THE 18TH FLOOR

by Margie Church

  He kept his voice low. If somebody arrived this second, Sebi seriously doubted he'd be able to stop. “You love knowing they're watching. I bet they're getting so hard it hurts.” Sebi reached around and twisted her nipples hard.

  She whimpered and nodded in reply.

  The men on the hoist had stopped working. It was obvious to Sebi all eyes were on him and Alexa. Right where they belonged. He thrust hard, fast. Sweat formed on his forehead and trickled down the sides of his face. The desire to spank her almost overwhelmed him.

  He hadn't put on a condom, and the heat building in his scrotum indicated he'd be coming like a freight train any minute.

  "Turn around. Suck me."

  Alexa wasted no time doing what he asked. He moved her hair over her shoulder, allowing their uninvited guests a clear view of her lips wrapped around his dick. He could almost feel the heat of their desire through the thick-paned glass.

  She applied suction with her outward strokes. The sensations were so fantastic he could barely stand. Hot cum surged from his tight sack, down her throat. He pressed the back of his hand against his mouth, stifling the shouts he wanted to let loose.

  When she stood, he took her in his arms and kissed her. Tasting his cum in her mouth made the surreal event less so.

  "Your turn.” He sunk to his knees and wrapped his lips around Alexa's engorged clit. He licked and sucked her like a starved man.

  Her fingernails dug into his back. “They're watching. They know how good you do that. How lucky I am."

  Her words floated in his consciousness but he didn't reply. Her sweet and salty juices filled his eager mouth, coating his lips and chin. He needed her to come as hard as he had. To experience the abandon he'd felt.

  Her hips undulated against his face. Mewling sounds came from her. Fingers scratched, held on. She's there. He thrust two fingers inside her, finding her G spot, and making her come so hard she sagged over his shoulder.

  He urged her to kneel. When she was down, gazing at him with doe-eyed satisfaction, the words slipped from his lips, uncensored, unexpected.

  "I'm falling in love with you, Alexa. God help me, I've never wanted or needed a woman like I want and need you."

  Her eyes filled with tenderness. A soft smile lifted the corners of her moist lips. She cupped his chin. “I was waiting for you to say it first. I've been falling since the first moment you touched me.” She sealed her affirmation with a sweet kiss.

  Voices in the hall broke up their kiss. He helped Alexa rise and straighten her clothing.

  "I wish we could take the afternoon off.” He reached for his shorts and slacks. “We have this huge moment in our relationship and have to run off like kids busting curfew."

  "Let's not forget the window washers.” She pointed to the two men who were smiling and giving the thumbs up signal. Alexa chuckled when Sebastian closed the shades. “You're getting shy now?"

  "No, but the show's over.” He zipped and buttoned his slacks, then grabbed the shirt hanging on the back of his chair. The voices outside his office door grew louder. Lunch—and their fun were done.

  Alexa unlocked his door. “I kinda wish we could open a window. I'm betting this room reeks of sex."

  "It's my favorite scent.” He buttoned his cuffs. He slid his tie under his collar and began looping the maroon fabric to form a perfect knot. “You okay with what just happened?"

  "The window gawkers or the ‘I love you’ part?"

  He gave her a sheepish grin. “Both, I guess. I hope I didn't get too carried away."

  "You're full of surprises."

  "That's not an answer.” He looked into her eyes, waiting.

  "I've never enjoyed my life as much as I have since we met. It's not just the sex, although I've never enjoyed sex more either.” She giggled and then her expression became serious. “You slow me down and show me I can have balance between my career and time with you. And you respect me. I love the way you take care of me, not just since this nastiness with the jerk, but all the time. You show your concern every day. You're close but not intrusive. And now you think you're falling in love with me. I couldn't be happier about all of it."

  Her tight hug conveyed all the hope Sebastian wanted for their future. She molded to his body like the other half of a puzzle. She was growing into the role of a happy Submissive. There was nothing he'd change about her. Making Alexa happy and safe was all he wanted to do. If this was love, he was lucky to have found such a wonderful woman.

  Alexa broke from the embrace. “I'd better get back to work. I'll see you around five."

  He kissed her again, reluctant to let her out of his sight, out of his arms. “Can't wait."

  The next morning, the cry of seagulls awoke Alexa. Since yesterday's weather had been so beautiful, she and Sebi decided to spend the evening on the boat. They'd taken a ride and a sunset swim. By the time they'd finished making love, they were both too tired to drive into town.

  She rolled onto her back. Pursing her lips in an O, she winced. Her rear end stung from the spanking Sebi had given her last night. Slow but sure, she was getting used to his need to spank. When she focused on how much he enjoyed it, spanking became very palatable to her.

  Last night he'd worn her cock ring, too. The scalding hot memory of his heavy balls and proud erection encircled in silver was emblazoned in her psyche. His sounds and words when he fucked her. The cock ring definitely doubled his pleasure.

  She peeked at him. His lips were slightly parted in slumber. Warmth rushed into her heart. She wanted to do something nice for him today. She slipped from the bed, reached for her clothing, and snuck into the head to get dressed.

  On her way through the salon, she scribbled a note and left it on the table.

  The marina was swathed in early morning sunshine and dew. On the rear deck, Alexa inhaled the fresh air and stretched. She couldn't remember the last time she felt more relaxed and happy. Alive.

  She started her car and pulled out of the spot reserved for Sebastian. Being alone felt strange. For several weeks, he'd shadowed her every move. A twinge of nervousness shimmered in her chest, but Alexa swallowed it down, rationalizing the early hour and unusual location were going to protect her. Nevertheless, she kept a careful eye open for anyone following her.

  The grocery store parking lot was almost vacant. Alexa parked as close to the door as possible and hurried inside. It irked her to worry about her safety and Sebastian's ire. Hopefully she'd be back, trouble free, before he missed her. She took out her smartphone, retrieved her grocery list, and hustled through the store.

  Twenty minutes later, she had everything she needed and a few of Sebi's favorites bagged and in the trunk. Alexa glanced around, searching for anything suspicious. Finding nothing, she slammed the hatch and got in the front seat.

  Not two seconds later her phone rang. The unexpected sound made her jump. Sebi's photo came up on the ID.

  "Hello?"

  "Are you okay?"

  She breathed a silent sigh of relief. He didn't sound angry. Out of respect for his concern, she kept her tone soft. “I am. I am leaving the store parking lot and I'll be back in ten minutes."

  He released a deep breath. “I wish you hadn't left alone. Please be careful and don't stop anywhere else."

  "I'll see you at the boat. Goodbye."

  No sooner had she hung up then Alexa remembered she needed a change of clothes for the day. Chewing the inside of her lip, she wondered if she should dash to her apartment and get a few things now. Maybe they'd spend the weekend on the boat. The street she'd need to turn onto was only a block away. She continued looking for Darius or any sign of a car following her. There wasn't time to fret. Alexa put on her turn signal and made a left at the corner. I'll be in and out of my apartment in a few minutes.

  She parked in a visitor's spot instead of her assigned parking spot in back. Just in case

  Inside her apartment, she hurried to gather what she'd need. In five minutes flat, she'd stuffed clothing and t
oiletries into her overnight bag and was locking her door on her way back to the car.

  Her flip flops snapped as she walked through the silent hallway. The elevator made the cursory ding and the door slid open. Her breath sounds filled the otherwise empty car, which lowered to the ground level without stopping.

  No one was around. It's too early, just like I figured. She pressed the door bar with the heel of her hand and pushed it open. A rush of summer morning air hit her face, making her smile. Everything was fine.

  At her car, Alexa set down her overnight bag and fished in her purse for the keys. A woman's purse is like a freaking Black Hole. Whatever you put in it is immediately sucked into the abyss. She tucked her wallet under one arm and kept looking. A tube of lipstick she hadn't seen all week ended up between her lips. She dug some more. Finally, the jingle of the keys reached her ears and she grasped the errant ring. I have to get a smaller purse.

  A strong hand grabbed her arm, turning her around.

  Alexa came face-to-face with Darius. Her heart skipped a beat and her mouth became a dustbowl.

  "Hello, Alexa. You've gotten good at these cat and mouse games, but I knew I'd catch up with you."

  Swallowing didn't clear the congealed clog in her throat.

  Darius had gotten a haircut and grown a beard, small changes that would make spotting him a tad more difficult. Reddish-purple circles under his eyes and bright red nostrils indicated he was still using. What he was on, she didn't know. The fact he was high or needed a fix made him dangerous.

  "Did I frighten you? I'm sorry.” His lips split in a greasy smile.

  "What do you want?"

  "First of all, I want to apologize for the way things ended between us."

  Alexa tried to pull her arm free but failed. “Seems they're starting the same way."

  He cocked his head, frowning. “Why are you being such a bitch?"

  Breathe, Alexa. “Let go of my arm. Please."

  "I don't want to just yet."

  "If you're here to apologize, why are you acting this way?” With a sudden jerk, she freed her arm. Rubbing the sore spot, she glared at him. “You've made your apology, now leave me alone. I never reported you to the police and want to forget I ever met you. Go away."

  "Not so fast. You've got yourself a fancy job and fancy pimp. You like sucking black dick or does he only drive you to your next John?"

  Anger shot through her. Remembering what he was capable of, Alexa fought to control her temper. “What do you want?"

  "I think you could give me a taste of the good life. It's cost me a small fortune to keep driving up here from Mesa to find you."

  Her eyes widened with surprise. “You want money?” She covered her mouth with her hand, trying not to laugh at his audacity. “You've wasted your time and your money. I haven't got any. I'm so far in debt from grad school I won't be able to afford a pot to piss in for years."

  "I've seen the fancy building you work in. You're a rocket scientist."

  Alexa itched to correct the moron standing in front of her. Instead she bit her tongue and let him ramble.

  He pointed to her apartment building. “This place aint no dive either. And that dude you hang around with has all the signs of rolling-in-dough."

  "I don't have a lot of money. My rent and student loans take up most of what I make."

  He wretched her arm again. “I don't believe you and I don't care. Get that black bastard to give you an advance. Never could call you a frosty cunt, if I remember correctly."

  The vile remark turned her stomach. She glanced at her building, wondering if anyone was around to see this confrontation.

  "Sebastian won't give me money, especially with no good reason."

  "Sebastian.” Darius sneered. “He's even got a name like a rich pimp. I don't care what you tell that motherfucker. I want twenty grand."

  She blanched. “Sebastian and I don't have that kind of a relationship. We've only been dating—"

  He grabbed her arms with both hands, shaking her hard.

  Her purse slipped from her grasp and landed on the asphalt, spilling the contents around her feet. In the mix of actions and reactions, her phone rang. Alexa glanced down at it.

  Darius picked up the ringing cell. He showed her the phone with Sebi's image on it. “It's him. Lover boy."

  "He's going to worry. I should have been back already."

  His lips curled into a sneer. “Gonna be late for your next trick?"

  She raised her hand to slap him.

  He grabbed her wrist, applying cruel pressure. Nostrils flaring, he got right in Alexa's face. His breath reeked of coffee. “Tell him you'll be right home."

  The idea he was letting her go seemed ludicrous. “What do you mean?"

  "You've got until tonight to get the cash. Don't disappoint me. I know how to make a skank like you wish you hadn't."

  "It's Saturday. Where—?"

  He raised his hand. Alexa saw the blow coming and twisted. The slap glanced off her cheek instead of hitting her solid.

  "Hey you!” From the balcony behind them, a man leaned on the railing and shouted. “Get your hands off her before I call the police!"

  "Tonight. The grocery store parking lot. Eight-thirty and don't bring that asshat you pimp for.” Darius ran to his car and drove off.

  "You okay, miss?” the man called. “Should I call the cops?"

  Alexa hollered back to the man who'd saved her from a more violent outcome. “I'll take care of it.” She picked up her phone and pressed redial. Her hand shook as though she had a raging fever.

  "Alexa? Are you okay?"

  "No, I'm at ... at my building ... in back ... Darius..."

  "He's there?” Alarm filled his voice.

  "Gone now.” She whimpered as the drama morphed into shock. “I'm sorry. I should have come home. I shouldn't have...” She broke into sobs.

  "I'm on my way. Go inside the building and wait for me. We'll figure out what to do when I get there."

  "Okay.” Tears welled in her eyes. “I'm really sorry.” Alexa scooped up the contents of her purse while listening to him talk.

  "Go inside and don't worry. We'll get this creep off your back one way or another."

  "I'm going. What a horrible way to end a wonderful morning."

  "I know. We'll get him taken care of. Are you inside yet?"

  "I'm pulling open the door."

  "Good. And Alexa?"

  "Yes?"

  "I love you. Please don't ever scare me this way again."

  "I won't. I promise. And I love you, too."

  The man who'd hollered from the balcony joined Alexa in the building foyer. “You okay? You know that guy? What a jerk. You need to call the cops on his ass."

  Alexa gave him a grateful smile. “We're taking care of him, believe me.” She sunk to the stairs and waited for Sebastian to arrive.

  Sebastian's emotions swayed between furious and scared shitless. He tore out of the marina well above posted speeds and pointed his Mustang toward Alexa's apartment. Tires squealing, he took every corner fast and wide. Good thing the good citizens of Parsons seemed to enjoy sleeping past 7:00 a.m., and the cops were nowhere in sight.

  He clipped the corner on Kittery Parkway and almost hit a parked car. “Fuck!” He veered right and jolted back into his lane.

  A black sedan approached. His eyes narrowed as he squinted at the plate. The color matched the car Darius had been driving.

  In a split second, he decided to take matters into his own hands. Accelerating, he stayed in his own lane, intending to sideswipe Darius’ car and force him to pull over. Apparently Darius had the same idea and Sebi found himself on the defensive. He swerved to avoid being hit in his door. With a thunderous pop, Darius’ car nailed him square in the rear quarter panel and Sebi's car spun to the right. Sebi yanked the wheel hard, turning the car around to give chase.

  Darius’ car had sustained significant front end damage, including a flat tire.

  Sebastian
smiled. His prey was wounded. Sebi floored it and came up alongside Darius. If there was a facial expression for shitting his pants, Darius wore it. Sebi turned his car into the side of Darius'. Sounds of metal and fiberglass body parts getting ripped up filled his car. One last forty-five degree yank on the steering wheel made Sebi's car lunge against his.

  Darius’ battered car careened off the street, and over the curb. Pieces of splintered wood flew into the air when the sedan planted itself in the fence.

  Not giving up, Darius put the vehicle in reverse to back out of his predicament. Sebastian threw his car into park and shoved the door open. The engine revved and wheels spun to no avail. Dirt and grass flew, but the car remained ensconced in the fence and soon, Sebastian hoped, the driver would be behind bars.

  High on adrenaline, Sebastian ran to the car and pulled on the driver's door handle. “Get out, asshole."

  His face contorted in anger, Darius shouted through the locked door. “Fuck you."

  Sebastian slammed his fist against the window. “Suit yourself. You're not going anywhere fast.” He took out his phone and dialed 911. When the dispatcher answered, Sebastian gave him their location and brief information. “It's over, you worthless piece of shit. You're not going to bother Alexa or anyone else ever again."

  "That's what you think."

  The door burst open, catching Sebi off guard. Stumbling backward, he tripped over a piece of fencing and fell.

  Darius’ maniacal laughter carried on the breeze when he sprinted past.

  Anger rushed through Sebi like an accelerant on a match. He rolled to his side and bolted after Darius, determined not to let him get away. He heard sirens and the sound of Darius’ tennis shoes slapping on the sidewalk. Sebastian closed the distance between them until he could hear Darius panting for breath.

  Darius looked back, revealing the frightened, crazed look in his eyes.

  Sebastian dove at him, toppling him to the sidewalk. They rolled and Sebi's head smacked against the concrete, sending a shot of pain through his skull.

  "You motherfucker. When I get through with you...” Sebi wound up and smashed his fist against Darius’ jaw.