Struggle Read online

  He finally woke up in the evening. I prepared some dinner for him, then left for my dorm after he had fallen asleep again. But my heart was with him, taking care of him.

  ***

  Nathan

  Somebody was in kitchen when I woke up. It must be Eva. She came earlier than I expected. She had the key to my flat, which I gave her last night. I was rubbing my eyes when I walked into the kitchen.

  "Good morning, sweetheart!" She made my morning happy with her beautiful smile. "Coffee?"

  "Sure." I felt very happy because she was there and taking care of me.

  She made a cup of strong black coffee. “Thanks,” I said as she handed it to me.

  "You are welcome, Nathan. How are you feeling this morning?” She took my temperature. “You’re fever is gone, but I would feel better if you rested for one more day.”

  "I am perfect now. I can jump if you want me to show you."

  "Easy, stud. You are not jumping or doing anything else. You’re going to the couch to rest.” Her lips pursed, then a beautiful smile emerged. "And I am going to be here to take care of you." She pushed her hands into my messed up hair.

  "You are so sweet, Eva." Her actions were making me dizzy, but not from my concussion.

  She looked around and giggled sweetly. "So what would you like to watch on TV?"

  “Whatever you want to watch,” I said, smiling.

  “Maybe “Supernatural”, or sports?”

  “Both my favorite.” I extended my hand for the remote, but she slapped my elbow and took the remote from the couch.

  "Let me do these things, Nathan. You just rest."

  She was making this very hard on me. "Don’t do this, Eva. It will just make my life harder."

  She climbed on me and placed her legs around my thighs, but she didn't sit. "And you have made it harder for me, day by day." She lowered her mouth and bit my lower lip.

  It was impossible to resist. I pulled my neck up and tasted the attractive fruit hanging there for me. Shit, they taste so good…like a strawberry dipped in dark chocolate. My hand moved to the back of her neck to pull her forward. Her head tilted left to take my upper lip in her mouth. Her long neck was exposed and I couldn't resists myself. I left her lips and kissed her on the neck. She moaned in pleasure. I continued kissing it until I reached the neck of her dress, then moved back, making every kiss count and leaving a burning desire inside both of us. I kissed her shoulder, her neck, her lips.

  I pushed my tongue in to play with hers. She was playful enough to pull it back. When I finally found it again, she forced it inside my mouth. My right hand was on her back, pulling her closer to me. I could feel the heat from her body and her tits pressed against my chest.

  "Oh, Nathan, you drive me crazy. I just love you."

  I love you, Nathan, and I can't live without you. Please be mine. The voice of Samantha echoed in my head. I pushed Eva back.

  She was disappointed, her eyes became wet. "Why, Nathan? I can't keep doing this. Don't you like me? Don't you feel the tension when we are close? Didn't you do all those things for me? Why you are so caring and expect nothing from me? Why do you take me to the hill and then throw me down?” She started sobbing.

  I kissed her eyes, but she moved her head away from me, which hurt like a knife in my heart. I couldn't stand her crying when I’m the reason for it. "It's nothing like that, Eva. Listen to me."

  She didn't say a word and went to the kitchen. She made some food, then left the house, leaving a note. I was so frustrated that I couldn't even think of stopping her. I didn't have the answer to her questions.

  I picked up her note: It's better that I give you some time to think about what you want. It just doesn't feel right that I keep running behind you and your issue keeps coming between us.

  She really didn't have any idea of what's going on inside me.

  Chapter 21

  Nathan

  My heart was breaking. What I did was wrong. I just refused the love of a women that I started liking more and more each day. I wanted to feel her, touch her, kiss her, and make her mine, but I didn’t want to hurt her in the process. My past was biting me, the darkness consumed me, and I decided to drink. Alcohol was my only friend at that time and I did what I always do…drink and try to get laid.

  I called up James to see if he wanted to go out. He was happy because his wingman had returned. This was my chance to forget about Eva. I wanted her, but I kept declining her. I wanted her touch, but I kept drinking so I could forget her. That evening, my heart had a desire to fuck someone and be myself. The player in me was trying to come out. Eva had almost killed him, but today was his day.

  I took out my finest suit. I used a lot of cologne, and a clean shave gave me the look that I wanted. James was already waiting for me in Lounge X. Maybe I would just get to see Peter and Amelia, and hit him on his face. I wasn't myself. One corner of my heart kept missing Eva's scent and her delightful presence, but alcohol was deep inside me and I could only think of getting laid. I am a bad boy, after all.

  "Hi, Nathan. Ready to party?" James was waiting for me outside the bar.

  I shook his hand. "I hope the bouncer will allow us in.”

  "Don't worry. I have already tipped him and he won't be any trouble today." James pated me on my shoulder. “And where is your smart girlfriend?"

  My heart pained for a moment, but I wasn't giving in to it. "She is busy. Don’t worry about her. Let's just drink and score a pussy."

  “Just like getting an old friend back." We walked into the bar.

  To my surprise, Amelia, Peter's fiancé was inside. She was wearing a yellow low cut dress, which barely covered her nipples. I had to admit that she was sexy enough to skip anyone’s heartbeat. She was sitting in a corner table, drinking slowly.

  "Hi, Amelia. I wanted to say sorry for that day." I knew I had a chance with her, and that was the best way to get back at Peter at the moment.

  She looked up and smiled faintly. "You don't need to. He was a jerk and we broke up."

  I made my sad puppy face. "That's very sad, Amelia. I hope you will get someone suitable for you. You are a sweet girl and you deserve all the happiness in the world."

  "Are you trying to flirt with me, Nathan?"

  "Did I last time? Don't tell me that you didn't enjoy the little time we spent together.”

  She tilted her head to the left, her cheeks becoming slightly pink. "Oh, yes, that was nice.” She looked around. "So what are you doing here?"

  "Came looking for some trouble."

  "You won't get it now. He is not around."

  "Then why were you alone?"

  "I don't know. Maybe I came for some trouble, too." She bit her lower lip. "That bastard was asking me if I was cheating on him." She came closer to me and put her head on my shoulder. She raised her hand to touch my ear. "Do I look like a cheater, Nathan?"

  "No, you don't. Actually, that jerk doesn’t deserve you. You ought to be with someone who cares for you and looks after you." That was the same thing Eva was for me but, being a jerk myself, I declined her love.

  "Can you take me somewhere, Nathan? I am feeling lonely here." She kept playing with my ear, which was getting irritating.

  "Yes, sure dear. We can go on a long drive and, if you like, we can spend the night in my home drinking and celebrating the best thing that ever happened to you.”

  "Sure, baby. Let’s get out of this brutal world, and cheers to my breakup." She bit my ear, and drank her remaining vodka.

  I told James about my plan and went out feeling better. Somehow, thoughts of Eva were fading.

  When I started driving, Amelia was already all over me. She was kissing me like mad, and it was irritating. If this would have been Eva, she would have taken things slowly and been more playful. I remembered her lips, her skin, and her eyes.

  Amelia again bit my ear, this time I moaned in irritation. "What’s wrong? Don’t you like that, Nathan?"

  "Nothing like that. You just bit me ha
rd.”

  “What would happen if I bit you there?” She pushed her hand into my crotch squeezing. I didn't like it, but I had invited her.

  "Let me concentrate on the road, Amelia. I don't want us getting into an accident." I tried to push her hand away.

  "Come on." She unzipped my pants, and lowered her head to kiss me down there.

  "Amelia, I said no.” I forced her head away from me and pulled up the zipper.

  "What's wrong with you, Nathan? When you invited me to your apartment, you didn't mean that we would just drink. Sex was your intention, and now you are acting like a child."

  All I could think about was Eva. What was she doing? Was she thinking about me? "I am sorry, Amelia. I just can't. I will drop you at your place.”

  "Are you in love, Nathan?"

  My eyebrows shot up. "What?"

  "I said are you in love with someone?"

  "No, it's just that Ev…”

  "So you are. It's hard to resist a sexy women trying to suck you off, but it’s easier if you’re in love with somebody else.”

  "No, I am not. Tell me your address and I will drop you off."

  She told me her address and I dropped her at her room. I glanced to my right and saw Eva and Chloe jogging down the street. They stopped when they saw me. "Hi, Eva. Hi, Chloe."

  "So this is your girlfriend then?" Amelia said. "You are a lucky girl because not many people can resist the temptation of sleeping with me. Hold onto him tight, dear." And she walked past us, sadly smiling.

  "Sorry about her. I just came to drop her off,” I apologized.

  “I’m going to call Martin. You two have a chat,” Chloe said, walking away.

  Chapter 22

  Eva

  "I am so sorry for my behavior, Eva." I know that he had alcohol in his system, but he sounded honest.

  It was awkward to find the last person you expected to see, then you find him with a drunk girl who said that she tried to get him to touch her, but he wouldn’t. My heart was excited to see Nathan, but my brain was feeling numb. But the sorrow I was feeling won out in the end. "It's okay, Nathan. You don’t owe me any explanation. It's your choice and you can make your own decisions."

  "Will you come out with me tomorrow night? On a real date?"

  He looked into my eyes, touching my soul. He sounded sincere. My heart started beating fast, but my brain was still unsure. "Are you sure that’s what you want?"

  Sadly, I smiled. “Thanks for at least considering. After my behavior today, I thought I lost you forever."

  I liked the way he was afraid of losing me. I smiled. “Nathan, I am not a child whom will not talk with a friend after a fight."

  "You know, I like the way you talk while smiling. It's like a ray of sunshine after a storm.” He grabbed my hand, giving me goose bumps. “Eva, you are the best thing that has happened to me in a long time, and I want to try this out with you. Please come out with me. We can't go forward until we do. There is no point in hiding our emotions."

  My heart started racing. It wanted me to say yes, but my brain was still in doubt. “Nathan, your behavior today was totally opposite of what you’re saying now. I like you very much and if it's going to be real, I want to give it one hundred percent. It's not like I have never had a boyfriend, but it always ended with a broken heart. I don't want that again. You are a sweet person, but…”

  Without letting go of my hand, he got out of the car. He pulled me forward, and lowered his head to kiss my lips. All my doubt vanished with that kiss. His hand was in my hair, and his tongue was playing with my own. How could I say no to him? His lips came away from mine, and he whispered in my ear, “Did you find any doubt in that kiss?"

  "No, not a single one. So where are we going on our date?" I was getting excited.

  "I hope the love birds have ironed out their differences.” Damn, Chloe. I totally forgot about her.

  "Thanks for the time, Chloe,” Nathan chuckled.

  "That chic was pretty good. Are you sure you only want to spend time with Eva?” I punched Chloe in the arm.

  "She is prettier than any girl in the world, Chloe. But I can think twice if you are considering me." Now I punched Nathan.

  “Guys, you two are very poor at flirting, and I’m ready to go home.” I giggled.

  "Get in. I will drop you girls off.”

  Nathan left after he dropped us back at the dorm. I waited for Chloe's attack of questions. “So what was that all about?”

  "What?" I decided to play it cool.

  “I saw the kiss, sweetheart."

  "Oh, that. It’s nothing. We kiss like that all the time. It’s not a big deal."

  "Don't play with me, girl. I know what's going on between the two of you…and I will kill you if you don't tell me now."

  I laughed and hugged her tightly. “He asked me out on a real date, Chloe." I kissed her on her cheek. “I am so happy. My first date and I am going to enjoy it.”

  “I am so happy for you. After Jacob, I never thought you’d be this happy again.” Chloe giggled. “We should celebrate!” she said and got the wine out of the refrigerator.

  ****

  “No Man’s Land” was the name of the place where we were going to meet. "Strange name, right?" I asked Chloe.

  "It's one of the most famous places in uptown, and it's by invitation only. I am not sure how your boyfriend got you guys in there.” She winked at me.

  "He is not my boyfriend…yet. We are just starting to date."

  "He is not my boyfriend, but my lover,” Chloe mimicked, and ran into her room.

  I giggled. "You better not be long. I need to get ready.”

  "There are six hours until your date, sweetheart. I suggest you sleep for four hours, then get ready."

  Damn the wait.I decided to go for a run to, hopefully, occupy my mind so the time would go faster. I put on my running shoes and walked out into the fresh air.

  ***

  "What should I wear, Chloe? Please, help me here."

  “You have been standing there for the last hour and tried on five dresses. Just pick one. He will love anything you wear. After all, he’s just going to remove it later,” Chloe said with a wicked smile.

  I couldn't stop thinking about that image. The thought of his skin pressed against mine aroused me. The thought of his lips on mine made me tingle all over. I shook the thought off so that I could talk. "Do you think I should try the red dress?”

  Chloe rolled her eyes. "That's a good idea. You haven't tried that on in the last five minutes. Anyway, the color does look great on you.”

  I took it out of my closet, remembering Jacob and how much of a jerk he was. I smiled. That’s the past. I came out to show it to Chloe.

  "That’s fabulous, sweetheart. It looks superb on you. If I was a man, I would take you here and now.”

  "You dirty dog. Why do you always have sex on your mind?” I slapped Chloe on her shoulder.

  “Ow, that hurts." She giggled. “All jokes aside. I am very happy for you. It makes me feel even better when I think about what a gentleman he is with you. Maybe he is the one for you. Hold tight to this opportunity."

  "I will, Chloe. Thanks for being my friend. I love you." I hugged Chloe. She was like the sister I never had and her hug was one of the most comforting things in the world.

  “Now, hurry up and get ready. He will be here to pick you up any time."

  As she said that, my phone beeped, indicating a text had come in.

  I am leaving and will be there in twenty minutes so be ready, sugar

  Damn, I just have twenty minutes!

  ***

  Twenty minutes later, Nathan was standing in our dorm and waiting for me. Ten minutes after that, we were on our way.

  "You have to give a girl time when she’s getting ready for a date.” I gave him an angry look.

  "You should know that I don’t make it a habit to pick up girls from their home.” He chuckled and pressed the accelerator.

  As we flew down th
e road, I said, “I heard this club was invitation only. How did you get in?”

  "Being a boxer has its perks. The owner is one of my fans so I get an invitation whenever I want one.”

  "That's awesome. How many fans do you have?" It was exciting to know that he had a fan base.

  "Well, most of them are girls who like the violence. I don't keep up a website so I’m not exactly sure.”

  "Well, now you have one more fan.” I moved towards him and kissed him on the cheek. I could smell his cologne. It always turned me on when I was near him.

  When we reached the club, it looked normal from the outside so I wondered why it was by invitation only. A valet came to park our car and we entered the building. The inside was huge and polished. The furniture, the bar, the ceiling, and the floor all showed class. Every comfort available in the world was there. All the chairs reclined, and the tables were made up of expensive marble. The ceiling was decorated with various types of chandeliers. The bar, situated in the left corner, was one of the biggest I’ve ever seen.

  A waiter approached us as soon as we entered. "Hello, sir. Can I see your invitation card, please?" He scanned the card on his apple tablet. "Sir, Manager Walker would like to see you in his cabin."

  “Please tell him I will meet him in a bit. Can you show us our cabin?"

  “Absolutely, sir. Please follow me.”

  He led us to another section of the bar. It was made up of about forty private cabins. All the cabins had one waiter at their disposal.

  He led us to the cabin. “Make yourself comfortable, sir. Your waiter will attend to you soon."

  "Thanks.” Nathan came closer to me after the waiter left and we sat on the couch. "Did I tell you how beautiful you look today?"

  "Nope, you didn't, and I am angry at you for that,” I teased him.

  "Let me make it up to you then.” He reached behind the couch and took out a bunch of red roses. They were beautiful. "These are for my lady."