3 comments/ 8546 views/ 2 favorites Journey By: Melekith Chapter I A scream ripped through the night air. A cat screeched as it ran away. Some garbage cans rattled as a rare breeze blew through the dank, dark alley. She screamed again as the rapist shoved himself inside her again. "Scream again and I'll knock out the rest of your teeth bitch!" he yelled in her face. One hand kept the knife to her throat while the other kept her arms pinned above her head. She lay there, one eye swollen, split and bloodied lips, bruised and beaten, crying, as her assailant finished and spent himself inside her. He let go of her hands, grabbed her by the throat and repositioned the knife above her heart. "You're such a fucking slut! You were soaking fucking wet by the time I got your panties off!" his voice was coarse and his breath was hot as he spoke in her ear. "Is that what gets you off you little fucking whore? Having the shit kicked outta you and being forced to spread your legs? Don't think I didn't feel you cum you fucking slut." She was starting to have trouble breathing as his grip was getting tighter around her throat. His breathing was getting a little faster and she could feel him getting hard again inside of her. "I'm going to fucking kill you while I fuck you bitch. I want to feel you die as I cum in your wet slut cunt." She lay there weeping as he labored over and in her. She couldn't keep herself from cumming as he spent himself inside her for the second time. The knife pierced her skin, drew blood, and he was gone. The knife clattered on the ground as a soft rain began to fall. A shadow peeled itself away from the wall and exited the mouth of the alley. .........._______.......... He sat drinking his morning coffee outside Starbucks as he did most mornings. Paper in hand, laptop on the table beside him, well kept and well dressed. He looked every bit the part of the business professional he was. But this was just one aspect of who he was. Beyond what the vanilla world chose to see, he was also a Dom and a Master. Normally he would be doing this same morning ritual at home, attended by his slaves but business and other matters had him taking his coffee from here of late. It wasn't home brewed, which is always the best, but it was passable and he enjoyed watching the people passing by starting their day. Halfway through his coffee as he was reading about the fifth consecutive day of odd weather patterns, he spotted her. She was wearing a blue summer dress that complimented her eyes. Tattoos crossed her chest and spread down her left arm. The bruises on the rest of her body almost matched the tattoos, if not for the swollen eye and split lips they probably wouldn't have been that noticeable. She took the same route every day. Passing in front of the coffee shop on her way to the shelter where she volunteered. She initially caught his eye a couple of weeks prior: walking boldly down the street in her summer dress with cuts and bruises bared and plain for the world to see. If she even noticed the looks she received from the passersby and people on the street, she ignored them. He liked that about her. As she passed in front of the coffee shop, right near his table, the wind picked up tearing the paper from his hand. As he reached to catch it, his arm caught his coffee cup and sent it crashing to the ground exploding the contents through the metal fence and splashing against her lower legs and feet. She stopped in her tracks with a slight gasp and a widening of her eyes. He quickly moved around the fence, napkins in hand. "Apologies," he said as he bent to wipe the coffee from her feet. The coffee wasn't scalding but it was hot enough to pinken the flesh of her ankles and feet. "That's ok. Please, you don't have to do that," she said meekly. As he cleaned her feet, he could smell how wet she'd gotten. "It's really no problem," he said. "It was completely my fault; it's the least I can do. I'm so sorry about this." He stood and looked into her eyes. She quickly looked down and away. "Joseph," he said. "Christina," she relied and grasped his outstretched hand. "Christina, it's good to meet you. Even if it wasn't under the most pleasant of circumstances." .........._One Week Later_.......... She was walking home. Taking the back alleys as was her norm. The noises of the city at night floated down the alleyways echoing off the walls. A figure stepped from the shadows and blocked her path. "Where you goin sweet thing?" She turned to head back the way she'd come, only to find the way blocked by another figure. "My friend asked you a question. It's rude not to answer when you been asked a question." "Please," she said. "I don't want any trouble." "Trouble?" said the first man. He was tall and wiry. Corded muscles stretched down his forearms. "We don't want no trouble neither baby," he smiled broadly displaying his smoked stained teeth. "Don't worry baby, we'll escort ya home. Make sure ya get there all nice and safe like." "Thank you, but no. I can manage," she said shyly and tried to move around the first man. He side stepped into her path blocking the way again. "I don't think she likes you Raff," laughed the big fellow. His shaved head shown brightly in the moonlight. He was large and obviously worked out a lot. His black t-shirt fit as if it were painted on. "I don't think she likes the way you look. She thinks you're lyin Raff. Untrustworthy even." They both moved closer as he was speaking. The skinny one, Raff, was closest. She was visibly shaking by now, nervous about what they might do. The fear radiating from her was palpable. It only served to egg the men on like wolves smelling blood. "Is that it baby? Ya think I'm a liar?!" said Raff. "Well fuck you bitch!" Light exploded in her eyes, sharp pain spread from cheek to temple on the left side of her face. When her vision cleared she found herself on the ground with Raff standing over her. She felt a hand tangle in her hair then she was dragged to her feet. It was the second larger man that had a hold of her. His thick arm wrapped around her upper chest and shoulders, pressing her against his thickly muscled chest. She tried to struggle but he just held her tighter. She tried slamming the back of her head into his mouth or nose but he was too tall and all she managed to do was make herself dizzy. "I don't like being called no liar baby." said Raff as he moved closer to her. When he got close enough, she lashed out with her feet kicking and screaming. She felt her foot connect and heard Raff curse before pain exploded in the right side of her head. A muscled arm wrapped around her neck. She kicked and clawed but quickly slipped from the conscious world. She woke with a throbbing in her head, shoulders aching, and wrists sore. She opened her eyes and looked around. Her wrists were bound and secured to a beam above her head. She was able to touch the floor enough with her toes to take some of the stress off her shoulders and wrists. She was in a bare room with bits of garbage littering the floor and piled in the corners. She couldn't see a door but she could hear the muffled voices of the two men. The voices grew loader as they entered the room. "She's awake," said the big one. "Now we can get our little party started," laughed Raff. He moved around in front of her dragging his hand across her back, around her side, and up to squeeze her breast. "I'm gonna enjoy this baby. See we was just gonna rough you up a bit and leave ya in the alley but now...now you'll be lucky if you survive the night." Tears streamed freely down her face. "That's right baby. Go ahead and cry and scream when ya feel the need to. No one will hear ya and Johnny boy likes it when they scream. Don'tcha Johnny?" "That I do," replied Johnny. Raff squeezed her breast until she let out a small cry then punched her in the stomach with his free hand. He repeated the process with her other breast. Johnny leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest and watched the process. Raff worked her over like a punching bag in a gym, alternating punches with squeezing her breasts and nipples until she cried out. He was sweating and breathing heavy when he decided to take a break. She stopped crying awhile ago, her tears all dried up. Her breasts and torso were sore beyond imagining yet she was wet. Wet enough that she could faintly smell herself. Johnny peeled himself away from the wall while Raff took up a position in the corner. He made his way over to her and gently caressed all the spots Raff had tormented. Even that was pure agony to her tender flesh. He walked around behind her out of sight but she could hear him rummaging around. The noises stopped as he must have found what he was looking for. Only moments went by when she heard a sharp crack and pain lanced across her back. Her scream was loud and terrible. Only seconds went by before the second blow came, followed by another and another. Each strike was followed by a scream ripped from her throat through pain. New tears streamed down her face and she could feel blood dripping down her back. He moved around in front of her and through teary eyes she saw the electrical cord, folded multiple times, wrapped around his hand, slick with her blood. He reared back and lashed her stomach, thighs, and breasts. As the cord came down across her breasts and the scream ripped from her throat, she cam. She cam so hard her juices dripped down her thighs in waves. "Holy hell Johnny! This bitch is getting off on this!" Johnny took one look at her legs and shoved his thick fingers over her shaved mound, across her swollen clit, and as deep inside her as he could reach. She let out another small cry but couldn't keep herself from cumming again. Raff stood and moved around behind her. Even through the tears and pain she could see the bulge in his pants. "Well if she's gonna get off on it, might as well take her up on the offer. Eh Johnny?" he said in a husky voice. She heard him undo his pants and felt his thick hard cock press against her ass then probe her cunt. Johnny stepped back and starred in her eyes as Raff shoved his cock inside her. "Oooh god, she's SO fucking wet!" Raff continued to thrust in and out of her moaning while Johnny grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him the entire time. Raff pulled out of her and the head of his cock pressed against her ass. "No. Please," she whimpered and pleaded. "She's begging for it Raff. You better give it to her." said Johnny. Raff's hard cock steadily pressed against her asshole. Thankfully her own juices acted as a lubricant of sorts and he slipped inside her ass relatively easy. He moaned loudly. He started thrusting inside her hard and steady. Johnny stepped back and lashed her stomach and breasts with renewed vigor. She screamed with each strike and shook with each thrust. The pains began to combine and it soon became the only thing she could focus on. She had no idea how much time had passed before she heard Raff grunt and thrust his full length inside of her. She snapped back to reality in time to catch multiple things at once. Raff spent himself inside her, as Johnny's makeshift whip lashed across her nipples, and a full body orgasm rolled over her. Raff pulled out and fixed his pants while he made his way back to the corner, sweating and panting. Johnny dropped his whip and undid his pants as he made his way toward her. He bent down and lifted her legs so that her knees rested in the crooks of his elbows. His massive hands gripped her waist and nearly wrapped completely around. She was teetering on the brink of unconsciousness when he shoved his giant member inside her so deep and hard that his balls slapped her ass. His cock was easily the length of Raff's and at least three times as thick. Every thrust slammed his cock head against her cervix. She felt like she was going to be ripped in two but it only served to make her cum harder, over and over again. He bit down on her nipple so hard she thought he way have bitten it off. The pain was exquisite and she screamed as she cam again. He thrust inside her one last time as she was quivering and spent himself. He sighed and pulled out leaving her sore and dripping blood and semen mixed with her own juices. He refastened his pants and retrieved a metal pipe from the garbage near the wall. Her vision was tunneling as he approached her and pulled back in an overhand swing aimed at her head. She heard the pipe clang on the floor right before she passed out. A shadow peeled itself away from the wall and made its way over to the girl hanging by her wrists in the middle of the empty room. Journey Back to Love Target acquired! After patiently stalking my prey, I prepared to strike. Slow and steady, no need to rush. I hold my breath as I close the distance. Lining up the shot I took aim and - Fired! Abort, abort! Danger! Take cover! Drat, the wind must have shifted at the last moment. When will I ever learn? Chancing a peek over my monitor my gaze met a pair of sparkling gray eyes. The twinkle told me I just might be in for some trouble. When you're one of those green-eyed redheads with pale skin, everyone could tell when you blush. Judging by my flush, I was doing that big-time. Those of us who work the night shift in my office tend to find amusement where we can. Sometimes that can backfire as it had just now. I had just scored a direct hit on the wrong target. And the unintended recipient of that misdirected projectile was Nick, the dark haired, gray-eyed star of a few of my more interesting fantasies. Another thing about night shift, there's very little to think about. Nick had been my unknowing playmate for almost a year. He has strong arms and firm thighs, and the thing that caught my attention in the first place, his butt. He has an adorable butt. It is very difficult not to grab it when he has to bend over. So far I have managed not to make a fool of myself. Unfortunately, I had just managed to get his attention and not in a good way. Feeling a presence behind me I turn my head slowly and glance up. There, holding the errant missile was Nick. I slowly rotated the chair to face him, wondering as I did if I could die of embarrassment. I sighed as I realized I was going to live to face those twinkling eyes. "I think this is yours." He grinned as he held out the rubber band. I glared at it, willing it to bust into flames for not flying to my intended target. Alas, it just sat there so I held out my hand to take it. "Wow, how did you get that?" I tried to look totally innocent but I am a terrible liar. Plus the blush that covered my face had to be visible on Mars. "Just lucky I guess." He winked as he puts the soft rubber floppy circle into my outstretched hand. Then he covered my fingers and closed them over it. The heat of his skin on mine was intense. I looked quickly at him to see if he noticed and met his startled look. "Well, thanks for bringing it back safe." I tried to joke to cover the awkward moment. Glancing down I realized he still had my hand. Our eyes met again and he smiled as he let go. "Be careful. I wouldn't want the poor thing to get lost again." With that he sauntered away. I wondered the whole time if he knew how cute his butt was when he walked. Dejectedly I turned back to my pile of work and tried to climb over it as though it was Mt. Everest. A few days later I had all but forgotten the rubber band bandit. Standing in the hallway at break I was leaning against the wall talking to my friend Tammy. We were debating the feasibility of using paper airplanes to bother the supervisor. All at once Tammy's eyes got really big. Then I felt someone behind me. Then a mouth close to my ear whispered. "I found your little friend. It seems to like me or something." Then I felt a hand in my back pocket. The hand slid almost all the way in facing my butt, cupping it for a moment before pulling out. Then the warm body was gone with a soft laugh. "What did Nick want?" Tammy wondered, watching the interesting blush rapidly take place on my expressive face. "Oh, nothing." I lied and reached into my back pocket, pulling out a rubber band. Now I know I didn't throw this one at him. I haven't thrown one since the day I accidentally used his for target practice. Should I go and declare my innocence or just let it go. Far easier to let it go I am sure. But I never do anything the easy way. Plus I still had 10 minutes left on break. And at 4 in the morning denial seems like a good plan of action. "I have to go, Tammy." I say, as I walk away twirling the rubber band on my finger. I found Nick in a perfect position. He had one hip planted against a partition talking to one of the IT guys about the new system upgrades our department was getting ready to implement. I stepped up to his back, out of sight of the IT guys, and whispered directly into his ear. "This wasn't my little friend. Someone else must have wanted you to have it." That said, I tucked my hand in his pocket, only to have it stick there as he shifted slightly at the waist. I wiggled my fingers against the tight butt trying to get free of the trap. When that didn't work I used my knuckles to pinch his butt hard. That straightened him up quickly as I yanked my hand out and walked quickly away, hoping no one had seen me feeling him up. No such luck. My friend Ann caught up to me as I reached the bathroom door. "What in the world was that about?" she demanded as I almost ran into the large restroom. I looked around to make sure there were no drama queens in the room. " Nothing! I just had to give him something, that's all!" I hissed at her as I rushed towards the nearest stall. "You had your hand on his butt, Clare." She was openly laughing because she knew I thought he had a cute tush. She was the only one in the department that knew and now that knowledge was feeding her fit of laughter. "Well, did it feel like you thought it would?" she snickered out. Ever since my divorce 6 months ago, Ann had been trying to get me to start dating again. She had even suggested Nick a couple of times since she knew I found him attractive. "Very funny, Ann." I was pouting now which was not becoming on a 30-year-old woman. I was just not ready to leap into dating. I really hadn't met anyone that seemed interesting and Nick didn't count. He was 4 years younger than me and I did not have any intention of embarrassing myself by even flirting with him, let alone anything else. "Ann, you know how I feel about that. He is young and sexy. I am not going to humiliate myself. I am not his type." I said this as I washed my hands and stared in the mirror at myself. I am cute, or so I am told. But aren't most overweight women told the same thing? I had been married for 12 years before my divorce. My entire adult life had been spent with one man. The idea of another man in my life was daunting. The idea of another man passing judgment on my body was absolutely terrifying. In today's world it's not socially acceptable to be heavy. I used to have a great deal of confidence but in the aftermath of a harsh divorce I am no longer as self-assured as I would have liked. "Clare, you never know if you don't try." This was Ann's favorite line. She had used it on me many times in the past. It'd never worked. I wonder why she kept trying? "Ann... bite me." I said as I walked out the door and into the hall. And guess who was walking by and heard the last part of that statement? Yup, you guessed it. "Um..oh, boy." I looked at the floor for a convenient hole to open up. No luck though. Looking up I caught the slight wink as Nick opened his mouth to speak. "Is that an invitation, Clare?" The smile he gave me was so sexy my heart almost stopped. Oh, lord, I am gonna just melt into a puddle of goo at his feet. How awful is that. "Only if you want it to be." I was shocked my voice was so normal. And so was he by the look on his face. With a slow turn, I headed back to the department, wondering what in the world I had just done. Did I really just say something flirtatious? I looked around but, no, the world hadn't ended. "Clare!" I heard Ann's hurried footsteps behind me but didn't stop. I couldn't face her right then. I had to think. Maybe I was sleeping. That's it! I am not awake. This was a nightmare. Someone will walk by and wake me up any minute now. (Jeopardy tune plays in background) Guess not. "Clare, stop!" Ann was right behind me so I slowed my step but I don't stop. I needed to get distance between myself and the imposter that was flirting with people. "Yes, Ann?" I said with only a slight squeak in my voice. "That was awesome. His jaw hit the floor." She slapped me on the back as she passed me on her way to her own desk. Lovely. Now I was responsible for damaging his jaw and possibly the floor. I wondered if that was covered under Workman's Compensation. A full week went by and nothing else awful happened. But I had become extremely aware of every move Nick made. I am always sure to keep the entire department between us at all times. If I didn't know better I would swear he was glaring at my back every time I avoided him. That night our manager called a meeting. This meant we all dropped what we were doing and, like half asleep zombies, we gathered around and tried to stay awake while she talked about stuff most of us didn't care about. I moved out of her line of sight and just rested my head against a nearby wall. I rubbed at my neck absently trying to ease away the stiffness. Suddenly a warm hand brushed mine aside and stroked my neck soothingly. I relaxed and melted under the touch for a moment. Then my head snapped up and I stiffened. Who in the world would have the guts to do this at work? "Shh, you don't want to interrupt the meeting. "Nick's voice whispered close to my ear. I knew he had a point. The manager was notorious for embarrassing people who interrupted her. I felt his hands resume stroking my neck, alternating between firm and feather light touches, causing goose bumps to rise on my flesh. This was so unfair, my mind growled. But I stayed still. Then I felt his mouth near my ear again and he nibbled the ear lobe gently. I was willing to bet my eyes were bigger than my face at that point. His tongue was now working on my ear as he sucked it. I think he was trying to kill me. This had to be some sort of revenge. I wondered if he realized how profound an effect he was having on my body. I was ready to purr like a cat. "You and I need to talk. You can't keep running away every time you see me." That was growled into my moist ear. Although the ear was nowhere near as moist as my panties were then. My mind was panicking trying to figure out a suitable response. Then the meeting was dismissed. I popped out of my seat so fast I must have looked like a jack-in-the-box. I moved away from Nick without looking back. "I'll keep running as long as he keeps following", I thought.. It was a shame I hadn't heard more of that meeting, I thought, a week later. It would have saved the shock of walking into this mess. Our department was undergoing some changes. I just didn't realize how drastic or how soon it would take place. I found myself in a maze of half built workstations and equipment. This made work very unpleasant. And to top it off the new software had been giving us fits. I had just finished up my fifth 12-hour shift in a row. And with a lot of other things on my plate I had almost no sleep all week long. To say I was exhausted would be putting it mildly. Every processor in the department had been pulling long hours trying to keep up with the workload. I groggily grabbed my things and waved weakly to those that were still there. I made my way through the maze of construction materials and workers with exaggerated care. I almost felt like I was intoxicated I was so tired. I needed to get home. I had 4 days off and I planned to sleep through all of them. I waved to a security guard as I pushed through the revolving door that led to the almost deserted parking lot. It was breezy and cold outside. Pretty typical for an Ohio February. It was only 5:30 in the morning. How was it possible to be awake at this ungodly hour? I saw my car way at the back of the lot and groaned out loud. My feet don't want to go that far. I wondered if I could just take a nap on the curb. I sighed and started walking. I stopped at the curb to allow a car to pass when it stopped right in front of me. I didn't even look up. I just moved to step behind it. As I reached the back end someone stepped in front of me. "Come with me," a soft voice demanded. I blinked and looked up, meeting the concerned gaze of Nick. "Nick, I need to go home. I am too tired to argue with you today." My voice was scratchy. I was not sure when I had last spoken out loud. I was too tired to notice how sexy he looked how warm his eyes were, as they took in my tired eyes and mussed auburn hair. The clips that had held the long tresses must have worked their way loose a long time ago. I didn't even care that he was seeing me in my most worn blue jeans and oversized red T-shirt. How awful I looked was nothing compared to how I felt. "Clare, just get in the car. You are too tired to drive. You will end up killing yourself or someone else." He propelled me into the front seat of his car. I was too tired to put up much of a fight. I leaned my head back and let my eyes close. Oh, blissful silence. I didn't know how long I drifted that way. "Clare, we need to get you out of the car. Come on, Hun." I wanted to argue that I was too comfortable but it took too much effort so I just allowed the gentle hands to guide me. At one point I felt hands removing my jacket and shoes. Then I was pretty sure I giggled as my pants were stripped away. I vaguely remember taking off my bra during that fit of giggles. After that I just remember feeling the softness of a pillow under my heavy head. Then lovely sleep overtook me. Bone melting warmth. That was my first conscious thought. Every muscle was loose and relaxed. I stretched slowly, each limb separately, enjoying the sensation of flexing one at a time. I couldn't remember the last time I felt so wonderfully peaceful. My mind drifted in that half-aware place between sleep and the neither world of dreams. Random thoughts floated in and out of focus. But one thought kept popping up with greater and greater frequency. Was that coffee I smelled? Followed quickly by the thought that I shouldn't drink anything until another problem was taken care of. In the end, the call of nature roused me from my warm haven. I sat up slowly stretching my arms over my head, feeling my hair tumble down my back. My eyes opened mid-yawn to stare at a delectable butt. Said bottom was encased in faded black jeans, a space worn into the right back pocket that obviously held a wallet. I first realized I recognize the pants, which meant I knew whose butt that was. My mind had a hard time associating my sleepy state with seeing someone that had only ever seen me fully clothed and in a room full of people. Fully clothed. Panic hit, as the reality of my situation became apparent. I was NOT fully clothed. Lifting the blankets I looked down at my T-shirt and bare legs. I am thankful at least that I have panties on. With dawning horror I also found that I was not in my bed. Which stood to reason, since this wasn't my room! My eyes traveled over the interior swiftly, taking in the soft navy blue comforter that surrounded me. The plush pillows scattered over the bed were in various jeweled tones. The walls had a golden hue in the pale sunshine. Wood floors had bright rugs scattered around. There was a neat dresser across the room next to the door with almost nothing on top of it. A nightstand next to me held a brass lamp with a cobalt blue shade. My bag was on a plush looking tan chair in front of a window whose shade was drawn in an attempt to keep the February sun from filling the room. "Good morning, Clare. How did you sleep?" Nick turned around holding what looked to be a big oversized robe. Oh, goodness, this is a dream, isn't it? "You look much better than you did this morning. I have breakfast in the kitchen when you're ready to come out. You can put this on and I will meet you out there. The bathroom is the first door on the right." He laid the robe on the foot of the bed and walked quickly from the room. Grabbing the robe I jumped out of bed and headed for the bathroom. First things first. I will deal with why I am here after I deal with my body's needs. After going to the bathroom, I set about trying to look a bit more human. I borrowed the brush from the bathroom sink and tried to tame the tumble of hair that seemed to have a mind all its own. I tried to brush my teeth with my finger and some toothpaste, but it didn't seem very effective. A splash of cold water on my face seemed to revive me. With a last look in the mirror I shrugged and headed for the kitchen. Something smelled awesome and my stomach was informing me that it was empty. Standing at the door I watched as Nick set a plate down on the table. There was food in the center and two place settings. I felt very shy, not sure how to act or feel. I had held him at a distance for so long. His gentle concern was breaking down all the barriers I have had in place for so long. "Feeling better?" Nick saw me in the doorway and came over, guiding me by the elbow to a seat. He held the chair for me when I sat, then placed a soft kiss to my cheek. "Much better, thank you. Nick.." He stopped my questions with a finger over my lips. "Let's just enjoy breakfast. Then we can talk, ok?" He sat across from me and started dishing out food. "This all looks and smells wonderful." I figured it was easier to wait and see what was going on. I didn't want to argue anymore. I didn't feel like I needed to hold back. It was like the awkwardness I felt before was gone, leaving me able to relax with him for the first time. "I hope you like omelets. And the bacon just finished when you woke up." He started eating and watching my every move. "I love omelets. And the bacon looks perfect." I took a bite and closed my eyes as I chewed. I hadn't realized how hungry I really was. I reached over and poured some orange juice into a waiting glass and took a long drink. "Your face is so expressive." He was watching my mouth as I chewed. I tried not to choke as I swallowed. The look on his face was one of hunger. And I don't think it was for food. "Yes, it's a curse." I could tell I was blushing. It had been a long time since I had been seated across from a man at a breakfast table, let alone one that looked like he wanted me for breakfast. "I think it's a gift. I can tell when you are happy, sad, nervous, or embarrassed. I bet it's easy to see when you are pleased." This was said in almost a whisper. Almost as though he didn't realize he was speaking out loud. I felt my heart beat faster. "Yes, it's always easy to see exactly how I feel at any given moment." I wondered if he could see the desire that was awakening in my stomach. I looked away from his searching gaze and reached for a fork. "So what are your plans for the day?" I asked as though my heart wasn't pounding. "Well, the plans I had have changed. So I guess we will just have to see what happens." He started eating again, his eyes never leaving my face. "What were your plans?" I was fascinated by the way the light shone on his dark hair. It was so thick. I wondered what it would feel like to run my fingers through it. "I had planned on asking you to dinner. It's Valentine's day, after all. But since you are here I would really like the chance to spend the day with you." He had a vulnerable look on his face that I had never seen before, as though afraid I will say no. I had never considered that I might make him as nervous as he made me. "Nick, I..." I stopped speaking as his hand covered mine. The heat from that touch made me shiver. "Clare..." His words stopped as he saw the heat in my eyes. My expressive face had betrayed the desire I have tried so hard to hide. Bringing my hand to his lips he kissed the fingers one at a time, eyes glued to mine. I was helpless to do more than tighten my hand around his. He got up from the table still holding my fingers and came around to me. I stared up into his eyes. They were almost silver now. I saw a longing there that I knew was reflected in my own. Journey Back to Love "I just..." This time I stopped his words with my fingers. I traced his lips, amazed at how soft they were. Taking a step forward I was almost against his body. With a groan he pulled me to him. His arms held me tightly against his body. I could hear the rapid beating of his heart. Leaning back I looked up into his face. Our lips met for the first time. I closed my eyes and leaned into him, absorbing the heat of his body against mine. He had a woodsy scent that was distinctive to him alone. The strength of his arms made me feel impossibly fragile and protected. Nick's tongue moved over my lips. I parted them and welcomed his hot tongue into my mouth. I had never felt this instant passion with anyone. Daringly I sucked at his tongue and felt a tingle as he groaned against my lips. He held me even more tightly than before, thrusting his tongue deep as his hips rocked against my stomach. I curled my fingers into his hair, finally feeling how thick it was. I used it to pull his mouth more tightly to mine, thrusting my tongue against his. I was on fire for him. With a groan he pulled away. My eyes opened to see his shining with warmth and desire. "Clare, it's too soon for this. I don't want to scare you away now that you're finally here. I have waited so long for you to open up and let me in. Let's not ruin it now." He was stroking my cheek with his fingers, eyes searching mine for any doubts. There were none. "I know I have pushed you away out of fear. Nick, you are such a sexy viral man, I really thought you were only teasing me. I never for a moment allowed myself to consider that you might actually be interested." I leaned into his hand. I needed him to understand why I acted as I had. "Oh, Clare, I have been interested for months. I just didn't know how to get behind those walls you had between us." He was kissing my face as he talked, soft butterfly kisses that have me melting. "Come with me." I took his hand and led him to the bedroom. It was as though I had waited too long. Now I needed to show him how I felt. Once inside we stood at the side of the bed. I searched his eyes and found only warmth and desire there. My fingers trembled as they untied the robe. I shrugged my shoulders and it fell to the floor. I stood before him in my T-shirt and panties. He stripped his white T-shirt over his head allowing me to see the firm muscles of his chest. His chest was almost free of hair, with only a small patch that led down to the waist of his jeans. I reached for the button of his pants as his hand covered mine. Fascinated I watched as he pulled the button and the jeans pulled open, the zipper opening at a tug from his strong fingers. Using both hands I grabbed his boxers and his jeans and pull them both down and off, leaving him naked before me. My breath caught at how beautiful he was. His lean hips led to strong thighs and firm calves. And his arousal was all too evident. I reached out a finger and shyly stroked down his shaft and again his hand stopped me. "If you do that this will go away too fast." He stepped forward and pulled the shirt over my head leaving me in my panties before him. I felt a moment of fear as he saw me for the first time. But he just groaned and pulled me against him and I knew he liked what he saw. My full breasts were pressed against him, his hardness against my soft stomach. He sat on the edge of the bed and pressed his face between my breasts, his lips kissing my chest and breasts. His right hand cupped me and brought my nipple to his waiting mouth. My legs trembled as he suckled me eagerly. I cupped his head to me and prayed I wouldn't fall. I feel his hands tug at my panties and pull them down my legs. I stepped out of them and watched as he sucked my other nipple deeply into his mouth. His left hand then caressed my hip then downward to my thighs. I trembled as it slipped between my legs and cupped my mound. He stroked through the downy hair then parted my moist lips. A finger ever so gently stroked the hard nub of my desire. My legs threatened to give way at the waves of sensation he was evoking. It had been so long since my body had felt release; I was not sure how long I would last with this sweet torment. "Nick, please." My voice was hoarse. I needed to feel his body against mine. "Clare, come here." He scooted back a little on the bed and pulled me astride him. My wetness caressed him as I rocked my hips teasingly. He felt so hot and hard. Reaching between us he guided himself to me. Our eyes met and I slowly sank downward taking him deep into my body. My eyes never leaving his, I started to rock against him. I rose up my hips then lowered them slowly. His hands were on my hips urging me along. I felt heat building and thrust faster. He suddenly surged up hard, driving himself further into me. I felt myself tighten and drew him even deeper and we both exploded. I felt him filling me with his seed. Pulling me down into his arms he held me tightly, our breathing slowing to normal. I moved to lay next to him, my head on his chest stroking his stomach with my fingers. "Oh, my love, that was worth waiting for," Nick whispers into my hair. "No, hearing you call me "love" is what was worth the wait." With a smile, I realize that sometimes it is not the journey that matters but the destination in the end.