Black Rose

by Steele, Suzanne

  I raise a sardonic brow and cock my head to the side as I speak, “Well, scoot over. I’m sleeping here tonight.”

  I can tell she is having a very hard time getting a read on the man who has interrupted her life. Only time will tell just how much danger she is in. It all relies on her willingness and ability to obey me…

  Chapter Twelve

  Selena

  Dr. Eric Ozment is sitting there staring at me and finally, the giggle I am trying to suppress escapes me and I speak, “You’re staring, Eric.”

  “That’s Dr. Ozment at work, young lady.”

  “Oh, I see. Well, excuse me.”

  He hired me part time but every day we end up squeezing in as much time as we can together. It is evident to not only us, but to everyone employed at the hospital, that we are attracted to each other. The two of us have been inseparable from the moment we laid eyes on one another.

  The thing I like most about him is that I can tell he sincerely doesn’t care who I slept with in the past. I told him the story of how I had been brought over from Colombia to work in Antonio Wayne’s establishment, appropriately named ‘The Club.’ I was only dancing until I was brought to Louisville, Kentucky to work for Diego. Once I arrived, he wasted no time putting me to work as a prostitute. I should have stayed with Antonio because he never forced the dancers to do anything but dance. However, if I would have done that, I never would have met my knight in shining armor seated in front of me now. He absolutely adores everything about me and it feels damn good to be treasured by a professional man like him. All the time he is telling me that he thinks I’m beautiful, smart, and one of the kindest people who he has ever had the pleasure of meeting. It feels good to be wanted and loved by a man I thought would never have anything to do with an ex-hooker. He never throws my past in my face. He acts as though he truly believes I’m an angel and he treats me as no man has ever done before—with respect.

  I watch as he gently strokes my hand and speaks, “I’m so glad you’re working with me now.”

  I look up, smiling at the handsome doctor. He really has been a knight in shining armor and my hero of sorts.

  “It is wonderful to be away from… well, anyway…” I turn my face away as the shame for all my previous mistakes I have been forced to make rears its ugly head.

  Eric is immediately perceptive and changes the subject. “You know, Selena, I would be willing to have you move in with me.”

  “You are a doctor and I’m certain that you have plenty of women.”

  “But I want you.”

  “Eric, I’m just not ready for any sort of relationship.”

  “Purely platonic, Selena,” he pleads, sounding almost urgent but I can tell he doesn’t want to overwhelm me.

  “I’ll think about it,” I answer.

  If I could read his thoughts, it would be very clear that the good doctor is now smitten. Thoughts of any other women have disappeared like vapor in the mist, long gone fantasy fodder.

  “I need to get back to the pool house. I have some chores to do and I would like to phone Rene on a private line. I promise I’ll consider moving into the main house.” I pat his hand, kiss his cheek, and make my way out the door.

  I rush to my car as I speak into my phone. “I am so sorry. I feel just terrible about not being able to see you anymore but I have gone legit.”

  Getting out of the lifestyle is proving to be more difficult than I had anticipated. Many of my clients don’t want to let go and, even after being told no, they often call my number… like just now.

  It is becoming more evident with each new day that I’m going to have to totally revamp. That definitely means getting a new phone plan and number. I’m due for an upgrade anyway.

  I’ll have to change my phone number, e-mail address, and possibly go to the extreme of moving. Maybe moving in with the good doctor isn’t such a bad idea. I know I would feel safer. Even though the pool house is on his property, I wouldn’t put it past one of my clients to follow me, or even stalk me.

  “Damn it,” I mutter, as the contents of my designer purse spill onto the parking garage concrete flooring.

  I never see Bill Anderson ease his way from behind the column where he has been standing, listening to and observing my actions.

  “Well, well, what do we have here? I have heard the rumors swirling throughout the hospital halls that Eric has a new love interest. I wonder what people would think if they knew she was nothing but a hired whore, a slut who is willing to sell herself to the highest bidder? I tell you what, let’s just agree to keep this as our little secret. This hospital’s atmosphere can be vicious and if these nurses smell blood, they will pursue you relentlessly until they have all the dirt. I can assure you, that a man with Eric’s prestigious reputation will drop you like a hot potato if that happens.”

  I scoop the remaining items into my purse and stand, eyeing Dr. Bill Anderson. “I have never been anything but discreet about my business or anyone else’s. There is no need to threaten me. Have a good day,” I state, pushing my way past him and exiting the parking garage in my luxury sedan.

  I still haven’t made up my mind whether I feel intimidated or pissed off, but I will definitely be taking time to process the incident later on. Who does that guy think he is calling me a slut? He is nothing more than a john who can’t get a date without paying for it and hiding behind his profession doesn’t change the fact that he is no better than I am.

  Agent Turner

  “Whether you like it or not, many times hoofing it through a neighborhood and speaking to the residents is how crimes get solved. Someone saw something the night that man was executed in the field.”

  “He ripped off the wrong dope dealer evidently. It’s either that, or someone didn’t appreciate the fact he was slinging dope on their turf,” Rene insists.

  “That man was no more a dope dealer than I am.”

  “Well, we know it wasn’t Black Rose, because if it had been, he would have left his signature.”

  We make our way up to a group of men, sitting on a stoop drinking, and begin to question them.

  “You men didn’t happen to be sitting out here on the night that gentleman got killed in that field over there, did you?”

  “We may have been here but we don’t know nuttin’ bout no killin’.”

  “Have you seen anything out of the norm lately?”

  One of the men laughs, “Only thing I’ve seen is that chick upstairs score on findin’ a sugar daddy. Some driver come and took her away and she ain’t been seen since.”

  “Right after the killing?”

  “Yep, next day in fact.”

  “Do you know where she works?”

  “Works in that truck stop, right across that field where that man got killed. Or, did work in that truck stop, before she scored on the rich white dude.” That sends the men into a bantering session and jeers are thrown back and forth on how they wish they had the right equipment between their legs to get that lucky. They’ve completely lost interest in us as they then begin to chide one another about being too ugly to get laid.

  It’s a great time to make our exit so I look at Rene and speak under my breath, “Looks like it’s time to go get a cup of coffee.” We head back down to the car and drive over to the truck stop.

  Even though Rene is convinced this woman has nothing to do with the killing, she is glad to get off the streets and get something to eat. I’ve never seen anyone who can eat as much as she does and stay so thin.

  A waitress makes her way over with a coffee pot and two mugs in tow. I waste no time questioning her about the missing waitress.

  “You had a waitress working here the last time I was in and I don’t see her here now. Has anyone quit lately?”

  I’m going on nothing but gut instinct, hoping to get information. I have no description or name for this mystery woman. My bold method to dive right in with my questioning pays off though.

  “Oh, you must be talking about Melanie.”


  “Yeah, that’s her.” I take a chance and answer like I know exactly who Melanie is.

  “She disappeared after that dude got killed in the field. I just figured she felt like it was time to get herself and her son out of the neighborhood.”

  “Did she have a family that you know of? You know, like someone who could help her financially?”

  “She didn’t have anybody. I just assumed she moved on. Anything has to be better than working in this dive.”

  Her boss’ voice, yelling at her to get back to work, confirms this place doesn’t offer the best working conditions. The waitress turns to go and retrieve the danishes we have ordered and Rene eyes me shaking her head.

  “You’re like a dog with a bone.”

  “You don’t find it odd that some nobody waitress gets rescued by prince charming a day after the murder.”

  “Number one, you’re going on the word of a guy who starts drinking before ten in the morning. Number two, just because he stated the girl got picked up by a driver doesn’t mean it was prince charming, as you so eloquently worded. For all we know, a family member could have gotten her out of the neighborhood because they felt it was too dangerous after the murder.”

  We both look up and view the waitress returning with our danishes and I reaffirmed, “You say that Melanie didn’t have any family?”

  “No, only Tommy, her little boy. She loves that kid so much. Sometimes I think he was the only thing that kept the poor girl hanging on.” She turned and left and took with her any hope I had of finding out the truth about this killing.

  We quickly consumed the coffee and food and made our way back out to the car. I turn to look at Rene and, as much as I hate to admit it, maybe she is right. Maybe this case doesn’t warrant me wasting any more time on it. My phone rings with a call from the coroner’s office as if somehow reinforcing my thoughts.

  “Yeah, what have you got?”

  “Looks like your boy who killed the lady from the dating site is a real sick fuck.”

  “Go ahead.”

  “You have a full blown necrophiliac on your hands. I have evidence confirming he had sex will a cold, dead stiff. You are dealing with a real sicko.”

  I tell him thanks, get off the phone, and inform my partner that we need to focus on the two serial killers that we have more leads on—Black Rose and the necrophiliac.

  “Finally, you’re going to let it go.”

  “I’m not letting it go, I’m just putting it on the back burner… for now…”

  Melanie

  I never know when he will make an appearance, but I find myself looking forward to his visits; my son does too. I can only hope this is a long term relationship because I don’t want Tommy getting attached to someone who won’t be around for the long haul.

  Today he arrives after calling me and directing me to take Tommy up to his aunt’s house. Any worries I had of imposing on her are washed away as she assures me that she absolutely adores my son. I can tell by the hints she drops that she hopes Charles and I are serious about our relationship. Only he knows what direction we are going; I just take things day by day. I’m continually surprised at how he clutches onto me more and more with each passing day.

  I can feel my breathing becoming sporadic as he stalks his way over to me. An element of danger and intrigue surrounds him. I know he is a very powerful, very dangerous man and certainly one I don’t want to make the mistake of crossing. He is man who is capable of doing whatever necessary to get his way.

  As if confirming my thoughts, his hand tightens around my throat.

  “Maybe next time I will text your little ass, ordering you to the bathroom to take and send me pictures of yourself butt ass naked.”

  “No, Charles, stop it. I’m not doing that.”

  “Shut up, girl!”

  His hand squeezes around my neck as his mouth crashes down on mine.

  He tightens his hold and whispers, “Take my cock out of my pants, kitten.”

  My hand trembles as I stare into his serious blue eyes. I fumble with the zipper on his suit pants, pull his already hardened cock out, and begin stroking it.

  “Suck it, and you better fucking make it good. I’m looking for any reason to break in that virgin flesh on your ass with the sting of my leather belt,” he growls in my ear. I go down on my knees like I’m made to be subservient to this beautiful man. I take him into my mouth as my hand massages his balls. His groans, and the way that he is pulling at my hair, only spur me on.

  “Oh, baby girl, you do know how to please me. Your cock sucking skills have gotten much better with your training.”

  He pulls me off of him and there is a popping sound as I release him. He is looking down on me with a cold, accusing stare. “Why the fuck didn’t you answer any of my texts? It took me three times to get a hold of you. Perhaps you do need a spanking. You’ve yet to feel the pleasure that comes from the sting of a belt.”

  “I don’t know. I was working.”

  He pulls me up by my shoulders, pins me to the wall, and glares at me.

  “I can read you like a book, girl, and you were avoiding me.”

  “No, I didn’t hear it and I’m not avoiding you!”

  He bites down on my neck, just enough to hit a pleasure sensor, and causes my brain to short circuit. I continue to try and reason with this mad man who has inserted himself into my life without my permission.

  He grabs me by the nape of my neck and gets in my face, nose to nose, and whispers, “Don’t. Yell. I. Don’t. Like. It.”

  The whispering only serves to make him sound even more sinister. Nothing about this relationship makes sense. It is as if I am backed into a corner with no way out or, at least, that is what I tell myself. Whether I want to admit it or not, I am beginning to like this guy and I find myself looking forward to his visits.

  “This is crazy.”

  “Life is difficult at best, Melanie. Now shut up or I’m gagging you. I’m hungry for blood today, baby, and you’re the only thing that sates the craving.”

  He chuckles, when he sees the horrified look in my eyes. How can a man of his social standing and caliber be so wicked? I am conflicted, to say the least, and each day that passes, I only make more excuses on why I can’t escape the life he has set up for me. I have no desire to deny Tommy a father figure nor do I have any inclination to try and figure out why this prominent businessman makes my blood run cold and hot at the same time. I don’t know what it is…yet…but there is something very ominous about him. His voice pulls me from my jumbled thoughts.

  “The next time I call you and you don’t answer me, I’m going to kidnap your ass and hold you hostage in my basement at my mansion. You can be my own personal little ‘damsel in distress.’ I can come down and fuck you and use you at will.”

  His mouth freely roams over my body, resulting in small currents of pleasure left in the wake of his tongue and lips.

  He is so beautiful with his copper colored hair that falls in waves over a face that looks more like it belongs to a model than a business tycoon. I can only imagine how many numerous women in his social circle are pursuing him and, yet, his obsession with me keeps him restrained. Perhaps they are not able to meet his deviant sexual needs. I find myself not only meeting them, but finding pleasure in them myself—pleasure like I have never experienced before.

  He works his way back up to my ear and whispers hoarsely, “Tomorrow you make your debut at my office; we are having lunch together. I believe it is time for us to make a public appearance, don’t you?”

  My breath hitches in my chest at the realization that he will never stop his pursuit of me. He is publically marking me for reasons unknown to me.

  I watch as he undresses and makes his way back over to me. He peels my clothing off as if he unwrapping me for the first time. I’m always amazed at how intrigued he appears to be with me.

  He picks me up and I instinctively wrap my legs around him as he slides me down onto his hard cock.

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nbsp; His eyes sear through me as he speaks, “Stop thinking so much. Less thinking and more feeling is all you need, Melanie.”

  He pushes up into me as if he’s reinforcing his statement.

  My head rolls back against the wall as I give in to the euphoria that is Charles.

  I have no idea I’m being fucked by a man who is a serial killer. Ignorance is truly bliss…

  Melanie

  I make my way to Wentworth Enterprises. Of course, as expected, I am escorted by Charles’ driver. I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed. Even after all of my research, I am not prepared for the massive architecture that houses Charles’ business. It’s a large, silver structured building that bounces the afternoon sunlight off of its mirrored frame and looms over the downtown city street.

  I am so grateful that he had Tommy stay with his aunt and she confirmed it was no problem. I had to chuckle when she informed me that they were going to make homemade cookies. I can see him in my mind’s eye, sitting in his baby seat and cooing as she works.

  This man, who came from nowhere and rescued us, has also given Tommy something he never would have had without his intervention—a grandmother. I breathe deeply as I make my way into the building. I had been so stressed out the night before about what to wear that Charles had to pick my clothing out for me. A bright yellow and white dress with a cardigan over my shoulders makes me look like the epitome of innocence.

  Well, it’s now or never. It’s time to see the business side of Charles Wentworth III.

  I am extremely nervous about him insisting it is time for our relationship to go public. I am not sure I relish the idea of making our boyfriend/girlfriend status common knowledge. I catch myself rolling my eyes at even the thought of it.

  I push the button for the elevator and wait for the door to open so that I can begin my awkward ride up to my fate.

  The receptionist looks up with a standard plastic smile and I inform her that I am here to see Charles Wentworth. Instead of asking me to be seated, she escorts me to a door and waves me straight into his office.