by A. L Long
Nodding his head, my father continued eating as Xavier rose to his feet. Coming toward me, I realized then that he wanted to talk some place other than in front of my father. Helping me stand, Xavier took my hand and led me out of the dining room, down the hall, and out the front door. Heading toward the trail that I had grown to love so much, I tugged on his hand and said, “Wait, tell me what is going on, Xavier, that you couldn’t tell me in front of my father.”
Squeezing my hand, he said softly, “Not here, Tessa, I want to make sure we are far away from the house.”
I wasn’t sure what was going on, but he was beginning to scare me. Looking around, I got an eerie feeling that we were being watched. Clinging to his side, I moved with him into the wooded area, which shielded us from the view of others. The closer we got to the fire pit, the safer I became. Before we got to the clearing where the pit was, Xavier led me over to a large rock, taking a seat first and then pulling me onto his lap. Being this close to him was the most comfortable I had felt in a long time.
Cupping my chin in his hand, he looked up at me attentively, “I want you to listen to what I am going to say, Tessa. It is important that you don’t argue with me when I am done.”
Nodding my head, I waited for him to continue without voicing my anxiety. Gazing down and watching only his lips, I concentrated on what he said, “There is a good chance that Colin already knows where you are. We got word from Kyle…”
“Kyle, my brother?” I interrupted.
“Yes,” he confirmed. “When we found out that Colin was released, your father contacted Kyle and asked that he keep an eye on his every move. He lost track of him shortly after he was heading to his home. Needless to say, Colin never got there, which had Kyle concerned. He contacted your father right away and warned us to be on the lookout for Colin and his men.”
“What makes you think that he is here?” I asked, hearing the uneasiness in my voice.
“As soon as we heard about Colin’s release and his possible intent, your father contacted his men to keep an eye out. One of Colin’s men was spotted about 100 yards from the cabin. He would have taken him out, but decided against it and contacted us for further instruction. We need to make them think we don’t know they are out there. As long as we have the upper hand, they will be unaware of our presence when we take them out.”
“What about Mr. Colin?” I questioned.
“Our guess is that his men are keeping him informed about our movements and when the time is right they will be instructed to capture you. We need to keep you safe and your father’s men are here to make sure that happens,” Xavier explained.
“So, we are just going to wait and do nothing?” I argued.
“It is important that we get the jump on them and not the other way around. It’s important that you stay close to me and never leave my side. Not even for a minute.”
I wasn’t about to argue with Xavier. I knew that he would protect me. I just needed to do as I was taught and that was to obey. It wasn’t difficult to do when the command was coming from someone you loved.
Lifting my chin, I looked into his eyes and saw the determination in them. Lowing my mouth, I pressed my lips against his. Feeling the warmth take over, my lips parted, allowing him to consume everything I felt for him. Our tongues collided with each other, mingling as one as the heat began to ignite. Regretfully, I needed to break away. With everything that happened, I needed to put on the brakes. Things were happening too fast between us.
Feeling the discomfort between us, I rose from his lap and said, “We should probably get back to the house.”
The fact that we might be watched entered my mind once the house came into view. Paranoia settled in and my eyes began scanning every inch of the area around us, anticipating some sort of movement from Mr. Colin’s men. When Xavier pulled me close to him, the reassurance that he would keep me safe replaced my nervousness. Just the thought of him being near made the tension ease. I had a funny feeling that my desire to give this relationship a little time was going to be harder than I thought.
~Eight~
Almost a week had passed and there was still no significant movement from Mr. Colin or his men. I could feel the tension in the house, making the space somewhat uncomfortable. Between my father and Xavier, I wasn’t sure who was crabbier. Most of my days were spent in my room, not only to get away from them, but also to avoid the contact with Xavier that would have taken place. Even I was becoming edgy with no place to escape.
I finally had to give in to Xavier’s request to accompany me, if and when I felt the need to get some fresh air. I understood his concern and need to keep me safe, therefore I needed to put my feelings behind. I also knew that sooner or later, I had to give into my feelings for him and let him in. Avoiding him was having a toll on my heart and all it was doing was making me miserable, longing for him.
Walking side by side, I reached for his hand, making the first move. I wanted to let him know that I wanted to have what we had, back. There was a hit of a smile on his face as he gazed down at our entangled hands. They fit perfectly together, just like we did.
Once we reached the wooded area, it wasn’t long until we consummated just how perfect we were together. Taking me in his arms, our lips found each other. His tongue teased my mouth, parting my lips until he gradually dipped inside. Accepting and willing, I allowed him to take control, letting my submissive instinct take over.
He gently lifted me into his arms, our connection even more passionate. Lowing my body onto a grassy area beneath the trees, he positioned his body above mine pressing his lips softly against mine. His hand slowly reached for the apex of my thigh as he searched for my most womanly and secret part. I could feel my arousal, knowing that soon he would find me wet and in need. Pushing the hem of my shirt upward, Xavier slipped his hand beneath the waistband of my panties and rubbed it gently over my mound.
It was heaven and my focus turned into nothing more than the feel of his touch against my skin. There was so much of him that I missed, but out of everything, I missed his touch. I gave myself freely to him as he once again reclaimed my lips. Creating a new sensation, he slid his finger inside as his kiss became more passionate, more demanding. Everything that I had been holding back let loose and my body spiraled into a swirl of ecstasy.
Kissing his way down, he confessed in a soft tone, “No woman will ever complete me the way you do.”
Little did he know that no man would complete me the way he did either. Snaking my hands beneath his shirt, I felt the heat of his warm skin. Every muscle in his back began to contract as I scraped my nails along his spine. Breaking our kiss, I quickly lifted his shirt up over his head to reveal his perfectly sculpted chest. Moving my hands down his body, I stopped at the waistband of his jeans and began working to unfasten them. The passion between us became so intense as he undid the last button of my blouse. My body was on fire and not even the cool morning air could tame the burning desire I had for him.
Lowering the cup of my bra, I could feel my nipples harden into tight peaks. The softness of his hands closed around them. Trapping them gently between his fingers, he began teasing the taut buds, creating a sensation that sparked every nerve in my body. Making his way down my body, his mouth enveloped my sensitive nipple. Caressing it with his tongue, he gently lapped and sucked the rosy peak.
All I could think about was how much I wanted him. Struggling to get his zipper down, I could feel the growth of his arousal. Frustration began to take hold as he moved from my reach, moving even further down my body. My breath hitched when he moved my panties to the side and captured my mound. Parting my legs, I gave him the access he needed. I knew that I was wet with pleasure and just the thought of my juices coating his tongue enticed me to give him more.
He must have felt my admission and began working his jeans down his legs. When he moved up my body, I could feel the tip of his cock at my entrance as he slowly began working it inside me. Moving my hips to match every thrus
t, the self-control that I was trained to lost the battle, releasing all the penned-up emotion that I had been holding for so long. Not only did my juices flow, the water gates opened as the tears that had tormented me for so long let loose.
It was as though Xavier knew what was happening to me. His arms came around me, replacing all the hurt and anger with love.
~*~*~*~
When we finally got back to the house, it was almost lunch time and Xavier and I had definitely worked up an appetite. Covered from head to toe with grass and dirt, we quietly snuck up the steps before anyone could see us. We headed to my room where we could take a quick shower together. While I was undressing, Xavier got the shower ready, making sure that the water was nice and hot. Entering the bathroom, he was already in the shower and I couldn’t help but admire his gorgeous body. The way the water cascaded down his chiseled body left me speechless when he asked, “Are you going to join me?”
Stumbling my words, I finally managed, “Yeah.”
As I took my place next to him, he put his hand on my cheek and said, “Beautiful.”
It was a good thing that the water was steaming hot and masked my reddened cheeks. I never thought of myself as beautiful, but he was changing that. Taking the sponge, I squeezed a small amount of body wash on it and began working it between my fingers into a thick lather. Looking up at him, I glided the sponge down his chest and then around his hard-pebbled nipples, wanting nothing more than to cover every inch of him.
There was more than the steam in the shower going on and I knew that we needed to hurry if we wanted to take advantage of Agnes’ great cooking. Forgoing another round, we opted to quickly get dressed, and head down the stairs. With Xavier taking the lead, my hand was in his as he led me to the kitchen where the smell of something mouthwatering was coming from behind the door. Swinging the door open, Agnes had already prepared shaved steak with sautéed peppers and onions for sandwiches. The rolls that were displayed neatly on a silver tray looked to be homemade and I could have sworn that the scent of fresh baked bread still lingered in the kitchen.
Looking up at us and then our hands that were still locked together, a smile appeared on her face. “Just in time for lunch. I hope you’ve worked up an appetite.”
If only she knew exactly how much of an appetite we worked up. While we tried to look as innocent as possible, she handed us each a plate and said, “Dig in.”
Filling our plates, we headed to the dining room. My father was nowhere to be found, which led me to believe that he was either in his study or gone. Not giving it another thought, I took hold of my steak sandwich, piled high with peppers, onions, and Swiss cheese, and took a healthy bite. The flavor was out of this world and the sound of delight left my mouth as the juice from the meat began running down my fingers. Going for my napkin, my efforts were halted. Xavier kissed my hand before taking each of my fingers, one at a time, in his mouth and sucking them clean. It was kind of a corny move but made me smile nonetheless.
After we finished our amazing meal, Xavier mentioned that he needed to check on things at Direction 96. I wasn’t sure it was a good idea, but I wasn’t against his request that I go with him. He was taking the responsibility of his promise to never let me out of his sight and I was all for it. It was much better to be with him than to stay at the cabin and wait for him to return.
We said good-bye to Agnes and let her know to tell my father that we were on our way to Direction 96 in case he called. Xavier had left several messages with him, and also a text, with no response. I knew that my father would eventually contact him, so we decided to take off instead of waiting for his call.
Helping me into the Jag, we headed down the dirt road that would take us to the main road that led to the freeway. I loved the feel of Xavier’s car and the way the leather seats hugged my body. It was no wonder he loved this car so much. Adjusting my seatbelt, I reached over to the dash and selected an upbeat song to match the sexiness of not only the car, but also Xavier. When “Shape of you,” by Ed Sheeran began to play, it was like we read each other’s mind. Looking at each other, Xavier began tapping his thumbs against the steering wheel as we began singing the lyrics together. I never heard him sing before, but I had to admit that he was pretty good. Not too many guys would admit that they like singing, and to sing with me was extra special.
The time had gone by so fast and I actually enjoyed the drive into LA. It was the best time I’d had in a long time. Come to think of it, it was the best time I had, ever. Heading downtown, Xavier turned down the alley behind Direction 96 and stopped the car in his designated spot. I didn’t dare try and get out before he opened the door. I knew how he felt about assisting me out of the car. Taking his hand, I pushed from the seat. Before he closed the door, I managed to give him a quick kiss on the cheek.
It was still early afternoon, but when he opened the door, the music was already playing, and it appeared that things were hopping as we walked down the hallway. There were at least thirty people conversing on the main floor, seemingly having a good time. Giving the bartender a quick nod, we headed up the stairs to where Xavier’s office was. Before we reached the steps, the bartender blurted, “Wait, boss, I have a delivery for you.”
Turning to face him, Xavier walked toward the bar where the bartender was holding an envelope. Reaching for it, Xavier looked at the envelope and said, “Thanks, Russ. Do you know who delivered it?”
“Not sure who he was. Never seen him before,” he explained.
Taking the envelope, we headed up the stairs. Even though it wasn’t my place to ask, I couldn’t help but wonder who it came from. “Aren’t you going to open that?”
“I’m sure whatever it is can wait until I get to my office.” Xavier replied.
A few more seconds wasn’t going to make a difference, so I didn’t push it any further. The minute we entered his office was a different story. Before he had a chance to sit down, I questioned, “Well?”
“Tessa, you have absolutely no patience.”
If only he knew exactly how much patience I’ve had to use over the past years. Taking a seat on the couch, I sat patiently, not saying another word. When he began opening the envelope, my eyes widened. I wished that I was closer to him to see what it contained. I already knew because the way he looked at the letter said it all. Whatever was on that sheet of paper wasn’t good.
Scooting to the edge of the couch, I leaned forward and asked, “What is it, Xavier?”
He was silent for so long and I knew that whatever was written on it was something that he was hesitant to share. Pushing to my feet, I walked over to his desk and voiced. “Tell me, what is it?”
He handed me the letter and I began reading. If I hadn’t I been so close to his desk, I may have fallen over. I took hold of the edge and balanced myself. Staring blindly at the letter, I was unaware that Xavier was holding something else in his hand until he said, “Tessa.”
When I looked up and saw what was in his hand, I took it from him and gazed down at the picture. It was true. Mr. Colin had my brother and he was using him as leverage to get me. Kyle was strapped to a chair, his face bloodied and bruised like he had been beaten. Mr. Colin was a bastard by all counts, but there was no way that I could let someone else, especially my brother, be tortured because of me. No matter how bad it was when I was with Mr. Colin, what he had done to Kyle was so much worse. I knew the only way to save him was to go back. This was going to be my life and there was no way I was ever going to be happy.
Breaking me from my thoughts, Xavier’s voice sounded. “Tessa, I know what you are thinking. There is no way in hell that I will ever allow you to go back to that motherfucker. We will get your brother and Colin will pay for this,” Xavier was beyond pissed as he choked out his hatred for this man. I just wasn’t sure that he could stop Colin.
~Nine~
When we left Direction 96, Xavier had tried several times to get in touch with my father, with no luck. With everything that was going on, he thought i
t was better that we go somewhere other than the cabin. I managed to reach Agnes to let her know that we wouldn’t be back this evening. The last thing that I wanted was to make her worry.
I thought for sure that we would be staying at Xavier’s condo, but when he pulled up to the Four Seasons, I realized I was mistaken. It really didn’t matter where we stayed as long as we were together. As we headed in, I couldn’t believe that this was happening. It didn’t matter what I wanted my life to be like or how much I wanted to strengthen the relationship with Xavier, Mr. Colin would always be there to take it away.
For now, I tried to put everything aside and pray that my father and Xavier would find a way to save my brother. Parking in front of the hotel, a valet was waiting patiently for us. Heading our way, he opened my door and said, “Welcome to the Four Seasons. May I assist you with your bags?”
I wasn’t sure what to tell him since we didn’t have any bags. Looking over to Xavier, he quickly got out of the car and responded, “We are here for a short time and have no bags,” as he handed the gentleman the keys over the top of the car. Dangling the keys until the valet tried to take them, Xavier warned, “Park her away from the rest of the cars. I prefer to have her returned the way I’m leaving her.”
