Taking her shoes off, Marlena stepped into her suite. It was late in the afternoon, and she was in great need of resting her head against any flat surface. Letting herself fall on the big bed, finally resting her head, her hair disheveled on the fabric beneath her, Marlena finally had a second to herself. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, turning her head to the right, she noticed the small vibrator was still on the nightstand. Smiling to herself, she remembered John words, his sexy tone when he commanded her and the amusement in his voice when he was finally able to make her cum, without so much as touching her.

A knock on the door surprised her; she sat on the bed, “yes?”,babbling.

“Room service.”

She was puzzled, not remembering she’d ordered anything, Marlena opened the door. A young, tall man glared at her from the other side, “ good evening Dr. Evans,” he spoke with a heavy but charming accent, “ a delivery for you. In the courtesy of Mr. John Black”, he handed her a big blue box, on top of it stood a smaller one. Oh, John… she thought to herself, taking both boxes in her arms.

After tipping the young man, she closed the door, placing the boxes on the bed.

Her face glowed when her long fingers opened the big blue box. A long white Kashmir dress nested inside, pulling it out, she noticed the thin spaghetti straps and the long slit, that would probably show more than her thigh as she would like. The fabric was smooth and shiny, admiring the garment, her eyes spotted a small card, she took it in her hands and read it out loud:” M, I remember you didn’t have the time to purchases anything special for Gala tonight. So I have. No woman can pull this dress off as you would. I hope you liked the shoes too. I love you, baby, hurry back home. J”

She squeezed the fine paper into her chest “ Oh John… I’m marrying the most wonderful man alive”.

 

Marlena woke up with a pounding headache and a queasy stomach. It’s dark, and she can’t see a thing. For a second, she couldn't remember what happened. Did she have too much to drink at a Gala? Then her mind cleared, and the events of last night came rushing in. She remembered the dance, the conversation at his room and then… blank. Oh dear God, what happened to me?  She was so terrified that she just laid there, shaking.

The darkness of the room closed in around her as she looked around frantically, desperately trying to find the light that would lead her away from this place. Beads of sweat ran down her face, her fear and anger mixing into one. She had no clue how she got there. One minute she was enjoying herself at the gala and the next she wakes up in a pitch black room.

 

She was lying on something comfortable. A bed with a good mattress, most likely. She was covered by a blanket, but couldn’t feel any clothes on her body, just the softness of cotton sheets against her skin. She touched herself and confirmed that She was right: She was completely naked. Her shaking intensified.

 

She used one hand to check between her legs. It was sore; nothing felt the same. Tears burned her eyes, but she wouldn't let them fall. Crying wouldn’t help her situation now. She needed to figure out what’s going on. Are they planning to kill her? Why was she naked? Why was she sore and naked?  She held back hysteria with effort. She didn't want to start screaming. That would attract their attention. Instead, she just laid there in the dark, every horrifying story she’d seen on the news running through her mind. She remembered John and his warm smile. She thought of Belle and flinched. And then she started to get angry. Why did they do this? Who are they, anyway?  The anger helped hold back the panic. She was able to think a little. She still couldn't see anything in the dark, but she could feel.

 

Moving quietly, she carefully started exploring her surroundings. First, she determined that she was indeed lying on a bed. A big bed, probably king-sized. There were pillows and a blanket, and the sheets were soft and pleasant to the touch. Likely expensive. For some reason, that scared her even more; it reminded her of Stefano. Crawling to the edge of the bed, she sat up, holding the blanket tightly around her. Her bare feet touched the floor. It’s smooth and cold to the touch, like hardwood. She wrapped the blanket around her and stood up, ready to do further exploration. At that moment, she heard the door opening. A soft light came in. Even though it’s not bright, she was blinded for a minute.

 

Marlena blinked a few times, and her eyes adjusted. And she saw him. He stood in the doorway like a dark angel. His hair curled a little around his face, softening his hard features. His eyes were trained on her face, and his lips were curved in a slight smile. She was utterly terrified. Her instincts had been right from the start.

 

A few hours ago…..

 

Making sure her suite door was closed, she looked down into her golden purse, making sure she has everything she needed. Suddenly, A loud yelling emerged from beyond Kit’s door. Holding her tracks, she waited, hoping he would open the door to go to the Gala and then she’d have a chance of asking him about it. Feeling nosy, she couldn’t stand there long, his voice was loud, and he was angry. Deciding to catch him at the party, she left for the main hall.

Gracefully, like a beautiful deer, Marlena walked into the main hall where the Gala took place, low, soothing music by a live band was playing in the background. Everyone and everything looked so elegant and perfect.

When she reached midway into the dancing floor, after spotting Laura at the bar, all Men just froze. She took every single breath away... The dress; white cashmere; sleeveless …the way it clung to her body. The plunging neckline that revealed just enough to make you want to see more but not enough to seem inappropriate. The slit in the middle that opened with each step she took, giving a hint of the promised land no man but the one she chose would ever reach. And last but not least the back of the dress which came midway down her back, and made every man wish he was the one who would help her step out it when the night was over.

With her hair up in a French twist, she resembled a Greek Goddess. She was stunning.

 

“You look beautiful!” Marlena smiled, looking at the red dress her friend wore, “why, thank you, sweetheart! But, wait a minute? What is that? I thought you said you didn’t get anything special for tonight” Laura crossed her arms over her abdomen.

“John..” she smiled with blissful eyes, “he sent it to me 2 hours ago..” a small sight of happiness escaped her red lips.

 

All of a sudden Marlena's view of Laura blocked. Standing before her was a good looking guy who looked somewhat familiar.

 

“Uh, excuse me Dr. Evans, but I was wondering if, you would like to dance?” he smiled.

 

Now she recognized him…he was one of her classmates. He’d been quite helpful to her back in the day. She racked her brain trying to remember his name…Ron…Jack…no, it was Matthew. She smiled and said, “Hi Matthew, sure, I'd like that. ”

 

He was radiating .she remembered his name, after all these years.  He was a nice guy, and she didn’t want to hurt his feelings.

 

By the time Kit made it to the Gala, he couldn't find Marlena. He hadn’t noticed her leaving, how could she passed him without him seeing her?…

It was killing him not to know where she was. He saw Laura sitting on the tall bar stool, talking to a blond man. He approached them, "Good evening Dr. Horton. Have you seen Marlena?" he tried to sound as casual as he could.

 

They finally made it to the dance floor.

“Nice seeing you,” she said. Her voice was soothing. “You look amazing, you always did” Matthew took one of his hands and placed it on her back and the other he held in his hand. he pulled her closer to him. “thank you.”

 

“she's dancing with a friend” Laura replied, taking her eyes back to look at the gorgeous hunk that stood in front of her.

 

Kit looked in the general area her attention was focused for a second. In his line of sight was Marlena dancing with some man. Why there was always someone who wanted a dance with her, Marlena. It never ceased to amaze him she was completely unaware of her sex appeal…which made her all the more desirable to the opposite sex.

 

He watched as they danced together. Rage was boiling in his blood.

 

After a few minutes, he couldn't stand still. His instinct was to take her to himself…he wanted her in his arms. He slowly walked over.

 

To anyone looking, Marlena seemed to be captivated by her dance partner. The truth was she was feeling a little uncomfortable. The live band began playing a very familiar and beautiful song that was very special to her and John ( Norah Jones - Unchained Melody )

"Matthew" she smiled, "I could use a glass of water. would you care to get me one please?" she was trying to get him away, feeling odd by dancing with another man to that romantic melody.

Matthew gladly agreed as he left her standing alone on the dancefloor, she took a deep breath and turned, only to almost fall right into Kit's hands.

 

He stood there for a moment staring at her…taking in all of her beauty with his eyes. She was so beautiful…so irresistible…he wanted her.

Marlena watched as Kit’s eyes roamed her…It made her uncomfortable. "Kit, good evening" she smiled at him, remembering his emotional state when she left her suite earlier this evening. but right now, she couldn't bear to be on the dancefloor, turning away from him, she felt his big hand, closing on her elbow.

"Marlena" he held her, "you look beautiful tonight. Would you care to dance with me?" not waiting for her answer, he pulled her to him. Intertwining their fingers, he placed them over his chest…it was the way she and John danced and she felt so wrong to be there, to dance with him that way. His other hand went to the small of her back…the place on her back that seemed to have been created just for his hand. Slowly they began to move to the music. His body craved her…he needed her close to him. He could feel her breasts pushing against his chest... They danced slowly…he enjoyed the feel of her body…knowing that he would find a way to be with her again…tonight.

Marlena didn’t know what to say, she didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, but truth be told, she was surprised by his actions, even more, the feeling of dancing with another man to this beautiful song felt so wrong. The live band played it different than what she was used too, it was darker, and their cover along with Kit’s doing formed goosebumps on her skin.

“I’m sorry” she let go of him abruptly, “I’m sorry, I have to go.”

Kit watched as she walked away from him. He followed the sway of her bottom and the curve of her hips. As he looked around, he noticed he wasn’t the only man watching her as she walked away. He was angry, but he knew he couldn’t say anything…

 

He followed her back to the bar, she leaned against it, asking for white wine.

“Marlena’ I’m sorry I didn't mean-”

“I want to talk to you” she cut him mid-sentence, needing to break the uneasy tension between them. She looked at him.

“Oh, You do?”, he was surprised

“Yes.I’m sorry I don't mean to pray, but when I left my suite, I overheard you yelling on the phone. Is there anything you want to talk about? Anything I could help you with?”

His expression changed, he turned his back to the bar, placing his elbows on the cold marble.

“I’m sorry” she spoke quickly, “I didn’t mean to upset you..”
“It’s ok Marlena, I just hate the fact that it’s still getting to me... she still has this irritating ability to crawl under my skin” he looked down on the floor. She’d never seen him that vulnerable before, he was always so together, so confident, she felt sorry for him.

“Are you talking about...a girlfriend?”

“My mother” he replied quickly

Biting her lower lips, she didn’t know what to say next. Mom issues were always a vast topic of conversation. But what he said next shook her to the core.