Notes from the author:
Thanks for everyone's support in my first story. No sex in this chapter I'm afraid, but further character building. I think it will help me decide where to go with this in the end. Believe me, I cannot wait to get to the good stuff. But I believe the good stuff is best when it has some substance, I'm sure my target readers will agree. I don't half-ass anything. ;) Enjoy and stay tuned!
*****
My heart was still racing when I reached the safety of my suite. I had managed to escape him. This strange man, in a matter of hours, had turned my world upside down. My fantasies had become reality, and my real life seemed but a distant memory. It was surreal, and blindingly erotic. Even now, standing in the foyer of my suite, I was still trying to process it.
Last night was everything I dreamt of and more. But the probability of rejection terrified me. He couldn't possibly want to keep me. I was just his whore for the night. He would have kicked me out at first light, repulsed by how easy I was.
Sure, I was alone again now, but feeling empowered, because it was I who chose to leave. He would not be able to hurt me.
It was 5:30am. The soreness between my legs was finally starting to register, and what I needed more than anything was a nice long soak in the tub. I had to cleanse myself, inside and out, if I was to have any chance of enjoying this cruise.
Drawing myself a bath, complete with complimentary bubbles, I settled in and enjoyed the steaming hot water. At the very least, it distracted from the soreness. I closed my eyes, ready to unwind.
"Slut. You fucking need this. You need to be fucked." His words invaded my mind. My heart started to race again, and I inhaled sharply through my nose at the memory, my eyes shut tight.
"Tell me! Tell me what you want!" he shouted at me. My mind replayed his cruel words and his savage thrusts...his hand wrapped around my throat. I could feel butterflies. But the butterflies were not in my stomach. He was relentless even now. Conquering my thoughts.
My hand traveled to my breast, and squeezed. No!
I did my best to shake myself out of it, determinedly lathering up my body, trying to remove all evidence of him. But I found myself panting, struggling to find my center. The rough texture of my loofah sponge reminded me of the harsh grip of his hands...the sharpness of his teeth...his rough gravelly voice...his merciless penetration of my pussy.
I knew I was being naïve. If I was going to escape him, it was going to take a lot more than a bath.
With a frustrated sigh, I rinsed off and exited the tub. Reaching for a towel from the rack, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.
"Aaagghhh!!" I shrieked.
There was a huge mark on my neck. I could see teeth marks, dark and red. I approached the mirror in horror.
The situation had just become real.
"Oh my God," I whispered.
He had left his mark upon me, in every sense. I felt a strange thrill in my chest, but at the same time, I felt nauseated. I had been raped. Raped. He was a monster. A bastard. And I would tell him so if I ever saw him again.
I knew that I should report him to security. But how could I, when I had experienced such intense pleasure at his hands? Joe, if that was even his real name, had seen through my weak façade, and recognized my desires. The idea of turning him in after he had given me what I craved most felt wrong. He was an asshole. He deserved to be punished. But I could not do it. As long as I avoided him the rest of this trip, I would be fine. It shouldn't be that hard, right?
I knew he would be with me forever, in the darkest most perverse regions of my mind, but I could not let him scar me physically for one night of...whatever it was. Passion? Passion seemed like a weak term for what I had experienced. It was more like...being devoured. Consumed.
I decided that first and foremost, I needed to take care of this bite mark-before it began to scar. Unfortunately I had not planned on being bitten, and had nothing to treat it with, nor the sort of makeup that could conceal it. Didn't this ship have a 24-hour drug store or something?
I checked the directory, and there was indeed a shop a couple floors up. Deciding to check it out, I threw on some jeans and a hoodie that would, for the moment, conceal my gross reminder of last night.
The door to my suite was heavy, and very loud if I was not careful. I did my best to open and close it as softly as possible, and scurried down the hall, hoping the stupid elevator would not curse me again.
It was still early, about 6:45am. Joe probably would not be up anytime soon after his exertions last night, which made me relax, a little. I should have at least a couple hours before he emerged. I would just go and get some antibiotic ointment, concealer, and maybe a Snickers bar.
>Ding<
That damned >Ding< sound meant so much more to me now. Would it always remind me of our awkward, lust charged encounters in this elevator? Would I carry that with me forever? With a sinking feeling, I stepped into the elevator and pushed the button. And away it went.
Was the elevator faster today? Perhaps it seemed such because my mind was not clouded by lust, or booze, or whatever. >Ding<
I exited, and spotted the 24 hour shop across the way.
The place was amazing. They had everything. Everyday necessities that would be easy to forget, but noticeably absent when you were thousands of miles away at sea. Sunglasses, deodorant, hair clips, lip-gloss, toothpaste, and an embarrassingly wide selection of contraceptives. Blushing like crazy, I snatched a small box of condoms. Apparently, one can't be too careful.
Getting back to my mission, I grabbed some disinfectant, ointment, bandages, 3 in 1 foundation, application sponges, and the all-important Snickers, and was headed up to the register when I spotted a rack of pretty scarves. There was a soft pink one with flowers on it. I know it's cheesy, but I love pink. And I love flowers. I can't help it. The scarf was long and flowy, and would help hide this bite mark.
My hands were pretty full already, but I managed to grab the scarf. Laying all the stuff on the counter, I blushed when the cashier scanned the box of condoms. I was so embarrassed, but she didn't say anything. Thank God there was no one else in the store. I knew I had nothing to be ashamed of, but there is still nothing much more embarrassing than buying condoms.
"That will be eighty dollars and twenty-four cents," said the sales lady.
Say what? Gosh this place was expensive. I guess that's how cruise lines make their money. Offer great deals on fares, and then rob people blind with upgrades and merchandise. It's a good thing the company was paying for this trip.
I paid, and she handed me everything in a cheap, solid colored shopping bag. Funny how they charge a premium for the most basic necessities, all the while cutting corners on things like shopping bags, thinking no one will notice.
Trudging back to the elevator, I tried to come up with a reason not to go back downstairs right away. I was terrified of running in to him, especially this soon. I needed to steel myself. But what was there to do this early? Most passengers were still in bed, recovering from the first night festivities.
The morning buffet was probably set up by now, but I really didn't want to be around anyone. I was hungry, but it just didn't feel right.
Checking out the directory by the elevator, I saw a couple coffee shops sprinkled throughout. There was "Coconut Cafe" on the Lido deck. Maybe a cup of coffee and a nice thick pastry would help. Couldn't hurt, I supposed.
It was one floor up, so I decided to take the stairs.
What a beautiful morning it was! The sun was on its way up, the sky not fully blue yet. I could smell the ocean, and feel the moisture in the air. For a moment I just stopped and took in the ocean breeze. It was so freeing.
I felt a little better already. I arrived at the café, and was gazing through the display case at a particularly large bearclaw, when I heard, "Hellooooo Gorgeous!"
I knew that voice. It was Michael. Oh my goodness, I had entirely forgotten about our plans to have coffee!
I turned around quickly, and saw him sitting at a table with his tablet.
"Someone's an early bird. Planning on getting coffee without me?" Michael accused, jokingly.
"Oh my goodness Michael, I totally forgot!"
"No worries sweetie. I was just catching up on some emails and messaging Tom," he replied. "Why don't you grab a cup of Joe, and come join me already!" he laughed.
I knew what he meant, but I felt the color drain from my face. My jaw clenched, and I turned before he could comment on my expression.
"Good idea," I said cheerfully, at least I hoped.
I approached the counter, and focused on the menu. I had suddenly lost my appetite. Not wanting to alert Michael, I ordered a latte, bear claw, and fruit salad-my usual favorites.