by Brooke Page
“You’re being very romantic tonight.”
He grinned, bringing my toe to his lips and caused me to giggle, then tickled the bottoms of my feet, making me laugh. I sat up, crawling to him so I could sit on his lap.
“You going to have your way with me now?” he asked, moving my legs so I was straddling him while placing my arms around his neck.
A blush crept across my face. He’d never let me take the lead before, so I wasn’t exactly sure where to start. Sex was still new to me. I kissed him, plunging my tongue into this mouth like I’d done times before. His hands remained on my back, only straying every now and then into the back of my jeans.
“Nu-uh…I’m in charge, remember?”
He grumbled, but kissed me back, holding in his need to control me.
I stood, attempting to sway my hips as I did. Taking off my shirt was a slow process, and I enjoyed watching his eyes take me in with my every movement. Once my clothing was completely off, I instructed him to strip too, then straddled him, my hips moving wildly like they never had before. It was fast and intense, and I was in control. This was so new, so exciting. The rising heat in my core was unique, making my insides tighten like they never had before. My breath was heavier, breathing faster and faster until I couldn’t control the sound that came from my lips. Rod followed, his hands gripping my waist, holding me firmly in place as he rapidly pumped into me, filling me with his seed while letting out a violent moan.
We were sweaty and clammy now, our skin slippery as we gripped onto each others bodies from the high. My head found the crook of his neck, his hands remaining protectively around me. “I want to do that again,” I sighed.
I sensed his smile. “It’ll be my turn next time,” he teased.
I leaned back, glaring at him playfully. He kissed my nose, ignoring my attempt to be annoyed with him.
“I love you, Jamie.”
“I love you too. And to think I was going to ask you for space tonight,” I sighed again, leaning into his chest.
“What?” He stiffened, his fingers digging into my skin. My body froze, mentally cursing myself for having loose lips. “Why would you want space? We love each other. We’re supposed to want to be with each other every second of the day. Do you not love me?” His words were frantic while his grip on my waist got tighter and tighter, moving up my body with each of his words.
“No, that’s not why. It’s just I don’t want us to get into trouble,” I stuttered.
“I’ve told you, my grandfather controls the police departments all over the state. You won’t get in trouble. How could you not want me? Want us? Jamie, you’re mine, forever. You said we’d be together forever!” His hands made their way to my collarbone, making every part of me wish I’d listened to Landon.
“I do want us. You just get so aggressive sometimes,” I said as calmly as possible, my arms snuggly wrapped around his neck to try and get him to listen. “It makes me nervous when you start to get upset.”
“Upset?” he shouted louder than before. “You’ve never seen me upset! Bitch, you listen—”
His hands finally found my weakness, forcefully straining my neck with white knuckles. I reached for his wrists, clinging to them as though he’d free me, but he ignored it. My eyes bugged out as my breathing shallowed.
“We are going to be together always, you understand? I don’t give a shit if someone walks in on me fucking those tits next week on your father’s desk, got it? This is NEVER going away!”
Tears sprung from my eyes as I saw stars. I was slowly fading, my nails losing their grip on his wrists with every split second of lost oxygen to my lungs.
“Tell me you understand!”
I nodded, silently begging him to let me go. Finally he took his hands off me, brutally tossing me to the ground. I gasped for air, finding my knees and clawing at my throat. The flames of the fire matched those that were burning my chest as the air finally worked its way back into my lungs. The hardwood floor was cool on my hands and knees as I began moving away from the monster I’d somehow been fooled into loving.
“I’m not done.”
His voice was like deadly velvet, and I stopped in my tracks, fearful to turn around and face him. But I didn’t have to. He found my hips, his erection pressing against my lower back as his large frame leaned over my trembling body. Grabbing a fist of my hair, he tugged my head back, his lips whispering in my ear.
“I fucking love you, Jamie, and I own you and your body. Don’t ever get any ideas, or I’ll take that family you’re so worried about hurting and tear them apart. I know their secrets. A matter of minutes and your life would crumble, leaving us alone and together forever like we should be.” His words were venom, piercing through me while his hips moved, searching for my opening.
“How the hell are you so dry? I just came all over you,” he muttered, painfully forcing himself inside of me. If only my tears could travel down my body. I couldn’t numb this, not anymore, and I feared just how deep he’d go to hurt me if I didn’t comply with his demands.
The night felt like an eternity. I thought Rod would never finish. His pace was punishing, his hand pulling at my hair like he wanted to rip it from my head. Once he was finished, he passed out on top of me, ignoring my silent tears. After a few minutes, he rolled from me, continuing to sleep by the fire.
Bravely I faced him, covering my body as though he’d wake and give me another taste of what I’d imagined hell to be like.
Once I got the courage, I reached for my clothing with a shaky hand, pulling my cell phone from my jeans pocket. There was a message from Landon.
Landon: Everything okay? I can come get you anytime.
A tear rolled down my cheek, wanting to spill all the terror Rod was filling me with. I had no idea who he’d turn into when he wake up, but no matter what, the outcome wasn’t going to be a good one for me.
You up?
Landon: You okay?
Can you come get me?
Landon: That fucker. Text me the address. Do I need to bring Dad?
Another tremble ran through me as I messaged him the address. I couldn’t disappoint my father.
No. Just you. Please. Text me when you get here.
Landon: On my way.
Setting my phone on my jeans, I quietly put my clothes on, wondering what I could do to make sure Rod would sleep the next hour and a half until Landon got here.
Making my way to the bathroom, I tried to clean up, wincing when I sat down. Visions of Rod’s hands on me wouldn’t escape my mind, especially how he’d gripped my neck, and the anger in his eyes as he tried to squeeze the life out of me, then how he got turned on by it afterward.
I was too ashamed to look in the mirror, knowing I’d most likely have evidence of his brutality. My body went stiff.
We didn’t used condoms.
The uncontrollable sob fell from my lips as my quivering hand tried to cover my strangled moans of pain and humiliation. How could I have let this happen?
I felt the air evaporate in the bathroom. A knowing presence was in the doorframe, and the angst overpowered me. I cowered on the toilet, pulling my knees to my chest. Was he still not done with me?
He moved slowly, his head dipped low until he was standing above me, then dropped to his knees, his eyes filled with sorrow as he sobbed heartfelt cries. His hands reached for me and I flinched, but Rod wrapped his arms around my waist, urging my legs to drop so he could place his head in my lap.
“I’m sorry,” he wept. “I’ll never hurt you again.”
I ran my hand through his hair cautiously, agreeing with him in my mind. He would never hurt me again because once Landon was here, I’d be safe in his car, driving far away from him.
“Let’s go to bed,” I said with a shaky voice, guiding him to stand.
His hands went to the sides of my face, forcing me to look at him. He carefully leaned down, kissing my lips. I didn’t have it in me to kiss him back. Every part of me wanted to knee him in the bal
ls and run as far away from him as possible, but I had to put on an act for him; otherwise, who knew what switch he’d flip before I could get out.
“Please, Jay, tell me you forgive me,” he whispered, massaging my jaw. I didn’t like it. He was too close to my neck, so I pulled both his hands to our sides, forcing myself to give him a quick peck while turning to take us to the bedroom. He needed to go back to sleep. That would be the only way I could leave peacefully.
“Jamie…”
Once we reached the bed I pulled the covers back, removing my jeans shyly. I had to play the part. “Can we just sleep, Rod? I’m tired, and worn out.”
“I won’t be able to sleep unless you tell me you forgive me. Tell me that you love me still.” He followed me into bed, pulling me to his chest. “Will you take your shirt off? I want to feel your skin against mine. I know you’re upset with me, but let me make it better, Jamie,” he begged, kissing my shoulder tenderly.
My body trembled as he guided my shirt over my head, my hair falling down my back as he tossed it to the ground. I covered my chest, not wanting him to see me naked. He held me gently like he had earlier in the day. More tears were shed by both of us, and I didn’t know what to do. Sweet nothings and everlasting apologies were said over and over into my ear along with soft kisses on my cheeks and forehead.
My phone buzzed once softly. Thankfully, Rod had dozed off, but he held me in a vice grip firmly to his chest. My first attempt to move didn’t work; he only pulled me tighter.
“Rod,” I murmured softly, running my hand along his cheek, trying to coax him awake yet keep him sleepy. “I have to go to the bathroom.”
He grumbled something, but only held me tighter. My phone buzzed again, and I shook, afraid and indecisive on what to do. I heard the front door click open, and my spine stiffened, but my hands became firmer as I pushed on Rod’s chest. He couldn’t know Landon was here. That would flip his dangerous switch. Thankfully, Rod mumbled something unintelligible, then rolled over. I held my breath as I removed the covers, then threw my shirt on while grabbing my jeans. I had to get out fast.
The dark shadow of Landon walking toward me once I got into the hall startled me, but eased my nerves at the same time. “Landon,” I whispered, reaching for him. He held me tight then pulled me away.
“Where is that fucker?” His brown eyes were dark and filled with hate, ready to pound the shit out of anyone. He’d been training for the Air Force boot camp, and he’d gotten strong quickly.
“Let’s go, please,” I begged quietly, tugging on his hand. “He’ll hurt you.” I pulled him into the kitchen successfully.
“What did he do to you?” Landon yanked his hand from mine, stopping in his tracks.
“Let’s talk about it on the way home, please.” I trembled as I put on my jeans, my hand fumbling with the button and zipper as I made my way to the door.
“What’s going on?” Rod was in the threshold of the hallway, standing in only his boxers as he glared in Landon’s direction.
“She’s leaving,” Landon said firmly, taking a protective step in front of me. “I don’t know what you’ve done to her, but I promise you’ll pay.”
Rod let out a slight laugh, then crept toward us in the shadows. “I’ve done nothing to her. She’s the one who came onto me at the station, took her clothing off while we were on the job. She got on her knees for me.”
Embarrassment moved throughout my body, and I could feel the tension from Landon’s shoulders radiating throughout the whole room. “She’s a minor.”
Rod’s lip twitched. “Not in Florida.”
“Legal age is eighteen, you dip shit.”
I put my hand on Landon’s back, worried Rod might lash out for his name calling.
“Google Romeo and Juliet Law. Legally, there’s nothing they can get me for.” Rod was only a few feet from Landon, and taller and broader. My brother wasn’t a big guy, but he was a quick and agile wrestler who could hold his own.
“The bruises on her arms are proof enough. I’ll be sure to file a report if you don’t back the fuck off,” Landon spat, reaching behind him to lay his hand on my forearm. “Open the door, Jamie.”
After a beat, I did as my brother commanded. He walked backward, his hand still on my arm. “She’ll come back to me,” Rod said confidently. “I’ll see you Tuesday, Jamie. I love you, sweetheart.”
“Ignore him,” Landon said, guiding me to the passenger side and slamming the door once I was securely inside.
Rod’s eyes were on me through the windshield, promising he wasn’t through with me. I had a feeling my life with Rod was far from over. My body began shaking, trembling from his murderous stare. I’d fucked up, and I had no way to stop the spiral it was about to take.
“You’ll be okay,” Landon said gently, setting his hand on my shoulder as I cried into my lap.
“He wasn’t safe,” I choked, afraid of the possible connection we might share for the rest of our lives.
“You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”
“I don’t know. I don’t always get a chance to make sure he puts one on.”
Landon sighed in frustration, but I could tell it wasn’t with me. He knew who the monster was in the situation. “When will you know?”
“I’m a few weeks away from getting my period.”
“Fuck.” He tapped his steering wheel. “I’ll take care of you, no matter what, okay?”
I nodded, knowing I would always be protected by him.
Chapter Sixteen
The bright sun beamed against my closed eyelids, and I snuggled the body that was softly snoring next to me. The woodsy scent caused me to take a deep breath, inhaling security as my hands moved to the chest of the wonderful smelling body. I slowly opened my eyes, realizing where I was and what had taken place the night before. I jolted, staring out at the daytime version of the city. Mitch mumbled as he rolled, wrapping an arm around my waist.
Shit.
I’d fallen asleep, and hard. Becca was waiting for me at home, and this was going to be one hell of a story to explain. Tyler would think I slept with him, coming home disheveled and out of sorts. Even though the night was the best I’d had in a long time, it couldn’t happen again.
“I need to go,” I said quickly, standing from the makeshift bed of blankets and pillows.
“Huh?” Mitch said sleepily, sitting upward and rubbing his eyes. My heart softened when I saw him, groggy from sleep. “Wow, guess we fell asleep. What time is it?” He pulled his phone from his back pocket. “It’s just after seven. Can we grab a quick breakfast?” Standing, he stretched, his muscles flexing.
I shook my head, gathering my purse. “I’ve got a lot to do today, sorry.”
Mitch nodded, collecting the blankets and pillows. I tapped my foot, anxious to get home but nervous as hell. What was I going to tell Becca and Tyler? Mitch wasn’t a part of the drug scheme, but that wasn’t going to explain why I’d been out all night. Tyler and Nathan should have believed him in the first place about not hiding the drugs instead of treating him like an idiot. Part of me wanted to say nothing to them and let his brothers continue to sweat.
Mitch had a car parked outside of the building to take me home. The drive was silent, and Mitch seemed to be on cloud nine. Until he set his hand on my thigh, causing me to jump and pull away from him.
“You okay?”
I nodded, hiding behind my sunglasses. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
He reached for me again, but I moved in my seat, away from his touch. His shoulder slumped.
“Can I see you tonight?” he asked as we pulled into the parking ramp at Riverhouse. He started to turn off the car, but my eyes darted in his direction.
“Please don’t make this more than what it was.”
Mitch gave me a puzzled look. “What?”
“We both know why I went out with you. We’re co-workers, friends… don’t be difficult, please,” I said, even though my heart was pounding rapidly from being in the same air
as him. “I’ll see you in Miami.”
Mitch huffed in bewilderment. “I guess so.” His voice was bitter as I slammed the door, keeping my head down as I marched to the elevator. He sped off, his car loudly leaving the ramp. My heart dipped. I’d hurt him, but there wasn’t any other option. My mind was spinning in a million directions, hoping Becca and Tyler were in their own bedroom so I could crawl into mine and never come out.
“What happened?” Becca asked the second I unlocked the door. I should have known better than to think she wouldn’t be waiting up for me.
“Nothing. I didn’t get any information out of him, sorry,” I muttered as I stopped quickly, then continued down my hall.
“Jamie!” Becca called after me. There wasn’t a way out of this. We both reached my room at he same time.
“Well?”
“He’s not dealing,” I said quietly, stripping off my dress and pulling a T-shirt over my head.
“Did you…?”
“Just because I was out with him all night doesn’t mean I slept with him,” I said defensively.
“I wouldn’t care if you did,” she said truthfully. “Did you have a good time?”
I covered my eyes, mumbling through my hands. “It was fine.”
Becca’s grin was still in place when I moved my hands. “It’s okay if you like him,” she said softly. “I know he’s not your normal type, but outside of what Tyler says, I think he’s a good guy.”
He was a good guy. Annoying as shit most of the time, but after last night he proved to have sides to him that weren’t as obnoxious.
“I’m going to make breakfast. You want something?” she asked, patting my back. I shook my head, offering her an apologetic smile for being grumpy.
“Okay, let’s hang out when you wake up. I’ll make sure Ty leaves you alone, too.” Letting out a soft laugh, I waved her off.
My phone buzzed in my purse, and I went to reach for it, feeling the all too familiar friction of those haunting black letters. Pulling the letter from my purse, I was reminded why I couldn’t get close to Mitch. He’d be hunted for the rest of his life if I showed interest. Rod would ruin him, just as he’d ruined every other male in my life I’d gotten close to—with the exception of Nathan. But he was gay; that was the only grace I could imagine Rod was giving him.
