“Don’t make me beg…I need this…I need you. I’ve been waiting, ready for this moment since I poured my heart out to you. Please, Reggie, make love to me,” she whispers into my mouth.
I sit up on my knees and pull off her shorts and underwear then yank the towel off my waist. I lie down on top of her and feel consumed by the beautiful woman lying under me.
Grabbing a condom, I roll it over my erection and hover myself between Darcie’s legs. She looks up at me and gives me a slight nod, silently telling me she’s ready.
I press my lips to hers and lean forward, whispering in her ear, “I love you, Darcie Claiborne.”
As slowly as possible I push myself inside her then stop. She’s biting her bottom lip and squeezing her eyes tight. “Darcie, look at me. I need to know you’re okay. Please look at me.” Her green irises connect with mine as I push a little deeper inside her, then I wait. Giving her time to adjust to my size, knowing it’s causing her discomfort. When her eyes tell me it’s okay to go further, I push myself in deeper until I’m all the way in and wait. As she relaxes, I start to move my hips; slowly, tenderly. Then Darcie follows suit, releasing a slight moan. We tango slowly together. Our bodies, lips and hands move together as we meld into each other. We’ve conquered our last discovery and learnt the burning desire that drives our connection is on a level much higher than mere lovers.
Darcie
I am scared knowing what we are about to do, but I know I can’t wait any more. I need to be with him in every way possible. Together, we’ve shared so many highs and lows and even stood hand in hand while we faced the devil himself. It is time for us to cross that last bridge and then we can fully belong to each other.
Reggie rolls the condom over himself and lies between my legs. My stomach is filled with a thousand fluttering butterflies, nervous with excitement. Once he pushes into me, I hold my breath and squeeze my eyes shut. The feeling isn’t too painful, more like uncomfortable pressure as he eases a little deeper inside of me. I can feel my virginity rip away and then, he’s all the way inside me. He wants me to look at him. When our eyes connect, the aqua pools that have saved me from pain so many times before, rescue me once again as all the pain erases and Reggie is the only thing I feel.
Reggie is gentle. He waits until I’m ready before he starts to move and, once the initial pain subsides, the tingles start moving their way from the depths of my belly down to my core. My body feels warm and I start to move with him, exploring myself with him. As I rock my hips forward, Reggie touches the most tender spot, deep inside me, and my body starts to quake, shiver and then float. I grab onto the back of his neck and pull him even closer to me as I climb and descend from the mountain of ecstasy. Reggie’s body begins to move faster and then pushes into me one last time as he releases a moan and then falls on top of me. I press my lips to his and whisper my love to him before we fall fast asleep, tangled around each other.
Chapter 32
Darcie
Seven Months Later
Today is one of the most important days for a high school senior, graduation day, and in the Evans’ household, we are celebrating three times over. Jake and Jeremy are seated beside each other, waiting for their names to be called when I reach the stage and walk across the floor to receive my diploma. As I look out into the crowd, my eyes connect with Reggie’s and the aqua blue irises are filled with joy. The grin stretched across his face can’t get any bigger when I shake hands with the principal, accepting my diploma.
Before I exit the stage, walking toward the stairs, Jake shouts from the crowd, “Don’t fall on your ass, Darcie!”
What a douche bag, but I wouldn’t expect anything less. Actually, I’m surprised how tasteful his outburst is. Could it be possible Jake Evans is finally starting to mature? Then he shouts, “Sweet ass, baby,” as Miranda Cross strides across the floor and it’s apparent that I spoke too soon.
When I sit back in my seat, I’m elated my future is full of possibilities and how excited I am to start the next phase of my life. After much convincing, Reggie and I came to an agreement because he’s not crazy about me bartending or waitressing at the bar, I will help by taking over the bookkeeping and bill paying responsibilities. This frees up more time for us to spend as a family and he gets his hands underneath a hood of a car again. As his sexy new office manager, I only accept payment in multiple orgasms, but my only stipulation is they need to be paid on a regular basis. Reggie is more than willing to oblige, which proves this agreement is definitely a win, win for me. I get to apply the newly acquired skills I’ll learn at college and feed my eager libido.
A week ago, I received my acceptance letter to the University of Michigan’s online program, majoring in business with a minor in graphic design. Next week, Reggie and I will go shopping for a desk, computer, and office-like stuff to add to his already existing set up.
The principal makes is final speech and it snaps me out of my reverie. The ceremony concludes and we walk around the gym, shaking hands, receiving our accolades and then we pile in our cars and head home. Our graduation party consists of our family, plus Big Mike, Gavin and Michelle. Jake mans the grill, flipping burgers and hot dogs while Presley and I put the last minute touches on the side dishes. We all sit outside around the picnic tables; eating, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company.
Sitting amongst people I love, I can’t help being truly grateful for everyone I have in my life. Every person here has touched my life one way or another. We’ve all had to overcome extraordinary circumstances which can rip a family apart, and almost did, but we survived, coming through stronger than ever. As horrible as it was to grow up with Robert Stein, I realize that I had to go through every agonizing day because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t have this…my real family. The truth is, though, I would do it all over again and not think twice about it, especially since what I have know is the light at the end of my darkness.
Presley and I carry the dishes in to start loading the dishwasher. She works on cleaning up the kitchen while I move to the living room, straightening up and vacuuming when Jake grabs my attention while having a heated conversation with Reggie outside.
“…what do you mean we can’t go?” Jake snaps.
“Because if he’s there, one of us will end up going to jail or worse. She’s finally coming around from everything that’s happened. We don’t need another setback, and besides, I promised her I wouldn’t pursue him, but I know I won’t be able to control myself when I do lay eyes on him. I can’t do that to her.” Reggie’s jaw is rigid as his body tenses. He angrily runs his hand through his hair as he starts to pace.
“We’ve let this prick get away with what he did to her for too long. If you’re not going to be a man and teach him a fucking lesson, then I will!” Jake stands toe to toe with his brother and they’re about to explode on each other. Jake is no match for Reggie and, from what I witnessed of what Reggie can do to someone when he snaps; I don’t want that same fate for Jake.
“Get. The Fuck. Away. Jake. Before I knock you on your ass!” Reggie’s voice is murderous.
“We’ve never missed a senior party. Plus, it’s opening weekend for racing. You’re not my fucking dad, and if—”
“Yeah, what a worthless piece of shit he was!” Reggie interrupts, sending Jake into a blind fury.
“Fuck you, Reggie!” He pushes Reggie, but he’s barely affected. Drake and Jeremy run to stand between them, but if they want to fight, it’s going to happen. “Are you trying to tell me we can never go to another race again because of Grady?” Jake challenges, pushing his chest against Reggie’s.
It’s time to intervene.
I plod down the back steps and walk over to Reggie, lacing my fingers with his. “Hey, guys, what’s going on?”
“You’re pussy boyfriend won’t allow us to go up to Old Miller’s Road for the senior party because he’s afraid Grady McFuckface is going to be there, but I say we go and beat the shit out of him. What do ya say, Darcie?”
Reggie walks away from us, matching the pace of a caged lion.
As much as I don’t want to see Grady McGuire after he almost raped me, the villainous part of me wants to ram my foot in his testicles so hard they’re coming out his mouth. Plus, if Reggie and the other guys are with me, it will be strength in numbers. Besides, Jake’s right, I don’t want to miss the races because of Grady. Decision made. We’re going.
I motion for Reggie to come back over to the conversation and grab his hand. “Reggie, Jake’s right.” Jake releases a boastful noise and I turn, giving him a death glare. “It’s not fair to miss out on something we all love because of Grady. Besides, we don’t know if he’s going to be there.”
Reggie’s voice is cold and upset. “You’re not going. None of you!”
“Yes, I am. If you would rather not go, then that’s on you,” I snap back.
Reggie’s face falls, defeated. “I know if I go up there, it will be impossible for me to control my anger. I’ve wanted to beat that bastard up for so long, even before he hurt you and I…can’t…”
I grab a hold of his face and look into his blue eyes. “Hey, you’re not going to lose control because I won’t let you. Besides, if you really want to hurt Grady, all you need to do is take a stab at his ego. He’ll be crying like a bitch before you know it.”
Reggie releases an irritated sigh and conforms. “You’re such a pain in the ass, you know that?”
I smile a big toothy grin then kiss him on the nose. “Yeah, I know.”
Darkness falls as we pile in our respected cars and head up to Old Miller’s Road for the Sulfur Heights annual senior party. Granted, it’s supposed to be a celebration of recently graduated seniors, but it’s really an excuse to throw a party and get fucking wasted. Typically, there are hardly any graduating seniors that attend. Why the name is stilled called that is beyond me, but I’m not going to lose any sleep over it.
As we pull up, the party is in full swing. Cars of every make and model are lined up along Old Miller’s Road, kegs are set up with lines forming, and a sound system is blaring Chevelle’s “Face to the Floor.” The energy surrounding me is contagious and I find myself excited with an unknown nervous feeling. Reggie, on the other hand, looks like he’s about to kill someone, no pun intended. Even though he’s feeling incredibly on edge, Reggie looks like he just stepped out from behind the hood of a car, yet in sexy way. Tousled, shoulder length, golden hair, slight stubble on his chiseled jaw, rippling lean muscles, slightly glistening with sweat, and jeans that hang so perfectly from his hips they enhance the swagger he possesses with every stride. Holy shit! I’ve got one hot ass boyfriend!
Me, on the other hand, I decided to keep it simple; wearing my cut off Levi’s, fitted black t-shirt and flip flops. My hair is loose, hanging down my back and my makeup is what it always is, smoky gray eyes and black eye liner. Presley looks simply beautiful, wearing a yellow sundress, denim jacket and brown cowboy boots. She looks like she just stepped off a country music video and sticks out like a sore thumb compared to the rest of us who could easy fill in as extras in a rock video.
As we hover around the Challenger and sip our beers, the night progresses with no sighting of Grady, but true to form, the egotistical dick loves to make a grand entrance, the familiar roar of a Hemi Cuda is rolling in the distance. As he comes into view, Reggie instantly gets uneasy. He is clinching his fists in and out, the muscles of his arms are tense and his eyes are as cold as ice.
I grab a hold of his hand. “Hey, Reggie.” He won’t look me in the eye and I know he’s just biding his time before he attacks. “Reggie! Look at me.” Our eyes connect. “Calm. Down. Beating the shit out of him won’t change anything and I’m too selfish to lose you over a stupid douche like Grady McGuire.”
Reggie lifts my hand and kisses the inside of my left wrist. I let out a sigh of relief until Jake starts in and I know he won’t be as easy to calm down.
Grady is leaning against his car, purposefully not looking in my direction. The more I stare at him, the more upset I get. He’s another monster in my dreams that took so much peace away from me for too long a time. I want to kick the shit out of him. It really bothers me he’s still living after everything he did to me. Now it’s me that needs a time out.
Grady moves to the front of his car and the show begins. “Which one of you sorry assholes wants to take on the new reigning champ of the Sulfur Heights race scene?”
Sound erupts from everywhere. Cooing from the skanks, cheers from the Butler crowd, and boos from everyone else. “Come on. Are you all that chicken shit, you don’t want to take me on?”
What a freaking egomaniac. If his head were to get any bigger, it wouldn’t be able to fit into his car. As Grady moves back to the side of his car, Jeremy’s voice breaks up the commotion. The crowd becomes deathly silent. “You have to win more than two races to call yourself a champ, bro.” Jeremy moves from the shadows of his car and approaches Grady. “If I recall, you haven’t beat the only undefeated champ Sulfur Heights has ever had.” Jeremy turns his head and shouts, “Hey, Jake, who was that again?”
Jake moves to Jeremy’s side, his snide grin present. “I believe that is Jeremy Evans, bro.”
Grady confronts Jeremy, leaning down into his face. “Is that a challenge, bro?” he asks with a slight inflection on bro.
Jeremy steps into Grady. They’re almost toe to toe as he seethes, “Hell, yeah, bro.”
The crowd erupts with excitement as Jeremy and Jake move to the Challenger and pull up to the starting point. For the first time since he’s arrived, Grady’s eyes meet mine and they are as I remembered. Cold, steel gray and utterly evil. Chills make their way up my spine when thoughts of his attack flood my brain.
Reggie possessively grabs my hand as we walk around to the driver’s side of Jeremy’s car. I lean in and say, “Jer, you don’t have to do this.”
“I know, Darcie, but I’m tired of that tool running his mouth all the time. Besides, like you said, the best way to really hurt Grady is to go after his ego.”
Jake opens the passenger side door and slides in. Jeremy gives him glare, but before he can dispute, Jake’s interrupts, “The one time you raced without me, you ended up rolling your mustang. I’m your road dog.”
We all let out an enormous laugh and step away from the car. Jeremy’s friend, Ronnie, changes the music and “The Boys are Back in Town” by Thin Lizzy blasts through the speakers. Jake and Jeremy do their traditional fist bump, amping themselves up for the race. Both are intense and serious as they wait for some random skank to call the race. My nerves are standing on end when both guys start their cars, revving the engines. The smell of exhaust is everywhere as the countdown begins. Three…two…one.
Grady and Jeremy speed down Old Miller’s Road, leaving a cloud of dust as they rip up the dirt road. Reggie moves out to the middle of the road to see who’s leading and to watch them turn around. The roar of the engines gets closer as both cars come racing back, by the time they hit the last eighth of a mile, Jeremy is leading. He punches the gas one last time and tears through the finish line. Still reigning champ.
The crowd screams with excitement. Jeremy is the best racer Sulfur Heights has ever seen and now he’s back from his hiatus. Everyone shrieks in approval. Seconds later, Grady passes the finish line and slams on his brakes. He flies out of his car, lit with rage. “No dice, Jeremy. You did an illegal turn around. It’s a draw.”
Jake snorts in derision. “What? I know you’re new to this, but in case you didn’t get the memo, the only rule is you’re not allowed to run your opponent off the track. Other than that, game on. So go cry to your mama because no one else here cares.”
Grady grabs Jakes shirt, fist drawn, prepared to deck him when from nowhere, Jeremy tackles Grady to the ground and lays blows to his face and gut. Jeremy is one hell of a fighter, taught by the best, but I’ve never seen him like this. He is wild with anger, pounding his knuckles as hard as he can. His face is red, hand bloody a
nd body tense.
Reggie detaches from my side. “He’s gonna kill him.” He grabs Jeremy around the waist, yanking him off Grady’s bloodied body and throwing him to the ground.
Jeremy is panting with fury as Reggie stands over him, trying to calm him down. Grady’s posse pick his limp body off the ground and I hear him moan with agony as they lay him in the backseat and drive off. Jeremy gets into the Challenger and squeezes the steering wheel until his knuckles are white. I climb in next to him and put my hand on his forearm. “Thanks, Jer.”
I know he wasn’t beating Grady for what he said at the race, he was beating him for the beating he gave me and I was grateful. Hopefully, Grady realizes he shouldn’t mess with the Evans family because it’s only going to get you fucked up or worse. The party breaks up as we all head home.
Sitting in the front seat of the Camaro, I grab Reggie’s hand and glance into his aqua blue eyes. It’s those eyes that are my solace, the peace in my world of chaos and craziness. It’s those hands that belong to my knight in shining armor, my protector, my salvation when I’m too weak to seek salvation myself. It’s Reggie, my friend, my love, my life I will be forever melded to.
Life for me, Darcie Claiborne, couldn’t possibly get better. It may have once been consumed in darkness, but over the last three years, the blackness began to fade to gray and now all I see are the vibrant colors. The colors of possibilities, happiness and, most importantly, love. My mind has been inspired and I let the colors blend together, expressing the elation I feel everyday when I look in the mirror. I am truly happy with myself and, little by little, I’ve accepted who I am and who I once was. The scars will always be a constant reminder of my painful past, but they also remind me of what I’ve overcome. I owe this all to Reggie. He’s never given up on me and he’s protected me from the nightmares of real life and those inside my head. I don’t know if I can ever repay him for everything he’s done to keep me safe, but I will spend a lifetime trying.
Scarred Love Page 23