#last time

Amanda still couldn't get over the events of the previous night. Julian seemed to think he could have anything he desired in his twisted mind. She couldn't understand how anyone could be so cold and insensitive. She had doubts as to whether he was 100% human. She had never met anyone so ruthless and intolerant of dissent. Julian Dillinger was like a robot, interested only in being the biggest and best in his field. He literally walked over dead bodies. He destroyed people mentally and physically. His employees were like small cogs in his huge corporation, ready to do anything at his snap of the fingers. It seemed as if he wanted to take over the world.

He had a rival. The corporation Amanda worked for. Encom was just as dynamic as Dillinger Systems. And that bothered Julian.

————

It was well into the afternoon when Amanda jumped up in fright at her desk. A notification popped up on her phone about a new message. She had been so focused on her work. She looked around, checking to see if anyone was watching her. But that wasn't the case; everyone on her floor was busy with their work. She picked up her phone and unlocked the screen. The message was from Julian (she had saved him in her contacts as "pushy jerk").

She read the message.

"Hello, sweetheart, you look beautiful today..."

Amanda snorted under her breath and focused her gaze on all the cameras on her floor.

- That asshole is watching me - she whispered to herself and continued reading.

“… I love looking at you. But that’s not why I’m writing. I have a sweet request and proposal, namely... um... I need the master access code for server number N232. I want to hack it, but I can only do it partially. You know... I'm not very satisfied with that. I don't know why you secure your servers so heavily. It's pathetic...."

- You're pathetic, asshole - she took a deep breath and focused on the text again.

“To sum up, in exchange for the code, I will give you everything you desire. Even my body. But I have already given you that, twice. Oh Amanda, I can still smell you on me. Ah... and your taste... I want more and more.”

She finished reading, and a look of disgust appeared on her face. She began to write back.

"Hello, you unruly brat! Don't even think I'm going to give you that code. I'm not going to write as much as you do. To sum up, reading your messages makes me want to vomit."

She clicked SEND and put her phone down, not as gently as she had intended. She looked around again. Several people looked at her, checking to see if she was okay. She smiled fake at them and focused her gaze on her phone screen again. She saw those annoying bouncing dots, indicating that Julian was typing something. She rolled her eyes and sighed loudly, waiting for another boring message. The reply came quickly, as usual.

“Amanda, oh beautiful Amanda, why are you like this? Do you know that anger harms beauty? Give me that access code, and you'll have peace for a while. I need to search that server, there's something important for me there. Please. I'll do anything.”

Without thinking, she began to write back:

“Oh, I have a suggestion, since you'll do anything. Here it is: FUCK YOU, ASSHOLE!”

She clicked SEND again and muted the notification sound.

————

Julian sat in his office, twirling a fake ID card that allowed him to enter the building owned by his biggest competitor and enemy number one. He watched Amanda walking around the floor where she worked. Until she started ignoring the messages he sent her. This made him very angry. He didn't like being ignored. Without thinking, he got up, threw the ID card in his pocket, and headed for the elevator to go down to the garage. He walked over to his black motorcycle, put on his helmet, and with a screech of tires, headed for the Encom skyscraper. He arrived in a few minutes. He parked right at the entrance and headed for the front desk.

- Good morning. I have some documents to deliver - he said, placing his fake ID on the counter.

- Good morning, you can go now.

- Thank you - he smiled fake and headed for the elevator.

——————

She heard her phone vibrating on the desk, informing her of a new message. Unfortunately, she was no longer interested. She got up, took her purse, and headed for the bathroom. She walked slowly, wanting to stay out of reach of her phone for as long as possible. She knew that Julian was now hissing and stamping his feet like an angry little child. She chuckled to herself and entered the bathroom. She looked in the mirror and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. She placed her purse next to the sink and went to the toilet. Then she came back and washed her hands. She looked in the mirror again and jumped in fright. Behind her stood a tall man dressed all in black, wearing a motorcycle helmet. He tilted his head to one side, raised his arm, and waved at her reflection in the mirror. Amanda turned toward him, and the man slowly began to take off his helmet.

- Julian! - she squealed and covered her mouth with her hands.

- Hello, beautiful! - he walked over to the bathroom door and locked it from the inside.

- What the hell are you doing here?!

- Ah, yes, I know. This is the women's bathroom. But someone was already in the men's - he shrugged and slowly approached Amanda.

Amanda backed away, and he didn't stop until she bumped her back against the wall. He smiled devilishly with his perfect white teeth.

- What do you want from me? - her voice trembled.

- You know what I want - he reached into his pants pocket and pulled out his phone, unlocked it, and began to read aloud: "Sweet Amanda, you don't even know how much I want to “fuck you”, to quote your words. I want it with all my heart, but nothing comes for free." - he put his phone back in his pocket - so your answer was really... hmm... I liked it - he moved closer and rested his hand, clad in a protective motorcycle glove, against the wall, right next to Amanda's head - but I didn't get an answer to the message I just read to you.

Julian moved closer to her and buried his nose in her hair. He inhaled her scent deeply, closing his eyes. Amanda trembled, holding her breath.

- You're very naughty, Amanda - he whispered right next to her ear - I don't like it when you contradict me, and you've been doing it from the very beginning - he kissed her earlobe - Your behavior makes me want to play with you very naughtily and dangerously hotly. And I can promise you that you would have a great time too.

- Never - Amanda whispered.

- Ahh... I know you're not easy to deal with, but once I'm done with you, you'll be begging me for more - he moved closer to her neck but did nothing. She only felt his warm breath on her skin.

- You'll never get into Encom's servers, Julian - she tried to pull away from him, but he moved closer again, this time even closer.

- Oh, come on, I just want access to some information - he fell silent and licked his lips, breathing deeply - Amanda, your scent… I think I'm addicted - he moved his nose along her neck, inhaling her scent.

Her body stiffened and she squeezed her eyelids shut. She felt a single tear roll down her cheek.

- I'm not interested. I could lose my job - she said calmly.

Julian giggled.

- Of course you don't. You earn good money here. You're not stupid. But I can assure you that I know a place where you can earn even more - he smiled from ear to ear.

- Really, I don't want anything from you - she tried to pull away again, but it was pointless.

Julian purred and shook his head disapprovingly.

- Don't lie, my dear. You're not very good at lying - he chuckled softly, burying his nose in her hair - let me tell you something honestly, sweetheart. I know you want something from me very much, don't you?

Amanda moved away from him in disgust.

- I don't want anything from you - she hissed angrily through her teeth.

He smiled as Amanda began to pull away.

- Oh, yes, yes, Amanda. Show me your anger, my dear. Show me how much passion you have inside you - he moved after her, grabbed her by the shoulders and pressed her against the wall - you won't get away from me. You say you don't want anything? Then why does your body say otherwise?

- I won't give up this time - she whispered.

- Give up? Honey... that's not what I'm talking about - he tightened his fingers around her neck, lightly but firmly - I won't hurt you. Never. But you and I both know that sometimes you want to be held down - his fingers tightened more - I don't want you to give up. I want your "YES." I want you to forget my name, my company, and yours... I want you to want only me - he leaned closer, and she felt his warm breath on her ear - and when you say it for the first time... God... it will be like an explosion in the center of the galaxy! - he drew in a loud breath - say it, "I want you, Julian."

- No... - single tears rolled down Amanda's cheeks - I don't want you... please...

She began to shake slightly. Julian's hand clenched around her neck made it difficult for her to breathe.

Julian immediately loosened his grip and took a step back. His eyes were no longer so dark; now you could see more concern and something like worry and surprise in them.

- Hey... hey, calm down - he raised his hands in a defensive gesture - I didn't mean to scare you. I wouldn't hurt you. Especially not here. There are cameras everywhere. But not all of them work - he pointed to the camera in the corner of the ceiling - for example, in this bathroom. I turned it off.

Julian slowly approached her again and gently touched her cheek with his thumb, wiping away a tear.

Amanda pushed his hand away and wiped her tears with the back of her hand.

- I already told you that I won't get the data you asked me for. I could really lose my job.

Julian reached into his pocket, took out a small flash drive, and placed it in her hand.

- I'll get that code anyway, but we can do it easier, without leaving any traces - he pointed to the flash drive in her clenched hand - this flash drive has software that will find all the information I need on your computer. You won't have to do anything, just plug it into your computer. The rest will happen on its own, and then a message will appear saying that the data has been copied. You'll unplug the flash drive and then give it back to me - he leaned in too close again, inhaling her scent - if you don't, I'll destroy this corporation. It will be very simple - he whispered in her ear - I will do it slowly. It will look like it's crashing on the stock market, unknown system errors will appear - he purred before uttering his last words - it will be great internal chaos.

He moved away and tilted his head, looking at Amanda.

- And after all this... you will be pure and innocent. Because you didn't do anything - he whispered again - so I'm asking you one last time, don't resist me and don't do anything that could hurt you... and maybe someday I'll forget you exist - he shrugged.

Amanda looked at him with wide eyes.

- But you admit that you just want to use me to take over Encom?

Julian smiled broadly and nodded in agreement.

- You've hit the nail on the head, sweetheart.

- Why do you need such power, Julian? Isn't the company you already have enough? It's bigger than Encom, after all.

- Ah, Amanda, you're so naive. The world doesn't belong to those who stand still. It belongs to those who take more and more - he cleared his throat - Dillinger Systems, which I own, is just the beginning. And power... darling, it's not the goal. It's a tool. Every system can be broken. Every person can be persuaded or pushed away - Julian takes a step back, gesturing toward the window behind him and the Dillinger Systems skyscraper sinking into the fog in the distance - you ask why I want more? Because no one has ever said "no" to me, and I take advantage of that as much as I can.

- You should seek treatment - she whispered, stunned by his confidence.

- Really... I was treated when I was younger. It was funny. I had a mania for controlling everything and everyone. I don't know if it helped me, but I don't think so, because it's even worse now. I think it was just a waste of time. Have you ever wondered if maybe the world is sicker than I am?

- I feel like calling the police and telling them about your plans. I could also accuse you of rape. And actually, it wouldn't be a lie.

Julian didn't even flinch at these words, he just raised an eyebrow.

- The police? - he allowed himself a quiet, deadly cold laugh - oh, sweetest Amanda, you have no evidence. I have always been and am very careful.

- I will get evidence!

He sighed deeply, approaching the terrified Amanda again. He leaned over and whispered.

- I'm leaving now, I have things to do, and you know what you have to do - he was about to turn away - oh, and one more thing. I can still smell you on my skin from last time - he winked at her, walked to the door, put on his helmet, and left.

Amanda took a deep breath. All the time Julian had been too close to her, she had been holding her breath. She slid down the wall, sat down on the floor, and began to cry. After a moment, she got up and went to the mirror. She looked at her reflection. She looked terrible, as if she had just seen a ghost. Tears were still streaming down her cheeks, which she couldn't stop. Her makeup was smudged. She grabbed a piece of paper towel, wet it, and began to wipe her eyes.

- I have to get out of here... I have to escape - she whispered to herself.

Suddenly, she heard someone opening the bathroom door. Her friend from upstairs came in. She looked at her questioningly.

- Amanda? Are you okay? - she raised her eyebrows.

- I'm fine. It'll pass - she smiled - you know, problems at home. I'm having a bit of a hard time - she shrugged.

- If you say so - she shrugged and went to the bathroom.

Amanda came out of the bathroom and looked around the hallway. There was no one there. She wondered how Julian had gotten in. Maybe they mistook him for a courier or something. He hadn't taken off his helmet... She sighed deeply and headed toward her desk.

When she sat down at her desk, she picked up the phone and saw several notifications. She ignored them. She dialed the number for her company's front desk. The receptionist answered after a few rings.

- Hey, it's Amanda, I have a question. Did you let a guy dressed in black wearing a motorcycle helmet in today?

- Yes, he said he had some documents to deliver, so I let him in. He left a little while ago.

- Oh, thank you - she sighed deeply and put the phone down.

She remembered the flash drive she was holding in her hand. She looked at it and put it in her purse. She decided to wait with it for now. If Julian had waited so long to gain access to Encom, a few hours or days wouldn't make any difference to him. She just didn't understand how it was possible that he had entered Encom without any problems and no one had checked him or asked him to take off his helmet.

- He's an enemy of Encom! - she growled to herself - why didn't anyone check his identity?! - she covered her face with her hands.

And just as if on cue, a notification about a new email appeared on Amanda's computer screen. It was from Julian, of course. She looked around the floor at her colleagues, who were busy with their work and paying no attention to her.

She opened the email and almost choked on her own saliva. She began to read the content.

“Amanda, I look at you and I can see that you're thinking about something. Maybe what I sent you will explain it.”

He sent two attachments:

1. A photo of his fake courier ID with access to Encom.

2. A photo of the view from the camera of her entire floor and her desk, with her sitting next to it.

- Fuck, what a perverted stalker - she looked at all the cameras surrounding her. She shrugged her shoulders as if she wanted to stretch and yawn, and at the same time showed her middle fingers.

She received another notification, which she reluctantly opened.

“Amanda, your behavior... I'm speechless. I would never give you the middle finger. At most, I might stick it somewhere. But I'm writing about something else. You put something in your purse that was supposed to be plugged into the USB port of your work computer. Why are you delaying it? Do it, and I'll leave you alone. Like I said, there will be no traces, and you won't be charged with anything. Do it, and I'll visit you in the evening and pick up the flash drive."

She read the email several times, but had no intention of replying. She began to consider granting his request, just to be rid of him once and for all. She was tired of living in constant stress and wondering if someone was watching her.

She reached into her purse and pulled out a flash drive. She looked at it from every angle; it was just a piece of plastic, nothing special, but it could cause a lot of damage. She sighed and plugged it into the USB port on her computer. All that appeared on the screen was a notification that a new device had been connected, and that was it. She stared at the screen, waiting for confirmation that the data download was complete. Suddenly, a notification popped up informing her that she needed to remove the flash drive from the USB port.

She received another email from Julian:

“I see you did what needed to be done. I'm glad and I really appreciate it. Unfortunately, I won't be able to visit you today to pick up what's mine. Let's reschedule for another day. I have important things to do today. Talk to you soon, Amanda.

P.S. I can't wait to smell your scent again.”

Amanda felt nauseous after reading the last sentence. Again, she had no intention of responding to him. It disgusted her.

She glanced at her watch and realized it was time to go home. She gathered her things and headed for the office building exit. She walked slowly toward her home.

Is it illegal to install a camera in someone else's apartment? Probably yes. Unfortunately, not everyone likes to act legally.

Julian sat bored in his chair, which he had practically slid off onto the floor (later he would wonder why his back hurt), watching Amanda sitting at the kitchen table. She was eating salad and scrolling through something on her phone. He yawned and stretched, sliding even further off the chair. Finally, he returned to a sitting position and picked up his phone. He wondered what to write to tease, annoy, or scare her. He was beginning to enjoy it. Tormenting people seemed to give him pleasure. He opened the messenger app and started typing.

"I wonder what could be more interesting than talking to me?"

He pressed SEND and waited for a response. He immediately noticed that the message had been read. He looked at his computer screen and watched Amanda raise her eyebrow. Suddenly, dots began to flash on Julian's phone screen. Amanda started typing.

“Fuck you!”

Julian burst out laughing as he read the nice message. He started tapping his fingers on the screen.

"I didn't know you were so funny and cultured." SEND.

He glanced at Amanda again through his computer screen. He saw her roll her eyes and mutter something to herself. He regretted not installing a listening device when he mounted the camera in her absence. Then he would know for sure what nice things she said about him.

“There’s no need for me to act differently, asshole! What do you want? Don’t waste my precious time! Apparently, you didn’t have time to come and get that stupid flash drive.”

Julian grimaced as he read the kind epithet. Oh, this is going to be tough. He sighed and began to write his reply.

“Amanda, I wanted to timidly point out that it's already midnight. At this time of night, there aren't usually any business meetings or anything like that going on. I'd also like to add that it's Friday, and actually, it's already Saturday. I didn't want to come so late. I was also convinced that you were already asleep.” SEND

His gaze returned to the computer screen. Amanda shook her head disapprovingly and sighed. She began to type.

“As you might have guessed, I'm awake. Is there anything else you want from me? Why are you even writing to me?"

Eh, apparently she was bored with the conversation with Julian. He shrugged and started typing. At the same time, he noticed that Amanda had gotten up and started cleaning the dirty dishes. His fingers hovered over the phone screen for a moment when he saw Amanda bend over to take something out of the refrigerator, sticking her butt out nicely toward the camera. He zoomed in and groaned. He looked at the text he had written, but deleted it and started over.

“Amanda, I was wondering if we could talk on camera... because... well, I don't really know why. I just felt like it. Ahh... and to answer your question... I can't sleep. I have serious trouble sleeping.” SEND

He rubbed his face and watched Amanda again as she slowly walked over to the phone, picked it up, and read the new message. She stared at the screen as if wondering what to reply. Finally, her fingers began to move.

“What is this, the friends zone or something? Torment other people with your problems, not me.”

- How can she do that? What an unpleasant creature - he said to himself as he read the message.

Without thinking, he pressed the camera-shaped button on the screen. The call signal sounded. He watched Amanda staring at her phone, wondering whether to answer the call or not.

- What do you want, pervert? - she answered.

- Oh... - Julian smiled.

- Oh? I'm asking what you want. Suddenly you can't speak? - she stared at him with a raised eyebrow. - you have no one else to talk to, so you have to bother me? I'd like to remind you that I don't like you.

- Why are you being rude? I'm not doing anything wrong.

- Yes, you are doing something wrong, you're wasting my time, asshole.

He stared at her with a silly smile on his face.

- You look beautiful without makeup.

- Seriously? Dillinger, what do you want? - she sighed loudly - I'm not friends with you, forget it. I'm waiting for you to take this piece of plastic back from me so I can block your number.

- I guess you really don't like me - he moaned drawn out.

- That's definitely the case.

- I wanted to say that you won't get rid of me anyway.

Amanda fell silent and left the kitchen. She went into the bedroom. She put her phone on the nightstand. For a moment, Julian could only see the ceiling and hear something rustling, as if she were changing clothes.

- What are you doing? - he asked curiously.

- None of your business.

- Maybe you're getting undressed and I'm not allowed to watch? - he laughed.

- No way! You can dream on.

- I've already seen you naked. I must admit, it's a nice sight. Fuck, what a sight it was! Wow, big wow!

Amanda picked up the phone again and looked at Julian with a grim expression on her face.

- You're disgusting - her expression remained unchanged.

- What's wrong with praising your beautiful body, Amanda? - he cleared his throat - just thinking about it makes my pants feel tight.

Julian stared at her, seeing her anger. He smiled slightly, and his hand involuntarily squeezed the phone tighter. It was so hard for him to focus and control himself now. He felt a rush of adrenaline flow through him. He knew he couldn't just go there and fuck her right now.

- Why are you looking at me like that, you pervert? - she was still angry with him.

- How many times have you called me a pervert, Amanda? I don't know if it's nice.

- I have no idea, I don't count. I don't really care - she shrugged.

He looked at her with a dark gaze. But he said nothing.

- Why are you sitting in such darkness? - she brought her face closer to her phone screen to get a better look at Julian - It's as if your face is lit only by the light from computer screens. How many do you have there?

- A few, why? Why are you interested?

- I'm not interested. I'm just asking out of boredom. I don't even know why I'm talking to you. You don't deserve it - Amanda put her phone aside again and lay down on the bed, then reached for it again.

- You don't know me well enough to say what I deserve and what I don't - he sighed.

Amanda remained silent, just staring at him. Julian shifted in his chair.

- Do you have anything else to say? - Amanda asked in a bored voice.

- Of course, but sometimes it's not worth saying everything you think, right? It could have unpleasant consequences - Julian leaned back in his chair.

- Hmm... and what do you think about that could be so bad?

Julian fell silent, wondering whether to interrupt the conversation. He sighed. Why interrupt it when bantering with her was so enjoyable? He hadn't expected it to affect him like this. That Amanda would have this effect on him. He reached with his free hand toward his crotch and clenched his fist around it.

- Well, Amanda - he smirked - I'd like to be close to you right now and play a very naughty game with you.

- I don't like games.

- Amanda, trust me, you'd really like this one - he murmured - you have no idea what's happening to me right now.

- Um... let me guess, you're hard. That's boring, Dillinger. You're like a sex addict. Don't you have a girl you could use?

Julian reached for a bottle of beer and opened it. He took a big gulp.

- I don't have a girlfriend here, Amanda.

- Why do you keep saying my name? I detest your name. It's hard to get it past my throat. I'd rather choke than say it.

- I like your name, A m a n d a - he said, drawing it out deliberately.

Silence fell again. Julian took another sip of beer.

- I know you like to be naughty sometimes.

- I know that too, but what does that have to do with anything right now?

- The fact that I want you, and it's getting a little hard for me to take - he clenched his hand on the bulge in his pants again. He closed his eyes.

- Well, then you'll have to self rape - she shrugged.

- I'd rather do it with you.

- I don't think I feel like it - she sighed.

Julian sighed deeply again and closed his eyes for a moment.

- I don't like seeing you on this screen. I'd rather have you... in close, physical contact, Amanda - he whispered her name.

- What terrible scenarios have you conjured up in that empty head of yours, Dillinger - she whispered his name maliciously - just do yourself good with your hand and it'll be over.

Julian just looked at her again, breathing deeply.

- Would you like to see it? - he whispered.

- But what would I like to see? - she raised her eyebrow.

- How I pleasure myself - he moved closer to the camera - let me quote, “I will self rape”.

He moved away from the camera, leaned his phone against a beer bottle, and moved further away from the desk, toward the wall. Amanda could now see his entire silhouette. She looked at him closely and couldn't believe what she was seeing.

- You won't do it - she whispers.

- I will. Anything for you, beautiful Amanda.

He got up from his chair, reached for his fly, and slowly unzipped it, then unbuttoned it. He slid his pants down below his buttocks, showing his boxers.

- Look, honey, how you affect me -he grabs the clearly visible bulge - I know you'd like to be here.

- I don't know if I would - she whispers again. Her lips are parted and her eyes are wide open.

Julian moves closer to the camera so that he can be seen from the waist down. He strokes and gently squeezes his still-covered erection.

- I think I'm going to hang up now - she continues to whisper.

- I know you won't. You like what you see. I know it.

He heard Amanda's quiet moan. He laughed darkly.

- I'd like to come to you now - he said, continuing to rub his covered erection - I know you want it.

- No, I don't.

He heard her moan again, louder this time.

- I'm curious how wet you are.

- Um... Sahara, completely Sahara, not a drop of water - she stammered.

- Or maybe you want to... - he pointed to his bulge - see it now, huh?

- No, I don't want to - she whispered - God, it must be big - she whispered again, as if to herself, thinking that Julian hadn't heard her.

- Ah... you want to know how big it is?

- Yes - she said shyly.

- Long, hard... ready - he sighed loudly - so ready it hurts, Amanda.

Julian's body trembled at these words. He clenched his hand tightly on the edge of the desk, as if trying to stop himself from ending too soon.

- Damn it, Amanda, I can't keep talking without the risk of coming like an inexperienced kid in his pants - he clenched his hand around his dangerously swollen cock.

- Go ahead, Julian, do it - she whispered. Her breathing became heavy. She moaned uncontrollably again.

- You said my name, F U C K - he clenched his hand on the edge of the desk again - my imagination really has no limits of decency now.

- Do it - she began to encourage him.

Julian was breathing heavily, looked at his phone screen, and saw Amanda's eyes sparkling with excitement.

- Fuck, how I want you right now... how much I want to be inside you right now... deep inside - he growled loudly.

He began to retreat toward the wall behind him.

- Do it, I want to see it.

- Say that again. You want me to do it in front of you? - his hands were shaking as he grabbed the elastic waistband of his boxers. He looked straight into the camera, straight into Amanda's eyes. He was breathing heavily.

- I want to...

- I believe you, but you have to look at me. You can't look away from me for even a second. I'll only touch myself when you're watching.

- Come a little closer - she sat up higher on the pillows.

Julian pulled down his boxers without taking his eyes off the camera. He grabbed his swollen cock. His legs were shaking slightly. He was so excited that he knew it wouldn't last long.

- God, it's so big - Amanda gasped, not taking her eyes off it.

- Look how much I want you - he said, slowly moving his hand from the base to the very tip - tell me you want more. I can barely breathe, Amanda.

- Yes, I want more - she said quietly.

- Yes... yes... yes...

He repeated these words as if her "I want more" was his inhalation and exhalation. He moved his hand in an unchanging, rhythmic motion.

- Amanda, I want you so badly it hurts - he hissed, slightly quickening his movements.

His movements became faster and more chaotic, his breathing became ragged. He couldn't take his eyes off Amanda's burning gaze. Her lips glistened, she had just run her tongue over them. He wanted to kiss her deeply.

- Please, don't let me stop. I can't take it much longer - he trembled.

- Don't stop, Julian - she moaned softly.

- No, I can't stop... - his breath trembled, he closed his eyes slightly, but opened them again, looking at her intently. He imagined himself deeply immersed in her. It was warm, soft, and very wet there - Amanda... tell me what to do. I want to hear it.

He heard her loud moan.

- Come for me, Julian, and I'll watch - her voice trembled as she said it.

- Fuck... F U C K…

He heard her words as if she had whispered them directly into his ear. His breathing became almost painful. He trembled, doing everything he could to satisfy her. He felt as if he were inside her. As the first wave of pleasure washed over him, he couldn't help but say her name.

- Amanda… Ama… n… da…

He shuddered several times as he came. Everything became almost hypnotic as he looked into the camera, his first thoughts turning to the woman who was looking at him with a passionate gaze. His eyes closed again. He leaned against the wall and breathed heavily. He tilted his head back. His body was still trembling. Even with his eyes closed, he knew Amanda was still watching him. He didn't want it to ever end. Now he wanted to do it again with her, in her bed. He wanted to hear her reach fulfillment. To listen to her breathing calm down. He wanted to lay his head on her chest and listen to her heartbeat.

Suddenly, her words snapped him out of his reverie, and he opened one eye, looking at her. He was still leaning against the wall.

- I think you've stained your pants and boxers. From here, I can see your semen dripping onto the floor.

He giggles quietly, moved away from the wall, and peered down to assess the damage.

- Yes, that's true, but I don't regret anything - he smiles broadly at the camera - I only regret one thing - he sighs, walks over to the desk, and reaches for some tissues to wipe himself off.

- What do you regret? - Amanda asks curiously.

- Well... that my cum isn't running down your thighs right now - he smiles devilishly, pulling up his boxers and pants.

- You're so confident, Julian.

- Yes, it's true - he zips up his fly and sits back down in his chair. He grabs his beer and finishes it.

———

To be continued 😏

@ladyjpm

PART ONE

PART TWO

Everyone else seemed to be handling the moment of quiet just fine.

The kids were huddled around in a circle on the ground, talking quietly between themselves, Nancy was in her own world, rhythmically cleaning her gun, and Robin was sitting outside of the Winnebago, fingers laced over her belly, ankles crossed out in front of her, head back against the wall of the camper van, looking every bit the sentry, the guard.

Her posture was relaxed but eyes open wide and watching, making sure nobody came to disturb the sorely needed sleep her soulmate had to be bullied into taking inside.

The only person who didn’t want Steve to take a moment to himself was of course, Steve.

The beautiful stubborn asshole.

He had pouted and pushed back and whined and bitched and complained until the combined forces of Robin, Dustin and Erica overpowered him.

Robin was guarding anyone from coming out before they had deemed him well rested enough, just as much as she was guarding anyone from going in.

There was a tentative layer of calm over their party now, things had been quiet for just long enough to allow their shoulders to drop ever so slightly.

They should have all known that was a terrible omen in and of itself.

Things could never stay chill for long, not in this group, Eddie had learned.

Something always happened.

A sound cut through the easy air of the field.

A heartbroken, devastated, angry wail.

The wail of a person who was at the end of their rope.

The wail of someone who had lost everything and gained nothing and was going to make the world pay for it.

And it was coming from inside the Winnebago.

Robin was on her feet in less than a second, an anguished cry of “God fucking damn it!” screaming out from inside the metal walls, so tormented and painful it almost hurt Eddie to hear it.

The door to the Winnebago slammed open with such force it bounced off the wall, nearly taking Robin out with it.

Steve burst through, eyes rimmed red, furious, terrifyingly enraged.

And he was marching right towards Eddie.

Eddie scrambled to his feet, destroying Mt. Green in the process, sending grass scattering.

He looked like he wanted to kill him.

Despite the fury and rage of the rapidly approaching Harrington, Eddie didn’t find himself fleeing for his life like he would have if it was Carver coming towards him with the same look.

Because this was Steve, right?

Steve wasn’t like them.

Right?

He was sure of that, he was.

Always had been.

It was why he had dropped the broken bottle as soon as the fog of war had left his vision.

But now… the way Steve was looking at him…

It was like he wanted to rip his arms off.

“Woah, woah, hey Steve, what-” his words were halted in their tracks as Steve grabbed him by the lapels of his leather jacket and hauled him in close, almost spitting in his face.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Steve hissed out like the words themselves could poison him. “Why did you fucking do that?”

He shook Eddie, hard. So hard that Eddie’s grip on Steve’s wrists, trying to pry them away slipped and he was swiftly reminded of the fact that this man in front of him wasn’t just more athletic than him, fitter, stronger, with large hands and large muscles currently shaking Eddie around like he was a rag doll, but that Steve was also a man who had tangoed with Death multiple times and won.

Eddie’s neck tried desperately to keep his head on his body as he was shaken again, violently and without mercy.

“Why?!”

Eddie could do nothing but stare at Steve in complete open mouth shock, stunned into silence in a way he so rarely was.

This was not a position he was unused to, deals gone wrong, hookups gone wrong, dear old dad taking his rage out on a little boy.

He was used to being shaken around like this.

But not by him.

Not by Steve.

Never by Steve.

“I should have chosen different,” Steve almost whispered to him, yanking him so close their noses were brushing, nothing but venom in his voice and a wild, desperate look in his eyes. “I should have called the fucking cops on you the second I found out you were in Ricks boathouse. That would have made all this bullshit so much easier!”

Eddie’s heart crashed straight down into the topped Mt. Green.

How… how could Steve possibly think he was guilty?

After everything they’d already been through… the fucking… the lake, the bats, the guns, plural in Wheelers bedroom?

Steve was a part of the group that explained everything to him!

Part of the group that assured him this supernatural nonsense wasn’t just in his head and he had definitely not killed Chrissy.

“Every time.” Steve shook him again, vibrating with anger. “Every fucking time, you promise me. You promise and then you go and do it again. Do you have any idea what it’s like? To watch you, over and over again. I- I don’t know why I thought this time would be different. I don’t know why-”

Steve huffed and finally let go with such sudden force Eddie landed hard on his ass. “Forget it. I can’t. I fucking can’t. Not this time around. I can’t do this again. I need a fucking break.”

Steve didn’t look back at him as he stomped away, barefoot, his arms, sides and neck freshly bleeding with his heightened pulse.

He nearly ripped the door to the Winnebago from its hinges as he yanked it open and then slammed it closed again.

The entire party watched him, silently stunned into inaction, even Robin unable to move in light of Steve’s scorching anger.

Eddie could guess that none of them had ever seen Steve lose it like that.

There was the roar of an engine and before any of them could do anything about it, the Winnebago kicked up a plume of smoke.

The wheels spun, mud splattering underneath and with a terrifying lurch and wobble the vehicle tore out of the field.

Abandoning them.

Leaving them all behind.

Deliriously, the only thing Eddie was thinking as he saw it get smaller in the distance was;

Where did Steve learn to hotwire?

Eddie blinked.

Closed his eyes.

Opened them again.

And he was sitting.

Legs crossed.

A fistful of grass in his hand.

Mount Green, tall and proud by his knee.

Robin had her hands resting gently over her belly, her legs crossed in front of her.

The kids were huddled and gossiping.

The Winnebago was sitting innocent and quiet.

Everything was calm and still.

The kind of calm and still that made Eddie’s skin itch.

There was…

What…

Something was… fading a little.

The door to the Winnebago opened, slow and ominous, creaking on it’s hinges, a bandaged arm slowly pushing it open.

Steve stepped out, somber and subdued.

He looked like the weight of the world was on his shoulders.

He didn’t look in Eddie’s direction.

He looked like a beaten dog.

Steve dropped to his knees next to Robin, put his head down into her lap and began to cry.

Eddie blinked again.

Mount Green, tall and proud by his knee.

Robin had her hands resting gently over her belly, her legs crossed in front of her.

Everything was calm and still.

The door to the Winnebago was pushed open from the inside. Steve stepped out and he looked… he looked fucking heartbroken.

Like his soul had been destroyed.

There was something in him, something burrowed in Eddie deep down that he felt like hadn’t been there ten minutes ago.

An almost primal need to go to him, to check on him, make sure he was okay. Wrap him up safe in his arms, keep him close and cradled and kiss that mole next to his nose.

Along with that was an almost inexplicable and overwhelming feeling of guilt.

Like all of this, somehow, was his fault.

Eddie wasn’t sure what it was, but he felt it in his bones, like a tremor running up his spine.

It pulled Eddie forward before he even fully realized he was moving.

Mt. Green was kicked aside, unnoticed.

Eddie’s heart was thrumming in his throat, almost panicked and desperate, just to get to him, just to hold and comfort and make everything better, make everything okay.

He needed to fix it.

This was his fault.

And he needed to fix it.

Steve watched him approach with an almost wary apprehension, still inside the door, resigned to some kid of devastating fate that only he knew.

Robin watched the two of them, cautious but still. She didn’t stop Eddie as he got closer. Didn’t stop him as he stepped up into the RV and didn’t stop him as he closed the door behind him.

Steve had stepped back to allow Eddie to enter, shoulders drooped and those sad, sad eyes staring at him and through him all at once, a world of memories flowing behind them that Eddie could never reach.

“Please don’t do that to me again.” Steve whispered, barely above a breath, but Eddie heard it regardless. “This has to be the last time.”

He didn’t really know what Steve was asking of him, moments and scenes were warring with him in his head;

Everyone gearing up in their purchases from Warzone, getting ready for the fight ahead.

Steve freaking out, asking everyone, anyone to listen to him, that it wouldn’t work.

Eddie leaning over Steve’s shoulder, instructing him as he pulled wires out from under the steering column of his Bimmer, their roles all but reversed as Steve leaned back into his space and called him Bambi.

Eddie staring silent and open-mouthed as the Winnebago tore down the street, leaving all of them behind.

Steve weeping into Robin’s lap.

Eddie opening his mouth to say something stupid like make him pay and Steve stopping the words in their tracks with his own mouth, his tongue, his hand on the back of Eddie’s neck, in his hair, tight around his waist.

Faint, far gone memories of pain, so much pain, clouding everything, so much of it, everywhere, all at once, like a fog over a dream.

Steve looked at him with so much depth and feeling that had not been there when they had first driven into this field.

Eddie reached out, both hands on either side of Steve’s jaw, cradling his face, holding him in a way that he somehow knew Steve loved to be held.

He leaned forward and kissed the mole next to Steve’s nose.

“Never again.” He promised.

AO3 As always, my biggest thanks and much love to @hbyrde36 for the beta work with this and to the @strangerthingswritersguild for their motivation!