“That look you get right before you fuck me sideways.”
I grin. “I am about to go on a road trip.”
She steps closer to me, running her hands down my chest before starting to unbutton it. “I know. I’m thinking that might just mean an all-nighter. If you think you can handle that.”
“It sounds like you doubt me.” In one smooth swoop, I lift her dress up and over her head then toss it to the floor.
“I kinda do,” she teases.
She won’t after tonight. I wrap her legs around my waist and walk until her back is against the nearest wall. Her hands turn frantic as I kiss her slowly. I take my time while she rushes to undress me. We have all night, like she said, so we might as well take our sweet time. I press my hips against her and she groans.
“Don’t be a tease, Roman.”
“I’m not.”
She rolls her eyes, pushing my shirt off my shoulders. With her still in my arms, I walk over to her couch, grab a throw pillow, and walk to her dining table. I set the pillow down, lie her down, and pull out a chair.
“What are you doing?” she breathes, forcing the question out as I strip her of her panties.
“Having dessert,” I answer simply. I leave her for only a moment to grab a can of whipped cream from her fridge.
“Today would be nice.”
“We have all night,” I remind her. “Stop being impatient.” I’m not going to make her wait too much longer because I can’t wait too much longer. I sit in the chair, shake the can of whipped cream, and make a line on each of her inner thighs before getting to work and enjoying my dessert.
***
I SIP MY Cafe Americano as Abigail continues to tell me the story of her and Felix. “So, you liked it?”
“Well,” she blushes slightly. “It’s not something I’d do all the time, but I think Spencer’s right when he says a little kink is good.”
“You plan on letting Felix tie you up again.” I can’t believe I’m seriously having this conversation.
“Sure. You should have Roman—”
“No.” I cut her off. “Our sex life is full of enough hotness that I don’t need and add ons. Plus, that isn’t my cup of tea.” I shrug. “God, I sound like a prude.” I scrunch my nose in disgust.
“No you don’t, I didn’t think I’d like it, but it is different.” Abigail gasp. “Shit, I’m turning into a female Tanner.”
This causes me to laugh loudly and the people at the table next give us the stink eye, and I cover my mouth. “You’re not turning into anyone but yourself. Maybe you’re having a sexual awaking,” I suggest.
“Maybe.” She ponders the thought for a beat. “Anyway, tell me how your week has been? I know the guys are gone on the road trip, but they’ll be back this afternoon. Have you heard from Dane?”
I shake my head. “I haven’t and I know I’m adding more stress to Zoey, and I hate it.” I run my hands through my hair. “Not to mention, Felicia has got to be the greatest boss in the entire world. She’s even been walking me to my car.” I shake my head, remembering how much I protested the first time.
“Well, the positive may be Dane seeing how much support you have here made him leave.”
“I hope so. And, hey, thanks for going shopping with me.” I glance down at all the bags of baby clothes.
“I can’t believe how much you bought already and you don’t even know the gender.” Abigail giggles.
“Look, I’m going to run this stuff to my apartment and then head back to Zoey’s until the guys come home.” I stand, gathering my bags.
“Is that a good idea? Why don’t you just leave it in your trunk?” Abigail has a worried expression.
“I’ll be fine. I don’t want to give it to her yet.”
“I’ll go with you then.”
“No, I’m fine,” I insist and give her a quick hug before heading toward my car.
I load everything in and head to my apartment. I’m slightly apprehensive when I walk into the building and in the elevator. I think Abigail’s words are still ringing in my head. But I’ll be in and out in a few minutes, and I’ll be fine.
I unlock my door and make sure it’s locked tight before taking the bags into the spare room. When I’m done, I head out of the apartment. I turn to lock my deadbolt when I’m pushed from behind and back into my apartment.
I stumble, dropping my purse, but I don’t fall. When I spin around, Dane slams my door shut, and I’m paralyzed in fear. Dane looks rough. His black hair is longer and his usual clean face now has an overgrown beard. His brown eyes are bloodshot, and I can smell the alcohol from where I stand.
“Dane.” I’m able to find my voice. “What are you doing here?” I put my back against the wall and pray that when I start screaming, someone hears me.
“I told you we need to talk.” He growls and the horrible smell almost takes my breath away.
“Dane—”
“Stop talking.” He leans in and stares me down. “You stupid bitch. I told you were nothing but worthless piece of trash, but today…today you will come in handy for me. Now move.”
“Move?” He’s going to kidnap me? Where is he going to take me? What’s going to happen? “Why…why don’t we sit on the couch and talk here? I’ll…I’ll…make you some coffee.” I stumble over my words, but I remember hearing not to let a kidnapper take you in his car. Sure, now all the detective shows come flooding back in my mind.
“You are going to get into my car, and we’re going to have a discussion elsewhere. Do you think I want to stay here and talk? I’ve seen that Roman guy coming in and out of here at all hours of the day. Is he a better fuck?” He’s nose-to-nose with me.
Lie, Carissa. “No, Dane. I have to fake it with him.”
Dane laughs boastfully. “That’s right you do. Because I’m the best you’ll ever have. You’re just with him for his money aren’t you? You’re nothing but a spoiled ass brat.” He shouts in my face. “Now move.”
I can’t come up with another excuse to stay in my apartment, and I whimper when he grips my upper arm and pulls me out of my place and into the elevator. I look straight into the camera in the corner. I have to leave breadcrumbs somehow, and I’m hoping this works. Dane’s drunk, or at least drinking, and I’m hoping I can use it to my advantage.
Dane opens the door of a white Toyota and tells me to get in. “And I suggest you don’t try to run away.”
I do as I’m told and when I sit down, I realize my phone is still in my pocket. Thank God. I know it’s on, but on vibrate.
When Dane jumps in, he spins out of the apartment parking lot and toward the interstate. He says nothing the whole time and every time we pass a car, I try to think of a way to signal someone to help me, but nothing comes to mind. Soon, he’s pulling into a sleazy motel on the not-so-great side of town.
Dane tells me to get out of the car and he walks behind me as he leads me to a motel room. It’s disgusting in every form. There are empty beer cans all over, and it reeks of stale alcohol and cigarettes. I know Dane doesn’t smoke, but anything is possible at this point.
I’m trying to remain calm, but my hands are shaking as he orders me to sit down in a chair. He paces the room and rubs his head. He seems confused and disorientated. I stay quiet until he stops and looks at me, almost forgetting I’m here.
“You ruined my life, and now, you need to fix it.” He points a finger in my face.
“How?” I try holding back my tears.
“I lost my fucking job.” He roars. “And those fucking bitches are knocked up. I need to leave the country, and you’re the only one who has the money.”
“Money? Dane, I don’t have any money.”
He places his arms on either side of me. “You lying spoiled brat. I know for a fact that your brother signed a very big fat contract this past fall, and I know your little dick boyfriend makes a lot too.”
I don’t even know how much Roman makes, and Hector’s renewal contract was in the papers and on
the news.
“I want a million dollars.”
I gasp. “Are you serious?”
“In cash.” He pushes off the chair and takes a step back. “Your big brother will pay it. I know he will.”
I shake my head. “Hector will never give me that kind of money.”
Dane narrows his glare. “He will when you tell him it’s for your well-being and safety. You will not like the outcome if I don’t have it in a few hours.”
“A few hours? Dane, that’s a lot of money, and Hector will need time.” God, now I sound like someone from those detective movies. How am I going to work this out?
“You’re going to call him.” He hands me a phone from his dresser. “It’s a prepaid phone so it’ll be harder to trace.”
I open my mouth to say something, anything, but nothing comes out. Until it hits me, “Hector won’t answer calls from numbers he doesn’t know.” I rush out the words. “If I can’t use my cell phone, we’ll never be able to talk to him.”
I pray he listens to me and let’s me use my phone. If this plans work, I may be able to get out of this. Maybe?
Dane is rubbing his head again and opens the mini-fridge, grabbing a beer and popping the top. “Okay, sure, that’s fine, but you have to be quick.”
I nod pulling my phone from my pocket. Please, let the boys be in Memphis already. I hit the speed dial and Roman’s voice comes over the phone. “Hey, babe.”
“Hi, Hector.” My voice shakes.
“It’s Roman,” He chuckles.
“Hector…um…I’m here with Dane, and he needs our help.” I can hear my voice crack.
“What? Carissa did you say you’re with Dane?” I can hear Hector in the background.
“Yes, Hector, Dane needs our help, and he needs cash. Um, a million dollars. He thinks you’ll be able to help him.” I hold my phone tight.
“Carissa, keep talking, Colby’s on the phone with Ariella. Where are you?” Roman sounds panicked.
“Dane, Hector wants to know where he can bring the money? Should he bring it to this motel on Main Street?” I pray that Dane doesn’t understand what I just did as he chugs the beer. I hear Roman relay the message to someone, probably Colby.
I watch him get up, and I stiffen, thinking he’s going to take the phone, but instead he gets another beer and chugs it.
“Carissa, talk to me baby,” Roman begs.
“Hector, Dane is thinking right now, and we have to wait his instructions.” I keep saying Hector’s name so Dane won’t know I’m talking to Roman.
Dane paces the room and again seems confused. I almost think he might cry. “I’m not a bad person.”
“No, you’re not a bad person.” I keep my tone low. “Hector is trying to help you. All you have to do is tell us where to drop it off. He can come here and give it to you, and then he’ll take me home. This way you can leave whenever you want.” I don’t know where my calmness suddenly came from, but it seems to be working.
“Carissa, Ariella has everyone coming to you, but what’s the room number?” Roman asks.
“Hector needs an answer, Dane. Can he drop it off here? In room twenty-eight.” My calm is leaving me as he looks dead in my eyes. My body is shaking, but I’m holding onto the phone with a death grip.
“Are there weapons, Carissa?” Roman rushes out the words.
“No, Hector, he’s not given me an answer yet.” I try to keep playing along, and I hear him say no.
“We’re coming, I swear.”
I mumble a yes, and Dane still stares me down.
“I need to get out of town,” he growls.
I nod. “I know, and my brother is bringing you the money. Just tell him what time and he’ll deliver it.”
He begins to pace the room, and I can hear commotion on Roman’s end. I want to ask what’s happening, but stop. Dane turns on his heels and rips the phone from my hand. I yelp a protest, but remain seated.
“One hour.” He ends the call, goes for another beer, and holds onto my phone.
I grip the armrest tight and leave my eyes on him.
“I almost thought I could love you,” he starts. “But, really it’s was the money. I made sure I introduced myself to you at the party.” He takes a large gulp from the can. “Your parents, your brother, were always sending you cash. All those pretty fucking clothes, shoes, purses, all for your ass. You spoiled bitch. But hey,” he scoffs and continues, “Now, I’ll get the money and live it up on some beach. You bitches won’t get a dime.”
You bitches? I want to say I’m not knocked up with his baby, but being quiet is the best option right now.
“You were such a horrible person, you know it?”
Where are the police? Shouldn’t they be here by now?
“You were awful in bed. It’s the reason I cheated. Well, and you’re fat.” He drinks more of his beer.
He starts to say something else, but suddenly there’s a loud bang and the door comes crashing open. My body reacts by dropping to the ground, covering my head. There is a lot of shouting and loud noises. I feel someone pushing on my shoulder and turn my head slightly to see a police officer blocking me with his body. Dane is on the floor kicking and cussing as the cops put handcuffs on him.
I hear someone saying, “Are you okay?” but I don’t know who is talking. I keep watching Dane as the cops pick him up and push him out the door.
Now a policeman’s face is right in front of mine. “Are you okay?” he asks me, and I nod. I don’t trust myself to speak. “Let’s get you up.” He holds out his hand, and I slowly rise to my feet.
“Carissa.” I turn and Ariella is coming into the room.
I rush into her arms, trying not to push on her round belly.
“It’s okay, honey.” She smooths my hair, and I realize I’m sobbing into her shoulder. “There’s an ambulance here, and we need to check you out okay?” Her voice is relaxing me and I nod.
She holds me tight and leads me down the stairs to the ambulance. The paramedics ask me numerous question, but I’m not hurt; although, I’m shaking like a leaf in the wind. Ariella is still by my side.
“Where are Roman and Hector?” I manage to ask.
“They’re coming with Colby. The plane had just landed when you called Roman. You did so great Carissa.” She gives me a smile. “It was very brave of you.”
I shake my head. “I don’t feel very brave.”
“But you were.” She squeezes my hand.
I hear my name being called as Roman and Hector run to me. I don’t even think I’ve run so fast in my life into my boyfriend and brother’s arms. I absolutely collapse to my knees in a sobbing heap as the safety and security of their arms wash over me. Nothing matters at that moment but them. I don’t know how long they hold me, but I feel them both shaking as much as I am.
“I’ve never been so scared in my life.” Hector kisses my head.
“Me either.” Roman adds and pulls me back. “Are you hurt? Do you need to go to the hospital?”
I shake my head. “He didn’t hurt me.”
“Can she go home?” Roman looks over my shoulder; Ariella and Colby are behind me.
“She needs to come down to the station and give us a formal statement. She can leave afterward,” Ariella states very professionally.
“We’ll take her.” Hector helps me to my feet as Roman still clings to me.
“Okay. I’ll meet you down there.” She nods and heads off the other way.
Hector and Roman don’t let me out of their sight as we walk to Colby’s car. Hector is up front and I’m practically on Roman’s lap as Colby drives us to the station. I hear Hector talking to Zoey and tell him to relay the message that I’m okay.
When I finish giving my statement, Colby drops Hector off first at his house, and I have to go in and see Zoey, who’s a sobbing mess like me. Once I calm her down, Colby takes Roman and me back to our apartment building. Roman and I thank him profusely; he just nods and smiles, saying he’s glad I’m oka
y.
In the elevator, Roman hits the number five, but I panic. “I don’t want to go to my apartment.” I shake my head hard. “Please.”
“Okay.” He pushes three instead. “Wherever you want to go.” He pulls me to his chest, kissing my forehead.
In his place, Spencer jumps up when we come through the door. He’s as white as a sheet, asking how I am. I tell him I’m fine, but need a shower. Roman takes me to his room and leads me into the bathroom.
“I need to be alone for a few,” I say, and he softly kisses me before shutting the door.
Being alone may not have been the best idea as I fall to my knees. All the details of today come rushing over me at once; I realize how badly it could have gone. What if he’d had a weapon? What if he seriously hurt me? What’s going to happen now? Will he do it again?
I hug myself and rock back and forth on my knees. I can’t control my sobbing and crying. I don’t even hear the door open, but I feel Roman’s arms around me, pulling me into his lap as he sits on the floor. I hold onto his shirt tightly like a life raft. He rocks with me and softly tells me over and over again that I’m ok.
He loves me, and after the few short months we’ve been together, I know we’ll be together for a long time. I love him, and it’s a true love I can’t put into words. It is more than the safety, happiness, and contentment I feel for him. He’s my world, and I’m his.
“Thank you for coming for me.” I look up to his green eyes.
“I will always come for you. I love you.”
“I love you.” I lay my head back on his chest as he holds onto me tighter.
***
WE HAVE THE day off, and it didn’t take much to convince Carissa to take the day off too. I actually took the initiative to call her boss before she woke up. There’s no way I’m letting her more than three feet away from me today. I kiss her forehead, thankful no harm came to her from that crazy fucker.
“Morning,” she smiles as she wakes up.
There’s a quick knock on my door before Spencer comes busting in.
“What the hell?” I ask. He even goes as far as to sit on the bed next to Carissa.
“We have problems.”
Carissa and I both sit up. “What kind of problems?” she asks.
Roman (Season Three: The Ninth Inning #7) Page 14