Dare

by Allie Juliette Mousseau

  Her body is trembling, I can see it. I reach out and take her hand. She exhales as if she’s been holding her breath.

  I can’t take it anymore, if I don’t do something, I’ll explode.

  “I have to stop, Sophie.” I turn the car into an empty parking lot, reach over and unfasten her seatbelt, then pull her over into my lap. “I have to hold you.” I want to find the son-of-a-bitch and kill him. Hate and fury well up inside me, coiling my muscles, pumping me with fight instinct.

  “I read news articles about women and children who are killed by their husbands or boyfriends and fathers all the time, and I know that could have been me.” She begins to weep softly. “I’m lucky, because Charlie and I are very much alive. When Charlie was born she made me fearless. There was no way that man was going to hurt her. I got my own apartment behind his back and went straight to the courthouse, begging for someone to listen to me. I finally got the attention of a judge who’d been assigned to the district on transit to a position in the city. He wasn’t friends with Jim and granted me a restraining order. He even sent transcripts and a letter to the police chief, strongly suggesting he suspend Jim from the force.

  “Jim was furious. Caught me taking a walk with the baby in the stroller one day, pulled over the cruiser and told me he’d make me a paraplegic if I didn’t come back. I was shaking, but I reminded him of the restraining order and his career. He left us alone for almost three months, but then the judge moved to the city and none of the police would enforce the court order …” She takes in a quivering breath. “To the point that, when he tried to break into my apartment after midnight, drunk off his ass, and when I called them for help, and even after they saw the weapon he held, they still let him in. They let him hold my baby, even after he told them he was going to kidnap her and kill me.”

  “They didn’t arrest him?” I shake my head incredulously.

  “They let him go.” Sophie straightens her back, “That was it. I packed up everything I could stuff in the back of the car, and Charlie and I ran away that night.”

  Understanding floods me. I get it. Everything makes sense now. “Sophie—”

  “Josh,”—Sophie pushes herself away from me and back into the passenger seat—“I could feasibly be a fugitive and a kidnapper. If he petitioned the court, and I never showed up for the hearing, I could be in a lot of trouble. And if he hasn’t, but is searching for us—”

  “Sophie—”

  “That’s why I can’t stay, Josh! I can’t risk him finding us, finding Charlie. I never doubted his threats. I always thought it was just a matter of time, so I’ve moved from place to place every few months, changing our names. We don’t own much more than a couple backpacks stuffed with necessities.” Suddenly she opens the car door and gets out. Quickly, I jump out to stay with her.

  “Sophie!”

  “I’m sorry I’ve involved you in this, Josh. But, so you know, I’ve never been in love with anyone but you—Charlie taught me about the true love between mother and child, but I didn’t believe in love between a man and woman until you proved it could be real.” She starts moving away from me, but I don’t let her go.

  “SOPHIE, STOP!” I shout.

  She does.

  “I love you, you love me.” I take her by the shoulders. “Please, look at me. I love Charlie—I can protect you.”

  “There’s nothing you can do,” she cries.

  “Wrong, there’s nothing I won’t do!”

  She considers me a moment, but replies, “You can’t keep the authorities from throwing me into prison for kidnapping, and you can’t guard me and Charlie every minute.”

  “Bet your ass I can,” I guarantee. “My father has incredible pull—a couple of phone calls and we can find out if that son-of-a-bitch has petitioned the court. We’ll make sure your name is clear. And, Sophie, if it somehow isn’t—I can afford the best lawyers. You shouldn’t have to live like this. You deserve to be safe. You deserve to be free.”

  She drops her eyes. “I don’t know if there’s such thing as freedom for me.”

  “I will make and keep you safe. No one is going to get to you.” My mind is racing. “We can stay here in Minneapolis until we find out what Jim’s done, if anything, with the courts. While that’s happening, we’ll also find out exactly where he is and what he’s doing and monitor him from now on.”

  I watch her tears fall, and I pray that I’m getting through to her.

  “Let me protect you.”

  “If I did—let you protect me—what happens when you stop loving me?”

  “I will never stop loving you, Sophie. That would be like me betraying my own life … like forsaking my very own soul.” I lock my eyes with hers. “Please don’t run. Give me a chance to make you safe—to make things right.”

  I can tell that she’s struggling to agree, but finally she gives me one solid nod.

  I press my lips onto her forehead as a seal and a commitment before I bring her body into mine. I hold her there for a long time. I can barely believe she survived. I feel more than ever that she is a gift to me.

  “I thought it was a miracle—you coming to me and me finding you,” I tell her. Now I know you’re the miracle. I’m so grateful you made your way to me.”

  I have one more question. “Sophie?”

  “Yes?”

  “What is your name?” My eyes never leave her perfect face.

  “Isabella Sofia Alise Estefanie Costa Bolen. I was named after each of my mother’s grandmothers and great-grandmothers. I didn’t lie about my mother; she was born in Spain then immigrated to the U.S.” She smiles, and the joy sparkles in her eyes.

  “That’s quite a name. It’s beautiful, like you.”

  She blushes. “It’s been … a very long time since I’ve told anyone my entire name. Charlie was born Emma-Jean Murphy. It was the name Jim chose. Everywhere she and I moved the first year, I always changed it up, but then she turned two and started talking … she needed to be able to have a name she identified with. Charlotte has a lot of nicknames and Charlie can be for a boy or a girl. That’s why I chose it.”

  “I knew you were a scrapper, scrapper. I just didn’t realize how much.” I touch her face to reassure her. We’re going to be okay.

  We’re going to be better than okay.

  *****

  By the time we drive back and park at the hotel, it’s become night.

  Sophie says, “I’m too restless to go up to the room. I still feel saturated in everything we talked about. Would you like to take a walk?”

  “Absolutely.”

  We exit the parking garage in front of the Hyatt and walk along the sidewalk in the snow blown path.

  “Everything looks so beautiful,” she exclaims, looking at the snow and the holiday lights that adorn the city. “I’ve always loved snow—the way it makes everything seem clean and new.”

  The lights sparkle in her eyes. They’re still swollen from crying so hard.

  She believes in me, I realize and am overcome. She believes in me so much that she trusts me with her story, with her life. That was no small feat, what she accomplished tonight—having to relive that torment.

  I take her gloved hand in mine. “Are you warm enough?”

  “Yeah, I’m good,” she says softly.

  She’s still back there in it, I know. That kind of trauma never goes away—only time and love can make it fade so it doesn’t consume every bit of you.

  The ultimate goal of my existence has just been solidified. Making Sophie and Charlie know they’re loved, safe and forever happy is what I’m supposed to live for. I’ve done it all—the career, the titles and accolades, the awards—God, all I can think about is that, three years ago, when I was training and working my way through the professional MMA circuit, Sophie was living through hell.

  Never again, I think. You’ll never go through that again. “I’m going to take care of you, Sophie. You know that, right?”

  She squeezes my hand and nods.
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br />   Do I reiterate forever? Fuck, yeah!

  “Until my dying breath.”

  She rests her weary head against my shoulder.

  We stroll several blocks before coming to the city park. A winding path snakes around a center island of sorts, which is dotted with lit ice sculptures and colorful holiday décor.

  “Do you want to go through the park?

  “Sure.”

  We head down the path, and Sophie stops in front of the Charlie Brown Christmas display.

  “I always love watching the animated specials every Christmas.” She smiles, reminiscing. “Charlie always laughs when Snoopy licks Lucy and then Lucy gags and runs screaming.”

  “I can totally see her laughing at that.”

  “Guess we’re lucky they’re still up.”

  “They’ll pull them down in another week—end of January.”

  We cross a wooden bridge that brings us over a small, ornamental pond that’s frozen over.

  “Hey, do you ice skate?” I ask her.

  “Not well.” She laughs lightly. “But I’d be into trying. You?”

  “I’ve spent a lot of time in Minnesota. There’s an outdoor rink I know of—it’s very family friendly. They sell hot cocoa at the concession stand and have strands of lights that make the place real festive. We could rent skates, bring Charlie,” I tell her.

  “Sounds perfect.” She stops all of a sudden, stands on tiptoe and kisses my cheek, lingering there. “I love you, Josh North.”

  I could absolutely melt through the snow.

  “Alright, nice and slow, back away from each other,” a man’s demanding voice orders from behind us.

  Sophie’s expression goes from peace and love to horror in an instant.

  “Okay, guy, no problem,” I say. I lift my hands so he can see them, but instead of stepping away from Sophie, I move behind her so my body is shielding hers. “What is it you need?”

  The raucous laughter tells me there’s more than one guy. I have to turn around to see what I’m facing.

  “Your wallets and jewelry would be a good start,” he commands.

  “No problem. I’ve got to pull it out of my inner coat pocket, so I’m going to turn around so you can watch,” I tell him.

  “Then fucking get it done!” a different voice scorns.

  I carefully face them. Four asshole thugs are making a semi-circle around us. The two guys who are closest to us have switchblades that glint in the light; the third guy brandishes a pistol, while number four seems like the leader.

  “We’re not wearing any jewelry, it’s too fucking cold out here, but I have some cash.” I pull the flap of my coat open. I’m not risking Sophie if all they’re desperate for is some money. Unfolding my wallet, I remove my cash. “There’s about three hundred here. Take it and go.”

  Without visible fear, the leader walks over and snatches the bills from my hand.

  “Three hundred—fuck, yeah!” one of the guys crows. He doesn’t even know how to hold a knife the right way.

  “‘Take it and go’? What the fuck, motherfucker? I’m the one with the firepower, so you better give me some motherfucking respect!” The guy holding the cash shoves it into his pocket and considers us. “Get the girl. We could have fun with that bitch all fucking night.”

  Sophie makes a strangled sound behind me.

  “That’s not going to happen.” I shake my head.

  They all laugh. “Oh, it is! Maybe we can let him watch before we kill his ass,” Leader says, all haughty.

  Sophie’s breathing is erratic, like she’s going to hyperventilate.

  I’m done. “You fucking douchebags picked the wrong night and the wrong couple to fuck with.” I’ve wanted to hit someone since Sophie’s story, and these four dickheads have Jim’s name written all over them.

  I lunge at guy number three, taking control of his gun hand, which I position to the left before I break his hand bones and wrist. When the pistol fires, it’s aimed at the Leader, sending a bullet into his leg.

  They both scream. Leader’s down, holding his leg.

  Three’s still standing, so I throw a hard right hook at the side of his head. He drops.

  Guys one and two square off against me. With a roundhouse kick, my boot plants into Two’s face, throwing him backward, while a front kick to the sternum drives One to his knees. I take One’s knife wrist in my grasp, twist and stretch his arm.

  “Didn’t your momma warn you not to play with knives?” I stomp my boot into his elbow. The break is audible.

  I close the knife and throw it far into the surrounding shrubs and trees.

  One’s wailing and writhing when I turn to Two.

  His face is bloody from a broken nose the kick inflicted. He throws his own knife in the direction I threw One’s, scrambles to his feet and runs like a bat out of hell.

  I check Sophie. “You okay?”

  She nods, wide-eyed.

  Smiling at her reassuringly, I reach for my cell and dial 911 to report the mugging and location and tell dispatch the perpetrators want to turn themselves in.

  I swipe my cash back out of Leader’s pocket. “Take this as a suggestion to turn your life around, asswipe.” Stepping hard, I grind the sole of my heavy workboot into the bloody bullet wound. I can see the sweat bead over his forehead, and he passes out.

  First things first, I get Sophie out of the park and away from the scene to someplace safe—at least until the police show up. There’s a CVS on the corner, from which we can still see the park. Leading her off into a side aisle, I check her head and body.

  “Are you sure you’re not hurt at all?” I work my hands down her arms and body, before pulling off her hat and checking her head.

  “I’m telling you I’m fine,” she insists. “Shaken, but fine. Nobody even touched me.”

  I look into her irises—I don’t see any sign of concussion. I’m satisfied.

  “Are you hungry?” I ask.

  She laughs. I take that as a yes and buy her a Snickers bar.

  Sophie stays at the CVS while I talk to the police. When I’m finished I meet back up with her.

  “Lets get you back to the hotel. After we get cleaned up, I’ll get you a proper dinner,” I explain as we’re walking away from the flashing lights of the squad car. “And, Sophia, to finish our conversation-which was interrupted-I love you back .”

  Chapter Twenty

  Sophie

  “Joshua …” my voice sing-songs through Josh’s home workout room.

  We’ve been back in Williston for over a week. Charlie and I have been staying at Josh’s most nights—Charlie likes it that way.

  So do I.

  I step through the doorway and watch Josh go at the bag like an opponent. I know he’s going to win the defending title fight. Spending so much time with him in training and knowing him and his past really makes me understand where he gets his strength and power, and why a rough, blood and bones type of sport would be his passion—MMA is a fair fight of strength, endurance and courage. I’ve come to respect and admire the sport.

  He can’t hear me—his earbuds are in place and his back is toward me—so I enjoy watching him without his knowing.

  Holy. Hot. Damn! That man can melt me like butter.

  Sweat soaks the back of his blue tank top; each muscle coils and springs on his demand; his legs are solid, and his ass is round and strong. I think of how it flexes hard when he’s making love to me.

  That gets me thinking about his dirty talking mouth, and that gives me an idea.

  I peel my clothes off, fully fantasizing what he’s going to do to me—how he’ll touch me, how he’ll taste me, how he’ll bring me, body and soul, into another dimension.

  Leaving on only the pair of black high heeled ankle boots he likes so much, I stroll over and lean up against the wall where he’s sure to see me after this round of jabs.

  Josh is breathing hard, and I can hardly wait. His black tribal ink comes alive with every taut motion of hi
s arms.

  He spots me out of the corner of his eye—I know because I watch the hungry smile spread across his glorious face. It makes me smile back.

  After a couple steps back from the bag, he pulls his earbuds from his ears.

  “Oh Josh … I love your ass.” I make a show of running my hands up my body and into my hair. “Not to mention each of your rock hard muscles after you workout.”

  He’s so ready. He can’t yank off his clothes fast enough.

  I lay back against the luxurious, black suede sofa he has in the room and spread my legs provocatively. The fabric is so soft and supple against my skin.

  “You look like a goddess.” His hard-on flexes, and I feel my own insides squeeze at the thought of him.

  He quickly strides over to his desk, and I know what he’s after.

  “No barriers. We’ve had enough barriers between us,” I say. “I want to feel you and only you.”

  He turns and stares at me, like he’s been struck dumb. I can’t help but laugh at him a little. “You okay, fighter?”

  “You want to … not use a …?” he stammers.

  “That’s what I’m saying. I got fitted for a diaphragm,” I confess. “I want to become one with you completely, wholly. Do you want that?”

  His lungs empty of air like he just got punched. He nods. “Hell yeah, I want that.”

  I bite my lip in anticipation as he lays his perfectly sculpted body over mine. He searches my eyes and holds the sides of my face in his hands.

  “I want you forever, Isabella Sofia Alise Estefanie.” His eyes sparkle mischievously.

  “I want you too,” I whisper as I feel him working his shaft into my opening.

  As he enters me, his cock fires off my every nerve. The sparks ignite a wildfire in my belly. I tilt my head back and moan. He overtakes me so I can think of nothing else—all that exists in the world is me and him.