Alexandra
Two Weeks Later
Dullgraycloudschurn and tumble, darkening the horizon as I wait for Heidi to unlock the door of our former home. Just one more thing, the soulless monster snatched away from me. Cold fury burns through my veins, making my body tremble violently. This was my safe place, its serene and peaceful energy helped me heal after I fled San Diego. How dare he invade my privacy, play mind games for months, and get off while watching me sleep? Wasn't it enough that he almost killed me and left me with permanent emotional and physical scars?
Glancing over her shoulder, Heidi probes, "Are you sure you still want to do this, babe? Katie and I can do it." Katie wraps her arm around my shoulders, narrowing her chocolate brown eyes as she takes stock of me.
"I know this is tough for you, but we are here for you, girl." Drawing in a lungful of steadying breath, I meet their eyes filled with concern, and return a reassuring smile.
"Thank you, guys. I need to do this."
Furrowing her forehead, Heidi dips her chin and opens the door. She insisted on me staying with Sebastian, knowing coming back here would trigger unwanted memories and emotions to rush back. I'm not going to lie for the past two weeks I've felt all the emotions under the sun. Poor Sebastian had to deal with my frequent mood changes. But I need closure so I can move on with my life. Following Heidi, I take a few faltering steps before my feet carry me straight to the living room. Nausea churns my stomach as the caustic stench of commercial bleach forces itself down my throat. My pulse races, battering my ears as the memories come crowding back like they had an invite.
My first thought when I woke up and found him getting off with my panties on his face was that in my gut I knew it was him stalking me. It couldn't have been Simon because, although he might be an obsessed creep, he's harmless compared to my psychotic ex-boyfriend. What Nathan didn't know when he was chasing me around the house was that despite feeling terrified inside, I was no longer the powerless victim he left for dead back in San Diego. This time I felt the fear and fought back because I vowed to myself I would never let another man control or hurt me. Even when he held the blade to my throat, I was gearing myself up to use the knife disarming technique I learned in self-defense class. Relief overcame me when Sebastian and the cops stormed through the door. They distracted him long enough for me to kick him in the nuts. He fucking deserved the pain. I then gawked in utter horror as Nathan lunged toward the armed cop with murderous intent written in his blue eyes. A soul piercing scream escaped my lips as he warned him to drop the knife and then fired his gun. Sebastian pulled me to him, holding me tight against his chest to stop me watching Nathan being shot. I yanked myself free, staring at his ashen face, blood-stained open mouth, and lifeless blue eyes staring vacantly. He was gone. No CPR or medical assistance would have brought him back. We were stuck being interviewed by the cops who arrived with the EMTs. They insisted on checking me, even though I told them he didn't hurt me.
Since then, I keep asking myself if I would have volunteered to help him and preserve his life if he hadn't been fatally wounded, or would I have let Sebastian take me away knowing that I was actively choosing to withdraw lifesaving care. Despite everything he did to me, I never wished him harm. I don't rejoice in happiness at his death, but I can breathe easier knowing his threats won't hang over my head for the rest of my life. We each take a room and start packing. Heidi and Katie check on me every once in a while, reassuring me they're here if I need them. They're my ride or dies. It takes us almost an entire working day to get everything packed. Applying the heavy-duty tape, I seal the last box and roll my shoulders to relieve the tension of the day. The moving company will come to collect our stuff tomorrow, so we don't have to come back. I'm equally sad and relieved that I'll never set foot in this place again.
Before we leave, Heidi and I link our arms, casting one last glance at the place we called home, and bid a silent goodbye, making my heart lurch painfully. Giving Katie a hug, I promise her we'll arrange dinner once the dust has settled. I shoot Sebastian a quick message telling him I'm on my way, get into my car and drive off. Digging out the key from my bag, I let myself in and find him lounging in the living room with a book in his hands. Our eyes connect and he rises to his feet, reeling me into his arms. His warm, tight embrace makes me lose my precarious hold against a deluge of tears. Tremors shake my chin and shoulders as gut wrenching sobs escape from the depths of my soul.
He caresses my head, murmuring soothingly, "I've got you, pet. You are safe. Let it all out."
He continues stroking my head and back, murmuring soothing words until I stop crying. Gathering me up, he carries me to the master bathroom and sets me on my feet. The chill-out music playing in the background drowns my whimpers when my gaze catches sight of the romantic spa he's made for me. White candles, in different sizes, light up the huge circular bath sprinkled with crimson rose petals.
"This is absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Sir," I mumble incoherently.
"It was my pleasure, pet."
Standing in front of me, he strokes the exposed skin of my arms before removing my T-shirt and unhooking my bra with expert fingers. I tip my eyelids closed, surrendering to his touch and letting the rich floral fragrance of lavender and jasmine wash over me. Kneeling down, he unbuttons my jeans, sliding them down together with my panties. Without saying a word, he leads me to the tub and helps me climb inside. Leaning against the headrest, l let the soothing heat dissolve the tension in my fatigued muscles. Out of the corner of my eye, I ogle his beautiful muscular body as he strips naked. Climbing in, he slides behind me and stretches my body against his. At this moment, we are not a Dominant and submissive, but two souls tethered with the cords of infinite compassion and love.