by B. B. Hamel
We had a real connection, and I wasn’t ready to give up on that without some closure. Tadd had said that Rex was out of town, and I believed that part, especially considering he had bought my bluff. That meant Rex wasn’t in some crack house shooting up, but was doing a job for Michael. Still, that job was likely illegal or at best semi-legal, and I still had cause to be worried. But I was slowly becoming more and more sure that Rex wasn’t still using, and that Tadd was being a piece of shit.
Finally, when the cabbie pulled over in front of my apartment, I gathered myself together. I wiped off my face, paid the fare, and climbed out onto the street. I took a few deep breaths and laughed at the absurdity of my night as the car pulled away. I had gone looking for a man I barely knew in a dangerous bar, and almost gotten mixed up with the kind of scumbag I had been warned against. Who knew what Tadd would have done to me if I hadn’t out smarted him? I laughed at my small victory, at my idiocy and insanity, and at the crazy rush I felt at getting out of there in one piece. I felt terrified and angry and frustrated and alive, very alive.
Chapter Thirteen
I was a mess again by Wednesday. I still hadn’t heard from Rex, but I was definitely staying away from Drake’s. I couldn’t help but wonder where he was and what he was doing, and why he hadn’t messaged me yet. Fortunately, I was keeping myself together enough not to blow his phone up, but I really wanted to.
Then the text came mid-afternoon. I was getting back from lunch, hoping Marissa wouldn’t be around, when my phone vibrated. I pulled it out and my heart almost stopped when I saw that it was from him. Meet me at the wharf tonight at 8, be careful. That was all he said. I was beyond thrilled that he wanted to see me, but also worried. I tried not to read too much into it, but it was hard not to. I hadn’t heard from him in days, and even stalked him at his bar. I was a little surprised he wanted to see me without talking first, but I guessed he had his reasons. I wanted to respond, but I decided against it. He was vague and mysterious for a reason, and I guessed it had to do with the reason he hadn’t been in touch sooner.
The day flew by after that, and I soon found myself getting dressed to see him. I decided on the same socks and chucks combo, plus frayed short jean shorts and a tight navy blue T-shirt. My heart was racing as I left the building and made my way toward the art museum. The last time, he was waiting at the top of the steps, but this time I knew where I was going. I went past the metal horse fountain, went right toward Kelly Drive, and wound my way up around behind the museum. The area felt creepier and smaller without Rex leading the way; I had the distinct feeling of being watched. I realized I was paranoid, but wasn’t sure why. I guessed it had to do with Rex’s mysterious message. I felt almost like a spy, going for a secret drop in a secluded area.
The black spiral staircase was exactly where I left it last time, but it felt even more daunting. I hesitated at the top, and took a deep breath. I needed to be sure this was what I wanted, and it was my last chance to back out. Rex was a dangerous man involved with dangerous people, and I had already almost gotten myself into a really bad situation. I didn’t know what he had been doing, but it was almost definitely not something legal. More than likely, it was violent and bloody. He may have even still been doing drugs, for all I knew. Tadd was a disgusting human, but he might have told the truth.
I looked out across the water, at the lights of West Philly, and stared as the small waves and currents bent and curved the reflected buildings. I thought about Rex’s strong hands on my hips, his soft lips against mine, his teasing laugh, and his easy confidence. I thought about him calling me spoiled, and hated to admit that it turned me on. I wanted him to break me, to show me a world I had never seen before. I didn’t crave danger, but I craved that man. I took a step, then another, and soon I found myself at the bottom of the staircase on the dimly lit pathway winding its way through sparse trees.
There was nobody ahead, so I started walking. “Rex?” I called out, but no one answered. I moved slowly, looking into the shadows, but I felt completely alone. I walked into the clearing with the large rock and the benches, and climbed up to the highest point of the stone to get a better look around.
As I scanned the area, a figured stepped out from behind a tree back the way I had just come. I nearly jumped off the rock in fear.
“Hey, it’s me,” the person said.
“Rex?” I couldn’t be sure. The figure walked closer and slid a hood off his face.
“What’s up, spoiled girl?” Before I could stop myself, I jumped off the rock, and ran straight into him, wrapping my arms around his strong shoulders. I had no clue what was up with the weird cloak and dagger stuff, but relief at seeing him again spread through my body.
“Oh hey there,” he said, laughing. I felt him return my hug, and I breathed his scent in deeply. I realized how badly I had missed him, and how safe I suddenly felt. All of my anxiety and fear from the past few days disappeared as he hugged me and laughed. Finally, I pulled myself away and looked up at him.
“What’s with the sneaking around?”
His face softened. “I’m sorry. I have a good reason for that.”
“And what is it?”
That devilish grin returned. “First, this.”
He leaned in and kissed me deeply. His lips pressed against mine, and I melted into his embrace, returning his kiss. It hit me how badly I needed his touch, how much I had been thinking about him, and how much better he was in person than he was in my mind. There were so few people in the world that lived up to my expectations, let alone exceeded them. Rex improved on everything I imagined.
After a moment, he pulled away, though I could still feel his lips lingering against mine. “Did you miss me?” he asked with a cocky grin.
“Not at all,” I said, looking away, embarrassed. All of my worrying and insane stalking suddenly seemed trivial and childish.
“I know you went to Drake’s,” he said.
“Yeah, about that.”
“Listen, stay away from there. Things aren’t good with me and Michael right now. You need to stay far away from them.”
I nodded, looking up at him. His face was grim and hard, but his arms remained wrapped around my hips.
“Are you okay?”
“I’ll be fine, I just need to lay low for a while. That’s why we’re meeting here, and why I didn’t come out right away. I had to make sure you weren’t followed.”
“Why would I be followed?”
“People have seen you and me together. And because you ran into Tadd the other night, you’re linked to me now. They’ll use you to get at me if they can, and I want to keep you safe.”
My heart started to hammer in my chest. I knew he was scary and involved with intense people, but I hadn’t been in any immediate danger until that moment.
“Rex, if something happened, we should go to the police.”
His face was like a stone. “No cops.”
“Seriously, Rex—”
He interrupted me. “No cops. We never let the cops handle our business. I’ll stand up and take care of it myself.”
I looked up at him for a few moments, and drank in his deep green eyes.
“Fine, no cops.”
His face softened. “I’m sorry you’re involved in this. We shouldn’t be seen together.”
“No,” I said, shaking my head.
“Darcy, you don’t get it. These people, they’ll hurt you.”
“You won’t let that happen.”
I felt his arms leave me as he took a few steps away, his back turned.
“How do you know that? You barely know me.” I could feel the tense anger radiating from his body.
I took a few steps closer. “You’re right. But I don’t want to stay away from you.”
“I’ve made mistakes, Darcy.”
That made me pause. What did he mean, mistakes?
“Are you using again?”
He turned back to me, his eyes fierce. “Fuck no, I’m not.”
<
br /> “I’m sorry, Tadd said something, and you said you made mistakes. I was just asking.”
“Fuck what Tadd said. I’ve been clean and I’m staying clean.”
I took in his intense look and I believed him. “Then what do you mean, mistakes?”
“People get hurt around me.”
“I’m not afraid.”
“You should be.” He moved away and sat down on the rock. I climbed up and sat next to him.
“What happened, why are you hiding from Michael?”
He let out a sigh, his eyes looking out over the river.
“We had a job in New York. They were supposed to sell some cars to these Russian guys. I was along as muscle. The deal went south, and some shit went down. Michael thinks I had something to do with it, as revenge or something. I need to lay low until they figure out it wasn’t me.”
I had no idea what to say. This world was entirely new to me; I didn’t know how he was going to lay low, let alone how he would clear his name
“Are you going to be okay? Do you have somewhere to stay?”
“I’ll be fine. I have a place.”
I moved closer to him. He was wearing his usual cut off jean shorts, beat up old sneakers, plus a zip up black hoodie. I had to admit, he looked like a criminal, although an incredibly charming and handsome one.
“What’s going to happen?”
“Michael’s control over the mob isn’t great right now. He promised me that I can fight my way out of debt, and I’m close. Two more matches, and I’ll be good. He can’t afford to start going back on his promises, or else he’ll look weak in front of his rivals. I need to wait him out, force them to figure out who really screwed up the deal, then I need to win my last two fights.”
“That’s a lot of uncertainty.”
He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close. “I’ve been living in this uncertain world for a very long time now, and I’ll be out soon. I need to get through this.”
“I can help you.”
He shook his head. “You can’t help me. The best thing you can do right now is to stay away.”
“Stop saying that.” I had no plans to go anywhere, even though his world had begun to bleed into mine. I wanted him, and didn’t care if we were more or less strangers.
We were quiet then, and I felt his head radiate off his body. I looked up at him and he met my gaze. There was something behind his look, something desperate and dark. I reached my hand up and pressed it against his cheek, felt the stubble, and ran my thumb over his lips. He let out a quiet growl, and then reached down to take my face. He kissed me hard, and I opened my mouth against him, our tongues running soft.
He adjusted his body, pressing me back down onto the rock. I felt the aching need inside my core, the thrill of desire run through me, and I let out a small moan as I felt his warmth press against my legs. His mouth was needy and firm, and I was hungry for him, starving for his touch and his body. He reached down one hand and unbuttoned my shorts, then slipped his fingers between my legs. I let out a small gasp as his rough, strong fingers pressed gently against my spot, and I knew I was soaking already. He grunted his pleasure at the touch of me as he slowly but firmly rubbed my mound, and I tensed with the pleasure of it.
“I’m bad news for you,” he whispered in my ear. I felt myself grow even wetter, excitement building.
“I want you anyway,” I moaned back. I grabbed at his sweatshirt and pulled the zipper down. He slipped his hand out of my shorts and pulled the hoodie off, revealing a tight white beater, his muscles and tattoos standing out against the thin cotton. I ran my fingers around the contours of his chest as he reached down and slid my shorts off my body. My black lacy panties stood out against the plain grey rock as he pushed my body up onto the crest of our makeshift bed. He spread my legs wide and kissed my hips, my inner thighs, and the ruined panties that covered my core.
I let out a small moan as he kissed and sucked the cotton, and then pushed it aside. I felt his tongue run up the length of me, and stop to press against my clit. He moved in circles and squares, all around my swollen need, and his strong hands grasped onto my hips. I let out soft moans of pleasure, his moist but firm tongue working my spot.
I ran my fingers through his hair, and his hands supported me as I threw back my head and moaned. Shudders and waves of pleasure ran up my body and my spine, and my legs began to shake from the strain of him. As I felt myself building, he pulled away, moved up to cover my body with his, and kissed me hard. I could taste myself on his lips and loved it, savored his touch and his need. I reached down and grabbed his hard shaft through his pants and he grunted as I softly worked its length.
“Do you want me to fuck you out here?” he grunted at me.
“Yes,” I whispered back. I loved the thrill of the semi-public place, and the fear of someone catching us only heightened my need for him.
He rolled back and stood up, unbuttoning his shorts. I moved up to kneel in front of him as he slid his jeans and his tight boxer briefs off. I reached up for his huge rod and felt its stiffness between my fingers. I looked up and met his eyes and saw the hunger there. I pulled off my shirt then reached back for his cock, stroking its length. I could feel his eyes roaming my body, gazing along the counters of my exposed breasts. I took the tip of him into my mouth and sucked hard, and he released a long and low groan. I worked it with my tongue then pressed it deep into my throat while he grunted his pleasure. I felt his hands on the back of my head, the perfect mix of pressure and gentle force, as I sucked up and down his huge cock. I held his thigh with one hand and his shaft with the other, trailing my lips up and down. I pulled back with a pop, and worked along his length with my hand, gathering the moisture from my mouth and rubbing it in.
He reached forward and pushed me back. He grabbed his shorts and pulled a wrapper from his pocket, tore it open, and then rolled it down his length. I slipped my panties off as he finished, then he was down between me. I felt his rock hard cock press deep into my cleft and I let out a loud gasp as it filled me, pleasure mixed with pain.
“I love the smell of you, the taste of you, the feel of you,” he grunted in my ear. He thrust deep, hard in and out, one hand cradling the back of my head, the other hooked under my leg.
“I hope someone’s watching, I want them to see how much of a slut you are,” he whispered, and I moaned back my need. He pressed himself into me as his lips found my soft neck. My hands wrapped around his torso, and my nails bit into his back. He grunted in response and pushed harder into me.
As he filled me, I could smell and see only his body. I was lost in him and his strong arms. Soon, I felt myself building, but before I could reach climax, I reached down and pushed his hips away from me. I felt his huge cock slip out and gasped at the emptiness. Before he could speak, I turned him onto his back and wrapped my legs around his hips. He grinned up at me as I unhooked my bra, then ran his strong fingers around my breasts, fingers on my erect nipples.
I reached back and found him, then slid my soaked mound down onto his length. I let out a shudder and a groan as he filled me again, and felt his strong hands take my hips. I wanted him more than anything, I wanted to work my hips on his huge cock. I slid back down and ground my hips against him, feeling the waves of pleasure roll through me. I braced my hands on his ripped chest as I worked his cock inside me. I continued like that, up and down then grinding, working my hips up and back. I felt our hearts pounding in rhythm with my hips. His hard muscles flexed as he moved in tandem with me.
My hips worked and pressed my legs spread wide, and I slid down deeper, his cock filling my every inch. I moved faster and harder, and he grunted his pleasure and need as I let out small moans. Soon, the pressure began to build again, and this time I wanted it more than anything. I kept grinding my hips and riding his cock, hands on his chest, and I could feel his eyes drinking in my full breasts pressed together between my elbows. I kept pushing, grinding, falling onto him, and soon the orgasm began to over
take me. I arched my spine and threw my head back, letting out a long, slow moan as it washed over me. I couldn’t think or breath, I could only feel his hips grinding into mine as I lost myself in the orgasm, wave after wave of deep pleasure and aching need rolling through me.
Soon, it finished, and I leaned forward over top of him, kissing his mouth. Small after quakes of pleasure ran up me as we slowly moved together.
“I want you to come for me,” I said into his ear. I was starving for his cum inside me.
He grinned, grabbed my hips, and pulled me off him. He rolled onto his side then onto his knees, and pressed me down, my soaked core up in front of him. I let out small gasps as he took my hips and pressed his cock inside me. It sent new waves of joy through me as he began to take me. He pressed himself deep into my cleft and thrust hard, his strong hands on my hips.
I heard his grunts of pleasure and joy, and I couldn’t help but moan. He reached around me and began to rub my clit as he thrust into me, and the pressure and speed was perfect. I grasped onto the edge of the rock as he filled me, and we moved in tandem. The river, only a few feet away, seemed to match his pace with its soft gurgles. I felt his speed increase, harder and deeper, taking me from behind. His finger on my clit, mixed with his huge cock filling me, and the thrill of being fucked in public, built another orgasm deep in my spot. I had never come twice this fast before, but it overtook me, as my back arched again and smaller but still strong waves rolled through me. As I peaked, I felt his hands harden on my hips, and his groans grow louder. His thrusts grew deeper, harder, and he came inside me, body tense. My orgasm passed as he slowly came to a stop, then slipped out of me and collapsed at my side.
I cuddled up next to him, sweating despite the cool evening air. I drank in his smell and his beautiful form, his muscles hard underneath his beater.
“That’s why I can’t stay away from you,” I said.
