Page 15 of Hooves & HeartStrings

Fuck it, if this is the last chance I have at telling him how I feel, then I’m going to do it. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn’t tell him everything. This way, the ball is now in his court. “You may have started off as a summer fling. I mean, come on, the dark and silent dude sitting at my bar resisting what I think is irresistible charm? Then you kissed me and I was done for. Nothing else mattered. I just wanted to know more about you. Taste your lips one more time. These last few weeks have been nothing short of incredible. So incredible, I found myself hoping you didn’t leave at the end of summer. That this could be something real. Fuck, Luci. Do you know what I’m trying to say? I love you. I am wholly, uncontrollably in love with you, Monster or not. Please, call me back. I know we can get past this, and I swear, I’ll never tone down what you are to me or let anyone dim your light, Lucius.” A sob leaves my throat and I quickly hang up and throw my phone on the bed next to me.

I need to meet with my friends and set them straight. I will never stay silent or belittle my feelings to satisfy others again. The consequences are too great and this hurts like hell. I pull the blanket over me, rolling over to grab my phone once more and pulling up a picture of me and Luci down on the beach at his uncle’s house.

We had taken an evening swim and afterward sat in a lounge chair together as he ran his fingers through my hair. I turned, straddling his lap, and caressed his ears, knowing what it did to him. His huge cock hardened instantly under me, causing him to groan. “I want you, Luci. I want you to own me, mark me as yours,” I whispered.

He shook his head. “You know I won’t. Not yet, at least. I don’t want to hurt you, baby, and your tiny body would rip in half if I fucked you. However, I can do other things,” he teased.

Before I knew what was happening, he had me pinned beneath him as he pulled my swim bottoms off me, tossing them in the sand beside the chair. He sucked my clit into his mouth and a noise that sounded almost like a whinny came from him. I bit my bottom lip, staring at him. I love what my body, what I do to him. He licked, sucked, and nibbled at my pussy like it was the best meal on earth and my pussy clenched around nothing, forcing me to whimper. He slid three thick fingers into me, fucking me roughly as he continued to feast on my cunt. I came on a scream, riding his face, back bowed off the lounge chair.

As I lay there, coming down from my high, trying to catch my breath and slow my racing heart, he climbed back over me and kissed me gently. “See, that was worth it. Soon, baby, I’ll make you feel so good with my monster cock buried inside you. I just don’t ever want to hurt you.”

Thrown out of my memory by a gut-wrenching sound. I look around to see what the noise is, only to realize it’s me. Sobbing as I stare at the picture I took of us together after he devoured me on the beach.

* * *

My head is pounding as I open my eyes and look up at the ceiling of my bedroom. I must have passed out from the exhaustion of crying. Grabbing my phone, I unlock it, praying there is something, anything, from Luci. My heart splinters again when there is nothing; no call, no text, just fucking silence.

Fine, he needs time, or maybe he’s just actually done with me. It’s not fine, but I can’t force his hand even if I want to. So instead, I force myself up and out of my bed. I can’t fix things with Luci, but I can set a few things straight for myself. Leaving my room, I step into the connected bathroom, reach in the shower, turn the water on, and undress. Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror; I cringe.

My hair looks like a horde of rats has taken up residence in it, huge dark bags sit heavy under my eyes, and my skin looks greasy as hell. Jesus, Marley, you’re a hot fucking mess. Minus the hot.

Stepping into the shower, I lean my head back, allowing the water to drown my sorrows. I grab my shampoo, lathering my hair until I look like the Michelin man. Rinsing it out quickly, I do the same with the conditioner, washing my body and shaving while it penetrates the rats’ nest on my head.

Finishing up, I step out and wrap a towel around me. I wipe my hand on the mirror so I can see myself, and while I still look like a miserable bitch, I look clean. Walking back into my room, I dress in a cami and short set, comb out my hair, and throw it up in two quick braids.

I go out to the living room, find my laptop, and sit on the couch, opening my email. No second thoughts or chickening out. I click the dean of students’ contact and type.

Hello, Dr. Palmer.

My name is Marley Davis, and I wanted to express my interest in being a liaison to the new students entering the college this coming semester as part of the hybrid program. I can give tours, mentor, or just help educate others on the acceptance of the program. Sorry, my response is late. I have been busy with work this summer and forgot to reply when you emailed asking about interest in such a position.

Sincerely, Marley.

I click send and let out the breath I was holding while typing. It may not fix my mistakes, but I won’t let another Monster feel how I made Luci feel. Knowing that’s the easier task I gave myself today, I groan and grab my phone. Finding the text thread I want, my fingers fly over the keyboard.

Me- Hey, ladies. I need to meet with you and clear the air.

Stacy- What did I miss? Scoopies at 2?

Me- I’ll be there. The rest of you better be too. This is important.

One by one, the other girls reply they’ll be there, but want to know what’s going on. I’m not saying shit until I see them in person, so they can’t back out before they hear what I have to say. Two is only thirty minutes away, so I better get my shit and get moving.

I grab my keys, phone, and cross-body fanny pack, and search for my shoes. Finding a pair of sandals, I slide my feet into them, not giving a shit if they match my outfit. Leaving the house, I lock my front door and make my way to my scooter. I slam my helmet on, straddle the seat, and turn the key in the ignition.

I take one last deep breath before I kick the kickstand up and accelerate onto the road. Ready or not, girls, here I come.

Stacy got to Scoopies before me, so we each grab two scoops of cookie dough in a cone and find a table that will fit all of us. Slowly, the other girls trickle in, order, and come sit with us. “So, what is so important? You’ve never called a meeting like this before.” Posey licks her strawberry cone as she looks at me.

“It’s about the other day at The Rusty Piranha. About what I said about Lucius,” I tell them, my voice firm and unwavering. I will not back down or let them know my stomach is in knots and my heart feels like it could sprout wings and fly from my chest at any moment.

“Okay, what about that freak?” Mindy smiles, throwing her hair over her shoulder.

“He’s not a freak and if you call him that again, our friendship is over. I might also be inclined to slap the rude off you.” I stare her down, my eye twitching slightly.

She puts her hands up in surrender. “Okay. Lord, Marley. You told us it was a summer fling, just some fun, and now you’re threatening one of your besties. What the hell?’

“That was a lie. Lucius was on his way and I didn’t want him to hear the mean things you were saying. I didn’t want to cause issues with you guys, so I said those things to get you to leave quickly. Instead, I hurt the guy I like. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’m in love with him,” I tell them, and I can feel the tears welling in my eyes again.

---