'Ohh... Sorry. Ermm... Thank you.' She mumbles so quietly I almost miss it. She lifts her head and for the first time I get to really see her face. I am met with the prettiest, saddest blue eyes I have ever seen looking up at me, clouded with so much fear and confusion I feel sick.
'I am not going to hurt you, so you can relax you're safe.' I say trying to put her at ease, I should of told her this before I took her but I wasn't think clearly. Obviously I have a hooker in my car! The disbelief that flashes through her beautiful eyes tell me all I need to know when she doesn't speak, just continues to stare at her entwined fingers.
'Have you been doing this long?' I question and for some unknown reason the thought of her answer fills me with an unwelcome sense of dread. She doesn't answer and turns back to the window.
'How old are you?' I wonder aloud. She doesn't respond and I don't know why it bothers me but it does. I want her to speak, I want to hear her voice again. I think she owes my answers at least. God man get your shit together she's a hooker! I scream to myself internally.
'Its rude to ignore someone when they are talking to you.' I state a little harsher than I intend to as the whole damn days irritation takes it toll. But still nothing so I let out a petulant huff and turn to my sulking face towards my window.
'It's also rude to ask a woman her age.' Comes her weak response. At first, I am taken aback by her sarcastic response but so pleasantly surprised by it, that I find myself smiling, women rarely make me smile, out of bed anyway.
'Touche.' I smirk and she smiles the most amazing smile back at me that makes her look so innocent. 'Dude she's a hooker' I remind myself.
'I thought maybe we could get to know each other' I say looking directing into her eyes and to her credit she doesn't shy away or back down.
'Why? We are never going to see each other again after tonight.' She says in a sad whisper. I am surprised and confused that it saddens me also.
We pull up out my house and she gasps in awe and surprise or maybe just plain shock, I think. Dem hops out and opens my door then quickly opens hers. She gets out slowing yet with such amazing grace, her big blue eyes never leaving the large house and mine never leaving her. She is still stood completely still as I make my way around the front of the car and towards her. When I reach her I hold out my hand and capture her's, she flinches and stumbles back in surprise by our contact.
'I told you I wasn't going to hurt you. I meant it.' I assure her, smiling softly at her.
'Sorry...' She whispers and hangs her head as she follows my lead into the black and white marble hallway, through to the bight white living room. I take my jacket off, slinging it on the back of the black and grey leather corner sofa, in the middle of the room.
'Would you like a drink?' I offer manners winning over the uneasiness I feel. It's a very unusual emotion for me one I am not sure how to deal with.
She just shrugs wrapping her arms around her nearly naked body nervously. It's only in this light I can really see her body, past all the bruises. My god is she sexy. Beautiful pert breasts - not to big, not to small - like they would fit in my hand perfectly. Her beautiful hourglass figure, supported by long slim legs. I also notice how thin she is and it angers me. How could anyone do something so repulsive to such a beautiful girl. I snap out of my thoughts when I realize she is staring at me, most probably because I am staring at her.
'I am going to have a glass of wine, would you like one?'
She nods shyly and I make my way into the kitchen and pour two glasses of Merlot. When I come back she is still stood perfectly still where I left her.
'Take a seat....' I realize I don't know her name, what an idiot.
'Lexi.' The beauty opposite me says softly. 'My name is Alexis but you can call me Lexi.' A small smile ghosted across her lip, I smile back as I pass her a glass and she takes a sip.
'Liam.' I respond as I hold my hand out to shake hers, she looks at it in surprise but obliges and I mentally curse myself. Who shakes hands with a hooker?
'Why did you buy me?' She blurts out. 'Forgive my rudeness but you don't look like the type of man that has to pay for erm...you know...' She blushes and I wonder just how innocent is this girl? She is a hooker for Christs sake and she can't say sex! I am completely dumbfounded.
'If I answer your questions, will you answer mine?' I bargain, needing answers to some of the question raging in my mind.
'I will try.' She mumbles with her head down again.
'You didn't look like you wanted to go with that man and he didn't look like the friendliest.' I answer her with a shrug feigning disinterest. The truth is I didn't want that scumbag to have her, I couldn't let him hurt her but I wisely hold my tongue.
'And why should you care?' She looks so cute with her eyebrow raised.
'Tut, Tut Lexi. My turn. How old are you?' I ask smiling back at her, I can't help it though, her smile is so infectious.
'I am 18.' She states proudly - in the way only an eighteen year old can about their age - and I can't help but feel pleased and disappointed in equal measure. On one hand she is legal, yet on the other there is a five year age gap. I mentally scold myself for even thinking of her sexually, I have to stop these dangerous thoughts.
'To answer your question, I care because I couldn't let that creep force you to go with him. Do God only knows what to you with or without your consent. Plus that other prick hit you.' My fists are clenched as I look at the gash on her forehead and the purple bruising already forming on the side of her beautiful face.
'Who were they?' I ask taking a sip of my wine to try and hide the tightness of my voice and sound calm but fail miserably. She looks away reluctant to answer.
'It doesn't matter.' She says shaking her head slowly, I am angered by her blatant dismissal but don't say anything. Why should she tell me, she doesn't know me?
'Are we going to have sex?' She blushes bright red, I can't help but find it sweet. Woah thats new, I usually avoid blushing innocent girls, they scream clingy. All the anger I was feeling evaporates at her bold question.
'Do you want to?' I tease not able to help myself, she's just so innocent. Panic that flashes through her eyes and I instantly regretting my stupid comment. Stupid Liam.
'If you want to......you paid for it, I guess.' She stutters, her calm and happy happy mood gone, replaced by fear and resignation.
'Relax Lexi, I was teasing. I never paid to have sex with you, I am happy talking to you. Just talking.' I say calmly and clearly.
'Really.' she seems shocked and maybe a little skeptical.
'Really, if you don't mind me asking how many times have you done this?' I am curious as to how a hooker can be afraid of sex. I mean I am not bad looking, I usually have women falling at my feet. Something out her sends off warning signals all over my body.
'This is my first time, I didn't want to do it but Mike... He made me. As you saw...' Her honesty shocks me and I am happier than I should be with her answer.
'Is Mike your boyfriend?' I hate myself for asking but it came out before I can stop it. Why must I set myself up for torture?
She snorts loudly and shakes her head, looking down at her now half empty wine glass then taking a sip and I do the same.
'No Mike is my........well Mike he is my Step-Father.' She twists her fingers in her lap and doesn't meet my eyes as I try to comprehend her words.
The stem of my glass snaps when my grip tightens as rage engulfs me like wild fire. I have never felt anything like it before, I try to catch it but fail and it spills all over the white fur fug but I can't bring myself to care. My gaze locked on the girl on my sofa frozen in panic, her body shaking in fear, of what? Then it hits me like a bucket of ice.....me, she is scared of me.
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Chapter Four
Lexi
'Lexi, Lexi! Sweetheart look at me...' He pleads softly but I can't move, I can't bare him hurting me. I don't understand why but
being here with Liam is the safest I have felt in a long while, I knew it was too good to be true.
'Lexi, please.' I want to, I really do, but I can't bare to see anger contorting his beautiful face. I don't want my memory of being here, being with him to be tainted by fear like all my others. I am torn from my thoughts when two warm, soft hands touch my cheeks gently yet I flinch. I cant help it, its my natural reaction when anybody touches me. I hate that it happens with him though.
It's then I realize he is on his knees at my feet and his hands haven't moved, I gulp and look up to from my feet to stare back into his stormy grey eyes and they consume me, I feel so lost. Yet found. So out of my depth but so calm.
The intensity of his gaze makes me drop mine and my eyes fall to his gorgeous full lips and I am taken off guard by feelings so strange I can't place them. My blood is rushing through my veins, my heart is pounding out of my chest yet it is not from fear, it is from need, desire for him. Every part of my being is screaming for him to kiss me. Just kiss me please.
'I promise I won't hurt you, I was just angry but not at you and I was... shocked. I am truly sorry if I frightened you.' He says with such intensity in his eyes. I honestly believe him, more than I should, I can't help it. Almost like he remembers himself he moves away from me, almost like I burn to the touch and leaves the room. I sit there frozen in time, trying to get my brain to function rationally again, trying to figure out what just happened. I sit there confused until he returns with a wet cloth and a dust pan and brush.
'Do you have any white wine?' I ask and he looks up at me with a strange look on his face. 'It will prevent the staining' I explain quickly with a small smile and am pleased when he smiles back. He looks so young when he smiles, it suits him.
'Beautiful and Smart.' He says with a full on smile, I try to hide my blush but fail miserably. He thinks I am beautiful, I blow out a big breath I didn't realize I was holding and attempt to calm my fragile nerves. Why am i feeling like this? I glance at the clock on the white marble fireplace and feel my anxiety come back in full force when I notice its already 1 am, only 9 hours till I have to go back to Mike. Back to being scared and alone. I wonder if the next man will be as nice as Liam? Somehow I doubt it.
'Penny for your thoughts?' His voice floats through my ears and i realize he's back with a fresh glass of wine and he has topped mine up.
'Nothing important.' I shrug not wanting to burden him.
'It can't be nothing, if it has you so sad.' I smile the best I can in the hope he will drop it but he just continues to stare at me expectantly.
'I was just thinking how in 9 hours I have to go to my house, back to Mike and back to reality.' I don't say home because it hasn't been that since my mum ripped it apart, it's not my home anymore. It's the hell I am trapped in, with him.
'You're going back to him?' He spits in outrage and I pale.
'I don't have a choice.' I reply, insulted that he would think I wanted too. God I would rather be anywhere else but I have nothing or no one. Plus I still remember the last time I tried to run, he hit me so hard I was out cold for at least two days I know of. The memory of the beating I got that night makes my skin crawl and I shudder.
He starts pacing the great room, his jaw tight and his whole body rigid with tension. He looks livid but deep in thought about something as he runs his hands through his hair and I can't help think how I would love to do that. Is it as soft as it looks?
'You can't go back to him.' He demands and I just stare blankly back at him.
'I don't have a choice.' I repeat, why isn't he getting it? Is it a hard concept to understand?
'Everybody has a choice!' He yells 'What the fuck are you going to do the next time he pimps you out, because he will Lexi and you know it!' He is glaring at me, waiting for my answer.
'You live in a dream world not everyone has choices, or money. Not everyone can do as they please, some of us are trapped. THAT'S JUST LIFE!' I am screaming at him by the end, tears threatening to fall as i admit to him and mostly myself the reality of my life out loud for the first time.
'Oh my money was good enough when it saved your arse from being raped by that sleazebag with the car.' He snarls back and I can't contain my tears anymore. That hit home, seeing my tears, guilt and pity flood his eyes but I am too hurt, to broken to care. Hearing him say it, for the first time tonight it really sunk in what could of happened to me, what could still be happening to me. I feel sick and ashamed. I have to leave, I have to get away from it all. Away from him and the dream of more.
'I am so sorry... I will leave now.' I force past the lump - getting bigger and bigger - in my throat.
'Like hell you will!'
I just look at him confused and worn out taking him in, even angry he is beautiful. I shake off my thought and head in the direction I came in, towards the front door.
'I paid till 10am, right?' He states knowing he is right.
I don't know how to reply, I don't need to his tone told me that. When I feel him behind me, his breath on my neck and I tense. Butterflies are going crazy in my stomach.
'Please Alexis just stay, I can help you.......just stay please.' His pained voice is my undoing.
Two strong arms wrap around my middle comforting me, I know I should be scared but I can't find it in myself. He calms me somehow, yet my heart is beating wildly against my chest.
'I just want to hold you, I need to hold you..' His hushed breath tickles my ear sending shivers down my spine and I realize something, I need this too. I turn around and bury my head into his chest and inhale his masculine scent, aftershave and soap, I can't help but relax as my body molds perfectly to his. After a couple of minutes I look up and lock eyes with the most beautiful and confusing man I have ever laid eyes on.
My heart stops as his lips move slowing to mine, covering them. It takes me a minute to regain my breath as I return his kiss with equal amounts of passion, mimicking his movements. His arms tighten around me and one snakes up to my hair as his tongue strokes mine so passionately. I have never been kissed like this in my life. He pushes me against the wall and I jump when the cold marble touches my naked, red hot skin on my back. His hand travels up my body slowly leaving tingles in their wake. I finally get my wish and run my fingers through his hair, fisting it passionately.
I can't stop the moan that escapes me and it only seems to spur him on more as he pulls our bodies even closer so we are flushed against each other, not an inch of distance between us. I jump in surprise when I feel his erection against my belly, it feels huge and my anxiety kicks in will full force. I unwilling tense and he notices my hesitation immediately and pulls away. Reality comes back like a cold shower and once again he jumps back like I have burnt him, apologizing over and over again. His hands returning to his hair and he runs his hands through it, tugging almost violently.
'Lexi, God I am so sorry. I don't know what came over me.' He looks awful and I feel it.
'No I wanted.......I mean I enjoyed it.' I blush scarlet. Why am I so embarrassed.
'Really I just thought that...' He swallows loudly. 'I thought when you tensed that maybe I had pushed my luck... Gone too far. I didn't want you to feel forced into it.'
'Well you see..........God this is embarrassing. How do I say this?' I mutter trying to find the right words.
'Whatever it is you can tell me.' He strokes my hair off my face, brushing it behind my ear affectionately. 'I won't judge you, just say it.'
'I have never done this before...' I whisper ashamed without meeting his eyes, I can't.
'I don't understand?' He looks so confused, its adorable. 'If this is about the money, it doesn't matter to me, I don't care about.....'
'I am a virgin!' I blurt out before I lose my nerve and also to cut off his rambling. His face visibly drops and pales. His jaw hits the floor and he just keeps blinking at me.
'Say something.....please.' I prompt when he doesn't speak for what feels like ages.
'I.....erm, I...........
Oh fuck!' His shock transforms into rage and he punches the wall behind him. He storms off into the living room, cursing loudly.
Well that's not what I expected! So much for 'I won't judge you'.
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Chapter Five
Liam
I lost it... I completely lost it. Never in my life did I expect her to say that. I expected, I have never had a one night stand or I have never had sex for money, not that we would have been but still. Oh shit, what sort of sick bastard sells a virgin for sex! What kind of sick fucking monster would do that?!
My mind is reeling. That sick bastard was selling her virginity, he had to have known he's her Step-Father for fucks sake! Who would leave there child with him? Where the hell is her mother? Is she in on this with him? I can't let her go back there to him, shit! What am i going to do? Hell if I send her back there I am letting it happen and some scumbag is going to come along and for the 'right' price destroy her trust in men, hell even her life. Oh God, I feel sick at the thought of what that would do to her.
The throbbing in my hand brings me back to the now. Where is she? It occurs to me how empty the room feels without her, I quickly check the hallway and notice the front door ajar. She is gone, I scared her away.
I grab my shoes and run down the driveway frantic, searching for any sign of the beautiful blonde I have probably terrified out of her mind. Where the hell is she? She couldn't have gotten far. I search for about half an hour, it's freezing and she is barely dressed but this is pointless. Where the hell is Dem does he not understand the meaning of Stand By anymore.
Just after i arrive back at the house so does my trusty driver.
'She arrived safely, Sir.' He nods in respect.
'You took her home?' I accuse, shaking with anger.
'Yes Sir, I didn't think you would want her to walk as it's late and not to mention cold.'
Until There Was You Page 2