Suddenly, he stood, seized her wrist and pulled her up toward the bedroom. Before she could comment, the world shifted and she was upon the king sized bed. His hungry mouth on hers made protesting impossible. Truly, it wasn’t her plan.
Once her breathing became labored, he moved to the end of the bed. Beginning at her ankles he worked his way toward her injuries. Each touch released energy, freed aggression, and exposed affection. If she winced, he caressed. If she moaned, he encouraged. With each kiss, each touch, Tony reminded Claire of her desires. The outside world was lost... gone beyond comprehension. He elicited thoughts and desires she’d compartmentalized away. His lips found places she’d abandoned. His teeth nipped at nubs which yearned for attention. His long talented fingers and skillful tongue probed and tantalized. Within no time, Claire found herself begging for mercy and at the same time pleading for more.
It was different than the day in the condo or from her visit to Iowa. It was different than ever before. This was deep, raw, and primal -- unbridled carnal passion. While it started with possession, its culmination was unification and reconciliation. Tony began this ecstasy, but Claire met him move for move. Truthfully, she didn’t like the reports of him with other women, either. The handsome, possessive, domineering, loving man before her was hers. And although she wasn’t ready to commit, she wanted everything he offered.
When they finally submitted to sleep, no desire was left unfulfilled.
The next morning at Amber’s condo, they were met by a crew of men to carry her belongings from the fourth floor to a waiting van and from the van to his airplane. While the men moved her things, Claire’s mail arrived.
If she hadn’t already been frightened into moving to Iowa, the package she received would have pushed her over the edge. It was a large, light, thick, soft, manila envelope addressed in handwriting Claire didn’t recognize, with no return address. She didn’t want to seem paranoid; after all, it was addressed to: Claire Nichols. Nevertheless, when she opened the envelope and a small yellow layette fell to the floor with a note which simply read: Congratulations. Claire feared she’d faint. Tony assessed the package.
They both knew it was a threat, not only aimed at Claire, but at their baby. Yet, the benign nature gave them nothing they could take to the police.
Tony grabbed Claire’s purse and phone and immediately walked her from the condominium to his rental car. “We’re going to the airport. Whatever you want that doesn’t make this move can be sent later. I don’t want you here another minute.”
Claire broke down in the passenger’s seat, no longer able to contain her tears. She didn’t know what the future held, only that she needed to get away from California.
Once they were safely in the air and flying east, Claire’s anxiety began to lessen. Lying on the long white leather sofa with her head on Tony’s lap, she closed her eyes. The hum of the engines pacified as he smoothed her long hair away from her wounded face. His words surprised her.
“Claire, this whole mess is my fault. I’m so sorry.”
She sat up. He looked older, less confident, perhaps even frightened. “What do you mean it’s your fault?”
“That man, Patrick Chester. He attacked you because of me.”
“That’s not your fault. It’s because of your money. That’s not your fault.” She touched his cheek. “I know you were overbearingly controlling before, but I get it. I think about our baby. If I could, I’d never let him or her leave the estate. There are too many crazy people out there.”
“I’ll hire you security. For the time being I don’t want you going anywhere without them.”
Claire nodded. “I don’t like it, but I’ll do it. But...” she looked him in the eye. “I will come and go as I please, or I’m leaving.”
His back straightened and he reached for her chin. “Remember what you just said about our child?”
“I’m not a child. I will not risk my life or our child’s.” She exhaled. “I can see why informing you of my activities is important, but I’m not asking permission.”
He closed his eyes and exhaled, “You will have someone with you.”
She noticed it wasn’t a question. “Yes, Tony. I will take whomever you hire as a body guard with me. But does this person have to be with me on the estate?”
He released her chin. “I don’t know. This is all new to me.” He gently squeezed her hand, “We can feel it out together.”
Claire nodded and laid her head back on his lap.
“Can I tell you a story?”
She looked up at his face. He wasn’t looking down at her, but staring away to another time and another place. Claire nodded, “Yes.”