Finding A Way

by T. E. Black

  My gaze travels back up to her thigh where I see his fucking hand reached up her dress, and that's when everything goes black.

  I hear Callie's voice from the outside of my head causing me to whip around and face her. I study every tear that falls down her cheek, every wrinkle which appears near her bloodshot eyes. I want to comfort her, but my racing pulse has other ideas.

  I step toward her, backing her into the passenger side door. She doesn't look at me, keeping her head down toward the dirt. My chest touches hers as I place both of my hands on the door, boxing her in.

  "Did you fucking want him, Callie?" I seethe at her, afraid if I grit my teeth any harder they will break.

  She brings her head up, looking up at me in shock. I'm sure it's because I haven't said anything in the last ten minutes after she begged and pleaded with me to. I know I shouldn't be so mad at her, but I am. She put herself in this fucking situation.

  "Are you kidding me right now?" She sniffles slightly.

  I try to bribe the red haze to go away, but it's no use. Every word that comes out of her mouth makes me want to explode into a thousand pieces. My blood pressure spikes astronomically. My hand slams against the truck, no doubt making a palm size dent in it.

  “What the fuck is wrong with you?” she snaps, seeming a little angrier now. “You’re like one of those goddamn sour patch kids on TV. First you’re sour, and then you're sweet! I can't keep up with your mood swings already! For the love of God, Mac, choose one and stick with it!”

  Fuck.

  I swear smoke blows out of my ears when I hear the tone of voice she throws at me. She doesn't get to be fucking mad here. I do. I get to be pissed the hell off because she has to be a stupid, stubborn woman.

  “Me? You're asking what's wrong with me?” I shout at her, causing her to flinch.

  The feisty bitch doesn't back down. Why would she? That would be too easy. One thing I've come to learn is nothing is easy with this woman. She’s as stubborn as an ox. Too bad for her, I am too.

  “Yeah Mac! You! Why did you do that in there!? We were dancing! That's it. Why do you even give a shit about me and Chase?” She pushes on my chest trying to move me away from her, but instead I snatch her hands pinning them to her sides.

  “You let him touch you! You let him touch what is mine, dammit. You’re lucky I didn't kill that mother fucker Callie.” I boil with anger as I speak, inches from her face.

  A look of sadness flicks through her eyes, but soon the anger returns.

  “You know what Mac? Fuck you. You have no right to treat me this way. I can do whatever the hell I please! I’m not your goddamn property!" she snaps.

  I brush my nose up her neck slowly until I reach her ear, where I whisper violently into it. Her breathing picks up, her lips parting for me.

  "You wanna fuck that little boy Callie? Is that what you want? You think he can make you cum harder than I can? You think he can fuck you better than I can fuck you?”

  I try to gain control of my breathing, but I’m past the point of no return by now. I’m so pissed off and turned on at the same time I need to get away from her. She seems to realize how mad I actually am because she looks at me sternly as she speaks.

  “I’m not yours Mac. You hold no claim on me, so stop with the act already. You're being crazy! Did you ever stop to think maybe I like Chase?”

  I watch her face turn red with anger instead of lust. Taking a step back, I let go of her, shaking my head. I grab a smoke, lighting it. I look her dead in the eyes, letting out a sarcastic laugh.

  "Didn't know you were into that shit, sweetheart. Hell if I knew that, I would’ve just kept going at the shop. Could’ve even invited Trent down to make sure ya got off. Me alone wasn't your style, huh?"

  I know I'm being the world’s biggest asshole, but her saying she actually enjoyed the scumbag touching her leaves me no choice. She obviously has no idea what Chase’s plans were for her, and I intend to give her a rude fucking awakening.

  She tips her head to the side, confusion gracing her features. I watch her search me, looking for an explanation, but I don't give her one. Her tears are dry against her cheeks, laced with black I assume is her overdone makeup, which she doesn't fucking need.

  "W-w-what are you talking about?"

  I contemplate explaining it to her a little less vulgar, but obviously the only way to get through her thick head is by laying it all out on the line. Telling her exactly what her night would’ve ended up like if I didn't show up.

  I stalk back toward her, pinning her hands up against the truck. Looking into her baby blue eyes, I tell her every detail.

  "That fucking scumbag and his buddies prey on women like you Callie. They smooth talk you, make you feel like the most gorgeous bitch at the fucking party, then when you aren't looking, they slip a little something in your drink to make you feel a little looser. Then, when the effects of the drugs are in full swing, they offer you a warm place to sleep it off. Tell you you must be drunk, and a little sleep will help."

  I have to swallow the hard lump in my throat before continuing.

  "Once you doze off a little, he gets in bed next to ya and tells ya to lie your pretty little head down, that he'll take care of ya. He whispers sweet things in your ear, playing with your hair in a romantic way. Then once the darkness comes, three of his buddies come in and strip ya bare. All touching ya, kissing ya, and playing with ya. Once they're ready, they all take their turns filling every hole in your body. Maybe one at a time, maybe two of them, maybe all of them fuck ya at once while some bitches in the corner touch themselves watching. Is that what ya want Callie? Do you wanna wake up sore and alone, with no clue what the fuck happened the night before?"

  I watch her sob, the realization hitting her full force. She buries her head in my chest as she tries to catch her breath, but it's no use. I had to make her understand why I did what I did. The truth will set you free, Callie. She needed to fucking hear it.

  I let her hands go, pulling her into me. She puts her arms around my waist. I kiss the top of her head like I've done before, but this time I let it linger a little longer. I missed this. I missed her. I missed how small she feels wrapped up in my arms and the scent of her shampoo. Suddenly, it hits me; how stupid could I be to ever deny the way I feel about this girl? I had to be a damn fool to think I could stop this shit from happening. There’s no stopping when love creeps up on you.

  "Let me protect you, Callie. Let me love you. I'll love you so fucking much it will kill us both. Let me tell everyone you're my girl. Let me hold you like this until my arms get sore, and even then I won't let you go. Just say you’re mine, Callie. I promise I can find a way to make you fall in love with me."

  She looks up at me through her dainty lashes attempting to speak through sobs.

  "You don't even know what it's like to be with a woman more than one night, Mac. How can you promise me those things? Look me in the eyes and tell me you haven’t touched another woman since you met me, and if you tell me that, I know you will be lying."

  I let out a long sigh, bringing my lips to hover over hers.

  “I won’t lie to you, Callie. I’ve fucked a lot woman since I met you, but every single one of them was you in my mind.”

  Her fucking lips are begging to be kissed. So plump, and pink. I restrain myself for a few moments longer.

  "I can promise to try, Callie. I wanna be your man. I wanna be your rock. I’m going to fuck up, that’s a given, but I promise I'll never hurt you on purpose, and if I do, I promise I'll put your broken heart back together, again and again. I'll put it back together as many times as it takes. I’m not perfect Callie, and neither are you, but we can find a way. Together. We can make it work, baby.”

  I mean every word I say to her. If she would let me in, I could make her happy. I could try at least. She looks up at me with those innocent eyes, and I feel my heart beating a little faster. I need her to tell me she wants me. I need her to give me something to go on. I beg her si
lently, running my hands over the small of her back.

  "I want to try with you too, Mac." She responds so softly I barely hear her.

  I blink quickly, waiting for this to be a twisted dream of some sort, but when I look at her again, she's still here. She still has her arms around my torso, and she's still looking at me with an infectious smile.

  I take her face in my hands, bringing her mouth to mine gently. Her mouth feels how I remember, soft and warm, inviting me inside.

  "So fucking sweet," I mumble as I swipe my tongue over her parted lips.

  She tries to pull me closer, urging me to continue, but I shift away from her enough to separate our mouths.

  "Let me take you to my place, sweetheart. I plan on taking it slow with you the first time, and I can't quite do it here." I gesture toward the dirt patch my truck is currently parked on.

  Nodding in agreement, she lets out an adorable laugh. I grab her hand, intertwining her delicate fingers with mine. I pull her back far enough so I can open the truck, and help her inside like Cinderella getting into her carriage. It earns my ears a small laugh as she attempts to curtsy in her clingy dress.

  I shut her door, getting myself in the opposite side. I feel her slide over, picking up the console so she can wrap herself around me. Her body against mine makes my cock grow hard and thick with excitement. I think about everything I plan on doing to her when I get her to my place.

  She shuffles nervously, trying to find the spot I know she loves so much. I oblige by lifting my arm, and placing it around her shoulders. I look down to a clear shot down the top of her dress which doesn't help the bulge in my jeans.

  "When I get you home, I'm stripping that sexy little dress off your body, and then I'm lighting it on fire so nobody ever sees how fucking amazing you look In it." My voice comes out husky and laced with need.

  I’m taking my girl home.

  After Mac told me the horrific details of how my night could’ve ended up, I wasn’t angry at him anymore. He was my knight in shining armor, even if he preferred to wear black. As he stood there, asking me to give him a chance, I knew I wanted to try. Even if it meant I would end up broken and alone. It would be worth it if he was the one who did it.

  I know two things: I’m happy with him, and he makes me feel safe. Both willed me to take a chance. I mean, what’s life without taking chances anyways? It’s not much of a life without the risk.

  Mac's city apartment peaks out around the corner. I admire how beautiful it is. It isn’t like our historical brownstone. Instead, it’s modern and alluring. It looks like it came straight out of those Better Homes magazines. I gaze at it with adoration as Mac shuts the truck off.

  “You sure you still wanna come in?” he asks me nervously.

  I turn to him, giving him a reassuring nod.

  “Yes.”

  We walk up the front steps, tangled up in each other. His hands never leave mine. He places soft kisses on my earlobe attempting to unlock the front door.

  I giggle quietly, still tangled up in him.

  “You might have to let me go to open the door, Mac. Otherwise, we’re never going to make it inside, and I really doubt your neighbors will want to see us naked on your porch.”

  Laughing, he removes one arm from me, unlocking the door.

  “I don’t give a fuck what my neighbors like. If you wanna fuck right here on the porch, I won’t deny you of that, baby.”

  I smack his chest, opening the front door and stepping in. It’s dark inside except for a small lamp softly lighting the entryway. I look around. I spot something in the darkness and I swear my heart stops beating.

  "What the hell!" I yell, backing up into Mac.

  I hear him laughing loudly behind me. His dog is sitting on the couch which faces the door with its legs crossed over one another. The dog is a Siberian Husky, from what I assume, with a black and white coat and its mean looking face. Its eyes have black markings around them which make it look extremely pissed off.

  “It’s okay sweetheart. She won’t hurt you. She’s all bark and no bite.” He tightens his arms around my midsection.

  I give him a quick jab in the ribs a little harder than I meant.

  “Kinda like you then,” I tease him lightly.

  "Come here, Nanook." He whistles, calling the dog over.

  I shake my head, telling the dog I don't want to meet it. I'm not afraid of dogs, but this one is big and salivating over me like I'm its last meal. The dog’s ears perk to attention before it comes over and sits in front of me, pawing at my leg.

  Mac gives me a nudge, silently telling me to pet it, but I have a feeling this dog and I will not be friends.

  "Go ahead. She's a big baby. Just pet behind her ears, and she'll love you."

  I turn to look at him, giving him a weary look.

  "I'm not so sure about that. She looks like she hates me already."

  The dog continues to paw at my leg, staring up at me with her big beautiful crystal blue eyes, and my heart melts at that point. She adds whining to the pawing, making her so cute I have to give it a shot.

  I lean down at eye level with her, letting her sniff me before I carefully reach behind her to pet her ears. Apparently Mac knows what she likes because she immediately rolls over prompting me to pet her belly. I scratch her belly while Mac walks down the hallway.

  I get up to follow him into the house when I hear pitter patter behind me. I stop and turn around, feeling a very heavy dog crash into the back of my legs. I can't help but coo at her as she tries to regain her balance from the crash. She’s adorable, and I think I like her more than Mac.

  The kitchen comes into view and I take in its homey style. The first thing which draws me in is the mahogany cabinets. The tone of wood is warm and inviting, making me step into the room more. The granite counter accentuates the cabinets with the black and browns which mix together on it. The wooden floor matches the cabinets which opens the room up, appearing bigger than it actually is. Mac grabs two beers out of the fridge, placing them on the counter. I move toward him and notice my tail isn't far behind. I walk to Mac, grabbing a beer and popping it open. I feel a paw at my leg again and I reach down to pet behind her ear.

  "I told you she would like you,"' he chuckles.

  Still petting Nanook I look at Mac.

  "Yeah well if this thing doesn't work out for us, I'll gladly come over and see your dog still."

  He reaches over, pulling me into his arms, my head finding the spot in between his arm and chest.

  "So you're going to use me for my dog?" He cocks his head to the side giving me a curious look. I look up toward him, laughing quietly. He's actually jealous of his dog.

  "Well, I can scratch behind your ears too, Mac. No need to be jealous. I have enough love to give to both of you."

  He lets out a loud laugh.

  "I have an itch you can scratch, but it isn't behind my ears Callie."

  I slap his chest playfully then untangle myself from him.

  "I’m not making it that easy, buddy. Where's your bathroom?"

  He nods toward where we came from.

  "Back to the front door, go down the hall to the right of it, then second door on your left."

  I smile and make my way to the bathroom. I hear a crunch from underneath my feet as I walk along. When I reach the hall, I look down its narrow pathway. I see debris from something strewn all over near where I assume would be the bathroom door. Deciding to investigate, I keep walking, stepping in front of the door.

  "Uh, Mac! Did you happen to have an entire bathroom door when you left the house today?" I yell, inspecting the damage.

  In front of me is half of a bathroom door. The top of the door, including the doorknob, is fully intact, but there is a giant hole toward the bottom large enough for something to crawl under it. It dawns on me that Nanook must have gotten a little hungry and she may have possibly decided the door would be a good snack.

  I hear Mac's footsteps pounding down the hall, followed
by the same pitter patter which followed me before.

  "What are you tal—"

  Mac immediately stops speaking, taking in debris covering the hallway and the non-existent bathroom door. I hear a small squeak sound from behind him, only to see Nook running away quickly with her tail behind her legs.

  "What the fucking fuck!?" he roars. He stalks toward me and the victim, which in this case, is the door. I have to stifle a laugh at his beet red face.

  "Nanook!" he bellows, causing a chuckle to escape me. It’s too damn funny not to laugh. Seeing him get so mad at a cute little dog has to be the most hilarious thing I’ve ever seen.

  When he looks at me, I swear I see smoke pouring out his ears. He’s livid, and I'm about to make things twenty times worse. I can't hold it in anymore. A fit of hysterical laughter releases as I clench my stomach. I feel him glaring at me, but I can’t stop. It’s all too much.

  "What's so damn funny? She ate the fucking door, Callie! I’m gonna have to fix that shit now."

  All of my resolve slips away causing my body to slide down the wall into the remnants of the less than there bathroom door. Tears spring from my eyes as I try to answer him in full sentences, but I’m not sure it comes out that way.

  "Did you feed her today?" I gesture toward the half eaten door. “Because she was obviously pretty hungry."

  I see Mac’s hardened expression lighten up. I know he’s trying to stay mad at his dog, but it’s impossible for him.

  "I fed her today Callie," he states calmly.

  More tears materialize in my eyes, and cramps form in my stomach.

  "But...when we walked in and she was lying with her paws crossed like that, she knew she already did this, Mac!" I try to stop laughing, but it's no use. The more I talk about what happened, it just gets worse.

  "Now all I can picture is the song “Fancy” playing in the background, and her thinking to herself, ‘I have no idea what happened to the door Dad but you shouldn't look.’ or, ‘I swear, someone broke in the house, and ate the door then they left. It wasn’t me!’”