The sun blazed through the curtains casting rays across Cara’s face. Heat enveloped her body and she felt the heavy shift of something across her stomach. Her eyelids fluttered open as she took in her surroundings, she laid in a bed, black sheets covered their bodies. The stranger’s legs tangled with her and exposed to the heat coming through the windows. A bronzed arm draped across her torso and she traced her fingers across the smooth skin, following the shapes and patterns of the black marks. Her fingers edged gently over the stranger’s shoulder, noticing several scars that adorned the back of this beautiful god-like figure.
Cara fidgeted, the images of last night danced around her head. She recalled the feeling of the stranger’s fingers as they caressed every inch of her body, no area was left untouched. She could still remember the feeling of cold air replacing the heat where his lips had kissed, leaving a tingling sensation in its wake. The stranger had left her feeling wanted, precious and needed; feelings she hadn’t felt in such a long time. He was gentle, taking his time exploring her body, revelling at her reaction under his touch. There was only one thing bothering her, she didn’t recall exchanging names.
Cara smiled inwardly but was soon cut short when her phone buzzed. She crashed down to reality reading the text.
Where are you?
What had she done? She wasn’t a cheater, but could you really call it cheating when you had no interaction other than abuse from someone you lived with?
She gently peeled the arm from her body, hating the space that it had created between the two of them. She pulled back the covers, sliding her legs off the bed. Cara gathered her clothes from the floor, tiptoeing out the door.
“Leaving without saying goodbye?” The seductive voice asked gruffly, Cara froze in the doorway, attempting to cover her body quickly. A hand reached out grabbing her wrist and pulling her back to the bed, she giggled as he snaked his arm around her and proceeded to tickle her.
“Ow!” She screamed, grabbing her ribs. The stranger immediately stopped, shifting his gaze from her eyes to where her hand lay. He flitted her hand away, eyes focused on the mark in front of him. Anger flared on his face, eyes widening in shock.
“Shit! Did I...last night?” He stuttered. Cara stood up from the bed, shaking her head.
“No, it wasn’t you” she almost whispered.
“Who did this to you?” He grabbed her wrists, begging for her to explain. He stared at her, watching her gaze drop to the ground. A single tear fell down her cheek and he reached up to catch it with his thumb.
“No one!” She shunted back, “I fell!”
“I’ve seen injuries like this before, this is not from a fall!” He called her out, instantly regretting his tone.
“I have to go.” She said, grabbing her clothes in a bundle attempting to put them on at the same time.
“I’ll take you home.” The stranger removed himself from the bed and Cara gawked as his muscles rippled on every move.
“It’s okay, I can call a taxi,” but before she had finished her sentence, the stranger was at the door fully dressed. His sandy hair swept across his face, not a single hair gave away the fact he had just got up. She looked up at the stranger, he had a charming smirk on his face that sent a flutter to her stomach.
“Come on.” He smiled, grabbing his keys from the side and guiding her out the door.
The drive home was silent, it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence but it was a silence the stranger had no choice but to accept. Apart from the directions she had spoken, the girl hadn’t made any conversation.
They pulled up to the apartment complex, the car park was small with designated spaces and the girl gestured for him to park in one labelled 2B.
“Thanks for the lift,” She smiled at him. He smiled back at her as she got out of the car.
“My pleasure,” he purred, exiting the vehicle. He leaned against his car, arms crossed, watching the girl intently. He reached over, placing a chaste kiss on her cheek, she felt his hot breath brush her ear and she felt herself melting all over again. A weak smile left her lips before she turned on her heel and headed towards the door of the apartment building.
The stranger watched as the girl left abruptly, if it wasn’t for the bruise on her ribs, the stranger would have felt only disappointment at her walking away from him. But the sight had his blood boiling and left him with an urge to protect her. Who could do that to someone so delicate? He watched as she opened the door, swiftly picking up his feet and manoeuvring to the door efficiently. He kept at a safe distance as he stalked the girl up the staircase. Ensuring his movements were minimal so as not to alert or scare her. The girl reached the top of the stairs, fishing for her keys in her handbag before pullimg it to the lock.
Carefully sliding her key into the lock, she delicately turned it until she heard the habitual click. Pushing the pristinely painted door open, she was greeted by fluff. Reaching down to pet Diesel her vision was instantly obscured by fur and saliva. Smiling, she nuzzled into her golden labrador, her only comfort in the apartment.
“Where the fuck have you been?” The voice bellowed from across the room.
Cara stood back up as the owner of the voice stormed towards her. Backing her into the wall, Rich hovered over her, caging her against the wall in a malicious fashion.
“I asked you a question!” He boomed aggressively at her, his patience was wearing thin already.
“I didn’t want to wake you,” She stuttered, “It was late so I..” She tried to reply but his hand flew to her face, swiping across in one movement. He grabbed her hair with his other hand, poised to make another hit. Cara shielded herself, her arms covering as much of her face as possible. She closed her eyes as dark spots piroetted across her vision, anticipating the next blow that didn’t come.
She felt the sudden release of her hair and heard a loud crack before the crashing thump of a body landed on the floor. She opened her eyes, wide with shock. She felt her arms being peeled away from her face, the stranger was stood in front of her, saying something to her. Cara couldn’t focus, a jumble of words invaded her ears as her eyes flicked from the stranger to the body now laying on the floor.
The man pulled her into his chest, closing his arms around her. Tears fell from her face as she sobbed uncontrollably into his shirt. Her focus gradually returned and she could hear the man holding her, mumbling into her hair.
“Ssshh...it’s okay.”
She peeled herself away, unable to look at the stranger or the body on the floor. She took herself away to her bedroom and sat on the bed, releasing a breath she didn’t realise she had been holding. Her head fell into her hands as she let out more sobs of relief.
A few minutes had passed, muttering could be heard from the next room. A loud bang followed by footsteps appearing at the door. The stranger appeared in the doorway, a sigh left his lips before he crouched in front of the girl.
“Hey!” He reached out for her hands, forcing her to remove them from clutching her head too tight. She shook her head at him, unable to find words. She was a horrible person, she thought to herself. A cheater, a slut, alone. The stranger tugged at her chin, lifting a smile to his face. She looked up at his absorbent eyes, they entranced her and she knew there was no way to avoid his magnetic gaze.
“So was that your boyfriend?” He asked, feigning the disappointment on his face. Cara shook her head, then nodded before allowing a frown to surface. She fell into sobs again, the stranger sat up on the side of the bed placing his arm around her. She leant into his embrace, releasing the sobs she had held onto for so long. The throbbing on her face was beginning to surface bringing along a headache with it.
“You should have said something,” The stranger stated. Cara shook her head, the throbbing slowly taking over. He sighed at her, “I could have helped you know.”
But it wasn’t that simple, the statement annoyed Cara. If it was that simple, it would have stopped long before today.
“I didn’t ask for your help though did I?” She blurted out, removing herself from the stranger’s arms. “I don’t even know you!” She fought back her tears, “Last night shouldn’t have even happened!”
She closed her eyes, regretting her sudden outburst.
The stranger stood up with his hands on his hips before exhaling loudly.
“I believe these things happen for a reason.”
A short while later, the stranger returned with a bag of peas covered by a tea towel. “Here,” he spoke softly, placing the frozen bag gently on her face. His voice soothed her, Cara revelled in the coldness, the heat and pain dissipated slowly and she closed her eyes to enjoy the sensation. The pitter-patter of padded feet entered the room, a golden tail swished and snaked around the stranger’s legs. “Oh hello! And who are you?!” The stranger cooed at the dog. Taking the dogs face in his hands and making baby noises whilst the dog covered him in wet licks. “Diesel,” Cara muttered to him. “Well Diesel, what do you say to a little walk?” He continued cooing at the dog. The stranger smiled up at Cara, “keep the ice on, I’ll be back in a bit.” He winked before leading the golden fluff ball out. Cara walked towards the window, the throbbing in her head still evident as she held the frozen bag to it. She gazed out at the splendid view of the river t
Archer sat down on the sofa in Cara’s living room, the position faced a floor to ceiling high window that had the perfect view of the river that ran by the apartment building. Diesel sat on the floor between his legs, allowing Archer to pet him fondly. It had been fifteen minutes before Cara emerged from the shower, her damp blonde hair cascaded in waves over her shoulders complimenting her tanned skin. She had a white towel wrapped around her torso and white fluffy slippers that made Archer chuckle at the cute look. “Feel better?” He asked her. “Much,” she smiled, wincing at the lump on her face. She combed her hair out with her fingers and Archer gazed at her beauty as it enveloped her. “Fancy going for a walk?” He asked her, he enjoyed the outdoors and he was pretty sure that Cara could use the fresh air. “I'd love to, ’ll go get dressed.” She said beaming at him. She returned a little while later in a white summer dress that hugged
Archer pushed through the door to Cara’s apartment, scooping her up in his arms. Cara wrapped her legs around his waist as he pulled her to him urgently. His hand supported the base of her neck, drawing her into a passionate kiss. His hand tugged at her hair, pulling her head to the side to expose the sensitive spot on her neck. He traced his lips up and down her soft skin, inhaling her sweet vanilla scent. He listened attentively as both of their breathing increased hastily. Sparks lapped against their connection and you could almost smell the desire. Archer walked them to her bedroom effortlessly like a feather in his arms. He laid her gently down on the soft cotton sheets before pulling away to take in her beauty. Cara’s breathing hitched as he took in the sight below him. His hot breath swept across her face and Cara absorbed the heat, allowing it to bring a hot flush to her cheeks. He trailed febrile kisses along her neck and down her collar bone, whilst his hand dragged feveri
Cara rolled through her soft sheets, sighing at pleasant ache that rolled like a wave through her body. She stretched her arm out expecting to meet another body, her hand met emptiness. She lifted her head and sighed in disappointment. Cara wrapped the bed sheet around her body, noting the time on the bedside table. It was five o’clock, she had been asleep for at least 4 hours. She felt refreshed and satiated all at once. Cara stepped out into the leaving room, the tv was on and she could see a pair of slender feet sticking out from the side of the sofa. She tiptoed over, gazing at the adorable view in front of her. Archer was laid on his back, his legs crossed over with Diesel resting on top of him. He had one arm draped over the dog, whilst the other supported his head. The biceps on his arm contracted sharply, as his head rested on top. She noted the toned muscles, the tattoos that hugged them as they told their story. His eyes were closed and she was unsure how long he h
The following morning came far too quickly, Archer woke up facing the angel that he shared a bed with. Her hair covered her face like a curtain. His hand stroked past her face, pulling the golden strands away to admire her beauty further. Archer noticed the bruise was at its peak now. The sight provoked a fire in his stomach. If he ever saw that man again it would be the last time, he thought to himself. She quivered under his touch, her eyes sparkling as they opened. The sunlight was beaming through the curtains, casting shadows over their bodies. She murmured something under her breath as she tried to wake. “Good morning Angel,” Archer beamed at her. Dropping a kiss on her cheek. He wasn’t sure what had come over him the last couple of days but he had found himself becoming a soppy mess around Cara. She had a strange effect on him, bringing out a softer sid
The door to Archer’s study flung open, interrupting her memory. “Cara?” He called to her, he could hear sniffling coming from the kitchen. Heading towards the sound, he found her holding a piece of paper in her hands. Her eyes were red and puffy, her face etched in pain and confusion. “Cara? Whats wrong?” He walked towards her, an arm outstretched. “Don’t come near me!” She shouted, flinching away from his reach. She looked scared but that only urged Archer to walk closer to her, to shield her from whatever was hurting her. “Talk to me! What’s going on?” He pleaded, edging forward again. “You do not get to touch me!” She screamed. Archer froze, staring at her in shock. He didn’t understand what was going on and she refused to explain. “Cara please.” He almost whispered, his voice shaking. “Let me help!” Cara stormed out the kitchen, instantly grabbing her things from around Archer's bedroom and aggressively stuffing them into her bag. She stumbled and
Jessica and Cara talked through the night. Jessica tried to console Cara as much as possible but she could see her friend's hurt was more than just skin deep. Jessica had witnessed first hand the pain Zach had inflicted on Cara throughout their school years. Whilst he may never have laid a hand on her, it was all his doing, explicitly or not. Cara had received her fair share of bullies and to fall for another was on the invisible list of what not to do. As midnight crept in, Cara took herself to bed, hoping she would get some sleep. The tears had dried a while ago but she could still feel the dryness sting her cheeks. She was angry for allowing herself to be fooled by Zach, his good looks and charm had blinded her and she had fallen for it. She inhaled deeply, resting her head on the plush pillow. The darkness enveloped her and she begged the shadows to take the pain away. Closing her eyes, she tried to imagine a simpler life but she didn’t know what that was. It had been a
There were no words to describe the rollercoaster she was travelling on. Cara would lay in bed at night allowing her thoughts to invade her mind, it was like heartbreak. Archer had filled her with an array of emotions only to shatter her heart into a million pieces. When she finally gave in and allowed the dam to burst, Jessica would rush in wrapping her in her arms and console her. But the arms weren’t the ones she needed. He had betrayed her trust and yet she found herself pining for someone unworthy of her. A few days had passed since the event and Cara had ridden the waves of pain and grief. Archer’s calls and texts had stopped and she welcomed the silence. The distance that followed helped a little but the dullness that ensued brought with it a new ache. As the middle of the week approached, the effects of Archer’s deception had subsided. She had managed to convince herself that it was just bad luck and good timing. Without Rich in her life, she had newfound freedom; sh