Gainesville Book One
from Pain to Pleasure
by
Bella Jeanisse
a XynoAfterDark novel
This title is intended for Mature Audiences.
© 2015 Bella Jeanisse
published by
Xynobooks, LLC
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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the express written permission of the publisher.
This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in an entirely fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
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Table of Contents
Dedication
I have the best group of beta readers and an incredible team of “assistants.” Thanks to all of you. In no particular order: Paula, Geri, Patricia, Donna, Anita, Christa, Naiana, Stephanie, Margo, Traci, Ruby, Jena, Sonia, Melissa, Sarah, Casey, Courtney, Coralee, Lora, LaDonna… The list is always growing. Sorry if I forgot anyone! I’m always grateful to you all. I’d be nothing without you guys!
Table of Contents
Title Page
Dedication
Preface
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Epilogue
About the Author
Sneak Peek: The Heirloom
Sneak Peek: Ghost of a Singer
Sneak Peek: Triple Threat
Preface
This series is a deviation from my usual work. It’s about a set of college friends who become more through the struggle of one of their own.
The subject matter will vary between the three books. This one is focused on a severely abused young woman. Subsequent books may touch on her abuse or extreme circumstances in the pasts of other members of the group.
If you are sensitive to depictions of violence or abuse of any kind, please do not continue on to the story. This is meant to tell a tale, not trigger flashbacks. I feel Danielle’s story needs to be told. Abused women need someone to give them a voice. Today, that is my job.
I started this story a long time ago, at about the age of 15. It has changed a great deal from that version. From what I’m told, it is as realistic as it could be. Maybe it is a bit too realistic, though, in spots. I grew up in New York City in the ’80s. At the time, it was normal for women not to report abuse, rape or incest. I’m glad that times have changed. Back then, I knew many women who had gone through serious things, including myself. We dealt with it as best we could. I turned to writing at first. Not many had that outlet. I was lucky.
My stories are rarely ordinary. I have lived a life like few others, and I plan to keep on doing so as long as I walk this earth. So, why would I create stories like anyone else’s? I know this means my stories are not for everyone, but I won’t conform to arbitrary expectations just for sales. I will stay true to myself, no matter what subject I take on.
Get ready to laugh, cry, scream, hate, love and sympathize. This is gonna be a wild ride.
Chapter 1
“It’s Lakeview, right?” Brian asked Danielle as they drove through the campus of North Florida University. They searched for her dorm building.
She double-checked the letter she got from the housing department. “Yes. Room 216.”
Subtly, she looked over at him. He had been on his best behavior for the past three days. Even with the five-hour trip, he only yelled at her once. She expected he would change back to the evil Brian she knew any moment.
Brian parked his Durango as close to the door as he could. He tried hard to keep his promise of change. It wasn’t as easy as it seemed. His brain screamed at him to force his girlfriend to go to school near home, in Fort Lauderdale. That way, he could watch her every move like usual. The need clawed at him within. He fleetingly wondered if Danielle was right that he needed medication to stay stable. He shook his head and dismissed the idea that she could ever be right.
Danielle grabbed one of her bags out of the backseat. “I’m gonna go find my room.”
“Not alone, you’re fucking not!” Brian took several deep breaths. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell.” He chose a suitcase from the back and hauled it out. “I’ll meet you up there, Dani.” The rage bubbled beneath the surface. He had to fight to keep it at bay.
She looked at him through the open doors. He still had fury in his emerald green eyes. She knew he didn’t want her to go to that school because she had to live there. He allowed her to go because he had friends at the school. Yes, “allow.” She followed his strict rules to avoid many things. His temper was something she avoided sparking at all costs.
Brian looked at his phone and replied to the text from Diego:
We’re here. Lakeview 216. Don’t forget!
Diego was a friend from high school that lived on campus. Brian smiled at Danielle as he tried not to show his distrust. He would not let her do whatever she wanted while he was away. After he watched her walk up the stairs, he looked at his phone again.
I’ll watch her. Relax.
Diego had to be kidding. Brian couldn’t relax. He couldn’t even visit her on weekends for months. His next assignment was in Moscow. It was a little over a week away. His job was all travel, but he rarely had to go that far. He implemented new computer systems for his company all over the world. He had requested reassignment, but he was the only one who spoke Russian. Sometimes he thought being a genius sucked.
Danielle was nervous and excited about starting college. She had never been on her own before. The stairs were a bit crowded. That upped her anxiety and reminded her of her first day of high school. That morning ran through her mind clearly.
* * *
Danielle stood in the main entryway of Sunrise High School. She shook, her binder in front of her chest. There were too many students around her. She couldn’t think straight. Then someone touched her arm, and she jumped.
She heard, “I’m sorry.”
She looked up and instantly smiled. “Hi,” she said timidly.
The handsome green eyes of the boy in front of her filled with concern. “Do you need he
lp finding your class?” When she nodded, he smiled. His eyes lit up. “I’m Brian. Where do you need to go?”
She stammered, “Um, um, 3—315.” She couldn’t hide her fear of men. Every man in her life hurt her.
“Hey.” His hand grazed hers. “Don’t be scared.”
Absently, she scratched her arm. The sleeve of her hoodie rode up a bit.
“Who did that?” He grabbed her arm.
She yanked away quickly. “No one. I fell.” It was the first thing she thought of, but that wasn’t any excuse for cigarette burns.
The look in his eyes told her he saw through her lie. “I have scars like that.” His voice softened. “My old man uses me for an ashtray sometimes.” That matter-of-fact statement hooked her.
A few hours later, they met for lunch. They sat at a table outside. They were as far from the rest of the students as could be. Brian fiddled with his hands while Danielle looked at her feet. Neither of them had many social skills.
“Who hurts you?” he quietly asked.
She bit her lip and closed her eyes. “My dad.”
“I hope he’s not as bad as mine.”
Danielle looked up just in time to see a look of fear in Brian’s eyes. “Maybe one day we’ll talk about it.” She gave him a small smile. It was the best she could do.
* * *
Her mind refocused to the present. She wondered what her life would be like if they had never met. Their relationship had not been all bad. He did help her leave home. That, she would always be grateful for.
Danielle looked around when she got to the second floor. There were too many people in the hallway. The room numbers were hard to read. They didn’t seem to go in numerical order either. One door said 208, and then across the hall was 230. That confused the hell out of her.
She was startled when she bumped into a tall, broad man. “I’m so sorry,” she uttered. Quickly, she backed away and looked down. Fear gripped her. If she did that to Brian, he lashed out at her.
Alex smiled. He had watched the blonde come down the hall and hoped she would say something to him. “It’s no big deal. You look lost. Maybe I can help.”
“Um—I’m, I’m looking for room 216,” she stammered, unable to meet his eyes.
He could see that her hand shook. “Hey.” He lifted her chin. “You OK?”
She pulled back fast. “I’m fine. Do you know where 216 is?”
“I should. That’s next to my room.” He put out his hand. “I’m Alex Hicks. You?”
Quickly, she looked around for Brian. He was nowhere to be found. “Um, Danielle Brooks.” She gingerly took his hand. That caused a weird feeling deep inside her, like butterflies. She looked up and smiled. He was very handsome and tall. That started a reaction she did not recognize right away. “I didn’t know the girls and guys were on the same floor.”
“We share the same bathrooms, too.” His grin was infectious. “I know. I think it’s weird, too.” Then he turned around. “Come on. I’ll show you your room.” They walked to the end of the hall. Her room was the second from the last on the left. “Anytime you need something just knock. Day or night.”
He touched her shoulder and was shocked when she jumped back. Then she turned around and back, looking for something. He subtly let his eyes roam over her as they just stood there, inches from each other. He had a thing for short girls, and she seemed to be only five feet tall.
She wasn’t thin like most girls at the school. She had what he admired in several actresses and female singers, a proportionate body. Her breasts looked like good handfuls, as did her butt. He could imagine it in his hands as she rode him, hard. He loved that. She was pretty and obviously didn’t know it. Her blonde hair was partly up in a bun, with loose strands hanging all around. So sexy. He smiled as he imagined her red, full lips on him.
Besides the physical attraction, she took his breath away for some reason. He had never had a reaction to a girl like that before. He was the school playboy. A different girl every week, many times several a week. However, he knew right then he could give it all up if he could fuck her every day. She didn’t seem like the type of girl to just give it up like the others.
Danielle nervously looked for Brian again. She wanted Alex to leave. Yet, she also didn’t. He was the sexiest man she had ever met. He towered over her at about six foot two. His strong, muscled arms drew her even more. She could see a hint of a tattoo on both his biceps. He made her feel small, but safe, somehow.
His large build didn’t mask his sweet nature, though. His deep voice was not like Brian’s. It was warm and almost seductive. She looked up when he touched her trembling hand. To avoid his gaze, she focused on his wavy, light brown, shoulder length hair. It made her want to put her fingers through it.
For just a few seconds, he saw her eyes. They blew him away. There were a beautiful light green, with a bit of yellow. The pain in them captured his heart. They practically screamed for him to ease it. He hoped it was sexual frustration.
“Did you find it?” Brian’s voice came from down the hallway.
Danielle jumped. “Yes,” she shouted to him and pulled away from Alex again. “Please don’t touch me.”
“I’m sorry.” Alex looked up at the voice, and then at her. She had fear in her eyes again. “Brother or boyfriend?”
“Boyfriend,” she replied.
He leaned toward her. “That’s too bad. I was just beginning to like you.” He rolled his eyes. Just my luck, she’s taken.
The situation had become hard for Danielle to handle. If Brian knew Alex practically hit on her, he would be livid. Never mind if he sensed her attraction to Alex. Alex was everything Brian wasn’t. Moreover, what his touch did to her confused her. She never had that reaction to Brian or anyone for that matter. Desire was something she had not experienced unless stimulated physically. That was rare, though.
“Hi,” Brian said to Alex when he reached them. “I’m Brian Foster, her boyfriend. Who are you?” He extended his hand, although he wanted to bash the guy’s face in for being so close to Danielle. In public, he always kept control, so no one would know the real him.
Alex took his hand. “Alex Hicks. You starting here, too?”
“No.” Brian kept his cool and put an arm around Danielle’s shoulders.
Alex gave him a once-over. There had to be a reason Danielle feared him. Brian was only about 5’ 8” and thin, and he couldn’t be too strong. Nevertheless, something in his eyes sparked suspicion. Brian hid something. Something sinister. One look at Danielle beside them, and he knew he was right. She quivered as if she expected to be reprimanded. He’s a fucking bully. I hate bullies!
“Do you need help with her bags?” Alex wanted to stick close to see if Brian would drop his guard.
“Uh…” Brian knew Alex was someone to worry about from the way he looked at his girl. Nevertheless, he had promised he would start to give her the benefit of the doubt. “Yeah, I do. Thanks.”
In a bit of shock at Brian’s acceptance of help, Danielle walked into her dorm room. Half of it was nicely decorated already. She smiled at her roommate, who sat on her bed. The young woman with long curly light brown hair and a bright smile was a welcome sight.
“Hi, I’m Marie Parker from Atlanta. Where are you from?” she asked cheerily, with a southern drawl.
“Just outside of Fort Lauderdale.” She put her bag on the unclaimed bed. “I’m Danielle Brooks.”
Marie got up and opened an accordion door with wooden slats. “There’s almost a half a closet to use. Sorry. I have a lot of things.”
“Don’t worry. I don’t have much.” Brian tore her clothes at times, so her wardrobe was limited. Danielle opened her bag and unpacked her toiletries. “Can I use this dresser?”
“Yep.” Marie watched her carefully arrange things in a strange, but particular, order. She assumed Danielle had OCD. “Did you come here alone?”
Danielle lined up the last bottle of hand cream. “No. My boyfriend and Alex from next
door are getting my things.”
“Mmmm, Alex. Nice,” Marie muttered quietly.
Marie knew that most girls wanted Alex. He had slept with every girl on the floor but her. She heard it was because one of his buddies had a thing for her, and he had promised to let her be.
By the time Alex and Brian were back, Marie and Danielle were laughing. Marie was a sophomore and had told her stories about her last year at the school. One look from Brian, and Danielle fell silent. Alex and Marie looked at her, and then Brian, before they looked at each other. They knew something wasn’t right.
Alex looked at Danielle again and smiled. “You want some help putting things away?”
She really liked his smile and did the same. “I—”
Brian cut her off quickly. “No. I got it.” He had glared at Alex for a second before he realized he did it. Jealousy was second nature to him. “Sorry, Alex, but I wanna spend as much time with her as I can.”
Alex noticed Danielle glance at him. That made him happy. He didn’t like Brian and had a funny feeling about him. The terrified look in her eyes worried him. He tried to think of an excuse to stay. Nothing came to mind.
“If you need anything, let me know.” Alex quietly left the room. He hoped he was wrong.
Marie stood in front of her bed. “I’m Marie.” She put her hand out.
“Brian.” He took her hand and looked at her skeptically. Already, he didn’t trust her. He regretted his decision to let Danielle stay at school. There were too many temptations; too many other influences.
“You guys want me to take you on a tour of the campus?” Marie offered. She could tell by the way Brian talked that he was controlling. She was a psychology major and knew the signs. That meant Danielle wasn’t the one who had OCD. It was Brian. There was something else as well, but she couldn’t pinpoint it.
from Pain to Pleasure (Gainesville Book 1) Page 1
