Elemental Fear

by Ada Frost

  “Do you mind if I steal her away from you?” asked Dominic smiling at Johan. I felt enraptured by him standing there with his lethal good looks, oozing masculine charm.

  “Not at all, be my guest, just make sure you treasure this rare jewel.” He smiled, lifting my hand and gently kissing it. I rolled my eyes. He hopped down the stairs and headed towards Elliott, I watched as he ordered another two drinks and handed one to Elliott.

  Dominic offered me his arm and we walked down the steps together arms entwined and I couldn’t help but smile.

  “Eve you look...” He paused looking at me from a sideways glance “words fail me you’ve completely dazzled me tonight.”

  “Thank you” I replied shyly. “You look beautiful...I mean...handsome...smart...I mean smart” my face almost exploded with the blush heating my cheeks.

  Dominic chuckled. “Would you like some champagne?” He lifted two glasses from the waitress, passing me one. I don’t even recall putting the last one down.

  “Thank you, cheers” I said lifting my glass.

  “To us and that remarkable dress.” He tilted his glass clinking it with mine. He smiled as he took a sip.

  I looked up at him and couldn’t help the huge grin that spread clean across my face.

  “Dominic hi.” Said a tall scrawny man in a tuxedo that was ridiculously ill fitting.

  “Richard” Dominic nodded, when the man looked at me Dominic made the introductions “Richard this is my... Evelyn Beaumont our senior analyst”

  “Good evening.” He shook my hand, but immediately dismissed my presence and started talking business with Dominic. It was all rather boring and took a little of the sparkle out of the evening. I realised I was still holding his arm, so I slowly pulled my arm away feeling grieved to lose the contact. I started glancing around the room looking at the beautiful array of colours and jewels on display.

  As my eyes wandered around the room I felt Dominic’s knuckles brush against the back of my hand and a hot tingling sensation travelled up my arm through my body to my stomach. I took a large gulp of champagne. Then I felt his fingers stroking my inner wrist, his hand started sliding down to entwine our fingers together. At the small gesture my heart started pounding within my chest, and my cheeks flushed. I took another gulp of my champagne to try and steady my raging reactions to slight touches. He started circling his thumb around the sensitive skin between the index finger and thumb. I was practically panting from the sensation, it was a small touch, to some inconsequential but my body responded with overwhelming joy.

  “Dominic darling” a demur feminine voice startled me from behind. I involuntarily clenched my jaw, squeezing Dominic’s hand in the process. He recognised my reaction and turned to the voice. “Vanessa, look who just arrived,” he said politely gesturing to me, he discreetly released my hand allowing me to turn and face her.

  “Why Eve, don’t you look...adorable.” She practically vomited the words at me.

  I forced a smile. I looked over in Johan and Elliott’s direction to see Elliott leaning heavily on the bar.

  “It’s certainly unexpected, I didn’t recognise you.” She sneered in reference to my dress. I remained silent; if I did that then maybe she would leave me alone.

  I zoned out of the conversation she started with Dominic and planned my exit. I looked at the staircase to see if it was possible to get there without causing too much of a disturbance. I didn’t want to pass Elliott or Johan because I would have to explain my leaving, so I turned slightly and saw a doorway leading out to a balcony. As another man entered the conversation I turned and headed to the quiet moonlit balcony. I placed my hands on the cold metal railing and stared into the darkness, it took a few seconds for my eyes to adjust to the change in light. But when it did I inhaled large deep breaths of crisp night air. I hugged myself against the cold winter night. I looked up at the night sky, millions of stars illuminated against the black sky. A lake, in the distance reflected a distorted view of the moon.

  Goosebumps prickled my skin and a shiver travelled through my body. I sensed him behind me before I felt a large hand brush along the base of my spine stopping at my hip, and then another hand griped my other hip.

  “You’re cold.” He whispered in the most melodic voice. He positioned himself behind me, bringing his arms fully round me and circling my waist. He pressed his body against me and I could feel his solid chest pressed against my back. His heat immediately warmed me and I pressed back against him. I stood still, torn between a state of complete and utter confusion, despair, safety and longing. I lifted my head to look back at him over my shoulder; he was looking ahead at the night sky, averting his attention away from me. I couldn’t help but stare at his sensual mouth wanting it, to feel the sensation of those lips on mine. I instinctively licked my bottom lip. Dominic swallowed hard, I watched as his Adam’s apple bobbled in his throat. The music from inside penetrated to our little secret world, Bruno Mars – When I was Your Man serenaded us.

  Dominic snorted a laugh behind me “A little fitting don’t you think...the song.”

  He pressed his cheek against the side of my head and sighed. He started rocking us to the music; his arms pulled me tighter against him. Slowly, ever so slowly his head lowered and he pressed his mouth against the exposed skin of my neck. I swallowed as nervous tingles spread through my body. Whether it was the champagne, the ambiance or the moonlight, I couldn’t have said but I leaned into him, pressing my cheek against his head. I closed my eyes enjoying the gentle sway of our bodies.

  I felt something grow firm; something low pressing into my back and my eyes opened wide, instead of devastating fear, a new sensation pulsed through my body, and started awakening a deep hidden desire for Dominic.

  I felt Dominic adjust his stance and pull away slightly so our lower body parts were no longer touching. Blaming the effects of the champagne, I had a desperate need to feel him close, I wanted him to be pressed against me, to have his heat radiate through me. I pressed back against him, forcing the connection again. I brushed my free hand along his arms that were still wrapped around me, and pulled at his elbow to signal I wanted him closer. I felt him shiver against my back as I rolled my rear into him.

  Dominic leaned his head and pressed his lips to the nape of my neck again, he pressed a soft open mouthed kiss there, sending delicious sensations to my stomach. “What are you doing?” He whispered into my ear. His lips brushed the sensitive skin of my ear.

  I turned my head keeping contact with his face. My nose brushed against the coarse dusting of stubble on his cheek, I didn’t say anything I just let my lips brush against his chin, puckering just underneath in a soft kiss. His grip tensed around my waist his jaw tightened. “Kiss me” I whispered.

  Dominic pressed his nose into my hair inhaling deeply “you’re killing me Eve”. A low growl escaped his lips as he pressed his forehead to my shoulder. I couldn’t help but smile, knowing he was as affected as I was.

  I turned in his arms to face him, I ran my hands up the lapels of his tux, when my hands reached the thick material of his collar just below his collarbone I pulled him down towards me and pressed my lips against his.

  A surge of electricity shot through my entire body at the contact. I heard him suck in a breath through his nose in shock. But I didn’t let go I pressed harder against him. I traced my hands up his neck, stroking the contour of his jaw line, when I threaded my hands in his hair he relaxed and his arms wrapped around me. One rested at the base of my back whilst the other pressed me closer at the nape of my neck.

  There were no words to describe how delicious his lips felt, I wanted to feel more to taste more and the longer he held me to him the more the urge became uncontrollable. I parted my lips slightly and sucked softly on his lower lip. His hands gripped at my skin, he needed me as much as I needed him. He opened his mouth; I felt his tongue teasing my lips open further. I couldn’t resist, I opened taking him in, I tangled my tongue with his, licking, sucking devouring hi
s mouth. I’d never felt this desire before, I felt it everywhere. My body hummed with sensation, in that moment I needed him more than I needed to breathe.

  I clung to him scared if I let go he would disappear into my imagination. He pressed me against the railing and the cold metal cooled my burning flesh. He devoured me, and I loved every moment of it. My lips felt swollen and delicious with his taste as he slowly pulled away. He looked down at me, his eyes frantically looking at me as if he was seeing me for the first time.

  “What was that about?” He whispered.

  I swallowed against the longing to take his mouth again.

  “I...” I looked up at the moonlight fearing it was the Champagne controlling him, but then as I looked into his eyes I knew, the truth was that he would never have done it if it wasn’t in his heart; I had a desperate need to kiss him again. “I wanted to. I...needed you” I whispered.

  “I think we need to talk, because you can’t kiss a man like that and expect him to stay away.” He kissed behind my ear, sending a delectable shiver through my body “I never thought you would kiss me like that again” his voice quivered.

  “Me either, but I‘m so glad I did.” I said looking up at him. His eyes were ablaze with desire. That look alone made my body react in a tempestuous way.

  “I –“

  “Eve!” a loud irritated voice called from inside the ballroom. “Shit” Dominic stepped back and looked down at himself.

  “Eve?” He slurred “Where the fuck are you?” He asked as he stumbled out into the night air. I sucked in a loud breath as panic started to rise within.

  “Here” I croaked out. Dominic stepped back against the wall, dissolving into the shadow of the building.

  “Ah, my gorgeous girl” Elliot slurred coming at me. He pressed his lips hard against mine and the taste of whisky made me want to gag. “Missed you”

  “Yeah?” I asked pulling my face away so I could take in clean air.

  “Let’s go home. I have a boner from hell and you’re going to suck it dry.” He nuzzled my neck and when I looked over his shoulder, Dominic’s shoulders fell and he shook his head disgusted. He looked up and lifted his shoulders in a defeated shrug. I wanted to scream that it was him I wanted, him I loved. Tears prickled my eyes as Dominic turned and quietly left us alone silently admitting defeat. Our perfect illicit moment ruined by my perpetual tormentor.

  “Angel, don’t…ttthink I can wait. Commme on.” He slurred and grabbed my hand, he pulled me down some stone steps to a quiet alcove, where he proceeded to make me pleasure him.

  Present day

  Friday dad took Lou and I to see a house his friend was renting out, with a view to selling in the near future. Apparently the previous tenants had vacated that same week and before putting it back on the market the guy said we could take a look at it. Both Louise and I fell completely in love with it. To be honest it was something we could never have afforded by ourselves. I had it fixed in my mind that no matter what, we would be happy living together. I would help support her through her pregnancy and raising our little bean. The house was beautiful from the outside, it was a traditional style semi-detached house with a bay window, brick arched porch for the front door, and an immaculately maintained ornamental front garden. Dad had told us that the back was all grassed with a small patio area. As we walked in the entrance hall was light with beautiful cornicing and high ceilings. As you entered the stairs were against the wall to your left and the lounge door to your right. I immediately pictured a Christmas tree in front of the window and smiled. The kitchen cupboards were oak, I personally preferred white and a little less modern but it was nice and stylish. Lou loved it and planned all the accessories before we even saw the rest of the house.

  As the previous tenants had moved out on the Friday Lou had dad and Darren move our stuff in on the Sunday. I was a little shocked to see Darren helping but if my sister wanted to work things through with him that was entirely her choice, I’m not exactly an advocate for healthy relationships. Elliott also arrived Saturday to assist with packing my belongings into boxes, although he spent most of the time sitting on my bed texting on his phone and when he did help he moaned that I had a lot of crap.

  We still had plenty to unpack but most of it had been sorted. Lou got the slightly larger bedroom as she will need the space for the cot and things until the little one can go in their own room. Currently the spare room is housing all our unsorted boxes and a single bed.

  mum has been a little tearful about us moving out, saying her babies were flying the nest, but she has been here practically every day helping us out so she settled down a little.

  Elliott has been extremely happy and sickeningly helpful with the move. He preferred the idea that we rent so that when he was ready to settle down and buy a house, we could get one together.

  The downside thought, to living in my own place without my parents present was, Elliott had taken it upon himself to practically live here when he is ‘home’. He no longer stays at his mum’s house. And it is horrible and even Louise has commented she doesn’t like the atmosphere when he is around. I tried hinting that maybe it would be better if he continue to stay with his mum when he isn’t working, but that earned me a verbal attack. So my excitement of having my own home was short lived because I obtained an unwanted house guest who believes he has a right to come and go as he pleases. The last fortnight has been a complete blurry nightmare, where I have struggled to breathe. I wanted a little time and space to acclimatise and process of all these changes, but I feel more claustrophobic than ever.

  Elliot also took it upon himself to host the annual bonfire night party at our house and invited everyone round. He had insisted that Dominic attend, even though Dominic had used every excuse known to man to get out of it. Elliot was so pleased with himself that he'd badgered his brother into submission, I couldn’t understand his reluctance to come to the party, it really hurt that he wanted so little to do with me lately. Elliott did say that we could still invite Johan when I explained that I had invited him believing it would be at mum’s house. To this day I don’t think Elliott remembers Johan being at the club that night.

  The day of bonfire night I arrived home from work, and ran into the kitchen turned on the oven to pre-heat it ready for the jacket potatoes, I had cooked the curry yesterday in a large saucepan so that was all prepared in the fridge all I needed to do was heat it up. I needed to prepare a chilli and cook the pies (which I also cheated and prepared last night before bed). Elliott said everything had to be prepared fresh but I simply wouldn’t have had time after work to do it all. I raced upstairs and got changed from my work clothes into jeans and hooded sweatshirt. I pulled the hair tie out of my hair and brush it through, and then it took three attempts to re-tie it in a low ponytail, trying to tie my hair with a cast on had proven a colossal task. I still cannot manage to tie all of my hair back and front strands still escaped.

  I ran back downstairs to check that the house was tidy; I vacuumed this morning before I went to work. I went into kitchen and tied my apron around my waist, ready for the night’s preparations.

  Just as I’ve mostly everything under control, I heard a car pull into the driveway. I swiped the back of my hand across my forehead and take a deep breath to steadying myself, so I don’t look quite like I've just ran around the house in a wild panic.

  A few minutes later the bane of my existence walks in the door.

  “Hey good looking what ya got cooking?” laughing as he walked in, putting his briefcase on the floor and sauntering over to me.

  “I’ve just finished the chilli.”

  “Smells divine. What time is everyone getting here?”

  I look over his shoulder at the clock. “You told everyone about five-ish so we have about an hour before they get here –“

  I was going to say he could shower but he interrupted.

  “Fancy a quickie before they get here.” He pressed his hips hard into me making his arousal evident. I swa
llowed my nerves. His lips landed firmly on mine in a possessive wet kiss. His hands slid further around my waist and down squeezing my bottom, pulling me closer to him.

  “I...th...th...the ffffood” I stammered, turning my head away from him to break the kiss which only encouraged him to trail sloppy kisses down my neck. I closed my eyes tightly. I wanted to push at his shoulders to get him away from me, but I tried that once and painfully learnt never to attempt it again.

  “I'm horny as fuck; we haven’t been together for ages.”

  I closed my eyes and felt the disgust for myself rise. I had placated him recently with oral sex. “I –“

  “You need to do something.” He hissed in my ear taking a painful nip at the lobe. He gripped my wrist in his hand and pressed it against his erection. “Angel you can’t leave me like this, come on. We can be quick I promise.” He pulled away and held my hand in his. Turning he pulled me in the direction of the stairs. I swallowed at the impending tears and tried to zone myself out and think of anything other than what was about to happen. I started reciting the periodic table.

  *****

  Louise came charging into the kitchen startling me out of my quiet stirring of the chilli, which had stuck to the pan with leaving it on the heat while Elliott relieved himself.

  “Remind me why I am such a stupid bloody idiot when it comes to men.” She growled to herself as she pulled her scarf from around her neck. I could feel the cold air she brought in with her and smell the cool night on her clothes. Her cheeks were a bright pink making her already pregnant glow more prominent.

  “I'm not following”

  “The bastard has a stupid family.” She flung her bag and coat at the hooks on the wall amazing me that they actually stayed.

  “Oh back to being the bastard huh?”

  “Who’s a bastard?” Elliott said from the doorway. He sauntered over to me and kissed me on the cheek and patted my bottom.