Because of You

by Laura Ward

  His words sounded stricken and raw, but I absorbed them, drawing them into my heart. I didn’t know if he meant that he needed me physically or emotionally, but either way I was his.

  “I need you, too.” I kissed his lips, a light sweet peck. “I’ve already learned and grown from being near you. You’re strong and loyal. The way you take care of your family has captivated me. And the way you make me feel is addictive.” I kissed him again, longer, and he groaned, one hand pressing into my back and one twisting in my hair.

  My mouth opened, tongue peeking out to find his. Meeting, touching, and tangling as we moaned in unison. My hands sought his beautiful hair and I wrapped the long strands around my fingers, hoping that I would weave myself into him, his life, and his heart.

  This complicated, gorgeous man, that thought he didn’t deserve happiness or dreams or good in his life.

  I’d had a glimpse inside, something I believed was a rarity. And Ricky deserved all the beauty the world had to bring. I wasn’t sure I was the person who could give that to him.

  But I sure wanted to try.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Aveline

  “ARE YOU FREE tonight? My boss gave me gift cards to the discount movies. Want to go?” Ricky texted me the next day.

  “The movies? Yes!”

  His response came right away. “Pick you up in an hour.”

  “No, I’ll meet you there. Text me the address?” I asked, fingers flying to respond as excitement zinged through me.

  “Ok, will do.”

  An hour later, I pulled up the address Ricky had sent me. My parents were already in bed when Ricky texted. I knew I could sneak out without alerting Tobias. A loud, rumbling motorcycle would be a different story.

  Excitement bubbled up inside me. This was definitely a date. A real one. My first. Shimmying in my seat, I squeezed my hands together to keep from squealing. A knock at my window shocked me and a scream slipped out.

  “Aveline, it’s me,” Ricky called from the outside.

  I unlocked my door, and Ricky opened it, moving to let me step out of the car. “I’m sorry, it’s dark out and I didn’t see you there.”

  “Didn’t mean to scare you, mariposa.” Ricky closed the door behind me and I locked it, walking next to him into the theater.

  Looking down at his hand, I contemplated grabbing it and holding it in mine. I glanced up at him, but he was focused ahead, looking serious and not like he wanted any contact right now.

  Inside, Ricky used the cards to buy our tickets, popcorn, and sodas. I took in the whole place. Ricky had said over text that this was a discount theatre. Nothing looked discount to me. Large colorful posters illustrated upcoming shows, while dark red velvet ropes lined off entrance and exit areas. The concessions were filled with box after box of candy, every soda I could think of, and even things like pretzels and nachos.

  The little girl inside me did a happy dance.

  I followed Ricky to the last theater on the left. We were seeing one of the later shows for the night and walking into the dark theater, I noticed a few people in the middle, but for the most part the room was empty.

  “Like sitting in the back?” Ricky asked, his tone hushed.

  I nodded vigorously. “Anywhere you like.”

  He led the way to the back row, and we settled into the seats, shedding jackets and securing sodas.

  Ricky motioned to the screen that was still dark. “You haven’t seen this one, right?”

  He’d asked me what movie I wanted to see, but I declined, letting him pick. I had no clue what was popular or getting good reviews right now.

  I shook my head, taking a single piece of popcorn between my fingers and popping it into my mouth. The salty, buttery flavor was delicious.

  My head fell back against the seat and I moaned. “So good,” I told him, eating a few more pieces.

  “My boss cleaned out his desk last week and found the gift cards. Gave them to me for free. I hope you don’t mind a discount theater. I haven’t been to a movie in years. Too pricey.” Ricky scooped up a handful of popcorn.

  “I’ve never been to the movies, so I don’t care at all.”

  Ricky choked on a piece of popcorn and took a long drink from his soda. “Aveline,” he turned to me. “You’ve never been to a movie theater?”

  Oh boy. How did I explain this one?

  “My parents are very… cultured. Movie theaters are not their thing.” I avoided the whole deaf issue and that being the reason movie theaters were unappealing.

  Ricky’s eyes were wide as he watched me. I still had no desire to talk to him about my parents. I would tell him in time, but first I wanted this stage to be about us. Being in the public eye with my parents, I had always seen the looks of pity. I didn’t want or need pity. But getting to know someone without a hint of sympathy was like diving into a crystal clear, cold pool. The refreshing knowledge that I was known and judged, just for me, allowed me to do and say what I meant. Without thought or pretense.

  Letting Ricky into that last part of my life also meant a whole slew of other, sillier issues. He would want to meet my parents and vice versa. My parents would freak about his whole rough guy vibe, not to mention the motorcycle. The first guy I dated had to be one that would hit their panic buttons on many levels.

  No, not yet. Right now, I was enjoying the process of getting to know Ricky on my own terms, for the first time in my life.

  The previews started, and I shimmied again in my seat, smile wide across my face. Feeling his attention still on me, I faced him. “Thank you for asking me. I’m so excited!”

  His eyes warmed, the color again looking like melted chocolate. Reaching between us, he lifted the arm rest and placed his arm around my shoulders.

  My heart raced. This was getting better and better! I snuggled into his embrace, glancing up to see him looking down at me. When we made eye contact again, we both whipped our heads forward.

  The music began, lights darkened, and the movie started.

  A few minutes into the show, Ricky’s hand rubbed my shoulder, his thumb reaching over onto my chest, close to my breast. The warm sensation raised the hairs on my arms and nape. Should I touch him too? I wanted to. The place was pitch dark. I could be bold.

  Inch by inch I dragged my fingers closer to his thigh. Pulling in a deep breath, I placed my hand on his rock-hard leg. A gravelly sound came from the back of his throat and I bit my lip to keep from sighing. Instead, I raised my hand a little higher, my heart beat raising from the intimacy of this moment.

  Ricky’s nose buried in my hair and he inhaled, a shaky pull of air, if I wasn’t mistaken. I didn’t push it further, but neither of us broke contact, using our free hands for popcorn or sodas, the ones connected to each other remaining that way.

  Two hours later, the credits rolled, and the five other patrons exited the theatre. Finally pulling apart, I turned to Ricky, stretching my arms over my head. Popcorn and soda were gone long ago, I was sated with food and entertainment.

  “That was fabulous. Everything is brighter and louder and… and… bigger than watching it at home. Thank you again.”

  Ricky grinned. “Stop thanking me.” He looked around and behind me. “We’re alone,” he muttered, pulling me closer.

  He slipped my glasses off and folded them gently, placing the frames in an empty cup holder beside him. Cupping my face in his hands he drew me closer and closer until our lips met.

  The shyness and fear I had about kissing Ricky was gone. He’d allowed me the time to adapt and heck, I had. Now I wanted more.

  Our lips gave and took. We sucked and licked, tasting and exploring. The sensations were overwhelming, but I wanted more than kisses.

  I climbed over onto his lap, my fingers stroking his hard jaw. “Will someone come in here?”

  “Not for a while, mariposa. Almost no one is on duty this late. I’ll keep an eye out, you’re safe.” He sucked on my earlobe and then ran his tongue down my neck.

&
nbsp; “I love it when you call me that.” I sighed.

  He sucked on my pulse point and I whimpered. “Delicate, fragile, beautiful. That’s what you are to me. A butterfly.”

  My lips pursed in a small, teasing grin. “I feel like I have wings. I want to stretch them wide, enveloping you.” I adjusted my legs, bringing one on either side of him and as I sat back down, his hardness landed right between my legs.

  “Oh,” I breathed out, a surge of fiery delight shooting through me. A strong and urgent need coursed through my blood and I pressed down, wanting to relieve the ache that throbbed in my core.

  Ricky closed his eyes. “Fuck,” he whispered, his hands falling to grasp my hips.

  When he opened his eyes again, they were hooded. Mine felt heavy in response. I followed my instinct and rocked back and forth, dragging my body along his erection.

  Ricky’s mouth fell open and I caught his lower lip between mine, sucking as I rocked. Whatever instincts I was following had to be right, as Ricky took over, his mouth meeting mine, in a hard, demanding kiss.

  My hands found his long hair and I wrapped it around my fingers, reveling in the soft, silky locks. We kissed, mouths dueling for control as my tempo increased. Ricky’s hands guided me, seeming to know exactly which patterns brought the most pleasure.

  I’d only ever felt this build inside me from my own hands, the images I read about in my books playing out in my bed at night. The orgasm was coming. My skin heated, body tightening, and breath stalled. I pulled back, my head dropping to my shoulders and I groaned, shuddering with release as pleasure washed over me.

  As reality found me, so did embarrassment. God, I got myself off on his lap. What did I do for him? Nothing. Not one thing.

  I sat up straight, my fingers tracing his now even more swollen lips. My other hand traveled to his jeans, fumbling with the button.

  Ricky chuckled, nipping at the end of my finger. “Not here. Maybe when I come to your house on Saturday, okay?”

  “Okay, Ricky. That was… that was…” I mumbled, brain on overload.

  Ricky’s gaze was tender. “Good? Was that your first orgasm, little mariposa?”

  My face heated as I shook my head. “I’m twenty-two. I’m not a nun.”

  The smile fell from his face. “But you’ve never had any boyfriends…” His words trailed off. Realization struck and the smile that appeared was slightly wicked. “I’m going to save that discussion for another time.”

  He scooted me off his lap, standing and readjusting himself in his pants. God, that was hot.

  I stood, placing my hand on his forearm. “I’m not experienced as you know, but I’m looking forward to more with you on Saturday. I’m sorry to leave you uncomfortable.”

  He chuckled. “So formal. So cute.” He kissed my lips. “Trust me when I say that what I saw from you, what I felt from your body, will take care of me for quite a while.” The corner of his mouth lifted in a lopsided grin and I couldn’t help but laugh.

  I would soak up every minute. I would touch him everywhere I could. And I would make love with him when the time was right.

  Because I was ready. My time had come. I was living my life out loud, open, and in the arms of Ricky for as long as he’d have me.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Ricky

  THE COMFORTING SOUND of my family’s native language surrounded me, calming my nerves and focusing my attention right where it should be. Mama was at work and the girls were food shopping. Papa watched Univision news, while I helped with his circulation exercises.

  I lifted his arm, straightening it and bending it, then moving it in small circles. “Papa?” I asked, watching his eyes fix on me. “Are you in any pain?”

  Papa blinked once slowly. One blink meant no, so that was good.

  “Are you angry that you’re paralyzed?” I had never asked Papa anything about the accident. I was always too afraid of his emotions.

  Papa blinked once.

  I figured he had accepted it. I sure as hell hadn’t, but I wasn’t surprised he had.

  I moved over to his other arm performing the same exercises. “What if I told you I found the family of the girl you saved? And they can help us. Would you want me to go to them? To help Mama and the girls?”

  This time he blinked twice. The monstrous part of me that demanded revenge roared.

  I had to move on and finish my plan. I could deal directly with Aveline’s parents and leave her out of it. I refused to listen to the grumblings in my head that demanded she be punished. She deserved nothing but happiness in her life.

  Her parents, on the other hand, deserved none of my concern. They had it all. It was time to share with those in need.

  Kissing Papa on the head, I went into my bedroom, and retrieved the burner phone from under my mattress. Sitting on the edge of my ratty mattress, I opened the cheap flip phone. There still hadn’t been any response to my texts and no money sent to the PO Box I opened. Time to escalate my threats… Typing slowly, I re-read my words three times.

  “I’ve been in your home. I know you use Indiana Trust for your home security. I know you clap three times to alert Tobias to stand down. I know you bank with First Financial. Right now, in your checking account, you have approximately $23,456.97.

  “I know all of this and I can find out more. Or I can go away. Text me with your offer.”

  I hit send.

  And then I hurled the phone across the room, watching as it clunked against the wall, leaving a dingy, black mark.

  Like the black of my soul, I supposed.

  Elbows to knees, I gripped my head in my hands, and prayed to a God I no longer believed in.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Ricky

  MY FINGER PRESSED down on the buzzer, the sound of the chimes ringing inside the house followed by the barking of Aveline’s dog. I heard her clap her hands and the barking stopped immediately.

  The wide wooden door swung open, and my heart skidded and then sped at the sight before me. Aveline stood on her tiptoes, her tiny body vibrating with what l guessed was excitement based on the look on her face.

  “Ricky,” she breathed, and jumped onto me.

  I caught her, my arms wrapping around the backs of her legs, lifting her so her face could meet mine. Her brown hair was in a knot on the top of her head, strands falling down and framing her face. Her glasses were askew, flour or some other white powdery substance on the side of her face. She wore a dress, long sleeved and silky, the light purple color somehow highlighting the gray in her eyes.

  “You’re here and I’m so glad.” She whispered her words, running the tip of her nose along mine and sighing at the contact.

  My body was strung tight. God, I wanted to yank that dress off, right here in her foyer and run my big hands all over her dainty body. She was different than any girl I had dated or wanted before, but my little butterfly captivated me. Every movement she made, every noise, every word, she had all of my attention.

  “Mmmm,” I inhaled her scent, floral, now mixed with something aromatic. “I’m glad too, mariposa.” My lips landed on hers, pulling them open, touching my tongue to hers.

  She sighed again, her hands landing on the sides of my head, one trailing down my hair and the other holding on in a gesture so deeply cherishing, my throat constricted.

  Slowly, I lowered her feet to the ground. Aveline righted her glasses and smoothed her hair. I leaned over to wipe the flour off her cheek with my thumb.

  “I’m such a mess,” she giggled. “Wait until you see this kitchen. I’ve been cooking for you all day and I’ve realized, I’m quite bad.” She laughed again. “I promise, I tried. I really did.”

  Taking her hand in mine, I pulled her closer. Head lowered, and knees bent, I looked into her dancing eyes. “All I need is you.” Her eyes darkened at my words. “No need for food.” My lips pressed against her neck and I sucked, my tongue tracing a path to her collarbone before I could leave a mark.

  Aveline droppe
d her head back, completely exposing her neck, a wordless plea for more. Her hands clutched my shirt as my tongue laved her, lips pressing deep wet kisses along her sensitive skin.

  “Wait, I’m…” Her voice sounded pained and one look at her face confirmed this. Her eyebrows were pinched, lips pressed together and her normally pale skin was flushed red.

  I stopped at the sound of her voice. “I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?” God, please don’t let me have hurt this sweet girl. I was more than twice her size and weight. I had to be more careful around my Aveline.

  She didn’t answer, pulling me into the kitchen behind her instead. Despite my worry that I had pushed her too far, I chuckled at the sight of her workspace. It was a complete and utter disaster. Pots and pans filled the sink and stove top. Flour covered the island, a rolling pin and large bowl sat askew. Pretty much every surface of this formerly pristine, white kitchen was covered in various stages of cooking prep.

  Aveline pulled open the refrigerator, handing me a beer and pulling out a bottle of white wine. She placed the bottle on the counter and stood on her tiptoes, opening a glass covered cabinet door. I spied what she was reaching for and leaned over her, grabbing a delicate stemmed wine glass, setting it next to the wine bottle.

  Not hesitating for a second, Aveline pulled the cork out of the previously opened wine bottle and filled the glass generously. My lips curved as I watched her take several large gulps of the wine, her hand quivering as she held the glass.

  Her eyes met mine and widened behind her frames. “Oh my goodness! I’m rude!” She put her glass down and reached into the drawer behind her, pulling out an opener. “I forgot about your beer. I’m sorry.”

  The red in her cheeks had dulled to a pink, but she seemed even more nervous as she popped the tab off the bottle and handed it to me.

  “Aveline,” I gentled my tone more than I was used to, not wanting to scare my skittish butterfly. Setting the opened beer on the island behind me, I placed each of my hands on the counter on either side of her, trapping her between my arms. “Talk to me. Did I hurt you?”