Alicia's Misfortune

by S. Silver

  The entire day yesterday, she avoided being in his presence. She devoted the entire time in the cottage, contacting everyone that needed to be on the plane. She emailed him about the plan and he agreed to fly in her crew with his jet.

  And surely, his bride had kept him busy the entire day too since he didn’t try to see her yesterday. It was like they were invisible to each other. She tried her best not to pamper the aching of her traitorous heart. At the moment, an emotional breakdown would definitely ruin the contract. She didn’t want that for so many reasons.

  “You’re awfully quiet. Is something wrong?”

  “No.” Marly laughed half-heartedly at the question. “Do you need change before we meet the client?”

  “I’m good.” Erin smiled widely. “I’m excited to meet the famous Maverick Lane.”

  She smiled at her friend’s enthusiasm. That’s right. She could fake it well so long as Erin didn’t figure out what was really going on.

  After dropping the crew and Erin’s things, they immediately headed towards Rick’s house. He insisted in his email that she bring Erin to his house for a meet and greet before they started the job. Though, nervous and uneasy as they got closer to his house, Marly remained calmed knowing Erin was there with her.

  “Marly!” Sara called out cheerfully at her as they got out of the cart.

  “Good morning, Sara.” She shook the hands of the bride. “This is my good friend and trusted colleague, Erin. She will be helping us with the materialization of the entire plan.”

  “Oh hello Erin, I’m Sara.”

  “Hello, Mrs. Lane.” Erin shook the woman’s hand.

  “Please come in.”

  The interior of the house had become a familiar sight. She inhaled deeply, readying herself for whatever bomb was waiting for her inside. And true to her suspicion, Rick was waiting for them inside holding a glass of whiskey.

  “Good morning, ladies.” He greeted them with a warm smile.

  “Good morning, Mr. Lane. I’m Erin Michaels, Marly’s colleague.”

  “Hi, nice to meet you.”

  “Nice meeting you too,” Erin replied.

  “Let’s go to the rooftop. I’ve prepared a healthy breakfast for us all.” Sara ushered the crowd toward the staircase that lead to the rooftop.

  Erin immediately started a conversation with Sara after asking the bride about her beauty secrets. They become close right away when it turned out they were using the same brand of cosmetics. And she was left to deal with Rick, who alongside her, walked silently.

  “Honey, I need to show Marly some materials I want to be incorporated in the setup. You go on ahead, okay?” He suddenly announced.

  “Sure. Take your time, Honey.” Sara eagerly answered back.

  As the two women climb up the stairs, Rick held her hand and hurriedly led her to his private office. She followed without a fight because she didn’t want an audience. When they got in, he locked the door behind him.

  “Why are you avoiding me?” He asked angrily.

  Marly turned to face him with a blank stare. She wouldn’t allow her emotions to ruin her plans if she wanted to keep her dignity intact.

  “I’m not.”

  “Where were you yesterday?”

  “In my room, working.”

  Her lack of emotion drove his anger a little more almost making him mad.

  “Why are you doing this?” He stepped closer to her but she backed away. “I don’t like it when you’re cold and distant.”

  “Are you kidding me? Really, Rick?” Now she was mad. “Do you honestly think I would grovel at your feet just so we can secretly meet like this?” His selfishness was too much. “This will not work. Nothing will work for us. There is no us!”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “I can not give you what you want.” She breathed in deep. There, she finally said it.

  “Do you really know what I want right now?” His eyes narrowed in anger.

  “It doesn’t matter,” She said firmly. “Just keep your hands to your wife. Good day, Mr. Lane.” She walked past him and slammed the door as she went out.

  It was over, finally over. She can walk out of his life and leave the ranch with a lighter heart. When the time came, she would recall the memories she had with him and laugh. Because that was what everything between them would become, a memory.

  Chapter Eight

  It had been a week since she her trip to the ranch. After returning from her trip, she left work indefinitely. She needed time to rethink things and put her life back together. She didn’t want put on a fake persona and lie to everyone about how her trip really went. She cringed at the thought of having to deal with friends asking about how her heartache came to be. She needed some alone time in order to heal.

  As she stared at the undisturbed surface of the water in the lake, she sighed heavily. It’s been a week yet her burden still felt as heavy as it was before she left the ranch. Who knew that falling in love could be the most difficult thing she would have to deal with? Her high school heartbreak was nothing compared to how she felt.

  After tightening the white cardigan around her body, she picked up her small sling bag and her camera before walking back to her cabin. The vacation house her cousin lent her was just a few hours’ drive from her apartment. She wanted to be away from the city life but be close enough so she can drive back whenever she was ready.

  The serenity of the nature around her was blissful, and it renewed he dwindling spirit. She needed rejuvenation and she was gradually having it. When she got into the small house, she went straight to the kitchen to pour herself a cup of coffee. Her hands were freezing.

  “Can you make two cups, please?”

  She nearly lost her consciousness after hearing Rick speak and seeing him calmly seated on the couch. She froze, completely surprised at his sudden appearance and puzzled by the thought that he got in the house even though it was locked.

  “How did you get in?” She had to ask. But then, it wasn’t the pressing matter at the moment. “Why are you here? How did you find me?”

  “One question at a time.” He raised his hands.

  “What are you doing here?” She finally was able to think correctly.

  Instead of answering her question, he stood up and walked toward her. The intention he had was clear in his eyes and it made her lean on the kitchen counter for support. He stopped just a few inches away from her, his stare fixed on her.

  “Do you know how I almost got crazy looking for you?”

  “I got so mad when I found out you left the ranch the same day you refused to give me a chance to explain.”

  “There was nothing to explain. I already told you what you needed to know. Just leave me alone.” She whispered helplessly. “Leave me alone, please.”

  “You know I can’t do that.”

  He held her by the neck and pulled her close to him.. He crushed her lips, maddened by the situation they were in. She tried to push him, but he was strong and determined.

  Rick lifted her up on the counter top and started removing her cardigan. She wanted to push him again, but when his kisses became sensual and persuasive. It was want she had wanted the whole time. She longed for him. To be touched again by him without holding back.

  She kissed him back, pouring out her heart. Giving him a taste of the heartache he had given her, the sadness she had to endure after giving up on him. She allowed it all out. She helped him out of his clothes while he did the same to hers.

  Once half of her body was exposed, Rick cupped her breast while his mouth sucked on the other. She arched her body as she allowed him to taste her skin. He took everything she was offering, not leaving a spot of her body untouched and unmarked. He licked and bit her at the same time which made her body shudder.

  “Oh Rick….” She moaned his name.

  He tilted his head up and kissed her again while hurriedly removed the remaining clothing on her body. The cold marble made contact with skin, yet it warme
d up as he lifted her bottom so he can enter her.

  The forceful thrust made her cry in both in pain and pleasure. He was rough and in a hurry, still he kept her in a daze. His thrusts were strong, urging her to open up to him more. With every entry, she gasped with unfathomable pleasure.

  He came in faster, increasing his speed as he went in deeper. Marly had to wrap her arms around his neck so she won’t drift away with the overwhelming ecstasy. She came once while he vigorously pushed inside, shaking his hips to tickle her walls. He kept repeating it, again and again until he burst inside her and she came for the second time.

  Rick leaned on the counter while he remained inside her. She rested her forehead against his, still catching her breath. She could still feel his weak pulsing inside her.

  “Marry me,” He asked, still out of breath.

  “What??”

  “We’re both single, so what’s the problem?” He asked again.

  Marly opened her eyes to look at him. What happened to their wedding? All of the work and time she spent planning it for them had suddenly gone to waste.

  “We can talk about that later. Just answer my question.” He said before kissing her passionately. “Will you marry me?”

  “I don’t know.” She was still unsure why he ended up asking her to marry her when he was supposed to be married a week ago.

  “Maybe this will help you decide.”

  Her eyes grew wide when she saw the huge diamond ring he pulled out of his pocket. She was in complete shock. She decided to take a leap of faith and give it a chance. After all, he came all the way there to find her and that gave her the feeling that it was meant to be.

  “Yes!!” she said as she embraced him. She was once again lost in the pleasures of her heart.

  Marine Love

  By: Steamy Reads

  Marine Love

  © SteamyReadsPublishing 2015 – All rights reserved

  Published by Steamy Reads4U

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, including electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events are purely coincidental. This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.

  This book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return it to the seller and purchase a copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

  Warning

  This book contains graphic content intended for readers 18+ years old.

  If you are under 18 years old, or are not comfortable with adult content, please close this book now.

  Chapter 1

  Lola Phantom was seated in a black plastic chair, which was extremely uncomfortable. She arched her back and stretched her arms, hoping to alleviate some of the pain. She was in the middle of taking an oceanography exam and her body was killing her.

  Lola had just turned eighteen and was slightly above five feet, with a curvy body and round butt that made jeans difficult to put on. Her hair was long and black. When it was especially humid outside, her naturally straight hair would begin to curl and bulge at odd angles.

  Her eyes were bright blue like the waters of the Caribbean. She often lined them in black Kohl pen, which accentuating her long lashes. Lola’s skin was light brown. She tanned easily in the summertime, often becoming dark brown by the time August rolled around. She longed to be outside, not stuck in the sweaty exam room. She resolved to take a swim as soon as the exam was over. It would help her train for her mission.

  The exam room was silent save for the ticking of a clock. Lola refused to look at how much time she had left. She was normally a fantastic test taker, but she couldn’t seem to focus on the last exam of the semester. She would still pass, but she needed high marks in order to attend a scuba diving mission with several of her coworkers.

  Lola lusted after the ocean the way she would lust over a man, if she had one. The dark water was enticing, as was the marine life existing at deep depths. She loved the stubby feeling of coral beneath her fingertips, enjoyed the feeling of anemone fronds that tickled her palms. To be submerged again would be a dream come true.

  When Lola was younger, she attended regular diving classes, and even competed a few times. During competitions, Lola caught more than a few eyes looking her way. She was often embarrassed to be wearing even one-piece swimsuits, blushed at the way they hugged the curve of her butt and showed off her full breasts. Her classmates all agreed she was gorgeous, and she remained beautiful as the years went on. She was now a young college student, full of hope and academic drive.

  The proctor in the exam room drew a number on the chalk- board that read :05. She had five minutes left to finish her test and seal her fate. Lola tucked her black hair behind her ears and cast her blue eyes on the paper. She picked up her pen and proceeded to complete the exam. She would score a passing grade; she would attend the scuba diving trip with her classmates. Lola was determined.

  After handing in her exam, she swept her hair into a high ponytail. Sweat dripped down the slice of her back, tickling her skin. She took a pamphlet out of her purse and began fanning herself with it.

  The walk from school to her dorm was a short one. She often ran into a few of her friends along the way, sweet girls who would rather be sunbathing and swimming than test taking.

  To Lola’s surprise, she didn’t see anyone she knew. Instead, she ran into Stella, a girl who was in her Zoology course.

  “Hi!” Stella said brightly.

  She was taller than Lola, with an athletic build and curly blonde hair. They had spoken on occasion, and even eaten lunch together a few times. Lola thought she was nice enough. She decided to stay and talk; the swim could wait.

  “Hey,” Lola responded. “Stella, right? Have you finished all your exams?”

  “Ugh, don’t remind me. I’ve still got a biology course tomorrow at eight in the freaking morning! I’m going to drown in coursework Lola, I swear. Where are you headed off to? All done for the summer?”

  Lola flashed a triumphant smile. “Yup, just finished my last exam today! I need to get to my dorm and start preparing for my scuba diving trip.”

  “Oh I heard about that!” Stella giggled and poked Lola in the side. “I bet you get to swim with all sorts of cute guys. Let me know if you find a summer romance.”

  Lola blushed. She hadn’t dated much, and the idea of meeting a guy on her trip both thrilled and terrified her. She would be living in close quarters with ten other classmates: six boys and four girls. Lola barely knew any of them but they seemed nice enough. She might even make a few girlfriends. And then there was Jason Michelson.

  Lola shook her head as if this would evaporate any thoughts of him. He was far too attractive for her, and he was a senior. He had the greenest eyes she’d ever seen. She could barely converse with Stella; what would she say to Jason when they were practically living together?

  “You know what I mean?” Stella was saying.

  “What? Sorry, of course,” Lola responded.

  She didn’t want to tell Stella she was daydreaming about Jason’s abs again. He was a rower, and she’d seen him shirtless on more than one occasion walking to and from his dorm.

  Stella seemed satisfied with Lola’s answer, for she responded in kind.

  “Well, I’ve got to get going. Good luck on your trip if I don’t see you before then!”

  “Thanks. Have a good summer!” Lola smiled warmly at her.

  They parted ways and Lola continued towards her dorm. She lived in Shell Suites on the fifth floor. The College Boa
rd thought they were being clever when they named each dorm after marine life. Lola thought it was cheesy, but she enjoyed the nautical decorations inside the dorm. The walls were all lined with dark blue wallpaper and there were sailboats sculpted into the wooden paneling.

  Lola’s own room was painted a lighter shade of blue. She had bough wall decals for school in order to make her room more decorative. There were now three-foot jellyfish and miniature scuba divers all over her walls.

  Lola plopped down on the bed and sighed. There were dozens of textbooks open on the floor; highlighters and pens lay in clumps across the desk. It looked like a war zone, but it was finally over. Now all she had to do was focus on packing. Instead of thinking about the equipment she needed to pack for her trip, she lay on her bed and daydreamed about Jason's abs, and the equipment he kept concealed in his shorts. If only she could keep her eyes open…

  Chapter 2

  Lola woke up to the sound of banging. Something had fallen to the floor; she heard giggling. She rolled onto her side and looked towards her roommate’s bed. Jessica was sitting cross-legged drinking from a slender green bottle. Her boyfriend, Eric, was sitting across from her. His own bottle had been emptied, and was now laying empty on the floor.

  Lola watched as Jessica leaned over and kissed Eric on the mouth. He backed away for a second and glanced over at Lola, who quickly closed her eyes.

  “But your roommate is here,” he protested.

  “It’s okay, she’s been asleep for hours. I’m sure she won’t mind,” Jessica said.

  They were whispering, but Lola could hear them clearly. She felt bad that the room was a mess, but Jessica didn’t seem to mind. She turned on her back and stared at the ceiling, hoping her roommate wouldn’t see her in the low light.