Page 12

brOOKLYN

As we lay cuddled into one another, I can’t help but stare at him while he sleeps. He looks so peaceful. I take my fingers and slowly trace along the back of his tatted spine. The moonlight glistens off his inked, toned back. The thoughts of intertwining for hours still lingers heavily on my mind.

It’s as if we could not get enough of one another. We have spent six blissful days together. Day and night, hardly ever leaving the bed, getting completely lost in one another. I learned he loves Chinese food. We ordered that for our first night together. He made a game of feeding me my Chow Mein with his chopsticks.

He loved when a few noodles missed my mouth and fell onto my breasts. He gladly sucked them up with his greedy mouth. The second night, we decided to have a Netflix and chill with some scary slasher movies. That only lasted maybe a few minutes because Eli couldn’t keep his hands or tongue off me.

The taste of the salty popcorn on his lips still has my center heating at the thought of it. Tonight was a bit more romantic.

He is making me steak and mashed potatoes for dinner tonight. Good looking and the man can cook. He went out earlier in the day as I napped. When I woke up, a single black box with a red ribbon and a single red rose was tied on it.

I scrambled over to it and gently untied it. When I opened the box, a letter laid on top of the glittery black tissue paper. I grabbed the letter that was addressed as Baby girl and opened the envelope. I started to read.

Baby girl,

I wanted to do something special for you tonight. Please wear this for dinner, then wear the other for dessert.

I bite my lower lip and lift the tissue paper. A beautiful black, short satin dress is nicely folded on top. I gawk at the fabric. This looks expensive! It’s breathtaking! Something shimmers in the light and catches my eye, lifting the dress, I see a delicate diamond bracelet.

Five small diamonds on either side with one dime-size black diamond in the middle. It’s displayed in an open, red velvet case. My eyes pop out of my skull. This can’t be real! My hands tremble as I hold the jewelry.

Underneath, where the dainty bracelet was, lays more tissue with red sparkling paper. I lift the paper out and see a matching black velvet bra and g string. A velvet short robe lays nicely folded under it. I sit back, mouth wide open not believing my eyes.

“You like it, baby girl?” I jump as I hear his voice come from behind me.

“Oh my god! Eli! It's stunning!” I jump off the bed and run over to him, his arms wrapped around me as I lean in and give him a soft kiss. “It’s too much though! That’s not real, right?” I say looking into his eye’s anxiety riddled within me.

He gives me a roguish smile, “Of course it’s real. Only the best for my baby girl.” He continues as I stare at him with my mouth ajar. “And it’s not enough.” My heart sinks at his words.

“Nothing in this world would be too much for you. I would spend every last penny on you and then when I had no more money, I would steal it all until the last piece of jewelry is all yours.”

My head is spinning. I know the man has money. I mean, he reeks of wealth. I just never thought he would spend anything on me. I mean, at least not this fast!

“Eli, I can’t.” He shushes me and places a finger to my parted lips.

“You can and you will. Now, get ready. Dinner will be ready in an hour.” He leans in and gives me a deep kiss. My hands wrap into his hair. The smell of cedar and smoke fills my senses, making me dizzy. Jenny and Dane are out for the evening. I believe he is taking her to dinner and a movie.

The two of them have been just as inseparable as Eli and me. I quickly make my way to the bathroom to curl my hair and put some makeup on. I decided to go for a dark smokey eye, strong winged liner and a crimson lip. I slid the velvet dress over my new bra and G-string.

The fabric feels like ecstasy against my skin. I clasp the delicate bracelet onto my right wrist, it glitters in the bright bathroom lights, taking my breath away. Taking one last look in the mirror, I make my way out of the bedroom and head down the long marble hallway towards the intoxicating smell of caramelized onions and garlic.

My stomach is rumbling from the delicious scent. When I make it to the large dining room, the area is filled with hundreds of burning, off-white candles. Rose petals line the floor all around the table and on top of it.

Classic Opera hums quietly in the background speakers. It is the most stunning sight I have ever witnessed, and it is all for me. Eli comes around the corner and I am shaken. He is dressed in an all-black tux, black dress shirt with one single red rose on his lapel, his bright beautiful smile beaming from ear to ear when he lays his eyes on me.

“You are a true work of art,” he says, walking up to the table and setting the merlot down. Then, turning towards me, his eyes travel up and down my body. “It was a bad idea getting you that dress and necklace. ‘Cause all I want is to rip that off of you, so you are in nothing but that pretty jewelry and the lingerie that I know is waiting for me to discover me under there.” I blush and feel my center heat from his words.

Giving him my best smile I replied, “And of course, you look better than any male model that hung on my walls as a girl.” He lets out a small laugh.

“I am glad I am pleasing you then.” He grabs my waist and pulls me in for a wet, deep kiss. My breath is taken away by the intensity of our tongues colliding. Pulling away slowly, he shows me to my chair, pulling it out for me and then scooting me in.

“What a true gentleman,” I say in a teasing tone. He gives me a side eye, then takes his seat sitting across from me. “So, you are not proposing right?” I tease. His eyes shoot up at me as his lip turns up at the sides.

“Would you like me to be proposing tonight?” He asks with a raised brow. I seriously cannot tell if he is joking or not. I just look down at my wine and swirl it around. “You know, I’ve never done anything like this before. I wanted to make you feel special. I wanted to make you feel how you make me feel every day.” His words shoot through my heart as I look up at him.

“Do you really mean that?” I ask in a puzzled voice. He looks at me like I have three heads.

“I wouldn’t tell you things I don’t mean, Brooklyn. I know I have said hurtful, stupid things in the past, but this, I would never lie about.” he says with seriousness with his words. I blush as I continue to swirl my wine in the crystal glass.

“Well, I have never had anyone do this or anything even close to this for me either.” I say as I shyly look up at him. His eyes were already on mine.

“Well, get used to it, baby girl. You are mine now, and what’s mine, I spoil.” I roll my eyes and then take a sip of my wine.

“Can I ask you something?” I question as I glance down at the dark blood red liquid in my glass.

“Of course. What's on your mind?” Taking my hand in his and kissing it gently.

“Why the roses? I mean, you have them all over your skin. On the gift box you got me. In your lapel? All over the damn floor and table. It's the only flower I have seen you gravitate towards.”

He takes a long moment to think. Bunching his brows together as if in a deep thought. “When I was younger, a woman saved my life. I remember how beautiful she was. How much love and warmth filled her eyes.”

He quiets and then continues again. “I remember the only time I had felt that was when I saw some beautiful red roses at the grocery store once. She reminded me of those flowers. She even smelt nice.” He looks so lost in his thoughts.

His eyes are clouded over. “I think I got those roses to remind me. That even in the darkness, true beauty still exists. That one act of kindness could save a life. I got the roses tattooed on myself to always remember that.”

I rub my thumb over his knuckles. My heart sinks at his confession. “Eli, I am so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“No, baby girl. It's ok. You remind me so much of her.” He smiles and kisses the back of my hand.

“Can I ask what her name was?” I give him a sweet smile, trying to ease his thoughts.

“Ya, her name was Eve Winters.” My stomach dropped as her name rolled off his lips. I rip my hand out of his and clutch my palm to my chest. His face turned concerned as he watched me grab my phone from beside me as I swiped my fingers on the screen.

“Brooklyn? Everything ok?” He stands up as I lift my pointer finger in a waiting motion. Pulling up the most recent photo from last Christmas, I hold my phone out towards him. “Is this her?” Once his eyes focus on my screen, I watch his face turn white. As if he had seen a ghost.

Grabbing my phone out of my hand he questions, “How do you know her?” I can feel the tears welling up inside my eyes. My heart breaking at the thoughts of her memories running through my mind, Tears now stream down my face.

“She was my Aunt.” Is all I can muster out through the sobs wracking my throat.

“Was?” He tilts his head in question.

I nod slowly then take a deep breath. “She passed away a few years ago, Eli. A drunk driver killed her.” His eyes shoot back at the photo and linger there for what feels like an eternity. I can see the pain hidden behind them.

The agony of knowing she died while he lived. He hands me back my phone quickly and then sits back down. We are quiet while the opera singer serenades in the background.

“I am truly sorry for your loss Brook. She was a gift.” I started to sob louder as he jumped out of his chair and rushed over to me, pulling me in tightly to his chest. His large muscular arms are so protective and strong. I compose myself as I look up to him.

“She saved you so that you could find me.” Tears pour out of his eyes at my words. He leans in and kisses me deeply. After he pulls away from the kiss, he takes a white linen napkin and wipes the watery mascara off my face.

This moment we just shared is something I will never be able to explain or be more grateful for. The universe truly had our story written down since the very beginning. We were always meant to meet and to share a life together. My aunt saving him, proved that. We allowed ourselves to calm down with a glass of wine before dinner was served.

The food is divine. The carrot soup we started with was so rich and creamy. The bourbon and saffron filet mignon literally fell apart in my mouth and the mashed potatoes had me moaning in pleasure from the hints of garlic and creamy butter. It was the most exquisite meal I have ever had. The entire time I took a bite, I would groan in pleasure. I would even dance in my seat at times. Eli just watched me with a smile plastered on his immaculate face.

“I don’t think I have ever truly witnessed someone so animated when they eat,” He teases as he points his golden fork at me. I giggle and reply.

“Well, it’s well-deserved after a meal like this.” I can see a hint of pride run through his silver eyes.

After we finished dinner, he led me out to the backyard where he had a blanket, and four massive pillows set up under the twinkling, starlit night sky. Helping me to the ground, he pulls out some merlot from the wicker box next to us and some chocolate-covered strawberries.

He takes one and slowly brings it to my lips. I lick the chocolate with my tongue in slow motions. I noticed a twitch in his dress pants as I continued to assault the berry with my tongue.

“Mmm, baby girl, you can’t be playing like that. All I can picture is my cock being licked by that pretty little tongue.”

I feel my heart rate pick up and wet instantly from the thought of his dick inside of my mouth. His cum, dripping down the back of my throat. I gracefully pull myself to my knees and start to undo his black leather belt, then unbutton his pants and slide them down to his thighs.

He is so aroused under my touch. I let my hand rub along his length on top of his blue boxer briefs, a shallow moan escaping his lips. Taking his underwear in my hands, I pull them down enough to let his massive cock spring free. It flings up and is standing at full attention.

“You want my cock in that pretty little mouth, baby girl?” He asks in a low growl, his eyes darkening with each breath he takes. I shake my head up and down slowly while I lick my swollen lips. His eyes widen from the movement and a feral gleam takes over his essence.

“I want you to crawl to me and beg me to have my cock in your mouth.” I get up and walk a few feet away, then get on all fours. “Now look at me while you crawl. I want to see how badly you want this dick,” he says while getting to his knees and rubbing his length at me. My mouth is salivating from the act.

I start to crawl through the soft, spiky cool grass as seductive as I can, never leaving his eye contact as I inch closer and closer to his waiting erection. “Mmm, that’s my good girl,” he says as I make it to his cock. Sitting on my knees he looks down at me. “Now, ask nicely. Pretty…pretty…” A dark, smoldering energy shrouds his eyes as he commands.

“Please,” I say in a breathless voice. He smiles and shakes his head.

“Please what? Use your words, baby girl.” I swallow and beg.

“Please let me suck your cock.” His feral gleam beams down at me while I open my mouth as he travels inside me. He is thick and long. I almost can’t fit the girth of him inside my mouth. Porn stars have dicks like his. But still not as pretty. Not even three inches in and he’s hitting the back of my throat, making me gag.

“Relax your throat, baby girl. And breathe through your nose.” He commands with each thrust into my mouth. Tears start to pool at the edges of my eyes from the force he is fucking my throat at. His precum starts to dribble down the back of my throat, causing me to let out a muffled moan.

“Fuuuck Brook, you are taking my dick so good, baby girl.” He thrusts harder now. I must fight to keep the gagging and bile down. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s hot. I like knowing I am getting him off. I gently start to rub his balls with my free hand as he lets out a gasp from the contact.

“Fuck, baby girl, you keep that up and you will make me cum. Keep breathing through your nose. That’s it, perfect. Just like that. Good girl.” My eyes meet his devilish glare. Oh, I know exactly how to get this man off. I start to rub with a little more pressure and take my other hand and rub his cock as he thrusts into my mouth.

Saliva is spilling from the corners. I can feel his balls start to clench as his muscles start to tighten. “Fuck baby girl, that’s it. I am going to.” His hot cum blasts down my throat and into my stomach. No swallowing needed. His growl sounds like a pent-up demon being released.

“Fuuuuck,” he says as he releases inside me. I slide my mouth off his dick and wipe my lips to get the rest of the spit off. He is panting hard and has fallen to his back, looking up at the stars.

“That. Was. Fucking. Amazing.” He says as I smile down at him. His eyes are back to the soft gray and are twinkling with the reflection of the navy sky. I lay down next to him as he takes me in his arms and kisses me gently on the forehead.

We laid there for an hour or so then headed back upstairs to his room. Both of us were exhausted from the day of fucking, that once our head hit the pillow, we were out. I woke around three AM, parched and needing a glass of water.

All that merlot had dehydrated my body. I quietly slipped out of his bed and threw on my new black velvet robe. Before I made it to the door, I turned back around to make sure Eli was still fast asleep, which he was.

I make my way down the hall to the stairs and head to the dark kitchen to grab a glass of water. Standing on my tip toes, I stretch my hand out to reach a glass on the top shelf. A hand comes from behind, causing me to jump, dropping the glass as it shatters on the floor.

“Fuck, Brook! I’m so sorry!” A deep voice sounds behind me. It’s Chase. Grabbing my heart, I quickly stepped away from the broken shards.

“It’s okay. You just startled me,” I say while bending down and picking up the broken pieces.

“Let me help you with that,” he offers as he moves me out of the way. “I don’t want you to cut yourself.” Looking back up at me, he smiles then turns his head back to the ground. “So, you and Eli huh?”

I don’t know if that was a question or a statement at this point. Looking back at him, I just give him a shy smile. He continues “Yeah, I can tell by your face. It's written all over it.” He shrugs and then stands to meet my eyes.

“I’m sorry Chase. It just kind of happened.”

“No, it’s cool. I just hope he doesn’t hurt you like he does with the rest.” Giving him a side glance I raised my eyebrow in response.

“What do you mean by that?” He takes a long minute and studies my face, not sure how to respond. Continuing to pick up the glass, he says, “Look Brook, you are a nice girl. Did you not see what he did to Ashley? How he completely used her and then threw her out like she was nothing? Look, the type of life he leads will never be a safe and loving environment for you. He literally suffers from manic episodes, Brook.” Taking a step back, I lean my hand on the counter and continue to look down at him.

I’m completely taken back by the words that left his mouth. “You know, for someone who says he is not a good guy, that he doesn’t deserve love because he has mental issues, or because he never cared to let anyone get close to him,” I say while pushing off the counter and taking a step towards him, “You seem to be just fine taking the aid he is providing you and allowing you to live rent free in his house.”

Chase lets out a deep sigh, “Look Brook, you don’t know him like I do. You haven’t seen the shit he has done. Especially how he treats his so-called women. You think Ashley was the first he has done that with? Hell no, there have been hundreds of women in and out of this house since I have known him the past two years.”

Every word coming out of his mouth is turning my stomach inside out. Hundreds ? I go to turn away, then turn back.

“You only know what he chooses to show you, Chase. Whatever he chooses to show the world,” I say looking him dead in his eyes. “I will be the only person who decides what is good for me and what is not. Other than that, it’s none of your business what he and I do.” Just before I can turn and walk away, he grabs my wrist, warning in his eyes.

“Just promise me, Brook, that you will be safe and truly consider everything I am telling you.” Trying to pull my wrist away from him, he continues. “At the sign of any danger, you will run and never look back.” His grip tightens on my wrist as I struggle to get out of his grasp.

“Chase, you’re hurting me, let me go.” Looking at me, he exhales.

“I wish I could, Brook. But I just can’t. Why did you choose him? I have been here the entire time, and you won’t even give me a second glance! What is it because I am not a gajillionaire like him? My cock would be a million times better than his little prick!”

He’s been drinking, I can smell the whiskey on his breath. He pulls me towards him as I continue to try and break away from his embrace. His eyes are dead set on mine, something dark taking over them. He wraps his other hand around my waist. Pushing himself into me.

“Chase, please stop! You’re drunk, this isn’t you!” I struggle in his grip, trying to break free.

“Yeah, well maybe if I was more like your perfect Eli , you would finally let me have you, Brook. Can’t you see what you do to me? I can’t stop the feeling of wanting to be closer to you.” He is swaying now; his eyes are lifeless. I doubt he has any clue what is actually going on. He starts to grab my face to bring my lips to his.

I scream and try to fling my face out of his painful grip. Before I can break my body away, his glance shoots behind me. My body is flung away from his, making me hit the side of the fridge hard, causing my back to shoot up in pain as I fall to my side.

Broken glass cuts my hand as I land on the marble ground. By the time I look back up, I hear dishes falling to the floor shattering all around me. Glancing up among the utter chaos, I see Eli and Chase throwing punches at one another, slamming into the cabinets and drawers.

Eli sends a crushing blow to the side of Chase’s head, causing him to stumble back towards the wall. He then pins his neck to the wall with his fingers, seething with fury. Chase tries to grab and dig at Eli’s hands but can’t move them. He even tries punching Eli in the stomach, but he doesn’t even flinch. He is a solid rock.

“Do not fucking touch her!” Eli growls, clenching his teeth and then burying his fist over and over into the tile on the wall next to Chase’s face, blood covering his hand and the wall as he screamed.

“Eli!” I yell over his wailing, “Eli, please! Let him go. He’s just drunk!” I beg while pulling myself off the floor and trying to remove his hand from Chase’s neck.

It’s as if he can’t even hear me. He is in an utter, full-blown rage episode. His eyes have gone completely lifeless and have turned darker than the burning coals in hell. I hear Dane throw open his door, slamming it on the wall and race down the stairs, shouting at Eli. A black gun is gripped in his hand.

When he pushes past me, Eli quickly shoves him back causing him to fall over the metal coffee table and out of the way. “No! Stay Back Dane!” Eli screams as he continues his assault on Chase. I stand there in a mere panic, not sure what to do. I watch as Dane pulls himself off the floor, placing the gun on the table. His eyes are wide with fear, hands are shaking with adrenaline.

“Eli, let him fucking go, dude. He can’t breathe,” Dane pleads from behind. I turn my attention to Chase’s face that is now turning a light blue and beg Eli to stop.

“Please Eli! You are going to kill him! Look at me! Baby look at me! You need to stop this!” I pull at his arms, but he does not respond. Just a cold dead stare as I watch Chase’s body start to wither away and become limp. Quickly, I do the only thing I feel will stop this.

I lift to my toes, grabbing his face, turning it to mine and kissing him. The contact sends shockwaves down my spine. Within seconds, both his hands are on my flushed cheeks. I hear Chase’s body collapse behind us as he inhales a sharp gasp of air. Dane swiftly and quickly helps him up by moving him out of the room. Jenny stands at the entrance of the kitchen, sobbing and holding her arms tight around her chest.

We stand there, lost in our kiss for what feels like forever. Breaking away from our kiss, I placed my hands on his face and made him look at me.

“Breathe,” I say as our eyes meet. His eyes are wild. Feral with emotions. Those beautiful gray still consumed in darkness. Tears start to fill my eyes at the sight of him.

Before I can say another word, he quickly comes back to reality, his eyes darting from me to Chase, then to Dane shaking his head and moving away from me. His gaze landed on my bloody hands and then the now dent in the fridge from my body.

“I’m…so.. s..orry,” Is all he can muster out of his quivering lips. Brushing past me, quickly before I have time to reach out to him, he storms out of the kitchen and then grabs his bike helmet, rushing out the front door. I hear his bike start up off in the distance, then peeling out of the driveway, racing down the hill away from us...

Away from me.