Trigger warning: Talk of abuse.
Joseph had never been so scared in his life. He stood rooted to the wooden planks of the hallway, staring at Lacey's apartment door as if it were the entrance to Hell.
He'd left her around early afternoon, promising to come back to her that evening. With his duties fulfilled for the day, he found a forgotten bottle of whiskey at the bottom of his kitchen cabinet and downed several swigs before tossing the rest down the drain.
He needed to be at least somewhat sober-minded when he arrived at Lacey's apartment, and downing the whole bottle would not keep him that way. Lacey was a very persuasive woman, both in body and personality. Joseph knew one drunken night with her would lead to guilt and regret, not just for letting himself fall into temptation, but for taking advantage of a lonely young woman.
Joseph barely touched his knuckle to the door when it flung open and he was dragged inside. "Welcome home, precious," Lacey cooed, laying a sensual kiss to his bristled cheek. Joseph let himself be led to the loveseat, dazed from the sensation of Lacey's lips on his skin. She seized his weathered knapsack, dropping it on a chair off to the side, before plopping down beside him.
"Do you like Chinese takeout?" she asked, a hand resting on his shoulder.
Joseph's tongue refused to work. The horror of being back at this woman's apartment rendered him speechless, but Lacey didn't seem to care.
"If you don't then too bad," she teased, wickedly. She tapped a perfectly painted finger to his insert. "I think you should get comfort." With that, Joseph allowed her to tug off his jacket and remove the insert in his collar. Joseph stared at her transfixed as Lacey's tongue swept over her upper lip as she undid the top two buttons of his shirt.
"There." Lacey's fingertips lingered on the skin where neck met chest. "Much better."
Her fingertips were like fire burning thin lines into his skin and Joseph bolted to his feet. "Lacey, I can't."
Lacey stared up at him as if he'd slapped her. Joseph's heart ached, guilt suddenly filling him. But Lacey shook her head, chestnut curls sweeping against her cheeks. "No more undressing then."
Joseph nodded vaguely, seating himself beside her again as his heart calmed. He'd never been seduced by a woman his entire life, but was now feeling a new respect and understanding for the men that fell into this temptation.
The Chinese takeout arrived not too long after. Joseph insisted paying for it, which Lacey accepted without blinking an eye. They ate facing each other on the couch - a wobbly wooden tray between them - Lacey helping herself to snagging a few bites from his takeout box of shrimp fried rice.
Her apartment was barren of furniture or anything personal. The worn brown leather loveseat, a sunken orange armchair, and a small, ancient tube television on a precariously leaning end table were the only objects in the living room. No kitchen table in the tiny nook of a dining room. Joseph could only guess how empty the kitchen cabinets were of pots and pans. A full-sized bed without a headboard and a nightstand occupied the bedroom.
Joseph wondered why Lacey owned so little. He didn't have much knowledge of clothing, but her clothes were extensive and fashionable by what he could tell. He'd never seen her around the small town of Middlesbrough, so he assumed she had just moved there.
They played card games until late into the night, Lacey sipping a coke and rum. The card games were a good distraction to the temptation of asking for a sip of her beverage. Scenarios of both of them buzzed or drunk and falling into bed flashed in his mind, and his determination to be a help and not a hurt to Lacey made his will stronger.
It was passed midnight by the time his eyes couldn't focus anymore. Without a word, Lacey grasped his hand, leading him into her bedroom. Joseph felt his face flush hot as he pondered on what it was like for Lacey to drag him home the night before and strip him of his clothes. Did she take a peek under his boxers? Joseph's cheeks were practically burning knowing she seemed like that kind of woman. He was thankful he had more than just his boxers to cover him tonight.
Lacey slipped into the bathroom, reappearing in the purple chemise she wore that morning. She smiled delectably at him as if the cat swallowed the canary. She sauntered up to him, Joseph's breath catching as she laid a hand on his chest. "Ready for bed, precious?"
Joseph nodded, words escaping him once again. This woman couldn't be real. She held the power to render him speechless, and Joseph couldn't tell if that gift was of good or evil orgins.
He followed her under the sheets, and to his alarm, Lacey curled up beside him, her head resting comfortably on his chest. Joseph hesitantly laid his hand on her bare shoulder, the creamy smooth skin inviting under his trembling hand. Joseph fell asleep after his mind finally calmed and he knew nothing was to come about their sleeping arrangement, at least for that night.
Joseph didn't want to admit it the next morning as he woke to Lacey's unruly locks tickling his nose, that he'd slept wonderfully. His thumb grazed skin and froze, realizing his hand rested on Lacey's stomach. Her chemise had ridden up during sleep and he could feel the lovely touch of her slim belly. He gently slipped his hand from around her, trying not to wake her, but Lacey moaned, rolling over a moment later. She blinked at him, a sleepy smile crossed her lips, and Joseph couldn't help but gaze intently at the lovely sight.
"Morning, precious," she slurred, stretching her legs under the covers. "How'd you sleep?"
"Good," Joseph squeaked out as her toes grazed his leg. "And you?"
"Best sleep I've had in months." Lacey reached out, tracing the thick stubble along his jaw causing Joseph to shiver. "I need you in my bed every night if I'll sleep like this."
What Lacey said caught Joseph's attention. She hadn't had a good sleep in months, another clue as to who she was and why she was in Middlesbrough. His inquisitiveness outweighed his concern for their vertical position. He needed to know more about Lacey French.
"You're not from Middlesbrough, are you?" he asked, propping up on his elbow. "I've never seen you around and I think I know most everyone here."
Lacey's smile faltered a bit, and she averted her eyes to her hand still teasing his stubble. "I'm new here. It's been about 3 weeks." She huffed out a humorless chuckle. "That's why my apartment looks like a ridiculous bachelor's pad right now."
The lack of furniture made sense, but Joseph could see a shadow form over her eyes as she answered him. He needed to know more. Maybe Lacey was sent to Middlesbrough, sent to him, because she needed help in some way. "Why did you move to here?"
Lacey glanced up, her blue eyes hooded under thick lashes. Her sleepy smile and charming persona suddenly turned into a storm cloud across her face. "I don't want to talk, Joseph."
Joseph sat up, worried he'd offended her by just a simple question. "I'm sorry, Lacey. I didn't-"
"That's fine." Lacey threw the covers back, hopping out of bed and disappearing into the bathroom. She emerged still soured, and Joseph felt his heart ache. He knew it wasn't his fault, but he felt horrible for upsetting Lacey. They'd only known each other 3 days, but his heart clenched at the thought of losing her companionship and his concern for her reason to be in Middlebrough plagued him.
Lacey was gone by the time he stepped out the shower and dressed. She'd left a half a pot of coffee and a clean mug next to the coffee pot for him. Joseph sighed in relief at the tiny gesture. He wouldn't push her for any information. He was learning her personally and maybe Lacey was not someone you should push.
He went about his duties for the day, and was about to leave the confessional in late afternoon when he heard the church doors open. He waited to see if the parishioner was there for confession before he would step out. The little door creaked open and shut, and for a long beat all he could hear was the other person's breathing.
"My ex-boyfriend's name is Killian Jones." Joseph froze at the sound of Lacey's voice. "We met in a bar, and from the first glance, I knew I had to have him. He was the most gorgeous man I'd ever seen in my life. He brought me back to his place that night and we made love for hours." His cheeks suddenly radiated with heat at Lacey's tale. "He bought me jewelry and high end clothes and always wanted me on his arm."
Lacey took a deep breath. "And he never wanted me out of his sight. Every time I even tried to talk to another man, Killian would snatch me away and tell me I was only his. It came to the point where I couldn't go anywhere or talk to anyone without him dragging me away."
Her tone curled in anger. "I told him I was leaving him and you know he did? He slapped me!" The wall connecting the booths shook violently and Joseph assumed Lacey had hit it in her outrage. "He locked me in the bathroom and I cursed me out till my voice was nearly gone. When he came back, I had to swear to him that I would never leave him. I lied, of course. I'm not stupid. He would of threw me in the bathroom again and I may of never left that house then."
"When he wasn't looking, I ran with only a satchel full of jewelry and clothes. He wasn't going to control me. No man controls me. I sold my jewelry and stopped in the first town I had to pump gas in. Middlesbrough."
Joseph stepped out the confessional, opening the opposite side and offering a hand to Lacey. She glared at him with a clenched jaw, but accepted his hand. She ducked out, heels clacking on the stone floor and she tugged fruitlessly at her tight, thigh-high glittery skirt.
"Pity me now?" she spat defensively, crossing her arms tightly over her chest.
"No!" Joseph closed the gap between them, grasping at Lacey's elbows. "I'm relieved you escaped! That man sounds like he was capable of killing you if pushed far enough."
Lacey's gaze was suddenly fixed on the crucifix hanging off to the left. Whether it was shame or embarrassment hanging around her, Joseph couldn't tell, but he wished to draw her into an embrace, relief overwhelming him at hearing the alarming story.
"Well, now you know."
Joseph licked his lips, a million thoughts racing through his mind. What if this horrible man came looking for Lacey? If he was that controlling, nothing would stop him from searching for her. Joseph trembled at the thought of Lacey being dragged off or even killed by the hands of her ex. He knew then and there why she'd come into his life. He wasn't a courageous man, but Joseph had survived an assassination's version of the most dangerous game and one abusive ex-boyfriend wouldn't render him from keeping Lacey from harm.
"I'll protect you" he reassured, catching Lacey's gaze to focus on him.
Lacey shook her head, trying to pull away. "Joseph-"
Joseph released her elbows, but stood his ground. "What if this man comes looking for you? You need to stay safe, Lacey. Move into the rectory with me."
"You got to be kidding me." Lacey looked shocked, but an instantly later, the shock melted into contemplation. "Okay."
Joseph smiled in relief. Lacey would be close, they could continue their unique arrangement, and he'd be able to keep her safe. He drew her against him, Lacey reluctant at first, but she finally wrapped arms around his neck, clutching him as if he was her lifeline.