I rushed around, taking care of my tables in the middle of the week over the lunch hour when Ace came in. My smile at his appearance faded as I approached him and saw his dark shades on despite being indoors.
“Why do you have sunglasses on indoors?” I jokingly asked him as I reached over to take them off.
He swatted my hand away. “I came here to eat, not for fashion advice.”
My stomach dropped as I took in the sight of him. His hair which he normally straightened and styled was curly and unkept. His jaw was set and his hands twitching slightly. He shifted on his feet as though he couldn’t stand still. His clothes were baggy and he was far from the nicely dressed appearance he normally gave out.
He was on drugs again.
“What do you want?” I asked him softly.
He laughed at me as though I was stupid. “I want to eat” he announced as he looked around him as though to show everyone nearby how dumb of a question I had just asked. “Why else do people come to restaurants?”
I stepped slightly closer to him, my voice lowering. “I don’t think you’re in the mindset to … “
He grabbed my upper arm, his fingers digging in painfully to my skin. “Don’t tell me what the hell I can or can’t do. Give me a fucking table before I slam your head into one.”
He let go of my arm and I quickly stepped back, my adrenaline pumping through my veins. I drew in a shaky breath as I nervously grabbed a menu and led him to a table.
He slid into the booth and opened the menu. He browsed over it as I turned to leave to help my other tables. He grabbed my wrist as I stepped away and I quickly turned back toward him.
“Where the hell you going?” he snapped at me.
I tried to pull my wrist away be his fingers dug in. “I have other tables,” I hissed at him. “I can’t just wait on you.”
He pulled the sunglasses off, revealing bloodshot eyes which glanced around before yanking on my wrist and pulling me toward him. “I’m the only thing you worry about, got it?”
I nodded, his breath smelling of alcohol. He let go of my wrist and I stood upright as I nervously looked down at him.
He smiled, but it wasn’t the smile I loved. This one was mean and condescending. “Relax baby. I’m not going to hurt you, okay? I just want some food.”
I forced the lump in my throat down. “Okay,” I replied.
I turned away from him and walked toward the kitchen. I sent back an order for what he normally ordered before leaning over the counter and taking a long, deep breath to try to calm myself.
“I just seated table fifteen for you,” Sarah, another waitress, hollered at me.
I nodded and slowly pushed away from the counter as I took one last breath. I walked over toward table fifteen, my eyes on my worn sneakers, as I took a deep breath and plastered my best fake smile on. I lifted my eyes and met shining green ones which made my heart skip a beat.
“Stella,” Alaric smiled happily as he said my name in his delicious British accent. He had on a white, button up shirt with black, vertical stripes. The top half of the shirt was unbuttoned, revealing his solid chest and a silver cross necklace. His dark blue jeans clung tightly to his legs. His wavy, brown hair fell downward on either side of his face topped with a tan fedora with a black ribbon. He had random rings and bracelets adorning his fingers and wrists. He looked so different than both times I had seen him previously it took me by surprise. His pure handsomeness took my breath away as I drank in the sight of him.
“I’m sorry,” I finally forced out as I picked my jaw up from the floor. Heat rushed to my cheeks, knowing he had obviously saw me checking him out. My fingers fumbled for the pad of paper and pencil in my apron. I knew I looked a mess and I mentally cursed myself for leaving the house without makeup. My fingers shook as I grabbed the paper and the pencil and looked back up at him, for the first time noticing there were two other men at the table with him. I recognized the man with the dark hair and blonde highlights from the boxing match, but the other I had never seen before. He was an older man, with a goatee and a bald head.
“What can I get you guys?” I asked nervously as I glanced between them.
They each placed orders for various types of burgers, fries, and soda before I quickly scattered away. I took some deep breaths, trying to calm my racing heart as I got Ace drink. I went to his table and sat it down in front of him before checking on my other tables.
I got the drinks for Alaric’s table, but thankfully he wasn’t there when I brought them. I went toward the kitchen and scooped up Ace food and took it to him.
“You know me too well, babe,” he grinned as he looked at the food. He took my hand into his and pulled me down toward him for a quick kiss.
I stood back up and pulled a receipt out of my apron and set it onto the table beside his food. “Here’s your bill. Don’t forget to tip your waitress.” I playfully winked at him as I turned to leave.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” he barked out as I turned back toward him. “I don’t pay for this shit.” He grabbed the receipt and held it out to me.
“It’s a restaurant” I drew out in a low voice to avoid a scene from his raised one. “You order food, you eat it, and you pay.”
“Fuck that shit,” he spit out at me as he crumpled the receipt in his hand and threw it at me. “I’m your boyfriend. I don’t pay for crap here.”
“Ace,” I hissed as I picked the receipt up off the floor. “If you don’t pay this then I will have to cover it.”
“Fine with me” he grinned as he leaned back in his seat. “Go ahead and give yourself a good tip, too.”
“You’re a … “ I started but stopped as he suddenly shot up out of booth and stood toe to toe with me.
“I’m a what?” he challenged in a low, threatening voice. “Go ahead, finish your sentence. I’m a what?”
I lost my voice and nerve as I slowly shook my head. “Nothing. I’ll pay it.”
“Damn right” he chuckled as he gave me a kiss on the cheek and sat back down triumphantly. “Don’t forget the tip!”
I spun around and rushed toward the restroom in the far corner of the restaurant with my head down as I quietly cursed Ace out.
What was I doing? Yes, I loved him. Yes, he was amazing when he wasn’t on drugs. But when he was on them, he was heartless. He was cruel. I didn’t want this anymore.
With my eyes on floor, I crashed into someone in my blind rush. I stumbled backwards as arms grabbed me. We stumbled a moment before regaining our balance and standing upright.
“I’m so sorry,” I rushed out as I looked up and met Alaric’s concerned green eyes.
“You alright?” Alaric asked in his accent which sent my heart into a tizzy.
My jaw dropped open, but no words came out as my mind tried desperately to grasp some words, any words, but came up empty.
“I think you were in the middle of cursing the hell out of someone,” he chuckled.
“You weren’t supposed to hear that,” replied softly.
“Hear what?” he smiled his gorgeous smile and I literally felt my knees weaken.
What was wrong with me that I became a messy, unintelligent wreck around him?
“I should get back to work,” I finally forced out as I turned to leave.
“Stella.”
I turned toward him at the sound of my name.
He stared silently at me for a second. “You didn’t come for the fight.”
I wanted to tell him the truth, but the rejection tore at my heart and sealed the secret to protect it. “I was busy. I’m sorry.”
He looked disappointed as he nodded his head and I turned away to leave without another word.
Ace ate his food and left without even saying goodbye. Alaric didn’t say much more to me besides the common courtesy “thank you” as the food was served. They left a more than generous tip and, as I picked up the signed bill, I noticed Alaric had forgotten his hat.
I slowly sauntered toward the firehouse, internally debating if this was a brilliant idea or a completely stupid one. I placed Alaric’s forgotten hat atop my head as I approached the firehouse and hoped he was actually here. As I got closer, I could see him standing outside the firehouse speaking with a couple other men. One of the men had been with him at the restaurant and slapped his arm and pointed toward me. Alaric turned around, a broad smile spreading across his face as his eyes looked me up and down. “That hat’s never looked so good,” he hollered at me in his delicious accent. “Like it?” I asked as I tipped the brim slightly. “It’s new.” He said his goodbyes to the men he had been talking to and walked over to me. He slid his hands across my stomach and onto my hips as he lowered his lips to my ear. “I’d like to see you in just that hat.” His warm breath tickled my ear as my insides tingled at his words, my skin aflame at his touch. A fire ignited deep within me, my entir
I sat in our apartment alone on the futon the next day. Ace was who knows where. I had come home yesterday after my rendezvous with Alaric to an empty apartment. Ace had never called or text me to tell me his whereabouts, which wasn’t that unusual if he was high on drugs. I was worried about something much deeper than whether Ace was currently high on drugs or not. Had I cheated on him? I shook my head. The thought was ridiculous. I had a job which was a sexual position. I had sex with men for money. It was nothing more than a financial transaction, which was exactly what had happened between Alaric and me. He had paid me for sex, like any other man did. Why did I have this guilt than? Why did I feel as though I had done something wrong? Was it because of how badly I had desired him? Or how about how I had consented to the sex before ever knowing he was a paying customer? I had wanted him before I knew he was paying. I had wanted him on a personal level, not a professional level. I
I took the bus across town to my friend, Catherine’s, apartment. I knocked at her door and she quickly opened it, a smile spreading across her face when she saw me. “Stella!” she squealed as she wrapped me into a tight hug. “Honey, it has been too long” she drew out in her southern accent. “Get in here girl!” She moved her petite frame to the side as she held the door open for me. I stepped into the apartment and out of the hot Florida heat. The cool air conditioning felt heavenly. She closed the door, trapping the heat out of her large apartment as she skipped happily next to me and led me over to the oversized, brown couch with bright white pillows. Her living room was at least twice the size of mine, and beautifully decorated. I never understood why she didn’t go into interior design with the natural talent she had. “So” she drew out as she sat down next to me. Her blonde hair fell in large waves around her tiny face. She looked like a real-life Tinkerbell and had the voice to m
I stood at the stove, cooking myself some scrambled eggs for lunch. I had rose early and Ace had driven me to get some much-needed groceries for our apartment. He had left to head to work as I put the food away and cooked for my rumbling stomach. A quick knock at the door drew my attention away from what I was doing. I walked over and opened the door to find no one there. Confused, I glanced around and noticed the note taped to our door from our landlord. I pulled it off and read the official notice our of impending eviction unless we paid our rent within the next two weeks. I angrily clutched the note in my hand as I stormed inside, throwing the door behind me, and charged toward my phone. I quickly dialed Ace number and he picked up within a couple rings. “Hey baby” he said happily. “Why are we getting an eviction notice?” I shot out immediately. The line went silent for a moment. “What are you talking about?” he finally asked slowly. “An eviction notice for unpaid rent! They
Ace surprised me when I came home and cooked me a delicious Italian pasta dish with homemade breadsticks. We relaxed together on the futon and eventually made-out before moving to the bedroom. I laid beside him in his arms after making love and stared up at the ceiling. For the first time in forever, I felt guilty after having sex. I should have felt guilty for my romp with Alaric. I should feel remorse or shame for taking his money in exchange. Instead, I felt guilty for being with Ace; as if I was somehow cheating on Alaric by having sex with my own boyfriend. It was ridiculous and insane and made no sense at all; but it felt like it should be Alaric’s arms I should be laying in. It should be his bed and his home. His broad smile kept flashing through my mind. The taste of his lips taunted me, growing a constant need inside me for him. The feel of his body on body on mine, of his hands exploring every single inch of me, set my body aflame with desire. I shook my head as I rolle
I stood watching him leave, completely thrown off by him. When I had first met him, he had nearly undressed me the first chance he got. And now he was asking if I wanted a drink? Men were fickle things. I wandered back into the condo and looked around the room. Various landscape photos hung on the wall. There was a bookshelf near the large screen television and I walked over, my fingers skimming over several classic books. I noticed a guitar sitting in a stand over in the corner and strolled over to it. I gently traced my fingers over the strings just as Alaric returned to the room. I turned around toward him as he walked in with two water bottles. “I got one for me, too,” he explained as he held one out to me. “Do you play?” I asked as I took the water bottle. “And thank you.” “Yes” he replied as he opened his and took a long drink. “And you’re welcome.” I grinned at him as I opened my water bottle. “Will you play something for me?” He hesitated and I noticed something flicker a
“Hey”I drew out nervously as I laid in Ace arms in our bed. He turned toward me; his eyes droopy with sleep. His dark hair was messy and curly atop his head making him look rather adorable. “Is it okay if I go dress shopping with Catherine on Saturday?” I had decided the lie would be better than the truth. It shouldn’t matter that I was meeting a client on Saturday. I knew Ace would be thrilled with the news of the payday, and he was the one who initially hooked me up with Alaric. But there was something about the rendezvous that felt wrong. It felt dirty; like I was somehow cheating on Ace to take Alaric as a client. I knew exactly why, though I would never admit it out loud. I had feelings for him, feelings I shouldn’t have. Ace grinned lightly at me, fatigue showing across his face. “Why does she need to go dress shopping?” I mentally smacked myself on the forehead. “Fred proposed! They’re getting married.” “Really?” he remarked in surprise. “What’s so surprising about that?”
After breakfast, we drove to Sammy’s Skydiving. I stared with unease at the tiny building, but Alaric assured me it was completely safe. He held my hand and led me into the building with confidence. Sammy himself greeted us enthusiastically as he spoke to Alaric about the current, perfect conditions for a jump and heights and equipment I had never head of. My hand tightened on Alaric’s as my nerves began to mount within me. He glanced at me occasionally, giving me a reassuring smile and my hand a gentle squeeze. “This is my friend, Stella.” Alaric glanced at me as he introduced me. “This is Samuel. He’s the best skydiver around.” Samuel chuckled as he shook my hand. “Its nice to meet you, Stella.” “She’s a little nervous,” Alaric drew out slowly in his accent. “No worries,” Samuel said reassuringly. “We’ve already had an accident this morning so we aren’t due for another for” his face scrunched as he thought, “probably a couple days.” My jaw dropped in horror as they both broke ou
One year later ... I drew in a long, slow breath to calm my nervous excitement as I lit the candle atop the chocolate cupcake I had secretly bought. I had made arrangements for it to be delivered while we were out sightseeing. Never in my wildest dreams had I ever imagined I would be in Hawaii, let alone be enjoying my honeymoon there. Alaric and I had said our vows on the beach just days ago, surrounded by our friends. Now, we were alone, just him and I to start our new life as husband and wife. He was my husband. Just the thought sent butterflies into flight in my stomach. We were married. He was mine forever. I closed my eyes as his vows whispered into my ears in his delicious British accent. He had stared at me with those gorgeous green eyes and declared his never-ending love for me. Somehow, I had managed to stay standing while I melted inside. I had opted out of a big wedding dress. Instead, I wore a knee-length white dress. It was sleeveless and cinched at the waist. It pu
Another month passed by as I forged forward with a life I had once only dreamt about with Alaric. I came home from working at the hospital on a random weekday and opened the condo door. I stepped inside and immediately noticed how eerily quiet the condo was. "Alaric?" I called out as I took a step forward. He was supposed to be off today. My stomach dropped as I wondered if he had been called in. "Alaric?" I took another step forward when something crunched beneath my foot. I lowered my eyes to the floor and looked quizzically at the rose beneath my shoe. I slowly bent down and picked it up. I inspected the red rose in my hand, wondering what on earth it was doing there, as my eyes gazed across the floor of the condo. My breath caught as my heart beat rapidly as I stared at the trail of red roses laid out before me. I trembled with an excited anticipation as I began to follow the trail, picking them up as I walked. I followed their path to the back patio door. I slid the door open
I slowly woke up the next morning, safe and loved in Alaric's strong arms. The sunlight streamed from the balcony doors as I snuggled closer to him. He laid on his back, snoring softly was he slept. His hair was splayed all around him on the pillow. I studied his sharp jawline and perfect, red lips. My eyes slowly trailed to his tattoos on his arms and chest. How had I been so lucky to have him in my life? What I had done so right to deserve him? After the hell of my youth and the struggles I went through before him, he was something I never imagined having. He was more than I ever thought I deserved. And yet here I was, cuddled in his arms in our bed enraptured by him and his love. He stirred and groggily opened his eyes to look at me. He smiled lightly as his green eyes found me. It was me he looked for as soon as he woke up, and it was me who made him smile. The realization warmed my soul. He rolled toward me, his lips quickly finding mine. His hand raised and cupped my face as h
I smiled and nodded my head. He raised his hands and gently wiped my tears away with his thumbs. He kissed my nose before taking a step back and pulling his shirt off. I stared at his bare chest. I slid my robe off and stepped into the hot water. I sat down as I watched Alaric undress. He stepped into the bath and sat down behind me. He pulled me back against him. I leaned into his chest, relaxing in the hot water and his secure embrace. We laid together, our bare bodies touching, as we relaxed but the sexual undercurrent between us made my heart pound. Alaric's fingertips traced up and down my bare arms beneath the hot water. He leaned his head forward and gently kissed my neck. I turned my head to the side, giving him better access as his fingers grazed higher up my arms and closer to my breasts. My breath caught as nerves pumped through my veins. I didn't want to be afraid of him, I didn't want to mess this up. My stomach meanwhile knotted into a tight knot of sexual energy. I bega
Alaric took a week off work to be home with me. He planned to take another, but I assured him I would be fine. He waited on me hand and foot. He acted as though I was a fragile, porcelain doll and handled me with excessive gentleness and care. His antics brought back my smile and laughter, and slowly began to erase the nightmares and flashbacks. He danced around with his goofy moves, and every time my mind seemed to start to drift to those dark days, he would tell one of his cheesy jokes to bring me back. He was my hero from my kidnapping, and my hero now. He saved me both physically and mentally and I could never repay him for what he had done for me. Despite his hovering care of me, he would only kiss me quickly on the lips. He would kiss my forehead, my hand, or even my cheeks for much longer, but never my lips. He also never made love to me or even tried. Of course, I wouldn't want to either with how I looked. The bruises seemed to darken each day, and I walked around with a hunc
Drake's body pressed down atop me, his weight pinning me down. He began biting at my neck between his slobbery kisses. "You're mine, Stephanie," he asserted in his monotone voice. "No!" I screamed as I began thrashing beneath him. His hands caught mine, trying to control them. His grip was surprisingly gentle, but as I swung at him, his hands wouldn't let go "You'll always be mine, Stephanie," he threatened as he unzipped my pants and prepared to take me against my will. "Stop!" I screamed, tears beginning to stream from my eyes. "Please stop!" My voice broke as I began sobbing. I yanked my hands back toward myself, breaking free from his grasp. As he lifted off me to undue his pants, I put my hands on his chest and tried to push him away. "Steph," he protested in a British accent. He tried to grab my hands but I ripped them away before he could try to restrain me again. I drew my right hand back and prepared to swing at him with an open hand. "Steph." His voice again had a Br
I was transported by ambulance to the emergency room. Alaric never left my side. He held my hand, his worried and upset green eyes staying on me the entire time. He was dressed in his black skinny jeans and a brownish-red button up shirt with gray squares and white lines. It was half unbuttoned, as usual for him. It was tucked partially in the front, exposing his brown belt. His brown hair fell wavy around his face beneath the tan fedora atop his head. The doctor and nurses checked me over and tended to my injuries. A couple police officers arrived, and Alaric left the room to speak with them a moment. The way they talked and greeted each other, it appeared they all knew each other. Alaric came back into the room moments later with them trailing behind him. He took my hand into his, giving it a squeeze as the officers walked over to me. "They just need you to tell them what happened" Alaric said gently in his British accent. "Do you feel up to that?" he asked as he gently brushed so
I sat silent as the miles flew by out my window. I watched the sun begin to set as I wondered if I would ever see Alaric again. Would I ever see his green eyes dance over me again? Would I ever feel his touch or kiss his lips? Ace remained as quiet as me. He changed the radio station occasionally, his eyebrows furrowing down until he found something good. He threw a jacket over my handcuffed wrist as we went through a drive-thru for food and told me to keep my head down to hide my injuries. We stopped at a hotel as the sun disappeared. He made me wait in the car as he checked in. I searched around the parking lot but there was no one else around to signal for help. He took the handcuffs off me and walked me in, gun in his pocket. Ace may have hurt me, but he didn't scare me the same way Drake did. Drake had no regard for my life. At least Ace had some resemblance of feelings for me, even if they were warped and misguided. I was able to take a shower, and Ace gave me one of his t-sh
I had nothing to do but wait. I stood for a while, but eventually got tired and sat down on the bed. The minutes ticked by, but I had no idea how many. There was no freaking clock in this dungeon. There was just me and my thoughts which were solely focused on Alaric. My entire being ached for him. Being back here, at Heaven's Reign Cult, brought back every horrible memory and beating. My body began to tremble and shake with the memories. I tried to hold them back, I tried to remain strong, but it was all too much. One moment I was walking down the street planning my future with Alaric, and the next I'm being dragged back forcibly to the life I never wanted to revisit. All I wanted was to go home. All I wanted was Alaric. The door opened and I shot to my feet. Drake walked in slowly and calmly. He closed the door behind him but didn't lock it. Apparently the lock was only used to keep people trapped in his sick room when he wasn't present. "Stephanie," he drew out slowly as he steppe