In over her head (closed-pm to join)

[zydrate]

Charlotte (Charlie) Kendall

Paulie's Diner, 74th & Welsh, NYC

2 Years. It had been 2 years since I had left him.

Left him. Left our marriage.

Well, technically, we were still married. At least on paper.

I knew Andrew didn't want to see me but I could tell when I had called him earlier in the week, he was surprised to hear from me. Although when I asked him to meet me, he didn't sound too thrilled because I'm sure he knew I only wanted one thing.

Money.

No, I wasn't going to blackmail Andrew out of money. I needed money because of a little gambling problem I had.

Yeah...I admit it. Usually I was able to dig myself out of the debts I acquired but not this time. I had been in too deep for this one. I needed $50k by the end of the week or else I was dead.

That's what happens to one who borrows from the Russian Mob.

Originally it had been $10k...but you know, interest and all...

He was about 20 minutes late. Even though he said he would meet me, I wasn't sure if he really would or not. Not after what I did to him...marrying him for his money and then leaving him shortly after...

I had no one else to turn to as much trouble as I was in, knowing it could cost me my life, I wanted to live.

 

[AntonTovaras]

I pulled into the parking lot and saw her in the window, sitting at a booth, as gorgeous as ever, even under the harsh glare of the diner's lights. I drove around the building and got back on the highway. Fool me twice, shame on me, and she had fooled me as bad as a guy can get fooled.

I knew she like the money when I married her, but I let her fool me into thinking she actually liked me. I believed what I wanted to believe. Even when she made it clear that no, she didn't actually have feelings, I thought she'd at least realize that faking it was buying her a better life than she'd ever be able to afford without me. But we were barely back from the honeymoon when she split.

She took a good chunk of cash, and between that and the shit she flat out stole, I figured she'd last about a year, living the way she was used to with me. It wasn't cheap.

You'd think I'd know better, but when I heard her voice, I got that same feeling. I wanted her. I'd always wanted her. It was the one thing I couldn't control. I never had any trouble resisting temptation, doing the smart thing. Except, I got hard just talking to her on the phone, and I'd been fantasizing about her all week long.

Two miles down the road, I tapped the brake and cut a u-turn, tires squealing. I put my foot down hard on the gas, and the car jumped. In two minutes I was parked and walking through the door.

I couldn't control myself with her. But maybe I didn't have to. Maybe I just had to control her.

"You're as beautiful as ever, Charlie," I said, sliding into the booth opposite her.

 

[zydrate]

I wasn't sure what cup of coffee I was on. Hell, it was the only thing I could afford at the moment after spending the last of my money on a small, dingy motel room across town.

Was he going to come? He said he would try. He would see if he could make it.

What if he was with someone already? What if he brought her?

That's when I heard the voice that sent chills through my body, even in between the sheets during our long sessions of lovemaking.

Looking up from my cup, I set it down with a hard clank as I watched him take a seat across from me. "Andrew." I tried to smile but failed. Sitting back down, I pushed the cup aside as my hands fumbled with each other. "I'm glad you came."

 

[AntonTovaras]

I looked at her, and I knew my answer was going to be yes. Whatever she asked for, she would get. Just like before. I sat before she could see the tent in my slacks. She didn't need to know that she still had that effect on me. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Control. I couldn't stop myself wanting her, needing her, but I could make sure that she didn't rip me off again. I could make sure she didn't hurt me again. This time, I would make absolutely sure she was mine.

"I haven't seen you around the house lately," I said, as if she hadn't vanished from my life without a trace for two years.. Of course, I had moved out of that house. Too many memories left a sour taste in my mouth. I rented it out now, to a nice couple with a kid. She didn't need to know where I lived, now. Before she could say anything else, I asked the only question that really mattered.

"How much trouble are you in?" She had to be in trouble. There was no other reason she'd be in a dump like this little diner that stank of old grease and had a film of grime over everything. Not my Charlie, with her expensive tastes. Not the girl who wouldn't settle for anything less than the best, as long as someone else was picking up the tab.

I knew she would hit me up for money, for some insane amount, and in return, she would let me use her body. Like a really expensive whore. I looked at her hand and sighed.

"You hocked the ring?" I said.

 

[zydrate]

"No, I haven't been to the house...I-"

I what? I've been around every now and then, following the underground gambling rings, trying to get money back. Correction, trying to get Andrew's money back. I had made a mistake when I took it. I want to say that I made a mistake when I married him but that wasn't true.

"..-no, I haven't."

Then he asked what we were both thinking. Trouble. Yeah, I was in trouble but he didn't need to know exactly how much. Hell, he didn't care...right?

OK Charlie...get it out. What's the worst that could happen?

"Fifty thousand." Was all I could say. I didn't even look at him as I said it. "I need it by tomorrow."

I didn't have to add the fact that I was dead if I didn't get it. "You know I wouldn't ask but..Andrew.."

Ignoring the ring question, I just shook my head, "..please?"

 

[AntonTovaras]

At least she had the decency to look away when she told me. Of course, she probably just knew it would play better that way. Fifty thousand was a fuck of a lot of money to put together in 24 hours.

"And you've used up all your favors already," I said, not quite asking. I knew her well enough to know that she calling me was the absolute last resort. I had a pretty good idea of the kind of people she owed it to. The only question, really, was how they would kill her.

"If you don't answer my questions, I walk. If you don't do exactly what I tell you, I'm gone. You can figure something else out." I let my voice get cold. She had to believe that I would let her die, otherwise every single step would be a struggle.

"Who do you owe? Where are you staying? Where's your fucking wedding ring?"

 

[zydrate]

Finally I looked at him. Really looked at him because of the that tone he used. I had never heard him speak in that tone before. I felt like a child who had gotten into trouble for breaking something.

Cringing at his use of the word 'favors', I could only nod, "Not that it matters, I've never slept with anyone after you." I said quickly and in a whisper.

There was no use in delaying things further, "His name is Noskov. I borrowed money from him several times." I had almost added I did it because he was so generous. But like some, I couldn't pay him back.

"For now, I have 2 nights paid for at Loreley Inn, across town." I didn't have to go into the Loreley...just saying the name and a native of the city knew exactly where the Loreley was at.

He wanted to know where the wedding ring was at. The vintage Tacori ring he had gotten me. It was my anchor for not letting my memories of our marriage go. Our memories of our time together. Hell, pawning the ring would solve the problem of the money I owed. At least pay for more than half of the debt I owed. But no, I would let it go. Deep down, although I didn't say it, I loved him.

Reaching into my purse, in the small hidden pocket in the side, I pulled out the ring and put it on the table. Slowly, I pushed it over toward him, "Here."

 

[AntonTovaras]

I almost laughed when she said she was staying at the Loreley. I mean, talk about your fall from grace. She had been living in a brownstone on the upper east side, with a cottage in the Hamptons and all the luxury a sane person could ask for when she was with me. Now she was staying at a place for cheap whores turning tricks.

But she had given me pause when she said she hadn't slept with anyone but me. It was so unbelievable, I was inclined to believe her. It just wasn't the sort of thing she would make up. She was a better liar than that. Or maybe I was giving her too much credit. Maybe my head had just been turned so badly when we first met that I never noticed the obvious.

I was just thinking that through when she took the ring out. I stared at it for a moment, trying to make myself believe it was a fake. But it wasn't. Was there something deeper going on than her hitting me up for money? Was she actually trying to reconcile with me? Unfortunately, she hadn't left me time to explore the possibilities. She wanted me to pay fifty grand to roll the dice and see what happens, and she was giving me one day to make up my mind. It was a perfect hook for a compulsive gambler.

Unfortunately for her, I wasn't. I couldn't afford to consider the possibility that we might get back together, because there was nothing she could do between now and when I needed to pony up 50k to prove it to me. So I'd simply have to stick with my plan, and wait and see what developed.

"Nothing," I said to the waitress, when she came to see if I was ready to order. I peeled a twenty off and dropped it on the table for the coffee, and then I stood up. I looked down at my wife, who had disappeared from my life for two years, only a few months after we were married.

"I must be out of my fucking mind," I muttered, and then gave her a bitter smile. "I'll get the money, but you're coming home with me. Move."

And then I walked towards the door.

 

[zydrate]

Home?

He was taking me home?!?

I could only sit there for a moment, dumbfounded as he had gotten up and headed for the door. He wasn't waiting for me to follow but he knew I would. I only had to collect my thoughts and literally pick my jaw up off the floor as I scooted out of the booth. I grabbed my purse and hurried to catch up with him, my heels clicking on the ground indicating my haste as I followed him.

His car was different. I remember he had a flashy car before I had left. Hell, he had gotten me a forrest green BMW but I had left that when...well, you know...

I noticed he hadn't even held the door open for me when we got to the car. But I didn't say anything as I got in with him. The drive was silent...what were we going to say? Make small talk? No. Hell, I was lucky enough to get him here and to agree to pay off my debt and I didn't want to jinx it by saying something stupid. So instead, I kept quiet and watched the road and people we had passed.

A few minutes more of silence when I finally realized something... "This isn't the way home Andrew.." I told him quietly as I looked over at him. "I mean..I just thought we were going home..."

 

[AntonTovaras]

We'd been driving for some time in silence. Part of me was glad that she wasn't trying to bury me under a ton of bullshit. More of me was feeling my anger and desire growing. I hated her, but I loved her. I wanted her more than anything, but I could hardly stand to look at her. It was all building and building and... and then she said "This isn't the way home...."

I stopped at a red light and turned to glare at her.

"Did you really think I would stay there, waiting for you to come back and rob me again?" I whispered, my voice deathly cold. The light turned green, and as the car rolled forward, I told her, simply. "I moved."

I had a place deep near the waterfront in the Bronx, an industrial zone that was nearly deserted at night. It was a crumbling warehouse, covered with graffiti on the outside, windows boarded up and barred. I was able to drive inside, closing the garage doors behind us with a push of a button. On the ground floor, it was like a set from a horror movie. A bare lightbulb filling the huge space with shadows. I liked it that way.

I shut off the car and got out, walking towards the ancient elevator, the kind with just a cage, where you could see the bowels of the building as you rose up. Usually, I used the stairs, but I wanted to make an impression.

"You have a number for Noskov?" I asked, when she caught up.

 

[zydrate]

What could I say to his remark about staying at the house? He was right. I didn't once blame him for being so bitter toward me...he was helping me after all so there wasn't any way I was going to piss him off any more than he already was...I couldn't risk it...not with my life in his hands now. Although I was surprised he did bring me back to his current place...as questionable as it was.

It just didn't suit the man I was still in love with. Perhaps I really did hurt him so bad...but the thing was, I didn't mean to. I did what I did because...hell, I don't know why. Probably because the temptation of gambling was just too great. There was no real way to explain the rush when I was able to win a big pile of money. It was like a drug...something that I couldn't fight but I did try. Those few precious months we spent together was both a struggle and the best time of my life.

I followed him when he shut the car off. His strides were long and full of purpose as I tried to keep up with him. He asked for Noskov's phone number when we got in the elevator. I distracted myself from the fact that you could everything as it rose to the designated floor. Pulling out my phone, I quickly scrolled through the numbers in my contact list before showing him, "Yeah, right here." I told him simply as the elevator stopped and he got out with me following him...

 

[AntonTovaras]

I took the phone from her and stepped off the elevator onto the top floor of the building. It was a large loft, mostly empty, but with a kitchen and living room set up by a wide bank of windows that looked out over the East River. On the far side of the enormous space were two doors, to the bathroom and the bedroom. I started walking towards them and pushed the button to dial Noskov.

"Hello," said a voice, in a thick accent.

"Is this Noskov?"

"Who is this?"

"I'm Charlie Kendall's husband," I said. "You know she's staying at the Loreley Inn, don't you?"

"I do now," he chuckled.

"Good," I said. "Be there at six PM tomorrow." I hung up, and slipped the phone in my pocket. Then I turned to my wife.

"Unfortunately, it'll take me a while to get the money together," I said. "We won't have time to catch up until after he's paid off." I smiled sadly. "I know I've changed a lot. Two years ago I'd have trusted you to stick around after I paid fifty grand to save your ass." I unlocked the bedroom door. It was a large, comfortable room, if minimally furnished.

"I'm going to need you to strip."

 

[zydrate]

It sent chills through my body as I heard Andrew say he was my husband. It had been way too long since it felt like that.

Boy, I was in this deep.

Not only had my husband lost trust in me, but I lost a great man too. Why the hell couldn't I have seen that in the beginning before taking his money?

He unlocked the bedroom and that made me stop in my tracks. Why would he lock it? Tentatively, I followed him but hesitated at the entrance as he spoke. Yeah, he was saving my ass alright.

Then he told me to strip.

Wait..what?

"What?" I said out loud as I froze in place. I had to have misheard him. "Look, Andrew, I can sleep on the couch. I won't go anywhere I promise..."

 

[AntonTovaras]

"I told you before, you do as I say, or you're on your own." I spoke with an icy calm that I didn't quite feel. I started walking back towards the elevator, and reached in my pocket. I pulled a hundred dollar bill out and held it up. "That should cover cab fare back to the Loreley, or wherever you might want to go." I stepped into the elevator and turned to look at her.

"How stupid do you really think I am?" I snapped, letting the anger flare. Two years of wondering where she was, if she was alright, if he could have done anything to make her stay. Two years trying to hide the fact that she tore his heart out and shredded it, because so many people had told him she was just a gold-digger. "You know I don't trust you, and you know why. So get your clothes off, or take your fucking chances on the street."

I'm glad this place is so remote, because somewhere in there, I started shouting. I'm in the girl's face, and I'm disgusted with myself. I can't control myself with her. She knows just how to push my buttons, and there's a part of me that wants to just give her the money, and maybe she'll stay this time. Except I know better.

"You didn't call me until the last possible second, because you didn't want to see me," I say, my voice cool again, emotion drained. I can't control myself, but I can control her. "I don't know what I did to make you leave, but I know you're not back because you had a change of heart. You want money. It's business. This time, I'm going to make sure you don't walk away until I've gotten my end. It'll take me a while to get fifty grand in cash. Your promises don't mean shit, so I'm going to protect my investment while I get the money together. If you're not cool with that, deal's off. Hit the road."

 

[zydrate]

"No! Andrew, please.." I begged as I tried to keep my voice in check. "Baby, I didn't call you because I didn't want to get you involved! I had no choice!" I stopped, realizing how pathetic I must be sounding. But right now, I didn't care anymore.

Lowering my voice, I stood in front of him and looked up, "Andrew, I'm sorry, OK? I know I can't apologize enough or do anything to make you understand that I am grateful for what you're doing now. I-I-..."

Taking a step back, I shrugged off my jacket and just let it fall to the floor without saying another word. There was no other sounds. Just the hard breathing from Andrew as his anger was still present, the tension in the room was thick. I drew energy from it all as I untied the strap on my green wrap dress, which soon followed the jacket...then the slip, my bra...my panties...I stood there in just my 3-inch heels which I stepped out of.

Then, I waited.

 

[AntonTovaras]

"Of course you're grateful," I said. "You were always grateful. Didn't stop you from disappearing without warning."

I had meant to turn away as she undressed. I started to, but I was still glaring at her when she shrugged out of her jacket, and then I forgot. Even without trying to be, she's an incredibly sensual woman, and watching her undress nearly always made me forget everything except her. I felt my mouth getting dry as she undid her dress, and when she slid her panties down, I heard a soft groan. I shook my head and stared at her naked body. I wanted her. I needed her. Hell, for two years I'd been tormenting myself thinking about her.

"Come on, then," I said, my voice barely a whisper. I took her by the wrist and led her back to the room I had prepared for her. It was a prison, of sorts. She would be locked in, and she would have no way to reach out to anyone outside. On the other hand, the dresser and the closet were full of the clothes she had left behind, and there was a TV and shelves of books to keep her entertained.

I pushed her down on the bed and then I stood over her. I wanted her so badly, I could taste it. My body refused to turn away. Hell, I was already hard. I told myself I deserved it. Fifty thousand dollars ought to buy a man sex, with his wife, no less. I didn't want it like this, though. I didn't want to throw her down and force myself on her. Not when I had so much that I had to do.

"I'll be back when it's done," I said, looking at my watch. Then I looked at the room. "I'm sorry it has to be like this."

Then I was able to force myself to turn. I closed the door behind me and locked her in.

 

[zydrate]

I looked around quickly as Andrew finished up, "I'm sorry it has to be like this." He said and before I could comprehend what he meant, the door to the bedroom closed and as I heard it lock on the other side, I rushed toward it, banging on it!

"Andrew! No!" I shouted and hit the door again as I tried the knob, which wasn't opening...obviously.

There was no sound on the other side as I grunted in frustration, "Andrew..." Leaning against the door, I sighed and looked around the room. I saw the closet open and several of his suits hanging...his dress shoes lined up neatly on the floor of the closet. He was always a neat freak, where I was the messy one.

I opened the other side of the closet and gasped in surprise, seeing my things there...the things I had left behind. Dresses that Andrew had gotten me for the nights we went out and had fun.

How I wished those times could be repeated. But I knew I had ruined things a long time ago...damnit.

Reaching for a simple black top and a pair of leggings, I quickly put them on and continued to look around. There were a few books, some familiar and Andrew's favorites, some new.

Taking a few deep breaths, I took a seat on the bed before laying down on it. Why would Andrew lock me up? Why couldn't he take me along? The Russians, especially Noskov, were gruesome and didn't take it easy with their business... Damnit, why did I get involved with them in the first place?!

 

[AntonTovaras]

Andrew barely slept.

Once she was locked in, he picked up her clothes and hung them. He had only meant to make sure she didn't have a cell phone, so she couldn't call anyone to help her escape, but seeing her naked had been a nearly impossible temptation. It was 3AM before he had finished making arrangements, and his mind was racing. He was exhausted, but when finally he lay down on the couch to sleep, he couldn't close his eyes. He kept thinking of Charlie, locked in the other room. Charlie, naked. There had been moments, in those few months they were together, when he'd been so overwhelmed by his need for her that he'd just taken her. She'd never seemed to mind. She actually seemed to like it, but Andrew had always seen himself as a gentleman. It had troubled him, to lose control like that.

Now, those memories tortured him. He had loved her. She had ripped him off him and left him. He wondered if any of it was real. Everyone said she had been playing him from the beginning, but he couldn't help believing that somewhere in there, she had real feelings. She was smart, she could have gotten away with millions if she'd really been running a long con. Or maybe she just wasn't as smart as he thought she was. The only thing he knew for sure was that he'd never know for sure.

For two years, he'd been learning to live without her. He had become harder and colder than the man she'd known. He had become a man who could lock her up. He just hadn't become a man who could lock her up and get to sleep at night.

After dozing off for an hour or so, he finally gave up. He took a shower and made coffee. He spent the morning on his work, forcing himself to take care of business. Midafternoon, he went through Charlie's pockets and found the key to her room at the Loreley. He went to his bank, and collected fifty thousand dollars in cash. Five straps of hundred dollar bills. Small enough that he could carry it in his pockets, though he had brought a briefcase.

At five, he was watching the news in the cheap motel. The empty briefcase was prominently displayed on the table, and the cash was stashed. The room was hot and stuffy, and Andrew was sipping ice water to stay cool. At six, there was a knock on the door.

Noskov was younger than he had expected, and handsome in a rough way. He had tattoos all over his arms and neck, even some on his face, and probably more under his clothes. The two men that followed him in looked like they usually killed a man before breakfast, and Andrew felt his heart start pounding. Noskov grinned and picked up the briefcase. When he felt the weight, he glared at Andrew.

"What is this?"

"My briefcase," Andrew said. "Your money's not in it."

"You think you're funny?"

"Not funny." Andrew could hardly speak, but he wasn't going to give this thug a dime unless he knew he was getting what he paid for. "Fifty thousand and we're done. Charlie's free and clear, and so am I."

"That was the deal."

"Is it still the deal?"

Noskov smirked, and then nodded. "It is still the deal. Fifty thousand, your wife and you are free and clear."

Andrew stood up, his knees trembling. He gestured to the AC unit below the window. "It's all there."

Noskov said something in Russian, and one of his goons popped the casing off the unit. Five straps of hundred dollar bills were taped to the inside of the casing. Noskov nodded, apparently he approved of Andrew's choice. The goon counted the money twice.

It was seven thirty by the time Andrew got back to his warehouse, with a large pizza and a sixpack. He was still trembling so badly it took him three attempts to get his key in the lock to open Charlie's cell. He opened the door and stepped back.

"It's done," he said. "I have pizza and beer."