Waking up, Jackson is not in bed. Smiling, I get out and dress. Walking downstairs, I see Jackson and Marcus talking. I remember that now Jackson is staying, Marcus will be leaving. I need to be strong. I can’t let Jackson see just how much it hurts to see him walking away, or how much it scares me that he might not return.
Looking at the clock, it is 12. I have slept half the day away, but tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I can’t wait for Christmas Day, especially to see what Jackson has planned for our night. Walking into the kitchen, I start cooking. I should eat. I have hardly eaten at all. Jackson walks through smiling.
“Going to go get the girls. Marcus will stay here with you to make sure you’re okay.”
Kissing my head, he smiles, and I have a feeling this is where Marcus says he is leaving and when. Watching him walk out, I don’t say anything else, just staying quiet. I finish cooking and sit down to eat. Marcus walks over to join me.
Looking at him, I smile, my heart breaking slightly at the thought of Katy. “Thank you. Something I don’t know, who was Katy marrying and why isn’t he around still?” I only knew Katy was engaged when she died. I know nothing else and I always put it off, but I feel like I need to know. “She was marrying a man called Mathew. He was a nice guy, the only guy I approved of. The wedding was meant to be a month after the crash. After the crash, Mathew couldn’t stand to be around us.” I don’t understand, why would he feel that way. Jackson and his family are lovely, especially Helen. “Why would he not want to still be here or at least visit you every now and again?” I can only imagine how heartbroken Helen was at losing her daughter and then losing someone she no doubt saw as a son like she sees me as a daughter. “He blames me. I blame myself. Caroline was brought into this family by me. She was the one who took Katy away, and Mathew could neve
“You’re pushing me too far, Kitten. I don’t think you’re ready for that yet.” Maybe I’m not but at the same time, the more we stand here while his finger teases, the more I want him to do it. I can’t get the thought out of my mind. “I think I am ready. All you have to do is pin me against this wall and fuck me. It doesn’t need to have anything added, doesn’t need to be long. Just test me and see if I will.” What am I doing? The image of the videos is in my mind. Why am I so set on him doing this in front of people? “Not here. There are over 100 guests in the three rooms. Sure, there are only like eight here but not here. If you really are ready, I will get a room sorted upstairs now and invite some guests up that I personally know.” Do I really want this? I do want it, but am I ready? Will I really relax, or will I just panic and say no once in the room? “Do it.” My words are strong. I want to see if I can. His face is fu
The sound of Jackson’s voice wakes me. Smiling, I turn to face him. “Happy Christmas, my queen.” His lips press against mine. I actually did it. We made it to Christmas! Today is Christmas and I get to spend it with him and the girls. Lying here, I can’t help but marvel: this life is amazing, and I am lucky to be here with him. I don’t want to move yet; I want to stay in bed and enjoy this moment. “Let’s get up, get the girls downstairs and watch them open their presents.” I would love to stay here, but today is about the girls and I don’t want to waste a minute of it. Reluctantly, I climb out of bed. Walking to the shower, I get in and washed while Jackson walks around the room getting himself ready. I watch him to make sure he doesn’t go under my side of the bed. Once dressed, we walk out of the room together. Waking up the girls and getting them dressed, I can’t help but smile: everything is perfect right now. Walk
Walking back to the kitchen, we continue cooking. My mum and Freya walk in, followed by my dad and step-mum. This feels awkward, very awkward. I had not exactly planned how this would work. “Dad.” Walking over, I hug him, feeling slightly guilty for my mum but I still don’t feel like she is my mum. “Alena, everything is cooking so I think we should do some presents,” Helen calls over. Nodding, I agree. Get presents out of the way and then hopefully everything goes smoothly. Helen and Georgina join us. I walk over to Jackson, smiling at him on the way. He gets up. “Presents time.” He walks out with the girls, Liam and Marcus following. Sitting down, I look around. This is amazing yet at the same time, it feels weird. “Let’s start with the girls. Give them their presents first then the adults.” Jackson smiles and Helen looks as excited as ever. “These ones are from me, Georgina and Liam.” Looking towards her, she pulls tw
“I should be going home as well. Thank you, though.” Freya walks over and hugs me. I have not really spoken to my mum.“That is fine. I understand.” Smiling, I hug her back.“We can stay for a cuppa. Come on, Freya. Get a little warmed up before we go.” Sarah smiles at her. I am guessing this is her way of trying to talk to me and be a mum before she leaves.“I guess so. I just don’t want to be driving too late in the snow.” Freya walks in and sits down. Sarah walks over to me.“How are you?”Looking at her, I smile, as fake as it is. I am trying to be nice. The times she has been around me, she has made a point of making me aware she dislikes me and Jackson being together. I can only imagine what she would have to say knowing about everything else that has happened.“I am really good, thanks, Sarah. Just trying to concentrate on the business, girls and Jackson. How have you been?” I really am not bothered, but I feel I need to ask her back to be polite.“Good. I was hoping you woul
After what feels like hours later, but in fact, was only 30 minutes, the door opens. Looking up, he walks in, totally confused by me waiting for him. “Erm, what is this?” His question shows how shocked he is by what I have done. “Well, I found the bag that said ‘Kitten’ on in your playroom, so I brought it back here and put it on.” Smiling at him, I want to laugh but I won’t. Slowly, he walks towards me, climbing onto the bed next to me. His lips caress with mine, showing his love for me. His hand grasps mine, pulling them above my head and I feel the restraints wrapping around my wrists. “Ah, no, that can come after.” Pulling my hands away, I push him over, climbing on top of him. My energy spikes as I push him down, my hands ripping open his shirt, slowly kissing down his body, my hands unfastening his trousers, pulling them down. Lowering my head, I look up into his eyes. “Actually…” Moving back up, I grasp his
**TW** In this chapter Alena talks about her past abuse by Max. Now is the time to tell him. How has today made me want to share my worst and darkest secrets with him? “When I met Max, he was like you. I don’t mean you’re the same, but he was dominating. I began reading up on it then, just about Dom’s. The first few months were fine then I realised he was shouting at me more, rather than giving demands like you do. He shouted them at me and if I refused, he would punish me: cold showers, no internet, even when I said the safe word he continued. I realised then he was not real, he was not the Dom he had said he was to draw me in. Eventually, when I refused and he realised the punishments no longer made me cry, he started hitting me. Then, as I got stronger and was able to take a hit and stop myself from crying, it turned to punches and kicks.” Can I really keep going? Keep sharing my story with him? From here, it gets worse and I don’t know how I will co
He guides me with the lead, helping me lower to my knees. “I want you on all fours. If you jump, I will use the crop on you, Kitten. Do you understand?” Nodding, I understand, and then I remember I need to speak. “I understand, Daddy.” Smiling, the tears fall from my eyes while his hand strokes my back. “Good.” His hand continues to stroke my back. Lifting away from the skin, nothing is touching me. Suddenly, something frozen touches my back and I jump in response. The sting of the crop hitting across my back where the ice was, tells me he noticed. The Ice slides up my back to my shoulder. My body shivers and jumps from the sensation. The ice is removed and the sting of the crop makes me jump as it hits my shoulder. My body relaxes even more, the ice no longer on my skin, his hand stroking my back. Suddenly, the ice touches my nipple. Jumping, I yelp from the coldness. The crop hits my nipple twice. Relaxing, I try to stop myself
Sitting, we talk about the wedding and her plans, ideas and what she wants. “So, I have kept quiet for an hour, talk.” Looking at her, I know what she means but I am not sure I want to talk about it, yet I haven’t really spoken about it. “I don’t know what to say. It has happened and now I am trying my best to move forward.” I am. It is hard but I am slowly getting there. “Well, talk to me about the last few minutes with him, because the first I heard of what was said was in the church.” Sitting, I talk about those last moments, explaining how it was then that I realised just how much I loved him. It was still nothing compared to how much I love Jackson, but it is still a lot more than I admitted to before. Sitting, it actually feels nice talking to Georgina. When I am trying to talk to Jackson, I am scared my feelings for Marcus might hurt him. “Anyway, Liam mentioned the will. I am guessing that was a shock.” Nodding, it was, and no amount of time will make it feel alright
Sitting, we wait for the solicitor. When he arrives, we sit down to discuss everything. Everyone is happy with the will and we each sign. It feels weird. My signature just made me have 1.8 million pounds for the business, but if it helps women and men who suffer domestic abuse, why not? Everyone leaves and we sit down to eat tea. Our bags are packed ready to leave. “I was thinking, I know the will stated for the business, but could it be used to support other people, not just those who suffered domestic abuse?” Looking at him, he shrugs his shoulders. “I am not sure. The money will be paid into the business account, but I guess it depends on what you were thinking about?” How do I explain this? My mind finds the words and tries to get them in the right order so that it makes sense. “I want to do something similar but for those who have lost someone in the army, navy or similar, or through cases like Marcus’s.” I want something there to support these people, the ones like me who d
The day has been tiring. Getting home with the bags, I am ready for bed. We spent hours walking around shops getting the things we needed. The girls practically have a full wardrobe of holiday clothes thanks to Jackson. Getting in, we get the girls ready for bed. Sitting together, I read them a story each, the ones Marcus bought them with their own names in. Finishing, we put them in their cots. Walking out, we close the door quietly as they fall asleep. “I was thinking, Liam and Georgina were asking about the holiday and coming along. I understand if you say no. They will be in a hut away from us, but Georgina suggested they come for one or two nights there. They would have the girls for us.” It sounds like a good idea, us all together but separate. We could maybe even get a girls’ night in with me and Georgina, and Jackson and Liam can go out. “What about Helen? Sorry, your mum.” She isn’t well, and I don’t like the idea of her flying or being left alone. “I am going to pay f
Opening the drawers, I pull out his clothes. Folding them, I put them in a suitcase. With all his clothes away, I move onto one of the trunks. Opening it, I am shocked. It is a range of toys, all different. I had no idea he had brought it all here, but it has me wondering, would he have been sitting looking at these wishing he could use them with me? Does he have a favourite like Jackson? Getting to the bottom, there is not much in here, just his own toys, whips and things. Putting it back, I don’t even know what we would do with these. Opening another trunk, there is an envelope on top. Opening it, I start to read it. Marcus is divorced. He told us they were going through it but never mentioned it being made official. Putting it to the side, I find more letters, nothing important. Then I see a solicitor one, with the word ‘Will’ on it. I won’t open this. I can’t. Placing it to the side, I leave it for Jackson. Another envelope, this one with my name on. It isn’t small; it is b
Jackson is standing with a woman, one of Marcus’s submissives. She looks upset and hurt, not like Maria. Standing, I watch. They stand talking, her eyes filled with tears. It just shows how amazing Marcus was and how loveable. The rest of the day goes ahead slowly. Sure enough, Maria left after Troy told her she had no right to be there. Jackson spent most of his time by my side. The team were amazing and constantly checking on me. Getting home, the girls are already in bed. Helen hugs us before saying bye and leaving with Liam and Georgina. I don’t feel like I have said goodbye. With everyone there, I couldn’t say what I wanted without some asking questions. It still feels weird here without Marcus around us. Sitting at the table, I now understand what he meant. I did the same thing the past week: me pretending my life didn’t exist. Jackson sits opposite me and his hands grasp mine. “You are the only person he told that to, you know? I checked. None of us knew why he stared i
Walking downstairs, everyone is here: the whole team, Marcus’s other friends, and a few women. I don’t know who they are yet I feel I want to know. Walking to Jackson’s side, he wraps his arm around me. “We should walk around and say hi. I will introduce you to people he knew that you have not met.” Nodding, I agree. I should know who these people are. “How will you introduce me? What will you introduce me as in regard to Marcus and exactly how much do the team know?” Jackson turns, looking at me in surprise. Whether that is at my questions or the fact that is the most I have spoken in days, I don’t even know. “Well, I will introduce you as my wife and the closest person to Marcus before he passed. The team know everything. I had to tell them about it all. Explaining why you are this broken by him dying would not work by lying, Alena.” The closet person to Marcus…he used to be the closet person to Marcus. Had that changed? We start walking around the room, Jackson introducing
Jackson walks back through towards me. Turning on the kettle, he grabs two cups. “She doesn’t want to do anything. She said it is up to the team to plan his funeral.” As I thought, she does not care about him at all, not even now in his death. “I want to help with the funeral.” Maybe helping will help me. I don’t even know if it will but surely it is worth a try? Jackson hands me the cup of tea. Walking to the sofa, we sit, his arm around me. “I don’t want you to be strong for me, Alena. Yes, I am hurting, a lot, but seeing you broken is what is keeping me going. I can’t be weak when you need me.” I don’t even know what to say anymore. I just want to hide away. “Whatever you want, Alena. Whatever you need to get you through this, I will do.” I don’t even know what I want or need right now. “Marcus mentioned a plan for that night, something for me. What exactly was it?” Maybe knowing this will help. Maybe it won’t but I won’t know until I ask. “Well, I heard you talking to hi
He walks back in. Sitting next to me, his hand grips mine. “Alena, you didn’t let him down and you certainly did not kill him. Remember his last words: that he was happy because of you and no one else. You made him happy. That should be enough for you to realise.” Nodding, I agree. He did say that. “It won’t help bring him back, though, and he still died because of me. Everyone will hate me. I saw the way Troy looked at me. He tried smiling and couldn’t. Even he blames me.” What a year this has started out to be: New Year’s Day and we already have a death. “Stay here.” Jackson walks out. I see him talking to the team. They all look towards me and then back to Jackson. Walking back to me, Jackson is followed by them all. Walking into the room, I prepare myself for their abuse and the blame. “Alena, we don’t blame you at all. I tried smiling. The only reason I couldn’t is because you look more hurt and broken by this than any of
Everyone walks in. The police come, asking me questions. I can see their lips moving but there is no sound, no sound just silence and Marcus’s last words on replay. I watch as Troy, Alexander and the other lads come in, all staring at me, unsure what to say. Jackson gives me space. My heart breaks seeing every one of their faces, the pain of the loss. Hours pass by, everyone walking around and talking but I take none of it in. “Alena, go get a shower. Please, do something.” Jackson kneels in front of me, but I can’t move. I can’t go away. I can’t do it. “I don’t know how to help her.” Jackson’s words are quiet. No one can help. Marcus has gone. I watched it myself. He isn’t coming back. This isn’t like Jackson, where there is nobody, no proof. I saw the body, felt it drain of blood and turn cold in my hands. “Marcus would be the one to tell me what to do.” Jackson’s head lowers. Marcus was more than his friend, and his brot