Dirty Secrets {A Crash & Burn Novella}

Chapter 11

Stella

My happiness didn’t last long. Before I knew it, Paul was due to return any moment. Kalina was true to her word. She kept our secret. For all Trevor knew, I had dinner with an old friend. That wasn’t a lie. I did have dinner, but left out the part of who it was. Last night was the best night of my life. Max held onto me for dear life. And me? I clung to him and never wanted to let go. Just for the night, we relished the moment and left reality.

But… it didn’t last forever.
Reality really does bite.

I fixed the towels on the kitchen counter the way Paul liked. I shuddered at the last time it was out of place. Paul was so angry that night. That was the night I thought I was gonna lose Aubree. he turned me around and shoved me against the kitchen counter. The pain was unbearable. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, it did. I had to shove the pain away and force a smile as Trevor stood in the doorway with tears streaming down his rosy cheeks. I assured him that his father was just playing.

“Mama, I’m hungry.” Trevor whined, tugging on my shirt.

“Just wait a little longer. We have to wait for Daddy.”

“But, I’m hungry now.” I swear I heard him growl in frustration.

Wait… what?
I know that growl.

I knelt down and really looked at him. His eyes. The hair. I covered my mouth and fought the tears from spilling. He had his eyes. His face. Oh God, was it possible that Trevor was never Paul’s son. Was it possible my son was a Spelling by blood? 

What would Max say if he knew?
The better question is…
What would Paul do to me if he knew his enemy got me pregnant before he could?

I could see it now.
The scandal.
Paul would stop at nothing to ruin Max and punish me for making him the laughing stock of Sage, Oklahoma.

“What’s wrong, mama?”

“Nothing, sweetheart. Let’s go check on your sister.”

I would eventually tell Max and Trevor the truth, but not now. I just hope they didn’t hate me too much in the end. I had to keep this to myself to protect everyone. I was doing this for them. Not for me. If Paul knew, he’d destroy everyone in the process. Even if it meant hurting those who were innocent.
Trevor.
Aubree.
Max’s boys.

Anything to make Max suffer.
That’s how he’s always been with Max.

I lead Trevor into Aubree’s room and smiled. I picked up Trevor and kissed his head.  Aubree was still sleeping. I wished I could shield her from the truth. Trevor has already witnessed the brutality of his father. Of course, not Trevor’s real father. I reached down and covered her up more and whispered. “Sweet dreams, princess.”

“Aren’t you gonna wake her?” Trevor asked.

“No, sister needs her rest.”

I carried Trevor back to the kitchen and froze when I heard the door open. I closed my eyes and silently said a prayer to God. I heard Paul throw his keys down on the counter and let out a long sigh. “Miss me, darling wife?”

“Yes, I’ve missed you so much.” I lied.

I opened my eyes to be met with his cold and emotionless ones. He shrugged out of his jacket and placed it onto the back of his chair. I leaned down and kissed the top of Trevor’s head. I made my way to the stove and peeled the foil from the pan. A roast with garlic roasted vegetables. I picked up two potholders and carried it to the table, placing it at the center.

“Aren’t you forgetting something, dear?”

“I…” I couldn’t breath. “Please, don’t. Not in front of Trevor.”

“You forgot welcome me home properly, Stella. Since, you cooked this beautiful dinner, I’ll let that one slide.” Paul tapped his lips. “I’ll settle for a welcome home kiss though.”

I moved slowly towards him and leaned to peck his lips only to have him hold me firmly by the hips. An excruciating pain caused a small whimper to escape my lips. Paul dug his nails into me and deepened the kiss. I had no choice but to submit. I hated that he had to do this in front of Trevor. He pulled away but kept his hands on me. I glanced behind him to see little Trevor quietly stepping behind Paul.

“Stop hurting mommy.” There was a tone I’d never heard in Trevor before.  The tone was calm and low, but there was also a threat in those three little words.

“Boy, I suggest you put the knife down if you know what’s good for you.”

“Baby, put it down. Mama’s okay.” I coaxed him.

I heard the knife clamor when it hit the tile. Paul narrowed his eyes and released his grip on me. I froze not knowing what to expect from Paul. This had never happened. He could hurt me all he wanted, but I won’t let him touch Trevor. I’d do anything to protect me.

“Please, don’t hurt him. He’s just a child.”

“Fine, but don’t think for a second I won’t punish you for this later. After all, it was you that put my boy up to it.”

“I-I… I would never.” I shook my head. “I wouldn’t do that. I love you, Paul.”

The next thing I know is Paul is on Trevor within seconds. “Go to your room. Your mother and I need to talk.”

“Paul, no… he has to eat dinner.”

“Fine.” Paul hissed, grabbing a bowl from the table and putting enough for Trevor. He turned to Trevor and thrust it into his hands. “Now, go to your room. Mommy and Daddy need to talk grownup stuff.”

Thankfully, Trevor listened to him. I’d hate to see what would happen if he rebelled against him. When Paul was sure Trevor was in his room, he pulled me to his chest with one arm and stroked my cheek roughly. “You know, I was actually gonna take it easy on you tonight, but you had to fuck that up, didn’t you?”

“Paul…” I whispered. “I didn’t…”

He pulled his hand away but only for a second. He shoved me, causing me to stumble. The next thing I see is the back of his hand striking my cheek. I staggered and reached for the table to break my fall. It was too late. I fell hard on my side and cried out in pain. I covered my mouth to muffle my cries so Trevor wouldn’t hear me.

“Get up, Stella.” He growled, rolling his sleeves up and sat in the chair in front of me. “I think I’ve been far too lenient on you. It’s time your husband teaches you a real lesson.”

“P-please, don’t do this. I’m begging you.”

“Hmm, I love hearing you beg, sugar. That is what he calls you, right? Come sit on my lap and give your husband some sugar. Then after, I want you to go to the bedroom and wait for me.”

How could he know that’s what Max calls me?

“Don’t fucking call me that!”

“I’ve changed my mind. Get on your knees and open your mouth. It seems I need to wash the filth out of it.”

The more I stayed with Paul, the more I hated the man. I wanted to kill him. In fact, I wished Trevor had stabbed the bastard in the back. Repeatedly. Until he was dead. I hated the fact my son was able to do what I couldn’t. I’m not surprised Trevor did what he did. After all, he is Max’s son.

“I’m going to give you a choice. Either get down on your knees and open your mouth, or go to the bedroom and wait for me. Strip and lie face down on the bed. Thighs spread, ass up.”

I think you already know what I chose.
Yep.
I would rather get a beating from him than put that nasty thing in my mouth.
At least, I hoped it would be a belting.
I’d rather have that than have him fuck me.

I didn’t belong to Paul.
There’s only one who owned me and his initials were M.S.
Even if Paul wasn’t a monster, my heart would never belong to Paul.
It was Max’s long ago.
The universes could try to split me and my dark knight apart all they wanted.
But there’s one thing they couldn’t take away from us.
Our love for each other.