Chapter 1
The rattle of the bars pull. “Let’s go, Hyde.” I step out and follow as the guard escorts me to where they hold my items. The guard hands me my clothing from years past as well as the items and cash from that day. The stench of dirt and faint musky cologne resonates as I dress. My lips curl. The remembrance fills as several faces skim through my mind. Fully changed I step out of the restroom and walk over to where a guard sits. He passes me my release forms and I sign my grin wide from ear to ear. “Here’s to the last 4 years.” Scratching the ink across the form I step back and move to the exit. The doors open, the sun cascades. A black SUV awaits, a driver stands beside the passenger door. He opens for me as I approach. I step down and crouch in attempts to see who is inside. “Hurry the fuck up and get in. Grey has people watching your every fucking move.” I grin and sit, closing the door as I enter. “Hello to you too, Linc.”
“Don’t fucking hello me.” He sits up adjusting his suit jacket looking paranoid and jittery. I laugh instantly at his discomfort. He looks back at me. “What the fuck is so funny?” I shake my head as I glance out the tinted windows. Running my fingers through my greasy, sweat filled hair. “You and your paranoia” I respond. He glares. “It’s not me that has a fucking billionaire and his family after me.” “What the fuck does he have to be after me? I paid my fucking dues. He’s lucky I don’t finish what I started.” “According to Elena they live out by the...” I cut him off. “I don’t fucking care Linc. That part of my life is over.” He laughs and stares as if my words are of insanity. “Are you fucking serious? Tell me you didn’t fucking grow a conscious after all that’s happened. I didn’t hire the best lawyers, have them drop your sentence for you to just let shit go and turn a new fucking leaf. That wasn’t the fucking arrangement. HYDE!” Glaring back at him “I know what the fuck the arrangement was. You don’t have to remind me.” “Good. Bad enough my whore ex-wife got most of what I had.” “Ahh yes... Good old Domme Whore of Seattle. How is the shriveled cunt of yours?” “Probably being fucked as we speak” He shrugs with a smug look adjusting his tie. I shake my head chuckling as I see him gaze out his window.
We arrive shortly at a brick building just above Pike Place Market. The SUV parks, Linc passes me a pair of keys. “It isn’t much, a studio with a mattress, electricity and water.” I look from his hand up, my brow arched. “This is the best you could fucking do?” “It’s about all I can fucking do. And this...” He hands me two manila envelopes. I peel my fingers through the tab to open, he stops me… “Not here, open it when you get upstairs. Also note that I picked out a few items for you, clothing wise and such. You can thank me later.” I arch my brow, opening the door and turn to exit. As I do he shouts “Top floor. Last apartment to the left and remember, we have a fucking agreement.” I roll my eyes and slam the door without a response. The SUV pulls off; I walk up a step and pull open the metal front doors of the building. Looking up the flight of stairs I huff and begin walking up slowly, until finally arriving at the top floor. I follow the direction Linc instructed and find my apartment. Turning in the key, It’s exactly as he said Four fucking walls, a kitchen, barely that of one, and a bathroom, the only hidden room of the place. I peer my eyes to the king size mattress that graces the center of my studio and smile to myself, that’s large enough. I shut the door behind me and throw my bag down on the mattress. Fuck what I’d give for a whiskey right now. I slowly begin to take off my suit jacket, walking into the bathroom as I unbutton my collar. I turn on the shower, the heat resonates through the room, the steam wallowing as I undress. I step in and place both hands against the tiles, letting the water fall over me. The grease and dirt perspires through my pores, every inch of me relaxing as the water drips down my back. Washing my face, my chest, my body, every single muscle eases. I grab a towel and turn off the shower. Wiping the steam from the mirror I take a look at my reflection. My features have changed, my body more toned then before. I think back to my time spent in prison, remembering each day, remembering the cover I had to take considering why I’d been there in the first place.
Flashbacks of when the guards pushed me in. Their words ingrained “You aren’t such tough shit now, are you mother fucker?” Looking around, surrounded by felons, murderers, rapist… It was all too much and I had to learn quick how to hold my own. How to be one of them, ironically it only reminded me more of my childhood. More of a time that I at one point in my life thought I put behind me, until of course the likings of Christian fucking Grey came strutting back into my life. Sure I wasn’t your average man, but I had my shit together. I had my career, my future, my life… and that asshole took it all. Him and his dumb naïve bitch wife. I shake my head and look down, my hands pressing firmly against the sink. Closing my eyes to bring my thoughts back to my current day, my now. This is my future, now I’m the man that will forever be known for assault, battery, kidnapping and not to mention attempted murder. I was lucky Linc helped with my case. He was the last I’d ever expect by my side. But then, he too was another victim of that rich bastard and his cunning wife. And I was a measly ploy into whatever scheme he had going on Grey.
I glance at myself briefly once more in the mirror, a red thick beard surrounding my jaw. My hair is fuller, longer, just over my shoulders. Finding a pair of scissors behind the mirror I take them out and decide on a change. I take off about 6 inches, finding a razor next I begin to shave. Bushes of red fill the drain, removing all hair from my chin. I wiped my face with the towel and looked up, smiling back at myself. There I am. With only a towel draped over my hips I walk out of the bathroom and towards the dresser beside the mattress. Smiling as I open, I find a few pairs of jeans and assorted T shirts. I take out the clothes and lay it on the mattress; my peripheral vision takes note of the yellow envelope waiting idly for me on the round wooden table adjacent from my bed and kitchen. I walk towards the table and sit staring at it before opening. With a short breath I grab it and pull the tab open I find a note. “Here’s part of your money. You’ll get the rest once the job is done. When I call I expect an answer. Don’t fuck this up, Hyde. I’ll be in touch. – L.” I look and see a phone hidden within the cash. I count the amount inside and smirk, $25,000 even. Fuck, Linc is truly serious about getting Grey. What the fuck have I signed on for? Another 8 years in prison and the haunting of getting the fucker that put me there, or freedom with a price?
Chapter 2
Dressing in the white T and jeans I’m a bit concerned with just how accurate Linc was with my measurements. With a slight chuckle I shrug it off and grab hold of the keys. Locking the door behind me I notice a blonde across the hall. Her silhouette calling to me as she drops a bag of groceries, she bends and I rush to her aide, “Excuse me, do you need help?” Bending with her, she startles, I smile. “I’m sorry didn’t mean to frighten you, Kitten” “Oh, Umm... its fine. I just didn’t realize... Did you just move in?” She smirks and bites her lip. Everything beneath my abdomen goes north. I almost feel bad. The curves of her mouth only make me think of one thing. I glance up to her jaded green eyes. Smiling I respond “Yes, I did. Do you need help with these?” She nods and smiles when I take the bag, our fingers skim. Within seconds we’re in her place, she rounds her counter and I put the bag on her table. She steps close to me and says, “Thank you, I don’t suppose there’s any way I can show you my gratitude.” With a very ominous grin I gave her a few options and to my surprise she complied. Kneeling before me, like the good little kitten she was.
She lays bruised and sated in her bed, the blanket mere cloth over her delicate curves. I begin to dress “Where are you going?” She asks, her voice soft, seductive. I turn to face her, pressing my hands into the mattress I hook her jaw “I’ll show myself out.” She looks at me slightly confused as I walk out of her bedroom. I exit her apartment and smirk as I walk downstairs. Opening the front door to the apartment building, the sun hits my face. I close my eyes and breathe, feeling fueled more than ever before.
I take a walk to observe the area, turning on Pine St. I find a diner and walk in. I sit in a corner booth and begin searching through the menu as the waitress approaches, without looking up I order “Give me a bacon cheeseburger, fries and a coke.” Lifting the menu to her, she takes it with a smile “Coming right up.” I look through my phone and play with a few of the apps. I laugh to myself at how things have changed with technology since I’d been away. Distracted, I hear a plate crash on the floor, frustration rising over me at an instance, convinced it was my plate of food. I murmur “Fucking waitresses can’t…” I stop myself when I see who it is. She stands and steps back, her face lost, confused, flushed and pale. I stand and near her slowly, she drops a single tear and storms out of the diner. Before I could rush after her she’s gone, the food splat in front of me. The manager comes out apologizing, calling out for one of the other waitresses and bus boys to pick up the mess of food. “Sir, I don’t know what got into her. Count this meal on her.” He ushers me back to my booth and I’m still at a trance as to who stood before me, finally coming around to the man. “No, don’t do that. I’ll cover my own food. Thank you.” I sit and the manager speaks something under his breath as he walks back to the kitchen. I look down and grip my fingers in my hair. To think, after all this time, the last four years… My meal comes out once again. The manager follows behind the waitress, “Sir, at least let me give you dessert on the house.” He places a slice of apple pie on the table. I dismiss my current thoughts and decide to revisit it later. I take a bite of my burger and close my eyes, my mouth slowly watering. I devour every portion of my plate and wipe my mouth, leaving a $50 dollar bill underneath a salt shaker. Looking around I write a small note, calling over the waitress that served me. “Hi, I need you to give this note to the lovely lady that dropped my meal. Ok?” She nods and gives me a quirked smile, assuring me that she’d do as I wished.
It was a brisk night; I hear music coming from a local bar just around my studio. I cross over and walk in nodding at the bartender as I find a stool. “Do you have single malt whiskey?” He smiles and nods. “Yes, Sir we do. How do you want it?” “Neat with a side glass of water.” He quirks a grin and steps away, preparing the drink. Sliding me the glass I take a sip and follow it by a capful of water, purely tasting the perfection as it soothes down my throat. I ask for another glass when a familiar blonde approaches. “Well, hello, good sir.” I curl my lip as she speaks. “Hello, yourself” she nears me, her hand brushing over my shoulder, over the nook of my neck. “You disappeared this afternoon, I thought for a second you didn’t want me anymore.”She purrs into my ear. Her body pressed against mine, her other hand slides up my thigh. “Mmm... You’ll learn soon, Kitten. When I want you I will have you. When I don’t… ” I trail off. She pulls back and smirks salaciously. “Well what do you want right now?” She leans in once more, skimming her tongue over my bottom lip. Her thin fingers pull at my zipper and she shoves her hand inside. I growl, closing my eyes as she slowly strokes. Placing my hand at her jaw, I hold her face over mine. My lips in a hard line, I speak through my teeth “Bathroom” She giggles and slides her hand out. I chug back the whiskey and wink over at the bartender, he shakes his head with a sly grin. I walk over to the bathroom where the blonde vixen awaits; I open and slam the door shut behind me. Locking it, she stands and watches me as I prey against her. “Do you usually fuck random strangers?” I ask as I take her roughly, turning her against the stall, her cheeks pressing. I Lift her skirt and slide my fingers into her mouth. “Well?” she sucks, taking my fingers fully, answering when I release “I can’t help myself with you… There’s something unexplainable” I grin at her response and slide my saliva dripped fingers down to her panties. Breathing harsh against her ear “Have you been craving me, Kitten?” She stutters... “Yesss...ss...” “How bad have you craved me?” I ask. My index and middle fingers move against her slit. “Very badly” She moans. I thrust my fingers inside of her as she speaks. “You have a dirty cunt, don’t you?” “Yes, I’m very fucking dirty…” She says as she grips the edges of the door. Someone bangs. I ignore it unzipping my jeans. I slide out my length and slowly stroke it against her oozing cunt. “I’m going to fuck you hard and fast. You scream and I will not let you cum. Understood?” Before she can answer I slide my shaft within her tight drip. She belts, “Did you think I was playing when I said you won’t cum?” She shakes her head and covers her mouth. My thrusts quicker, harder, someone bangs the door again, louder this time. With each bang against the door I move faster. Not allowing her to breathe. My build entices and I feel her cunt grip firm against my length. I hear in the distance “I’M GETTING THE MANAGER!!” as the rise within me grows further and I cum. Once I pull out my cream slides down her thighs. She stays in position against the door as I pull up my zipper. “Fix yourself, now.” She looks dazed, slowly pulling down her skirt. I wash my hands and give her a paper towel as the door rattles. “Get in the fucking stall. I’ll get rid of them.” I order and she does as I say. I open the door and look at man sternly. My face in a serious grill, I look from him to the manager. “Forgive me sir, seems the door was jammed.”He looks over my shoulder. I move my face to his. “Give it a moment.” He nods as I remain still, watching him step back. They walk away and I go back to the stall. “Come on, I’ll take you home.”
I walk to her apartment and leave her at her door. She looks up at me almost as if she’s expecting for me to kiss her goodnight. I grinned and shook my head. “Goodnight, Kitten, till next time.” She bites her lip and inserts her key, opening the door she quickly closes it behind her. I mirror her actions, entering my studio I throw the keys down on the table and pull off my shirt. Sauntering to my bed, I kick off my work boots and throw myself. I run my hands over my face and begin to laugh, bringing my hands down to my stomach, the laugh increases, becoming louder. My body rattling against the mattress, I think about the events from today and shake my head. 25k richer, a good fuck down the hall at my disposal and… My thoughts run with mental pictures of what’s to come. What Linc expects of me, and whom I thought I left at that warehouse four years back. Suddenly my laughter becomes silent; I need to talk to her but I doubt she’d even give me a moment. Her face runs through my mind, so scared, frigid… fuck, Hyde. I shake my head, covering my eyes and try to think about how I was going to get her alone.
Chapter 3
The sweat streams over my forehead and face. I toss, my eyes flinching tight…
..Images flash... She stumbles, pacing... her hands stroke the walls as she tries to keep balance. He shouts “You fucking alcoholic… stupid bitch!!” She shouts “FUCK YOU!”
I hear bangs, bodies fumbling… Her cries... He shouts once more “GET THE FUCK UP BITCH!” I remain under the table and place my hand over my ears, afraid that they’d see me, afraid that I’d get a wrath of my father and his wicked hand. I press my eyes shut... Rocking back and forth, waiting for it to end… The door slams… My eyes shoot open.
My chest heaves as I try to recollect my thoughts. I run my fingers in my thick red locks, my elbows on my knees, my eyes shut once more. I throw the covers off and walk to the refrigerator closing it quickly as I remember there was nothing in it. I turn on the faucet and lean my forearms over the sink placing hands under the water; I splash my face and drink a little, waking myself from the horrid memories of my childhood. I pace, looking out the window to Pike St. the bright red lights from Pike Place Market reflect into my place. I glimpse to where a black car remains parked. Just across the street from my building, fucking Grey. I take out my phone and bring up a music app I downloaded earlier today. Stopping at a random list I lie back down on the bed and close my eyes. Korns - Alone I break plays, the music fills my ears. I breathe emphatically with the lyrics and soon begin to drift.
I hear a pound and toss, the sound grows, intensifying. Opening my eyes I quickly realize it’s the sound of someone beating on my door.” If this is fucking Linc…” I mumble to myself as I get out of bed and look through the peep hole. I see a bald scalp followed by enlarged eyes looking back. Arching my brow, vividly irritated I open. “Can I help you?” I stand holding my hand over the door. He steps back and sucks his teeth. His eyes peer over me, remaining silent. I widen my eyes in waiting and he finally speaks “I’m Steve Griffin. Your probation officer, I’m here to do an inspection.” I lend my hand out to shake his, he looks with a raised brow and walks passed me. I roll my eyes, “No please do come in.” He puts on a pair of gloves. “Is that really necessary, I just got out…” He looks at me and I stop speaking mid-sentence, deciding that my words mean nothing. I walk over to one of the wooden chairs and pull it out from underneath the table, watching as he paces through. He passes my dresser and stills then turns to me. I run my hand over the back of my neck and look down as he pulls out the chair before me from the table and sits. “So, how was your first day out?” I give a soft smile “It was good. Nothing to intense, just a simple day reacquainting myself with freedom and such.” He nods and sits forward, resting his elbows on my table, pulling out a folder and reviewing what looks like my file. I glance over him, his stomach plopping just over his belt. The buttons of his shirt barely breathe, I smirk to myself. “Well, Jack Hyde, you had quite a record. I mean even from before your last charge. This freedom you speak of… Is it one you’ve decided to value or should I expect to have my cuffs prepared for future visits?” My smirk fades as he speaks. I give him a hard stare “You had your cuffs prepared the minute you knocked on my door. My record had a large gap between my times as a child and now. Did you also see in your little fucking file that I have a degree from Princeton?” He laughs and shakes his head adjusting his tie as he attempts to lift his leg over his knee… Pathetic fuck. “You may very well have a degree, Hyde, but at this moment all you have is this fucking file. Your degree means shit after all you did. It’s a shame to, you seem like you did have your shit together at one point in your life.” I grind my teeth wanting to jump over the table and fucking kill him for the way he was talking. I’d fucking destroy him too... Standing I run my fingers in my hair. “Look, Hyde, I’m not here to rile you.” Good fucking job, I thought. “I’m here to get your shit in order, make sure you don’t end up from where you just left. Have you started looking for work?” I pace the room, my hand over my mouth, hooking my jaw. I breathe hard “Not yet.” “Well you have a week. We need credentials. We need to know that you are doing what you should be.” I shake my head. “Any recommendations… Job wise?” he takes out a pen and writes a number for a social worker that helps known felons find work. “She’s a good social worker and can help you. Sometimes the best way to move forward is to let go of our demons.” With that he stands, tucks his folder under his sweaty pit and gestures his hand for mine. “I’ll need to see you in a week. My office or I come here. Either way, you must have something to present me.” I nod and walk him out.
I play with the card between my fingers, a glass of water in my other hand. I think of his words... Demons. My stomach turns as I begin to wonder, my nightmares coming to mind. I stand up and kick the chair... I need fucking air! Walking out of my place in just my jeans and barefoot I hear Kittens door. She looks at me, her eyes soft almost ashamed. I stride over to her and in one motion lift her against her door, one hand beneath her petite ass, my other at her jaw, licking from her throat to her ear... She moans and buries her fingers in my hair. “What if…” I raise my finger to her mouth. “No talking.” Tugging at her panties underneath her sundress I rip and thrust two fingers within her, she screams... “FUCK YES!” Her hands move to my jeans and she unbuckles, moving my zipper down. Her hand taking my length, she strokes it and brings the tip to her entrance. Once she does I slam deep within her, her ass smacking against the wooden door. Her arms wrapped tightly around my neck. My fingers gripping firm against the panels of her doorway. I move vigorously, fucking her hard and fast. Her moans fill the hall, my groans follow. Before I realize my release does too and I cum, hard. “Gahhhh!!!! FUCK!!!” Her body shakes, she holds me tight. I look back, my chest heavy against hers. Lifting her chin, I whisper “Don’t hold to tight, I’m not the type to hold back.” She gulps and lowers her eyes, nodding. She lowers her legs and I can almost see the hurt in her face. Not saying anything I lift my jeans and close them back up. She bends to pick up her panties that I’ve destroyed and fumbles. I take her keys and help her open the door. She looks up softly and walks in, disappearing from my sight. I step back reluctantly and punch the wall. Knowing well enough that would probably be the last time with her.
I shower, get dressed and walk out of my place. Getting a coffee at a café, I watch the locals and sip. Taking out the card Griffin left me. I pull out my cell and dial “office of Alexis Moore. How can I help you?” “Hello, my name is Jack Hyde. I was referred to see, Mrs. Moore by my probation officer. I’d like to make an appointment if possible.” “Right away, how does 2pm this afternoon sound?” “That would be perfect.” “Ok, great. We’ll see you later this afternoon, sir.” “Good. Thank you.” I end the call and look around the sidewalks of Pike St. A woman with dark long hair walks in the direction of the diner from last night. With my finger against my lips I watch her carefully. She turns and enters, I look at the time to make note. 10am. After last night, the way she reacted, odds are she’d be exiting the diner within 20min if not less. Standing, I cross the street and wait beside the entrance. As calculated the doors open and she walks passed me quickly, not noticing I was there. I follow her, trying to gather my words. She quickens her pace, for a moment I think she’s noticed me, but realize that she’s attempting to catch the local bus as it pulls up to its stop. She gets on; a few passengers get on behind her. I try to remain distant, not wanting to frighten her as I did last night. I walk to the side seat, covering my face with my hand, her face buried in a book. After a few stops she stands and the bus halts. She rushes passed a few pedestrians on the sidewalk. My eyes trace her body; she looks fragile, frail almost. I think about the last four years, her place of work, her life... She bumps into someone, her bag and book fall. I kneel besides her picking up her book. Her hair in her face, she murmurs “Thank you.” Her voice is low, still not looking up. With a short breath I respond, “You’re welcome, Elizabeth.”
Chapter 4
“Get away from me!” She falls backward both her bag and book drop once more. I lean forward bending done to pick up her things. “Elizabeth, please… I’m not going to hurt you.” “No!! Get the fuck away from me now.”She now stands a crowd slowly forms. One man “She said get away, dude!” I look him up and down. “Mind your fucking business and walk away… DUDE!” emphasizing on the word. He shakes his head and bravely steps forward. My rage builds, everything within me wanting to break his twiggy little fucking bones as he placed his hand on my chest. In the mist of our stare I catch a glimpse of Elizabeth as she walks forward in attempts to grab her things. I breath hard as the man stands between us, my chest rising, my eyes locked on hers. She moves back, making slow steps hugging both her bag and book against her chest. I blink and look at the man then back at her. “I need to talk to you and I will one way or another, Elizabeth.” I step back reluctantly and turn to walk away. Enmity spills into my core, my thoughts race. I run my fingers into my hair, tugging the strands in my frustration. She’s in fear of me and it’s no fucking wonder. I pace up and down the sidewalk, sure to look like a madman, and think maybe she’s right.
It’s 2pm and I sit in the waiting area for the office of social worker at large, Alexis Moore. Skimming through a cosmopolitan magazine I press my lips together, smirking as I see an article quoted “Guys confess their relationship secrets” I roll my eyes, chuckling at the shit that women read. The receptionist gives me side eyes. I return the look with a crooked smile “Mr. Jack Hyde?” She holds out her hand for me to shake. She’s older, mid 40’s perhaps, her nose poignant, her glasses just below her eyes. She barely cracks a smile quickly taking her hand back after I shake it. “Come in, Jules hold my calls will you?” I follow and glance at Jules the receptionist. She smiles and wriggles her fingers at me as I walk in. I arch my brow and grin, embedding her name. “You can take a seat Mr. Hyde.” Mrs. Moore gestures towards one of the chairs; I look and sit lifting my ankle over my knee, resting my back. She begins “I took the liberty of reviewing your file. You have quite a story. Care to tell me about it yourself?”I smirk, taking a breath as I stare at her. “Mrs. Moore seeing as you already have it laid out I don’t think there’s much more to say.” She nods with a small grin and looks down to the file “I disagree, this…” She lifts her hand matter-of-factly pressing the file between her fingers “Tells a factual story of your life and though true. I want to hear from your mouth just who Jack Hyde is.” I lean forward, curling my lip. “As intriguing as that story may seem to you it will take more than an hour to explain.” She nods and sits back, as if in waiting. I roll my eyes “Look, I’m here for work; my past is exactly that to you, my past. I don’t intend to discuss or re-hatch unnecessary irrelevant bullshit from what takes place at this current moment. Understood” She nods once more, with a slight frown of her bottom lip and leans forward folding her hands over her wooden desk “Very well, Mr. Hyde.” She sighs “I know you were in publishing.” I lift my finger “Commissioning Editor!” “Right…” She stares at me carefully as if she were trying to read me. “What about freelance work? I can make a few contacts and see if they need outside editors. It could be brief and you’d stay below anyone’s radar. What do you think?” I furrow my brows, looking at her quizzically for a moment. “Actually that sounds perfect.” She smiles and places my file to the side. I look from my file to her face. “Perfect then, I’ll contact you by the end of the week with your first manuscript.” I stand, Surprised at how easy this was. “Ok, thank you.” “Not a problem, Mr. Hyde. I’ll have Jules set up our next meet.” I hear her words as I turn to the door. “Next meet?” I ask with an arched brow. She replies without looking up, writing as she speaks. “Well yes, Mr. Hyde, you’ve been assigned to see me for the next 6 months.”She grins and looks up. The petulance within me fuels and I’m left speechless. One hand on the doorknob the other in my hair. Opening aggressively I exit her office without looking back.
I throw my keys on the wooden table, the metal skids across scratching the wood. I begin to pace, Elizabeth’s face plays in my mind, the panic in her eyes. She probably thinks I’m after her. The way she turned on me, testifying against me. A part of me was still angry, had it not been for her I probably could’ve manipulated my way out of prison long before. Yet… here I am and there she is her life just as destroyed. She has nothing and now I’ve cost her the only job she had. I breathe and walk over to the window by my bed. Looking out to the street, watching everyone move along, my eyes peer to that same diner just on the corner. I think on impulse and pick up my keys, exiting my place I leave the building and cross over to the diner; I walk directly to the hostess “I need to speak to the manager.”My voice tight. Her looks unnerved, she nods and asks me to wait. The manager quickly approaches the counter. He’s a short, semi balding middle aged man. He smiles “Yes, sir. How may I help you?” I speak quick, avoiding conversation. “I need you to give Elizabeth Morgan her job back.” He shakes his head in confusion. “I’m sorry sir, I did not fire her…” He waves his hands and looks like a lost puppy. “What do you mean?” He replies “She quit.” I run my fingers in my hair, infuriated. “Quit?!” My hand over my mouth, she quit because of me. Fuck, Hyde? He speaks, “I’m sorry sir.” I wave him off no longer needing his assist. My eyes dart to the waitress from that night; she arches her brow, nudging her head for me to follow her. I look around; she walks towards the back of the diner I keep at her trail. She leads me behind the kitchen, opening the back door, I hold it open letting it go as she leans on the brick, lighting a cigarette. “I can tell you where Elizabeth lives.” I step forward my lips pressed. “Why would you do that? For all you know I’m out to kill her.” She shrugs and flicks the bud. “Are you?” I tilt my head “What’s the price?” she stares back, one hand holding the cigarette the other around her waist. She’s skinny, Sickly almost. “$500” I laugh at her request. Looking at her, my grin fades and I open my wallet, pulling out two hundred dollar bills. “Where?!” I glare at her waiting for her answer holding the money between my index and middle fingers. She looks from the money to me and back, sighing “That’s not 500” “Listen…” I move against her, she steps back, I lean in my nose fairly close to her neck, my breath on her ear “You won’t want to see what happens if you delay any longer.” I flick her hair with the same fingers holding the money, bringing it in front of her face. “I know why you need this; I know why you want this. So regardless of the amount in my hand you will tell me.” She shutters, her eyes following green. “102 Dexter Ave N” I grin, “Good girl.” I step away and open my wallet putting the money back. “HEY!! WHAT THE FUCK!” She screams “GO TO REHAB!” I shout as I walk down the alley with a haughty smirk. She continues to wale, her curses echo through the streets. I hail a cab and slide in, the driver looks back I tell him my destination and sit back to look out the window as I reflect on my next move.
Chapter 5
I toss, sweat beading down my forehead.
She screams… His fist flies… There’s blood… A boy walks through a small room dragging a small toy… Rubbing his eyes… he sees her… her is body laid flat, barely moving, barely clothed. He looks up … There sits Daddy with an ominous smirk “See son, the one thing to always remember they’re all worthless!”
My eyes flick open, my breath ragged. I turn and grab my phone looking at the time. It’s 3am… Fuck! I sit up and prop my elbows on my knees. Fucking nightmares! I throw myself back on the bed as my mind wonders back to last night. I stood idle across from her apartment building. Quietly lurking, I think of my words, my actions. She steps out and looks side to side seeking my venom. The street lights reflect over her features. Her dark hair, the peak of her nose, the shadow of her fine lips, she stood directly in front of me and for once since we’ve met eyes I see no fear, just beauty. Yet she had no idea I was there. She began to walk along the sidewalk; I followed, remaining across the street. She walked into a bar and for moment I thought about walking across to meet her inside. But I stopped myself. And now here I am, a quarter passed 3 looking at the ceiling. I pull my phone out in dire need of a distraction, finding my playlist I’ve slowly developed; I press play and escape to the rasps of Alex Clare.
I roll over, the shadows of the sun stir through my windows. With a stretch of my arms I slowly rise out of bed and into the shower. I call Linc as I step out to get breakfast at the café. “Before you speak you should be aware I have my probation office on my ass. From now on this phone won’t account for any business calls. I’m going to call you from now on. Not the other way around. You want to do this shit then we do it my way. Or else. Understood?” He replies “Fine, I’ll need to hear from you by Friday. Call at 9am.” I end the call without response putting the phone in my pocket. Remembering of a pawn shop that stood only a few blocks from where I live. I decide on a short walk to see an old friend. With a wry grin I spot him, He nods and smiles as I approach. “Had a feeling I’d hear from you soon.” “I need a few things, Bobby.” He glances around “The usual suspects.” My hands stretch at the counter. A bell rings at the door as it opens. “2 burners, a laptop and a new identity by the end of the week” The customers slowly pace, looking around. “I’ll come back later for the phones and laptop. I’ll return tomorrow for the rest, whatever it costs.” He nods and I walk away making a quick exit.
A familiar blonde catches my eyes, avoiding contact she lowers her head walks passed me. I nod to myself, smirking at her swiftness as she moves along. I walk towards the bus stop that Elizabeth took yesterday and look over the map. A crowd forms at the stop area, the bus nearing. As the doors open each passenger steps on leaving me last. The driver looks down to me “Are you coming in, Sir?” I look up and around to the other passengers, nodding I step on. Only a few exits along I get off and look around walking in the direction she did yesterday soon reaching Dexter. I spot her building and walk closer, only a few steps shy I notice her walking out of the front door. A small boy grabs hold of her hand, his hair auburn as it tousles in the light wind. Smiling he says something and Elizabeth laughs, she lifts him in her arms and hugs him tight. I stand back, observing their affection. She stands, looking up towards my direction. Quickly I shift and move away, noticing a coffee shop at a short distance I move fast and step inside.
I hold my latte in my hands, the foam tipping in the shape of a leaf. I take a sip, the heat generating down my throat. She has a kid, a fucking kid, I repeat to myself, my mind going in circles. He looks but only a few years, maybe 4. My eyes widen, fuck… could he be? I furrow my brows. A timeline runs through my brain. I think of our past discretions, the way she gave herself to me, the countless fucks we had, the way I controlled her. A slight grin creases over the corner of my lips, my cock twitching against the zipper of my jeans. Tension rises within my veins, the want, and need of control lacking. Sad thing is I could easily go home and take what I want. But, I want something else, someone else. However elusive I finish the last of my latte and toss it in the trash.
Leaving, I get back to that same stop and back on another bus. Upon exiting I look at the time on my phone and stop briefly at the pawn shop to retrieve the items I’d requested earlier this morning. Making the quick transaction I take my items and walk out. The stands outside the market call to me making my stomach curve with hunger. I pick up a few things, a halibut, green and red peppers, asparagus, even some fruit. Paying the man behind the stand I take my groceries in arm and get to my building. Once upstairs I place my things down. Taking out the food first, placing the halibut down on the counter. I realize I have no utensils or pots and pans. I run my fingers in my hair, great, I didn’t think this one through. One person comes to mind that might be willing to extend a few things my way. I take my shot and walk over to her door. I knock, thinking the odds of her opening are… “Hi” She opened the door I stand almost dumbfounded “Hi” I rub the back of my neck feeling awkward. “I need to borrow a few things” “What exactly do you need?” She bites her lip, looking me up and down. I grin. “I need a pan, knife, maybe a plate and a fork.” She laughs. “Sure, come in.” She tosses her hair off her shoulders and walks into her kitchen. “Are you cooking just for yourself?” She peeks from behind her counter where she grabs her pan. “Yep, just me and my lonesome” I reply trying to keep the chat to a minimum. She steps closer to me with the pan, knife, plate and fork. “Enjoy your meal, stranger.” She says with a smile. I give her a crooked smile and take them from her. “Thank you.” I turn to walk out “And it’s Katie.” She says just as she shuts the door. I nod to myself and walk back to my place feeling oddly defeated.
Finishing my meal I fire up the laptop that Bobby gave me. I load my software, create an email and do a main search. Giving myself a brief summary of current events, most of which consisting of the Greys. I learn of his new home, his two children, what new things he has within GEH as well as that of Grey publishing and their commission editor, Anastasia Grey. That poor twit could barely read a manuscript let alone do my job. A familiar rage builds within me as I continue looking them up, some might think it’s a sense of jealousy or envy. Truth be told, it was merely the fact that he stole what wasn’t his. He took my life not once but twice. A life that from the very beginning should have been mine, A life that I worked hard to achieve and now… I rush out of my chair, infuriated with where my life is. Looking around the room, contemplating where I stand, where I’ve been. I glance directly at the laptop, Elizabeth once again slipping into frame. I pull the chair out and sit back down. I do a Google search entering her full name, Elizabeth Morgan. That day comes up, Grey’s name all over the screen. Headlines reading, “Hyde’s scarlet sidekick pleads sexual harassment!” Images of her indignity, her humility obvious. I run my fingers over my lips as I lean in to look further. Trying to find more information about her from then till now and there’s nothing. I think about the boy, wondering when she had him, how old he was, how she managed. Shit, I sit back in thought. I need to know if he’s mine, now more than ever I need to speak to her.
Chapter 6
I huff looking at the clock on my phone, its 2am and I throw my head back placing my forearm against my head. My thoughts a lingering noise in my mind, each moment I close my eyes a small boy with blue eyes appearing. I sit up at the edge of the bed. The blanket over my lap, my elbows propped as I rake my fingers through my spiked bed hair. I needed to get out, distract my mind, and have a drink. I change quickly, looking at myself as I button my collar a night out is exactly what I deserve and I know just the place.
Hailing a cab I give the location and he drives off. As we arrive he looks back at me conflicted as we approach what looks like an abandoned warehouse. I slip him a $20, thanking him and step out. Fixing my suit jacket I arrive at two heavy metal doors. I press a buzzard, a heavy set guard opens, and he looks me up and down. “What color is the rabbit?”He says his voice deep “White.” I respond looking directly into his eyes. He steps back and I walk down a hall. It’s dark, the music slowly filling as I approach another set of doors and push them open. The lights are dim, the walls golden, the furniture a seductive red. The music resounding as a woman’s sultry voice moves against the beat. The hostess, wearing a skin tight red leather strapless dress greets me, “Hello, sir and welcome to wonderland.” I grin as she gestures for me to acquaint myself. The lure of sex fills throughout the room. A couple grinds on the dance floor, her leg lifted at his hip, his hand hidden. She bows her head at his shoulder her lips shaped in that of an O, she opens her eyes quaintly and gives me a wink as she bites her lip turning back to him. The hostess asks “How can we make your escape to wonderland an unforgettable night?” her voice sensual bringing me back to her, I respond. “Give me a private.” She nods and saunters away slowly. I near the bar and sit, scanning the room, I stop at that of a delicious blond sitting alone on a red cushion. She wears a sheer black dress with nothing beneath, her green eyes lock on mine. She spreads her legs and runs her fingers slowly down her cleavage, abdomen, and soon reaches her bud. Lifting her dress she allows me to see more of her. The glistening juice from her pressed cunt drips seducing me slowly as the fingers begin to tease. A flinch beneath my trousers tells me it’s time for introduction. I stand just as the hostess approaches and walk directly to the vixen. Without words she extends her hand and I pull her up, her body pressing against mine aggressively. I look towards the hostess and she hands me the key, “Enjoy, Sir.” Grinning I walk with the salacious vixen into the room and shut the door, locking it. She walks to the center of the room “So…” She begins to speak but I stop her. “Don’t speak. You will do as I say and how I say it. Understood?” She nods and bites her lip. Slowly crossing her arms, she attempts to lift her dress up. “Stop” I command. “Did I say to undress?” “No…” she whispers I shake my head “tsk, tsk, tsk… little one. You’ve spoken. I distinctly remember telling you not to speak.” I saunter around where she stands, brushing her hair off her shoulder “What do you suppose I do about your defiance to remain shut?” I speak with preciseness, my voice low. Her breath becomes hitched as I run my finger over the nook of her neck, to her ear and down her jaw. I grip my hand around and tilt her head to the side, gaining further access to her elongated stem, my nose skimming softly. “You enjoy to tease don’t you, little one?” My hand hooked, I run my finger over her dark red lips, smearing her lipstick. She swallows hard and nods, I smirk “Good girl, you didn’t speak.” With my free hand I brush over her torso, pressing my erection against her firm ass. Her nipples pierced against the sheer material. She remains still, her breathing increasing as my hands lower. “You have a very pretty cunt.” I pull at the hem of her dress, my fingers rub against her mound. “Does it taste as good as it looks?” She nods once more. I dredge my fingers along her slit and into her drenched hole. She gasps, “You see that chair?” she nods “I want you to take it and bring it here.” I release her, placing my fingers into my mouth to taste her sweetness. She walks over with the chair. “Sit.” She does as I say. “Unzip and release.” Her hands move quick and unsteadily. I place my hands over hers. “Slowly” She bites her lips and grins. Once doing so, she reaches her hand in my trousers and pulls out my length. She licks her lips and begins stroking; I close my eyes with a guttural groan. She licks from base to tip circling her tongue, teasingly. I run my fingers in her hair and wrap them tight. Tugging back, “suck” she smiles and takes my shaft to the back of her throat, my hand still in her hair I guide her. She skids her teeth over my flesh to the head I growl “FUCK” she turns her head and sucks over the sides down to my balls. With a pop of her mouth over each one before licking back up. Her mouth was fucking phenomenal. I tug back on her hair once more and flick my tongue against hers, tasting the saltiness of my pre-cum. Standing back up she goes at it once more, I hear the gurgle of her gag as I thrust deep into her mouth, taking control as I feel my build. I look to where her hand sits her fingers rubbing aggressively as she fucks herself to the pleasure of my cock buried down her throat. With my seed on edge I remove my cock from her mouth “Stand and lean over the table.” She sucks in her bottom lip, the saliva soaked over her smeared mouth. I smack her ass, cupping it as I do, squeezing her cheeks before swatting once more. My length in my hand I rub over her dripping cunt and all too quickly ram hard inside of her. She yelps, I pull her hair back, her hands grip at the edge of the table I grunt against her ear, “Fuck you have a tight little cunt.” Her pussy grips each inch of me, constricting and just as she screams I shoot my seed within her and fill her deep hole. Bowing my head over her spine I remove myself pulling out of her. She straightens and goes to speak. I lift my hand “Don’t ruin it.” Her grin fades and once I zipper up I open the door to walk out, leaving her as her eyes peer through me. I step to the bar and ask for a whiskey neat, tossing it back as she steps passed me. I give the bartender side eyes followed with a devilish grin and leave the cash for my drink on the counter.
The drool over my pillow causes me to wake abruptly. I bring my hand over my head and slowly open my eyes. The sunlight too much to bare “Fuck, I need curtains” I murmur to myself as I sit up and both hands wonder into my hair, down my face. I walk into the bathroom and look back at myself, trying to remember what I did last night. My last memory of jaded green eyes, followed by those of small blue ones, I shake my head. Turning on the shower I strip and let the scolding hot water graze my flesh awakening me from my drunken slur. I step out of the shower and wrap the towel around my hips. I hear the chime of my phone as I shut the shower off and run out. “Hello.” “Hi, Mr. Hyde Just wanted you to know Mrs. Moore had me schedule you for Friday at 10:30am. Does that work for you?” I arch both my brows knowing I had very little of a choice. “I suppose.” “Great.” She squeaks, her voice to peppy for my liking. I press end to the call as she goes to say goodbye and strut to my fridge to take out an apple. I bite a good chunk as I open my laptop. When I go to type in the search my history pull up and Elizabeth’s name. I lean back and look over the name slowly, taking into account what could be and what is. I’m sure she will never disclose him being mine even if he was. She will never come forward and be honest. He’s probably better off without me. I pull at my hair, leaning my head forward. I’m not worth being a father, he deserves better than what I can provide. But, there’s one thing I need to do, one thing that I need to give her.
I get dressed and take out one of the envelopes holding my cash. Counting at least $10, 000 dollars I place it back in with a small note and wrap it up with a rubber band placing it beneath my arm. As I step out of my place I lock the door and notice Katie as she does the same. I walk towards the stair case as she does “Hey, how about we start over?” she says with a smile. I nod, grinning. “I think that’s a good idea.” “My name is Katie Shaw” She gestures her hand for me to shake it I give her mine “Jack Hyde.” She pulls her hand back, “Wait thee Jack Hyde?” I take a breath “Yes, the one and only.” She laughs. “Something funny?” “No, I just... I really know how to pick them.” I chuckle along with her “I suppose you do, Kitten.” glancing down “Ladies first.” She smiles and walks ahead. We both exit together but walk in separate directions. I get in the first cab I see and tell him my destination. He drops me off across the street from her apartment building. The auburn haired boy plays with a soccer ball just in front. There’s a young girl on her cell phone, “Stay away from the street.” She says to him without even looking. I look around to see if Elizabeth is around at all. Wondering where and why she’d leave him alone with someone so consumed with her phone instead of the boy. He kicks the soccer ball and it fumbles into the street, he looks up at her and back to the ball, “Krista… my ball… my ball” He yells for her attention and she waves her face still buried. “Yeah, get the ball.” I look at her with fury. Suddenly as he goes to grab the ball at the edge of the street a car comes at a short distance “KID!! LOOK OUT!!” I shout running into the street and whisk him into my arms. The car screeches as the driver hits the breaks. I look down, he’s so small in my arms, his eyes are closed I try to wake him, noticing a small trace of blood in the back of my hands. His babysitter comes running “CALL THE AMBULENCE NOW!!” I yell as she looks down at me with tears and dials stuttering her words as she speaks. Soon the sirens reign through the streets and I hold him close looking down at him. I stand holding him in my arms handing him over to the EMT. “He’s badly hurt, bleeding from I think the back of his head. I tried saving him…” They take him from me “Are you his father, sir?” “NO… Umm… I don’t…” They look from me to the boy and the babysitter steps up “He was under my care, his mother is at a job interview… I… I wasn’t…” she speaks with tears they ask her to come with them as he was under her care. I walk over to the driver that almost hit him. He paces back and forth running his hands in his hair, frantic. “HEY!” I shout for him to look at me and when he does I throw my fist directly into his jaw, knocking him out cold. The crowd pulls me back and I brush them off of me. The ambulance flees, the sirens blaring. I attempt catching a cab, needing to see him, needing to know that he’s ok.
Chapter 7...
“Where is he?!” She shouts down the halls. The nurses respond “Ma’am where is who?” “My son, where is he? I need to see him now!!” I walk around the counter “Elizabeth” I speak in a low voice. She freezes at the sight of me taken a back, trying to make the connection “You… what are you doing here?” A single tear streams down her cheek “I was there.” I whisper. “I wanted to…” interrupted by one of the doctors “Mrs. Morgan, hello I’m Dr. Watson.” He looks between us both and I step back allowing them time to speak. She covers her mouth in shock as he speaks. Her distress evident as her eyes peer towards me, she looks back to the doctor and nods as he stands with her and takes her to where he lies.
I sit for hours in the waiting area. A part of me unsure why I’m even still here, I stand and look to where his room is. A small window allowing me to see inside, her head is laid over him her hand in his, her fingers caressing each of his as he sleeps. With a quick glance she looks up and our eyes meet I step back, knowing I don’t belong here. As I go to make my exit I stop at the nurses’ station to give them my information, I request that they submit the bill directly to me. The nurse nods with smiles as she takes it all down. She assures me that the billing department will contact me as soon as he’s released. I give a half smile and walk away pressing for the elevator. “Why were you there?” I hear Elizabeth speak, my back facing her I remain in silence. “Why, Hyde?” the doors to the elevator open and I walk in, turning I respond “Does it matter at this point?” She looks at me with tear filled eyes as the doors shut. I arrive at my street too fucked up to walk into my building. I roll the keys in my hand and turn, crossing the street to go to the bar. The bartender smiles when I sit at the corner stool “Whiskey and capful of water, right?” “Yes, but no water. I need to feel this.” He looks at me with a face of confusion but follows my order. He grabs the bottle of Jack and places a glass down in front of me as he pours I say “Leave the bottle.” I swig back a few contemplating what occurred today.
The rim of the bottle clink on the emptiness of the glass resounds a hollow echo much like that of my withering soul. The bartender approaches “Sir, its passed 3am this is last call.” With my elbows slumped over the edge of the bar I reach for my wallet and throw a few bills on the counter. Several horns blare as I cross over and back to my building. Ignoring the noise I wave them off murmuring under my breath “You want me, take me” I unlock the door to the building and swerve up the stairs, my drunken state making me wonder why Linc decided to get me a place that caused so much walking. I attempt to stroll up each step carefully to not fall back. Soon reaching my floor I see someone at a distance slumped in front of my door. Her hair flowing over her arms as they rest on her knees. She lifts her head when she sees me. She begins to speak and I remain still “I wondered around for a while, I thought what the hell does he want? Why won’t he just let me be?” she asks as she stares into midair. “Nothing makes sense, not my life or my worth, but he...” She trails off her tears fall as her eyes meet mine. “He’s become all of it. He makes all the sense in the world despite…” Once again she stops but this time she looks at me and I can see her hatred, her angst. Without her realizing her silence only confirmed my unasked question, leaving me with very little to mention. She stands and wipes off her backside “I should go.” She steps passed me and I grab her elbow, our bodies side by side. “When did you know?” I ask with a murmur. She sighs and reflects my same question from earlier “Does it matter at this point?” I look at her as she pulls her elbow from my grip, walking away. She says quietly in the distance “Thank you” her voice a whisper when I look back and see she’s gone.
There’s a thud… he looks down to her… her face buried in vomit… he cringes holding his knees to his chest. She looks like she’s asleep, but he can’t tell. He turns to lie down on the floor beside her, his arms wrapped tightly around his legs as he stares at his mother until darkness soon fills his eyes.
A tear falls from my eye as I open them, anger percolating. A whistle escapes my lips as I realize it was another nightmare. The haunting fills me, flashes of my father and mother, each memory worse than the last. A linger of hate, they never wanted me. No one did. The abandonment was all I knew. I’d adjusted my life to thinking this was my normal, this was my reality. I accepted it for what it was and now it all comes to question… Could I abandon my offspring and leave on to him the same destiny as my own?
The morning seems clear as I take my keys and walk out of my place. I receive a call from Mrs. Moore’s office once more. “Mr. Hyde.” Her voice is somewhat nasally “I’ll need your email address so that my contacts may reach you regarding the manuscripts. They have a few lined up and are interested in your expertise.” I smile “That’s fantastic Alexis.” She clears her throat “I prefer, Mrs. Moore.” I laugh chastely “Of course you do. I’ll contact you in a bit with all you need from me.” “Great. And Mr. Hyde, Friday don’t forget.” I roll my eyes “Yes, I’ll be there.” I hang up not knowing exactly what she thought I’d discuss. I didn’t really do the therapy thing and had no intention of revealing my life to a fucking stranger. I purchase two coffees and a few pastries before entering into the hospital. Feeling assured of what I was ready to do I get on the elevator and press for his floor. The doors open and I walk passed the nurses’ station. “Umm… Sir” I stop in my tracks, “Yes?” It was the same nurse from yesterday “He’s not there.” “What do you mean he’s not there?” She stands from her seat “He was discharged this morning.” I run my hands over my face and into my hair exasperated. “Where did he go?” the nurse shakes her head “I’m sorry sir, I can’t disclose that information.” Slamming my hands on the desk I leave and take the stairs rushing down. I hail a cab and give the driver her address, telling him to hurry. I splay my fingers through my hair in fury, maybe even fear. Hoping I haven’t lost my only chance at a family.
Chapter 8
The cab pulls up to the curb and before I can pay the driver I storm out. One of the tenants walks out of Elizabeth’s building and I slide passed her. I stop quickly to look through the mail boxes for her last name, my eyes trail and stop once I see Morgan. I run up each steps till I reach her floor, searching for her apartment. I stop where I see a door slowly creaked open and look up to match her apartment number. I shout “Elizabeth?!” There’s no sound. I walk in further, slowly stepping into the living room. “Is anyone here?!” I shout again once more. The door slams “Who are you?” I turn and it’s the damn babysitter. “Who I am is of no concern to you.” I walk toward her “Where is she?” “Elizabeth?” she rolls her eyes and if I didn’t know any better the little bitch was fucking with me. “Listen you incompetent cunt if you…” I stop speaking when the door opens behind her and it’s him. He looks at me and smiles “I remember you.” I grin and crouch down to his level and back at the door when she speaks “Jaxon, just because you feel better doesn’t mean you could…” she halts at the sight of me, I stand as she enters.
Realizing how bad it looked that I was in her apartment uninvited. I look around “Elizabeth, I thought you’d… The door was…” I couldn’t make out a sentence. She smirks at my odd, tense behavior and nears me handing me a bag. “Put this on the counter would you?” I furrow my brows taken off guard. “Uh… Sure.” I place the bag down and try to grasp what just happened. The babysitter places a bag down beside me, glaring. I press my lips together ignoring her presence. I feel a tug at my shirt. “Would you like to see my soccer ball?” I curl my lip into a smile and take the ball. “Does your mommy let you play?” he nods. His hair is messy, he has small freckles on the tip of his cheekbones, and his eyes are blue like mine. He crinkles his little nose and smiles. “Jaxon, no balls in the kitchen, take it to you room.’ He turns when she speaks and I spot the bandage at the back of his head. I stand as she approaches me, “After last night I arrived back at the hospital and they said he was ok to go home by morning. All vitals were stable, MRI’s etc… He’s ok…” She says with a smile as she looks toward him and back at me. I nod with a smile watching her as she glows. This is the first time I think we’ve ever had… Normality, if that’s even what this is. “What?” I shake my head “Nothing, I’m just starting to see.” Her brow arches “See?” I nod once more and the babysitter slams the cabinet door. “I don’t think she likes me much.” I whisper bringing my fingers to my lips. “Is that a surprise?” Elizabeth says and smirks walking to where the groceries are. I chuckle lightly at her little joke and look back to where Jaxon sits, just staring at him. He sits and flies his toy airplane around. I wonder for a moment, there must’ve been something about me that Elizabeth felt she wanted him to keep part of my name. I look back at her and catch her green eyes as they smile back at me. I remember my purpose from this morning and realize I’d left the envelope in the cab. “I’ll be right back.” “Where are you…” Her voice trails off to the distance as I run down and back out to the cab. I look up and see his car parked, running to it. “Thank you, for not leaving.” I spot the envelope and take it in my hand giving him a $50 “keep the change, thank you for waiting.” Even he who didn’t know me was shocked at my kindness but it felt good, for once it felt right.
As I walk back to her apartment I hear shouting, “You’re fucking crazy to trust this asshole again.” “I never said I trusted him, Krista. But, I owe this to Jaxon.” “Jaxon can do better than him, he’s done better.” “He saved his life.” I walk in. “Umm, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” I glare; she does the same “its ok, Jack. Krista was just leaving.” She huffs and storms out slamming the door behind her. “She’s not wrong.” “What?” I look at Elizabeth and quirk a grin. “You are crazy.” She smirks “I suppose I always was a bit crazy. I blame you for most of it.” “Is that so?” She smiles and takes out a few items. “What are you making?” “Sauce, Jaxon loves spaghetti and meatballs so I’m making him his favorite.” I look along the island where all the vegetables are displayed. “I wanted to give you this.” I hand her the envelope. She wipes her hands on a towel. “What’s this?” “Not much for the last four years but something.” Before she opens I step back. “I’ll let you prepare dinner for you and Jax.” I turn away from the counter. “Stop” She says, I do as she wishes. “Stay for dinner… Please.” I shut my eyes, her request a sonnet. “I don’t want to intrude.” “It’s just dinner.” I turn and look “On one condition.” “Condition?” “I help make it.” She smiles. “You’re on.”
I chop a few peppers as she dices tomatoes, she puts on a tune and a guitar plays nicely as it intros. She moves passed me, her body brushes mine and I feel something trigger my veins. I still and look down at the peppers. She dices onions slowly and begins to wipe her eyes with the back of her hand. I grin, “You’ll never stop the tears like that.” I grab a towel and dab it with cold water. “Come.” She looks back at me, “I’m fine, Jack. I do this all the time.” “Then you do it wrong.” “Come here. I’m not going to bite you.” I arch my brow and she drops her knife “Stop that.” “What?” “You know exactly what.” She looks at me, one eye squinted. “Well I don’t think you’re going to do chopping so well with one eye, captain hook. So come here.” She laughs and steps closer to me. I hook her chin between my knuckles and thumb bringing the towel to her eye. “Close them.” She looks at me and hesitantly closes them. I press lightly along her eyelid to the corner of her eye. Making the same motion on the other, my thumb brushes her lip, she lets out a sigh, I Stretch my fingers out along her cheek to her hair moving a strand. “Mommy, I’m hungry.” I step back and turn to the sink, gripping the metal tightly. “Ok, baby, what do you want?” She steps away from me. I shut my eyes and let out a breath. Turning, I finish chopping the onions that she started and place them into the simmering pot. She steps in and notices that I finished the preparations. “I never knew you could cook.” “Back then there were only few things we knew about each other.” I say as I stir slowly, lifting the wooden spoon to her lips. “Tell me what it needs.” She licks her lips, a soft moan escapes. “Mmm… maybe a dash of salt, but just a dash.” She says as she looks at me. “Umm… where do you keep the salt?” “Second cabinet above the stove.” I open, taking out the salt I dash lightly. She stands in front of me, “I need to be clear about what this is tonight.” I stare down at her “Ok…?” “This is just dinner, nothing more. I don’t want you to think that something more will come of this. Clear?” I press my lips “Crystal.”
I lay on my side, running one of Jaxon’ cars on the floor, he crashes his airplane down I shout playfully “Ahh… No, please don’t.” He laughs and I can’t help but feel like a boy myself. Laughing alongside him, enjoying every second, “Ahem” I look up and back to Jax “Uh oh… playtime over, time for dinner.” He smiles and stands, pulling my hand. “Come, Jack, come. Mommies spssgetti is the bestest.” I smirk “If it’s the bestest then let’s go.” I follow behind him, she smiles, I wink. The table is fully set, I pull out her chair. “Jax remember to always pull out a chair for a lady.” He takes a roll and nods as he bites. I smile and sit beside him. I soon finish the meal and sit back in my chair. “Outstanding, Elizabeth, thank you once again for having me. It’s been a long time since I’d eaten something this delicious.” She smiles humbly. I stand up and collect the plates “What are you doing? I’ve got it.” I stop beside her and look down as I take hers “No, I got it. You’ve done more than enough.” She smiles. I walk into the kitchen and wash each plate, meticulously. She shouts, “I’m going to bathe Jaxon and get him ready for bed.” “Sounds good” I finish the dishes quickly, drying them and placing them in the cabinet. I move beside his door and watch as she puts him to sleep, she raises a finger to her lips “Shhh…” with a crooked grin I nod and walk back into the living room.
I look at pictures, a trail of them from when Jaxon was born till now. Each one reminding me what I’ve missed, reminding me how much of an asshole I’d been for the last 36 years. I stop at one with him in a bassinet, he looks peaceful. “29 hours straight. That’s how long I was in labor.” I turn and look up at her, she holds two glasses of wine in her hands and gestures one to me. Taking the glass, I shake my head. “I hate that I couldn’t be here for it. I’m so sorry, Elizabeth.” She walks to her sound system and begins playing another tune, turning back to me. “You didn’t know, Jack.” Sighing she continues “A part of me never wanted you to know.” She looks down. “That’s the thing, Elizabeth. I know exactly why you wanted to keep me from him. I don’t blame you for keeping him a secret. After how I treated you, what I did to the Greys’, all along you were already…” I shut my eyes, anger rising, hating myself for the man I grew to be, the man I was. I feel her finger at my lips. “The Jack I knew wouldn’t risk his life, wouldn’t give from what’s his and most definitely wouldn’t apologize for his actions.” I open my eyes to hers “You’ve made me question so many things within the last day.” Her eyes move down to my lips. The song playing has that of a soft female voice her words repeat, ‘I can give you what you need’. Elizabeth whispers “Let’s just forget about it for tonight. What do you say?” Her words ignite every inch of me. I place the glass down, bringing my hands to her face, my thumbs brush her lips. “I thought this was just dinner.” I say with a low tone. Her eyes open, “I’m ready for dessert.” She tips her teeth over my thumb and bites, scraping as she releases. I grin, twirling my thumb with her tongue, my other hand grips at her hips and I lift her. Her legs wrap firmly, I bring her against the wall. Pulling my thumb down her lip, I lick slowly over the top then bottom meeting her tongue with mine. Our kiss heats rapidly, her hands in my hair, mine ripping at her blouse. She pulls my shirt over my head as I hold her steadily. I remove her pony tail and watch as her hair falls over her shoulders, my palms at either side of her face I lean in to kiss her, “You’re so beautiful. Countless moments lost and I never said those words.” She moans, my tongue gliding slowly down her throat to her collar bone. “New moments, new memories” she whispers as she lifts my mouth back to hers. Our kiss relentless, she undoes my belt, slowly unbuttoning my jeans. I stop her hand “What if Jax wakes up?” she giggles “Such a daddy. Mmm… take me to my bedroom.” I smile and do as she says. Clumsily almost walking into the bathroom, she laughs “Over there” pointing in the direction. I walk in and she slides off of me. She steps backward, slowly undoing her jeans, she pushes them down her hips and stands before me in a matching pair of pink lace panties and bra. I step out of my work boots and pull off my socks, standing in only my jeans I stop in my tracks and just stare. Taking in her porcelain skin as it kisses against the lingerie, her staggering green eyes a blaze of fire “How did I never see you?” She tilts her head and grins as she lies back against her bed “Perhaps you were never truly looking.”
I kneel between her thighs, thoughts of how unruly I was with her flash through my mind, moments that I used her, used her body. I trail my fingers up her torso; my head knelt against her flesh, breathing in her scent. She runs her fingers in my hair and fuck it feels so good. It’s as if I’m having her for the first time, as if I’m feeling her fingers for the first time. I kiss slowly over her abdomen to the plump of her breast, trailing my tongue slowly over the lining of her cup. Writhing passed her collar bone, under her chin to her bottom lip. My fingers spreading her arms to each side, “I want to have you in ways I never have.” “Then have me… please” Her plead send flames through to my core. She arches her back and I undo her bra, my fingers brushing to the straps, I pull down slowly, kissing every inch that’s revealed to her supple nipples. Circling my tongue gently before sucking, I press my lips pulling whilst my palm grazes the other, massaging slowly into my fingertips. She moans “God yessss….” I move my tongue to the other and mirror my actions. Her fingers tug at my hair, pulling lightly. Each tug making me hungrier, I trace to the center of her torso and slowly move down passed her navel. Not yet removing her panties, I kiss along her mound, she arches once more, “Ahhh… Yes,” she’s already soaked. I slowly lick over the material, my fingers digging into her thighs as I spread them further apart. I kiss down to her inner thighs and pull down at the waistline, removing them, she lifts her ankles and I kiss the heel of her foot once I pull them fully off. She gazes up at me once I do “Fuck, what are you doing to me?” throwing her head back. “Oh God!” I grin and kiss silently down her ankle, calve, the hollow of her knee to her inner thighs once more. My eyes peer over her silk I growl “So perfect” I lather my tongue between folds, from base to clit, sucking between my lips, humming. “Mmm…. Fuckkkk” her words are a jitter as I vigorously take what I’ve craved since I laid my eyes on her. I release her now swollen clit, my tongue swirls, it pulses, I move down to her entrance and dip within. Her hands grip my hair and she pushes against me, allowing me to devour every bit. “Yesss…. Yesss… Yesss… I’m, Cummm…” she gasps and her delectable cream fills my mouth “So fucking sweet” I whisper. My lips move up her torso gently as she continues to tremble, her back arching. I place my hand under and lift her, she pushes my jeans off with her feet. I kneel over the bed and pull her over me. My erection fills her instantly “Oh God!!!!!” she screams, her arms snake around my neck and I hold her steady. Her pussy clenches over my every inch, the tightness driving me mad “FUCK!” I groan as my lips find hers. She moves against me, her legs wrapped tightly, my cock inching deeper with each thrust. “You feel sooo good.” She whimpers “So fucking good, baby” I respond. My hand at her ass, I rock with her, buried deep. She grips tight, my cock thickening once I feel my build rise. “Cum with me, Jack, please…” I bring my fingers in her hair and tug back. Licking down her throat, biting sensually over the nook of her neck “GAHHHH!!!” my seed spurts. “YESSSSS!!! GOD YES!” she follows, her cum soaking over my lap down to the sheets. I bring her lips to mine and kiss her deeply. My fingers moving up her back into her hair, her head against mine “God, Jack, That was…” she breathes “Wow” I smile against her lips and kiss her. “I could say the same to you.” I kiss down to her shoulder. “I never want to lose you again, Elizabeth.” I look into her eyes “I want it all, you, Jax, us… All of it.” “Jack…” she shakes her head. I hook her jaw and bring her face to mine “I’m serious.” “Give me time, after tonight my mind is cloudy. You leave me heady, Jack. Over the last few days everything has left me unsure of you.” She places her hand on my chest. “I just need time. Please.” I nod, kissing her bottom lip softly. “If time is what you need” I kiss her fingers “Your wish is my command” She shifts and my length flinches within her. “Stay the night?” I grin against her lips, cupping her face “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” She smiles and tightens her grip around me, flipping us over to where she’s straddling me. I chuckle at her ravenous behavior but could never object to having her and doing all in my being to keep her, even if that means breaking the arrangement.
Chapter 9
I feel a tickle just below my nose, my eyes open softly and she’s curled over my shoulder. She looks peaceful, at ease. A sigh slips lightly from her perched lips. I can’t help but smile, she was absolutely gorgeous and willing to try, with time of course but still… willing. The thought that someone could or want to give me that chance caused an unfamiliar feeling to grow within my heart, a feeling that I had no problem welcoming as long as it included Elizabeth and Jax. I hear a sound in the kitchen and look down to Elizabeth. She shifts but remains asleep. I slide my arm out from underneath her and sit up, quietly grabbing my jeans from the floor. I step out of the room and peek into the kitchen, I smirk when I see Jaxon climbing into the pantry. Leaning against the entryway I clear my throat “Ahem” he jumps and almost falls. I catch him. “Don’t tell mommy.” He whispers, frantically. I smile “Your secrets safe buddy, but don’t do that again, ok? I’m sure the last thing you or your mother need is another night in the hospital” Or myself for that matter. “I just wanted cookies. Mommy doesn’t let me have cookies in the morning.” He pouts and I laugh “Mommy knows best little guy, how about…” I look around. “Waffles?” I arch my brow and he smiles wide nodding excitedly. Opening the refrigerator I take out the eggs and milk, I see Jaxon beside me handing me the flour. “Do you know how to make waffles?” He nods “Mmhmm, mommy makes them all the time. They’re my favowit” I smile at his words, looking at his smile I lift him up to the counter and sit him down. “Good, you’ll be my little helper and maybe we could surprise mommy.” He nods rambunctiously and hands me the whisk as I take out a bowl. I prepare the batter and plug in the waffle maker. “Something else is needed. What do you think Jax?” he looks at the bowl and up at me “Stwawbewwies” I laugh and nod my head “Yes, yes… strawberries.” Opening the refrigerator once more I find my last ingredient.
The waffles cook and I can’t help but stare at him. He kicks his feet against the counter, his eyes peered at the maker and all I can do is think of the time I lost. The ding of the maker brings me from my distraction “It’s ready.” He repeats my words “rweady” I chuckle and take out each one. I find a serving tray under the counter and put her plate on it, followed by orange juice and coffee, black. I put Jaxon down and grab the tray. “Wait” I look down at Jax my brows furrow, he runs back with maple syrup. I grin “Good thinking, son.” The word slips out before I realize and I still. Straightening my face I look to him, he smiles up at me. A smile slowly creases over my lips and he walks to her bedroom door on his tip toes, his finger placed at his lips for me to be quiet. I raise my brows and walk in; I whisper to Jax “Ok, go wake her up.” He smiles and gets on the bed “Mommy… we have a pwesent” she opens one eye at him and grins, “A present…” turning she looks toward me as I stand at the foot of the bed. “Good morning, beautiful.” She smirks “Mmm… that’s quite the present.” She winks and I purse my lips at her innuendo. I bring the tray to the side of the bed. She pulls up the covers up slightly and I bite the inner part of my lip, wanting nothing more but to take her once again, perhaps having a very sweet breakfast of my own. “Mommy Jack put stwawbewwies in the waffles.” His words bring me back to focus. She grins and looks at me “Did he now?” she licks her lips “Well let’s taste then.” She cuts into the waffle and brings the fork to her lips. “Mmm… this is fantastic. When did you learn how to cook?” she asks and cuts another piece serving Jax a bite. “Like I said, beautiful, there was much we never knew about each other.” She bites her lip and nods. I look over to Jaxon “How about we make you some?” he jumps off the bed and grabs my hand leading me out of the bedroom. I laugh “I guess that’s a yes.” She laughs and I wink at her as I walk out to Jax.
The morning was incredible, far better than any morning I think I’d ever had. I sit back in Jax’s room and watch him play. I observe his expressions, the way he talks, smiles, his giggles, his excitement. He was… is perfect and he’s mine, my son, my boy. I feel her eyes graze against my flesh and smile “He’s everything.” I say without looking up at her “He is.” She responds. “It’s incredible how you can fall in love so quickly.” I look back at her, her arms are crossed, her head bowed. “Jack, we need to talk.” I take a breath; damn I knew it was just too fucking good. Standing I walk out of his room and towards hers, taking my shirt and slipping it on I sit down. “What is it?” “This” she puts the envelope I gave her last night on the bed. “Where’d it come from?” “Elizabeth…” I place my elbows on my knees, running my fingers through my hair. “I told you I wanted to make up for lost time.” She closes her door and looks down at me. “Where did it come from, Jack?” “You don’t have to worry about that, Elizabeth.” She scowls, “Are you fucking kidding me right now? You want me to give you a chance but how am I suppose to do that? How can I give you… us? How can I trust you?” She walks back and forth, my eyes follow her every move. I sit quietly, not knowing how to answer her. I couldn’t tell her about Linc and his plots against Grey. I’d lose her, forever… “JACK!” I look up at her and stand “I could stand here and tell you that I’ve made a full 180, that I came out of prison for good behavior and had this money just stashed. But… truthfully I never expected to see you, to find you. Seattle is far smaller than I could’ve ever thought.” I grin, looking into her eyes I bring my hand to her cheek, softly brushing it with the back of my knuckles, I swallow “I can’t tell you where it came from and you have all the right to not trust me. But know that us, you and Jax have become all I see in my life and I will do all I can to prove that to you.” She looks into my eyes as I search hers. “I just…” she whispers and I press my lips against hers, taking in her bottom lip, then top, our tongues meeting, engulfing. It’s soft and sweet, passionate. I pull away, her eyes are still closed, her lips puckered and I smirk.
I step away and put on my socks, followed by my boots. “What are you doing?” I stand up “I have some things I need to take care of. “Oh…” she looks down. “Ok.” I look at her and bring my finger to her jaw, lifting her face. “Hey, I’ll be back, ok?” She nods with a soft smile. My heart leaps to my throat, a yearning to tell her, to show her. But I couldn’t, not yet, not till all this shit with Linc was finished. I kiss her forehead and she grips her hands around mine. “Jack, I….” “Don’t baby. Not yet, when it’s right. Can I see you tonight?” she bites her lip and nods looking up to my eyes. “Yes.” She whispers. I kiss the corner of her lips once more, my hand skimming her chin as I do. Opening her door I see Jax in the distance, walking over to him I kneel on one leg. “Save me a story for tonight?” He smiles “Ok” I stand and kiss his head looking over to Elizabeth with a smile. She follows me to the front door and gives me one last kiss before I walk out.
Upon exiting her building I pull out my cell and text Linc…
‘We need to meet, tonight.’
I catch a cab and my phone chimes…
‘Agreed. 8pm there’s an irish pub near your place. I’ll send you the address.’
The cab nears Pike Place...
‘Don’t bother, I know where it is. I’ll be there.’
I pay the driver and step out of the cab, as I near the building door I see the same black sedan idle on the corner. Turning to the door, I put in the key to open and pause, fuck it. I walk over to the sedan and knock on the tinted window. The window lowers, a man with dark glasses sits behind the wheel. His lips pressed in a hard line, he looks at me “Can I help you, Sir?” with a crooked grin I respond, “Yes, you can tell Grey to stop fucking tailing me.” “I’m sorry, sir, we don’t work for Mr. Grey.” I arch my brow “Then who the fuck do you work for?” “We’re not at liberty to say, sir.” “Listen asshole, I don’t have time for bullshit so you either tell me or…” he pulls open his jacket and I see the 9mm. “You think that’s suppose to affect me, I’ve dealt with worst then a fucking bullet. Tell whoever you work for if he wants me, come and get me, otherwise back the fuck off.” I step back from the vehicle and walk to my apartment building.
As I step into my place I throw my keys down and run my fingers in my hair. Who the fuck else could be following me? I sit as the thought lingers. My phone chimes with a text
‘Hello Mr. Hyde, I have a manuscript for you to review, however you’ve yet to send me your email address. If you are indeed serious about this position I’d appreciate a contact from you soon.
Thank you.
-Mrs. Moore’
I huff… fuck, I never sent it. I respond back.
‘Forgive me Mrs. Moore. I am indeed interested. I happened to get side tracked yesterday but promise it will not happen again. My email is [email protected] please send it to me at your earliest convenience.’
I receive a quick response…
‘Excellent, you should come across it soon. I’ve already sent it. I’ll see you tomorrow.
-Mrs. Moore.’
I open the laptop, bringing up my Google account instantly. I find the email and open the attachment. Before indulging myself in familiar territory I get myself a glass of water and some fruit. My phone rings and its Elizabeth, I smile when I answer. “Hello.” She’s quiet “Hi.” I grin and arch my brow at the awkwardness that lingers. “So… this is awkward.” She says “What is?” I ask as if I didn’t already know “Our silence” I laugh “way to state the obvious.” She giggles “Well, I’m just pointing out the elephant.” I throw my head back and laugh wholeheartedly “The elephant?” she laughs and I shake my head “What’s Jaxon doing?” “Sitting with his airplanes” “He’s going to be a pilot” “You think so?” I sit at the table, my laptop running I click on the attachment to download. “I know so.” “Oh, you know, huh?” “I do.” I can almost hear her smile “So what are you doing?” “Sitting in front of my laptop getting ready to read a manuscript” “Really?” her excitement evident, I smirk “Yes.” “When did you get back into editing? I mean how did you even find something?” “A social worker that my probation officer found me, she knew of a few companies needing outside freelancers. It keeps me where I need to be.” “Yes, I’m happy for you. That you found something so fitting.” I sit back, her voice making me wish I’d never left “Thank you, baby.” She makes a cute sound and I grin “What?” “Nothing it’s just weird.” “Me calling you baby?” “Yes.” “New beginnings, new memories… remember?” I mirror her words from last night “Yes, I remember many things from last night.” Her tone becomes seductive “Mmm… Do you?” I lick my lips “Yes, I do.” “Good. I hope to give you many memorable nights.” “Promise?” she asks “Indeed I do, as long as you can promise that you will forever be by my side.” She sighs “Jack…” I whisper “Shh… think about it. I have to go. I’ll see you tonight and you can finish that sentence.” Her voice low “Yes… I’ll see you tonight.” We hang up and I stare down to my phone, smiling. I look up and the attachment is fully opened. I begin to read and soon los myself in what I know best, in what I truly enjoy doing.
Chapter 10
I enter the pub and the air is thick. A crowd of people are standing, others sitting. I hear violin in the distance, noticing a stage where a gorgeous young girl plays a beautiful celtic melody. My eyes search for Linc as I walk through to the bar and order an Irish whiskey. I feel a pat on my shoulder “Make that two.” Linc shouts to the bartender. He looks to me “Have you been here long?” I shake my head “No, just walked in.” The bartender walks back with our drinks. The gorgeous violinist ends her tune, everyone claps. The host walks to the stage and asks everyone to give another round of applause for the beautiful Rihna Mccleod. I catch her eye and she winks, I bow my head with a grin. Linc gestures for me to follow him; he leads us to a table in the far corner. It’s a good distance from where the stage is, allowing us to hear one another. I sit back in the chair and lift my leg over my knee. Looking over at Linc I swig back some of my whiskey.
“Priorities have changed.” I say as I put my drink down. He looks up at me as he grabs a pretzel “Have they?” his asks in response “Yes” I sit forward “I’m going to have to back out of the arrangement. I’m willing to repay you for all you have done for me and am truthfully appreciative. However, I cannot move forward with what you require of me.” I watch his expressions as I speak. He nods and props a pretzels in his mouth. A waitress passes us and he stops her asking her for another drink. She looks to me and I shake my head “No, thank you.” Without caring for a response I stand from the table. “I think I’ll be going then” he stands with me. I move forward to shake his hand. He takes mine and pulls me in “If you really think you can back out of our arrangement then you’re fucking delusional. This isn’t over.” I chuckle at his actions and look back to him amused. “Are you threatening me, Linc? Because if you are I don’t take lightly to threats” my face becomes grim as he squints. “And you know I don’t make empty threats” I laugh and throw down a $100 bill. He looks at the cash and back at me with a sly smirk. I fold my wallet and put it back in my pocket turning to walk away. “She must be quite the fuck!” He shouts in the distance and I stop in my tracks “What the fuck did you just say?!” turning back to him, I lunge and grab him by his collar pressing him against the wall “You don’t talk about her like that, if you even think of her in that manner again…” suddenly it hits me, I never mentioned her. I arch my brows looking at him with fury and confusion, he laughs “There you go. Is it finally coming together in that shit brain of yours?” “It was you following, watching… never Grey.” I hear a trigger pull back against my head. “You think I wouldn’t have you tailed, Hyde? You think that I’d trust you? I know the type of man you are because we come from the same cloth.” He smirks “And now you think priorities have changed because of what… the girl or the boy?” I press my hands around his throat and tighten my grip “You fucking near them and I’ll kill you.” The barrel presses harder against the back of my head. Linc lifts his hand for the guard to back off, the click of the trigger releases and he pulls away. I loosen my grip and step back knowing I had to get both Elizabeth and Jaxon out of Seattle, quick. I look between Linc and the guard; he rubs his fingers against his adams apple. His stare is sinister reminding me of myself. I step back slowly; he lifts his drink and takes the rest of it back. I watch carefully as he puts it down and says “That boy should be careful, you should make sure she watches him well. The next time he might not make it out of the hospital.” The boil within my bloodstream explodes and I leap, his guard places his hands over my jaw and pushes me back. I punch him in the gut and grab a glass bottle from the bar smashing it over his head. Linc looks from him to me, his chest heaves, I hear sirens. “Stay the fuck away because the next time I’ll snap your fucking neck!” I exit in a hurry, pushing through the crowd. I see a cab parked outside and open the door giving him my destination I tell him to go quick and we peel off.
I knock on her door, nervously looking over my shoulder. She opens, her smile is beautiful when she looks at me. Walking in I palm her cheeks, kissing her deeply, our lips pressed hard. “Jack…” she murmurs. I whisper against her lips “You have to go.” “Go?” She steps back and looks at me. I look at her, breathing hard, I look around. “Where’s Jaxon?” “He’s with Krista. Why? Jack, what’s wrong?” I sit down on the edge of the couch, running my hands through my hair, over my mouth. “You and Jax are not safe.” “What, Why?!” her questions are filled with angst. I take a breath, “When I was released from prison it was with the help of someone. The arrangement was he’d help me get out and I’d help him seek revenge.” “Revenge on whom?” I close my eyes “Grey.” Silence reeks and I look at her. I stand to grab her hand, she pulls away. “Get out.” She doesn’t look at me. “Elizabeth, please.” I plead. “Get out, now.” Her voice is more precise. “You and Jaxon have to go, somewhere, anywhere but here. I’ll go, but you have to promise me that you will listen to what I’m telling you to do.” I grab her wrist and turn her to look at me “I can’t have anything happen to either of you.” She pulls her wrist from my grip and looks at me, her eyes pooled with tears, her words barely able to escape her sweet lips “Just go.” I open the door, my head bowed and say in a whisper “I love you…”
Expecting to arrive to sirens or red and blue lights the area surrounding my building is as normal as ever. The music live from the bar, people amongst each other enjoying their night and no black sedans in sight. I try to think in his mindset. I was once him, I knew his thoughts, I knew sinister, and this… he’s regrouping, thinking of his next move. I walk into my building and upstairs, my thoughts on Elizabeth and Jax. I see Katie as I reach my floor and smile, walking passed her. She asks “Hey, you ok?” I reach my door and put in the key. “I’m fine. Thanks.” I walk in and shut the door behind me looking around, there must be a wire somewhere. I begin to search through my dresser, my mattress, on the edges of the walls down to the floor. There was no hint, no matter where I looked. Either he was really creative or he wasn’t as smart as I am. I hear a knock at my door and walk over to my closet where I’d stashed a few items. Pulling out a semi-automatic that I purchased earlier in the week I place it behind my back and into my jeans. I near the door and look through the peek hole, Elizabeth? With my brows furrowed I put the revolver back and open.
“What are you doing here?” she walks passed me, I shut the door behind her. “You should be gone, Elizabeth. Not here, he could be anywhere…” “SHUT UP!” she yells and I still “Just shut the fuck up. Ok?” she paces around and looks up at me “I know you wanted me gone, I know being here with you is dangerous and I know I need to be with Jaxon. But…” she stares into my eyes and walks closer to me. She sighs “A week ago all I had was him. All I knew was that this was my life, Jaxon and I facing the world together, just us. Then you come along…” she trails off and I lower my head taking in each word, my back landing against the door as I listen. She comes towards me, lifting my face, her hands on my cheeks. Her thumbs brush against my eyebrow, down my jaw line to my lips. Her touch brings me solace, my heart skips. “How someone could fall in love in a matter of one day is beyond me. But I realize now that it wasn’t one day. Somehow, through it all even when you were your worst. I’ve always been in love.” My eyes meet hers; everything stands idle, the world no longer moving. Her lips touch mine and I close my eyes kissing her back. Its soft, sensual, I take each lip with mine, our tongues tangling with passion, purpose. My fingers get lost in her hair, hers in mine. Our chests rising as it becomes deeper, I lower my hand down her back, cupping at her curves and soon lift her, bringing her to the table. Her legs are wrapped around my hips, she lifts my shirt off, I do the same. We mimic each others moves, she unbuckles my belt, I unzip her jeans. Her hands fish within mine and she grips making me groan. I bury my face over her chest, grazing her breast with my teeth, kissing and sucking at every inch, biting tenderly over her flesh, her nipples. She shovels out of her jeans, letting them drop. My fingers hook into her panties and I tug, ripping them off. She moans my name “Jack…” I continue my assault. She pushes my jeans off and they drop around my feet. Her eyes lock on mine and soon I’m inside of her, the fill intense. She gasps, “Yess…” my groan follows “Elizabeth…” I move rhythmically within her, the table rocking. She grips the edges and tightens her feet around my ass. She pushes me deeper within her, my length twitching against her walls. I hold her steady at her hips and move faster, fucking her with full of intent, owning her, worshiping her, giving her all of me. With one last thrust she screams “UNF, UNF… YESSS!!!” My fingers reach her hair and I tug back, my build following. “GAHHH… FUCK!!” her pussy grips and my seed spurts. I bring her lips to mine. Kissing her intensely, passionately… whispering “I love you.” she smiles against my lips and whispers “I thought I loved you then, but now…” she looks up at me and I finish her sentence with my kiss.
I pour us both a glass of water, she walks over. “Is Jaxon still with Krista?” I ask, she nods and sips her water “I had Krista leave to my sisters with him. I needed to stop here before I met up with them there. I just had to see you.” I hook my arm around her waist. “I’m so happy you did.” I bring her against me and run my fingers in her hair, moving the strands from her face. “So what now?” she asks. “I don’t know baby. I don’t know what he plans, but I know I want to be one step ahead of him. “And us?” I search her eyes “We will get through this storm and once we do we will have what we both want.” She smiles and kisses me sweetly. “Would you like to take a shower?” I ask with a grin, she nods biting her lip. I take her hand and begin walking to the bathroom she stops midway. “Let me call Krista quickly, ok? I’ll be right there.” I nod and walk in. Turning the shower on I shout “Hurry or I’m going to start without you.” “JACK!” she shouts my name and I run out. She has a look of utter shock, tears falling from her eyes as she stares at the phone. I near her and take the phone to see, its Krista, laid out on the ground, Jaxon beside her. He’s crying and a man with dark glasses is knelt behind him. A message follows...
‘You want your boy back then you know what you have to do. Just how much do you think your son is worth? Jack knows.’
Chapter 11
“Elizabeth, look at me.” She does as I ask, her tear filled eyes looking into mine. I press my lips, anger rising within me “I’m going to get our son back. I need you to trust that I will die before anything happens to Jaxon.” My words filled with truth, promise. She nods silently and covers her face with her hands, falling to her knees. I kneel down with her, lifting her chin, bringing her in my arms. I kiss her head, speaking within breaths “If ever I promise one thing, it’s that Jaxon will be back home safe” she looks into my eyes once more, her lips press softly against mine, I whisper “I need to go, I need to find him.” I move away from her, putting on my jeans and t-shirt. I open the closet door and take out the semi-automatic. Elizabeth follows me with her eyes as I place it behind my back “What are you going to do with that, Jack?” I look to her and put on my leather jacket. “What do you think?” she stands and steps closer to me. “I can’t lose you both. Promise me you will both come back to me alive.” Her hands touch my cheek, I close my eyes. I whisper “I need you to hold on to this phone.” Giving her one of the burners I had. She takes it in her hand, I place mine over hers and kiss her fingers softly “When I call you I will need you to follow my orders to its entirety. Ok?” She nods slowly. I slide my thumb over her lips as I open the door, looking at her for possibly the last time and walk out.
I exit the building rapidly, my eyes catch Katie as she steps out of her car. I walk over “I need your car.” She looks at me and laughs asking “What?” as if my words amused her. “Wait you’re fucking serious?” I look at her nervously “I’ve never been more serious in my life, though you seem amused it is not the time for fucking games, either you let me borrow it or I will simply take it, you choose” she stares at me, my lips in a hard line. She hands me the keys without further question. I take them and say “Thank you.” Entering the car I turn on the engine and peel off immediately. I try to think back to the times Linc came to visit me at the prison. Moments of what he would say, private locations that may have slipped. Flashes of Krista laid on the ground, Lincs words, Jaxon in the distance, there was a building behind him. Slamming my hand against the steering wheel trying to process my thoughts, I reach a red light. My mind races and it finally it clicks, the marina. The light changes to green and I make a u-turn, the tires screech. I arrive at the docks and park, slowly exiting the car. Quietly I close the door behind me and adjust the automatic in the waistband of my jeans. I hear someone shouting, arguing in the distance. As I near I notice Linc, My hands slip to the back of my pants in attempts to grab the gun. His guard walks out and calls him inside. Every urge within me says to act on impulse and walk in but I hold back.
I call Elizabeth, she answers on the first ring. “Hello” her voice is shaky. “It’s me. I need you to do something.” I whisper. “What is it, Jack? Are you there? Have you seen Jaxon?” Eager to answer all her questions but unable to “Baby, listen, please. I need you to call the police. Tell them that I’m at an abandoned warehouse just outside of bell harbor marina. Tell them to hurry. Ok, Elizabeth?” “Uh… ok. Jack…” her voice echoes I stop her before she can finish her sentence “I love you, Elizabeth. Always remember that.” Before she could respond I end the call and dial 911. The operator says “911 dispatch how may I help you?” I put it in my pocket and take a breath slowly walking into the warehouse, the doors are wedged open allowing me to slide in without notice. I look quietly trying to hear for his voice, for his cry. A door slams and I step back, looking slightly around the corner where the sound came from I see the same guard exiting what looks like a room. Once out of sight I walk towards the room and attempt to open, it nudges. I look in through the crack and see a young girl; she’s laid over the mattress, only her hair noticeable. Slowly I step in and she turns, crying, a scared whimper escapes “Please, no more…” My eyes shut. It was Krista. Fucking prick must’ve… she moves closer and I whisper “Krista, where’s Jaxon.” She bellows a cry. “Jack… Is that you?” her hands reach out, I assure her it’s me. “Yes, I’ve got you.” She moves forward in my arms and I repeat my question. “Where is Jaxon, Krista?” she shakes her head, “I don’t know. They’ve kept me in here. I don’t… Jack I tried to save him… They were too strong… I’m so sorry… Please…” Her head drops in her hands and she’s full of blood, tears streaming down her cheeks. I bring my finger to my lips “Shhh… I need to find Jaxon so I need you to be quiet, ok?” she nods understanding and I stand to walk out “No, Jack please, don’t leave me.” she begs in a frantically. “You’re safe now, Krista. They won’t hurt you anymore. I need to find Jaxon. Stay here. I’ll be right back.” She curls her legs against her chest and nods.
I walk out quietly to the direction the guard walked in and hear Linc. “Fucking asshole thinks he can just walk away. I’m going to leave this kid just like he was left.” “I want my mommy!” Jaxon shout, Linc responds “Shut the fuck up kid! You’re going to be left a pit in the street like your dear old daddy.” I shut my eyes and grip the gun at an instance. Pulling it forward I walk into the room and face the barrel at the guard. He stands when he sees me and draws his gun. He shoots when I grip the trigger. I feel my skin pierce as both guns go off, one bullet going straight into his head, I move the barrel to face Linc, and he leaps behind Jaxon, holding a 9mm to his head. He shouts “Any closer and he’s gone. Understand fucking gone, Hyde! Don’t fuck with me.” I lift my hands and let the gun fall off, the trigger hooked over my finger. “Let him go and we can settle this. Just us, the kid has nothing to do with this. I’m who you want.” I look down to Jax and he stares up at me his eyes swollen from crying. His body soiled, I hear a noise from behind and Linc jumps, once he does I take my shot and bring my gun back over my hand pulling the trigger. He falls as the sirens echo. I drop to my knees. Jaxon runs to me, his small arms circle my neck, I swoop him against me. I hold him tight as he hugs me, speaking low “Go outside to the nice police men. I’ll be outside soon. Ok son?” He does as I say runs off. I look down, warm liquid runs down from my gut down my hip, I touch and see the blood slowly dripping. Officers storm in, shouting “Anyone in here?” one yelling, “Jack Hyde!” I look ahead to Lincs lifeless body with a sly grin soon feeling arms beneath mine in attempts to lift me but I drop, “We need medics fast!!” They shout amongst me and I lay limp on the ground looking into his cold eyes as I feel my breath shorten.
The medics rush, lifting me to the bed, giving me oxygen. My eyes become heavy, each blink a resistance as I try to see my surroundings. Needing to know where Jax was I pull the oxygen off, “Sir, we need you to keep this on!” They shout, I tug once more, removing the mask “Where’s Jaxon? Where’s my son?” my eyes are slowly drifting but I fight. “Sir, keep this on.” A medic places it back on and I grip his wrist with all my strength. “Where is the boy?” He looks down at me and furrows his brows. They roll me out, lights flashing in circles I try to sit up but the pain shoots through me. Both medics hold me down, bringing me against the mattress. “He’s in shock we need to rush him in.” No one yet to answer where Jax is, I grab their shirts. “My son, where is he?” I hear a voice “Is he ok? Jack!” Turning slightly I see her, “Elizabeth…” my voice trails as I begin to cough, blood reaching the inside of my mouth. She takes my hand and screams my name. The sound of her voice slowly weakens as my eyes begin to close, her fingertips slip from my grasp. They lift me in and I see him, my son, my boy, he’s safe. I smile and look up to Elizabeth, her tears fall and I fade…
Chapter 12
(6yrs old)
“Jacky boy…” A soft whisper wakens me, I slowly openen my lids. It’s my mother standing by the window of my old bedroom, opening the curtains. The sun cascades in making my pupils dilate. She nears me “Good morning, birthday boy. I was hoping to have a special breakfast with you today. Would you like that?” She asks smiling. I furrow my brows, she was different today. “Breakfast?” she nods and looks at me “Yes silly boy, it’s your favorite. Go wash up and It’ll be waiting.” As she walks out of my room I look around in utter confusion. Most mornings she was passed out from the night before or still too drunk to remember to make anything... but today. I shake my head as I sit up and rub my eyes to make sure this wasn’t a dream. I walk into the bathroom and wash up, brushing my teeth and tippy toeing to look into the mirror my mom shouts “Jack, Breakfast is ready!”
I walk down to the kitchen and see a plate sitting on the table. She walks over and lays two stacks of waffles over the plate. “Sit down baby boy.” A feeling comes over me and I look up smiling “Thank you, mommy.” She grins and sits beside me. “Jacky, I know mommy hasn’t been here for you, but that will change. I promise.” I nod with excitement. Her promise meant everything to me. Suddenly the door slams, “Where the fuck are you, Rita?!” I drop my fork down and she leans in whispering “Stay here, Jacky.” She leaves the kitchen and walks down the hall to where he stands. I hear her plead “John, not today. Please, Its Jackys day. Let him enjoy…” The echo of a slap comes across the room. I hold my fork tight, sliding out of my seat and underneath the table. He yells “Where’s Jacky boy hiding? Come out for your old man. Let me wish you a happy birthday.” I see only his work boots as he stomps into the kitchen. My fist clenches tightly around the fork, he flips the table up and I jab his hand. “AHHH!!” he screams from the sting and I run. “FUCKING KID! GET OVER HERE NOW!” his voice is filled with anger. I attempt to hide in the closet. The sound of his footsteps near, each one creaking against the wooden floors, one after the other, he opens the closet door. I look to his hand and he wraps the belt tight around his fist. He grips my hair and tugs me out of the closet. My cries fill the room and I toughen up, turning to look him straight in the eyes. He grins “Oh, growing into a tough little fucker aren’t you?” I breathe hard, sticking my chest out. There was nothing tough about me, I hated when he’d beat me. I hated him, but it was at this moment that my heart became cold. He takes me by the wrist and the belt strikes me, once, twice and a third time. I grind my teeth as the tears silently stream down my face, one after each strike.
Once he was done he cursed his way out of the door with murmurs of his endless disappointments. He hated us, perhaps as much as we hated him. I stared at her lying in her own pool of blood as it seeped from her broken nose, her eyes bruised. It was then that I realized that promises are only meant to be broken. She finally wakens and I look at her with pure anger for what she’s allowed me to endure, resentment beginning to brew in my heart, my soul. She sits up and looks at me, wiping the blood from her nose. As she reaches her hand out to touch me, I flinch. A single tear drops and she attempts to stand. She fumbles, her hands sliding against the walls as she tries to hold herself up. She looks back at me when she reaches the cabinet in the kitchen and pulls out a bottle. Popping off the cap she whispers “Happy fucking birthday” and swigs back the drink.
(16yrs old)
“We can’t keep him.” My foster mother says as she speaks to the children and family services of Michigan. I listened to her argue with them trying to convince them there was something wrong with me. Shaking my head at her lies, reality was that she was pissed off I’d threatened her after catching her in bed with one my older foster brothers. She was a disgusting excuse for a woman and I made sure she knew it. She hung up the phone and I stood against the wall waiting for her to come out. “Here’s the deal whore.” She looked at me startled. “You want me out, trust me I want out. You give me a cut of what they are giving you and I’ll keep shut.” She looked at me confused. “That’s black mail.” She was a dumb cunt “No shit. You want your money though I’m sure and in a few months I’ll be gone.” She laughed and rolled her eyes at me. “Do you really think you’ll get that scholarship to Princeton?” her laughter drowned the room. “A little prick like you couldn’t make it anywhere.” I stepped up to her, my face inches from hers. “Listen bitch, I will get out of this shithole and make something of myself. If you want to continue your little affair then that’s the deal.” She gulps and looks to the door as the sound of a key enter. I grin and step back to the door, raising my brows. She looks between the door and myself. “Fine!” I smile and grab my backpack pulling the door open “Hey Dan, Just leaving to the library. Be back later.” I put my headphones on and walk outside, a wry smirk grazing my lips.
I studied till late, my new found love for literature had proven to be my key out of this god forsaken life. For a poor kid in the city of Detroit with very little resource I did all I could to keep my grades of high standard. I talked to no one, made no friends. I was a ghost, merely making my way. Once I’d found out of the opportunities to get a scholarship at Princeton I went for it. I’d sent my letters, followed by an essay and all the credentials required. I did extra community work, helped with editing on the school paper, and even tutored. There was no doubt that I was an ambitious kid, I pushed myself, making it as far as skipping a year ahead. All the kids looked at me as the weird one, all enjoying their senior year before college. I didn’t care, to me this was a pass time but soon It would all be over.
I arrive back at my foster home, opening the door I see Dan and Lisa sitting at the table. My first thought was, bitch caved. She holds an envelope in her hand “What’s going on?” she looks to Dan and passes it to me. I crease my brows and open, my eyes follow each word of the letter and a large smile fills my face. “I’M IN!!!” Dan shakes my hand “Congratulations Son!” I take his hand as he calls me son. Lisa stands beside him “Good for you Jack.” I look at her, my grin smug. I walk away from them both and go into the room I shared with my foster brother. “Hey man, I heard about what you said to Lisa. Thanks for not saying anything to Dan.” I looked at him like he was a fool “Where you stick your dick is on you, frankly I could care less about you two fucking.” He purses his lips and walks out of the room. I sit back and look at the letter once more. Reading over each word, I think of my mother and father and for a moment I wish they could see me. But it was an unrealistic thought, for this was all my doing.
(26 yrs old)
“FUCK!! Yesss… keep going.” I tugged her hair back, gripping it in my fist. Her ass was perched against my pelvis. My slaps echo as I take her hard and fast from behind. “GOD YESSSS” I bring her lips to mine and whisper “Such a good little whore.” She moans and with one last thrust my seed fills her “FUCKKK!!” As my pace slows I pull out of her and stand up. “That’s it?” I look back at her, “What?” nearing one of my book shelves “I didn’t…” She trails off “Cum.” I finish her sentence and turn to look at her “I know you didn’t but you served your purpose. You can get the fuck out now.” She throws a pillow at me and jumps out of my bed. Grabbing her dress in a hurry, curse words escape her lips, I sit down holding a video camera in my hand, grinning as I press play. Her head lifts and she turns to me. “What is that?” she nears me and attempts to grab it from my hand “This?” I pull back. “This is me fucking you on video and for all of SIP to see.” She stands and steps back slowly. I lay on my propped elbows, “I wonder what your husband would think of this?” She shuts her eyes. “You can’t do this. This is…” “Black mail, I know.” Smiling, her look of shock and anger rising as she glares back at me “You can make sure this never gets seen.” “How, what do you want?” I laugh at her quickness to please “Always eager, Chief Editor.” “Jack I can’t, I’m only his wife.” I smirk ominously and walk over to her. Bringing my hand to her jaw I grip tightly, my lips inches from hers “You can and you will or else.” A tear brinks and she nods. I lick her lips “Good girl.” Walking passed her I smack her ass “Now hurry along, I need to prepare for my promotion on Monday.” She does as I ask soon leaving my apartment. I watch her go and take out the videotape from the camera. I walk into my office and open a small vault I have hidden. I place it on top of several other videos I have, each filled with some sort of sexual act from multiple women, hell some are of more than one woman at a time. A wicked grin claims my lips as I shut the vault tight and think of my new found future in Seattle Independent Publishing.
(Present day)
My eyes open slowly; I feel a rush, lights flashing over me one after the other, each light moving to the next. I move my hand and I have a mask on, “He’s awake, we need to rush him into the OR!” I pull at the mask, “SIR,” “Where…?” I attempt to speak when they stop my hands. I shake my head as they put it back “Where am I?” “Sir, look up!” they push my face forward and bring bright lights over my pupils. “They’re dilated, he’s losing more oxygen!” My hands only move to a minimum as I try to feel my chest, my stomach. I hear a cry “Jack? Jack…!” My eyes slightly open I lift my head as far as I can and it’s Elizabeth at the foot of the bed. She’s here, she’s with me “Jack, I love you so much!” Her words slip from her lips and I throw my head back, my body beginning to convulse “WE’RE LOSING HIM! MA’AM YOU NEED TO STAY HERE” I try to stretch my hand out for her but the doors close. The lights are heavy; they move my body over a man wearing a mask stands over me. He puts a needle in my arm and begins to count backwards. My eyes slowly close but I feel reluctant, fighting to keep them open but soon… see black.
Chapter 13
There’s light again, my eyes opening and I’m back there, back in my old room. I spring from my bed in utter confusion. She opens the door and I look directly in her eyes. “Jacky boy” she looks at me. “What are you doing here Jacky?” I glance around “I don’t know” she walks to the curtains, my eyes follow. She turns to face me. “You have your own boy now.” She says as she sits on the bed beside me. “I do. How do you…” She smiles and tilts her head. “I know everything about you my precious boy. He looks just like you.” I grin, flashes of Jaxon’s smile come to mind.“He needs you.” She looks at me. “She does too.” My brows furrowed I sit in confusion of where I was and how if at all this was real. “I was never there for you” I lower my head “I did well for myself.” She nods “You did, Jacky. You did.” She smiles down at me, running her fingers through my hair. I feel her warmth, her love. It was odd, yet I could feel her. “Where am I?” She shakes her head and grins. “You’re in between.” “So I’m dead?” She shakes her head once more. “No son, you aren’t dead. You are asleep.” I look around the room, my fingers splayed in my hair. “Asleep?” my mind races “I can’t be here, I need to get back. I need to be…” She places her finger over my lips. “Shh… Jacky. Come with me.” I nod and sit up. Following her out of my room I walk down to the kitchen and it’s all displayed as it was 30 years ago. “This is our moment we never had Jacky. This is my promise fulfilled. No interruptions.” I look back for a sound, a slam, a shout but there’s no sign of him. “He’s not here?” She shakes her head “No Jacky. Just us, but we only have a short time.” She leaves the kitchen and walks outside I follow behind her. She stands and holds a blue rose. I look from the rose to her. “Mom, this… What is all of this? This life that’s been recreated?” she looks up to me. “It’s our moment we never had, it’s our peace. It’s my apology to you for hurting you, taking from you.” I near her as she hands me the rose “This rose represents mystery and beauty. You deserved so much better than me, than what your father and I gave you.” “Mom, we all make mistakes. It’s how we rise above it.” She looks up at me “You’re absolutely right, Jacky. It’s your time to rise above. Jaxon needs you. Be good to him. Love him every single day. Give him what you didn’t have. Promise me, Jacky.” A tear pricks my eyes and I look at her “I will mom. I promise” She smiles and wipes my tears “I love you.” I close my eyes to her words, her touch and when I reopen she’s no longer there, I’m no longer outside.
There’s a machine going off, my eyes shift around. There are several nurses and a doctor talking in a far corner. I blink several times, trying to gain better vision. I move my finger, only my eyes wandering, the respirator is lodged down my throat and I begin to gag. I flinch my fingers on both hands hoping someone see’s. “He’s awake!” Its Elizabeth’s voice and I smile, instantly thinking, good girl, get them to focus. They come towards me, one of them asking Elizabeth to leave the room. “I’m not leaving!” she shouts. The nurses lift my head “Mr. Hyde we need you to remain calm. We need you still so we can pull the respirator out. Understand.” I nod, “Good.” The doctor places his latex gloves on and hovers over me. He begins to count, one, two, and three… I gasp. The tube is released from my throat and I breathe. The doctor pulls out one of those little flashlights and begins to check my pupils. I squint, blinking several times before he stops. “Mr. Hyde how many fingers do I have up?” He holds up his index finger and I grin “One.” He smiles “Excellent.” “Do you remember what day it is?” I shake my head “I gotta say doc, I barely knew the answer to that question before I got shot, let alone now.” He laughs “Ok, I guess that’s fair enough.” “Can I see my family now?” He nods “Claire let them in.” she does as he asks. “Mrs. Morgan, his vitals are stable. We’ll give you a moment.” They walk out and she nears me, “Jack…” her voice trails off and I run my fingers in her hair smiling. She kisses me softly, our lips remaining still. She begins to cry. “Hey, shhh…. No tears baby.” She kisses me once more. I look up at her, our hands entwined. “This is our new beginning, new memories.” She nods and whispers “I love you.” I take a breath and kiss her fingers. Looking down to them as she stands above me, I murmur “Marry me.” She pulls back “What did you just say?” I look up “I said, marry me.” She remains in utter silence and I begin to convulse, my body tightening, my toes and fingers tense. I hear her scream for the doctors and they rush in “He’s having a seizure!” one shouts. They sound the alarm “CODE BLUE, CODE BLUE!” her fingers slip from mine as they all rush over me. Tears run from my eyes as my tongue moves to the back of my throat. I look for her and once I see her she’s covering her mouth crying. Fear grazing her eyes, her hand shaking. Everything begins to darken, the machines press against my chest and I feel the pump of my body, my breath shortens. I feel myself begin to drift as my eyes slowly close and there’s another pump. Suddenly there are blue eyes looking back at me and a bellow of air shoots from my lungs making me wake instantly. I shout… JAXON!
EPILOGUE...
(ELIZABETH)
It was several days of waiting, waiting for Jack to come to. The doctors assured me that if it went passed one more day they’d have to pull the plug. I feared he wouldn’t wake, after having him in our lives, in my life. A few days made to feel like an eternity of lost love. Every emotion, every touch, every whisper flowed through my veins for this man. I promised myself I’d stop loving him. I swore I’d let him go and now… I look to the bed and stare at him. He’s pulled me in, deeper than I could have ever imagined. I close my eyes and think of Jaxon. My poor boy, what he’s gone through. A sense of resentment runs through me, it all started from when Jack reappeared into our lives. We were fine before him, no issues, no worries and yet here I am, staring at the man I’d given to myself for time and time again as he lies to his possible death. I turn to grab my purse, the doctor going over his file beside me. I watch him for a moment as I prepare my goodbye. Suddenly his finger moves, I shake my head, he can’t be moving. Several more move I shout “He’s awake!” They flinch and run to his aide. They ask me to wait outside I shout “I’m not leaving.” The nurses ask me again. Hesitant I do as they ask and sit out in the hall. I wonder for a moment if I should just leave or shout I stay. One of the nurses comes out “He wants to see you.” I nod nerves filling me as I walk back in. I look at him. He has one hand over his stomach, the other on his side. In fear of touching him I take slow steps, whispering his name “Jack…” a lump fills my throat. He stretches his hand in my hair. I close my eyes and lower my lips to his. All the time I’m wondering if this was our goodbye, I remain still over him and feel my tears well in my eyes. Interlocking our fingers I kiss him once more, listening to his words, I whisper “I love you. The angst retching within me, as I attempt to find the words he murmurs “Marry me.” I stand in shock asking him “what did you just say?” he repeats his question. When I catch my breath to answer him his body begins to shake, I look over him and scream “HE NEEDS HELP!! NURSE, NURSE!” They run in and I see his eyes roll back. The doctors begin shouting “IT’S A CODE BLUE!” They wheel in a machine and a nurse grabs me by the shoulders “Ma’am you have to wait outside.” “But…” my voice trails and she warns me once more. I do as she asks, running out into the hall. Could I live without Jack? After all that’s been done… I pace back and forth my mind lost in thoughts until I hear him shout “JAXON!”
The end
JR Quinn
The rattle of the bars pull. “Let’s go, Hyde.” I step out and follow as the guard escorts me to where they hold my items. The guard hands me my clothing from years past as well as the items and cash from that day. The stench of dirt and faint musky cologne resonates as I dress. My lips curl. The remembrance fills as several faces skim through my mind. Fully changed I step out of the restroom and walk over to where a guard sits. He passes me my release forms and I sign my grin wide from ear to ear. “Here’s to the last 4 years.” Scratching the ink across the form I step back and move to the exit. The doors open, the sun cascades. A black SUV awaits, a driver stands beside the passenger door. He opens for me as I approach. I step down and crouch in attempts to see who is inside. “Hurry the fuck up and get in. Grey has people watching your every fucking move.” I grin and sit, closing the door as I enter. “Hello to you too, Linc.”
“Don’t fucking hello me.” He sits up adjusting his suit jacket looking paranoid and jittery. I laugh instantly at his discomfort. He looks back at me. “What the fuck is so funny?” I shake my head as I glance out the tinted windows. Running my fingers through my greasy, sweat filled hair. “You and your paranoia” I respond. He glares. “It’s not me that has a fucking billionaire and his family after me.” “What the fuck does he have to be after me? I paid my fucking dues. He’s lucky I don’t finish what I started.” “According to Elena they live out by the...” I cut him off. “I don’t fucking care Linc. That part of my life is over.” He laughs and stares as if my words are of insanity. “Are you fucking serious? Tell me you didn’t fucking grow a conscious after all that’s happened. I didn’t hire the best lawyers, have them drop your sentence for you to just let shit go and turn a new fucking leaf. That wasn’t the fucking arrangement. HYDE!” Glaring back at him “I know what the fuck the arrangement was. You don’t have to remind me.” “Good. Bad enough my whore ex-wife got most of what I had.” “Ahh yes... Good old Domme Whore of Seattle. How is the shriveled cunt of yours?” “Probably being fucked as we speak” He shrugs with a smug look adjusting his tie. I shake my head chuckling as I see him gaze out his window.
We arrive shortly at a brick building just above Pike Place Market. The SUV parks, Linc passes me a pair of keys. “It isn’t much, a studio with a mattress, electricity and water.” I look from his hand up, my brow arched. “This is the best you could fucking do?” “It’s about all I can fucking do. And this...” He hands me two manila envelopes. I peel my fingers through the tab to open, he stops me… “Not here, open it when you get upstairs. Also note that I picked out a few items for you, clothing wise and such. You can thank me later.” I arch my brow, opening the door and turn to exit. As I do he shouts “Top floor. Last apartment to the left and remember, we have a fucking agreement.” I roll my eyes and slam the door without a response. The SUV pulls off; I walk up a step and pull open the metal front doors of the building. Looking up the flight of stairs I huff and begin walking up slowly, until finally arriving at the top floor. I follow the direction Linc instructed and find my apartment. Turning in the key, It’s exactly as he said Four fucking walls, a kitchen, barely that of one, and a bathroom, the only hidden room of the place. I peer my eyes to the king size mattress that graces the center of my studio and smile to myself, that’s large enough. I shut the door behind me and throw my bag down on the mattress. Fuck what I’d give for a whiskey right now. I slowly begin to take off my suit jacket, walking into the bathroom as I unbutton my collar. I turn on the shower, the heat resonates through the room, the steam wallowing as I undress. I step in and place both hands against the tiles, letting the water fall over me. The grease and dirt perspires through my pores, every inch of me relaxing as the water drips down my back. Washing my face, my chest, my body, every single muscle eases. I grab a towel and turn off the shower. Wiping the steam from the mirror I take a look at my reflection. My features have changed, my body more toned then before. I think back to my time spent in prison, remembering each day, remembering the cover I had to take considering why I’d been there in the first place.
Flashbacks of when the guards pushed me in. Their words ingrained “You aren’t such tough shit now, are you mother fucker?” Looking around, surrounded by felons, murderers, rapist… It was all too much and I had to learn quick how to hold my own. How to be one of them, ironically it only reminded me more of my childhood. More of a time that I at one point in my life thought I put behind me, until of course the likings of Christian fucking Grey came strutting back into my life. Sure I wasn’t your average man, but I had my shit together. I had my career, my future, my life… and that asshole took it all. Him and his dumb naïve bitch wife. I shake my head and look down, my hands pressing firmly against the sink. Closing my eyes to bring my thoughts back to my current day, my now. This is my future, now I’m the man that will forever be known for assault, battery, kidnapping and not to mention attempted murder. I was lucky Linc helped with my case. He was the last I’d ever expect by my side. But then, he too was another victim of that rich bastard and his cunning wife. And I was a measly ploy into whatever scheme he had going on Grey.
I glance at myself briefly once more in the mirror, a red thick beard surrounding my jaw. My hair is fuller, longer, just over my shoulders. Finding a pair of scissors behind the mirror I take them out and decide on a change. I take off about 6 inches, finding a razor next I begin to shave. Bushes of red fill the drain, removing all hair from my chin. I wiped my face with the towel and looked up, smiling back at myself. There I am. With only a towel draped over my hips I walk out of the bathroom and towards the dresser beside the mattress. Smiling as I open, I find a few pairs of jeans and assorted T shirts. I take out the clothes and lay it on the mattress; my peripheral vision takes note of the yellow envelope waiting idly for me on the round wooden table adjacent from my bed and kitchen. I walk towards the table and sit staring at it before opening. With a short breath I grab it and pull the tab open I find a note. “Here’s part of your money. You’ll get the rest once the job is done. When I call I expect an answer. Don’t fuck this up, Hyde. I’ll be in touch. – L.” I look and see a phone hidden within the cash. I count the amount inside and smirk, $25,000 even. Fuck, Linc is truly serious about getting Grey. What the fuck have I signed on for? Another 8 years in prison and the haunting of getting the fucker that put me there, or freedom with a price?
Chapter 2
Dressing in the white T and jeans I’m a bit concerned with just how accurate Linc was with my measurements. With a slight chuckle I shrug it off and grab hold of the keys. Locking the door behind me I notice a blonde across the hall. Her silhouette calling to me as she drops a bag of groceries, she bends and I rush to her aide, “Excuse me, do you need help?” Bending with her, she startles, I smile. “I’m sorry didn’t mean to frighten you, Kitten” “Oh, Umm... its fine. I just didn’t realize... Did you just move in?” She smirks and bites her lip. Everything beneath my abdomen goes north. I almost feel bad. The curves of her mouth only make me think of one thing. I glance up to her jaded green eyes. Smiling I respond “Yes, I did. Do you need help with these?” She nods and smiles when I take the bag, our fingers skim. Within seconds we’re in her place, she rounds her counter and I put the bag on her table. She steps close to me and says, “Thank you, I don’t suppose there’s any way I can show you my gratitude.” With a very ominous grin I gave her a few options and to my surprise she complied. Kneeling before me, like the good little kitten she was.
She lays bruised and sated in her bed, the blanket mere cloth over her delicate curves. I begin to dress “Where are you going?” She asks, her voice soft, seductive. I turn to face her, pressing my hands into the mattress I hook her jaw “I’ll show myself out.” She looks at me slightly confused as I walk out of her bedroom. I exit her apartment and smirk as I walk downstairs. Opening the front door to the apartment building, the sun hits my face. I close my eyes and breathe, feeling fueled more than ever before.
I take a walk to observe the area, turning on Pine St. I find a diner and walk in. I sit in a corner booth and begin searching through the menu as the waitress approaches, without looking up I order “Give me a bacon cheeseburger, fries and a coke.” Lifting the menu to her, she takes it with a smile “Coming right up.” I look through my phone and play with a few of the apps. I laugh to myself at how things have changed with technology since I’d been away. Distracted, I hear a plate crash on the floor, frustration rising over me at an instance, convinced it was my plate of food. I murmur “Fucking waitresses can’t…” I stop myself when I see who it is. She stands and steps back, her face lost, confused, flushed and pale. I stand and near her slowly, she drops a single tear and storms out of the diner. Before I could rush after her she’s gone, the food splat in front of me. The manager comes out apologizing, calling out for one of the other waitresses and bus boys to pick up the mess of food. “Sir, I don’t know what got into her. Count this meal on her.” He ushers me back to my booth and I’m still at a trance as to who stood before me, finally coming around to the man. “No, don’t do that. I’ll cover my own food. Thank you.” I sit and the manager speaks something under his breath as he walks back to the kitchen. I look down and grip my fingers in my hair. To think, after all this time, the last four years… My meal comes out once again. The manager follows behind the waitress, “Sir, at least let me give you dessert on the house.” He places a slice of apple pie on the table. I dismiss my current thoughts and decide to revisit it later. I take a bite of my burger and close my eyes, my mouth slowly watering. I devour every portion of my plate and wipe my mouth, leaving a $50 dollar bill underneath a salt shaker. Looking around I write a small note, calling over the waitress that served me. “Hi, I need you to give this note to the lovely lady that dropped my meal. Ok?” She nods and gives me a quirked smile, assuring me that she’d do as I wished.
It was a brisk night; I hear music coming from a local bar just around my studio. I cross over and walk in nodding at the bartender as I find a stool. “Do you have single malt whiskey?” He smiles and nods. “Yes, Sir we do. How do you want it?” “Neat with a side glass of water.” He quirks a grin and steps away, preparing the drink. Sliding me the glass I take a sip and follow it by a capful of water, purely tasting the perfection as it soothes down my throat. I ask for another glass when a familiar blonde approaches. “Well, hello, good sir.” I curl my lip as she speaks. “Hello, yourself” she nears me, her hand brushing over my shoulder, over the nook of my neck. “You disappeared this afternoon, I thought for a second you didn’t want me anymore.”She purrs into my ear. Her body pressed against mine, her other hand slides up my thigh. “Mmm... You’ll learn soon, Kitten. When I want you I will have you. When I don’t… ” I trail off. She pulls back and smirks salaciously. “Well what do you want right now?” She leans in once more, skimming her tongue over my bottom lip. Her thin fingers pull at my zipper and she shoves her hand inside. I growl, closing my eyes as she slowly strokes. Placing my hand at her jaw, I hold her face over mine. My lips in a hard line, I speak through my teeth “Bathroom” She giggles and slides her hand out. I chug back the whiskey and wink over at the bartender, he shakes his head with a sly grin. I walk over to the bathroom where the blonde vixen awaits; I open and slam the door shut behind me. Locking it, she stands and watches me as I prey against her. “Do you usually fuck random strangers?” I ask as I take her roughly, turning her against the stall, her cheeks pressing. I Lift her skirt and slide my fingers into her mouth. “Well?” she sucks, taking my fingers fully, answering when I release “I can’t help myself with you… There’s something unexplainable” I grin at her response and slide my saliva dripped fingers down to her panties. Breathing harsh against her ear “Have you been craving me, Kitten?” She stutters... “Yesss...ss...” “How bad have you craved me?” I ask. My index and middle fingers move against her slit. “Very badly” She moans. I thrust my fingers inside of her as she speaks. “You have a dirty cunt, don’t you?” “Yes, I’m very fucking dirty…” She says as she grips the edges of the door. Someone bangs. I ignore it unzipping my jeans. I slide out my length and slowly stroke it against her oozing cunt. “I’m going to fuck you hard and fast. You scream and I will not let you cum. Understood?” Before she can answer I slide my shaft within her tight drip. She belts, “Did you think I was playing when I said you won’t cum?” She shakes her head and covers her mouth. My thrusts quicker, harder, someone bangs the door again, louder this time. With each bang against the door I move faster. Not allowing her to breathe. My build entices and I feel her cunt grip firm against my length. I hear in the distance “I’M GETTING THE MANAGER!!” as the rise within me grows further and I cum. Once I pull out my cream slides down her thighs. She stays in position against the door as I pull up my zipper. “Fix yourself, now.” She looks dazed, slowly pulling down her skirt. I wash my hands and give her a paper towel as the door rattles. “Get in the fucking stall. I’ll get rid of them.” I order and she does as I say. I open the door and look at man sternly. My face in a serious grill, I look from him to the manager. “Forgive me sir, seems the door was jammed.”He looks over my shoulder. I move my face to his. “Give it a moment.” He nods as I remain still, watching him step back. They walk away and I go back to the stall. “Come on, I’ll take you home.”
I walk to her apartment and leave her at her door. She looks up at me almost as if she’s expecting for me to kiss her goodnight. I grinned and shook my head. “Goodnight, Kitten, till next time.” She bites her lip and inserts her key, opening the door she quickly closes it behind her. I mirror her actions, entering my studio I throw the keys down on the table and pull off my shirt. Sauntering to my bed, I kick off my work boots and throw myself. I run my hands over my face and begin to laugh, bringing my hands down to my stomach, the laugh increases, becoming louder. My body rattling against the mattress, I think about the events from today and shake my head. 25k richer, a good fuck down the hall at my disposal and… My thoughts run with mental pictures of what’s to come. What Linc expects of me, and whom I thought I left at that warehouse four years back. Suddenly my laughter becomes silent; I need to talk to her but I doubt she’d even give me a moment. Her face runs through my mind, so scared, frigid… fuck, Hyde. I shake my head, covering my eyes and try to think about how I was going to get her alone.
Chapter 3
The sweat streams over my forehead and face. I toss, my eyes flinching tight…
..Images flash... She stumbles, pacing... her hands stroke the walls as she tries to keep balance. He shouts “You fucking alcoholic… stupid bitch!!” She shouts “FUCK YOU!”
I hear bangs, bodies fumbling… Her cries... He shouts once more “GET THE FUCK UP BITCH!” I remain under the table and place my hand over my ears, afraid that they’d see me, afraid that I’d get a wrath of my father and his wicked hand. I press my eyes shut... Rocking back and forth, waiting for it to end… The door slams… My eyes shoot open.
My chest heaves as I try to recollect my thoughts. I run my fingers in my thick red locks, my elbows on my knees, my eyes shut once more. I throw the covers off and walk to the refrigerator closing it quickly as I remember there was nothing in it. I turn on the faucet and lean my forearms over the sink placing hands under the water; I splash my face and drink a little, waking myself from the horrid memories of my childhood. I pace, looking out the window to Pike St. the bright red lights from Pike Place Market reflect into my place. I glimpse to where a black car remains parked. Just across the street from my building, fucking Grey. I take out my phone and bring up a music app I downloaded earlier today. Stopping at a random list I lie back down on the bed and close my eyes. Korns - Alone I break plays, the music fills my ears. I breathe emphatically with the lyrics and soon begin to drift.
I hear a pound and toss, the sound grows, intensifying. Opening my eyes I quickly realize it’s the sound of someone beating on my door.” If this is fucking Linc…” I mumble to myself as I get out of bed and look through the peep hole. I see a bald scalp followed by enlarged eyes looking back. Arching my brow, vividly irritated I open. “Can I help you?” I stand holding my hand over the door. He steps back and sucks his teeth. His eyes peer over me, remaining silent. I widen my eyes in waiting and he finally speaks “I’m Steve Griffin. Your probation officer, I’m here to do an inspection.” I lend my hand out to shake his, he looks with a raised brow and walks passed me. I roll my eyes, “No please do come in.” He puts on a pair of gloves. “Is that really necessary, I just got out…” He looks at me and I stop speaking mid-sentence, deciding that my words mean nothing. I walk over to one of the wooden chairs and pull it out from underneath the table, watching as he paces through. He passes my dresser and stills then turns to me. I run my hand over the back of my neck and look down as he pulls out the chair before me from the table and sits. “So, how was your first day out?” I give a soft smile “It was good. Nothing to intense, just a simple day reacquainting myself with freedom and such.” He nods and sits forward, resting his elbows on my table, pulling out a folder and reviewing what looks like my file. I glance over him, his stomach plopping just over his belt. The buttons of his shirt barely breathe, I smirk to myself. “Well, Jack Hyde, you had quite a record. I mean even from before your last charge. This freedom you speak of… Is it one you’ve decided to value or should I expect to have my cuffs prepared for future visits?” My smirk fades as he speaks. I give him a hard stare “You had your cuffs prepared the minute you knocked on my door. My record had a large gap between my times as a child and now. Did you also see in your little fucking file that I have a degree from Princeton?” He laughs and shakes his head adjusting his tie as he attempts to lift his leg over his knee… Pathetic fuck. “You may very well have a degree, Hyde, but at this moment all you have is this fucking file. Your degree means shit after all you did. It’s a shame to, you seem like you did have your shit together at one point in your life.” I grind my teeth wanting to jump over the table and fucking kill him for the way he was talking. I’d fucking destroy him too... Standing I run my fingers in my hair. “Look, Hyde, I’m not here to rile you.” Good fucking job, I thought. “I’m here to get your shit in order, make sure you don’t end up from where you just left. Have you started looking for work?” I pace the room, my hand over my mouth, hooking my jaw. I breathe hard “Not yet.” “Well you have a week. We need credentials. We need to know that you are doing what you should be.” I shake my head. “Any recommendations… Job wise?” he takes out a pen and writes a number for a social worker that helps known felons find work. “She’s a good social worker and can help you. Sometimes the best way to move forward is to let go of our demons.” With that he stands, tucks his folder under his sweaty pit and gestures his hand for mine. “I’ll need to see you in a week. My office or I come here. Either way, you must have something to present me.” I nod and walk him out.
I play with the card between my fingers, a glass of water in my other hand. I think of his words... Demons. My stomach turns as I begin to wonder, my nightmares coming to mind. I stand up and kick the chair... I need fucking air! Walking out of my place in just my jeans and barefoot I hear Kittens door. She looks at me, her eyes soft almost ashamed. I stride over to her and in one motion lift her against her door, one hand beneath her petite ass, my other at her jaw, licking from her throat to her ear... She moans and buries her fingers in my hair. “What if…” I raise my finger to her mouth. “No talking.” Tugging at her panties underneath her sundress I rip and thrust two fingers within her, she screams... “FUCK YES!” Her hands move to my jeans and she unbuckles, moving my zipper down. Her hand taking my length, she strokes it and brings the tip to her entrance. Once she does I slam deep within her, her ass smacking against the wooden door. Her arms wrapped tightly around my neck. My fingers gripping firm against the panels of her doorway. I move vigorously, fucking her hard and fast. Her moans fill the hall, my groans follow. Before I realize my release does too and I cum, hard. “Gahhhh!!!! FUCK!!!” Her body shakes, she holds me tight. I look back, my chest heavy against hers. Lifting her chin, I whisper “Don’t hold to tight, I’m not the type to hold back.” She gulps and lowers her eyes, nodding. She lowers her legs and I can almost see the hurt in her face. Not saying anything I lift my jeans and close them back up. She bends to pick up her panties that I’ve destroyed and fumbles. I take her keys and help her open the door. She looks up softly and walks in, disappearing from my sight. I step back reluctantly and punch the wall. Knowing well enough that would probably be the last time with her.
I shower, get dressed and walk out of my place. Getting a coffee at a café, I watch the locals and sip. Taking out the card Griffin left me. I pull out my cell and dial “office of Alexis Moore. How can I help you?” “Hello, my name is Jack Hyde. I was referred to see, Mrs. Moore by my probation officer. I’d like to make an appointment if possible.” “Right away, how does 2pm this afternoon sound?” “That would be perfect.” “Ok, great. We’ll see you later this afternoon, sir.” “Good. Thank you.” I end the call and look around the sidewalks of Pike St. A woman with dark long hair walks in the direction of the diner from last night. With my finger against my lips I watch her carefully. She turns and enters, I look at the time to make note. 10am. After last night, the way she reacted, odds are she’d be exiting the diner within 20min if not less. Standing, I cross the street and wait beside the entrance. As calculated the doors open and she walks passed me quickly, not noticing I was there. I follow her, trying to gather my words. She quickens her pace, for a moment I think she’s noticed me, but realize that she’s attempting to catch the local bus as it pulls up to its stop. She gets on; a few passengers get on behind her. I try to remain distant, not wanting to frighten her as I did last night. I walk to the side seat, covering my face with my hand, her face buried in a book. After a few stops she stands and the bus halts. She rushes passed a few pedestrians on the sidewalk. My eyes trace her body; she looks fragile, frail almost. I think about the last four years, her place of work, her life... She bumps into someone, her bag and book fall. I kneel besides her picking up her book. Her hair in her face, she murmurs “Thank you.” Her voice is low, still not looking up. With a short breath I respond, “You’re welcome, Elizabeth.”
Chapter 4
“Get away from me!” She falls backward both her bag and book drop once more. I lean forward bending done to pick up her things. “Elizabeth, please… I’m not going to hurt you.” “No!! Get the fuck away from me now.”She now stands a crowd slowly forms. One man “She said get away, dude!” I look him up and down. “Mind your fucking business and walk away… DUDE!” emphasizing on the word. He shakes his head and bravely steps forward. My rage builds, everything within me wanting to break his twiggy little fucking bones as he placed his hand on my chest. In the mist of our stare I catch a glimpse of Elizabeth as she walks forward in attempts to grab her things. I breath hard as the man stands between us, my chest rising, my eyes locked on hers. She moves back, making slow steps hugging both her bag and book against her chest. I blink and look at the man then back at her. “I need to talk to you and I will one way or another, Elizabeth.” I step back reluctantly and turn to walk away. Enmity spills into my core, my thoughts race. I run my fingers into my hair, tugging the strands in my frustration. She’s in fear of me and it’s no fucking wonder. I pace up and down the sidewalk, sure to look like a madman, and think maybe she’s right.
It’s 2pm and I sit in the waiting area for the office of social worker at large, Alexis Moore. Skimming through a cosmopolitan magazine I press my lips together, smirking as I see an article quoted “Guys confess their relationship secrets” I roll my eyes, chuckling at the shit that women read. The receptionist gives me side eyes. I return the look with a crooked smile “Mr. Jack Hyde?” She holds out her hand for me to shake. She’s older, mid 40’s perhaps, her nose poignant, her glasses just below her eyes. She barely cracks a smile quickly taking her hand back after I shake it. “Come in, Jules hold my calls will you?” I follow and glance at Jules the receptionist. She smiles and wriggles her fingers at me as I walk in. I arch my brow and grin, embedding her name. “You can take a seat Mr. Hyde.” Mrs. Moore gestures towards one of the chairs; I look and sit lifting my ankle over my knee, resting my back. She begins “I took the liberty of reviewing your file. You have quite a story. Care to tell me about it yourself?”I smirk, taking a breath as I stare at her. “Mrs. Moore seeing as you already have it laid out I don’t think there’s much more to say.” She nods with a small grin and looks down to the file “I disagree, this…” She lifts her hand matter-of-factly pressing the file between her fingers “Tells a factual story of your life and though true. I want to hear from your mouth just who Jack Hyde is.” I lean forward, curling my lip. “As intriguing as that story may seem to you it will take more than an hour to explain.” She nods and sits back, as if in waiting. I roll my eyes “Look, I’m here for work; my past is exactly that to you, my past. I don’t intend to discuss or re-hatch unnecessary irrelevant bullshit from what takes place at this current moment. Understood” She nods once more, with a slight frown of her bottom lip and leans forward folding her hands over her wooden desk “Very well, Mr. Hyde.” She sighs “I know you were in publishing.” I lift my finger “Commissioning Editor!” “Right…” She stares at me carefully as if she were trying to read me. “What about freelance work? I can make a few contacts and see if they need outside editors. It could be brief and you’d stay below anyone’s radar. What do you think?” I furrow my brows, looking at her quizzically for a moment. “Actually that sounds perfect.” She smiles and places my file to the side. I look from my file to her face. “Perfect then, I’ll contact you by the end of the week with your first manuscript.” I stand, Surprised at how easy this was. “Ok, thank you.” “Not a problem, Mr. Hyde. I’ll have Jules set up our next meet.” I hear her words as I turn to the door. “Next meet?” I ask with an arched brow. She replies without looking up, writing as she speaks. “Well yes, Mr. Hyde, you’ve been assigned to see me for the next 6 months.”She grins and looks up. The petulance within me fuels and I’m left speechless. One hand on the doorknob the other in my hair. Opening aggressively I exit her office without looking back.
I throw my keys on the wooden table, the metal skids across scratching the wood. I begin to pace, Elizabeth’s face plays in my mind, the panic in her eyes. She probably thinks I’m after her. The way she turned on me, testifying against me. A part of me was still angry, had it not been for her I probably could’ve manipulated my way out of prison long before. Yet… here I am and there she is her life just as destroyed. She has nothing and now I’ve cost her the only job she had. I breathe and walk over to the window by my bed. Looking out to the street, watching everyone move along, my eyes peer to that same diner just on the corner. I think on impulse and pick up my keys, exiting my place I leave the building and cross over to the diner; I walk directly to the hostess “I need to speak to the manager.”My voice tight. Her looks unnerved, she nods and asks me to wait. The manager quickly approaches the counter. He’s a short, semi balding middle aged man. He smiles “Yes, sir. How may I help you?” I speak quick, avoiding conversation. “I need you to give Elizabeth Morgan her job back.” He shakes his head in confusion. “I’m sorry sir, I did not fire her…” He waves his hands and looks like a lost puppy. “What do you mean?” He replies “She quit.” I run my fingers in my hair, infuriated. “Quit?!” My hand over my mouth, she quit because of me. Fuck, Hyde? He speaks, “I’m sorry sir.” I wave him off no longer needing his assist. My eyes dart to the waitress from that night; she arches her brow, nudging her head for me to follow her. I look around; she walks towards the back of the diner I keep at her trail. She leads me behind the kitchen, opening the back door, I hold it open letting it go as she leans on the brick, lighting a cigarette. “I can tell you where Elizabeth lives.” I step forward my lips pressed. “Why would you do that? For all you know I’m out to kill her.” She shrugs and flicks the bud. “Are you?” I tilt my head “What’s the price?” she stares back, one hand holding the cigarette the other around her waist. She’s skinny, Sickly almost. “$500” I laugh at her request. Looking at her, my grin fades and I open my wallet, pulling out two hundred dollar bills. “Where?!” I glare at her waiting for her answer holding the money between my index and middle fingers. She looks from the money to me and back, sighing “That’s not 500” “Listen…” I move against her, she steps back, I lean in my nose fairly close to her neck, my breath on her ear “You won’t want to see what happens if you delay any longer.” I flick her hair with the same fingers holding the money, bringing it in front of her face. “I know why you need this; I know why you want this. So regardless of the amount in my hand you will tell me.” She shutters, her eyes following green. “102 Dexter Ave N” I grin, “Good girl.” I step away and open my wallet putting the money back. “HEY!! WHAT THE FUCK!” She screams “GO TO REHAB!” I shout as I walk down the alley with a haughty smirk. She continues to wale, her curses echo through the streets. I hail a cab and slide in, the driver looks back I tell him my destination and sit back to look out the window as I reflect on my next move.
Chapter 5
I toss, sweat beading down my forehead.
She screams… His fist flies… There’s blood… A boy walks through a small room dragging a small toy… Rubbing his eyes… he sees her… her is body laid flat, barely moving, barely clothed. He looks up … There sits Daddy with an ominous smirk “See son, the one thing to always remember they’re all worthless!”
My eyes flick open, my breath ragged. I turn and grab my phone looking at the time. It’s 3am… Fuck! I sit up and prop my elbows on my knees. Fucking nightmares! I throw myself back on the bed as my mind wonders back to last night. I stood idle across from her apartment building. Quietly lurking, I think of my words, my actions. She steps out and looks side to side seeking my venom. The street lights reflect over her features. Her dark hair, the peak of her nose, the shadow of her fine lips, she stood directly in front of me and for once since we’ve met eyes I see no fear, just beauty. Yet she had no idea I was there. She began to walk along the sidewalk; I followed, remaining across the street. She walked into a bar and for moment I thought about walking across to meet her inside. But I stopped myself. And now here I am, a quarter passed 3 looking at the ceiling. I pull my phone out in dire need of a distraction, finding my playlist I’ve slowly developed; I press play and escape to the rasps of Alex Clare.
I roll over, the shadows of the sun stir through my windows. With a stretch of my arms I slowly rise out of bed and into the shower. I call Linc as I step out to get breakfast at the café. “Before you speak you should be aware I have my probation office on my ass. From now on this phone won’t account for any business calls. I’m going to call you from now on. Not the other way around. You want to do this shit then we do it my way. Or else. Understood?” He replies “Fine, I’ll need to hear from you by Friday. Call at 9am.” I end the call without response putting the phone in my pocket. Remembering of a pawn shop that stood only a few blocks from where I live. I decide on a short walk to see an old friend. With a wry grin I spot him, He nods and smiles as I approach. “Had a feeling I’d hear from you soon.” “I need a few things, Bobby.” He glances around “The usual suspects.” My hands stretch at the counter. A bell rings at the door as it opens. “2 burners, a laptop and a new identity by the end of the week” The customers slowly pace, looking around. “I’ll come back later for the phones and laptop. I’ll return tomorrow for the rest, whatever it costs.” He nods and I walk away making a quick exit.
A familiar blonde catches my eyes, avoiding contact she lowers her head walks passed me. I nod to myself, smirking at her swiftness as she moves along. I walk towards the bus stop that Elizabeth took yesterday and look over the map. A crowd forms at the stop area, the bus nearing. As the doors open each passenger steps on leaving me last. The driver looks down to me “Are you coming in, Sir?” I look up and around to the other passengers, nodding I step on. Only a few exits along I get off and look around walking in the direction she did yesterday soon reaching Dexter. I spot her building and walk closer, only a few steps shy I notice her walking out of the front door. A small boy grabs hold of her hand, his hair auburn as it tousles in the light wind. Smiling he says something and Elizabeth laughs, she lifts him in her arms and hugs him tight. I stand back, observing their affection. She stands, looking up towards my direction. Quickly I shift and move away, noticing a coffee shop at a short distance I move fast and step inside.
I hold my latte in my hands, the foam tipping in the shape of a leaf. I take a sip, the heat generating down my throat. She has a kid, a fucking kid, I repeat to myself, my mind going in circles. He looks but only a few years, maybe 4. My eyes widen, fuck… could he be? I furrow my brows. A timeline runs through my brain. I think of our past discretions, the way she gave herself to me, the countless fucks we had, the way I controlled her. A slight grin creases over the corner of my lips, my cock twitching against the zipper of my jeans. Tension rises within my veins, the want, and need of control lacking. Sad thing is I could easily go home and take what I want. But, I want something else, someone else. However elusive I finish the last of my latte and toss it in the trash.
Leaving, I get back to that same stop and back on another bus. Upon exiting I look at the time on my phone and stop briefly at the pawn shop to retrieve the items I’d requested earlier this morning. Making the quick transaction I take my items and walk out. The stands outside the market call to me making my stomach curve with hunger. I pick up a few things, a halibut, green and red peppers, asparagus, even some fruit. Paying the man behind the stand I take my groceries in arm and get to my building. Once upstairs I place my things down. Taking out the food first, placing the halibut down on the counter. I realize I have no utensils or pots and pans. I run my fingers in my hair, great, I didn’t think this one through. One person comes to mind that might be willing to extend a few things my way. I take my shot and walk over to her door. I knock, thinking the odds of her opening are… “Hi” She opened the door I stand almost dumbfounded “Hi” I rub the back of my neck feeling awkward. “I need to borrow a few things” “What exactly do you need?” She bites her lip, looking me up and down. I grin. “I need a pan, knife, maybe a plate and a fork.” She laughs. “Sure, come in.” She tosses her hair off her shoulders and walks into her kitchen. “Are you cooking just for yourself?” She peeks from behind her counter where she grabs her pan. “Yep, just me and my lonesome” I reply trying to keep the chat to a minimum. She steps closer to me with the pan, knife, plate and fork. “Enjoy your meal, stranger.” She says with a smile. I give her a crooked smile and take them from her. “Thank you.” I turn to walk out “And it’s Katie.” She says just as she shuts the door. I nod to myself and walk back to my place feeling oddly defeated.
Finishing my meal I fire up the laptop that Bobby gave me. I load my software, create an email and do a main search. Giving myself a brief summary of current events, most of which consisting of the Greys. I learn of his new home, his two children, what new things he has within GEH as well as that of Grey publishing and their commission editor, Anastasia Grey. That poor twit could barely read a manuscript let alone do my job. A familiar rage builds within me as I continue looking them up, some might think it’s a sense of jealousy or envy. Truth be told, it was merely the fact that he stole what wasn’t his. He took my life not once but twice. A life that from the very beginning should have been mine, A life that I worked hard to achieve and now… I rush out of my chair, infuriated with where my life is. Looking around the room, contemplating where I stand, where I’ve been. I glance directly at the laptop, Elizabeth once again slipping into frame. I pull the chair out and sit back down. I do a Google search entering her full name, Elizabeth Morgan. That day comes up, Grey’s name all over the screen. Headlines reading, “Hyde’s scarlet sidekick pleads sexual harassment!” Images of her indignity, her humility obvious. I run my fingers over my lips as I lean in to look further. Trying to find more information about her from then till now and there’s nothing. I think about the boy, wondering when she had him, how old he was, how she managed. Shit, I sit back in thought. I need to know if he’s mine, now more than ever I need to speak to her.
Chapter 6
I huff looking at the clock on my phone, its 2am and I throw my head back placing my forearm against my head. My thoughts a lingering noise in my mind, each moment I close my eyes a small boy with blue eyes appearing. I sit up at the edge of the bed. The blanket over my lap, my elbows propped as I rake my fingers through my spiked bed hair. I needed to get out, distract my mind, and have a drink. I change quickly, looking at myself as I button my collar a night out is exactly what I deserve and I know just the place.
Hailing a cab I give the location and he drives off. As we arrive he looks back at me conflicted as we approach what looks like an abandoned warehouse. I slip him a $20, thanking him and step out. Fixing my suit jacket I arrive at two heavy metal doors. I press a buzzard, a heavy set guard opens, and he looks me up and down. “What color is the rabbit?”He says his voice deep “White.” I respond looking directly into his eyes. He steps back and I walk down a hall. It’s dark, the music slowly filling as I approach another set of doors and push them open. The lights are dim, the walls golden, the furniture a seductive red. The music resounding as a woman’s sultry voice moves against the beat. The hostess, wearing a skin tight red leather strapless dress greets me, “Hello, sir and welcome to wonderland.” I grin as she gestures for me to acquaint myself. The lure of sex fills throughout the room. A couple grinds on the dance floor, her leg lifted at his hip, his hand hidden. She bows her head at his shoulder her lips shaped in that of an O, she opens her eyes quaintly and gives me a wink as she bites her lip turning back to him. The hostess asks “How can we make your escape to wonderland an unforgettable night?” her voice sensual bringing me back to her, I respond. “Give me a private.” She nods and saunters away slowly. I near the bar and sit, scanning the room, I stop at that of a delicious blond sitting alone on a red cushion. She wears a sheer black dress with nothing beneath, her green eyes lock on mine. She spreads her legs and runs her fingers slowly down her cleavage, abdomen, and soon reaches her bud. Lifting her dress she allows me to see more of her. The glistening juice from her pressed cunt drips seducing me slowly as the fingers begin to tease. A flinch beneath my trousers tells me it’s time for introduction. I stand just as the hostess approaches and walk directly to the vixen. Without words she extends her hand and I pull her up, her body pressing against mine aggressively. I look towards the hostess and she hands me the key, “Enjoy, Sir.” Grinning I walk with the salacious vixen into the room and shut the door, locking it. She walks to the center of the room “So…” She begins to speak but I stop her. “Don’t speak. You will do as I say and how I say it. Understood?” She nods and bites her lip. Slowly crossing her arms, she attempts to lift her dress up. “Stop” I command. “Did I say to undress?” “No…” she whispers I shake my head “tsk, tsk, tsk… little one. You’ve spoken. I distinctly remember telling you not to speak.” I saunter around where she stands, brushing her hair off her shoulder “What do you suppose I do about your defiance to remain shut?” I speak with preciseness, my voice low. Her breath becomes hitched as I run my finger over the nook of her neck, to her ear and down her jaw. I grip my hand around and tilt her head to the side, gaining further access to her elongated stem, my nose skimming softly. “You enjoy to tease don’t you, little one?” My hand hooked, I run my finger over her dark red lips, smearing her lipstick. She swallows hard and nods, I smirk “Good girl, you didn’t speak.” With my free hand I brush over her torso, pressing my erection against her firm ass. Her nipples pierced against the sheer material. She remains still, her breathing increasing as my hands lower. “You have a very pretty cunt.” I pull at the hem of her dress, my fingers rub against her mound. “Does it taste as good as it looks?” She nods once more. I dredge my fingers along her slit and into her drenched hole. She gasps, “You see that chair?” she nods “I want you to take it and bring it here.” I release her, placing my fingers into my mouth to taste her sweetness. She walks over with the chair. “Sit.” She does as I say. “Unzip and release.” Her hands move quick and unsteadily. I place my hands over hers. “Slowly” She bites her lips and grins. Once doing so, she reaches her hand in my trousers and pulls out my length. She licks her lips and begins stroking; I close my eyes with a guttural groan. She licks from base to tip circling her tongue, teasingly. I run my fingers in her hair and wrap them tight. Tugging back, “suck” she smiles and takes my shaft to the back of her throat, my hand still in her hair I guide her. She skids her teeth over my flesh to the head I growl “FUCK” she turns her head and sucks over the sides down to my balls. With a pop of her mouth over each one before licking back up. Her mouth was fucking phenomenal. I tug back on her hair once more and flick my tongue against hers, tasting the saltiness of my pre-cum. Standing back up she goes at it once more, I hear the gurgle of her gag as I thrust deep into her mouth, taking control as I feel my build. I look to where her hand sits her fingers rubbing aggressively as she fucks herself to the pleasure of my cock buried down her throat. With my seed on edge I remove my cock from her mouth “Stand and lean over the table.” She sucks in her bottom lip, the saliva soaked over her smeared mouth. I smack her ass, cupping it as I do, squeezing her cheeks before swatting once more. My length in my hand I rub over her dripping cunt and all too quickly ram hard inside of her. She yelps, I pull her hair back, her hands grip at the edge of the table I grunt against her ear, “Fuck you have a tight little cunt.” Her pussy grips each inch of me, constricting and just as she screams I shoot my seed within her and fill her deep hole. Bowing my head over her spine I remove myself pulling out of her. She straightens and goes to speak. I lift my hand “Don’t ruin it.” Her grin fades and once I zipper up I open the door to walk out, leaving her as her eyes peer through me. I step to the bar and ask for a whiskey neat, tossing it back as she steps passed me. I give the bartender side eyes followed with a devilish grin and leave the cash for my drink on the counter.
The drool over my pillow causes me to wake abruptly. I bring my hand over my head and slowly open my eyes. The sunlight too much to bare “Fuck, I need curtains” I murmur to myself as I sit up and both hands wonder into my hair, down my face. I walk into the bathroom and look back at myself, trying to remember what I did last night. My last memory of jaded green eyes, followed by those of small blue ones, I shake my head. Turning on the shower I strip and let the scolding hot water graze my flesh awakening me from my drunken slur. I step out of the shower and wrap the towel around my hips. I hear the chime of my phone as I shut the shower off and run out. “Hello.” “Hi, Mr. Hyde Just wanted you to know Mrs. Moore had me schedule you for Friday at 10:30am. Does that work for you?” I arch both my brows knowing I had very little of a choice. “I suppose.” “Great.” She squeaks, her voice to peppy for my liking. I press end to the call as she goes to say goodbye and strut to my fridge to take out an apple. I bite a good chunk as I open my laptop. When I go to type in the search my history pull up and Elizabeth’s name. I lean back and look over the name slowly, taking into account what could be and what is. I’m sure she will never disclose him being mine even if he was. She will never come forward and be honest. He’s probably better off without me. I pull at my hair, leaning my head forward. I’m not worth being a father, he deserves better than what I can provide. But, there’s one thing I need to do, one thing that I need to give her.
I get dressed and take out one of the envelopes holding my cash. Counting at least $10, 000 dollars I place it back in with a small note and wrap it up with a rubber band placing it beneath my arm. As I step out of my place I lock the door and notice Katie as she does the same. I walk towards the stair case as she does “Hey, how about we start over?” she says with a smile. I nod, grinning. “I think that’s a good idea.” “My name is Katie Shaw” She gestures her hand for me to shake it I give her mine “Jack Hyde.” She pulls her hand back, “Wait thee Jack Hyde?” I take a breath “Yes, the one and only.” She laughs. “Something funny?” “No, I just... I really know how to pick them.” I chuckle along with her “I suppose you do, Kitten.” glancing down “Ladies first.” She smiles and walks ahead. We both exit together but walk in separate directions. I get in the first cab I see and tell him my destination. He drops me off across the street from her apartment building. The auburn haired boy plays with a soccer ball just in front. There’s a young girl on her cell phone, “Stay away from the street.” She says to him without even looking. I look around to see if Elizabeth is around at all. Wondering where and why she’d leave him alone with someone so consumed with her phone instead of the boy. He kicks the soccer ball and it fumbles into the street, he looks up at her and back to the ball, “Krista… my ball… my ball” He yells for her attention and she waves her face still buried. “Yeah, get the ball.” I look at her with fury. Suddenly as he goes to grab the ball at the edge of the street a car comes at a short distance “KID!! LOOK OUT!!” I shout running into the street and whisk him into my arms. The car screeches as the driver hits the breaks. I look down, he’s so small in my arms, his eyes are closed I try to wake him, noticing a small trace of blood in the back of my hands. His babysitter comes running “CALL THE AMBULENCE NOW!!” I yell as she looks down at me with tears and dials stuttering her words as she speaks. Soon the sirens reign through the streets and I hold him close looking down at him. I stand holding him in my arms handing him over to the EMT. “He’s badly hurt, bleeding from I think the back of his head. I tried saving him…” They take him from me “Are you his father, sir?” “NO… Umm… I don’t…” They look from me to the boy and the babysitter steps up “He was under my care, his mother is at a job interview… I… I wasn’t…” she speaks with tears they ask her to come with them as he was under her care. I walk over to the driver that almost hit him. He paces back and forth running his hands in his hair, frantic. “HEY!” I shout for him to look at me and when he does I throw my fist directly into his jaw, knocking him out cold. The crowd pulls me back and I brush them off of me. The ambulance flees, the sirens blaring. I attempt catching a cab, needing to see him, needing to know that he’s ok.
Chapter 7...
“Where is he?!” She shouts down the halls. The nurses respond “Ma’am where is who?” “My son, where is he? I need to see him now!!” I walk around the counter “Elizabeth” I speak in a low voice. She freezes at the sight of me taken a back, trying to make the connection “You… what are you doing here?” A single tear streams down her cheek “I was there.” I whisper. “I wanted to…” interrupted by one of the doctors “Mrs. Morgan, hello I’m Dr. Watson.” He looks between us both and I step back allowing them time to speak. She covers her mouth in shock as he speaks. Her distress evident as her eyes peer towards me, she looks back to the doctor and nods as he stands with her and takes her to where he lies.
I sit for hours in the waiting area. A part of me unsure why I’m even still here, I stand and look to where his room is. A small window allowing me to see inside, her head is laid over him her hand in his, her fingers caressing each of his as he sleeps. With a quick glance she looks up and our eyes meet I step back, knowing I don’t belong here. As I go to make my exit I stop at the nurses’ station to give them my information, I request that they submit the bill directly to me. The nurse nods with smiles as she takes it all down. She assures me that the billing department will contact me as soon as he’s released. I give a half smile and walk away pressing for the elevator. “Why were you there?” I hear Elizabeth speak, my back facing her I remain in silence. “Why, Hyde?” the doors to the elevator open and I walk in, turning I respond “Does it matter at this point?” She looks at me with tear filled eyes as the doors shut. I arrive at my street too fucked up to walk into my building. I roll the keys in my hand and turn, crossing the street to go to the bar. The bartender smiles when I sit at the corner stool “Whiskey and capful of water, right?” “Yes, but no water. I need to feel this.” He looks at me with a face of confusion but follows my order. He grabs the bottle of Jack and places a glass down in front of me as he pours I say “Leave the bottle.” I swig back a few contemplating what occurred today.
The rim of the bottle clink on the emptiness of the glass resounds a hollow echo much like that of my withering soul. The bartender approaches “Sir, its passed 3am this is last call.” With my elbows slumped over the edge of the bar I reach for my wallet and throw a few bills on the counter. Several horns blare as I cross over and back to my building. Ignoring the noise I wave them off murmuring under my breath “You want me, take me” I unlock the door to the building and swerve up the stairs, my drunken state making me wonder why Linc decided to get me a place that caused so much walking. I attempt to stroll up each step carefully to not fall back. Soon reaching my floor I see someone at a distance slumped in front of my door. Her hair flowing over her arms as they rest on her knees. She lifts her head when she sees me. She begins to speak and I remain still “I wondered around for a while, I thought what the hell does he want? Why won’t he just let me be?” she asks as she stares into midair. “Nothing makes sense, not my life or my worth, but he...” She trails off her tears fall as her eyes meet mine. “He’s become all of it. He makes all the sense in the world despite…” Once again she stops but this time she looks at me and I can see her hatred, her angst. Without her realizing her silence only confirmed my unasked question, leaving me with very little to mention. She stands and wipes off her backside “I should go.” She steps passed me and I grab her elbow, our bodies side by side. “When did you know?” I ask with a murmur. She sighs and reflects my same question from earlier “Does it matter at this point?” I look at her as she pulls her elbow from my grip, walking away. She says quietly in the distance “Thank you” her voice a whisper when I look back and see she’s gone.
There’s a thud… he looks down to her… her face buried in vomit… he cringes holding his knees to his chest. She looks like she’s asleep, but he can’t tell. He turns to lie down on the floor beside her, his arms wrapped tightly around his legs as he stares at his mother until darkness soon fills his eyes.
A tear falls from my eye as I open them, anger percolating. A whistle escapes my lips as I realize it was another nightmare. The haunting fills me, flashes of my father and mother, each memory worse than the last. A linger of hate, they never wanted me. No one did. The abandonment was all I knew. I’d adjusted my life to thinking this was my normal, this was my reality. I accepted it for what it was and now it all comes to question… Could I abandon my offspring and leave on to him the same destiny as my own?
The morning seems clear as I take my keys and walk out of my place. I receive a call from Mrs. Moore’s office once more. “Mr. Hyde.” Her voice is somewhat nasally “I’ll need your email address so that my contacts may reach you regarding the manuscripts. They have a few lined up and are interested in your expertise.” I smile “That’s fantastic Alexis.” She clears her throat “I prefer, Mrs. Moore.” I laugh chastely “Of course you do. I’ll contact you in a bit with all you need from me.” “Great. And Mr. Hyde, Friday don’t forget.” I roll my eyes “Yes, I’ll be there.” I hang up not knowing exactly what she thought I’d discuss. I didn’t really do the therapy thing and had no intention of revealing my life to a fucking stranger. I purchase two coffees and a few pastries before entering into the hospital. Feeling assured of what I was ready to do I get on the elevator and press for his floor. The doors open and I walk passed the nurses’ station. “Umm… Sir” I stop in my tracks, “Yes?” It was the same nurse from yesterday “He’s not there.” “What do you mean he’s not there?” She stands from her seat “He was discharged this morning.” I run my hands over my face and into my hair exasperated. “Where did he go?” the nurse shakes her head “I’m sorry sir, I can’t disclose that information.” Slamming my hands on the desk I leave and take the stairs rushing down. I hail a cab and give the driver her address, telling him to hurry. I splay my fingers through my hair in fury, maybe even fear. Hoping I haven’t lost my only chance at a family.
Chapter 8
The cab pulls up to the curb and before I can pay the driver I storm out. One of the tenants walks out of Elizabeth’s building and I slide passed her. I stop quickly to look through the mail boxes for her last name, my eyes trail and stop once I see Morgan. I run up each steps till I reach her floor, searching for her apartment. I stop where I see a door slowly creaked open and look up to match her apartment number. I shout “Elizabeth?!” There’s no sound. I walk in further, slowly stepping into the living room. “Is anyone here?!” I shout again once more. The door slams “Who are you?” I turn and it’s the damn babysitter. “Who I am is of no concern to you.” I walk toward her “Where is she?” “Elizabeth?” she rolls her eyes and if I didn’t know any better the little bitch was fucking with me. “Listen you incompetent cunt if you…” I stop speaking when the door opens behind her and it’s him. He looks at me and smiles “I remember you.” I grin and crouch down to his level and back at the door when she speaks “Jaxon, just because you feel better doesn’t mean you could…” she halts at the sight of me, I stand as she enters.
Realizing how bad it looked that I was in her apartment uninvited. I look around “Elizabeth, I thought you’d… The door was…” I couldn’t make out a sentence. She smirks at my odd, tense behavior and nears me handing me a bag. “Put this on the counter would you?” I furrow my brows taken off guard. “Uh… Sure.” I place the bag down and try to grasp what just happened. The babysitter places a bag down beside me, glaring. I press my lips together ignoring her presence. I feel a tug at my shirt. “Would you like to see my soccer ball?” I curl my lip into a smile and take the ball. “Does your mommy let you play?” he nods. His hair is messy, he has small freckles on the tip of his cheekbones, and his eyes are blue like mine. He crinkles his little nose and smiles. “Jaxon, no balls in the kitchen, take it to you room.’ He turns when she speaks and I spot the bandage at the back of his head. I stand as she approaches me, “After last night I arrived back at the hospital and they said he was ok to go home by morning. All vitals were stable, MRI’s etc… He’s ok…” She says with a smile as she looks toward him and back at me. I nod with a smile watching her as she glows. This is the first time I think we’ve ever had… Normality, if that’s even what this is. “What?” I shake my head “Nothing, I’m just starting to see.” Her brow arches “See?” I nod once more and the babysitter slams the cabinet door. “I don’t think she likes me much.” I whisper bringing my fingers to my lips. “Is that a surprise?” Elizabeth says and smirks walking to where the groceries are. I chuckle lightly at her little joke and look back to where Jaxon sits, just staring at him. He sits and flies his toy airplane around. I wonder for a moment, there must’ve been something about me that Elizabeth felt she wanted him to keep part of my name. I look back at her and catch her green eyes as they smile back at me. I remember my purpose from this morning and realize I’d left the envelope in the cab. “I’ll be right back.” “Where are you…” Her voice trails off to the distance as I run down and back out to the cab. I look up and see his car parked, running to it. “Thank you, for not leaving.” I spot the envelope and take it in my hand giving him a $50 “keep the change, thank you for waiting.” Even he who didn’t know me was shocked at my kindness but it felt good, for once it felt right.
As I walk back to her apartment I hear shouting, “You’re fucking crazy to trust this asshole again.” “I never said I trusted him, Krista. But, I owe this to Jaxon.” “Jaxon can do better than him, he’s done better.” “He saved his life.” I walk in. “Umm, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” I glare; she does the same “its ok, Jack. Krista was just leaving.” She huffs and storms out slamming the door behind her. “She’s not wrong.” “What?” I look at Elizabeth and quirk a grin. “You are crazy.” She smirks “I suppose I always was a bit crazy. I blame you for most of it.” “Is that so?” She smiles and takes out a few items. “What are you making?” “Sauce, Jaxon loves spaghetti and meatballs so I’m making him his favorite.” I look along the island where all the vegetables are displayed. “I wanted to give you this.” I hand her the envelope. She wipes her hands on a towel. “What’s this?” “Not much for the last four years but something.” Before she opens I step back. “I’ll let you prepare dinner for you and Jax.” I turn away from the counter. “Stop” She says, I do as she wishes. “Stay for dinner… Please.” I shut my eyes, her request a sonnet. “I don’t want to intrude.” “It’s just dinner.” I turn and look “On one condition.” “Condition?” “I help make it.” She smiles. “You’re on.”
I chop a few peppers as she dices tomatoes, she puts on a tune and a guitar plays nicely as it intros. She moves passed me, her body brushes mine and I feel something trigger my veins. I still and look down at the peppers. She dices onions slowly and begins to wipe her eyes with the back of her hand. I grin, “You’ll never stop the tears like that.” I grab a towel and dab it with cold water. “Come.” She looks back at me, “I’m fine, Jack. I do this all the time.” “Then you do it wrong.” “Come here. I’m not going to bite you.” I arch my brow and she drops her knife “Stop that.” “What?” “You know exactly what.” She looks at me, one eye squinted. “Well I don’t think you’re going to do chopping so well with one eye, captain hook. So come here.” She laughs and steps closer to me. I hook her chin between my knuckles and thumb bringing the towel to her eye. “Close them.” She looks at me and hesitantly closes them. I press lightly along her eyelid to the corner of her eye. Making the same motion on the other, my thumb brushes her lip, she lets out a sigh, I Stretch my fingers out along her cheek to her hair moving a strand. “Mommy, I’m hungry.” I step back and turn to the sink, gripping the metal tightly. “Ok, baby, what do you want?” She steps away from me. I shut my eyes and let out a breath. Turning, I finish chopping the onions that she started and place them into the simmering pot. She steps in and notices that I finished the preparations. “I never knew you could cook.” “Back then there were only few things we knew about each other.” I say as I stir slowly, lifting the wooden spoon to her lips. “Tell me what it needs.” She licks her lips, a soft moan escapes. “Mmm… maybe a dash of salt, but just a dash.” She says as she looks at me. “Umm… where do you keep the salt?” “Second cabinet above the stove.” I open, taking out the salt I dash lightly. She stands in front of me, “I need to be clear about what this is tonight.” I stare down at her “Ok…?” “This is just dinner, nothing more. I don’t want you to think that something more will come of this. Clear?” I press my lips “Crystal.”
I lay on my side, running one of Jaxon’ cars on the floor, he crashes his airplane down I shout playfully “Ahh… No, please don’t.” He laughs and I can’t help but feel like a boy myself. Laughing alongside him, enjoying every second, “Ahem” I look up and back to Jax “Uh oh… playtime over, time for dinner.” He smiles and stands, pulling my hand. “Come, Jack, come. Mommies spssgetti is the bestest.” I smirk “If it’s the bestest then let’s go.” I follow behind him, she smiles, I wink. The table is fully set, I pull out her chair. “Jax remember to always pull out a chair for a lady.” He takes a roll and nods as he bites. I smile and sit beside him. I soon finish the meal and sit back in my chair. “Outstanding, Elizabeth, thank you once again for having me. It’s been a long time since I’d eaten something this delicious.” She smiles humbly. I stand up and collect the plates “What are you doing? I’ve got it.” I stop beside her and look down as I take hers “No, I got it. You’ve done more than enough.” She smiles. I walk into the kitchen and wash each plate, meticulously. She shouts, “I’m going to bathe Jaxon and get him ready for bed.” “Sounds good” I finish the dishes quickly, drying them and placing them in the cabinet. I move beside his door and watch as she puts him to sleep, she raises a finger to her lips “Shhh…” with a crooked grin I nod and walk back into the living room.
I look at pictures, a trail of them from when Jaxon was born till now. Each one reminding me what I’ve missed, reminding me how much of an asshole I’d been for the last 36 years. I stop at one with him in a bassinet, he looks peaceful. “29 hours straight. That’s how long I was in labor.” I turn and look up at her, she holds two glasses of wine in her hands and gestures one to me. Taking the glass, I shake my head. “I hate that I couldn’t be here for it. I’m so sorry, Elizabeth.” She walks to her sound system and begins playing another tune, turning back to me. “You didn’t know, Jack.” Sighing she continues “A part of me never wanted you to know.” She looks down. “That’s the thing, Elizabeth. I know exactly why you wanted to keep me from him. I don’t blame you for keeping him a secret. After how I treated you, what I did to the Greys’, all along you were already…” I shut my eyes, anger rising, hating myself for the man I grew to be, the man I was. I feel her finger at my lips. “The Jack I knew wouldn’t risk his life, wouldn’t give from what’s his and most definitely wouldn’t apologize for his actions.” I open my eyes to hers “You’ve made me question so many things within the last day.” Her eyes move down to my lips. The song playing has that of a soft female voice her words repeat, ‘I can give you what you need’. Elizabeth whispers “Let’s just forget about it for tonight. What do you say?” Her words ignite every inch of me. I place the glass down, bringing my hands to her face, my thumbs brush her lips. “I thought this was just dinner.” I say with a low tone. Her eyes open, “I’m ready for dessert.” She tips her teeth over my thumb and bites, scraping as she releases. I grin, twirling my thumb with her tongue, my other hand grips at her hips and I lift her. Her legs wrap firmly, I bring her against the wall. Pulling my thumb down her lip, I lick slowly over the top then bottom meeting her tongue with mine. Our kiss heats rapidly, her hands in my hair, mine ripping at her blouse. She pulls my shirt over my head as I hold her steadily. I remove her pony tail and watch as her hair falls over her shoulders, my palms at either side of her face I lean in to kiss her, “You’re so beautiful. Countless moments lost and I never said those words.” She moans, my tongue gliding slowly down her throat to her collar bone. “New moments, new memories” she whispers as she lifts my mouth back to hers. Our kiss relentless, she undoes my belt, slowly unbuttoning my jeans. I stop her hand “What if Jax wakes up?” she giggles “Such a daddy. Mmm… take me to my bedroom.” I smile and do as she says. Clumsily almost walking into the bathroom, she laughs “Over there” pointing in the direction. I walk in and she slides off of me. She steps backward, slowly undoing her jeans, she pushes them down her hips and stands before me in a matching pair of pink lace panties and bra. I step out of my work boots and pull off my socks, standing in only my jeans I stop in my tracks and just stare. Taking in her porcelain skin as it kisses against the lingerie, her staggering green eyes a blaze of fire “How did I never see you?” She tilts her head and grins as she lies back against her bed “Perhaps you were never truly looking.”
I kneel between her thighs, thoughts of how unruly I was with her flash through my mind, moments that I used her, used her body. I trail my fingers up her torso; my head knelt against her flesh, breathing in her scent. She runs her fingers in my hair and fuck it feels so good. It’s as if I’m having her for the first time, as if I’m feeling her fingers for the first time. I kiss slowly over her abdomen to the plump of her breast, trailing my tongue slowly over the lining of her cup. Writhing passed her collar bone, under her chin to her bottom lip. My fingers spreading her arms to each side, “I want to have you in ways I never have.” “Then have me… please” Her plead send flames through to my core. She arches her back and I undo her bra, my fingers brushing to the straps, I pull down slowly, kissing every inch that’s revealed to her supple nipples. Circling my tongue gently before sucking, I press my lips pulling whilst my palm grazes the other, massaging slowly into my fingertips. She moans “God yessss….” I move my tongue to the other and mirror my actions. Her fingers tug at my hair, pulling lightly. Each tug making me hungrier, I trace to the center of her torso and slowly move down passed her navel. Not yet removing her panties, I kiss along her mound, she arches once more, “Ahhh… Yes,” she’s already soaked. I slowly lick over the material, my fingers digging into her thighs as I spread them further apart. I kiss down to her inner thighs and pull down at the waistline, removing them, she lifts her ankles and I kiss the heel of her foot once I pull them fully off. She gazes up at me once I do “Fuck, what are you doing to me?” throwing her head back. “Oh God!” I grin and kiss silently down her ankle, calve, the hollow of her knee to her inner thighs once more. My eyes peer over her silk I growl “So perfect” I lather my tongue between folds, from base to clit, sucking between my lips, humming. “Mmm…. Fuckkkk” her words are a jitter as I vigorously take what I’ve craved since I laid my eyes on her. I release her now swollen clit, my tongue swirls, it pulses, I move down to her entrance and dip within. Her hands grip my hair and she pushes against me, allowing me to devour every bit. “Yesss…. Yesss… Yesss… I’m, Cummm…” she gasps and her delectable cream fills my mouth “So fucking sweet” I whisper. My lips move up her torso gently as she continues to tremble, her back arching. I place my hand under and lift her, she pushes my jeans off with her feet. I kneel over the bed and pull her over me. My erection fills her instantly “Oh God!!!!!” she screams, her arms snake around my neck and I hold her steady. Her pussy clenches over my every inch, the tightness driving me mad “FUCK!” I groan as my lips find hers. She moves against me, her legs wrapped tightly, my cock inching deeper with each thrust. “You feel sooo good.” She whimpers “So fucking good, baby” I respond. My hand at her ass, I rock with her, buried deep. She grips tight, my cock thickening once I feel my build rise. “Cum with me, Jack, please…” I bring my fingers in her hair and tug back. Licking down her throat, biting sensually over the nook of her neck “GAHHHH!!!” my seed spurts. “YESSSSS!!! GOD YES!” she follows, her cum soaking over my lap down to the sheets. I bring her lips to mine and kiss her deeply. My fingers moving up her back into her hair, her head against mine “God, Jack, That was…” she breathes “Wow” I smile against her lips and kiss her. “I could say the same to you.” I kiss down to her shoulder. “I never want to lose you again, Elizabeth.” I look into her eyes “I want it all, you, Jax, us… All of it.” “Jack…” she shakes her head. I hook her jaw and bring her face to mine “I’m serious.” “Give me time, after tonight my mind is cloudy. You leave me heady, Jack. Over the last few days everything has left me unsure of you.” She places her hand on my chest. “I just need time. Please.” I nod, kissing her bottom lip softly. “If time is what you need” I kiss her fingers “Your wish is my command” She shifts and my length flinches within her. “Stay the night?” I grin against her lips, cupping her face “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” She smiles and tightens her grip around me, flipping us over to where she’s straddling me. I chuckle at her ravenous behavior but could never object to having her and doing all in my being to keep her, even if that means breaking the arrangement.
Chapter 9
I feel a tickle just below my nose, my eyes open softly and she’s curled over my shoulder. She looks peaceful, at ease. A sigh slips lightly from her perched lips. I can’t help but smile, she was absolutely gorgeous and willing to try, with time of course but still… willing. The thought that someone could or want to give me that chance caused an unfamiliar feeling to grow within my heart, a feeling that I had no problem welcoming as long as it included Elizabeth and Jax. I hear a sound in the kitchen and look down to Elizabeth. She shifts but remains asleep. I slide my arm out from underneath her and sit up, quietly grabbing my jeans from the floor. I step out of the room and peek into the kitchen, I smirk when I see Jaxon climbing into the pantry. Leaning against the entryway I clear my throat “Ahem” he jumps and almost falls. I catch him. “Don’t tell mommy.” He whispers, frantically. I smile “Your secrets safe buddy, but don’t do that again, ok? I’m sure the last thing you or your mother need is another night in the hospital” Or myself for that matter. “I just wanted cookies. Mommy doesn’t let me have cookies in the morning.” He pouts and I laugh “Mommy knows best little guy, how about…” I look around. “Waffles?” I arch my brow and he smiles wide nodding excitedly. Opening the refrigerator I take out the eggs and milk, I see Jaxon beside me handing me the flour. “Do you know how to make waffles?” He nods “Mmhmm, mommy makes them all the time. They’re my favowit” I smile at his words, looking at his smile I lift him up to the counter and sit him down. “Good, you’ll be my little helper and maybe we could surprise mommy.” He nods rambunctiously and hands me the whisk as I take out a bowl. I prepare the batter and plug in the waffle maker. “Something else is needed. What do you think Jax?” he looks at the bowl and up at me “Stwawbewwies” I laugh and nod my head “Yes, yes… strawberries.” Opening the refrigerator once more I find my last ingredient.
The waffles cook and I can’t help but stare at him. He kicks his feet against the counter, his eyes peered at the maker and all I can do is think of the time I lost. The ding of the maker brings me from my distraction “It’s ready.” He repeats my words “rweady” I chuckle and take out each one. I find a serving tray under the counter and put her plate on it, followed by orange juice and coffee, black. I put Jaxon down and grab the tray. “Wait” I look down at Jax my brows furrow, he runs back with maple syrup. I grin “Good thinking, son.” The word slips out before I realize and I still. Straightening my face I look to him, he smiles up at me. A smile slowly creases over my lips and he walks to her bedroom door on his tip toes, his finger placed at his lips for me to be quiet. I raise my brows and walk in; I whisper to Jax “Ok, go wake her up.” He smiles and gets on the bed “Mommy… we have a pwesent” she opens one eye at him and grins, “A present…” turning she looks toward me as I stand at the foot of the bed. “Good morning, beautiful.” She smirks “Mmm… that’s quite the present.” She winks and I purse my lips at her innuendo. I bring the tray to the side of the bed. She pulls up the covers up slightly and I bite the inner part of my lip, wanting nothing more but to take her once again, perhaps having a very sweet breakfast of my own. “Mommy Jack put stwawbewwies in the waffles.” His words bring me back to focus. She grins and looks at me “Did he now?” she licks her lips “Well let’s taste then.” She cuts into the waffle and brings the fork to her lips. “Mmm… this is fantastic. When did you learn how to cook?” she asks and cuts another piece serving Jax a bite. “Like I said, beautiful, there was much we never knew about each other.” She bites her lip and nods. I look over to Jaxon “How about we make you some?” he jumps off the bed and grabs my hand leading me out of the bedroom. I laugh “I guess that’s a yes.” She laughs and I wink at her as I walk out to Jax.
The morning was incredible, far better than any morning I think I’d ever had. I sit back in Jax’s room and watch him play. I observe his expressions, the way he talks, smiles, his giggles, his excitement. He was… is perfect and he’s mine, my son, my boy. I feel her eyes graze against my flesh and smile “He’s everything.” I say without looking up at her “He is.” She responds. “It’s incredible how you can fall in love so quickly.” I look back at her, her arms are crossed, her head bowed. “Jack, we need to talk.” I take a breath; damn I knew it was just too fucking good. Standing I walk out of his room and towards hers, taking my shirt and slipping it on I sit down. “What is it?” “This” she puts the envelope I gave her last night on the bed. “Where’d it come from?” “Elizabeth…” I place my elbows on my knees, running my fingers through my hair. “I told you I wanted to make up for lost time.” She closes her door and looks down at me. “Where did it come from, Jack?” “You don’t have to worry about that, Elizabeth.” She scowls, “Are you fucking kidding me right now? You want me to give you a chance but how am I suppose to do that? How can I give you… us? How can I trust you?” She walks back and forth, my eyes follow her every move. I sit quietly, not knowing how to answer her. I couldn’t tell her about Linc and his plots against Grey. I’d lose her, forever… “JACK!” I look up at her and stand “I could stand here and tell you that I’ve made a full 180, that I came out of prison for good behavior and had this money just stashed. But… truthfully I never expected to see you, to find you. Seattle is far smaller than I could’ve ever thought.” I grin, looking into her eyes I bring my hand to her cheek, softly brushing it with the back of my knuckles, I swallow “I can’t tell you where it came from and you have all the right to not trust me. But know that us, you and Jax have become all I see in my life and I will do all I can to prove that to you.” She looks into my eyes as I search hers. “I just…” she whispers and I press my lips against hers, taking in her bottom lip, then top, our tongues meeting, engulfing. It’s soft and sweet, passionate. I pull away, her eyes are still closed, her lips puckered and I smirk.
I step away and put on my socks, followed by my boots. “What are you doing?” I stand up “I have some things I need to take care of. “Oh…” she looks down. “Ok.” I look at her and bring my finger to her jaw, lifting her face. “Hey, I’ll be back, ok?” She nods with a soft smile. My heart leaps to my throat, a yearning to tell her, to show her. But I couldn’t, not yet, not till all this shit with Linc was finished. I kiss her forehead and she grips her hands around mine. “Jack, I….” “Don’t baby. Not yet, when it’s right. Can I see you tonight?” she bites her lip and nods looking up to my eyes. “Yes.” She whispers. I kiss the corner of her lips once more, my hand skimming her chin as I do. Opening her door I see Jax in the distance, walking over to him I kneel on one leg. “Save me a story for tonight?” He smiles “Ok” I stand and kiss his head looking over to Elizabeth with a smile. She follows me to the front door and gives me one last kiss before I walk out.
Upon exiting her building I pull out my cell and text Linc…
‘We need to meet, tonight.’
I catch a cab and my phone chimes…
‘Agreed. 8pm there’s an irish pub near your place. I’ll send you the address.’
The cab nears Pike Place...
‘Don’t bother, I know where it is. I’ll be there.’
I pay the driver and step out of the cab, as I near the building door I see the same black sedan idle on the corner. Turning to the door, I put in the key to open and pause, fuck it. I walk over to the sedan and knock on the tinted window. The window lowers, a man with dark glasses sits behind the wheel. His lips pressed in a hard line, he looks at me “Can I help you, Sir?” with a crooked grin I respond, “Yes, you can tell Grey to stop fucking tailing me.” “I’m sorry, sir, we don’t work for Mr. Grey.” I arch my brow “Then who the fuck do you work for?” “We’re not at liberty to say, sir.” “Listen asshole, I don’t have time for bullshit so you either tell me or…” he pulls open his jacket and I see the 9mm. “You think that’s suppose to affect me, I’ve dealt with worst then a fucking bullet. Tell whoever you work for if he wants me, come and get me, otherwise back the fuck off.” I step back from the vehicle and walk to my apartment building.
As I step into my place I throw my keys down and run my fingers in my hair. Who the fuck else could be following me? I sit as the thought lingers. My phone chimes with a text
‘Hello Mr. Hyde, I have a manuscript for you to review, however you’ve yet to send me your email address. If you are indeed serious about this position I’d appreciate a contact from you soon.
Thank you.
-Mrs. Moore’
I huff… fuck, I never sent it. I respond back.
‘Forgive me Mrs. Moore. I am indeed interested. I happened to get side tracked yesterday but promise it will not happen again. My email is [email protected] please send it to me at your earliest convenience.’
I receive a quick response…
‘Excellent, you should come across it soon. I’ve already sent it. I’ll see you tomorrow.
-Mrs. Moore.’
I open the laptop, bringing up my Google account instantly. I find the email and open the attachment. Before indulging myself in familiar territory I get myself a glass of water and some fruit. My phone rings and its Elizabeth, I smile when I answer. “Hello.” She’s quiet “Hi.” I grin and arch my brow at the awkwardness that lingers. “So… this is awkward.” She says “What is?” I ask as if I didn’t already know “Our silence” I laugh “way to state the obvious.” She giggles “Well, I’m just pointing out the elephant.” I throw my head back and laugh wholeheartedly “The elephant?” she laughs and I shake my head “What’s Jaxon doing?” “Sitting with his airplanes” “He’s going to be a pilot” “You think so?” I sit at the table, my laptop running I click on the attachment to download. “I know so.” “Oh, you know, huh?” “I do.” I can almost hear her smile “So what are you doing?” “Sitting in front of my laptop getting ready to read a manuscript” “Really?” her excitement evident, I smirk “Yes.” “When did you get back into editing? I mean how did you even find something?” “A social worker that my probation officer found me, she knew of a few companies needing outside freelancers. It keeps me where I need to be.” “Yes, I’m happy for you. That you found something so fitting.” I sit back, her voice making me wish I’d never left “Thank you, baby.” She makes a cute sound and I grin “What?” “Nothing it’s just weird.” “Me calling you baby?” “Yes.” “New beginnings, new memories… remember?” I mirror her words from last night “Yes, I remember many things from last night.” Her tone becomes seductive “Mmm… Do you?” I lick my lips “Yes, I do.” “Good. I hope to give you many memorable nights.” “Promise?” she asks “Indeed I do, as long as you can promise that you will forever be by my side.” She sighs “Jack…” I whisper “Shh… think about it. I have to go. I’ll see you tonight and you can finish that sentence.” Her voice low “Yes… I’ll see you tonight.” We hang up and I stare down to my phone, smiling. I look up and the attachment is fully opened. I begin to read and soon los myself in what I know best, in what I truly enjoy doing.
Chapter 10
I enter the pub and the air is thick. A crowd of people are standing, others sitting. I hear violin in the distance, noticing a stage where a gorgeous young girl plays a beautiful celtic melody. My eyes search for Linc as I walk through to the bar and order an Irish whiskey. I feel a pat on my shoulder “Make that two.” Linc shouts to the bartender. He looks to me “Have you been here long?” I shake my head “No, just walked in.” The bartender walks back with our drinks. The gorgeous violinist ends her tune, everyone claps. The host walks to the stage and asks everyone to give another round of applause for the beautiful Rihna Mccleod. I catch her eye and she winks, I bow my head with a grin. Linc gestures for me to follow him; he leads us to a table in the far corner. It’s a good distance from where the stage is, allowing us to hear one another. I sit back in the chair and lift my leg over my knee. Looking over at Linc I swig back some of my whiskey.
“Priorities have changed.” I say as I put my drink down. He looks up at me as he grabs a pretzel “Have they?” his asks in response “Yes” I sit forward “I’m going to have to back out of the arrangement. I’m willing to repay you for all you have done for me and am truthfully appreciative. However, I cannot move forward with what you require of me.” I watch his expressions as I speak. He nods and props a pretzels in his mouth. A waitress passes us and he stops her asking her for another drink. She looks to me and I shake my head “No, thank you.” Without caring for a response I stand from the table. “I think I’ll be going then” he stands with me. I move forward to shake his hand. He takes mine and pulls me in “If you really think you can back out of our arrangement then you’re fucking delusional. This isn’t over.” I chuckle at his actions and look back to him amused. “Are you threatening me, Linc? Because if you are I don’t take lightly to threats” my face becomes grim as he squints. “And you know I don’t make empty threats” I laugh and throw down a $100 bill. He looks at the cash and back at me with a sly smirk. I fold my wallet and put it back in my pocket turning to walk away. “She must be quite the fuck!” He shouts in the distance and I stop in my tracks “What the fuck did you just say?!” turning back to him, I lunge and grab him by his collar pressing him against the wall “You don’t talk about her like that, if you even think of her in that manner again…” suddenly it hits me, I never mentioned her. I arch my brows looking at him with fury and confusion, he laughs “There you go. Is it finally coming together in that shit brain of yours?” “It was you following, watching… never Grey.” I hear a trigger pull back against my head. “You think I wouldn’t have you tailed, Hyde? You think that I’d trust you? I know the type of man you are because we come from the same cloth.” He smirks “And now you think priorities have changed because of what… the girl or the boy?” I press my hands around his throat and tighten my grip “You fucking near them and I’ll kill you.” The barrel presses harder against the back of my head. Linc lifts his hand for the guard to back off, the click of the trigger releases and he pulls away. I loosen my grip and step back knowing I had to get both Elizabeth and Jaxon out of Seattle, quick. I look between Linc and the guard; he rubs his fingers against his adams apple. His stare is sinister reminding me of myself. I step back slowly; he lifts his drink and takes the rest of it back. I watch carefully as he puts it down and says “That boy should be careful, you should make sure she watches him well. The next time he might not make it out of the hospital.” The boil within my bloodstream explodes and I leap, his guard places his hands over my jaw and pushes me back. I punch him in the gut and grab a glass bottle from the bar smashing it over his head. Linc looks from him to me, his chest heaves, I hear sirens. “Stay the fuck away because the next time I’ll snap your fucking neck!” I exit in a hurry, pushing through the crowd. I see a cab parked outside and open the door giving him my destination I tell him to go quick and we peel off.
I knock on her door, nervously looking over my shoulder. She opens, her smile is beautiful when she looks at me. Walking in I palm her cheeks, kissing her deeply, our lips pressed hard. “Jack…” she murmurs. I whisper against her lips “You have to go.” “Go?” She steps back and looks at me. I look at her, breathing hard, I look around. “Where’s Jaxon?” “He’s with Krista. Why? Jack, what’s wrong?” I sit down on the edge of the couch, running my hands through my hair, over my mouth. “You and Jax are not safe.” “What, Why?!” her questions are filled with angst. I take a breath, “When I was released from prison it was with the help of someone. The arrangement was he’d help me get out and I’d help him seek revenge.” “Revenge on whom?” I close my eyes “Grey.” Silence reeks and I look at her. I stand to grab her hand, she pulls away. “Get out.” She doesn’t look at me. “Elizabeth, please.” I plead. “Get out, now.” Her voice is more precise. “You and Jaxon have to go, somewhere, anywhere but here. I’ll go, but you have to promise me that you will listen to what I’m telling you to do.” I grab her wrist and turn her to look at me “I can’t have anything happen to either of you.” She pulls her wrist from my grip and looks at me, her eyes pooled with tears, her words barely able to escape her sweet lips “Just go.” I open the door, my head bowed and say in a whisper “I love you…”
Expecting to arrive to sirens or red and blue lights the area surrounding my building is as normal as ever. The music live from the bar, people amongst each other enjoying their night and no black sedans in sight. I try to think in his mindset. I was once him, I knew his thoughts, I knew sinister, and this… he’s regrouping, thinking of his next move. I walk into my building and upstairs, my thoughts on Elizabeth and Jax. I see Katie as I reach my floor and smile, walking passed her. She asks “Hey, you ok?” I reach my door and put in the key. “I’m fine. Thanks.” I walk in and shut the door behind me looking around, there must be a wire somewhere. I begin to search through my dresser, my mattress, on the edges of the walls down to the floor. There was no hint, no matter where I looked. Either he was really creative or he wasn’t as smart as I am. I hear a knock at my door and walk over to my closet where I’d stashed a few items. Pulling out a semi-automatic that I purchased earlier in the week I place it behind my back and into my jeans. I near the door and look through the peek hole, Elizabeth? With my brows furrowed I put the revolver back and open.
“What are you doing here?” she walks passed me, I shut the door behind her. “You should be gone, Elizabeth. Not here, he could be anywhere…” “SHUT UP!” she yells and I still “Just shut the fuck up. Ok?” she paces around and looks up at me “I know you wanted me gone, I know being here with you is dangerous and I know I need to be with Jaxon. But…” she stares into my eyes and walks closer to me. She sighs “A week ago all I had was him. All I knew was that this was my life, Jaxon and I facing the world together, just us. Then you come along…” she trails off and I lower my head taking in each word, my back landing against the door as I listen. She comes towards me, lifting my face, her hands on my cheeks. Her thumbs brush against my eyebrow, down my jaw line to my lips. Her touch brings me solace, my heart skips. “How someone could fall in love in a matter of one day is beyond me. But I realize now that it wasn’t one day. Somehow, through it all even when you were your worst. I’ve always been in love.” My eyes meet hers; everything stands idle, the world no longer moving. Her lips touch mine and I close my eyes kissing her back. Its soft, sensual, I take each lip with mine, our tongues tangling with passion, purpose. My fingers get lost in her hair, hers in mine. Our chests rising as it becomes deeper, I lower my hand down her back, cupping at her curves and soon lift her, bringing her to the table. Her legs are wrapped around my hips, she lifts my shirt off, I do the same. We mimic each others moves, she unbuckles my belt, I unzip her jeans. Her hands fish within mine and she grips making me groan. I bury my face over her chest, grazing her breast with my teeth, kissing and sucking at every inch, biting tenderly over her flesh, her nipples. She shovels out of her jeans, letting them drop. My fingers hook into her panties and I tug, ripping them off. She moans my name “Jack…” I continue my assault. She pushes my jeans off and they drop around my feet. Her eyes lock on mine and soon I’m inside of her, the fill intense. She gasps, “Yess…” my groan follows “Elizabeth…” I move rhythmically within her, the table rocking. She grips the edges and tightens her feet around my ass. She pushes me deeper within her, my length twitching against her walls. I hold her steady at her hips and move faster, fucking her with full of intent, owning her, worshiping her, giving her all of me. With one last thrust she screams “UNF, UNF… YESSS!!!” My fingers reach her hair and I tug back, my build following. “GAHHH… FUCK!!” her pussy grips and my seed spurts. I bring her lips to mine. Kissing her intensely, passionately… whispering “I love you.” she smiles against my lips and whispers “I thought I loved you then, but now…” she looks up at me and I finish her sentence with my kiss.
I pour us both a glass of water, she walks over. “Is Jaxon still with Krista?” I ask, she nods and sips her water “I had Krista leave to my sisters with him. I needed to stop here before I met up with them there. I just had to see you.” I hook my arm around her waist. “I’m so happy you did.” I bring her against me and run my fingers in her hair, moving the strands from her face. “So what now?” she asks. “I don’t know baby. I don’t know what he plans, but I know I want to be one step ahead of him. “And us?” I search her eyes “We will get through this storm and once we do we will have what we both want.” She smiles and kisses me sweetly. “Would you like to take a shower?” I ask with a grin, she nods biting her lip. I take her hand and begin walking to the bathroom she stops midway. “Let me call Krista quickly, ok? I’ll be right there.” I nod and walk in. Turning the shower on I shout “Hurry or I’m going to start without you.” “JACK!” she shouts my name and I run out. She has a look of utter shock, tears falling from her eyes as she stares at the phone. I near her and take the phone to see, its Krista, laid out on the ground, Jaxon beside her. He’s crying and a man with dark glasses is knelt behind him. A message follows...
‘You want your boy back then you know what you have to do. Just how much do you think your son is worth? Jack knows.’
Chapter 11
“Elizabeth, look at me.” She does as I ask, her tear filled eyes looking into mine. I press my lips, anger rising within me “I’m going to get our son back. I need you to trust that I will die before anything happens to Jaxon.” My words filled with truth, promise. She nods silently and covers her face with her hands, falling to her knees. I kneel down with her, lifting her chin, bringing her in my arms. I kiss her head, speaking within breaths “If ever I promise one thing, it’s that Jaxon will be back home safe” she looks into my eyes once more, her lips press softly against mine, I whisper “I need to go, I need to find him.” I move away from her, putting on my jeans and t-shirt. I open the closet door and take out the semi-automatic. Elizabeth follows me with her eyes as I place it behind my back “What are you going to do with that, Jack?” I look to her and put on my leather jacket. “What do you think?” she stands and steps closer to me. “I can’t lose you both. Promise me you will both come back to me alive.” Her hands touch my cheek, I close my eyes. I whisper “I need you to hold on to this phone.” Giving her one of the burners I had. She takes it in her hand, I place mine over hers and kiss her fingers softly “When I call you I will need you to follow my orders to its entirety. Ok?” She nods slowly. I slide my thumb over her lips as I open the door, looking at her for possibly the last time and walk out.
I exit the building rapidly, my eyes catch Katie as she steps out of her car. I walk over “I need your car.” She looks at me and laughs asking “What?” as if my words amused her. “Wait you’re fucking serious?” I look at her nervously “I’ve never been more serious in my life, though you seem amused it is not the time for fucking games, either you let me borrow it or I will simply take it, you choose” she stares at me, my lips in a hard line. She hands me the keys without further question. I take them and say “Thank you.” Entering the car I turn on the engine and peel off immediately. I try to think back to the times Linc came to visit me at the prison. Moments of what he would say, private locations that may have slipped. Flashes of Krista laid on the ground, Lincs words, Jaxon in the distance, there was a building behind him. Slamming my hand against the steering wheel trying to process my thoughts, I reach a red light. My mind races and it finally it clicks, the marina. The light changes to green and I make a u-turn, the tires screech. I arrive at the docks and park, slowly exiting the car. Quietly I close the door behind me and adjust the automatic in the waistband of my jeans. I hear someone shouting, arguing in the distance. As I near I notice Linc, My hands slip to the back of my pants in attempts to grab the gun. His guard walks out and calls him inside. Every urge within me says to act on impulse and walk in but I hold back.
I call Elizabeth, she answers on the first ring. “Hello” her voice is shaky. “It’s me. I need you to do something.” I whisper. “What is it, Jack? Are you there? Have you seen Jaxon?” Eager to answer all her questions but unable to “Baby, listen, please. I need you to call the police. Tell them that I’m at an abandoned warehouse just outside of bell harbor marina. Tell them to hurry. Ok, Elizabeth?” “Uh… ok. Jack…” her voice echoes I stop her before she can finish her sentence “I love you, Elizabeth. Always remember that.” Before she could respond I end the call and dial 911. The operator says “911 dispatch how may I help you?” I put it in my pocket and take a breath slowly walking into the warehouse, the doors are wedged open allowing me to slide in without notice. I look quietly trying to hear for his voice, for his cry. A door slams and I step back, looking slightly around the corner where the sound came from I see the same guard exiting what looks like a room. Once out of sight I walk towards the room and attempt to open, it nudges. I look in through the crack and see a young girl; she’s laid over the mattress, only her hair noticeable. Slowly I step in and she turns, crying, a scared whimper escapes “Please, no more…” My eyes shut. It was Krista. Fucking prick must’ve… she moves closer and I whisper “Krista, where’s Jaxon.” She bellows a cry. “Jack… Is that you?” her hands reach out, I assure her it’s me. “Yes, I’ve got you.” She moves forward in my arms and I repeat my question. “Where is Jaxon, Krista?” she shakes her head, “I don’t know. They’ve kept me in here. I don’t… Jack I tried to save him… They were too strong… I’m so sorry… Please…” Her head drops in her hands and she’s full of blood, tears streaming down her cheeks. I bring my finger to my lips “Shhh… I need to find Jaxon so I need you to be quiet, ok?” she nods understanding and I stand to walk out “No, Jack please, don’t leave me.” she begs in a frantically. “You’re safe now, Krista. They won’t hurt you anymore. I need to find Jaxon. Stay here. I’ll be right back.” She curls her legs against her chest and nods.
I walk out quietly to the direction the guard walked in and hear Linc. “Fucking asshole thinks he can just walk away. I’m going to leave this kid just like he was left.” “I want my mommy!” Jaxon shout, Linc responds “Shut the fuck up kid! You’re going to be left a pit in the street like your dear old daddy.” I shut my eyes and grip the gun at an instance. Pulling it forward I walk into the room and face the barrel at the guard. He stands when he sees me and draws his gun. He shoots when I grip the trigger. I feel my skin pierce as both guns go off, one bullet going straight into his head, I move the barrel to face Linc, and he leaps behind Jaxon, holding a 9mm to his head. He shouts “Any closer and he’s gone. Understand fucking gone, Hyde! Don’t fuck with me.” I lift my hands and let the gun fall off, the trigger hooked over my finger. “Let him go and we can settle this. Just us, the kid has nothing to do with this. I’m who you want.” I look down to Jax and he stares up at me his eyes swollen from crying. His body soiled, I hear a noise from behind and Linc jumps, once he does I take my shot and bring my gun back over my hand pulling the trigger. He falls as the sirens echo. I drop to my knees. Jaxon runs to me, his small arms circle my neck, I swoop him against me. I hold him tight as he hugs me, speaking low “Go outside to the nice police men. I’ll be outside soon. Ok son?” He does as I say runs off. I look down, warm liquid runs down from my gut down my hip, I touch and see the blood slowly dripping. Officers storm in, shouting “Anyone in here?” one yelling, “Jack Hyde!” I look ahead to Lincs lifeless body with a sly grin soon feeling arms beneath mine in attempts to lift me but I drop, “We need medics fast!!” They shout amongst me and I lay limp on the ground looking into his cold eyes as I feel my breath shorten.
The medics rush, lifting me to the bed, giving me oxygen. My eyes become heavy, each blink a resistance as I try to see my surroundings. Needing to know where Jax was I pull the oxygen off, “Sir, we need you to keep this on!” They shout, I tug once more, removing the mask “Where’s Jaxon? Where’s my son?” my eyes are slowly drifting but I fight. “Sir, keep this on.” A medic places it back on and I grip his wrist with all my strength. “Where is the boy?” He looks down at me and furrows his brows. They roll me out, lights flashing in circles I try to sit up but the pain shoots through me. Both medics hold me down, bringing me against the mattress. “He’s in shock we need to rush him in.” No one yet to answer where Jax is, I grab their shirts. “My son, where is he?” I hear a voice “Is he ok? Jack!” Turning slightly I see her, “Elizabeth…” my voice trails as I begin to cough, blood reaching the inside of my mouth. She takes my hand and screams my name. The sound of her voice slowly weakens as my eyes begin to close, her fingertips slip from my grasp. They lift me in and I see him, my son, my boy, he’s safe. I smile and look up to Elizabeth, her tears fall and I fade…
Chapter 12
(6yrs old)
“Jacky boy…” A soft whisper wakens me, I slowly openen my lids. It’s my mother standing by the window of my old bedroom, opening the curtains. The sun cascades in making my pupils dilate. She nears me “Good morning, birthday boy. I was hoping to have a special breakfast with you today. Would you like that?” She asks smiling. I furrow my brows, she was different today. “Breakfast?” she nods and looks at me “Yes silly boy, it’s your favorite. Go wash up and It’ll be waiting.” As she walks out of my room I look around in utter confusion. Most mornings she was passed out from the night before or still too drunk to remember to make anything... but today. I shake my head as I sit up and rub my eyes to make sure this wasn’t a dream. I walk into the bathroom and wash up, brushing my teeth and tippy toeing to look into the mirror my mom shouts “Jack, Breakfast is ready!”
I walk down to the kitchen and see a plate sitting on the table. She walks over and lays two stacks of waffles over the plate. “Sit down baby boy.” A feeling comes over me and I look up smiling “Thank you, mommy.” She grins and sits beside me. “Jacky, I know mommy hasn’t been here for you, but that will change. I promise.” I nod with excitement. Her promise meant everything to me. Suddenly the door slams, “Where the fuck are you, Rita?!” I drop my fork down and she leans in whispering “Stay here, Jacky.” She leaves the kitchen and walks down the hall to where he stands. I hear her plead “John, not today. Please, Its Jackys day. Let him enjoy…” The echo of a slap comes across the room. I hold my fork tight, sliding out of my seat and underneath the table. He yells “Where’s Jacky boy hiding? Come out for your old man. Let me wish you a happy birthday.” I see only his work boots as he stomps into the kitchen. My fist clenches tightly around the fork, he flips the table up and I jab his hand. “AHHH!!” he screams from the sting and I run. “FUCKING KID! GET OVER HERE NOW!” his voice is filled with anger. I attempt to hide in the closet. The sound of his footsteps near, each one creaking against the wooden floors, one after the other, he opens the closet door. I look to his hand and he wraps the belt tight around his fist. He grips my hair and tugs me out of the closet. My cries fill the room and I toughen up, turning to look him straight in the eyes. He grins “Oh, growing into a tough little fucker aren’t you?” I breathe hard, sticking my chest out. There was nothing tough about me, I hated when he’d beat me. I hated him, but it was at this moment that my heart became cold. He takes me by the wrist and the belt strikes me, once, twice and a third time. I grind my teeth as the tears silently stream down my face, one after each strike.
Once he was done he cursed his way out of the door with murmurs of his endless disappointments. He hated us, perhaps as much as we hated him. I stared at her lying in her own pool of blood as it seeped from her broken nose, her eyes bruised. It was then that I realized that promises are only meant to be broken. She finally wakens and I look at her with pure anger for what she’s allowed me to endure, resentment beginning to brew in my heart, my soul. She sits up and looks at me, wiping the blood from her nose. As she reaches her hand out to touch me, I flinch. A single tear drops and she attempts to stand. She fumbles, her hands sliding against the walls as she tries to hold herself up. She looks back at me when she reaches the cabinet in the kitchen and pulls out a bottle. Popping off the cap she whispers “Happy fucking birthday” and swigs back the drink.
(16yrs old)
“We can’t keep him.” My foster mother says as she speaks to the children and family services of Michigan. I listened to her argue with them trying to convince them there was something wrong with me. Shaking my head at her lies, reality was that she was pissed off I’d threatened her after catching her in bed with one my older foster brothers. She was a disgusting excuse for a woman and I made sure she knew it. She hung up the phone and I stood against the wall waiting for her to come out. “Here’s the deal whore.” She looked at me startled. “You want me out, trust me I want out. You give me a cut of what they are giving you and I’ll keep shut.” She looked at me confused. “That’s black mail.” She was a dumb cunt “No shit. You want your money though I’m sure and in a few months I’ll be gone.” She laughed and rolled her eyes at me. “Do you really think you’ll get that scholarship to Princeton?” her laughter drowned the room. “A little prick like you couldn’t make it anywhere.” I stepped up to her, my face inches from hers. “Listen bitch, I will get out of this shithole and make something of myself. If you want to continue your little affair then that’s the deal.” She gulps and looks to the door as the sound of a key enter. I grin and step back to the door, raising my brows. She looks between the door and myself. “Fine!” I smile and grab my backpack pulling the door open “Hey Dan, Just leaving to the library. Be back later.” I put my headphones on and walk outside, a wry smirk grazing my lips.
I studied till late, my new found love for literature had proven to be my key out of this god forsaken life. For a poor kid in the city of Detroit with very little resource I did all I could to keep my grades of high standard. I talked to no one, made no friends. I was a ghost, merely making my way. Once I’d found out of the opportunities to get a scholarship at Princeton I went for it. I’d sent my letters, followed by an essay and all the credentials required. I did extra community work, helped with editing on the school paper, and even tutored. There was no doubt that I was an ambitious kid, I pushed myself, making it as far as skipping a year ahead. All the kids looked at me as the weird one, all enjoying their senior year before college. I didn’t care, to me this was a pass time but soon It would all be over.
I arrive back at my foster home, opening the door I see Dan and Lisa sitting at the table. My first thought was, bitch caved. She holds an envelope in her hand “What’s going on?” she looks to Dan and passes it to me. I crease my brows and open, my eyes follow each word of the letter and a large smile fills my face. “I’M IN!!!” Dan shakes my hand “Congratulations Son!” I take his hand as he calls me son. Lisa stands beside him “Good for you Jack.” I look at her, my grin smug. I walk away from them both and go into the room I shared with my foster brother. “Hey man, I heard about what you said to Lisa. Thanks for not saying anything to Dan.” I looked at him like he was a fool “Where you stick your dick is on you, frankly I could care less about you two fucking.” He purses his lips and walks out of the room. I sit back and look at the letter once more. Reading over each word, I think of my mother and father and for a moment I wish they could see me. But it was an unrealistic thought, for this was all my doing.
(26 yrs old)
“FUCK!! Yesss… keep going.” I tugged her hair back, gripping it in my fist. Her ass was perched against my pelvis. My slaps echo as I take her hard and fast from behind. “GOD YESSSS” I bring her lips to mine and whisper “Such a good little whore.” She moans and with one last thrust my seed fills her “FUCKKK!!” As my pace slows I pull out of her and stand up. “That’s it?” I look back at her, “What?” nearing one of my book shelves “I didn’t…” She trails off “Cum.” I finish her sentence and turn to look at her “I know you didn’t but you served your purpose. You can get the fuck out now.” She throws a pillow at me and jumps out of my bed. Grabbing her dress in a hurry, curse words escape her lips, I sit down holding a video camera in my hand, grinning as I press play. Her head lifts and she turns to me. “What is that?” she nears me and attempts to grab it from my hand “This?” I pull back. “This is me fucking you on video and for all of SIP to see.” She stands and steps back slowly. I lay on my propped elbows, “I wonder what your husband would think of this?” She shuts her eyes. “You can’t do this. This is…” “Black mail, I know.” Smiling, her look of shock and anger rising as she glares back at me “You can make sure this never gets seen.” “How, what do you want?” I laugh at her quickness to please “Always eager, Chief Editor.” “Jack I can’t, I’m only his wife.” I smirk ominously and walk over to her. Bringing my hand to her jaw I grip tightly, my lips inches from hers “You can and you will or else.” A tear brinks and she nods. I lick her lips “Good girl.” Walking passed her I smack her ass “Now hurry along, I need to prepare for my promotion on Monday.” She does as I ask soon leaving my apartment. I watch her go and take out the videotape from the camera. I walk into my office and open a small vault I have hidden. I place it on top of several other videos I have, each filled with some sort of sexual act from multiple women, hell some are of more than one woman at a time. A wicked grin claims my lips as I shut the vault tight and think of my new found future in Seattle Independent Publishing.
(Present day)
My eyes open slowly; I feel a rush, lights flashing over me one after the other, each light moving to the next. I move my hand and I have a mask on, “He’s awake, we need to rush him into the OR!” I pull at the mask, “SIR,” “Where…?” I attempt to speak when they stop my hands. I shake my head as they put it back “Where am I?” “Sir, look up!” they push my face forward and bring bright lights over my pupils. “They’re dilated, he’s losing more oxygen!” My hands only move to a minimum as I try to feel my chest, my stomach. I hear a cry “Jack? Jack…!” My eyes slightly open I lift my head as far as I can and it’s Elizabeth at the foot of the bed. She’s here, she’s with me “Jack, I love you so much!” Her words slip from her lips and I throw my head back, my body beginning to convulse “WE’RE LOSING HIM! MA’AM YOU NEED TO STAY HERE” I try to stretch my hand out for her but the doors close. The lights are heavy; they move my body over a man wearing a mask stands over me. He puts a needle in my arm and begins to count backwards. My eyes slowly close but I feel reluctant, fighting to keep them open but soon… see black.
Chapter 13
There’s light again, my eyes opening and I’m back there, back in my old room. I spring from my bed in utter confusion. She opens the door and I look directly in her eyes. “Jacky boy” she looks at me. “What are you doing here Jacky?” I glance around “I don’t know” she walks to the curtains, my eyes follow. She turns to face me. “You have your own boy now.” She says as she sits on the bed beside me. “I do. How do you…” She smiles and tilts her head. “I know everything about you my precious boy. He looks just like you.” I grin, flashes of Jaxon’s smile come to mind.“He needs you.” She looks at me. “She does too.” My brows furrowed I sit in confusion of where I was and how if at all this was real. “I was never there for you” I lower my head “I did well for myself.” She nods “You did, Jacky. You did.” She smiles down at me, running her fingers through my hair. I feel her warmth, her love. It was odd, yet I could feel her. “Where am I?” She shakes her head and grins. “You’re in between.” “So I’m dead?” She shakes her head once more. “No son, you aren’t dead. You are asleep.” I look around the room, my fingers splayed in my hair. “Asleep?” my mind races “I can’t be here, I need to get back. I need to be…” She places her finger over my lips. “Shh… Jacky. Come with me.” I nod and sit up. Following her out of my room I walk down to the kitchen and it’s all displayed as it was 30 years ago. “This is our moment we never had Jacky. This is my promise fulfilled. No interruptions.” I look back for a sound, a slam, a shout but there’s no sign of him. “He’s not here?” She shakes her head “No Jacky. Just us, but we only have a short time.” She leaves the kitchen and walks outside I follow behind her. She stands and holds a blue rose. I look from the rose to her. “Mom, this… What is all of this? This life that’s been recreated?” she looks up to me. “It’s our moment we never had, it’s our peace. It’s my apology to you for hurting you, taking from you.” I near her as she hands me the rose “This rose represents mystery and beauty. You deserved so much better than me, than what your father and I gave you.” “Mom, we all make mistakes. It’s how we rise above it.” She looks up at me “You’re absolutely right, Jacky. It’s your time to rise above. Jaxon needs you. Be good to him. Love him every single day. Give him what you didn’t have. Promise me, Jacky.” A tear pricks my eyes and I look at her “I will mom. I promise” She smiles and wipes my tears “I love you.” I close my eyes to her words, her touch and when I reopen she’s no longer there, I’m no longer outside.
There’s a machine going off, my eyes shift around. There are several nurses and a doctor talking in a far corner. I blink several times, trying to gain better vision. I move my finger, only my eyes wandering, the respirator is lodged down my throat and I begin to gag. I flinch my fingers on both hands hoping someone see’s. “He’s awake!” Its Elizabeth’s voice and I smile, instantly thinking, good girl, get them to focus. They come towards me, one of them asking Elizabeth to leave the room. “I’m not leaving!” she shouts. The nurses lift my head “Mr. Hyde we need you to remain calm. We need you still so we can pull the respirator out. Understand.” I nod, “Good.” The doctor places his latex gloves on and hovers over me. He begins to count, one, two, and three… I gasp. The tube is released from my throat and I breathe. The doctor pulls out one of those little flashlights and begins to check my pupils. I squint, blinking several times before he stops. “Mr. Hyde how many fingers do I have up?” He holds up his index finger and I grin “One.” He smiles “Excellent.” “Do you remember what day it is?” I shake my head “I gotta say doc, I barely knew the answer to that question before I got shot, let alone now.” He laughs “Ok, I guess that’s fair enough.” “Can I see my family now?” He nods “Claire let them in.” she does as he asks. “Mrs. Morgan, his vitals are stable. We’ll give you a moment.” They walk out and she nears me, “Jack…” her voice trails off and I run my fingers in her hair smiling. She kisses me softly, our lips remaining still. She begins to cry. “Hey, shhh…. No tears baby.” She kisses me once more. I look up at her, our hands entwined. “This is our new beginning, new memories.” She nods and whispers “I love you.” I take a breath and kiss her fingers. Looking down to them as she stands above me, I murmur “Marry me.” She pulls back “What did you just say?” I look up “I said, marry me.” She remains in utter silence and I begin to convulse, my body tightening, my toes and fingers tense. I hear her scream for the doctors and they rush in “He’s having a seizure!” one shouts. They sound the alarm “CODE BLUE, CODE BLUE!” her fingers slip from mine as they all rush over me. Tears run from my eyes as my tongue moves to the back of my throat. I look for her and once I see her she’s covering her mouth crying. Fear grazing her eyes, her hand shaking. Everything begins to darken, the machines press against my chest and I feel the pump of my body, my breath shortens. I feel myself begin to drift as my eyes slowly close and there’s another pump. Suddenly there are blue eyes looking back at me and a bellow of air shoots from my lungs making me wake instantly. I shout… JAXON!
EPILOGUE...
(ELIZABETH)
It was several days of waiting, waiting for Jack to come to. The doctors assured me that if it went passed one more day they’d have to pull the plug. I feared he wouldn’t wake, after having him in our lives, in my life. A few days made to feel like an eternity of lost love. Every emotion, every touch, every whisper flowed through my veins for this man. I promised myself I’d stop loving him. I swore I’d let him go and now… I look to the bed and stare at him. He’s pulled me in, deeper than I could have ever imagined. I close my eyes and think of Jaxon. My poor boy, what he’s gone through. A sense of resentment runs through me, it all started from when Jack reappeared into our lives. We were fine before him, no issues, no worries and yet here I am, staring at the man I’d given to myself for time and time again as he lies to his possible death. I turn to grab my purse, the doctor going over his file beside me. I watch him for a moment as I prepare my goodbye. Suddenly his finger moves, I shake my head, he can’t be moving. Several more move I shout “He’s awake!” They flinch and run to his aide. They ask me to wait outside I shout “I’m not leaving.” The nurses ask me again. Hesitant I do as they ask and sit out in the hall. I wonder for a moment if I should just leave or shout I stay. One of the nurses comes out “He wants to see you.” I nod nerves filling me as I walk back in. I look at him. He has one hand over his stomach, the other on his side. In fear of touching him I take slow steps, whispering his name “Jack…” a lump fills my throat. He stretches his hand in my hair. I close my eyes and lower my lips to his. All the time I’m wondering if this was our goodbye, I remain still over him and feel my tears well in my eyes. Interlocking our fingers I kiss him once more, listening to his words, I whisper “I love you. The angst retching within me, as I attempt to find the words he murmurs “Marry me.” I stand in shock asking him “what did you just say?” he repeats his question. When I catch my breath to answer him his body begins to shake, I look over him and scream “HE NEEDS HELP!! NURSE, NURSE!” They run in and I see his eyes roll back. The doctors begin shouting “IT’S A CODE BLUE!” They wheel in a machine and a nurse grabs me by the shoulders “Ma’am you have to wait outside.” “But…” my voice trails and she warns me once more. I do as she asks, running out into the hall. Could I live without Jack? After all that’s been done… I pace back and forth my mind lost in thoughts until I hear him shout “JAXON!”
The end
JR Quinn