Plagiarized (5 page)

“I’m glad you had fun. How much longer are they going to meet?” He turned on his side toward me.

“Forever, I think.”

“How about if you take a month off from the book group?” he asked me as he stroked my leg under the sheet. I always slept nude, so this was nothing new.

“Take off a month?” I repeated.

“Yes, I want to spend more time with you. I’m starting to farm more things out at work. I want to cut back and start to travel. You do not have to work, even now. I make more money than we’ll ever spend. When I sell the company, a couple years from now, neither one of us will ever have to work another day in our lives.”

His stroking hand was starting to get closer to the apex of my thighs and I fought my impulse to move away.

“I don’t think so, Tom. I enjoy my book group and for that matter, I happen to like my work, too. You know how I feel about that.”

“Why don’t you quit and go back to school full-time? You can get your doctorate in psychology, just like you always dreamed of doing.”

I mused over my answer. “I really don’t want to give up my job. I don’t ever want to be dependent on someone entirely.” I had learned my lesson by seeing my mom experience the joys of single motherhood. She and her husband had decided that she would be a stay-at-home mom; then, when he up and left, she had nothing to fall back on. That was not going to be me.

“Well, just think about it,” he murmured into my ear and I immediately tensed up. He was going to want sex tonight and that was totally going to ruin my experience with Keegen. Now, instead of going to bed satisfied, Tom would make me feel the complete opposite.

“Not tonight,” I tried. “I’m way too tired, Tom.”

He kissed me and stuck his tongue in my mouth. Gross. He was going to owe me a major shopping trip for this.

He pulled me close and I realized then that he was naked as a fucking jaybird. I wondered where that expression came from, anyway. Jaybird’s weren’t really naked, per se. Was there even a bird called a jaybird?

“Ouch.” I was brought back to the present and was completely ignored. He entered me without any preparation but it didn’t really hurt, just felt really uncomfortable. He wasn’t even fucking big enough to cause any friction and had never learned or cared how to stimulate me further. At least it would be over quickly if past experiences were any comparison.

He thrust in and out five or six times and then grunted when he came.

I grimaced before I caught myself. Thank the lord above that the lights were off and he couldn’t see me.

He kissed me on the cheek and rolled over. It was less than sixty seconds later that I heard soft snoring.
Really? Jesus fucking Christ!

I flung the covers off my body and made my way to the luxurious en-suite bathroom. It was almost as big as our bedroom, which was huge in itself. We had an over-sized sunken tub in the corner and I made my way over to it and turned the water on as hot as I could stand it. I sprinkled some of my favorite, ridiculously expensive, bath oil and then sunk my body down into the water. I sighed as it encircled around my thighs. It felt delicious and I tried to concentrate on that feeling versus that unconscious fucking I had been forced to endure. He didn’t rape me, but it was just as disgusting. In fact, I could think of at least a few scenarios where rape could have been better. Maybe I could work that out with Keegen. Get him to pretend to kidnap me.

And just like that, Tom fucking me was successfully erased from my memory, as new visions warmed my mind of Keegen and me doing all kinds of things to each other. Without realizing it, my mind drifted to Sarah and Ben. I had to finish that scene before I went to sleep.

I was lying on his bed in nothing but my plain white bra. He had removed my clothes very slowly, and then gently laid me down on his mattress. I had asked him to leave on my bra, I wasn’t sure why except that maybe I just needed something to make me feel somewhat hidden from him. It was hard to feel so exposed at the time.

I didn’t know what to expect, so I let him take the lead. He was very sweet—kissing and touching me in ways I had only dreamed about.

When he said I was finally ready, he entered me in one quick thrust. Nothing like ripping the Band-Aid off, right?

The initial thrust had hurt, but he kept going and the pain subsided into pleasure. I could tell he knew what he was doing with the care he was showing me. Although, it didn’t last long. He thrust himself in and out five or six times and then pulled out and came on my stomach. I hadn’t been expecting that.

I quickly excused myself to the bathroom and had a good cry. Ben came in and knelt in front of me as I sat on the toilet seat lid. He held my hands to his face and made me look at him. I didn’t want to. I was so ashamed. I didn’t even really know why, I just was.

“I’m sorry if I hurt you,” he whispered.

I shook my head. “No. That’s not it.”

“Then why are you crying?”

I looked down at the mess he’d left on my stomach.

He let out a rush of air before look back into my eyes. “I’m sorry. A condom would have hurt you worse and I didn’t want you to be in any more pain than I already knew you would be. And I didn’t want you to get pregnant. I mean, I’d love nothing more than to have a family with you, but only when the time is right.”

That made me feel better and the tears subsided.

Then he filled the tub with hot water and eased me into it before getting in behind me. We were able to stay in each other’s arms for a little while longer before he had to take me back home. I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to stay in his arms forever.

I felt pleased once I finished that scene. It may not have been the descriptive scene I had wanted it to be, but let’s face it, I sucked at writing love scenes. I knew I had plenty of time to write some that would be hot enough to soak the panties of my readers. So I decided to sweetly pass over that one and give the others the details they deserved.

Fuck! I needed to see Missy again.

The next morning, I woke up and was so happy that it was Friday. I could use a few more hours sleep, but knowing I had two days off ahead of me would be enough to make it through the day. Plus, I wanted to get more writing done over the weekend. I would also be meeting Missy at some point during the next couple of days. I thought about taking her to the bar Keegen worked at. I could wear something sexy and parade in front of him. It would be fun to entice him all night.

I grinned as I drove in to work, thinking of the endless scenarios I could create to drive Keegen insane.

I gathered everything I needed to take out of the car and started to walk inside the school grounds.

“Sage,” I heard and looked up. It was Craig.

“I told you not to call me that,” I hissed back at him.

He grinned mischievously. “I have your papers done.”

“Great. Give them to me,” I demanded and held out my hand.

“Uh, uh.” He shook his finger back and forth. “Where’s my payment?”

“I can’t give it to you here!” I looked around feverishly.

He sighed and held the papers to his chest.

“Fine! Come back with me to my car,” I finally relented and marched back to my car. I made sure to swing my ass, and when I glanced over my shoulder inconspicuously, I totally caught Craig checking me out.

He waited by the trunk of my car as I unlocked the glove box.

I took out the baggie that held two joints and tossed it at him. I grabbed my papers from him and then relocked the glove box. I might need that for the weekend. I didn’t know if Missy would do it or not.

“I’ll have more papers on Monday,” I announced and walked off without waiting for a response. It was worth two doobies to not have to bear the monotony of grading those Spanish papers.

My first two periods whizzed by and then I was called to the Principal
fucker
Tucker’s office. I had no idea what she wanted, but I didn’t want to deal with her bullshit. There were police officers everywhere, with big German Shepherd dogs.

My insides froze as I forced myself to reluctantly march to the Principal’s office.

“Good morning, Ms. Roby,” the secretary greeted me.

“Morning,” I replied in a singsong voice. I wanted to keep her on my good side. I had brought her in some of my clothes that I no longer wanted and ever since, she had been my best friend. She even tipped me off when the principal was on a rampage, so that I could prepare for it. I had just recently started digging for information from her to use in my book. Yes, my relationship with her definitely had its uses.

“What’s going on?” I asked her in wide-eyed innocence.

“They did a campus sweep this morning, for drugs,” she said in hushed tones. “The school’s starting quarterback was caught, which has completely devastated Principal Tucker.”

She stopped talking as I heard footsteps approach. I looked up and met the eyes of Principal
fucker
, and she looked pissed.

“Come into my office,” she demanded. She looked so mean, I was terrified. Not many people terrified me, but she succeeded with one small look.

I walked into her office and my heart started to hammer loudly in my chest. I could hear it between my ears and wondered if anyone else could. I looked around and a small gasp escaped my lips when my eyes fell upon Craig. I immediately wondered if he had told on me. I would kill the bastard if he did. I knew he would be looking for a way to deflect the blame. I had told him we shouldn’t exchange the stuff at school. That little asshole.

“Craig has been telling me a very interesting story,” she began as she took her seat behind the massive mahogany desk.

I was instantly transported back to high school, though I had never been in trouble, I could only imagine it would have felt like that.

“Weren’t you, Craig?” She looked at him, expecting him to answer.

“Um, yes, Principal Tucker,” he whispered.

“Since you were the one that initially found them, I wanted you to be included in the dialogue I have with Mr. Marten.”

I tried to keep my face blank, but I had no clue what the fuck she meant.

“Craig Marten told me that you had found the controlled substance in his backpack and told him to immediately turn it in. Instead of listening to you, he put it in his locker.”

I looked at Craig questioningly.
What the fuck? Was this little fucker covering for me?

“That’s correct, Principal Tucker. You know that my parents are always away doing movies and they stuck me in this Academy so that I could play sports. Our butler supervises me while they’re away. My brother stuck them in my backpack as a joke. He thinks it’s funny when my parents have to be called home.” He looked at us and shook his head sadly. “The poor boy lacks parental guidance.”

I looked at Principal
fucker
and couldn’t believe she was buying this lame-ass story. I could have totally come up with a better one, had anyone asked me.

Principal Tucker looked at Craig sympathetically. “I understand.” Then she turned to me and her gaze switched to evil. “You should have reported this to me, Mrs. Roby. I am contemplating writing you up for this incident, which will go into your permanent file.”

“Please don’t!” I pleaded and sat at the edge of my seat. I hated my job, but didn’t want to be fired. That would be beyond mortifying!

“I won’t write you up this time. Craig speaks very highly of you and his family is one of the Academy’s largest benefactors. But you had better take this incident under advisement for next time, because next time, I will write you up!”

“There won’t be a next time, Principal Fu-Tucker,” I choked out. Holy Shit! In my terror-ridden state I had almost called her Principal Fucker!

“I hope not.” She looked at her computer screen dismissively and we both scampered out of her office before she could change her mind.

“What the fuck, Craig?” I seethed at him, once we were safely alone in the hallway. I kept looking around to ensure no one was in the vicinity.

“I’m sorry Mrs. Roby,” he said deviously. “You should be thankful that I saved your ass. I want you to thank me, Mrs. Roby.”

“Thank you? You little twit! I’m the one that said not to have this here! This is your fault entirely, I should beat your ass, not thank it.”

He grabbed my arm roughly and pushed me up against the wall. “Listen, Sage. You do owe me. More than you know. I grade your goddamn papers, or have my father’s staff do it, for two measly joints a week. Why do you think I do that? Why would a rich guy, who can have anything he wants, do that for you?”

I looked at him in shock. “I don’t know, Craig. What game are you playing, little boy?”

He laughed out loud. “Little boy? I don’t think so,
Mrs.
Roby. I want you and I get what I want. I planned this whole thing, you having me grade papers for giggly weed, the police, everything.” He watched me as what he said registered across my face.

I couldn’t believe he had played me. It was almost a turn-on that someone had beaten me at my own game.

“I want you,” he said softly and traced a finger slowly down my cheek.

I looked at him. Was he suggesting what I thought? I just gaped at him, not trusting myself to speak.

“I want your body, naked and thrashing beneath me as I ram my cock inside of your wet pussy. I can promise you that you will beg me
not
to stop fucking you. What do you think about that, Mrs. Roby?”

He had his mouth close to mine and my breathing hitched. “You can’t be serious,” I whispered.

“Trust me, I’m more than serious. I know more about you than you think I do. On Monday night, when your husband works late, you’re going to meet me and let me fuck your brains out. Capiche?”

Then he let go of me and walked away, confidently stalking down the hall to his next class.
What the fuck had just happened?

I slowly walked back to my room and tried to digest what had just happened. He wanted to fuck me? It was wrong on so many levels. He was eighteen and I was thirty! That many years were between Tom and me, but this was different.

I somehow made it through the rest of the day and when I got home, I went to bed. I felt ill, not the virus kind of sick. The ‘I’ve gotten myself into a bad situation and can’t get out’ kind of illness.

When Tom came home, he pampered me and took care of me until he opened the mail. Then he screamed at me because I had run our American Express bill up higher than ever. It wasn’t my fault that Nordstrom’s semi-annual sale had come and gone again. I had gotten such good deals, he should be happy that I saved him so much money!

I pouted for a couple more hours and wasn’t able to sleep. I decided to write some more instead.

I hated having to take my ring off once I got home. I wanted to wear it and never take it off, but that would not happen until I could find the courage to tell my family. I knew that would not happen any time in the near future. So I took my precious diamond ring off my finger and slid it into my pocket as I approached my front door.

I allowed Ben to drive me home, but I didn’t let him pull into the driveway. Instead, I made him pull up to the curb and let me out. That way, when I walked in, all my grandparents would have been able to see was a car pulling away. They wouldn’t have had enough time to know that it wasn’t Marissa.

A few waves and smiles to the silent people sitting in my family room, and I was off to my bed, alone. The less time I spent around those boring individuals the better. I flopped down on my bed and let my fingers dance around my pelvic bone, reminiscing about the things Ben had done to me. I couldn’t believe it… I was a woman. Officially, a woman.

I used to think I would feel ashamed once I had sex. That I would feel dirty or used. But that was the exact opposite of how I felt. I was tingly and happy, giggly and love-struck. I was exactly the way I should have been.

Ben had been so attentive to me after he found me crying in the bathroom. As we were in the tub, he made sure to wash every inch of me with his soap. He had apologized for not having something girly, but I wasn’t complaining. I wanted to go to sleep smelling of him. I wanted to lie in bed and smell him all around me as I thought back to his touches and words that he had bestowed upon me earlier.

Before climbing in bed, I called him, just to hear his voice one more time.

“I miss you already,” he said in way of greeting.

Without looking in my mirror, I knew my cheeks were a deep red. “I miss you already, too. I just climbed in to bed and wanted to hear your voice once more before closing my eyes and dreaming of you.”

“Now that I’ve had you in my bed, I don’t think I ever want to be in it alone again. Please tell me you’re planning on telling your family. I want nothing more than to have you live with me. To have you sleep next to me every night and wake up to you every morning.”

“Mmmm… I like the sound of that. But no, I’m not ready to tell them yet. Believe me when I say that I wish I was.”

“I guess I just don’t understand then, Sarah. If you want all of that, what is stopping you?”

“You don’t understand my family.” And he didn’t. No one did. Marissa had even thought I was exaggerating when I first told her about the rules I had to follow. “They would disown me, tell me how I have no morals, and that I will be damned to hell.”

He scoffed. “That’s rather hard to believe, Sarah. How can you possibly sneak out all the time to see me if they are that strict? Huh? Not to mention, what parent—

My phone rang, pulling me from my story. It took me a minute to realize it was my cell phone. I had been totally transported into my story and had been Sarah, not Sage. It took me a minute to come back to reality.

“Hello,” I answered and knew it was Missy. Her name had been splashed across my screen.

“Hi!” she sounded eager. “I wanted to know if you still felt up to meeting me this weekend.”

“Yes,” I said dully.

“Where?” she asked excitedly.

“How about Dungeon’s? It’s down on North Harbor Drive. It’s a dive bar, but fun on the weekends.” It was over forty minutes away and I was waiting for her to balk at the distance. I met Keegen there because I had driven a ways so no one would recognize me in this town where everyone knew everyone.