Chapter 13:

6 months later:

Claire was busy in her office typing away a very important email just before she needed to attend a meeting with a potential investor. She had about another forty-five minutes to finish and get herself in the board room, when Zara knocked on her door and walked inside the office with a brown box in her hand.

'This just came for you' Zara informed her placing the box on her desk.

'Great. Thanks' Claire quickly replied.

She wanted to continue typing the email, so much for finishing this before heading into the meeting, but now that her much awaited parcel had finally arrived, all she wanted to do was just open it. She got up from her chair and walked round the desk, pulled the scissors and cut the tape which was keeping the box closed, and slowly opened the flaps. Her eyes settled on the gorgeous lacy one-piece of lingerie she had finally bought.

She had been contemplating doing so for the last three weeks now. She couldn't say that she was completely healed from everything that happened to her, and with the trial still on going, it was still far from over, but at least, now she was at a point…a very important point for her and her relationship with Owen, where she could finally take the last step. They had been slowly falling back into pace with one another. He had encouraged her to take therapy and had also assured her that he would do it with her, that they would take the therapy together. God knows he needed it. He might not have been the one to get raped, but the woman he loves was, and Owen was having a hard time dealing with it. Beating Hoskins almost to death still didn't satisfy him or helped him with his anger issues, but since the therapy had started, at least he was starting to move forward. It was just something so hard to accept and put behind. There had been so many times when all he could see every time he looked at her, was Hoskins. Hoskins touching her. He could only imagine how much harder it must be for Claire.

She had been making progress though, taking baby steps in healing. She had made the biggest step when she had finally returned back to work. Rumours had spread out inevitably, and for Claire to go back facing everyone, knowing what they think they know now, the way people looked at her now, had been really hard…so hard that she had locked herself in her office and cried for hours until she had finally pulled herself together, determined to not let Hoskins completely ruin her, by ruining her career as well. Somehow, slowly but successfully, she had managed to go back to work the day after and the day after, until it became a normality again, and Owen couldn't be more proud of her.

When it came to their personal relationship, Owen had stuck by her just like he promised her he would and attending the sessions as a couple had helped a lot, but when it came to really facing the act, then there Claire found it was a bit harder to deal with. It wasn't that Owen's touch was the same as Hoskins' but her mind kept playing tricks on her, and Owen would do something so innocent like when he had tried to touch her breasts and it would make Claire either freeze or jump out of her skin, until one day Owen decided he was not going to keep trying to move forward in that department. If she wanted to move forward then she was going to have to do it herself and in her own time and terms, so he had kept his distance, but even that backfired one time.

'Hey what's up?' he asked her as he caught her staring out of the window, looking over the lagoon where the mosasaurs swam peacefully, the lights lightning up the park, while the moon stood proudly above watching along with all the stars that filled the sky.

'Don't you want me anymore?' she asked him, her voice weak and soft, her gaze still on the lagoon.

'What? Of course I do Claire. Where is all this coming from?' he asked her. He had taken it so literally to stay away from her and not even try so much as caress her, that he didn't even notice how long it has been since he had actually held her in his arms or kissed her. He was just too focused on not making her feel like he was not giving her enough time to heal. The last thing he wanted to do was make her feel pressured.

'Do you have any idea how long it has been since you held me in your arms? Since you kissed me unless I asked you to? Sometimes I even watch you turn around while I'm changing' she told him as a tear rolled down her cheeks, and then it hit him.

He walked over towards her and placed one hand on her arm turning her around 'Oh Claire…I didn't even realize. I was just trying to make sure to give you some space, to not make you feel pressured, like I was expecting you to put out or something. I didn't even realize I wasn't even doing the smallest of things' he confessed 'I'm so sorry babe' Owen apologized.

'I just need to know that things didn't change that much that you never want me again' she told him 'I mean I know it's hard to wait but…' and Owen stopped her there putting a finger on her lips.

'Oh Claire…you never have to worry about that. Do you have the faintest idea how long I wanted you? I will wait for all eternity if I have to as long as I know you are better, that you are healing. That is all I want for you. I'll tell you what…how about we promise on communicating more? Can you do that? Can you tell me when you want me to hold you or kiss you or anything else you want?' Owen asked her 'And I will start…Sometimes I just want to come from behind you and just wrap my arms around you, hold you, let me chin rest on your shoulders…can I do that?' he asked her.

Claire closed her eyes and nodded 'Please' she told him so Owen walked after her and wrapped his arms around her waist and let his chin rest on her shoulder as they admired the view 'It's been almost four months now Owen…letting you do these things lets me know I am moving forward. There is nothing I want more than to be able to finally make love to you again without flinching or having second thoughts' Claire told him.

And after that night, things had started getting better between them. They had slipped into a rhythm of sharing kisses when they wake up and before going to sleep, with Claire sleeping in his arms, Owen going to hug her from behind every time he found her looking out at the lagoon, which apparently seemed to calm her and give her a certain peace within her, until all of those little things became normal again, without having to think about it and just do it, knowing that Claire was fine with all of them, and then slowly she had started to invite him to into her tub which she always filled with a lot of water and soap and he would hold her as they talked about anything and everything. They had even found it relaxing and very helpful to have Owen wash her hair for her. There was just something so personal and sweet about that gesture and Claire felt like she was making gigantic steps towards healing lately. They had even taken a step towards letting him touch her breasts, to have some time with his girls, like he had once referred to them and Claire had all but laughed. These little steps like she was being touched for the first time when she was just a teenager, until the final price, and today was that day, when the final price would be given.

She felt ready. She actually felt ready three weeks ago, but she wanted to do it properly. She wanted it to be special and even though it was no anniversary or anything of the sort, Claire knew that Owen would appreciate unwrapping his present. She wanted to gift herself to him, to show him how much she appreciated everything that he has done for her, for how much he had supported her and been there through all of this ordeal.

'Tonight is the night' she told herself before grabbing the box and putting it away, just in time, when Mr Masrani knocked on her door. It had felt like the cat had just caught the canary, her cheeks blushing immediately.

'Everything okay Claire?' Mr Masrani asked her, noticing how her cheeks seemed flushed.

'Yeah' she chuckled 'I was just lost in thought. You startled me' she admitted.

Mr Masrani had been so helpful, Claire couldn't be more grateful. He had taken it upon himself to watch over the park when Claire couldn't be around because she needed to attend therapy or one of the trial sittings. He had made sure to get her the best lawyer there was, took care of all the expenses and even paid for her hotels on the mainland whenever she needed to travel or stay the night, obviously Owen's included. It felt like the two had formed some sort of masculine bond over this whole ordeal, like a silent understanding if you will. From what she could understand, Owen had her back and Mr Masrani had Owen's back for all the care and support he was giving to her.

'My apologies Claire. Ready for the meeting?' he asked her.

'You know it' she replied with a smile, that confident, radiant business woman back in business and ready to seal another deal, as she grabbed all the stuff she needed for this meeting and made her way out of the office.

oooOOOooo

Claire had been feeling anxious all through the dinner waiting for the right way to ease the discussion in the way that she wanted to but she couldn't seem to do it. She blamed it on the butterflies in the pit of her stomach. It was like that first time. She could still remember it. There was just something special about being with Owen in that way, almost like doing it for the very first time. She could still remember the way that he had looked at her, the way that he touched her, made love to her, and Claire wanted to go back to that day. She just wanted to feel it again. She wanted to feel what it feels like to slip into that moment again…back in his arms, in his bed…

'Are you okay Claire?' he asked her, noticing how she hasn't really touched her food.

She looked up at him like she has just been caught, her face a little flushed and Owen narrowed his eyes but didn't say anything 'Oh yeah sorry…I was just…thinking' she told him.

'Wanna share?' he asked her as he dug his fork in the bowl of pasta.

She hesitated at first but then figured, what the hell, why not? It would be nice to know if he remembers that day, although she was pretty sure he did 'I was just…thinking…about our first time' she told him and Owen looked up, letting his eyes connect with her, as a smile spread out across his face 'Do you remember?' she asked him.

'As if I can ever forget our first time Claire' he replied 'I can ever remember the red underwear you were wearing' he replied with a devilish grin on his face and Claire burst out laughing.

'Yes of course you would remember that' she laughed throwing the paper napkin in his face and Owen laughed. He sighed happily and Claire got up and Owen moved back in his chair so she could sit on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck, resting the side of her face against his. He kissed the first available exposed skin he found and tightened his hold on her a little bit.

'I love you Claire' he told her.

'I love you too Owen' she replied before she turned to capture his lips. Kissing had become normal like breathing again. There was no need to be cautious anymore, and Owen found himself deepening their kiss and Claire moaned in his mouth. She really had wanted to wait but all this waiting was making her anxious, and she just wanted to feel Owen all around her. It was still quite early and really they were still eating but what the hell? She was sure Owen wouldn't complain for interrupting his dinner.

'I'll be right back' she told him as she broke the kiss 'I just need to use the bathroom', and Owen laughed.

'Seriously Claire? That's how I make your body react when I kiss you?' he teased. Claire just laughed but didn't say anything, instead she headed straight into the bathroom. She removed her shorts and t-shirt and was now standing in her black bodies that she had just received. Checking herself out in the mirror, she put on a pair of black heels with straps, took a deep breath and made her way out back to Owen.

'Actually' she said getting Owen's attention 'This is how you get my body to react' she told him as she walked ever so slowly towards him.

Owen's jaw dropped as his eyes took her in, his pupils suddenly growing big and dark, as his body started reacting. She had never wore something like this before, and he swallowed hard as he watched her approach him 'Claire' he whispered, not really sure what was happening.

She stopped in front of him, and his hands settled on her hips on their own accord, before he watched her lean down, her hands sliding up towards his shoulders and press her lips hard against his, as she took the liberty to sit down on him, spreading her legs on each side of him. She felt him pull her close, definitely responding to her outfit as he deepened the kiss, but then he was cutting it short, although he seemed breathless, his head already swimming.

'Are you sure about this?' he asked her.

'Would I dress like this if I wasn't?' she replied, her fingers playing with the hair at the back. She watched him close his eyes, enjoying what she was doing to him and Claire smiled 'I'm ready Owen. I really am. I have been ready for a couple of weeks…but I just…I wanted to make it special. You have helped me and been there for me so much the last couple of months and I just…I want to show my appreciation' she ended with a wicked grin on her face 'Well that is…if you feel like opening up your present' she offered.

'Oohhh you have no idea how ready I am' he replied and Claire laughed, before he got up from the chair, his hand slipping under her butt and Claire screamed in surprise but laughed as Owen started walking towards their bedroom, while her legs remained wrapped around his waist.

He sat down on the edge of the bed, with Claire sitting on top of him, as their tongues battled each other, his hand moving up to palm the back of her head, his fingers vanishing into her red locks, while his other hand moved up and down her right thigh. He let go of her mouth then and started trailing kisses down her jaw biting it playfully before he kept on moving down to her neck, moving to that spot near her ear and Claire moaned while Owen smiled devilishly. His hands were moving up and down her thighs, round to her back, pressing her body further into him, and then one of his hands moved and cupped one breasts and Claire hissed in pleasure as she felt him massage it for her.

'Owen' she whispered letting her head drop back and Owen immediately headed for her neck. He knew just how much she enjoyed it when he gave particular attention to her neck. She could feel his erection tease her between her legs and Claire had to swallow hard, as her body rocked back and forth against it, eliciting a groan out of Owen. Her hands were at the back of his head and cupping one cheek and then he was up to kiss her lips again.

'Jesus Claire…I want you so bad' he told her his voice so raw and full of emotion.

'I want you too Owen' she whispered in his ear and Owen growled, lifting her up along with him, as he climbed up on the bed and placed her in the middle.

He looked down at her, keeping his body off hers for the moment, his eyes so dark they looked black as he took her in. She felt so exposed but at the same time, the way he was looking at her, even if his eyes have turned dark, she knew it was nothing predatory but love, lust and passion, and months and months of wait.

'I love you Claire' he told her before leaning down and capturing her mouth in a searing kiss as he kissed her passionately. She cupped his face with both hands, kissing him back with the same amount of passion. She felt his hand grab her left thigh, bending her leg so he can have more room, and then his hand was moving up and down her, up to her breasts, as he grabbed one and massaged it for her. He pulled down one cup from her bodies and took her nipple in his mouth as he started flicking it for her and then sucking it. She arched her back, her hands moving to the back of his head holding him there, enjoying what he was doing to her while his free hand was grabbing the opposite thigh. She dug her nails in his back, scratching it as she moved her fingers up.

Sliding his arm under her, he turned them around so she was now straddling him. He let his eyes feast on her for a minute before pushing himself up in a sitting position.

'I'm torn' he whispered in her ear as he cupped one cheek 'Part of me wants to leave you in this sexy thing and part of me wants to rip it off you' he told her.

'Remove it Owen' she corrected and Owen laughed.

'Yes yes' he told her and then he watched her slip her hand between her legs and she was undoing the buttons there, and Owen hooked his fingers into the lingerie and pulled it off her so that she was now sitting naked on top of him. He watched her head lean down, noticing how her eyes were not looking at him, so he slipped one finger under her chin and slowly lifted her head up so she could look at him 'You're so beautiful Claire' he told her and she smiled at his compliment 'Are you sure you are ready for this Claire?' he asked her. She looked at him but didn't say anything. She wasn't thinking about what had happened all those months ago, but she was just naked on top of a man. She was suddenly just a little conscious 'It's okay if you're not' he tried to assure her, although he had no idea how he was supposed to tame his manhood after seeing Claire in that bodies.

'I'm sure Owen' she told him finally 'And you are still too dressed up' she told him as she grabbed his t-shirt and pulled it off his head. He let her take some control, which he knew she desperately needed it. He knew just how much she craved being in control in everything, and even though before he would take complete control in the bedroom, now the situation was a little bit different. This was the first time that they were making love after she was raped.

He watched her slide her hands up his bare chest and then she was inching closer to him, her lips now on the upper area of his chest, moving towards his neck 'Touch me Owen' she whispered in his ears and his hands were suddenly moving up her sides. He seemed to hesitate and Claire noticed, so she grabbed his hand and started kissing his palm first. She stopped on his middle finger, and making eye contact with him, she took his finger in her mouth sucking on it a couple of times and Owen growled. She could feel his manhood twitch against her core and Claire found herself rubbing her centre against him. She watched his eyes close and then he was slipping his hand between them, immediately finding her nub. She moaned but didn't pull away instead she was rocking herself against his hand, throwing her head back, biting her bottom lip and Owen was watching her as he slid two fingers inside of her, and then she was grabbing his head and directing it to her breasts and Owen almost lost it.

He was not going to hesitate anymore. She was directing him to continue, to pleasure her and that was just exactly what he was going to do. He picked up the pace, no longer wanting to take things slow until she was digging her nails in his skin, breaking it, and writhing on top of him as she came loud and hard.

'Oh God, Owen' she cried crushing her lips against his, pushing him on his back, still kissing him hard before she got off him and removed his pants and boxers, releasing him, and without thinking twice she was stroking him, moving her hand up and down his shaft, and Owen was cursing in pleasure, feeling his balls tighten ready to explode, so he reached for her and pulled her body on top of his. Claire spread her legs on each side of him, letting her core rub against his sensitive tip and Owen growled, grabbed her hips and started pulling her down on him. He watched her face flush, her eyes roll back as she took him in, her moans filling the air and then she was rocking herself, feeling him inside of her.

'Jesus Claire…you feel so good' he panted as he pushed up in a sitting position, capturing her lips with his. He really wanted to turn them around so that he was on top of her but he wasn't sure if maybe that would be too much.

His hand was in her hair and her arms were wrapped around his neck as they lost each other into the kiss until Claire pushed him on his back and then started pulling him on top of her.

'Claire' he whispered.

'Please' she whimpered, and Owen climbed on top of her having slipped out of her in the process of turning. He positioned himself at her centre and then he was sliding in and out of her and Claire was fisting the sheets and crying out his name as Owen picked up his speed and started hammering harder into her until he couldn't control himself any longer and he was finally shooting his load inside of her, bringing Claire down to her own release.

Not ready to get out of her after all these months, Owen turned them around so that she was on top of him, and Claire let her legs drop to his sides, while she laid flat, her chest against his, her head resting on top of his heart.

'Wow…that was…amazing' he murmured.

'Yeah' she whispered as she stayed still not moving, her eyes closed and just enjoying being in the moment, in this position, her head on top of his heart, listening to it beating 'Your heart sound like it has ran a marathon' she giggled.

'What can I say…you take my breath away my love' Owen replied and Claire had to look up at him, crossing her arms on top of his chest, resting her chin over them.

She reached out one hand and caressed one side of his face, enjoying the feel of his stubble against her palm 'You are amazing…and I am…so lucky to have you' Claire told him happy tears filling her eyes as one slipped down her cheek.

Owen reached out and wiped her tear away 'You…my beautiful lady…you were amazing…I'm so proud of you' he told her and Claire smiled at him 'Not to mention sexy' he added and Claire laughed now 'Jesus Claire, I thought I was going to have a heart attack when I saw you in that lingerie' Owen admitted.

'So you enjoyed your present?' she teased.

'Enjoyed? I haven't even started' he told her, his hand already moving up her back and up towards the back of her head 'Ready for round two?' he asked her.

'And three' she teased and Owen growled.

'Jesus Claire' he growled before capturing her lips and started round two.