Controlling Circumstances

by Jean Kelso

  “I understand, Gabe. Work first. Play later.” I peek up at him and blink innocently. I’m not mad, just horny. But I can wait. I will wait. I have no choice.

  “I’ll make you all better later, babe. Don’t you worry about that.” Gabe leans down and takes my mouth in a deep, passionate kiss. With one more smack on my backside, Gabe leaves for the bar.

  I finish my coffee and head to the bathroom for a nice cold shower to relieve the tingly feelings inside me.

  I strip out of my tank top and boxers and lean into my shower. I turn the taps to start the water and test the water temperature with my hand while turning the power head on before I step into the refreshing spray and close the curtain.

  The cool water does nothing to help the feelings that swim through me. The thought of Gabe in all his naked glory makes my body come alive. An ache between my legs needs my attention, and who am I to deny myself such thing. I start slow and caress my skin with the cool water. Up my torso, over my face, I drench my hair as I lean under the spray. I skim my fingers down to my sensitive breasts and trace circles around my nipples as they pucker to hard nubs. Goose bumps rise on my skin as my touch makes my nerve endings come alive. My breath increases as I move my hands down my stomach and glide my fingers across from pelvic bone to pelvic bone. The ache in me grows excessively. I shift my legs apart just enough to slide my hand between them and push my fingers into my damp folds. A moan slips as I hit a sensitive spot. It’s a wondrous ticklish spot and it feels incredible.

  I rub back and forth in my wetness and feel my arousal grow. I’ve never done this to myself, and now I feel like hitting myself for not. I apply some pressure to my swollen clit and it feels like my legs are going to buckle beneath me.

  I hold my stance for as long as I can. The tingling sensation is strong and deep inside. I’m almost there. I reach up with my other hand and grab one breast. I begin to fondle a nipple. My breath grows deeper as my orgasm takes over. I see black and little white stars as my body shakes from head to toe. I have to lean against the wall to hold myself up until the aftershocks settle before I can finish my shower. I never knew pleasuring oneself could feel that way, so exhilarating.

  After I finish washing my body and hair, I turn the water off and step out of the shower. I reach for a towel, wrap my body up and begin to dry off.

  In my bedroom, I hang my towel on the hook on the back of my door and move to my dresser to pick out something to wear for the day. Slipping on a pair of panties and a bra—both in matching color of white. I figure since I’ll just lounge at home for the day that I’ll put on some yoga pants and a tank top. So with that decision, pants and tank of black and purple go on and I’m off to my kitchen to make another cup of coffee.

  Walking into the living room I notice a breeze blowing the curtains around. I don’t remember leaving a window open. I look around the room. Nothing’s out of place.

  “Gabe, you here, babe?” I shout out, but there’s no response. As I move toward the window an eerie feeling comes over me. I shake it off and close the window. I must have opened it, right? I push the thought aside and go sit on my couch, picking up the remote from the table and flick the TV on. The girls at work have been raving about this movie Divergent since it came to theatres. Mel even brags about it and about the lead male character. I know I have to watch it. I may be thirty, but I’m not dead yet, right?

  The movie just released to Pay-Per-View, so I one click to watch and see what the fuss is all about. Mel tells me that once I watch I’ll be Team Four all the way. I guess I’ll wait and see. I curl up on the couch with a blanket and my coffee and watch as the movie starts.

  CHAPTER 12

  Belle

  FACTIONS ARE PICKED and just as I get into the movie, my phone rings. Unknown number. With Gabe being at the bar, it’s possible he’s calling from the bar, so I answer.

  “Hello?” Silence. “Hello?” I ask again. Heavy breathing is present, but no words. I look at the screen again to verify that the line didn’t disconnect and put the phone back to my ear. I try again. “Gabe, is that you?”

  “No,” a voice growls in irritation. The breathing gets heavier and the hairs on the back of my neck rise.

  “Wh... Who are you looking for?” I ask. Fear begins to dig at me as I speak. My number is private and not easily accessible to anyone. An unknown number and a growly voice don’t mix well with me.

  “You,” the voice forces back.

  My heart begins to race. The voice is creepy and mean, scary and unknown. I’m not going to listen anymore. I hang up and toss my phone back on the table. Then I jump from the cozy couch and run to the door. I make sure the door’s locked. Things are starting to get really freaky around here. With the random call and the Knicky Knicky door knocking, I think I might just have to talk to Gabe about it, especially with Mike out of jail. Who knows what he might do?

  I walk back to the couch and sit. Curling up with my blanket I look at the clock. It’s still early so Mel won’t be here for a while and there’s no way I’m going to bug Gabe at work. I reach for the table and pick up my phone to set it beside me. If anything else strange happens I just don’t know what I’ll do. I take a few deep breaths and try to push it all aside. I’m letting fear control me and I can’t let that happen again. Maybe I should call my therapist? No. I can handle this. This is petty compared to what I’ve been through. No need to bother him now. It’s been years. I can do this. A few more deep breaths and I turn the movie back on. I need a distraction, and so far the movie—and of course the sexy Four—is doing just that. I settle back in and let my mind delve back into the life of factions and Mr. James.

  Credits run down the TV screen and I’m still in Four heaven when my phone rings. My muscles tense and I slowly look down toward my phone. Gabe. I blow out a breath and pick up the phone. “Hey you,” I speak softly.

  “Belle, how’re you doing?” His husky voice gets me every time. I take a slow, deep breath and blow it out. I know I have to tell Gabe about the call. There should be no secrets from him now that he knows about things.

  “Not that great,” I say.

  “What’s the matter? Did something happen?” Concern drips through Gabe’s voice.

  I bite my lip. This is hard to do. I know Gabe will get upset, but I have to tell him. “I’m not a hundred percent sure, but…” My breath quickens and I swallow the lump that I feel sitting in my throat. “I think Mike called me.” I hold my breath for Gabe’s response.

  “Shit!” Gabe answers. I hear a clatter and then nothing.

  A void of noise and Gabe’s gone.

  “Gabe? Babe, you there?” I ask as worry sets in. I knew he’d get upset. I dial his number, but the phone just rings. Over and over there’s no answer. A lonely tear drop runs down my cheek. I reach up and swipe it away.

  ***

  Gabe

  When I hear the fear in Belle’s voice, my chest aches. Somehow I know shit will hit the fan and fast. My woman needs me and there’s no way I’m going to let her down. In an error of judgment, I hang up on Belle. I need to gather my control if I’m going to help her. I think back to all those months I stood by and just watched her.

  Such a beautiful woman looking so lost in this massive world. She appeared alone in her thoughts as she walked by my place every day. After meeting Mel—who turned out to be her one and only best friend—my mind began to wonder about her. Why did this gorgeous creature only have one real friend in such a big place? She carried herself with confidence, but looked as if she were elsewhere while doing it. You could tell she wasn’t out to impress anyone, but there was just a way about her that pulled my attention to her—a magnetism if you will.

  I learned that Belle was a nurse in the ER at the hospital close by, and that she and Mel have been friends for many years. I wanted to approach Belle sooner rather than later, but believe it or not, my nerves held me back. Me, a strong independent man, allowing a silly thing like being nervous hold me back. Where was my contro
l? Shit. I had to smash that down fast. I wasn’t letting Belle slip through my fingers.

  Her shiny light-red hair would blow in the breeze as she moved. Her hips swayed as she walked in her cute uniforms on her way to work. Belle would keep her head held high, but the grip on her purse was tight. Sometimes I’d notice her checking over her shoulders as if she was expecting that someone was following her. I began to tag her schedule and sometimes I’d follow her from a distance to the café where she’d meet up with Mel on occasion to grab a cappuccino. I learned from my so-called ‘watching’ skills that it was her drink of choice. Belle seemed to follow a routine of sorts. It intrigued me. I needed to know her.

  After three months of watching, learning and beating myself from the nerves I’d never had before, I approached Mel and had a little chat with her. I convinced her to get Belle to come to my bar so I could see her in a different light. See if she would let her walls down at any time so I could strike and let my intentions be known.

  Mel was a godsend to me and led me to my future. I think now how stupid I was for being so nervous about my beautiful girl. Had I known then what I do now, there’s no way I’d change it. Belle’s my woman and I’ll protect her until my last dying breath.

  ***

  Belle

  I feel like a sack of shit. I sit on my couch, unable to get ahold of Gabe and unsure what he’s doing. I must have spaced out. The next thing I know a loud bang on my door startles me and my body becomes tense again. I grip my phone for dear life as I curl my legs up and hold my knees to my chest. Fear is my enemy and I’m allowing it to take my life away from me.

  “Belle! Belle, open up. It’s me,” Gabe yells through the locked door.

  The sound of Gabe’s voice makes every muscle in my body relax. I toss my phone on the couch and drop the blanket to the floor. Then I run to the door to let him in.

  Once the door’s open Gabe pulls me into a tight hug and begins to rub my back. “I have you.”

  He kisses the top of my head and moves us into my apartment, shutting the door behind us. We stand in the middle of the living room. Gabe lifts my head by my chin and looks me in the eyes. Compassion and empathy shine bright in his. He leans down and gives me a gentle but loving kiss on the lips before he leans back.

  “Belle, I told you I wasn’t going to let that bastard get to you.” Gabe leans his head down again and presses his forehead to mine. “I protect what’s mine, and I consider you mine.” He brings his arms from around my back, down to my sides and then to my hands, which Gabe gives a slight squeeze. “Let’s go pack you a bag and head to my place. I don’t want you staying here right now. Not until that fucker is caught.” Gabe stands there and just looks at me. He seems to wait for my approval.

  “Okay. But I need to either call or leave a message at work for Mel. She was going to stop by when she was done her shift.” I return Gabe’s hand squeeze and let go.

  In my bedroom, I begin to pack a bag of clothing and personal essentials that I’ll need. I leave Gabe in the living room to wait. I need a moment to take in what exactly I’m about to do—and why I’m doing it.

  With my bag in hand, I return to the living room where Gabe stands and looks at my cell phone. I have a pass-code so I know he can’t get into it. He looks so handsome as he stands there. Gabe takes my breath away every time I see him. To think he’s mine. So he says.

  “Having trouble?” I ask him.

  Gabe turns and looks at me. “It’s good that you have a code, Belle, but I’d never look at your stuff without asking.” He smiles at me, but it isn’t the full smile that I usually get from him. “Your phone beeped and I thought a message came through. Possibly from him. I was just going to bring it to you, but the screen turned on and asked for a code. It just shocked me, that is all.”

  I smile. I’m not hiding anything from him. Trust goes both ways and he should know that. “I have nothing to hide. Give it here.” I move toward Gabe and reach for my phone. Once in my hands, I fiddle with the buttons and remove the code from it and hand it back. “There you go.” I lean in and kiss his cheek. I don’t know where all the fear I have has gone, but just being around Gabe I feel completely safe.

  I watch as Gabe checks my callers list. He sees that the call was not the only ‘unknown’ number on the list. His eyes narrow and he looks at me. “He has called before?” Anger is evident in Gabe’s voice.

  I remember that call and having not gotten an answer when I answered. I can’t be sure if it was Mike then or not…but then again I’m not sure it’s him this time, either. “I honestly don’t know. A few strange things have been happening around here.” Oops, that was a mistake. I wasn’t going to tell Gabe about all that, but it’s too late now.

  I hear Gabe growl deep in his throat. It’s not a sexy growl, either. “Pardon me?”

  “Nothing,” I squeak out.

  Gabe tucks the phone into his back pocket and faces me. “No, Belle. It’s not nothing. Now tell me,” he demands.

  I don’t want to upset Gabe further, so I explain to him about the door knocking and about the window. Gabe looks like he’s ready to flip his lid. He immediately moves to where I set my bag and picks it up. “Get your purse and keys. We’re going now.” Gabe stands by the door and waits.

  I put all my courage and faith in this man as I take one last look around my apartment. Then I grab my purse from the kitchen counter. Once I stand before Gabe, I hand him the keys, open the door and step out toward the next chapter in my fucked-up life.

  CHAPTER 13

  Belle

  WE ARRIVE AT GABE’S PLACE ten minutes later. It’s pretty handy that he doesn’t live too far from me. I set my purse on the little table in the foyer, take my shoes off and walk into the living room. As I look around his place, it makes me remember the last time I was here and the room he showed me. Shivers run down my spine.

  I feel Gabe before he speaks. His hand is on my waist as his breath heats my neck. “Are you okay?” Gabe’s husky voice is gentle and full of worry.

  I turn around in his arms and look up at him. Tears glisten in my eyes as my emotions begin to get the better of me. “I will be.” I reach up and touch his face. After I hold him for a moment, I stand on my tip toes and press my damp lips to his. I want to show Gabe what I feel—minus the fear. I want to show him how thankful I am that he’s here with me, standing up for me and helping me through a really tough time. Actually, several tough times. I don’t know where I’d be without him.

  I hear Gabe moan under his breath as he returns the kiss, but only briefly. He pulls back and takes my hands in his. “You can’t let your emotions take over.” He kisses me on the forehead and walks us over to the couch. “You sit. I will get you a glass of water.” Then he disappears into the kitchen.

  I sit on his cozy couch and look around. I take in what has become my life. Shit, I still need to call Mel. Things have escalated, and if Mike presses further, Mel could be in trouble, too. I turn my head as I hear footsteps. Gabe walks towards me with a tall glass of water with ice. I lick my lips, not realizing how dry they are. Gabe sets it on the table in front of me and sits beside me.

  I look at Gabe and immediately tell him, “I need to call Mel.”

  With no hesitation Gabe reaches into the front of his jean pocket and pulls out his cell phone. He hands it to me with a grim expression on his face. “Use mine. I’ll get you a new one. I have a buddy who I’m going to call to come and help out on your situation.” Gabe moves one arm onto the back of the couch and around my shoulders. “Anything that leads to you…” He shakes his head. “I’m not taking any chances. You’re getting a new phone with a new number and only the people who really need the number will have it. My buddy Jack is a computer whiz and I’m hoping he can track down the unknown number. Maybe we can locate that bastard before he tries anything else.” Gabe pulls me closer to him and kisses me on the top of my head. All the sweet gestures he does. How can I not love this man?

  I dial Mel’s n
umber on his phone and put it to my ear. It rings four times and then I get her voicemail. I know she’s busy, so I just leave a message. “Mel, it’s me Belle. Don’t go to my place. Come to Gabe’s above the bar. Mike found me. See you later and stay safe.” I hang up the phone and handed it back to Gabe. “Thank you.”

  Gabe smiles at me with a glint in his eyes. “Anything for you.” He moves into me and gives me a quick peck on the lips before he sits back on the couch. Gabe dials a number on his phone and puts it to his ear. “Hey, man. It’s Gabe. Got trouble here. Need your help, man. My place, ASAP. See you soon.” He hangs up, setting the phone on the table and looks at me. “Voicemail. It seems no one is answering their phones today.” He grins.

  I give Gabe a small smile and lean back into him. The warmth from Gabe’s embrace gives me strength to talk. “So who’s Jack?” I ask as I curl my legs beneath me.

  Gabe runs his fingers through my hair and clears his throat. “Jack is a private investigator. We grew up together. Best buds is what we called ourselves.” He chuckles. “Whenever one of us needs something, the other is there no matter what. Like brothers of sorts, I guess.”

  I can hear the steady rhythm of Gabe’s heartbeat. His breathing is regular and relaxes me as his chest rises and falls. “Brothers. That’s nice. I wish I had siblings. Mel is the closest thing to a sister for me.”

  Never once does Gabe stop caressing my head and hair. It relaxes me completely and I’m pretty sure he knows that. “Now don’t get me wrong, we fought. Boy, did we fight. Not just verbally, either. We had the whole fists of fury going on at times.” Gabe laughs. “But no matter what happened, we always had each other’s backs. If someone bothered one of us, the other kicked their asses.”