Darling_Rebel

by Mary Suzanne

  Mitch walked toward his apartment with a stunning blonde on his arm. How could he jump from one woman to another so quickly? Sasha made her way into the bedroom; her thoughts running along the same gloomy lines. Sleep was a long time coming that night. She wondered who his current date was and why his apartment remained so quiet. The news of his leaving Chicago had been hard enough for her and now…

  Ten

  Sasha carried the last piece of luggage to her car and opened her trunk. Hearing footsteps, she looked and her eyes met Mitch’s dark gaze.

  "Are you leaving already?” He stood inches from her.

  She shuddered as his warm breath caressed her neck. "I-I want to start before the traffic gets too heavy,” she flushed from the heat of his presence.

  She couldn’t look away from his dark intense stare. The urge to invite him along filled her, but Sasha knew that was impossible. The next few days would pass quickly, although she’d miss him.

  "Mark said you’d be back on Monday." He frowned as he looked in the trunk at the number of bags.

  "I'm planning too. Most of the luggage is filled with gifts.”

  His lighthearted chuckle broke the smoldering tension between them, "I wondered how you could wear that much clothing for such a short stay.”

  Sasha saw a relieved look flash across his expression at her answer. Without meaning to, her gaze focused on his mouth. Excitement rose in her, bubbling through her body. How she needed to have those lips pressed firmly to hers and feel the sensual pleasure of his kiss.

  Slowly, she turned and walked to the car. She rolled down the window waiting for Mitch to approach. Her eyes lifted to him again.

  "Drive carefully.” He leaned in and claimed her lips. It seemed so natural, because that was what she'd wanted all along. She moved her mouth provocatively beneath his, savoring the kiss that had to last until her return.

  She wanted more, but he wasn’t offering any extras that morning. Releasing her mouth, he stood near the car looking in at her. “I’ll see you on Monday,” he whispered.

  "Bye, Mitch.” She didn't attempt to leave the lot until he got in his car.

  As she started the drive, her thoughts returned to his kiss. Where’s my pride? He cavorts with another woman last night and I let him kiss me today? Lately, her heart overruled her head when it came to Mitch. Where he was concerned, she had no pride, only love.

  When she pulled into the drive at her father’s home, he walked out to meet her. "Hi, honey.” He kissed her cheek.

  “Hi, Dad, it’s good to be home.” Sasha entered the house ahead of him and walked to the fireplace to warm her hands. "How are your plans coming along on the wedding? I could help with any final things.”

  “I’m going to take you up on that offer.”

  "That’s the reason I took the extra time off from work."

  "I wanted to congratulate you the other day after the trial, but I saw you were with Mitch." He walked to the couch and sat.

  "Yes, he drove me to court. Have you heard that Mitch is leaving the newspaper?"

  "It was brought up at the last board meeting.” He noted the distress on her face. “How have the two of you been getting along?"

  "We have our share of spats, but not all the time.” She remembered the intimate moments she'd shared with Mitch, and avoided her father’s eyes.

  "Are you in love with him?”

  Sasha realized she couldn’t hide anything from him. "Yes, unfortunately, I am.”

  "Why did you use the word unfortunately?” He patted her arm, “Everything will work out for you.” He sounded more confident than she felt.

  "You may be right,” she said the words, but deep down, she still had her doubts.

  He changed the subject after noticing her discouraged expression. "Brenda’s coming over for dinner tonight.”

  "I'm happy for you.”

  “And I feel happy, too,” he said.

  Later that evening, Sasha heard voices coming from the living room. When she entered, her father glanced up. "You look wonderful, darling."

  "Thank you.” Sasha looked at the woman standing near him. A pair of warm blue eyes smiled back at her, and she knew instantly that she was going to be a friend of his new wife.

  After dinner, Mike turned to Sasha. "I’m taking Brenda home, so don't wait up for me."

  "I won't,” she promised.

  * * * * *

  For the next two days, Sasha put the final touches on the wedding plans. On Saturday evening, she dressed with care in a blue satin gown. After applying her makeup, she walked downstairs to join her father.

  The wedding took place in a tiny church several miles from their home. As soon as Mike and Brenda repeated the vows, the minister pronounced them husband and wife.

  Sasha felt happy that everything turned out so well for her father, and the reception lasted long into the night. Before the newlyweds were to leave on their honeymoon, Sasha hugged them good-bye. "I want to wish you happiness.” Tears burned Sasha’s eyes.

  "Thanks honey and we'll call you as soon as we get back,” her father promised, before whisking Brenda out the door.

  Sasha stood outside with the crowd until her dad's car disappeared around a curve.

  The next morning Sasha packed her bag and left by eight. When she reached her apartment she glanced around trying to spot Mitch's car, but his parking space was empty.

  After entering her apartment, Sasha walked toward the kitchen just as the doorbell rang. She pulled the door open and Mitch’s unsmiling face glared at her. He clutched a folded newspaper tightly in his hand.

  "Come in.” Confusion lined her face.

  He stomped the snow off his shoes and brushed past her to stand near the fireplace. He turned, the newspaper shaking in his hand. "You've lied to me all along!" A muscle worked over time along his jaw line showing his agitation.

  "What are you talking about?"

  "Why did you tell me your name is Sasha James, when it’s actually,” he gripped the newspaper in two hands and pulled it open, “Jardane? Your father hired you for the job.”

  Sasha's face drained of all color. "How did you find out my real name?”

  "Read this.” He thrust the newspaper toward her.

  Sasha took the paper between trembling fingers. On the front page were pictures of her father and Brenda, and in the background was a picture of her dressed in the blue satin gown she'd worn that evening. "I can explain.” She couldn’t hide the nervous tremor filling her voice.

  "Go ahead, I'm listening.” He crossed his arms on his chest, waiting.

  Sasha paced the floor trying to form her thoughts. "My entire life, my father’s always been protective of me. I wanted to make my own way and I needed the job to feel independent of him. After pleading for his help to get the reporter job, he eventually gave in." She took a deep breath and noticed he still wasn't satisfied with her answer. "He was against the idea from the start, so I promised him I'd use my mother's maiden name when I applied at the paper.”

  “You decided to stop your rebel rousing and become a useful citizen."

  What he said only made her realize he still thought of her as a spoiled brat. "If that's what you want to think.” She sighed with disappointment.

  "Your father paved the way for you,” he said in disgust. “Now I understand how you can afford a new car,” he waved his hand in the air, “and this expensive apartment."

  "The car was a gift when I graduated from college. And I pay for this apartment out of my own salary."

  "Are you trying to tell me he doesn't help you at all?" At that moment, Mitch couldn't be sure whether she was telling him another lie, or the truth. She looked sincere, but that could be another one of her acts.

  "No, he doesn't,” she snapped.

  "Since you've lied about everything else, I’m still not convinced that you’re telling the truth," Mitch grumbled, his stormy gaze meeting hers. "I'll bet you've had a big laugh on all of us."

  "What you’re saying
isn't true.” She crumpled up the newspaper and tossed it aside. “I made a promise to my father and kept it.” She didn't like the picture he painted of her: a little rich girl getting her way yet another time from her indulgent father.

  "Well, I won't have to see you after next month!" He walked past her and slammed the door.

  She made her way into the bedroom and dropped wearily onto the bed. Warm tears rolled down her cheeks. She had planned to explain to Mitch, but at a more appropriate time. Now, he hated her. My dad gets a happily ever after and I get – shit! More tears spilled from her burning eyes as she cried herself to sleep.

  Awakening with a start, she found the apartment in darkness. She switched on the bedside lamp. Her thoughts returned to the scene that had taken place with Mitch earlier that day.

  As she walked into the kitchen, she made her way to the window and looked out at the falling snow. The tiny crystals packed the pavement like sparkling jewels bringing a beautiful white cleanliness to the barren landscape.

  She made coffee and sat for a long time trying to resolve her present problems. Mitch would never believe anything she told him now. She felt certain of this after their argument earlier.

  She picked up the phone and dialed Joe’s number. She sighed when she didn't receive an answer. Sasha felt like the walls were closing in on her. She walked listlessly into the bathroom and showered. After dressing, she grabbed her coat and purse.

  On impulse, she decided to see if Joe was at the nightclub they always frequented. Sasha walked into the noisy room and looked around spotting Joe.

  She saw him leaning in a relaxed pose against the wall. He saw her, and smiled as he walked toward her.

  "Sasha, what are you doing here?" he hugged her.

  "I couldn’t stand my own company any more,” she shrugged her shoulders.

  "I saw your father's wedding announcement in the newspaper.”

  "Yes, they had a beautiful ceremony.” She glanced around until spotting an empty table. "Are you with anyone tonight?"

  "No, I’m alone.”

  “Good, maybe I can hang out with you.”

  “Sure, let’s grab that table over there,” Joe put his arm around her waist and escorted her to the table.

  After ordering drinks, Sasha turned to Joe. "I feel like dancing tonight."

  “I’m always ready to oblige you,” he grinned at her.

  For the next three hours, she danced almost every dance, enjoying the release the physical activity gave her. Surprise filled her when the band announced their final number of the night.

  "The evening’s flown by. I'd better call it a night since I have to work tomorrow.” Sasha gathered her coat and stood.

  "Same here,” Joe followed her out of the club onto the sidewalk.

  When they reached the parking lot, he kissed her cheek. "I'll call you next week. Tell your dad I said congratulations."

  "I will, and don’t forget to call.” She slid behind the wheel and waved.

  The drive home took her twice as long as it normally would have on any other night. She ran into several icy patches and had to slow down even more. As she pulled onto the parking lot, a car drove in behind her. Bright headlights shone through her window almost blinding her, and when she looked up, she saw Mitch's car parked a short distance away.

  She got out and hurried across the parking lot, only wanting to put a little distance between them. Her mood had improved from earlier and she didn’t look forward to another argument.

  "Have you been out on the town again, Rebel?" She heard his taunting question clearly across the parking lot.

  “It’s none of your business.”

  "My, but you're in a big hurry,” he teased.

  "It's late and I want to go to bed." Sasha fumbled in her handbag and removed her key. She put it in the lock but she wasn't quick enough. Mitch stepped past her before she could close the door. She whirled around and found him standing near the fireplace.

  "How about the two of us having a drink?” his gaze traveled the length of her.

  Sasha heard the faint slurring of his words and the light cast by the lamp revealed his red-rimmed eyes. "You don't look as if you need any more to drink."

  "Who are you to be judging me? I can handle my drinks.” He made his way to the liquor cabinet.

  "Drink what you want. I’m going to bed,” she turned toward her room.

  "Alone?" A cynical twist curved his mouth.

  "Yes, alone,” she said. "You can lock the door when you leave."

  Sasha entered her bedroom and quickly changed into a lacy negligee. She crawled beneath the cover and listened to the noises coming from the living room. She heard the clinking of crystal as he returned the decanter of whiskey to the liquor cabinet after pouring another drink.

  Closing her eyes, she tried to relax, but couldn’t. When she felt the mattress giving, her eyes flew open to find Mitch stretching out alongside her on the bed.

  "What do you think you're doing?” Anger replaced her shock.

  Before she realized his intention, he rolled over and covered her with his body. His mouth moved swiftly to hers, and with his heavy weight, holding her down, she couldn't move. She could smell the strong scent of alcohol on his breath drifting down on her.

  "Stop struggling. You know this is what you want.” He captured her chin between his fingers.

  "Let me go! You'll be sorry if you don't." She wasn't about to accept his lovemaking in his drunken state. Sasha knew Mitch would regret his actions once he sobered up the following morning.

  When she felt his hand slide inside her negligee, she jerked away from his fumbling movements. She was just in time to see his head droop wearily. She moved slowly to the side managing to free herself from beneath him. As she started to crawl from her side of the bed, his arm snaked out and caught her around her midriff. He pulled her close against his body, and his arm remained locked in place. His heavy breathing told her he'd passed out.

  Relaxing under the circumstances was difficult. Every time she tried moving, his arm would tighten around her. Eventually, she gave up the effort of trying to free herself and the warmth of his body drugged her into sleep.

  * * * * *

  The following morning she awoke at six with every part of her body aching from Mitch's heavy weight on her. She slipped quietly from the bed and made her way to the bathroom.

  After showering, she reentered her bedroom and her gaze drifted across the room to Mitch. He sat on the edge of the bed holding his head in his hands. When he heard her, he lifted his head wearily and looked across at her.

  "Good morning,” he moaned, his features wincing with pain when he spoke. "What time did I get here last night?"

  His dark eyes swept the length of her. Mitch could feel his head pounding with every movement. He silently questioned himself about why he had thought it was such a good idea to drink as much as he had the night before. If he'd only admit it, he knew the cause was the green-eyed beauty standing across the room watching him with narrowed eyes. His gaze shifted down her snug fitting jeans and the tight black sweater.

  "You arrived late and passed out on my bed,” she informed him cooly.

  "Where did you sleep?" He held his hand to his head again.

  "You should know, since you wouldn't let me get out of bed."

  "Do you mean I passed up an opportunity to make love to you and fell asleep?” He chuckled and grabbed his forehead at the pain. “I really must have been drunk."

  "You were.” She reached for her coat. "I'm going to leave a little early this morning because of the weather. I'll see you at work."

  "Wait until I'm ready and I'll drive you.” He groaned and stood.

  "You don't look as if you feel up to driving anywhere,” she turned toward the door.

  "I told you to wait and I'll take you." His rough words stopped her.

  "All right,” her eyes narrowed and she pursed her lips. “I'll make some coffee while you shower.”

  "Try and
find some aspirin to go along with the coffee… Please?” he murmured softly, his tone changing.

  It looked to her as if he felt a little sorry for himself judging by the look on his face. She smiled at him.

  "Now what's wrong?" he ran his hand through his dark hair.

  "Nothing,” she answered, making her way out of the room.

  When he joined her in the kitchen, he looked a little better. She pushed a coffee cup across the counter, "Are you ready for that cup of coffee?”

  "Yes,” he said, slumping onto a bar stool.

  "Here's the aspirin you wanted, but I doubt whether they'll help much."

  He gave her a disgusted look and emptied two tablets into the palm of his hand.

  Sasha sipped her coffee and felt uncomfortable with the heavy silence. As she glanced up, she caught him watching her.

  "Why are you staring at me?" Her voice didn’t sound like her own.

  "Because you’re so beautiful,” he answered, without hesitation.

  "But I'm a rebel, remember." She quickly brushed his compliment aside.

  "Yes,” he nodded his agreement, “quite true, a rebel, but a beautiful one,” he said huskily, his voice sending shivers racing down her spine.

  "You weren't very nice to me yesterday when you found out my real name.” She brought up the one subject she wanted to forget.

  "I know and I apologize.” He took a deep breath, “But you should have filled out an application and applied for the job like everyone else."

  "Be honest and admit you wouldn't have hired me. We weren't exactly on friendly terms."

  "You're right,” he admitted. "I wouldn't have hired you." He sat back and drank in her beauty, “And that would have been my mistake.”

  She saw him glancing at the clock on the wall.

  "We'd better get a move on if we want to get there on time.” He walked to the sink and placed his cup in it. Slowly, he followed her out of the apartment.

  When they reached the office, he pulled over and stopped near the entrance. "You go ahead and I'll park the car.”