Call Me

by Gillian Jones

  Once inside, I pull my props and thesis binder out of my bag. I’m really hoping my shift isn’t too crazy, I’ve got my final meeting with Ace in a few days before we all meet next week to defend our theses in front of the thesis committee. I have a bit more to edit and rewrite, but I think I’m actually going to pull it off. I’m grateful Ace didn’t let me give up like I wanted to last month. God, that man is amazing. I’m falling for him more and more each time we’re together.

  Our last movie date was incredible…

  “Wow, you look stunning,” he says, when we meet in our row at Bloor Hot Docs for our weekly movie date.

  “It’s dark. How can you tell?” I ask him.

  “I just know,” he replies with finality.

  “You really are good with words, Ace,” I laugh. The next thing I know, I’m being pulled over to his lap.

  “I know because when I picture you in my mind, you’re always beautiful, but then when I finally get see you in person again you manage to take my breath away. Every. Single. Time.”

  He grins, looking a little smug, knowing he’s just turned me into a pile of girlie-goo. Of course, that damned dimple joins in the fun.

  “Okay, maybe you do have the words.” I move my hand to cup his jaw, the day-old stubble—along with those dark-framed glasses—making him look more rugged than usual. “I love when you wear your glasses.” I kiss tug on his bottom lip. His hand moves to my ass pulling me in closer.

  “I love this tight ass. I can’t wait to get up close and personal with it. These rules are bullshit, E. I’m going to combust soon,” he groans, pushing my centre against his hardness. Looking around, I see that the theatre is still empty, the opening credits haven’t yet begun, and I decide it’s time to bend a rule. “It’s my turn for a little payback, Doctor Ryan,” I say, leaning in close. “I need you to close your eyes and listen to what I’d like to do to you here one day in the future. Think you can do that for me, Ace? Can you be a good listener?”

  “Oh, hell, yeah, I can,” he says.

  “Perfect. Imagine it’s our usual date, but suddenly I move off your lap from where we’ve been having some pre-show cuddles. Instead of moving to my seat for the previews, I position myself down onto my knees. Right between yours.”

  “Sounds good so far, keep going.”

  “You’re not quite sure what I’m doing, because—me being such an innocent girl—we’ve never done anything like this before. Little do you realize, however, I’ve thought about it every single week that we’ve come here. Pictured doing just this,” I whisper, blowing into his ear.

  “What are you doing, Ellie? Don’t stop, tell me more,” Ace says a bit breathlessly, and in the amber glow of the theatre lights, I feel the slight twinge of his hardening cock under his jeans as I continue.

  “I’m being a rebel. Rules are made to be broken, right?” I ask. “Leaning up, I place my hands on your belt, waiting for you to give me the go-ahead.”

  “Like I’d ever tell you ‘no’, you know I love a rebel streak every now and then,” he shares.

  “Now, because you’re such a cooperative man, you lift yourself enough that I can lower your pants, making it easier for me to get at that big, hard, beautiful cock of yours,” I smile at his intake of breath and the grip he has on the armrest, knowing I’m affecting him.

  “‘I can’t wait to have you in my mouth. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, Doctor Ryan,’ I tell you, as I spring your thick cock, the same one I can tell will fit me like it was meant solely for pounding into my waiting pussy.”

  “Jesus, fuck, Ellie. That mouth,” Ace mutters, and I try not to giggle. I love that my plan is working.

  “Keep talking like that and you won’t need to touch me. Blue balls, remember?” he quips, and I laugh.

  “Once I’ve got you out, I reach for my drink. Opening the lid, I take a sip and slip a few ice cubes into my mouth. You eye me suspiciously, not sure what I’m up to, but your cock jumps with excitement.”

  “Know that everything you say and do will be repeated. I’m hard as stone right now, Ellie. Goddamn it,” he says, shifting underneath me.

  “Quiet. Let me finish this part, it’s so good. Taking your cock in my hands, I look up into your eyes. ‘How about we cool down that fireman’s hat with a little cold water,’ I say around the ice, placing my hands around your hard length.”

  “‘Fireman’s hat?’ And I’m the one with word issues?” he chuckles.

  “‘Shhh,’ I say, moving my mouth closer and blowing the cool air over your cock, waiting for you to relax and let me continue.”

  “Call it what you want, as long as you suck it. Fuck, please tell me you put it in your mouth next. I need you to tell me how you’ll suck it, Ellie,” he hisses.

  “With the ice in my mouth, I wrap my lips around the head of your dick. The ice begins to melt from your heat, and I start swirling my tongue around the sensitive head, coating you with my saliva, branding you as mine, making you all wet and ready for my mouth’s assault. Using my tongue, I tease the tip, applying the perfect blend of pressure and suction. You’re so turned on, you move your hands to my hair, and start kneading my head, holding it in place, and I fucking love it,” I say, pausing, taking a moment to let it all sink in and to see how he’s reacting. It doesn’t take long to see I’m doing a good job, even as the lights go down for the previews.

  “Shit, that feels so good, E. Fuuck,” he whispers, his eyes closed as if he is picturing everything I was describing.

  “As my mouth makes its way down your smooth shaft, I nibble a little bit, running my teeth gently along. I drag my lips and tongue over each ridge and vein before moving my hand up to play with your balls.”

  “Jesus Christ. I’m going to come, if you keep that up. Fuck, yeah, I can’t wait to watch you take it all…” he says, as his hips start moving and I move my lips within millimetres of his ear and tell him that I can’t wait either, and then the opening credits start to roll and…

  Beep.

  And I’m taken from my happy place by that familiar sound.

  Chapter 42

  Ellie

  Fumbling for my headset, I click “accept” and speak into the line without looking at the caller specs: “Breathless Whisp—”

  “Your only job right now is to listen. You understand? I’m in control here. I call the shots. Your only job is to say ‘yes’ and come on command. Understand?” the male caller bites out, cutting me off before I’ve even begun.

  “Yes, I understand,” I reply in my lowest voice, assuming this caller is going to be an aggressive one who might be best dealt with using my soft tone. Sometimes you get these types of callers, ones where they need an outlet, a place where they can prove they are capable of being in control of any and all situations. A caller desperate to let their dominant side shine, because most likely they aren’t the ones wearing the pants in their reality.

  Destiny warned me about these types of callers. She said to play along initially, then work to take back the control. She says that by the time you’ve taken control back, they’re so far gone they rarely notice they’re on the bottom again.

  “Good. Now take your clothes off, pinch your nipples, get them ready for me. Tell me how it feels.”

  “Exciting. The pulling is sending a little tickle to my…”

  “Shit, I can’t wait to eat that cunt of yours. I’m gonna eat that pussy like a fucking cannibal.”

  His words are harsher than I’m used to, but I shake it off and play along.

  “Oh good. I can’t wait. I bet your mouth will feel so good on my pussy. It’s been too long, I need…”

  “Fucking right it’ll be good. Once I get to you. But first I wanna watch you suck the fuck out of my cock. Get on your fucking knees. Now. I wanna listen to you gag and choke around my dick while I fuck your mouth and throat with my huge cock.”

  “Yes, I’d like that,” I say, rolling my eyes, moving to grab a popsicle from the bar fridge’s fre
ezer.

  There’s a strange laugh that comes across the line, immediately causing dread to pool in my stomach. The hairs on my neck stand on end. I pause in the unwrapping of the icy pop.

  “I don’t want you to ‘like’ it. You’ll fucking hate it, and I’ll love the fact that you hate it. That’s what sluts like you are good for, cocksucking. If I were there with you right now…in fact, I might just come down and find you, for being such a mouthy fucking whore. Oh yeah, darlin’, I know where you work. I could easily come and get you. Anytime I want.”

  My hands begin to tremble with that admission. Whether it’s true or not, it’s never crossed my mind that it could be a possibility. I mean, I’m sure the Conrads have disgruntled past employees and other weirdo callers. I bet this is why they need that secured entrance. Oh God. It’s just me and Destiny and maybe two others here. I’m trembling by the time his words begin to register again.

  “Are you listening to me? Tell me you’re ready, whore.”

  Shaking it off, I answer: “I’m here. I’m on my knees. Ready.” I whisper. Hoping I can appease him and move this along. “I’ve got your cock in my hands,” I try, hoping it’s the right thing to say.

  “No. Fuck you. This is my show. Now I want you to sit and listen to me. I’m pissed you’ve ruined this for me. I should come find you, bitch. Wait for you in the shadows when you leave the building.”

  My heart begins to thump wildly in my chest. Ellie, he’s bluffing, it’s all just part of his fantasy, right? Just tune him out, do what he says.

  “I’ll grab you. Wrap my hands around your stupid fucking neck, rob you of your breath. I’ll take you when you aren’t expecting it. Once you’ve walked far enough away, thinking you’re safe. I’ll grab you and push up against a brick wall, ’cause worthless sluts like you deserve it rough.”

  I gasp audibly, and it only spurs him on. I can’t seem to stop listening, my body is frozen. I can’t convince my hands to click the off button.

  “You like that, bitch? The idea of me taking you? Knew you were a whoring cunt. Next, I’ll fuck you in that nasty-as-fuck hole of yours. Stretching those butt cheeks, while I switch from ass to dirty cunt! Your asshole taking me over and over, in and out. When I’m good and fucking ready, I’ll pull out, only to slip it back into your filthy mouth. You’ll swallow my cum, taking my seed down that stupid whoring mouth of yours while I fuck your throat. Then, I’ll grab my blade an—”

  “Nooooooo!” I yell, finally breaking free from my frozen state and disconnecting the call. I’m shaking. Tears stream down my face and I can’t catch my breath. I’m a mess. A complete wreck, not just from his words but more because, deep down in my gut, I know that he’s some creep who actually gets off on that violence shit. I’m mad at myself for not ending the call sooner, for freezing up—that, and allowing him to make me feel this way. For letting him degrade me like that. I’m suddenly angry at my fucking knee, at Dr. Robinson, at school. I’m angry for having to work in this kind of environment because of my need for money. Fuck the money.

  Without thinking, I leave everything as is and exit the room in search of Destiny. I need to debrief and compose myself. I text her and she said to walk into Sweet 16, her door would be unlocked. But as I make my way along the hall, I find myself face-to-face with Greta.

  “Oh goodness, Ellie, dear! What’s the matter?” she says, walking me to the couch near her desk where she sits us both down.

  “A bad call,” I hiccup. “I didn’t know y—you were here,” I barely get out.

  “Yes, I’m here. I decided to work the night shift. I need a day off next week so I figured I’d come in tonight and get stuff done. Is this your first bad one?” she asks, and I nod, taking the Kleenex she’s offering.

  “He was so mad, said he’d come and get me. Said he wanted to hurt me,” I say, wiping away the tears that refuse to stop falling. “I can’t believe I let him talk to me like that, let him say all these terrible things. I’m a person, Greta. I don’t need to let anyone talk to me like that,” I huff angrily.

  “You’re right. You don’t. No call is worth you getting upset about like this. You hang up. Know it’s the right thing. You hang up and flag it for Mrs. Conrad, and she’ll look into him.”

  “No-one should have to deal with that. I’ll make sure I go back and flag him.”

  “Good. And you’re right, Ellie. When the job starts taking more from you then you’re getting from it, its time to reevaluate what’s important. You have to remember to keep Chanel separate from Ellie, though, too. That caller was using your character, not the real you. He’s probably some lonely man with a distorted sense of reality, one who’s hopeless and is counting on having made you feel scared. Let Chanel take that on and laugh at it, and allow Ellie to simply let it go when you log off. Walk out of here knowing Ellie is safe.”

  “I try. I do, but it’s getting too hard. I don’t think I can keep doing this job. I’m keeping secrets from people, my mom, my boyfr—. Never mind, I’m good. I just needed a minute away. Sorry, I’m having a bad night.”

  “We all have them. They all have them.” Greta gestures to the hall. “I’ve sat here with almost every one of you girls, listening to the same thing. You’re going to be all right, Ellie.”

  “Thanks, Greta. I know. Like I said, I’m mad at myself for letting him get to me. Never again, next time I’m hanging up right away. Regardless. I won’t ever let a caller make me feel like that again. They can fire me…well, if I don’t quit first.” I nod, agreeing with my own words.

  “We love you here, Ellie. Trust your gut, always, and know they won’t fire you for not finishing a call like that. They care about you girls; they know they need to keep you all happy and safe. This isn’t like those other places,” she waves and I think about the two young women Ace had told me about. God, I can’t imagine what they must deal with.

  I wish I could talk to Ace right now; I wish I could tell him everything. I will, one day. I’m just not ready to see the look of disappointment that’s sure to cross his face at my disclosure. I told him I worked at call a centre; I just left out the phone sex part. I hope he understands.

  Then it hits me: what if we’ve talked on the phone before? I use a voice adapter. Who’s to say he hasn’t? I know he told me he’s called a few lines for research. Holy shit. Imagine? Oh my God, what if he was that guy tonight?

  “You going to be okay, dear? You suddenly went all pale…” Greta asks, bringing me out of what-if land.

  “Yeah, I will be. Thanks, Greta. But I think I’m going to clock out early tonight.”

  “I think that’s a great idea.” She smiles warmly, patting my leg.

  I take a taxi home.

  Chapter 43

  Ace

  Sitting in the cafeteria, I can’t keep a smile from crossing my lips when I stare at my phone, reading this morning’s text exchange between Ellie and me. Reading it over a few more times, I’m extremely confident that I’m about to do the right thing.

  Ellie: what are you doing?

  Me: the usual.

  Ellie: oh yeah? What’s that involve?

  Me: thinking about you

  Wanting you

  Wishing we were together

  You know, the usual…

  Ellie: sweet talker ♥

  Me: I speak the truth

  Ellie: I’m gonna kiss you so hard.

  Me: can’t wait.

  Ellie: see you soon, Doctor

  Me: E!!!!!!!

  Ellie: LOL, it’s just so fun!

  Me: har, har. See you soon.

  Ellie: can’t wait xo

  “Sam. Thanks for meeting me,” I say, as my teaching assistant takes the seat across from me.

  “No problem, Ace. I’ve got class in the next building in half an hour, so it’s no trouble.”

  “How are you? How are your classes going?” I ask the man I’m hoping will be willing to assist me this late in the term.

  “Good, pretty light right now. I
ended up not needing to take The Origins of Animation, so I’ve got a lighter course load than I’d expected.”

  “That’s a nice surprise, I’m sure.”

  “Yup. I was able to get tuition fees back, too, so that was a huge bonus.”

  “Listen, Sam. I won’t keep you too long. I asked you here because I need a favour.”

  “Sure, what can I do for you? I mean, I probably owe you a few.”

  “I need help with a student. Do you know Ellie Hughes?”

  “Yeah, I do. I’d help her with anything, if you know what I mean. She’s hotter than hell,” he says, winking smarmily, and the urge to lay this shithead out instantly consumes me. But I’m a professional scholar, not an MMA star.

  “Not appropriate, Sam.”

  “Right, sorry, sir. Sure. I can help out, no problem. Tell me what you need,” he says honestly.

  “Well…” I pause. “I need you to mark her thesis and go over her other papers. I need you to see if you agree with my grade assessments.”

  “I can do that. Why, though? I mean you’re the profess—oh shit. I get it. You’ve got the hots for her!” He claps his hands together. “You dirty dog. Well done, man. I’d let her have all A’s.” At this point, I realize this was a fatal mistake.

  “Sam. You shut your mouth. You have no idea what you’re talking about. There is nothing going on between Ms. Hughes and I. I’ve had some things come up and was trying to lighten my load.”

  “I bet you have,” he interjects. I shake my head, trying to pretend that I misheard even though I know he said it. Idiot.

  “You know what, punk? Consider this your final warning. You’re off my team. Enjoy an even lighter load,” I grit out.

  Leaving Sam, I make my way to talk to the last person I wanted to, but the first person I should have.

  Chapter 44

  Ellie

  Reading the email from Ace—saying that students who had previously been working with Sam as their thesis advisor needed to attend a mandatory meeting with Ace on Wednesday in the library’s second floor conference room—has my curiosity piqued.