DAMAGED
PEOPLE (finale)
by
Pebbles
WARNING;
Contains Sexual situations
In the weeks that followed Luka and Alice
regained some sort of equilibrium. Luka forced himself to accept
that Alice needed to return to work and get on with her life. His
only proviso being that she take his car to work it was no
trouble for him to take the El to the hospital and he could relax
a bit knowing that she was not walking the streets.
Alice tried hard not to rail against
his almost paternal anxiety. She always phoned him at work when
she got home from her day and she tried not to comment on how
often he phoned her, especially when he was on nights. She was
always glad to talk to him to share with him details of
her day, plan what she was going to cook with him for dinner but
underneath it all she knew he was checking up on her. And that
still meant to her that he was treating her like a little sister
with no hope of him ever loving her the way she loved him.
The time they spent together was more
relaxed. They still went out a lot mostly to the movies as
they shared a passion for the cinema. But more often they would
enjoy cooking a meal together at home, sharing a bottle of wine
and channel surfing for old movies on TV. On these occasions they
would share the big couch, jostling for position as they both
liked to stretch out their long legs. This would more often than
not result in Alice lying back against Lukas chest her head
tucked into his shoulder and his arms gently wrapped around her.
Strangely, Luka found that he could cope
with this physical closeness. In fact he lived for it. If he
could not have Alices love then he could at least enjoy her
affection. There were times when the feel of her skin against his
drove him wild and he would have to concentrate hard on anything
but her to prevent himself becoming aroused. The worst time was
at night, wishing her goodnight and then lying alone
trying to get to sleep knowing she was just in the next room.
*****
Towards the end of August Luka was working a
late shift. He was due to finish at 11pm but the hours were
dragging by. He had started to get a headache around 4pm but had,
typically for him, not taken anything for it. He didnt like
to take drugs of any kind, which might seam a bit illogical in a
man who was endlessly writing prescriptions for other people. But
he has taken more than his share of painkillers in the past.
By 7pm, Luka was pretty wasted. The bright
lights in the ER were beginning to make him feel nauseous and he
retreated to the suture room where he turned off all the lights
bar a small angle-poise lamp. It was here that Kerry found him
when she came on duty for the night, slumped over a pile of
charts - his head in his hands.
Luka? Kerry approached him
cautiously Are you OK? He rubbed his temples in
circular movements with his long fingers. No, actually I
have an appalling headache. I cant seam to shake it off
His voice sounded very weary. Kerry took pity on him; after all
he had never taken a day off sick since shed known him.
Why dont you run the board with
me and then get off home? She smiled at herself. If Malucci
or any of the others could hear her now they would realise that
she wasnt such a bitter old shrew after all! Luka thanked
her and forced himself to get up and follow her out of the room.
Half an hour later Luka was riding the El
towards home. He wished that he had phoned Alice and asked her to
come and pick him up as he screwed up his eyes against the bright
fluorescent lighting on the train. Still the two-block walk in
the cooling evening air did him some good and he was feeling a
little better as he approached his apartment building.
Strange, Alice hadnt parked in the
usual place. Perhaps the car was round the back. Luka thought
nothing of it until he got to the door. He knocked and waited for
Alice to open the door. There was no answer; perhaps she was in
the shower. Luka began to realise he was looking for answers
without acknowledging the question that was gnawing at the
edges of his consciousness.
He unlocked the door calling out for Alice
as he walked through the apartment. It didnt take long to
establish that there was no one home. Immediately he picked up
the phone and dialled Alices cell phone. He heard a muffled
ringing from inside Alices room. Leaving the handset on the
counter he ran into her room quickly finding her phone forgotten
amongst a pile of bedding on the floor.
Next, Luka tried ringing The South Side
Centre but only got their answering service as they were closed
for the night. He hung up. There had to be a logical explanation.
He racked his brain trying to think if she had said anything to
him this morning. Nothing sprang to mind. She could have gone for
a drink after work with colleagues only she never had
before. She could have had a breakdown, an accident. All the
worst scenarios ran through his mind.
There had to be a simple explanation
he must not let his imagination run away with him. It wasnt
really very late it wasnt even dark yet. Luka
decided to take a shower, letting the water pummel his neck and
shoulders to ease the tension. Then changing into jeans and an
old black T-shirt he finally took some Tylenol. In about half an
hour the headache began to recede. But the knot in Lukas
stomach was growing.
He opened the fridge to see what there was
to eat but decided that he couldnt eat anything anyway. He
paced the apartment, unable to settle. It seamed so empty and
Luka realised that he hadnt spent an evening alone there
since Alice had moved in. She never went out without him and that
made this all the more worrying.
The minutes dragged by. By 10 oclock
Luka had phoned every emergency room in the city, finally talking
to Kerry at County.
Luka, theres probably a
reasonable explanation. You werent due to finish here until
11 so she wasnt expecting you to be at home. Maybe shes
gone out with friends you know a spur of the moment thing.
She almost convinced Luka and he promised her that he wouldnt
do anything rash. At least wait until after midnight before
calling the ER again.
Just as he hung up the phone from Kerry Luka
heard Alices key in the door.
Alice was just removing her key from the
lock when Luka grabbed hold of her and dragged her bodily into
the apartment. She could see at once that he was really angry
from the set of his mouth and his eyes, which were almost black
and glowering at her. He held her tightly by her upper arms,
almost lifting her off the floor.
Where the hell have you been! He
shouted, his voice thick with rage.
Alice was really frightened she had
never seen Luka act like this before. He was never more than
mildly irritated and then only with inanimate objects like cell
phones and the VCR.
But I didnt think youd be
home yet! As Alice blurted this out she realised that shed
said the wrong thing.
Why didnt you call me Ive
been sick with worry! His voice was even louder.
Alice flinched, expecting the inevitable.
Seeing her cowering, Luka suddenly realised what he was doing. He
had never before even raised his voice to a woman let alone hit
one. But here he was shouting at Alice his beloved Alice
whod been beaten black and blue and raped by her last
man-friend.
He suddenly let go of her. Alice staggered
back, still cringing as if Luka were about to strike. For a
moment Luka watched her, trying to get his anger under control,
his breaths coming in short ragged bursts.
Realising that he was not going to hit her
after all, Alice rallied to her own defence. Im sorry
I didnt call I forgot my phone this morning. I didnt
think youd be worried anyway because you wouldnt be
here. For Christs sake Luka, youre not my Father!
No Im not! Lukas
voice was still raised. No doubt the neighbours were getting
plenty of entertainment from this.
Youre not even my boyfriend!
Alice was getting angry and louder herself now.
That fact is painfully obvious to me!
Lukas voice dropped several decibels to a hoarse whisper,
the hurt he felt clearly showing.
Alice hesitated, staring at Lukas
face. He anger had gone and something else flashed in his eyes.
Before she could figure it out he turned away and strode into the
lounge.
Alices temper was still in full flight
and she ran after him, grabbing his arm to make him turn and face
her.
Dont turn your back on me!
Her face was flushed pink and her eyes shining. What do you
mean by Its painfully obvious? Alice
stared up into Lukas eyes trying to read his expression.
For a moment, Luka gazed down at her and
then he seized hold her chin and held it tightly in his hand.
Tilting her head back roughly he teased her lower lip down with
his thumb. Abruptly he bent and claimed her mouth with his own.
His kiss was hot and insistent. His tongue relentlessly probing
her mouth, penetrating every part of her. Then as suddenly as he
had begun, he pulled away.
Im sorry. He mumbled
hoarsely before pushing past her and out of the apartment.
Alice was left leaning against the couch for
support as her legs threatened to give way under her. Her head
was a tumult of emotions. She was scared. This was a different
Luka, a passionate Luka had this fire been burning under
the surface all the time? She was excited and aroused. She could
still feel the pressure of his lips on her own, taste him in her
mouth. This was what she had wanted wasnt it? For him to
desire her as a woman, to love her as she loved him? But he was
so intense, so angry she was frightened what he might do now, not
to her but to himself.
Alice rushed out of the apartment and was
relieved to find that Luka had not gone far. He was sat at the
top of the stairs, his long legs bent up and his arms resting on
his knees. His head hung down and Alice could see that his
shoulders were shaking.
Luka? She spoke softy. Walking
over to him she put her hand on his shoulder. Please come
back inside She implored. He didnt answer just shook
his head. Alice crouched down beside him and wrapped her arms
around him. Please, Luka. Come back in. Im sorry.
Please Luka, please Gradually Luka stopped his silent
sobbing. He lifted his head and turned to look at her. Alice
could see that his face was streaked with tears.
Neither spoke, but Luka at last got to his
feet and allowed Alice to lead him back into the apartment. Once
inside he slumped down on the couch and again buried his head in
his hands. Alice sat down next to him, unsure what to do next.
She snuggled up as close as she could and rested her head against
his shoulder. Presently she began to speak her voice soft but
clear. Im really sorry that I caused you so much
distress. It was a genuine mistake I would never have made
you worry on purpose. I know that you worry about me and I do
understand why after everything thats happened. Thats
why I forgive you for
..for shouting at me. She paused
after her little speech. But Luka showed no sign of having even
heard her.
Please Luka dont shut me out.
Talk to me. Forgive me! Alices voice cracked with
emotion. At last Luka responded, lifting his arm and pulling her
into his embrace. For a moment her just held her tight against
him.
Of course I forgive you, Alice. I just
cant forgive myself. Lukas voice held so much
pain it broke Alices heart. I dont know
.
He sighed, unable to continue. After a while he relaxed his grasp
on Alice and turned to look at her. Her eyes seamed even larger
than ever - like windows to her soul. God, how he loved her!
He gently pushed back the hair from Alices
face, then held it gently in both his hands. He studied her every
feature as if committing it to memory. I love you, Alice.
The words seamed to hang in the air, taking on a life of their
own. Alice opened her mouth to speak but Luka silenced her by
gently putting his fingers over her lips. Wait. He
smiled and continued
I think I fell in love with you the
day you first spoke to me. When you smiled it was like you lit a
fire in my soul. I began to live again and every moment I spent
in your company was precious. And then I nearly lost you. I dont
think you realise how close you came to dying just a few
more hours and
He could not bear to spell out
the process by which her body would have shut down from too much
loss of blood. I knew then that I couldnt live
without you. Even if you didnt love me I had to be near
you, to be part of your life.
Lukas expression then clouded and he
broke away his gaze from Alice. He looked down at his hands and
bit his lower lip What I did tonight was unforgivable. I
just hope you can understand that I was out of my mind with
worry. I..
It was Alices turn to silence him. She
slipped her hand in his, forcing him to look at her again. Did
you not see that I loved you too? She could see the
realisation dawn on his face. The light shone in his eyes again.
He shook his head. No, I
..I never thought you could
love a broken down old wreck like me! A half smile played
on his lips.
Oh yes, I do love you Luka Kovac! And
I will only forgive you on one condition
Whats that? Luka asked
with trepidation, but knowing that he would do anything she
asked.
Kiss me again!
Luka grinned, It will be my pleasure.
This time he was going to take his time. He
pulled Alice over onto his lap making sure she was
comfortable with her legs stretched out along the couch, her back
supported by his right arm. He began to stroke her hair, running
his fingers through the honey blonde tresses, which felt like
silk between them.
Entwining his fingers in her hair he gently
pulled her head back, exposing the whole length of her slender
neck. He started to kiss her softly at the base of her neck.
Leisurely he explored every contour of her collarbones, neck,
jawline and ears with his lips and tongue.
Each touch of his mouth sent shivers down
Alices spine. Her heart racing before he had even reached
her mouth.
Are you sure you want me to kiss you?
Luka asked her playfully, seeing the desire in Alices face.
Oh God, yes! Alice turned her
face towards him, offering him her slightly parted lips. For
another long moment Luka teased her further, tracing the outline
of her mouth with his fingers, slipping one finger inside her
lower lip and stroking the sensitive inside.
At last he closed his mouth over hers
the first touch so delicate that Alice was not sure if she was
imagining it. The pressure of his lips increased as his tongue
sought to penetrate her mouth. Alice willingly opened her mouth
savouring the taste of him and responded eagerly. They explored
every inch of each other: tenderly, searchingly, passionately,
and hungrily.
At last they broke apart to catch their
breath. Luka noticed that Alices pupils were widely dilated
and her face flushed pink. He wondered how far the blush
extended.
Do you forgive me now? Luka
asked, his voice almost serious.
Yes, yes, but dont stop!
Unbutton your blouse then! He
tried to sound masterful but his rising desire was playing tricks
with his voice. Alice rearranged her self to straddle his lap.
Luka felt his erection trying to burst through the thick material
of his jeans. He had waited so long for this!
Alice slowly unbuttoned her blouse, feeling
a little self conscious at showing herself to her lover. Smoothly
it slithered off her shoulders. Luka was staring at her intently,
his eyes almost black. He noticed that her blush extended down
her neck and across her chest. He licked his lips and slightly
nodded his head. Alice then slipped the straps of her bra down
her arms, coyly glancing at Lukas face from under her long
lashes. Then she took it off altogether, letting it fall to the
floor.
Luka drew in a sharp unsteady breath. Her
breasts were beautiful. Each perfectly fitted his hands. Full and
firm with nipples like pink rosebuds set against her soft white
skin.
He ran his hands all over her naked torso,
caressing her arms, her back and her shoulders. He cupped her
breasts in his hands revelling in the smoothness of her
skin. Leaning forward, he took first one nipple and then the
other in his mouth, sucking and gently nibbling them until they
hardened. His tongue lapped at each one eliciting low moans from
Alice.
The erotic sensations were making Alices
head swoon. Luka had to slip his arm around her waist to steady
her. She bent her head, her hair brushing against his upturned
face. She kissed his forehead, his eyelids, and his nose and then
found his mouth in another long and languorous kiss.
As she sat, straddling Lukas lap,
Alices skirt had ridden high up her thighs. Luka slipped
his hand up inside, stroking the inside of her leg. Then a little
further his fingers met her panties, wet from her arousal.
Pushing them aside he probed deeper, parting her moist and warm
lips.
Luka felt a slight tensing of Alices
body and she almost imperceptibly pulled away from his touch.
Sensitive to her every need, Luka withdrew his hand. He wondered
if she were apprehensive. He needed to take his time and be
responsive to her signals. He continued to return her kiss until
they both were gasping for breath.
As they broke apart, Luka deftly tipped
Alice off his lap onto the couch and then slid to his knees on
the floor. Fumbling a little with the zipper he undid her skirt
and then pulled both it and her panties down her legs, tossing
them behind him on the floor. Pausing only to admire the sight of
her completely naked body, he pulled his T-shirt off over his
head and then gathered her into his arms and hugged her tight.
Please tell me to stop if there is anything you dont
want me to do He whispered in her ear. Mmmmmm
was all Alice could reply wrapping her legs around his waist,
enjoying the sensation of her breasts crushed tight against his
hard chest.
Relaxing his embrace, Luka let Alice sink
back against the couch. Kneeling between her parted legs he bent
over and teased her nipples again with his tongue. Then he traced
a path ever lower, kissing and licking in turn her breasts, her
belly button, and the soft-top of her thighs. Finally, he parted
her legs still wider and delved between her lips quickly finding
her clitoris with his tongue.
Slowly and deliberately he licked and sucked
until Alices head was swimming. Faster and faster his
tongue worked its magic. She felt the heat building and
then sensations like electricity running up and down the insides
of her calves and thighs. Just as her vision was beginning to
blur Luka slowed the pace; his strokes unhurried and even lighter
sending Alice into spasms of delight.
Luka steadied her hips as Alice writhed in
ecstasy. Aaaaaaahh, Oh Luka! Aaaaah, Aaaaah She
screamed grasping his hair as her orgasm swept over her in wave
after wave. Finally her body relaxed, tears flowing freely down
her face. Luka pulled her into his arms seeing from the breadth
of her smile that her tears were of joy and not sorrow.
Oh, my darling. I love you so much.
He murmured into her hair. Alice hugged him so tight. I
love you too. At last she released her grip and finding
Lukas mouth began to kiss him passionately, her hands
roaming over his bare chest and back. She struggled to undo his
jeans fumbling with the button until Luka took over and slipped
out of the last of his clothes.
Alice pushed Luka back onto the couch and
climbed astride his lap. Feeling the hardness beneath her she
deftly lowered herself over his groin until she felt him slip
inside her. Pushing down she gasped as he filled her and then she
began to slowly ride him, swinging her hips back and forth with
increasing urgency.
Luka knew he could not last much longer.
Alice, Oh Alice! He held her hips and thrust
upward deeper into her again and again. And then he was gone, his
climax crashing over him like a tidal wave. She fell down on top
of him, showering his face with kisses and then lay in his arms
listening to his heart as it gradually slowed back to its
usual steady pace.
Sometime later, Luka carried Alice to the
bedroom. Slipping under the covers they lay together entwined in
each others arms and legs until they fell asleep.
-
- - - - - - - - - - - -
In the morning Alice woke a few moments
before Luka. Feeling his arms around her, his body pressed close
against hers she hardly dared to move for fear of waking him. His
breath was warm on the back of her neck, the hair on his legs
slightly tickling her buttocks. He stirred in his sleep, holding
her tighter with one hand clasped over her breast.
It was a wonderful awakening for Luka. A
beautiful woman in his arms - her body soft and yielding. He
drank in the feminine scent of her marvelling at the way their
bodies fitted together and the realisation that she loved him. He
kissed the nape of her neck.
I love you, Alice.
I love you too. Alice turned to
lie facing him. I never thanked you last night
What for? Lukas voice was
still thick with sleep.
For making me feel beautiful, for
loving me. Well, everything really. Alice
kissed him tenderly on the lips.
Luka kissed her back. The pleasure was
all mine. He smiled into her eyes. His smile broadening as
Alice ducked under the covers planting a trail of hasty kisses
down his chest and stomach, making a beeline for his groin. He
inhaled abruptly as Alice took him between her parted lips and
began to tease him with her tongue. Be gentle with me!
He pleaded with a chuckle.
Later still, they lay in the tub together,
Luka gently soaping Alices back. I never did tell you
where I was last night She ventured, feeling very relaxed
beneath Lukas touch.
It doesnt matter. Luka
murmured.
I went to see my therapist.
Alice told him anyway It was my last session and afterwards
we went out for a drink I wanted to thank her for all her
help. Luka cringed inwardly remembering how he had shouted
at Alice. I told her about you and how I felt about you,
but I was frightened that you would not want me. Alice
swivelled round to observe Lukas face. She said that
from the way I had described you she couldnt imagine that
you would turn me away.
Luka smiled She was right and Im
never going to let you go.
Well youre going to have to let
me get out of the bath soon else youre going to
shrivel up! She laughed rubbing a handful of foam on his
nose.
Luka trapped her in his arms. Only if
you make me a promise!
Alice pretended to struggle. Im
at your mercy
Alice, my darling will you promise to
make me the happiest man in the world? Lukas voice
was husky now, a little anxiety betrayed by his face. And
consent to be my wife
..?
Oh, Luka. Yes! She threw her
arms around him, soaking the bathroom floor. Oh, yes
please!
THE END