by Roth, T. A.
"I have to leave first thing in the morning. We still have six weeks left on the tour. I'm meeting up with the band in Japan. I was hoping I could stay a few days, but I already have the band's manager complaining about the new guy."
"Okay, well thanks for coming out. Have a safe trip." I'm used him not being around, so I don't know why this frustrates me.
"Thank you. How is your girlfriend? Ari, was it? She okay?"
"Yeah, she's fine. We just got back to her house actually. Listen, I'll let you go. It's been a long day, and I'm sure you have to get ready to leave. We'll touch base soon."
"Okay, mijo. I'll call soon."
"Sure. Later."
I click the line and toss the phone across the table. Ari looks up at me with worried eyes.
"Everything okay?" she asks.
"Yeah, he's just a dick. I mean he wasn't even here for twenty-four hours, and he's already hopping a plane back. I shouldn't be surprised. It's just . . .”
She comes around the table and sits on my lap, giving me a sweet kiss.
"It's just what?"
"He's just always been like this. Always running. He would call every now and again, but he never visited. My grandmother used to get so excited every time he promised he would. It got old watching her pretend to not be disappointed."
"I'm sorry," she says leaning her head against my shoulder.
"Yeah, it's just you would think he would be more appreciative."
"What do you mean?" Ari asks pulling away to look at me.
"My grandmother practically saved him. His real mother was a teenager when she had him. She got into drugs and ran off with her boyfriend. He was being raised by his grandmother, a close friend of my nana's from high school."
"Okay, so how did your grandmother end up with him?" she asks looking confused.
"Irene had a bad heart, and she was always worried if something happened to her then he would end up in foster care. My grandmother didn't want her to worry, so she stepped up and offered to take custody of him if anything ever happened."
"How old was he when she took him in?"
"Eleven or twelve, I think."
"What did your dad think of that?"
"From what my grandmother said, he was happy. He was an only child. Amos was eight years younger and was always over with his grandmother. He was like the little brother Dad never had, so when they made it official, he was excited. My dad was also worried about my grandmother being alone, so having Amos here with her while he was away at college made him feel better."
"Wow, that's a huge responsibility to take on. Your grandmother was really an amazing woman."
"Yeah, she was."
I'm still wrapping my head around the fact Ben is related to this monster. Although it helps to know they are not blood-related. Getting the news he is leaving tomorrow has helped me to relax a little. I'm still not sure how, or if, I'm going to tell Ben. They don't seem close, so I'm hoping I won't have to. There was recognition in his eyes when he shook my hand. I went by Rely when I was little, so he couldn't possibly place me by name. I put these thoughts in the back of my mind while we dig into the plates I fixed us. His mood has shifted, and now, he's the one pushing his food around.
"Hey, are you going to continue to make train tracks in your potato salad or are you going to eat that," I ask trying to gauge his mood.
He looks up with sad eyes and gives me a crooked half smile.
"I'm not that hungry anymore. I think I'll take a shower."
"Okay, I'll just clean up a little then." He takes his plate over to the counter and kisses the top of my head as he makes his way to the hallway. After cleaning up our plates, I wipe down the counters and make my way around the apartment to turn off lights and double check the locks.
I'm walking down the hallway when the bathroom door opens letting out a gust of steam and the man I still can't get over is mine. Ben walks out wearing only a towel wrapped around his waist. It's hanging low on his hips, just the way I like it. The sight of him stops me in my tracks. He doesn't notice me watching him as he uses another towel to dry his hair. He startles when he finally sees me standing there. "Hey," he says closing in on me.
I take a step back using the wall to hold me up. "Hey, yourself," I whisper back.
"I waited for you. I was hoping you would join me." His husky voice sends a chill over my heated skin.
"You looked upset. I thought you needed time to think,"
"I was hoping you'd come in and make it all better." Pressing his lips to my neck, he trails open mouth kisses across my chest.
"Mmm . . .” is all I can manage as a response. His hands are roaming the expanse of my body as his lips make their way to that sweet spot behind my ear. All thought has left the building. Raking my fingers through his inky strands, I angle his face up so I can devour his mouth. He greets me with his tongue, and I immediately melt into him. Wrapping my leg around his waist, he presses me firmly into the wall. The hard ridge of his cock rubs me in just the right spot. "Fuck,” I hiss.
"That's the plan,” he groans, continuing the maddening grind of his hips. He's waiting for me to beg, and if he doesn't give me what I want soon, I may just have to. I work my hands down his damp chest and tug on the towel loosely tucked around his waist. It drops at his feet, and my eyes take in all of his naked glory. A sexy smirk crosses his face as he slides the skirt of my black tea length dress up around my waist. He teases me with another thrust of his hips. The small scrap of lace is the only barrier between me and the heat of his flesh. My trembling hand moves it out of the way, and he wastes no time sliding into me. My head lolls back as we both moan in ecstasy.
"Wrap your hands around my neck." I quickly do as I'm told as he moves his hands from my waist to my ass. Cupping a handful, he lifts me slightly. I wrap my other leg around him and lock my feet. Bending his knees, he slowly pulls away and thrusts back into me. The change in angle helps him hit me in just the right spot. My body arches away from the wall so my shoulders make the only contact. We're completely lost in each other, all other thoughts taking a backseat to pure sensation and need. I begin to build as he slides in and out, in and out. "Ben." His name comes out as more of a moan than a whisper.
"Hmm . . .” His honey colored eyes tear away from where our bodies meet; his lust-filled gaze sending me closer to the edge. "I'm close." He's a man possessed as he drives into me harder. Every thrust drives me closer. He circles his hips on one long thrust, and I explode. My body is liquid. His grip on me tightens, and I don’t even notice he's laid me on the bed until I open my eyes.
"Lift your arms,” he says while tugging my dress above my head. Tossing it over his shoulder, he reaches behind me and undoes the clasp of my bra. I'm completely bare to him, and my cheeks heat at his appreciative gaze. "Perfect,” he mumbles between licks and flicks of his tongue. The sensation is sweet torture.
"Again?" I ask while gripping the sheet.
"That first one was for you, babe. I'm just getting started."
We're completely sated. His soft breath is rustling the top of my hair as I slowly untangle myself from his arms. "Where are you going?" His grip tightens; I smile up at him and press a kiss to his bare chest.
"I was supposed to take a shower before I was distracted."
He stretches his arms above his head and groans. "Fine, but hurry back." I kiss his lips and barely escape his grasp as he tries to deepen it.
The warm water feels good across my aching muscles. I'm rubbing a soapy washcloth across my bare skin when a sore spot on my upper thigh makes me flinch. A small purple bruise is forming there, probably brought on by my fall. I close my eyes and lean my head back into the water, refusing to let myself continue that train of thought. I'm fine. He's leaving, they're not close, and I can just bury this away. I hope.
Ben is fast asleep when I walk back into the bedroom, and I try my best not to wake him. His bare chest is slowly rising and falling while his arm rests on his face. I slide onto my side
of the bed, but before my head can hit the pillow, his arm snakes out and tugs me to his chest.
"I thought you were asleep?"
"Hmm . . . I was just resting my eyes," he says pressing a kiss to the back of my neck.
"I love you," I whisper into the darkness of the room.
"I love you, too," he says holding me just a little tighter.
I'm not much for spooning, but having him close with his arms wrapped around me makes me feel safe. His breathing slows and his grip relaxes; this time he is asleep, and only minutes later, I follow.
My trembling hands hover over the keys. I've been practicing like a good girl. I need to do this. Get it right, Rely. Don't mess up. Please, get it right. I take a deep breath and begin to play. Middle C, Middle C, G, G, A, A, G, F, F, E. I'm about to hit the E to complete the first line of “Twinkle, twinkle little star” when his clammy hand runs down my thigh. My finger slips, and I accidentally hit the G. "Oh, my poor sweet girl." His husky voice brushes the shell of my ear. "You were doing so well. It's okay. Let's try again." His intention always to soothe. I try to continue. I don't look at his face. I never look at his face. The fear of what I'll see in his eyes plagues me. I look down at his hand, and it's different. A little rougher, older. The leg he's rubbing is longer. Don't look up. Don't look up. His hand begins to inch between my thighs. My traitorous body tenses up. The scream I’ve been holding is stuck in my throat. I will my head to move. He meets my eyes. The faceless man known to me only as teacher isn't faceless anymore. The chocolate brown eyes I hoped never to see again are staring back at me, and the face of a monster comes into focus.
My hands are still trembling from her touch. The urge to hold her in my arms was so strong I had to tear myself away. I hope she's okay. She has to be okay. What the fuck?
The recognition in her eyes was immediate. I never planned on that. We only had six months together, and she was so young. How could she remember me?
Leaning forward, I rest my hands on my knees and take deep breaths waiting for the adrenaline to stop rushing through my body. It's been years since I've been this close to her.
I need to get out of here. The smell of her hair is still too fresh, sparking feelings I haven't allowed in ages. Desperate to get my head straight, I drive back to the hotel. Sticking around is no longer an option.
I pull into valet and walk straight to my room. My shock turns to anger. How in the fuck didn't I know she had a boyfriend? Pulling out my cell, I dial the number of the only person who can answer that question.
"Ed,” I bark into the phone as a greeting.
"Yes, Mr. Solis?"
"Why am I just finding out that Ms. Muñoz has a boyfriend?"
"We just found out ourselves, Mr. Solis. You've been traveling, and we haven't had a chance to update you."
"Bullshit. I pay you good money to keep me informed. I have you contacting me when she changes her brand of toothpaste. You didn't think this was important?"
"Mr. Solis, this is a new development. She was very discreet about it, and it wasn't until recently that we've spotted them out together. We do have other clients, sir."
His flippant tone infuriates me.
"Fuck your other clients. I'll double your fee. I want to be your most important client. Do you hear me? If she so much as breaks a fingernail, I want to know about it. Got it?"
"Yes, sir."
I end the call and the urge to start breaking shit overwhelms me. I slide my room key into my back pocket and head straight to the hotel bar. Ben. Of all the people she could have met, my new obstacle is now my own nephew. Not age and not her parents—my own family.
I WAKE UP WITH A jolt to a blood-curdling scream. Ari is sitting up in bed and pleading with someone to stop. Her eyes are closed, she's wringing her hands, and a stream of tears is making its way down her cheeks.
"Wake up, babe. You're okay. You're okay."
"Please." She continues to plead between her sobs.
I don't even want to imagine what she's dreaming about. My words alone aren't enough to wake her. I place my hands over hers.
"Baby, please wake up," I beg. She startles awake when I squeeze her hand.
"Ben?" Her watery eyes meet mine in the dimly lit room.
"I'm here. You're okay." I bring her into my lap, and she buries her face into my chest. Placing her hands over her face, she continues to sob.
"Hey. Shh . . . shh. I got you. You're okay. You want to talk about it?"
"No. I'm sorry. I don't blame you if you don't want to stay here anymore," she whispers between sobs. "I'm sorry, Ben. I'm so sorry."
"Look at me." I gently grip her chin and tilt her head to meet my eyes. The mixture of fear and defeat I see in them breaks my heart. "I love you. You've gone through this alone for too long. I'm here for whatever you need. Got it?"
She nods and wipes at her tears with the back of her hand. "I'm sorry I woke you."
"Don't be. I just want you to be okay." I lie back bringing her with me, knowing better than to push her into talking about what she was dreaming about. At least not tonight. She follows willingly and gets comfortable in her favorite spot. Leg wrapped around mine, arm wrapped around my waist, and face buried in my neck.
"I love you." The three words I will never get sick of hearing tickle my skin.
"I love you, too." Kissing the top of her head, she begins to relax. I run my hands through her hair lulling her back to sleep.
My phone alarm feels like it goes off just minutes after we've fallen asleep. Ari is still curled up next to me. I reach over to the nightstand and turn off the incessant blare of the foghorn filling the room. Luckily, the noise doesn't startle her. She looks too peaceful to wake. I lay with her in my arms until my hands move of their own accord and start playing with her hair.
"What time is it?" she asks with a rasp.
"It's ten."
"We're going to be late." She groans. "Aren't we supposed to open the house for the rental company?"
"Yeah, you had a rough night, so I wanted to let you sleep a little longer." She tenses at my response. "It's okay. Just stay here. I'll run over and let them in. You can get ready while I'm gone then we'll head over to your parents."
Sunday visits with her parents are Ari's thing, and they were gracious enough to extend an invitation to me yesterday. After the night she had, I think we could use the distraction of family today.
"Okay. You sure you don't want me to go with you?"
"No. I'm good. They said they would be there between ten thirty and eleven. I won't be long." She leans in, gives me a quick peck on the lips, and slides out of bed.
The swollen-eyed girl staring back at me in the mirror is a hot mess. To say I had a rough night is an understatement. I need to get it together. It's only a matter of time until he presses me to get help, and if I'm being honest with myself, I need it. This secret is even bigger than the first. How I'll manage to keep it together in front of Ben if his uncle decides to make another appearance is beyond me. This will break him and I'm just not prepared to do that.
I take a long, hot shower to wash away all thoughts of last night’s episode. Today is a new day and he's leaving. He's leaving, I repeat to myself. But for how long? Those thoughts fade away as I read the 'I love you' Ben wrote in the steam of the mirror. I've just finished wrapping a towel around my head when I hear the faint ringing of my phone coming from my bedroom. A cold gust of air greets me as I open the door of the bathroom. Steam rises from my warm skin as I rush toward the nightstand and grab it just before the last ring.
"Hello?"
"Can I speak to Ben?" The recognition is immediate, and I'm stunned into silence.
"Hello . . . hello . . .” I pull the phone away from my ear. Am I hallucinating? How did he get my number? I look at the screen, and Uncle Amos is printed across the screen.
"H- Hello," I finally manage to answer. I square my shoulders and muster up every ounce of courage I have left in me. He can't hurt you. He can't hurt you.
"Do I have the wrong number?" he asks. I place the phone back to my ear and try to steady my voice.
"No. Ben must have taken my phone accidentally. He went back to the house. Can I take a message?"
"Oh . . . uh . . . no. No message. I was getting ready to board my plane, and I just wanted to say good-bye."
"Okay, I'll let him know you called when he gets back. Bye." My thumb is hovering over the key to end the call when I hear him say my name.
"Ari . . .” Hang up. Hang up.
The line is silent as he waits for me to respond. My hands start to tremble uncontrollably at the sound of my name.
"Y-yes?"
"Can you tell him I'm sorry I'll miss his graduation and that I'll call as soon as I can? Will you give him that message for me?" His voice lowers to the husky one he used on me when I was little.
"Sure. I'll tell him." I end the call and toss the phone on my bed before he has a chance to respond. My stomach roils, and I barely make it to the restroom before it decides to empty itself.
I grab my keys off the nightstand and head out in a rush. I'm not sure leaving her alone for too long is a good idea today. Fuck! I should have just had Ruth unlock the house. I park just as the party rental workers are pulling up in their truck. Good, this shouldn't take long at all. As I'm opening the back gate, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I swipe the screen without looking and cradle it with my shoulder so I can finish my task.
"Hello?" No response.
"Hello," I repeat.
"Ben?" a woman's voice I don't recognize comes through the receiver putting me on alert. I haven't given my number to anyone, and I really don't need this shit today.
"Yeah, who’s this?" I answer irritation evident in my tone.
"It's Vonne. Is Ari with you? I just wanted to check on her." Why is she calling my phone?
"Oh, hey Vonne. No, she's at her house. Why don't you try her cell?" I ask still confused.