Chapter 2: The Morning after

Claire's eyelids fluttered open. Slowly and painfully, she rolled over and looked to her left, to realize that she was alone. Getting out of bed, she grabbed her robe and slipped into it, wincing in pain when she tied the silk string around her stomach. She trudged into Alex and Daniel's part of the hotel room, to realize they were both still sleeping. On her way out, she glanced at the red flashing numbers on the clock on the nightstand; it was only 8:35 in the morning.

"I wonder where Bradford could be."

She opened the bathroom door and found a note taped to the mirror. It read:

Claire,

I went out for an early conference with Tomas and Richard. And afterward we'll be getting drinks. I'll see you later when I return,

Bradford

She crumpled the note angrily and threw it towards the trashcan, missing by an inch or two. She wasn't upset because he was working, she was upset that he'd left and didn't tell her when he'd be coming back. Slipping out of her robe and her satin pajamas, she looked at her reflection in the mirror. Bruises and scratches adorned various parts of her back, there was also bruising down on her thighs as well. Looking away from her tattered appearance, she glanced towards the bathtub, only to see stains of dried blood from where he'd pushed her unmercifully in the tub and started beating her with his belt. She couldn't stand to think of how badly he'd hurt her last night, and then forcing her to have sex with him when she hadn't wanted to…she couldn't bare it….

She made her way to the shower and stepped in, turning on the water as she did. It rained down on her making its' way into her open cuts and beating down on her tender bruises. She winced, trying to cope a bit with the stinging sensations she felt all over.

After her shower, she dressed in a below the knee length hot pink spaghetti strap dress and black flats. Brushing her long tresses, she sat on the bed next to Daniel who was dressed in blue jeans and a black t-shirt. Alex was dressed the same way, but with a dark blue shirt instead.

"Are you two ready for breakfast," she asked letting her hair fall to her shoulders.

"Yes. Can we get some Froot Loops," asked Alex glancing out of the sliding door window.

"Of course! Let's go see what they have to eat!"

She picked up Daniel letting out a small shriek of pain, and shifted him to her left side.

"What's wrong mama?"

"Oh, nothing sweetheart! Nothing! Mommy just slept on the wrong side, that's all!"

Claire took Alex's hand and led him out the door and to the elevator. She felt a pang of surprise pinch at her stomach when she realized who was also in the elevator. Calvin.

"Good morning Claire! Did you get a good night's rest?" He asked looking to her.

She didn't respond verbally, instead, she nodded respectfully, but didn't turn to him.

"What's the matter?" He asked in genuine concern. He hadn't the slightest idea of what transpired last night.

"Nothing," she responded, guiding Alex off the elevator, "just a little tired that's all," she said glancing at him and nodding reassuringly.

"Well, alright. Hey listen, I wanted to take you and your kids here to a great restaurant I know, it's called Sicily. Would you be interested," he said resting a hand below her shoulder and onto her back.

She winced in pain as she nearly dropped Daniel. This startled Cal and he quickly removed his hand.

"I'm so sorry! Are you alright?"

"I'm fine! Look, I really have to go!" She said and set down Daniel, and taking the little boys' hand. "Maybe some other time? We'll be here another week?"

"Oh, alright then. Are you sure you're alright?"

"Yes! I'm great! I just slept the wrong way! No need to worry about me!"

"Ok, if you're sure. And hey, I'm sorry about last night too. I overheard Bradford yelling last night, and I didn't know if you were okay?"

She hugged him and then backed off. "I was okay. He was just a little hot tempered that's all. Now go on and get back to work before they fire you!"

"Alright," he nodded, "bye Claire. Bye Alex, bye Daniel!" The toddlers waved to him and smiled as he left.

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One evening, Claire sat alone on the sand at the beach. She looked around her, noticing all the families that were enjoying themselves. Sighing, she looked out over the ocean, wondering why her family couldn't be like that. Closing her eyes for a moment, she came to realize a presence on her right side. Opening her eyes she saw Calvin brushing his lips against her own.

"Hi," he said softly.

"Hi," she answered in a barely audible tone, "what are you doing here?"

"I just punched out. I finally get to take advantage of tonight and make my own plans," he smiled resting an arm around her shoulders.

Nodding she said, "I leave for home tomorrow," she said turning to him.

He nodded and placed a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. He captured her lips in an earth-shattering kiss, his hands roaming about her body. He shifted so he was lying on top of Claire, her body in between his muscular legs. He trailed kisses along her the soft nape of her neck and her jaw line, her soft moans escaping. Running his hands up her body, he began to play with the straps of her dress, pulling and tugging gently at them. She stopped and looked at him, hunger and fervor evident in her eyes.

Calvin picked her up bride style in his arms, and carried her back to the hotel. Lying her down on the bed in the room he'd rented out, she began to remove her dress. The bruises were gone, so he didn't notice anything but her svelte body. He removed his clothes as well and laid on top of her, kissing the nape of her neck. She felt guilt rise to the surface, but she quickly pushed that away, if Bradford could have a little fun when he wanted, so could she!

"Are you sure you're okay with this Claire?" Calvin asked in between kisses.

"Yes," she answered, "positive," she sighed holding him tighter.

He eased himself into her, and she moaned loudly, pressing harder into his back with her slender fingers. He continued to rock back and forth, his breath fast and hot on her neck…..

~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo oOo~

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