my eyebrow, “I assume it's about our inheritance.”

Tyler grabbed liquor from a hidden side panel. “Could be.”

“Heard from Trevor?” Setting down two glasses with ice.

“I tried…no reply.”

“I miss him. Sometimes I wish I could have left, but then you would be left alone to fight for yourself.”

“I’m grateful you didn’t,” he said, pouring two fingers of liquor.

“I’m grateful I did, too. I don’t think I would have ever met Abbey.”

“You caught a good one,” He said, looking down.

The ice clinked around the glass, and from the smell alone, it was going to be harsh. I took a sip of the cheap bourbon. “Trouble in paradise?”

“Sofi has been quiet lately.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t help but feel a little happy, as spiteful as that is.”

“I don’t blame you.”

As the years passed, the feelings of hatred gradually diminished every time we spoke. Our relationship has always been complicated. I don’t think anyone has ever had an uncomplicated family. I finished my drink, setting it down and pouring myself more. I was wrecked.

“There you both are,” Abey stormed into the kitchen with Sofi. “How much have you had?” pouring the alcohol down the sink.

“Enough, I can hold my own,” I said.

Sofi yanked the glass from Tyler’s hand. “We need to go now, it’s late.”

“How late?” I chimed in.

“Late enough,” Abbey said.

Tyler and Sofi left, leaving me and Abbey together.

She let out a long breath, “I like you, but I don’t love you. I have thought all night about what love means to me, and maybe I just can’t find that emotion deep inside of me.”

“What are you saying?”

“I want to go back to my home. I don’t like it here. I don’t like being waited on or having my outfits match yours when we go out. I want to be my own person right now and make decisions for myself.”

I nodded in understanding. It’s good; this was good. I needed to hear what she wanted, not what I wanted to hear. I respected her for telling me, even if I had drunk too much and passed out once my body hit the bed.

Notes:

There may not be a story next weekend, but the weekend after, I may have two. The reason is that my allergies suck, my nose and head are clogged, so I can't think.

Chapter 15: A Quiet Encounter

My home. Oh, how I missed it so much. It wasn’t as big as Dan’s, but it’s cozy and comforting. You can’t call a home a home if you don’t have your personal belongings. I hated being waited on, not being able to make my own food, and not being able to dress how I wanted when going out. I liked that he cared about me, but I hated wearing what he picked out for me. Even if he thought it was a nice gesture.

I hated myself for leaving him behind, but it’s done. That was two weeks ago today. My stalker showed up to the party, though in a suit, with a mask and gloves. What was he afraid of me seeing? The more I think about it, the more I hated myself. I would become the most fucked up human to like something bad. Evil. Sadistic.

My heart yearned for Dan, but my head wanted something dangerous. I liked the attention; it’s becoming the new normal for me. I kept replaying the scene over and over in my mind, trying to figure out who he was. He caught me on the balcony, caging me in from behind; he could have pushed me over the edge. Making it look like an accident, and people would ask why I threw myself over.

He did all of the talking, giving me an ultimatum, or I would forever be in his grip. I had to leave Dan so he would leave me alone. I’m not sure whether that was true or if he wanted me to suffer. I sat on the bathroom floor, sobbing into my arms. My knees, curled up to my chest, my phone ringing until I turned it off.

I wouldn’t mind if he showed up, dragged me out, and made use of me. It would sure beat drowning in my sorrows. Maybe I just wanted to see my world burn and drive myself into madness with chaos spiraling in my head. If Dan were here, I would let him know that I needed more from him.

After a while, I stood up and decided not to drown; instead, I wanted to make a plan to kill my stalker. I would be scared to do so, but ultimately, I wanted to know who he was. If that involved him bleeding out on my floor, then it would be my vendetta. I liked that idea. I wouldn’t tell anyone it would be him and me, maybe he would kill me first. Thinking about whether he would overpower me, it was a risk. I was willing to take.

That night, my mind burned with the gray areas of pleasure and fuck-upness. I touched myself to Dan’s touch and his voice. The second time I orgasmed, I could feel his presence, my stalker. The way the soft leather trailed up my thighs, between my legs. My skin was wet, soaked, thinking about it.

It was pure porn to me; I had issues that needed to be resolved with a lot more than therapy. Shock treatment could work. When I finished, my blood pumped hard through my veins. Exhausted. I reflected on what turned me on, got me off; it wasn’t their size. It was their energy, the way they talked to me, that made me theirs. They cherished me.

The feeling–unfortunately– is mutual.

_______________

I didn’t go to work or even enjoy the fresh air. I didn’t look at my phone all day, hoping my stalker would show up now that I was alone. I started to read my book, tea next to me, and cuddled under a blanket. I liked how I became at ease with myself. Alone.

The front door hinges squeaked. I froze, and my body tensed. He was here. Heat rose under the blanket. My palms, sweaty. The light thud of boots against the hardwood floor, and my thighs were slick. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

My fingers dug into the sofa. Why was I nervous? Maybe because he was taking his time to come near me. I shut my eyes, staring at the back of my eyelids, a dark, calming sight. When I opened them, he stood staring, and I stared back. He showed me his eyes. A dark brown.

I felt more connected to him than I had ever been; my grip lessened on the sofa as he towered over me. The blanket slid off and fell to the ground. He came closer. Blocking me in. I lunged in the opposite direction, but he was too fast. He caught me by the wrist, and I smacked the side of my face on the floor.

There were no words between us this time. He turned me over onto my back. Steadying himself over me, I trembled, and my bottom lip quivered. He grabbed my chin, making eye contact, not blinking. This was it, this was my demise. My chest rose and fell, matching his. My hair was now moist and matted on the back of my neck.

He slid his hand over my waist, squeezing gently, a different stalker? Or did he have a change of heart? The one-sided conversation on the balcony put him in a romantic mood, I guess. His thumb traced over my bottom lip, pinching it between his thumb and pointer finger, then slipping his thumb into my mouth, tasting bitter leather on my tongue.

I tried to move my hand to touch him, but he grabbed my wrist hard. Taking out handcuffs, cuffing one hand to the coffee table leg, and the other, he pinned it above my head. He narrowed his eyes, telling me not to do that again. A silent order. I opened my mouth, and he put up a hand to let me know I needed to stop.

My stomach started to turn, I swallowed the feeling deep down inside, and shoved my tears aside.

My head knocked to the side, and my cheek stung. Caressing my face, trailing his hands around my neck, I unintentionally shifted my hips up towards him. He squeezed gently, increasing as my body responded; this was his game.

It was unlike the way Dan made love to me. Did I want love or power? The way he had me cooped up in that house was no way to live. If he wanted me to fight or squirm, I wasn’t doing a very good job of it.
Black started to cloud the edges of my vision; I would be gone until he let go. I coughed until my throat was sore. I would have bruises the next day, a marker that he had claimed me. Claiming the title as my master today, even if I didn’t have to say anything, I knew it.

He spread my legs further apart as far as they could go. The soft leather pushed my thong between my labia, rubbing gently, teasing me with the friction, playing with the fabric. Sliding his knuckles gently over my clit, leading me to the edge, then pulling back.

My body went rigid each time, whimpering and silently begging for more. I was on the verge of tears by the time he ended the torture. The best feeling I’ve had thus far, I should give him an award, I thought with a fucking eye roll.

Eventually, lifting my hips so he could slide them off, pocketing them. A distinct clinking sound of his belt hit my ears. I saw his eyes crinkle at the edges. Was he smiling?. Looping the belt around my neck. Pulling gently. sliding down his zipper, and releasing his cock.

He didn’t have to enter me forcefully, filling me in the most heavenly way. He groaned slow and deep, pounding into me with reckless abandon. At one point, I thought I saw god. My body shook underneath him, the sofa and coffee table restricting me from spreading my legs further. I wish I could reach out and grab him, to feel him, to be closer to him.

My thighs were soaked as he hit that one spot deep inside me. My back arched and toes curled, rolling through me like a wave. He didn’t stop until he came, releasing his warm and thick cum. Pulling out of me, and inserting two fingers to gather his seed and my juices. Making me taste us, making me wet all over again.

I was stuck in my daze when he released the handcuffs and belt around my neck. We just stared at each other for the longest time before he left. What the hell was that?

Chapter 16: Broken Abbey

I woke up in a daze; the night before was a blur. I finally understood how fucked I was. He was scary, but I liked being controlled. I wasn’t waited on hand and foot at all hours of the day, and I didn’t need people invading my life with no privacy.

Someday, I wanted kids and a cozy life with a white picket fence. It would be nice to have a routine, a lifestyle where I didn’t have to impress anyone. I thought about Dan. I wish he had the same ideals about life. I don’t think I could dumb him down to my level. He cared more about how much he was making than being happy.

I looked over at my phone on the nightstand, one missed call from Dan and five from Sasha, plus two texts.

‘Do you want to go clubbing in a couple of weeks?’

‘Please call me, I’m worried about you since you haven’t been to work in weeks.’

I had to get up to face something; she was right, I hadn’t been to work in well, a while. Maybe that was why Dan was checking in, or maybe he was worried about me, too. I had to call him back, I felt guilty enough to have left him the way I did. I thought feelings and being an adult would be easier.

Talking wasn’t my strong suit, but I at least tried. The doorbell had me hiding under the covers as I knew who it was. I dragged myself out of bed, threw on a gray turtle neck, jeans, and made my way down the stairs in a sleepy haze. All I wanted to do today was to be left alone. All alone.

Sasha stood in the entryway. “Nice seeing you, you haven’t been answering my calls.”

“I don’t have to all the time,” I yawned.

“But you always do, and you look like hell,” she said, looking me up and down. She proceeded to rummage through the kitchen cabinets. “Have you eaten anything in…well, since you haven’t been to work?”

“Sure, I have just not…a lot,” keeping my voice low to a whisper.

“For fucks sake,” she started making some sort of hodgepodge of food.

I hated it when she cooked; it was as if she burned and made the food soggy at the same time. I wasn’t sure how, but I ate it anyway, usually being polite. I wasn’t sure how Paul put up with her all the time. Don’t get me wrong, she is an amazing friend and I love her to death, but sometimes I couldn’t stand her.

I noticed a big shiny rock on her hand. “He proposed?”

“Yeah, we really love each other,” she chimed with a hint of sarcasm.

“Or…not?”

“Y’know what bothers me is if you were unhappy with Dan, you could have told me.”

“I didn’t really realize it until later,” I replied.

“You kill me sometimes, maybe we can go out and get drunk?”

I rolled my eyes. “Like that worked out really well last time,”

“We can find a place. Less clubby, less loud music, and more of a chill, classy bar.”

“I like that idea, as long as we're together.”

She set a breakfast scramble in front of me, “Now, eat!”

“Yes, M’am.”

She rolled her eyes, making me laugh. Oh god, that felt so good. My body became less tense, softening in the chair. A warm meal in a while beats the microwaved whatever I was making or sandwiches. Staying up late most nights, watching crime shows, wasn’t good for my health. It made me jumpy and see things that weren’t there.

________________

I wanted closure, and maybe Dan did too. I sat in the parking garage, too afraid, too nervous to go in. What if he doesn’t want to see me? What if I failed him? I did break his heart after all. I gave myself a pep talk in the rearview mirror, knowing exactly what I was going to say.

I walked to the elevator, or I could call him; maybe that would be better. I turned to leave.

The elevator dinged. “Abbey?”

I stopped in my tracks. His voice made me dread turning around. “Hi,” I said.

“It’s a surprise to see you. I didn’t think you wanted to come back.” Crossing his arms over his chest.

“I didn’t. Not really.”

“That’s understandable. Did you want to talk to me?”

“No and yes,” I let out a deep sigh, “I’m sorry, I just, I don’t know what to say.”

“How about we get coffee, I’ll drive.”

I got into his car. The last time I was in here, the tension between us was thick. Hoping the rain would throw us off the road and send us into a ditch. I looked out the window, full of happy people shopping and walking with lovers, friends, and co-workers. It made me miss working and seeing everyone to have some form of socialization.

We pulled in through a drive-through, and I didn’t even have to tell him what I liked when he automatically knew. We sat in the car, no music, just the news on the radio.

“Did I hurt you?” I finally asked.

He looked straight ahead. “No, it would take an awful lot, but the fact that you broke things clean off. I don’t have a reason to be.”

“Did you hire someone new?”

“His name is Demitrius, he’s a fine assistant…you can always come back.”

“And if I don’t want to?” I stammered.

“Then that’s fine, don’t stress yourself out. I want you to be happy.”

His face didn’t have the deep lines or tight-lipped expression he usually had when he was stressed. He truly wanted me to be happy, but I wasn’t living the life I wanted.

“I always dreamed someday, I would have kids, a big house, and a nice lawn. As funny as that sounds.” I giggled.

“It sounds nice,” he said, taking a sip.

He turned toward me, taking my hand and squeezing gently. This felt nice. I missed him so much. I looked up at him through my lashes, he inched his way closer to my lips. Kissing me. I kissed him back. Soft, tender, smooth, it's like we clicked together perfectly, and I didn’t care who saw.

Putting my hands through his hair, pulling gently. His hand rested on the side of my face. We stopped for a second. I think he wanted more, and I did too.

“Dan, maybe we should stop?”

“I’m terrible at making decisions,” He said.

It was like we were two horny teenagers, making out in the car we borrowed from our parents. My breathing became heavy, my lips swollen, and don’t get me started on how turned on I was. He moved his hand over my neck several times, and I kept having to stop him.

“Abbey, are you okay?”

I nodded, wanting him to keep going. Instead, he looked at me with his head cocked to the side and exposed part of my neck, the moment now ruined. I knew what he saw was the bruising—claiming marks.

He looked away from me. “Christ, I was wondering why you wore this and it's not even cold today.”

“I–I–”

“Is that what you like, or are you not telling me something?” He said.

“I don’t know,” My voice was barely a whisper.

Rubbing his hand over his face. “I will take you home this time, but I don’t want to see you again if you're not going to be honest with me.”

“I’m sorry–”

“You keep saying that, stop, please,” he said, through gritted teeth and hands gripping the wheel so hard, I thought it was going to snap.

_________

We pulled up to the front of my house, and tears streamed down my face. He didn’t say anything as I got out and went inside. I should never have met him so soon with my bruises still fresh. Looking at myself in the hallway mirror, I did look like hell. Dark undereyes, pale complexion, and my hair had lost its shine.

I treated myself to some self-care for a while before doing any chores or looking at my bills. I walked outside to grab the mail, and the sun was warm and bright against my skin. One of the neighbor's kids was riding her tricycle and ringing a high-pitched bell that hurt my head.

“Your husband is nice,” The little girl said, “He gave us cookies and talked to our mom.”

I looked at her in confusion. “Husband?.... I don’t think you should be eating those.”

“They were good,” she shrugged and kept riding her bike around.

I immediately bolted inside, lying down on the sofa. My head spun, and my stomach turned. He is now involving my neighbors. Whom I barely know, as is, and making them feel welcome. He was not my fucking anything at this point, stalker, abuser, husband…yeah, definitely not husband.

I then paced around the room, the whole damn house, trying to come up with a plan. I couldn’t think, who did he think he was…god? My savior? Did I look like I needed his help? It was fine when it was just us. He involved everyone else once before, but if this was going to keep happening, he would have to face my wrath.

I wanted to rip my hair out, I wanted to smash a mirror, I wanted to kill him. I’m sure he also heard everything that goes on in and around my house. At least I had my thoughts to myself, to keep me from going insane. I called Sasha to let her know I wanted to stay with her just for the weekend.

I packed my bag, grabbing random clothes, shoes, makeup, and anything else to fill it with. It wasn’t even fair at this point. Every man in my life has dictated everything for me, where I had no ground to stand on. I have had it, I was over it, I didn’t have any fucks to give.

Chapter 17: What is Love?

DAN

“How do I get in contact with him?” I asked Chris.

“That's not how it works. He contacts you.”

I crouched in front of him. “Then how?”

“You have to be active on the site or go to a mentioned party,” he said through a yawn.

I was going to find the bastard and get Abbey back. Maybe not in that order, but it made sense in my mind. I think I was going crazy this time around.

“If you let me go, I can contact him for you.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because you need me, and you won't kill me. I won't go to the police because you're already paying me.”

I stood up and turned to leave. “I'll think about it.”

I left him with that in mind, and the walk back to the house became shorter and shorter. The house had an eeriness when she wasn't around. It has been this way for weeks now. I let go of half my staff for the week so I could think.

She was clouding my mind, all I could think about. I missed her so much, or I was an idiot. My evenings were filled with visits from Penelope and Steve, who came over to entertain me.

I usually cooked, but it wasn't good. Being almost fifty, I couldn't cook to save my life. Coming from wealth had its perks, but I couldn't do shit. I believed my mother would be disappointed. I stood in the kitchen, mulling over my thoughts.

A notification lit up my phone.

‘If you want to know more, come to the All Saints Masquerade’

All Saints Masquerade? I never go to that. Where people wear suits and masks to feel powerful for one night. It's one big sex party for cheaters, lovers, people who can't get laid, or don't have the time. No one was a saint there. If you weren't someone, you had to be invited.

—---------

I showed up to work in the late morning to keep busy. Demetrius was a people pleaser, something I disliked. He was good, though; he kept up with me, which was hard to do. The meeting went smoothly, most of the time; I couldn’t stop thinking about her. It might have made me terrible at my job.

I couldn’t be distracted yet; I had a big deal to close on in a month. I also had to attend an event that I thoroughly loathed. It wasn’t so much about the theme itself, but the people, high-class hookers, infidelity, and drugs. I think someone might have gotten killed last year, and the cops turned a blind eye.

I feared that if I went and somehow saw Abbey, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if something happened to her. I called Demetrius in.

“You called, boss,” He said, honestly.

“I need you to make me an appointment for a suit.” I ordered.

“At the normal shop or the alternative one?”

“Let's go with Ronaldo,” I said, with a grin.

“You got it.” He saluted and left.

I had a weird assistant, so I needed Abbey back ASAP.

I needed a mask after all, and a suit I could stand out in. If he was the real deal, I also needed to hide my best asset. I could have made myself an appointment, but I didn’t need to when I had an assistant. Maybe I abused my power, or maybe at this point, I didn’t care. I've been doing that a lot lately, not caring.

I had nothing to do all afternoon, so I wasn’t just going to sit here and do nothing. I wanted coffee or to go to a gentleman's club. It would be nice to wake up and have sex sober. I grabbed my phone, keys, and wallet before heading out.

The elevator smelled like weed. I rolled my eyes at the interns who would go against company policy. I didn’t police them as much as I should. I remember being that age and not complying with the rules. The doors opened — a woman faced away—it was too familiar.

“Abbey?” I asked.
______________

She was wearing a turtle neck, but it wasn’t that cold outside. I eyed her suspiciously as she stuttered and shied away from her words. I hoped that nothing else had happened to her, the whole time she was lying through her teeth. It wouldn’t have bothered me that much if I didn’t know what was going on.

The bruising on her neck hurt me the most. It wasn’t what she wanted, and I knew it was going to get worse from here. Now I had even more of a reason to potentially stop what was happening. I wasn’t trying to play the hero or be her knight in shining armor; she would hate me for that.

I was hard on her, but I had to push her away if I was going to protect her and other women from a dangerous man. A man who only thought what women wanted, to control them, to hurt them. How much of a psychopath was he?

When I got home, Ronaldo was already inside.

“Ready, Mr.Decker?” He smiled like he knew a secret.

“Absolutely,” I replied.

His style wasn’t traditional; he had a lot up his sleeve. Different materials, patterns, colors, and lengths. It was a vibe, I couldn’t choose between a houndstooth or a floral velvet, unlike my brother's wedding, where I looked like a fucking vampire.

Next came the mask. I designed a simplistic one, a black sheep; I knew others would have more identifying appearances. I would keep my phone on the whole time, I still knew very little about the event. Who was going to be there and what was allowed, between the sex, drinking, and drugs.

My suit would be ready in time, but I had to put a rush on it, which cost me extra. Every time Ronaldo came, he charged me more and more; I obviously, was the sucker for it. He made a well-fitting suit, though, putting a unique charm on each one.

That night, I couldn’t sleep; I woke up several times throughout the night. I turned my phone light on when something shiny caught my eye under the bed. I reached down to grab it; it was her necklace, my gift. She just left it here like it was nothing, or maybe she didn’t realize.

After today, I couldn’t have given her the benefit of the doubt. What was I doing? I have Chris locked in the cellar, and I now I’m trying to kill a man. I grabbed a flashlight and threw on some clothes. Heading down to the cellar, it seemed like a longer walk than before.

I kicked Chris awake. “Guess what, buttercup?”

“So glad you finally came to your senses,” he groaned.

“Yup,” I unchained him and walked him back to the house.

“Y’know your dad would have killed me.”

“What–” I started, confused.

“He did that for your mom; he loved her.”

“Chris, please shut up,” I said, being short with him.

Now the walk was much, much longer.

______

Chris sat at my dining table putting away a cold cheeseburger. Gross. I heated mine up to the best of my ability, but it was a little rubbery and hard.

“69Angel69, reached out to me.”

He leaned forward. “And?”

“I’m going to All Saints Masquerade, anything I should know?”

“Who are you bringing?” Chris asked.

“Bringing?”

“To share, if you show up alone, you stick out like a sore thumb,” He chuckled.

“Fuck,” I muttered under my breath.

At least I knew who to call in a pinch. I tapped my phone screen, and I hovered over Sofi’s name.

“You and your father are alike, the temper, the need to save a woman you can’t have,” he scoffed.

I huffed out a sigh and left him alone.

I slept for roughly three hours before my alarm woke me up at six in the morning. I went for a run as usual, to clear my head, and before anyone showed up. Chris was sleeping on the couch in his underwear; he stunk less, and washed his clothes at the very minimum. I had scheduled a doctor's visit for him today to ensure he was okay.

Work seemed boring for the next couple of days, Brittany came by almost every day to deliver coffee. She wasn’t my type, though, maybe she wanted to be. It made me sad to think about how a woman would stoop so low for attention. I took the coffee, then dismissed her. It was a fun little game we played.

Next week, I will be playing a different, dangerous game with an agenda. Ronaldo finished my suit early and dropped it off himself at my office. I’m sure it was on his way to a lunch date at the gay bar around the corner—a funny guy.

Sofi still hadn’t responded, so I called. She picked up on the first ring.

“Hi, I need a favor….no, it's about— yeah, I’m okay. I can’t be obvious. No, I have never been.”

She went on and on about how I should have talked to Tyler first, etcetera. I let her vent about everything, maybe it cleared enough of the air for us. We still hated each other, I think. The whole thing was confusing, conversations didn’t suit us.

“See you then. Thank you.”

_______________

I was nervous, as I looked at myself in the mirror, a floral, dark blue, velvet suit with a black sheep's mask. I wasn’t Abbey-level nervous on our first date; this was different. I was calm, collected, and blood-boiled through my veins. I grabbed my gun from the safe, tucking it away in my jacket.

Sofi met me outside. If we were going to do this, then let's hope we do it right. The drive was awkward; we hadn’t really talked for a while after everything. Deep down, I hated her, and I’m sure she still felt the same about me. Marrying my brother doesn’t mean anything has changed.

“Um, how are you?” I asked.

She snorted and scoffed. “Prying for information, huh?”

“I was genuinely curious,” I looked at her, tilting my head to the side.

“I’m sure,” she looked over at me, to see that I wasn’t smirking. My usual face, when someone made a snide remark. “Oh, your…shit. I’m…No, we are good, Tyer and I.”

“That’s good.”

We pulled into a parking spot a few blocks away. We put on our masks at the last minute before entering. The bouncer knew who I was, but I had to make up who Sofi was to me. She played the part well, taking my arm, practically sitting in my lap the whole time.

I kept watch on the many different kinds of people, hoping to spot him. When a man sat at the other end of the leather couch, grazing a light hand over Sofi’s arm, she pretended to ignore him until he came closer.

“Would you mind sharing?” he said, his voice was like gravel.

“Maybe just for tonight would be okay,” I grabbed her face to look at me, mouthing the words.

She exhaled roughly.

I looked over at the man. “We need to talk first.”

He smiled lazily. “Sure, anything to have a pretty body between the sheets.”

Sofi got up to grab us more drinks.

“What do you want to know?”

“Abbey—” I started.

“Isn’t here.”

“And you're just the messenger.”

“Where is she?”

He ran a hand through his hair. “Grabbing drinks, of course.”

I flashed him my gun, turning his face from smug to terrified in a heartbeat. “Tell me.”

“Would you–”

“Don’t test me,” I growled, cutting him off.

He came closer. “He doesn’t know I know, but the woods behind her house.”

“Why?” I asked, tired of asking questions that got me nowhere.

“I don’t know, but they need to be alone. He’s dangerous,” he got up and leaned into my ear. “More than you know.”

He walked away, forgetting about us. Sofi handed me a bourbon neat. I took a sip, letting the warmth tickle my throat.

“We need to go.”

“I thought you said she was here?” Sofi protested.

I shook my head, and I filled Sofi in on the rest of it, even the conversation that took place tonight. The stalking, the assault, the break-up, but not the man who was tied up in my basement. Chris was living with me for the week, a messy fucking person; he came with a lot of baggage.

“You're still in love with her, after everything?” Sofi said, weaving through traffic.

“Yes.”

Notes:

Back to regular updating schedule!

Chapter 18: The Game

I ran as fast as I could, weaving through trees. My feet were going to be bruised and bloody. Trees blurring my vision in waves, I was determined to be free from his grasp. I heard my name being called out around me, I thought I was running in circles. The cold pierced my skin like daggers, and this is how I would die.

That Morning

I ate breakfast, put a comb through my hair, and brushed my teeth. I looked semi-decent today. Sasha would be coming over later this afternoon, and I didn’t want her to think that in this short amount of time, I couldn’t hold it together. I could handle myself even though she might not think so. I kept thinking about him; he made me feel alive and special.

My coffee was warm, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. I smacked my lips together, adding more cream and coffee. I looked outside to see that it was starting to rain, and the air would be more humid. I took it upon myself to take a walk and get out of the house today.

The neighbor kids played in their yards; it wasn’t something that I thought about often–having kids. If I did, I would want Dan’s. Maybe we could have a miracle baby; now that would be something. I daydreamed a lot about it, what would they look like? Would they be calm or fussy?

I hissed through my teeth as something jabbed into the front of my leg. “Where’s your husband?” a high-pitched voice asked.

I looked down to see the same little girl from earlier, her tricycle wheel stuck to my leg.

“He’s on a work trip, going to be gone a few days,” I let out a breath.

“Oh, ok. Maybe you could bring us cookies.”

“You don’t need them,” scolding her.

She sighed and put her head down. “I guess.”

I turned around and walked in the opposite direction. I wasn’t about to inquire anything about my stalker. Deep down, I wanted to know him, what he looks like, how old he is. It didn’t make sense to me why I started to like it. The control, the easiness of it, the feeling of leather against my skin.

The walk cleared my head, looking at the trees, flowers, and how the cool air prickled against my skin. It started to sprinkle a tiny bit, I didn’t flinch as it hit my skin. It felt like warm kisses from god, or maybe he was crying that I was so fucked up.

My sense of direction didn’t make sense either; I kind of forgot where I was going or what direction I wanted to go. It took me longer to get back to my house when I got lost twice. The sun rose a little higher in the sky, but it wasn’t warm, though. Looking up at it–which was dumb— and thought I wouldn’t mind being blind.

-________

I lay my head down against a pillow on the sofa and pulled a blanket over myself. My chest rose and fell tightly, tears ran down my cheeks. I tried taking as deep a breath as I could, repeating my mantra in my head, ‘it's okay not to be okay.’

I turned my phone over that was lying on the coffee table to check the time. Sasha was going to be here at any time. I needed to get over my little pity party, or maybe I needed therapy? There were a lot of questions today floating around inside my head.

Being trusted alone with myself would be the death of me. A loud knock woke me up from my daze. I closed my eyes and hid under the covers even more, trying to make her go away. Sasha’s keys rattled, and the lock clicked open.

“Why can’t you open the damn door?” Sasha yelled. Her heels clicked against the wood as she came closer.

She kept talking. “You know, you can be stuck up sometimes. What did you learn that from Dan?”

I let out a long groan. “I hear you. Why do you have to be such a bitch sometimes?”

“Shut up, it’s good for you..”

I could hear her grabbing a pair of glasses, and then a loud pop, like wine was being opened. A second of silence passes. The couch dipped near my feet.

“Thank you,” I said, uncovering my face.

Taking a sip, the smooth, sweet taste slid down my throat and settled on my tongue.

“You’re still in pajamas. Lucky for you, we're going to a club tonight, only for the exclusive. I also brought some outfits for you to try.” She said, her voice perky.

“What’s the club?”

“Well, it's more like a gathering of rich people, they call it, ‘All Saints masquerade’,” she said, like it was a secret.

“Have you ever been?”

“Iook, I heard it's quiet and the atmosphere is calm.”

“Oh great,” I sighed, “Alright, show me what you want me to try on.”

She eagerly raced to her car, grabbing a pile bigger than her and flopping everything on top of me.

“I could have died.” I said, my voice muffled under the covers with a hint of a smile.

Sasha rolled her eyes. “Stop being melodramatic.”

I stood up, shifting through many outfits, mainly dresses. A silky, long, tight-fitting dress caught my eye. I stumbled into the guest room to try it on. It fit perfectly, but was too long. The deep red color made me look paler and my under eyes darker.

Sasha tilted her head to the side. “You look,...sick.”

“Ya’ think.”

“Here,” she threw a light gray slip dress at me.

Again with the silkiness, it was shorter and hung off my body like I could be a coke addict. Was I really that thin? I really wanted to gain some weight back; my breasts and ass were gone.

“Oh god no,” she said, her eyes wider than saucers.

“Try again.”

The next dress was a light pink and black striped dress with a corset and came with matching pink gloves. It made me feel sexy without looking too overdone, but would he like it? The fabric was smooth, soft, and not quite silky. I liked the hardness of it, the smell when you got up close and personal with it. I tightened the corset around my waist, making it harder to breathe.

The bruising on my neck went away as it was superficial at best. I hoped he watched me standing in front of the mirror, stroking hair over my shoulder, trying it up and down. Which one would he like best? I slid my gloved hands over my skin, pretending they were his. The softness, the richness, the shine. made me wet. Lowering my hand to touch myself, seeing my wetness glisten off the material. Licking it off, tasting myself, my panties were soaked now. I wanted him to control me, in the most dangerous way. He consumed my thoughts.

“You look so good,” Sasha said over my shoulder. Startling me.

I twirled around, “I think we found the one,” I gave my biggest smile. “When do we leave?”

“In an hour, I think that gives us time to get ready at least.”

I stepped into the bathroom, curling my hair, and I couldn’t decide if I wanted to wear perfume or not. Black eyeliner lined my eyes and shiny black lipstick. I also decided that nothing was going to ruin our night. Well, more so, my night that Sasha had planned, but still it was going to be a night I wouldn’t forget.

“Ready?” Sasha yelled from downstairs.

“Yes,” I replied.

I heard faint rustling, but thought she was nosily searching through my things, like always.
____________________-

I grabbed a bag from my closet to put my phone, credit cards, and lipstick in. A black card caught my eye with silver writing, upon looking closer, it had been handwritten, ‘Run!’. My heart started pounding in my chest, I honestly couldn’t breathe, slowly standing, I leaned against the wall for support.

My world had crashed around me. Was he here? And why wasn’t Sasha saying anything? I needed her to let me know she was okay. The house became silent as more time passed by. I tiptoed across the room and down the stairs. The last step creaked under my weight; I winced.

He came around the corner, his head cocked to one side as he looked me up and down. Taking my hand in his, leather against leather. The sound it made to touch him, I couldn’t feel him. Disappointing. He wore his signature black and his mask covering his eyes again.

He dropped my hand and grabbed my waist, pulling me in closer. “Our last night together, I would like it to be under the stars.”

Last night together? Was he going to kill me now? I didn’t want this to end. I was crazy for thinking it; he needed to go away. He wouldn’t hurt Sasha, though, would he? He only wanted me, and I knew that.

“Run!” he shouted in that deep, gravely voice.

I stumbled over my own two feet, barely getting the hang of running. This wasn’t anything casual with the way he walked slowly toward me. It was a bad horror movie. I tripped over a stair as he pinned me down to hook a collar around my neck.

He let me go, and a deep laugh sounded from within him. “I want to play with you first, little kitten.”

I flung open the back door, the cold air hit me like a wall, and I ran like my life depended on it because it did. The cold, wet earth padded against my feet. They would be bruised and bloodied by the time I found refuge. I hid behind a tree to catch my breath, knowing he was right behind me.

Every time I stopped, my feet stung. I would rather have let an infection kill me than by his own hands. I heard a gunshot on my right, missing my head and embedding into the tree in front of me. He was playing the game his way; there were no rules. I should have listened.

“Kitten, come out and play. I know where you are.”

I ran left, heading towards a small stream. I couldn’t see him, but his presence was there. I tried clawing off the collar to no avail; it was locked onto me—a tracker. I kept tripping over my own feet, just running as far as my legs could carry me.

I was pretty far into the woods until I heard my name being called. Far away in the distance, I could barely make out the person yelling. When another person joined in, the voices and sounds of the stream filled my head. I ran through the water, slipping on the rocks that were slowly numbing my feet.

I started to slow down as my muscles weren’t used to this much effort and my heart was tight in my chest. I wanted to scream and cry and be angry at the world, but right now all I needed was to survive. I heard my name again coming from the other side. I saw two figures in the distance. I ran towards them.

Getting too excited, too hopeful, I would be saved by whoever knew I was out here. My chest hit the forest floor with a thud, knocking the air out of me. A heavyweight, crushing me, suffocating me. Rocks and sticks jabbed into my skin, cutting into me as he ran a leather hand down the side of my face, his other hand on my shoulder holding me down.

“Don’t pretend you don’t like it,” he growled in my ear.

Yanking me up by the back of the collar, my body grew sore, but my lungs had air. He shoved the barrel of a gun under my chin, as he turned me around to face him, forcing my gaze, running his hand through my hair, pulling hard. My stomach turned again, but I shoved down my tears into the darkest parts of me.

He pressed me up against a tree. Shoving the barrel into my mouth, ordering me to suck on it. I looked up at him as I did. He liked this too much, playing a dangerous game. I swirled my tongue around the cold, hard metal, as he cocked it. My heart thundered into my ears and down my throat. I wasn’t afraid of death, but of who would find out how he took a part of me to revel in what he was doing to me.

“I should have the courtesy of fucking you one last time,” he said.

Unzipping his jeans, he forced me down on my knees. “Open wide, kitten.”

____

My ears rang and my vision blurred. I heard my name being called, as I fell, which felt like forever to hit the ground. I stared up at the trees and the blackest sky, while a figure stood over me. I floated away in a dream.

Notes:

This is not 'The End'
I'm taking the next chapter in a different direction, so I hope you like what is coming soon

Chapter 19: The Detectives

___The Detective

When Detective Hart showed up, there were multiple officers at the scene. He got a call at six AM when a neighbor heard several gunshots go off in this vicinity. This sparked intrigue as well as a man who supposedly was seen taking off with a woman down the road.

Hart donned boot covers, a mask, and a hairnet to not contaminate the crime scene. It intrigued him to learn that this might have been a love triangle gone wrong. The mask wasn’t pulled off the victim's face, yet, which made it more unsettling.

“What do we have here?” Detective Hart said, looking around the crime scene.

The air was thick and cold. It had an eeriness about it that he had never noticed before, as crime didn’t happen too often out here anyway. Usually, crimes took place in the city or the wealthy divisions, but here he thought it was safe.

The coroner, Dr.Isla, said. Looking gorgeous as ever in her PPE onesie. “Looks like foul play and a gunshot to the chest, it may have been personal,” she continued taking pictures and her assistant collected evidence.

Carefully examining the foliage around them, picking up items that might have had DNA on them.

Detective Hart squatted down over the body, the wound had started to dry with thick blood. The more he looked closely at what the victim was wearing, the more it looked familiar. A perfectly tailored leather suit with a matching mask. There were no rips or tears through the fabric, other than the bullet hole.

He put on a pair of gloves to examine a bullet casing close to the body and bagged up the evidence.

Petersen walked up behind him. “Huh, Officer Gonzales said that a man was carrying a woman who was bleeding on the side of the road.”

“I wonder where he was taking her?” Dr.Isla mumbled.

There would be nothing around for miles, unless she had been running from something; maybe she lived around here. Then again, what was she doing in the middle of the woods with a possible stranger at night?

“Do we know what the man who was holding the woman wearing, or who he is?” Petersen asked Officer Gonzales

“He was dressed up wearing a suit and holding an animal mask. Officer Harms took him into custody.” Gonzales shrugged.

He seemed to be playing a hero, maybe, detective Hart thought. He wouldn’t make any assumptions yet or say them out loud. Until he at least had a conversation with the suspect, who wasn’t innocent. He hopped back into his cruiser, as something didn’t sit right in his gut about the scene.

He took a sip of coffee to wake him up and drove to the precinct, mentally preparing for the interrogation. Wondering if he should play good or bad cop. He wouldn’t decide until he had a file on the suspect, fingerprints, mugshots and a full background check.

___The Interrogation: Dan

Detective Hart walked into the interrogation room with a file and coffee in hand. Absorbing the information of what he learned a couple of hours prior. The suspect sitting before him was Daniel Decker, a wealthy man with an even wealthier father.

A dangerous father. A man who didn’t care who he hurt to get what he wanted, the CEO of a health insurance company. Ripping off millions of people who needed care, which his company denied claim after claim. Daniel Decker seemed different, possibly lending a sympathetic ear to those in need.

Graduating from Duke, starting a software company and playing tennis on the weekends. He had a brother named Tyler and a brother whom he hand’t seen in years, Trevor. Steve Sutter, his best friend, and wife Penelope.

“Tell me, Daniel, what were you doing out in the woods at night?” Heart asked.

He answered calmly. “I received a tip that a woman may have needed help from a random person at the club.”

“What club?”

“The ‘All Saints Masquerade’.”

Heart leaned in a little closer. “A masquerade, huh, never been to one of those.”

“I ran out to help her when I saw a man corner her against a tree. Dressed in black, and I hit him over the head with a rock.” Daniel wrung his hands.

“A rock?...” Hart exclaimed. “Well, he was shot through the chest and not a scratch on his head, from what I could tell from this morning. “You have a gun registered in your name?”

Hart spread out photos from that morning, a man in full leather and a mask with a bullet hole through his chest.

“I didn’t have it on me that night; you can’t bring weapons into the club.”

Heart pushed. “Didn’t have to have it on you, maybe in your car?”

“No.” Daniel said, straight-faced.

“Did you know the woman?”

“She used to be my assistant.” Daniel sat back, crossing his arms.

“How long did she work for you?”

“A couple of years.”

Hart took a sip of coffee. This was just the conversation before the details would come to light. He knew Daniel was lying. “Did you two have a romantic relationship? Maybe you or the other man got jealous?”

Heart looked over to see the door swing open. “Chris Richards, Daniels' attorney. Don’t say anything else.” Chris said, sitting down next to his client.

Daniel didn’t offer up any more information.

“We’ll be in touch, don’t leave the state or the country,” Hart grumbled.

He walked out of the room, leaving Daniel and his lawyer to discuss details. He needed to get information out of the young woman who was injured. The young woman was possibly caught in the middle of a very dangerous situation. The detective tried to decipher which one could be more dangerous.

___The Hospital: Abbey

By the time he heard the news, the woman was up he hopped in the cruiser to go ask her questions. He met with the doctor to see if she had the capability to even talk to him. Knowing when she came in, she was unconscious with a bullet wound to her shoulder.

“She is awake, but I don’t know how much help she could be,” Doctor Pare said.

“Any confusion or mental issues?”

“She kept calling for someone named Dan. I assumed it was her husband.”

She was still awake when the detective entered the room, and the doctor briefed him on her name and what injuries she was recovering from. Petersen dropped off the file. Her name was Abiagial Sommers. The background check didn’t show much of anything. No priors, but she did file multiple reports of stalking, harassment, and a restraining order against an ex-boyfriend in Florida.

“Hi, Abigail, this is Detective Heart and he’s going to ask you a couple questions,” the doctor said, pointing at the detective. “If that’s okay?”

She nodded, her eyes far off in the distance, as if separated from herself. The detective pulled up a chair so he wasn’t standing over her. The less intimidating he looked, the better she would probably answer his questions.

Combing through phone calls and messages didn’t yield any red flags between her and Dan. Only that she received threatening messages from Trevor, the one that stood out the most was,’ I like you alive’ noting that he would plan to kill her eventually.

Usually, when threats like that came out, they were empty promises. But not in this case, Hart thought.

He opened his notebook with the file in hand, “Can you remember anything of what happened?”

She closed her eyes and opened them again, blinking a couple of times. “I don’t remember much. He he came in my house…playing a game…” her voice seemed to hitch.

“A game?”

“He liked to taunt me, get under my skin…he put a collar on me. I ran.”

“Into the woods?” Hart asked, his voice low.

Abbey nodded, finally looking at Detective Hart, her eyes were glassy and her expression neutral. “I didn’t know him, I don’t even know what he looks like. His eyes though, were…familiar.”

“Would you recognize them, or maybe his voice? Maybe his smell?”

“Yeah, I would, kind of it changed sometimes like he could have been a different person, but everything else stayed the same.”

The detective tried to look into her eyes. “The same? How did he hurt you?”

“He did things to me, I can’t…” Abbey’s tears slid down, staining her cheeks..

The detective nodded and they sat in silence for a few minutes while Abbey ate the rest of her food. Lunch, dinner or breakfast he couldn’t tell, it was half eaten.

Hart adjusted in his seat. “I know this is upsetting for you.”

She shook her head like it was more of an inconvenience than the trauma she had been experiencing.

“Did he have a gun?” the detective asked.

“Yeah, I heard something go off. I suspect he’s the one who shot me?”

“We don’t know yet. I have a man in custody; we don’t know what his intentions were.”

“Is it Dan or my stalker? Dan and I, he loves me...” her voice trailed off. “He saved me.”

Detective Heart nodded, trying to piece together the information, or what little information he had. She had a stalker who threatened her, made her feel like she couldn’t tell anyone, not even her lover. He needed to know what Dan knew and how he knew what was going on. With his lawyer present, he suspected he wasn’t going to get very far.

After the hospital, he couldn’t get the thought of her out of his mind. She had been tormented, abused and the man in custody was her lover. How did she hide it from him, and who shot whom? He needed to figure out matching the bullet to the gun tomorrow.

The beep of the microwave went off as he popped off the beer top with his key. Sitting in front of the television watching the news. Another death, another assault and shoplifter, when were the crimes in this jurisdiction going to end so he could retire?

The night slowed and would feel like forever before morning. He had to get gas in the morning and pick up breakfast from his favorite diner At least he could be excited about that, which was the only thing he could be excited about since his wife left him.

___Abbey’s Home (The next morning)

Her house sat in the middle of a cul-de-sac, a gray-blue house with white trim. Her black sedan was parked in the driveway, the porch light still lit up. Upon entering the home, it smelled of mint and basil, feminine and light. Everything was tidy, except for the living room, which had staining on the carpet in front of the couch.

She had very minimal items to search through, looking through drawers, cupboards, and underneath furniture. No dust or dirt littered the floor, window sills, and countertops.

Hart and Petersen searched the entire house, looking for anything at all. They found cameras placed in each room, hidden between books and knick–knacks. We needed to track down the footage next, for now we would have to figure out which man was behind this.

Petersen gathered the last of their evidence. “You think she knew?”

“No, but I don’t think we would find anything else here, the place is immaculate.” Hart’s said, his voice boomed through the room.

“He wore gloves and a full body suit from the reports and what we saw of him.”

“If only the dead could talk, right?”

Petersen nodded in agreement.

 

___ The Dead

Detective Hart hated going down to meet the coroner, something he rarely did. He usually sent someone else down, but instead, this was his investigation. His partner wasn’t even here yet as he stood outside the door, waiting.

Detective Petersen came down the stairs.

“About time you go here.” Hart grumbled.

“Yeah, yeah, my kids kept me this morning and dropping them off at school, not an easy feat, makes me appreciate Michele even more,” Petersen smiled.

“Let's head in and get the report. Hopefully, this sheds some light on the situation.”

The corner sat at her computer, typing away, with her fingernails perfectly manicured. “Let me finish this note,” she said. “But I’ve been expecting you.”

The detectives stood over the body; his face had a familiar resemblance to Daniel Decker’s. A caucasian male, with dark brown hair, the bullet hole was now cleaned up. The coroner stood putting on her lab coat.

“What can you tell us?” Petersen asked.

“A lot, actually. This is Trevor Decker, male, obviously, hole through his chest caused by a bullet, which I sent to ballistics. Other than that, he has no priors of what I could see.” She shrugged it off.

Hart cleared his throat. “Huh, well, we can do the heavy lifting on that. Check out where he lives, maybe any other hidden skeletons this guy has.”

The detectives strode upstairs to check to see if there was more information about Trevor Decker. Hart sat at his desk, tapping a pencil against his notebook. He tried to wake up, sipping his coffee and clicking a few keys on the keyboard to wake up his computer.

He typed in name, date of birth, and some priors came up. He had to dig for them as some were hidden in the database, which he had clearance to access the records. Some burglary and assault were listed on the screen in front of him–petty crimes. How could he do something such as stalking, in all the years it took a special someone to know how. Trevor didn’t seem like the type of person who was knowledgeable on the subject.

Heart took down the address on his notepad and motioned for Petersen to follow him.

___

The drive was slow and long; the suspect's house sat on a long dirt road out in the sticks. It wasn’t run down, but not memorable either, a brown house with old peeling siding, a yard that was mostly dirt, and no car in the driveway with the garage door open.

“You think he was hurrying that night?” Petersen asked.

“Maybe…I think we need to find the car if he had one.”

The detectives looked into the windows and under the mat or planted pots for a key somewhere. They gave up and knocked on the door, it smelled of nothing upon entering. The home seemed tidy enough, with basic furniture in each room, again, nothing memorable.

Everything seemed like it had a place, dishes and books were put away, organized by color or shape, or texture. A normal person wouldn’t take the time organize stuff the way he did. The bedroom was just a room with a bed, tidy and made up.

A lone computer sat on a desk in a tiny room off to the side. It seemed private and Hart’s stomach twisted. A sickness dropped into his gut, and praying he could find out what happened wouldn’t be that bad. He hoped no murders happened here or anywhere else connected to this man.

The case he worked on a couple of years ago, had been a family that was murdered in their own home. Blood smeared, pooled, spattered against every surface, the worst case he ever dealt with. It wasn’t the blood that haunted him, but the way they were murdered. In their own home.

“Petersen, you’re good with computers want to give this a try,” Hart said, pointing to the desk.

“Sure.”

Petersen tapped a few keys and logged in; the screen lit up with nothing on it. No files were attached to the desktop, but a single documents tab at the bottom of the screen caught their eye. He clicked on it to find two folders, one marked ‘notes’ and the other ‘videos’.

They looked at each other. “We should take this back to the office,” Petersen said.

Part II

Hart and Petersen sat down, opened the laptop with coffee in hand, that next morning. Petersen opened the file of ‘notes’ first. It contained various phrases on a word document, they learned that she was called ‘Kitten’ as a possible nickname. A cat and mouse type situation, the last entry was a note that said ‘Run!’.

It explained what she would have been doing out there in the woods, but nothing else.

It was the least of their worries to have notes that were creepy, as it didn’t prove anything. Other than Trevor, she had been messing with her, making her think she was in danger of him. Next were the videos, and both detectives held their breath.

A black screen came up, and he clicked ‘play’. Abigail was going about her day, making dinner, showering, and getting dressed. There were hundreds of videos over months that documented what she did inside her home. Cameras were placed strategically to get a view of the whole room. The one’s we found a couple days earlier.

They played with the computer more and found hidden videos, something that wasn’t supposed to be seen. In what looked to be the bedroom a man in leather walks in—Trevor?, comes over to her while she was sleeping. He takes clear advantage of her, disgusting to watch. Detective Hart got up and left the room to take a break.

Petersen sighed. “That was something…”

“I had to step out, it’s too much,” Hart’s hands shook, due to caffeine or what he had watched.

“I get that, let's check out ballistics to see if they have a match on the bullets.”

Ballistics didn’t have much to give other than Trevor was shot by what was assumed to be Daniel's gun. Trevor shot Abigail in the shoulder. The thing that didn’t make sense was why, why did Trevor tried to kill her? He wasn’t a murderer, rapist—sure, assult–yes and burgalar—yes. Not a murderer of a woman he didn’t know.

It also wouldn’t make sense to interview any of the people tied to this case, as he wouldn’t get any answers. Hart decided to go off on his own and interview a member of the family who would maybe have answers.

___

Hart took hold of the brass knocker, it echoed off the wood when Tyler answered the door.

“May I help you?”

Hart flashed his badge. “I’m here about a case.”

“Not without my lawyer present,” Tyler demanded.

“I need answers to close the case. I’m not here for you specifically.”

Tyler and Hart stood in the doorway for a minute before Tyler let him in. He put a kettle on the stove.

“Want some tea?” Tyler asked.

Hart sat on a stool in front of the kitchen island. “Sure, nothing with caffeine though, it’s late.”

“What did you want to ask me?”

“Were Dan and Abigail in a romantic relationship?” Hart asked, as Tyler poured tea into a mug.

“Yeah, they seemed to be in love. Abbey worked for him for a couple of years before they were together.”

“Did you know Trevor was in town?”

Tyler hung his head down and let out a deep sigh. “No, actually, we thought he disowned us as he left when he was a teenager to go live with our grandparents overseas. Daniel took care of all of us…well, besides Dad, I guess.”

“Did Daniel own a gun?”

“He did, but he wouldn’t hurt anyone unless they deserved it.”

Hart wasn’t sure if Tyler had been painting a positive picture of his brother. It seemed like family had his back, but Hart’s radar went off in his head to signal maybe that wasn’t the instance here. Hart couldn’t put Abigail through too much more; it wouldn’t be fair, not after the videos he watched of her being assaulted and beaten. An act of self-defense would be more accurate to close the case.

“Would you know why Trevor would want to hurt Abbey?”

Tyler shrugged. “I assume he wanted to get back at Daniel for whatever reason. I remember hearing them get into an argument before Trevor left.”

“I was going to close the case anyway, but I guess we both have an unanswered question as to why.”

“I guess so,” Tyler said as he sipped his tea.

When Hart left to go type up his report, he had put that Daniel Decker shot Trevor Decker in self-defense. Abigail was shot with Trevor's gun as he cornered her against a tree. He also had to report the videos, notes, and the investigation of the Trevors' house.

Something still didn’t sit right with him about it, and he didn't have all the answers he needed. Why, why, why circled through his mind. Are there more people involved? Who knew what? And why didn’t Abigail report it? I couldn’t talk to the dead; if I could, I would have solved it by now.

“Hart, are we closing the case?... You barely talked to Daniel.” Petersen said.

“He isn’t a reliable source. I did talk to Abigail, and she vouched for him at least.”

“You think she’s covering for him?”

Hart crossed his arms. “No, I don’t think so. She’s smarter than that, confessed to being abused when I went to visit her in the hospital.”

“Do you think there could be more people involved?” Petersen pried.

“Maybe, but it seemed like this case was personal. Besides, we have evidence that Trevor abused her for months.” Hart sighed. “Besides, it would be hard to prove if a burner phone or computer was used. We’d have no idea who he would be talking to.”

Petersen was his right-hand man, bringing up questions Hart had already thought. It had been exactly like most of the cases he’d worked; if there wasn’t any other evidence, they had to wait it out. Until something else happened or a tip came in that would add any useful information to the case.

Hart had to leave the conversation with Tyler off the record. It wasn’t his job to go rogue when he was supposed to do everything by the book. Even digging through Daniel and Abigail’s text or calls didn’t yield anything suspicious between them. It had been an open and shut case as far as anyone else was concerned. He remembered one last thing before submitting anything, as he grabbed his coat.

He drove around the neighborhood around Abigail's house looking for a car. It had to be in walking distance, but then he remembered her car in the driveway. He hurriedly swung around to go back to her house.

They had forgotten to look in the garage. As soon as he stopped, he jumped out of the car. Entering the garage from inside the house, where a black SUV was parked. He called for backup right then.

Looking over the car in what time he had, the GPS had been set to her house, but not to any other locations. A burner phone was in the glove compartment, which had one number to whom he made dozens of calls. Hart decided to call it, but it rang and rang; no one picked up. Maybe his partner heard that he was now dead and had no use for him anymore.

He took what evidence he had to the station to have the IT department see if they could trace it. Meeting Paul, the IT guy, tried to figure out if the number was still in use on the other end.

“It looks like it’s not in service anymore, sorry,” Paul said.

“Thanks for trying. Just another dead end then.”

Hart left with no viable information; even the forensics team didn’t find anything in the car. It was like everything was scrubbed clean, no dirt, no fingerprints, meaning no evidence. The only evidence that he wished he had was if someone knew something. Everyone had been tight-lipped about everything.

It would bother him until the end of time, leaving a case cold until someone had the balls to speak up. The case took weeks instead of months, and he had others to solve; well, he hoped they were solvable.

Notes:

Don't come for me, I didn't want to write different chapters with different perspectives, instead I decided on one, even though it's wildly different. I will continue with Dan and Abbey's POV in the next chapter.

Chapter 20: A Gift of Flowers

6 months later

“Carole,” I yelled out.

“Carole,” I yelled, repeating myself.

The blonde woman with a bob cut came up to me wearing her giant sunglasses. She ordered the most complicated drink, coffee with two pumps of caramel, non-fat milk, oatmilk, and two shots of espresso. Okay, so not the most complicated, but lengthy as she could have ordered a caramel macchiato. I guess it was too much of a hassle to do that. Oh, and that it was Carol with an ‘e’ that she wanted me to write on her cup. She had been the last customer of the day, who orders a coffee at three in the afternoon?

I landed this position because I needed a fresh start and money; I knew Dan would hire me back. I didn’t stay because it would have been awkward; he saved me, but could I truly face him after everything? He didn’t even visit me in the hospital, or maybe he di,d and I was unconscious; the thought crossed my mind a lot.

“Abigail, less daydreaming and more working,” Jess said.

Jess was a lowly coworker like me; there were five of us in total. The owner, Peter, could hire more, but he won’t. She explained that he was cheap and didn’t have time to train or hire more employees to help. Which meant that we weren’t allowed to take too much time off, although there was a three-day weekend coming.

Most of my coworkers would be spending time with their families. I wish I knew what that felt like. With Dan out of the picture, I wasn’t sure. Peter did let me stay above the little shop; it wasn’t much. A tired studio, it fit my bed, dresser, desk, and TV. it could have been better, but I couldn’t afford anything else.

I wiped off the tables and turned over the chairs, thinking about Dan, if he were to show up. I don’t know what I would do, do nothing? I probably wouldn’t even react.

“Abbey, want to come to the bar a few blocks down with us?” Jess yelled from the back.

I walked over to her with a rag and a bucket in my hand. “I would rather not, besides, Sasha is coming over tonight.”

“Next time then, how about next Friday?”

“It’s a date!”

Tony, the other part-time worker, stood staring at Jess; if I didn’t know any better, he was in love with her. He stared at her constantly and made up any excuse in the book to be close to her. It was cute, as I wished I had a special someone interested in me. I mean, I did, but not like that. he‘s gone now and my life these past months has been boring.

I needed excitement in my life again, the danger, my heart raced, and my lower belly tightened with excitement at every thought. I wanted to be pinned down, bound, restrained, choked. The list could go on forever, but with Dan, I couldn’t get that amount of hurt without being honest.

The climb up the stairs to my tiny studio was torturous. I missed out on a lot staying up here, which meant not everybody could visit. I let Sasha in through the back all the time, and after her and Paul’s wedding, she came over a lot. Their wedding was beautiful, outside, under the stars; her white dress glowed under the moonlight. A wedding that I had wished I had when I was a little girl. Times have passed, though, and I had to put thoughts like that away.

My phone buzzed on the desk as I stepped out of the shower. Sasha was five minutes away. I couldn’t be happier than where I am right now. I changed into sweatpants and an overly large hoodie that was once Dan’s. The soft fleece on the inside caressed my skin; it was so soft.

I bounded down the back stairs to open the door for her. “Hey, what’s up?” I sang excitedly.

“Someone left these for you,” she said, handing me flowers.

They were heavy as she shoved them into my arms; there was a card attached. They were pink, yellow, blue–oddly– roses with baby’s breath sprinkled in and purple lilies. Not something I would choose, but they were beautiful. Each petal was rich in color, and the yellow pollen stood out on the lilies. I would read it later, though as I needed to relax tonight.

“How is Paul?” I asked.

“Still happy as ever, after three months I thought he would be over it by now,” she sighed.

“The newlywed phase?”

She plopped down in a corner chair.

“Yeah, sex every day was fun, but it gets tiring after a while. I needed a change of scene.”

“Have you told him that it bothers you?”

She palmed her face as her head rolled back. “Yes.. I mean, well, no. I thought he would figure himself out.”

“He will, give it time and give him space,” I assured her.

She gasped, mocking me. “Abbey, giving advice when she can’t take her own.”

“Oh shut up,” throwing a pillow at her face as she laughed.

“What’s with you two anyway?”

I shrugged. “I don’t really know; he hasn’t contacted me in a while.”

“Then who are the flowers from?” she walked over, taking the white envelope off the clip. The flowers slightly swayed; it was nice to have color sprinkled in. My comforter was a cream color with outlines of flowers in a soft yellow, and my furniture was white

She read the card out loud. “I am in town for the weekend. I will be in the hotel across the street. I miss you. Signed Dan.”

I buried my head in a pillow, wanting to scream, Why now? Why here and why, after all this time?

I looked up at Sash. “I don’t know what to do.”

“You could go just to see what he wants. You’re still wearing his clothes.”

She was right. How could I ignore the thought of him being in my space? Or rather, this tiny part of town I had cornered myself in. I glanced over at the flowers once again. I might go, the thought tore me apart.

“What would I wear? Is it dinner, you think?”

“It could be, or his hotel room,” she said, wiggling her brows.

“Maybe I could try. Here, look through my closet and see what you can find.”

Sash rummaged through my closet to pull out ‘the dress’. I had bought it for myself again, only this time in a different color, navy blue. It was striking from the camel color of the previous one. A lot more shine, and the way the light hit it made me feel regal.

“I like it,” she happily threw the dress as it landed across my face.

“I need a haircut and a skin treatment, right?”

The thought of me wearing it also scared me. I haven’t had a man touch me in a little over 6 months. Although not a significant amount of time, the very thought made my head spin. The strength of a man, the roughness, smooth leather, hot breath grazing over my skin. It made me completely soaked every time.

“We can do that here, oh let me make a call,” her phone shook excitedly in her hand, “Theresa, get over to Abbey’s now…No, she needs her hair done… It’s only five…I pay you well, y’know.”

“Theresa?” I inquired.

“She has her license. I discovered it when I invited her to brunch.”

“When did you–”

Sasha cut me off. “Never mind that, it’s a fun hobby of hers. Besides, she does mine.”

I looked at her perfectly light brown hair with blonde streaks that blended effortlessly. I needed a new look as I noticed my reflection in the mirror next to the bed. My dark brown hair looked dull, long, down my back, and I wanted it cut.

About forty minutes later, my ring camera went off, and Theresa stood outside. I let her in, as she carried multiple bags in hand. I glanced down to see copious tubs of products. I was nervous. If those were for bleaching, then I was in trouble, my hair had never been bleached before.

“Alright, take off the sweatshirt,” Theresa huffed. She began to take out products and set them on my desk. Sash already had a mud mask on and borrowed my pajamas. I wondered what else she usually borrowed from me.

“I can’t go any lighter,” I said to Theresa as I sat back in my desk chair.

She nodded in understanding until Sash piped up. “He hates blondes,” she whispered.

I threw daggers in her direction, telling her to be quiet as I didn’t need to go through this again.

“You’re seeing him again?” Theresa’s brows furrowed.

“I received flowers and an invitation to meet him. Apparently, he’s in town…and across the street from me. In a hotel.”

Her eyes widened as she took in my words. I looked down and felt a little embarrassed for myself since I had no idea what was happening in his company or personal life.

“What are you wearing?” Theresa said as she put white product on my hair.

“That blue dress on the bed,” pointing in the general direction.

“It’ nice, don’t worry, I got you,” winking at me.

The process smelled highly toxic. I can’t believe that Sash would do this every few months or every month. I couldn’t be sure how often she did this, but she wasn’t bothered at all. She sat on my bed flipping through a magazine that I had bought because I needed something to read.

I was planning on meeting him tomorrow at five or six in the evening. I hope that was just the right amount of daylight still. I had no idea if he was going to take me out or not, which is why Sahsa picked out the dress. I would be dressed up if he decided to take me out or keep me in, either way.

It was finally time to rinse out my hair, which I didn’t see as I bent my head over the small kitchen sink. It wasn’t really a kitchen, a small fridge, and three counters pushed together with a sink. The tiles on the floor weren’t even double wide, at least the bathroom was bigger. I didn’t get to see the color yet as she wrapped my hair in a towel.

“I usually have a sink that you lie back in. You’re going to have to come over next time,” she said, giving Sasha a dirty look.

She threw some perfumed oil and sprayed a protection spray that smelled like old ladies on my strands. My face would surely break out with all this product touching my face. I would have to wash and mask later when she was done. Next was the blow-drying with a rounded brush, from the scalp to my ends, and turning her wrist to add—what I hoped– a slight curl.

“Finished,” Theresa announced.

She led me to the bathroom while I had my eyes closed to see the final reveal. She poked me to let me know to open my eyes, and I looked like a different person. It shone the darkest of all–black. I hoped he would like it; it had a shine, a luster, a thickness to it that bounced as I turned my head.

I was speechless, and the only words I managed to say were. “I love it.”

“You look so good, he’ll surely want to fuck you now,” Sasha said, smiling.

“There will be none of that,” I said.

“Oh, please, you wouldn’t be going if you knew you didn’t have a chance.”

“Alright, but I don’t know. I think I have more self-control than I realize.”

“Okay, I’m leaving and tired,” Theresa said, gathering her stuff.

“Why don’t you stay?”

“It’ll be fun like a sleepover,” I looked at her with my head tilted.

She nodded. I could almost see the gears turning in her head.

I handed her a sleep set. “You can wear my clothes, or rather Dan’s.”

I was tired, and the fact that it was twelve in the morning didn’t help either. We crammed all in my little room, eating microwaved ramen and cookies. Gossiping about all the men who hurt us, friends, and embarrassing moments. I guess I fell asleep before both of them, as I cuddled between them when I awoke to go to the bathroom.

________
Walking into the front doors of the hotel and the first thing I noticed. It smelled like warm fall, y’know, those candles you usually buy from the store that say ‘fall’ on the front. Cinnamon, cloves, and warmth. The man at the front desk looked up from his big phone or small tablet. Honestly, I couldn’t tell the difference.

I wore my best today, even the nude pumps were new, I wanted to impress him tonight. From my hair to nails to dress to shoes, everything. I was trying to read his name badge when he spoke to me.

“Allo, how can I help you?” He said with a French accent.

“I’m meeting someone.”

“What is de name?” pronouncing every word as harshly as he could.

“Abigail Sommers,” I replied shyly. I, in fact, tilted my head down a little to appear to be humble. If I got the wrong address, then I could slink away without embarrassment.

“Ah, follow, uh, me.”

I followed as he practically ran towards a private room, letting me in, to see a table set for two. I didn’t see Dan anywhere, maybe I would finally be killed. Crazy thoughts ran through my head, and I was slightly sweating through my dress.

“He will be with you soon,” the man said, hurrying out.

I walked over to the window to look out into the sky. It was a beautiful day today. I noticed there was a patio over to my left, and opening the doors felt like a warm hug on a summer evening. I pondered what my life would be like if I still lived in his house. I had dreams but dreams can change, and I realized that maybe I have changed too.

I hoped he wasn’t stuck in his same old ways, feeling like he needed to be my hero all the time. That is what broke me the most, if I had to see him breaking down in front of me. I wouldn’t be able to take it.

I heard the door open and footsteps, making me immediately turn around. Dan stood there next to the table. His suit was a luxurious grey velvet, a gold watch with a red face, and I wanted to run my hands through his hair.

“Abigail,” he pronounced my name like it was the only word he knew.

I walked over to take a seat adjacent to him, wondering what he had in store for us. We could talk about things—honest things— the thought made me a little uncomfortable.

“I hope you didn’t eat?” He asked.

I flicked my hair back. “No, not yet. I’m quite hungry.”

“Good.”

He pulled my chair out for me.

“So…it’s been a while.”

“It has,” he said, nodding his head in silence.

“Why did you invite me here?”

He reached out to touch a strand of my newly dyed hair. “I needed to know how you were doing?”

“You could have called me,” I bit back.

“I could have, but I wanted to see you regardless.”

Wine was poured between us; the label on the bottle looked fancy. I took a sip, half expecting not to like it. Surprisingly, it tasted sweet with a hint of cherries, unlike anything I have ever tasted.

“What are you doing now?.... I mean, in like your company and whatnot?” I questioned softly.

“I’ve since sold it and moved to Maine, which is why I’m in town for a short while.”

“You sold your house?” I gasped in surprise. His pride and joy is gone, the house he worked to keep.

Swirling his drink in his hand. “I bought a small two-story with five bedrooms, close to the water.”

“Wow,” I mouthed.

“I honestly wasn’t going to say anything, I mean, I didn’t know if I was going to even come here tonight.”

“Why, I thought you just wanted to see me?”

“I do, I just have a lot of feelings still that never went away,” he said, narrowing his eyes at me.

“I see,” I said. Thinking long and hard about what he was trying to say. I think he bought the new house to appease me, to show that he cared and heard my plea to live in a quiet area. I still had some feelings for him, too. Feelings in my chest and stomach that I couldn’t shake. “I–have feelingsfor youtoo,” I rushed to get the words out in a jumbled mess.

He chuckled. “I see you're just as nervous.”

A tray of cheese, fruit, bread, and hummus was set down between us. The tastes grew on my palate, making me think of the date nights that we had. I watched him intently. It was like when we tried to watch movies on the sofa, and all we did was fuck for what seemed like hours.

When we were done, I couldn’t help but think about how much we grew as individuals through us being separated. It seemed like years when it had only been months. He still seemed to know me better than I knew myself.

He gestured at the empty plates and the bottle of wine. “Want to come up to my room?”

“Is that what this is about, to get me alone with you?” I smiled as I took my last bite.

“I don’t plan on anything happening tonight.”

I looked at him. Really looked at him. His eyes didn’t seem mischievous, only genuine. I got up from my chair, smoothing out my dress. My heels tapped against the tiled floor as I followed him. This would have been a great idea or the worst idea I’ve ever had. I couldn’t remember the last time I followed a man up to his hotel room; it didn’t end well.

It ended with me being a punching bag for a middle-aged man, who threw money at me when dropping me off. I was lucky to be alive after that, and no, my ex didn’t think I needed to go to the hospital. That had been in my early days of trying to figure out where I belonged and how to support myself.

After that night, I swore to never trust men again, even for a second. You just never know when they will strike. But being this close in an elevator with him, I wanted to wrap my legs around his waist and have him whisper dirty things in my ear.

He fumbled for his keycard to open the door. It clicked and whirred itself to unlock. Technology was great when it worked. The inside had a luxurious finish, the most expensive room, I’d think, I had ever been in.

When the door shut. He turned toward me, grabbing my waist, and a deep, bruising kiss followed.

Chapter 21: Run Away to New Beginings, Abbey

Dan pulled back from me and stared, his green eyes were still striking as ever up close. I tried my best to push away from him, but my strength was no match. He seemed different tonight; he wasn’t in a hurry and didn’t really say much. I know he wanted to keep an eye on me, as I know he was worried. He was always worried about me, which was a waste of his energy, I thought.

“I should go,” I said.

He pulled away, walking to the kitchen. “Why? You should stay, relax and have a drink. Maybe dessert.”

“I would, but I have work in the morning. Y’know?”

“No, I don’t know…not anymore.”

I reached for the door handle as soon as he had his back turned. I suppose I wasn’t fast enough; he cornered me. Both of his hands were resting on either side of my head. My chest barely had room to expand. My breath hitched and shallow.

Lowering his voice against my ear, calm and collected. “Are you sure you want to leave?”

Was he really giving me a choice? Who is this man? He’s certainly changed from the last time I saw him. He pressed up against me, running his fingers down the length of my hair. If this was somehow going to make him feel better, then I’ll stay.

I nodded my head slowly. “Yeah, sure…dessert sounds good.”

“Did the detective question you, too?” He asked, like, what occurred two seconds ago didn’t happen.

I sat in a chair, turning my back toward him. “Uh yeah, I think he visited everyone from that night.”

“Do you remember anything?”

Of course I did. “Not a lot,” I lied.

“I thought so, and I wanted to make sure you were still okay,” he said, handing me a drink and a piece of cake.

“Thank you,” I smiled up at him.

What in the ever-loving fuck did I do to let myself into his grip. He wasn’t really holding me prisoner, but if I ran he was going to pin me down and drag me back. Something in my low belly told me to run, but I didn’t.

I stared for a long while at the drink and cake, determining which one I should eat. Was he trying to poison me or was that in my head? I let myself take a small drink and bite, how long do I have to wait to feel the effects?

He sat down next to me, cool, collected, nothing bothered him. “How is it?” He said, taking a large bite.

I nodded again. “Good, very good. Like I said though, I can’t stay for long.”

“I know that, I wasn’t trying to pressure you. I was just making sure,”

“Making sure…” the thought caught up to me. “Yeah, of course,” having no idea what was happening.

“I’m not trying to hurt you.”

“I know,” I said, trying to keep him at arm's length.

Finishing whatever he gave me, I stood and put my plate on the counter. I grabbed my bag and checked my phone to see the time also if anyone messaged me. I had looked down long enough for him to be standing in front of me.

He grabbed my wrist, forcing me to drop everything in my hands. “What do you like, Abbey?”

“What-I–,” I stammered. My heart flew into my ears, it beat so loud I couldn’t register what was happening.

“Did you like it?” he asked menacingly.

“Like…?”

“How often did he visit you?” His voice lowered to a whisper, drawing me closer to him.

I knew what he was asking. I didn’t like this. Run, Abbey, Run!, the voice in my head kept shouting louder and louder. Run! Run!. I could hardly feel my feet or find the muscles in my legs to even twitch.

His grip on my wrist tightened. “Is this what you like? To be controlled?” cocking his head to the side.
I took tiny steps back, him following me until my spine hit the edge of the counter. I couldn’t breathe. He brought me here and cornered me in, just like if he had been a predator.

Loosening his grip. “You didn’t fight very hard, did you?”

Words found my brain and mouth. “He threatened me,” I said, tightening my jaw.

“Or do you like being scared?” he gripped my face, forcing me to look up at him.

I narrowed my eyes. “You’re not asking. Are you…” trying to pry his hand off of me. “You knew. How–”

“I know what goes on in that pretty little head of yours,” pulling on my hair. “I like this new look… baby girl.”

“I’m not your anything.”

He traced the curve of my lower lip with his thumb. “Don’t be shy, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be forced into something.”

“By making threats?”

“I call it. Excitement,” he growled.

“Fuck off,” I said, stepping to the side. Following the edge of the counter slowly.

He stepped ever so closer like molasses. “You made me this way. So obsessed with you.”

“You could have just asked,” I kept backing away, but he was far away and close at the same time. My pace became slightly hurried, as I couldn’t see where I was going.

“Where is the fun in that?” he smiled and hands casually shoved into his pockets.

I tripped over a side table and rug, landing on my ass. My arm caught the edge, not enough to bleed, but sure enough to cause my vision to go slightly blurry. He towered over me. I tried to get up, but his foot found my hand and pinned it against the floor. My bones were brittle already.

“You should really come live with me, I can take care of you,” pressing his foot harder into my hand, “I can treat you with personalized medicine, maids, cooks…” he wouldn’t stop talking as tears fell onto my cheeks, “Abbey, you’re all I ever think about.”

He took his foot away, leaving me with a crushed and fractured hand. I pushed with my feet and my other hand to roll to maneuver around the sofa and chairs. He watched me struggle. I hadn’t prepared for this. My muscles burned, begging for me to stop moving, against the carpet underneath, making it harder.

He grabbed my ankle, and I threw my body to the side trying to find purchase to anything in my reach. I was back to where I started, my back started to burn, and I could feel each individual fiber against my skin.

Forcing himself between my legs. “Where is the obedient baby girl who took my cock so well every time?”

“She left a long time ago,” I spat.

“No need to get nasty.”

Hearing the unmistakable sound of unzipping himself. I closed my eyes. Turning my head to the side, dissociated from what was about to happen.

“I almost had you all to myself. Why did you have to mess it up?” he continued.

I didn’t want to be in this relationship anyway. I ended it. I left him. I opened my eyes and spotted a butter knife. I reached for it when he was still on his rant about how great he is at saving me. He caught my wrist before I could shove it into his chest.

“Bad Abbey, now stop squirming,” forcing himself inside of me, “A tight fit. Every. Time,” he grunted.

The person I was supposed to trust the most turned on me. He played everyone so well, so nice, so caring and comforting. All this time, he used everyone around him to make sure we were all compliant. I wondered what else he did to make sure I was who he needed me to be.

He thrust a few times before the feeling of his whole body weight collapsed on top of me. Seeing Chris standing over me, I then looked at Dan, who had a knife sticking out of his back. Blood slowly pooled on me; the warmth and stickiness made me sick.

Chris rolled Dan to the side, off of me, and helped me up to stand. He guided me to the bathroom to get myself cleaned up. My whole body shook. He had to carry me and set me down on the toilet. I threw away my dress, cleaned off my shoes, then rummaged around in Dan's luggage. Pulling on some shorts and a sweater.

“I’ll clean him up, you can go home. Don’t worry,” he said, pulling the body to the side of the window. Looking more like a hit man than a family lawyer, judging by the suit and side piece on his belt he didn't use.

I bent down to his level. “How did you know?”

Chris turned toward me. “Wait in the kitchen,” he ordered as half of Dan’s body was hanging out of the window. No one would see as the alley had blocked the view.

I waited a short while as I heard a grunt and the window slam shut, then nothing more after that. Pacing back and forth, waiting for any answers. This whole night had been confusing.

Chris filled a kettle and put it on the stove. “OK, tea?” he asked.

I shook my head.

He continued. “After careful thought, Dan and I talked after he was in custody. He told me he heard you scream and came running. Any sane person would get turned around in those woods, especially when it became dark out. I was there myself trying to check out his story. I questioned him, and he became defensive.”

I sat down as he handed me a cup of tea, still listening.

“I went through everything he had, emails, messages, phone calls, anything that the police would be able to get a hold of. One thing that stood out to me was that he talked to Trevor months before the incident. After telling me he never knew Trevor was in town, he deleted most of the messages. Except one, he left.”

Chris sat beside me, in the same chair Dan was in moments before. My hand was sore and ached to move, once the adrenaline wore off.

I let him keep going. “It was the moment Dan had on the gold and red watch, when I caught him at work just before he signed over his company. I mentioned it when he hit me with his car and tied me to a pole in his cellar. It didn’t faze him, he was still trying to play the knight in shining armor…any questions yet?” he looked up from over the front of his mug.

I stared straight ahead, still. He seemed casual about the whole situtation and throwing Dan’s body out the window into an alleyway.

“Then y’know I put it together well, kind of. I knew Trevor and Dan weren’t close, but I never knew why Trevor left. Until Sofi let it slip that he had stalked and assaulted a classmate when he was younger, and had to go away. He had dark tendencies from the start, but it made sense why everything happened the way it did–”

“Sofi was there that night, too,” I interrupted. “I briefly caught a glimpse of her, but I couldn’ be too sure.”

“Are you sure?” he asked.

“Yes, of course…do you think–”

“She knew?…no,” he replied. “Sofi wouldn’t do that despite what Dan put her through.”

“Put her through?”

Chris looked at me like he shouldn’t have said anything, then relaxed his shoulders. “I don’t know what Dan told you, but he abused her. Tyler never knew they kept it hush.”

I took another hot sip. “You know a lot,” I whispered.

“It’s my job to know–well, almost– everything about the family. To keep their secrets hidden, but Dan’s out of the picture now…I truly don’t care anymore.” He gently placed his hand over mine. “And you’re going to leave, forget this happened, and I will take care of everything,” He dug in his pocket to hand me a key. “This is the house, it’s yours. He wanted you to have it, so lie low or disappear. I need you to get out of here, and he was depressed that you left him.”

His eyes showed understanding. I knew I needed to run hours ago; in fact, I never should have come here.

I stared at the key in my hand, a new life? Disappear? I wouldn’t forget, but I could run away. I would have to leave everything behind, every friend, every acquaintance. I would be truly alone again until I found a new home, a new job, and new friends.

Chris started to clean up the mess and made a phone call in the other room. He wanted me gone by the time he came back. I took what was left of me and headed back to my apartment across the street.

______

The next morning, I gave my letter of resignation and left before anyone arrived for their first shift. I couldn’t take a plane, but took a rental to my new home. I paid in cash and used a fake ID to avoid being tracked. The blonde wig I had lying around, red lipstick, and sunglasses sure helped, too.

I drove on the open road for what seemed like hours in the early morning. Traffic barely piling up. The open road seemed so ideal in many movies, shows, songs, the same movies that didn’t require a happy ending. Everyone was running away from something, but I happened to be running toward a better life, a different life.

Notes:

I had an idea for Abbey's new life, but I might take a break for a minute and come back to everything with fresh eyes.