One to Hold

by Tia Louise

  “You bet I’m celebrating,” I grunted, struggling to free myself from his grip. “My time with you is over. Legally. And forever.”

  He only held me closer, wrapping my other arm around my waist and holding me still. “And what are you telling all your old friends about our divorce? That I slept with prostitutes? That I beat you?”

  I shivered with dread as his breath whooshed across the back of my neck. “No,” I said, fighting to keep my voice calm, to stay in control. “I figured that was too much information.”

  He laughed. “I’ll say. Especially since it was all your fault.”

  I struggled so hard to get away from him, my shoulders ached. Finally I gave up. I’d have to out-think him. I wasn’t strong enough to overpower him. For starters, I wouldn’t fall for his tricks. He knew as well as I did what happened that night. And whose fault it was.

  “You still haven’t told me why you’re here,” I said. “What do you want?”

  His voice was right at my ear. “I want you, of course. You’re incredibly sexy as a single woman. And we never said a proper goodbye.”

  His grip loosened on my arms, and I jerked them both free. He only caught me by the waist and pulled me back. “I hope you’re not planning to fight me again. You know I’ll win.”

  My stomach lurched, and I hated the dread his words triggered in me. I had to calm my mind, I had to think. Somehow, I had to throw him off and then make my escape.

  Taking a deep breath, and closing my eyes for a moment, I relaxed my fighting. I imagined getting a gift on Christmas morning, happy feelings. I tried to make my voice sound like I was having a pleasant realization.

  “You’re saying you want to spend the night here?” I was all innocence now. “I guess that’s a good idea. You’re pretty far from Baltimore, and it’s very late.”

  The smile returned to his voice and he released me. “To be clear, my dear, I’m not just looking to spend the night. I’m looking to fuck somebody. Namely you. I vaguely recall you’re not too bad in the sack.”

  I swallowed the tightness in my throat and turned to face him. “But I don’t understand. Why me? Why not call an escort service?” My eyes flickering around the room, double-checking for something to hit him with. “You know you prefer them.” The words were bitter on my tongue, but I was playing a part, buying time.

  “Thanks for your concern about my satisfaction,” he said, lifting an empty champagne flute and sniffing it. “But I confess, my interest in you is renewed now that you’ve added an ‘ex’ to your prefix. You’re still a hot little piece of ass. Oh, and I wanted to let you know, I’m aware you’ve got someone keeping tabs on me.”

  My mind was still working, trying to figure out an escape plan, but that made me pause. “I don’t have anyone watching you.”

  “Whatever you say,” he breathed, unbuttoning his shirt. “But I’m not an idiot, darling.” He pulled the shirt tail out of his pants and started toward me.

  I’d given up on finding a weapon. Tomorrow I was buying a bat, but for now, I had to get out of this house. I grabbed my empty flute and headed for the kitchen.

  “I’ll fix us both a drink. White or red?” My plan at this point was to run for it—even if it was into the dark night, even if it was bitterly cold, and I’d probably end up lost. I’d figure that out once I was away.

  “Whatever you’re having is fine,” he called after me.

  My innocent act must have worked. I couldn’t believe he let me leave the room, but I hurried into the kitchen, hoping my purse was still sitting on the counter. It wasn’t.

  I was contemplating my bare feet when a massive arm swept me off the ground by my waist. A hand clamped tight over my mouth to keep me from screaming, and I was held tightly against a solid chest.

  “It’s me,” Derek’s voice was barely audible, right beside my ear. “I’m here to help you.”

  My heart hammered against my ribs as he gently lowered me to my feet again. I was shaking all over as I turned to face him, relief coursing through me.

  As always, I noticed how the black tee he wore was stretched tight over his chest, but tonight, my attention was on his biceps straining at the sleeves, his hands clenched in fists. I almost burst into tears at the sight, and just as fast, all I could think was I wanted him to beat the shit out of Sloan.

  “Mel?” I heard Sloan’s voice from the living room. “You okay in there?”

  Derek held a finger over his lips and then circled two fingers around each other as if to indicate “keep it going.” He held up a digital recorder, and I bit my lip nodding.

  “Yeah,” I said, swallowing the knot in my throat. “No clean wine glasses.”

  “I can help with that,” he answered.

  “No!” I said quickly. “It’s okay. In fact…” I went to the doorway and back into the living room. “I’ve changed my mind. You’re not staying here. In fact, it’s time for you to go. Now. I don’t want you here anymore.”

  If Derek was doing what I thought he was, I needed to make this count.

  “What?” Sloan said, turning to face me, his expression of surprise turning into anger and thinly veiled arousal. He made me sick. “I thought we’d moved past the rough stuff. But I’m happy to revisit it. Whatever you want.”

  “I don’t want any of your stuff,” I said, wondering if I should speak louder. “Take your shit and get out of my house. We’re not married anymore.”

  His smile was tight over his gritted teeth, and he crossed the room to me quickly, grabbing my arm and bending it back behind me. “You little bitch,” he hissed. “You’ll take whatever I give you and like it. As much money as I spent on you.”

  “Ouch!” I tried to jerk my arm away, but he pulled it higher up my back. “You’re hurting me,” I said loudly.

  I was in real pain, but more importantly, I wanted this on the record. This time, I wanted him to pay.

  “Then stop fighting,” he said, pulling me against his pelvis by the front of my jeans and flicking my top button loose with his fingers.

  “Or what?” My voice was still loud. “You’ll rape me? Beat me again?”

  “It’s not rape if you like it,” he said, moving in for a kiss.

  “I said no, Sloan!” I said his name loud and clear, bracing to have to fight him, to do whatever it took for Derek to get the evidence he needed.

  I was just closing my eyes when I felt the swish of air from a fast-moving body followed by a loud crack! My eyes blinked open, and Sloan was on the floor. My piece of shit ex-husband moved once before he passed out completely.

  It took me a second to register what had happened. Derek stood over him looking down, breathing hard. His jaw was clenched as were his fists, and it looked like he might do more, like one punch wasn’t enough to satisfy him. And while I’d have been happy for him to beat Sloan beyond recognition, I didn’t want anything to ruin our chances of putting that loser away.

  I quickly stepped in front of Derek, placing my hands on his arms. “I’m okay,” I said, pulling him gently. My whole body was trembling. I couldn’t seem to stop it, but I had to get him to look at me and not Sloan lying on the floor. “I’m okay, Derek.”

  As if waking, Derek blinked to me and then took a deep breath. His worried eyes traveled over my face briefly before he leaned down to wrap his arms around my waist, pulling me tight against his body. My insides melted, and tears flooded my eyes. I wasn’t sure if it was from the close-call, or post-traumatic stress, or if it was just holding him again this way. Maybe it was a combination of all three, but I gripped my arms around his neck and held him as my body shook with sobs.

  “It’s okay,” he whispered, stroking my hair. “It’s over. I will never let him hurt you again.”

  I nodded against his chest, and he held me several long moments. His hands stroked my back gently until I could finally breathe again without jerking out a sob.

  Derek straightened up and lifted my chin with his finger, looking into my eyes. “Okay?” he
said, sliding his thumbs gently over my damp cheeks.

  I sniffed and nodded, wiping my nose with my hand. “Why were you here?” I asked, as he released me to pull out his phone.

  “I never stopped watching him.” He was touching the phone quickly as he spoke. “Ever since that day you came to my office, I’ve been keeping tabs on him.”

  Elaine had told me that… I stepped away, going to the kitchen to get a tissue and check my face. “But why?” I called back. “Did you have a reason to think he was going to—”

  “I had no idea Sloan had turned into such a fucked up loser when he contacted me about you,” he said, following me into the kitchen. “But after you showed me that picture…” his lips tightened. “It’s a pattern of behavior. I had a feeling he might try it again.”

  He stepped to the door leading out. “I just need to make a quick call and get somebody out here,” he said. “Don’t worry, I’ll talk to them. I’ll keep it out of the media.”

  His words sent such a wave of relief over me. He’d said the one thing I’d needed to hear, the thing that had held me silent before, without even knowing it.

  “Thank you,” I whispered.

  “You’ll still have to answer some questions, but I’ll do what I can.”

  Before he went through the door, I stepped forward and caught his arm, pulling him back. He paused, and I leaned in, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “You are a hero. You’re my hero.”

  His eyes gleamed and he touched my face gently with the back of his index finger. Happiness filled my chest. “I only wish I’d known sooner,” he said.

  Police arrived in an unmarked vehicle, and Sloan was handcuffed and taken into custody. I had to make a statement, but Derek stayed beside me. His background was a huge assist in corroborating my story, but the real clincher was the recording he’d made. That combined with the picture I’d shown him from before provided enough evidence to form the basis of a solid case.

  “We need to ask a few questions,” the officer started, but Derek stopped him.

  “I know what you need to know,” he said. “Would you let me ask her?”

  “We have to hear her answers,” the man said.

  Derek turned to me sitting at my small table and held both my hands. “There’s only a few things they need to know.”

  I nodded, focusing on his blue eyes.

  “Do you want to press charges against Sloan Reynolds?”

  “Yes,” I said softly. “I didn’t before, but I do now.”

  “In the photo from before, clearly you were beaten.” Derek paused and stroked the back of my hands gently. “Did he also rape you that night?”

  I shook my head. “He tried, but when I hit him, everything changed. After that he only beat me.” My throat grew thick as I remembered Sloan’s face as he hit and kicked me. The sick gleam in his eyes. I was afraid I might cry, but I pushed on. “It was as if he got off on beating me.”

  Derek’s lips tightened, and I watched him inhale slowly, the muscle in his jaw flexed. “Would you be willing to share those emails with us? It’s possible he also beat one or more of those women. I’d like to track them down and see if any of them will talk. Maybe take a plea deal.”

  Squeezing his hands, I stood and walked slowly to my bedroom, feeling slightly light-headed. I had planned never to share this information with anyone. I only kept it as insurance, in case I needed it to make Sloan behave or leave me alone. I went to my closet and dug out the two manila folders then returned to the kitchen. Derek and the officer were talking softly, the officer was making notes, but when I appeared they both fell silent.

  “Here,” I said. “There were more. Many more, but these are the only ones I printed out.”

  The officer nodded and took the stack from me. Derek stood and squeezed my upper arm gently. “Hang tight. I’ll just walk these guys out. See if they have any more questions.”

  Once they were gone, I walked slowly to my living room, dropping onto the couch. I was exhausted and still a little shaky, but at the same time, I felt hopeful. It was possible this was finally over. This horrible chapter was finally closed.

  Chapter 18 - Sharing Everything

  Finally, after what seemed like a long time, everyone but Derek was gone. Sloan’s car was impounded, and the only noises left at my house were the cicadas and the waves breaking softly in the distance.

  “They might want to question Elaine, since she was the only person who saw what happened the first time,” he said, standing in my kitchen.

  I nodded, blinking up at him, seeing him in a new way tonight. “I can’t believe how relieved I feel,” I said. “I thought I was through with Sloan. I thought once the divorce was final and I was back here it was over. But I see now I was always fearful. And it would never be over while he was free.”

  He nodded. “I know.” Then he straightened, putting his hands in his back pockets and causing the shirt to stretch over his chest. “I’m sorry, Mel. I’m so sorry for my part in all this. I really had no idea when he emailed me—”

  I stood quickly. “Please don’t,” I said. “After tonight, your apology is so accepted. And maybe… maybe I’ve started to understand why you didn’t tell me.”

  His brow relaxed, and a glimmer of hope shone in his eyes. He took a small step in my direction. “I swear, when I saw you that night in the bar, all I wanted was to take you from him. I wanted you to be mine.” My heart squeezed at his words, and he continued. “I know that makes me a bad person, but you were so gorgeous. And so clearly miserable. I only wanted to make you happy, to see you smile.”

  “I was unbelievably miserable,” I said softly, remembering the first night of that trip. “But you changed all that. And now you’ve changed it even more.”

  He took another small step towards me. “I wanted to tell you what was going on so much, but, well, I felt if there was a chance for your marriage, I should step aside and let you work it out. As much as I hated it, he’d found you first.”

  I breathed a laugh, shaking my head. “You stepped aside after you fucked me like nobody in the world ever had.”

  He was right in front of me then, and he cautiously reached out to hold my waist. “If it makes any difference, it was a pretty new experience for me, too.”

  My hands rested on his biceps, and I met his eyes. “Are you trying to say I was the best you ever had?”

  He smiled for real then and leaned down to my face. “You were the first I’d had in a long time. And you were amazing.” Then he kissed my nose. “Thank you.”

  My arms slid up to his neck, and I pulled him down. “You haven’t done anything to thank me for yet.”

  At that he closed the space between us, covering my mouth with his as he caught my ass and pulled me up against him. I held his neck, threading my fingers into his soft hair. Our mouths opened and our tongues collided, sending heat shooting straight between my legs.

  His mouth broke away from mine briefly, “Where’s the bedroom?” he asked.

  Holding his neck, I looked over my left shoulder. “This way.” I loosened my legs from his waist and he lowered me, following me to the small room in the back.

  “I might need a bigger bed,” I murmured as his hands moved from my waist under the front of my shirt to my breasts. I lay my head back against his shoulder, releasing a sigh as his fingers slid beneath my bra, caressing my nipples and filling my body with fire.

  He kissed my neck, and I turned around slowly, finding his lips again as both our hands worked at our waists, unfastening buttons, lowering zippers. Two tugs and our shirts were off, and he reached out and grabbed me, lifting me up against his chest again. I reached back to remove my bra as my legs wrapped around his waist, my arms around his neck.

  For a moment, we simply looked into each others’ eyes. “You’ve had a pretty stressful night,” he said. “I’ll understand if you just want to sleep.”

  I slid my fingers through his hair, allowing myself to acknowledge for the first time since Pr
inceton, how much I loved him.

  “I want you to fuck my brains out,” I smiled, leaning forward to nibble his lip.

  He tilted his head up, quickly covering my mouth with his in a hungry kiss.

  His lips moved to my jaw, tracing a burning line to my ear as he spoke. “I want to give you everything you want.” Then he laid me back on the bed. I only had a second to wonder when he caught my thighs and pulled me to his mouth. His large hands squeezed my breasts, taunting my nipples as he bit at the front of my thong.

  “Ooo, yes,” I sighed, twisting with his touch. My eyes closed as my hips followed his movements, the tension in my pelvis growing with every expert touch. Finally, he slid his hands down my torso to my thong, which he removed. From there it was just his mouth kissing and pulling at my throbbing clit.

  “Derek,” I hissed as two thick fingers slipped inside me. Again, I let out a high-pitched whimper. He increased the pace, thrusting with his fingers as he pulled with his mouth, circling his tongue over my most sensitive parts. All at once the orgasm burst through me, and I cried out, pushing against his mouth and then pulling back.

  “I want you inside me,” I gasped, and he was up in an instant, dropping his shorts, revealing his massive cock. “Oh, please now.” I gasped, but he froze, looking around my bedroom.

  “Do you have a condom?” his voice was desperate.

  “No,” I gasped. His face fell, but I didn’t care. I caught his hips and pulled him to me. “I know… but nothing’s changed for me,” I whispered. “There’s been no one but you.”

  He caught my chin, looking into my eyes. “There’s been no one but you,” he confirmed, covering my mouth with his, stoking the heat raging in my stomach.

  He pushed inside my slippery-wet entrance, both of us moaning in satisfaction. “Fuck, you feel so good,” he growled against my neck, thrusting again deeper into me.

  I nudged his shoulder, and he rolled onto his back, grasping my buttocks in both strong hands and lifting me up and down on top of him.