by Jan Graham
What if Harper was at the drug fire and escaped, being burnt in the process? Realistically the idea should have been incomprehensible. A high school principal would never be involved in such an act. Teachers educated against drug use, they didn’t deal in it. Teachers were caring, wanting to equip their students with the necessary skills to see them through life. Well, maybe that was a bit of a fanciful notion, but a teacher would no doubt at least show concern for the children in her charge. Is that what Harper did? The doubt returned. On the surface, yes, she did show concern, but was that the real woman? Rhia didn’t think it was, even though she had nothing, other than a gut feeling, to prove it.
“Here’s the academic record for Patrick Johns that you requested.” The secretary’s voice startled Rhia.
“Thanks for that. I would have come to the office and collected it, though. You didn’t need to bring it to me.” The woman wouldn’t have even printed it out if she’d asked on a day Harper was around.
“That’s okay. I’m happy to get out from behind the desk.” The woman lingered in front of Rhia’s desk.
“Is there something else?” The woman’s sheepish expression told Rhia there was.
“Well I don’t want to sound silly when I say this, but…can you please not mention to Harper that I printed that information out for you? She told me any information you might request about Patrick needed to go through her. I mean, I’m sure it would be all right and that she’d approve the request. It’s just, well…Harper can get quite angry if her instructions aren’t followed.”
“I appreciate you getting this to me so quickly, so I’m happy to keep it as our secret. If Harper asks how I got the information I’ll tell her I accessed the file myself.”
The secretary appeared relieved when Rhia assured her she wouldn’t say a word. She watched her scurry back to the office and wondered why information about Patrick needed to go through the principal. After all, it was only information to accompany his scholarship applications. Patrick arrived at the prearranged time to see Rhia, his demeanor conveying the incredible stress he was under after the news of his father’s release on bail.
“Now that your father is no longer supporting you it means you are able to lodge scholarship applications based on both academic merit and financial hardship criteria.” Rhia tried to put a positive slant on the young man’s circumstances, not that it appeared to be helping.
She still didn’t understand why Harper Roderick appeared to be attempting to hinder the possibility of him being awarded a scholarship. Then again she was confused as to why the principal hadn’t tried to assist the family in regard to the violence in the home. Surely Patrick would have confided in Harper, yet no help had been given. It was just one more piece of information to stir the niggling doubts she had about her boss.
“He’ll come back, I know he will.” Patrick spoke quietly. “He always said mum was his, that he’d never let her go.”
“The judge made it perfectly clear he can’t come near either of you or contact you. He would be foolish to even try. I know the police will do everything to support you if your dad show’s up. But you must promise to call them, Patrick. They can only help if you let them know what’s going on.” Rhia hoped Patrick was listening. Her fear of history repeating itself still played heavily on her mind.
“Why did they let him out on bail? After everything he’s done. It doesn’t make sense.” Patrick stared at his hands and Rhia wondered if he was even aware he’d spoken out loud.
“I don’t understand the justice system, Patrick, but I’ll ask Steve tonight when I see him. He might have some answers.” Rhia doubted Steve would shed any light on what happened. He’d appeared as amazed as everyone else when he’d told her about Mr. Johns’ release.
“He seems like a nice guy, you know, Superintendent Jax I mean. Are you two in love? You look like you are.” Patrick’s question surprised her.
“He is a nice guy and yes, I love him.” Not that she’d told Steve how she felt. That was a topic on tonight’s discussion list. “Patrick I’d like it if you came and stayed at my house. Steve lives across the road and you’d be so much safer than at your place. Would you please consider it?”
Patrick shook his head before she’d even finished speaking. “I can’t, I have things to do, plans to make to keep mum safe. I promise I’ll call the cops if dad shows up. I keep the doors locked and I’ve already planned an escape route out of the house if he breaks in. I’ll be fine.”
Rhia understood Patrick’s reluctance, but she would still worry about him being on his own.
“I might get Steve to call you and have a talk about other things you can do to stay safe, would that be ok?”
Before he left her office Patrick agreed to talk to Steve. Even if Steve couldn’t explain how Kevin Johns had managed to find a get-out-of-jail-free card, he might have other information that could help Patrick.
She sighed at the thought of seeing Steve, wondering how the meeting would go. Rhia knew she had some explaining to do but she wasn’t sure how Steve would handle what she had to say. She felt a stab of guilt. She’d been injured when Angel canned her and she’d lied to try and cover it up? She’d also kissed his friend. Neither of those things was going to go down really well. He’d be upset, undoubtedly. Lying was never good, and Rhia wasn’t good at doing it. In fact, she abhorred it.
The last couple of days had been awful. She’d tried to appease the guilt by saying she hadn’t really told Steve a lie. She’d just stayed away to hide the evidence of the bruise on her bottom. It was a diversionary tactic to avoid an uncomfortable conversation. At least she hadn’t avoided telling him about the kiss. She just hadn’t had the chance to see him since it happened. Rhia couldn’t remember telling a lie since she’d been a teenager, and even then, they were sparse. Now she had deceived the only man she’d ever loved.
Rhia knew she wanted Steve in her life not long after they’d met and had suspected it was love as their relationship became intimate. Over the last few days Rhia came to realize that what she felt for Steve was love. The thought of him being mad at her, disappointing him, and the fear of losing him because of it, terrified her. She needed him in her life because she loved him. Rhia hadn’t said the L word to anyone yet. She’d only started saying it to herself in the last week.
The fact was, every time the word crossed her mind she could hear other people’s objections.
It’s too soon to say it’s love. You haven’t known each other long enough to feel such a strong emotion. You only think it’s love because he’s the only man you’ve had sex with. A good orgasm doesn’t equate to love.
She was sure nobody had a problem with her and Steve being together as everyone seemed pleased with the union. The concern would come with the declaration.
She felt the tender mark on her butt cheek. It wasn’t as sore or as dark anymore. She could probably get away with saying she’d fallen over. Steve wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. He’d kiss the spot better then they’d make love and fall asleep in each other’s arms. She’d missed sleeping curled up next to him the last two nights. I fell over and landed on…what? It was useless, she couldn’t tell him a blatant lie and hope to get away with it. She might be unsure about declaring her love to him, but she was ready to tell him the truth. Rhia looked at his text message again.
No more excuses for not seeing me. Come to my house tonight. Don’t go home first. I expect you no later than four p.m.
A shiver ran up her spine. It wasn’t just a no-fuss message. It was a series of small commands. She imagined him saying the words instead of texting them. He’d be standing in that dominant pose of his, arms crossed over his chest, a stern expression on his face, looking down into her eyes. And of course he’d use his don’t-mess-with-me voice. She let out a soft moan. Even thinking about his firm tone made her pussy clench. How could that be?
She quickly went to the bathroom before collecting her bag and heading out the door. She had five minut
es to get to the bus or she’d be stuck in town and not meet the four o’clock deadline he’d given her. His message had come as a bit of a surprise. Not that he wanted to see her, she expected that. It was the underlying tone of it that amazed her.
As she boarded the bus, Rhia wondered if Zane had anything to do with the change in Steve’s approach. And whether the fact she’d kissed Zane would impact on whatever Steve had in mind for tonight. Zane had given her a kiss before leaving her house. It wasn’t a passionate kiss or anything, more a peck on the cheek that accidently landed on her lips when she’d turned her head. It hadn’t been Zane’s intention to press his lips to hers. It definitely hadn’t been her intention feel anything. She recognized her attraction to him but it was nothing like she felt for Steve.
Steve set her body on fire. He filled her with a desperate desire to be with him. And it was more than a sexual interest or fascination. Even when he was only in her thoughts she went up in flames. She glanced at the text message again and the hollow between her legs pulsed with longing.
By the time the bus pulled up at the end of her street, Rhia was in a panic. She’d forgotten about the road work, which had delayed her arrival by ten minutes. It was usually a leisurely five minute stroll down the street, but that would make her late. She didn’t know what was happening to her. The last portion of the trip on the bus had been agony. She was breathless and incredibly wet between her legs by the time she alighted. Her pussy had begun to throb as if Steve were actually in front of her, touching her body. Her desire to follow the instruction in the message was compelling. She didn’t want to be late, but neither did she want to run down her street like a horny, flaming lunatic. She chose a brisk walk, hoping she could cut the five minute trek down to two with her increased pace.
He won’t care if you’re late, he probably didn’t even mean the darn message as a command. He would have been busy. That’s why the message was quick and to the point.
No matter how much self-talk Rhia engaged in, her body wouldn’t listen. She saw his house, and glanced down at her watch. She was late already, but only by a fraction. Maybe his watch would be slower than hers and she’d still make it on time. A flash of disappointment made her heart thump harder. Would Steve be disappointed in her? It didn’t matter now. She’d done her best. She couldn’t help the delay, and if he asked she’d explain about the roadwork. Unless the command was all in her mind, then he’d probably think the whole thing was amusing and laugh.
Another flash of disappointment struck. No, she wasn’t mistaken. He was waiting for her at the house, standing there with his bossy expression and Dom-like stance. She picked up her pace to a slow run. A vision of sending Steve a text asking for help, as she lay in a heap on the road appeared in her mind. She’d only just accomplished being able to walk in heels, let alone run. She stopped in the driveway and took a deep breath, adjusting her skirt and top to ensure everything was in place when Steve opened the door. Another deep breath, then she and walked up the steps to the front door.
One and a half minutes late, she rang the doorbell. Nothing. She waited and rang the bell a second time. Again, no answer. Her mobile sounded as she tried to peek through the slit in the closed blinds to look inside.
Sorry, be there soon. Sit on the step and wait for me. *kiss*
What on earth? He wasn’t here and wouldn’t even know if she was late or not. She sat on the step and rested her chin in her hands. The anticipation and excitement began to wane. Obviously it wasn’t a command. Just a quick message as a result of a busy day, and now he was late.
She wanted his message to be a command, not just a misunderstanding on her part. Darn it, she wanted to be his sub. Everyone thought she had the right attitude to be submissive. Mercedes even said she had submissive written all over her. Rhia made a decision. If everyone else could see her ability to submit, then she’d make sure Steve saw it as well. Even if she had to get in his face and tell him.
Rhia hadn’t been sitting for long when Steve pulled up on his Harley. Lord he looked sexy. Her attraction hadn’t diminished since that first night she’d seen him, when he’d driven past her house. The night they’d met wasn’t that long ago, but it seemed as if she’d known Steve all her life. Like she’d been hiding away under the habit until it was time for them to meet. Now that everything had fallen in place, here they were. If she could prove to Steve that she could be the sub he desired, rather than just the woman he had sex with, life would be perfect.
He stood at the bottom of the stairs and smiled up at her. Not his regular smile. He looked at her with a knowing stare, like he knew more about her than she knew herself.
“Hello, sexy. Thanks for waiting.” His gaze travelled over her body, moving from her face down over her breasts, to her hips, her legs and back again. “I see you got my message. Have you been sitting there long?”
Rhia wondered why he wasn’t coming up the stairs and why they weren’t going inside. She sat watching him curiously. “Not long.”
He looked at her like a tiger assesses its prey, waiting for the right moment to pounce. She tried to stand, but he motioned for her to stay where she was. He had that stance about him, and she trembled in anticipation at what the night might hold for her. His behavior differed somehow. She’d seen glimpses of this man, but something told her tonight she might see who Steve Jax really was, deep inside. The dark side of his desire appeared to be rearing its head. At least that’s what Rhia’s gut was telling her. She sat motionless and waited. She lowered her gaze from his, like a field mouse, sensing something more powerful than itself was present in the environment, waiting to strike.
“I’d like you to do something for me before we go inside.”
Rhia met his penetrating stare once again. “What is it?” She had the feeling he wasn’t going to ask for something simple, but why she thought that, she had no idea.
“I have a few questions to ask you, and even though you are a truly beautiful sight, I’d like a more erotic view. Pull that tight black skirt up around the top of your thighs and open your knees a little. I want to see what you have on underneath. You know, just to check you’re being a good girl and wearing panties like I’ve asked you to.” He spoke the words with firm determination, leaving Rhia with no doubt he meant for her to obey.
She glanced around and quickly assessed the situation. Steve’s neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, were in their yard gardening. He partially turned to see what Rhia had glanced at. The smile returned to his face but this time it was more like a devilish grin.
His eyes sparkled with delight. “I’m waiting.”
She started slowly pulling the skirt up over her knees, then higher. Her mind raced. The stairs she currently sat on faced the neighbor’s yard. Six stairs leading to Steve’s porch and she sat on the very top. Steve stood dead center at the bottom of the stairs. Hopefully his head and shoulders would block any view that poor Mr. Brooks would get once she opened her legs.
Her heart thundered. She could do this. She wiggled forward to the lip of the step, so she could pull the skirt the last couple of inches higher to the top of her thigh. Her eyes flickered closed as her knees parted. She wasn’t embarrassed. Well, maybe a little. She was aroused. So aroused she was sure he’d be able to tell just by looking at her that her panties were wet.
“Wider, and open your eyes and look at me.” He’d raised the volume of his voice. The tone was the same, but the instruction seemed louder than the last time he spoke. Maybe it was just her imagination. She opened her knees wider, adjusting her feet so they were also farther apart. Steve moved to the first step and resumed his imposing stand. The smile once again gone from his face, but amusement still filled his eyes.
“Why were you pouting when I arrived?” Well that question surprised her. “And I should tell you…I expect total honesty.”
“I was disappointed you weren’t here.”
“Is that all?” He obviously wasn’t convinced by her simple answer. She decided to be hon
est.
“I thought the message might have been a command. I got excited about that, and then you weren’t here.” She bit her bottom lip, deciding if she should say more. The words total honesty resounded in her head. “I want to be your sub, and I thought you may have decided to train me. Then you weren’t here, and I guessed I’d gotten it wrong. So I was disappointed.”
A cool breeze travelled up the steps and brushed between her open legs, reminding her how vulnerable she was to inspection, and not just Steve’s.
“Were you on time?” He moved a step closer to her. If he came much higher the only people who would see the panties Steve liked her to wear, would be Mr. and Mrs. Brooks.
“No, I was a couple of minutes late. There was road work.”
“I appreciate your honesty.” Mercifully, after moving up one more step, he squatted in front of her. He placed his hands on her knees and opened her legs so they were spread the distance of his shoulders.
“W-well really, y-y-you don’t k-know if I’m being—”
“Yes, I do. I was watching you from the reserve next to your house. I parked the bike at Angel’s and took the track through to this street. You were ninety seconds late, and you ran the last little way, probably trying to make up time.”
There was a track through the reserve? He’d watched her the whole time? The words nearly didn’t register. She stifled a moan as his thumbs moved up and down against her inner legs while he held them apart.
“Why did you sit on the step instead of the patio chairs?” His tongue slowly moved across his bottom lips, his gaze alternating from between her legs to her face in rapid succession.
“Y-you told me to.”
He moved so fast his actions took her by surprise. He stood, moving swiftly up the steps, one hand swept forward to cup the mound of her sex. The other grabbed her arm and started pulling her to her feet. “Up, now.”
Rhia’s pussy clenched tightly the moment his hand went between her legs. She didn’t hold back the moan as he moved her backward and ushered her through the door.
