Through The Pieces

by Bobbi Jo Bentz

  "Get off or you will ruin my make up," she giggled. We got our coats on and headed out to meet Echo at Monty's. We parked my car by my place and walked the two blocks to the bar. As we got closer, we noticed it was quite busy. The sign outside indicated that a popular local band took the stage in an hour. That would explain the amount of cars. Once inside, I scanned the crowd until I saw Echo waving. I grabbed Annie's hand, and we weaved through the crowd to Echo's table.

  Dressed in her typical black shirt and jeans, she gave me and Annie a hug.

  "First round’s on me. What will you have?"

  "Two Bud Lights," I answered. Annie and I took our jackets off and set them on the chairs as Echo made her way to the bar. There had to be about two hundred people in the club already. On the stage the band was setting up. We had a drink, then two. Soon the band was playing cover songs of rock bands. We were laughing and having a great time. I didn't realize how much I needed this.

  "Shots!" Echo hollered over the music and headed for the bar.

  "This is so much fun!" Annie squealed. "I want to dance!" I nodded agreement.

  Echo returned and handed around the shots. I tossed mine back. It went past my tongue smoothly enough, but then the afterburners kicked in and it scorched its way down my esophagus. I curled my lips in disgust. "Yuck! What was that?" I took a long pull from my bottle of beer.

  "Tequila!" Echo sang out. "Let's dance!"

  We went out to the dance area just as they began to play The Killers Human. Echo, of course, knew all the words to the song, I was just enjoying the beat. Some guy decided I was his dance partner, and he kept blocking my view of Annie and Echo.

  I tried to walk away but he grabbed my arm and slurred, "Where are you going honey?" He was in my face. I jerked away from him and turned to leave, when I ran right into what felt like a brick wall. Another pair of hands grabbed me. I was ready to say let go when I looked up and I saw Buck standing there looking over my shoulder.

  "You okay, Claire?" he asked, eyeing the man next to me.

  "I’m fine."

  His stare pinned me in place, it wasn’t possessiveness it was concern. "You look gorgeous, Claire. It's no wonder every guy in here is drooling over you."

  What was he talking about? I looked up at him, confused. The tequila made my insides burn. Or was that Buck?

  "You really didn't notice the men in here have been watching your every move?"

  We stood in the middle of the dance floor, people dancing around us.

  "No one is staring at me, Buck, except you."

  He let out a puff of air, it skimmed my face, and I had to keep myself from closing my eyes. "Look around you, Claire. There are at least a dozen men looking at you with lust in their eyes."

  I chanced a look around and noticed a few people watching us. A slow song came on. "I think they’re only looking because we’re the only ones on the dance floor not dancing."

  "Well then dance with me, Claire." He wrapped his arms around my waist.

  My hands were pinned between us as I continued to stare at him. He looked at me in a way that set my body on fire. We slowly swayed to the music, never breaking eye contact. He brought one hand to my face. I didn't flinch as he brushed my hair over my shoulder. I leaned against him, sighing.. My eyes fell shut. He was my drug. I could never think straight with him around. My body had a mind of its own and right now it wanted to be touched and touched only by Buck. I felt him cup my face and my head tilted to meet his hand. I opened my eyes to see him gazing at me intently. I could feel his uneven breath on my skin. He gently rubbed my lip with his thumb. I felt weak at the knees. The song ended and we held each other a few moments longer. I was about to invite him to the table when I heard Annie.

  "BUCK!"

  "Hey, Annie. You look quite amazing tonight." Annie hooked her arms between the both of us and ushered us to the table. There were at least six empty shot glasses and three full shots on the table. Echo and Annie were way ahead of me. There were conversations and secret glances at Buck. I took my shots and was about to ask for water when Annie brought me another beer. I could feel Buck's eyes on me as the night went on.

  "I'll be back. I need to go to the ladies room," I announced. I glanced back at the table, only to find Buck staring at me. I smiled and he smiled back. In the bathroom, a group of women were loudly discussing their respective dates, one in particular was detailing how she was going to get this guy to bed with her. Tonight was his lucky night. I tried not to let it upset my mood, and was about to come out of the stall when she said, "Well good luck. He’s been hanging out with Annie and her sister." Wait. What?

  "He won't even remember her name when I put my moves on him."

  "I don't know, Jenny. He looks pretty into that chick in the red dress. What's her name anyway--Annie's sister?"

  I needed to leave. I opened the stall door and their mouths dropped open. They all turned to stare at me. I went to the sink and washed my hands. As I started out the door then, I turned and said, "My name is Claire."

  The evil eyes I got from the three women were comical. I weaved my way through the crowd and locked eyes with Buck. I felt brave right now. I strolled up to him and grabbed his hand. I pulled him onto the dance floor and began slow dancing with him. He never once said a word. He merely held me tight as I laid my head on his chest, a feeling of peace settling over me. I opened my eyes to see one of the girls from the bathroom, arms crossed over her chest, staring at us. She was pretty in a fake way. She looked like an angry Barbie. Then Annie and Echo came into view, mocking us as they danced together. I giggled at the sight.

  "What's so funny?" Buck whispered in my ear. It sent goosebumps throughout my body.

  "Well, first that Barbie wannabe was talking about this being the night you two hook up. Then, Echo and Annie were making fun of us by copying us."

  "Barbie wannabe?"

  "Oh, they called her Jenny."

  "I see. You know I think there is a special gal for me, and I’m lucky enough to be dancing with her." On glance in his eyes confirmed this as truth. "As for Echo and Annie copying us, I’ve got an idea of what to do." He smiled at Echo and Annie, who were still mocking us.

  "What..." I was cut off by his lips crashing onto mine. They were soft yet firm. I sighed in his mouth. The kiss was tender yet demanding. He coaxed my mouth open with his tongue and my body clenched in need. His tongue expertly caressed mine. I could now feel his arousal, pressed as he was against me. He took a hand from my waist caressing the skin on my back, lighting a fire along the way. He stopped at the base of neck to pull me closer. He growled and I moaned deep in his mouth, as we explored each others mouths. When he broke the kiss my lips felt swollen and missed the contact. He looked down at me his intense eyes filled with pure lust making my body clench and wanting more. I glanced over to Annie and Echo their mouths hung open, then back into Buck's eyes. Dreamy, I tell you.

  "So you don't like stripper looking Barbie?" He smiled down at me.

  "Not even a little."

  I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Buck pulled me even further into his embrace, my head cradled against his chest. I smiled to myself. This felt right. It felt good. Hope bloomed inside my chest.

  Once the slow song ended, we took our place at the table with Annie and Echo. They were deep in conversation, and I was still trying to grasp the thought of the kiss on the dance floor. I needed to figure this out and I needed air. I let everyone at the table know I would be right back. I ignored Buck’s offer to go with me, and stepped out into the cold air night, letting it wash over me. It cooled my skin, and I took a deep breath. I needed to clear my foggy head and think. Just as I was about to sit on the part of a street bench not covered in snow, the door to the bar opened.

  Annie emerged with my jacket. She handed it to me and tilted her head. "You want to talk about it?"

  I shrugged. "What if we’re moving too fast? What if I think I like him? I am not used to someone treating me nice. Is this the
right choice for me and Maggie?"

  Annie put an arm on my shoulder and gently squeezed. "What if this is right? What if he is everything you deserve and want? What if you really like him for him? Not this idea that you don't deserve him or his kindness. Let me ask you this, do you like him?"

  "Yes, I really do."

  "Then maybe you should let your guard down and give it a shot."

  Oh she was wise for her age, and she reminded me that I was worth something special. I gave her a big hug and thanked her, then went inside and said our goodbyes. Buck walked us back to my place. I could tell he was concerned about me going outside.

  I wanted to give this a fair shot, so when we got to my door, Annie went in, and I turned to him, grabbed his hands, and pulled him close. I stretched up to meet his lips, kissing him softly. I wanted him to know I did indeed like him. Buck kept the kiss light and on my terms. He truly was a wonderful man. We came apart from our kiss he smiled at me.

  "Goodnight, Buck."

  "Goodnight, Claire."

  Chapter 9

  Scott

  Scott got into Claire's new place through the kitchen window. He found a box of pictures while he was going through her belongings. She had their wedding pictures in a box. Scott was so pissed, he taped it to the closet wall after he scratched out her face. Stupid bitch! How dare she hide their life in her closet? He was furious, and she would pay for making him so angry. His hands began to shake. He ran to Maggie's room and grabbed a few of her toys--he would need these later. He was about to rummage through the kitchen for something to eat, when he heard her bitch of a sister coming up the stairs. He quickly went out the way he’d come in and climbed down the emergency exit to his truck. Thank God he’d bought this old truck. Claire didn't know to look for it. He climbed into it and dropped the few toys he took on the passenger seat. He stared up at the window and waited to see when she found the photograph. She would definitely look around her apartment and check all the windows. This brought a smile to his face. You can't hide from me, Claire. I am your past and your only future.

  Scott cracked open a can of beer and guzzled it down. He crushed the can in his hands and tossed it on the floor. He was opening another when he noticed her at the kitchen window.

  "Yes, Claire, I came in through the window." His dick began to throb. He would have her back soon. He watched as she locked the window and walked away. Everything was falling in place, and she would pay for all the anger she had caused.

  "You can't ever get away from me, Claire. I won't let you," Scott muttered to himself. He sat in the truck for a couple of hours and polished off a twelve pack of beer, observing as she and Annie left. He thought back to the day before when the dickhead saved her from falling off the porch. It pissed him off so bad, he punched the dash, leaving a crack in it. Then he just sat there and waited for her to return. Soon he would go talk some sense into her. When she finally did return, she parked near his old truck and he had to slide down in his seat so she wouldn't see him. She got out of the car, wearing heels. Scott's blood began to boil. Why the fuck was she dressed up? Was she meeting that dickhead again? Just then, Annie emerged from the other side and they walked down the alley away from the apartment.

  "Where the fuck are you going, Claire?" He waited until they disappeared around the corner and got out of his truck. His head was a bit fuzzy from the beers. He followed behind them, pulling his baseball cap down low on his head. He stopped as they entered a bar another block down. He quickly made his way back to the truck and drove over to the bar. He parked across the street and tried to decide if he should go in. What the fuck is she doing here all dressed up like a whore? With that last thought his body was out the door. He walked across the street and looked into the window. He spied her by a table. She looked like a complete whore in that red dress. His hands tightened into fists as he watched her smile and laugh. Hot anger boiled inside him. He went back to the truck, a slight hitch in his gait as the rage continued to mount. He was standing outside his truck when it bubbled over, and he punched the truck door, leaving a dent in the driver’s side door. The throbbing in his hands relieved some of the fury. Fucking Claire.

  He returned to his truck and decided to leave before he charged in the bar and claimed her. He needed to do this the right way, or she wouldn't come back. That bitch, Annie, would get in the way. He drove out of town and called the whore. She answered and he informed her he was on his way. She sounded hesitant, but he didn't give a fuck. He needed to hurt something, and she would do.

  Scott pulled next to her trailer but she didn't greet him this time. He walked up the steps and opened the door. Whore was sitting in the living room on the couch smoking a cigarette and nursing a bottle of cheap whiskey. She was fully clothed and it pissed him off. He grabbed the bottle of whiskey from her and chugged it. She looked up at him and the fear in her eyes made his cock hard. He returned the bottle to her and she accepted it hesitantly.

  "I don't think this is a good idea," Whore said. He backhanded her across the cheek. She yelped in pain. He smiled.

  "Please just leave," she begged.

  Scott grabbed her by her hair and dragged her to a standing position. She immediately began to cry, looking up at him in terror. He found himself more turned on. He liked the way she feared him. With his hand in her hair, he dragged her to the back room. The louder she cried, the more he laughed. He pushed her through the entry to her room, and she stumbled forward onto the floor. Scott shut the door with his foot. A smile played on his lips and adrenaline coursed through his body. He began to unbuckle his belt, while she sat there crying and begging him not to hurt her. He ordered her to take off her clothes and get on the bed. She crawled up on the bed, and he commanded her to get on all fours. She obeyed him, but her cries got louder. Scott grabbed his belt and wrapped it around her neck. When she attempted to scratch at it, he just pulled it tighter.

  "If you don't do what I ask, I will strangle the life out of you," he growled in her ear. "Now, are you going to be a good girl?"

  She tried to say yes, but it came out a gurgling noise. Scott held onto the belt with one hand and with the other unbuttoned his pants. She whimpered so he yanked hard on the leather. He forcefully plunged inside her. She let out a cry, and he pulled harder. She tried to decrease the slack in order to get some air, but with his free hand, he pushed her head down. Scott could hear her struggling for breath, so he loosened the belt. He continued to pound into her as hard as he could. She was beginning to whimper again, so he increased the pressure again and pushed her flat on the bed, head down. He could feel her fighting for air and it made him excited. He could feel his orgasm building. She continued to struggle and he finally released the tension. She gasped for breath as he exploded inside of her.

  "I think you were wrong, this was definitely a good idea," he said, pulling his cock out of her body. She lay on the bed and sobbed. Scott slowly made his way to the living room, where he took a big swig of the whiskey. He would have to do this again. He smiled and went to the bathroom to take a shower. He puffed his chest out in satisfaction. The water cooled his skin and washed away some of the anger that made his muscles tense.

  Chapter 10

  Claire

  I awoke the next morning in a daze. We’d returned to Annie’s house in the wee hours of the morning, Buck’s kiss still tingling on my lips.

  "OH MY GOD!" Annie shrieked as I took my place at the breakfast table. "You are totally thinking about Buck!"

  “I guess I am,” I giggled. I poured a cup of coffee and sat down at the table.

  Matt walked in and gave Annie a kiss on the forehead. "So, you and Buck, huh?" he asked with a smile.

  "It was only a kiss."

  "Only a kiss?" Annie got all animated. "Buck was sticking his tongue down your throat. That was not only a kiss."

  "Annie!" I was stunned.

  "Oh, don't you play shy now, you tramp." She took a sip of her own coffee and winked at me. I smiled into my cup, knowing sh
e was just teasing.

  "Man, I missed something last night." Matt looked between the two of us, confusion in his eyes.

  "You had your own night, with my own tongue, I might add," Annie retored.

  Okay, too much information. I needed to wake up Maggie and get to our apartment. I couldn't wait for her to see the hard work Annie had done in her room. I waved my hand in the air to say goodbye, but Annie apparently wasn’t done talking yet.

  "Well you have to at least tell me if he is a good kisser."

  "Yeah, is my best friend, Buck, a good kisser?" This query came from Matt.

  Just as I was about to climb the stairs, Buck strode in the front door. He looked absolutely breathtaking. I had to prevent myself from running to him and planting a kiss on those perfect lips. When he saw me, his face lit up, and my stomach fluttered. He smiled that beautiful smile and I wanted to melt where I was. Matt and Annie continued talking in the kitchen. They hadn’t heard him come in.

  "Claire, did your knees go weak when he kissed you?" Matt called from the other room. Oh God, please stop.

  "I already told you she was floating on cloud nine last night and couldn't shut up about him. So I am sure she got weak in the knees and probably wet in the panties," Annie snickered. Just kill me now. I know I turned fifty shades of red.

  Buck towered over me and his smile grew bigger. "So, that kiss made you float on cloud nine?" He leaned in closer, and I closed my eyes. I could feel his body heat. The fragrance of his body wash and aftershave swirled around me, making me lightheaded. Then just as he was about to place his lips on mine, the smell of death and decay hit my nose. Dang it all, Boris! I gagged on the stench coming from the mood-killing dog. Buck was obviously offended by the smell as well, his face pale as he fanned away the lingering fumes. I pulled my tank top up and covered my nose. The movement caught Buck's eyes. He glanced down at my exposed stomach, his fingertips grazing my skin, sending goose bumps across my midriff.

  "I’ll take a rain check on that good morning kiss," he murmured as he pulled his hands from my stomach and walked into the kitchen to greet Annie and Matt. I gave the stink eye to Boris and turned to head up the stairs. Once in my soon-to-be-old room, I quickly changed and put the remainder of my belongings into a duffel bag. I went across the hall to wake up Maggie. She was peacefully sleeping, her blonde curls were splayed out over the pillow. The room looked bare without all her toys and books. I sat down next to her and placed a kiss on her forehead.