“Thank you, Joan.”
That night Vicky lay in bed watching the alarm clock tick by with every minute. Paul got in around 8pm and both he and Joan headed to bed not long after leaving Vicky to wait for the time when she would leave to go back to her apartment to meet Tristen.
After a while she began to grow restless. Her heart pounded with panic as she realized that time was slowly moving toward whatever Tristen had planned for them. A thought crossed her mind then. Would Ian be at the apartment? What was Tristen going to do if he was? The thoughts whirled around Vicky’s head until her head hurt almost as much as it had when Ian had struck her.
When it came to 11pm Vicky finally climbed out of bed and changed into some skinny jeans and a sweater. She found her feet carrying her down the stairs where her boots were waiting. As she pulled them on she heard movement from upstairs. She paused and held her breath as she wondered who had gotten out of bed. The sound of footsteps came from above her. She remained in the shadows at the bottom of the stairs, praying that whoever it was wouldn’t look for her there. A few moments later the bathroom door clicked shut and she realized that one of them must have just needed the toilet.
Vicky pulled on both her boots and then waited calmly, breathing as quietly as she could as she waited to hear the footsteps retreating back to the master bedroom. When the sound finally came she waited until it stopped and then unbolted the front door. Her breath caught in her throat as the door made a creaking sound. She became motionless and waited for someone to shout downstairs. They never did.
Instead of having to answer awkward questions Vicky found herself racing down the driveway and around the corner of the street. She knew that the journey would be faster by car but she didn’t want to chance Paul waking up and finding his vehicle missing from the driveway. That would only create more questions than it was worth. Besides it would only take her ten minutes more and she had plenty of time before midnight.
When Vicky got to the apartment building, she stopped in the car park and glanced around. Only when she was sure that she couldn’t see Ian’s car did she begin to climb the stairs toward their apartment. Her heart pounded as she imagined what might be waiting for her inside.
It wasn’t long before she stood at the door of the apartment. To her astonishment she saw that it was open a crack and she could just see light coming from inside. The sound of someone moving on the other side of the door made her a little more cautious. Taking a deep breath, she placed her hand on the doorknob and pushed the door slowly forward. The smell of vanilla incense hit her nostrils as she entered the apartment. Closing the door behind her she walked forward into the apartment. Shock filled her as she walked down the corridor to see that Tristen was stood in the kitchen, stirring something in a pan on the stove.
“Tristen, what are you doing?” she demanded just as he turned to look at her. A bright smile lit his face as his dark eyes fell on her.
“Good, you’re here,” he grinned, “I was beginning to think you weren’t going to come.” Vicky removed a strand of hair from her face and placed it behind her ear before replying,
“I nearly didn’t.” leaving the pan on the stove, Tristen moved around the kitchen island to stand in front of her. He looked down at her with an admiring look on his face as he lifted his hand to stroke her cheek.
“Well I’m glad you decided to.” With that he leaned down and placed a chased kiss on her lips.
“Why don’t you go and get into bed?” Tristen suggested, “I’ll finish up here and then join you.” He gestured toward the bedroom door that was open just a crack.
Vicky was about to protest when she saw his expression urging her forward. She sighed as she turned and headed toward the door. The scent of incense grew stronger as she drew nearer to the door. Her fingertips pressed on the wood of the door and it swung upon. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw the scene before her. The bed covers had been changed and there were rose petals everywhere. Even more astonishing was the amount of candles that spread across the room. They were everywhere; on the bedside tables; on the desk; everywhere.
The feel of hands on her hips made her gasp. Her head fell back as Tristen’s hand raised to move her hair so that he could kiss her neck from behind.
“What about Ian?” she whispered almost as though she didn’t want to ask the question at all. She felt Tristen shake his head behind her.
“We have plenty of time. He’s passed out in the local pub.” Tristen explained. He spun her to face him then and his eyes sparked with excitement, “We’ve got this whole place to ourselves for the rest of the night.”
“I can’t stay all night,” Vicky shook her head, “Paul and Joan will notice that I’m gone if I stay too long.”
“Well then we’ll have to make the most of a short time.” Tristen laughed. She felt his hands cup her buttocks and then she was lifted up into his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist in an attempt to keep herself from falling. Her arms automatically wrapped around his neck, her fingers twining in his hair. They kissed feverishly as Tristen carried her over to the bed. Her stomach fluttered with excited butterflies as he threw her down onto the bed and clawed at his shirt as though it made him feel claustrophobic.
They both moved quickly as they began to undress themselves and then each other and then themselves again. Neither of them could remove their clothes fast enough. Between each undone button was a kiss. Whenever their eyes met another spark flashed through Vicky. She was suddenly hungry for him as she remembered the previous times she had been with him.
The candle light flickered as Tristen threw his trousers away and dropped down on top of her. The feel of his naked skin on hers lit a fire inside her that could only be extinguished by one thing. Only he could do that one thing. She drew him down to her with her fingernails in his shoulders and kissed him hungrily. She felt as though she was starving for pleasure. The arousal between her legs was burning hot and she could control herself no longer. The blood burned beneath her skin as she ran her hands down the muscular expanse of his chest and then his abdomen. He groaned as she reached down and took his erection in her hand. His hands began to wander down her body as he leaned down and kissed her chest and then each of her breasts in turn. His lips were warm and soft against her delicate skin.
Her eyes rolled back in her head as his hand traced down her stomach and between her legs. Her stomach twisted into a tight knot of pleasure as it built inside her. The room spun as she longed to have him inside her.
“Make love to me.” She ordered him as she pulled his head back to her face and kissed him hard on the lips before taking his ear in her mouth and nibbling on his earlobe. A soft groan came from his throat, tightening the knot in Vicky’s stomach. When his mouth returned to her neck she felt a slight pressure as though he was sucking on her skin. The odd sensation was both painful and pleasurable at the same time. She squealed in excited pleasure as she dug her fingernails deeply into his back. He let out an animalistic growl as her nails drew a little blood.
“You’re getting naughty.” Tristen whispered into her ear. His voice was filled with cooped up tension as he suddenly inserted himself inside her. She grabbed hold of his sides as she readied herself for the intense pleasure she was about to feel. They moved in unison; both intent on sharing their pleasure with the other.
They climaxed with each other, their bodies melding together as they cried out. Vicky leaned into Tristen pressing her lips against his chest. They remained connected as Tristen lay on top of Vicky. His heavy breathing pressed his chest into hers. When Tristen finally moved his face was broad with a smile.
“Seeing as we don’t have much time, let’s take a shower.” He laughed as he grabbed hold of her and picked her up onto her feet.
“Are you serious?” Vicky giggled as she allowed him to drag her into the en-suite by her wrist.
A few moments later the shower was on and Tristen lifted Vicky up into the shower. They stood under the water flow in
each other’s arms. The water was warm against Vicky’s back and soon the room was filled with fragrant steam. They wrapped their arms around each other, letting the water wash over them. The sensation of arousal built up inside Vicky again just as she felt Tristen press the palms of his hands to her buttocks.
The sound of something hitting the tiled floor on the other side of the shower curtain made Vicky jump.
“What was that?” she whispered to Tristen as she felt her heart beating rapidly faster. Tristen shrugged his shoulders and gripped her tighter as though he was trying to calm her. It didn’t work. Vicky could suddenly hear heavy breathing as though someone had just run a long way or they were very angry. She shoved Tristen away almost making him slip on the bathtub floor. She reached out to grab hold of him to stop him falling but someone had wrapped their arms around her waist and was pulling her out of the bathtub.
“Get off me!” Vicky kicked and screamed as she attempted to pull the arms from around her waist. With a sick feeling and a dizzy head Vicky realized who it was. Ian had come back much sooner than they had been expecting. She could feel the anger pulsing through his tight grip as he threw her on the ground. She looked up at him with blatant fear in her eyes as she raised her arms to protect her against the punch that was coming toward her head.
“Don’t you lay a single finger on her ever again!” a yell came from in front of Vicky. She removed her arms and looked up to see that Tristen had grabbed hold of Ian’s fist and was pressing so hard on his knuckles that Ian looked as though he was about to burst into tears. Tristen shoved him backward by the fist and Ian stumbled over the toilet just managing to land on the lid.
“Who the hell are you?” Ian demanded, “What were you doing in there with my god damn wife?” his voice was like a snake spitting venom and Vicky felt his hateful eyes glance at her before staring at Tristen.
“I have been giving Vicky everything you never could.” Tristen’s voice was calm and flat as he grabbed a towel of the counter beside the bath and wrapped it around his hips.
“You bastard!” Ian’s voice was shrill as he threw himself toward Tristen, grabbing for his throat as though he wanted to strangle him. Vicky remained motionless, unable to move for fear of coming into his grip.
“I’m going to kill you with my bare hands.” Ian yelled just as Tristen grabbed hold of his wrists, quick enough to stop him grabbing hold of him.
“No, there is no need for such violence,” Tristen laughed as he gripped Ian’s wrist and twisted it in a very uncomfortable direction. Ian’s face turned red with pain and anger as he tried to pull his arm away. Tristen had a strong grip on him and he couldn’t get free.
“Give Vicky what she wants and then you will never see us again.” Tristen explained.
“What might that be?” Ian asked. As though Tristen thought Ian was finally talking sense he threw his wrist away like it was a worthless object he didn’t need anymore. Ian held his wrist with his opposite hand, rubbing the red marks where Tristen’s fingers had been.
“What is it you want sweetheart?” Tristen asked, turning to look at Vicky.
“Don’t you dare call her that!” Ian yelled but he did not try to attack Tristen again. Vicky could see the fear hidden behind the anger in Ian’s eyes.
Vicky remained silent for a few moments. Her throat felt as though it was closing up and she almost couldn’t breathe. As she began to feel braver, seeing Tristen looing down expectantly at her she admitted,
“I want the divorce I asked you for last year.” Ian’s eyes flashed with hurt. Vicky reached past Tristen and grabbed a towel to cover herself before standing up.
“You can’t be serious?” Ian demanded. He looked angry again, “I’ve given you everything you’ve ever wanted.”
“And the cuts and bruises to go along with it.” Vicky felt hatred welling up inside her. The fact that she no longer faced him alone lent courage to her fragile state of mind.
“I never meant to hurt you, Vicky,” Ian’s voice sounded pleading, “You can’t leave me.”
“In her heart she already has.” Tristen said as he held out his hand to Vicky. She took his hand willingly and allowed him to lead her out of the bathroom.
Just as she passed over the threshold of the door she felt hands on her hips. They pulled her backward, back into the bathroom. Vicky screamed as her hand was wretched free of Tristen’s.
“Get off me!” Vicky screamed.
“I am not letting you leave here with him.” Ian hissed into her ear as he pulled her back against him and snapped his arms closed around her.
“I suggest you get your filthy hands off her.” Tristen demanded as he appeared in the doorway again.
“If you think my hands are filthy then you should look at your own. You are the one who has been fornicating with another man’s wife.” Ian growled at him as though he was an animal who would rip his throat out if he tried to come near him. Seizing all her strength Vicky pulled away from Ian and turned to look at him. She quickly raised her hand and slapped him across the face.
“I will never be your wife ever again. I am leaving with or without a divorce and you will not stop me.” Vicky hissed at him. She no longer had a scared bone in her body. She was too angry at being made to feel like a possession. She could take it no longer. All she wanted to do was run from the apartment with Tristen by her side but she knew that no matter what she did Ian would try to stop her. He thought of her as his. He also thought that because she had his ring on her finger it meant that she was his forever. To her it meant nothing.
Raising both her hands so that he could clearly see what she was doing, she grabbed hold of her wedding ring and yanked it from her finger. Ian stared in horror as she threw it at his feet.
“You mean nothing to me.” She yelled at him before stepping back into Tristen’s arms. She turned and kissed him purposefully on the lips knowing that it would kill the last of Ian’s spirit.
Tristen swept her through the doorway and into the bedroom where he threw her down onto the bed just as Ian appeared from the bathroom. His eyes were alight with pure anger and hatred as he grabbed something from the side table. With sick horror Vicky watched as he brought the silver candle stick toward Tristen’s face. She was relieved as Tristen managed to duck out of the way just in time for the candle stick to slam into the wall making a huge dent and a loud crashing noise. Vicky held her breath as Tristen charged at Ian, tackling him to the floor. He straddled him as he grabbed hold of the candle stick and pried it from the man’s hand.
“You’ll have to kill me if you want to take her from this apartment alive.” Ian screamed in Tristen’s face. Vicky felt a sick feeling in her stomach as she watched Tristen shrug.
“Then I guess it’s in the name of love.” Tristen laughed as he slammed the candlestick down across Ian’s head that turned at the last minute. Tristen slammed the candle stick repeatedly into Ian’s head until Vicky reached forward and pulled him away.
“Tristen that’s enough.” She screamed. He had pulled the candle stick back over his head ready to strike again when she pulled it from his hands. He turned to look at her with an angry expression that soon turned to one of horror. His face was splattered with blood and his eyes were alight with fear.
“What have I done?” he asked almost to himself as he looked back down at Ian’s broken head. Vicky scrambled off the bed and pressed her fingers to her husband’s throat, trying to feel a pulse. Her hands were shaking so hard that she could barely keep them in position. She was almost completely sure that she could feel nothing beating against her fingertips. A wave of nausea washed over her as she realized what it meant.
“He’s dead.” Came the choked exclamation from Vicky’s throat. Her eyes widened as the room spun. She was filled with a sense of both horror and relief; the horror at what had just happened and the relief that she was now free. Ian could no longer hurt her and that was all thanks to the man who could have killed her himself.
When Vick
y looked up Tristen was staring at his hands that had caught the worst of the blood splatters. His eyes were wide with horror and his bottom lip quivered. Vicky had only ever seen someone in such a state once before. Her mother had had the same look on her face when she had had to tell Vicky that her father was dead. She remembered it like it was only yesterday but she shook the thought away as she realized she needed to sort Tristen out before he did something he was going to regret.
“Tristen look at me.” Vicky ordered as she took his chin in her hands and forced him to look into her face.
“Vicky, what have I done? I’ve killed him. I’m going to go to jail forever. How can you even stand to touch me?” he demanded. He tried to pull his face away from her hands but she only gripped him tighter.
“I can touch you because I love you.” Vicky told him. She leaned forward and planted a kiss on his lips, ignoring the blood that smeared her face.
“But I’ve killed him.” Tristen protested.
“He deserved it. Look at what he did to me!” Vicky told him. There was no way she could let him feel guilty about saving her life and killing a scumbag who didn’t deserve life.
A look of realization flashed across Tristen’s eyes then and he nodded. Pushing himself up off the body, he moved away and pressed the palms of his hands to his temples.
“What do we do now?” Tristen asked.
“We tidy up and we leave him here for someone to find. The police will be keeping a close eye on him after what he’s done to me.” Vicky explained.
“What if they think you killed him?” Tristen demanded, “I can’t go to prison if you’re going to end up there too.”
“Don’t worry about that. It won’t happen.” Vicky assured him, “Now help me tidy up.”
Chapter Eleven
After doing their best to tidy up and make it look like Ian had been alone Vicky suddenly had an idea.
Taken: Against My Will Page 8