Chapter 10
Charli
Xander pulls up outside Micky’s bar and I turn to look at him before hopping out. “Thanks for the ride,” I say with a forced smile.
“No problem,” he declares as he turns off the ignition and begins making his way out of the truck.
Ah, what the hell is he doing? After the smackdown I just gave, I think I can handle walking to the door by myself. I watch as he makes his way around the truck and towards the entrance of Micky’s.
He stops briefly and turns back around, looking as badass as ever with the dried blood covering those bruised knuckles. “You coming or what?” he asks with a raised eyebrow.
Ugh, I guess I’m just going to have to deal with a handler for the time being. I hop out of his truck with a groan and walk up to his side. “You don’t need to come in,” I tell him.
“Bullshit,” he grunts as we make our way towards the door. “If I don’t, you’re just going to go up to your apartment, get ready for your shift and work all night.”
“Um, yeah,” I reply, a little confused.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he mutters under his breath. “After what you’ve just been through, there is no way I’m letting you work tonight. I would have taken you to the hospital if I thought there was even a slight chance.”
“Not letting me work tonight?” I repeat with probably a little too much attitude, but seriously? “Who the hell do you think you are? I have a job to do and I intend to do it.”
As I attempt to rip him a new one he begins smirking at me which absolutely drives me insane. “Fuck, you’re a little firecracker,” he states.
All I can do is stare at him blankly. I mean, who is this guy?
“Come on,” he says, cutting off whatever I was trying to figure out to say. He holds the door open for me and I huff as I give in and walk through.
Micky stands behind the bar and looks up at our entrance. “Hey Charli, how was work?” he asks as he busily goes about his bar, preparing for the busy night ahead.
“Great,” I tell him as I take a seat at the bar. “Got a few new clients.”
“Good work, kid,” He commends with both hands filled with tequila bottles. “I knew all your hard work would pay off.” Once he has replaced the bottles he turns to face me but notices Xander by my side. He eyes Xander warily, trying to work out who the hell he is. “Who are you?” Micky grunts with narrowed eyes.
“I’m Xander, her boyfriend,” he replies, shocking me for the millionth time tonight.
“You’re my what?” I sputter, looking at him as though he’s gone nuts. I mean, I know I got a knock to the head but I swear, I would remember the conversation where an illegal underground fighter became my man.
He raises his chin to me, daring me to challenge him and I realise that would only make his day. A small grin plays along his lips. “You heard me.”
I narrow my eyes at him, ready to blow when Micky cuts me off. “Can you two sort this shit out later?” he groans as he continues straightening up his bar. “What’s going on? Why are you down here instead of preparing for your shift?”
Xander cuts in before I have a chance to come up with some kind of excuse as to why he is here. “Figured I’d tell you about her afternoon seeing as though she won’t.”
Micky’s eyebrows crease as he turns to me. “What’s he talking about?”
“Nothing,” I groan as I hop up off the stool. “I’m fine. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to get ready for work.”
“Sit your ass back down, Charli,” Micky scolds. I see the pleasure written all over Xander’s face as he realises that Micky happily enjoys playing the father figure in my life and from what I can tell, it seems as though he really likes the idea. “You have three seconds to tell me what is going on and why the hell you have a red handprint across your face?” Micky demands when he finally notices that things aren’t quite right.
I send Xander a death stare before focusing back on Micky. With a sigh, I get on with my explanation. “I had a visit from my step-mum and her boyfriend,” I tell him. “They thought I had their drugs and got pissed when I told them I’d flushed it all.”
A heavy scowl fixes itself on Micky’s face. “Fuck, Charli,” he scolds then focuses on me once more. “You're not telling me everything.”
I cringe, not wanting to give him further details, knowing it’s only going to make him worry but apparently Xander doesn’t quite give a shit. “They roughed her up. She’s got cuts and bruises on the back of her shoulders and arms also has a cut on the back of her head where he slammed her against a brick wall. Had I not gotten there in time, I’m sure she’d be passed out in the trunk of his car right about now.”
“Fuck,” Micky roars as she turns his back on us and begins marching up and down the length of the bar, fuming to himself.
“With all due respect, sir. I don’t think Charli should be working tonight.” Xander suggests though we all know it’s not a suggestion and more of a demand.
Micky turns to me and I notice his eyes quickly roaming over every inch of me, checking for any other wounds that Xander might have missed. “Get upstairs and get cleaned up. I’ll call Layla, she can cover your shift.”
“What?” I demand. “I’m fine to work.”
“You are not,” Micky challenges. “If anything, you’re lucky you’re not in the hospital with a concussion. Now, get your ass upstairs.”
I let out a huff as I move away from the bar. How did I go from nothing to two overprotective, intimidating men in such a short time? This is ridiculous.
“Shit, kid,” I hear Micky murmur to Xander as I practically bust down the side door that leads to my apartment. “You better go after her or she's going fume all night, then we’ll both be in trouble.”
I don’t hear Xander’s reply but the familiar sound of a stool moving out from under the bar tells me he is making his move.
I make my way up the stairs with Xander right on my heels. Nerves shoot up and down my body and all of a sudden, I’ve forgotten why I’m so pissed at him.
He stands right at my back as I pull my keys out of my pocket and search for the right one. He places his hands on my hips and I feel the electricity radiating between us. My breath picks up as I eventually get the door open. His hands drop away as I make my way inside and he follows behind.
The door closes behind him with the softest little click and I feel suddenly very alone with him. I mean, I have been alone with him a few times now but nothing quite like this. My head pounds from the bump but I hardly register it, all that exists is Xander.
I go to make my way deeper into the apartment but he stops me with a hand at my elbow. He gently pulls me back to him and turns me in the process so I’m looking right up into his handsome face. His eyes search mine and I’m suddenly drowning in a sea of darkness, completely mesmerised by his eyes. “Are you ok?” he asks me softly.
“My head kind of hurts but apart from that I’m fine,” I tell him.
He nods his head in understanding but continues. “I meant are you ok? After seeing them?”
“Oh, um. I guess. I don’t really know yet. A lot has been happening, so I haven’t really worked out the answer to that.” I reply with a sigh, but now that I’m thinking about it. I feel fine. Xander is here and suddenly they mean nothing to me. Just some losers harassing me in the street. “You know, I would never have stood up to her, if you weren’t there,” I tell him.
He pushes a stray lock of my hair back behind my ear. “Yes, you would. That was all you, Charli. You just realised that you’re not the same, frighten girl she turned you into. You’re a strong, beautiful woman who will never allow another person to treat you badly.”
“You really think so?” I question.
“I know so,” he says before leaning in and giving me a gentle kiss on my cheek. Before I know what’s happening he is heading off into the kitchen, searching through the cupboards for who knows what.
I follow him into the kitchen and suddenly he is passing me a glass of water with some pain-killers. I gratefully take them from him and down the little pills. I place the glass down on the bench and the second I do, he is taking my hand and leading me into the bathroom.
He pulls a first aid kit out of the vanity and instantly gets to work cleaning up the wounds on my back. I can’t help but cringe as he applies a cream even though he is being as gentle as ever. He takes a look at the cut to my head but there really isn’t too much we can do for that.
He finishes up and starts to make his way out of the bathroom. “Wait,” I say quietly, still a little nervous around the guy, even though he hasn’t given me a reason to be. He turns and looks at me curiously but I order him to sit on the edge of the bathtub before he can think too deeply into things.
He does as he is told and I grab a washcloth out from under the sink. I soak it under the tap and make my way over to him. I take his hand in mine and gently wipe the dried blood off his knuckles, terrified that I’m going to hurt him.
Once I’m finished his other hand, he stands before me. His body brushes mine as he gently takes the washcloth from my hand. He tosses it towards the sink and neither one of us look to check where it actually landed.
He raises his hand and twines it around the back of my neck making the nerves shoot right back up again. My eyes close briefly at his touch but I don’t want to miss a moment. His other hand gently wraps around my waist and he slowly pulls me into him as those lips come down on mine.
I instantly moan into his mouth as his lips move against mine. Needing more, my hands come up. One snakes around the back of his neck while the other takes possession of his strong chest.
His hand on my waist finds the hem of my tank top, he slides his fingers underneath the fabric and splays his fingers against my skin. His flesh upon mine sets my skin on fine and I find myself moaning into him once again.
Our kiss grows more heated and the nerves continue bubbling up in my stomach. Am I ready for this? What is he going to expect of me? Are we going to do the deed and I’ll never see him again? He did declare he was my boyfriend not long ago, maybe this is as serious to him as it is to me.
“You’re thinking too much,” he murmurs against my lips.
“Can’t help it,” I tell him. “Boyfriend, huh?” I inquire.
“Yeah, babe,” he confirms, “boyfriend.” He pulls back slightly and looks me in the eye. “Do you need to stop?” he asks as his hands both come to a rest on my hips.
Stop? Hell no. If Xander is confirming he wants to be a part of my life as my boyfriend then why the hell would I hold back? Hell, I’d be stupid to pass up an opportunity like this though I’m terrified of getting hurt. What if it is just some twisted game and he is getting exactly what he wants?
Oh hell, I’m going for it. I’m ready for this. I’m a grown ass woman and it’s about time I took complete control. I don’t know why all of a sudden but I know it has something to do with Xander. It’s his very presence, the way he draws me in.
I shake my head no and his eyes flame with need. His hands lower around my ass and he picks me up. My legs wind around his waist as he walks us out of the bathroom and into the bedroom.
He lays me down gently on the bed, being careful to avoid the bump on my head. His lips come down on mine before moving down to the soft skin of my neck. I gasp at how the unusual sensation makes me come to life. Holy shit, I’ve never felt anything quite like that and I can only assume it’s going to get better.
His hands move to the hem of my top and he drags it painfully slowly up my body. My body screams for more and he has hardly started. The shirt finally makes its way up over my head and I lay before him in jeans and a bra. His hands roam over my body as I reach for his shirt. It slides up and over his head quickly and I find myself tossing it away, desperate for the goodies beneath.
My greedy hands launch themselves at his body and desperately feel the strong ridges of muscle under my fingers. I squeeze and rub as I explore, shocking myself with how forward I’m being but I just can’t help it, I need him and I can’t stop.
Next to go is my bra and I watch as his eyes light up in adoration as he takes my naked chest. He doesn’t wait. Xander dives right in, sucking one nipple into his mouth as he cups the other with his hand massaging gently. My back arches off the bed, needing more.
His hands roam down my body and find themselves at the waistband of my jeans. Xander adjusts himself so he can easily rid me of my pants before dropping his own. My eyes take him in like he is my last meal.
His body is nothing short of perfection. Strong arms and shoulders. Sculptured chest and abs, then there is that glorious ‘V’ which is basically a big arrow pointing towards the real prize.
He watches me with hooded eyes as I watch him. Then slowly pushes down his underwear, as if giving me a private show. I never knew how satisfying it would be just to watch but my god, my body is now aching for him.
His erection springs free from his underwear as they fall to the ground and gives me my first good look at the complete masterpiece. Wow, he is huge. My eyes practically bug out of my head. There is no way that thing is going to fit in there.
The nerves begin to bubble up again as he moves towards me. He comes down on top of me and holds himself up on one elbow as he brings his lips down on mine once again. His touch has the nerves dissipating and I realise it’s because I trust him. He will take care of me. It’s not like I’ve given him the impression that I’ve done this a million times. He knows I’m somewhat innocent, surely he knows to be gentle.
His hand moves down my body and into my panties. He gets straight to work and it’s clear he knows what he is doing. My own hand comes down between us and I take hold of his erection. My fingers circle around the hard, velvety skin and begin working up and down. I rub my thumb over the top and feel a small bead of moisture. I have no idea if I’m even doing this right but he doesn’t seem to be complaining.
He continues to work my body and that familiar feeling rises up on me. God, this feels good. He senses my need and applies a little more pressure. Within moments, I’m exploding around his fingers. Wow, just, wow. We haven’t even gotten to the good stuff yet and I’ve already had my world blown.
He pulls my underwear completely off and situates himself directly between my legs as he continues to kiss the soft skin of my neck.
He pushes into me and I cringe at the pain. Good god, this hurts. Everyone warned me. Losing your virginity sucks. My body tenses up which makes the pain that much worse.
Xander instantly stills above me, his eyes locking on mine with a question deep inside. I know what he is asking but all I can manage right now is the slightest nod.
Breathe, Charlie, breathe. My body slowly relaxes and I reach up to pull his lips down on me. He kisses me with an intense kind of passion that I have never felt before but whatever it is, has me forgetting about the pain.
“You ok?” Xander murmurs against my lips.
“Yeah,” I smile.
He begins to move, slowly at first to allow me to get used to the strange intrusion. As if he can already read my body, he knows exactly when I’m ready for more. Xander picks up his pace and the strange feeling starts to feel less like an intrusion and much more pleasurable.
He brings his hand down between us and presses his finger to the little bundle of nerves between my legs, he begins making tiny little circles and the feeling has me desperate for more. It’s nothing at all how I expected, in fact, it’s so much better.
I feel my orgasm coming up on me and he pushes himself deeper. The move has me exploding for the second time tonight. The intensity of my orgasm has me squeezing my eyes closed and digging my nails into the strong muscles of his back.
He suddenly stills above me and I feel him come as a warm liquid seeps into me. I’d always imagined it would be a gross feeling but there is something extremely erotic about it.
The whole moment was beautiful and the fact that I had waited for Xander just made it that much better. It was perfect.
Xander relaxes down on top of me and kisses me gently before raising slightly to look me in the eye. “You should have told me.”
“Sorry,” I murmur in my blissful state.
“I could have hurt you,” he insists.
“But you didn’t,” I smile, loving this caring side of him.
“That’s bullshit. It hurt, I saw it written all over your face.”
“Stop,” I argue, raising a finger and pressing it to his lips. “I trusted you to take care of me and you did. It was perfect,” I explain. “It was going to hurt no matter how it happened,” I add, trying to reason with him.
He rolls his eyes and lets out a sigh. ‘Fine,” he says as he comes down on the bed beside me and pulls me into his warm arms. “Is there anything else you need to tell me?”
I smile against his chest. “Only that, that was amazing,” I tell him.
I hear the smile in his voice. “That it was,” he muses. “Are you sore?”
“A little,” I admit.
“Ok,” he murmurs as he holds me tight. “Rest. You’ve had a big day.”