Shattered Essence

by NK Morales

  Looking up to see his eyes I asked. “Where is Orion?”

  “Orion is only fully visible to us in the winter.” Pointing to the sky he asked, “See that bright red star near the horizon?”

  “You mean the one clear over there?” Pointing toward the west.

  “That’s the one. It’s called Betelgeuse.” I felt him chuckle underneath me. “The red star is actually part of Orion’s armpit.” He was twirling my hair through his fingers. “Do you know how Orion the Hunter ended up in the sky?”

  I shook my head back and forth.

  “According to Greek mythology Orion was a great hunter. He hunted with a bow and arrow. There wasn’t another hunter in all the land more skilled than him.

  Through his hunting excursions Orion met and fell madly in love with the princess of Chios, Merope. She is one of the seven sisters who form the Pleiades. But Merope wasn’t interested and would have nothing to do with him. Orion, desperate for her love, even pleaded with her father to force her to marry him. The king would do no such thing. He only wanted the best for his daughter. Even though Orion had rid the king’s land of all wild beasts he was still only a hunter. The king would never consent to giving his daughter’s hand in marriage to Orion.

  Never being able to be with the one he loved, anger consumed Orion. He even thought about taking Merope with violence. Before Orion could act on his plan, his life ended tragically when he stepped on Scorpius, the scorpion.

  After his death the gods felt sorry for him, so they put Orion in the sky as a constellation. They also put his dogs in the sky with him: Canis Major and Canis Minor. In addition the gods put all the animals he hunted near him in the sky. Scorpius, however, was placed on the opposite side of the sky so Orion would never be hurt by him again.”

  Replying, “I knew Orion was The Great Hunter, but I never knew the rest of the story.” I sat up half way, leaned down, briefly covering his lips with mine. “Now I know he will always be my favorite constellation.”

  “Ever since I was a kid I loved looking at the stars.” I pulled my head back just enough to look him in the eyes. “I had no idea the city lights blocked out so many stars,” I said.

  Drew placed his hands on my waist. In one quick move he placed his left leg between my thighs flipping me on my back. Resting on his elbows he kissed me. My chest was touching his chest. I could feel him breathing. A shudder of electricity ran down my spine. His mouth moved smoothly, his tongue teased, petted and sucked. My belly was filled with butterflies. I savored the feel of his tongue on mine. I wanted more and at the same time I couldn’t take another second.

  Aye Dios mio.

  As if reading my mind he came up for air. His hair was moving slightly from the breeze coming off the lake. Giving me the most alluring smile I had ever seen, he leaned back down and kissed my check where the branch I didn’t remember running into had left a mark that mirrored his.

  Inhaling his scent of lavender and spice, I closed my eyes and rested my hands on his biceps. Memorizing this moment, my body, mind, and spirit were one. I have never felt more peaceful. My soul was home.

  His breathing was heavy and rapid. “As much as I want to stay in this moment, we better head back to the ranch.” He whispered in my ear. “I can’t control myself around you. Besides, I’d hate for your dad to think I was taking advantage of you.”

  Chapter 12

  Espe

  The next few days flew by. The end of the week was looming and the time we had left was limited.

  Drew and I were sitting on the porch of my cabin watching the stars. I held his hand in my lap. He was rubbing the back of my hand with his thumb.

  “It’s been a great night and an amazing week, Espe.” Bringing my hand to his lips for a soft kiss he said, “I’m not near ready for it to end.”

  I replied, “It has been amazing.” Smiling at him. “I can’t think about our time ending.”

  Looking up at the stars I recalled the past week. Ever since we met we’ve been inseparable. The only time we went our separate ways was when we went to our cabins to sleep and shower. In a way I felt guilty for not spending time with my parents. Drew and I did everything together. I was living in the moment. I refused to think about the day we would part.

  “Tonight you look so pretty,” Drew said breaking up my thoughts.

  “Thank you,” I said as I squeezed his hand. I could feel the blood rushing to my checks. I’ve never been good at accepting compliments.

  Smiling back at me, “Would you like to take a walk around the lake?”

  “No,” I said. “I’m happy right here, just the two of us.”

  I slid out of the Adirondack chair I was sitting in. Still holding Drew’s hand I sat on his lap, sharing his chair. I bent down, kissing his temple. His cheek. His nose. Slowly moving south till I reached his lips.

  I didn’t kiss him when my lips touched his. I spoke on top of them, “My parents went to Durango to have dinner with one of my dad’s cousin. I doubt they’ll be back anytime soon.”

  Smirking he asked, “What are you saying?”

  I leaned back enough to look him in the eye. Smiling, I said nothing.

  He started laying kisses on my neck and said, “That will work.”

  Drew and I were kissing on the porch when John Harris, the ranch manager, cleared his throat.

  “Ahem.”

  Walking toward us he said, “Hello Esperanza, Drew, it’s a beautiful night isn’t it?”

  “That it is,” I said. “I love it here. It is so quiet and peaceful.”

  “Yes, nature has a way of calming the spirit.” John Harris inhaled the night air. “I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything.”

  “Not at all, we were just star watching.” I responded quickly.

  “Wonderful. Wonderful. Listen I won’t keep you. I stopped by to let Esperanza know her parents called. They hit a deer just outside of Durango.”

  “Are they okay?” I asked standing in alarm.

  “Sure kiddo. The tow truck driver was kind enough to take them back into town. It’s too late for them to get a rental car.” Mr. Harris put his hand on my shoulder. “Your parents wanted me to let you know they would be back before noon tomorrow.”

  He looked at Drew then back at me. “Will you be okay staying here alone?”

  “I’ll be fine Mr. Harris. I promise.” I gave him the biggest smile I could summon, hoping it would assure him I’d be fine spending the night alone.

  “All righty.” He smiled back, “Drew, can I walk you to your cabin?”

  I knew Drew was caught off guard by Mr. Harris’s fatherly comment. I bit the inside of my lower lip trying to keep from laughing out loud.

  Drew stood up from the chair he was sitting on and said, “That would be nice.”

  Before walking away with Mr. Harris he turned to face me and mouthed “I’ll be back.”

  Good thing too, because I had no intention of my night ending early.

  Drew kissed me on my check, winked and said, “See you tomorrow. Have a good night.”

  He turned to face Mr. Harris. “Is the kitchen open? Pie sounds good. Will you join me for a piece?”

  I watched the two of them walk toward the dining hall.

  Chapter 13

  Espe

  One hour and fifteen minutes later I opened the door to a knocking Drew. I pulled him in, shut the door behind me, and jumped into his arms.

  “What took you so long?” I asked.

  “After pie Mr. Harris walked me back to my cabin and started talking to my parents.” Laughing, he said, “I think he wanted to make sure I didn’t come back here.”

  “What did you do?”

  “I said I was going to take a shower then head to bed.” Pecking my lips, he added, “He left once I got out of the shower.”

  “You’re a sneaky devil, aren’t you?”

  He brushed his lips on mine and said, “Sounds like tonight it’s only you and me, baby.”

  “Then let’s not w
aste it,” I said.

  I kissed him slowly, making sure to linger. I had this burning need to give myself to Drew completely. Nothing else mattered. I pulled myself closer to him, taking in his strength. I let his scent numb my senses in a sea of pleasure. If tonight was going to be the only night spent together, I wanted all of him. I didn’t care if it meant losing my virginity. All I knew was if I didn’t have him this aching in my gut would drive me crazy.

  Placing my feet on the floor, Drew swirled his tongue around mine making our kiss deeper, stronger. My heart pounded as he ran his hands over my body. He unbuttoned my blouse kissing my neck, my collarbone. Slowly he kissed his way down my chest. His touch had my body aching. His hands moved down my belly and my back arched in response. He claimed my mouth while unfastening my bra. He turned me around, my back leaning against his chest for support. He ran his hands down the curves of my hips. I arched my spine, pulling on his neck trying to bring him closer to me. My nipples were hard. My body was shaking when he moved his hands over my rib cage. He continued moving his hands until they were covering my breasts. I was dizzy. I was putty in his hands. My head fell back, allowing him to nibble on my lower lip. His touch had me experiencing a rush of adrenaline I could never imagine. I barely noticed when he scooped me in his arms and carried me to the bedroom.

  I reached for the hem of his shirt. He raised his arms while I slid it over his head. The sight of his bronze chest had my lower body throbbing so hard I was sure he could hear it. I ran my hands over his rippling hairless chest. Splendid. His skin was soft his body was hard and I couldn’t resist licking his pectorals.

  “You taste lightly salted with a touch of clean,” I teased.

  Laughing, he embraced me, kissing the top of my head. Eliminating some of the nervous tension I was experiencing.

  I looked up at him, raised my eyebrows while sliding my hands down his chest. I traced his abs stopping only to unbutton his jeans. Before sliding them off his legs he retrieved a condom from his wallet. I squeezed his ass through his boxers. He groaned before possessing my mouth. I could feel his hardness on my belly. I slid my fingers under his boxers and he helped me take them off.

  His erection was massive, almost reaching his belly button. I had no idea how his large thick shaft was going to fit inside of me. For the first time I was actually afraid of losing my virginity. I was either going to be split in half or not be able to walk for a month.

  This is going to hurt!

  He must have sensed my anxiety, saying, “I know it’s a little bit frightening. Just you and me like this. If you want to stop we can. I don’t want to do anything you don’t want to.”

  My heart was overflowing with the love I felt for this man.

  “Drew, there isn’t anything I want more in this world than you right now. I’ve been addicted to you since the first moment I saw you. If I don’t have you now I am going to implode.”

  He held my hands in his. “It is our first time.” Smiling at me he said, “We are doing this together.”

  I cupped his face in my hands. Kissing him, hoping he needed this as much as I did. Hoping my kiss told him how much he meant to me. It was a kiss full of hunger, desire, and need.

  Drew moved his hands down my back sending goose bumps over every inch of my body. He gently licked one nipple then the other. I was turning into an overcooked noodle.

  He slid his right hand down my stomach and between my legs. Slowly his finger glided into my core.

  “Jesus, Espe you are going to kill me. You’re slick, hot, and tight.”

  I couldn’t speak. My body was throbbing with need. All I could do was groan and move my hips against his hand. I was on the verge of falling over the edge when Drew quickly covered himself with the condom and positioned himself between my legs.

  “I’m going to go slow.” His mushroom tip was near my center. “I don’t want to hurt you,” he said as he kissed my temple.

  All I could do was nod. He gradually slid into me one slow inch at a time. The pain was intense, yet pleasant. Once he was in as far as he could go he paused, allowing me time to adjust to his presence. I ran my hands along his spine, moving under him. We found a rhythm together. It was growing into a need to devour each other. Becoming faster and harder. I was experiencing a burning pleasure throughout my entire body. I tightened my grip on his buttocks. My vision blurred. A feeling so intense was building, stimulating every nerve ending I had, that I couldn’t breathe. My body was throbbing. When I thought I couldn’t take any more a sensation like a sneeze swept through me. My body contracted and pulsed repeatedly around Drew’s shaft. I felt his body stiffen as he gave one final thrust. His body shivered just before he collapsed on top of me.

  We clung to each other until our breathing and pounding hearts slowed. Drew rolled to his side, spooning me into his chest. I liked how I fit into his body. I felt like I belonged there. I was home. I didn’t want him to let me go.

  “Did I hurt you?” Drew asked.

  “It hurt and first, but it was well worth it.” I turned my head just enough for him to see me smiling at him.

  He kissed the top of my head saying, “There’s something about you that makes my insides hum. I am so peaceful right now.”

  “I know what you mean. I’ve never felt as safe as I do here in your arms.” I pulled his arm tighter around me. “Don’t let go, okay?”

  “Never,” he said.

  It wasn’t long before he fell into a blissful sleep. The whole world faded. All I heard was the beating of his heart. At the same time my heart was breaking. In less than thirty hours we were going to be separated.

  There wasn’t any place else I would rather have been than in this moment. I was happier than I had ever been and I had never been sadder. I loved being one with Drew. I knew he loved me as much as I loved him. There was so much I was going to miss. I was completely bummed out. I didn’t want to miss a thing. I was going to miss his touch. His smile. His laugh. His kisses. Most of all I was going to miss the feeling of being complete. I was going to be separated from my second half. It was going to leave a hole in my heart that could never be filled.

  Chapter 14

  Drew

  I couldn’t believe it was Saturday. It is true what they say, Time sure does fly when you’re having fun. Every day this week the first thing I thought about in the morning was Esperanza and the last thing I thought about at night was her. Today was no exception. I was thinking about how beautiful she looked while she was sleeping. Last night was indescribable, perfect, and a night I would never forget. I needed to spend the remainder of my time on the ranch with her. Time was running out. Our vacation would be over in twenty-four hours, then we’d both head our separate ways. Just thinking about our inevitable separation was gut wrenching. I didn’t want to think about it. All I wanted was to have Esperanza wrapped in my arms. I couldn’t wait to see her wake up this morning.

  Never in a million years would I, Andrew Robert Malone, have thought I would be so gaga over another person. Truth be told, I was pretty sure I loved her. Most people would say it was impossible to fall in love with someone after only knowing them for a week. I beg to differ. I feel at home when I’m with her. Deep down I know we belong together. When we’re apart my heart aches, I miss her. There is a magnetic force that pulls me toward her whenever we’re in the same room. Her smile makes my body ache. When I am with her, my mind, body, and spirit are at peace. I have this innate need to protect her. I would put myself in front of a train to save her.

  It’s hard to explain something I am not quite sure I understand myself. I’ve dated other girls in the past but none of them have ever come close to what and how I feel about Esperanza. I want to be the air she breaths, the water she drinks. I want to be her sanctuary and her protector.

  It was official—I was head over heels in love with Esperanza Alejandra Reyes.

  Chapter 15

  Espe

  I woke to the feel of Drew twirling his fingers through my hair
. From my spooned position I turned to face him.

  “Good morning,” I said.

  “Good morning beautiful,” he replied then kissed my forehead.

  Snickering. “Yea, right, I’ve seen myself in the morning and let me tell you something, mister. I am anything but beautiful in the morning.”

  “You are so wrong,” he said leaning in to kiss me.

  His kiss was more than enough to kindle my appetite for him. We made love once again before jumping into the shower together. We continued exploring each other’s bodies as we washed each other. I was sure I could spend the day with him in me. Unfortunately, I was sore and my parents were due back in less than an hour. The last thing I needed was for them to find their only child being ravished.

  As I was putting on my shirt I turned to face Drew and said, “Drew, I need you to know something.”

  I was trying to find words that would explain what he meant to me.

  “I need you to know how I feel.”

  I walked up to him looked him straight in the eyes placing one hand over his chest and the other over my heart. I took a deep breath, exhaling through my mouth.

  “I love you Drew. Every fiber in my being ignites with your touch. You are my missing puzzle piece.” My hands were shaking. “I know this may sound weird but I feel at home with you. At peace. Like I’ve known you all my life. I belong to you.”

  He took hold of my hand and placed it over his heart. “The one thing I do believe, with all of my heart, is that our souls do belong together. I know we’ve only known each other for a week. I also know I love you too, Espe.” Bringing me into his chest he added, “Without a doubt I love you.”

  Chapter 16