by C. Soto
“Wow. You are sure though, nothing is wrong with our baby, it’s fine?”
“Yes, your baby is doing great. You are measuring at five weeks along. I’ll have a video made of the heartbeat and have it at the front desk for you when you check out and schedule your appointment for next month. Right now, the baby is a size of seed. We will have regular appointments every month. Once you are closer along to delivery, we’ll schedule appointments every two weeks to monitor your progress and really go over your delivery plan then. However, right now, I’ll write you a prescription for prenatal vitamins. Around 20 weeks, we’ll schedule another ultrasound to check in on the baby and if you want to know the gender.”
“Thank you so much doctor. I’ll see you next month.” Samantha said with a wide smile and happy tears still in her eyes. She had come here expecting bad news but instead heard the greatest news in her life and heard the most wonderful sound ever that was created, her baby’s heartbeat.
“Yes, you will. Have a great rest of your day Samantha and John.” Then she shook both of their hands offered her congratulations and then walked out of the exam room.
They looked into each other’s eyes after the doctor walked out and whispered to each other, “We’re having a baby.”
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C.Soto, Author
Dare to Dream
©January 2021
Chapter 1
Monday, June 8th
The morning wasn’t going as planned for him. Getting ready, he started throwing things around in irritation for having agreed to work. He really wanted to watch his ex-wife, but his co-worker asked him to cover his shift, being the nice guy he was, he did. He laughed and thought, him a nice guy, not really, he only did it, because he knew soon he’d need the favor returned. Even though he could postpone his plans until that night, it didn't make it any easier. He got ready and headed to work to begin the day.
For a while, he teetered on the edge of rage, thinking about his divorce two years back. They made vows which included ‘till death do us part’. Her skipping that part enraged him. How dare she leave him for someone else! All he asked from her was to be open and explore with him. What he got was her refusal, disgust, and infidelity. He would make her pay for her betrayal.
He needed to make sure once his ex-wife was back, she wouldn't be leaving again. Over the last year, he devised a plan to make sure that happened. He practiced his methods on other women to make sure he would succeed.
He'd been told he was handsome. Strangers he met in the course of his work as a tour guide left rave reviews in the "comment" box about his easy nature and charm. If only they knew! But he accepted their alter ego version, as it made his hobby that much easier.
His job mostly bored him, and today was no different. That is, until he spotted her. He knew in that moment she was the one he’d been looking for. The way she reminded him of her: same hair color, features that were way too similar. She sat in her seat, the wind seldomly blowing her hair away from her face. That was when he caught her periodically looking over at him. He made eye contact with her a few times, and she would quickly look away with a blush. He thought, ahhh, she already has submissive tendencies. He could tell in her body language she was shy. She couldn’t even hold eye contact. This was perfect, he wanted that trait in his next girl.
He took a seat near her and gave her one of his’ charming smiles. “How are you enjoying the tour so far?”
She returned the smile, enthusiasm widening her eyes “It’s wonderful! I love the animals and hearing all the facts about them and their story. You did such an amazing job. Thank you!”
“Thanks, I appreciate the compliment,” he said, treading carefully as he eased into the conversation. “Are you here vacationing or are you from around here? I usually remember repeat guests, and I don’t think I’ve seen you here before.”
“I’m on vacation, arriving yesterday. The Safari is my first sightseeing adventure. I can already tell I won’t get through the entire park in one day.” It was almost too easy to get information spilling from her. She seemed to love the attention he was giving her.
“Yea, I know that feeling. This is a huge park.” He paused and thought for a moment. “How about this, when the tour ends, I’ll get you a free pass so you can visit again tomorrow.”
Her face lit up. “Really? That is so generous, thank you so much! I’ve been dying to come see all the animals and to get a break. I graduated last month and have been looking forward to this vacation.”
As soon as the window of opportunity opened for compliments, he took advantage. “Wow, what a major accomplishment. Good for you. You deserve a break for a job well done.”
“Thank you.” He could tell it worked by the slight blush forming on her cheeks. “I’ve enjoyed Crystal Rivers so far. It’s a quaint little place. Do you get really busy during the tourist season?”
He shrugged a casual shoulder, keeping up his friendly smile. “Yes, but it’s nice getting to meet new people all the time.”
“I’ve only been here one day so I’m trying to become familiar with the area. Do you have any recommendations for restaurants?”
“Yes, we have a few nice places in town. Where are you staying?” he asked, keeping his tone casual. “I can recommend ones nearby.”
“I’m at the Hotel Inn on Main Street.”
“You’ll love Sports Bar and Grill, which is down the block from Hotel Inn. Their food is amazing. They’re one of my favorite places.” He knew the location well, so recommending a place familiar to him would only help.
“Thank you so much for the recommendation. I appreciate it.”
They continued with the small talk for a while. After getting her name, he made sure to use it to make the conversation more personalized. Dropping a few lines to make her laugh. He wanted to keep her at ease, so she’d lower her defenses. It was so easy with tourists. They’d blab away all their plans and other useful information, thinking he was a guy making idle chit chat to be polite. Normally, that was the case, but not today. Not with this girl. She wouldn’t be so lucky.
By the time they finished talking, he knew where she was staying, what places she was going to visit and how long she planned to remain in town.
He had her so engrossed in the conversation, she didn't realize the tour ended. Jennifer looked around realizing it was only the two of them left on the trolley and started apologizing for keeping him from his work.
He laughed away her concern. “Not a problem. It’s been a pleasure talking with you.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. “Oh, before I forget, here’s that free ticket I mentioned.”
She took it and tucked it in her purse after a quick glance. “Thank you so much! It was nice talking to you. You made the tour more enjoyable.”
He grinned to himself and thought, oh the pleasure was all mine, I assure you, but all he said to her was “You’re welcome.” He knew he would get the information he needed.
He would start watching her tonight. Following her from place to place,
finding the perfect time to snatch her. She made it easier than he could’ve imagined. A young woman on vacation alone, she was practically begging to be taken.
By the time he left work, he had a new-found excitement. The chase was beginning. He'd give her a few days, allow her to wander about town. He'd watch, waiting for the perfect moment, her fate already sealed.
Instead of going straight home to see what his ex-wife was doing, he made a detour. He picked up dinner and parked next to the Hotel Inn, out of sight of their cameras. From his position, he was able to see his new ‘friend’.
He watched the building patiently while eating in his car. Jennifer hadn't given him her room number--she wasn't quite that guileless--but he waited her out. His patience paid off when he saw her exiting her room and entering her vehicle. Oh Jennifer, you made it so easy! I can see you. Can you see me? Don’t worry, you will soon, he thought to himself with satisfaction.
As she pulled out of the lot, he began following her, leaving a few cars between them. He wasn’t going to take her that night; he needed her to visit other attractions, to be seen by others. People who could say they saw her after he'd seen her.
He chuckled when she pulled into the lot of one of the restaurants he'd recommended. “What a good whore, already listening to me.”
He kept an eye on her while she ate, then followed her back to her hotel. Once she disappeared in her room, he returned home to see what his ex-wife was up to. He couldn’t lose sight of the real prize.
His excitement grew as the week wore on. Watching both his girls put him in the best mood. It was like riding a high, during the hunt. Elation built inside him, knowing he'd be taking Jennifer soon.
Sunday, June 14
Almost a week after meeting Jennifer, he watched her enter the restaurant he suggested once again. Through the window, he watched as she sat at the bar. Hmmm, I should go in and sit down and act surprised running into her again, he thought. He needed to find out her plans for the next couple of days. She didn’t know yet, but he was there to interrupt them. He was ready for her now.
Ten minutes later, he sat a few stools away from her, careful not to acknowledge her right away. After placing his order, he looked towards her and smiled.
Her eyes lit with surprise and recognition. “Hi! Thank you again for that free ticket. I loved going back the next day. I was able to see the entire park.”
“Of course, it’s no problem at all. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.”
It gave him pleasure that she remembered, a confirmation he was on the right path and had chosen well. He moved over to the empty barstool next to her. As he did, he saw her reach up and move her hair behind her ear, looking down while blushing. Hmmm.. I wonder how far that blush reaches. The need to dominate her pulled at him already. He had to caution himself, the time would come soon enough.
“I see you took my recommendation for the restaurant. Are you enjoying the food?”
“Yes, thank you! Such a great place, and so close to where I’m staying.”
He kept the conversation light. “How has the vacation been treating you? Are enjoying everything our little town has to offer?”
“Yes, the scenery is beautiful. The town reminds me of a postcard displayed in a gift shop. It's peaceful here. This is exactly what I needed after cramming for finals.”
“That’s right. You said you recently graduated. I’m glad you’re getting a break after all that hard work.” An idea popped into his head. “If you're looking for the perfect place, you should visit the beach. The water is beautiful, and you’ll love the scenery.”
“I’ll check it out tomorrow,” she said. “I'm only here a few more days. Taking a break from walking all day to soak up the sun sounds heavenly. Driving between here and Tampa visiting different attractions has been fun, but exhausting. A day at the beach sounds perfect.”
“I’ll admit jealousy, you relaxing on the beach, while I’m working,” he responded in a joking tone.
Not that he would be working. He’d call in that favor from his co-worker. He owed his co-worker a thanks after this. Had he not needed to cover that shift, he wouldn’t have found this treasure sitting next to him. As they continued a casual exchange, he began formulating a plan of her abduction from the beach in the back of his mind. It was the perfect place to take her from.
Monday, June 15
He couldn’t have planned it any better. It was like the universe telling him: your time is now!
Jennifer began her day at the beach by sunbathing. He checked her out in her bikini, admiring her body. He continued watching throughout the day as she took a swim, went for a short walk, and read a book while enjoying the sun.
The sun was getting ready to set by the time she got ready to leave. He let the air out of her tires earlier, so he could gallantly offer her a ride back to her hotel in his van. He had the chloroform ready to go.
Having had dinner with her, he would appear more familiar and trustworthy. Everything was going exactly as planned.
He made sure to park a few cars down from her. He went up to the railings and made a show of stretching. He guzzled water and even did a few push-ups against the railing that separated the beach from the lot, so he'd be a bit out of breath, as though winding down from a long run on the sand.
She was walking up from the beach to her car when she noticed him. “Fancy meeting you here?” She laughed. “You look like you're finishing up a run. Had I known you were running, I would have bought my running gear and ran with you.”
“I didn’t know you were a runner. My loss,” he replied ruefully.
“Yes, I ran cross country in high school but still am an avid runner.”
“Awesome! I stop here frequently after work. I love watching the sun set over the water. It’s a peaceful feeling after a long day.”
“It would be amazing to have that every day,” she exclaimed. “Now I’m jealous.”
He gave her a smile “One of the highlights of our town is the amazing view. As you said, it is postcard worthy. Well,” he stretched one last time… “I’m heading out. Are you finishing up?”
“Yes, I am.”
“I’ll walk the rest of the way with you then.”
Jennifer giggled in a flirty tone. “That will be nice.”
As they walked down the ramp to the parking lot, he asked, “How was your day at the beach? You look like the Florida sun got you.”
They continued on until they reached her vehicle. Noticing her tires, Jennifer exclaimed, “No no no… look, son of a bitch, the tires are flat!”
Faking dismay he said, “Man that’s not good! It’s already getting late. Do you need a ride back to your hotel? You can call a tow when you get there. Sometimes they take forever getting a car, depending on how busy they are. You’re by the Sports Bar and Grill, right? I’m headed that way to pick up some takeout, so it’s no problem to drop you off on my way.”
“Really, you wouldn’t mind?” She shifted on her feet, looking embarrassed. “I don’t want you to go out of your way.”
“It’s not out of the way at all. I can’t remember exactly where you’re staying, but I remember you said it was close to the Sports Bar and Grill. No trouble at all. I’ll also give you my contact for a garage.”
“Thank you, I don't know how to repay you. What would I have done if you weren’t here?”
His plan was successful. She was passed out on the passenger seat before she even knew what happened. He made it appear for anybody passing by as if they were kissing. As soon as he saw the coast was clear, he carried her in the back of his van and secured her in case she woke up on the ride home. After going through her bag, he took the battery and SIM card out of her phone.
Tuesday, June 16
He couldn’t believe it, while on the beach the next day for one of his runs, he met another girl. It was so soon. He'd only just begun with Jennifer. He was taking a water break when Courtney and her friends pegged him for a local and asked if he knew the be
st clubs.
He addressed the group, but his focus was only for her. She all but begged to be his. Taking more than one girl at a time wasn't in his plans, but he decided one must be flexible.
Courtney would be a little more difficult as she wasn’t vacationing alone. He would have to find the perfect moment to separate her. Once he did, he would snatch her away into the night.
Wednesday, June 17
He watched Courtney like a hawk, steadfast in his desire to capture her. He needed her. He wanted them both! Needing to see how each responded to his training. He'd been collecting subjects for the last year. Some were for entertainment, used only to alleviate some aggression. It couldn’t be all work and no play, now could it?
All of his ladies were fun, but most served a single purpose: to hone his skills. His newest arrivals would be like a final exam, a test to see how far he'd come.
What did it take to break a person's spirit? How much and what types of force? The end game was to create the perfect servant: a woman whose only focus was his needs and desires, without a will or drive of her own.
This past year, he progressed in the goal. Some of the women, he didn’t take for a long duration. There were some he didn’t abduct at all. He went to them instead. Those particular women needed to be taught a lesson. He practiced his restraint techniques and some of the positions he was dying to try. He thought with a laugh, Oh my, they did die trying, didn’t they?
He caught Courtney a day after meeting her. She was walking alone to the store. Biggest mistake of her life. Always being diligent, he checked for cameras. When he found none, he waited for her to exit the store. He loved when everything worked out. Nothing was preventing his next move.
He saw Courtney exiting the store. She was carrying a brown paper bag. He staged the scene, barely missing bumping into her. Once she looked up, he acted surprised that he ran into her again. He struck up a conversation, telling her he remembered her from the beach.