Shuttered Affections (Cornerstone #1)

by Folsom, Rene

  “So when Sid said she wanted to call the police and report him, or at least let them document his actions, I couldn’t argue with her. This whole situation affects her just as much as it does me.” I trembled at the fact my loved ones were being hurt because of my stupid choices.

  “May I ask what has happened over the past week?” he asked with a wary look on his face, like he was afraid he would spook me if he spoke too loud.

  I sighed. “This is one of the reasons I felt I needed to tell you. He was at the club Tuesday night, only I didn’t know it until later. He saw me… with you, close to you. And it made him mad. He left a note on my windshield that night so I would find it when I got to the car.”

  “What did it say?” Aiden asked with ferocious curiosity.

  “It’s embarrassing,” I admitted as I blushed and looked down in my lap, where I was wringing my hands tightly together.

  “Please, Angel. Don’t be embarrassed. Not with me. Plus, you’re not the one who wrote it, so you should have nothing to be embarrassed about,” he consoled.

  I slowly got up and didn’t bother to cover my panty-clad ass as I went to get the notes out of my desk drawer. I brought the box back to him and handed him the first one.

  “This is one he left Monday night. I think he left it on my doorstep because I found it stuck to the heel of my shoe once I was inside my apartment,” I explained.

  Thought I couldn’t find you? Think again.

  Before Aiden could react, I handed him the second note and said, “This is the one he left on my car Tuesday night. I saw the note when I was leaving work, but knowing I shouldn’t get back out to get it, I let it stay on my windshield until I got home. I didn’t even stop to read it until I was in the apartment. This is also the night I called you, needing to talk to someone because I didn’t want to be alone.”

  I saw you with him tonight. Does he know what a slut you are? Does he know you belong to me?

  He scowled and clenched his jaw tight. He looked like he wanted to punch something. I backed away slightly, remembering when Rob used to get mad. He would swing at whatever was in his way—including me.

  Aiden must have noticed my cowardice, because he suddenly became calm and gentle.

  He reached out slowly and brushed a curl out of my face. “I’m sorry, Angel. I don’t want to frighten you. He must have done some horrible things to make you so scared of men.”

  I just nodded, not trusting my voice at the moment.

  “There’s more…” I stated. Aiden’s eyes widened.

  “He left a note on Sid’s car. She found it Wednesday before she had to leave for work.”

  With trembling hands, I handed him Sid’s note.

  You won’t interfere again. You can’t take her from me this time.

  “And then… Sid and I were leaving the club last night and he was waiting for me in the parking lot. Again, I don’t even want to think of what could have happened if she wasn’t there to call for help. I froze. He didn’t approach me. He just stood by his car and stared at me with a huge smile on his face,” I said, while shivering at the memory of how sinister he looked.

  “Sid screamed for the club’s bouncer, Dex, who came running out a moment later. I must’ve blacked out, or at least became a tad faint, because he swooped me up and carried me. I only remember him putting me on the couch in the employee lounge,” I told him calmly.

  “Shit, Julia. You should have…”

  I held my hand up to stop him. “Wait, I’m not done yet. So, I spoke to my boss, Libby. Lib and Sid are the… well, they were the only two people that knew of my past. With Lib’s suggestions, Dex and Pete drove us both home and I sat them both down and told them most of the story. I did not divulge the sexual aspects because I don’t think it’s any of their business and, well frankly, it embarrasses me and it’s very painful to relive those details. I also did not tell them how I managed to get away or what Sid gave up for me, because I knew that would make her feel uncomfortable. They know just enough to hopefully keep him out of the club. However, when Pete woke up early this morning, probably because my alarm clock went off, he found another note…” I trailed off as I handed the note to him.

  So, I scare you? I like it when you’re afraid. You know it excites me when you fight.

  “So, this brings me to my next confession.” I looked at him to make sure I had his attention before I continued.

  “Aiden, I’m messed up in the head because of this man.” I pointed to the notes in his hand as I spoke. “When you pinned me to the wall yesterday, I freaked out. I tried to keep telling myself you weren’t him, but my mind kept screaming for me to run. When your words became forceful too, I couldn’t hold it together anymore… I panicked…”

  My tears cut me off once again and the next thing I knew, he was crushing me to his chest, holding me, and rocking me.

  “Shhh. God, Julia. All you had to do was tell me. All you ever have to do is talk to me. I never, ever want to hurt you,” he said with a desperate and loving voice.

  He pulled me away from his chest, keeping his hands on my shoulders, and looked into my eyes as he explained, “I want you to know that if you feel threatened, ever, you call me. If I upset you or hurt you in any way, you tell me. I need you to communicate with me. I want to be part of your life, but I can’t do that unless you tell me what’s going on.”

  Then realization hit me. He had some secrets of his own.

  I cocked an eyebrow and spoke in a firm voice, “That goes both ways, Mr. Stone. I think I’m ready for you to explain the whole ‘wife’ thing,” I said as I pulled away from his body and wiped at my tear-stained cheeks before I continued.

  “I have plenty of time. I will try my best to keep an open mind. So, please… tell me your story,” I pleaded.

  I stood up from the bed and his eyes slowly followed me. Grabbing the bottle of water on my desk, I took a long, cleansing swig. He shifted and sat at the edge of the bed, looking up at me with gentle eyes.

  He tenderly grabbed my hands and brought them to his lips. Then, wrapping his arms around my bare legs, he sighed and began to speak.

  “I married Tanya as a contractual agreement. She was set to inherit her father’s estate worth over eighty million dollars. Tanya has been a friend of mine since high school. She’s always been just a friend, but someone I could confide in at all times. I told her about you.” He spoke softly as he looked up at me with a pleading in his eyes, pleading for me to understand. “She can’t wait to meet you. I know that sounds weird, but she really is just a friend. She may be my wife on paper, but my heart does not belong to her.”

  I just stood there, shock evident on my face. What should I say? It seemed he was being sincere, but… I had so many questions.

  “Julia, say something. Anything. Please, tell me what is going through that beautiful mind of yours,” he said in an imploring tone.

  “I…” I what? I had a hard time forming any words. “Why don’t you wear a ring?”

  “I only wear it when we go to social occasions together. Our wedding rings are props to us and we only wear them to keep up appearances.”

  “How long have you been married to her?” I asked in a small voice.

  He flashed a glamorous smile. “It’s been about a year and a half now. We are supposed to stay married for two years or more in order for her to keep her inheritance. At the end of the two years, she will provide me with five million, as a way of saying thanks. I don’t know how I feel about the money because I didn’t agree to this just to get rich. She is my friend and she couldn’t stand the fact that her father had a marriage clause in his will. She was heartbroken and I felt bad for her. I wasn’t tied down to anyone and figured two years would be easy to give to a friend in need.”

  His words melted me to the bone. This man was so thoughtful and, if he was being truthful, I didn’t blame him for his actions. I would have done the same for a friend… money or not. I decided to tell him how I felt and hoped he could pu
t up with the crap going on in my life.

  “I understand. I think I would do the same for a friend in need. I’m not sure I would accept the money though. If I didn’t have the choice, I would probably donate most of it to charity. Or…” Did I want to reveal one of my secret ideas?

  “Or what?”

  “Okay, promise you won’t laugh?” He nodded, so I continued, “I would use the money to open a community art studio so people of all ages had a place to express their art without the need to enroll as a student or the money to build their own workspace.” I smiled sheepishly and turned away from his gaze before I continued.

  “Many artists struggle to make a living and most don’t have the money to have their own studio. So, I have been drafting up plans to build a community art studio that will include workshops and labs for all kinds of fine arts as well as storage for artists to keep their artwork and supplies. Photography, ceramics, stained glass, woodwork, screen-printing, jewelry, painting, drawing, a computer lab, you name it. I also thought a small gallery would give beginning artists an opportunity to display their work and maybe a few classrooms for new members to learn from resident artists. Of course, there would be some sort of membership fee to keep the facility running, but I was hoping to get a few government grants to make it as affordable as possible for the starving artists out there. And it would also open up volunteer opportunities for high school students interested in earning a scholarship or fellowship. Volunteers could help man the gallery and keep the place tidy. It’s just an idea I’ve been toying with. Of course, I plan to graduate first and possibly go on to a university-level graduate course. But, this community studio is something I feel very passionate about. I haven’t shared the idea with anyone yet. I worry so much about criticism. I don’t want anyone to rain on my parade or steal my idea. So, I usually just keep my thoughts to myself.”

  He used his fingers to turn my head back in his direction.

  “You’re such an amazing person, Juliana Petersen,” he said with reverence.

  I moved closer and put my arms on his shoulders. My curly, messy hair fell over us in a spiral curtain of tresses as I placed my forehead on his.

  Our lips met and a fire broke out between us. His tongue met mine, boldly tasting me, hot and wet. An electric current surged up my spine and sizzled over my nerves down below like a bolt of lightning.

  Gasping for air, we broke away, our breaths coming in quick pants, desperate for oxygen. I stared at him in wonder. He captivated me.

  “I should get dressed,” I said in a non-convincing tone. I desperately wanted to rip my t-shirt off and pounce on him. However, the sensible side of me scolded the idea and reminded me I just met this man a few days ago.

  Just as I was about to push myself away, he grabbed the hem of my t-shirt and pulled me closer.

  Slowly and seductively, he ran his hands up the inside of my shirt, tracing the contours of my stomach, waist, and sides, until he finally reached the curves of my breasts. He let his fingertips linger along the lower crease below them before finally cupping both mounds in his hands, massaging the tender buds between his fingers.

  A low moan escaped my mouth as I leaned my head back, giving him better access.

  “You are mine, Juliana. All mine.”

  Chapter 27

  “Shit was right.”

  With agility and speed, he lifted my shirt up over my head, tossing it to the floor somewhere across the room.

  “God, you are so beautiful, Juliana,” he spoke as I stood in between his legs, naked with the exception of my white panties.

  I placed my hands on his shoulders and smiled down at him as he stared at my breasts.

  With his hands on my hips, he slowly pulled me closer and sucked one of my nipples into his mouth.

  “Oh,” I cried out, surprised at the intense reaction my body was having to his tender touch.

  As he switched to the other nipple, I noticed that he was still fully clothed in a light blue, button-up shirt and black slacks. I quickly steadied my fingers and began unbuttoning his shirt.

  He grabbed the back of my neck and crushed my mouth to his as I continued my descent down his chest.

  Suddenly, he bolted up, carrying me with him and frantically saying, “Shit! I have to get back to class.”

  I totally forgot he had a beginning photography class at eleven thirty. I quickly glanced at my alarm clock. Shit was right. It was almost ten after eleven already. It took at least fifteen minutes to make it to campus, not to mention the time to park and run to the classroom.

  He held me up under my butt, my legs wrapped around his waist, as he stood in the middle of my room. I grabbed his face in both my hands and kissed him lovingly.

  “When. Is your. Last. Class?” I said between kisses.

  “Ah…” He seemed to be having trouble thinking while my kisses rained down on him, so I pulled away and cocked an eyebrow. “Oh, uh… last class today ends just before three. Can Pete stay with you until then?”

  I nodded and kissed him again, still holding tight to his face. I knew Pete could stay until his shift started at five.

  “Pete, Sid, and Dex all have to work, but because of what happened last night, Lib gave me tonight off,” I explained with a grin.

  “Great. I’ll pick you up…” I interrupted him with more kisses. “Oh, Julia. You’re gonna make me late with your distractions.”

  “I’m sorry. I can’t help myself,” I said as I pulled away slightly.

  He looked at me with lust in his eyes and I could feel his excitement pressing into me.

  “I’ll pick you up as soon as I’m done with my last class, okay?”

  I nodded.

  He carried me over to my bed and laid me down gently.

  “God, you’re so beautiful,” he said as he stared down at me.

  He adjusted himself in his pants, buttoned up his shirt, and turned to leave.

  He stopped at the door, but didn’t turn around. He stood there, taking a few deep breaths, probably to calm his arousal, and then he left.

  Shortly after Aiden left, I looked at my phone. I had three missed text messages from Highway Robber, one from Vic, and another from Maddy.

  Aiden’s texts were a series of frantic messages asking me if I was okay and if it was all right that he came over. I’m glad he didn’t wait for my response.

  Vic’s message was a little strange.

  I’m sorry for the way I acted on Wed. night. I would like a chance to make it up to you. Please tell me how I can make it up to you.

  Well, I already told him I was interested in someone else. I really saw no point in attempting to be kind or to give him a chance. I decided not to respond.

  Maddy’s message made me smile. I really was lucky to have such good friends.

  You have never missed a class since I have known you. I hope you are okay. Mr. Stone seemed completely out of sorts. I hope things are not causing issues. Please let me know you are okay.

  I immediately texted her back.

  Yes, I’m okay Mad. Everything is fine with Stone. I had a long night at work and he assured me since I am almost done with my project, that I could skip class today. Sorry to make you worry. I love you for thinking of me.

  After catching up on my messages, I got dressed and made my way out to the living room.

  Sid looked up at me and smiled a huge grin while she cuddled next to a sleeping Pete and watched raunchy, daytime talk shows.

  Poor Pete was depriving himself of sleep in order to stay with us. I felt so bad and touched that my friend would suffer so that we felt safe.

  “Do you think we should let him sleep in my bed?” I whispered and pointed to Pete.

  Sid shook her head. “No, don’t wake him. He’s out like a light anyway.”

  I sat down on the other side of her, plopping down on the couch and propping my legs up on the coffee table. I barely fit between her and the arm of the couch, but I needed to be close to her.

  “You do realiz
e how much I appreciate you and everything you’ve done for me, right? I just wanted you to know, I love you, and I’m so thankful to have such a good friend in my life,” I blurted out quickly, hoping she would understand even an ounce of respect and adoration I had for her.

  “Aww, Julia. You know I only do it because you do so much for me. You mean so much to me. I don’t know what I would do without you,” she said with tears beginning to gather as she hugged me.

  “No tears. No more tears,” I chided.

  We pulled out of our hug and she got an excited gleam in her eye.

  “So…” she said as she wagged her eyebrows and smiled.

  I shrugged, not sure what she was waiting for me to say.

  “Aiden left here in an awfully good mood and said he would see me later as he was buttoning up his shirt. I’m guessing you guys played nice?” she asked with a wink.

  Oh. That was what she was getting at.

  “Ah, yeah. We talked. I told him everything, even the small details. And he explained the situation with his wife—which is odd, but I’m cool with it. Oh, and something happened I never got a chance to tell you about yesterday,” I continued on, telling her about the panic attack I had in the hallway when he pinned my naked ass to the wall.

  “One of the things I hate about what Rob did to you is he ruined some of the fun stuff for you,” she said.

  I stared at her with a puzzled look on my face, “What do you mean?”

  “Well, a guy holding you down, or holding your hands while he works you into a frenzy, toying with your physical feelings—it’s supposed to be such a turn on. Most guys don’t mean it in a bad or forceful way, and I guarantee Aiden didn’t mean it to be evil. But that’s all you’ve ever known and it sucks the piece of scum took that away from you,” Sid explained.