Hello, My Love: My Beautiful Series, #2

By Lauren Ritchie

Mariana, now a web design graduate, looks forward to the day when she can start up a business, and work independently, and let the budding relationship between her and Carl blossom. When a mysterious package arrives in the mail with disturbing contents and the voice from the beach comes to mind, will Mariana have to surrender everything to catch her stalker? When the threats to her life become more real and the attacks on her become more frequent, will Mariana's psyche break? Events inspire Carl to make the plunge and ask her to marry him after a string of break-ins threatens their safety.

 

Carl and Mariana know they love each other, but she realizes when their honeymoon is disrupted, a dawning need to find and meet with her father, General Woodward Richland, for answers.

 

More strange gifts show up and she faces off with her aggressor in the couple's bedroom, nearly sabotaging her mental progress. Mariana's decision to attend an exhibition to honor Nathaniel Kilpatrick and a one-on-one meeting with the art curator of the Pennington Gallery for a chance for the job of a lifetime, sends her into peril again. When she faces off with the enemy a second time at the exhibition and loses the interview, she solidifies her decision. Since it all began, she has played the victim and allowed everything happening to her to isolate and paralyze her. Now, it is time to work to preserve her mother's memory, keeping her father alive and to catch the killer. 

 

Mariana must cast aside being the victim to become the hero. Will she catch the man responsible in time? Can the lieutenant compile enough evidence to help? Will everyone that she loves survive this madman?

 

Content Warning: Material contains abuse, kidnapping, torture, and stalkish behavior.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lauren Ritchie
• Release date: Jun 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223154372

Book preview

Hello, My Love

A Psychological Thriller

My Beautiful Series Book 2

Lauren Ritchie

Hello, My Love

A Psychological Thriller

My Beautiful Series Book 2

Published by Breckenridge Crossing

Copyright © 2023 by Lauren Ritchie

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner without the express written permission of the publisher, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Published in the United States of America

First Printing, 2023

Breckenridge Crossing

255 N County Road 1200

Sutter, IL 62373

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

About the Author

Other Books by Author

Disclaimer

Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Names, characters, and places are products of the author’s imagination.

Chapter One

One Month Later

Mariana Richland, a Web Design graduate, set up a workspace in her room and took notes as she brainstormed about her next venture. She sketched out on a notepad, ideas to create a basic business page for herself and advertising for a few clients, a plan that would propel her to independence. Mariana constructed a list to work on a few business projects at a time and a reminder to keep and supply samples of her work to make a name for herself.

She didn’t think Carl would have issues with her working at home until she could build up her clientele enough for a sustainable income to have a separate office space outside the home. It occurred to Mariana she’d need to discuss her plans with Carl before she could begin the new venture.

Her nemesis, Dean Newberry, as far as her mind would allow her to think, had disappeared underground. With the memories of the echoes of his laughter from the beach replaying in her mind, did she dare relinquish the idea he would be back for her?

Mariana experimented with a website builder program to create her brand and image. Carl put a locator on her phone and activated the program to know when and if she left the house to ensure her safety. It was the first time she had stayed home alone as a trial agreement.

She blushed stationed at her desk and played with a strand of her hair as her mind wandered. It seemed unrealistic that a month ago Carl, her bodyguard, confessed his love to her. How is it possible in the mess of my life that I could earn an education of my dreams and find love in my darkest hour? How is it possible I could steal his heart and he could fall for me, scars, and all?

A doubt disturbed her thoughts as she swung her chair to face the door to her bedroom. How could she love a man in his fifties while she was still in her thirties? Carl, well established in his career, made her feel inferior and unsure of herself and her own life choices. The nagging voice of her Aunt Nadine made her feel self-conscious that what blossomed between her and Carl was shameful and had her doubting the affair between them.

The last time she questioned her love for a man was when she had turned eighteen. Her classmates had gotten together to throw an end of school party for everyone at an aquatic center with Olympic size pools. Her classmate, Sandra, invited a guy that was a first-year student in college and eight years older than Mariana to the party. Everyone called him Ben and when he set eyes on Mariana, he wanted to take her out on a date to get to know her.

The shock of Aunt Nadine bursting through her bedroom door to take a stand with her hands braced on her hips and giving her a look as if I had disrespected her.

‘Mariana, there is a young man downstairs named Ben who says he is here to take you out on a date. You did not tell me he was older. How come you did not consult me about this date and his age? Where is he taking you on this date?’ Nadine demanded, but did not give her niece a second to say anything or defend herself. ‘I do not like this, Mariana; you are young and at an impressionable age. No man young or older should be the object of any teenage affections inside that mind of yours. We brought you up proper and in a Christian household and expect you to behave in the presence of males like we taught you. You are not to allow him to neck with you or put his hands inside your shirt or anywhere near the waistband of your skirt.’ She then opened her niece’s blouse to check that Mariana had put on the correct white bra, then lifted her skirt to see she had on the right underwear that covered the top of her thighs and went up past her bellybutton. ‘Change these things. These skimpy intimate underthings are not to be worn in my house. You are not a streetwalker or another man’s mistress.’

She cried when Aunt Nadine left at this humiliation and lack of trust of her to be in the presence of men. Ben, who had proved to be a perfect gentleman beyond her wildest dreams, took her for hamburgers and milkshakes, then to a drive-in movie, held hands and he walked her up to the door at the conclusion of the date. Mariana relished when Ben asked to kiss her cheek, but let him go for her lips. Nadine caught them and interrupted the good night kiss with, ‘Were you two planning to neck after and let him put his hands in places no unmarried man should? Get in this house before the neighbors see and I have to hear it from the gossip mill.’

She shrugged these thoughts from her and thought of Aunt Nadine’s point of view as if she knew and if she had the right to let him have a piece of her heart.

Mariana had been thankful to Carl for agreeing to let her stay home alone while he attended to business at the station a couple of mornings a week. She next glanced at her watch and noticed the late hour; it was three-thirty. Mariana left her room and strode to look out through the glassed exterior door. A squeak and a clink caught her attention and through the reflection, the gray SUV came into view.

Oh, he is here. She smiled.

Tempted to meet him outside, the voice of Carl spoke inside her head and dissuaded her from the idea. Mariana backed away a distance to give him a proper greeting.

***

Outside the house, Carl stopped the vehicle to retrieve the mail. He flipped the black postal approved lid open and pulled from it a stack of letters, among them a yellow-colored envelope addressed to Mariana with no return address.

Hmm. I wonder who could have sent this? Maybe it is a surprise for Mariana, but why wouldn’t the sender tell her who they are?

Carl dropped the group of letters onto his lap and pulled through the gate. He left the window down and heard the creak of the gates close with a squeak as he swung the SUV into the driveway after he pressed the button on his visor.

I need to get the gate looked over. The track is rusted. He thought to himself.

Carl rolled the window back up, shifted the SUV into park, opened the driver’s side door, and hopped out. He shut his door, opened the passenger side door to reach in to retrieve his briefcase and blazer. Today’s mail tucked under his arm; he closed the SUV’s door with a loud bang to rouse the attention of the angelic dark haired beauty inside.

Carl walked up the front steps and saw a feminine presence back away from the panes of glass. He inserted one key in the doorknob lock and then a separate key for the lock above it, twisted the knob, and pushed it open with his right foot.

He saw Mariana take a few more steps backward, as if she had done something wrong. Carl pulled the keys from the top lock and closed the exterior door of the house with his foot. He set the keys on a wood stand and briefcase below it before looking into the eyes of the woman who captured his heart. Hi. He greeted Mariana and grinned. What did you do?

Mariana raised her hands. What do you mean ‘what did I do?’ she laughed.

Carl slipped the mail from under his arm. You have the look of guilt, is all.

I am surprised to see you at home at this time of day. It is only three-thirty.

Well, at least you did not burn down the house or do anything illegal. It gives me joy to see that angelic face greet me. He said with glee in his voice and looked into those brownish eyes with pure love.

Mariana’s insides fluttered when Carl’s lips contacted hers. Why did you have to fall for me? she questioned.

You made it easy. I should have arrested you for stealing my heart.

Guilty as charged, Mariana teased.

Carl stuck the envelope addressed to her between them as the distraction he needed. Oh, this is for you. It came in the mail today.

Mariana raised an eyebrow in curiosity. Who is it from?

I do not know. It does not say. Are you expecting anything?

She shook her head in response. No, I am not.

I doubt the Kilpatricks would do anything like this. Might this be from them, and they wanted to surprise you?

Mariana shrugged. I doubt it, but who knows?

***

Mariana followed behind Carl like a playful puppy as he remembered the files he’d brought home and carried them into the living room. She stuck her bottom lip out, wondering if he’d look up at her. She plopped herself next to him, tilted her head to the left, and laid it on his shoulder.

He peered over at her. What is it?

She waved the concealed contents toward him. Will you open this with me?

Sure, if it will make you feel better. And plucked it from her fingers.

She watched as Carl turned over the envelope, ripped open the back flap, and shook the contents. Her nerves jangled as he peeked inside.

All clear. No explosives to be found. He chuckled.

Mariana swiped her forehead with the back of her hand. Whew, that was a close one, Mr. Officer. She giggled back.

Why don’t you take this to your room and look it over while I finish some work? He suggested.

She rolled her eyes and questioned, Is that code for you have important police work to do and I am not allowed to see it?

A seriousness encompassed his face. Yes, Mariana. Now, go before I kick your butt. You know where to find me if you need anything.

Mariana scoffed, No fair. Then laughed and stomped off to her room.

She sat and crossed her legs Indian style on her bed. With the door cracked open, she stared at the envelope, then eyed the contents like she viewed the world through a telescope. These appear to be photographs of people or objects. Wait, there is a letter. Who sends mail like this, anyway?

Mariana slid out the tri-folded paper with lines on both sides as she pressed it flat. A clipped sample of dark-colored hair floated out and onto her lap. The soft, textured strands resembled her own. Her eyes moved to the letter.

Hello, My Love,

I have something you cherish. To see your face at the discovery of these strands fascinates me. When you touch them, do they feel anything like the locks that drape around your shoulders? I’ve known the woman in these photographs since you were thirteen. Her lips are velvety like yours. She is beautifully made up and reminds me of flowers with the spritz of her body mists. Your perfume from the night of the company party kept me on my toes long after you left. You know every man has one thing on their minds with attractive women like yourself. They will do anything to get you in their bed. The LT is just saving face. I am sure he thinks about undressing you. Do you think he is the honest gentleman he has you believe he is? It might have started with a kiss, but soon he will want more from you and what then? I hope you enjoy the photographs. We shall meet again, my sweet.

Mr. X.

P.S. You and the Lieutenant still have to catch me.

This man is back to sending me mail again. I do not get why he doesn’t go away. He has a twisted mind. I feel sorry for the woman he keeps captive. I will never understand, but why me? Why send me pictures? she questioned.

Distressed, she grabbed the photographs. She saw a woman with dark, curled strands. Her smile and makeup made her glow. Mariana studied the first picture close recognizing the familiarity of the woman to her. She sat down the other pictures without looking at them and went to her mirror. She peered at her image then and that of the photograph positioned next to her face. Mariana practiced facial expressions and turned her head to the left and the right to compare herself to this person she did not believe she knew. Oh, boy, this lady, whoever she is, looks like me. My mother was pretty like this woman, and we could be twins.

Mariana walked back to her bed and lined up the pictures in a horizontal line. She examined each picture. One by one, they questioned Mariana and caused her to become disturbed by the distorted images as she reached the last photograph. A few of the photos caused her to move her head the other way and made her nauseous. Tears filled the corners of her eyes when she reached the last one. She could make out the faint letters of a few words followed by a name and realized it was her name transcribed in it and caused her hands to slam over her gaped mouth and take a step back.

No, no, no, she screeched. Mariana snatched up the pictures and hurled them across the room, sobbed and screamed. I cannot believe this! The nightmare has started over again.

***

Carl was deep in thought as he read over the confidential file when he heard Mariana’s anguished screams. What is going on? he voiced and ran to her room with the papers still gripped in his hands. He shoved open her door. Why are you screaming? Is everything all right?

Carl’s hands shook as Mariana looked at him and did not utter a word. Instead, she pointed to the floor, ready to dash out of her room.

Whoa, where are you going? And why are there pictures scattered everywhere? he asked and grabbed hold of her right arm. He blanched as Mariana turned pale, as if she had seen a ghost, and begged.

Please, Carl, let me go.

When he released her arm, she darted out of the room. He heard her cough, then gag. What is making Mariana scream and sickly? He asked himself.

Carl walked to the center of the room, crouched down and saw the sprinkle of pictures strewn about. I can see why this made Mariana green in the gills. Who is this person in the picture, anyway?

He dropped to his knees and collected the rest of the photographs. Carl pushed himself into a standing position and marched to her doorway, paused at the exit of her room, and leaned his shoulder against the door frame. His eyes swung towards the kitchen and back to the piece of paper in his right hand, the pictures, and the envelope cradled in the left. His inner voice said, ‘No, do not read those words.’ But the officer in him said, ‘Yes, you have to do it.’

He thumbed open the paper to read over the contents. Mr. X had made his intentions clear that Mariana and the lieutenant would have to catch him. Carl chuckled to himself and mumbled, What kind of man does he think I want to be to Mariana? Apparently, Mr. X is the only man between me and him that just wants women for sex. I am not the man he portrays me to be. His assumptions about me are wrong. I will prove it.

Carl folded the letter as he had found it, fanned out the photographs, turned his head back to make sure he had collected everything, and noticed a clipping of hair. He scooped it into his palm to look it over. The lieutenant concluded these things had intimidated Mariana into a state of fear, sheer horror, and slipped it all back into the envelope. He left the bedroom and headed for Mariana in the kitchen.

When he entered the kitchen, he saw Mariana standing over the sink, her face now reddened by the trail tears down her face. He stepped closer to her, and she raised a hand to halt him.

I am still the subject of someone’s twisted humor. This just does not seem like it will stop. Do something.

She protested as he saw her splash water from the faucet onto her skin.

I explained this to you before. Physical proof is needed before I can write up a report. I saw the photographs you tossed to the floor, and I put them inside the envelope. Whoever this Mr. X is has a twisted mind. He knows when and how to press your buttons, Carl said and placed the files and envelope on the counter before he stepped to the refrigerator and swung open the door. He selected a small glass bottle of a fizzy ginger flavored drink, shut the door, and cracked open the cap with the twist.

Carl watched Mariana switch off the faucet, pull a dry dish towel out of the drawer below the sink and wipe her face before he extended his arm with a soda bottle to her.

The physical proof is right there. What is this? I thought you did not allow things like this in your house?

It is not enough proof. There are no words in there that show a direct threat to you, and I will not count this as something I do not under normal circumstances allow you to have. It is a quick alternative to nausea and sick stomachs. Drink up.

Emotionless, she sipped from the bottle and said, A letter from Mister X and dark strands of hair. Find this guy, Carl, and catch him.

Who is Mister X anyway? he pondered before he spoke. I will, but it takes time, resources and manpower.

Mariana said, I do not know. Last year, I received emails and mail from this man. I feel like it is two different men who have stalked me, but is there a chance he could be the same?

Carl froze as she gazed into his eyes and prodded him with one more question.

Well, is it possible?

He answered, It is possible it could be the same. I need as much evidence as I can get my hands on. He cradled her face in his palms and brushed his lips over each one, then engulfed her in a hug and kissed her head. It is going to be alright Mariana. Let’s go into the living room. Bring your ginger ale with you.

Carl snapped up the papers and pictures as the two exited the kitchen. He sat down first, and then Mariana plopped her bottom on the couch cushion next to him. She groaned without a word. Carl leaned forward and drew the ottoman closer to him. He crossed his legs with his heels resting on the pillow top when he felt Mariana’s head land against his upper arm.

Carl rubbed her right arm and asked, How are you feeling now? Any better?

Pouting, she replied, No, I feel terrible. This man never quits.

He sat the files and photos on the end table to his left and placed Mariana’s ginger ale bottle on a coaster next to it. Carl angled his head to the right to see just as Mariana burst into tears again from the graphic gory images from earlier, which did not fade from her memory. He slid Mariana close to him. She clung to him with her face buried in his chest.

The horror! When will it end? She cried.

Her warm body pressed against him while he rubbed her back until her sobs softened, grew faint and then were silent. Mariana fell fast asleep in his arms, and he noted to himself a whistle sound coming from her nose. The sound of a peaceful rest. It’s about time you slept, my angel. He thought. Carl unfolded a blanket positioned behind his head over her body and pulled the confidential file from the side table, sifting through the contents.

***

The timepiece fastened around Carl’s wrist read seven in the evening when he looked up from the confidential file. He could see out of the corner of his eye the transition from day to evening and switched on the lamp next to him; Mariana still quiet and asleep.

Soft strokes with his index finger and thumb over the loosened strings of her hair roused her out of her dream. Carl’s nose flared when Mariana licked and smoothed her lips together. His hand trembled as she grasped for it, caressing her left temple and hair line. When her petite fingers returned the favor of a gentle touch over his arm, he moaned.

That feels good. How long have I been asleep?

Two hours. Carl answered and sat the file back on the end table.

I am sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you.

No apologies are necessary. You needed the rest. It made me feel good inside to be wanted. How do you feel now?

Better. Mariana sat up, folded the blanket, and slung it over the couch. What were you doing all the time I was asleep?

Sorting through the confidential file. He answered and then handed her the rest of the ginger concoction to drink. A half hour later, the two stood up from the couch to stretch their stiffened arms and legs.

Would you like something to eat? he asked.

She shook her head and spoke. I am not hungry, but thanks for the offer. Are you going to eat?

He grinned. No, but do you know a cure for heartache?

She gave his chest a gentle press with the point of her index finger. Heartache? Are you sure it is not heartburn instead? Maybe something you ate? she joked.

Carl stretched his arms, yawned, then grinned at her humorous attempt and matched it with his own. You know, come to think of it, I think you are right. It might be heartburn after all, but my heart is not on fire from what I ate. It burns because of you.

You look like you need to sleep. Mariana suggested with a smirk smeared across her lips and a lifted brow.

He took her by the hand and led her out of the living area into the foyer and up the steps to the second level of the house.

***

In her mind, it was uncharted territory she dare not think about. She halted him mid-stride a step past the landing. Why are you bringing me up here?

Carl turned toward her. For a massage. You need it.

Mariana blushed and thought to herself, A massage up here? What is wrong with my bedroom? He is in a good mood and lets me fall asleep on him without complaint. Maybe I am over thinking this. She hesitated for a second. Do you really think this is a good idea to bring me up here for a massage?

Yes, I do. I also have a larger bed than you do.

He pulled her into his room with a gentle yank. Mariana heard the door click shut behind her and stood in the middle of the room, unsure how to act or what she should do. She had never been in a man’s bedroom and learned in her youth that an unmarried woman had no place in it. The echo of a click and thud in the quietness that surrounded her caused her to turn in its direction. What’s that? she asked, suddenly on high alert.

I just set down my badge and gun on the nightstand.

One more click caught Mariana’s attention; her eyes ran to the lamp by his bed. The words, ‘Mariana, get a hold of yourself’ floated around inside her head. Her eyes tracked Carl around the room when his five feet eleven-inch frame sat on the side of the bed. She eyed him in the deafening silence. When did he loosen his tie? Mariana was now frozen in place, the ginger ale bottle tucked under one arm and a blank expression in her eyes.

Is something the matter? Why are you standing in the middle of the room?

Mariana swallowed. I don’t know if I feel comfortable in here alone with you.

Why? He asked as he took the bottle from her and set it on his nightstand to toss out later.

Mariana crossed her arms and looked down toward the carpet to avoid eye contact, then she looked up toward the ceiling, then straight ahead. I’ve never been alone with a man like this. I grew up in a strict home with my aunt. She used to lecture me about how I could dress and who I could socialize with, and it was a lesson I’ll never forget.

Oh, I see. So, did you think I was bringing you up here to give you the massage like I promised or get you into bed?

She swallowed and said, I hoped you would give me a massage. I am nervous and it is still difficult for me to trust.

Mariana held her ground as Carl stood from his side of the bed, hands in his pockets as he strolled a few steps toward her. Her lungs burned, forcing her to let the breath she was holding out with a whoosh.

I know you’ve had a tough time. I want you to know that I understand, and I would do nothing to hurt you. My job is to protect you, and I am in love with you.

She hesitated and said, I am in love with you, too. I don’t know how to show it yet. I don’t know what a loving touch should be, but I will give the massage a try if you promise to be gentle.

I promise if you put enough trust in me like you did when you fell asleep on me, I will show you a tender touch. I just need you to relax and clear your mind and I will do the rest. He whispered in her ear.

A gentle pressure to her shoulders, the base of her neck, and a firm squeeze to her shoulder blades accompanied his calming words. Sparks flickered inside Mariana, her eyes closed under the motion of his hand and finger movements. She wondered how a man like him could touch her this way if he intended to inflict harm on her. With every stroke of motion, it zeroed out any doubt in those moments. She then asked, Will you hug me?

Hug you? Sure, I will hug you, he answered.

Mariana felt Carl envelop his arms around her from behind. She didn’t want him to know right then how secure she felt. She wrapped her own arms over his and savored the sensation of security. He twisted her around to face him, then he cradled her face in the palms of his hands. When he leaned closer to her and swept across her lips, the heartburn, rather than the ache he claimed he needed a cure of his own for, turned into a burst of fire inside him. Mariana’s insides tightened when she gripped her fingers around his wrists.

This isn’t what I had in mind. She protested.

I can’t help what I feel. Please don’t push me away. He begged.

Mariana pulled away from his grip and faced toward his bedroom door as if she might flee. Her hands covered her face. I want to be worthy of your love, but I don’t know if I am ready.

Carl crossed his arms over his chest. When will you be ready?

I don’t know. Maybe I will never be ready. I want so much to fall in love. You’ve saved my life.

Then save mine. Rescue me and be my girl. I can’t make you do anything you don’t want to do, but if you want to fall in love, trust and be trusting. Carl turned her around once more to face him. I am not Dean Newberry, your sleazy ex-boss. I am Carl Navarro, and I am not just a police officer, but I am also a male attracted to you, and you can’t see it. For your information, Ms. Richland, there is nothing you need to do to make yourself worthy of my love. You are worthy of it because I value you just the way you are.

Mariana’s eyes glistened with tears as she pressed her hands to his shirt and flicked the buttons, Why me? she sniffled as he listed and kissed the palms of her hands.

Because you are special to me. Carl nuzzled one cheek and then the other into each hand.

Her hands and arms gave off a slight tremble as he pulled her to him and engaged her in a passionate embrace. The heat of his lips warmed hers and distracted her from more doubts about her physical flaws.

She thought, he says he loves me for me, but what about my stretch marks, scars, and my large butt, sagging breasts and not to forget my untoned tummy pouch? Stricken with shame for her thoughts of what it would be like for him to see her in the nude, she turned her back to him as if she didn’t want him to see the real her at all.

Mariana stepped backward as Carl held her in his arms until the back of her legs touched the edge of the bed and gave way as she fell backward, his arms tightly gripped around her. She gave a shriek and then gave a giggle. What are you doing, Mr. Officer? She patted his chest.

What do you think I am doing? You are lovely. Give this a chance and you will see for yourself. I care for you.

Mariana pecked the lieutenant on the cheek and nuzzled his chest. I will try if you also promise to be patient.

Chapter Two

Mariana and Carl rolled around on the bed, the sensual tension building between the two of them. Was he correct in that she needed to trust him? She couldn’t take back the fact she fell for him, nor did she deny it to herself. Somehow, it was written in her heart and in her eyes. The way he stared at her, his touch and aroma of his cologne, enticed a high curiosity in her. Her buttons snagged against his exposed chest hairs, opening one button, then another. Mariana didn’t want to stop kissing him or cause him pain.

Her flesh burned warmly. I know in my heart this is wrong to feel this way so soon, but what is my problem? This feels good. Wait, why am I making excuses? His kisses are tender, and he cares about me. Why would he go through the trouble of a massage and now this, if he only wanted to harm me?

Carl’s eyes widened when he saw Mariana open her shirt and tried to stop her at the third button. Whoa, what are you doing?

Mariana blew out a breath. What do you mean, ‘what am I doing?’ I thought I’d remove my blouse, so the buttons won’t rip or scratch you.

I doubt those round plastic objects could do any actual harm to me. Are you sure you are not doing this because you want to impress me? he asked.

No, I am not doing this to impress you. I don’t think I should do this. I just wanted to make things simple.

You really don’t have to remove your shirt. I can give you a massage with it on.

Mariana gave a slight smile. I am sure you can, but I want to do this. No, I can do this. I trust you. Mariana slowly opened the last button as Carl arranged the pillows on his bed. With a catch in her voice, she whispered, Carl, I trust you.

Alright, if that is the way you want it, then it’s okay with me. Lay down in the center.

She did as he instructed her when he positioned her folded arms above her head as a place to rest them. Mariana’s chest pushed out with every breath. She exhaled in anticipation of what might happen as Carl sat behind her, rolled up his shirt sleeves, and pulled the tie from around his neck. She sensed Carl straddle her waist and asked, what is going on back there?

Take it easy. It is the only way I can do it and I am only giving you the massage. I promise it will be fine. Now, please relax.

She raised an eyebrow at a thought and murmured, What if I wanted something else?

Surprised, Mariana realized Carl’s ability to hear faint sounds when he whispered to her.

Do you want something else? he asked.

Mariana closed her eyes and tilted her head to the side. She sensed a firm press on her lower back with a gentle but firm motion as he ran each hand up toward the middle of her spine; his hands scraped against her bra strap. The hook sewn on the underside pinched the more times he ran over her back.

Should I remove my bra?

You can, unless you give me permission to do it for you.

Mariana warned, I won’t have much on but my underpants. Does this bother you to have a half-naked woman stretched out on your bed?

No, but are you self-conscious about being half-naked in front of a man like me?

Maybe. Shy is more like it.

You shouldn’t feel shy around me. I adore you and your body no matter how much of it you show me. Feel confident in your skin and who you are, Mariana.

When Carl hopped from the bed to grab a sheet out of his closet and fashioned it in front of her. She sat up and unfastened her bra and removed her pants. She concealed her breasts with one arm over them while handing over both pieces of clothing. Mariana returned to her relaxed position on the bed.

She felt the glide of loose material float over the lower half of her body to rest over her bottom and legs. His body created a tunnel over her again, the thick masculine fingers motion to the middle of her spine. Mariana thought, Oh, lieutenant, your hands are like magic. Carl’s low hum met Mariana’s ears as she gave out a matching one when he massaged her shoulders by the base of her neck. Uh, this feels so good. She mumbled.

A muscle in one of her calves tightened when Mariana gasped, Ouch, I have a cramp.

Carl calmed her. Stay still. Where is it?

My right calf. She uttered and sucked in a breath. Mariana felt the weight of the bed shift as if he bent over her to rub out the knot in her calf. She screeched in pain. Do something! she begged.

Relax, the spasm in your leg will subside in a second.

Oh, it feels like it is getting worse. She whined.

Do the best you can to relax. I have a quick solution. Come to think of it, I have a cream that might help.

Mariana continued to groan and gripped the bed sheets in a mode of impatience as she spotted Carl walking to the medicine cabinet and pull a short tube from the bottom glass shelf. Her eyes drawn to the tube when he flipped it open and applied the creamy cooling agent. Ah, that is cold! Mariana shouted as he rubbed the remedy into her skin.

It is supposed to be cold. Give it a minute as your body reacts to it.

She wiggled her right toe and then straightened her leg without resistance five minutes later and she exhaled in relief. Oh, that feels much better. Mariana observed Carl draw his attention back to her legs, then her ankles with his back to her.

Hmm... when are you going to massage my back again? Mariana hummed in delight.

I would love to rub your back again, but I found another knot in your leg. I need to release the tension in it first.

Mariana felt him move his fingers over the area of her leg many times and noticed the change in his touch to the back of her upper thighs and knees. I could get used to this. She commented and then smiled.

You deserve it.

Mariana turned her body to the side and tugged a piece of the sheet over her bare breasts as she set her left cheek in her palm. Her right hand rested on the comforter and her arm was slung over her front.

Why did you move? I wasn’t finished. He questioned.

The massage was perfect. I didn’t want to fall asleep on you.

So? he questioned again.

So, wouldn’t it be strange for me to be fast asleep in your bed with only underpants and a sheet slipped over me? She challenged and swung her feet to the floor before she scooted her bottom forward closer to the lieutenant. I appreciate the special attention, but I also think you are the one who needs the massage. She said and blinked at him like a schoolgirl.

Mariana channeled a bashful yet playful side to herself as she reached the open top of Carl’s shirt and batted her eyelashes at him. She gripped the ends with her fingers and pulled him closer to her. What do you say, Mr. Officer, I give you one in return? She didn’t wait for the masculine hunk to answer when she unfastened the rest of the buttons to his waist. More peeks of his chest hair popped out. Mariana combed her fingertips through the tiny, curled hairs.

She saw him raise his brow at her actions without a word before he reached for both of her hands and kissed the palms. Her confidence grew with his acceptance of her taking charge before he closed his eyes and gave into his senses. She smirked as his blood and skin burned hotter when her hands glided down and back up his chest. Mariana rubbed her thumbs over his pecks causing the fleshy nubs to harden quickly under her gentle touch. Her fingernails scraped against his skin; goosebumps erupted under her fingers. Mariana propped herself on her knees and whispered, I want to rescue you after all and to feel a real man’s touch with your hands and lips on my skin. Mark me with your love. I will be devoted to you forever and will do whatever you say. Never let me go.

Mariana eyed Carl with interest as he plucked the piece of cloth from his pants and let the shirt fall loose around him. She scooted toward the head of the bed. The view of his upper body through her eyes caused her to smile. The bed dipped as his knees landed and he inched his way to her. Suddenly, the covers were yanked from under Mariana. Callused fingers ran over her full lips before his words registered.

You are a naughty girl. You were only supposed to get a massage. He teased.

She bit her lip. Hmm, the massage was wonderful, but I want to explore more.

He rubbed his lips against hers and said, I am all for more, but let’s go slow.

Mariana gazed into his eyes in between kisses, caressed his arms with her hands, and groaned, I will try but I can’t make a promise. I want to give you more of myself. She confessed. Mariana flipped open the sheet, an explicit invitation for Carl to take a gander at