Thank you all so much for your insightful, encouraging reviews. Without them, I would not be continuing. I am so grateful.

Another intense chapter, so please read with caution. Remember that this story is extremely dark and may be triggering. The good news is that Erik will be introduced very soon, probably even the next chapter. Though that doesn't mean that Christine's troubles are going to end right away. :/

Please review, and thank you for reading.

Nothing But A Lie

Chapter 6

Christine didn't touch her dinner. Sky would have pressed her to eat, but she was obviously not well. She was pale and drawn, and hadn't spoken much at all since they'd gotten home. She did whisper that she was going to shower as soon as they walked in the door, and she'd spent over an hour in the bathroom. When she came out, she was dressed in cotton shorts and an oversized t-shirt with her university's logo on it, her fair hair left up in a messy bun. Even like that, her beauty stunned him, but he much preferred her hair down.

She stared at the plate of food before her, nausea rolling in her stomach. She would rather Sky kill her on the spot than make her take a single bite. If she did, she would throw it right back up, the memories of Sky's hands all over her unable to leave her mind.

Luckily he didn't make her eat, probably sensing how ill she was, and for that she was grateful. Well, as grateful as she could be toward someone she hated with her entire being.

When Sky finished eating, he picked up both of their plates and took them to the kitchen, not commenting on her untouched food. She was heading for the bedroom, needing to lie down even though it was pretty early in the evening, when she was stopped. "Christine, come here." His voice wasn't angry, but not overly pleasant either, and she took a deep, shuddering breath before obeying. Entering the kitchen, she saw that Sky was leaning against the counter, scratching the back of his head.

She paused at the doorway, and Sky let out a breath. "Couple things," he began, his dark eyes finally fixing on her. "First, I'm really proud of your behavior today. Besides that one stint in the park, you were perfect." He walked to her and removed the tie that held her bun, letting her hair fall around her face.

Stroking the light golden locks, he continued slowly, as if just now making up his mind, "Second, I think I might be able to trust you to return to school." Her eyes perked up, but the spark was gone as quickly as it came with his next words. "But, there are conditions. You need to get used to my touch, Christine. I see how it has affected you, and I understand since it was the first time, but you can't act like this every time, baby."

Christine swallowed, feeling like a child being gently scolded by a condescending teacher. She looked down, avoiding his eyes, her cheeks flushing in anger. It wasn't like she could help being sickened by being molested!

"Intimacy is a normal part of being in a relationship," Sky continued, tilting her face back up with a finger under her chin, voice gentle. "I'm going to want to touch you, and you to touch me. And that's that. You need to get used to it. Okay?"

Christine clenched her teeth, but gave him one nod, not at all okay with what he was saying to her but not wanting to get punished. As she knew he would, he beamed, and she hated that wide, handsome smile more than anything.

"Now," he sighed, his smile faltering. "We need to deal with your defiance in the park. You want to pick your punishment, or should I?"

She swallowed, feeling faint all of a sudden. "What are my choices?" she whispered, looking anywhere but at him.

"There's the basement-" he began, but she immediately shook her head and whimpered. "Yeah, you're right. It's too much for this little mess up. Anyway, we could do the knife…or a spanking." Sky smirked when he saw her cheeks turn red, her lips parting in shock.

A…spanking? Like if she were a child being disciplined? God, how humiliating that would be! Christine shuddered, considering. A spanking wouldn't hurt as much as a cut would, she was certain, but that would just be…creepy. And embarrassing. "Are there any other options?" she murmured, staring at the floor.

"Well," his tone lowered, and she already wished she hadn't asked. "You could make me…happy. Do me a favor."

"W-what sort of favor?"

He laughed breathlessly for a second. "God, you're so innocent, Christine. I always forget. I meant…you could do me a-a sexual favor."

Her stomach twisted, and she immediately burst into tears. No, no, no, please…not today. Not after all of that.

Christine sobbed into her hands, and Sky paled, realizing his mistake. Of course, he shouldn't have suggested that so soon. She was much too stressed, and obviously not ready for something like that tonight.

"Please," she cried, her voice muffled by her hands. "Not that. I…I'm sorry Sky, I j-just can't right n-now."

He could have torn his fucking tongue out.

He shushed her, pulling her into his arms and rubbing her back as he attempted to comfort her softly. "You're right, Christine. I'm sorry. It's too soon. I get it, baby. Please don't cry…" His voice thickened, and he dropped to his knees, taking her hands in his and squeezing them gently. She still heaved with sobs. "Shhh, Christine, please. Stop crying, okay? We don't have to do anything tonight. Nothing. I promise. You don't feel well, and I don't know why I even…"

She stared down at him in horror, shuddering. His words did little to soothe her, but then she saw how his brown eyes shimmered with sudden moisture. Was he…crying?

"Christine, I…" indeed, Sky's voice was rough with emotion. "I didn't mean to upset you. I'm sorry. I don't know what I was thinking, really. I…"

He hugged her again, but this time it was extremely awkward as he was on his knees, pressing his face into her stomach. Her hands hovered at her sides, unsure what to do with them. Her tears stopped flowing, but her breaths still came out shaky and labored.

"God, Christine," Sky whispered. "I really didn't mean to upset you." He paused, and she just stared down at the top of his head in confusion. They were each silent for a long while, until she heard him breathe, "I love you."

She didn't respond. Couldn't. She could only stare. I love you. What…? No, she wanted to say. You can't love me. This isn't right. It was the first time a man had told her he loved her, and it was extremely disappointing; during a moment where she was terrified and disgusted and wanted to be anywhere but where she was. How could he keep stealing firsts from her that were supposed to be sweet and happy? This was just…all so wrong.

God, how could you let this happen to me? Are you even there?

Sky felt awful. What was he thinking, suggesting she get him off? After putting her through so much already today? It was selfish and rude, and she deserved better. He would have to make it up to her. Eventually he stood, sighing heavily. "Come on," he murmured, pulling her hand. "Let's just go to bed."

"What? What about…"

"No, no punishment. I changed my mind."

Christine sighed in relief, though she had no idea what was going on in Sky's brain. Well, whatever it was, she was thankful for it. She had been through way too much today, and all she wanted to do was escape it in a deep sleep. She went willingly to the bedroom with Sky, knowing that he wasn't going to try anything with her. She'd seen the genuine remorse in his eyes earlier, and she knew she was safe…at least for now.

Sky quickly changed into sweats and crawled into bed next to Christine, pulling her close in his arms. She hated to admit it, but it wasn't so terrible being held at night. Of course, she despised Sky, but he didn't touch her inappropriately when he held her like this, at least. And he was warm. He usually kissed her goodnight, and she was tense as she waited. He didn't this time, and she was finally able to relax when she heard his breathing even.

Christine prayed silently for freedom until she fell asleep.

Sky was especially kind and gentle with her throughout the next week and a half, which she couldn't have cared less about. What she did care about, however, was that he kept his hands to himself, only asking to kiss her once or twice a day. Being with Sky really wasn't so terrible when he treated her like this, and it was easier for her to stay out of trouble.

He'd taken her out some afternoons and evenings after he returned from work. They mostly went to nice restaurants, but he also took her shopping and on walks in public places. She was tempted so many times to take off running or tell someone what was going on, but she always chickened out. What if it went wrong? What if it only made her situation worse? Sure, Sky was nice at the moment, but she was positive that he wouldn't hesitate to lock her up or beat her or rape her if she pushed him too far. His moods were entirely unpredictable. She needed to wait until she was sure it would work. She would only have one chance.

Christine's schooling was starting up again in a few days, and Sky had finally perfected the technology that would allow him to know her every move. He was going to give it to her tonight and explain its purpose, and she would know that there was no way she could escape.

There were also other plans for the evening besides that, and he was excited to see how those would play out as well.

When Sky got home, Christine was reading on the couch, one of the novels he had brought from her apartment. He ended up moving her furniture and the rest of her things into a cheap storage unit, figuring they could use it in a guest bedroom when they got an actual house in the future. The thought excited him. His very own house, his very own wife, and maybe a family…

But no Peyton.

The unwelcome reminder pierced him, and he shook it away with much effort. "Hey, baby," he greeted Christine, and she murmured a "Hi."

He'd been very careful not to touch her lately, and he was impressed with himself and with how much self-control he had. It was so difficult having such an angel near him all the time and not having her whenever he pleased. The only time he would allow himself to touch her was when she was deeply asleep at night, listening to her even breathing and inhaling the scent of her hair as he gently grasped her soft skin. She never woke, no matter where his hands wandered.

God, Christine's body was so, so tempting. Though others might see her as too short or "underdeveloped", Sky found her perfect, and it was getting more and more difficult to push the urges away. Hopefully tonight he would get the release he craved.

Christine put her book down when Sky came to sit by her on the couch, facing him in question.

"I have something for you," he said, digging something out of his pocket, and her heart stopped when he produced a thick, sparkly engagement ring. "Don't freak out, baby. It's fake. It's just to keep all the college boys off you. Well, amongst other things…"

Chuckling softly, he took her left hand and slid the ring onto her third finger, a perfect fit. He'd measured her finger in her sleep one night. "Now, this ring is special, Christine," he explained, and she listened close. "For one thing, it senses your body heat. Take it off, and see what happens."

Swallowing, Christine slowly pulled the ring off, and almost immediately after a chime sounded. Sky pointed to the little Bluetooth speaker in his ear that she hadn't noticed until now. "If you take it off, I'll know right away. But that's not all it does." Sky placed it back on her finger. "It's also receptive to sound. Everything you hear, I'll be able to hear as well." He pointed to the speaker again. "And I will always be listening. So I'll know if you try to tell anyone anything. Which you won't, will you?"

He waited with eyebrows raised, and Christine eventually nodded with a sigh. Sky grinned.

"Good girl." He kissed her cheek, and she somehow refrained from flinching away. "I'll also be able to check your location with my cell phone at all times. If I see that you've gone anywhere besides school, you'll be in big trouble. Okay?"

"Okay," she whispered, unable to look at him, her head spinning. How on Earth was she going to get away from him now?

"Aw, cheer up, sweetheart! I got you something else, too, to celebrate. Come on," Sky said cheerfully, pulling her to the kitchen quickly. He pulled out a bottle of champagne that had been hidden in the back corner of the fridge, and found a couple of glasses in the cupboard. "I got this to help you relax on one of your last nights before school. You deserve it."

"Oh, I'm…Sky, thank you, but…I don't really drink. I'm only nineteen."

"Just have a glass," he demanded softly, preparing to open the bottle. "You'll like it, I promise."

Christine didn't argue further, knowing she couldn't say no anyway, and she drank a glass with her dinner. The bubbly drink was sweet and delicious, and it made her feel strange…but happy, and like Sky promised, relaxed. She'd never had alcohol before. Her religion had rules against that sort of thing, but it wasn't like she had much choice in this situation.

After they ate, Sky pretended to be subtle as he refilled her glass and turned to take the dishes to the sink. He peeked behind him to find her staring at the glass seriously, deep in thought. She bit her lip, huffed a breath, and took the glass and drank. He smiled.

Sky suggested they watch a movie, and Christine dutifully agreed. She found herself giggling a lot at the comedy; unable to control the giddy feelings the drink had given her. Sky kept refilling her glass through the evening, and she couldn't find it in her to protest. She was actually feeling good for the first time in a while, and she didn't want the light-headed, carefree feeling to go away. Sky drank with her, but he seemed the same as usual, maybe just a little more smiley.

Her glowing eyes, her flushed cheeks, her carefree laughter that reminded him of bells chiming…the drink had had the exact affect that he had wanted, and he could hardly keep the smug smile off his lips. He'd begun touching her more and more as the night went on; her hair, her face, her arms…and she didn't shy away from him at all. God, she smelled so damn good…what the hell did she use to make her smell so good?

When Sky began kissing her, she didn't think much of it. However, when he deepened the kiss, his tongue seeking a response from hers, she felt unsettled despite the drink's relaxing affect. She gently pushed his shoulders back and looked at him, his dark eyes holding that look that made her uncomfortable and wary.

"W-what are you doing, Sky?" she asked, her words coming out slow and sounding weird to her ears. Her brain was so fuzzy.

"I'm kissing my girlfriend," he rasped, his arms snaking around her waist and pulling her so close that she was practically on his lap. She gasped, and then Sky's mouth was back on hers, kissing her in a way that made her feel strange.

Sky was pleasantly surprised when Christine actually began responding to his kiss, though it was not the type of kissing they usually did. He didn't hold back now, tasting her fully with his lips and tongue. God, she was perfection. Delicious. He hardened, and it was getting more and more difficult to ignore. And then, he decided it was time to do something about it.

Christine giggled breathlessly in surprise when Sky picked her up, and he quickly strode into the bedroom. He laid her down on the bed, immediately climbing atop her to kiss her again. She had no time to decipher what was going on.

Seeking friction against her hips, he kissed her deeply, allowing his hands to gently grasp her breasts atop her dress. She emitted a startled whimper, but was probably too drunk to actively protest. He groaned against her full lips, pleased.

She began to feel very weird in her lower body. Sky was rubbing against her in a way that she knew was inappropriate even in her current state, but it felt…interesting. Was there something wrong with her?

"Sky," she gasped in question when he began kissing her neck.

"Hmm?"

"I feel…funny."

He paused, leaning back slightly to look at her with concern. "Funny? Are you going to get sick?"

Christine shook her head slowly, surprised with how much effort it took. It felt so heavy. "N-no." She squirmed, unable to keep still. She felt the strangest ache…

It was when she wiggled underneath him that he knew exactly what she was talking about, and he crushed his lips back down on hers. He moved more aggressively against her now, rock hard at the realization that he aroused Christine. Well…her body, at least. The friction was pushing him closer to the edge, and her little confused whimpers only intensified his pleasure.

Her scent was everywhere, and combined with the taste of her lips and tongue, he was completely intoxicated. Lost in her, he dug his hand under her shirt and pulled back one side of her bra, exposing her small, soft breast to his hand. Her flesh was warm and firm, and he moaned, pulling on her hardened nipple with two fingers. She gasped and squirmed, and broke their kiss to cry out. It might have been a cry of pain, but it could also very well have been pleasure, and coming from her pure, bell-like voice, it sent him over the edge.

"Oh, baby!" Sky groaned, shaking and surging weirdly. His body relaxed atop her, but his breathing was rough for a while. Christine merely lied frozen, unsure of what had just transpired. Her head spun; the alcohol's affect not having worn off. Sky had touched her chest before she realized what was going on, and combined with his insistent hips moving against hers…it was all so much. So strange, and she'd let out a wordless cry. Her cheeks were hot with shame and something else she had no name for. Something that she knew was wrong.

Christine hadn't even noticed that Sky left the room—let alone got off of her—until he returned, collapsing on the bed next to her with a long, happy sigh. She noticed his sweats. Had he changed his clothes? He was wearing slacks just a moment ago, wasn't he?

Lost in his satisfaction, Sky didn't notice her watching him. He eventually turned, and in the dim light of the hall, he saw her looking at him with such a confused look that it was kind of funny. Her dress was still rumpled and askew from his attentions, and he realized she must still be drunk. Her cheeks were a lovely shade of pink, her eyes hazy, and he knew that he would definitely be giving her alcohol more often.

He also knew he needed to take advantage of the time he had left tonight.

With a smirk, he moved closer to her, taking the bottom of her dress and rolling it up until it rested just above her waist.

"What are you doing?" she slurred, squirming and trying to cover herself back up. He grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head.

"It's your turn," he said, his voice low and demanding. "Close your eyes and don't move. Do you hear me?"

Despite her inebriated state, Christine knew that whatever Sky was about to do would be very, very wrong. She also knew that if she tried to stop it, there was no telling what would happen. So she swallowed, nodded, and clenched her eyes shut, hoping that it would be over soon.

After pulling down her underwear, Sky used his mouth. Throughout, she'd felt a mixture of shame and ecstasy, of disgust and bliss, and she fell asleep immediately after it was over, overwhelmed and exhausted.

When she woke in the morning, she found that Sky had already left for work. She felt confused, sick, and when she remembered what had happened the night before, she wept.