by Roxy Sloane
“Who told you to say that?” I demand, my temper fraying just listening to her foul lies. “You sound like you’re reading lines from a script.”
“Nobody told me.” Britney looks nervous. “It’s the truth.”
“It’s a pack of lies,” I declare. I get up, looming over her.
“I don’t have to listen to this.” Britney has the good sense to look scared now. “You need to leave.”
“Please, Britney,” Isabelle begs her. “Don’t do this to me. I always looked out for you, I tried to protect you from Clayton, so he wouldn’t go after you. Please, you can’t lie like this. I need you to tell the truth.”
“And what about what I needed?” Britney shoots back, her face twisted with bitterness. “Do you know what happened after that fire? I got bounced back into the system. One home after another, for years, while you got to have a real family. Money, and nice clothes, and everything you wanted. Why should you get to live the good life, huh? It’s my turn to get ahead now. You’ve had your turn. I got good money for making that statement, and Brent says there’s another fifty K coming once you get locked up.”
Isabelle gasps. “So he did pay you?”
Britney sneers. “So what if he did? Who’s going to believe you, killer?”
Isabelle clings to me, tears in her eyes. “Please,” she whispers. “Let’s go.”
“Not so fast,” I say, turning back to Britney. “Nobody will believe Isabelle,” I say, bringing my phone out from behind my back. “But they will believe you.”
I hit a couple of buttons, and replay Britney’s words.
“I got good money for making that statement, and Brent says there’s another fifty K coming once you get locked up.”
Isabelle gasps. “You recorded it?” she blinks at me.
“Every word.” I smile.
Britney panics. “You can’t—”
“I will,” I growl. “Perjury, obstructing the course of justice, wasting police time. You want to talk about prison sentences, you’re looking at one right now.”
Britney gulps, her eyes darting around again. “Wait. Please.”
“Give me one good reason why I should cut you a break?” I roar, furious. “You don’t even know how much hurt you’ve caused, the life you could have ruined.”
This girl would have taken Isabelle from me. My Isabelle.
“I should call the police right now!” I yell. Then I feel a hand on my arm.
“Don’t,” Isabelle says, sounding calm. She looks at Britney with sympathy in her eyes. “We won’t call the police,” she says, “On one condition. You call them first, and withdraw your statement. Tell them you were mistaken, that you weren’t there, and you don’t remember anything. Tell them the truth, the real truth this time,” she says. “And we’ll leave right now and never come back.”
Britney nods eagerly. “Whatever you want. I’m sorry, I’m really sorry.”
Isabelle doesn’t blink. “I’m sorry too, Britney. But you can’t blame me for everything that’s wrong in your life. We were just kids back then, but you’re not a kid anymore.”
She turns around and walks out the door.
I pause a moment longer. “She may be in a forgiving mood, but I’m not so emotional,” I warn Britney. “I’m keeping this recording. You pull anything like this again, and I’ll be on the phone to your Sheriff. Then you can see what it’s like on the inside of a prison cell.”
I storm out, but when I reach the car, I find Isabelle sobbing, silent tears streaming down her face.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, my heart in my throat.
“Nothing,” she chokes out. “I’m just so relieved.” She lifts her face, and I can see her smiling through the tears. “It’s over. It’s all over now.”
“I made you a promise, didn’t I?” I smile, hugging her close. “We can go home now.”
“Yes.” Isabelle nods. “It’s time to go home.”
NINE: ISABELLE
The scene outside the car windows blurs with my tears of relief.
It’s over. I can’t believe it, my nightmare is finally done. The burden of the secrets I’ve been carrying for years melts away with every mile. I feel lighter, steadier.
Free.
Cam reaches over and squeezes my hand. “Ready to get back to New York?” he asks.
“So ready.”
I turn to look at him. The strong jaw, those dark eyes. Happiness washes over me, I’m so thankful to have him in my life.
“You never doubted me,” I realize. “Even when the police were saying those terrible things. You’ve never judged me either, for what happened with Brent…”
“You don’t deserve any judgment.” Cam brings my hand to his lips and presses a kiss on my palm. “You amaze me, Isabelle, every day. You’ve made it through such hardship and struggle. You’ve been strong enough to survive, and now, I swear, I won’t let anything ever hurt you again.”
“I couldn’t have made it without you,” I say softly. “You were the one who gave me the strength to leave Brent, to finally break free from him. You’re the thought that kept me going when I was locked up in jail. It’s all because of you. When I think what might have happened if you hadn’t rescued me that night in the club…”
I trail off. The thought is too terrible to imagine. Would I still be under Brent’s cruel power, faking my way through empty, shallow days spent trying to impress all those society ‘friends’ with their luncheons and days at the club?
Would I still be going to sleep at night, feeling all alone in the world, wishing for something real, something that I didn’t even know how to put into words? I would never know the intense pleasure and incredible release that comes from being in Cam’s arms. Knowing him like I do, sharing myself with him, completely.
No limits. No rules.
Just love.
I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him.
“Wait,” I say suddenly. “Can we make a stop first, before the airport?”
“Of course.” Cam looks over. “Where would you like to go?”
“It’s not far from here. Back towards town.”
I direct him down the old winding highways, feeling the tension grow in my chest the closer we get. The buildings get more and more familiar, until finally, we turn down the street to the trailer park where I grew up.
Broken-down trailers line the lot, with old cars and messy yards. A couple of kids run around and women look suspiciously at the fancy car as we slowly drive past.
“Here,” I say, reaching the end of a row. “Stop here.”
Cam shuts off the engine.
“This is where I’m from,” I say quietly. “This is where I lived when I was little.”
I check his face for judgment, but of course, there is none, only understanding.
I get out of the car. The lot where my mom’s trailer sat is empty now, overgrown with weeds and brambles.
Cam stands behind me. He slips his arms around my waist, and I lean back against his solid chest.
“Do you remember much?” he asks.
“Some.” I stare at the patch of grass. “My memories are blurry, more flashes than anything concrete. The walls were so thin at night, I could hear people fighting in the next trailer, and the sirens whenever the cops came to break up a fight. And my mom,” I add quietly. “I remember her, what she used to look like, at least. She would let me play with her costume jewelry. And when there were thunderstorms, we’d curl up together under the covers in bed, and she’d tell me stories, about a princess who lived in a beautiful house, with a white picket fence, and roses in the yard.”
I feel tears come again, but they’re not tears of sadness, just relief. “She tried,” I tell Cam, resting my cheek against him. “She tried to be my mom, but she didn’t have any help, and the drugs… She just wasn’t strong enough.”
He strokes my hair. “She loved you, I’m sure of it.”
I nod. A strange peace is settling over me. Coming he
re, facing my past, I think it’s what I’ve needed to finally feel free.
Looking around, I don’t feel ashamed anymore, just blessed that my life has taken me so far from this desperate, scared beginning.
I can’t let this chapter in my life define me anymore. I can finally lay these ghosts to rest.
“Let’s go.” I tell him. “I’m ready to move on.”
* * *
We drive back to the airfield, and board the waiting plane. Cam gets a phone call just before take-off.
“Yes… Are you sure? Good.”
He hangs up and turns back to me. “That was the Sheriff. Britney called and recanted her statement. They’re dropping all charges and closing the case.”
I gasp. “It’s really over?”
“Ancient history now.” But Cam doesn’t look happy.
“What’s wrong?”
“Brent.” He scowls. “I can’t believe he’ll get away with this.”
“He won’t.” I say confidently. “But right now, let’s celebrate.”
“You know what else this plane has?” Cam asks, his gaze turning dark and lustful.
My stomach twists with excitement. “What?”
“A bedroom.”
Cam takes another casual sip of champagne. My pulse is kicking hard. His eyes rake over me. “Unbuckle your seatbelt, go to the back of the plane, and take off all your clothes.” His voice is commanding, so freaking hot.
I fumble with my belt, eager to obey.
“And Isabelle?” Cam stops me. A dirty smile quirks on his lips. “Start without me.”
I hurry toward the back of the cabin, almost bumping into the hostess. “Sorry,” I mumble. “Just going to… take a nap.”
I’m sure she knows exactly what we’re about to do, but I don’t let it stop me. I quickly step into the small bedroom and close the door behind me. My heart races in anticipation.
It’s a small room, barely big enough for a bed, but it’s luxuriously appointed with glossy wood paneling and the finest linens. I strip off my clothes and climb onto the bed. Already, my body aches for Cam’s touch. It’s been too long since he was inside me, but even if he’d fucked me ten minutes ago, I would still crave him like this.
I could never get enough of him.
Start without me.
His sexy words echo in my mind. I lay back, totally naked, and slowly trace my hands over my body. I’ve spent the past twenty-four hours caught up in anxious thoughts and fears, my brain working overtime. Now, it’s amazing to just let that all dissolve, and focus on nothing but my body.
How good it feels under my hands. How much better it will feel under his.
The door opens. I stroke down my belly, knowing the effect it will have on Cam. With a low groan, he steps inside and closes the door behind him. Then he leans back against the wall, still staring hotly at my naked body.
I stretch for him, displaying myself. Arching my back and letting my thighs drop open.
“Don’t stop,” he orders me. “Keep going.”
I catch my breath, then start to touch myself again, more intimate this time. I cup my breasts, gently squeezing my nipples into stiff peaks.
Cam makes a growl of approval.
“More,” he commands.
I move my hands lower, skimming past my belly and down to my pussy. I slowly circle my clit with one finger, moaning aloud as the pleasure ripples sweetly through me. Thank God the engines are roaring, because it’s about to get a lot louder in here.
Cam clenches his jaw, and quickly strips off his shirt and tie.
“How does it feel?” he asks, his voice ragged.
“So good,” I murmur, sinking my finger inside me. “Oh,” I moan. “I’m so wet. Cam…”
Cam yanks his pants and underwear off, and then he’s naked. His cock juts proudly, thick and ready.
I moan again, moving my fingers deeper inside, but imagining it’s him, splitting me wide open.
Cam kneels on the bed, straddling me. “Come here,” he growls. “Suck me, now.”
I sit up, eager to obey. I lick my tongue over the head of him, tasting salt and precum. I moan in appreciation, then move my hands to cup his ass.
“No.” Cam stops me. “Don’t stop touching yourself. I want to feel those juicy lips take every inch of me as you rub that sweet little clit.”
Wetness pools around my fingers. Fuck, I’m already so turned on I can’t think straight.
I move my hand back between my legs, keeping up the pressure on my clit as Cam thrusts his cock towards my mouth. I open wide, licking down the length of his shaft and back before finally taking him deep, all the way to the back of my throat.
“Fuck,” Cam curses with a groan. He fists my hair in one hand, controlling my motion as he pulls back, and then sinks between my lips again, harder. Deeper.
Yes.
I moan in pleasure, sucking eagerly, licking around the head as he pulls back and thrusts again. He yanks on my hair, totally controlling the pace and speed, increasing his tempo as he fucks my mouth in long, delicious strokes.
Oh God, I can’t get enough.
I whimper against him, sucking hungrily. I love the taste of him, the scent, the overwhelming demands of his cock as he plunges into me, taking mercilessly but leaving me begging for more with every stroke. I lose track of everything except his pleasure, surrendering totally to his command.
“I told you to touch yourself,” Cam growls. Suddenly, his hand joins mine between my legs, stroking with me, faster and harder. Oh God, now I’m so close to the edge, his thick fingers pressing between mine, deep inside me. He rubs my clit with his thumb, finger-fucking me in time with his thrusts, so that I’m totally lost to the wild frenzy of his cock and fingers and deep domination.
The pressure builds inside me, so fast I can’t hold back. Cam curls his fingers up high and shoves his cock deep down my throat, and then I’m coming, my cries muffled by his thick shaft. I’m still gasping in the throes of my climax when Cam suddenly pulls out and pushes me back on the bed.
He grabs my ankles in each hand and lifts them up around his neck, folding me back so my clenching pussy is totally exposed and open to him. In one swift thrust, he spears his cock inside me.
“Oh!”
I moan from the incredible sensation, fuck, so thick, so deep. He thrusts hard, riding my orgasm, pushing me to an unbelievable intensity. I arch against him, it feels too good, and Cam doesn’t stop. He pins me down with his strong body, pounding into me again until my cries of pleasure are mingled with his fierce animal grunts. I grab his ass now, pulling him into me, forcing him even deeper. I’m beyond everything I’ve felt before, and from the wild look in Cam’s eyes, he’s right here with me. He withdraws almost all the way, and then slams into me in a deep thrust I feel all the way through my body.
“Yes!” I cry. “Cam! Oh my God!”
He thrusts again, rubbing deep inside me, filling me up with his thick, demanding cock.
“Come for me!” he orders, with another savage thrust that fills me completely and sets my blood on fire. “Come right now!”
I have no choice but to obey. I come again, sobbing with pleasure, and then Cam surges into me again, spurting deep inside of me as his body convulses and we ride out our epic climaxes together, our eyes locked.
We lay there, panting for breath. Suddenly, the intercom sounds. “We’ll shortly be making out descent into New York City. Please return to your seats and prepare for landing.”
I giggle. “You think we should get dressed first?”
Cam chuckles. “Only for now. I promise you, once I get you home, you’re not leaving my bed for days. Weeks. Months!”
“That sounds just fine to me.” I smile, blissful. A hot man, great sex, and total freedom? Sign me up.
My future starts right now.
TEN: CAM
It’s late by the time we arrive back in the city. Isabelle looks sleepy, but I have one last surprise for her in store.
“Where are we?” she yawns, looking around as the car comes to a stop. “Are we home yet?”
“Not just yet. First, I thought we’d stop for some dinner,” I tell her.
“Can’t we order in?” She slides a hand up my thigh with a tousled, sexy smile. “Clothing optional.”
Any other time, I would have her tied to the bed with chocolate smeared over her pert breasts, but I know that after everything she’s been through, Isabelle needs to know her new life is starting now.
I want to show her how loved she is, and I won’t do it alone.
“I promise, I’ll make it worth your while later,” I tell her, already thinking of all the things I’m going to do. “Starting with a few new toys I picked up…”
Isabelle’s eyes brighten with excitement. I love how she responds to me: not just my body, but my words, too. Seeing desire written all over her face is the biggest turn on in the world, and I have to pause to adjust my pants before I follow her out of the car.
“The Gramercy Tavern,” she claps her hands together, looking more awake when she realizes where we are. “My favorite.” Then her face falls. “But Cam… People still think… Shouldn’t I stay home, just until news that the charges have been dropped spreads, and people don’t look at me like I’m a murderer?”
“You’re not waiting a single moment longer to live your life,” I tell her. I take her hand, and lead her inside. “We’re going to show everyone that their gossip and lies can’t hurt you anymore. I’m here for you,” I add, as every head turns to watch us walk in. I squeeze her hand. “And your friends are, too.”
“My friends?” Isabelle repeats. Then she sees the table across the room and gasps.
“Surprise!” Keely exclaims, moving to greet us. “Well, second time’s a charm,” she grins. She kisses Isabelle warmly on both cheeks. “Since your birthday got cut short, we thought we’d celebrate twice over. After all, you have plenty of good news now that the charges have been dropped!”
Isabelle turns to me, laughing. “How did you have time to call them?” she asks, as we move through the crowd to the table.