Stolen Jewel by Alexis Abbott
Jewel
My eyes glaze over as I stare out the window of our stolen getaway vehicle. It seems bizarre to me now to remember this used to be Gina’s car. I used to ride around with her from one party to the next, trailing after her like a halfhearted sidekick. This car has driven me to nightclubs, to campus, to pep rallies-- but it’s never seen the kind of action we’ve gotten in the past week or so. After a brief dip back in the familiar Harvard town this car and I used to call home, we’re rocketing back up the country back roads toward the place that feels more like home than anywhere else.
It’s been a few hours since we finally got out of the vicinity of Medford, but I’m still barely able to relax. My shoulders keep tensing up by my ears, my neck and eyes ache from peering intently out the windows in search of enemies, and I’m exhausted. The whole time we were leaving Medford, my heart was pounding. I kept thinking every dark vehicle we passed was a cop on Dad’s payroll or a mafia guy… also on Dad’s payroll. Everywhere I looked, I found places where they could hide. I’ve been nervously watching all the mirrors for signs that we’re being followed. The further we get from the suburbs, the calmer I start to feel. The cookie-cutter mansions and trendy shopping plazas turn to rustic country houses and rolling hills. The land becomes far less curated. Nature runs wild. The scenery goes from suburban to overgrown, and my mood goes from paranoid to too-tired-to-be-paranoid.
We have been riding in more or less silence after we made our desperate run to the car from my father’s house. At first, we were out of breath. Once we nabbed the cell phone from that mafia guard’s pocket, we booked it out of there in a hurry before the guy could fully wake up. Or before any of my nosy-ass neighbors could report our suspicious activity. We were silent as we watched the road for attackers or pursuers. I was nervously flinching at every vehicle that passed, and Stefan was busy scanning the road for trouble. But once we got a little further out, the silence turned contemplative. We have both been lost deep in thought for over an hour or so. After all, there’s a lot to think about. So much new, painful information to process.
I look down at the phone in my lap. I poke the screen open and it flashes all those missed calls from Freddie Albany again. My stomach churns. It’s more undeniable proof that my dad is, at the very least, involved enough with the mafia to hire one as a guard. But I know his engagement with this whole filthy enterprise goes deeper than home security. I try to think about what we uncovered on Dad’s private laptop, but denial keeps rearing its stubborn head. Coming to terms with how evil and uncaring my father is feels like staring into the sun. I know it’s there, I can feel it, but God, it’s so hard to look at. I feel numb all over, but there’s dread lurking just behind that wall of pain I keep avoiding. My denial is starting to wear thin. Doubt and anger are creeping in on me. I gaze out the window and gently bite the inside of my cheek to try and stem the flow of hot, bitter tears in my eyes. I don’t want Stefan to see me crying. I don’t want him to think I’m weak, or that I’m mourning for my dad. We both know he’s a bad man, and I shouldn’t waste my feelings on the likes of him. At the same time, he’s the only family I know. If I can’t find a way to love and forgive him, who can? But then, does he even deserve my love, much less my forgiveness? I feel so betrayed and confused.
My hands curl into fists in my lap. I mutter in an undertone, “I just don’t get it.”
Stefan looks over at me. It’s the first thing either of us have said in hours.
“What is it?” he prompts.
I look at him with tears in my eyes. “How can a father choose to harm his own daughter like this? How could this really be happening?”
“I’m sorry, Jewel,” Stefan consoles.
“It doesn’t make any sense, but the evidence is damning,” I go on. “I mean, all those folders you found on his computer.”
“Exactly the kind of paper trail I expected him to leave,” he says. “I suspected he would be more cautious about hiding his information, but he’s cocky. He’s been running this business for so long, he’s untouchable. He doesn’t think anyone can reach him.”
“Well, he’s wrong. It only took us a few tries to get into his laptop. And that password… I can’t believe he was so enthusiastic about the day he picked for me to die that he made it his fucking passcode. If that doesn’t say ‘heartless corruption’ then I don’t know what does,” I sigh.
The car pulls onto the winding, narrow road that circuits us back up the mountain. The scenery changes again as the forest grows darker and deeper. The trees lining the road grow taller. They loom and cast long shadows across the road. The sun is starting its sinking descent across the valley below. The sky is tinged with peachy gold and lilac, enchanting me as we ride along the edge of the cliff. Fog is settling in over the higher peaks, and before long we find ourselves driving in a thick, wet haze. Insects hiding in the trees and bushes strike up their nocturnal chorus. The dusty gold clouds part in an indigo sky to let the luminous orb of the moon hang bright and beautiful over the mountain. As we get closer to the cabin, we talk about what comes next in our ‘plan.’ We talk about the need for stealth as we gather more intel and evidence, enough to damn my father. Stefan talks about setting up particular meetings, weighing our options and who’s left to trust. We have to finally confront the evil behind all of our trouble.
The car rumbles up the rocky driveway and putters to a halt. Stefan turns off the engine and glances at me meaningfully.
“It’s going to be risky. There’s no way around that. But we can’t turn back now,” he says.
“No going back. Only forward,” I agree grimly.
We get out of the car. Stefan grabs all of our stuff and we pile back into the cabin. As I cross the threshold, I feel a rush of relief. It smells, sounds, and feels more like home than anywhere else in the world. Walking into the Medford mansion felt like attending a museum, or walking through the memories of someone else’s life. Not my own. I don’t recognize the woman I used to be and the life I used to live. It’s like an old outfit that shrunk in the wash. None of it fits me anymore. In fact, I wonder if I ever fit into that world anyway. I feel more at home here. I feel more like myself when I’m with Stefan.
We’re both shivery cold and achy from our long day of car travel and breaking and entering. Stefan drops our stuff on the table and says, “Come on. I’ll run us a hot shower.”
“God, yes,” I groan with appreciation.
We traipse off to the bathroom. Stefan starts up a hot, steamy shower and lets me get in first. I strip off my tactical clothes and happily step under the comforting spray of hot water. I peek out of the curtain to watch Stefan take off his clothes. I ogle his hard, strong chest, powerful back, and perfect tight ass. I love the chiseled range of his abs and his cock, hanging full and thick between his muscular thighs. I remember not too long ago when he first let me shower in captivity, how I was so afraid he would peek at me naked. Now, I’m impatient waiting for him to get in the shower with me. Naked. He climbs into the stall and we share the hot water as we get lathered up with fresh-smelling soap. At first, we’re just cleansing ourselves, but then Stefan wordlessly starts washing my hair. My lips fall open in a soft sigh at the sensation of his fingertips working my scalp. I feel so loved and comforted by this sweet, caring gesture. Nobody has ever taken care of me like this, not even when I was a child.
“Jewel, I want you to know that I’m sorry,” he says softly. “I never wanted any of this to affect you. I never wanted to hurt you.”
His fingers work carefully through the snarls and knots in my hair while he speaks. I have my eyes closed, letting the water rush over me while this guardian angel of a man washes me.
“I don’t blame you for any of this,” I assure him. “You didn’t do it on your own accord. You were forced into this situation, just like me. And you’ve shown me so much kindness since then. Stefan, I know this is going to sound weird, but I’m actually glad you kidnapped me.”
“I stole you away from everything you knew,” Stefan says. He sounds pained.
“What I knew was bullshit,” I answer sharply. “What I knew was all lies. You know, I spent my whole life trying to please other people. Especially Dad. I was a ghost in my own life because it’s never been what I wanted. My father’s shadow ruined everything. Every time.”
“You deserve so much better,” he murmurs.
“I agree. Now I agree,” I clarify. “You forced me to see the world differently. I thought I knew what strength was. My dad made me think cruelty and greed were signs of strength. But you’re strong in a different way, the real way. You make me feel more powerful than I am alone. With you, I can do anything. Whatever happens, I’m glad I met you, Stefan. And if we die, we do it side by side.”
I turn around to face Stefan, looking up into his handsome face. His dark eyes bore into mine. His hands brush my hair back and cup my face. He traces his thumb over my bottom lip.
“I would move heaven and earth before I let harm come to you,” he growls.
“I know,” I answer breathily. “I trust you, Stefan. I need you.”
The tension between us snaps once again. He dives in to capture my mouth in a passionate kiss. His hands slide down my face and neck to smooth over my full, plump breasts. I sigh into his magical, warm touch. His tongue pushes into my mouth and I press against him so our bodies are flush together. I rock my pelvis into his growing, throbbing cock. Stefan’s hands fondle my tits, his fingertips sliding over my soapy, slippery nipples. They stiffen into pink peaks under his machinations. Spirals of searing hot pleasure go straight down between my wet thighs.
Suds slide down my back as Stefan grabs my leg and hikes it up around him. Wobbling on one foot, he holds me steady while he slips one hand between my thighs. He swallows my moan with a kiss as his fingers stroke up and down between my swollen, puffy lips. I twinge and burn for him from head to toe. Every time he touches me, it leaves a momentary tingle. When he starts massaging my clit and hood, I have to cling to him for balance. Pleasure washes through my system and makes me feel lightheaded. I rest my face against his hard chest while he flicks and rolls that tight bundle of nerves.
The hot water pelts my back and keeps me deliciously warm. My hand wanders to find Stefan’s hard cock. His skin is velvety smooth and hot to the touch. He’s yearning for me like I ache for him. I wrap my fingers and palm around his thick shaft to slide up and down, using the rivulets of hot soapy water to lubricate each pump. I swoop down to the root, slide around to gently fondle his balls, and then sweep back up. I swivel my hand around the tip and let my thumb rub up and down the sensitive underside.
“Fuck,” Stefan grunts.
His cock twitches in my hand. I feel his balls getting heavy as I work his shaft up and down. Stefan strokes my pussy, running two fingers along my quivering lips, then up to circle my clit. It feels so goddamn good, and he’s slowly bringing me closer to the edge. He starts to play with the band of muscles and nerves around my tight little hole. I gasp and moan with pleasure as he slowly pushes two thick, long fingers inside of me. His fingers gently hook to stroke that fleshy, soft place deep within my cunny. He tickles my g-spot and awakens some deep tension I didn’t even know was there. His thumb rubs my clit while his fingertips press into my g-spot again and again. By now, my pussy is dripping slick juices all over his hand. I feel my honey run down my trembling thighs while I stand here, half held up by this magnificent man. I can hardly maintain a rhythmic pace pumping his cock as my own pleasure spins wildly out of control. I gasp and keen with sensation as Stefan fingerfucks me to oblivion.
“Oh my god,” I breathe. “I’m gonna come!”
“Mmmhm. That’s right, malyshka. Come for me,” Stefan commands in a growly voice.
“Nnngh Stefan!” I gasp.
My pussy convulses and hot, slick juices gush down my legs. My vision swims, my knees buckle, and I nearly collapse. But my perfect, powerful provider is here to catch me. We rinse off together as he holds me up, and then he turns off the shower. I’m still trembling from orgasm as he pats me dry with a towel, then wraps it around me. Stefan scoops me into his strong arms and carries me into the bedroom. He splays me out on the bed, fully naked and all warmed up. I spread my legs wide and bite my lip coquettishly as he takes off his own towel. I lick my lips at the sight of his hard, thick cock stiff and ready for me. He stands at the foot of the bed stroking his enormous length, and I recline coyly on the bed. My hand is between my legs, stroking and teasing my slick pussy. Stefan makes me feel so alive, so filthy in the best way. I entice him to bed with a pout of my lip and the burning desire in my eyes.
“There’s never been any sight more beautiful than this,” Stefan rumbles.
He gently wraps his hands around my ankles and pulls me to the edge of the bed. I lay back while he hooks my legs up over his shoulders. I’m tingly all over in anticipation of what’s to come. When I feel Stefan shove my thighs apart with his hands and dive in to suckle my clit, I immediately come again. I whimper and shiver as my pussy cascades another burst of juices down his chin. Stefan groans his approval and eagerly laps up every last drop. His tongue dives between my lips, licking between every groove. He devours me like a starving man at table, and it feels oh so incredible. His magical tongue flicks and bats my clit while he slurps up my juices. I lift my hips as best I can to rut against his face and beg for more. His lips suckle my clit, then his tongue swathes over my sensitive hood. He alternates between these different little techniques until I’m so overcome with pleasure all I can do is try and remember to breathe. But even as I squirt another intense orgasm all over his lips, Stefan is preparing to give me more.
He pulls back and wipes his mouth. His dark eyes are determined. He smooths his hands down my legs, massaging my sore muscles as he works his way to my feet. I’m in heaven when he gently rubs my feet. I’ve never had a lover do this before, and I’m unprepared for how good it feels, especially when he starts sucking on my toes. The ticklish, dirty feeling makes me so wet, I’m creating a puddle on the sheets.
“Oh my god, I can’t take it,” I gasp.
My hands wander to my chest. I grope my tits and roll my nipples between my fingers while Stefan grabs my legs. He wraps them around himself again and pulls me tight to the end of the bed. He lines up the thick head of his glorious, gigantic cock at my dripping hole. When he pushes inside of me, fireworks burst behind my eyes. I feel so filled up and whole, so complete as I only ever do when we’re together. Stefan’s shaft prods past that thick circle of muscles at my opening and into my tightness. I twinge and convulse around his girth as he pushes inside inch by heavenly inch. I rock against him, lifting my hips and arching my back.
Stefan groans with pleasure as he sheathes himself entirely inside me. He’s so big, it almost aches, but in the best way possible. I bite my lip and toss my head from side to side, unable to control myself as he starts rutting into me hard and fast. His cock pummels my g-spot deep inside. I’m so dripping wet, every thrust is smooth and quick. Stefan grasps my hips and pounds into me vigorously.
“No matter what happens, you are mine and I am yours,” he grunts.
“Yes-- oh god, yes,” I whimper. “From the very start.”
“Till the very end,” Stefan adds between gritted teeth.
His dark eyes lock with mine as he pumps into me again and again. My pussy is so gushy wet by now, every thrust makes a slick, wet sound deep inside. My juices dribble down my thighs and ass. I feel it seeping into the bedsheets, but we don’t care. My body comes alive for Stefan, and vice versa. The world outside could be on fire, and we wouldn’t care. All that matters is his cock inside my pussy, pushing hard into my womb, filling me up with love. I tighten my legs around him and he leans over me. He cradles my lower back with one strong arm while he fucks my tight little cunny. He smacks my ass hard, again and again. I cry out with mingled pain and pleasure, and my pussy gushes wetly with each slap.
“Nobody-- will ever-- take you-- away from me,” Stefan grunts between vigorous thrusts.
“They’d die trying,” I gasp.
Stefan leans over and grabs my hands with his. He interlaces our fingers as he pins me down. His cock pummels into me again and again, each thrust more erratic than the last. We are losing control together, unraveling in this shared bed. His eyes and mine lock as we hold on for dear life. Stefan is tightening up, his dark eyes flashing. His cock spears into my fertile, gushing pussy until we’re both gasping with pleasure.
“Jewel,” he growls.
“Stefan,” I whisper.
His cock slams into me a few more rapid times and then he pushes hard and deep. He holds still as his cock pumps spurt after spurt of thick, precious come inside me. I lock my legs around him to hold him there until I can squeeze out every drop. My cunny twinges with one last, helpless orgasm. Stefan’s come mixes with mine as it slowly drips out of me.
He withdraws and gets into bed beside me. He pulls me close, into his lap. I rest my cheek against his strong chest while we breathe hard and slow, coming down from the incredible high we shared. Stefan strokes my hair and kisses the top of my head.
“I meant what I said,” he murmurs. “I won’t let anyone take you. Not now, not ever.”
“I don’t want to be with anyone else,” I tell him honestly. “Stefan, I don’t know if it’s okay for me to say this, and I totally understand if you--”
“I love you, Jewel,” Stefan breaks in stoically.
My cheeks flush pink and I look up at him with happy tears in my eyes. I giggle.
“You do? Oh, that’s good. Because I love you, too,” I ramble
He wipes away my tears and kisses me softly. He gazes into my eyes. He looks serious.
“It’s not going to be easy, what we have to do,” he says. “But we can do it together.”
“I’m not afraid of anything, as long as you’re with me,” I insist.
We hold each other for a little while longer as the night deepens. I’m exhausted, especially now, and it’s hard to keep my eyes open. I start to drift off, feeling satisfied, warm, and loved. I barely register when Stefan finally lets go of me and slides out of bed. As my eyes are falling shut, I hear him murmur something.
“I have to go make a call,” he says.
There’s an ominous note to his tone, but I’m too sleepy to question him. He walks out of the room and I collapse into deep, unbothered sleep.