Have I Told You

by F. L. Jacob

  “Okay,” I whispered. I snuggled closer to him and listened to his heart. His strong embrace and the slow rhythm soothed me back to sleep.

  The sunlight coming through the windows eased me out of my slumber. I stretched out, suddenly remembering I wasn’t home. Sitting up, startled, I saw Caston walking out of the attached bath into the room. I’ve never seen perfection in the form of the male body before this morning. He had rock hard sculpted arms, abs to die for, and the deepest V that I’ve ever seen. I would love to run my tongue along it taking me to his most private parts. He held his towel in one hand, but it was barely covering his perfection. The water drops beaded up on his skin, I longed to be one of them. I was suddenly very thirsty and wondered if he would let me lick him to get refreshed. Gathering the blanket up to my nose, I blushed at the thought.

  “Good morning, Sabrina. I hope you slept well. I know I have not slept that good in years. I think it might have to do with the fact that you were in my arms,” he smirked.

  I was smiling behind the blanket, hoping it was covering up my full body blush. I nodded my response, still not able to pull my eyes away from his hard body.

  “You can get in the shower now if you would like, or you can wait until after breakfast. Jules should have it ready by now. Then I can take you to school.”

  “I’ll shower quickly,” I said, getting out of the warm covers and pulling the shirt down, so I didn’t show my thong.

  I tried not to stare at his backside when I walked to the shower, because even that was perfect. The sculpted muscles rippled as he walked to collect clothing out of his closet and drawers. Then without any warning he dropped his towel. Oh. My. God. He had the finest ass I’d ever seen. It was perfectly round and the right combination of hard and soft with the most amazing dimples above his cheeks. My breath caught in my throat. I was afraid I was going to faint. I could imagine myself grabbing that fine ass and squeezing it as he pounded into me.

  My thoughts elsewhere, I tripped over a stack of books on the ground. Caston turned around, worried when he heard the commotion, strategically placing his clothes, so he was covered. Concerned, he asked if I was okay, but had the most devilish grin on his face when he said it. How embarrassing. I gathered myself and sprinted toward the bathroom, so he couldn’t see how flustered he made me.

  Reaching the bathroom, I shut the door behind me. I put my hand on my forehead and let my head fall back. Oh my God, what was I doing? I’d never acted like this before. I did a deep rub of my temples, and let a sigh escape me, as I walked over to the exquisite two person shower.

  The walls were covered in a dark grey stone. There were multiple shower heads and a large rain head coming from the ceiling. There were built in shelves that held expensive body washes and shampoos. Benches on either side of the shower held more bottles and fancy sea sponges. The floor was still wet from Caston’s shower. I bit my lip, as I thought about him standing there with soap running down his body. I stepped out of my black lace thong, pulled his shirt over my head, and stepped into the shower. I figured out how to turn it on, and was greeted by a subtle cascade of warm water washing away my thoughts.

  Letting the water flow over my body, my hand wandered south, massaging my sex. The other hand cupped my breast, rolling my nipple between my fingers. The feeling made me tremble. Remembering the fire in his eyes and thinking about his lips, so close to kissing me, had me hovering on the edge. I wished my hand was his. Unfortunately, as I was about to find my release there was a knock on the door and it opened slightly. Startled, I covered myself, embarrassed by what I was just doing.

  Caston stuck his head in, keeping his eyes covered. “Just wanted to make sure you were okay and had everything you need.” I groaned. If he only knew how much more I needed.

  “Doing fine. I’ll be out in a few seconds.”

  I chuckled at him standing in the doorway, looking so adorable with his eyes covered. I wondered if he was peeking through his fingers. I dropped my arms exposing my body to see if I could get a reaction from him. His lower body gave him away. I saw a very apparent bulge forming in his black pants. Smiling to myself and turned around to show my backside.

  “I…I’ll be downstairs at the breakfast bar,” Caston stuttered slightly.

  “Okay, sounds good,” I said. He closed the door behind him, and I quickly finished. I didn’t want to make him wait too much longer. Judging by his clothing, I was sure he had to go to work.

  I stepped out of the shower, wrapped my hair in one towel and my body in another. Walking into the main room, I noticed that my clothes were laid out nicely on the bed. There was another t-shirt of his laid out, too. I ran my hands along the shirt and my heart fluttered. I got dressed, putting the t-shirt on in place of the tank that I had on last night. My feet were still a little sore, so I opted to carry my shoes downstairs. Bending over to fluff my hair with the towel, I noticed my phone on the floor by the chair. I cringed. That one piece of equipment would take me back to the reality. It reminded me that I couldn’t hide in rescuer’s castle for the rest of my life.

  I reached down to pick up the phone. My hand trembled slightly. This is ridiculous. Sabrina, just turn it on and face the consequences, my mind told me. I sat on the edge of the bed and stared at the phone for minutes. Finally, I hit the little button on the side of the phone. I couldn’t believe my eyes, thirty-five missed calls, fifteen voicemails, and twenty-five texts. My stomach twisted in knots as I contemplated if I should open the messages or not. Just then my phone rang. The caller ID showed Beth’s picture. Letting out a sigh of relief, I picked up the call.

  “Hello, Beth,” I said flatly.

  “Sabrina, where the hell are you? Mark is going insane looking for you. He was over here, drunk off his ass, asking for you at the ass crack of dawn. I know he didn’t believe me when I told him you weren’t here. How could you not even answer my calls? I’ve been worried sick. I thought you were dead on the side of the road,” Beth rambled, not letting me get a word in.

  “Can I please talk, now? Geez. I wish you would’ve been at the party last night. Mark was being the biggest dick. He tried to force me to do things with him in front of everyone last night, Beth. I was so scared.” I started to choke up, remembering last night’s events.

  “Oh, honey, I’m so sorry I wasn’t there. I knew I should have blown off that out of town poetry reading.” Beth said.

  “No, don’t be sorry. Thankfully, there was this new guy there named Caston. I literally ran into him, while getting Mark another beer, and he suddenly became my knight in shining armor.”

  “I heard about some guy manhandling Mark. Broc said he’s so pissed, and threatening to turn him into the police.”

  I laughed at that comment. “Mark won’t turn him in, because that would tarnish his reputation. Anyways, when Mark left me high and dry, and I had nowhere to go, Caston offered to take me to a safe place.”

  “So where are you?” I froze.

  “Please, don’t tell Mark you talked to me. I need to decide what I’m going to do. I’m finally done with him.”

  “Don’t mess with me, Bre. I’ve been telling you for months to kick that guy to the curb, especially after last time, and you ignored me. Do you really think I’d tell Mark I talked to you? I hate that bastard. Where are you?”

  I took a deep breath. “Caston’s house.”

  “Sabrina Marie Bennett, you did NOT go home with a guy you’ve never met before? Did you…you know?”

  “Oh my God, no, Beth! Geez what do you take me for?” I said, but my subconscious was shaking its head, because I would have done him in a heartbeat, if he would have let me.

  “Good. I thought I was rubbing off on you. Who is this Caston, anyways? The name sounds familiar, but I can’t place it. It’s such an unusual name, you would think I would remember.

  “Look, I can’t really talk now. I need to get downstairs for breakfast, and then I need to figure out what I’m doing.”

  “Fine, fine, but
who is he Bre?” Beth questioned.

  “Caston Black,” I responded. I heard the phone drop on the other end. “Hello, Beth? Hello.”

  “You did not say Caston Black,” Beth screamed when she picked the phone up again. “THE Caston Black? Like Caston Black of Black Hollywood?” My mouth hung open. No way is my Caston that Caston Black. Surely, there must be more than one Caston Black in the area, but even I have to admit that is highly unlikely.

  Trying to not answer her questions, I quickly cut her off. “Beth, gotta go. I’ll call you back as soon as I can. I promise.”

  No way was Caston Mr. Black Hollywood. Mark and his friends always had a copy of that magazine lying around. I wouldn’t lie, I looked at Black Hollywood all the time. The girls in there were beautiful, sexy, and tastefully photographed. I would describe it as a newer more tasteful version than some of the older magazines of its genre. Everyone had heard the story of the man behind the magazine, but the stories they told didn’t reflect this Caston at all.

  If it was him, though, it would explain the security and the big house…remembering the magazine called it the ‘mansion of the east coast’. Where were all the girls? Was that the real reason he was at the party, scouting? Was he looking for his new College Hollywood Sweetheart? No, he cannot be that Caston. I sat on the edge of the bed, with my head hanging low. I wanted him to be my knight in shining armor, not Mr. Black Hollywood. I would have to do more investigating.

  I put my phone in the pocket of my skirt and stood up to examine myself in the mirror. This would have to do. I wished I didn’t look like Julia Roberts when she was shopping on Rodeo Drive. I tried to pull my skirt down so it was a little longer, but it did no good. I let out a sigh, squared my shoulders, and gave myself a pep talk. This is as good as you’re going to look, Sabrina.

  This is the new you. I need to stand up for myself. I need to value myself. My parents didn’t raise me to be worthless. I want to make their sacrifice mean something. I want to be someone they would be proud to call their daughter. I need to be strong again. I could feel my mental change reflected in the way I carried myself. My spine was straighter, my head was higher, and my thoughts were clearer. I congratulated myself, and turned to go down the stairs to join Caston for breakfast feeling like a confident, new women. The smile engulfing my face hasn’t been there in quite a while.

  Hearing commotion coming from the kitchen area, I figured he was in there, so I quickened my pace. He had been waiting for me too long. I didn’t want him to wait anymore.

  “I’m here, sorry,” I said, as I rushed into the room. I stopped dead in my tracks when three people turned to look at me. “Caston?” I questioned. Just then Terrance walked into the room. Thankfully, someone I recognized.

  “Good morning, Ms. Bennett. Mr. Black stepped away to make a phone call. He’ll return soon. Please, follow me to the dining room, where Jules has breakfast set.” I nodded my understanding. I glanced back over at the other people, who still hadn’t taken their eyes off me, then back at Terrance. I ran to catch up with him.

  “Hey, Terrance, who were those people?”

  “Mr. Black’s associates. There was an emergency, so they came over early this morning.”

  “Oh, I hope nothing bad.”

  “No, ma’am. Please, have a seat. Mr. Black should be in shortly,” he said, while he pulled out a chair for me.

  “Thank you, Terrance,” I said, as I sat down, looking over the magnificent spread on the table.

  “You’re very welcome, Ms. Bennett. Can I get you anything while you wait?”

  “No, thank you.” Terrance turned to walk out. “Oh, Terrance?”

  “Yes, Ms. Bennett?”

  “Please, call me Sabrina or Bre,” I said smiling, hoping he would.

  “Very well, Sabrina.” Terrance had a smile on his face, as he turned to walk out.

  I sat at the table alone for only a few minutes before I heard Caston coming toward the dining room. I sat up taller in my seat, and my heart fluttered.

  “Vanessa, not now. I have company.”

  “But, sir, we’ve been waiting all morning and these numbers need to be approved.”

  “Vanessa,” Caston spoke firmly, “I told you I have a guest. I am not even sure why you are here. I am allowed to take a morning off. It is my company, and Ashton should be able to take care of things. He is my second in command.”

  “Yes, but...”

  “No, Vanessa. Please, show your tagalongs out, as well as yourself. Go back to the office and go over things with Ashton, or you will not have a job tomorrow.” Caston interrupted her. God, he sounded so sexy when he talked authoritatively.

  “Very well, sir. I’m sorry we intruded. I didn’t realize you’d have a guest, and I thought these figures needed to be addressed by you.”

  Caston was in the doorway now, finishing his conversation. He looked amazing. He was dressed in black dress pants, a white collared shirt with the top three buttons undone, and a black suit coat. Remembering the body that was underneath those clothes, caused my thighs to tighten. He was very animated while he was talking to Vanessa. I looked down at my clothing and cringed. I really did look like a whore. As if reading my thoughts, he turned around in the doorway and gave me a smile that would have made me fall to my knees, if I’d been standing.

  I gave a small wave. He turned back around and shut the door in Vanessa’s face mid-sentence. Then he turned and walked over to the table, where the morning paper was laid out for him.

  “I hope the rest of your shower was satisfying.” Caston said with a knowing smile. I blushed. He had to have seen me pleasuring myself. Oh God, how embarrassing.

  I reached for a bagel, and avoided answering him. “I’m sorry if I caused you any trouble today. I mean, with taking off work. I really can’t thank you enough for your hospitality.”

  “Sabrina,” Caston said as my phone rang. I jumped and tried to reach for my phone, but fumbled it, making it land right in front of him.

  “Please, don’t answer it,” I entreated him.

  Caston reached for the phone and turned it over. I could tell by his scowl it was Mark. “Hello. No, you may not talk to her. I will not tolerate that kind of language.” Caston flicked his thumb and shut the phone. Looking over at me with annoyance in his eyes. “Please, tell me you have someplace safe to go today, because I do not want you going home, until I can go with you. If not, you will stay here. Mark is a loose cannon, and I’m afraid he will do something to physically hurt you.”

  “Um, no not really,” I responded, breaking eye contact. “Beth has class all morning, but I don’t. I’ll be fine. Really. Mark won’t do anything.”

  “Sabrina, I am not joking. You will not go home, until I can go with you.”

  “But…” I said, looking up to catch the seriousness of his look.

  “No, you will stay here. End of discussion.”

  I nodded my understanding. He was right. I didn’t want to admit to him that I was terrified to go to Mark’s, but I had to get what little belongings I owned.

  “Caston?”

  “Yes?” His eyes are softer now, relaxed.

  “You’re right. I’ll stay here.” I smiled. I could see him relax in front of me. He really did care.

  We made small talk as we ate. I was interested in him. There was a connection that I couldn’t explain between us, but was determined to explore. I still didn’t know if he was Mr. Black Hollywood, but I didn’t even care about that. His smile and genuine personality drew me to him like a moth to the flame. He made me feel comfortable and strong. His laugh did things to me that I loved. My heart fluttered and felt like it was coming out of my chest.

  Breakfast flew by. Caston stood up to leave and I felt sad, as if a piece of me was leaving. Standing in front of him, I straightened his suit coat; feeling very brazen I took his lapels in my hands, pulling him close to me. He put his hands on my hips, under my shirt. His thumbs edge their way to touch my skin. It jumped at his touch.
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  “Be good today. I will leave an iPad for you to use.” He leaned forward and kissed my forehead. I sighed, and looked up at him timidly though my eyelashes.

  “Yes, Caston,” I responded angelically. My mind was begging him to kiss me. Please, God, kiss me.

  “I could get used to this,” Caston replied, staring into my hazel eyes, while brushing my sides with his thumbs.

  He was barely a hair’s breadth away from my mouth now. He enveloped my mouth, and his tongue parted my lips, hungrily seeking mine. I allowed him entrance, and my knees buckled. He caught me, pressing me to his body. One hand stayed on my back, while the other skimmed up my back and tangled in my hair. Intertwining his hand in my hair, he pulled my head back, starting to kiss the sides of my mouth down to my neck. My mind went absolutely blank, and I felt my insides clenching. Just as suddenly as he started kissing me, he pulled away. Breathless, I leaned up against the table. Holy shit! Did that just happen?

  “I’m sorry, Sabrina, that shouldn’t have happened until you are done with Mark. It won’t happen again,” Caston said, and quickly left the room.

  What? NO! I had wanted it since I met him. This afternoon couldn’t come soon enough. I needed to be done, once and for all, with Mark. Please, God, don’t let there be any problems.

  When I closed my eyes, I could still feel him on my lips and neck, his eyes staring into my soul. I touched my neck to keep the feeling alive.

  There was an unexpected noise in the doorway, causing my eyes to snap open. I was greeted by a little plump woman with gray hair, rosy cheeks, wearing a black maid’s uniform with a white apron. Her smile was so warm and inviting.

  “Hello, deary. You must be Sabrina. Are you done with breakfast yet, hun? Oh, where are my manners? I’m Jules. Anything you want to eat, or need cleaned, it would be my pleasure to help you with,” Jules said, wiping her hands on her apron, before extending her hand to me.

  I giggled. She was such a happy person, and her smile was infectious. She reminded me of Mrs. Potts from Beauty and the Beast.