The Pact

by Brenna Darcy

  Flic walked home and headed straight for the bathroom. It was after six and she was exhausted from thinking so much. A bath would help her to relax, especially adding some of the oils Lacey had given her for such an occasion.

  Making a cup of chamomile tea to help the process Flic went to the bathroom, leaving the door open so the light from the lounge could filter through the doorway. She lit a candle to add to the atmosphere. Happy she’d made an effort, she slipped out of her clothes and stepped into the hot water. It was almost too hot, but it’d cool quickly, and she had no desire to make it a short bath. After the trouble she’d gone to, and had no idea when she might feel so inclined to do so again.

  She’d almost finished her tea, the fragrance from the oils were making her feel light and relaxed when she thought she heard a knock at the front door.

  Looking around she waited for a second knock to confirm she heard correctly. Perhaps whoever it was, probably Dave would take a hint and think she was sleeping. Closing her eyes Flic pushed him to the back of her mind, and breathed in deeply. She enjoyed the way the oils made her feel. Sure, she wanted to be there for him, to help, but for the moment she needed to take time and be in the right frame of mind to deal with him.

  She made a mental note to slot a regular time out each week for such luxuries. She needed time to relax and allow herself to think of nothing, but how good it felt to have the warmth of the water on her skin.

  “You look more relaxed, I must say.” Dave’s voice broke the silence and Flic screamed, she didn’t expect him to come in uninvited, grabbing for her towel she tried to cover her nakedness, but still submersed in water, she wasn’t very successful.

  “Sorry I didn’t mean to startle you, but the door was open, and I did knock.”

  “Dave what are you doing here? Have you been drinking?”

  “Yeah.” He giggled.

  Flic had never heard him giggle before, it was so out of character, but then again so was the barging in uninvited. He must’ve had a lot to drink.

  “Can you wait for me in the lounge room please, I’d like to get changed.”

  Dave tilted his head to the side. “Or I could join you if you’d prefer.”

  “You’re drunk, Dave, so I’d prefer not.”

  “Ouch, that hurt. Just because your husband was a bastard drunk doesn’t mean all men are the same. Everyone’s entitled to have a drink every so often.”

  “I do realise that. How about you prove your point and let me get dressed.”

  Dave shrugged, but left the room.

  So much for a relaxing bath. All progress she’d made toward relaxation seeped back, making her more uptight than before. She could tell, given the mood alcohol seemed to put Dave in, she was in for a very long night.

  Putting on the satin nightie she’d brought into the bathroom with her earlier, she wished she’d grabbed her dressing gown, but this was not something she had planned for. Knowing she couldn’t put him off much longer. She braced herself for whatever mood he was in to join him in the lounge room.

  Dave prepared tea and brought it out to the coffee table. She was glad to see he wasn’t drinking alcohol, as Jason would have done, no matter how much it bothered her. Dave was proving his point after he’d been so kind as to bring her husband up and throw him in her face.

  “So what can I do for you?”

  Dave shrugged. “Nothing I just wanted to see if you had anything to say about what we talked about last night when I dropped you off.”

  Flic hesitated a moment to find the words to best describe what she was thinking. “And this couldn’t wait until the morning, you had to barge in whilst I’m in the bath, throw my dead husband’s alcohol problem in my face and then make tea and sit in here as though this is normal. Don’t you see what’s wrong with that?”

  “Yes, I suppose I do, but I wanted to hear what you’d come up with.”

  “Well too bad, you can wait until you sober up and I’m ready to talk about it, besides right now you’ve given me even more to think about, and let me tell you it doesn’t support your case.” Flic hadn’t realised how angry she was.

  Dave stood up. “Well I guess I over stayed my welcome then, I’ll go and give you your space.”

  “You don’t have to go, I just don’t know what you want from me.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m not good with this whole relationship thing, but I really like you and I don’t know what to do about it. My life is so messed up that I can’t even offer you the things a man should. I’m so freaked out that I’m going to screw everything up with you, with Ty, hell even with my career.” Dave ran his hands through his hair and started pacing again. “I’m a planner Flic, in every area of my life and work I plan, and suddenly there are no plans to fit the situation and I’m falling apart.”

  The trauma Dave was so obviously fighting, was hard to watch unfold. She had no time to prepare for the death of Ellie, but had to rearrange her plans for her future to accommodate, Dave had prior warning, the anticipation of knowing what would happen, but no idea when, how, or what to really expect. He didn’t know how Ty was going to react, he had no way of knowing if Lacey would deteriorate slowly and leave even more devastating scars he’d have to deal with. He’d never had children and was soon going to be a sole father. Flic could see why he was so distraught, but didn’t know how to help.

  Just be there for him, hold him and let him cry on your shoulder if you have to. Flic could hear Mim as though she were standing in the room with them. So she decided to go with it, all he could do was turn her away. She could deal with that. She didn’t want him to hurt anymore, or for any of them to.

  Touching him gently on the shoulder he turned. She didn’t have to take him in her arms, he wrapped his around her with such ferocity. He held so tight she thought he was going to knock the wind from her, but she didn’t complain. She held him back and would until he let go. There was so much need in him like she hadn’t known before, and wanted to take the pain away anyway she could.

  “I’m sorry to put this on you, if it’s all too much just tell me to back off and I will, I’m not use to having someone I can depend on.”

  “I want to be here for you, don’t worry about me, you have enough to deal with at the moment.”

  “Promise you will tell me if it’s too much.”

  “I will.” Flic drew back and looked him in the eye, “I promise.” Caressing his cheek and down his neck she leaned in and kissed him. His response took her breath away, the raw emotion, everything he was feeling put into the kiss, as though feeding from her. If he hadn’t been holding her so tight Flic was certain she would’ve fallen over. She was gentler in her response, encouraging him to relax, trying to reassure him she wasn’t going anywhere. After a few moments he did relax a little, however, continued to kiss her with a hunger that told her she was either going to have to stop him if she didn’t want it to go too far, or else go with it.

  His arms still around her loosened, as he ran one hand down to rest on the small of her back, pulling her body into his. She could feel his desire firm against her lower abdomen and knew she wanted him too. The only way things would slow down was if he made the decision. Feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety she decided to put her mind to rest and go with feeling. Her mind always too active, created more problems for her in the long run. Dave was leaving a trail of kisses down her neck, breathing in the scent of her. It was obvious the oils she’d bathed in were having the opposite effect on him, he didn’t seem to be tired in the least. Flic held on tight, giving him the freedom to explore her willing body.

  Slipping both hands down the satin of her nightie he gripped the flesh of her arse and lifted her. Flic wrapped her legs around his waist as he took a few steps and pressed her back against the wall. His mouth found hers again, tongue plunged in, lingered, and out again as though mimicking the action he desired. His body moved against hers in a similar rhythm.

  Trailing his kiss down her neck he nudged the strap of h
er nightie off her shoulder to reveal one breast. Finding her already erect nipple he nipped and sucked until she released a groan. He bit down hard then gently blew cool air, the contrast exhilarating. Flic arched her back wanting more, and he willingly obliged. Pushing the other strap down, the satin of her nightie slid to pool around her waist giving him complete access to both. He repeated the gesture on the other side. Flic entangled her hands in his hair and drew him into her. Just when she didn’t think she could take anymore he stopped.

  “I-I’m sorry, Flic, so sorry.” He released her to stand in front of him. The only thing keeping her nightie up were her legs wrapped around his waist. The satin skimmed over her hips and thighs,to the floor, revealing her nakedness beneath.

  Dave’s eyes widened, and he groaned. Running his hands through his hair he turned away from her. “I shouldn’t be here, I’m sorry.”

  She remained silent. What could she say to that? It was obvious things had gotten out of control, but she refused to make a fool of herself and grovel on the floor for her clothing. If he chose to turn away from her, she would never mention it again, but she would wait until he was out of the room before she bent down to pick up her nightie.

  “Damn, why do you have to be so irresistible?” Dave turned back to her, his arms around her body again, finding her mouth he kissed her. His tongue plunged deep and his hands wandered all over her skin, down her back, over her arse and back of her thighs, gripping her inner legs from behind he pulled her back into the position she had been in only moments before. This time she felt more exposed as his fingers explored what he’d previously thought covered.

  Flic couldn’t help but want him, panting from his touch, as he gently circled her opening before plunging his fingers deep inside her. Flic groaned, a low primal sound. Dave pressed his body against hers. Flic kissed him mimicking his earlier attempt, her tongue nudging his, hands tangled in his hair and pulling him to her.

  Drawing his face away from hers he looked into her eyes, “If you want me to go Flic, I will, but, baby, I don’t know how much control I have left in me.”

  “Lose control, Dave. I want you.”

  All the reassurance he needed, Dave tightened his arms around her back for support, and carried her the short distance to the bedroom where he laid her on the bed. For a moment he stood, seemingly drinking in the sight before him. Removing his t-shirt to reveal a tanned muscular torso, before moving to his shorts and underwear. With nothing more to stop him he joined Flic on the bed. His touch was no longer demanding, but in control all the same. Positioning him self between her legs, nudging them apart. Bending his head to her breast he nipped and sucked each in turn, gently at first, and then firmer. Flic arched her back to meet his mouth, wanting so much more than he was offering, but knowing it was still to come added to her desire. Finding her mouth he kissed her gently, almost teasing, and then he plunged his tongue deep into her open mouth at the same time as he entered her. Her body stretched to accommodate his length. Flic groaned. It felt good to be wanted and taken by a man she’d been so willing to give herself to. He settled into an easy rhythm. Almost pushing her to the edge of bliss when he stopped and rolled her on top of him where he could easily access her body. She drove him wild as she rode him long and hard until they reached climax together. Flic leaned down and kissed him gently. She was exhausted, but he had only just begun. His kiss grew more demanding and his body responded accordingly. He was ready for round two. Flic was a little surprised, but more than willing to rise to the challenge.

  The second time was not so frantic. Dave was gentle, stimulating her in every way possible. Flic had never known sex to be like this before. The contrast of both occasions, each as equally enjoyable, but to be pampered and touched by a man who wanted to pleasure her, was such a change.

  After a while of laying in each other’s arms Dave broke the silence. “Believe it or not I didn’t come over here with any intention to seduce you. I thought we’d talk and drink tea.”

  “Are you disappointed?” Flic wouldn’t have been angry if he felt he made the wrong decision.

  “Are you?”

  “No, why would I be.”

  “Good, because I’m not disappointed at all.” He kissed her noisily on the forehead. “But, I am going to have to go, because I don’t think I can stay awake much longer.”

  Flic propped herself up on her elbow, “Why do you have to go? Do you have a rule about not sleeping over after sex?”

  “Well no, I just don’t want to impose.”

  Flic laughed. “Bit late for that now don’t you think, it’s only because the alcohol’s had time to wear off.”

  Dave groaned, “I’m really sorry, Flic.”

  “Don’t be, as I said before I’m not. Now be a good boy and go to sleep, and I’ll even make you breakfast in the morning.” Flic leaned over and kissed him again gently on the lips.

  He drew her to him again and kissed her back.

  Flic pulled away, “I thought you were tired.”

  “I was until you did that, now I’ve changed my mind.”

  Flic giggled. “I hope this isn’t going to happen too often, or I’m going to have to start locking my door.”

  Pushing her down onto the bed Dave leaned forward trailing kisses down her neck. “And I have a key, so a lock won’t stop me.” He continued down her body, sleep no longer what he was looking for. Flic let out a gasp, he’d found what he was after and she knew she was in for round three.

  Chapter Eighteen

  FLIC DIDN’T HAVE TO go into the shop until eleven, giving her plenty of time to make Dave a delicious breakfast of bacon, eggs, and pancakes. She brewed a pot of tea and one of coffee not knowing which he preferred first thing in the morning. Cutting up some fruit she arranged the food on the kitchen table.

  She found him sitting on the edge of the bed, shorts on, his t-shirt next to him, with elbows rested on his knees and both hands in his hair. Flic knew regret when she saw it. She hoped it didn’t complicate things between them. Yes, she liked him and enjoyed the night before, but wasn’t going to hold him to a relationship, or anything because of it.

  “You hungry?”

  Dave looked up, and shrugged. “A little, I guess.” He looked at her a moment and then pulled his t-shirt over his head.

  “Dave, about last night—”

  “What about it?” He stood and walked toward her.

  “Well, it’s just I don’t expect anything, you know.” Damn, why did she have to feel so awkward around him?

  When he was standing in front of her he stopped, looked down before taking her in is arms. “You might not, but I do,” he breathed close to her ear before releasing her. “You said you’d make breakfast.” He grinned and then ducked out of the room and into the kitchen.

  “How long have you been up?” He looked over the array of food.

  Flic shrugged. “A while.”

  Dave glanced at her and smiled before pulling her in for a good morning kiss. “Well that’s settled, you’re on breakfast duties always because I hate getting up in the morning, and even more in the winter.”

  Flic laughed. “Fine, you can cook dinner then.” They were speaking complete nonsense of course, playful banter still too serious for comfort.

  “Okay, as long as you’re dessert.” Dave pulled out a chair and sat down.

  Flic felt herself blush as her thoughts drifted to the events of the night before.

  “That was really corny wasn’t it?”

  “No argument here.” Flic laughed as Dave screwed up his nose.

  “Fine, but I’m not going to take it back and so you’re prepared, I like dessert and will often go back for seconds.”

  “And thirds, I’m guessing.”

  “And you’d be right.” Dave looked up, winked and then got stuck into eating his breakfast.

  Flic sat at the table, sipped her coffee, and enjoyed watching him devour the food she’d cooked.

  “I could get use to this.”


  “Don’t. With your line of work, you’d be rolling around in no time.” Flic laughed, he certainly was a long way from rolling anywhere, but his reaction was worth the comment.

  “Looks like I need more exercise then.” Standing up, he walked around to where she sat. Taking the coffee cup and placing it on the table he guided her to stand momentarily in front of him. One swift movement had her up and over his shoulder, retreating to the bedroom like a caveman carrying his kill.

  Flic giggled, as he released her onto the bed and climbing on top he ravished her with kisses.

  “I’m going to be late for work,” Flic squealed, squirming to break free from his capture. “You know how scary my boss can be sometimes,” she teased.

  The mention of his sister and work had him instantly sombre, and Flic wished she’d kept her mouth shut. She didn’t want to see the pain return to his face especially after appearing so happy and carefree only moments before.

  “I’m sorry Dave, please don’t,” she said, as he got up and straightened his clothing.

  “Don’t what Flic? Don’t think about my sister and the fact that she will never enjoy a morning like this. Hell she won’t be enjoying a morning like anything soon. How do you want me to act?”

  Flic shook her head, she didn’t want to argue with him especially after sharing such a wonderful evening and beginning to the day. How quickly the atmosphere changed, as did his mood. From past experience Flic knew the thundercloud had rolled in and nothing would chase the storm away. The topic of conversation was a dangerous one, and required no further discussion.

  Dave had other ideas.

  “Tell me Flic, what do you suggest I do? Get on with my life, and enjoy these occasions knowing Lacey would want me to? Maybe I could get in my car and head for the furthest small town I can find so I can shrink into the shadows and hope that no one notices that I’m just as fucked up as everyone else who’s running from something, and hope no one will find out about.”

  Flic nodded. “Okay Dave, you think and say what you will, but I really have to go now, or I’m going to be late.”