by Rae Spencer
Tom watched Arianna struggle with her embarrassment and her shame. She didn’t need to be ashamed. She had done nothing wrong.
He continued stroking her fingers. “When you were on the streets, were you hurt?”
“Sometimes others would try to steal my food or money and if I tried to stop them I would get knocked around a little,” she said.
He gritted his teeth and clasped her hands in his bringing them his lips kissing the knuckles. “Butterfly, I’m sorry.”
Her eyes jerked to his. Fear crept through her. He would tell her to leave now. She quickly looked down. She would get her stuff and leave when they reached the venue. She wouldn’t make him say it. She understood.
Everyone thought differently of her once they learned the truth about her life. It was the same story. A girl from the streets was no good. Never would be. Once a vagrant always a vagrant. How she hated that word! She was a vagrant, but not by choice. But men didn’t date and certainly didn’t love vagrants. They only used them then discarded them like yesterday’s trash.
She bit her lip and slowly slid her hands out of his. She didn’t look at him. She didn’t want to. Standing, she turned and walked into the bedroom.
She stared at the room for a moment wrapping her arms around her chest her body quaking. She would miss all of this. She would miss Tom. Never would another man make her feel the way he did. Like she mattered. Really mattered.
She heaved a deep sigh and knelt in front of the bed. She opened the drawer underneath and began taking her things out.
“What are you doing?” Tom asked.
She jerked. She hadn’t heard him enter. She didn’t look up as her tears spilled over. “Packing.”
“Why?” He knelt behind her, cupping her shoulders and pulling her back against his chest.
She shook her head as she continued to remove her clothes from the drawer.
He reached out, stopping her movements, entwining his fingers with hers and wrapping their arms around her.
“Butterfly, why are you packing?” He held her tightly against him.
“Because,” her voice trembled.
Tom picked her stuff back up and put it all back in the drawer.
Her voice broke. “Tom, I understand. You don’t need to say anything. You don’t have to pretend. I'll leave the next time we stop.”
He wrapped his arms around her again, his heart pounding. “Is that what you think? Because of what happened to you, of what you have been through, I wouldn’t want you anymore?”
She didn’t say anything. She didn’t know what to say. Why would he want her? A street person. A vagrant.
He grabbed her waist and stood with her in his arms. He laid her on the bed. Lying on top of her, he held her in place.
She quickly turned her head.
He stroked her lips and wiped the wetness off her cheeks. “I don’t want you to leave.”
“Why not?” She squeezed her eyes closed.
He turned her head so he could look into her eyes. He waited until she opened them and whispered, “I love you.”
Shock rippled over her face. Her pulse pounded and her eyes widened as shivers rocketed along her skin.
“I love you, Arianna. I don’t want you to leave. I won’t let you leave. What happened to you was not your fault. It doesn’t and could never change the way I feel about you,” he said.
Her breath fanned his face. “You don’t need to lie to me.”
He stroked her lips. “I would never lie about loving you. Your mother never should have said those things to you, if anything she’s the needy and greedy one.”
“I don’t understand.” She blinked, trying to hold back the fresh tears clinging to her eyelashes. She wanted to believe Tom. She did.
“Wanting sneakers, soda and things like that at fourteen is normal. All kids want those things and more,” he said.
“Really?” She brushed strands of hair off her face.
He smiled brushing her lips with his. “Yes, really. Arianna, your mom is the one who was greedy and needy, not you. And irresponsible. She made a child leave her care because she didn’t want to provide for you, because she was selfish.”
Arianna watched Tom’s face, but she didn’t say anything.
“You lived on the streets, taking care of yourself. You managed to find a job and provide for yourself. You said you never stole anything and paid John back the money he lent you. No one would have blamed you if you had stolen something,” he said.
“I didn’t.” Her body stiffened beneath his as her eyes widened more.
He kissed her nose. “What I’m saying is if you had stolen food it would have been understandable. Even acceptable. You were fourteen and on the streets fending for yourself. No parent should ever do that to a child.”
She blinked, uncertainty flowing in her eyes.
“You never turned to drugs or to prostitution. Many would have. You had offers by men to give you a place, clothes and money in exchange for sex. You didn’t take them. You did everything you could to make a good honest life for yourself. Don’t be ashamed,” he said.
“But I lived on the streets with junkies and prostitutes.” Her brows drew together.
“Yes, but you weren’t one.” He knew she hadn’t been for a fact.
She shook her head.
“What about school?” he asked.
“I took a course and got my GED,” she said.
He brushed his fingers over her cheek to her nose placing a gentle kiss where so many of her pretty freckles lay. “Why? Why Butterfly would you think I would want you to leave?”
Her breath puffed in his face. “Because I lived on the streets. Because I’m a vagrant.”
“You’re not a vagrant. You never were. Vagrants choose to be on the streets. They choose to stay on the streets. You didn’t. I love you, Arianna.” His voice was hard, firm and it rippled over her.
“Do you?” she asked.
His eyes told the truth as they scorched her with dark blue heat. He meant what he said. “Yes, I do.”
“You don’t think it was my fault my mom made me leave?” Her fingers trembled as she wiped at the tears on her face.
He watched her wishing her to believe him. He knew she had to believe and understand she didn’t do anything wrong. “No, I don’t think it was your fault. Arianna, what did your mom buy for you?”
“What do you mean buy for me?” she asked.
“Gifts, clothes, things like that. Did she buy those things?” He placed his forehead against hers.
She shook her head brushing her forehead against his. “I lived with my grandma until she died when I was thirteen. My mom only visited. After my grandma died she sold my grandma’s house.”
“Your grandma raised you?” he asked, surprise coursing through his veins.
“My mom said she didn’t have time for a child,” she said.
“She didn’t have time for a child. How often did you see your mom?” He wanted to strangle the woman.
“Maybe once every other year. Her and my grandma used to fight on the phone a lot, but my grandma was great,” she said.
“When your grandma passed away, your mom lived with you in your grandma’s house until she sold it?” he asked.
“Yes,” she said.
“How did your mom treat you when she stayed with you?” he asked.
“She said I was a burden and she didn’t know how my grandma had put up with me all these years.” Fresh tears spilled from her eyes.
“When your grandma was alive how were things? Did you have food, clothes?” He brushed her tears away.
“Oh, yes, my grandma was wonderful. She did everything with me. I went to dance class. I used to love to dance. We went to school functions. To the mall. We always had food. And we celebrated birthdays and holidays.” A soft smile curved her lips as she remembered her grandma.
“And when your mom was there?” he asked.
“It changed. My mom said there wasn’t enough
money for food, or clothes. She said I drained my grandma of her money and she had to sell the house to pay off the debts left behind. I didn’t know I did.” Her eyes clouded with the memories.
“You didn’t.” Tom cupped her chin, staring into her eyes.
“What do you mean I didn’t?” she asked.
“Your grandma took care of you because she wanted to. You didn’t drain her money. She did those things for you because she loved you. I’m sure she had some income and handled her money well. If she didn’t, you would have gone without.” He kissed her nose.
“Then why did my mom say those things?” she asked.
“I don’t know. But she wasn’t there when you were growing up. She didn’t tell you who your father was. Your mom sounds like a selfish woman and your grandma sounds like a wonderful one,” he said.
She smiled softly. “She was. I loved my grandma very much.”
“And your grandma took good care of you. It is obvious in the way you conduct yourself. Your life after she died was hard, but not because you did anything wrong. The only person who did anything wrong was your mom,” he said.
Arianna wanted to believe him. The way he explained it made sense. Her mom had never been around. She hardly knew her. Maybe. Just maybe Tom was right.
“Arianna, taking care of someone and providing for them is another way of showing how much you love them. It isn’t about how much it costs. I want to care for you. I want you here with me always. I will provide for you simply because I love you and I only want you to love me,” he said.
Her brows furrowed as her mind whirled. He made it sound so simple. Tremors washed over her. Not of fear but of relief, understanding and love. She was amazed and overwhelmed. It was like a story from one of her books.
“I love you, Butterfly. I always will. I will love you for the rest of our lives.” He brushed her lips again.
Arianna blinked. Her tears flowed and she wrapped her arms around his neck holding him tightly as soft sobs broke free.
Chapter 12
Tom’s alarm went off. He opened his eyes to Arianna curled tightly against his side, sleeping peacefully. It was after eleven, they would need to get up and get ready. They would reach the venue about one.
He reached over and turned the alarm off, looking down at her. He brushed hair off her face, running his fingers through the heavy tresses. He couldn’t believe all she had been through in her short life.
Anger crashed through him at the mere thought of the woman she called her mother. How dare her mother treat her like a piece of trash? Like she was disposable. Arianna wasn’t!
He watched her eyes open, her green depths reflecting his own love. He brushed her nose with his. “Morning, Butterfly.”
“Morning.” Her fingers glided over his cheek.
“I love you.” He watched her eyes flare.
“And I love you.” She leaned forward and kissed him.
Tom rolled on her as his tongue plunged into her mouth. Need and desire raced through his body. “I want you.”
“I want you, too.” She arched into him.
He stood and stripped his shorts off then held out a hand to Arianna. She placed her hand in his, climbing off the bed and standing before him.
He quickly took her clothes off. He turned her around. Her back against his chest, he cupped her breasts while licking and nipping her neck.
She caressed his outer thighs arching her neck against his shoulder.
He lifted her thigh, placing her foot on the bed. His fingers trailed over her stomach and slipped through her wetness. His other hand held her hip as he thrust his cock inside her.
His fingers moved over her clit in time with his cock. “God, Butterfly, I love being inside of you.”
Their sweat mingled along his chest and her back. She arched with his strokes until her body began to pulsate. She cried out.
He groaned. The orgasm ripped through him stealing his breath. He gripped her tightly as his seed streamed deep inside of her.
****
He held her hand as they walked toward the dressing rooms. “Tonight, members of Simple Time will be here.”
She walked into the room ahead of Tom. “Are you friends with them?”
“Acquainted,” he said.
She tilted her head. “What does that mean?”
He laughed. “We know them and hang out with, but they aren’t friends like Clay, Scott and Kevin.”
She nodded.
His phone rang. “Hi Lily.”
Arianna couldn’t hear what Lily said.
Tom smiled looking at her. “I'll ask her. Lily and the girls want to go shopping and they want you to go with them.”
She glanced at him, startled.
“Yeah, Lily. Give her a few minutes.” He wanted her to go and have a good time. He hung up his phone, reaching for her hands. He pulled them to his lips, placing a kiss on each while he smiled into her eyes.
She began to speak but he placed a finger over her lips. “Go with girls. Go shopping and buy lots of stuff. Clothes, jewelry, whatever you want. Just enjoy yourself.”
Arianna gulped.
He reached into his pocket and took out his wallet. He opened the soft brown leather and removed a credit card, handing it to her.
She held the card staring at her name, Arianna Morris imprinted on the front.
He slid his fingers into her hair. “I love you and I want to provide for you.”
She stared at him.
He addressed the thoughts running through her mind. Something he believed her mom put in her head. “It doesn’t make you what you think. It only means I love you.”
She smiled, still unsure.
“Everything I have is yours.” He kissed her nose.
She understood what he was saying. She would have to get used to his behavior, his wanting to provide for her.
“I want you to go with the girls and buy whatever you want. I don’t want you to think about necessities. I don’t want you to worry about prices. I don’t care how much you spend. Just have fun.” He reached down and pinched her butt.
She opened her mouth, but he kissed her. “I’ve more money than I can ever spend. I want to share with you. I don’t want you to worry about working or making your own money. I want to provide for you because I love you.”
She kissed him with all the love in her heart.
He hugged her tightly. “Come on, I'll take you to meet up with the girls. Let’s get you off and you had better buy lots of stuff, understand?”
“Yes. I do.” She laughed
“Alright then. Come on.” He pinched her butt again then grabbed her hand dragging her to the door. They walked out looking for the girls.
“Arianna,” Lily called, waving as she stood by Amy and Melissa.
Arianna waved back, walking hand in hand with Tom.
“We’re going to hit the shops. Then get some lunch while the boys do their stuff.” Amy smiled
“Okay.” Arianna squeezed Tom’s fingers.
“We will be back in time to catch the show since we have guest coming tonight,” Melissa said.
“Come on.” Lily kissed Clay before climbing in the car. Melissa and Amy each kissed their husbands before getting in the car.
Arianna smiled at Tom. He leaned down kissing her softly. “Have a good time.”
“I will.” She turned and climbed into the car with the girls.
Tom closed the door and the limo pulled away.
“You ready?” Lily asked.
“Sure.” Excitement flowed through Arianna’s veins.
“We’re going to do lots of shopping. Hope you don’t mind.” Amy laughed.
“No, not at all. It sounds like fun.” Arianna giggled.
“We always have fun when we go shopping.” Melissa grinned.
Arianna laughed.
****
Arianna stared out the window as they pulled back into the venue. The day of shopping with the girls had been great. She had so much
fun. She even bought some things. Not too much. She had trouble spending Tom’s money. But with a little encouragement from the girls, she had spent some.
They got out of the limo walking toward the buses. Arianna punched in the code, and climbed the stairs. She walked into the bedroom placing her bags on the floor. She looked around smiling. Her heart light. Living on the bus wasn’t so bad, not with Tom with her.
Happier than she ever remembered being she quickly left and caught up with the girls. They walked toward catering to meet up with the loves of their lives.
And Tom was. He was the love of her life.
Chapter 13
Arianna stopped dead in her tracks. She stared at the woman standing not far from Tom. They hadn’t seen her. She didn’t want to go in and she didn’t want to see that woman.
Melissa stopped next to her. “Arianna, are you coming?”
“Sorry. I forgot something on the bus, I will be back shortly.” She turned and went back to the bus going into the bedroom. From the position of the bus she could see what was going on through the tinted window.
She stood still watching the tall slim blond. She was a beautiful woman, but she had always been. Arianna remembered wanting to look like her. Thinking if she looked more like her, maybe she would love her. Her mom. Her mom stood laughing and touching Tom.
Her fingers fisted as her mom ran her fingers up Tom’s arm. Her Tom’s arm. Relief flooded through her when Tom grabbed her mom’s hand and stepped away.
She didn’t know what to do. She just stood watching out the window until her mom disappeared into the crowd for the show. She took a deep breath and left the bus hurrying to Tom’s dressing room. He wasn’t there and panic set in. The door opened and Arianna spun around gasping.
“What’s wrong?” He walked up to her placing his hands on her shoulders.
“I wasn’t sure where you were.” She brushed hair away from her face.
“Did you miss me?” He laughed.
“Yes,” she said.
He kissed her. “Good. I should warn you Darren’s wife showed up tonight. I had to deal with her already. She can be hard to handle.”
