Damaged

by Miley Maine

  “Yes, let’s,” I said. He stepped back a bit, then wove his arm around my waist, pulling me close to him.

  “I wish there was a way I could get closer to you,” he said as we started walking towards the mansion, our bodies connected.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I feel a pull towards you. I know we’re touching right now, but I just want to be even closer.”

  I smiled, leaning over to give him a kiss on the cheek. “You know how to do that.”

  This elicited a smile from him. “Yes, I suppose I do.”

  Once we were inside, we went up to his bedroom. I didn’t know if we were going to have sex again or if we were going to maybe just spend time together instead.

  My question was soon answered when he went over to the TV and grabbed the remote.

  “I feel a little emotionally charged for that kind of intimacy right now,” he explained. “Would you be fine with just spending time with me?”

  “I would, of course,” I said. “A relationship is not all about sex.”

  “Definitely.” He let out a laugh. “It’s a good part, for sure, don’t get me wrong. But I also just want to be around you. I want to learn more about you, more intimate details.”

  “Ask and you shall receive,” I said, curling up on the bed. I found myself a comfortable position amongst the pillows and pulled the blanket around me. I yawned, realizing that I was still tired from last night.

  “I think I might be able to just fall asleep here,” I said.

  “You’re welcome to,” Vincent crawled into the bed next to me, kissing me on the forehead again and then situating one arm around me. “I’ll wake you up before you have to leave.”

  “Thank you,” I said. “I really appreciate it.” I leaned up to give him another kiss. This one long and, I hoped, conveying of all my feelings towards him.

  I felt so safe around him. I knew that he would never hurt me, at least not intentionally, and definitely not physically. He was so caring, so wonderful, I felt so lucky.

  I wouldn’t have been able to fall asleep next to him if I didn’t feel safe, but he gave me the kind of security I needed to do so.

  Which was how I ended up falling asleep there, next to Vincent as the low thrum of some TV show played in the background. I could feel myself slipping into dreams, this time good ones and not nightmares.

  I was so used to having nightmares now that this was such a comfort to me to not have to deal with them. If the school was not so far away from his house, I would have loved to sleep over more, knowing that the safety he provided me chased all the bad dreams away.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Vincent

  The two of us continued to see each other for several months. It was good, and we became closer each day.

  We would have lunches and nice dinners, and she would stay over on the weekends so that the two of us could spend as much time together as possible.

  Several times I went to pick her up from her apartment, and she finally gave me a tour of the place. It was lovely and so cozy. I knew it was something that Maya would have loved.

  There were so many things about Emma that I realized reminded me of Maya. She was so kind and loving. She always saw the beauty in everything. These little glimpses of my past life made me feel happy and eased my grief.

  It made me feel as if Maya was watching over me from wherever she was.

  But part of it also made me sad. It made me realize how much I missed Maya, her touch, her soft voice, the way that she had of moving through the world.

  I could only hope that the ache would ease as the days passed.

  As our third month together came to a close, I wanted to do something special for her. I tried to think of something that we hadn’t done yet, something that the two of us might enjoy.

  I considered booking us a date at one of those wine and paint classes, but the kitschy look was not something that I was going for.

  So instead I booked us a private yacht for dinner, dancing, and even something after that. I figured that she could bring her painting supplies out to paint the ocean if she wanted to or the two of us could just hang out and do our thing.

  I hinted at the fact that I had planned something for the two of us, but I didn’t tell her exactly what we were doing. I knew the anticipation was killing her, but it would also make the surprise that much better.

  All I told her was that she should dress up and she could bring along some art supplies if she wanted to.

  “Why won’t you tell me?” she asked me the day before. She was sitting on my couch, her legs draped over me, one hand on the lapel of my jacket. She was using the voice she used when she wanted something from me—soft, sweet, and seductive.

  “Because, I think you’ll enjoy the surprise,” I said.

  “What kind of answer is that?” She pouted.

  “I also want to see the look on your face,” I said, tweaking her nose.

  “What if I do this?” she asked, her hands traveling down my front, getting closer and closer to my throbbing cock. I caught her hand and gave her a look.

  “There’ll be plenty of time for that tomorrow. No matter what you do, you’re going to have to wait till tomorrow to find out what I have planned.”

  “Fine.” She swung her legs so they were no longer draped over me and now she was just sitting next to me, leaning against me slightly. “I guess I’ll just have to wait till tomorrow.”

  “That’s right,” I said with a smile, settling an arm around her shoulders. “I’m sure you’re going to love it, baby.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead and that was the end of that conversation.

  She went back to sleep at her own place that night, as I wanted to save our energy for the day that was ahead of us.

  The next day, a few hours after lunch and a little bit before it would be time for dinner, I drove over to her apartment to pick her up.

  When I knocked and she opened the door, I almost couldn’t breathe.

  She was so lovely. So effortlessly lovely.

  Her hair flowed down her back in perfect waves, and woven into them were little baby’s breath flowers. She had on a necklace and matching set of earrings set in gold and white pearl, made to resemble the same flowers in her hair.

  Her dress was a deep red and it flowed around her curves in a way that made me want to tear it off of her body right then and there.

  She was so lovely. So absolutely lovely.

  “Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?” I leaned against her door frame, looking her over once again.

  She laughed. “Maybe once or twice,” she teased.

  “Awww, come on, I have to have said it more than that. Every time I see you, you’re more beautiful than the last.”

  “I know,” she said softly and pressed a kiss to my lips. “You tell me enough to fill a whole treasure room with all of your compliments.”

  I smiled, watching as she grabbed a light coat and her bag, and then shut the door behind her before slinging an arm over her shoulder to pull her close to my side.

  “Is that another book thing? Something one of your characters would say?”

  “Perhaps.” She let out a sigh. “I just thought it sounded lovely.”

  “Well, then I’ll pay you enough compliments tonight to fill another two treasure rooms.”

  I walked her down to the parking lot and helped her into the passenger seat of my car.

  “You still haven’t told me where we’re going,” she said, a pout on her perfect pink lips. Her cheeks looked especially flushed in the afternoon light.

  “You’ll see,” I promised, and began the drive to the port where our private yacht was waiting for us, with dinner and the perfect romantic setting for two.

  “That’s what you keep saying. At least give me a hint.”

  “Hmmmmm.” I pretended to consider it for a moment before giving her a resounding, “No, I think it should be enough to see when we get there.”

  “You’re a sc
oundrel, a real scoundrel.”

  “I thought you liked scoundrels.”

  She sighed. “Oh, I do. You’re just so sexy you’re impossible to hate.”

  “Good.”

  I watched the realization cross Emma’s face as we arrived at the port.

  “We’re going on a boat?” she asked, turning to look at me with wide eyes.

  “We are indeed,” I said. “I rented us one for the occasion.”

  She smiled, getting this look of secret satisfaction on her face.

  “What’s that face for?” I teased.

  “Oh, nothing. Just thinking that you’re becoming more and more like the scoundrel pirate from my books every day.

  I let out a laugh. “I hadn’t even thought of that angle. Tell me, Miss Emma, have you always wanted to go on a ship then?”

  She sighed. “Yes. A pirate ship has been my dream, but I’ll settle for a modern boat.”

  “You won’t settle,” I said. “I’ll take you on a pirate ship one day, but I hope for now a yacht will suffice.”

  She looked at me with wide eyes. “You rented us a yacht?”

  “Yes, a nice one too. Who do you think I am? Of course, I’m going to rent a yacht for my girlfriend for our three month anniversary.”

  “You know, I never thought I would be with someone like you, someone who does such thoughtful things. I always assumed that I would settle for someone and take solace in my books as I grew into old age and liked my cats more than my husband.”

  “You shouldn’t ever have to settle,” I said. “You should never feel like you have to settle. That’s foolish for anyone, but especially coming from someone as incredible as you.”

  I had just parked the car, so I turned to look at her, extending a hand to rest against her cheek, making sure that she was looking at me straight on. “Promise me you’ll never settle. You don’t deserve that kind of future.”

  She looked at me with those beautiful, wide eyes, and nodded. “I promise.”

  The two of us exited the car and made our way to the dock that held the large yacht I had rented for the evening. It had several decks, a kitchen, a spacious bedroom, a dining area, two bathrooms, and several smaller bedrooms for the staff that would be attending to us for the night.

  I would have gotten us an even bigger one, but I figured that this size would make Emma feel more comfortable. I knew she wasn’t as used to large displays of wealth and she liked cozy more than big. So I hoped that this would bring our two tastes together in a way that would make the evening as perfect as could be.

  We boarded and were greeted by the cook and the two other staff members that I had hired for the night to attend to miscellaneous tasks. They all wore large smiles and congratulated us on our three months together.

  They paid Emma compliments on how beautiful she was, making her blush and causing me to pull her to my side in a possessive manner.

  Once we had boarded, the yacht set out into the ocean for the night. We would return the next morning and have breakfast on board before heading back to our own places.

  It was about time for dinner, so the two of us were escorted to the windowed dining room, where a spread of fresh bread, light wine, and butter imported from France was already waiting for us.

  “This smells so heavenly,” Emma said with a sigh. “You certainly know how to find the best chefs, don’t you?”

  When she stayed over at my place, she always complimented my chef on his impeccable cooking. I had to agree with her that he made some delicious food. Quality staff members were one of the things you could more easily find the more money you had to spend. Since I had quite a lot, and the size of my staff had decreased dramatically, I could find the best of the best with ease.

  I pulled out Emma’s chair for her, giving her a hand in sitting down.

  “Have I told you how lovely you look tonight?” I asked with a smile.

  “Only about a thousand times,” she said, and then let out a little giggle. “Don’t stop though. I like that about you. You always make sure to let me know how beautiful I am.”

  “Because you’re absolutely exquisite,” I said, pressing a kiss to her neck. “Inside and out.”

  We made our way through the courses of food, chatting easily as each was brought out. The candles burned lower and lower and the waves outside were a comforting sound as we enjoyed each other’s company.

  Then we finished dessert, with the faint sounds of romantic music playing in the background.

  “Would you like to go up to one of the decks?” I asked.

  “One?” she joked. “I mean, yes please. I bet the breeze feels lovely at this time.”

  “I’m sure it does.” I stood, walking around to where she was sitting and pressing another kiss to her forehead before extending my hand and helping her to her feet.

  “Just promise you won’t let me fall off,” she said.

  “I promise,” I said. “I’ll hold you tight and won’t let go. You’re not going anywhere.”

  We ascended to one of the more spacious decks, the music playing becoming more distinct.

  I had asked the staff to set this up for the two of us to dance after dinner. Music. Candles. Rose petals. Fairy lights. Garlands. The like. Anything that I could think of that might make it more romantic.

  I wanted to show Emma how much I cared about her, how much I wanted to continue being with her and making her happy, making her laugh and smile and moan in bed.

  She felt like an angel.

  “This is beautiful,” she said as she took it all in. “Did you do all this?”

  “I mean, technically no. But I planned it all out. I asked for them to set it up. I made you a playlist even.”

  “You made me a playlist?” Her eyes lit up and I could see her visibly listening harder to the music that was playing in the background. “That’s so cute. It’s like a mixtape. Or a burned CD.”

  I laughed. “You really like romanticizing things, don’t you?”

  “I don’t have to.” She smiled up at me. “You make it easy.”

  “Well, shall we dance?” I asked, extending my hand to her.

  She took it, stepping closer to me and allowing me to put my arm around her waist. “Let’s.”

  She let me lead her, swaying around the deck.

  “You know, I’ve never danced like this before,” she said.

  “Really? High school dances?”

  She shook her head. “I was never one to go to those and I never got asked.”

  “Past relationships?”

  She shook her head again. “I’ve never been with someone like you. No one’s done these kinds of things for me, I told you.”

  “Maybe, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t have danced with you.” I spun her, then brought her back to my arms and pressed a chaste kiss to her lips, making a mental note to dance more with her. “In the kitchen, or the living room, just because.”

  “No, but that sounds nice.”

  “Then we’ll do it, I promise. I want to make you happy and feel special, every single day.”

  “Will you play your playlist?” she asked, a teasing tone to her words.

  “Of course.” I kissed her again, this time for longer, capturing her lips with mine, pressing her body to mine. “I made it for you after all,” I said after I had broken away. “It would be a waste not to play it for you.”

  She smiled up at me, then rested her head against my chest. “You know, I think I might love you,” she said.

  “I know,” was the only thing I could say in response. I didn’t know if I was ready to say those words yet. It still felt too soon.

  She didn’t seem to notice or care that I hadn’t said it back—even if she hadn’t exactly outright said the words I love you.

  We danced through several more songs and then I leaned down to kiss her, this time roughly, more claiming, and for longer.

  “Shall we retire for the night?” I whispered in her ear.

  She shivered
against me. “And what does that entail?”

  “Oh, you know. Just me and you in a cozy bedroom, my cock in you, you screaming my name, and then being rocked to sleep by the waves while I hold you tight.

  She sighed. “That sounds lovely.”

  “Good,” I said, pressing one more kiss to the sensitive point where her neck met her shoulder and then guiding her away and towards the bedroom that waited for us.

  I had had the staff decorate this too.

  There were silk sheets, candles, more rose petals, faint music playing in the background, more wine, an assortment of sweets, and several warm salt lamps casting a rosy glow across the room.

  “It’s beautiful,” she said with a gasp when she saw it. “It looks so cozy.”

  “I figured you might like it,” I said, wrapping my arms around her from behind. “You can take the lamps home as a souvenir from tonight. I thought that they might look nice in your apartment.”

  “That’s lovely,” she said, tilting her head a bit to kiss me. “You really think of everything, don’t you?”

  I tried to.

  “Perhaps. Or maybe I just know the right people to ask.”

  “Even then, it’s really special. It means you thought about me. That’s really what I care about. Not the money or the delicious food or the gifts, though those are all nice in their own way. I care about the thought that you put into things, your own touch and fingerprint on everything that you do for me.”

  “I’m glad you like it,” I said, squeezing her tight. “Let me know if there’s anything else you want and I’ll do my best to provide.”

  “This is perfect,” she said. “Absolutely perfect.”

  “Good, because I’m about to make you scream my name,” I said, pulling her quickly across the room and tossing her down onto the bed. “You’re mine, all mine.”

  “I’m yours,” she said, arching up to kiss me. “I’m all yours.”

  “Good. You’re going to know it for sure after tonight,” I said, giving her a smirk.

  I kissed her roughly, taking her mouth all in, and exploring her with my tongue. There were promises in that movement, of things that I would do to her later to make sure that she was writhing in pleasure.