Twisted Truths & Leveled Lies

by Lessner, S. K.

  “Would ya like a drink? Not that I think ya need much more,” he whispered teasingly.

  “Yes, as a matter of fact I do.” I grinned, but didn’t turn, hoping to keep him beside me longer. “Could you talk them into making something sweet and yummy?”

  “Sweet and yummy?” he asked, repeating the question, and giving it a new meaning.

  Turning my head only the slightest, our lips were only inches apart. I licked my lips, and nodded. “Sweet and very yummy, please.”

  He stood, his mouth slightly parted in surprise, and returned my nod. I think I made him speechless, for once.

  Laughing as he turned away, I focused on the people who’d sat at our table, and introduced myself. During our short interaction, four couples had sat down and were eager to discuss what I’d spoken about earlier.

  Brett returned a few minutes later, and handed me a tall glass filled with a pink liquid. His half smile, and the look in his eyes, silently stole my attention from the group.

  “For you, princess.” He leaned forward, quickly whispering his endearment in my ear so nobody but I could hear it.

  He took my breath away just standing there. I felt compelled to pull him down to me. I wanted to feel his body, taste his mouth, and relieve the dull ache that was blossoming between my legs. Unfortunately, none of that was possible, considering where we were and the people sitting only a couple feet away.

  “Sweet?” I bit my lip, excited about the thoughts I was having.

  “And yummy.” His eyes focused directly on my lips.

  I took a drink and was pleasantly surprised. It was yummy. It tasted like seven up mixed with sweet tarts.

  “Mmmm, you did well.”

  “I’d hoped you’d think so.” He stared into my eyes, conveying the hidden meaning in his sentence.

  We often teased each other at home, but mixing that with more intense looks, lightly touching each other, and the alcohol, I didn’t think I’d be able to hold back much longer.

  We managed to contain ourselves, and converse with the people at our table over the next hour. The women were discussing the beautiful gowns, and the men laughing about, well who knows what. Brett recognized the governor from Minnesota sitting next to him, and instantly started talking business. They spent nearly half an hour talking about military issues before the topic moved to how his daughter had scoliosis, and why he and his wife became involved in the foundation about ten years ago.

  Brett told him about Josiah, about his playful personality, and how strong he was now. He sounded so proud. I momentarily wished it were Miguel. It should’ve been us here. I rarely thought of him when I was with Brett, yet sometimes I couldn’t help it. But I wasn’t sad this time. I finally had a semblance of peace in my life and was having a good time tonight. I refused to allow my memories to ruin that.

  “Would you like to dance?” The governor held out his hand and asked politely.

  I was happy for the well-timed distraction. Jumping to my feet, I linked my arm through his and glanced back at Brett. He looked up from his new discussion, pausing his conversation, and giving me a sad look.

  “So, how’d you meet Mr. Caveleri?” The Governor asked.

  Pulling my attention back to the man beside me, I continued walking toward the dance floor. How? That was such an interesting story. Too bad I couldn’t tell him.

  “Well, actually, I needed a ride, and somehow he ended up offering me one. After that, we became good friends.” That was the truth, just not all of it.

  “He did some work for me about eight years ago. Security work. He’s a good guy.”

  “Yes, I agree. He is.” I smiled as I thought about how wonderful he really was.

  Stepping on the dance floor, the governor wrapped his arm around my back, and started leading me in a waltz. He was a very talkative man as I followed his lead across the floor. We shared more about his daughter, Josie, and our jobs, but he kept returning to the subject of Brett. Either he was very curious or had some hidden agenda.

  Glancing around the room for Brett, I hoped he’d see me begging him to cut in. It took me a minute to find him, but when I did, his blue eyes devoured me from across the room. With his intense look of adoration and love, he was pulling me deeper into his soul. I mirrored his gaze, unwavering in my silent plea for him.

  Suddenly twirled in the opposite direction, I lost sight of Brett. The governor began talking about his wife’s new business adventure, but I couldn’t pay attention to what he was saying. I was trying to relocate Brett. His seat was now empty and I didn’t see him anywhere.

  “Would ya mind if I cut in, Sir?” Brett. I wanted to clap my hands like Josie does when he’s happy.

  “Certainly. Enjoy your evening.” The governor nodded toward Brett, kissing my cheek, as he excused himself.

  Brett took both my hands into his and pulled me to him as the look he had minutes ago returned to his eyes.

  “Thank you.” I breathed.

  Sliding into position, he held one hand in his, allowing my other hand to slide around his neck. Tenderly lowering his other hand, his fingers traced my back, shooting electricity throughout my body, and coming to rest above my ass.

  “It looked like ya were sufferin’ over here.”

  “Yeah, you could say that.”

  Pulling me closer, I lowered my head, resting it on his chest.

  “To be honest, I wanted to be the first one to dance with ya tonight and was disappointed when he beat me to it.”

  Ah, so that’s what the frown was for.

  “And the last.” He continued. “And well, every one of them in between too.”

  I laughed and leaned back. He was grinning sheepishly. I was going to make a joke, but our looks turned serious, my breath catching in my throat. I’d seen that look before. The lust, filled with need. Raw and desperate.

  Feeling his chest rise and fall faster, matching my own, I slid my hand to his cheek, softly caressing his day old stubble. Slowing our steps, I didn’t notice anything else except for his big, blue eyes, his sexy lips, and how my fingers lightly brushed across his jawline. The room disappeared. There was nobody and nothing else that mattered except the man whose arms were pulling me harder against his body.

  “Brett,” I whispered.

  “I know,” he whispered back. “Me too.”

  I watched his lips slowly move as he spoke those few words. With our eyes locked, I glimpsed a hint of his tongue as it came out and moistened his lips, causing mine to repeat his action.

  He growled.

  It was soft, but clearly meant for me to understand what he was thinking.

  I chuckled. “Don’t you dare do that to me.”

  His hands were passionately digging into my lower back, pulling me further into him, as his hard length pushed against my abdomen. I thought I might fall apart right there on the dance floor. I wanted him with every fiber of my being.

  His lips lifted into a small grin. “What can I do to you then?” he asked, his breath coming in small gasps.

  That’s all I needed. “Let’s go.”

  I didn’t give him time to say no. I grabbed his hand and hurried off the dance floor. Remembering the difficulty he’d have walking when aroused, I slowed down, hoping to help him a little.

  “I want you, Mel.” He leaned over my shoulder, growling through his teeth.

  Okay, that did it. We were back into a full sprint now. Not really, but it was similar. I quickly found the director and we said our goodbyes and a few people stopped us on our way out to thank us as well. Dodging the remaining benefactors who appeared to look our way, we hurried out a side door, practically jogging to the car, and headed home.

  It was excruciating to sit next to him and not be able to touch him when I was so turned on. Dale was oblivious, making small talk as we drove. I told him about the evening, the presentations, and the ballroom, keeping the conversations going as much as possible to distract my thoughts.

  It didn’t work very well tho
ugh. Every time Brett had the chance, he’d reach over, rubbing my thigh or tracing his fingers along my arm. When Dale was busy adjusting the radio station, Brett took advantage of the slit in my dress, sliding his fingers up my inner thigh, and brushing delicately over my panties.

  It took all I had not to tear the dress open and hold his hand to me. He chuckled at my response, but I could see the bulge in his pants, and knew he was suffering as much as I was.

  Interrupting our back seat fun, Dale asked us if the song he chose was suitable. My face flushed and I turned my head, looking out the window to avoid his gaze, while Brett assured him it was perfect.

  When we finally arrived at the house, I thanked Dale, quickly excusing myself from the two men. I knew Brett would follow after he talked with Dale and the other officer who’d stayed behind, so I hurried inside, anxiously waiting for him to finish.

  CHAPTER 37

  After freshening up in the bathroom, I hurried upstairs, and went to my bedroom. I didn’t want to take the gown off myself. I’d spent the entire night fantasizing about how he’d remove it and was determined to let him do it. So, I sat on the edge of the bed, anxiously waiting for him to come fulfill my dream.

  He didn’t come. It had been almost twenty minutes, and he still wasn’t inside. Sighing, I got up and went downstairs to look out the living room window. He was just finishing up on the phone and was in the process of handing it back to Dale.

  Turning around, he looked up at the house. I waved, hoping he’d see me, and get the hint to hurry up. But it was like he wasn’t looking at me, he was looking through me.

  He said something to the men and started walking toward the front door. Moving away from the window, I sat on the couch, just as he came through the door, shutting it quietly behind him.

  He looked completely different. The desire and lust were gone. Only worry and fear were visible. With his head down, hands slid into his dress pant’s pockets, he walked around the edge of the couch, sitting down beside me.

  “What’s wrong, Brett?”

  Lifting his hands, he took mine, squeezing them tightly between his.

  This was not how things were supposed to be going. Were the men outside suspicious? Did something happen while we were gone?

  “Brett, please, just tell me.”

  He looked up, his eyes connecting sadly with mine.

  “Miguel was here.”

  You know that feeling when the floor falls out beneath you? My floor fell and kept falling. Why was he here? How? What did he want?

  “And? What else? Please, just say it all.”

  He took a deep breath. “He came by unannounced. The men made some calls and found out that he’d been released. Looks like he was cleared of all charges, except one minor one for not reportin’ business fraud. He told Mike that he just wanted to talk to ya.”

  Okay, I didn’t want to talk to him. It was simple.

  “Well, I don’t want to.”

  Brett didn’t reply. He hung his head and looked down at our joined hands.

  No, things were not supposed to be happening like this. I wanted to be undressed. I wanted to feel Brett against me again. And I wanted to forget everything else outside that door!

  Turning my body, I leaned into Brett, apprehensively trying to get him to join me. He didn’t seem interested now, but I was hoping I could bring him back.

  I slowly started kissing his neck and pulling him against me. Gradually wrapping his arms around me, he brought his mouth to mine, softly tracing my tongue with his.

  His kiss was gentle. Too gentle.

  Trying to motivate him, I rubbed my hands up his thighs, kissed and sucked his tongue, but he still wasn’t there with me.

  Pulling back to look at him, I realized his mind was elsewhere.

  “Please, don’t let him ruin our night.”

  “It’s not that, Mel. It’s so much more.”

  I looked at him in confusion. “What then? Let me fix it.”

  “Come with me.” He stood, pulling my hand to follow him.

  He led me through the living room and to the stairs, throwing his suit jacket on the banister as we began climbing. Following closely behind, our hands still intertwined, I marveled at how sexy he still looked. His shirt was slightly untucked, his pants perfectly fitted, and when he moved, I could see his muscles flex beneath the fabric.

  Leading me down the hall, my dress was making swishing noises, reminding me of the fantasies I’d had. We turned into the bedroom, coming to a stop beside the big bed.

  I wanted to get excited, but nothing in his posture told me he was going to fulfill my wishes. Something was wrong.

  Directing me to the bed, I sat down, as he positioned himself next to me. He didn’t speak, his eyes trained on the floor below us.

  My heart was racing, the unknown making it hard to breathe.

  “Brett?”

  “I had to see if I could. I, well,” he paused, turning his head toward mine, his eyes filled with compassion.

  “Mel, I love you. I want to take your dress off, kiss every inch of your body, hear ya say my name, and feel ya wrapped around me.”

  So far he was in agreement with everything I wanted. What was the problem then?

  He sighed. “But I can’t, princess.” He said the last word so softly, I almost didn’t hear it.

  We sat with our legs hanging over the side of the bed. His feet were on the floor, but mine didn’t reach. We were both lost in thought. His words, saying he loved me, was everything I longed to hear. But the refusal to be with me was everything I didn’t want to hear.

  Looking down at my dress and heels, I couldn’t understand how Miguel could ruin this for me too. He’d already made my life miserable. He’d already turned his back on me, and on Josie. What more did he want from me?

  “Why? Why not? Is it your job? Me? Did I do something? I don’t care if he showed up. I’m not thinking about him.”

  “That’s just it, Mel.” He glanced back at me.

  When I saw the sadness in his eyes, my tears started flowing. He reached up, wiping my tears, and holding my cheek, but didn’t hold back his words.

  “Ya have to face him, Mel. Ya don’t know how you’ll feel until ya see him again, and hear what he has to say.”

  “No, I don’t have to.” He was making me mad now. I didn’t want to see Miguel and relive everything that had happened.

  “You’re not being fair to me, Mel. I don’t wanna just fuck you. I wanna be with you and I can’t even consider that until you’ve dealt with everything. Until you’ve faced him and know if he’s telling the truth or not, or even what his story is at all.”

  I shoved his hand away from my face and turned away. My tears were turning into a sob now. He was pushing me back to Miguel, back to the man who had destroyed me. I couldn’t believe this.

  “Mel, please, think about it. He’s Josiah’s father. If you two have any chance whatsoever to fix this, ya need to.”

  That did it. I couldn’t listen to anymore.

  “Did you forget what he did to us? What he allowed to be done to us?” I was yelling now, but I couldn’t stop. “He lied to me. Repeatedly, Brett. He left us when we needed him the most. I was practically locked in that house for months! I can’t go back. I won’t!”

  He stood and forced me into his arms. I was still sitting on the bed, him standing between my legs, and my head was in his stomach. His poor dress shirt was getting soaked from tears.

  “Please, Brett, I need you.”

  He brushed his hands down my back, cradling my body in his.

  “You have to do this, Mel. I wish ya knew how hard it is to say no to you. I never thought I’d find someone I could love again. But unless I can have all of ya, unless things with him have been dealt with, I can’t risk breakin’ my heart like that. I’d die this time.”

  I wanted to feel compassion for him. In some ways I agreed with him. I didn’t want to hurt him either. But my anger that I was being forced to face Migu
el, and the idea that I had no control again, was too much.

  “Just go then.” I pulled my arms away, wrapping myself in them.

  He pulled back and looked at me like I had smacked him.

  I didn’t wait for him to leave. I crawled up in my bed, dress, heels, and all, and rolled into a ball. I felt the shudders of my cry start, then heard Brett cross the floor and shut the door behind him. He left.

  ********

  After yelling, sobbing, throwing things in my room like a child, I finally cried myself to sleep. When I woke up, it was almost morning. I was still in my dress, but my heels were lost hours before. I remembered throwing one at my door and the other at my window. Luckily, I hadn’t broken anything. Needing to use the bathroom, I forced myself out of bed. I’d much rather lay there and wallow in self-pity, but my body had other plans.

  Quietly opening my door, I blindly searched the wall for the light switch. I knew Brett usually slept a few hours during the night while one of the other men covered for him, so I assumed he was in the guest bedroom sleeping. Having a full time babysitter sucked sometimes. I would’ve loved to have gone through the entire house screaming and crying last night.

  Unable to find the switch, I crept out my door and tripped over something in the floor.

  “Ugh!” I cried out, falling to my knees.

  “You okay?” I heard a sleepy Brett ask from under the pile I’d just tripped over.

  What was he doing there?

  “I’m fine. Why are you in the floor anyhow?” I asked as I tried to get up, the obnoxious dress making it difficult.

  “I, um, I was worried about ya last night.”

  “Huh. I guess you had quite the show listening to me in there.” I could only imagine what he thought if he heard me crying, yelling, and cussing everybody out. Not to mention the throwing part again, but I threw anything I could get my hands on.