Into the Darkness

by Kat T. Masen

  There were ten Charlotte Masons, none matching her. I tried Charlie Mason, same result. Fuck. OK, what if I looked for Eric? I type Eric Kennedy and twenty-five results came in. I scrolled through the profiles immediately spotting his face. His photo was of him on some beach doing that annoying duck-face thing while holding the phone up in the air, obviously taking a self-portrait. I clicked on his friends’ list, which thankfully wasn’t private. I figured if Charlotte was on here she would have to be friends with Eric. I scrolled through the names, stopping at a Charlie Brown. I clicked on the photo of a bird, a phoenix I think, but the page was private. I scrolled further in case there was anyone else. Nothing. I went back to Eric’s profile page where I found his latest status update, saying he was going to watch Hangover 3. He tagged Charlie Brown. As I opened up the comments, my anger exploded to another level. It was her all right. She commented about going to see the movie with a companion and about sitting in the back and all I read were lewd comments from Eric and someone named Rocky about…blow jobs.

  I clenched my fists, ready to punch the fucking screen. I leave her alone for one minute and she is giving that fucker head in the movie theatre? Who the fuck was she now?! This wasn’t the Charlotte who was the love of my life, the Charlotte I would have fucking moved heaven and Earth for if she asked. I buried my face in my hands, trying to get a grip on my anger. On impulse, I grabbed my blackberry.

  * * *

  From: Lex Edwards

  Subject: Truth

  Sent: September 25, 2012 9:35 AM

  To: Charlotte Mason

  Charlotte,

  Why are you still seeing him?

  Lex Edwards

  * * *

  I sat there for exactly thirty-four minutes and twenty-one seconds with no response. I was losing my sanity and to make it worse I had an important meeting at the Hilton in less than an hour. What the fuck was I going to do? Every second I was gone, the closer she was getting to him. I didn’t know who she was anymore but she was mine, and no one touched what was mine. I needed to go…now. I needed to fucking see her now. I pressed the Intercom, calling Kate into my office.

  “Kate, please book the next flight to New York City,” I commanded, neatly organizing my papers while shutting down my laptop.

  She responded in confusion. “Um, sir, sorry I don’t understand. The meeting at the Hilton starts in forty-five minutes. We actually need to leave now.”

  “I have to go back to New York. Something urgent has come up and I need to be there now,” I answered in irritation.

  “Sir, this meeting has taken months to organize and we have a lot riding on this merger.”

  I knew that. I wasn’t fucking stupid but there was no way in hell I could allow this to go on any longer. Charlotte needed to know who she belonged to. “Have Brooks replace me. He’s done the ground work. I am heading to the airport now. Please book the Waldorf indefinitely. I expect you to fly in tomorrow.” I grabbed my briefcase, motioning for her to leave.

  “But, sir, I cannot stress enough the importance of your presence at the meeting.” She looked like she was about to cry but I didn’t give a fuck. I knew what I had to do.

  “Kate, do as I say or you can find yourself another job.” Fucking harsh, I know, but I was losing it.

  She raced out of my office, probably ready to burst out crying. I locked my office door behind me and headed out to reception. I didn’t say goodbye to anyone. I just bowed my head, walking straight for the lift. When it arrived, I embraced the quiet solitude. Then I exited the elevator and walked out of the building, then hailed a cab. I sent a quick text to my sister, asking her to arrange some clothes for me as I had no time to pack.

  I’m heading back to NY. I’ll be arriving after 6. Can you please organize clothes for me? Charge it to my card.

  Sure Lex, is everything ok? Leave it with me, everything will be in your suite when you arrive.

  Just something I have to take care of. Thanks Sis.

  I understand. Love you.

  As I boarded the plane, I quickly glanced at my watch. I would land just after six in the evening in New York. Settling into my seat I quickly glanced at my blackberry before I had to turn it off. She had finally responded to my email.

  * * *

  From: Charlotte Mason

  Subject: Truth

  Sent: September 25, 2012 1:38 PM

  To: Lex Edwards

  Lex,

  He is my fiancé. He treats me the way I deserve to be treated. I don’t have to fight with him every time I see him.

  Charlotte Mason

  * * *

  I didn’t respond to her straight away. I would leave her hanging just as she had done to me. I put my cell into my pocket and closed my eyes. I was exhausted. I had barely slept last night. Not to mention I was hitting the gym twice a day to get rid of this tension that constantly hung on my shoulders, plus the fact I was jerking off like ten times a day. I drifted to sleep as the plane took off.

  The announcement came on that we were to land shortly at JFK. I rubbed my face, trying to wake myself up; I couldn’t believe I had slept the whole flight. That was so unlike me. I fastened my seatbelt again and stared out the window. I was accustomed to flying. I rarely spent enough time in one spot. I guess you could call London home for me, but even then I rarely spent much time there. Mom and Dad were still living in Carmel but spent most of their time travelling, and Adriana of course moved to New York with Elijah. She lived in a small loft so I never stayed with her. I still remember offering to buy her a bigger place but she liked the deco feel of the loft, one of a kind in her eyes, typical Adriana.

  As we deplaned, I made a quick detour to the men’s room to wash my face. I contemplated a quick session in the stall but decided against it. My hand needed recovery time. I walked out of the airport quickly as I had no luggage with me and hailed the first cab I could find. I gave the address to Charlotte’s office, praying she would still be there. Taking out my blackberry, I responded to her email.

  * * *

  From: Lex Edwards

  Subject: Truth

  Sent: September 25, 2012 6:12 PM

  To: Charlotte Mason

  Charlotte,

  I don’t share. You must know that by now.

  I will be back in New York next Friday where we can discuss this face to face.

  Lex Edwards

  * * *

  I didn’t want her to know I was in New York even though in twenty minutes she would soon find out. As the cab drove through the streets I gazed out the window. I couldn’t even count the amount of times I had been to New York in the past seven years and to think all along she was here. After Bryce told me about her house in Connecticut, it didn’t make sense. But then she said she stayed with her grandmother so I’m assuming she inherited it. Life had changed for both of us. Who would have thought seven years ago we would both wind up here? I was still coming to terms with the fact she went to Harvard and had her own practice. I was proud of everything she had accomplished but of course I couldn’t tell her that; she never wanted to talk about anything. The rare moments when she would open up I would soak up everything she gave me but then she would realize what she had done and put up that wall again.

  I paid the driver and climbed out. My email kept pinging; I knew I had to deal with the aftermath of not attending that meeting. As I walked into the lobby, I went straight to the elevators. I checked to see if she had replied to my email and there it was, received two minutes ago. I read her words, my blood boiling as they sunk in. I knew jealousy and rage was what got me here in the first place but I wanted nothing more than to rip him into pieces and purge him from her mind and heart. She was my fucking girl! And I was the fucking idiot who listened to everyone else instead of my instincts.

  I rode the elevator up to her floor. I could see the glass doors with the Mason & Romano written on them. As I walked that way, Eric was shutting the door behind him.

  He looked at me in shock. “Lex! What ar
e you doing here?”

  “Is Charlotte here?” My tone was stiff. I needed this over and done with as soon as possible.

  “She’s still in her office. And she’s alone.” He let me in, then smiled before closing the door behind me.

  There was a faint light coming from the double doors where Eric had pointed to. With every step I took the anger swirled inside me, my hands automatically curled into fists itching to swing out and punch the wall after what she said. I saw her standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. She stood there quietly, lost in thought. Was she thinking about me, I wondered? Her expression looked pained, my anger suddenly turning to compassion. I needed her more than I ever needed anyone in my life. Seconds passed as I stood there watching her, the expressions she made, the breaths she took. It was now or never.

  “Are we done, Charlotte?”

  Chapter 17

  Charlie

  * * *

  From: Charlotte Mason

  Subject: Done

  Sent: September 25, 2012 6:57 PM

  To: Lex Edwards

  Lex,

  Stop treating me like I am yours! Do you think it was fair that I had to share you with Samantha?

  Do you think it was fair that I had to find out through the town whore that the one person who had my heart and soul knocked up his wife when he promised me he was no longer fucking her?

  You have no idea what it feels like to be abandoned by the only person who you trusted your life with, the only person who was your entire world, then to not even be given the chance to say goodbye. Yes, I love Julian, and yes, I will continue to see him. Maybe now you will understand what it’s like. What happened the other night was a mistake. Huge mistake. It’s over, Lex. We’re so over.

  Charlotte Mason

  * * *

  I sent the email, my heart beating furiously in my chest. I was angry at him but more so at myself. I shouldn’t have let this happen. Did I really think that having a make-out session would erase the past or give me closure? The scars were still ingrained in me, no matter how much I tried I couldn’t escape or erase them. The only thing I could do now is move forward again, find that strength that made me the person I was. I stood at my window, the darkness setting in. So I made a mistake, a big one. I sighed out loud; this feeling of hurt, there was no point denying it. I knew I made the right decision by telling him to leave me alone, but…I needed closure, right? Fuck, Charlie, honestly. What the hell is wrong with you?

  “Are we done, Charlotte?”

  I heard the voice behind me, just an illusion. Then I turned around and at the doorway of my office…stood Lex.

  “Tell me that we are done.”

  He walked over to where I was standing. Reaching out he ran his finger along my collarbone, my body tensing at his touch. “Lex, what are you doing here?”

  “Well, you said you weren’t mine. I don’t take these things lying down, or maybe I should. It’s obvious you are forgetting who you belong to, who you’ve always belonged to.”

  His eyes were blazing, the tone of his voice dominant yet calm. That kind of calm that terrified me because I knew it only meant one thing. He pushed my hair behind my shoulder and started kissing my neckline, inhaling my skin. The walls started caving, the touch of his lips on my skin breaking them down piece by piece.

  “I had to come back, to remind you.”

  His kisses became ravenous. Any self-control I had jumped shipped when he walked through the door. Why resist, Charlie? You know you want him.

  I grabbed his hair, pulling his mouth onto mine. His lips tasting like heaven, his tongue meeting mine. Unable to stop, my tongue refused to break from his, barely able to let go as he pulled away. He laid me on my desk and forced my legs open, his eyes widening as he saw my garters. Running his hands up my thigh he forcefully pulled me towards him and wrapped my legs around his waist.

  He started unbuttoning my blouse, exposing my breasts. There was no delayed gratification, no admiring my naked form. His mouth ravaged my breasts. I moaned louder knowing there was no one in the office but us.

  There was that pit in my stomach again. “What are you doing to me?”

  “Well Miss Mason, it’s time to make you remember who you belong to.”

  He undid his pants, his cock throbbing hard as it sprung free and slapped against his ripped stomach. I watched him, wanting to taste it so bad. It was the most beautiful cock in the world and he was sliding it against my wet pussy. I was desperate. Then he pushed his cock inside me, my back arching as he did so. I was losing this battle. I wanted more. I wanted his lips and hands to touch every part of me.

  It was then my phone started vibrating on my desk, but I let it ring. It finally stopped vibrating only to start up again a few minutes later. Lex stopped, trying to catch his breath. He looked at the caller ID: Batman.

  “Answer it,” he demanded. What? Fuck, he was still inside me. This was insane.

  “Let it go, Lex,” I answered back.

  “Answer it or I will,” he threatened.

  Was this a bluff? Could I take the risk? I reluctantly answered the phone not knowing how I was going to do this. “Hello?”

  Lex continued fucking me, slower while he buried his head in my neck. I could feel him smirking, thinking he won in this sick twisted game we were playing.

  “Hey, Gorgeous. I miss you. Come to my place tonight?” Julian asked.

  Lex’s hands were trailing my breast, pinching my nipples as I tried to respond without screaming my lungs out. Is this happening?

  “I’m still at work,” I said, trying to keep my tone even. “Rain check?”

  Lex quickly pulled his head away from my neck, his eyes turning a darker shade of green as jealously reared its ugly head. He was pissed and I knew it. He pushed his cock harder into me and I bit down on my lip trying not to moan. I could have sworn I tasted blood.

  “Are you OK?” Julian asked. “You sound out of breath.”

  “I’m fine, just had to run for my cell. I’ll call you tomorrow. There’s something here I need to sort out.”

  “No worries. Till tomorrow, Gorgeous. I love you.”

  What the fuck do I say? “Me too.”

  I ended the call as fast as humanly possible before letting out the loudest moan. Lex pulled himself out of me, leaving me to whimper. What the fuck? We weren’t done. No one came…

  “Did you just tell him you loved him?” he spat.

  “How dare you make me answer that call, Lex!” I lifted my hand to slap him across the face but he quickly grabbed it, his grip overpowering mine.

  “Tomorrow night you will be busy fucking me. You belong to me, Charlotte. Don’t mess with me anymore. You won’t like the punishment.”

  “Fuck you!” I screamed.

  “Since you had no problem keeping quiet over the phone, you will have no problem keeping quiet now.”

  He flipped me around, pushing my chest onto my desk. Forcefully he used his legs to spread mine as far apart as they would go. I felt his cock slide back inside, and leaning over he covered my mouth with his hand, pounding into me. My desk was shaking, the papers flying everywhere. My screams were muffled in his hand, turning me on even more. I gripped the edge of the desk.

  He leaned in closer to my face, still covering my mouth. “You are such a little bitch trying to make me jealous. No one else will fuck you like this. Come for me now,” he commanded.

  I bit into his hand, exploding all over him. His thrusts were desperate as he let go of my mouth and pounded me hard one more time. His body shook as he exploded inside me. He pulled out of me and collapsed onto my body.

  What the hell am I doing? I lay there still, trying to catch my breath. It must have been minutes before I broke the silence. “Lex, I meant what I said.”

  He lifted his body off mine and finished undressing me. His eyes immediately noticed the tattoo of the phoenix just above my pubic bone. He looked into my eyes searching for an explanation, one that I was not ready to
give.

  “And I meant what I said, Charlotte.” Trailing kisses down my body, he ordered me to sit up on the desk, my legs spread. He lowered himself onto my pussy, tasting it slowly, circling his tongue around my clit. He began to suck hard, my body wanting to convulse, again. Taking two fingers he slid them inside my pussy, fucking me with them, his cum mixed with mine dripping out. As the sounds got louder, his arousal came back. I wanted him, I needed to taste him again. I pushed his head away and directed him to sit on my desk. I squatted before him, taking him into my mouth. His cock tasted like my pussy which only turned me on more. I sucked on his cock, pulling on it as I bobbed my head up and down.

  “I wasn’t finished with you,” he demanded.

  “I’m not finished with you.” I stood up and climbed on top of him, thinking I was going to fuck him again but I decided I wanted to taste more of him. I turned around, positioning myself to sixty-nine. His body tensed, his groans intensifying.

  “Oh fuck, baby, bring that pussy here,” he said before burying his face in me.

  My moans intensified as I sucked on his cock. With every lick, I took him in deeper. With every mouthful I had of him, he sucked harder on my clit, moaning into my pussy.

  “Lex, I can’t…take it anymore, I’m going to…” My body started shaking. I frantically grabbed his cock, sucking it hard while I came. It intensified as I felt that familiar taste, his cock emptying inside my mouth. His sweet tasting cum, I thought, savoring every last drop. My arms felt like jelly, but I managed to climb off of him and collapse on the desk. Thank God I had a big desk.