Tales from Arondell: Sodom - Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

Isabella Darian

The rain falls with greater force as Nathanael dashes across the road, and disappears into the women's clinic. It's an ancient building like the surrounding shops and tenements, with ivy climbing up the weathered walls and graffiti decorating the fence.

Peeling paint on the front window, and a rusty sign hanging from the porch declares: Blackmantle's Refuge. All women are... Sadly, the rest of the message has long since faded with age and neglect. Like anything else in this neighbourhood.

I sigh. I shouldn't be surprised. Even the better parts of Barrow Flat are a bad place to be.

Turning away from the streaky window, I stare at my hands folded in my lap. I'm wearing yet another expensive outfit from Mister Scarlett, only this time, for reasons I don't understand, I let him choose this one for me. Including my underwear!

I blush and sigh again. We had sex last night, and again this morning. I'd like to say he fucked me, but it was more than that. He was so gentle and loving, touching me all over and smothering me with kisses. It felt weird waking up beside him, but as soon as he wrapped his arms around me, slipping inside me from behind, it didn't seem to matter.

About the only thing he didn't do was... My fingers twitch, knotting anxiously in my tweed skirt. I swallow hard. He didn't kiss me between my legs.

I close my eyes and lean against the truck door. Gods, I never would've thought I'd be in a situation like this, and it hasn't even been a week since my escape! My face heats up and my throat tightens, my mind replaying every tender, delicious moment.

This isn't fair, Gaia. Zae and I were supposed to get married, have a brood of children and grow old together. Our love wasn't meant to be this complicated. I shake my head, tears stinging my eyes until I stubbornly wipe them away. Gaia knows I've done enough of that, even though I said yes.

Even though I'll give myself to Him again and again, screaming His name until I don't feel ashamed and confused any more.  I bite my lip, tasting blood, stifling my little sob.

Mama's and Papa's love wasn't this messy, and they shared their hearts and their bed. But they weren't slaves, either.

Opening my eyes, I stare at the mud-splattered wind-screen. I blink rapidly, my eyes wet like the misty glass and the hot flower between my legs. Is that what I'm facing again? Another life of slavery? I press my hands into my eyes, desperate to stymie my tears.

The things I'll do for you, Zaenack Caine.

Of course, that should be the least of my concerns. Nathanael didn't bring me here simply because he felt like it. He was up front and honest with me when he explained his condom broke, and he doesn't like the woman he'll be dealing with.

Yes, I panicked. That's why I'm such a mess now.

Oh Gods. I moan and sob into my hands. I want Zae's children, not His! No mortal woman has ever survived, birthing a Netherkin baby...

The driver's door opens suddenly, flooding the cab with cold, moist air and Nathanael's erotic scent.

“Dove?” He sounds startled. Swinging into his seat, he pulls the door shut behind him and envelops me in his arms. Drawing me close and stroking my hair. His clothes are wet, but he feels so good. So right, in an odd and out-of-this world sort of way.

I cling to him with trembling fingers and weep into his silk vest, dampening his clothes with my tears.

“Dove, my sweet, beautiful Dove. Please don't cry,” he murmurs and gently kisses my crown, making me cry harder than before.

Easy. Stop calling me that! I silently cry out, but I know it's not so simple and immediately regret my bitter words.

He stops stroking my hair and pushes me back to arm's length. His half-blind gaze studies my face, but I know he's probing deeper. I don't even try to hide my thoughts from him, not that I know how.

“I know you don't really mean that, Dove.” The corners of his mouth droop and his steady gaze hardens. “So why think such things?”

“I-” I hesitate and shrug, and try to turn away. But he touches my chin and cups my wet cheeks in his warm hands. His skin is soft and fragrant, a stark contrast with his powerful fingers. I kiss his thumb before I can stop myself, and wonder: Why did I do that? Why give him mixed signals when I don't even know what I want?

Good question.

“As you wish,” Nathanael sighs, his eyes drooping to match his mouth and finally lets me go. “We should get going, Isabella,” he mutters, his voice cold as he slips the key in the ignition, and starts the engine. It sputters to life, and after a few minutes he pulls away from the curb.

That... That really fucking hurt. Massaging the sudden pain in my chest, I turn away from him and stare out the window. Hugging myself through my cashmere cardigan and ignoring the tears on my cheeks.

I wish he wasn't so quick to let go of me. I feel a strange emptiness inside and run my finger over the cold rain tracks, paying little attention to the derelict houses rolling by. The early afternoon sky is a dull leaden grey, muting the light streaming through the slick windows.

I know why he did, though. I'd do the same thing in his shoes.

Heat seems to radiate from his hand, clutching the gear-stick so close to me, and yet on a deeper level I feel him pull away. The air is heavy with his perfume, and something else I can't name. I'm not sure I'd want to if I could, because it makes me squirm on the seat, wishing I was somewhere else.

“I bought the medicine you need.” Nathanael's voice is sharp and clipped. In one word, hurt.

I cringe and hug the seat-belt. Can I blame him? Wiping my eyes, feeling the wetness on my fingertips, I blink back my tears. He opened his home and his heart to me, a complete stranger, showed he can take care of me, protect me, shared with me his man and his bed, and this is how I repay him? Not to mention my atrocious manners and throwing those shoes at him! I haven't even apologised for that yet!

I swallow the tightness in my throat and stare at my hands. You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Isabella. Playing with a vulnerable man's heart like this! I imagine Mama scolding me, but she sounds almost like Sinah. Or Bayne.

Harlot. Strumpet. Flighty Shee whore. The horrible words float in my head, damning me because I don't know if they're true or not, and I shrink further into the seat. Wanting to disappear.

The truck stops then, dragging me from my reverie. What? Are we back already? But seeing that we're in an empty car-park, behind an abandoned warehouse, I realise my mistake.

“No.” Nathanael unbuckles his seatbelt and opens the glove box. “I need a smoke and you need your medicine.” Again his tone is short and strained, like it's an effort just talking to me.

He shoves a brown paper bag into my hands, and reaches for a pack of cigarettes. But before he closes the compartment, I catch a glimpse of the clutter within. Including a pair of fuzzy manacles, a satin blindfold, and a sleek blue love-toy.

Oh... Oh my! My jaw pops open and I nearly drop the bag. My mind flounders, struggling to make sense of what I saw and my face heats up. My blossom starts to throb all over again.

Well, surely there's a reasonable explanation! This is His truck, and Zae's been a part of His life long before... Catching the thought before it progresses any further, I sniffle and glance at the bag in my hands.

“Go on. Open it.” Mister Scarlett lights a match, and a moment later the acrid stink of processed tobacco fills the cab. “The sooner you take that medicine the better.”

I guess so. I clutch the wrinkled paper and silently open the bag. Inside I find a large brown bottle, no different from over-the-counter cough medicine. Except for the neat hand-written label, listing the ingredients and correct dosage: One capful twice daily, at the same time each day until fully consumed. It doesn't mention any side-effects. Maybe there aren't any? I can hope...

Feeling Nathanael's intense gaze upon me as he breathes more smoke into our confines, I break the seal and pour the first capful. Spilling a little onto my designer skirt. Gods damn it.

“There's enough for about a month.” He drags on his cigarette. “But Miss Blackmantle advised you should triple today's dosage. To, you know, prevent, uh...” He hesitates and I steal a quick glance at him, wishing I hadn't.

Poor man. Defeated, he hunches over the steering-wheel, running a shaky hand through his hair as he stares outside. His cigarette dangles between his fingers.

“To, uh...” Cursing under his breath, he shoves his cigarette back into his mouth. “I think you know what I mean.” He throws himself back into his seat and rakes both hands through his hair.

Yes. I do. I stare at my lap and the untouched medicine. So, why hesitate? Do I want to get pregnant? Gods no!

“I know I shouldn't thrust this decision upon you, without considering your feelings first.” Nathanael puffs long and hard on his cigarette. “Gods know I don't like the idea of... Terminating. But, since my condom broke and you aren't protected, until you take that medicine it's... The least I can do.”

I glance at him again and wince, my heart aching for him. He looks so lost, forlorn, his scarred brow knotted with pain. He looks like he needs a hug and someone to lean on.

No. He looks the same way I feel: Like he doesn't know what to do. Maybe I should alleviate his burden and make him feel better? I don't really know how, but surely trying is better than nothing?

Quickly, I take my medicine and pack the bottle away. Nathanael doesn't look at me as I unbuckle my seat-belt, which is probably a good thing, and move closer to him. As close as the gearbox allows.

“Don't feel like you have to comfort me... Dove,” he mumbles and I feel a pang of relief, because he called me Dove again. Ironic, I know.

“It's okay. I want to, Mister Scarlett.” It's no lie, either. I truly do feel something for him, but what that is I don't know. I touch his chest and lay my cheek upon his damp shoulder, taking comfort from doing the right thing. It's amazing what a simple, loving gesture can do.

“Thank you, Dove,” Nathanael whispers, finishing his cigarette and slides his arms around me. I snuggle into his embrace, listening to his steady breath and his heart beating.

This is so nice. I sigh in delight, my wings quivering as he caresses me between my shoulder-blades. But it could be so much nicer.

“Then ask me, Dove.” His hand glides up my back and slips into my hair, the other settling on my hip. Inching beneath my cardigan. “Tell me: Do you want me?” He tilts my head back and gazes into my eyes. His blue orbs are deep and intense, his expression filled with so much tenderness and yearning, I ache to be closer to him. As close as two flesh-and-blood bodies can be.

“Yes. Please, Mister Scarlett.” My heart skips a few beats and my belly fills with butterflies. “I want you.”

“Bella,” he groans and tightens his grip, but not enough to cause me pain “My Dove...” Pulling me closer, he presses his lips to mine. His smoky mouth is soft, wet and demanding, his piercings grazing my flesh as he stabs his tongue inside me. Igniting every nerve-ending.

Oooh Gods. Nathanael. My wings flutter, my hard clitoris and nipples ache, my toes curl in my shoes, and my orchid gapes, dribbling into my panties.

I cling to his vest and shirt with shaking fingers, squirming on the seat as I return his kisses. Becoming hotter and wetter with each stroke of our lips and tongues.

“Does this feel good, Dove?” Nathanael croons, and chuckles at my expense.

Bastard! He knows exactly what this is doing to me. He'd be daft if he didn't. Whimpering – I can't contain my excitement – I press my hand between my legs and start to grind against my fingers. But my touch offers no relief, only leaving a growing wet patch on my knickers. I blush. Gods, I wonder if he can smell me? I hope not.

“Oh, my Dove. You're such a bad girl,” Mister Scarlett growls, pausing to stroke my tongue with exquisite slowness. Turning my insides to jelly. “Taking pleasure from my kisses, while my Love is away at work.”

You cad! I gasp, feeling my blush deepen. Of course he has to remind me of that! Despite my embarrassment, I jam my fingers into my fluttering clitoris. This isn't fair. I need release.

“Lust and love aren't fair, Dove.” Delicately he traces my lips with his tongue-tip and probes it inside me again. “Mmmm. Suck on my tongue, Dove. Show me how much you want me, and I might offer you a little relief.”

Bastard. My face flushes and my fingers knot in his clothing, but who am I to argue? Eagerly I suck upon the pierced organ and moan as it floods my body with pleasure. Never before have I done anything like this. Not even with Zae.

As for Nathanael, he closes his eyes and groans. Slipping his hand from my hair, he plucks open my cardigan and blouse and fondles my breasts. Pinching my nipples through my filmy bra.

“Oooh, Nathanael,” I pant, pressing my bosom into his eager hands. “Yes, touch me...”

“Take off your panties, Dove,” he growls, and opens his eyes again. His hot blue orbs blaze in the stormy light and pin me to the seat. Penetrating me between my legs. I squirm, like I'm sitting in a puddle of my own juice. “I want to see how excited you are.” He grins, baring his sharp pearly teeth. "I want to taste you."

Oh Gods. I gulp and whimper. What have I gotten myself into? It's strange how not so long ago I wanted this from him, even with his lipstick, jewellery and fangs. But now, as the reality looms before me... What is he bites me, severing something I need?

I gasp and start to cry.

“Hush, I'd never do that to you, my Dove.” He presses his fingers to my lips, silencing my frightened mewling. “But if you really don't want me to-”

“No, I do,” I sniffle. “ I really do.” I steady myself with a deep breath and try to relax again. It's terrible how something so simple can threaten the mood. Though in all honesty I don't know how it is I can trust him. I guess it's because Zae does, and he hasn't hurt me yet.

“Good.” He smiles at me. “Because I'd really love to, Dove.” He licks his lips, letting his avid gaze wander all over me.

That's settled then. I kick off my shoes and wriggle out of my panties. Fuck, I'm silky wet down there. My aroused scent tickles my nares. Before I can stuff the flimsy undergarment into my skirt pocket, Nathanael snatches it from me and bunches the fabric under his nose.

Filthy pervert! I gape at him, mortified.

Ignoring me, he inhales sharply and growls. “Oh my Dove. You smell delicious. I could eat you alive.”

Gaia, help me. I squeak. My belly lurches and my knees buckle. Had I been standing, I would've fallen over or even fainted. So... So why don't you? A small tremulous voice whispers, before I crush it out of existence.

“My Dove, you've no idea what you're in for.” Nathanael's hot eyes flash. “Now, back against the door and spread your legs.” His voice lowers to a harsh whisper. One that I don't dare disobey.

Tugging up my skirt and wriggling into position, I place one foot on the gearbox and brace the other on the dashboard. My heart pounds so hard it feels like it'll bounce out of my ribs.

Mister Scarlett hunkers over me and gently kisses my quivering knee. “Close your eyes and relax, my Dove.” He cradles my legs, softly stroking my skin through my stockings.

Easier said than done. I bite my lip, but I do as I'm told because I'm not sure I can watch this. Beside me, the glove-box clicks open and he fumbles around inside. Oh Gods. My gut clenches and my breathing quickens. Oh no. Don't tell me... He's not... I want to move and try to stop him, but I'm glued to the seat. Every nerve trembles and begs for him to continue.

“I won't hurt you, Dove.” Smooth satin passes over my eyes, cutting me off from everything but the sound of his voice, the pattering of the rain, his warm hands, his musk, and the nectar leaking from my blossom. “I promise you'll enjoy this.”

How can you guarantee that? I gulp, but now that he's robbed me off my sight...

Rigid metal encased in faux fur snaps around my wrist. He pulls my arm toward the roof. Oh fuck! My heart leaps. I jerk like I've stuck my finger in a power socket and cry out. Yet I don't tell him to stop. Why don't I?

With heightened senses, breath ragged, breasts heaving, ears straining and tracking every movement, I feel... More alive than I ever have before, and it's all because I've given my freedom willingly. I'm not begging and screaming for mercy, while Sinah rips it from me.

Kissing and nipping the inside of my wrist, and nearly making me leap from my skin, Nathanael snaps the second cuff into place. Leaving my arms chained above me.

Oh my Gods... This is... A real rush... My whole body prickles and tingles with excitement.

“See? I knew you'd enjoy this,” Nathanael chuckles and presses his lips to my inner thigh, brushing them down over my garter. My breath hitches. Sensation ripples beneath my skin and blooms between my legs.

“Oooh... Fuck... Yes!” I arch my back and rattle my fetters, and he hasn't even started yet. My wings buzz, drumming the door and the padded handle jammed into my back. It sure would be nice if I had a pillow or something... This is going to get uncomfortable real quick.

“Actually, Dove, you just gave me a fine idea.” His hands cradle my shaking thighs as his lips drift closer to my orchid, and finally pause. Bare inches from my pouting labia. Fuck, can this get any more tormenting?

“I think we'll wait until we're at home, in my bed. Where we'll be... more comfortable.”

Continued in Chapter 17