A Debt Paid

by Black, Joslyn

  *** In the bathroom, Anya tried to get a hold of herself. What was going on? She didn’t know; her body wanted one thing, but her mind told her it was wrong to want it. He’d hurt her, caused her pain purposely when she angered him. Then this evening, he made love to her softly and tenderly almost reverently. She honestly didn’t know what to do or how to handle this.

  She was in this situation because of her father. She was being forced to marry Calix. He had forced himself on her the first time, but every time after that. She hadn’t initiated it and hadn’t said yes; but she hadn’t said no either, so it was consensual. So, was it right to like having sex with him? You’re not supposed to like or enjoy being with your blackmailer. She needed to get that straight; she started to wonder if this was this some form of Stockholm

  syndrome? Was that even possible after a few short hours? She’d think more on it later. Needing to get ready, she pasted a big fake smile on her face and tried find a way to cover up the big hickey she noticed on her neck.

  Chapter 7 The ride to her parents was quick and quiet, both not knowing what to say to the other. As they pulled up into her parents’ circular driveway, Anya broke the silence first.

  “Please, don’t bring up or hint about my father’s debt and what’s going on between us. My mother would blame herself, and I don’t want her doing that.”

  He reached out to caress her face. “Don’t worry, love, I’ll be the perfect fiancé.” He grinned widely.

  Calix got out and went to open her door, but, being the headstrong woman she was, Anya didn’t wait for him to do so. So they walked up the slate stone pathway side by side. The house was gorgeous; it looked like a Buckingham model home. Its front was a combination of multi-colored stone and stucco, and they had a three-car garage. By the looks of it, the house had to be at least ten thousand square feet if not more. Looking at it, Calix knew the Senator was living way beyond his means. On average, Senators made maybe two hundred thousand a year. This house had to worth well over one million. Calix knew that the Senator must not only be barrowing money, but also had to somehow be siphoning cash from his campaigns or some other place, or maybe he just got a lot of kickbacks.

  Calix smiled to himself, knowing what his plans were for the Senator and knowing that he more than deserved them. Anya wanted her mother away from her father. He knew Richards would never willingly allow her mother to leave, so he was going to use some very persuasive tactics. Calix walked with his hand on the small of Anya’s back, needing to touch her in some way.

  Arriving at the front door, Anya drew in a deep breath and blew it out slowly before she knocked. Her mother was the one who answered the door, and she smiled brightly when she saw Calix. She stepped to the side and stretched her arm out to welcome and invite them in.

  “Welcome, Calix, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Carol. Please, come in. Dinner is ready, so we can just go straight into the dining room. And, thank you for the beautiful flowers you sent to me.”

  He smiled brightly at Anya’s mother , just oozing with charm. There was no doubt in Anya’s mind that he defiantly knew how to work people. His hand still rested possessively on her lower back, refusing to move no matter how she shifted. His voice was smooth as silk as he purred.

  “It was just a small token to say thank you for inviting me to your lovely home for dinner.”

  When they entered into the dining room, Richards was already there and seated. He didn’t even bother to get up and welcome Calix. He was still pissed at how they both dismissed him this morning, like he was some sort of peon or flunky.

  Conversation during dinner was stilted. It was mostly Anya’s mom asking questions, and Calix answering her. Richards only harrumphed every now and again. Anya spoke when she was

  addressed, but, other than that, she stuck to eating her dinner. Her mother had gone all out tonight: Caesar salads, spinach

  artichoke dip with toasted sourdough bread points, and braised beef roast with baby red potatoes and butter sautéed asparagus spears. It was all extremely delicious. Anya ate vigorously. After all of her encounters with Calix today, she needed the sustenance.

  When dinner was over, Carol suggested that they adjourn to the sitting room to enjoy some after dinner coffee and cake.

  As they were all pretending to eat the cake in silence, Calix decided to give Anya her ring. He was actually nervous about whether she would like it or not; a first for him. Calix set his plate down on the table next to him. He turned toward Anya, who was sitting next to him on the settee.

  “Now, I know when you agreed to marry me,” he left out the fact that he hadn’t actually ask her, and that she had no other option but to say yes, “I didn’t have a ring for you; however, I want to correct that oversight.” He pulled out the ring box from his pocket and opened it for her. The beautiful ring that sat in the black velvet box took Anya’s breath away, and she sat there frozen, just looking at the dazzling ring in front of her. Calix lifted the ring from the box and went to put it on her finger.

  “I had to guess on your finger size. If it doesn’t fit, we’ll have it resized.” He slid the ring on her finger, and it was a perfect fit. She held her hand out in front of her to look at how it sat on her finger. Her perfectly shaped brows lifted, and her cool blue eyes sparkled; she was in awe. She turned to Calix surprisingly buoyant.

  “This is so beautiful.” Her voice was warm and soft as she spoke. “I designed it just for you; I wanted to make sure it had blue gems to match your eyes that I love so much.” He was happy that she loved the ring. It was the most expensive piece of jewelry he had ever bought for a woman, as it should be. Between the flawless six carat diamond, the two blue topaz gems, custom setting in platinum, and the extra fees for a rush job he dropped a cool forty-eight grand. But, Anya was more than worth it; he’d spend double that if it put that look in her eyes each time she saw it.

  “Let me see, let me see,” Carol excitedly cried, clapping her hands together.

  Anya stretched her hand out, so her mother could get a better look at her ring. Her father slightly leaned forward to see, as well, and his jaw dropped open when he saw the size of the diamond and the two blue topaz gems. He made an estimate in his head. With a diamond that big and no doubt flawless with those two blue gems, Calix had to have spent at least thirty thousand dollars.

  “Oh, Anya,” Carol crooned “It’s so beautiful. Calix, you did such a wonderful job in your design.”

  He turned to face Anya again. “I had a beautiful inspiration.” Their eyes met, and, for a minute, they were locked in their own little world. Anya didn’t want to understand what she saw in his eyes. She didn’t understand how a man could have two different

  personalities at the same time, a true Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Her feelings of confusion intensified. She was starting to feel things she didn’t want to feel and shouldn’t feel, considering how and why she was marrying him. Calix broke their gaze first. Anya’s eyes fluttered rapidly as she came back to the here and now. He turned his attention back to Anya’s mother.

  “We’ve set the wedding date for next month on the tenth. We know it’s soon, but my mother leaves for Italy in a few weeks, so we wanted to have it before her trip. Though, I’m not all together sure she’s still going. One of her friends was supposed to travel with her, but she fell and broke her ankle. My mother hates traveling alone.”

  Carol inhaled quickly, placing a delicate hand over her heart. “Oh, how awful for your mother’s friend. I hope it was a simple break, and she doesn’t need pins or anything. I had a friend back in school that broke her ankle so badly I think she not only needed pins but also a plate. I hope your mother doesn’t cancel her trip, though. Italy is so beautiful, and I’ve always wanted to go.” She looked off to the side, staring at nothing, almost like she was picturing it in her head.

  This was the exact ‘in’ Calix was waiting for. “If you don’t have plans, why don’t you go as my mother’s companion? The tickets are already paid for. We would o
nly need to change the name on the reservation.”

  Calix let his bait dangle there for a minute. Anya turned to look at him, her face showed how completely flabbergasted she was by his out of the blue suggestion; why would he suggest such a thing their mothers hadn’t even met. She tried to hide the look of surprise on her face. Then he turned and winked at her. What could his wink mean? She thought for a moment, then it came to her. His wedding present to her; he was getting her mom away from her dad. He must have miss understood her, though, because she wanted her mother away from her father permanently not just for a few weeks.

  Carol became excited and hopeful, and she smiled brightly at his suggestion. Her eyes shined with excitement, and she was nodding her head in approval. “Really? I’d love to.” Carol turned to her left to get her husband’s view on the matter. By the look on his face, you could tell he was less than pleased. He was eyeing Calix

  suspiciously; his brows were bunched together, and his lips were thin and pressed together tightly. When Carol saw Tomas’s face, her excitement vanished. She knew that look, and it basically meant he was not happy, and his answer was hell no to whatever was being talked about.

  Richards cleared his throat and smoothed out his face before speaking. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea, Carol. We have lots of campaigning ahead, and you should be here for that; showing that we have a united family.”

  Carol was about to say something, but Calix cut in before she could get a word out. “I don’t know, I think it would show more of a unified family by her going. Anya and I will have just married, we’ll be on our honeymoon.” Again Anya was taken aback by what he said. He must have had this planned for a while to have all this set up. “It will show that our two families are truly joining together.”

  Richards sat back in his seat and attempted to relax his body. He smelled a plot but didn’t understand which angle Calix was coming from. After all, you don’t survive in politics if you can’t ferret out the scams. Resting his hand on his knee, he returned his focus onto Carol. “Well, it’s not for a few weeks. We can discuss it more later on.”

  Carol’s once bright smile was now brittle. She knew her husband well enough to know that meant his answer was no, he just didn’t want to be put on the spot in front of anyone. She turned her head back to Calix and smiled weakly.

  ”Thank you for the invitation, Calix. I’ll let you know my decision soon.” Richards casually lifted his wrist to glance at his Rolex. He put his thoughts of trying to find out Calix’s angle aside. Putting on his very well-rehearsed politician’s smile, he focused on the young couple in front of him.

  “Well, I’m going to head up for bed. We had a late dinner, and it’s past ten now. I have an early breakfast meeting

  tomorrow, so good night you two. Carol, I’ll see you upstairs.” He rose from his seat and, not bothering to shake Calix’s hand again, headed for the stairs, but not before he gave Calix a very knowing smirk.

  Chapter 8 After saying their goodbyes to Anya’s mother, they got back into Calix’s grey Lexus and left. During the drive back to Anya’s apartment, Calix needed to set certain things straight. He didn’t want to bring up this morning’s events, fearful that her mind may take back full control and lock him out, and he wanted her once more before they went to bed. He was almost to her apartment now, so very calmly, as if it was no big deal, Calix started to inform her on how he wanted things to go.

  “When we get to your apartment, just pack a small suitcase for the week. We can come for the rest this weekend. I know you had mentioned in your terms this morning that you would like to work. I’m fine with that until you’re pregnant. Then I want you to take it easy and not be working at such a demanding job. I don’t know if you have many sick or vacation days, but I want to take you away for our honeymoon. I was thinking Fiji. Also we have a lot of appointments coming up because of the rush of the wedding: dress fittings, cake tastings, choosing flower arrangements, bouquets, etc.”

  Anya was awfully quiet while he was talking, so he glanced at her as he pulled into her apartment’s parking lot. Her arms were crossed tightly in front of her chest, her eyes were pinched shut, and it looked like she might be biting her tongue or the inside of her cheek to hold back her anger. He parked and shut the car off before speaking.

  “Anya—” He didn’t get to finish what he was going to say. The moment the car was off, she opened her door jumped out and slammed it shut. “Shit!” He hit his steering wheel as he cursed. He fumbled with his seat belt before he was able to get out of the car and catch up with her. She was already at her door, hurrying to unlock it and get inside, no doubt to slam the door in his face.

  “Anya!” he called after her. “Anya!” He made it in time to reach out and grab her arm before she was completely inside. He pulled her up short.

  “Don’t run away from me ever, understand?” Calix snarled. Not wanting to take the chance of one of her neighbors watching even a little scene outside her apartment, he pushed the door open and walked inside while holding on to Anya’s arm. When they were both inside, he all but slammed the door and locked it. He pushed her up against the wall, entrapping her within his arms. She was squeezing her eyes shut again. He grabbed her by her chin and forced her face up to him. “Open your eyes Anya. Now!” he demanded. His voice was brusque, even though he was trying to hold back. His instinct was telling him to dominate, punish, force submission, but there was a small voice telling him to calm down and to approach her differently.

  Anya opened her eyes and glowered at him. She was trying to hold her tongue. He had her and her family by the balls, so pissing him off wasn’t the brightest idea. But, Anya had never been a shrinking violet, and when she opened her mouth, the floodgate on her mad rant burst.

  “You must be fucking crazy if you think I’m just going to yes sir no sir to you. You obviously don’t know me half as much as you claim to. I may have to marry you, and I may have to act as a human incubator for your spawn.” Calix glowered when he heard her refer to their soon to be child as spawn. “But I refuse to be lorded over. I’m not my mother! You don’t get to decide everything in my life. I was quiet earlier; not wanting to risk rocking the boat before dinner with my mother, but I’m not putting up with your shit anymore. I am not moving in with you until I legally have to. I’m going to enjoy the few short weeks I have left of my freedom. I am not quitting my job. I may only be a paralegal, but I’m a damn good one, and that’s why my boss depends so heavily on me. So, if you want to go to cake tastings, do it your damn self. I don’t want this farce of a wedding. I don’t give a fuck about the flowers or food, and, if I really get to pick my dress, I want it to be solid black to mourn the loss of my life to a pathetic bastard who has to blackmail me into marrying him!” She was breathing heavily now staring up at him after her loud, angry tirade.

  Calix was at a loss for words. He didn’t know which he was more of: angry or turned on. She said some things he understood and some things that just pissed him the fuck off. But, this was his tigress, this was the woman who was fierce enough to stand by his side and be his wife. This was one of the things he really loved about her; she may retreat momentarily, but she would never just roll over and die no she would fight until her last breath. There was so much fervor trapped within her. He took a step closer to her until his body was pressed against hers, close enough to exchange their heated breaths. That little voice that had been telling him to calm down was now drowned out by the thundering voice bellowing for him to assert himself over her. The hand that was holding her chin slid down to her throat. Not to squeeze or hurt her in any way, that was not what he wanted. Calix just wanted to show his dominance, and to show Anya he had control whether she liked it or not. With his hand firmly around her neck, he leaned in next to her ear. His voice was cold in his warning.

  “Don’t you ever refer to the children we WILL have as spawn again. I may be the bastard you say I am, but you will never disrespect me again in public or in private. You do
n’t want a wedding? Fine, I’ll cancel everything, and we’ll go to the courthouse tomorrow. I told you, one way or another, I will get what’s mine. I was trying to be generous, to give you every woman’s dream wedding, even if I’m not the groom you wanted. I told you as my wife you would want for nothing. Obviously, I shouldn’t have even tried to be so

  generous, because all you seem to do is spit on it. You don’t want to move in with me? Fine, then I will be staying here. One way or another, I will have you every night, and you will sleep in my arms. I waited years for you.” Her mouth dropped, and her eyes widened at that remark. “You were too young when we first met, but I still wanted you. So, I waited for you to grow old enough for me to have you. But, you refused me, so, yes, I took what I wanted any way I had to. It wasn’t just your beauty and body I wanted, no, I loved your spirit, your tenacity. You are a tigress, fierce and strong. I saw the fierceness you had in your eyes, and I knew only you would be the woman strong enough to be my wife. The one woman I not only needed but wanted.”

  Anya’s breathing was labored; she couldn’t believe the admission he had just made. When he moved his head back away from her ear to look at her, she saw it. He wasn’t lying, he had truly wanted and waited years for her. There was no way to fake the intense emotion she saw glowing in his eyes when she looked at him. Is this why he went to the extreme? Why he was aggressively chasing her down? Could he actually have real feelings for her and this wasn’t just some weird and twisted way of getting what he was denied? Men always wanted what they couldn’t have and saw it as a challenge to get it. She’d thought that was the reason why this was all happening. Does it make a difference if he truly cared for her? Should it make a difference? She didn’t want to know why a part of her was wondrously enthralled that he would go so far because he truly cared for and wanted her that badly. Tapping into those thoughts may tap into others that she didn’t want to think about. Though the majority of her thoughts kept telling her that may have been his reasoning, it didn’t give him immunity from the acts he had committed.