My eyes blink, blurred and unable to adjust to the clinical, flickering fluorescent ceiling light above. Nothing feels real now, nor in my vague, distorted memories that swirl in my pounding head like a fever dream. How long I've been here or what day it is, I cannot guess at. I'd return to sleep if I could, with the state of being awake too exhausting, but the incessant beeping and the pain surging through my body keep me in the present.

I can't turn, and rapidly I become conscious of the brace fastened around my neck and the heaviness of my limbs as I touch my fingers to it. An alarming amount of cables and lines surround me, and I panic as it sinks in that the irrational reality I'm confronted with is true. Unable to move, I squeeze the fingers of the person sleeping with his soft hair resting on my forearm, needing reassurance. He's a presence I've sensed beside me throughout everything.

"You're awake? Oh, thank God you're finally with us." Justin beams at me with a massive smile as he stands up, still clasping my hand tightly within his. He appears grief-stricken, and fatigue dulls his tanned complexion, but his dark eyes shine brilliantly with exuberance, leaving me giddy. "I should tell your father. He's been worried sick."

I tap my mask, wishing to speak, but Justin shakes his head. "Not yet. Let me get the nurse to speak to the doctor. Your lung collapsed, and I don't want to see you in that state again."

"Where's Louise?" I ask, ignoring his worry, but quickly becoming fatigued by talking.

"I don't know," he replies, squeezing my hand again. "Her phone's switched off, but we're working on it, okay? Rebekah's with your dad, and she's safe. Let's focus on you, alright, buddy?"

"Mm-hm," I answer, closing my eyes as I succumb to sleep.

-------

I glance towards my father holding a spoonful of mashed potatoes but return to staring out the window with disinterest. I should be pleased with my room with a view, but after weeks of observing others happily living their lives, I've grown sick of it. Surviving an incident of that magnitude should make me thankful, but even the radiant October daylight mocks me with its glare while I waste away in my miserable bed.

The metallic spoon touches against my lips, making me turn away with disgust. "Come on, just take a few bites. How do you expect to recover if you don't keep your strength up?"

"I don't care," I mutter under my breath.

He slams the tray on the table, startling me with the bang and clatter as the cutlery falls off. "Stop sulking like this. Your X-ray looked promising this morning, and it won't be long until you start rehab. Can't you try being a little more grateful?"

"I can't pretend everything is okay when it isn't. Just look at me! I can't walk, I can barely breathe, I can't even piss by myself a-and—"

My chest tightens. I'm a wreck and on edge, depressed by constant setbacks and the same four walls. A multitude of fractures plus persistent gnawing pain in my non-broken leg have kept me awake at night. Neurology said it was likely nerve damage, that it was completely normal to experience altered and unusual sensations, and I might need to learn how to live with it even when the rest of my injuries are no longer visible. All because of that drunk driver who ran a red light.

"I've already tried calling her today. Give her time to get her head around this. It can't be easy for her."

My patience with him snaps. "I didn't say a word about Louise. I miss Rebekah. She's never gone this long without seeing me."

"And that's why you need to eat. Do you want her to see you like this? You are so lucky to be alive!"

I bite my tongue, knowing deep down that he's right, but all I want is a stiff drink and to forget everything. Being barely conscious, concussed and drugged, unable to tell where my body started or ended, was easier. I don't remember much since the collision, beyond the initial realisation of what was coming at me, then all the lights, sirens and glass everywhere.

However, that almighty argument with Louise screaming in my ear remained at the forefront of my mind. It's ridiculous, but I assumed almost losing me would have made our disagreement inconsequential. That she'd be here, showing some concern for me, but I've misjudged her yet again and got my hopes up.

"I'm tired," I murmur, drained and weary from the exertion of our argument. "Go home and leave me alone."

"I know you don't mean it. I'll have a word with the team and see if we can get you out of bed," he says before pausing, flicking his eyes towards the door as a second knock interrupts him. "Yes? Come in."

The door cracks open, and Justin pokes his head in before entering, carrying a present under his arm and a bunch of balloons. My mood immediately improves. "Uh, hi! It's not a bad time, is it? I thought I'd pop by to surprise you. Happy birthday!"

My father immediately vacates his seat and grabs his coat, likely glad for the reprieve from me. "Not at all. I'll pop home and check in on John and Rebekah, okay? Be back in a few hours."

"So, long time no see. I should ask how you're doing, but you're still a fucking mess, aren't ya?" He takes the empty seat beside me, then, unable to hug me, he pats my leg instead.

"Ouch! Why would you do that!" I yell, then erupt into laughter as he jumps out of his seat with fright and almost spills his coffee all over himself. "Gotcha! It's my other leg, you dumbass. Ah ha, but I really shouldn't laugh. It hurts too much."

He throws the gift at me, dropping the meekness in an instant without my father around. "You bastard! You think you're so funny, don't you? I thought I'd hurt you."

"You should have seen your face," I reply, continuing to snigger with my hand holding my sore ribs. "You've always been too easy to tease."

"You scared the hell out of me!" He pouts with growing annoyance. "Just admit you like me like a normal person and be done with it."

"Ah, so the secret is out," I probe, taking my chance to figure out what he might know about the blasted videos. "Come here and kiss me. Make me feel all better."

He leans back in the chair, finally growing at ease despite the overt sexual intonation, then raises his coffee cup towards his lips. "Nah, I'd rather not. I know who you've been with and when."

"And here was me thinking you like the easy ones. Fine, I love you, and I've been a slut all these years just for you," I gush, making Justin splutter his drink from his mouth and nose, after just taking a sip.

Justin looks aghast and wipes the mess away with his shirt sleeve. "What the fuck has got into you?"

"A good deal of morphine and whatever else is on that chart. It's almost worth breaking bones over."

"Well, you're finally back to being freaking hilarious, at least." He rolls his eyes and then snatches up the board with interest from the foot of the bed. "I thought the doctor wanted to taper off the pain meds? Was there anything you didn't break or injure? Your—" He nods towards my lap.

"Hah, forgotten it exists, to be honest. And as hot as nurses are, they're not in the business of giving a helping hand, so I don't know unless you're offering to find out? Do your best friend a favour?"

"Man, you're really out of it." He shakes his head with amusement and chuckles, completely taken by the charade before dropping his smile. "I heard from your dad that Louise hasn't been to see you yet. Did you honestly break up over Sadie? I understand being mad at you, hell, even I was mad, but it's not like you cheated on her."

"Can we save it for another day? I'd rather not think about her," I shrug, opting to change the subject by ripping into the gift on my lap one-handed. "Is this what I think it is? Holy shit, this must have set you back a bit. I can't possibly... Well, not like this."

"Then how about we do it like this?" Justin says, moving to squeeze next to me on the bed before sticking the cartridge into the handheld console. He grins widely as the title screen plays. "If you control the movement with your good hand, I'll jump and fight for you. It'll be like the good old days in front of the telly."

It's a struggle to coordinate our moves, and the brief novelty instantly dissolves into us barking orders at each other, with his elbow bumping into my cast repeatedly. "Now, we'll jump over there for the better sword— Just hit the bloody bat already, Jus!"

"Yeah, yeah, keep your hair on, I've got it," he replies as we take several whacks from the monster's wings. "The graphics do look pretty sweet. We should equip this now— Matt, stop walking into it and go down there so we can grab that first!"

"You're unbelievable... Just stab it in the eye, then we'll equip it after," I yell back, frustrated by our terrible teamwork as we're lashed by a monster's tail. "This isn't working."

He almost tugs the entire console from me to take over. "Well, whose fault is that then? Look at how much damage we're taking because of you."

"Having fun together?" Louise appears in the doorway, scowling as if she's caught us cheating as she eyes our close proximity. "Do us a favour and get out. We're going to need some time alone."

I drop my side of the console in surprise as a giant bone smashes down on our character, obliterating the last bit of health. Everything about Louise is different as she continues to glare. From the blonde highlights woven through her straightened hair to the makeup, chunky heeled boots, and short denim skirt, we seem worlds apart. Confidence exudes in her reinvented state, while I feel like a bedraggled wreck after not having a proper shower, haircut or trimming my facial hair in weeks.

"I didn't realise you were coming today. You never called."

Louise's mannerisms remain frosty while Justin ignores her to complete the level, with her arms crossing over her chest. She raises her voice, which is laced with warning, "Do you want to do this in front of him? I don't mind either way."

"Fine, no need to be rude. I was just leaving," Justin interjects, slowly getting up from the bed. He places the gift beside me, then squeezes my shoulder with reassurance. "I'll check in on you in the morning, and don't forget to text me if you need anything, okay?"

A dirty glance passes between the two as Louise tosses her bag down and takes the chair. Still, the hostility clears when the door shuts, and we're left alone together. "So, how are you doing? The stitches don't look too bad, at least."

My hand runs through my hair, now self-conscious of the wound on my scalp that she's brought attention to. "It's getting better, and my hair should cover it."

"I was listening to you both from outside. When were you planning to let me know something might be wrong? It's something that needs to be considered between us." Her hand roams beneath the sheets and slips between my thin gown, taking me unguarded. I'm embarrassed as she finally finds what she's seeking and grips it tightly within her fist. "There's no need to feel shy about it. So, have the doctors said if you'll still be able to have sex, or was the spinal injury too severe?"

"It's honestly been the last thing on my mind, but I don't know. I'm still recovering, on a lot of medication and still can't walk. I'm—" My flaccid cock stiffens as she begins to fondle and roll it within her palm, although it's not exactly the same as before. Almost like I'm feeling it happen through an ultra-thick condom. "What if a doctor or nurse comes in?"

"So what if they do?" My breath catches as she draws the covers back, fully exposing me to anyone who walks in. "Does it feel good? It's nice to have you helpless for once."

Helpless is an understatement. An arm in a full cast, a broken leg that remains elevated and a partially numb leg that aches with overwhelming pins and needles. The method is clinical, but nevertheless, I find myself panting and gripping the bedsheets while she toys with me, with her breasts jiggling tantalisingly in a low plunge top.

"I wish I could touch you back... Mm, " I sigh, writhing to her touch. She quickens at my low moan, clearly determined to confirm I can indeed do the deed, and I'm not a dud like she's fearing. I've always thought it, but my worth to her is definitely in my ability to fuck, and being able to do it well than anything else. Not my personality or sense of humour. At that realisation, my fingers wrap around hers, and then I pump her fist over me to urge her on, fully committing to going the whole way in my own curiosity. "I think I'm going... to..."

"Oh, you're dribbling all over my hand," she murmurs at the sight of precum flowing over our fingertips. "Cum for me, baby."

"I will... I— Kiss me... please?" My pleasure peaks, and I let go to reach towards her face to caress her soft lips, but instead, she parts to suck the fluid from my thumb, increasing this moment of bliss tenfold.

I cry out as I orgasm, spraying thick cum over my hospital gown and Louise's hand, which continues to pump around my cock, relentlessly milking me while I shudder and moan for her. I'm not sure how I'll explain my need to change, but I'm deeply relieved to have passed the test of being functionally okay, and I finally grow still as she moves away.

Louise instantly washes her hands at the sink, then tosses over a handful of paper towels so I can clean up. "Good, that's out of the way. I've been talking with Amy, and she reckons the payout will be substantial with this level of injuries. But, of course, we'll settle if it goes on too long."

My mind draws a blank. "Wait, who's Amy? Have you been talking with strangers about me?"

"Amy's studying law, so she knows these things, and she's already claimed it herself for whiplash," Louise goes on to say, ignoring my irritation. "We should look at our options for investment. You won't even need to worry your head about it."

"But, if there is anything, it's going towards Rebekah's future. Or we should save it."

"Get real, Matt. It's all about that passive income, not some low-interest savings account. You might as well stash it under the bed at that point. We also need to consider who will look after you. I've got my course, so I can't stay home to babysit. When we got together, I didn't realise you'd be so incapable of getting a paying job or end up in an accident so soon. You should be glad I'm prepared to overlook those videos to be with you, especially when you're like this."

"How do you expect me to react when I don't hear from you in three weeks? I almost died, and you didn't check in on me at all. From where I'm sitting, it seems you're only here now because of the potential for money, not because you care."

"It's just like you to overreact. If I had heard it was that serious, I would have been here. You're in the best place. My course and assignments come first, but fine, just forget it. I know when I'm not wanted when you've got Justin to flirt with and won't bother you again."

Louise turns her back on me, hurt by the barbed remark I hadn't planned out. I instantly reach for her hand in remorse, anything I can grab hold of to stop her from leaving. "Baby, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken it out on you when you took the time to see me. I'm just venting and miserable after being apart from you for so long. I should have said it sooner, but I love you. I shouldn't have kept it to myself, but I've been so scared of saying it again after last time."

She spins around, rubbing her eyes at my words. "You're not saying that because your dad told you to? I need you to stop lying when I know you don't love me."

I stroke her cheek with affection and wipe the tears away as she sits reluctantly beside me. "I messed up. I know what I said on that video sounds bad, but he is only my first crush, and his friendship means everything to me. The person I see in my future is you. Since I met you, my life has revolved around you and our family, even when we were apart. No one else has had that hold on me."

"But that doesn't change the fact that you fantasise about sex with men! The moment Rebekah grows up, you'll be gone because I can't give you what you want."

For the first time in my life, I'm not confident in my ability to be persuasive. Other than Justin, I've always been able to obtain what I want one way or the other. I even had Louise pushing to get back with me the moment I re-recognised my worth and stopped pandering to her, but right now, I can't fake that bravado or dig into that persona I brandish like a shield. That veil no longer exists between us.

"Can we please just get this one thing out in the open because this misunderstanding has gone on long enough? Sexuality isn't so black and white with me, and I'll lust after or love somebody regardless of gender or how they plan to screw me. It's only a fantasy, Louise. I'm sure you also have your own, and if you'd like, we could explore each other's desires. To be frank, I'd actually enjoy seeing you being confident enough to fasten on a strap-on."

"There's no way I could." Her green eyes focus on mine intently as it sinks in. "God, you... I wasn't sure whether to believe what I was hearing or seeing. How long have you been pretending to be someone you're not?"

I smile to myself at her continued misconception, but it feels good to finally have this open dialogue. "I'm still the person I always was. I don't expect you to forget about this and forgive me when you feel like I've lied to you, but I want to prove how sorry I am that I hurt you. I beg you to let me continue loving you and stay by your side until we grow old together. I'll do anything you want."

The ball is well and truly in her court on how we proceed, but I can't expect her to put her faith in me while I'm still broken with no idea of how permanent some of my injuries are. I can't even financially support my family from bed, and I'll never forgive myself if she has to give up her course to take care of me.

"Daddy..." Louise's stiff posture melts, and she snuggles against my chest. "I've missed you. Maybe when you're feeling stronger, we can spend time together, and I can help nurse you better... Double-check that everything is still in working order?"

I continue to hold her despite the pain in my ribs and stroke her hair with affection, glad to feel her back within my arms. "Mm, well, I like the sound of that, especially if it means you'll wear a uniform while you're doing it. Actually, a naughty nurse has always been a dream of mine."

-------

"Now, be careful with this next step. You got it?" My toes clip the edge as I pass the threshold, but I manage to get into the house; the first significant barrier I've been working up to this month. "Good job!"

"Wow, that was exhausting," I reply, breathless but elated, as I grin back at my dad. My drive to get out of bed and go through the painful and downright frustrating ordeal of intense physio miraculously kicked in after Louise's visit. The promise of sex is undoubtedly a great motivator.

"Do you need the wheelchair? I can park it behind you so you can sit down."

As much as I'd love the rest, I know being as mobile as possible is the only way I can show that I won't be a hindrance to Louise. "No, I don't think so. I can manage. Now, if you hand me that laptop, I'll have that website live in no time. Wait, Dad, what's this?"

Gaudy red streamers hang on the door of my makeshift bedroom in the living room, with a pathway of faux rose petals and heart sequins spread before me. I turn around for an explanation, but the front door slams shut, and I'm abandoned with Louise, who pushes the other door open to pose with her hand on her hip. I'm stunned, my mouth agape as I'm wowed by her curvaceous, sexy body that she's squeezed into a skimpy nurse costume. It's undoubtedly my lucky day from the sight of her white knee-high stockings, a stethoscope and nothing else underneath from the hardened nipples poking through.

Louise's hand pushes against my chest, nudging me to fall back into the wheelchair parked behind me. She quickly disarms me of my crutches, leaving me entirely at her mercy. "Let's check how you're doing today, Sir."

She leans forward, dazzling me with her cleavage that spills out of her dress. It's been so long since I've seen, let alone touched, these spectacular assets that my erection instantly springs forth before I've been touched. "Holy Lord, I've died and gone to heaven."

The lips pursed before me stop short of the kiss I'm anticipating, and instead, she smothers me against her bosom as she climbs onto my lap. The wheelchair accidentally rolls us back along the hallway until we bump into the wall panelling.

"Open your mouth and say 'ah' so I can check your temperature," she says, almost giggling as she pops a thermometer between my lips. I'm barely able to hold back as I press into her while I wait for the reading to bleep, and clearly, Louise is struggling too, as she then takes it out and tosses it to the floor. Her hands immediately slide beneath the waistband of my jogging bottoms and tug down. "Oh my fucking God, I need you in me."

The idea of roleplay had been particularly alluring, and we'd been sexting at great length about our first time, but basic instinct takes over as her wet cunt rubs against my hard cock, inviting me inside. "I haven't got one on... I'm bare," I warn with urgency.

Louise pauses unbuttoning my shirt. "For the first time in your life, just shut up. It's only a dip. I trust you to pull out."

"But I don't even trust myself—" I'm so turned on, and I stop complaining as she takes me deep inside with both legs parted over the armrests. Months of no sex other than one mechanical handjob have felt like a lifetime, and she is pushing me to my limit. "Dammit, baby girl... This is too hard."

She strokes my cheeks, then rubs her nose against mine with affection. "Well, you'd better pull yourself together or fail. It doesn't matter either way with me."

My teeth grit as she continues to ride me, throwing her hair back and all caution to the wind. This game is pure recklessness, and I should stop it, but instead, my fingers snag the front zipper to slowly tease her breasts into my view. "Ah, I love your tits so much. I should say I was attracted to you because of your personality, but your body is out of this world."

Louise smiles and squeezes them both together in her hands. "Mm, they're big enough to fuck."

"I didn't know you knew that was a thing. Have you been a naughty minx and been learning about this without me?"

She leans back, forcing me to hold her around the waist with her eyes desirably hooded. "Something like that. I've been so lonely without you in my bed, with only my toy to play with. Now touch me, Daddy. It still feels better when you're doing it for me. You're the first to teach me how to cum... Ah, just like that."

"You like that?" I stroke over her swollen clitoris again and then rub it gently with my fingers before tugging, maintaining pressure. "Mm, I do love how sweetly my Kitten purrs for me. Perhaps today is the day when the pussy deserves the cream?"

Louise kisses me in response, stirring my senses with her tongue that drives in and reminds me of the ferocious desires in my body. Numbness is no longer the issue it was, and every nerve fires up as she rakes her nails down my chest beneath my unbuttoned shirt, leaving claw marks. I could take a fistful of her gold-woven hair, then force her onto her knees to aggressively take her, but instead, I caress it, marvelling at the silkiness compared to its usual coil. I don't care for the reason why she feels so precious to me or why I'm becoming so possessive, but I do not wish to find this pleasure elsewhere. At this point, I can't tell if it's lust or actual love that I feel for her, but it's so damn close it doesn't matter.

I fully intend to make her my wife in a few months, as planned.

"Daddy..." she breathes against my lips, pulsing orgasmically around me as I outlast her. "I want it... Give it to me."

My heart quickens. If I buckle to what she desires and give her the sibling she wants for Rebekah, will she stay with me? Will it make it difficult for her to walk away if she grows bored? Her appetite to explore and taste new things has exponentially grown since I met her, and there won't be much else to try with me. I don't possess much in the way of intelligent conversation, wit or financial stability to maintain interest.

Should I take this moment to seal the deal?

I grip the zip of the dress and fully lower it, splitting the figure-hugging outfit down the middle to reveal her gorgeous, nude breasts. My shirt follows onto the floor as I pull it off for full skin-on-skin action, leaving only her white, bowed knee-highs, which I raise over my shoulders, spreading her open. Louise's already flushed cheeks grow hotter as my fingertip strokes over her labia spread around my buried cock.

"Mm, there's nothing between us right now, Kitten... We're one," I murmur, recognising the precariousness of what we're doing as I get closer. My hands grip under her arse, keeping up the momentum with my lips pressed to her ear in urgency. "I'm close... Do you want me to... Or I'll—"

Louise lifts away from me at the last second as I come undone, letting my creamy liquid squirt across her stomach and chest instead. A dangerously close call.

She pants for breath, fatigued by her effort, and moves to snuggle her face against my neck. Her fingertips run across my chest, then each of the new scars from my accident with interest. "I'm so tired... My thighs are killing."

"Don't tell me there's no second round? It's not as easy as it looks, is it?" I tease, stroking her fringe away from her perspired forehead before planting a kiss. "Don't worry, it won't be long until Daddy can take back over, Princess."

She looks up at me. "Soon? Oh, thank God."

I smile back, entertained by the noticeable relief plastered across her face. "Mm-hm. I love you, but don't expect me to go easy. We've got almost three months to catch up, and I've regained my appetite. If I had my way, we'd be spending the rest of the morning in bed... Maybe we can see how far we'll get?"

My lips press against hers gently, gauging her reaction to further affection, cuddles and spooning in bed when Louise's phone rings from the mantel. She immediately answers it without checking the caller ID. "Oh, Amy, I forgot to tell you I had plans. Just bear with me for a second. Matt, I've got to take this. Coffee, okay?"

"Yeah, thanks," I reply, miffed by the speed she put distance between us.

As Louise leaves for the kitchen, remaining undressed, I tidy myself up before wheeling towards the bathroom without my crutches to support me. I'm about to pass the kitchen when Louise giggles at whatever her friend says, with her back pressed against the glass door. "Stop it, I'm not a slut... I know I shouldn't have given it to him so easily, but how is it my fault when he has a nice face?"

I freeze, taken unaware by the thoughts she's hidden from me. I know I shouldn't continue to listen, and there's a chance I'll be hurt if I do, but I press my head against the wall and hold my breath.

"You dirty cow. That's still my boyfriend you're talking about, and I'm not giving you his number. Ugh, he's so depressive, though, and his arms are so... He used to be so fun and throw all these amazing parties, but the moment he opens his mouth, I just..."

Sickness drops to the pit of my stomach, but I can't confront her. I thought we'd been making significant progress recently, and our wedding date still stands. I can't handle moving backwards again. She called me every day during rehab to ask how much longer it would be until I could join her at home. She sounded disappointed when I explained that I'd be temporarily living at my dad's until I was stronger.

"You know, I can't remember him taking me out on a single date. Maybe once, but I had such bad morning sickness that it sucked all the fun out. Now it's just work, Rebekah and more work!" she complains before pausing for her friend's response, tapping against the glass listlessly. "Yeah, it's been over a week since we've been able to let our hair down. Cocktails sound amazing. Right, I had better go before he begins to wonder where I am, but I'll see you tonight. Bye, hun!"

I scarper back to the living room before I'm rumbled spying on her. I don't feel so good about the eavesdropping, but it's the wake-up call I need to fix my behaviour. It's clear I'm heading in the opposite direction, away from the person she finds enjoyable to be around.

"Hey, you okay? Got any dissertations you need to get back to?" I ask, playing it cool as she returns with two steaming mugs minutes later.

"Um, actually, no, but I've got a favour to ask. Do you remember I spoke of my friend Amy? She's invited me out with the girls tonight, and I know I said I'll spend the day with you, so would you like to come with me?"

I figured she was going to ask me to watch Rebekah tonight and take a rain check on spending the day with me. But this change of plans could be my chance to show her I'm still the fun-loving man I used to be. It'll be best to do it before I officially present the ring I've been waiting so long to give her.

"That'll be great. Perfect, actually, after being cooped up indoors for so long, and you deserve a night out of fun after studying all week. I'll just clear it with my dad first."

------

"So what is it?" I ask, peering at the murky orange liquid inside the green tiki glass. Garnished with a bright maraschino cherry, pineapple and mint spring, I can already tell it's sweet as I give it a curious sniff, then another stir.

I'm going to hate it.

"It's a zombie cocktail," Louise giggles, almost snorting into her own glass as I sip the ghastly concoction through the straw. "Rum, grenadine, lime and pineapple juice. What's not to like?"

"Mm, it's great," I lie, holding my breath as I take another sip and pretend to like it for her. There's enough alcohol in it to down a horse, let alone a wounded boyfriend, whose diet has consisted of medication and scarcely palatable food.

"Now, let's get a pitcher of Blue Lagoon to share. I promise it's delicious," she says. Immediately, she flags down the bartender by his name and holds out my bank card before pointing to the picture on the cocktail list. It's presented to me minutes later in a large jug with two straws, before I've even battled half of the previous drink.

"This isn't the first time you've got me drunk," I mutter, eyeing the almost luminous colour with suspicion.

Louise immediately grips my arm and laughs hysterically, spilling my drink. "Oh, I did a spectacular job, didn't I! Who knew the mighty Matt would be such a lightweight?"

"And I knew you were trouble the moment I laid eyes on you. You're lucky I chose to disregard it 'cause you're so pretty." I lean forward with mischief in mind and wink. "But you don't need me inebriated if you're planning to recreate that night. Chains are enough."

"If I allow you to chain me down, you'll do it?"

"Or you can chain me?" My fingers stroke over her wrist amorously as my voice lowers. "Mm, I also like it when you're feisty. And you'll have me doing almost anything for you while I'm like this."

My lips press against hers as I pull her face towards mine with my fingers threaded through her hair. I'm hungry for more after our brief encounter this morning, and I bite down on her lower lip and then suck.

"Matt... You're..." She pulls away from my kiss. Her green eyes appear almost black with her pupils widened in this dimly lit, smoke-filled bar. None of the people around us matter as my other hand slips beneath her tight mini-skirt and surprisingly finds her wet and knickerless.

"You're so naughty going out like this..." I hadn't ordered it. My other fingers dive into the cocktail jug to retrieve a piece of ice, and she whimpers as I stroke it over her leg, then press it directly against her sex to rub over her clitoris. "But you seem to forget that I'm more experienced in deviance."

Her bare thighs part, urging me to play more, so two fingers slide in, then my third, meeting no resistance as the ice remains on her nub with my thumb. She groans with pleasure, giving us away to anyone caring to look. "I want you... Let's go home?"

"But we haven't met your friends yet," I tease back, fishing out another cube to pop inside her mouth. "Now, be quiet, Kitten, then Daddy can still play."

Louise releases her grip on the counter, then rubs her fingers over one breast, fondling her nipple, which pokes through her tiny, black dress. My hand continues to fuck her even as the ice melts and leaves a puddle on the stool. "Daddy... Ugh. I'm going..."

"Then cum for me, Kitten..." I murmur, rubbing her chilled clit in firm circles while I hold her in an embrace to muffle her cries. Her breath is hot on my neck as I continue the torment with post-orgasmic torture and force her shuddering legs back open for full access. "Keep going or beg me. Daddy owns this pussy, or did you forget that?"

I lift one of her legs over mine and drive another of the slippery cubes inside alongside my fingers. The effect is immediate, and with a groan, she bucks without a single care. "Fuck me," she begs instead, with my mouth now clamped down upon her neck as I leave my mark.

"Soon," I murmur, eyeing the bruise I've left and thoroughly enjoying my control over her as she whimpers through her next orgasm. "I'm going to spend the whole night claiming your body with you tied to my bed. I'll force you to cum over and over again regardless of how loud you get."

I withdraw my drenched fingers, then lick each digit, humming at the delicious taste before draining my glass in one, ice and all.

As I place down the glass, a brunette woman with voluminous bouncy curls wraps her arms around Louise's neck from behind, then kisses her cheek. "I know you said he was cute, but damn girl, you never said he was this fine. Why did you take so long to introduce us? Hi, I'm Amy!"

Her hand extends, and I shake it, bemused by her comment. "Matt. Sorry, Louise hasn't said much about you other than you're a law student. I'm guessing you met—"

"Oh, freshers week. We've been inseparable ever since, though she's a complete liability. Every weekend, without fail, I have to hold back her hair before she passes out on my floor, even if we only went out for mimosas and brunch. You sure must have your work cut out."

"Really? Well, that's not the Louise I know," I reply, sliding my palm over Louise's knee. "She was so studious at school with her head always in her books... I don't think I know her as anything other than a homebody."

Louise playfully pushes me as her friend laughs, almost as though she's nervous around me. "Forget him; I was known for being fun back at school, too."

"Liar," I whisper, leaning into her ear. "You were a tattletale prefect until I corrupted you into my adorable plaything."

"Where are the others?" she replies, holding her palm over my mouth before I can respond with anything embarrassing.

"Well, while you guys were making sickening goo-goo eyes at each other, we managed to snag a table. And you won't believe who we bumped into."

I follow behind the giggling duo, much slower in pace with my crutches, while her friend leads her by the hand away from the crowded bar, across the dancefloor and to one of the roped-off VIP booths. I'd been worried about her confidence in making friends, but I had hugely underestimated her. Louise is popular, and the turning heads and smiles from her new friends make it clear. Since being together, she's grown in personality and become the drop-dead gorgeous woman I've always thought she was.

Now I'm uneasy.

The seats are cramped as I squeeze next to Louise at the end of the table and then lean forward to shake the hand of the man opposite me as he offers it in greeting. "Brad... I'm gathering you're Matt that all these girls were dying to meet."

Instantly, I turn on the charismatic charm, knowing absolutely nothing about the suave, well-dressed, older man greeting me. His warm smile doesn't meet his piercing blue eyes, and the pricy Rolex on his wrist is mismatched to the student vibes of the others surrounding him. "The one and the same. It's good to finally meet Louise's friends."

He drops the handshake to wrap an arm around Amy's shoulder, but his attention doesn't fall. Louise squeezes back past my lap to dance and continues chatting animatedly with her other friends, happy and carefree.

"So what do you do, Matt? I heard you were a barman?" he says, conversing with me.

"Oh, I'm not doing that anymore. I help my dad's business out. Getting his website up and running, handling his paperwork, and that sort of thing. My dad is looking to hand the main shop over to my brother, but the future lies in online orders, so I'm busy with that side. So are you doing a teaching degree too, or are you studying law like Amy?"

He smiles arrogantly at my prying. "You think I'm a student? No, I'm just a friend. Money is more my speciality. Actually, I'd be interested in getting you some good investments once that payday comes in, if you catch my drift?"

The ball drops, and Louise's sudden interest in finance makes sense. "Ah, I suppose you also know about my accident then. But no, that's not really my thing. Don't understand it all, to be honest."

"Studying isn't really your thing either, from what Louise told us," he fires back. "So, how did you meet a girl like her? You honestly don't seem like her type."

I don't know if it's a deliberate snub, but I let it slide. I'm unlikely to meet her friends often, and it will be difficult for her to deal with the fallout if I cause an argument between her friend's boyfriend. "Actually, I'm Louise's first love. We went to sixth form together and fell for each other as soon as we met."

"Yeah, I heard you accidentally got her pregnant. Showed us all the baby photos of Rebekah. Let's hope she takes more after her mum with learning, am I right?" He stares at me for a second, checking the effect before continuing, "Mind you, those course fees won't be cheap... It's a small-scale business your family runs, isn't it? That small shop along the shopping parade?"

I hold back my retort, bewildered by his outright rudeness. I was right to believe he isn't friendly, and with confidence, he is dominating the conversation to make me feel inferior. I glance over to Louise, who is still paying no attention to us and singing her heart out to Madonna with a group of friends. "I don't think that's any of your—"

"Oh, don't mind him. We're all just looking out for her," Amy says, prodding Brad in the arm. "I told you to be nice."

"Yeah, sure. So, are you going to propose to Louise? No one has seen a ring yet," he asks, taking me entirely by surprise and nodding towards the guy beside her as she dances dirtily with another friend. "Between you and me, I suggest you might want to fix that before anyone gets ideas. No offence, but she's so far out of your league no one can tell."

"Did she not tell you that the date is already set for Spring?" I ask, but, just like that, he turns towards Amy to kiss her, abandoning the conversation.

"Hey, you okay?" Louise says, nudging me to scoot over on her return. "You don't seem so well?"

"No, I'm just tired," I murmur, staring dejectedly into my glass, before I'm startled by her fingers running up my jeans beneath the table. She tightly squeezes, then rubs over my crotch, pushing my thoughts and feelings aside. "You're acting dangerously, Kitten, when Daddy hasn't had enough fun with you yet."

She leans against her other hand, blocking the other canoodling lovers out with her hair. "Well, I like it when Daddy gets his chance to play."

My thumb slides into her mouth, thrusting over her tongue until she bites down with a sharp nip. I inhale, mentally adding it to her list of misdemeanours alongside the show on the dancefloor for a later spanking. "Then I hope you're prepared to play with me all night. I'm a sex fiend when I've loosened up with a drink, or did you forget about us making Rebekah?"

Louise's eyes close as we continue simulating this sexual act, and she moans deliciously while slurping hard on my digit instead of talking. I glance sideways at Amy and Brad with a smirk as they stop making out and fondling each other.

My voice lowers for her ears only. "I made you feel good that night, didn't I? You're so loud when you're begging me to cum; I bet you were screaming out my name when I made you mine and fucked you over and over in my bed. Maybe we should recreate that moment?"

My thumb slips from between her lips as I lean in to kiss her, incensed by her lustful, penetrative gaze. She sighs, slightly flushed across the cheeks as she notices her friends' attention on us. "I want you... now."

"And I want you. But I don't want to be nice to you tonight. I want to spank that pert little arse of yours before I bury myself into it." Louise nods, taking a deep sip from the pitcher before I immediately slide it away. "Then no more of that... I'll get us some water before we head back."

Her friends, who've been watching us with interest, stand up the moment I do. Brad instantly speaks. "Another round? Don't say you're off home already? We've barely got acquainted. Let me introduce you to Reece and Rachel, at least."

Louise yawns, feigning sleepiness as I place two twenties down for their next round upon the table. "Sorry, it's been a long night, and Louise is getting tired. Catch you soon, perhaps?"

We're barely out the door when Louise grabs me by the sleeve, leads me to an alleyway, and urges me to lift her against the wall. Certainly not as tired as she was making out, and she takes no time moving her hands to my shirt buttons. "This is a good spot. No one can see us here."

I scan the dark location of the small courtyard she's brought me to, tucked around the back and surrounded by trees. The beams of a taxi pass, but it remains secluded. Definitely a good spot for a sneaky rendezvous and almost romantic beneath the stars in the sky, but it's far too cold. "I'm not strong enough yet... But how did you know about this place?"

"Ugh, Amy and Brad had me keep watch last week. She's in the dorms and has a roommate. Zero privacy at all."

I tilt her to face me before dipping for a passionate kiss. Her heady and floral perfume reminds me of the first time we met and how she bewitched me without warning. Those feelings will never be the same as what they were, but time is certainly helping my wounds to heal. Brad had been right that she'd been without a ring for long enough, but it wasn't intentional. This spot will be better than doing this in bed, and I remove the ring box from my jacket pocket to present to her.

"I know it's late, but I've been holding onto this ring for so long, meaning to give it to you on your birthday. I love you, Louise and I can't wait until the day we settle down together. It's a little redundant, but will you still do me the great honour of marrying me?"

Louise leans back against the wall and laughs, covering her mouth with her hand. She doesn't even glance at the diamond ring. "Oh, Matthew... Not this again. I don't know if I'm ready anymore."

Rejected?

I know I had reservations from the start about the wedding, seeing it only as my duty towards her and our kid. And I never thought about the sanctity of love and fidelity with my parents being so miserable during their own marriage. I initially saw it as a sentence I needed to serve until at least Rebekah was grown, unless, by some miracle, we got along. Never, in a million years, did I think I'd be the one to fight for it to happen.

"You can't be serious? I thought you were the one who wanted this? What about the plans you made with my family... The invitations you had sent out? If you're messing with me again, this is a really cruel joke, especially after what we did this morning."

Louise shrugs, dismissing my crushed feelings. "If you could speak to your father about postponing it, I'm sure he'll understand. I just didn't realise how soon it would come around."

"Is this why you haven't said anything yet? You're worried about what my father would say. Look, I'll call a taxi, we'll head back to my dad's, and if by the morning you still want to delay it, we can speak to him together. I'm okay waiting another year or two if that's what it takes for you to feel ready."

She puts distance between us as I take a step towards her to hold her hand. "I'm sorry, but I'm not sure if you're the one, Matt. I've realised that you've experienced so much and been with so many others that it's easier for you to settle. It's only fair that I get to have no strings attached fun before we commit."

My heart sinks. I know if it wasn't for Rebekah, we wouldn't be together, and she'd have left me behind months ago. It still doesn't make hearing it any easier. "So you're having second thoughts about us and want to what... mess around with others? I wish you'd told me that before I made a fool of myself yet again! Next, you'll be asking me for an open marriage, or better yet, just straight up cuck me."

"I suppose I already am," Louise responds, not looking the slightest bit guilty. "And I still haven't decided whether I should forgive you either for all the things you said about me to that bitch. If anything, you should still be grovelling."

I'm bewildered by what I'm hearing. "You're seriously dragging that back up after everything I've said to you? I never even cheated on you, and the worst I did was complain about you because, quite frankly, you were driving me up the wall!"

"Well, do you even see how much I'm burdened by you?" Louise jabs me in the chest in retaliation, raising her voice as her anger erupts, and causing the neighbourhood dogs to bark. "This is exactly why I can't forgive you! Apologising one minute, then being outraged that I dare to feel upset the next. It never ends with you."

"No, you can't find it in you to ever say, you forgive me. You always want to have something to hold over me, like when you fell pregnant. It's always my fault, and you were quite happy to let everybody think it was entirely mine. Those sick little notes, carvings on my desk and the key marks on my car really drove that point. Even that Bradley punk insinuated it."

"Wow. I have no control over what Ashleigh spread, but maybe if you weren't such a shitty, slutty guy, nobody would have assumed it. It's almost like your reputation precedes you."

"You not correcting them counts as lying. It's deliberately withholding the truth. You knew precisely what was spreading about me and how it was affecting me, and chose to let them think that. My life was destroyed over it, and not once did you care."

"And now you see where I came from when I found out you love Justin. Withholding that truth when you supposedly love me counts as lying." She looks smug at bringing the argument around full circle onto me before removing her phone from her handbag and dialling somebody. "Now I'm heading back to the flat. I'll speak to you tomorrow."

"Don't do this... You're always doing this, then running away," I yell after her as she storms off, then disappears around the corner, leaving me behind. I just knew the moment she said those three stupid words that it was a bad omen. "Dammit!"