Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him

by Clair Delaney

  “Thank you.” He smiles politely at her and I see her blush. God damn it!

  “Come on baby.” Tristan says tugging on my hand. I try not to pout, and follow him down the aisle to our seats. “Window seat?” He asks, looking amused. Hmph!

  “She likes you,” I whisper.

  “Who?” He asks, bemused.

  “The air hostess.” I whisper.

  Tristan rolls his eyes at me. “Coral, do you want the window seat or not, because we’ll be taking off in the next five minutes?” He sharply asks. Oh!

  I quickly scramble into the window seat. Tristan places my handbag in the overhead compartment, while I clip my seatbelt into place – My right leg is already jigging up and down, my left foot is doing a dance all of its own, and I'm biting down so hard on my bottom lip, that it’s becoming painful.

  Tristan turns my head, pulls my lip from between my teeth and settles his hand on my knee; it instantly stops bouncing up and down. The other air-hostess gains everyone’s attention, and start’s going through the pre-flight safety speech, but it’s just white noise to me, then she takes her seat and a voice comes out over the tanner.

  “Ladies and gentleman, welcome to flight 462 to Newquay. We hope you enjoy the flight today. Once we have taken off, our air hostesses Julie and Cindy will be handing out refreshments. We estimate our arrival to be on time, due to the beautiful weather we are having today. Thank you for flying with Flybe.”

  I take a deep breath, the fear seems to have faded, and now I'm feeling excited again. I look across at Tristan, he smiles widely at me. The plane starts to turn, I can hear the propellers, feel the slight bump from the wheels as it taxes to the runway.

  Then we really start to move, we are racing down the runway; holy hell that’s fast – I squeeze Tristan’s hand tighter. The next thing I know, the inertia is gone and we are lifting up into the air...Holy Fuck! – I want to scream, it’s so exhilarating! This is so cool!

  I look out the window and see the ground getting smaller, more minuscule as the seconds tick by – Oh wow! – Five minutes into the flight, and I’m still staring out the window in amazement. England is so beautiful from up here; so green. Who knew!

  “Coral.” I turn and look at Tristan, he is grinning so widely, literally from ear to ear. “Are you ok?” I smile widely at him and frantically nod my head, unable to articulate anything yet. “Can I have my hand back then?” He asks. Oops!

  “Sorry,” I whisper, feeling shy and release his hand from my grip. He opens and closes his hand a few times, laughing as he does – Jeez, I must have really squeezed it!

  “Tristan...that was...wow!” I breathlessly say.

  “See, nothing to worry about,” he coos.

  The same air hostess that greeted us comes over asking if we want refreshments. I can tell she’s trying really hard to be professional, and not ogle at Tristan. I turn away and look out the window so she can’t see my smug smile, because he’s mine, and he is hard to resist, and I find it very hard not to stare at him too – He really is very handsome...

  WE HAVE ARRIVED AT NEWQUAY CORNWALL AIRPORT. It’s very smart and clean compared to Heathrow. It only felt like we’d been on the plane twenty minutes; in-fact I didn't want to get off. I even enjoyed the landing, actually I was quite fascinated by it all, much to Tristan’s amusement.

  Tristan has our bags in one of those strollers. He locates a rental car desk and starts casually walking over to it, keeping my hand in his. I quickly pull out my mobile and send a text to Rob, Malcolm (Gladys has lost another mobile) and Debs, letting them know we have arrived safely. But as I do that I notice the number for the gym, Will! – Crap!I said I was going to call him.

  Feeling guilty, I call the gym, give them my number and ask them to get Will to call me back, or let Rob know if he and his wife are coming to the wedding. Tristan has one eyebrow cocked up when I look up at him.

  “What?” I whisper.

  “Calling your admirer,” he teases.

  I roll my eyes at him, and stuff my mobile back in my bag. “Tristan, do we really need a car?” I ask, as we stop and wait in line.

  “Of course we need a car!” He scoffs.

  “Why? Do you plan on driving us around for the next ten days?” I ask sarcastically.

  “No, but’ – “You do know the place we are staying at is only three miles away?” I say.

  “What, you want to walk?” He chuckles sarcastically.

  “No, I just don't get why you would want to waste money on paying for a car all week, just for it to be sat in the driveway?”

  “Coral’ – “Why don't we just get a taxi? The place we are staying at...what was it? – Porth Beach, I'm sure there are lots of places to eat and drink so we don't need to visit a supermarket.”

  Tristan doesn’t look convinced, so I roll my eyes at him.

  “Look if we want to go to Watergate Bay for a meal for instance, I'm sure you’re not going to want to drive. What if you want a glass of wine?” He’s not having any of it, I can tell. “Ok, get a car,” I say waving my hand in the air.

  He pulls me into him. I can feel the full length of his body pressed against mine. “I want a car, so if anything...” He frowns, then seems to shake it off and smiles. “If I need to get you somewhere, I have access to a vehicle to be able to do that, ok?”

  “Ok.” I say nodding several times. He’s right – again! Cornwall is remote, and if we did need a car for any reason – I stop those thoughts in their tracks.

  We are on holiday! I am on holiday for the first time ever. I will endeavour to smile the whole time we are here...

  LANA DEL RAY IS SINGING ABOUT VIDEO GAMES. I like this song, so I sing along to it, but as I glance across at Tristan, I can't help smiling at the disgusted look on his face – It’s comical!

  We are sat in a Nissan Juke, it’s a bright red, 4x4 thing, not the prettiest car in the world, but does the job! Earlier, at the rental car desk, I thought Tristan was going to expire when they said all they had left was this or a Kia Picanto – Now that would have been funny to see, Tristan squashed into the driver’s seat of one of those!

  The car isn’t sounding too healthy right now though, it’s engine screamingas it struggles up one of Cornwall’s many winding, steep roads. Tristan looks so funny as he sits in the driver seat, rolling his eyes at its lack of power. We should have bought his Jag! Then I shake of that thought, if we had, I wouldn’t have experienced my first flight – It was so cool!Although, there is a part of me that doesn’t understand why Tristan didn’t order some kind of posh, executive car? I mean, I know it was short notice, but still?

  “Do you think we’ll ever get there?” He questions sarcastically. I can't help giggling. Tristan eventually joins in, and chuckles along with me, finally seeing the funny side of it...Honestly, men and fast cars!!

  “Tristan, can I ask you something?” I say.

  “Anything,” he answers.

  “Why didn’t you...well hire a better car in advance...you know something posh like the Jag?”

  He grins widely. “Posh like the Jag?”

  “Well I think it’s a posh car!” I say cocking an eyebrow up at him.

  He chuckles at my response, then shrugs his shoulders. “I just...I don't want you feeling overwhelmed by my wealth and....well..I want you to want me for me, not what I can offer you.”

  I swallow hard. “Tristan, I do want you for you. Not your money.” I quietly say.

  He smiles at me and clasps my hand in his. “I know Coral, it’s just hard getting used to being with someone who thinks like that. You’re so different to anyone I’ve ever dated.”

  I lean across and kiss his flushed cheek. “Same here baby.”

  Finally, we see the villa Tristan has rented. Tristan parks the car and we both step out. There’s a guy waiting for us. He’s all surfer looking with bleached blonde hair, a wicked tan, no top on, surfer dude shorts, and bare feet. I think he’s a teenager, or maybe a guy in his twenties that stil
l looks young?. I hear seagulls, I can smell and see the sea, and there is sand along the edges of the roads – It’s so cool! – You don’t get that in Brighton, but I guess that’s because it’s a pebbled beach. I can't believe I’m on holiday!I feel like jumping up and down.

  “Mr Freeman?” The boy says in a strong Cornish accent – I love it!

  “Yes.” Tristan walks over and they shake hands.

  “Yeah...I’m Jake.” He says in the most laid back way. “So...my Mom said to tell you that the downstairs shower is on the brink, people before busted it....she’s gonna send someone over to fix it, so just use the one upstairs.” He says, smiling broadly.

  “Ok,” Tristan chuckles as Jake hands him the keys to the property. He continues to smile at Tristan, and as I take a step closer, I notice his eyes look really blurry. Is he stoned?

  Jake continues. “Yeah...but the barbeque is awesome dude...want me to show you?”

  “No, that’s fine thanks,” Tristan says, I can tell he’s trying not to laugh.

  “Cool. How long are you here for?” Jake asks, smiling cheekily at me.

  He seems harmless, and his grin is really cute –for a boy – and I feel so happy right now, that I can't help smiling back at him.

  “Ten days,” Tristan says, looking from me to Jake with a frown.

  I stop smiling – What’s his problem?

  “Cool, weather is supposed to be awesome...you guys surf?” He really is a chatty young man.

  “No.” Tristan says, getting our luggage out of the boot.

  “You?” Jake asks me directly.

  “No Jake, no surfing. I was in an accident, we’re just here to relax and unwind.”

  “Oh...” It seems to take a while for his brain to register this. “Well...if you feel like it, my best friend is having a party on Saturday, it’s his birthday,” he explains nodding his head at the same time then continues. “You guys should come along...it’ll be cool.”

  “We’ll bare that in mind Jake, but right now I want to get inside and get something to eat – No offense,” Tristan adds, I grit my teeth at him.

  “None taken dude!” Jake smiles at us both. “Catch you later....” He says, putting his hand in the air as he turns and walk down the hill.

  I cross my arms and put on my stern face.

  “What?” Tristan says. His hands and arms full of our luggage.

  “Why were you being like that with him?” I say, scowling at him.

  “Isn’t it obvious?” He scoffs, climbing the steps to the house.

  I follow him up and stop when we reach the front door. “No. Well, it wasn’t to me?” I say.

  “Coral.” Tristan awkwardly hands me the key. “Can you unlock the door please?”

  I do so, push the door open, and gesture for Tristan to go first. He walks into the kitchen – which is very modern and spotlessly clean – and dumps our bags down on the floor.

  “Well?” I say, still scowling.

  “Coral. Are you blind?” He says, casually strolling over to me, stripping his t-shirt off as he does. Damn he looks hot! Now all he’s dressed in are a pair of dark blue, combat shorts, and a pair of flip-flops.

  I swallow hard. “Blind?” I whisper as he reaches me, and pulls me against his body. I can feel his erection digging into my belly. I put my hands on his arms, his strong arms – I’m swooning at him again!

  “Yes, he was flirting with you.” Tristan adds.

  “No he wasn’t,” I laugh. “He was being more chatty with you. Besides, I thought he was a nice kid, the harmless type, and I don't think that very often about men, or boys which he evidently was.”

  “Hmm. I still think he wanted you,” he says.

  “Tristan Freeman, are you jealous?” I titter.

  “No,” he growls, kissing me hungrily.

  I pull back feeling breathless. “If you think for one second that I’d be interested in a young boy like that, you’ve got another thing coming – besides he was a complete stoner! Did you see the state of his eyes?” I chuckle.

  “Yes, I did.” Tristan says, gazing down at me with such a seductive look.

  “So...what now?” I ask, revelling in the fact that I am not in Brighton.

  “Food.” Tristan says in his stern voice.

  “Really?”I squeak. “You’re hungry again?”

  “Not me, you. Remember what you said to me at the airport?”Ah yes, I do remember.

  “Just let me get changed and we can head out for something, ok?” I say.

  Tristan growls and kisses me hard again. “Wrap your legs around me,” he says as he lifts me up. I do exactly that and kiss him back. “We’re going to find the bedrooms first,” he croaks in that sexy, husky voice of his.

  I smile against his lips, and he heads through the apartmentin search of a bed....

  DAMN! THAT WAS SEXY, SEX! – I love that about us – that we just can't get seem to get enough of each other, that Tristan feels the same way about me as I do about him.

  “So much for relaxing!” I giggle, trying to catch my breath.

  “Sorry, I couldn’t help it. I wanted you, badly,” Tristan says, turning on his side to look at me. “How are you feeling darling, in any pain?”

  His serious face is back. He’s worried about me, I know that.

  “No baby, no pain.” I say, reaching up and tenderly touching his cheek.

  His look changes, playful Tristan is back. He leans up and rests his head on his hand. I am flat on back, staring up at him. Then he places his forefinger at the hollow base of my throat, then slowly, he runs his finger down my chest, between my breasts, all the way down my sternum, down my abdomen, until finally, he reaches my sex.

  My breath catches with the contact. I cannot take my eyes of his. He slowly circles his forefinger down there, then shocking me again, he reaches up and places his finger in his mouth and sucks.

  “Hmm, delicious,” he says, his eyes glinting wickedly.

  “Tristan Freeman, you are a dirty boy!” I playfully scold.

  “So...is dirty Tristan another part of me that you love?” He questions, suddenly going serious.

  There’s a double meaning there – I’m sure there is.

  “Yes,” I whisper shyly. My heart is racing against my chest.

  He nods once, then reaching up he places his free hand against my cheek. “Coral, there’s something’ – My stomach grumbles, very loudly, stopping him in his tracks. “I’m going to go and get us something to eat.” He says scrambling up from the bed.

  “Wait, Tristan...” I take hold of his arm, stopping him. “What we’re you about to say?”

  “Not now Coral. You’re hungry, and so am I.” He dashes off to the en-suite.

  When he returns, he yanks his shorts on, commando style, and stuffs his feet into his flip-flops. I can't help frowning up at him, he has something to tell me, something important – I know he does.

  “Baby...” He slides onto the bed. “I don't know about you, but I feel like having something to eat, then going down to spend the afternoon on the beach; and I thought, if I pick something up now, we could just eat in tonight. What do you think?”

  “Sounds great!” I beam. Maybe he’ll tell me later?

  He smiles that sexy, slow smile at me. “Ok,” he chuckles. “What do you fancy for lunch?”

  I think about it for a second. “A Cornish pasty.” I say.

  “A Cornish pasty?” He questions quizzically.

  “Um...yeah, I’ve never been to Cornwall Tristan. It’s one of Gladys’s favourite places, she tried to bring me here once, for a holiday. I was young...” I shake my head, remembering. “I had a meltdown in the car...she had to turn back. I stayed with John and Joyce while she and Debs came down here; they did that every year while we were kids.” I stop feeling guilty that I put Gladys through that.

  “What are you trying to tell me Coral?” He says, looking worried.

  I laugh nervously. “I...I’ve never had a holiday,” I whisper, feelin
g embarrassed.

  His mouth pops open. “You’ve never been...you’ve never had a holiday?” Tristan balks, looking slightly alarmed.

  I turn on my side so I’m facing him, look down at the bed and shake my head.

  Tristan gasps. “This is your first holiday – ever?”

  “Actually my first holiday was going to Hastings with you.”

  Tristan’s eyes are wide and he’s blinking rapidly at me. “Coral, I knew you’d never been abroad but...are you saying you’ve never left Brighton?” He asks, swallowing hard.

  “Well no, I go to Worthing and Peavehaven, but that’s not the same.” I shake my head again – I want to say ‘I’m a freaky fuck up remember’ but I don't, I know he won't like that.

  “You’ve never had a holiday?” He repeats, incredulously.

  “Well...yeah. Joyce would insist I did, but I’d just hang out at the beach in Brighton. Rob’s tried to get me to go abroad with him, plenty of times; but I always said no. It felt safer like that. I think as a child, I freaked out because I still didn’t trust Gladys, I thought she was taking me away, making me go live somewhere else.” I say, staring up at him.

  Tristan looks a little sick, then he seems to regain his composure. “So, why do you want a pasty?” He says, trying to shake it off.

  “Gladys used to bring one back for me.” I smile, remembering her doing that. “You know a real bona fide Cornish Pasty.”

  “She did?” He says, stroking my cheek, smiling warmly at me.

  “We don't have to have that if you want something else Tristan.”

  “No, pasty sounds good.” He says.

  “When in Rome,” I giggle.

  “What shall I bring back for tea?” He smiles.

  “I don't know, surprise me,” I say.

  “Ok, gorgeous. I won't be long.” He gets up off the bed, and walks out the bedroom – Damn he has a cute butt.

  He stops halfway down the hallway, and retracts his steps. “Coral Stevens, I’m warning you now, if you do anything daft while I’m gone’ – “Like what?” I challenge, trying not to laugh because he looks so serious.

  He cocks one eyebrow up at me, and crosses his arms – Oh fuck it!