11 comments/ 9881 views/ 8 favorites How Do I Get Out of This? Ch. 01 By: TranslucentGirl A hearty thanks to my editor, tigersman. ***** 9 o'clock, Tuesday She had just been told that her family didn't make it from the car accident. The accident happened two months ago, just as she was starting her second year in college. She had fragments of that memory in her mind, pushing most of it somewhere deep that she couldn't find, at least not soon. She had a part-time job at a local bookstore and she was there when she received the phone call from the hospital. Her shift had ended since 6 o'clock, but she had to stay those three extra hours to help her boss sort some newly arrived used books. After the phone call she mumbled goodnight and went out. She needed some fresh air and the least possible crowd. She took the little street behind the bookstore and started to feel her eyes wetting. This autumn night was mild. The soft breeze kept her going while her mind was empty. Her hands were in the pockets of her jeans and the black woolen jacket was swinging by that breeze. Her bag felt heavy on her back, heavier than before. Mechanically she turned her head to her right to check the road for cars and her wavy, brown blond hair got on her face. She didn't have the chance to cross the road as she was stopped by the loud "hey there" from what seemed like a three member gang. Two of them approached her quickly while the third was standing ten meters away, kind of supervising. "Wanna hang out tonight, pretty face?" one of them said, as he tried to touch her. She didn't move, she didn't respond. "You're not talking to us, babe?" No, she wasn't. She kept looking at them, slowly beginning to understand the situation. She pushed the echo of her family news to the side and with her eyes still wet from the shock, she glanced at their leader. He looked casual in his black hoodie leaning against the wall, but she sensed he was watching around all the time and that he was tense, ready for action if needed. She turned to the other two. Still, didn't speak a word but looked at them. Theywere close enough now. One tried to grab her hand while the other raised his hand, brass knuckles around it, aiming at her neck. Her bag being heavy made her take a slightly different turn than expected and the iron fist got her in the left side of her face while the rest of her dropped heavily on the pavement. Blood ran from the trauma on her face. "Fuck!" they both said as the third one was approaching quickly. "That was pretty stupid and unnecessary," he said to them in a quiet angry voice. "Go, leave, I'll take care of this. Go!" One of them grabbed her bag while the other ran. They were both taking quick, fearful looks at their leader as they ran away. "Fuck!" he thought too. He felt her pulse. Still there. He pushed her hard until she let a low voice. OK, she's responding. He should leave now while there was no one around. He looked at her again. He knew if he left her there she would be dead in a couple of hours. He remembered the way she reacted, or better the way she didn't react. Like she had nothing to lose. Her face was scarred quite deep in one side past her lips, near the chin. The color of the blood darkened as the minutes went by and it made a huge contrast with her white skin. Fuck. Two powers dueled inside him. Two lives at risk, hers or his, He had to decide quickly. He lifted her and carried her the distance to his home. 12:10am, Wednesday He knew the first hours were crucial. So, as soon as he heard her making a sound, he went near her. "Hey, how are you feeling?" She opened her eyes slowly. She didn't recognize where she was and she felt dizzy. It took her some moments to identify the face in front of her. Less intimidating now without the hoodie and its shadows. She tried to withdraw backwards. All she felt was the back of the leather couch she was sleeping on. Dizzy again. "You don't have to be afraid of me," he said in a calm voice. She looked at him. He's just the one she was afraid of. "You have to try hard and stand up." She had to put her hands on her head to steady it. It took her two whole minutes and she had to hold onto the couch as she was standing. "Now tell me your name." She moved her head slowly. "This is a joke, right?" "Actually it's the first question they'd ask you in a hospital. You had a concussion and I want to know to what extent." She closed her eyes to minimize the dizziness. "What do you care? You and your gang caused this..." "You didn't answer me, though." "Eva." "Sounds nice, Eva," he started, but before he could finish, she collapsed on the couch. OK, so the waiting wasn't over. He would have to watch out for a fever now. He let her sleep. 2:34am, Wednesday It took him some minutes to wake up to the sounds. She was having a nightmare and crying out "Get out of the car, get out of the car." He reached for her forehead. Hot. Fuck. He had no paracetamol. But this fever had to come down soon. Tried to remember his training: tepid water bath. "Eva," he touched her lightly. "Can you get up? You need to take a shower." After a couple of moments she opened her eyes. He noticed they were dilated. And a deep green. He repeated, "Eva, get up, I'll hold you." He was certain she hadn't woken up yet, but she obeyed. He had to half drag her to the shower. It only took him a moment, before he reached for his pocket knife and tore her blooded t-shirt and took her jeans off in a quick move. And her underwear. He pushed her gently in the shower. "Can you hold this? I'll open the water for you." One minute he was making sure her hand was on the rail making sure her eyes were open and the next she was letting go of the rail with her eyes closed. Fuck! "Fuck," he whispered loud. He entered the shower although he was in his t-shirt and shorts. He had to embrace her. She was out. He let the water flow and tried to wash the blood out of her hair and face. As he did, he felt her heavier on him. He could see the signs. "Don't die on me now. Come on! Eva, wake up," he was talking in a low voice, mostly to himself. He knew she couldn't listen. "Don't faint now, Eva. Don't die on me. Don't die on me now. Please don't die on me." He kept directing the water to her head mostly and feeling her forehead constantly, while holding her tight all the time. He was always proud he could control himself to whatever limit he wanted to, but this situation was a real test for him. Her perky breasts were a breath away from his chest and her white skin with some faint blue veins, in his hands. Her body emitted the strange mixture of innocence along with alluring curves. He reduced the temperature more. "Wake up Eva, wake up," he repeated while touching for signs of coolness. When he felt her shiver he knew she had taken too much. Time to take her out. He was rewarded. She seemed to regain her consciousness a bit and tried to hide herself, although her eyes were still dilated. "Don't be afraid, Eva," he reassured her, speaking softly, but still holding her up. He quickly grabbed a clean t-shirt of his and a pair of boxers. He dressed her in no time and put her on his bed. As he went to bring a towel to dry her hair, he thought that he still had more than 24 hours to make sure she didn't have a stage three concussion, or even worse, internal bleeding. He changed his own clothes, which were soaking wet after the shower. He slept on the couch. His last thought before he slept was "How am I gonna get out of this?" 10:44am, Wednesday She woke up, but it took her more than two minutes to realize where she was. He had seen her, but let her alone to adjust her memories. At least it would be a good indication if she had any memories. It would mean that the worse was over. She half closed her eyes because the windows weren't covered and the sunlight felt hard today. Dizzy. Although less than yesterday. All came rushing back. She blushed, as she felt his t-shirt on her. "Coffee?" he asked, breaking her thoughts. She hadn't noticed him yet. He was standing over her, quite tall with his shoulder length, dark hair casting shadows on his face. His eyes were dark blue as he studied her face. "I don't drink coffee really..." "It will do you good. It's mild and will boost your head just as much as you need." "OK... Thanks," she said lowering her voice and her head. He moved to touch her forehead and she held back a little. She let him feel her. "It's better now, but we'll have to keep an eye for the next day or so." He handed her the coffee and sat on the concrete floor by the bed. "You had a concussion. The first 24 hours are crucial if you develop a fever. Since I wanted to avoid the hospital, I took all the measures I had to keep it down," he explained calmly. He extended his hand to her face. Again, she backed a little. "You have a quite deep scar on your face. I'm surprised it doesn't sting. I didn't take care of that when I saw that you had a high fever," he said as he ran his fingers on the scar. Her dizziness lifted. She was supposed to thank him? Did she owe him her life? For she could have been raped and killed up on that pavement. But it was his gang that provoked it. He was surely their leader. Why did he let it happen in the first place? Why didn't he stop them then? He was still studying her for any warning signs, or so she thought, or so he thought until he had once again the same warning line sounding over and over in his head. How the hell am I gonna get out of this? 12pm, Wednesday He got up. He was the first to break that line that they both felt was developing between them. "I'm gonna make some phone calls outside. Don't stand up on your own while I'm out. Rest as much as you can," he ordered in a flat voice. He went out with a quick pace. She looked around, sipping her coffee while it was still hot. The place must have been a part of an old factory with its concrete floors and walls. It didn't have a proper door, only a garage door, rusted and heavy. It had hanging bulbs, a leather couch and his bed. A couple of chairs were scattered around and a large door that led to the bathroom. This was the only room separated from the rest of the open space. She suddenly felt tired and set her coffee mug on the floor. She was asleep in less than a minute. He felt relieved when he saw her sleeping again. Those were the directions. Sleep and rest for the first hours. He felt her forehead and her scar. It was healing by the hour. Good. 7:12pm Wednesday She woke up. Dizziness was there, but didn't seem impossible like before. "What time is it?" she asked in a faint voice. "Hey, you are OK? It's a quarter past seven in the evening. You're doing well." "So, can I leave?" He took a moment before he would reply. He looked into her eyes. The dilation had gone. They were just kind of melancholic. "You are expected somewhere? You don't have anything, not even clothes to walk out soon. Plus I have to take measures so you won't talk about this to anyone." She felt stupid. Of course, it wouldn't be easy. He's a gang leader for Christ shake! "My bag?" "Was taken." What? She had all her money in there from her work, all her clothes. "I'm lost without it! All my belongings were in there..." He paused for a moment. "I'll get you some clothes. And stuff... And a bag. I'll be back. Don't get up on your own, stay there. Drink more water. I guess tomorrow morning you can leave..." "OK." When he returned, he found her sitting on the floor, away from the bed. "God, Eva, I told you to stay down..." He stood her up. "I wanted to take a bath and I felt good but suddenly everything was turning around..." He hugged her loosely, to help her regain her steadiness. She didn't. "Come, I'll get you to the shower." All of a sudden, she started crying. "Do you know what the worst part is?" she said between her tears. "What is it, baby?" he startled himself for what he thought actually came out as words, as a whisper. "I know something is inside my head, something that causes me pain and I can't remember anything. Did something happen the night, you know, they attacked me?" she asked desperately. "I know you had some nightmares. But you should let your mind decide when you'll recover that information. You need to rest now." He caressed her hair the whole time she cried. Hell, he would find out what that nightmare was. "What's your full name Eva?" "Eva Aitken." "How old are you Eva?" "19." "Good, good. You're not underage." She looks at him puzzled. "What is your name?" "Not important. Focus on you now." "What is your name?" she asks more quietly. "Stephen." "How old are you Stephen?" "25." He was trained and chosen just for this reason, that he could easily not form close relationships. He would be extremely vulnerable if he ever fell in love or anything. He knew that. Even now, he knew he made a poor choice saving Eva. He should have left her on the pavement. All he had built was jeopardized now. But looking at her, he knew he couldn't have done otherwise. It was something different he couldn't exactly put his finger on. He shook his head to set his thoughts aside. "Do you still want to take that shower?" "Yes, please." "You know I have to help you, OK?" "Can't you just wait outside and if I need you..." "No, you can't have another concussion on top of the other one. It will kill you. Do you know what the possibilities are?" "You know a lot of things for an outlaw... Am I saying that right? I don't mean to offend you but..." He can break that line. He has to. He was trained to. He lets go of her shoulders. "Go on. I follow." He has to find a way to get out of this. The moment she's finished, he leaves the place. 8:56pm, Wednesday "There you are. Ready for tomorrow morning," he says as he hands her a new backpack, in dark grey full of clothes and some money. She looks at him both questioningly and thankfully. She slowly gets up and hugs him. "Thank you, you didn't have to." He tenses and gently pushes her away. "I'll go out tonight. Please stay in bed." He hesitates, sees her frozen, nodding yes. He leaves. On his way to meeting the gang he makes a phone call. "I want to locate anything about an Eva Aitken. Be quick, I don't have much time." Less than five minutes later he has all the answers. 2:35am, Thursday When he returned, he found her reading a book. "Where did you find this? And why aren't you asleep?" His figure was daunting as there was only a tiny light for her to read. Darkness made him taller and bigger and more intimidating. "So?" His good behavior had completely disappeared. He was a different person. "Stephan," she started, "I found some books in a box in the kitchen. Honestly I was looking for something to eat and..." "Fuck. I forgot at you hadn't eaten for a full day." "And I slept, but I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep so I started reading it. It's..." "All right," he stopped her. "Give it back to me now." She hesitated and he turned impatient. He got closer and grabbed it. His eyes were flashing. "I'm sorry... Maybe you would like me to leave now, Stephen?" He laughed. "It's like I'll be feeding you to the wolves. You have to stay here tonight. But," he said more softly now, "Be a good girl, OK?" She nodded yes although she didn't know how she wasn't a good girl before... A minute passed and she stood up to drink some water while he was checking some maps on the table. She asked softly, "Have you been drinking? Cause I've seen..." His angry grip stopped her. "Mind your own business and leave me out, OK?" She felt ready to explode. She felt like crying pretty soon but that wasn't enough. She turned, put on her jeans fast, put on her shoes without socks and grabbed her bag. She was about to make it outside, but she lost time searching for the button to open the door. He caught her. "You little girls are quite a pain. You get angry at everything and you want your way always, no matter what." She felt angry. She let her tears show now, but her rage wasn't soothed. She pushed her elbow into him as hard as she could and turned away once more. "See how right I was?" he huffed near her face. "You can clearly see that I'm puzzled at something, but all you can think about is yourself." She opened her mouth to protest but he went on. "That's why I have always avoided those sentimental girls like you, with the big ideas about how a guy should treat them and that's why I always will avoid them like hell." She stood speechless with her hand caught in his grip which was getting firmer as he went on talking. "That's why you shouldn't be afraid of me. I don't touch virgins and emotional wide-eyed girls. Never have, never will. They ask for more of you, they..." She blushed with a building anger and burst out, talking over him, "That's your version of the truth. You created that world in your mind where everything is preset up in black and white." He stopped and actually heard her. "Yeah, Stephen, you are the one who's afraid of the truth." As he regained his mind, his face went hard again, not wanting to register what she just said to him. About him. Which sounded true. "Are you provoking me to prove you wrong Ms. Aitken?" "I'm not provoking you; I just know I'm right." He laughed. There was a lot going on in his mind. The sound of his name with her voice, the blind, naive trust she had in him, her innocent face that he had forgotten existed among people in his line of work, her willingness to get closer to him and help him on another level, like a friend, her bare lips. He definitely had to get out of this. Quickly. To be done with that. "Let's play a game, Eva," he started saying as he held her closer. "By the end of it we'll know who wins or loses." She nods OK. "You have to answer me verbally to what I say, OK?" "OK." "So, if I got more intimate with you right now, it wouldn't matter more to you than any other woman." "I don't know, really..." "I mean you wouldn't expect to wake up with roses delivered to you." "Right." As he talks he bends and kisses her. Her dizziness is not from the concussion. They both know that. He holds her closer. "And you won't ask for phone numbers, names or addresses." He kisses her again, as she mumbles "No." "And you won't keep calling during day or night." He gently pushes her on his bed. "No..." "And you won't call my friends to know where I am." "No." "Or, with whom I am..." "No, no." His voice is flat and somewhat hard. His hands undress her. He kisses her between his sentences. "And you'll be able to acknowledge that this is only physical and it will end as soon as it's over." "I guess..." Another kiss. "Yes or no." "OK, yes." "And kissing is part of having sex. Doesn't mean anything emotional." "I understand that." He pulls her closer yet. "But will you be OK with it?" "I don't know..." "Yes or no." "Yes." She feels him hard on her stomach. "And you won't expect any "I love you" afterwards." "I won't." "Now you have to control your pain level." "What?" She tried not to make a sound. It was close to impossible. He was inside of her with a decisive thrust. "And no tears afterwards." "No tears." He moved inside her rough, but held her real tight. When he came inside her, he let a small cry, but other than that, no words were spoken. He felt her body tremble, not by pleasure. She already knew she had lost the game. How Do I Get Out of This? Ch. 02 A hearty thanks to my editor, tigersman. ***** He spotted her at an Irish Bar. A sweet brunette, about the same height as Eva with a peachy, glossy lipstick and a ridiculously short skirt, unlike what Eva would have worn. She had been staring at him for a long time now. It was time to buy her a drink. He nodded the barman to send her a tequila shot, not what she was having, which didn't matter to him. He wasn't going for a polite flirt. She smiled and drank it. She smiled again, seductively. He paid the bill and walked over to her. She saw him approaching and leaned on her stool. Before she would say 'hello stranger', he lowered himself to her ear and whispered sternly, "Let's get out of here." She followed, feeling a rush of heat between her legs. She drove to her place and, although she tried to say a few words, open up a conversation, he was looking out of the window and kept ignoring her. She frowned, trying to understand what was the thing with him that made her put up with him, besides the fact that he made her feel more wet that she had been in a long, long time. Maybe the mystery, definitely the mystery behind his deep, blue eyes. And the movements, his way of walking. Oh, and the way he talked to her, the authority in his voice. She hadn't finished unlocking her door, when Mark pushed her against her apartment wall and kissed her hard. She didn't taste like Eva but, anyway, he half undressed her and half tore her clothes, as he put his hand between her breasts. He pushed her some more against the wall. She let out small cries, that were about to get many notches higher in volume, pretty soon. She couldn't take a proper breath and, truth is, she didn't want to. Grabbing her ass, he lifted her up and entered her in one quick thrust. She had to struggle for breath now, but she wouldn't have it any other way. No, it didn't feel like Eva. He kept on fucking with intensity, for five minutes, until he came. She came, too, just moments before he did, but that wasn't his intention really. He cupped her chin and kissed her cheek lightly, like a casual acquaintance and opened the door and left. She stood there, naked and breathless for another five minutes, before she locked the door and bent to pick up her clothes. ... Mark walked all the way to his home and it was well more than an hour's walk. In the past six months he had fucked another sweet brunette, another one that remotely reminded him of Eva. He had to shake that ghost off and get her out of his system. Get it all out. But now he knew, no matter how hard he tried to get back to his previous way of life, he had Eva's image of her eyes filled with pain when he took her virginity imprinted in his brain, when he was taking those girls. And the trust in her eyes; this was the most unbearable thing. He knew he had to make that phone call tomorrow morning. ... "Mark, my man, come in!" Tom said as he handed him a cold beer. Mark half smiled at Officer Thomas, who knew of Eva and was the one who informed her about Stephen. "Thanks, Tom, nice to see you. It's been a while." Mark returned his warm greeting. "It's been half a year, Mark." Tom said, while introducing a female officer, who was sitting in an armchair, "This is Sarah, you remember Sarah?" "Hello Sarah," Mark slightly shook his head, "I've heard about you but never really met you." "Hi Mark. You couldn't have, you were on those undercover missions of yours for the past, what, two years?" "Three, if you count the preparations. One and a half in the last one." "Tough, man. So, I hear you left the force." Replied Officer Thomas. Mark nodded. Yeah he had. "Why? I thought they'd give you some time off and some benefits..." Tom went on. "Chief said I kinda fucked up saving Eva and exposing a lot, although the op turned out successful. I had to have a desk job for five years minimum. That's not me." Mark replied. "Can't fucking believe it. You lose yourself for a year and then they count every move you make as right and wrong!" Sarah sympathized. Mark took a large sip. "I respond to the name Stephen even now, after six whole months. I swore I'd never wear another black t-shirt in my life. And I haven't worn my earrings since I'm Mark again." His voice trailed off and he took another sip to cover his tremble. He wasn't used to feeling vulnerable. "Well, Mark," Sarah cleared her throat, "Tom had me ask about an Eva Aitkin at her college, as discreetly as possible." She quickly looked at Tom for approval and, when he nodded, she went on. "Strangely or not, she pushed her attack memory behind, just like her family's accident. I mean, the psychologist told me that she is aware that those incidents happened, but she can't recall the details. Other than that, she seems to go on as normal as possible." Mark could easily hide the beating of his heart. But he blushed just a little at the sound of her name. He had thought of it, but listening to it after all this time, was a small pinch in his heart. He took another sip. "Thank you Sarah, for your time and effort. I guess it's up to me right now." Sarah and Tom exchanged looks and agreed without a word. They had respect for Mark and understood that it took a lot of courage to locate this girl and apologize for actions taken when he was undercover. Tom cleared his throat, "Mark, this um...exposure could still be dangerous for you, you know." "I know, Tom, I know. Thanks a lot, I owe you one. Listen, I gotta go..." At twenty-five Mark had earned enough respect to have his small wishes granted, even by seniors a decade older than him. Even if he wasn't on the force anymore. ... Eva was browsing through the various announcements on the college bulletin board. Exams had just finished, her second year had just finished and she was looking through ads for summer jobs, summer labs and roommates' vacancies. A nice looking young man, about her age, approached her and touched her back lightly, "Anything of interest, Eva?" "Three jobs and only one candidate roommate. How about you, Theodore, did you find a roommate, yet?" Eva answered and asked at the same time. He laughed earnestly and answered her something that, Mark, being three meters away, couldn't make out or didn't care because he got wrapped up in her voice. Her voice answering his questions in that concrete room of his, her voice accusing him and that same voice asking worryingly about him at the police station. He didn't know how to get closer to her, so he did what he always did: research. He would follow her for a couple of days, and would find a way in. Eva didn't have a fixed schedule now that her exams were over. She hung out with a couple of girls and occasionally that Theodore guy and another one, who seemed to be involved with one of her girlfriends. He didn't even want to validate the option that Eva had a boyfriend. A couple of days later she landed a job at a local coffee shop and so, Mark, went in to have a coffee. He was lucky because he sat at a table where she served. "What can I get you, sir?" Her heart missed a beat at the sight of that dark haired guy with the intense look in his eyes. She attributed it to her first day nervousness. "Coffee, please. No sugar, no cream. Which is the best blend you have?" "Sorry," she blushed, "It's my first day here. I only drink tea, so I don't know how to help you today... But," she added, "if you come back tomorrow, I will fill you in!" He felt his crooked smile rising at his lips and smoothly said, "It's OK Miss, anything will do for today." She made a small bow with her head, smiling, proud of herself that she graciously got out of an 'I don't know' situation. He let himself let go and felt confident of his bold decision to find her again. And save his life this time. Mark became a regular. He enjoyed her company, no matter how short it was. He saw her moving through tables and each day he saw a new confidence building in her ways. One talk they had one day, made him take action. She mentioned by the end of the month, she would have to find a place to live, since her roommate would move to her boyfriend's house. She was very reluctant, but she'd have to take up Theodore's offer to move in with him. He asked her in a calm voice "What time does your shift end?" And she replied "In two hours", blushing lightly. "In two hours you are going to have a walk somewhere you've never been before and dinner afterwards." And left, before anyone could spot his rare, wide smile. She came out five minutes past their date, murmuring "sorry." She wore her white, cropped jeans and a dark blue, lace shirt. He smiled and in a quiet voice said, "It's OK, Eva." He took her to the school he was teaching Tae Kwon Do, since, as he put it, he was 'in between jobs'. He showed her the moves, the places, and the equipment. She admired the way his body moved but didn't tell him. She didn't have to, he saw it in her eyes. He let his guard down a little more. They went for dinner at a local, small diner. He liked that he was in charge and she was thrilled to see all this new stuff. He walked her to her -soon to leave- apartment. He knew he shouldn't rush things, so he touched her hair and leaned down, kissed her on her cheek and wished her 'goodnight' in a velvet voice, that startled even himself. She had that strange gut feeling, again. After a couple of dates, more or less, like the first one, Mark was in a whirlpool of feelings, he couldn't cope with. When he felt helpless he always turned angry, like that one night as Stephen. That Thursday night, they started their way home when the impending rain began. Tons of water in a matter of minutes. Mark held her from her waist but he couldn't cover her; Eva was soaking wet, her body outlined through her semi-transparent, wet clothes. "My place is down this street. Come on, we have to get inside, anywhere," he said over the loudness of the raindrops. She nodded and ran along with him. "This is awkward but you have to strip Eva. I'm bringing towels." Mark gave her privacy but not without having a flash back of their time in the shower, where he was holding her naked body. Eva was in her underwear when Mark brought her towels. She used one around her body and he used another one to dry her hair. Another deja vu. A thunderbolt startled her and had her in his arms in no time. He held her tight; tighter than necessary though not as tight as he wanted. He let three heartbeats pass by before he took her face in his hands and kissed her. It wasn't a soft kiss; he bit her lower lip more than once. Yeah, that kiss smelled like Eva. Reinforced with that realization, he bit her lip one more time, until she let out a tiny cry. He kissed her softly and then hard again. He ran his finger over her white-pink scar that run under her cheekbone to her lips, the scar he was a witness to. He held her even tighter and loosened the towel. Eva felt his 'made of steel' hands wrapped around her, carrying her into a spartan room, his bedroom. She was battling with her self-control, mostly because she had zero resistance to this man since day one. All her inhibitions ceased to present themselves, when he kissed and bit her nipples. He hadn't felt her breasts before, well no more than feeling them pressed against him, through his wet t-shirt. Now he made up for the lost time. He was kissing her and caressing her breasts at the same time, giving her the moments she needed to give herself to him. Mark ran his finger down her slit and, when he felt her wetness, he gently pushed her legs apart, whispering "Don't be shy, Eva, let me feel you". Mark had one hand on her face, with her hair inside his palm and his thumb brushing her cheek and her lips, while his other hand was opening Eva's entrance. When he entered her, he kissed her and they both had a shortage of breath. Yeah, that was his Eva. He was relieved that the tightness he felt meant that she didn't have sex with anyone else after their night, the night that she still couldn't remember. She was still his. And tonight she would be his all the way. "Let yourself loose, baby." Mark ordered her in a sweet way. When he was finally inside her, he moved hard, not too quick and not too slow. She was so tight around him that, when he felt her tension rising, he put his hands underneath her waist and lifted her back some inches off the mattress. He thrust deeply into her and with a few more strokes, he felt her tremble. He let her waist down and continued to thrust, a little less hard now, covering her small cries with his mouth. He felt her like crying and was quick to whisper, "Don't cry my Eva, let yourself go, don't cry. Eva, you came for me, you're a wonderful girl." She held him closer yet and said inside his breaths "It felt so perfect, Mark". "I know baby, I know... Do you want me to come for you now, Eva?" She nodded yes, "Yes Mark, oh, yes Mark." "Say it Eva, say it to me." "Mark, I... I want you to come for me" she said with a low voice, blushing in front of his eyes. And he did, holding her as tight as he could. Now she was truly his. He found his breath and laid beside her. He opened his arms and she let her head nest on his chest. "Mark, I still feel numb. That was..." "Eva," he said, enjoying the sound of her name on his lips, "I know, I felt it, too." He stroked her hair which smelled of rain and Eva. When she drifted off to sleep, he was still holding her. Once again Mark ran his finger along her almost invisible scar and said for none to hear but himself "Now, that was a better first time Eva." And kept twisting and playing with her hair around his right hand, as she slept on his chest. ... "Mark," Eva begun, with a soft smile on her face, the same one she had acquired since that rainy Thursday, and had every time she met Mark's eyes, face or figure walking from afar. "Mark, I have to meet my friends today. We are all going to the bar right down the road from the coffee shop, after my shift is over. Mark... Would you like to come with me?" It wasn't his cup of tea, he was already far more mature than people his own age; he could only imagine six years younger. "Go on Eva, meet them. You might have some secrets to share. You know..." "Next time, then." "Next time Eva." She returned home, tired, happy and puzzled. He was preparing dinner and took a long, inquiring look at her. He instantly knew she wanted to tell him something. In the afternoon, soft light, her light yellow summer dress made her look so innocent, while her legs that were showing up to the middle of her thighs, reminded him of her reactions when he was making love to her. And all the new things he was teaching her. Mark reached the hem of his t-shirt and took it off in one move, "Come here Eva. And, please, don't talk for a while." His eyes darkened. "Come here, baby." She took small steps towards him. "Not quick enough." Mark said in a low, hoarse voice while taking big steps to her direction. He held her neck and turned her around, to face the table that was previously behind her. Gently but steadily, he bent her waist over it and lifted her dress. "Mark, you're pressing me..." Eva started with a not so sexy giggle. He pressed her more while he opened her legs forcefully, his hand on her back. "Don't talk baby." She felt him inside her and turned her face to look at him. All this time with Mark, she felt, every time they coupled, more and more senses that aroused inside her, turning her into a woman. Now, on this rough table, with her breasts squeezed by the pressure of his hand on her back, she was not only ready for Mark to enter her but ready to orgasm, too. "Mark, I..." Eva started as she felt the wave of an orgasm overtake her. Mark didn't listen, he blocked all sounds, it was second nature to him to control himself. He grabbed her long hair and applied as much strength as needed for Eva to arch her back and feel just the amount of discomfort to shift her from her comfort zone. He kept thrusting inside her, ignoring her repeated cries, until she came again. It was only after her second orgasm, that he caressed her back. He gave her a few moments and grabbed her hips. Eva felt him come and then drop on her back, heavily. She welcomed that feeling. "Mark..." "Eva, I'm sorry baby. I...didn't mean to be...um." She touched him, like she always did, on his arm, reassuringly, "It's fine, Mark. I... I liked it. It felt different, good different." "No, my Eva, no. You are different to me. You..." He stopped, before he went too far with his expressions. To her. To him. He wasn't ready to admit anything. "Dinner?" Mark wasn't up to have the talk with Eva; he wasn't sure he should, because short term amnesia would heal itself, sooner or later. But, after those two weeks with her, he wished for later. Much later. Life has its own ways, though. "Mark, I need to leave my apartment, as you know, and I'll have to take up on Theodore's offer. We discussed it earlier today, none of my girlfriends have a vacancy. What do you think? He's just a friend." He suddenly lost his appetite. Pushed his chair back but regained his control quickly. He leaned towards her. "You can stay here until you find something." "I don't really know, Mark..." "Think about it. But," he added, marking his words, "I want you to." ... Officer Thomas called Mark the day after. He told him that two members of the gang he helped put behind bars, had escaped. "Go, man, leave. They're after you. Do it and let me know how you're doing." Fuck. Just as Eva was ready to move in. Later, when Eva returned, he waited for her at the door. "Let's take a walk. I have to talk to you." She smiled and reached for his cheek. A small kiss. God, this would be difficult. "My Eva, something came up and I have to move west." He offered her a pause to digest what he said. "I want you with me." The blood was instantly drained from her face. He caressed her hair. "I need to go immediately. If you can transfer, pick any college west, I don't care." She opened her mouth but no words came out. He put a finger on her lips. "It's more difficult than you can imagine. Please, let me finish". She nodded. "It's important for me to make you understand that I want you with me. I'll explain myself when we get to wherever we will be going. Just take a transfer, you're a good student. But, my Eva, we have to hurry." She nodded yes but her mind was working overtime. This felt wrong. She felt a strange familiarity with Mark and a deep certainty that he would take care of her. She had no relatives to hold her back. And, yes, she could transfer easily somewhere else. He looked intently at her, just like he did when he was watching out, the first time he saw her. After a couple of moments she snapped back. OK. She would come. "Good. Let's go." He stopped and kissed her tenderly. "Thank you Eva. I owe you. You're the one who's saving me now." On the drive to the airport they decided on the city. They were lucky enough to find a flight within the hour. Eva felt the dizziness, she was experiencing from time to time. She guessed she was nervous. While they waited at the terminal, the loudspeakers went "Mr. Stephen Andrews on the south terminal please. The flight is ready to depart. Mr. Stephen Andrews." Her head was killing her. The light from the large airport windows outlined Mark's frame and his longish, dark hair. He smiled at her while picking up the luggage. The afternoon shadows were giving him a dark aura. Then, it all came tumbling on her mind. How Do I Get Out of This? Ch. 03 Thanks to my editor Tigersman for editing. ***** "Stephen..." She murmured. Mark walked closer, as he saw her troubled face and worried. He hadn't heard her. "Stephen. You are Stephen." She stated, she exclaimed in a low pitch until her throat was painfully burnt. She kept repeating it until Mark reached her and froze. "My sweet Eva," he started explaining calmly but didn't get the chance. She had dropped her ticket on the floor and ran blindly out of the waiting room, out of the airport actually. Mark lost his concentration for a couple of minutes. He could distinguish the fear in her features, the same fear he saw when he examined the scar on her face, back on their first encounter. He sensed her withdrawal and the hurt. He could actually feel the hurt conquering her body and mind right now. As he hurried out to find a taxi, he knew it would take a lot to shake it all off. He couldn't have guessed how much. There was a car accident near Eva's apartment so Mark told the driver to drop him off just there; he would run the rest of the distance. A thin film of sweat was covering his face. This was one of the rare instances Mark O'Brien felt turmoil in his soul he couldn't control with his mind. All he could focus was finding her apartment door; the background falling into darkness. Once he found it, he knocked but didn't wait for an answer; he got a pin out of his belt and opened it promptly. Eva was sitting on the floor, abandoned like a bean bag, her hands hugging her bent knees and her coat pooled around her along with her bag. "My Eva..." Mark started, approaching her. She hugged her knees more but she dared to look at him. "You are Stephen. You've been lying all along. But, why? Why?" "Gimme a chance to explain Eva," Mark began as he felt his veins on his hand pulsating from the force of his willpower not to touch her. Yet. Just as she was raising her eyes to a Mark who was half bent over her, the door opened with a wild bang. Two of Stephen's former gang members rushed into the room, filling it with loudness, harshness and an iron smell. "Stephen, my man!" He hit his back and cheerfully added "Are you here for business or pleasure?" And his head pointed to Eva, who stood with a half open mouth and a trembling lip. "Stephen as I've heard is only about business," the other one said, a lot less cheerful than his companion. "So, Stephen," his voice getting more serious and sly, "We hear you were out too quickly, my man, and we got concerned." "Yeah, some silly rumors were heard," the first one said reluctantly. "Never believed them," he added too quickly. "As?" Mark found his self discipline at last. Damn, he should had noticed their shadows when he approached her apartment, he should had smelled that distinctive smell that disgusted him because it reminded him what he had to do to carry out his job. He used to smell like that himself until he buried himself under the shower for half an hour every day. "As in police, cop, undercover." The second guy kicked in, his scrutinizing gaze strong. Mark didn't stand a chance but as he heard deep down the hiss of Eva's breath, he was made of steel again. "And you make a habit of getting fooled like that? Do you even know me? Have you worked with me?" "So, what's the deal here?" The first one cut in the deadly silence. "I was supposed to find someone about a deposit box but it turned out it is her roommate, who's gone to her boyfriend's for the night. So, she's useless and I'm done here. In fact, I was going to leave..." He was, more than he wanted, quick to reply. "Can we have some fun, boss?" The first one asked, glancing at Eva lustfully. "Yeah, sure, I guess... If it's to your liking... But I have to warn you, though, that while I was here some friends of hers next door knocked and invited her to their apartment for dinner. They are expecting her with an open door." "We could try a short way," the first man insisted, licking his lips. The second one was watching Mark closely. Mark made an indifferent 'go ahead' motion without looking at Eva. He hadn't been this tense in his entire life but adrenaline kept him looking like steel with his very well-rehearsed, cool, indifferent look. The first one had already approached Eva and had opened his zip. His dick was out, on Eva's face actually and his strong hand was reaching for the back of her neck. Eva was frozen; she couldn't move or show her fear in its real proportions. He grabbed her hair, twisted it around his fist and pulled her face closer to his crotch. Eva resisted this move and he slapped her without restraining any of his strength; she would have fallen down if he hadn't had her hair still wrapped tight around his hand. Mark was ready to blow his undercover, blow everything and kill them both with his bare hands; he knew he could. There was a hassle outside the corridor and the second guy said "Hurry up, let's go. She's not worth it, man. She doesn't know how to blow any better than you." The voices were growing louder. The first guy pressed his cock on her lips one last time and zipped his trousers. Turning to leave, he spit on her and greeted Mark, "See you around Stephen, Boss wants to see you." Mark nodded. "I'll be around." They left in a hurry and Mark only hoped that they would be far away when they'd realize that he didn't follow them out. His cover was blown, anyway, and he knew it. He turned to his Eva and hugged her closely, so tight that she couldn't even ask him to leave her alone. "I didn't want you to find out this way, Eva. I should have told you the truth but I was scared you'd run away." He caressed her hair, pulling her even closer. This confession was a big step for Mark; actually it was the first time he'd talk about his feelings at all. "Do I need to explain, Eva?" No, he didn't. She got the whole picture and the small gaps could be filled in time. "I need to be alone now Mark... Stephen..." She trailed her voice. Mark took a breath to fuel his patience. "Eva, we both know how dangerous it is for you to stay here. Come, I've got to hide you someplace. I can explain whatever you need me to." Eva got her bag, ironically all made up for the journey. Mark went over and lifted her bag, looking into her eyes. She blushed. Her lips were sore. He brushed his finger over them, feeling the softness he had bitten so many times. He whispered "Let me Eva" but it didn't sound like he was talking about the bag. Once out, he was professional. Eva was watching him. He knew which way to take and how to walk, he instructed her sternly and with the fewest possible words. She felt secure with him. Now, that she only followed and had all the facts in her head, every piece got its place. He was protecting her the whole time. He was risking his undercover the whole time. Two totally contradicting, crazy situations to be in. When she realized it, she lightly touched his hand. Mark felt the difference in her touch, let a reckless moment sink in his mind and kissed her lips softly. She was now warm inside, knew who she was and what she needed. "Mark..." She said his name out loud in a sweet voice. Mark had heard her talk that way before. He cursed himself for not being cautious but pushed her against the street wall, grazing her coat against it and kissed her. It felt like ages. The fear of losing her or her life or his life or demolishing everything he knew standing, was entangled in that desperate kiss. He pushed his tongue past her lips and into her mouth, his smashed the sides of her head into his hands, he bit her lip and didn't stop until he registered her soft cries of pain. He tasted blood but still didn't let go. "Let's go," he urged her not without regretting leaving the warmth of her mouth. He took her hand firmly in his and ran faster, making up the lost time. They reached an old warehouse. It was a police safe house, just for cases like theirs. He wasn't on the Force anymore but he knew his way in and he wouldn't stay long. If he could make the right phone calls, maybe, just maybe, they could have protection soon. Eva shivered as she entered the abandoned, huge, empty space. Memories of Stephen's place came to strangle her throat. Mark held her. He held her even closer and kissed her forehead. God, he wanted her. He felt Eva was his ticket to a normal, happy life, away from his demons, away from all this crime and killing. There, on the dirtiest cement floor, with all gangsters after them, with a million small cracks on the walls that let the cold air whistling in, in a spacious place that spiders had webs at head level, Mark laid Eva's coat down and pushed her gently on it. He brought his face over hers and said "Eva, I will say this only once. I love you." He looked at her and felt ten years older. His voice broke and he took a break to mend it. "I want you to be mine, totally, undoubtedly, like forever, mine." He didn't wait for an answer. He kissed her and then he kissed her some more. He didn't undress her, he held her arms up with one of his hands and with the other lifted her skirt and pushed her panties aside. He didn't break the kiss as he entered her, he didn't break the kiss while he took her, he didn't break their kiss when she came and felt her small cries and ragged breath in his mouth. His name was the most used word and the shaking of her body the answer to his question. He didn't stop moving into her, he didn't stop holding her tight until he came inside her, calling out her own name, tangling his breath with hers. Now she was his. Yes, he would have to call his police friends tomorrow, yes he would have to stay up all night watching all noises, yes they would have to relocate. And yes, they would be together in all that craziness that fate brought them into. How Do I Get Out of This? Ch. 01 He didn't release her from his arms. He felt he lost in his own game. It was the cruelest thing that he had ever done. And he wasn't ordered to do it. It was pointless. She was still in his arms, but she had turned her back to him. He could feel her silent tears. His phone rang. She heard him getting frustrated and tense. "Fuck. I thought it was gonna be next week." Then he added, "Fine. Be there in five." He turned to her. Touched her lightly on her shoulder. She turned and through wet eyes she said, "You won." "What?" "In that game of yours. You won." He took a moment. He had lost. She just would never find out. He didn't get out of this. "I'll be gone for the night. You can leave in the morning or stay... Whatever suits you." She nodded. 8:12am Thursday He hadn't returned yet. She decided to leave since she couldn't get any sleep. Just as she was about to leave two policemen found her outside the garage door. "Miss, can you come to the police station? I believe you know a Mr. Stephen Daniels." "Yes, I..." "Follow me, please." At the police station they asked some questions, not too many, though. She was tired. When she heard "You can leave now, thank you," she asked, "Do you know what happened to Mr. Daniels?" repeatedly, but she got only vague answers. An officer came out of his office and told her, "Ms. Aitken, Mr. Daniels has been transferred to jail to get through trial. He's alive though." She mumbled thank you and started to descend the stairs. The same officer went back to his office and said to the man who was seated inside, "Do you want me to bend the rules and tell her the truth, Mark?" "No, it's better and safer this way." "Come on, let me take you home. You need to rest after that gigantic operation. By the way, well done. You should be voted best undercover of the year!" "Whatever..." Mark replies. He looks outside the window. She's on the sidewalk bench, her head in her hands, trying to absorb the way things turned out overnight. Mark turns to his colleague, "Keep her contact info and send a note to college to get her treated for a mild to severe concussion. And maybe get a psychologist to tell her about her family again. She deleted that memory after the hit." "Sure thing Mark. Sure thing."