Safe in His Embrace

by Candice Poarch

  “Ohhh. You’re cold.”

  “It’ll be toasty soon,” he said, kissing her neck. “You’re warm and comfortable—and sweet.” He ran his hands up her thighs and teased them apart, stroking her inner thigh.

  “That feels good.”

  Dorothelia walked beside George through the impressive stable and sighed. Some of the Thoroughbred horses leaned their heads over the gate, and George patted them or fed them carrots. Dorothelia held the bucket with the carrots.

  “What is it?” he asked.

  “For the last few years I was constantly worried about Senetra. Even when she’d disappeared. I knew Timothy was searching for her and I never knew when he’d find her. So I lived in this constant state of fear. I know you understand because you’re a father.”

  George grasped her hand and held her gently and Dorothelia felt comforted.

  “I was worrying again and suddenly I remembered that I don’t have to worry any longer. She’s safe. How long is it going to take for me to remember that? How long before the fear leaves my heart?”

  George smiled. “I don’t know. But it doesn’t happen overnight. She’ll stay safe. I wish she’d felt comfortable enough to come to me.”

  “It was a rushed arrangement. She made plans on her own. She didn’t want me involved.” Dorothelia stopped by a stall. “My husband died a month before she was born and I was devastated. And then I had her. It was like I had a piece of him, you know. I know Mackenzie was her biological father, but my husband loved her from the time I got pregnant, was more excited than I was. He wrote her books, tales of wisdom. Taped little messages even. Having her made the pain less,” Dorothelia said. “I loved my husband. Really loved him. We were married fifteen years. And when she came, the love I had was like a pain in my gut. She was everything to me. Has always been. We were so close, George.” She looked at him beseechingly. “She was always so good. She wasn’t perfect, but I think she always thought she had to live up to a certain standard, maybe because of her father. But it just tore me apart when I found out Timothy was abusing her. And when he beat her the last time. Oh, George…”

  She dropped the bucket of carrots and covered her face with her hands. George gathered her tightly in his arms as the tears rolled from her eyes. He found his own eyes wet and he wasn’t a man who cried easily. But now…

  “I wanted to hurt him the way he hurt my daughter. I’ve never wanted a man dead before.”

  “I understand.”

  “She didn’t grow up with a father. She doesn’t know what true love can be between a man and woman. I just hope her experience with him hasn’t killed the possibility of love. You know what I mean?” Wiping the tears away, she gazed at him.

  “I know exactly what you mean. But you’re forgetting she’s her mother’s child, too. And in you I see strength. Your daughter must possess that strength, too. I don’t think he was capable of taking that away from her. She had the strength to leave him, not once, but three times. She was determined to have her freedom regardless of what he threatened.” He tilted her chin with his forefinger. “She will heal and she’ll live a productive life.”

  “Oh, George, you are a wonderful, caring man.” She brushed his chest lightly and George felt the touch to his heart. “I wish she could have known you. I wish my husband could have known you. Your son gave us such a priceless, wonderful and precious gift in my daughter.”

  George thought of Noelle, Jasmine and now Senetra. “I know exactly how you feel.”

  Dorothelia’s face was mere inches from his own. Tears glistened in her lashes. She could not have looked more beautiful. Her hand was still on his chest. George lowered his head and kissed her. And when she didn’t pull away, he enclosed her in the circle of his arms, her soft body pressed against his.

  “Oh, Dorothelia,” he whispered against her lips. She’d turned red with desire. He swallowed hard. “I hope I haven’t overstepped myself. But…you must know I find you a very attractive and endearing woman.”

  “Oh. It’s been…”

  “Come to the Kentucky Derby with me. I have a horse racing at the Churchill Downs.”

  “I—”

  “Say yes.” He brushed her hair from her face. “Say yes,” he repeated.

  “Yes,” she whispered, and he kissed her again with the sounds of Thoroughbreds around them.

  Chapter 9

  Later that week at work, Alex was leaving the gym and couldn’t wait another minute to talk to Senetra. “What was your day like?” he asked.

  “The seniors are chomping at the bit for spring break and graduation. It’s almost the end of the year and they’re more interested in freedom than homework and papers.”

  “It must be a real chore for your students and for you,” he said.

  “For them it is. But I can remember the excitement of my senior year, so I understand and try not to be an ogre.”

  “Ogre? You could never be that. You’re too sweet.”

  “Some of my students wouldn’t agree with you.”

  “So, do most of your students travel to warmer climates during spring break?”

  “I really don’t know.”

  “I’m going to stop by for a couple of days before I visit my family if it’s okay with you.” His father had called him a couple times a week to make sure he hadn’t changed his mind.

  “I’d love to see you.”

  “It’ll be good to see my father and nieces and nephews.”

  “I bet you’re a favorite uncle.”

  “Yeah. I enjoyed them last summer.”

  “I don’t have any siblings. Must be nice to have five of them. All the noise and companionship. Family gatherings must be great.”

  “Yeah.” They shared a quiet moment of contemplation. “Wish you would change your mind about going with me?”

  “I can’t,” she said softly, and Alex wished she trusted him as much as he trusted her. But then he had less to lose.

  The relationship was still pretty new. “What about the end of the year? Will you consider going on the southwest tour with me? Should I put in for leave?”

  “Yes,” she said softly, and the sweet sound zipped through Alex like a hot flame. Surprise kept him silent for a beat.

  “Shall I book one room or two?” He held his breath, hoping she’d say one.

  “I’ll take care of my room.”

  “No, you won’t. This is my treat.”

  “I’ll be more comfortable if I pay for my own, Alex.”

  Alex heard the underlying steel in her voice, but her paying her own way didn’t sit well with him. “Regina, I invited you. I’m okay with the two rooms, but I’ll—”

  “Either I pay for my room or I won’t go.” Her tone was stubborn.

  “Okay. I’ll book the rooms. You’ll pay for yours.” If he pushed her any harder she’d pull out altogether and Alex didn’t want that. He had to remember small steps. Although he’d spent Saturday night in her apartment, maybe an entire week sharing a room was too much for her at this point.

  “So, have you had dinner?”

  “Actually, I ate a bowl of clam chowder and bread from the bakery.” She’d made another pot of clam chowder with the clams she’d frozen.

  “I shared some of your chowder and had to hide the rest. They’re still asking when I’m coming back to get more.”

  “Next time you’re here we’ll go clamming again,” Senetra said, and Alex breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn’t marking him off her calendar. He hadn’t blown it.

  “It should be warmer.”

  “Only a little.”

  Alex didn’t want to talk about the weather or clamming. He wanted to make love to her over the phone, but kept it low-key. The situation was too delicate for him to unwind that way.

  Senetra had mixed feelings. She knew she was sending conflicting messages. She made love with Alex, but she needed to be in control at the same time. She had depended too much on Timothy. No, Timothy had forced her to become dependent on hi
m. She didn’t want to depend on anyone now but herself. She wanted to pay her own way.

  Alex must think she was crazy. Making issues over small matters, but they were important to her and her feelings mattered. She valued her independence and that she could provide for herself.

  “So, what are you wearing? I need a verbal picture since I don’t have a physical one.”

  She wore sweatpants and a T-shirt. “Oh, an ice-blue thong that came in the mail with this demi-cup bra. In the same color.”

  Silence.

  “Alex, are you there?”

  A swift breath. “Woman, just the thought of that…”

  “I have a surprise for you when you return.”

  “I can’t wait,” he said.

  After they hung up, Senetra moved to her computer. She hadn’t thought of buying anything sexy in a very long time. Wouldn’t it be nice to buy some sexy underwear and a nightgown? Her mother had tucked new bottles of makeup in her bag, but Senetra hadn’t bothered to open them. After ordering catalogues from a few Web sites, she also ordered lingerie and undergarments and felt feminine and powerful. She paid extra to have them delivered quickly. Alex would appreciate the effort. He wouldn’t use her femininity against her.

  The next week, Senetra got a letter from her contact in Washington State.

  A private investigator came by the school where you taught. The principal wrote to me, giving me a heads-up that someone was searching for you. Never fear, he didn’t give anything away. And he waited a week to mail the letter, putting it in a PO box when he was traveling. There’s no connection between us except that we met at a convention years ago, so don’t worry that your location has been compromised.

  Oh, my God. Won’t I ever have peace?

  She continued to read that her mother was spending a lot of time traveling recently. She’d been gone for almost a month. Good for her, Senetra thought. In the past she was too concerned to leave for very long because of her situation with Timothy. Now she could have some fun for a change. Senetra wondered if Rachel went with her.

  But the fact that someone was looking for her concerned her. She couldn’t even think of going away with Alex. What if…? No. She wouldn’t do this to herself. It was perfectly safe to travel in locations Timothy’s investigator was sure not to search. Timothy would never find her here. She had to get on with her life.

  If Timothy’s goons did happen to find her, they’d stand out and she would easily slip away before they reached her.

  If only Charles was a better karate teacher. She sent an e-mail to the community center’s director requesting a new karate teacher.

  The week passed with lightning-quick speed. Senetra was waiting at the Spit when Alex got off the plane. She’d told him not to rent a car. They could use hers. As soon as his tall form touched the ground, he opened his arms wide and she ran into them.

  “Oh, my gosh. It seems like forever,” she said as their lips parted.

  “My God. You look even better in person.” He regarded her seriously. “Two weeks is too long—way too long.”

  “It is.”

  “Let’s go. I’m going to drop my gear at Rick’s place, then…whatever.”

  “Okay.”

  But he dragged her into his arms again for another long kiss before they started on their journey.

  Twenty minutes later, they shoved open the door to Senetra’s apartment. From the plane to her apartment, desire built to humongous proportions.

  The desire sizzling between them was burning even hotter.

  Alex shrugged out of his coat, trying not to jump her bones the minute he got in her door. He wanted more than sex. She’d come to mean a lot to him in the short time they’d been together, but he dragged her into his arms again and before he knew it, they were hopping out of their clothes until the only clothing left on her were her bra and thong. Alex stopped, gazed at the amazing sight of her encased in two tiny scraps of fabric. She wore a thong. An ice-blue thong, exactly like the one she had described over the phone.

  “My gosh, what a change,” he said, holding her back so he could get his fill. Her body looked amazing. Her skin blushed. “And all for me?” He noticed the light dusting of makeup that brightened her already glowing skin.

  “Woman, you take my breath away,” he finally said when, tried of waiting, she reached for him.

  “I don’t know about you,” she said, closing the distance between them, “but it’s been a long time.”

  “Too long,” he said, dragging her close to him and brushing his lips across her face, and with his hands on her backside dragged her solidly against him. But she wouldn’t let him take it slow. She rubbed her body against him, driving his need out of control.

  “I’m trying to keep it slow, baby.”

  “I don’t want it slow. I want it hot and furious.”

  “Woman.” With her magical fingers, she stroked him until he could stand it no longer. And he caressed her body from her face to her feet, listening to her moans of pleasure. He stroked her until she begged for release. Only then did he drag the thong from her and open her legs wide. He caressed and kissed her intimately, until she cried out in fulfillment, which was music to his ears.

  He gazed down on her. There was nothing more gratifying than a woman in the afterglow of an orgasm. He brushed her hair gently from her face and she looked up at him in wonder and amazement. The fact that he put that glow on her face did fantastic things to his body.

  He was hard and more than ready for her, but he gave her a moment to enjoy her pleasure. Then she reached for him and her breath hitched in his throat as he flipped her on top of him, letting her glide the condom on him and positioning herself. She eased down on him until he filled her completely. For a moment, he didn’t move. He wanted to enjoy this moment of sweet contact.

  Her hair was wild. A nipple peeked over the top edge of her bra cup. He released the front clasp, but left the straps dangling on her shoulders. Her full breasts spilled into his hands as he stroked them.

  Then he grasped her hips and they began to move. He leaned up to brush his lips over her breasts, to suck gently on her nipple.

  Her movements increased and he deepened his thrusts; they abandoned themselves to the pleasure of the moment.

  He stroked her clitoris and her breath hitched in her throat, her cries and moans urging him on.

  Their thrusts varied from deep and penetrating to more shallow, increasing their sexual pleasure with their teasing playful actions.

  She glided her hands up his chest, then followed with sweet kisses.

  He could tell she was close to coming when her thighs tightened against him.

  Alex was at the end of his rope, too. He could stand it no longer. He grasped her hips again, and increased the intensity. They moved in rhythm until they both exploded into a new kaleidoscope of pleasure and completion.

  Senetra fell on his chest.

  Alex stroked her back. She’d drained every bit of energy from him.

  Later that night, with Alex sleeping peacefully beside her, Senetra couldn’t sleep. His breathing was even and deep and his arm rested across her waist. Senetra ran her hands softly over his hand, her thoughts troubling her.

  How could they go forward when she couldn’t tell Alex about her past? It wasn’t fair. She felt guilty because he was so forthcoming with her. He was good to her.

  Stop beating yourself up. The object was first to stay alive. Everything else was secondary. Maybe one day she could tell him. She wished she could share her worries that someone was still looking for her, but she had to keep that close to her chest.

  Alex arrived in Wisconsin earlier than he’d told his dad to expect him. He rented a car at the airport and drove directly to his father’s rural home. It was two stories and lights shone from all the windows.

  His dad came out on the porch frowning, wondering who the stranger was. When Alex climbed out of the car, the older man’s face split into a huge grin as he lumbered down from the po
rch into the yard without the aid of a cane.

  “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” the older man said, grabbing him in a hug and patting Alex’s back.

  “It’s good to see you, too, Dad. And you’re walking like a new man.”

  His dad chuckled. “Feel like one, too. Thought I’d never be walking again.” He danced a little step. “Much less getting around like this. Thanks, son. I couldn’t have done it without you.” He shouldered Alex again.

  “No need to thank me. It was you cursing through therapy. There was no doubt that you’d walk,” Alex said, leaning back to arm’s length to gaze at the older man. “You’re looking good.”

  Alex retrieved his bag from the trunk and they walked side by side to the house. His brothers, sisters and their children were already there. His father had called, telling them the night before.

  He hadn’t been home for more than a day or so in two years. He’d spent the time he’d usually get off working, making extra money. After the huge fight between his siblings and with the breakup with Jessica, there wasn’t a need for frequent visits. He talked to his dad often and followed his progress closely.

  Actually, his sisters-in-law called and e-mailed him, updating him often, especially on his nieces and nephews.

  Most of the family was in the living room, watching the news.

  “Look who’s home,” his father said, smiling.

  “Well, the prodigal son returns at last,” one of his brothers said.

  “Welcome home,” his older brother said, standing. “It’s good to see you, man.” He came over and gave him a one-shoulder hug.

  “It’s good to be back.”

  “Uncle Alex!” one of his nephews called out before he barreled into him.

  “Hey, you’ve grown ten feet, sport.”

  “Naw.”

  They exchanged mock punches, before Alex hugged him. The boy was thirteen, but his voice was beginning to change.