Once Upon a Time

by KL Donn

  It’s terrifying knowing people I’m around every single day could inflict such pain upon another human being. Especially when it’s one they know.

  The name calling had always been bad and affected my peace of mind, my self-image, but it’s nothing compared to what a full-on assault feels like. There were times in middle school when I had wished for the names to stop and physical pain to take over. I’m relieved now that it never happened then.

  Having Landon and his doctor wanting to see the result of such abuse is somehow more terrifying because they’ll see just how incapable I am of defending myself. One thing I’ve never been able to master is the strength to physically protect myself.

  I fight with the demons on a daily basis, and the answer is so simple yet complicated…

  I can’t inflict the kind of agony I suffer daily onto anyone else. No matter how horrible it is.

  “Cecilia?” Landon calls softly. “Worse how?”

  Flicking my gaze to Dr. Ganes quickly, I settle back on Landon again, wondering how I’m going to explain it to him so he understands. “Anytime I’ve taken steps to put a stop to the tormenting, to force them to leave me alone, it’s always gotten worse.” I see infuriation attempt to take control of Landon. “You tried to defend me one day, and soon after, I’m smacked in the face, tripped down a set of stairs, and kicked around. The names get worse, the pain intensifies. I can’t handle anymore.”

  He seems to mull my words over in his head before answering me. “You’re not going back, Cecilia.” I blink rapidly as his words register in my brain. When I try to protest, he says, “You’ll go somewhere else, somewhere better. I won’t allow you to suffer at the hands of these ignorant people anymore. You deserve so much more, sweets.”

  Oh, how I would love that. “I can’t afford better, Landon.” Saying it out loud nearly breaks me.

  “You may not be able to”—he places a gentle finger under my chin, bringing my head up, so I have to meet his powerful stare—“but I can.”

  “You can’t do that!” I try to protest.

  He smiles at me indulgently, and I know he’s going to do whatever he damn well pleases.

  “Miss Marks, may I see now?” I’d almost forgotten Dr. Ganes was in the room.

  Removing my sweater, I hold my breath as they witness the bruises for the first time. I’ve always had delicate skin, so I know everything looks much worse than it is, but the pain is still there. This doesn’t stop the fury in Landon’s eyes or the doctor’s sharp intake of breath.

  We spend the next hour going over my medical history while the physician inspects every bruise, every mark, every scar. He monitors my heart rate and blood pressure for good measure, then checks my hearing and vision to be sure that I’m not suffering from a concussion. By the time he calls it quits and deems me bruised but healthy, I’m completely exhausted and ready for bed.

  Landon sees him out as I stand in front of the window where he brought me to life, gave me hope, and made me fall in love with him.

  Love?

  Yes, love. I love Landon Powers. I know he’s not at fault for what happened to me, and I won’t let him blame himself either. I have a lot of problems to work through, but I know that in just a few short days, I’ve fallen head over heels in love.

  “Sweets?” he murmurs, standing behind me but not touching.

  Turning to face him, I ask, “What are we doing, Landon?” At any other time in my life, I’d have laughed and thought this was all some kind of cruel joke. And yet, I know I love him. Admitting it wasn’t easy, especially because I’d never believed in love at first sight before, but maybe, for once, I’m one of the lucky ones to experience it.

  It’s empowering and overwhelming. Sensational and heady. It’s the most amazing feeling I’ve ever had. Now, if only he feels the same way.

  “We’re falling, sweets,” Landon murmurs, lowering his head and stepping in closer to my body.

  “Are you?” I can’t help asking.

  “Crashed and fucking burned. From the minute I saw you, I was hooked.” My eyes widen at his confession. I knew he had lusted after me, even claimed that I was his, said he was never letting me go, but I didn’t think that would lead to this all-consuming love.

  Is it too soon?

  Who the hell cares!

  Pushing that last small millimeter to his lips, I decide tonight is going to be my night to own Landon. Surprised by my bold move, he freezes for half a second before taking over the kiss. Sweeping his tongue into my mouth, demanding submission from my own curious tongue, he retreats, only to suck on my lip as he does. An answering throb in my core pulses, my breasts grow heavy with need, and I’m ready to be with him again.

  Rubbing his swollen cock into my soft belly, he whispers, “You feel that, Cec? That’s all for you. I need you, sweets.”

  Moaning into his mouth, I press myself as tight to his frame as I can. Kissing my way up his jaw to his ear and breathing out, “I’m yours, Landon.”

  Growling, he picks me up gently in his arms, cradling me to his chest with a determined stride in his step towards the bedroom. Seconds later, the door slams shut behind us, and he’s lying me on the bed as he stands and watches me.

  “Mmmm.” I stare as he removes his clothes hastily, anticipating what he has planned for me now.

  “Strip,” Landon demands, his voice low and sexy. Full of gruff and lust. I squirm as he watches me.

  “Yes, Landon.” His stare darkens as I agree with him.

  “I like you agreeable,” he growls.

  With a coy smile, I begin to undress. Crossing my arms, I grab the hem of my shirt and slowly drag it up my chest, stopping to meet his stare when I come to my breasts. His impatient moan makes me giggle.

  Quickly tossing the material over my head, it lands at his feet. Undoing the button on my jeans, I slowly lower the zipper, the sound echoing around the room. Feeling mischievous, I turn and bend over as I peel them over my ass, stopping mid-thigh. Gazing at a very tense Landon over my shoulder, I whisper, “Pull, please?”

  He’s transfixed at the sight I’ve bared for him as he grabs one pant leg then the other, pulling the material and tossing it behind him.

  Spinning around, I kneel before Landon, and I can see him change, his lust is driving him wild as I run my hands up his naked chiseled chest and down his abs, running my fingers through the dusting of hair leading to his aching cock.

  His flesh ripples with his own anticipation of what’s to come. Gazing down, I see his cock standing straight up begging for me to taste him. As a small drop of liquid drips out, I can’t help myself and lean forward to lick the tiny pearl.

  Landon’s essence, his flavor, everything that he is explodes on my tongue, and I close my eyes to savor the moment. Opening my mouth wider, I lock gazes with him as I take him all the way into my mouth. Pushing to the back of my throat, the salty-sweet taste of him makes my mouth water.

  Landon’s hands thread through my hair as I gently suck up and down on his shaft, licking the thick vein on the bottom as I move. I take as much of him as I can into my mouth, worried, only for a brief moment, about whether I’m doing this right or not. I’ve never been so intimate with a person before, and I must admit, I’m addicted.

  His deep breaths and low moans speak of his pleasure as I love on him. “Sweets,” he groans, speaking for the first time since his demand for me to strip. “Fuck,” he hisses through clenched teeth, closing his eyes and dropping his head back onto his shoulders.

  I feel his hands move down my back to unhook my bra and as soon as it’s free, his fingers are roaming the front of my chest, cupping a breast in each hand and playing with my already sensitive nipples. “Ohhh,” I mewl against him when he twists one a little harder than before. The light pain mingled with so much pleasure has my panties soaked as my core clenches.

  Running my tongue all along his cock, under the head, over the angry looking veins, and to the base of his groin, I glance up to see Landon is about to l
ose all control. Wanting to taunt the man some more, I smile as I kiss down further, suckling each of his balls before nipping the sweet spot between his heavy sack and engorged dick.

  “Fuckkk,” he hisses, throwing his head back. Every moment to come after that is engrained in my memory. For as long as I live, I’ll never forget the intensity of our lovemaking.

  Landon

  * * *

  As we lay in the quiet aftermath of our powerful connection, I encourage Cecilia into some small talk so I can get to know her better. We share the things we love and hate and everything in between.

  Needing to know more, though, I ask about her parents. “Where are your parents, sweets?”

  A heavy sigh breaks free before she answers. “They were killed two years ago in a skiing accident. First time they go on vacation without me, and they don’t come home.” A sardonic laugh leaves her mouth, and I get the feeling if it didn’t, she’d cry.

  “I’m so sorry, Cec. I had no idea.” Fucking hell.

  “Of course, you didn’t. It’s okay; they were together, at least.” Her sad smile as she looks up at me makes me wish I’d never brought it up to begin with.

  “That’s one way to look at it, I suppose,” I respond. Once again, amazed by her strength. “Had you already graduated, or did you have to go into the foster system?” I’ve heard horror stories about the system, and I pray she didn’t fall victim to any of them.

  “I had an elderly neighbor take me in until I was old enough to be on my own. She passed away a few months ago.” She can’t get a fucking break.

  “Christ, I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay, Landon. Really. Death is part of life, and I swear she was like a hundred and fifty years old. She had a good life.”

  We lay quietly after that because I haven’t a fucking clue what to say without putting my foot in my mouth again. But talk of parents brings up something else. “My folks would like to meet you.”

  I can almost hear fog horns on the other side of the earth with her lack of response. Looking down at her, she has a wide-eyed stare mixed with both horror and anticipation.

  “What’s with the look, Cec?” It’s hard not to laugh.

  “Oh, umm, well. I didn’t really expect that to happen so soon.”

  “Mom and Dad know I’m serious about you. Naturally, they want to meet the woman who has taken up residence in my heart.” Her breath hitches, but I continue on. “They’ll love you, baby. I have no doubt it,” I vow. And I know it’s true. Mom has been on me to settle down for years.

  Chapter 9

  Cecilia

  “Don’t be nervous, they’re going to love you, Cec.” Landon’s words don’t give me nearly the confidence boost I need as we pull up in front of his parents’ brownstone.

  “Easy for you to say,” I grumble as he comes around to open my door for me. “They have to love you.”

  “Cecilia,” he barks, and I know that tone. Landon hates when I put myself down. It’s not that I do it intentionally, it’s just a hard habit to break.

  Facing him, I blow out a breath. I’ve never been so nervous before, and so many what ifs run through my mind… What if they hate me? What if they don’t think I’m good enough for their son? What if–

  “Cecilia!” Landon snaps again, louder, breaking me free of my own self-doubts. “Fucking stop, sweets.” His fingers thread through my wind-blown hair, bringing me in closer to his lips. He whispers, “I fucking love you so fucking much it won’t matter if they do or not.”

  My heart skips a beat then stops dead in my chest as his words filter through my brain. I nearly explode with excitement and surprise.

  He loves me.

  A huge smile graces my face as he searches my gaze, waiting on an answer. “Oh, Landon,” I reply as a happy tear falls free. “I can’t even…you just…are you sure?” I whisper the last part, terrified he’ll take it back.

  “Of course, I’m sure. They’ll–“ He misunderstands.

  “No, Landon. Are you sure?” His eyes soften as my meaning becomes clear.

  “You’re fucking right I am, Cecilia Marks. You, my goddess, my gorgeous, sweet woman are everything to me, and nothing will ever change that.” He punctuates his statement with a passionate kiss that leaves my heart pounding dangerously like a jackhammer and my pussy pulsing with the need for him to fill me so completely that we’ll become one.

  “I love you, too,” I whimper as he pulls away. I hate losing contact with him.

  “I know you do, sweets.” His smile, those dimples. Shivers race up and down my spine. Of course, he would know before I did.

  A throat clearing behind us has us pulling apart and turning around. There they stand…his parents, people I’ve been fearing, with huge smiles on their faces. “Now that you’ve essentially said we don’t matter, how about you introduce us to this gorgeous young woman, Landon.” His mother laughs.

  “Mom, Dad, this is Cecilia Marks. Cec, these are my folks, Matthew and Rosa Powers.” We walk up the pathway to the couple, and I’m relieved to see their humor instead of disappointment at my apparent meltdown. I relax further as they both pull me in for a warm hug instead of offering a cold handshake.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” I smile as they precede us inside.

  “Your sister will be here soon,” Matthew announces as Landon takes my coat to hang it on a hook. I try not to react outwardly about how much that terrifies me, but Landon must have sensed my trepidation because he looks at me with a question in his eyes. Plastering on a fake smile, I’m confident he’ll see through it, but it’s the best I have for now. I know the evening is about to go downhill, and I’m helpless to stop it.

  As we walk farther into the house, I lose my breath for a second time at the beauty of their home. Decorated with Victorian-style furniture, I immediately fall in love and forget my anxiety from moments prior.

  “This is so beautiful,” I whisper in awe.

  The front door opens into a family room filled with two big, chunky royal blue chairs. The spindling on the wood is phenomenal, and the craftsmanship is flawless. A matching sofa is placed evenly between them on the opposite side of a large old trunk for a coffee table.

  “Matthew took me to an auction about twenty years ago; I got them for a mint,” Rosa explains with a delightful grin. “I was lucky, too, because they were easily worth five times the amount I paid for them.”

  “Really? May I sit?” I ask, unsure if they’re simply for show or comfort.

  “Please do.” Rosa laughs and motions for me to take a seat.

  As soon as my weight is placed on the over-stuffed sofa, it molds to my body. The blue fabric is smooth as silk as I run my hands along the seat. Rosa sits across from me and quickly explains about having to re-stuff it a few times over the years, and how once she nearly had to replace the fabric—which is the original from 1975—because Landon spilled grape juice on it when he was seven. His laughter has Rosa shooting her son a dirty look before she continues to tell me about its rich history.

  It’s not long before hearing Rosa speak about her passion that all my worries from earlier have entirely vanished. I feel at home with the couple as they talk animatedly about their home and all the pieces of furniture they’ve collected over the years. A stunning ceramic vase that was made by Rosa’s great-great-great-grandmother and had been passed down to each generation on their wedding day has fascinated me the most.

  The whitewash with the beautiful, vibrant red rose wrapped around is exquisite. She goes on to explain that every few decades it gets repainted to keep the vibrancy, so it’s unlikely any of the paint is from the original, but the design has always remained the same.

  So absorbed in Rosa’s storytelling, none of us realize anyone else has entered the house until we hear Ashley bellow, “What in the hell is she doing here?”

  “Ashley Jane!” Matthew admonishes the woman.

  “Hell, no. That freak has got to go! Or did Landon not tell you she’s the r
eason he won’t speak to me and has cut off my credit cards?” There’s so much hatred in her voice, I shrink in my seat.

  For the first time since arriving, Landon’s parents look at me with a less than friendly expression on their faces. I’m just as shocked at Ashley’s confession as they are. Landon never mentioned not speaking to his sister, let alone speaking about her around me at all. I have no idea what’s been happening, but I know I want no part in it.

  “Landon?” Rosa questions, horrified her children at her odds. I don’t blame her.

  Not wanting to be the reason for a family in disruption, I stand, intent on leaving. “It was lovely to meet you both. I think I’ll leave now.”

  “No, sweets, you aren’t going anywhere,” Landon bites out as he grips my arms and gently pulls me to his chest before he addresses his family. “How about you tell them why, Ashley?”

  I bury my face in Landon’s sweater so I can’t see the judgment, the hate, the stares. I don’t want to see it, not here, not where I’d been beginning to feel like my scars wouldn’t always define me.

  Silence reigns as they all wait for Ashley to answer him. “What?” She feigns innocence.

  “Really, Ash? You sure you want to go with ignorance here?” Landon demands.

  “Hey, it’s not my fault she’s a klutz.” Ashley laughs at the pain I suffered from her actions, and I feel sick to my stomach.

  A growl vibrates through Landon’s chest as he loses control. “A fucking klutz? Are you fucking kidding me! The only reason she fell is because you flicked your pretty eyes at some idiot jock, and he tripped her, so she flew down a set of fucking stairs! Then you both made it worse by kicking her while she fell. Or did you forget I was there in the aftermath? That I have the medical reports? Please, Ash, explain it all. Starting with how you were arrested, too.”