by Jane Price
Zaria didn’t like the sound of the request. The last time she had seen him he had tried to kiss her. What if this time he wanted more since they were, after all, engaged? Would she be able to stop him before he did anything? Zaria knew she couldn’t straight up deny him his request to see her or it would be very suspicious. She just had to play along and hope that nothing happened.
With her stomach in her mouth, Zaria started to climb the stairs to her room. She wondered how he would react to her and a million scenarios played in her head, all bad. She wished she could just disappear and not see him at all.
Slowly, she finally approached her bedroom before opening up the door. She gulped as she entered the doorway, and stood scared. She saw Oliver sitting on her bed with a cup of whiskey in his hand. He smirked at her before telling her to come in.
“Ah! There’s my beautiful fiancé! Have you missed me?” He asked, a smirk dancing on his lips. Zaria felt like throwing up. How could she miss a man she had no feelings for? She looked at him, trying to remember that she needed to act like an excited fiancé. She had to act like nothing was wrong and that the sight of him didn’t repulse her.
“Oh… of course!” Zaria chirped, a little too enthusiastic. He smiled at her before standing up and walking towards her reaching out his hand to pull her closer. She hesitated before walking forward. He suddenly grabbed her hand and then frowned.
“Why are your hands so rough my precious little princess? These are a worker’s hands not those of a princess! What causes you to have such rough skin?” He asked her with accusing eyes. There was no way she could tell him the truth because if she did she would have to tell him that she often helped Ryder with his work. She needed to come up with some sort of convincing lie or she would blow their cover.
“I… uh… have dry skin… Yeah… and moisturizer doesn’t really work… unfortunately.” Zaria tried to be convincing, but she knew she sounded like an idiot. She watched as his eyes peered down at her. She could feel the tendrils of doubt run up her spine. What if he didn’t believe her?
“Hmm… I’m sorry to hear that. Well, remind me to bring you some lotion from Mokha. We have this great crème that works wonders!” He said before suddenly pulling her onto his lap. Zaria yelped when he did, not expecting the sudden movement. She looked at him with frightened eyes as he chuckled taking the look for excitement.
Oliver smiled before leaning down and kissing her neck. Zaria could feel her skin crawl as she felt his lips and did everything she could do to resist the urge to run away. Zaria had to pretend to like this guy. She could feel his lips move across her neck and get closer and closer to her chest. She bit her lip, hard, drawing blood. Oliver stopped, looking at her.
“What’s wrong baby? Do you not like it?” Zaria forced a smile. Hopefully, he wouldn’t notice the fake smile and hopefully he wouldn’t want anything more from her. She could handle a kiss on the neck but if he wanted anything else he would be pushing her limits.
Suddenly Zaria found herself pinned against the wall. He pushed his lips against hers. Zaria’s eyes grew in shock. She could feel her mouth fill with bile.
She could feel the kiss intensify. Then suddenly she felt his hand crawling up her dress. Zaria grew tense, not wanting what would happen next. When he started unbuttoning his pants she finally snapped.
“Oliver. No. We aren’t married yet.” Zaria tried to stop him. He smirked and shook his head.
“I don’t care.” He whispered in her ear before nibbling on her earlobe. This couldn’t be happening. This wasn’t happening. Zaria suddenly felt adrenaline fill her veins as she kicked him as hard as she could.
He fell to the ground withering in pain. Zaria ran. The next thing she knew she was at the stables banging on the door, “Ryder!” She called out hoping he would answer her. She was desperate and sighed in relief when he finally opened up the door.
“Zee… what’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” She nodded and then looked at him shaking.
“Oliver… he … he tried to… you know…. I panicked and kicked him… we have to leave! Now!” This wasn’t good.
Chapter 8
Ryder grabbed her and quickly entered the stables. She would have to grab their money box as he grabbed one of the horses. He just hoped there would be enough in the box for two tickets out of the island. Zaria ran as fast as she could up the stairs to grab the box, already hearing her name being shouted. They were already looking for her. They were running out of time.
Ryder unlocked a stall as fast as he could, picking out the best horse on the island. He quickly tossed a saddle onto the horse including a few bags with very minimal supplies in case they didn’t succeed in finding tickets.
He led the horse outside before quickly helping Zaria onto the horse. In a moment, he jumped up as well, getting in front of her and wrapping her arms around him before taking the reins in his hand.
“Hold on tight, okay?” She nodded and squeezed him as hard as she could. Ryder snapped the reins hard and the horse shot off in a fast gallop, making the ride a bumpy one. He navigated the horse toward the closest dock, prayers being uttered under his breath. Zaria squeezed her eyes shut also uttering prayers.
Ryder couldn’t believe how fast this was happening. One minute he was eating dinner and then the other he was running away with the love of life, the threat of death lingering on the back of his neck. He urged the horse to go even faster, fear creeping up on him. Ryder knew they couldn’t get caught or it would be the death of them.
Ryder pushed the horse to go even faster until the woods around them were blurred and their world became a sloppy painting of greens and browns. They needed to get away. Fast and far.
Chapter 9
They soon reached the port city. No one seemed to be following them. They relaxed before counting their money. There wasn’t enough.
“How are we going to get the rest of the money for the tickets?” Ryder looked at Zaria, wondering how they were going to come up with the rest of the money. Zaria looked at him, thinking. She suddenly had an idea and ripped off her engagement ring.
“I’ve been waiting to do this for a long time now. It should give us the money we need.” Ryder smirked, nodding, before snatching the ring. “You better stay here so you aren’t recognized. I’ll deal with the ring and find something to disguise you. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He kissed her passionately. Zaria agreed and stayed with the horse. It was good company.
Ryder clutched the ring in his hand as he left to find the closest pawn shop. It felt great to get rid of the ring that had plagued their lives. He quickly pawned it not bothering to bargain with the shop manager. They had enough money to buy the tickets and a scarf and sun glasses for Zee, and they even had a bit left for whatever may come ahead. He went back to Zaria as quickly as he could. Ryder then brought his horse over to a stable, solemnly saying goodbye.
He then grabbed Zaria’s hand and together they boarded the ship together, about to change their lives, hopefully for the better.
Chapter 10
Zaria and Ryder were lying in bed now, the boat gently rocking them to and fro with the waves. They were looking at each other now, a loving look on their eyes. They were safely nestled in the middle of the ocean together, leaving behind a life they no long wanted. Zaria would no longer be an Araeldan princess but she would be Ryder’s princess and that’s all that mattered to her.
Ryder looked down at Zaria who was laying in his arms now. Both exhausted from the adrenaline of the day. He smiled at her, warmly, before kissing her gently. He couldn’t believe they had actually run away together. He couldn’t believe this beautiful woman actually loved him and wanted to be with him. He smiled happily before pulling her even closer to him. She looked up at him, rolling on top of him before kissing him gently.
“Aren’t you glad that we can go off and start our lives together, like a true family? The baby doesn’t need to be a secret anymore. I can get a job and raise money and we
will be a happy little family.” Zaria looked at him, loving the excitement in his voice. Also wary knowing that her father would be looking for her and now Ryder. She shoved that as far down as she could.
Ryder chuckled as he saw the excitement in her eyes. He kissed the top of her head, gently. He loved how happy she got over the thought of them being a family. It made him feel proud.
He leaned down and kissed her lips. Soon enough the kiss turned passionate. Before they knew it they were both naked, smiling at each other, tangled into a loving embrace. They looked at each other for a moment, just admiring one another.
Zaria was beautiful, with flawless skin and a beautiful chest. Ryder was muscular and tanned from countless days of being caressed by the sun. Zaria looked at him before slowly running a hand down his chest. He smiled at her before leaning down and gently kissing her shoulder, playfully nipping it. She giggled before pulling him closer. Suddenly she flipped them over and looked down at him, smirking at her new position. She giggled again, feeling naughty and then kissed him again.
For some reason, she was suddenly overcome by a need for him. She wondered if they could still make love even thought she was pregnant. Before she could give it a second thought that it might be a bad idea she was overcome by urges and couldn’t stop herself from pouncing on him.
She started to kiss his neck, hard and fast, making him moan. She loved the sound of his moans. She continued to kiss his neck, getting more and more eager with each kiss, before finally finding his sweet spot. She continued kissing him sweetly and then started to suck his neck slowly until he couldn’t take it anymore.
He flipped them over suddenly, pinning her to the bed. She grinned at him, giggling before she leaned up and kissed him, hard. They continued to kiss with their hands roaming all over each other’s bodies. Ryder’s hands went up and down her back before finding the sweet wetness between her legs. He smirked, knowing he had found his prize.
Ryder started to rub her slowly, teasing her. He fingered her, playing her like an instrument as his fingers started to experiment with going in and out of her, slowly. He smirked at the reaction, loving the sound of her moans against his ear as she arched her back, her body begging for more.
Ryder grinned in amusement at her reaction before leaning down and kissing her again. He ran his fingers through her hair before getting into position behind her. Suddenly he plunged into her, making her gasp. He held her hands above her head before starting his rhythm of thrusting in and out of her, rocking her whole world.
Zaria moaned loudly as her world filled with immense pleasure. She pulled her lover closer as her fingers tangled into his hair, pulling his lips closer to hers. She wrapped her legs around him as he continued to rock into her. She started to move her hips, matching his rhythm, both of them rocking in sync with the rocking of the boat.
Soon enough Zaria could feel herself begin to orgasm. Ryder continued to piston in and out of her, making her feel incredible. She could tell he was enjoying himself as he went even harder. Zaria moaned his name as she started to shake in orgasm.
Ryder couldn’t handle the sound of his name escaping her perfect lips. He rushed over the edge and suddenly he was shooting his load deep inside of her. They collapsed on top of each other, panting in exertion.
Ryder, when he finally caught his breath, he moved down, laying his head on her stomach. He smiled, thinking that maybe, just maybe, if he listened close enough he could be able to hear his child. He reached up and grabbed Zaria’s hand. They laid like that for a long while, smiling, knowing that soon enough they would be starting a family together.
The baby no longer had to be a secret. They no longer had to live in fear. They could finally express their love freely, without fear of death. Ryder smiled at the thought of the life to come. He knew there was nothing else in the world that would make his life better.
He may have grown up an orphan, without parents, but if he hadn’t lived a life of sorrow, washed up unwanted on a shore, he never would have met Zaria. He would have never fallen in love. His life hadn’t be easy, but it had been worth it.
THE END
Secrets & Love
The ice was starting to melt in my glass. I picked it up and swirled it around before taking a swallow. Then I finished it off. What the hell, right? I was already as low as I could get, so getting wasted in this shabby old bar wasn’t going to hurt my reputation any. I signaled for the bartender to bring me a refill, trying to pretend I didn’t know her. I was trying really hard to pretend I didn’t know every single person in this place.
I watched as she fixed my drink and for the briefest of moments I let myself feel sorry for her. I couldn’t remember her name, Lori maybe, but she was a couple years younger than I was. Graduated with my sister I think. And here she was, at the same bar we used to try and sneak into, in the same town we grew up in, getting hit on by all the guys who chose to stay in this dust bowl.
I wondered what went so wrong in her life that she ended up here. Or maybe she never left. I shuddered at the idea. She set my drink on a fresh coaster and gave me a kind smile. The kind of smile that made you want to unburden all your problems and leave a big tip. I forced a smile in return and handed her a couple of bills.
I didn’t feel like talking, but I wasn’t really in a hurry to return to my childhood bedroom at my mom’s place either. Or even figure out how I was supposed to get back there now that my world was starting to get a little fuzzy around the edges. I left that responsible over-planner behind in my old life. The one that kicked me back here. Clearly being responsible wasn’t working for me, so I may as well see how the other half lived. I raised my glass to my new life plan, and took a long sip.
Through my muted senses, the opening notes of a familiar song filtered through and I forced myself to listen to it. It made me think of when being home made me happy. A time when I had fit in here. I hated that I still loved this song. I hated whoever paid a dollar to play this song on the jukebox. I took up my glass again, but only ice touched my lips. I hated that too. Looking down the bar I saw Lori, maybe Lori, anyways, talking to a group at the other end, so while I waited I used my glass to stamp a circle of water onto the bar. Then another. Anything to get my mind off the past.
The stool to my right squeaked as someone climbed onto it, stirring me from my sulking. The spark I felt from the rub of his arm against mine as he adjusted in his seat surprised me. As did the familiar scent of clean soap mixed with fresh pine. I hated that I loved that smell.
Stealing a look to my periphery I took in the thick calloused hands and dark tanned arms that a man only got from long hours working in the sun. My eyes travelled up from the plaid shirt rolled at the elbows, the standard uniform around here, along the thick muscles of his arms, up to the pair of bluest eyes to ever grace W. H. Morrison High. Shit.
“Get that stupid grin off your face Colt Miller.”
“What grin?”
“You know the one.”
“The one that tells you I caught you checking me out?”
“I was not checking you out.”
“Come on, Calleigh, I know you better than that. Actually, I seem to recall knowing you really well at one time.”
I groaned at the memories that brought back. Between Colt and the jukebox I was going to have to drink myself into oblivion to get through tonight. I finally caught Lori’s attention and she began mixing another unforgiving rye and coke. I could say one good thing about this place- they don’t water down the drinks like in the city.
“It’s good to see some things don’t change.” Colt nodded towards my glass. “That’s all you would drink in high school. You were always wanting to prove you were tough.” He motioned for Lori to bring him another beer.
“Around here it seems like nothing has changed. I guess I’m fitting right in.” I said with a cynical smile.
“Yeah, I heard you moved back to town.” I snorted. I’m sure everyone knew that by now. Nothing moves faster than the be
auty shop grape vine. “I never thought I would see you back here again.”
Lori returned with Colt’s beer and I stamped another ring of water onto the bar while I tried to ignore their friendly conversation. I didn’t remember her smiling quite so much when she served me my drink, and I definitely didn’t remember her having quite so much cleavage hanging out of her shirt either. I guess that’s one more thing that hasn’t changed. Colt was, by far, the best looking guy in our class. That wasn’t to say he was a slut about it, but that didn’t stop all the girls from trying.
“What’s that smile for?” He asked after Lori had moved back down the bar.
“I was just remembering all the girls you made cry our senior year.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Don’t you remember?”
“I only remember one.”
