Forever Yours

by Nicole Salmond

  Thankfully the vines were prime and full, ready for picking. For when Tristan stopped unexpectedly, he took her into his arms and kissed her passionately.

  She quickly responded kissing him back with the same force. She curled her hands around his head pulling him in harder, yearning for more. His hands trailed her back and hips, grabbing her and placing her to the ground, his body over hers as he lied her down onto the soft grass. Stella giggled in response.

  “Someone will see us,” she said as Tristan’s tongue found the side her neck, sending waves of desire through her body.

  “No they won’t,” Tristan whispered seductively in her ear as he pulled her dress up, his hand tracing her thigh and hips.

  A moan crept out of Stella’s mouth as she felt Tristan’s lips hit the tops of her breasts, followed by the light drops of rain. Opening her eyes she looked up at the sky, the earlier clear sky was now dark and black, rain falling from the clouds, heavier with each drop.

  Stella quickly pushed Tristan aside and jumped up. “We’re going to get soaked!” she exclaimed as the rain pelted down on them. Tristan, now standing next to her, grabbed her by the hand and they ran through the vineyard, seeking shelter.

  Stella saw an opening with a large tree and what looked to be like the roof of a shed, Tristan must have seen it as well as he pulled her in that direction.

  Lucky Stella was wearing a soft white cotton dress, so she wasn’t slowed down too much by her drenched clothing.

  By the time they got to the tree they were well and truly soaked, their clothes clinging to their bodies. The shed that Stella thought she had seen was just a small roof, held up by timber, open on all sides. Thankfully the cover of the tree above the roof provided enough cover to be protected from the rain.

  Stella pulled her hands through her hair, squeezing out the excess water. “I’m saturated!” she exclaimed, laughing and shaking her head.

  Tristan stepped forward, and grabbed her hands from her head, holding them softly and placing them behind his head. His eyes were sharp, as he looked down at her, his mouth curling into a grin. She followed his gaze down her own body and saw the cause of his playful grin. The white material was flush against her skin; her once concealed breasts were now on obvious display, thanks to the rain drenching her dress.

  “I like this look on you,” he murmured as he traced the outline of her breasts, catching her nipples with his thumb.

  “Tristan,” she whispered, looking at his face, watching droplets of water fall off his hair, his face now serious.

  Tristan’s fingers trailed down her body, stopping at the hem of her dress just above her knees. His hands circled her thighs, before grabbing the bottom of the dress and pulling it up and over her head, leaving her exposed.

  She felt her inner goddess kick in as she stepped back from Tristan, creating distance between them as she unclasped her bra. Slowly she pulled the straps off her shoulders, letting it fall on the ground exposing her breasts. Her hands gently slid over her breasts down her hips. She placed her thumbs inside her thong and pushed it down over her thighs and calves, flicking it off with one foot.

  Tristan’s eyes were hot and heavy, she could see his heart beating through his shirt, his body hardening as Stella bent her knees and crouched down until her naked backside hit the smooth grass. She extended her legs out in front of her, placing her hand behind her, so her body leaned to one side. Her right leg propped up slightly as her hand roamed her thigh.

  Tristan’s resistance and patience ended there as he pulled his shirt and pants off and strode to her, leaning down over her. Stella couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction as she felt his hardness against her thigh.

  His fingers sent surges of pleasure through her body as he explored every inch of her. She moaned as he found her most sensitive body part between her thighs. She arched her body back, her head gently hitting the grass as she met his hand, wanting more.

  She didn’t care what they were doing out in the open field, anyone could find them at any moment, making it even more sensual and exciting. Just as she felt like she couldn’t take anymore, her body finding its climax, he stopped. He lifted her leg holding her knee. He entered her slowly, her body throbbing for the need to feel him inside her. She cried out his name as she felt him move inside her. She grabbed onto his head, holding on as he moved faster, his lips parting as she kissed him, her body melted into him as she bared her soul to him. With each passing movement she felt her body burn. As she was reaching her climax she felt the tremor within in her surface, their breathing thick and demanding. In that moment, she felt pure pleasure, the stillness it gave her. This was passion, pure desire and fulfilment. This was life, life with Tristan.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  “It’s going to be hard not living with you anymore,” Tristan said as they approached her unit door.

  “I know, but we’ve been together for the past month. I think a few nights apart won’t do any harm.” Stella reassured Tristan as he placed her suitcase beside them and took her in a deep embrace. Tristan had a pre-planned concert in Sydney that he had already committed to, one he was ready to cancel to stay with her, but Ben wouldn’t hear of it.

  After their moment of heated passion in the vineyard in Tuscany, they had held each other waiting for the rain to stop. When it did they took their time walking back to the homestead and when they arrived there, they were met with the full force of Ben.

  The farmer, after realising Tristan and Stella were no longer with him informed Ben that they were missing. The farmer’s panic and fear when he relayed the information made Ben also panic. So he had sent out a search party for them. Fortunately for Stella the farmer had been so immersed in his story telling he didn’t realise they were missing until they reached the far side of the farm, so when they went out searching for them they weren’t searching near where they had found shelter. Stella was mortified of the thought that someone might have caught them.

  When Stella and Tristan had made their appearance, Ben was in the process of forming a full scale search. Thankfully, Tristan quickly told them that because of the rain they had found shelter under a nearby tree, and thought they would stick it out until the rain passed. Ben could tell Tristan wasn’t telling him the complete truth, but the colour of Stella’s face must have given away the real reason why they were gone when she blushed beetroot red when Ben questioned Tristan. Ben disregarded the events but not before having a long talk with Tristan about security and responsibility.

  Stella was thankful to be back home, she was homesick, and thought the time with her sister would be good for her. As much as she loved being with Tristan and how he had made her feel alive again, she didn’t want him to stop doing what he loved, for her.

  They had lived in their own little bubble the past four weeks, spending almost every second together. Stella still found the attention from the public hard to deal with, but she was slowly coping. Having a security guard with her at all times annoyed her, and she had spent the better part of the twenty three hour plane trip home convincing him she didn’t want any security when she got back. Tristan had tried to fight her on it, but he was starting to learn that when it came to Stella, she could be very stubborn.

  “What are you going to do while I’m away?” Tristan asked.

  “I’m not sure. For the first time in a long time, I don’t have any plans, and I feel good about it. Being with you Tristan was the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m happy, and it’s all because of you.”

  “You deserve happiness Stella. And I’m glad you decided to come with me.”

  They kissed once more before Stella turned the door knob and they entered her unit.

  “Well well,” a deep voice called from the far side of the apartment. Tristan watched Stella become motionless. He scanned the room and found a man sitting on the couch, he was wearing dark jeans and a black hoodie, leaning back with one arm over his head and the other resting on his legs laid out on the couch, like he ow
ned it.

  As Tristan watched him more closely, it wasn’t his appearance or the way he sat on the couch that made him feel uncomfortable, it was the way he was staring at Stella. His eyes were piercing into her in a disturbing way that made Tristan push Stella behind him protectively.

  “I tried to turn him away but he insisted on waiting for you.” Claire looked sympathetically at Stella. She was sitting on the nearby couch, arms crossed, her face in a deep frown, Claire obviously didn’t want him here as much as Tristan did.

  “What are you doing here?” Stella whispered from behind Tristan, he turned to see her face was pale.

  “Come to see you of course,” the man smirked. Stella obviously didn’t feel comfortable around him; he had never seen that kind of reaction from her. Tristan watched as the man rose to his feet and stepped towards Stella. Tristan responded by moving even more in front of her, blocking the man from Stella’s path.

  “And you are?” Tristan raised his eyebrow to the man, staring him directly in the eyes.

  The man smiled at Tristan’s question. “She hasn’t told you?” This seemed to humour him. “I’m Josh, her ex.”

  “I’m Tristan, her boyfriend,” Tristan shot back as he watched the man eye him up and down. They were similar height with both of them standing tall. Tristan wasn’t about to let this guy affect him the way he affected Stella.

  The man chuckled at his response. “Yeah I’ve heard about you. Famous celebrity hey? Stepping up in the world Stella?”

  “Is there a reason why you’re here?” Tristan replied before Stella could respond. His anger and lack of patience for this man was rising quickly, he could see this conversation going nowhere and he was eager to see him gone.

  “I’ve come to see Stella.” Tristan watched him turn his head around Tristan’s body to look at Stella. “What’s it been Stel? Four, five years?”

  “Not long enough,” Stella muttered behind Tristan.

  “Feels like only yesterday you and me were back in your parents old hay shed making out. You remember that Stel? Good times.”

  Tristan felt Stella move from behind so she was standing next to him, Tristan’s arm wrapped around her. “I’m trying to forget.” She said, her voice a little louder now, her face contorting.

  “Oh now. No reason to get angry. If this is because of that accident that happened, it’s all good. Fate took care of it .Good thing to if you ask me-”

  “What do you want Josh?” Stella’s interrupted his trip down memory lane.

  “I was hoping to have a private word with you. It’s important.”

  “Anything you say to Stella you can say in front of me,” Tristan said frustrated, he was not about to let Stella be in a room alone with this guy.

  “Is that right?” Josh cocked his head to the side. “Well I guess if there’s no secrets between you guys then here goes-”

  “No its fine Tristan. I’d like to talk to Josh privately,” Stella interrupted, placing her hand on Tristan’s shoulders. Tristan looked at her confused.

  “Just as I thought,” Josh said with a smug look on his face.

  “Are you sure Stella?” Tristan looked at Stella questioningly. She seemed frightened at the sight of him, why was she now volunteering to speak to him unaccompanied.

  “I’m sure Tristan. It’s ok.” Stella’s shaky voice gave no reassurance for Tristan. “Let’s go to my room Josh.” She stepped forward but Tristan stood in her path, facing her.

  “If you need anything, yell out and I’ll come straight away,” he said loud enough for Josh to hear him.

  Stella nodded. “I’m sure it will be fine Tristan.” She smiled an unconvincing smile, but he knew he couldn’t stop her if this is what she wanted to do.

  “Just like old times hey Stel.” Josh nudged Stella’s arm, Stella flinched in response. Tristan watched helplessly as they entered her room and shut the door.

  “Are you going to tell me what the hell that is all about?” Tristan tried to steady his anger at Claire.

  “I honestly don’t know Tristan. I haven’t seen him in years. I don’t even know how he found out where we lived,” Claire responded clearly confused by the encounter as much as he was.

  “I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all. She is scared shitless, why?”

  “He um… I don’t know Tristan…” Claire barely responded.

  “What are you not telling me Claire?”

  Claire opened her mouth to talk but nothing came out.

  “Why are you so scared of him?”

  “I’m not scared. Not of him anyway. I just don’t like him near Stella.”

  “Has he hurt Stella before?” Tristan knew if she said yes he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from going and beating the crap out of him right now.

  “No, he hasn’t physically hurt Stella, well not that I know of anyway.” Tristan’s eyes widened at Claire’s response.

  “He has this power over Stella. I can’t…I don’t even know how to explain it. All I know is him being here isn’t good for anyone, especially Stella.”

  “Well I’m putting an end to this. This is going to stop now, and she is going to tell me the truth about everything.”

  Tristan was finished being patient with Stella. He understood there were things she didn’t want to tell him about her past, but he wasn’t about to let this one go. Josh had done something to her in her past that hurt her and he needed to know what and why.

  ***

  “Why are you here Josh?” Stella questioned him as they entered her room to speak privately.

  “I got myself into a bit of a pickle and need your help,” he replied

  “What, what are you talking about? How can I help you?” Stella couldn’t understand why after all this time he was coming to her for help, and what could she do to help him anyway.

  “I need some money. I’m in a bit of debt and need help to get myself out of it. I’m not asking for much.”

  Stella coughed a laugh. “You’re joking right? I’m jobless right now, I have no money. Why on earth would you ask me anyway?”

  “No I’m not joking. I’m serious, dead serious.” He took a step closer to her, Stella felt herself stiffen. He frightened her, not because of what he’d do, but because of who he was. She’d spent a long time trying to forget his face, trying to forget him. Now he stood in her bedroom only metres away from her.

  “You’re with him now aren’t you? Tristan?”

  “Yeah so?” Stella couldn’t understand what Tristan had to do with this.

  “Well ask him for the money. Look I need ten grand by the end of the week or I’m in trouble.”

  No, no way was Stella going to ask Tristan for money. He had to be out of his mind to think she would help him. Not after everything that happened. “Well I’m sorry to hear that, but it has nothing to do with me. Even if I had the money, which I don’t, I wouldn’t be giving it to you.”

  “Look I know Tristan’s has money. I’m asking you nicely to get it for me.”

  “I’m not about to ask Tristan for ten thousand dollars! Regardless if he has money or not, it’s his money not mine.”

  “Does he know about you and me? Does he know what happened?” he sneered at her.

  Stella felt her skin burn, the memories flooding back. She tried to keep her tears at bay, she didn’t want him to know he’d won, he’d gotten through to her. “What does that have to do with anything?” she breathed, trying her hardest not to cry.

  “Well I’m sure you don’t want him finding out, do you?”

  “Are you blackmailing me?”

  “Look. I’m just a friend seeking out another friend for some help. I know you can get the money for me, so let’s not let this get messy. You get the money for me, and I’ll keep my mouth shut about our little incident. Agree?”

  Stella closed her eyes and shook her head, praying this was all just a dream and she would wake up any minute, safely in Tristan’s arms. “You can’t do this Josh. You can’t just walk b
ack into my life after so long and demand this from me. I’m a different person now, I’m not some young teenager you can order around.”

  Josh stepped in grabbing Stella’s wrist. “Do I need to remind you of who you’re talking to?”

  Stella felt her confidence weaken at his touch. She shook her head silently. “No,” she whispered, frightened by his grip on her. She hated he had that effect on her, after so many years she still couldn’t stand up to him.

  “Good.” Josh seemed satisfied with her response. He walked over to the desk and scribbled on a post-it note. “Here’s my number. You have one week to get me the money. I don’t care how you do it. Just do it.”

  Stella nodded again as she took the paper from his hand, she desperately wanted to tell him to leave, to never come back. He didn’t own her, he couldn’t tell her what to do. But she couldn’t, no words left her mouth.

  Stella heard the door rattle, trying to be opened. “Open up Stella,” Tristan called from the other side.

  Stella looked at Josh and the door. Should she tell Tristan, tell him about Josh. Tell him the truth about her past so Josh would leave her alone.

  ‘Stella!” Tristan called from the other side.

  “Coming,” Stella replied anxiously.

  Josh grabbed Stella’s arm as she passed him. “I wouldn’t tell your boyfriend about our little agreement either, ok?” His tone was threatening and violent, frightening Stella.

  She paused and rolled her arm to release herself from his grip. She didn’t know what that meant but she suddenly feared for Tristan, she could never forgive herself if something happened to him because of her mess. She couldn’t tell him, she would get Josh the money.