Urban Climber 2 (8 page)

“My dirty fiancée.”

I pull off my top, and he groans through the speakers. “My, my Laura. They’re pushed up to your eyeballs. Did you wear that to class today?”

“Yes,” I mumble.

“Speak up.”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

I shrug. “What’s wrong with it?”

“It barely contains you. You’re just about busting out of it. It’s very slutty, Laura. Very slutty indeed.”

“It’s sexy, not slutty.”

“Well, you would know.” He groans as he begins stroking his dick. “You’ve been a bad girl, haven’t you?”

“No.”

“Laura, you don’t seem to understand how this works. I say stuff, and you agree and do as I say. It’s very simple.”

“But I’m not comfortable doing this.”

“Do you want me to go out and screw Fifi again? Is that what you want? ‘Cause I will, you know. I’ll pump her until she splits.”

“Hugo,” I sob. “Please don’t say things like that. You need help. You shouldn’t want to be with other girls. You should only want to be with me.”

He shrugs. “I’m a guy. At least I’m being honest about it now. Isn’t that what you want?”

“Yes.”

“And isn’t it you who wants me to stay faithful?”

I nod.

“Then what’s the problem?”

“I guess there isn’t one.”

“Good girl,” he growls. “Now push down your panties and let me see it.”

I let the red lace slip off my hips, down my thighs, and fall to the floor. “Mmm. The camera is doing magical things to it.” He laughs. “I’m loving the lighting.”

“What do you mean?”

“You look hairless, doll.”

“I am.”

His eyes burn through me as he leans forward, pointing his finger at the screen. “Who is this guy?” he yells. “I’ve asked you to go hairless for me for years, but oh no, Miss Laura Hemsworth was far too proper. And now you get waxed for some prick you’ve known for five minutes?”

“It’s got nothing to do with him. Please, calm down. I wanted to try it for myself, that’s all.”

He leans back, quirking his eyebrow. “Oh, and did you come harder?”

“Don’t, Hugo, please.”

“I asked you a question, and you will answer it.”

“It’s only going to make you angry.”

“So he was that good, was he?”

“Why are we even talking about him? This is supposed to be about you and me reconnecting. Not Ash. I said I was going to marry you, and I will.”

“But did you say that because you love me or because you love your parents?”

I pause. “Both.”

He sighs. “Nope, this isn’t doing it for me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m just not feeling it. Sorry.”

“What do you want me to do so you feel it more? I want to please you; you know that.”

“Cover your face.”

“But, Hugo, I want to look at you when you’re watching me.”

“Well, sugar. I don’t want to look at you. Move the screen so I can’t see your face. I’m too upset at the moment to deal with your pouty little face.”

I move the screen, tears filling my eyes. “That’s better, much better.” He laughs, his dick suddenly standing to attention.

“Hugo, this is sick.”

“Nonsense. I’m appreciating your body. You should be grateful it still turns me on.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’ve been with models, dollface. They make your body look like shit.”

I can’t talk anymore. He’s turning back into the monster that dragged me down the hall. I want to shut the lid, but I can’t. I don’t want to do anything that will make him turn against our agreement.

“The silent treatment, huh? Well, it’s working for me,” he laughs. “Jiggle your tits for me. Bounce them up and down.”

I do it. Tears are streaming down my face. He never used to be like this. He always treated me with respect and made me feel loved.

“Now finger yourself.” He groans again, jacking his dick up and down, faster and faster. “You’re a bad girl, aren’t you?”

“Yes, Hugo.”

“You went and fucked another man, didn’t you?”

“Yes, Hugo.”

“You liked him pounding into you, didn’t you?”

“Yes, Hugo.”

“Did he tie you up?”

“No, Hugo.”

“Did you want him to?”

“No, Hugo.”

“Say yes, you dirty girl.”

“Yes, Hugo.”

“I wanted to fuck you so hard when your wrists were taped the other night. Do you know that? Do you know how much of a hard-on you gave me, watching you all scared and pitiful?”

“Then why didn’t you?”

“Because then you would have had me up for rape, Laura. And you’re not worth the jail time.”

“Aren’t I?”

“No.”

“So how did you get over your boner?”

“Simple.” He laughs. “I fucked the air hostess on the way back.”

I push the screen back and scream, “You did what?”

“Shit. I was just about to come. Why’d you have to ruin the moment by shoving your face in the camera?”

“What moment? This is bordering on psychotic,” I cry, covering myself in a blanket.

“Don’t cover up,” he groans. “Why are you doing that, Laura? Now we’ll have to start all over again.”

“I’m not doing that again.” I shake my head. “I’m too upset.”

“What? Why? What have I done now?”

“So since we got back together, you’ve already cheated on me?”

“No.” He shakes his head, putting his dick back in his pants. “You were still trying to decide. Thursday you made your choice, and since then, I haven’t cheated.”

“It’s been one day,” I yell, throwing my arms in the air. “One. Stupid. Day!”

“There goes your blanket,” he sniggers. “Wanna bend over and pick it up for me?”

“No,” I huff. “No, I do not. I can’t do this right now, Hugo; I’m too upset.”

“Don’t you love your parents, darling?”

“Of course I do. Why do you keep asking me that?”

“Then bend over right now and shove your tits in the fucking camera.”

“Or what?”

“You’ll be very, very, sorry.”

I don’t know whether the idea was for me to come or just him. But I couldn’t. Everything about it repulsed me. I peer out my bedroom window, watching as the rain splatters onto the old, cracked pane. The light is fading now too—it must be almost dinnertime. I should get myself something to eat before Mel gets back. Eat in my room, get some studying done, and go to sleep. I know it’s not very social, but I can’t face her right now. I can’t deal with her judgment. I can hardly deal with my own. I wrap my robe around my body and shuffle out into the hallway.

“Hey, girl.”

“Oh,” I pause, “I didn’t think you were home.”

“I got in about twenty minutes ago. You okay? I heard a few yells.”

I nod, pulling my robe tighter across my breasts. “Yeah, we’re fine. Just trying to iron out a few crinkles, I guess you could say.”

“Crinkles?”

“Issues or whatever you wanna call them.” I purse my lips together, trying to fake a smile, but my soul is as broken as the window in my room.

“Do you wanna talk about it, babe?”

I shrug, pulling a boxed dinner meal out of the freezer. “Not really. I know how you feel about him, so it’s probably best if we keep him out of the conversation.”

She pulls a face, exhaling into her cup of coffee. “I’m sorry about how I’ve been lately. I know I’ve been cold.”

I raise my eyebrow. Talk about the understatement of the year. She’s been colder than my dinner from the moment she saw his ring. “I know you don’t understand it, Mel.”

“I guess I don’t have to.”

I turn and look back at her as I lean against the kitchen counter. “Serious?”

“Yeah. It’s none of my business. And I know what I said, but I love you to pieces, and if you wanna be with Hugo, and he makes you happy, then I’m gonna stay out of it.”

“You are?”

“Yup,” she sighs again, “because no matter what you do, I don’t wanna lose you or our friendship. I know it’s not biological, but you’re like family to me, and I love you with all my heart.”

Tears rush to my eyes. “Thank you,” I whisper.

“I’m really sorry for hurting you and not supporting you. I mean, really, what would I know about being in a relationship? The closest thing I’ve got to seeing a guy on a regular basis is Mark.”

I drop my head to one side. “Who?”

“You know.” She giggles.

“What? The pizza delivery guy?”

“Yeah,” she laughs, “and the only reason he comes around is because of your love for pineapple and cheese.”

I giggle. “Thanks, Mel. I know it’s hard to understand, but trust me, I’m doing the right thing for everyone. And even though it doesn’t feel like it at the moment, sooner or later, everything will work out.”

Her eyes narrow. “That’s a bit beauty pageant, isn’t it?”

“You’re just going to have to trust me on this.”

“I do.” She smiles weakly. “And I know how much you love him. You always did.”

I nod, wishing I still felt the same way. “So anyway, how’s things with you? Dating anyone?”

“Funny you should ask.” She smiles. “‘Cause I wanted to ask you something, and I didn’t know how to bring it up.”

Ding
.

“There’s my dinner,” I laugh, pulling it out from the microwave and sliding it onto one of her bright green dinner plates. “Sorry—go on.”

“Ash.”

“Yeah?” My eyes narrow. “What about him?”

“Well, you’re obviously not interested in him anymore now that you’re marrying Smit.”

“So?”

“So,” she pauses, twisting her hair around her finger “I was wondering if …”

“If what?” I lean forward. “Spit it out.”

“If you’d mind giving me his number?”

“What?” My fork slips through my fingers and falls to the ground with a clatter. “No!” I cough. “No way!”

“Take it easy!” she laughs, raising her eyebrows. “Why not?”

“Because … because I said so, that’s why.”

“But you’re marrying Hugo. What difference does it make to you who Ash sees?”

“I just don’t think it’s a good idea,” I grizzle, bending down and picking up the silverware.

“Why do you care?”

“Mel!” I huff. “Can you let it go, please? I’m not gonna give you his number, end of story.”

“Fine,” she snaps. “I’ll just ask him for it next time he comes sniffing around my door for you.”

“He’s not going to be coming around anymore. I set him straight today.”

“So what’s the problem then?”

“Don’t!” I yell. “Just don’t, okay? If you want to fuck—go fuck. But don’t fuck him ‘cause I’m warning you, he’s outta bounds.”

“Oooh, outta bounds!” she laughs. “What’s that supposed to mean? It’s not like you can have him.”

“And neither can you! That’s all that means.”

She pulls a face, crossing her arms. “I used to love living with you, Laura, but lately …”

“What?” I glare into her eyes. “Lately … what?”

“Well, if you must know, I feel like I’m walking on eggshells every time I’m around you. And it sucks ‘cause it’s my house!”

“Well, you’ll be pleased to know I won’t be here much longer, anyway.”

“Huh?”

“Once the semester is over, I’m going home for Christmas, and I’m staying there, so you won’t have to put up with me any more.”

Blondie didn’t expect that. “I’m sorry.”

“No, you’re not. Just forget it, Mel. I’ve got enough going on in my life without having to worry about upsetting you as well. I never should have come back here. I should have just flown back with Hugo when I had the chance.”

“So why did you come back?”

“Because I just wanted to get to the end of the year and because I loved living with you. You’re like the sister I never had. I felt like I could tell you anything and you’d never judge me.”

“And you don’t feel that way anymore?”

I drop my plate into the sink, and it crashes loudly against the pile of other dishes. “What do you think?”

“Laura,” she takes a step towards me. “I’m sorry, okay, babe?”

I shake my head, turning on my heels. “Yeah, whatever. I’m going to bed. Have a
great
night.”

“Aren’t you going to finish your meal?” Mel calls after me. “You’ve hardly had anything.”

“You’re not my mom, so just shut your face and stop babying me! I’m over it.” I yell, running down the hallway and slamming my bedroom door behind me.

What have I done?

I want to scream from the rooftops that I’m in love with Ash.

I want to pick up the phone and call him.

I want to run all the way to his place and kiss his soft, beautiful lips.

I want to feel his fingertips against my skin.

I want to fall into his muscular arms and tell him that I’m in love with him too. That what I feel isn’t a crush. That deep down, I know more than anything that I’m head over heels in love with him. That I love him so much it hurts. That ever since I saw him, I haven’t been able to get him out of my mind.

I drop my hand into the bottom of my purse and feel around for my phone. If I don’t send this message now, I won’t send it at all.

Me:
I love you. Okay? I do. But I can’t be with you. I want to be with you more than you could ever comprehend. But life isn’t that simple, Ash. Nothing is.

I lean my back against the wall, waiting for his reply for what feels like hours. But I never hear back. I’d like to think that his battery was dead or my message didn’t go through or maybe that he changed his number, but I know I’m lying to myself. As I climb into my bed, I start writing another message, but I can’t send it. Every part of me resists what it will feel like to end all chances to be with him. But I have no other choice than the one I’ve already made. Just as my mind starts to dull into sleepiness, I press send and close my eyes.

Me:
Please don’t talk to me again, Ash. Don’t look at me. Don’t contact me. Don’t come near me. If you see me on campus—pretend you don’t. I can’t do this anymore. And I know you don’t get why. But you don’t have to.