Ben released himself letting out a roar over her screams, screams he thought that came from her orgasm.
Simona cried as Ben rested on top of her. He breathed heavily, sounding like he just ran the longest marathon. Simona thought of her ex, Drew.
Drew was always gentle with her when they made love. Drew’s touch was different than Ben’s. Ben was dangerous and almost reckless. Perhaps the military had made him that way. Perhaps it was something else.
Once Ben noticed her crying, he snapped back into reality.
“Simona, baby! Are you okay?!!” he asked, looking down at her underneath him. Ben realized that she was struggling to sit up and he quickly moved over to the side of the bed. He wasn’t aware of his freakish strength. He had hurt her with intense soreness between her legs.
“You got a little too carried away, Ben. I’m actually hurting. Remember I just found out I’m pregnant?” She said softly.
How could he have been so reckless? Ben sat up in bed and covered his hand over his mouth. He couldn’t believe what he had just done. The army had created such a rage over him where he was trained to fight. He was a beast and trained to be tough, but being sexually torturous wasn’t expected.
“I’m..I’m so sorry, Simona! I was in another zone! I really didn’t know what came over me! Oh my God, babe! Are you okay? Should I take you to the emergency room? Shit!” Ben stood up as he paced back and forth in the bedroom. He ran his hand through his hair.
Simona slowly wrapped her arms around her folded legs and took a deep breath. She was slightly sore between her legs, but she was easing from the tension. “I’m okay. It’s just I’ve never seen you this way. I’m okay now. Have a seat.” She patted the empty space beside her for him to sit down.
Ben’s blood had rushed to his face, redness was his new complexion. He returned to his normal shade as Simona rubbed his back, the sweat was cold as it calmed him. He still continued to apologize. Simona noticed that he was shaking and it wasn’t like him.
Simona knew that they needed to talk and have a discussion about the baby. They also needed to discuss plans for the wedding and most importantly, they needed to talk about their relationship.
“So we’re actually having a baby? That’s GREAT news! I can’t believe it. What is the doctor saying? How far along are you?” Ben asked while stroking Simona’s hair. She nestled up under him, now feeling a little safer.
“Well, Dr. Truluck tells me not to stress and that is exactly what I have been doing lately.” she said.
Ben leaned back as he looked into her eyes, he was confused. “Stressed? Why are you stressed? What reason do you have to be stressed?”
The tears started to twinkle in her eyes, she sniffed. “Ben, I don’t feel secure when you leave for work, taking extended days from communicating with me. I feel you’re not one hundred percent true with me. If I am to be your fiancé then you should let me know things. Why is it that hard to let me know you’ll be working late or away for days in the field? It worries me and it hurts so badly. All I want is to hear from you. My friends don’t have that problem with their men. Their men always notify them. I just don’t understand why you forget about me.”
Suddenly, Ben pushed Simona away from leaning on his shoulder. “Is that what all of this is about? You’re wanting me to be on house arrest! You want to give me permission before I do anything? You know how hard I work and how hard I fight for my country! I train so much that I barely have time for myself and I miss so much sleep because of studying!” he shouted.
Simona slipped her nightgown over her head and leaped up from the bed. She immediately walked over to him, she tried to hug him. Once again, Ben pushed her away.
“Baby, please, calm down. I’m not trying to give you permission. It’s not anything like that.” She explained, her voice tense. “I only want to know whenever you have to be away for so long. Is that so hard to ask? It’s normal in any relationship. It helps with trust.”
That’s when there was a loud bang on the door that startled both Simona and Ben. Simona gasped as she placed a shivering hand over her mouth. Who could it have been? Was it the killer?
“Open up! It’s Detective Slater of the FBI and the Richland County Police Department!! WE HAVE A WARRANT FOR THE ARREST OF BENJAMIN MYERS!”
Simona felt her heart sinking down to the pit of her stomach. Could this nightmare get any worse?
Chapter 19
Simona gave Ben a heartfelt look before opening the door. She felt the rush of wind from Drew as he stormed inside their apartment. Drew held his gun firmly, observing Ben seriously.
“What’s going on here?” Ben asked ferociously. His PTSD was going to make him snap any minute now.
About nine or ten police followed Drew inside, they had their guns aimed upward as they started to search and walk around the apartment.
“Drew, you are taking this too far just because I declined helping you solve the case of those girls!” Simona gave Drew a disgusted look, folding her arms and quenching her eyes.
Ben was shocked. “Do you know this guy, Simona? You were going to help him work on a case?”
“Baby, I can explain. He’s my ex-boyfriend.” Simona stated.
Drew said nothing as he walked towards Ben to search him, patting him all over and in his pockets. No weapons.
“Wait! I’ve seen this guy a few times snooping around at my job. So he being your ex-boyfriend explains why he’s trying to frame me.” Ben said cruelly, keeping his eyes fixed with anger on Drew.
He then looked at Simona with hurt in his eyes. “And you would probably have cheated on me with him, huh?”
“Yesterday, you were on base? Well where were you when you left base, Ben? You surely didn’t come home to me.” Simona shot back.
Ben was silent and couldn’t find the right words to help himself.
Drew knew that this was the right time. It was the right moment to reveal Ben in front of Simona. He pulled out a photo from his back pocket of Natalia Karpova and Ben. It was the one that was printed out from the receptionist at the massage spa.
“Lieutenant Myers, there is no need to question your fiancé on if she was doing her dirty work. It reveals here that you were involved with Ms. Karpova. You were with her before she was murdered. Seems like you were the one doing the dirty work.” Drew said in a serious tone. He was wondering how Ben was going to talk his way out of this.
Simona gasped, feeling as though she was stabbed in the back. The feeling of betrayal overcame her.
“Recently, we found out that you were with Amanda Stone before she died as well.” Drew added.
Ben frowned. “Wait, you have no proof of me and Amanda.”
“Oh yeah?” Drew had the tape recorder with him and replayed it. It was the one he had set up of Carmen impersonating Amanda. “Ben, please answer your phone!! I’m so sorry fo not answering the phone when you called me! I’m so sorry for wearing the tight clothes to work! You broke my heart when you punched me in the face and tried to run me over in the parking lot! I didn’t want my mom to see the bruises you left on my back when you beat me with the belt! I was so afraid of you, but I love you! I love you so much I can’t believe you would hurt me!!! I still love you because I’m a fool for you! I’m here at the lake waiting for you. You said you would come but you aren’t here…oh, wait.. I think I see your car pulling up.”
Drew clicked off the tape recorder and waited for Ben’s excuse.
“OH MY GOD! THAT DIDN’T HAPPEN!!!” Ben shouted.
“It sure sounds like it did! There’s evidence that you were with her before she got killed at the lake. Evidence also proves that you were causing domestic violence with her!” Drew shot back.
“YOU SON OF A BITCH!” Simona yelled, pushing Ben harshly.
It took no time for the tears to fall from her eyes. She immediately slapped him with all her force. His face was red and his eyes tearful.
“So this fuckin explains why you were always so busy and disappe
aring on and off, Ben! You were screwing with two bitches and killed them before they blew your cover! While we are engaged!!! WHILE WE ARE ENGAGED!” Simona paced back and forth, covering her hands over her face from the humiliation.
Ben walked over to comfort her as the police tried to arrest him.
“Simona, sweetheart. It meant nothing. I didn’t do ANYTHING! I only love-” Ben’s voice was soft, he was humiliated that he had hurt Simona. She wasn’t supposed to find out. No. Not like this.
“Lieutenant Myers, you’ll be taken in to custody for questioning.” Drew said to him, coldly. He almost wanted to smirk, but he knew he had to do his job and support Simona. “Guys, take Lieutenant Myers to the station and place him in a holding cell.”
As the police began to arrest Ben, he was trying to break through to get near Simona.
“Simona, you don’t think I killed them, do you?” Ben’s voice grew stronger. “YOU DON’T THINK I KILLED THOSE TWO WOMEN, DO YOU?!! I’M NOT A MURDERER! GET OFF ME! YOU HAVE THE WRONG GUY!”
“You have the right to remain silent when questioned. Anything you say or do may be used against you in a court of law….” The police began to say as he roughly handcuffed Ben.
Ben still tried to fight out the handcuffs, he was strong. He kept his eyes on Simona and Drew. The sight of seeing her old flame near her just made him outrageously indignant. Ben was surprised to even notice that Drew smirked at him. “It was him! He did it! He set me up! He is the murderer! He just thinks he can get away with it because he’s with the FBI!!!”
Drew was shaking his head as he walked towards Ben. The two were face to face again. “You are the murderer of your mistresses. Everyone knows you committed these vicious crimes. Just look at the way your acting. You know it, I know it and the court will know it. You were also dating Emily Grant. I bet you didn’t know I knew about her either. She works with me at the FBI station. It’s a good thing we caught you in time or she would have had been killed next by you.” Drew smirked. “Hell, probably Simona would have been killed too. The sick, mental disorder you adapted from the army needs medical attention. You could snap on anyone.” Drew loosened up his necktie, giving it a little shake as he spoke. He felt he was big and bad and had the right to insult Ben.
The animosity and fury was causing him to get out of hand. That’s right, Ben was at a loss for words now. All he could do was just stare with an open mouth as Drew put his ass on blast about Emily.
Simona cried loudly at what she had just heard. There was another woman he cheated with. How could this be? Wasn’t one enough? She was in a deep sense of rage and a pit fall of hurt and pain. The police continued to read Ben his rights. He wasn’t able to speak anymore.
Detective O’Brian walked in eating a banana. He couldn’t believe all the steam his friend was letting out.
“Hey detective, did I catch you at a bad time?” he laughed jokingly. He took another bite into the banana and met his gaze at Simona. He nearly got chocked after he realized who she was. O’Brian wiped his hand on his pants to remove the banana residue before shaking Simona’s hand.
“Oh my! Pardon me, ma’am. I always see you on the morning news and it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Detective O’Brian.” He chewed, clearing his throat.
He gave Simona a tight handshake, but he could sense that she wasn’t in such a mood to be introduced.
“Nice to meet you, Detective O’Brian. Sorry we had to meet under these accommodations.” She said with a sniff.
Drew rubbed the fur under his chin and took a deep breath. “Looks like we got a hold of Myers. He was Simona’s fiancé and he’s being taken in for questioning until we can get a court date immediately.”
O’Brian shook his head, looking around the apartment as the other police cleared out. “Ms. Cox, I am sincerely sorry about all this happening. Really, I am.” He said sincerely.
Simona nodded and gave a weak smile. “Thanks. I’ll be fine. These things happen, but I wasn’t expecting it to have been my Ben. I had no idea that he would want to kill someone. Nonetheless, cheat on me.”
She turned her back away and started to cry. Drew knew at this time she was vulnerable and was going to need all the support she could get. She was hurt, embarrassed, betrayed and afraid.
Drew motioned for O’Brian to leave them and O’Brian pat him on the shoulder upon leaving. As the door shut, Drew looked across at the woman he loved. The woman who never left inside of his heart. He walked over to hold her.
Chapter 20
Simona tugged tightly to the throw pillow as she sat on the sofa, she was crying excessively. Nothing could undo the pain that she felt. Drew felt sorry for her, but he also was trying to make sure he didn’t overstep his boundaries.
At this point he had to be careful and show that he cared for her. This tactic would win her over quickly, he knew it.
The sound of police sirens in the city disappeared in the distance.
Drew was in the kitchen and decided to put on some coffee for the both of them. He remembered when they dated, how they would stay up late to have coffee and late conversation. It was one of the few things that used brought them close.
As the coffee was steaming, he opened the cabinets and found two beautiful, blue china tea cups. They were the teacups that his mother had gave Simona. Drew smiled without concealing his jubilation that she still kept them.
Drew filled the cups with coffee and slowly headed towards her on the couch, careful not to spill.
“Here. Drink some. It will perk you up.” He suggested, handing her the cup.
Simona sighed and waved the cup of coffee away. “No thanks, Drew. I’m not allowed to drink coffee.”
Drew was confused as he gently placed her cup of coffee down on the coffee table. “Why not? You always loved coffee. Did this guy converted you from being a coffee lover?” He teased.
Simona smiled, suddenly her smile faded. Her eyes became watery as she sniffled. She reached over for the box of Kleenex on the end table. “I can’t have coffee or caffeine because I’m pregnant. I’m pregnant with his child, which makes it hard, Drew.”
Drew felt the sadness inside of him and the crushing defeat. First, he had to take the news of her being engaged and then the news of her being pregnant. This was really tearing him up inside. No matter what, if he wanted to win her over he had to be cool and show his sincerity towards her. No arguments and no insults were to happen, no matter how hard it was to try not to.
“Simona, I don’t know if I should say congrats or sorry. I know it seems hard for it happening during this crucial moment for you.” He took a sip from his coffee. He realized the coffee was still too hot as it burnt his lip. “I know it makes you feel so many emotions. I mean, with him lying to you. Not to mention that he’s suspected of two murders. It’s a lot to take in, especially with a child on the way.”
Wiping her nose and patting the tissue softly around her reddened eyes, Simona’s words started to stutter. There was so much pain. “I just can’t believe Ben cheated on me. Not once, but more than once! I thought things were going so well with us. I just thought he was busy working.”
Drew moved in a little closer. “I understand, Simona.”
“You couldn’t possibly understand, Drew. Don’t forget that you had your turn of hurting me too.” She told him.
Wait a minute, now the tables were turning on him. He was supposed to be the good guy this time. “Simona, that was long ago. I may have hurt you from my actions before, but I never once cheated on you like that brainless G.I Joe you’re with.”
Being caught off guard, Simona noticed that she was laughing at Drew’s remark. A soft laugh grew into a bigger laugh, and the two of them were laughing together.
“A brainless G.I Joe? I have never heard of that one before.” She laughed. “Drew, you always had such a sense of humor. Thanks, I needed that.”
“Anytime, Simona.” Drew rose from his seat and stretched, he was exhausted. “Well, I should be heading ho
me. Is there anything I can do for you? You really should take it easy and get some rest.”
Standing beside him and looking closely into his dark, blue eyes, Simona smiled slowly at Drew. She had never seen this thoughtful side to him.
The reason for their break up was mainly because of his lack of emotion. He was a detective; he was used to not showing pity and to be taken seriously.
“I’ll probably just curl up with a book until I fall asleep tonight. I’ll just…take it one day at a time. I’m trying to get over this.” Simona rubbed his back and walked him towards the door. “Thanks again, Drew.”
Drew wanted to confess to her that he was still in love with her, but he had to go with the timing. He stood in front of the doorway and smiled. “Goodnight, Simona.”
Simona slowly closed her door and leaned against it. She hugged herself, feeling the emptiness.
Inhaling.
Exhaling.
The man she was engaged to had broken her heart big time; while the man who walked out of her life in the past was stepping back in.
Chapter 21
The smell of cigarettes filled the air over thick perfume and cologne, the soft jazz played over the chattering customers in Woody’s Bar and Grill. Though it was a little after midnight, Drew didn’t actually go home. He sat at the bar, gulping down a tequila shot and took a long pull from his Cuban cigar.
He couldn’t go home, he knew that if he were to go home then thoughts of Simona would stir up. Thoughts of his feelings for her and memories that haunted him of them when they were together.
The most grueling thought that bothered him was knowing that she was pregnant from that scumbag fiancé. The bartender refilled Drew’s glass without asking if he needed it. Since Drew was with the law, it was always served as on the house for him.
In the Middle of Love's Crime *BWWM Mystery Romance Thriller Page 6
