Spike (Spark Series #2)

by Ryder, Jennifer

  I run my other hand from her knee, firmly up the inseam of her jeans under the coat on her lap. I avoid the place where she wants me to touch the most … it’s not time yet, as much as I’m dying for it to be. It won’t be long before I unbutton her jeans, but until then, patience will have to be her new best friend.

  I run my hand up her other leg before brushing the bare skin of her toned stomach, just above the waistband of her jeans. Her muscles flinch beneath me, and she squirms in her seat.

  Unbuttoning her jeans, I slowly pull the zipper down and lightly run my fingers over the silkiness of her underwear. “Do you want me to touch you?” I mutter in her ear.

  She runs her hand through my hair, lifting my eyes to meet her gaze. She wants it bad. This is gonna be the longest cab ride in history, and we’re probably only five minutes from home.

  “It’s all I ever want,” she whispers.

  Fuck me. Her words are almost enough for me to come in my pants. My cock is hard enough to bust open my zipper.

  Her small hand hovers over my heart, and then she runs her nails firmly over my nipples. It’s the next best thing to her mouth on them; her hot, wet mouth.

  “How can I say no?” I slip my hand into the front of her jeans, cupping her mound. She spreads her trembling legs wider, and my fingers slip into the wetness that awaits. My heart beats faster, my cock throbbing with each gentle stroke. One finger explores first, while my thumb rests against her swollen clit. She bucks beneath my hand as two fingers slide in, tight against her inner muscles.

  If I was anywhere else but in this cab, I’d have her clothes in a pile on the floor and my cock would be buried deep inside her instead of my fingers. I stroke long and deep, massaging the parts of her that only I get to touch. Parts that are all mine.

  I try to be discreet, but it’s hard to hold back. I’ve never been kicked out of a cab before, but I’d say someone getting finger-fucked in the back of their car is not ideal. I bet they see a lot of crazy shit.

  I thumb down on her clit, and she squeezes herself tight around my fingers, making my cock as hard as stone. The violins on the radio become louder and more erratic, in time with her breath as her hand moves to push me in deeper.

  I wrap my lips around her earlobe, and she whimpers as I bite down softly. “Sorry, baby, but you’re not coming without me inside here,” I say, my voice deep as I wiggle my fingers inside her. I withdraw them, and zip up her jeans.

  Her mouth agape, she stares at me and I swear she blinks “are you kidding me” in Morse code. A giant smile splits my face. I fucking love it.

  The music softens as the taxi pulls to a stop.

  “That’ll be fifteen dollars thanks,” the driver says, not even turning around. I hand him a couple of notes, and open the door. I take Eevie’s hand and pull her across the back seat. Once on the path, I pull her close and whisper in her ear. “Come on … We’ve got some unfinished business to attend to.”

  Laughter bubbles up her throat as we run to the door to escape the cold. In the bedroom, shoes and clothes meet haphazardly on the floor, being peeled off in less than a minute.

  Eevie lies back on the bed, her long legs open. I pounce on her. “I thought I was gonna get another cab ride with a happy ending,” she says, pouting her bottom lip.

  “No, baby. But you can have one right here.” I bury my cock in deep, and she gasps, arching her back beneath me.

  “Aidan … fuck,” she moans, pushing her hips up to meet me.

  “I’ve missed you,” I whisper before sliding my tongue into her mouth, taking her breath with it.

  Her nipples harden as they bounce against my chest with every deep thrust. It has me teetering on the brink of filling her so hard it might take me a bit to recover for round two … and three if we make it.

  She pulls her lips from mine. “Harder,” she begs.

  I lift her legs to my shoulders, and kiss each ankle. “You ready?” I breathe out, preparing for that moment I’ve been imagining since I called that cab.

  “Yes!” she calls out, her eyes rolling back in her head.

  I give her what she wants … which is exactly what I want. Fuck me if her wanting it hard and fast isn’t the sexiest thing ever.

  I pull out to the tip, and slam into her wet heat, which in no time has me gripping her hips and spilling deep inside her. My head falls back, my neck unable to hold it up as powerful waves overtake my body.

  Eevie groans, gripping my legs and pushing her calves against my chest as I slowly come to a stop.

  “I’ve missed you too,” she says, with a smile that’s different. I’ve seen a lot of her smiles, but it’s what’s lurking in her eyes that catches me off-guard. Whatever it is, judging by her words she must know what I mean.

  I withdraw from her, and flop on the bed beside her. Her arms follow me, as if she’s afraid to take them away. I draw her in close, and let out a loud sigh as my heart rate calms down. Eevie snuggles against my chest, squeezing tight around my waist. I kiss her on the top of her head, my nostrils tickled by her sweet-smelling hair. She moves her head, and glances up at me through her long lashes.

  “I love you more than anything, Aidan,” she says softly, the words creating a twinge deep in my chest. A feeling that only she can cause.

  “I love you too, baby girl,” I say with as much emotion as I can lace around those words. I kiss her strong and sweet, feeling her melt in my arms. There’s still something up with her, though. I can tell she’s still stressed. Hopefully by the end of term, she’ll be fully back to her old self.

  I reluctantly pull my lips from hers. “I’m gonna take a quick shower … You wanna come?” I say, and kiss her softly on the lips. I wink. Her mouth pulls into a smirk.

  “I was planning on coming, but I haven’t had the chance yet,” she says, poking me in the ribs. I jump from her touch, and tweak her nipple between my teeth.

  “I must be a horrible lay. Let me make it up to you,” I say cheekily and scramble out of bed. I pull her upright, and she follows me into the bathroom.

  “Well, okay then,” she says, her tone bored.

  I playfully slap her bare arse, and she laughs as she tries to slap me back. “Shower first. Then I promise, round two’s gonna be spectacular.”

  ****

  * EEVIE *

  I’m back on top of things. Life is good. It’s been a week since that windy day in the park, and even though I’m still flat out with studies, I’m feeling like I’m back on track.

  As much as it pains me to have lied to him, Aidan was none the wiser, although when he said the other night he had been “missing me”, it probably meant I didn’t hide it too well. I did the best I could in a bad situation. Still, I don’t want Aidan to think I’m normally so up and down with my emotions, as over the years I’ve managed to keep things so under control.

  When my phone rings, I answer it without looking at the display.

  “Miss Lawson,” the electronic voice says, expelling all the air from my lungs.

  “What do you want?” I choke out, my ribcage expanding as it desperately fought for air.

  “Ten thousand by the end of the week. We’ve happened to come across some very interesting footage.”

  Oh, God. I thought this was done. I paid them. I thought my nightmare was over. I should have known it was too good to be true.

  “Of what?” I growl.

  “A rather intimate camping trip.” I cover my mouth. Oh God, someone was there. I knew it. I didn’t imagine those noises.

  “Prove it,” I blurt out.

  “I’ll email it to you now. You should be proud of your performance.” Goddamn fucker.

  “But I … I don’t have that kind of money.” I’d already drained most of my savings.

  “I’m sure you’ll think of something.” What have I got left of any value?

  “I need more time.”

  “Someone will call you before Saturday to give you the time and location of the drop off. And again, keep you
r mouth shut and your precious boyfriend won’t get hurt.”

  “But …” I choke out.

  The line goes dead. Where the fuck am I gonna get that kind of money?

  As soon as I’m alone, I check my emails. And there’s one there waiting for me. Just like the voice said.

  The mouse arrow hovers over it until my shaking finger has the courage to double-click. The email opens up, my heart palpitating like an overexcited puppy.

  I can make out my voice; the sound is distant, but I’m loud enough to know I’m not faking. No Harry met Sally here. It’s all me. The first fucking time I really let the wildness out, let Aidan hear what he does to me, and I’m fucking on camera! FUCK! The vision is close-up and surprisingly clear, with the fire creating a luminous backdrop.

  I’m bouncing up and down like how I imagine a porn star would. As much as I remember that moment to be hot, and sweet, and probably the most memorable sex of my life, right now I could not be more disgusted. I am beyond mortified.

  Saliva builds up in my mouth, and the sudden urge to bring up my last meal has me throwing up in the waste bin. The acid burns my mouth as I run to the bathroom and cough before I rinse my mouth with cold water.

  I stare at my reflection, but I don’t recognise the girl staring back at me. This isn’t me. A liar. A victim of blackmail. A girl in a pornographic tape. But the truth is, it is me, and all these things are real.

  Some animal followed us into the mountains, then filmed us—and they were close. They created a digital record of a moment of such intimacy between the man I love and me.

  If that footage goes viral, it will be beyond devastating. This is “drink myself into oblivion” kind of shit, with the hope of not waking up.

  Money. Where the fuck am I going to get ten grand? I need to get that cash. Whatever it takes.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  * EEVIE *

  On my drive home from work today I take a different route, which takes me in the direction of the local police station. As I approach, there are two uniformed officers milling around a vehicle out front. Can one of them help me? Should I pull over? I slow down, and scout around for a car spot when the words keep your mouth shut and your precious boyfriend won’t get hurt pop into my head.

  Fuck. Are they following me now? I look in my rear-view mirror, and wonder if the white sedan behind me was the same one from a few traffic lights back. A white car drives past me. There are fucking white cars everywhere; I have no clue.

  Stupid. I’m so stupid.

  I grip the steering wheel tight in my sweaty palms and drive home as fast as I can.

  I need to get the money.

  Snuggled into the couch, I swallow down the cold dregs of my fifth coffee for the day. I’ve barely slept since the last call, the caffeine the only thing keeping me from falling asleep at work.

  “So, I was going to sell my car, how much do you think I’d get for it?”

  “Why would you wanna sell it? You need a car,” Aidan says, rolling his eyes back in his head as if I’ve just proposed the dumbest thing ever. He’s going to take more convincing than I’d thought.

  I put the empty mug in the sink, preparing to justify why I have to sell it, without telling the truth.

  “I’m a lot closer to the city now, and the bus is a lot cheaper than parking.” Lie.

  “What’s going on Eevie? If you’re worried about paying the rent, I told you we’d sort that out when the bills come in. Don’t stress over it.” I don’t miss the annoyance in his tone.

  I should tell him. I need to tell him, but for his own safety, I can’t. If they find out I blabbed, the deal will be off and my body will become public property on the net. But more importantly, Aidan could get seriously hurt.

  My shoulders slump as I let out a long breath. “Yeah, I guess you’re right,” I say..

  I’ve got a thousand-dollar limit, but my credit card is close to maxed out, and I’d be lucky to have a couple of thousand in the bank. I can’t have Aidan worrying about rent or bills. I’m paying my own way, whether he likes it or not.

  Where’s the line when it comes to protecting the ones you love? But can you really protect them if you lie? Repeatedly? I have never been more torn.

  Will I lose him when he finds out I lied? Because one day I will have to tell him. I can’t carry around the guilt. My future is with Aidan; he’s a part of me and I want a relationship based on trust and honesty.

  The lies smoulder like burning coals in my stomach. The deeper into this mess I go, the brighter they burn, the white-hot flames singeing my heart.

  ****

  “Saturday, three o’clock. Same place,” the same electronic voice demands. The voice that instils fear and dread.

  “I haven’t got all the money. I need more time, please.” I try to hold back a flood of tears.

  The end of the line is silent. For far too long.

  “Someone will call you back,” he grunts. The line goes dead.

  Fuck! What have I done?

  I’ve done it. They’ll hurt him. Beads of sweat form on my brow, and my gut wrenches like I’ve just been stabbed with a jagged knife.

  “You alright?” Cassie asks, as I make my way back into the office.

  “Huh?” I mutter under my breath, trying to avoid eye contact.

  “You look like shit.” That might just be the out I need.

  “I’m not feeling that great, must have been something I ate.” Lie. Lie. Another lie.

  “Why don’t you go home early? The office is deserted anyway.” She places a reassuring hand on my shoulder as I sit down.

  “Yeah. I think I will.” Because if he calls again, and they demand the rest of the money and I don’t have it, who knows what’s next? What are these people capable of? Would they threaten to hurt me, or are they just using my biggest weakness, the love of my life, against me?

  ****

  When I get home, I slip into a hoodie and trackpants and curl up with a blanket on the couch. I don’t have the headspace for The Bold and the Beautiful, so I flick it off and try to ignore the sharp pains in my chest that are slowly leaching out to the rest of my body. Are they watching Aidan right now? Are they watching me? I resist the compelling urge to check all the windows and doors for the third time since I got in the door. For fuck’s sake, it’s ridiculous in itself that I had to do it three times. And on top of that, I feel like smashing the closest thing to me because there’s not a single goddamn M&M in the whole house. My eyes grow heavy, the burden of keeping them open too much.

  A loud shrill beside me snaps me to life. I rub my eyes, focusing on Blocked Number flashing on my phone display. Fuck. This is it.

  I answer the call, even though it goes against every cell in my body.

  “Hel-lo.” I manage to barely string the syllables together.

  “Is that Miss Lawson?” a male voice asks, different to the altered voice I was preparing for. It sounds familiar somehow, but how could it?

  “Yes.”

  “Well, I’d say it was nice to speak with you, but the last time we spoke you rudely hung up on me.” Now it sinks in. How could I forget that voice? Gravelly, like he’s smoked one too many packs of cigarettes, and dark, not a trace of humour, letting me know he means business.

  Mitchell Stone. It’s him. He’s behind all of this. I didn’t want to believe that Aidan’s father could be responsible for something of this nature.

  “What’s the deal with the money?” he barks.

  “I haven’t been able to sell my car. I … I’ve got about three thousand, but that’s all I have.”

  “Do ya think I’m playin’ games, girl?”

  My heart thumps harder, the ache intensifying with each erratic beat. “No … I don’t.”

  “Because I distinctly recall you were asked for ten.”

  “I know … it’s just—”

  “I tell you what,” he interrupts. “I’ll take what you have and we can the settle the balance of what you owe another way.�
�

  No, no, no! This can’t be good. What does he want? Money I can handle, but knowing they’ve seen me in some of the most intimate situations, I wouldn’t put it past these people to expect something else. I will draw the line if I am expected to do anything physical.

  “What do you mean?” Dare I ask?

  “I’ll give you the tape if you convince my son to meet with me.”

  “Aidan?”

  “Yes, Aidan. He also gave a rather noteworthy performance in the tape. Let’s just say I’m proud of him in more ways than one.” What a low-life.

  “I need time. I can’t convince him overnight. He wants nothing to do with you.” And I completely understand why.

  He lets out an evil chuckle. “You’re a talented woman. He’s certainly wrapped around your little finger. You’ll bring him round. I’ll give you two weeks. I’m not a patient man so don’t try and stall me. In two weeks, I want the three grand and a meeting with Aidan.”

  The line goes dead.

  Is this what he wanted all along? Aidan? Was it ever about the money, or did he just get me to the point where my fear made me so desperate I’d agree to anything?

  I’m hanging by a delicate thread a silkworm would reject. I’m trapped within these four walls, terrified of what’s lurking outside them. What’s going to be next? Is this ever going to stop?

  I go to the kitchen cupboard and stuff a couple of cheese crackers into my mouth. I’m not even hungry, but if I’m gonna fake a migraine, I can’t be getting out of bed later for snacks.

  I text Aidan to forewarn him.

  I’m not well, so am going to bed early.

  There’s some leftover pasta for dinner x

  He sends a text straight back.

  Rest up. See you soon, baby

  I get undressed and climb into bed, wrapping the blankets around me as if they’re going to save me. Protect me. I’ve never been more emotional or scared in my life. I break down and cry, and hope the release of each tear will help me cope. As my thoughts darken, my sobs grow louder. The enormity of this great big fucking mess weighs down on me.