He pushed his way through to where he’d last seen them, but Howie and Sophie were gone.
Chapter 23: Direction
The shopping trip had started badly and it had ended terribly. Howie had hauled her out of the mall like a child, dragging her behind him by her wrist. The finger marks were still there and they stung. Howie had bought himself a lot of new clothes and some shoes and trainers, and he’d picked out some trashy new stuff for her to wear.
“Get it on, show me what a perfect little slut you’ll be tonight, and then you can make us some lunch.”
Sophie went upstairs and did as she was told. The new outfits were as slutty as she’d expected, but she chose a tiny denim skirt and wrap around top to show him. It lifted and separated her tits to perfection and she almost liked it.
“Wheeeeeewwwwww,” he whistled as she walked into the living room, “that’s perfect, our special guest will be very happy to see you in that. I don’t need to see the rest. Now take it off so you don’t get it dirty and make us some sandwiches. I’m going to watch some sport this afternoon while you feed us and clean up.”
Sophie was curious about the mystery guest, “who’s coming over?” she asked in a small voice.
“What? Oh, just an old friend, you’ll be so surprised, but let’s not spoilt it eh? Off you go, there’s a good girl. I’m starving. Spending money always makes me hungry.”
She watched his profile as he turned on the TV. He was still handsome, with his strong jaw, intelligent eyes and luxuriant, brown hair, but she wondered now what she ever saw in him. The arrogance, the narcissism, the desire to control were all there. If only she had the strength to leave, but she knew that there was no getting away, whether she wanted it or not she now belonged to Howie. Where else could she go?
*****
He didn’t know why he went to Mandy, but he did. There was no one else he could talk to about this, she was the only one who had any insight into his confusion.
“Sit down, you seem agitated. Can I get you anything?” she was wearing a short summer dress that sat low on her breasts and despite himself he felt a deep longing for her. She tossed her dark hair aside as if she knew the effect she was having.
“No, I’m okay thanks. Look, I shouldn’t have come here. I…” he picked up his car keys and made to rise from his seat at the kitchen table.
“Sit down!” he was surprised by her tone, but he did as she directed. “Now, tell me what happened. I’m assuming it’s about Sophie.”
Kaelan was thrown off guard, “Ummmm…”
She slid into the seat next to him and took his hand, “It’s okay, I asked you to think things through. You’ve decided? You’ve spoken to her?”
“Not exactly.” When she didn’t remove her hand, he felt more confident about telling her, “I saw her today, not saw her as in being with her, but at the mall. She was with Howie.” she waited patiently, “I learned something, about him, which changes things. At least, I think it does.”
“What did you find out?”
He coughed nervously, “I was with some friends and we saw him, he was shopping with Soph, Sophie, one of them recognized him. It seems he’s abusive, that his wife, Anna, didn’t leave him for someone else. Cilla didn’t give me any details but she told me that he nearly destroyed her. She has a restraining order out against him.”
“God! And you think he’s hurting Sophie?” He loved her then, because her eyes were full of genuine concern for her rival.
“I think so. She looked terrible, thin and beaten down. I’ve never seen her look so ill. He shook her, yelled in her face, and then he dragged her through the mall like a dog.”
As he told her more, Mandy shifted in her seat, looked out of the window for a second, then she focused on him absolutely, as if he was the only person or thing on the planet.
“So, Kaelan, what are you going to do about it?” The directness of the question, the certainty that he should do something, worked like a cattle prod. “I mean, you are going to do something?”
“I don’t know. What can I do? She isn’t with me, I mean, I know we’re still married, but she chose her own path.”
“Did she? It sounds like she was played, wouldn’t you say?”
“Maybe. The other thing is that his best friend works at her former company. She always said he was a sex pest. It’s a big coincidence.”
She stood up and went to lean against the counter, “it’s too big. You have to get her out of there.”
Kaelan reflected on what Cilla had said, the exact same thing that Mandy was now saying. He knew they were right, Howie was destroying his wife. He couldn’t allow it, even after all she’d done. He did still love her. She was the mother of his children, and they were starting to ask more and more about when they would see her again.
“You’re right, I know you’re right, it’s just…”
Mandy smiled and his heart jumped. “You wonder if I’ll stick around?”
He realised that that was precisely what he was worrying about. If he did intervene, if he ‘rescued’ Sophie, if she even wanted that, how would it impact on his friendship with Mandy?
“Yes, I guess I do.”
She walked to him, hips swaying, she motioned to him to pull his chair back and then dropped into his lap. “I’m going nowhere. I’ve made a decision too. I’m not looking for a new husband. At least not in the short term. I’ve found something with you that’s rare.”
“I…”
She put her finger on his lips, “let me finish. What I’m saying is that even if you do get back together with Sophie, I still want to be in your life. Certainly, as a friend, but… God, I can’t believe I’m saying this again, but I’d even be happy to be your mistress,” she laughed as he kissed the top of her right breast.
“Mistress eh? You’ve been reading seventeenth century French literature again?”
Mandy slapped him, and then gasped as he pulled her dress down and sucked on her hard nipple. “Mmmmmm,” her head went back and she closed her eyes, her hand clasping him to her. Then as if coming back to herself, she pushed his head away and pulled the stretchy material back into place.
“You need to save her Kaelan. Before it’s too late. Go, do it now. I’ll be here when you need me.”
He kissed her softly, as she shuffled back onto her feet.
“You’re incredible, you know that?” His eyes were cloudy.
“It has been said,” she replied with a grin, “go!”
Chapter 24: Confrontation
He couldn’t bring himself to go straight to Howie’s, even with Mandy’s blessing, with her direction even, he still wasn’t sure. If Sophie hadn’t taken this road with Howie he would never have met Mandy and he knew his life would be all the poorer for it. And yet, he missed Sophie terribly. When he’d thought there was nothing left, that she’d made a new life with her lover, he’d given up hope, had ignored the nagging grief that had been chipping away at him.
He looked out over the river from his favourite spot on the bridge, and watched the water, shallow and slow moving. A little boy was throwing stones into it, standing on the little beach where he used to do the same thing. How simple life had been then. Kaelan shook his head and thought about the mess he’d made of things, that they’d made of things.
His priority had to be Sophie. Despite everything, he loved her and they had children, whether or not they could salvage anything from their marriage, he had to help her.
The sun was setting by the time he steeled himself. He would go and confront Howie, take Sophie with him, if she refused then he would have his answer. A life with Mandy would not be a consolation prize, but he knew it would be the path he’d choose give those circumstances.
It was time to go.
*****
Sophie had cleaned the house and cooked dinner. Howie had forced her to walk around naked the entire day, not for sexual gratification but to demean her further. He’d told her she was getting fat, that her tits looked like c
ows’ udders, that she was nothing but a useless old sow.
He was out now and Sophie took the opportunity to have a shower and get dressed. She knew she should wear the outfit he’d chosen for her, if she defied him her life wouldn’t be worth living. It was hot, though extremely trashy, but she didn’t feel remotely sexy in it. Tonight would be another trial that she’d have to survive.
She was just about to phone her Mum when she heard his car pull up in the drive. Shit. Shit! No peace. No break from him. Not for the first time she caught herself questioning what she’d seen in him. How had she thrown her whole life away for this?
“Sophia! Where the fuck are you? Our guest has arrived, and I’m sure you’ll want to give him a very warm welcome.”
Sophie heard voices and worked out that they were in the first reception room. With her legs trembling and bile in her mouth, she went to see who Howie had brought home. As she rounded the passageway she caught some of the conversation, and the voice, it was so familiar. It set her teeth on edge.
But seeing him there, standing by the fireplace, laughing and joking was like a physical blow.
“Ah there you are! I think you know each other? Dougie could hardly wait to get here, could you my friend?”
“That’s right Howser, I’ve been waiting a long time for this. For a taste of the uptight Sophie Cope. Although, from what you’ve told me, she isn’t quite as tight as she was,” he sniggered and waved her over.
Stunned, unable to move, Sophie just shook her head slowly, her mouth gaping in horror. Her legs refused to move and she almost stumbled backwards.
Like a striking snake Howie lunged at her and grabbed her arm. She tried to wrest it free, but he was too strong. “No please!” tears poured down her face, “please Howie. Please don’t.” With no warning, he brought his open hand scything across her face. It made a crack that echoed around the room and sent her sprawling against the doorframe.
“I thought you had her better trained?” Doug said with a sneer, “not exactly the obedient little bitch you promised me.”
“Shut the fuck up, or you’ll be getting the next slap. Get up for fuck’s sake.” He pulled her roughly to her feet and thrust her bodily towards Doug. The sneer had disappeared, it was obvious who the boss was. “Take her upstairs, do what you want with her. I’ll be up in a bit. I’ve got some things to take care of first.”
Sophie whimpered and tried to get away but all the fight had been knocked out of her. Doug was going to fuck her and there was nothing she could do about it. This was as low as she could go, she was dying. After this, there would be nothing left. She knew she would die and she welcomed it.
*****
Kaelan pulled into Howie’s street. He hadn’t been here since before Anna left, he’d expected never to come again. But he was focused, determined, he wasn’t going to leave without Sophie. He pulled up on the street and fairly leapt out of his car.
Carys sent him a text asking where he was, that only made his resolve stronger. He strode up the driveway, squeezed past Howie’s gleaming black saloon, and rapped on the door with the brass knocker. He was practically hopping from foot to foot, unable to think straight. Although he was a powerful man, he didn’t seek confrontation, not unless it was on the sports field, but he was keyed up now, ready for it. He was eager for it.
No answer, even though he could hear noises from inside. He rapped again, harder and longer. He wasn’t leaving. Footsteps. He braced himself. The door swung open and there was Howie. Just for a moment he started, then the arrogant façade went back up.
“What the fuck do you want?” Kaelan didn’t bother with a response, he shoulder-barged Howie aside and walked in.
“Where is she? Soph! Sophie!”
“Get the hell out of my house you prick,” Kaelan felt Howie’s presence behind him but he didn’t stop. He went room to room, shrugging off any attempt to restrain him. “I’ll call the police if you don’t fuck off. She doesn’t want you. She left you, you piece of shit.”
There was a muffled moan. Kaelan froze. It sounded again, it was coming from upstairs. He dashed up two at a time and paused, listening. Howie was hot on his heels, still protesting and threatening. Another moan followed by a slap came from the end of the landing, He strode towards the last door on the right, hardly seeing anything around him.
The door was ajar and he heard a rasping in-take of breath followed by mumbled words and a fearful whimper. He pushed it open. The room was large and well-lit, sparsely decorated but with mirrors all over, and dominated by a huge bed. Lying there, spread open and naked, was his wife.
She caught the movement of the door and looked up at him, her eyes were pleading, lost. She opened her mouth as if to speak but all that came out was a plaintive whine. A man was between her legs vigorously fingering her cunt, seemingly unaware of anything but Sophie. The wet sounds as he thrust into her with two hard fingers, drove a stake deep into Kaelan.
He’d never seen the man before but he knew instinctively who he was. Sophie reached down and tried to force his hand away, but he shook her off and continued to fuck her, twisting his fingers as he poked at her vulnerable, open flesh. The man chuckled and lowered himself so that he was breathing on her, any second and his lips would touch her gaping sex.
His greasy dark head moved lower as if in slow motion, and Kaelan found himself paralysed with pent-up fury. A hand landed on his shoulder, the room began to dissolve, sounds became muffled. He heard a ferocious roar that filled the room, it completely filled the physical space. And then he was moving…
*****
When she’d heard his voice calling for her, Sophie had thought she was dreaming, that her desperate, fevered brain was hallucinating. But as Doug forced her legs apart and pushed two fingers deep inside her, she heard someone moving around the house. Kaelan’s voice again, nearer. She struggled to rise but Doug slapped her belly hard enough to make her almost double over, then forced her flat again.
He hurt her, as she knew he would. He drove his fingers inside and twisted them around, she was wet but it still stung. She couldn’t bear to look at him, and so she tried to go to her safe place and hoped that Kael would be there.
As if by magic her husband appeared at the door, he just stood there open-mouthed, his strong body petrified by astonishment. Sophie begged him to help her with silent desperation. She knew that if Doug penetrated her, if he entered her body with his penis it would be the end of her. She would not survive it, the tiny kernel of her self-regard that remained would wither and expire.
Kael’s mouth opened and closed, his big arms flexed in his tight sweater, and Howie suddenly appeared over his right shoulder. Sophie felt Doug shift and his hot breath flirted with her clit. She tried to issue a warning to Kael but before she could summon a sound he roared like a lion and charged into the room.
It happened so fast she was certain it couldn’t be real. Doug lurched upright, his thin, reedy cock bouncing obscenely. He held up his hands as if to appease Kaelan but it was useless. The bigger man grabbed him by the throat and threw him off the bed. Doug crashed into the chest of drawers under the window and wailed like a wounded animal.
Kaelan wasn’t finished, he leapt over the end of the bed and brought his fist down on Doug’s cheek bone. There was a sickening, fleshy thud and Doug was out.
“Kael!”
Howie had ignored the plight of his friend and was hauling Sophie towards the door.
She resisted long enough for her husband to recover and close the gap fast. He hit Howie at full force, taking him around the waist. They careered through the door and onto the landing, leaving Sophie whimpering and trying vainly to cover her nakedness.
“Ooooffff. Get. Offfffff. Meeeee.” Howie wheezed. There was the sound of wrestling and a clunk. “Arrrghhhhh. Fuck off!”
Sophie stumbled to the doorway to find Kael sitting astride her lover. He had his arms pinned and though he was urgently trying to knee her husband in the back, he was making no impr
ession. The struggle, such as it was, was over.
“Kael,” she needed his attention, “Kael please.” He didn’t release Howie but he did turn to her. His expression was one of pure confusion, she read it immediately, he thought she was pleading for Howie. “Please can we go? Please?” She fell heavily against the door as her legs gave out.
She could feel herself drifting, and as she hit the floor, the darkness descended like an inky black sheet.
*****
“Soph!” Kaelan yelled, he held Howie firm for a moment, then unlike in the movies, where the heroes nearly always give the villain a lifeline, he released his right hand to launch a crunching right cross that immobilized the bastard. “Soph!” he repeated, jumping to his feet.
A Shared Wife Stolen Page 21