Trapped in Paradise (12 page)

She glanced over her shoulder. The desire in his eyes before he cloaked his feelings took her by surprise. She knew he was attracted, but this was stronger. She quickly returned to scrolling through movies. Men had shown interest in her before, but no one had looked at her like that since—she bit on the edge of her nail—since a really long time. She didn’t know when John stopped looking at her the way he looked at the woman in the pictures.

After they finished eating, Erickson went to place their food trays on the outside of the door.

“Oh please set them on the desk,” Leslie said. “I can’t stand it when people leave the trays out there on the floor. It’s just a quirk I have.”

“No problem.” He set the tray on the desk, which was beside the door, then returned to the bed. He’d already kicked off his shoes. “Scoot over.”

She hesitated then scooted over, so he’d have room to sit beside her, their backs against the headboard. He programmed the movie and they watched. Well, he watched. Her mind continually drifted to John.

 Had she lost the desire for him? Had he missed seeing it in her eyes, so he searched elsewhere? Were they still in love, but had fallen out of lust? She snuck a peek at Erickson. She could remember when John was thirty. She closed her eyes. He was always handsome, but now…The thought of his touch caused her to flush. Her heart still raced when she heard his footsteps nearing. No, she hadn’t lost the desire for him. If anything, it had been stronger than ever. She sighed, admitting her desire for him was still strong. Why couldn’t John want her the way Erickson did.

Yes, she wanted love, trust, respect and commitment, but she also wanted passion. She wanted John to have a burning desire for her and only her. But she couldn’t and didn’t want to change. She wanted to be loved as she was, just as she loved him.

She felt a soft brushing on her face.

“Don’t cry,” Erickson whispered.

She hadn’t realized she’d teared up. She opened her eyes. “I’m sorry. You must think me a loon.”

He drew her into his arms. “No,” he said softly. “There’s nothing wrong with you.”

“Then why doesn’t my husband want me anymore?” She sniffed.

He tipped her chin up with his knuckle. “Because he’s a fool.” He brushed his lips over hers. “A complete and utter fool.”

She closed her eyes and mind to the pain of John and allowed the acceptance of Erickson to take over. He wanted her. He’d take the pain away. She lowered her defensive shields, allowing him to explore her body. She looked into his passion-filled eyes as he settled between her legs, knowing soon she’d wake from this nightmare. John hadn’t cheated on her, she hadn’t run away and she wasn’t in bed with a stranger.

Erickson’s penetration was swift and harsh. Leslie silently cried as she plummeted to reality. This wasn’t what she wanted. Tears filled then overflowed her eyes as Erickson continued thrusting inside of her.

“I know, baby.” He kissed her tears away. “It’s so good.” He threw his head back and cried out as he hit his climax. He kissed her forehead, then lay beside her and drew her close to his body. “I’ve missed you so much.”

Leslie was too distraught to catch what he’d said. She couldn’t believe how far she’d fallen so fast. How could she allow this to happen? She felt nauseated. She darted out of the bed into the bathroom. Erickson followed close behind.

She increased the heat of the shower to its hottest setting, but she couldn’t wash off the stains on her soul.

Erickson flushed the used condom, then tried to step into the shower with her.

She shook her head vigorously. “Please don’t. I can’t,” she cried. She felt so weak she could barely stand. She leaned against the shower wall. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have…” She slid along the wall into a crouched position. The water flowed over her.

He backed away with his hands up slightly. “Don’t worry, my sweet. I know you’re confused right now.” He turned on the sink tap. “I don’t want to leave you alone like this, but I understand you need time to adjust.” He cleansed himself at the sink, then wrapped himself with a towel. “I’ll check on you in the morning.”

He continued talking, but she couldn’t understand what he was saying. She couldn’t understand anything. How had she ended up in this place? Why hadn’t John come to save her? 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Dawn finally arrived. John stood in the hotel window, staring through the Statue of Liberty instead of at it. He glanced over his shoulder at Robert who was printing out another attachment and talking on his cell phone. John leaned his head against the window. He’d never felt so lost and helpless in his life. He wouldn’t survive without Leslie. How could he have taken what they shared for granted? He silently prayed for her to give him the chance he didn’t deserve.

Robert hung up the phone, then rolled the chair around to face John. “Eric’s wife died about ten years ago in a car accident. He was the driver. He had a nervous breakdown after that.” He released an exasperated breath. “He was tried for stalking. He got off on a technicality and the woman went into hiding. He was accused of stalking a second time three years ago. This time the young lady ended up dead.”

John gasped. He had to save Leslie. He crossed the room to leave, but Robert stopped him. “Wait a second. You can’t go off half-cocked.”

“The hell I can’t!”

“We need to talk before you go. Please. Just give me two more minutes.”

John’s blood pressure had shot so high his ears rung. He needed to regain control of his emotions before he saw Leslie. He stalked over to the bed and sat. “I can’t lose her.”

“You won’t, but what if she’s already slept with him or someone else?”

He shook his head vigorously. “My Leslie wouldn’t do that.”

“That’s just it. She’s been with you most of her life. She is literally your Leslie. Can you imagine what she’s been going through since she saw those pictures? She’s got to be on an emotional rollercoaster. Everything she’s believed in was snatched from her. Her reality is gone.” He momentarily lowered his head into his palms. “I made a mistake. You should have come immediately and told her in person you love her.”

“I’m here now.” He stood.

“What are you going to do?”

“Reclaim my wife, my life!”

“What if she’s been with someone else? Can you forgive her?”

“Forgive her? I’m the one who needs to be forgiven. Me.” He crossed the room. “She’ll wake to take her morning stroll soon. I want to catch her before she leaves.”

“Be careful. The extra pictures in Eric’s office were of the dead girl. Hopefully, we’ll have a warrant for his arrest soon.”

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

After getting a keycard to Leslie’s room from the hotel clerk, John let himself into their room. The first thing he noticed was the food tray had bits of steak left on it. He grimaced. Eric loved steak. He ordered it every time they’d gone out. He saw a scribbled note from Eric on the desk saying he loved her.

John subdued his rage then looked around the room. The chaise lounge was pointed toward the window, and the bed was an empty, crumpled mess. The thought of Eric and Leslie having sex made him sick. He rushed into the bathroom to get a glass of water. It must have killed Leslie seeing him and Carmen together. He’d never forgive himself for hurting her.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

 Leslie woke to the sound of water running in the bathroom. She could have sworn she’d turned the tap off. She stretched then kicked her legs off the chaise. She looked at the bed. She couldn’t bring herself to sleep in it last night.

John stepped out of the bathroom, startling her. She automatically held her robe closed tight but heated as his passion-filled gaze traveled over her face and body.

He crossed the room, reaching for her. She backed away from his touch. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve come for you.”

She crossed her arms over her chest and raised a brow. “I don’t want you,” she lied. “Go back to your little girl.”

“One minute for each year of marriage is all I ask. Please.” He motioned toward the chaise. Folder in hand, he knelt before her on the floor. “I’m sorry.” He set the folder aside and rested his hands on her bare thighs.

She pushed his hands away. “Sorry isn’t good enough.”

“You’re right. I can never make up for what I’ve done, but I wanted to tell you everything.” He told her about Carmen and Eric and showed her the photos, police reports, and news reports.

She couldn’t stop trembling. “Oh, my God. What have I done?” She ran into the bathroom, convulsing with dry heaves.

He forced her to stand, then held her tight. “I’m so sorry, baby. This is all my fault.”

She shook her head. “But you don’t understand.  I…I…I…” She couldn’t say it. She was too ashamed. “I don’t know what to think.” Her husband was easily snared by a beautiful woman, and she’d made a fool of herself with a psychopath. Her life had spun completely out of control.

“I know what happened between you and Eric. He manipulated you when you were in a vulnerable moment. I don’t blame you. I blame myself. Please forgive me.” He wiped the tears from her eyes.

A knock at the door caught their attention.

“Leslie, open the door,” Eric said. “I’m sorry about last night. I shouldn’t have rushed you. Please let me in.”

She stiffened in John’s arms. He released her, but she held him tightly. “Don’t go. I’ll call security.”

“Stay here.” He kissed her gently, then went to answer the door.

John flung the room door open.

Eric’s gaze traveled from John to Leslie back to John. “No! You can’t have her!” He snatched the steak knife off the tray and stabbed at John.

Taken off guard, John barely moved in time to miss the slash. Leslie ran to help John. He pushed her out of the way of the second slash, but caught it in his shoulder. “Stay back!”

She ran for the phone and frantically pressed buttons for security.

Eric lunged. John grabbed his arm and yanked it down, around and behind Eric’s back.

The knife plopped to the floor. John shoved Eric into the wall with such force the tray on the desk rattled.  Guests came out of their rooms to investigate. People stood in the doorway and hallway as John proceeded to pummel Eric.

“Security! Move out of the way.” Security and Robert forced their way through the crowd and ran into the room.

“Stop this!” Robert ordered.

John, straddled over Eric rearranging his face, froze at the sound of his brother’s voice. He pushed away from Eric and went to his crying wife, embracing her.

The security guard looked between the two battle-scared men.

Robert took out his Dallas police badge. “I’ll take care of this, if you don’t mind.” The security guard seemed more than happy to step aside.

“I need time alone with Leslie,” John said as he rocked her gently. It felt so good to be in his arms, she never wanted to move.

“I’ve got you covered. Call my cell when you’re ready.” Robert cuffed Eric and dragged him out while explaining to security what was going on.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

On her knees, Leslie washed the wound on John’s shoulder, thanking God the cut wasn’t very deep. She held the damp cloth to his shoulder, ensuring the bleeding had stopped.

He took the cloth from her, placed it on the nightstand then took her hands into his. “I love you, Leslie,” he said softly. “I’m so sorry I hurt you.” He drew his fingers through her hair. Missing his caress, she moved into his touch.

“Can you still love me after what I’ve done?” he asked.

“I love you, but...”

“I’m willing to do whatever you think we need. If it’s counseling, I’m there. Anything.”

“Counseling won’t make you desire me again, like you did that woman.”

He tipped her chin up. “My indiscretion had nothing to do with you. There’s no excuse for what I’ve done, but I was feeling old and insecure. You’re my heart’s desire. Only you.” Their gazes locked. The desire burning in his eyes sent her heart racing and her temperature rising.

He gently kissed her lips once, twice. “Let me love you.”

Stroke after powerful stroke she knew John was her one and only and she his. Their lovemaking rose to heights neither had imagined. Afterward, both sated, he cupped her into his body.

“You are my heart’s desire,” he whispered as they drifted into sleep.

The End