Struggle Read online

  I was overcome with pleasure when I saw the roses. "They are so beautiful. Thank you, Nathan.” I took them in my hands, smelling them.

  “They’re no more beautiful than your smile.” He came forward and kissed me on my cheek. His cologne again entered my nose, overtaking my senses.

  "Hello, sir. I am Jacob, your attendee. If you want anything, I will be waiting outside."I looked up, and my heart skipped a beat. Jacob?! Seeing him brought back all the memories of the suffering and pain he brought into my life. I couldn't believe it. Here I was with the sweetest man I have ever met, and my ex stands in front of me. Jacob’s eyes widened when he saw me. "Eva? What are you doing here?" he asked.

  Nathan looked between us, then said, "Can you give us some privacy? I will call you when we want something."

  "Sure, sir,” Jacob replied and went outside.

  "Can we leave?” I couldn't bear that Jacob was going to be serving us. The thought of him being there ruined my evening, and I was sure that he would just be trouble. I didn't want the first date with Nathan to go like this.

  "Why, what’s wrong? Does it have something to do with the waiter? The moment you saw him your face fell.”

  I exhaled. I knew that I’d have to tell him eventually, but I didn’t expect it to be on our first date. "It's a long story, Nathan. We used to date. It was a painful time in my life, but I really don't want him to ruin our evening.” I was close to tears. The pain and sorrow in seeing him again was worse than anybody could imagine.

  "Hey, sugar, I am not going to ask anything about him. I’m just happy that you’re with me and only me. I really don't care about your past. Let's go.” He stood and held out his hand.

  Smiling, I grabbed it. He was a nice guy, and I liked him more than anything. The thought of him flooded my mind and buried all the thoughts of Jacob.

  As we started to walk out, Jacob blocked the door. "Where are you going, Eva? I want to talk to you."

  "Hello, Jacob. I don't think she wants to talk to you. It would be better for you if you leave her alone and make some room."

  “I am not talking to you. She is my girlfriend. Don’t come between us or things will get wild.” Jacob was as arrogant as he used to be.

  "Are you sure about that? I can easily get you thrown out of here." Nathan was cool. "I don’t want any trouble so I need you to get out of our way." Nathan pushed him aside and we made our way out of the cabin. He led us me the door, then the car.

  Jacob hurried after us and pulled Nathan's shoulder. He threw a punch at Nathan, which hit my jaw. I doubled over in pain. Nathan pulled me up and walked me over to the side. “Eva! Are you okay?!” I nodded, holding my face.

  He coldly walked back to Jacob. “Bad move, dude.” Nathan hit him hard on his cheek, and Jacob was thrown to the ground.

  I couldn't see anything, but it brought back bad memories. I ran up to Nathan. “Nathan, please, let’s go. He’s a jerk and not worth our time.”

  "You bitch! Who are you are calling a jerk? This dick won't be able to protect you from me. I still have many things to do to you. I haven't forgotten that you put me in jail. I am going to make you suffer for that.”

  I could see that Nathan was getting angry, but I didn't want him to fight anymore. "Nathan, please, let’s go."

  "Bitch, you can't save him from me. I will hunt you both down." Jacob was bleeding, but still arrogant.

  Nathan pulled Jacob up by his collar. "You bastard. You deserve worse than this," and he kneed him in his stomach.

  Jacob cried out in pain. Many people were around us, and I couldn't take it anymore. Crying, I ran towards the street, hailed a cab, and went back to the dorm.Chloe was home, but she was sensible enough not to ask me anything.

  The night was sleepless, and my phone kept ringing. It must been Nathan. I didn't answer it because I was emotionally drained. I kept staring at the ceiling and, after some time, my eyes closed.

  Chapter 23

  Nathan

  I wanted to throw my mobile at the wall. That was the 135th text, and she hasn’t replied to any of them yet. I couldn't remember how many times I actually called her phone. Two days after that night, I was still unable to get a hold of her. I tried calling Chloe, but even she wasn't answering. Why is she doing this? After Samantha, she was the only one with whom I was becoming close, and now she’s thrown me off without saying anything. How could she do this to me? The questions were rolling around in my brain. I couldn't concentrate, I wanted to hurt somebody, I wanted to run away. Why the hell was she avoiding me? I was about to open up to her and she does this? The whole thing made my head hurt.

  I thought of going to her house, but my ego got in the way. After all, she hadn't given me a reason for anything. She just ditched me at the club. She just ran away. When I punched that bastard and left him on the ground, I turned back to where I left Eva, but she was gone. I called her again and again, but she was not answering. After a few hours, it went straight to voicemail so I knew her cell was off. I finally did get a text from Chloe saying that she was safe and to give her some time. I asked Chloe what was wrong, but she didn't answer. What was I supposed to make of that one text?

  I was going out of my mind. I didn't want to do anything else but drink, drink, and drink again. Whenever I wasn't drinking, I called or texted Eva, but got no answer. She kept ignoring me so I kept drinking. Damn, did I lose her? It’s killing me. The thought of losing her was cutting my heart out. Even the alcohol couldn't stop my sorrow. My heart kept crying only one name…Eva.

  ***

  Eva

  My phone rang again. Nathan. I was ignoring him, but he was persistent. I didn't know what I wanted, but I knew it wasn’t him… at least right now. My jaw was hurting where Jacob hit me, but my heart was hurting more. I really liked him, but he turned out to be a jackass. I tried stopping him, but I could tell that he enjoyed the violence. I hated him for that, I hated the violence, and I hated Jacob. He ruined my life yet again.

  I spent two days in bed. Chloe tried to get me to go out, but I kept saying no. She knew something happened, but she also knew that I’d tell her what when I was ready. But after two days, she barged into my room and sat on my bed. “What are you doing to yourself, Eva?”

  "Nothing, Chloe. Not now, please.”

  "Nathan texted me everything so I know that Jacob was at the restaurant. I also know that he has been calling and texting you, but that you are not answering. I am not going to advise you on your relationship with Nathan, but if you’re only rethinking things with him because of Jacob, you’ll never be happy.”

  "It's not Jacob, Chloe. Nathan acted the same way Jacob did when we were dating. He started the fight. I know he is a boxer, but he should only be one inside the ring. I begged him to stop.”

  "He wanted to protect you, Eva. You are forgetting that Jacob hit you. You are forgetting all the bruises you got from Jacob when he was your boyfriend. You are forgetting the pain he gave you. You are forgetting the suffering and the doctor you had to see. You are forgetting he went to jail for beating you in public. And, most of all, you are forgetting how much Nathan likes you.”

  I knew she was right and I started crying.

  Chloe came over and took me in her arms. "Come on, sweetheart. He is a good guy. He protected you. You know that Jacob would have searched for you and started troubling you again. You have a strong man with you now.”

  "You are right, Chloe, but I’m afraid that Nathan will end up being a jerk, too. I don't want that."

  "You can't really say that until you give him a chance, Eva. He deserves better than this. Have you forgotten what he’s done for you? Remember the training? Also, he didn't take advantage of you when you were vulnerable. He stopped here to drop you off and made sure you were safe."

  "You are right, Chloe. Maybe I should give him a chance. Thanks for being there for me, sweetheart. You are the sister I never had…maybe more than a sister."

  Chloe smiled a little. “Now, pick up your cell and
call him.”

  I picked up my phone and saw the message count… 138. Damn, this man really likes me. Who am I to neglect him like this? Before I could check the messages, the doorbell rang. Chloe headed to answer it.

  "Sweetheart, someone is here for you."

  Who would be at my door around 9 PM? I stood and slipped on my slippers as I headed out of my room. To my surprise, it was Nathan. He looked awful. His eyes were sunken in, he desperately needed a shave, and his clothes were all rumpled. But I wasn't in the mood to check my own clothes, either.

  "How are you, Nathan?" I was trying to be civil.

  "Can you come out here for a second?"

  He looked drunk, but he didn’t smell like alcohol. “I came here to say one thing.”

  I opened my mouth, but he held his hand up. "Let me finish first." He looked around. “The last two days were bad for me. I thought about you, I thought about the moments we spent together, I thought about our kiss, I thought about our training. Then I thought about the fight with Jacob, and I realized what I did wrong." He took my hand in his. "I just wanted to say that I love you, Eva.” He squeezed my hand. "You don't have to love me back or anything, but now I know that I truly love you. I just wanted to let you know.”

  I was so stunned that I couldn't say anything. I went into his arms. "I love you, too." I started sobbing. "Just don't be violent outside the ring because I can't take it."

  "I won't be, sweet…,” he started, then fell down to the ground. This was the second time he passed out within the last week. I had to get him to the hospital.

  “Chloe!!” I called out. I was completely panicked. Why does he keep passing out? I knelt down, and tried to shake him awake. “Nathan! Can you hear me?!” Chloe came running in and said that Martin was going to be here any second to take her out. With his help, we could get him to the hospital.

  ***

  Dr. Gore was the doctor in charge at the hospital. He ran some tests and gave him an injection. “How many days hasn’t he eaten anything?"

  "What?" I asked.

  "This man seems to be living on nothing but alcohol for the last few days. I don’t see how he had the strength to stand. Any normal being would have collapsed long before he did. Right now, he’s awake and asking for Eva.”

  "I am Eva, doctor. I’m his girlfriend.” The word girlfriend sounded very sweet, but I couldn’t think about that now. I went in to see Nathan.

  He was smiling faintly. “Why, Nathan?” I knew why, but I wanted to hear it from him.

  "I am all right, Eva. Don’t worry,” he said, as he drifted off to sleep.

  The doctor walked in. "I have given him a sedative and some liquid food. The ambulance will take him home, but it will be better if someone remains with him for one or two days.”

  "I will do that, doctor." I knew that I had to do it. After all, I was responsible for his condition.

  Chapter 24

  Nathan

  When I woke up, I was in my own bedroom. The last thing I remembered was saying “I love you” to Eva. Then… I couldn't remember anything after that. What the hell happened? I tried to get up, but my leg hurt. I was weak, but I had to do something. Maybe I’ll try and get something to eat. With the help of my bed, I stood up and slowly walked into the hall.

  Eva was sleeping on the couch. I smiled and walked over to her, covering her with a blanket. I looked at her face. Her hair was framing it, and she was wearing my shirt. I walked to the refrigerator and opened it. I grabbed some apple juice to quench my thirst.

  I sat on the dining room chair and drank it slowly. Eva's phone rang and she suddenly sat up. She looked around, kind of like she forgot why she was at my place. She looked confused and sexy, and I wanted to kiss her. I really didn't have the strength, though.

  "Hi, Eva. How are you feeling?"

  She looked at me with wide eyes. She rubbed the back of her neck. "Why are you up? You could have called me to get you something.

  "It's okay, sugar. I can walk.”

  "I know that. You walked to my dorm. We’ll definitely discuss that once you’re better. Until then, no roaming around. I am staying here to help you with everything."

  "I am so thankful to have you in my life, Eva."

  "Don't talk, Nathan. Let’s get you back to bed. I will cook something for you." She got up and helped me back to my room. Before leaving, she kissed my forehead and whispered, "Sleep now, my baby." I just smiled and closed my eyes.

  ***

  When I woke up after a few hours, lunch was ready. Having her in my home made me so happy. I wanted to do something to help her in everything she was doing, but my body needed rest so we watched some movies and laughed like crazy.

  In the evening, she made me tomato soup and chicken sausage. It tasted awesome. "These are the best sausages I have ever eaten…besides my mother’s,” I said, with a smile.

  Her cheeks became pink. She bit her lower lip. "Thanks for the compliment."

  "I love you, Eva."

  "I love you, too, Nathan. That’s the hundredth time you have said that to me today.” She laughed.

  "I won't stop until the count reaches into the thousands, Eva."

  She stayed with me for the next two days while I regained my strength. Her daily routine was the same… she got up early, did a round of running, then came back and woke me up for breakfast. We shared the happy moments, the sad moments, and what we thought when we met each other.

  On the third day when she was cooking breakfast for me, I walked up behind her and kissed her on the neck, the way I’ve wanted to kiss her for a long time. Maybe she is the girl I’ve waited so long for. Slowly but surely, she was pushing Samantha out of my head. The hatred in me was melting like ice on a sunny afternoon. I was finally finding peace.

  I kissed her again. "You have made my life meaningful again, Eva. I just can't tell you how much peace you have bought into my life. I am loving it."

  "Same here, Nathan, but it would be an even more peaceful breakfast if you just let me cook it."

  “I want to eat you for breakfast."

  "What?"

  “You heard me.”

  "But you don't have the strength."

  "I can lift you and put you on my bed,” I said with a wicked smile.

  ***

  Eva

  Nathan was touching me everywhere. He started at my forehead, trailing his finger down until he reached my lips. I took his finger in my mouth. “You cute little puppy,” he moaned.

  I started sucking on his finger, but he pulled it out and moved it down my neck. I was getting aroused. He kept going, stopping near my cleavage. He pushed his other hand around my back and pulled my top up over my head. The next moment I was in my bra and he was looking at me like a kid looks at presents.

  "Haven't you seen a women's breasts before?” I giggled.

  He smiled, moving his finger around the corner of my bra and lowering the right strap, then he lowered the left.

  I shivered when his finger touched my right nipple. It wasn't because he was the first man in my life, but it was his first touch. The way he was touching me made me shudder. I wanted to feel my skin on his skin, but he was making sure that I thoroughly enjoyed everything. He slowly took my bra off and I could see the desire in his eyes. I knew I had the same desire in mine. I covered my nipples with my hands. “So you think you can cover them?”

  "Isn't it your job to uncover them?

  His finger trailed along the cleavage to my belly. He started caressing it.

  Waves of passion were flaming my belly and I could feel the wetness between my thighs. My head tilted back and my eyes closed, enjoying the magic that he was making with my body.

  His finger slowly trailed up until it reached my left nipple catching it between his two fingers. Damn, this man is making me crazy. “What are you doing to me, Nathan?”

  "Just making sure that you enjoy everything.” He winked. "Do you want me to stop?"

  He was making me a beggar, but what t
he hell? He was good at what he was doing. "No, damn, don't stop." His other hand started caressing my back.

  I couldn't believe how wet I was. Nathan was still wearing his shirt so I knew that I had to do something about that. I snatched his shirt and pulled, buttons flying everywhere. I pushed it off of his shoulders, and put my hand on his chest so I could feel his muscles. I could feel his heart and that was more exciting to me than anything. I moved my hand down his sexy abs. This is exactly how I dreamed that his muscles would feel under my hands. I moved past his belly to his waistline. He was wearing shorts. I moved my hand down under his shorts, then his underwear to search for his bulge. He jumped when I touched it, then I wrapped my hand around it.

  Nathan relaxed as I took his manhood out. I could see the first drop of pre-cum on the head. I slowly lowered my head, licking it. I wrapped my lips around the tip of it, then slowly took it in.

  His one hand was holding my hair, and the other hand was gripping the corner of the bed. "Oh, baby. That feels awesome.”

  I took him deeper, listening to him moan. I moved up and down slowly, making sure that he got the taste of the action and not the full course.

  His hand was firm on my neck, and he pulled my head up. "I don't want to end up there yet. We can save it for later.”

  He got up, pulling the shorts back up. “What are you doing?”

  "I am making it romantic.” He turned on the music and held his hand out for me. I went to grab my top before I stood up, but he stopped me. “Let’s do it like this.”

  He pulled me to him and wrapped me in his arms, and we started to dance. My bare nipples were pressed on his hard chest, and his cologne was slowly making its way into my skin.

  I put my head on his shoulder and clung tightly to him. We danced like that for almost five minutes, then he started caressing my spine again. I closed my eyes to enjoy the sensation and feel the waves of pleasure emerging in my belly.