Take your time, enjoythe journey, not only the destination. Sanewords, but not words of a man nearly driven to the brink by ahalf-naked woman lying beneath him.
She pushed her skirt down herhips and wiggled free of the confines of cotton and lace. Then satup, reaching for the buttons of his shirt to help him remove it. Heunzipped and quickly discarded his clothing, eager to return toher. Her nipples brushed against his chest as she threw her armsaround his neck and pulled him down with her into the soft cushionsof the couch.
They made love slowly,reverently, touching and caressing as waves of pleasure driftedover them. Todd took her to the peak and lingered, wishing to drawout the pleasure, putting off the inevitable moment when they wouldbe two again, not one.
The afternoon had flown by forTodd. The euphoria of their time spent together hadn’t worn off,and Chloe’s mood had definitely improved. So much so that he washoping she might ask him to spend the night.
“How do you feel abouttakeaway for dinner? I’m starving. I could go and pick up someIndian if you’d like?” Todd searched in his laptop bag for hiswallet.
“I’m happy withIndian. Can we get a couple of different curries to share? A veggieone and a meat one. And some rice. Oh, and some of that Naanbread.” Chloe beamed at Todd.
“Peckish, areyou?”
“I’ve worked up anappetite. Sue me.” She giggled. “I’ll tidy up if you go and pick itup.”
“Deal. I’ll phone inour order and it should be ready by the time I getthere.”
The phone line to the restaurantwas engaged, but he got through on the third try and placed theirorder.
In the car he whistled along to atune on the radio, and realised he had not been this happy formonths. Not one to make assumptions where Chloe was concerned, hehoped that the turn of events today would be the start to rekindletheir relationship.
Her hot shower hadbeen refreshing, just the pick-me-up Chloe needed before dinner.She pulled on a cotton robe and towel dried her hair. She lookedaround for her phone and then realised she had left it charging onthe kitchen bench. Better get it in caseTodd calls. She had just swung down fromthe last step and had turned towards the kitchen when the doorbellrang.
She called out, “Wow you werequick,” and pulled open the door.
Paul launched himself at her,pushing her back against the wall, his hand gripping tight aroundher throat. “You bitch! You got the cops onto me. What the fuck didI ever do to you? You lost me my job in Paris because you were aspoilt brat and went cryin’ to your queer friend. Because of what?I didn’t lay a finger on you. Maybe I should’ve.” Spittle sprayedher face as his vitriolic abuse continued.
“Now you and yourboyfriend are tryin’ to cause trouble for me at the casino. Thecops have been snooping around and askin’ question. The bosses arelookin’ at me funny.” Paul stank of alcohol and cigarettes. Hisgrip tightened. “Hey, what’ve we got here?” With his free hand hepushed open the robe and groped at Chloe’s naked breast, squeezingit, rubbing his thumb over the nipple, which hardenedinvoluntarily.
“Get off me, youbastard!” Chloe tried to push him back, but he thrust his legbetween hers and leant his groin against her, pinning her to thewall. His strength surprised her.
“Don’t play all coywith me, you’re enjoyin’ this, I can tell. You want me, you alwaysdid. Look at these tits. Look how hard these nips are.” He bent hishead and took her nipple in his mouth, biting down.
She groaned in disgust and triedto push him off. His hand snaked down between her legs, his longfingers probing, hurting her, forcing her legs wider. She scrunchedher eyes shut and tried to turn her head away as his mouth nearedhers, his fetid nicotine breath hot on her face and making her wantto gag. A blast of cold air hit her exposed body like a slap. Hereyes flew open. She gasped in shock and relief when she sawTodd.
Todd yanked Paul away, spun himaround and threw two punches in quick succession. Once in the faceand once in the stomach. The blows were dealt with practiced ease.Paul sank to the floor, out cold. Todd stood over him, legsslightly apart, elbows tucked into his sides, fists clenched, readyto strike again if need be.
“Are youokay?”
Chloe gathered her robe together.She noticed his jaw was clenched tight and his eyes appeared darkand fierce. He rubbed his right fist in the palm of his otherhand.
She nodded. “Oh God, I thought itwas you at the door. I got careless.” Chloe pulled her wrap tighterstill and tied the belt. She edged past Paul’s prone figure andinto Todd’s embrace. “What do we do now? Shall I call thepolice?”
“I already did, when Isaw the door open, and that he had you up against the wall. They’llbe here soon, I imagine. I’ll just wait here in case the creepwakes up. Go into the family room and wait. Go on.” Todd gave her alittle push in the direction of the family room, and sat on thebottom step of the stairs.
“No, I’m not leavingyou. He might wake up.” Chloe sat beside him on the stairs. “I’veseen the movies where they all relax and the dead guy comes back tolife when they turn their backs.”
“He’s not dead though.At least I think he’s not dead …” He bent down to check. “Nope,he’s breathing alright.” Todd eased back and wrapped his arm aroundher shoulders. ”Are you sure you’re okay? “ He tucked the collar ofher gown tighter to her neck, and kissed her forehead.
“I’m okay. A littleshaken, but essentially okay. He’s drunk. I’m so grateful youarrived when you did. My hero!” She snuggled into him.
“I couldn’t get out ofthe car quick enough when I saw the door open.
