by Hunt, Evelyn
“Is that how you found me? That pile of scrap metal on wheels gave me away? I thought I was being so careful,” Rose wondered aloud. “You made a few mistakes, which is just another reason I suspected Cavanaugh of making stuff up… if you’d had an accomplice and a fat wad of bills you’d have behaved differently.” Neil reached over slowly, covering Rose’s hand with one of his. “I can help you,” he said, eyes beseeching, “but you have to tell me the whole story.”
“You swear?” Rose’s frightened eyes tore at his heart. “I swear,” Neil said.
***
“IT STARTED out like a fairy tale,” Rose began, “Sean and I met in college. We were both studying botany, at least at first. All through junior and senior year, I had what seemed like a hopeless crush on him. He was different then,” she glanced up at Neil briefly. She wanted him to understand that she hadn’t known what she was getting herself into. “He was always confident and a bit cocky, but he was gentle, too,” she continued, “I couldn’t believe my luck when he finally asked me out. He treated me like a princess, like something fragile.”
She gave a short laugh, mouth twisting bitterly at the memory. “We graduated and continued dating… I got a job at a laboratory — one of the big pharmaceutical companies — and so did he at first. We saw each other most nights and weekends, and we moved in together after a year. Then Sean switched to sales to make more money, and he made some friends at the company that I wonder about now…” she paused, swallowing with difficulty.
“The company owner, Didier Marchand, and his sales team were all cronies going way back… I realize now they were at the heart of Sean’s — that’s when he started to change, to harden, but things between us were still pretty good. Until we got married. It was like, as soon as I’d signed the contract, he treated me like I was his property. He resented me going to work every day, he complained when there wasn’t a hot meal waiting for him when he got home at night. And in bed, he —,” Rose broke off, voice thick with unshed tears. “He became another person entirely,” she forged on, “he was rough, demanding, autocratic. He made me feel guilty if I wasn’t in the mood whenever he wanted sex.
He said I was ‘his to play with as he saw fit.’ He ordered me to stop working, and sold my car out from under me so I had no means of transport. I had to ask permission if I wanted to go anywhere. When I defied him in any way, he would hit me, call me names, lock me in the closet for hours. Then he started throwing parties at our house for the boys — no other wives — from the office. He would stand by and watch while they pawed me, made inappropriate comments, insulted me; he seemed to invite the abuse, like it was an extension of his control over me. One night, he stripped me in front of them and whipped me.”
“That’s where you got those scars,” Neil said, staring straight ahead. “Yes,” Rose’s voice sounded tiny even in the enclosed space of the car. “I’d tried calling the police to get him to stop, but he claimed I was abusing prescription drugs. When the blood test showed positive results, that’s when I knew he’d been slipping me substances in my food, my water… and not just certified scrip’s.
He’d been slipping me experimental stuff, things the labs hadn’t fully vetted. From then on I pretended to eat anything he gave me, only drinking straight from the faucet. I scrimped and saved some cash, hoping for a chance to get away. That’s when I snuck out and bought that brown clunker from the junk yard. I thought paying cash would make it harder to trace.” She looked up finally, seeking Neil’s gaze. “I didn’t feel like I had any other choice,” she attested, “he showed no signs of stopping. Things were only going to go from horrible to worse. You have to believe me,” she pleaded.
“I believe you,” Neil said, stroking her cheek with one hand. “And I’m going to help you stay hidden.” “How?” Rose asked. “I’ll think of a way,” Neil promised. “Now let’s get you home.” He moved to start the engine, but Rose stayed his hand. “I really liked what was happening back there by the lake,” she began, “it’s just that when you touched my scars, I panicked, and —“ Neil stopped her words with another kiss, this time soft and light, his lips brushing over hers like a whisper. “Shhh,” he cooed against her mouth.
With a sigh, Rose reached up and tangled her fingers in his dark hair, keeping his head pressed close to hers. “I don’t want to go home yet,” she wished, nuzzling his ear. Neil growled and swung his leg across her lap to face her, thrusting his heated length against her soft flesh, tasting her tongue with his own. He repeated his gradual exploration of her body from lips to lap, sliding down into a crouch, his head nestled in the crevice between her thighs.
Neil grasped Rose’s knees gently but firmly and looked up at her, eyes wide. “Let me taste you,” he exhaled. She surrendered, spreading her legs wide along the car’s front seat. With another low growl, he reached under her skirt, pulled aside her panties, bowed his head and began lapping at the core of her. She moaned and tossed her head from side to side, bucking her hips to meet his kiss.
He growled against her slick lips, the vibration sending shock waves of pleasure through Rose’s entire body. She arched her back and her eyes popped open as she shuddered to completion, surprised at how quickly he’d satisfied her. Neil continued licking hungrily, wanting to push her over the brink again. A loud buzzing sound startled them both.
***
“MY phone,” he groaned, reluctantly lifting his head to check the caller ID. Rose followed his gaze and her eyes bugged out in fear. “S. CAVANAUGH,” read the display. She looked around as if noticing her surroundings for the first time, then scrambled madly across the seat, behind the steering wheel and away from Neil. “I must be out of my mind,” she wailed, frantically kicking at Neil’s hands. “Don’t touch me,” she shouted.
She grabbed his keys out of the ignition and bounded out of the car. Neil emerged just in time to see her toss them into the lake. “You can’t help me,” she cried. “No one can!” She twisted and sprinted away from him, back in the direction of the nursery. “Rose, wait! Wait!” Neil yelled desperately, torn between running after her and trying to hotwire his car. He watched her retreating form, and shook his head. “Best to let her calm down,” he thought, “there’s no reasoning with her in this state.”
He reached for his cell phone, which alerted him to “ONE VOICEMAIL MESSAGE.” He pressed play. “Hi Madigan,” Sean’s oily voice oozed through the speaker. “Just wanted to let you know, call off the search. I’ll pay your expenses so far plus a $500 bonus. I found Rose on my own.”
“Damn,” Neil almost dropped the phone before looking up the number for Paradise Found. He dialed, hoping he’d get through to someone, anyone, while he started hot-wiring the car. He cursed again as it went to voicemail, and he realized he had no time to spare.
***
[Hope you liked the story and don't forget your 8 complimentary books, which you may find a download link to on the last page of this collection, just after the 11th story ends. Now, on to the next story!]
A Special Workout
by
Carla Burke
I rolled over, dragging the duvet with me as I went. The warm covers wrapped around me, encasing me in a small, tight cocoon. My alarm blared loudly filling the room with the sharp piercing sound. It muffled my large yawn as I struggled to pull myself out of the deep sleep I had been in. A very dim light shone through the curtains, confirming that it was still a ridiculously early time of the morning.
I yawned again, struggling against my duvet as it bound me firmly to the bed. My hand searched the empty space around me, looking for the sleeping form of my boyfriend. When no skin hit my tired fingers I pulled myself up slightly; my body trying to resist the movement. I finally heaved myself from the soft sheets so I could better examine my surroundings. Except for the cocoon I had formed around me, there was nothing else occupying the bed.
I frowned, it was far too early for him to have left for work and he would normally have screamed in protest when I curl
ed myself in to the sheets. I felt around me again, the place where he normally slept was stone cold; he hadn’t slept here last night. Thoughts whirled through my mind; last night he had gone out with his friends. I had gone to bed early because of the time I had to get up. This was the third time in the last few weeks that I had woken up without him next to me. My frown deepened, trying not to think of the reason why he wasn’t here, I slumped back down on the bed, letting the warmth cover me once again. My eyes shut as I drifted back in to a slightly uneasy sleep.
I jumped suddenly from the bed; the alarm pierced my ear drums, it was definitely louder than before. I reached out wearily, my hand connecting with the cold plastic of my phone. I pulled it to my face, shielding my eyes away from the bright screen. It was already almost 7am and I was running late, I had fallen back to sleep without meaning too. I had only been asleep for an extra 20 minutes but it had left me feeling even more tired than before. Although I was only asleep for a short time, it had been plagued with images of my boyfriend and another woman.
I shook my head violently, as if to shake the thoughts from my mind. I threw the duvet from my body, instantly exposing my body to the cold February air. I shuddered at the chilly breeze sneaking in from the open window; I really had to remember to shut that before I got into bed. I leapt out of bed and stretched my arms widely; ridding myself of my tiredness. My breasts bounced firmly against my chest while I flexed my arms. I was dressed only in a small pair of shorts; it was a lot warmer when I had gone to bed.
I jogged quickly to the shower, throwing my shorts off and on to the floor as I jumped through the glass doors. I set the water going, shuddering as the coldness hit my body. It quickly warmed up to a perfect temperature. I let the warm drops flood over my now naked body. I washed my hair with renewed haste, mulling over the day’s activities. This was my first day at the gym, the reason behind my early awakening. The thought of the time made me yawn again, it must only be approaching 7am now, 2 hours earlier than I would normally get up on a Saturday morning.
Even though it was only February I wanted to get into shape for summer. The long winter months had taken its toll on my body; although I was still slender, I wanted to be toned again. This meant my first ever trip to the gym, a place I had never been to before. In my mind it was going to be filled with over muscled men and horrid women; this was probably formed by watching far too much television. I chuckled lightly before pulling myself away from the warm water. The cold air hit me, instantly freezing the water covering me. I shivered violently and jogged to my room; my wardrobe hung open against the far wall. My newly bought gym wear hung on the door, ready for me.
My black tracksuit and white trainers were purchased in the hope that it would convince me to keep going. So far I had managed to get out of bed so I hadn’t had a bad start to the new routine. I rubbed my body dry as quickly as I could before taking my clothes off the hangers. I threw them on hastily and ran a hand through my damp hair. The long brown-red curls fell loosely over my shoulders as I tried to tame the madness.
I moved over to the mirror, taking in my appearance. My eyes were still only half open, exhaustion filled the blue orbs. Focusing on my hair I decided to tie it up, putting it into a loose lazy bun; at least it would be out of my eyes. I walked to the door, picking up my keys and gym bag as I went. Looking down at the mat I noticed that Matt’s shoes and coat weren’t here; he definitely hadn’t come home last night.
I grumbled to myself, I should be able to trust him but after the last few weeks it was getting harder and harder. After 2 years of being together, I should probably care more than I did that he hadn’t come home. He had gotten dull over time, I liked to be kept entertained and he definitely didn’t fit the bill much anymore.
I pushed open the door, letting the chilly wind wash over my still slightly damp skin. It was very fresh and despite the cold, quite welcoming. The sun was starting to creep through now, providing enough light to see by. There was no sign of anybody else around; but then it was 7am on a Saturday morning, no person without good reason would be up at this time.
The day was looking set to be nice; hopefully I could get my workout done quickly and be home in reasonable time. I stuck my headphones in, starting the motivational music I had uploaded in the hope that it might help. Fast paced beats filled my mind as I started the 10 minute jog to the gym. The smells of fresh cut grass and recently settled rain hit my senses as my feet pounded along the pavement.
Relief washed over me that nobody else would be around to witness my horrendous running; well until I got to the gym anyway. After 5 full minutes of fast paced jogging I slowed to a struggled walk, I was nowhere near as fit as I had thought. My breaths were ragged and uneven as I gasped for air.
I gripped my waist firmly, allowing myself to hobble that last 5 minutes to the gym. The building was new and mostly made out of polished glass panels. You could see the treadmills from the street below; they were all empty apart from one. At the very end of the section I could just make out the image of a man running. His pace was steady and untroubled; he was running confidently not showing any strain from the exercise. A small mop of brown hair bounced on top of his head, in time with his fast jogging.
I stood looking up at the man, nobody else was around me and his movements were almost mesmerising. He was wearing long black shorts and a tight white t-shirt. I could just make out the hint of muscles underneath the pale fabric; it was stretched to accommodate him. His face was hidden by the distance but nonetheless I wanted to be closer to him, to watch him run.
Suddenly realising what I had been thinking I pulled myself together; I still had a boyfriend, whether he was a cheating one or not. I hitched my bag further over my shoulder and headed towards the entrance to the gym. The doors were wide open, leading the way to the main lobby. I almost jogged to the reception desk; I wanted to get started before the mystery man disappeared.
A sharp faced receptionist stood unhappily behind the desk. She looked thoroughly annoyed at being here so early; a large hot coffee was placed on the desk in front of her, as if confirming my suspicions. I approached her cautiously, not wanting to be at the receiving end of her obvious bad mood.
She looked up scowling at me, as if it was my fault for her having to be here. I opened my mouth to speak to her; because I was new I still had to pick up my gym membership pass. Before I got a chance to say anything, her ringtone filled the large lobby, the sickly sweet pop music echoed violently in my ears.
“What do you want Matt?... yeah but you’re the one that wanted to leave… I don’t care if you had to get back to your girlfriend, you said you were going to break up with her... so what it's only 2 years… just ring me when you’ve done it, I can’t only see you a few times every couple of weeks,” she shouted angrily.
My mouth dropped open, she had clearly been speaking to my Matt; everything she said applied to me and him. I looked over the receptionist again; she was slender with hair as dark as coal. She wasn’t particularly pretty and her voice was even more sickly than her ringtone. I had no idea what he would see in her, she was clearly a lot younger than us both and definitely immature.
“What do you want,” she snapped in my direction. Immediately hatred filled me, although our relationship wasn’t perfect it was a relationship and she had destroyed it.
“I do have a name, it's Sofia,” I said handing over my forms for the membership. Without it turning into a full argument I couldn’t think of anything else to say. She sighed loudly, obviously showing me that I had disturbed her. I laughed humourlessly as she handed me my membership card and I looked down at it noticing the awful picture I had chosen. Not wanting to get a new one done I had just used one from a few years back; looking at it again I realised that I should have put in the effort and got a new one taken. I sent the girl a snide look before heading upstairs towards the main gym; my mystery man had probably left by now.
I pulled open the door to the gym; struggling to take the weight of the
heavy glass frame. It only confirmed that I needed to be here and added to my already deteriorating mood. I scanned the room before me; it was large and filled to the brim with complicated looking machines. I had no idea how to use any of the complex equipment; it was definitely going to make for an interesting experience.
I did another quick scan hoping to locate the handsome man from the window. I looked over at the treadmills which were now deserted as well as all the other machines. My images of the gym had been misguided, there were no over muscly men and with the exception of the receptionist there were no horrid women. The only other life in the room was an exceptionally skinny man in oversized shorts and a t-shirt. He was accompanied by what looked like a personal trainer, who wasn’t that much bigger than the first guy.
The image was rather comical, the skinny man was trying to lift weights much too heavy for him while the trainer shouted abuse and tried to support the weights. It looked like they were both having an equal amount of trouble with the large metal weights. I laughed loudly at the sight; thankfully it was covered by a flow of grunts from both men.
