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Chapter nine

Knees pulled up to his chest Tate tugged repetitively at the frayed edge of his sweater rocking back and forth as images of Violet spinning in front of the mirror admiring the new dress she had bought in town yesterday played relentlessly in his mind.

It was a few hours ago that he wandered into his/her bedroom to find her awkwardly attempting to seem like she belonged in this very sexy slip of a gown.

It had been two weeks since she told him to come back in a few days, since the incident in the bathtub; he stayed unseen to her, hiding in plain sight, unsure of how to answer questions he knew would be asked of him.

As shy as Violet was about sex and her insecurity about her body, she was very vocal about detecting bullshit in people, it was one of the things she hated most.

She would rather hear the truth and deal with the inevitable pain than be handed a load of bullshit and lies.

There was truly nothing she despised more from men; her father was the king of lies, an expert at weaving stories of deceit to keep from getting caught during his many affairs when her mother became sick.

Violet's ex-boyfriends would go one step further, manipulating her into thinking she was crazy, unstable, making up stories to confuse her, questioning her own memory of things that were said and done.

Using painful insecurities about herself Daniel twisted his way inside her eating away at what was good and clean little by little until she was left with nothing but self-doubt and repulsion

During one particular night Daniel hadn't even kissed or touched her before climbing in bed behind her, shoving down her panties and slamming hard inside her.

He had told her many times that women loved the way he fucked, that it was her that was screwed up, this was the way the rest of the world was and he was getting tired of the same old shit from her.

With this in the back of her head she squeezed her eyes shut thinking that he was right, maybe there was something wrong with her, the girls in the porno movies he watched certainly seemed to enjoy it.

So she tried, but she felt his boredom, she knew he wasn't into it, into her, it was pure torture and beyond humiliating.

Mortified and in pain Violet just laid there wishing she were anywhere else as he painfully dug his fingers into her hip while grunting against her ear angrily.

After it was over he grabbed her by the back of her hair roughly before pulling out, calmly he spoke behind her aggravated and cold as disappointment loomed in his voice.

'It's like fucking a dead fish.'

Those words never left her, they were branded, burned forever just beneath her skin like an invisible scar no one could see but her.

She spent the next year covering up the shame of her body with long skirts, layers of shirts and baggy sweaters.

Convinced that others would feel the same as Daniel and spun by his ability to say kind words to her about their future one second than slam her the very next with a crippling insult she stayed with him, hating herself with each passing day.

Given the failures of her past relationships and her father's way with her as far back as she could remember, plus the loss of her mother it wasn't that much of a reach that she found herself feeling this way.

It was only when she was with Tate that she felt different; it was as if when he looked at her he saw someone special, even beautiful.

The few times that they had been together was so overwhelming for her, the intensity of his stare, the urgency of his touch, how with no effort at all she would be left aching, wet, wanting for him and only him.

It frightened her how much power he seemed to have over her, the magnitude of his passionate words whispered from a mouth so tempting it made her shiver.

For someone to have that much control over her was terrifying, she was determined not to let herself yet again be devoured by another man, no matter how good and kind he seemed.

Not that she wasn't aware of the shades of darkness behind that angelic face, but it never conjured fear in her, more of a fascination.

She felt like she was staring into a beautiful kaleidoscope of colors and emotions so intense you couldn't help but be attracted to it.

Violet had spent time thinking of the strange occurrences that seemed to always lead back to him, she knew she had no choice but to confront him, only how she didn't know.

After that night that she asked him to leave he told her he'd be back in a few days, it had been almost two weeks since then, but for some reason she wasn't worried about him returning.

There was some strange connection between them and she knew time was nearing, that he would soon be at her doorstep once again.

Tate unaware of any of this let his insecurities and paranoia take over as he watched her, a mixture of intense jealously and wonder flickered wildly behind those black eyes as he glared at her through the crack in the door.

The dress, black long to her ankles fit like a silky second skin with thin straps across her alabaster slender shoulders made him dizzy causing him to grip the door.

The woman at the store suggested that if possible she didn't wear anything beneath it besides a thong because the lines would surely show.

She held up the black thong staring at it like it was something alien, ridiculous and after all of two seconds decided to throw it in the trash.

Blood trickled from his fingernails as he dug them as hard as he could into the door desperately trying to hold himself back.

Just a few more seconds he thought to himself as he began to back away slowly leaving tiny half-moon blood stains etched into the wood.

Her honey shimmering tresses were different from the pin straight style she usually wore it.

Full and wavy, wild almost as if windswept the ends kissed the swell of her breasts that peaked out from the stark black of her dress.

Bare foot she rose on her toes smoothing down the material over her tight ass making sure it was perfect.

It was all he could take as he closed his eyes and disappeared not really caring where he ended up.

There was a change in her, a slight fluctuation in the way she saw herself, an air of wavering confidence that flickered across her hazel eyes as she looked over her new outfit.

vTv

"She looked fucking hot, I'm sure Daniel will love the change."

Lydia laughed sarcastically as she sauntered over towards Tate as he persistently rocked back and forth griping his knees while staring intensely at a crack climbing up the basement wall.

He had remained there overnight since witnessing Violet preparing for her visit with Daniel, caught between deciding the most painful way to kill him and the image of her in that dress he was almost paralyzed.

Twisting her dark hair around her finger she smacked her gum rolling her eyes up towards the ceiling.

"That was her hang up if I'm not mistaken right, too frigid for his taste? Doesn't Daniel like a little whore in his women?"

Halting his constant motion Tate stood glaring down into her amused satisfied eyes.

"Perhaps I should tell Constance that it's been you frightening away certain female prospects that have ventured down our misty shore? I'm sure she would understand considering your past relations with her."

His tone was flat, dark, void of emotion as if he'd been gutted and left empty and cold.

Backing away into the shadows of the basement Lydia smirked winking as a large pink bubble popped between her ruby lips.

"Don't blame me; you're the one who taught her to 'discover' herself in the bathtub."

Closing his eyes tight he found himself back in the attic his hands flat against the sides of a small window that looked out onto the distant road in back of the cottage.

His fingers curled digging into the warped salt embedded wood watching as Violet drove the rusted blue truck down the curved narrow dirt road that led back home to him.

Feeling soft unsure fingers pressing lightly against his back reassuringly Chelsea becoming braver peaked over his shoulder rising up on her bare toes.

Her voice was barely a noticeable breath against his ear.

"Don't listen to Lydia, she's full of vengeance, she doesn't want you to be happy. She wants you to suffer."

His dark eyes fell to the dusty floor as her truck drove around the house out of sight.

Crushing sadness filled his voice as his eyes filled with tears that threatened to fall, it was still so painful to be around her even after all these years.

"You have every right to feel the same way Chelsea, you … you were so young, so innocent… you know I never meant to – "

"Shh… what's done is done. We both know you had no choice."

They both looked back as the front door slammed shaking the house rattling the restless spirits out of their hidden corners and dark shadows.

"It's been two weeks since the incident in the bathtub; you need to see her again, before Daniel comes tomorrow night."

Shaking his head he pulled his sleeves down over his hands digging his nails into the wool material.

"She's hardly been here, I scared her, she knows something's up, she's not stupid."

Removing her fingertips from his back as if it hurt too much to touch him Chelsea walked backwards to lean against the wall safe in the darkness of the corner of the room.

"We both know you have ways of distracting her from the truth."

A deep sadness drifted through her voice unnoticed by Tate wishing she was on the receiving end of his affections.

"Her new dress, her hair … she's waiting for him. She's going to take him back."

Despondent his sorrowful eyes drifted shut as the words fell from his lips.

Feeling a quick fleeting icy breeze race by his face he looked up at her surprised by a forceful behavior that he had never witness before.

"It wasn't his name she cried out as she touched herself, it was you Tate. She was thinking of you, wishing it was you… dreaming it was you. If you let her slip through your fingers you'll only have yourself to blame, and what's worse is you'll have to watch as Constance feasts upon her tender heart knowing you could have saved her! Time is running out … for the both of you. Go to her, now!"

Left alone in the emptiness of himself Tate stood shaken by Chelsea's declaration.

Silently he wandered down the stairs passed the empty spaces where the picture frames once hung grazing his fingertips along the faded wallpaper marking the many years that he had spent alone.

Hearing water running in the sink he edged the bathroom door open carefully just enough see Violet inside as she lifted her shirt revealing the soft skin above the curve of her hip.

Her phone was vibrating shaking along the edge of the bathtub, it was her father again.

Violet shivered with anticipation as she opened the small wooden box placing it on the side of the faucet.

Leaning his forehead against the doorframe he stared waiting, watching, trapped between the urge to stop her and the thrill of witnessing the crimson blood emerge from her milky white tender skin.

Removing the blade she positioned it above the chosen spot averting her eyes back to her cell for a second as it began to ring once again.

Her father was insistent, she knew he was growing more pissed by the second as she ignored his calls.

Tate licked his lips and swallowed hard as she pierced her porcelain skin in one long single swipe.

They both released a shuddered breath at the same time, hers stemming from the relief of pressure mounting inside, his for an entirely different reason.

Closing his eyes he found himself outside the front door quickly knocking unable to hold back any longer.

After a few seconds she was there flushed, happily surprised, smile wide and inviting.

"Tate, it's been a while, I thought maybe you forgot about me."

Her tone was sincere, sweet, too spontaneous to be spoken out of a need to be kind.

With a smile that could bring most women to their knees Tate lifted his big brown eyes up towards her causing her to chew nervously on her bottom lip.

"Who could forget about you Violet?"

Shuffling her feet anxiously embarrassed by his endearing words she rested the side of her face against the edge of the door.

"Well, it has been a few weeks."

Shoving his hands inside his front pockets he nodded.

"I was in Connecticut. There was a death in the family, a distant relative but I still had to make an appearance."

Her expression grew serious concerned about his loss.

"I'm so sorry, is there anything I can do? Were you close - "

Waving her off he shook his head lifting his blonde locks away from his eyes.

"I hardly knew her, she was very old and sick, it was a blessing I was told. Just something I was expected to be there for."

Nodding sympathetically she looked over her shoulder at the clock on the wall wincing to see the time as the sun began to disappear over the horizon.

"Listen, would you like to come over for dinner tonight?"

Shocked by her sudden invitation he hesitated for a moment.

Flashing him a coy smirk that made him sink his teeth down onto the inside of his cheek she pointed to the bounty of food on the counter.

"I've been taking cooking classes at the rec center in town, I know corny right? But you see the main character in my book is determined to try new things in an attempt to find herself, one of which is learning how to cook, and since I have trouble boiling water I thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to learn. Really I just like to be accurate with the details, so… well now you can see I bought way too much… "

Finding her incredibly adorable with each word that fell from her lips he nodded saving her from having to explain anymore which she was immensely grateful for.

"When do you want me?"

The irony of his words struck them both as they immediately stared down at the floor as the anticipation of spending time together again sent them both reeling.

Clearing her throat to stifle her laughter she shrugged her shoulders thinking.

"Is an hour too soon?"

Backing away he shook his head rustling his messy blonde hair over his eyes

"I'll see you in an hour Violet."

vTv

Chelsea passed him a green pull over sweater as he stood in front of the clouded mirror in the attic.

"No, the blue one is better, makes his eyes shine… and wear the cargo pants… and definitely no sneakers tonight."

Tate nodded at Monica's reflection in the mirror as Chelsea retreated back to her hiding place.

Monica was older not in years but in maturity, she raised her two younger brothers since they were babies when her mother died.

Left with a father who cared more about getting drunk then bringing home a pay check she missed the bus on her way home from work and got lost in the mist.

Tate hadn't seen her in years, but he had to admit she was a welcomed sight.

Still in her hospital scrubs she lifted his mess of blonde hair over to the side just above his eyes.

"Can't hide those beauties, I've seen the way she reacts to the way you look at her. It's really beautiful, she shivers, her entire body … she's falling for you Tate."

Monica meets his eyes giving him a serious look, they exchange glances knowing what that means and then she's gone.

The end of her blonde ponytail is the last thing he sees before taking a deep breath.

"Yes I know."

vTv

He knocked a couple of times actually feeling a rush of nervousness flip his stomach as he stood beneath a blanket of stars with the sound of the ocean crashing behind him.

In the distance he could hear a soft muffled voice telling him to come in; he detected a hint of doubt and hesitation and suddenly remembered that Daniel was due tomorrow night.

Maybe this was her way of giving him the let's just be friends speech, at any rate he turned the knob and walked in to find the house almost in complete darkness.

Tall white candles were scattered throughout the living room casting tall shadows along the walls making the dragonflies appear to be fluttering their wings.

"Don't turn around."

Her tiny whisper was full of embarrassment, shyness and deep regret.

It was also directly in back of him.

"Violet, are you alright?"

Unsure of what was happening he lowered his voice to match hers.

He heard a tiny sigh, a shift in her movement as if she was inching her way out of the room.

"Wait; please tell me what's going on."

He could hear her uneven breath so close it was driving him crazy.

"It's stupid, I bought this dumb dress because I had intended on inviting you over for dinner but now I feel ridiculous… just give me a minute while I go change I'll be – "

Her hazel eyes widened as he whipped around and grabbed her by the arm roughly.

It was as if he was struck by lightning, everything hitting him at once.

She bought the dress for him.

He was shaking, visibly shaking as he backed her against the nearest wall.

Violet watched almost mesmerized as his eyes darkened to jet black right before her as he stared her up and down.

There was nothing he could do; no force in the universe could have held him back at that moment.

Stepping towards her he lowered his mouth down to her parted lips hovering there with just a mere breath between them.

Then he took her without warning, his tongue demanding entrance deepening capturing consuming her breath.

Her back hit the wall with force as he swallowed her soft desperate moans.

The palms of his hands were firmly planted against the wall on either side of her effectively caging her in.

Minutes feeling like hours slipped by before he broke away just enough to gently brush his lips to hers.

Rasping breathlessly he skimmed his hands down the sides of her body grazing her breasts causing her to jump.

"You… you did all this for me?"

Nodding slowly lured in by the wild, reckless look in his eyes she gasped as they slid closed as if something suddenly occurred to him.

Resting his forehead against the silky black material between her breasts he slowly lowered himself down to his knees.

She was completely bare beneath that dress, no thong, nothing… he remembered watching her tossing it away.

Violet could hardly catch her breath realizing what he was intending on doing.

She began shivering violently as she looked down towards him.

His forehead was pressed to her flat stomach, both hands clutching the bottom of her dress lifting it up higher and higher making the anticipation of him tasting her almost unbearable.

The side of his mouth curved upwards as her arousal surrounded him flooding his senses like a tidal wave.

Lifting her thigh he raised it over his shoulder causing massive alarms to go off in Violet's frazzled mind.

His prize had still yet to be revealed when he heard an almost desperate whimper from her lips.

"W-Wait… Tate… I-I …this isn't, I've never … you need to stop…"

Closing his eyes as he nuzzled his face between her thighs, drowning in the intoxicating scent of her, he groaned swiping his tongue hard along the soft black material amazed at how incredibly slick with need she already was.

Lifting his sultry gaze to capture her wide eyes he calmly spoke with such resolve that it almost stopped her racing heart.

"No my sweet Violet… not this time."

A slight dark chuckle flew from his mouth as he reached up with both hands and tore the dress straight up the middle watching with immense delight as it fell from her shoulders onto the floor like two feathers wafting down from the sky.

His willpower to be gentle finally broke as he gripped her ass with one hand and roughly tossed her other thigh over his opposite shoulder.

With nothing to hold onto her body slid down onto his waiting mouth releasing a long throaty groan as he slid his tongue firmly slowly up her drenched slit over and over again.

A sharp loud cry rang in his ears as her thighs trembled with such force she felt his lips raise to a wide smile.

This time she was going to cum… hard.

His hands clutched her ass tightly angling her cheeks back and forth as he languidly flicked her clit taking his time humming softly in response to the constant whine of his name.

Her head fell back against the wall as he teased her bringing her right to the edge before blowing his icy cold breath over her.

"Please… Tate please!"

They both knew what she was pleading for but he needed to hear it, he wanted her to have that power, to ask for the pleasure she always deserved and more.

Backing slightly away from her he gazed up at her body glistening with a fine sheen of sweat.

His cock was aching at this point, straining hard against his pants begging for release.

Violet's entire body was flush with the most beautiful color of pink he had ever seen, silky strands of her hair was trapped across the gloss of her lips blowing back and forth with the force of her shaky breath.

"Tell me what you want."

His voice was hoarse thick with desire and restraint as he longed to be buried deep inside her.

Her mouth opened and closed wordlessly until she just couldn't take it any longer.

"Tate, make me cum."

His fingers dug into her tender flesh shocked by her response.

She wasn't shyly asking, demurely requesting, or even urgently begging.

It was a demand.

Locking eyes with her he growled in response as he thrust his tongue inside curling it in just the right spot again and again until her entire body stiffened.

Placing the tip of his tongue on her clit he barely moved back and forth as her body slowly began to convulse violently.

Her screams echoed throughout every room in the house, rattling cages, peaking curiosities, erupting jealously like thunder in the sky.

Placing tender kisses on the inside of her thighs as he lowered her feet to the floor she tried to reach for her tattered dress that was in two on the floor.

Standing he reached back lifting his sweater over his head causing her to gasp once more.

"Oh no Violet, we've only just begun."