Captured Secret (The Captured Series)

by Raynne, April

  “Open your eyes, Stella. Watch me fuck you,” he growls out. Just when I think he can’t thrust into me any harder, he does, and his release shoots inside of me. “Stella!” I feel warm spurts jet inside of me over and over as I watch him come. He is beautiful. He is perfect. With all of our clothes on, this was nothing intimate, but it was the best sex of my life. I am sated as he continues to milk himself with my body. He opens those ice blue eyes and stares into mine. Pulling me back against his chest, he shoves his nose and lips against my neck. “Thank you. God, you were amazing.” His eyes look at me through his lashes and I see it again. Pain? Sadness? Am I reading him wrong? We stay joined as Ty rests his head in the crook of my neck and gently glides his fingertips over my arms, hands and tummy. I want him to kiss me. I realize now that all the urgency is gone and that I never got to feel those full lips on mine. He slides out of me, “Stay over tonight. I don’t want you driving home.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah. Get cleaned up and I’ll bring you a t-shirt.”

  Several minutes later he drops off a shirt as promised. He watches me slip it over my head. My senses are bombarded by his scent which is nothing but masculine. He leaves without a word. I exit the bathroom and find him silently leaning on the balcony drinking a beer. I stand there and contemplate on going out there. He is deep in thought and I feel like I can’t hold my eyes open any longer. I sit on the sectional sideways, tuck my legs to my chest and snuggle in. My body relaxes quickly, yet my mind wants to know what Ty is thinking and feeling at this very moment. All his emotion this evening is boggling my mind. I should just ask him. We just had sex, for heaven’s sake, and a conversation has nothing on that. I decide I won’t go out there. I’ll just wait for him to come in.

  I WAKE TO A PAINFUL POUNDING in my head. The scent in my nose lets me know this is not my bed. The shriveled and dehydrated feeling wracking my body tells me I have a raging hangover. Slitting my eyes open causes temporary blindness and makes the hammer banging on my skull pick up the pace. I squeeze them shut and wait for the pain to dull. I take a moment to recall what day it is, and what the fuck I did last night.

  Memories of last night rush through my mind. My body flushes, and to my surprise, I feel wetness pool between my legs. After everything I drank last night, I can’t believe my body is still able to make fluids. But, considering the man I was with last night, and all of his perfect hotness, it really shouldn’t surprise me. Prying my eyes open after turning away from the sun, I find myself in a very soft bed, wrapped in a soft duvet. I know this bedroom, it’s Ty’s. The bed is void of him and I feel a pang of disappointment. The clock reads nine in the morning. Our first session is at eleven. I turn my face into the pillow and find my new favorite scent…Ty. I rethink getting out of this bed because I want to smell him on my skin all day. It takes a bit, but I finally drag my legs over the side of the mattress so I can get moving and start the day.

  I find Ty sacked out, wrapped in a comforter on the sectional. I silently walk past him to the kitchen and down some Advil for my head, and Gatorade for my dry mouth. I know Ty is going to feel the same when he wakes, so I put my hangover remedy on the end table next to his head.

  After brushing my teeth, sliding into the skirt from last night, and quickly grabbing all my stuff, I make the short trip back to my place. I feel a bit better after more fluids. I shower and put on low-rise jeans, a tight black Juicy cami- tank top, and over that, a black Juicy zip hoodie. Zoey makes me go outside my comfort zone with clothes. My jeweled black flip-flops feel good on my abused feet. I just don’t have the energy to care much about my appearance today, which shows with my light makeup and wet hair in a bun. My bed is calling me to fall in and sleep a couple more hours. I do have to lie down momentarily, several times, while getting ready. The meds kick in, yet, I’m still questioning if I can make it through the day.

  I get in the car and head to my sanctuary. My body thanks me when I pull into Starbucks on our side of downtown. I order up a Venti Café Mocha for me and a Venti black coffee for Ty. Two large iced black teas, pastries, and I’m back out the door. Dehydrated much? Getting in the car with my drink carrier proves to be a challenge. I’m pretty sure that I killed most of my brain cells last night.

  My phone blares and I see a picture of Ty come up. The memory of us playing darts and Zoey taking this picture comes back to me. We all were cheesing it up, so I saved it to his contact info. It was one of the few times he was around me at the bar. I pick up, “Are you okay?” His voice is almost panicked and laced with concern.

  “Yeah, I’m fine, grabbing us some coffee and food.” I start the car and put it in gear.

  “Oh, okay. So, you’re on your way back?” His breathing is fast, yet he’s practically whispering.

  “Yes, and making good time, thank you very much.” I try to sound cheerful this morning, even though I’m physically suffering. My stomach is playing a game deciding if we should throw up or not.

  Ty sounds relieved and says, “Okay, I was worried when I woke and you weren’t here.”

  “I’m fine, just needed some fresh clothes and a shower.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you in a minute.” It comes out more of a question.

  “Yeah, I’ll be there.” We say bye and hang up.

  I haven’t allowed my mind to wonder if last night will damage our relationship. I haven’t allowed myself to relive and analyze the fuck out of it either. I don’t want things to be awkward with us. I like our newfound friendship, but I have to be realistic. Ty was completely open and honest. The fact that he told me he could give me tonight only is lit up on a fucking billboard in my head. Bottom line…I agreed to those terms. So, really, what is there to think about? What is there to analyze?

  Holy shit! It rushes back to me that I begged, and begged, and begged some more. I squeeze my eyes shut at the red light and want to go buy a shovel so I can dig a hole and bury myself in it. Embarrassing! I can only imagine what he thinks. Probably, I’m some poor lonely girl who can’t get laid. My heart burns to think I was a one nightstand…again…with Ty. Rein in the negative internal dialog. Repeating ‘you suck’ over and over today will NOT make this day any easier.

  I decide quickly that it will be awkward only if I let it be awkward. So…I won’t let it be awkward. I just need to just go with the flow and try not to jump his body again at some point today. My fear is that one time is not enough. I have to be reasonable, because he was clear that was all he wanted. You got this, Stel, just get through today and you can overanalyze it all later…post hangover.

  Inhaling a deep breath, I step out of the elevator. My heart is banging in my chest from nerves. Warm saliva fills my mouth as I worry that he will say, ‘that was nice, now get lost, Stella.’ The door to the flat is open and the most beautiful man I’ve ever laid eyes on is standing there holding it open for me. I smile and dart my eyes down. He takes the drink carrier from me and I dump my purse and body on the couch.

  “Has anyone ever told you that you’re a life saver, Stella? I woke up to my damn head pounding and I look over to find you had taken care of my hangover. Now you feed me and caffeinate me?” He looks happy with me.

  “I’m just that good, boss. Don’t forget the tea that will bring us back to life this afternoon.” I look up at his stunning face and smile, although I don’t think it makes it to my eyes.

  “I was being serious,” Ty says playfully.

  Instantly, I want him to grab me, hug me, and kiss me. He looks delicious in jeans, and a black button up long sleeve shirt that he has rolled up to reveal the tattoo on his right forearm that says, Strength. My eyes rake over the veins, corded muscle and the inked lettering. My thoughts go back to our reflection in the bathroom mirror with that tattooed arm working me over between my legs. I shiver and snap back to the moment and say, “Sorry, I have to make light of today. I honestly think I may be taking my last breath here in a second. My brain is nonfunctional…my stomach is a mess…and my body feels
like a prune inside. I think I’ve done all I can today, Ty. Just getting ready and grabbing breakfast has me wiped out.”

  Ty hands me my coffee. I look around to see that he has everything up and running and ready to go. “Well, then, I feel like your twin today. Our eleven o’clock should be here soon, let’s veg until they get here.” He sits down to my right. “Stella? Um… about last night.” Oh shit here we go.

  My heart physically feels like it’s going to beat out of my chest. Any more heart banging and I might need CPR at some point. I flush and feel pretty confident that he sees the change in my color. I sip my coffee. “Uh, yeah, about last night. I…”

  He cuts me off, “Are you okay?” He runs his hands thru his still wet hair and continues, “I, uh…feel like I was really rough with you last night.” His eyes bore holes into mine. He then looks over my body as if he’s waiting to see something visibly hurting me.

  “I’m fine, Ty. I’ll admit I’m a little… sore. But sadly, it’s been a while and I think that’s just natural.” I sit up and want him to know I’m sincere.

  “Good, I woke up and coulda’ kicked my own ass for being so aggressive and rough. I wasn’t sure if you left angry with me this morning.” I don’t get to speak. “I feel like an asshole. I always, um…use protection. I got all kinds of carried away with you. Please tell me that you are on the pill?” He looks a little panicked and embarrassed for asking. I’m not sure why the embarrassment. Really, I think it’s a good question.

  “I am, Ty. I have been since I used the whole ‘I want to regulate my period’ bullshit line I gave my dad during my junior year of high school.” He blows out a breath. “To be honest, I would have told you if I wasn’t. Geesh, Ty, I wouldn’t want to have a baby with a man not willing.” I don’t know why I’m instantly pissed, but I am. I would never do that to a guy. Hell, I would never do that to me! “And if I remember correctly…I like it rough. So, no worries.” Why am I angry and sounding like a bitch?

  “Damn, Stella, I know you wouldn’t do that on purpose. I do know that we were ripped last night, and I came on strong and fast and really didn’t give you time to think.” He takes a sip of his coffee. “I just don’t want things to change. I like hanging out with you. I worry things are going to be weird.” He squeezes the tip of my finger that is dangling off my leg.

  “No awkwardness, Ty, not from me.” I shove down the feelings and questions I have. For example, when you said one night, did you really mean that? I also want to know if he is still as attracted to me today as he was last night. I fear that the alcohol was talking, like with every guy I have been with. I’m sure he doesn’t think that I’m perfect. I’m sure he hasn’t wanted me from meeting one like he said. Shove Stella…fucking shove…shove hard…can’t deal with this today.

  He gets a coy smile on his face. “So, you do like it rough? Huh?”

  I fall back and laugh out loud. “Is that all you heard from that conversation?”

  “Yeah, pretty much.”

  We both look toward the door when we hear the elevator going down. I jump up and say, “Ty, sorry I’m so casual today. It was a rough morning. I’ll do better tomorrow.”

  His brow scrunches. “What? You look great. You have never worn anything inappropriate. Don’t even sweat that. Emily dressed like she only owns three outfits. The way you dress is perfect.” And there is that word again. So perfect that he only wants one night with me. “You really are okay? I felt like a dick from the second I woke up.”

  “I’m fine and I’m a big girl, Ty. No worries.” It’s like a fucking roller coaster today. I can’t help but roll my eyes and walk over to the computer to see who we will be seeing in a couple minutes. She is a young model who wants photos for her portfolio.

  “I know, but I did everything you hate …except… I meant everything…I…”

  Our client walks in all fresh and sporting this great tight ass red dress. Everything is very put together and coordinates to a tee. It’s obvious during introductions she is taken by Ty’s appearance and lays on the sweet southern girl act thick. She is making eye contact and makes sure that she rubs up against him as she walks to the bathroom to change. I show her everything we have to offer. Ty asks me to shut the drapes and we get the lights right where they need to be. I do a light check while she is changing and softly curse him for the couple of pictures he flies off. My favorite is my eyebrow raised and my middle finger in the air. I look like death, and Ms. Perfect is about to come out in swimwear…yes, I said swimwear.

  She’s beautiful, all long, dark locks and a body that won’t quit. I hope the amazon height is a turn off to Ty, but really, I don’t really know what turns him on or off. We have never had that conversation.

  The shoot is taking a little longer than allotted because I have to pull out a dressing mirror so she can see what she looks like to Ty. He never gets aggravated at her; he just works through the difficulties. She lingers, talking to Ty, which pisses me off because I want to lounge on the couch and wait for the next client. I reset and patiently wait for her exit. Once she leaves, I move on to the iced tea and hand Ty his.

  “Holy fucking high maintenance! And, thank you for the tea. Damn, I thought she would never leave. I felt like saying have some faith, sweetheart, I’m going to edit you til you’re perfect,” He leans back in the computer chair. “Stella, I don’t know if I’m going to make it. I feel like shit.”

  “You’re gonna make it. We are going to get through this together. We are a team today and you did great with her. I seriously thought she was going to kneel, and blow you right in front of me.” Okay, probably not the best choice of words while we are trying to find some normalcy after last night. He bursts out laughing, and pulls the computer chair that I’m curled in toward him until we collide.

  “High five…that was great!” We high five and it’s my job to call and order from the deli. I think we are trying to eat our way to feeling normal again.

  Our next session is a super sweet family with older kids. They all have on jeans and white shirts, so we put them against a black backdrop. They are a loving little family. I can’t help but envy all the love you can feel between them all.

  The day comes to an end, and we actually start feeling like human beings again, after consuming many waters and Gatorades. Ty’s uploading as I sit next to him and stare at him, thinking what is it about him that makes me sit here and undress him repeatedly with my eyes. He’s all Mr. Artsy and tats and bad boy and muscles. I usually like white button ups and a tie. Seems like I traded ties for Ty. The phone rings, he looks at the display and pushes the speaker.

  “What’s up, Jax?”

  “What up, brother? I was hoping you wanted to find some ass tonight, since pussy whipped Pierce doesn’t have any interest in being a man anymore.”

  “Pierce is pussy whipped, I agree, but he’s still a man, dude. The plus of his situation is that he gets laid all the time.”

  “Yeah, by the same chick.” Is this the sweet Jaxon that I’ve met over and over?

  Ty looks uncomfortable at the conversation and says, “Dick, you’re on speaker. Please watch your mouth with Stella sitting right here.”

  “Shit! Stella, I’m sorry. Everyone is talking about going to The Wall Street. I was thinking that we could do the whole friend thing. Then Ty, you and I could go off and do the whole wingman thing.” I tense at the thought of Ty finding a woman tonight and being buried deep inside her within twenty-four hours of us having sex.

  “Let’s start with the whole friend thing. Cool?” Ty sounds like he’s trying to play both sides here.

  “Stella, are you still single after Jason last night? I thought he was going to do you right at the dart board.” He laughs at his own statement.

  “What? I didn’t do anything with him at the bar. Why would you say that?”

  “I said he was gonna do you! Listen better!” He laughs it up. “Hey, Stella, if Ty doesn’t want to be my wingman, you can. We’ll find an angle to get a
chick for me, then we can work at getting a dude for you to fornicate with. We’ll end that one year dry spell. How’s that sound?”

  I turn fifty shades of red. Ty does too, but it doesn’t look like it’s from embarrassment.

  “We will be there at seven, Jaxon!” Ty hits the button and hangs up. Was he mad that Jax wants to get me a hookup?

  Ty pulls my chair over like earlier, to collide with him and asks, “Do you want to go meet them in a bit?”

  My head is leaning against the leather chair as I reply softly, “Yeah, I’ll go for a drink. I think that’s the only way to feel normal. I should get up. I need some makeup, I’m looking rough today.”

  “No, don’t get up yet. Let’s relax and you can get up in a minute. And Stel, you could never look rough. I think what you are seeing in the mirror is that you’re tired. You’re working your ass off seven days a week. Give yourself a break, okay?” We relax for a bit and I finally move to the bathroom and freshen up. I really don’t care at this moment. The man I want to impress saw me all day looking worse for wear. I don’t think reapplying powder and mascara is going to have him throwing himself at me and begging for another romp from behind.

  Ty’s been sweet today and we felt very normal together. I’ve caught him staring at my face and shape several times, and I’m sure he has caught the same from me. I don’t think I’m as good at hiding it. The innocent touches are like electricity, but I’m not going to complain. I wonder what is in that head of his. He gives me little glimpses of who he is, but I know that there is a lot behind those sultry, blue eyes.

  Ty and I walk to The Wall Street together. I wish I had more balls to ask him how we are going to play this. At this point, I have not told anyone about last night. I’m obviously too chicken shit to ask him if he has either. I pull a typical Stella and just go with it, and will just follow his lead. On the walk over, Ty tucks me under his arm and squeezes me tight.