Winner

by Belle Brooks

  “Stay with me, Rose,” he grunts before his lips press to mine and he bucks his hips in an even more forceful way.

  “Oh my God,” I cry out, completely overwhelmed from a sudden fuzziness in my brain. “Fin,” I pant.

  He stills. “Soon, Rose,” he whispers, whilst cradling the back of my head. When he gently bites my earlobe, I cup his arse and desperately try to pull him deeper into me.

  He circles his hips in one direction then changes to the other before he almost withdraws and launches forwards with one fast motion. I cry out from pure ecstasy.

  Our bodies still as he remains buried deep within me. “Rose.” It’s all but a hush when he re-starts his movements. At first they’re slow, but soon he quickens the pace along with the force. My muscles tense and as my climax builds, my heart races. Every single groan he makes has my back arching more and my head sinking into the bedding.

  “Fin. Fin,” I call with urgency, when my legs begin to tremble and squeeze like a vice against his outer thighs.

  “Rose,” he groans before he launches into me with such force, my arse presses downwards and my breath releases from my wide-open mouth in one long star-inducing release that sees me sinking into a deep abyss.

  I’m floating in space, completely weightless and free of all burdens, and the further I drift, the simpler everything seems. I want to reside in this place forever, but as quickly as I’m swept away, I’m brought back to him. My lashes flicker open, and just as they do, Finlay’s head throws back, and I shiver when a primal roar escapes him on release.

  I’m not sure how this happened, but I’m sure I want to do this again without too much time elapsing.

  Cradled in his strong arms, I feel safe against his warm body … I feel worshipped, as if I’m the most valued prize one could receive, and with every soft kiss to my shoulder blade, I find myself sighing. Tears brim in my eyes, and although I try to contain them, they spring free and I sob.

  “Rose, what’s wrong? Did I hurt you?” He appears concerned.

  “No.” I frantically try to wipe away the flowing liquid.

  “Why are you crying?” He shifts to lean over me.

  “I’ve never felt anything like this in my life.”

  “Me neither,” he admits, rolling me onto my back and using his thumb to wipe under my eyes. “It’s just all your stress releasing. Don’t fight it, Rose. You’re safe here.”

  “Okay.” I continue to sob.

  “Let me go and get you a towel and we’ll wash up, okay?”

  “Okay.” I sniffle.

  After one soft kiss to my lips, Finlay rolls off the bed, and whilst he’s gone, I stare at the ceiling and take long, steady inhales.

  “The shower’s running. Here, take my hand.” He’s assertive on his return.

  Stretching my arms wide, my eyes flutter open, and for a moment, I’m lost in my surroundings before I quickly realise where I am. I’m in Finlay Crossley’s bed after he spent the night taking me on a sexual exploration. Expecting to see him peacefully sleeping when I roll over, I’m startled when his side of the bed is bare. I couldn’t have dreamt a night like that, could I? The crumpled sheets in front of me are enough to convince me I didn’t dream it, but also enough for me to recognise he was here until he was not. He’s gone.

  Showering for what will be the fourth time in eight hours, I change into a sleeveless dusty pink blouse and a tight knee-length black skirt. Normally I’d sit and open my makeup kit and apply the usual products to my face, but this morning I don’t. Instead, I stroll unshod down the staircase, expecting Finlay to be waiting. He’s not.

  “Good morning, Rose.” Tessa smiles as I approach the breakfast bar.

  “Good morning, Tessa.” I shift my eyes in every direction looking for Finlay, but he’s like the thin air—not visible.

  “If you’re looking for Fin, he’s gone to work.” Her smile grows wider.

  “Oh, work. Yes.” I take rest on one of the stools, puzzled as to why he didn’t wake me before he left, and tense that I’ve been left with Tessa. I’m still not sure if she’s a fan of mine or not.

  “Did you sleep well?”

  “Yes, I did, thank you.”

  “Excellent. Have you any plans today?” Tessa grabs the handle on the fridge, opening it wide to remove a carton of orange juice.

  “No. I’ve nothing planned.” It’s a strange realisation for me, because every day of my life has been filled with lessons and engagements.

  “Good. Maybe we can get to know each other better.”

  “I’d like that.” I’m relieved she’s not planning to ignore me, at least.

  Handing me a glass filled to the brim with orange juice, Tessa says, “Would you like something to eat?”

  “No, thank you.”

  Tessa pulls a stand on wheels holding her oxygen tank behind her, and she leaves the room. I don’t follow.

  There are four material-covered chairs set up on the back deck, and without thought, I sit gently on one. Scanning the large, open, and relatively bare landscape, I think back to the night I came to stand in this yard after consuming alcohol and losing a bet I’d put into place myself. I wonder if I knew then I’d be where I am now. I don’t believe I did.

  “Rose.” Her voice is sweet, and when I rotate my head towards the bi-fold doors I’d not long exited, I’m met by a lady of what I believe to be Mexican descent due to the features. “I’m Caterina, one of Tessa’s nurses. Look, I’m sorry to do this, but I really need to leave now, and Deidre, who is taking over from my shift, has been caught in traffic. It’s actually her first day. Would you mind keeping an eye on Tessa until she gets here? Tess said you were hanging around.”

  “I’d be happy to. Where is she?” I twist the remainder of my body in line with my neck.

  “She’s in the media room.” Caterina’s smile is kind as her eyes narrow.

  “Okay, thanks. Enjoy your day, Caterina.”

  “Thank you, you’re a lifesaver.”

  I smile.

  Heading back inside, I search for my phone in Fin’s bedroom and attempt to call Maranda back, something I didn’t do last night. It goes straight to her voice mail. I don’t leave a message. Walking past the media room, I duck my head in to check on Tess. It’s dark, however not so dark I’m unable to see Tessa’s silhouette seated in a chair close to the large screen.

  “Tessa, it’s Rose. Do you want anything?”

  “You could sit with me.”

  “Okay.”

  I sit beside Tessa, and without shifting her eyes to me, she asks, “Would you like to watch a horror, comedy or action film?”

  “Oh, I’m not bothered either way. However, I don’t react well after watching intense or scary films.”

  “Nightmares?”

  Is she mocking me?

  “Yes. I suffer nightmares from seeing them, Tessa.”

  “I figured you were this type.”

  “I’m a type?”

  “Yes. Let me see—you are more of a romance and silver lining type of viewer.”

  “If we’re being honest, Tessa, I don’t think I have a type at all, considering I barely have time for viewing films and such.”

  “I see. You live a very strict and well-managed existence, don’t you?”

  “You could say that.” I sigh.

  “I know. How about we don’t watch a film, and instead we do some baking? Do you like to bake, Rose?” Tessa finally twists her neck towards me.

  “Sadly, no. I’m not sure I’ve baked a meal in my adult life.” It’s the truth. I’ve always had chefs to prepare my menu.

  “Well, no better time for starting than the present, I say.” Her hand comes to lie tenderly against my arm.

  Tessa busies herself gathering the ingredients for what she informs me is Fin’s favourite dessert, apple strudel. She also assures me she’ll have me mastering such a dessert in no time. She seems to know her way around a kitchen.

  “Rose, all you need to do is slide the b
owl under the mixers and lock it into place. It’s not rocket science.” Tessa smiles when she begins measuring flour into a jug.

  “Okay.” I puff out my cheeks, feeling completely out of my element.

  “If there’s one thing I’m sure of, Rose, is that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so a woman should know her way around a kitchen.” A sly wink follows.

  “Were you married?” I’m not sure why I ask this.

  “Oh, no, dear. I didn’t have time for many men in my life. I had children who needed me, and let’s face it, those children were ninety-nine percent of the time fearful of males, so it wasn’t on the cards for me.”

  “You never fell in love?”

  “I did, once upon a time, but it wasn’t meant to be, and in my early thirties I started work with an outreach organisation where I found myself responsible for the care of a child who was severely disabled with only months to live out the remainder of her life. Oh, Jordyn …” Tessa seems to drift away in her head to a very happy place, because her eyes light up. “She was a pretty little thing. That child deserved to be cherished for the remainder of her days, not beaten to a pulp.”

  I gasp.

  “It’s a way of life for many, Rose. Try not to be so shocked.”

  “I just can’t even fathom such––”

  “I know. I couldn’t either.”

  “What do you mean?” I’m curious by this statement.

  Tess swivels on her heel, and when her eyes meet mine she says, “Once upon a time, there was a young lady who had all the finest things in life. She needed for nothing and asked for everything. One day, this lady fled a strictly controlled environment for a chance at a life belonging to herself … She found it, Rose, and she never regretted it a day in her life.”

  “Tess,” I breathe.

  “Yes, Rose. She was me.”

  I almost lose my footing and fall backwards over my own feet. I clutch onto Tessa’s arm. “Does Finlay know this about you?”

  “No. He doesn’t and he never will, will he, Rose?” She’s not asking—she’s instructing me that this is a secret I will keep.

  “No. I will never speak a word.” I’m not sure why tears well in my eyes. All I know is they do, and I find myself swallowing incredibly hard to keep them from falling.

  “I once had a Slade of my own, you know, Rose. He’s the one I was running away from, and my family. I also once had a man just like Finlay, but I couldn’t stay with him …”

  “Why?” Do I want to know the answer?

  “Because he wasn’t strong enough to make it to the good part of the story with me. I had much to learn and much to figure out about myself, and he lacked the patience, I think, to wait for me while I figured out who I was and what life was about. After all, it’s very hard to do such a thing when the people you’re running away from won’t rest until you are returned.”

  “I can’t stay here with Fin even if I wanted to, can I?” The tears I tried desperately to contain leak from my eyes before sliding down my cheeks.

  “Dear, I can’t tell you what you should do. I can only advise you from my own past experiences. You often need to escape for yourself and figure out who you are before you go jumping into the heart of another man.”

  My heart thrums.

  “Rose, when and if you do figure it all out, then you’ll know if the one you leave behind truly loves you because, I promise, he’ll be waiting for you.”

  “The man you loved didn’t wait, did he?”

  “No.” It’s all but a hush. “Now, we’ll finish baking this strudel and you can tell me what you would like to eat for lunch?” Tessa asks with a strained tone.

  Using the backs of my hands, I brush at my cheeks. “I’d love steak.” I half cry and half laugh.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Finlay

  I’m finding it hard to concentrate on anything and everything. I know the lads have figured something is up with me, because every chance they’ve had to prod into my personal business, they have.

  I can’t tell any of them I slept with Rose, because not even I know how this happened and if it will ever happen again. Plus, if I was to say something to them, they’d only have a mountain of questions I don’t have answers to.

  Where will it go from here?

  Part of me is worried that when I return home this afternoon, Rose will be gone. The other part worries she’ll be there, asking herself the same things I am.

  Reaching into my jeans pocket, I remove my phone and set about sending Rose a message. This is probably the sixtieth time I’ve attempted to do this today, and just like the previous times, when the screen displays I allow it to remain blank before closing it down and placing it back into my pocket.

  “Tank, I’m heading out to get Al from school, and then we’ll both come straight back here. Do you need me to get anything for you while I’m gone?” Rance interrupts my internal battle, alerting me to the time of day. It must be near three.

  “No, I don’t need anything. Do you think you lads will be all right if I take off for the rest of the afternoon? I have some things to sort out.”

  “Sure. No worries, mate. We don’t need you here anyway. You just take up space, you big lug.” Rance flips me the bird, causing me to half-heartedly laugh in response.

  “Go get the kid, will ya?”

  “I’m on it.” One hard slap to my shoulder sees Rance on his way out the door, and after I hunt down Sailor, Tardo, and Blocker to inform them I’m leaving for the day, I head towards my utility, which is parked out back. I stop only when I hear Blocker calling after me.

  “Mate, you forgot your wallet.” He’s laughing on approach.

  “Shit. Where was it?”

  “In the office. You need to be more careful,” he instructs, outstretching his hand.

  “Yeah. I’ve been off my game today.”

  “I know that you fucked Rose, Tank. Shit, every one of us had you figured out the moment you arrived at the store this morning.”

  I open my mouth to speak.

  “No point denying it. You’re wearing the most obvious I-got-laid face I’ve ever seen.”

  I punch Blocker hard in his chest.

  “Settle down, fucker,” Blocker grunts, rubbing his hand in a circle over the tender area. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Tank.”

  “I’ve got no fucking clue what I’m doing.”

  “Figured. You’ll be all right. Just go with it, but keep your distance.”

  “She’s not Penny.” Am I trying to convince him or me?

  “Didn’t say she is, didn’t say she isn’t. But there are similarities. After all, Rose is running away. Mate, it came out of her own mouth last night, and you don’t need to be Rose’s landing pad.” Blocker places both his hands, palms facing out, in front of his body. “Tank, it’s all I’m saying on the matter. Well, apart from have some fun with her and then give her some space.”

  “I’m not using her like that, Blocker. No!”

  “It’s not using her. It’s guiding her. You said after Penny died you wished you’d helped get her away from her family, whilst also helping her to leave the slums of Hoffman. You didn’t have the money to do that then, but you do now.” He lowers his hands to his sides and cocks his head. “Rose can’t stay in this town—you know this and I know this. You need to get her the fuck away from here. I’m not saying you shouldn’t go with her or whatnot. I’m just saying if she really wants what she said it was she wanted last night, it’s your duty to help her to disappear.”

  “Yeah,” I mumble. “Are you guys coming around tonight?”

  “Nah. Sailor’s place got broken into last night. He was at his aunt’s and when he dropped home this morning, it had been trashed, so we’re going to go help him sort it out.”

  “I wouldn’t bother,” I huff.

  “What? We’re not all loaded like you, arsehole.”

  “Tomorrow he won’t need to worry about it no more.”

  �
��Huh?” Blocker’s face scrunches.

  “You’ll see. Have a good one, hey?”

  “Whatever,” he grunts, kicking one of the utility’s tyres as I climb in.

  Taking the now-familiar roads as they wind up the mountain, all I can think about is what Blocker said. I know he’s right, but there’s a part of me that wants to be selfish. I want Rose. I’ve wanted her since she was a mystery woman standing naked in a window.

  As I enter the driveway, I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t admit how disheartened I’m feeling, and for a moment I dwell in self-pity. That is until I flick my eyes to the circular garden and see Rose being yanked by her arm towards a black SUV.

  “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” I shout, leaping from the ute looking in the direction of where I clearly see Slade.

  “It’s nothing that concerns you.” A tall, dark skinned man who’s built like a brick shithouse steps in my way, blocking my path. Who is this fucker? I’ve never seen this man in my life.

  “Tank, you need to stop Slade.” Tessa is puffing as she shouts. It sounds like she’s near the front door, but I can’t see Tess, and instantly, the heavy sensation of dread rushes through my limbs.

  “Tess!” I bellow.

  “I’m fine.” She’s so breathless. “Get Rose.”

  “Get out of my way,” I shout, puffing out my chest to increase my size, hoping to intimidate a man I’ve never seen before today.

  “You put hands on me and I’ll kick your arse,” he spits.

  “Don’t give a fuck. Kick my arse. Slade is not taking Rose anywhere. I’ll only keep getting up to get to her.”

  The sound of a slamming car door has me ramming my shoulder into this burly prick and running in the direction of the noise. “Rose.” I’m panicked, because Rose is nowhere to be seen.

  Slade rushes from the passenger side of the vehicle to the driver’s side and as he moves in one direction, I head in the other. I know he’s had to force Rose into the car if he’s coming from the passenger’s side. I need to get Rose out of the SUV.