Walking into the girls’ room, I pick Katy up, and Jackson picks up Isabella. We carry them downstairs to the party, where everyone is waiting. It has been a nice day. They opened their presents, and ate cakes, yes, plural, because they apparently had to have their own cakes. Why, I have no idea, because one was big enough for them both, yet, no matter how well today is going, I keep catching glimpses of Jackson, hurt and in pain, trying to hide it. What though, I don’t know. Catching him briefly, I stop him, trying to find out. “What’s wrong? I can see it, Jackson. You’re hiding something.” My words are soft. I have a feeling I know what it is, and I know there is no way to fix that sort of pain. “I am fine, just let’s enjoy today.” He goes to walk past me, and I move in front of him, knowing if he wants to, he could just pick me up and move me. “No lies, no secrets.” I look at him, waiting. “Things like this just remind me of Tallulah, the fact she never got her first birthday,
Waking up, I feel so much better for sorting everything out. My mind replays Jackson’s hand spanking my ass. I roll over to find the bed empty. Jackson is already up, clearly as his side is empty, with a note left on the pillow. Picking it up, I begin reading, hearing his voice saying the words in my mind. I am at work. I have sorted the meeting for this afternoon to help with your business. So be ready. Yes, it means leaving the girls, but it is for business, not pleasure. I feel the smile on my face as I walk to the shower and quickly get washed, then dressed. The girls are still asleep, clearly worn out. It is 9:14 am. They would typically be up by now. I walk downstairs, and for the first time in ages, the house is empty and totally silent. It feels nice. I find myself cooking before deciding that waking the twins up after would be the best option, so breakfast is ready for when I wake them. So, after cooking pancakes, getting fruit ready and their morning milk, I walk back
I look up at him, a naughty smile on my face, “I am naked under these clothes, totally naked.” I whisper, watching his expression change. He becomes aroused. I turn and walk into the meeting room, sitting down, waiting for him to take his place next to me. He walks in and sits next to me, his glance teasing, and I wonder if I have made the right decision in this. Too late to turn back now. I can’t, even if I wanted to. I watch as Jackson looks at his phone, reading something, his fingers tapping on the table. Everyone is looking at the business plan I had put together. “All I need is to know the exact amount you think will be needed upfront. While there are figures there, we need overhang, so if something unexpected happens, it is there waiting, without her having to wait.” Jackson stops everyone from discussing the business. Apparently, he doesn’t care what they think. He just wants to get it over and done with and make sure everything is set up. His whole stance has changed again.
Getting home, Georgina and Helen leave together to meet Liam. I sit with the girls, cooking tea. The door opens; I expect it to be Jackson. I smile. As I turn, I see Marcus, bag in hand, standing there, looking broken. I try smiling at him, but it doesn’t work. He is clearly hurting, but I best not make it obvious. I can tell. Marcus is clearly trying to hide it, and the last thing I want to do is make him feel worse, so I will do what I always do - make jokes and laugh. “What are you doing here? Kidnapping me in your duffel bag?” I laugh, looking at him. “Something like that. Where can I dump it and my stuff ‘til I find the right time to squeeze you in it?” I have to laugh at his response. He clearly is trying to act like he is fine. “Well, I wouldn’t put it in our room. Jackson might catch onto your plan, so upstairs, any of the spare rooms you want. I shall wait for you to squeeze me in it and run away.” I laugh as he begins walking upstairs. Just as I finish cooking, he walks
“Okay, go get yourself ready, and I will spend time with them and bathe them while you do.” Jackson moves over to me, his lips kissing mine. “You will enjoy yourself, and they won’t miss a thing, I swear.” He turns and walks upstairs to get himself ready. I begin to get the twins out of their chairs. “I can help.” Marcus grabs Katy out of her chair and begins to carry her upstairs. I quickly follow with Isabella as he carries Katy to the girls’ bedroom. “No point in you making two trips. If you want, I will get their bath ready, then you can get their clothes and things ready.” This is not the Marcus I know. What has happened to the other man, the one who ran away from the babies? “Thank you, that would help.” I smile, wondering what has made him change so quickly. No doubt whatever happened to lead to him being homeless will be told tonight. At least to Jackson. I can’t sit and think about Marcus right now. I have to get the girls ready for bed. With the girls all ready for thei
Dancing, I feel myself relax more, cautious of how close guys are getting, not wanting to cause any trouble. “I think someone is coming to see you, Alena.” I smile at Georgina’s comment, expecting Jackson behind me. Arms wrap around my body, teasingly rubbing down me and lips kiss my neck. Georgina’s eyes widen. I look down and notice the sleeves. Jackson does not have sleeves on his shirt. I push forward, away, my hand slapping around at Jake's face. He moves back, not saying anything, disappearing into the crowd. “What the hell was all that, Alena? You and Jake have known each other for years.” Georgina quizzes me, and I know the only thing I can do is make sure she doesn’t tell Jackson. “I will explain everything tomorrow. Just don’t mention this to anyone, not even Liam. Please, promise me, Georgina. It will just cause a fight, then we will have to leave.” Her expression turns sympathetic, and she nods. We carry on dancing. This time, Jackson does come over. “Can I steal
Leaving the bathroom afterwards, I am relieved that no one is there. Walking back to the table, I sit down. Jackson’s not here.“Where is Jackson?” I look around, confused.“More like where the hell were you two? We looked everywhere in the club and couldn’t find you.” I shake my head at Marcus, worried that Jackson isn’t back yet.“He is there, at the bar Alena. He walked straight past us to the bathroom, then out to the bar.” Georgina joins in, and sure enough, Jackson is at the bar. I watch as someone moves closer to him. It looks like Roxy, but jealousy grows inside me. Getting up, I walk towards them.I haven't seen Roxy much, really, so I hope it is her in a way, but mostly because I won’t feel as jealous. The woman’s hands wrap around Jackson, rubbing down his back and grasping his ass. I can feel my blood boil and watch as Jackson gently moves the woman’s arm away from h
His hand is my first warning he is behind me, gently placed on my shoulder. It is so different to Jackson, where Jackson would usually come in, and the whip would hit me. Marcus, though, places his hand on me, soothing almost.I feel my whole body relax under his touch, still screaming for pleasure. Now though, I feel safe. Maybe this is why Jackson was keen to have Marcus as part of it if it is to ever happen. He somehow just makes me feel safe instantly, something I will need if I really want my fantasy to happen.The sound of the door closing and locking alerts me that no one will walk in, and I relax more. The feel of Marcus’ hand travelling slowly down my back makes shivers rise within me from his touch.His hand lifts from my back. I jump as it hits my ass, the pleasure rippling through me, my moans almost escaping. My mind is telling me to take off the blindfold and just pull him to me.I can feel his movements around my body as he moves. The
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