“Wayne has gone out for drinks with a friend,” I told him.
“Good, at least that allows us some time together.”
Ryan led me up the grand staircase, holding my hand lightly as he opened the door to his bedroom. The large fire was burning brightly, keeping us warm as we slowly removed each other’s clothes. I couldn’t help but shiver as I happily joined Ryan under the covers.
I kissed him passionately, caressing his rough cheek as I entwined my legs with his. Ryan pressed his hand against the small of my back, pulling me closer to him. I could feel his member begin to harden against my inner thigh, immediately causing my loins to dampen.
Moving to lay on top of his strong frame, I manoeuvred him into me. Relishing the feel as I sat so that he was deep inside me. My hands rested on his muscular chest as I began to move slowly. Gazing down at him I could see the sparkle from his eyes lit by the flames in the fire.
Placing his hands on my hips, Ryan thrust himself upwards quickening our pace. I groaned with desire as he sat forward to take one of my nipples in his mouth. Sucking on it until it grew hard before moving to the other.
I reached my hand back to rub his balls, hearing Ryan moan low in his throat. Our breathing grew laboured as our climax neared. He gripped me tightly as I began to writhe against him. Squeezing his hardness with my loins as he cried out my name, filling me with his juices as I released my own.
Settling back under the covers, Ryan held me in his arms. My fingers traced the muscles of his chest while he gently stroked my hair. I felt so at peace when I was with Ryan. It was more than just our physical relationship, it was the fact that we didn’t need a lot of conversation. There was no awkwardness, we were simply happy to be with each other.
Before I had realized, two hours had passed. I quickly jumped from the bed, pulling on my clothes. Ryan watched me, a sad expression on his face. Sitting beside him, I took his hand.
“I wish I didn’t have to go, but I need to get home before Wayne does,” I said in whisper.
“I know love. One day maybe we will be together, if that is what you want?” Ryan answered.
“Oh yes, of course that’s what I want. I just don’t know how to tell Wayne.”
“Well, no matter how long it takes I will wait for you. I love you Amy.”
“I love you too.”
As we kissed tenderly, I couldn’t help silent tears from streaming down my cheeks. I longed to be able to tell him just how bad things were with Wayne, but I was unsure how he would react. Especially if I told Ryan how violent Wayne had become. Although he had never laid a hand on me, the shouting and smashing furniture did scare me. I just had to find a way to leave without causing a confrontation.
Chapter Four
Heavy snow fell over the following days, meaning that I couldn’t see Ryan. The college was closed, and there was no way that I could sneak off to see him. Wayne was always at home, so even trying to call him was out of the question. With just Wayne for company I was relieved to open the door to Sarah one evening. Ushering her inside from the cold, I gave her a large hug.
“Well with the weather so bad I thought I would come over with a bottle of wine to cheer you up,” Sarah smiled.
“That’s sound perfect. I have been going stir crazy here,” I laughed.
“Thought you would be,” she winked as she followed me into the kitchen.
Wayne was getting a beer from the fridge, giving a grunt when he saw Sarah and promptly leaving the room. I rolled my eyes at her. It was pointless trying to excuse his behaviour, Sarah knew all too well after all this time what he was like. I poured us both a glass of wine and sat beside her at the breakfast bar.
“So what have you been doing to keep yourself busy while you have been off work?” Sarah asked.
“Just marking test papers and preparing lesson plans. How have you gotten here anyway Sarah, the snow is too thick out there for you to have driven?”
“Not when you have your Dad’s Land Rover,” Sarah laughed as she jangled the keys in her hand.
As the wine flowed we chatted about our mutual friends, catching up on all the gossip. Sarah told me how things were at work, and even confided in me that she had had a couple of disastrous dates lately.
Listening to her I suddenly realized just how little we had spoken recently. I had been so caught with trying to find ways to see Ryan, I had neglected my best and closest friend. I felt terrible and vowed there and then that the situation would have to change. Just because I had met Ryan, it was no excuse for neglecting my friend.
Laughter echoed around the room as the evening wore on. Finding the bottle that Sarah had brought soon empty, I took some from the fridge and popped the cork. Re-filling our glasses I jumped when I saw Wayne in the doorway, not having heard him approach.
“Don’t worry, I’ve just come for another beer,” he slurred.
We watched as he staggered slightly while getting his drink. Falling silent until he had left the room again. Sarah and I both shrugged with a wry smile and continued our conversation.
A little while later, taking a sip from her glass Sarah leant closer. She placed her hand over mine and looked at me with concern.
“I bet you’re missing Ryan,” she whispered.
I nodded solemnly, not daring to speak for fear of crying. Sleep was evading me each night as I laid in bed beside Wayne. Thinking only of the man I loved being just a short drive away, though it felt like he was a million miles. Though it had only been a few days since I had last seen Ryan, it felt more like an eternity.
“Listen, I’ve been thinking. Maybe I could drive you there in Dad’s car. Then at least you can see him for a while,” Sarah suggested in a low voice.
“I would love to, but they are very private and I’m not sure they would allow it,” I replied sadly.
“Who’s private?”
We both spun around in our seats at the sound of Wayne’s voice. He stood with his arms folded across his chest, a scowl on his face.
“Oh just some colleagues from the college,” I told him in a rush.
“And why do you need to go and see them exactly?” Wayne asked as he strode into the room.
“Just to discuss things about work,” I smiled.
Desperately I tried to remain calm and casual, though my heart was beating so hard I was sure Wayne would hear it. Sarah looked on nervously as Wayne towered above me.
“Well that can wait. You aren’t going anywhere,” he spat.
“I’m not darling, don’t worry.”
“I’m not worried. You will do as I say!” Wayne roared as he punched his fist upon the counter.
Sarah and I both jumped from his outburst, clutching each other’s hands. I cringed back as he put his face closer to mine.
“Do I make myself clear?” he growled.
“Yes Wayne, I’m sorry,” I muttered.
Taking another drink from the fridge, Wayne stormed from the room. I flinched as the door slammed shut behind him. Tears began to well in my eyes as I tried to compose myself. Sarah put her arm around me, pulling me toward her.
“How long as he been behaving like that?” she asked softly.
“Oh I don’t know. It started when he lost his job, and just seems to be getting worse,” I answered with a slight hitch to my voice.
“You need to get away from him before he hurts you.”
“I know, but I’m scared what he may do,” I admitted.
“Have you told Ryan?” Sarah probed.
“No. I don’t know how would react if he knew the truth.”
Shaking her head in despair, Sarah gave me a tight hug. Insisting that everything would be alright. I could only hope that she was right.
Chapter Five
I was relieved when the snow finally cleared enough to be able to return to work. The atmosphere at home had been strained since Sarah’s visit. Wayne keeping a close eye on me and watching my every move. Even when I was on the telephone with Sarah he would hover in the
background, listening to my end of the conversation.
Sarah had begun calling every day, finding different excuses that I could give to Wayne to explain why she had rung. We spoke in code so that I could let her know that I was okay. Yet deep down I was miserable. I just wanted to be able to see Ryan.
So as soon as I arrived at the college I sought him out, finally finding him sat at his desk. Ryan’s face lit up when he saw me enter the room. Jumping from his seat and standing with arms wide. I ran into them, grateful to feel his arms around me once more. We kissed passionately, holding each other tight.
The events of the past few days drifted from my mind at the sight of Ryan. I felt safe again, and happy to be with him once more. He looked down at me tenderly, cupping my cheek in his hand and lifting my head so our eyes met.
“How have you been darling?” he asked gently.
“Ok I guess,” I answered with a shrug.
“We have missed you at the house. I hope you can get to visit us soon my love,” Ryan said as he kissed the end of my nose lightly.
“I will try, I promise.”
As Ryan’s students began to stream into the room, I made my excuses and left him to his first class. My heels clicked upon the corridor as I headed to my own room. My mood had lifted after seeing Ryan, yet my heart still felt heavy. Wondering how I could find a way to go and see him without raising Wayne’s suspicions.
I was pre-occupied throughout the whole day. Noting the odd looks that the students and my colleagues were giving me. All I did was drift from one class to the next. Trying hard to hide my turmoil, but unable to erase the jumble of thoughts that were running through my mind. I was relieved when the day finally came to an end.
Driving home I wondered what kind of mood Wayne would be in. My dread growing as I got closer to the house. Pulling into the drive, I was surprised to see three motorbikes parked next to Wayne’s. Curiously I entered the house, immediately hearing loud laughter coming from the lounge.
As I entered the room, everyone became quiet. Wayne jumped from his seat and put his arm around my waist. Guiding me further forward, he waved his arm grandly.
“This everyone is my lovely wife Amy,” he announced.
I smiled and nodded in greeting to them all. The three men and two women looked me up and down, making me shuffle my feet nervously under their intense stares. Noticing all the empty cans and bottles that were scattered around the room, it was clear that they were intent on getting drunk. Wayne was already swaying on his feet and slurring his words.
Escaping from the room, I went upstairs to get changed. Dressing in leggings and a baggy jumper I loathed to have to go back down. Yet I knew that that was what Wayne was expecting. So I reluctantly re-joined them, taking a large gulp of the wine that Wayne had ready for me.
The noise level in the room rose as the night wore on. Everyone’s voices growing louder as the alcohol took effect. I merely sipped at my wine, watching them all carefully as they frolicked and teased each other. If circumstances had have been different, I would have enjoyed being with Wayne’s friends. Tonight, I just wanted them to leave. Unable to relax and feel comfortable in a room full of strangers.
Coming out of the bathroom a little later, one of the women was stood waiting on the landing. Leaning against the wall with her arms folded. She had a mean look on her face as she stepped forward. Her lips tight and thin, her eyes glinting as she glared at me.
“You should think yourself very lucky having Wayne you know,” she began.
“I know I am,” I lied.
“Because if you don’t treat him right, I know someone who will. So you can stop looking down on us just because you’re a teacher. It doesn’t make you special you know so don’t you go thinking that it does. Or you may just need bringing down off that pedestal you think you belong on,” she sneered.
Before I could answer, she spun on her heels and went back down the stairs. Stunned, my mouth fell open. I wasn’t sure if that had been a threat or not, but I knew I wasn’t looking down on anyone. So was confused by what the woman had said, with a shrug I re-joined the group. Settling on the arm of Wayne’s chair I picked up my glass again.
Although I tried to push aside what the women had said, it did prey on my mind as the night wore on. Every time I glanced in her direction I saw her glaring at me. Her hand protectively on her partner’s thigh. All I could do was watch as they all became even more rowdy. Wondering how on earth they would get back home after consuming so much alcohol. Praying that Wayne wouldn’t offer for them to stay. They were beginning to make me feel uncomfortable, and I was longing for them to go.
Finally the group all said good night and staggered from the house. I was shocked to see them mounting their bikes and riding away. Wayne simply waved them off with a laugh, clearly not concerned about their safety.
Chapter Six
Large flakes of snow had begun to fall one Saturday evening as I drove to Ryan’s. Wayne was out somewhere on his motorbike, so I had left him a note to say that I was going to visit Sarah. She had happily agreed to be my alibi, understanding how much I needed to be with Ryan for a while.
Rapping my cold knuckles upon the front door, I was glad when it finally opened. As soon as I entered the vast hall, my damp coat was taken from me and I was ushered in front of the roaring fire. I turned as I heard footsteps behind me, smiling as I saw Ryan standing there. I rushed into his open arms, welcoming his warm lips against my own.
“I don’t know how long I can stay. I just had to see you,” I told him.
“Any time spent with you is precious to me,” Ryan answered.
My heart swelled from his words. I felt exactly the same way and longed to show him just how much he meant to me. I clung to him tightly as we embraced, never wanting the closeness that I felt to end.
Ryan took my hand and led me to the bar area at one side of the room. He poured us both a glass of wine, continuously glancing at me as he did so. A tingling sensation passed through me as our fingers touched briefly as I accepted the glass from him. I struggled to breathe as we settled down on the plush couch together. Ryan’s arm around my shoulder as he pulled me near.
With my head on his shoulder, I watched the flames flickering in the fireplace. The bright red and yellows casting a glow around the darkened room. I tucked my legs beneath me as I took a sip of my drink. Though we sat in silence, I relished the romantic atmosphere that the room created. Having Ryan beside me made everything complete.
We turned as other members of the family came into the room. Music was soon playing as they enjoyed the fun of the night. Drinks were consumed, while the noise of the room grew louder as they chatted and laughed together.
I couldn’t help but smile as I watched them. Couples dancing, while the younger ones ran between them playing tricks on each other. As I looked at Ryan, I could see the love for his family upon his face.
John and Sean, a couple of boys who were just seven years old, came to climb upon our knee. Nestling against us warmly as they chatted about their day. Telling us tales of the antics that they had been up to. Ryan and I both laughed as they bickered playfully. Both so innocent and loving.
All the family had made me feel so welcome. I enjoyed any time that I spent with them. They were all fun-loving and full of laughter and vibrancy. It was a welcome relief from my life at home with Wayne.
Gazing out of the lounge window an hour later I was saddened to see that the snow was growing heavier. Knowing that I would need to leave soon or I could end up being unable to leave. There was no way that Wayne would accept that in his current bad mood. Ryan came up behind me, taking me in his arms.
“You need to go don’t you darling,” he said glumly.
“Yes. I am so sorry. I hate having to leave you all,” I replied in a whisper.
I turned so that I could wrap my arms around Ryan’s neck. Kissing him tenderly. I was loathed to leave. But the repercussions of staying the night would be much worse for me. Wayne’s
temper was so volatile at the moment, I didn’t dare risk angering him knowing that he would already be annoyed that I had gone out.
After saying my goodbyes to the family, I trudged my way to the car. My feet hidden in the deep snow that had mounted. Ryan opened the door for me. I looked at him sadly as I slid into the driver’s seat. Crouching beside the car, he leant inside to shower me with more kisses. Ryan remained in the drive as I set off, undeterred by the snow that fell upon him as he gave a final wave of farewell.
I tried hard to focus upon the roads as I drove home. My eyes welling with tears at the realization that Wayne could never make me as happy as Ryan did. Fully aware that I could no longer live in an unhappy marriage. That I deserved more than Wayne offered.
The temper and mounting debts had taken their toll on my marriage to Wayne. Yet he still seemed oblivious to the situation. Simply insisting on his daily drink, and that I should be at his beck and call. Even though I went to work at the college each day, I was still expected to cook and clean when I returned home. It was growing increasingly frustrating, as well as tiring.
When I was with Ryan I felt uplifted. As if I was the centre of his world. That was once how Wayne had made me feel. Yet never to this degree. I had always believed that Wayne treat me well, but nothing compared to the feelings that Ryan instilled in me.
Turning a corner in the road, I was blinded by a vehicle approaching me. It was ploughing through the snow at an incredible speed. Skidding from one side of the road to the other. I spun the steering wheel, desperate to avoid the car as it drew nearer. My wheels spun upon the snowy surface of the road.
As my car hit the verge at the side of the road, I screamed in terror. My arms flying up to protect my face as a tree trunk loomed closer. I tried to brace myself for the impact. Visions of Ryan flashed through my mind as the car hit. A deep blackness swept over me as I was flung forward in my seat. Losing consciousness while still able to hear the engine running from what seemed like a million miles away.
Werewolf Romance: A Teacher's Turmoil (Paranormal Romance 3 Book Bundle) Page 4