Boudoir Secrets

Chapter 77

Sharline slowly, painfully dragged herself out of the bath and walked to her bedroom. Her window was wide open and she was unsure if she had opened it or not. Figuring that she had, she shut it and moved to her dresser to pull out a night gown. As she was tugging it over her head gently, she felt the warmth of a presence in the room with her. Does she pull it down over her face quickly so she can see her visitor or does she wait expectantly? If they were going to kill her they would either way and sometimes, ignorance is bliss. She froze and chose to not move. The person ran a finger down her exposed belly and stepped even closer.

"You really need to learn to be more careful Sharline," said a familiar voice.

She yanked the fabric so quickly that she tore the flimsy material as she struggled to put it on.

"Frank!"

It was an old flame. He was the father of her best friend. They became intimate and when she wanted him to leave his wife for her and tell everyone of her undying love for him, he broke it off and moved away. His daughter remained in a haunted house not far from her. They hadn't spoken in years. Sharline was afraid to tell her friend for fear of judgement. Noone had the right to judge their love!

"When did you return?"

"A few weeks ago. I had some business to attend to. Shall we celebrate?"

Sharline edged hesitantly away from him. She had been hurt once and didn't want to be hurt again.

Frank noticed the bruising and the way she walked awkwardly about her apartment.

"Who did this?" he demanded, grabbing her roughly by the arm.

She lowered her lashes and said nothing. All the men in her life were intent on hurting her.

"I'm divorced, by the way. I came back for you and to tie up some loose ends. When you are ready you'll tell me who did this and I'll fix them good."

Sharline smiled in spite of herself.

"Did you enter through the window?"

"I thought of the good old days and thought, why not!?"

He walked to the bed and pulled her down into his lap. What was it about older men that she found so appealing? He gently ran his fingertips over her body and she shivered. Oh, how she had missed Frank!

"I won't let anyone hurt you anymore. You are mine. You always have been."

Sharline sighed and lent in to kiss him but he pulled away.

"Have you seen my daughter?"

She shook her head, "I haven't been in touch with her since you and I started our affair."

"Good," he gruffed, then finally kissed her hello.