Vincent didn't have to wait too long for her. She was his favorite of them all. He didn't mind the wait too much, he always thought she was worth it.

They came nearly every night, about five of them. He guessed that they were all friends. He didn't mind the others, it was all about her.

She stood about five-four. He couldn't be bothered worrying about her dress size, but she filled out her everyday clothes beautifully. She was a carmel complexion, shoulder length dark brown hair pulled back into a high ponytail. Her eyes and her mouth were her stunners. Her mouth caught your attention but her eyes held them. Soft brown eyes with a knowing glint. Full lips smirking under a button nose.

Ember could have easily been thought of as cute, but her full lips placed her as sexy. Full breasts that tempted him every time he saw her about the town.

They shared a past, a past where she had refused him, but that was okay. In a couple of days he would be the only one on her mind. She was stubborn and somewhat foolish.

He knew she thought herself above the law, she was determined to break the rules concerning restricted areas blocked off by the military; which was fine by him, since it provided him privacy and exposed herself to him much sooner than he had originally planned, hard-headed, always...

Vincent and Ember had known each other a few years back, he had always had a thing for her, he had even gotten her to agree to go out with him once. Unfortunately that once was his downfall in their small town community. Too eager and over zealous, Vincent had ignored Ember's signals and verbal rejections of pushing their date beyond her physical expectations, it amounted to someone responding to her screams and struggles to get Vincent away from her.

She didn't want to press charges and his parents were adamant that charges were not required. Near the end of the investigation, it was suggested that Vincent take a leave of absence from the town. His family, namely his mother did not take this well. Being he was her youngest and was already posed to enter the local college at the end of their summer break. She knew this would end his future career of law enforcement, the trade they all expected him to take after his father.

Vincent's father felt the military would suit Vincent best for the time being, seeing as it would give the incident time to be forgotten and Vincent time to experience life and mature without an attempted rape charge or accusations hanging over his head. Only thing was, you had to have character to do all that. Vincent had long ago foregone on any attempt to redeem himself inwardly.

During his time serving in the Marines, he had not only achieved promotions but also realized were the real action and money was, namely where the power was... Not long after finishing boot camp and completing his first assignment, Vincent dropped the idea of returning back to his hometown to appease his family in following in is father's shoes of becoming an officer of the law.

Even now he laughs at how naive he was in thinking law was his destiny and also the mistakes he made with Ember. She was never really far from his thoughts. She had always been his idea of the perfect woman.

'Yeah, SHE was the one that got away'... or ran away.

Though his ideas of a career may have changed, his intentions to reunite with her had not. He had through subtle inquiries with his mother and remaining friends kept abridged of her whereabouts, activities, and involvements. Before that tragic evening it had been his plan for them date exclusively, attend college together, then get engaged and marry.

Law enforcement was a respectable enough profession to support the life style he had planned for them. But now with the military, though his options had in a since been reduced, yet still in the military, other doors of opportunity had opened.

A door to meet people in obtaining old disbanded weapons, people needing a little mercenary action here and there to quealch any unhappy locals in third world territories, people that understood that money laundering was a highly fiscally rewarding practice, and that the movement of people was a better paying factor than even arms dealings.

Yes, the military was proving to be the better profession after all. Only his misses was missing. Only Vincent's family and close friends knew where he was located in the military, and due to his letters and brief phone calls, he had given them the impression it was bet if his location were kept confidential. He always alluded to the notion that he was assigned to a top secret mission.

In actuality, he was really never too far from his home town, and once he finished his third year of his six year enlistment, he did not plan on reenlisting, but instead head out on his own and partner up with a man, the military had on a watch list. This man was had connections, money, and power. The things Vincent valued over all.

Well they wouldn't be military for long, but then Vincent had a back up plan. His friend Vergara was very interested in old military firearms as well as new ones. It had been his squadron's responsibility to oversee the disposal of old and outdated fire arms. But for a special price, those very same arms would find a home via he and Vergara to other countries not so friendly to US or even terrorist groups.

Vergara had thankfully set up a secret overseas account set up by Vergara's accountant for Vincent. This account was fed by Vergara whenever transactions were completed as expected.

Normally hardheaded people, especially a female that thought she was better than him, those really pissed him off, but for tonight, he appreciated his girl's lack of candor. And plus he figured he would have the pleasure of educating her of the ills of bad decisions. He was actually very much looked forward to those lessons.

But then Vincent counted on her being hard headed... it would place her within his grasp.

There was a tranquil waterfall that fed the river within the restricted area. But Vincent chose to ignore the river's other four secret swimmers, there were certain nights she would actually bathe alone.

The first time he discovered that, he nearly burst upon her as she began to undress. His military superiors had directly informed all citizens and military personnel that the surrounding area was off limits. Yet, she had determined herself to be too special to adhere to such rules. people always wanting fucking special treatments. Well he had something special for her too.

He knew her schedule by heart. She would be there for her every other night to bathe.

It was a Wednesday and she had already given her friends the impression she would not go to the falls alone, following the military's posted signs. Taking an old path from the back town that led twisting and winding to the waterfall river bend, she led her horse. It was an easy trail to follow during the day, but a bear to trace once the sun began to set.

Once she arrived, she did a body check. Two towels, some soap, second pair of underwear in her saddle. She figured she'd just leave her clothes by the riverside. She wasn't too worried about being their alone, she had her toothpick of course. It would be all she needed for late night dips, because she believed she had enough protection... her five inch 'Arkansas toothpick,' that is what her daddy called it when he swore her to carry it where ever she went. Her daddy was a good ole country boy.

Vincent waited, he had no doubt they would not be interrupted, though he had all night, it would not be enough, but it would have to do in a pinch, and this was a pinch for him... for now at least.

She led her mount to the old burnt out tree to tether her horse. Ember slipped down from her leather saddle with the slightest creak. She noted that she was all alone as she began to undress by the riverside.

Vincent moved stealthily among the trees. He had come prepared... wearing a black long sleeve t-shirt, black sweat pants, with black moccasin boots.

This night would accomplish so many things for him concerning her, she will learn a lesson about going out at night alone, she would become more familiar with him though unbeknowing to her, and give him a taste of his future.

He was so anxious, he slightly snorted with anticipation as he watched her approach the water. She paused, as if suddenly sensing a presence... his presence. Ember looked about herself, glanced at her toothpick... then swiftly turned and dove into the river.

Vincent eased over to her pile of clothes, taking her blade, her pants and top... he left her her undies, curious as to what she will do once she discovered her things had been disturbed and her weapon missing.

Once he had her clothes and her knife, he returned to his hiding spot to watch her swim and bathe. As she passed under the small waterfall which signaled her bathing was complete, he waited not realizing he was holding his breath.

She waded to the edge of the river, then once again she scanned the thickly wooded forest, her eyes seemed to look right into his face, but she did not even notice his face hidden among the foliage. once satisfied she was alone, she emerged from the river completely.

She tilted her head to he side as if allowing water to run from her right ear, then she bent forward with her naturally curly shoulder length hair hanging down in front of her to in an attempt to gather her wet hair to put into hair scrunchie.

Leaning back, she grabbed her wet hair and wrung it out on the damp soil where she stood. the night was perfect, too bad her friends were not here to share it with her.

Ember turned and waked to her pile of clothes. It became very obvious she noted the change on the ground. She paused in mid stride a few feet from the pile, bent to retrieve her things. Quickly trying to locate her knife, not finding it she stopped in her frantic search to once again scan the riverside clearing.

"What the fuck was going on?"

'Please let it be a damn raccoon that did this.'

But in the back of her mid all she could conjure up was "Run!"

Standing quickly she ambled toward her mount, only to find him missing as well.

"Shit, whoever is playing games with me... this shit isn't funny!"

Walking toward the edge of forest, she suddenly heard a rustle among the bushes, but is too late, she is picked up from off her feet from behind and hauled to the forest floor. She tries to jab her attacker with her left elbow, but he uses his full weight to bear down on her.

This pushes her immediately to the ground again with an "Oof!" forced out of her mouth.

"Keep still dar'lin, won't hurt a much." Was all her attacker would say at first.

He grabbed her wrist, placed them both in one of his hands as his other hand snaked around her waist in a lifting motion, not off the ground, but to her horror, positioning her onto her knees.

All Ember could think was 'Oh this shit is not happening, oh fuck!'

One large muscular thigh came from behind her and was wedged between her bent knees.

"Spread your legs!" Was his next command.

She could not believe what was happening, everything was moving in slow motion. Once her legs were spread, his thighs rested on the inside of hers, preventing her from moving from the position he had placed her in.

The hand about her waist held her in place as his other hand cupped her mound. He grunted as his fingertips found her lips opening, he clumsily and quickly sunk his fingers into her pussy from the front of her body, fingering her clit.

"Not wet enough, fuck this!" He began to make little circles about her clit with his middle finger, then he ran it, in and out of her tight hole, the little act elicited the results he ached or, his finger drew back dripping in her arousal, she even gave an involuntary moan.

'Aw, hell no, shit, where the fuck did that come fr...'. He once again entered her, this time with two fingers going in and out of her.

"No... no, stop, oh fuck!" Was what she could barely get out.

Smiling to himself, he removed his fingers, pulled his black sweat pants down, knowing his intentions, Vincent had gone commando. Once his pants had reached his thighs, he thrust forward, impaling her onto his cock.

She screamed, and tried to pull forward, but once again his arm was about her waist and held her in place. Her struggles only excited him more. His thrusting pace increased. His left hand that was holding her wrists together, released her hands go, only to shove his fingers into her hair to anchor her to him as he grazed his teeth along her shoulder enjoying her whimpers of submission.

She shook, not to release her, but as her approaching unwanted orgasm came alive. If she climaxed, then what the hell did that say about her?

She didn't want to explode with a man forcing himself on her. But her orgasm hit her big, it rocked her as she moaned long and loud before she realized what she had just conveyed to her attacker. She fucking loved what he was doing to her... well she didn't, but her damn traitorous body did. 'Shit!'

Vincent only smiled the more after her sounds of completion echoed along the banks of the river.

She felt him shudder as he approached his own orgasm.

His grip on her hair believe it or not tightened harder than it had before.

As his climax ripped through him, it was as if he were attempting to rip her hair from her scalp.

"Shit girl!" Vincent growled in her ear as he pushed three more times into her.

On his final thrust, he gave her several stinging slaps along her butt cheeks. Each slap brought a scream or whimper from her, which were music to his ears. He laughed with pleasure at finally getting back at her for the shit she put him through. If only she'd not fought him then.

Vincent pushed her own to the dirt floor, holding her there with his hand on her back, "Stay put or we go for round two!"

He slowly got up, she should have stayed put, but she did glance up at his hands as they had held her hands together, there was something familiar about him, but what? It wasn't his voice, or was it and she was too scared or confused to see what was right in front of her.

She knew her attacker, 'What if he thinks I recognize him, shit! What if plans on killing me? Fuck, I was a stupi...'

Ember managed to hiss, "Ouch! Let my hair go you...!"

"Shut up Ember!" At the mention of her name, her struggles and screaming ceased.

"You were warned, but you wouldn't listen!"

Fearing he may have said too much, Vincent pressed his lips together in frustration of his own eagerness. It was too soon to reveal his identity to her.

"Who are you? Why are you doing this? Please just let me go, I ..." 'I know that voice...'

~~€

That night at the riverbank...

"Who are you? Why are you doing this? Please just let me go, I..." 'I know that voice...'

What the fuck was he going to do now? Vincent could kick his own ass for jumping the gun with Ember. Fuck! He quickly placed his large hand in the middle of her back and pushing and holding her down to the ground, while shoving his other hand through his hair trying to rectify his blunder. Digging his free hand into his sweats pants pocket, he pulled out his sweat stained bandana to tie her wrists behind her back.

For a moment when he realized, he hadn't disguised his voice as he spoke her name, his mind went blank. Now it seemed like his mind had raced to catch up with the current event. His mind kicked into gear that he had planned for this, instead of tying her wrists with his bandana, he reached over to the small duffle bag he had laid to the side when he had arrived to watch her bathe. Inside he found his savior... a small bottle of ether.

Still holding her down with one hand, he shook the dirty bandana loose, dropping it onto to the ground. He then he pulled out the small bottle of ether. Using his free hand, with some difficulty he opened the ether bottle and doused the bandana with it. After tossing the bottle to the ground, he kept pressure on Ember's middle back, after and picked up the bandana and held it over Ember's nose and mouth. Once he felt her body stop struggling against his. He removed the rag and checked the pulse in her neck.

Once he was satisfied her breathing was normal, he relaxed his hold on her. He rose from the ground and pulled his pants. He stooped to lean down to turn her over onto her back. Vincent stood up tall to his 6'2" height. He looked around, fearful of having an audience. He stooped down once again to pick her up. He held her in his carried her to his truck. He wrapped her in a dark blanket and laid her in his back seat. Everything had gone as planned, except for him getting carried away by saying her name in his regular voice!

Vincent had to put her under; he'd been prepared and had brought the little bottle along; knowing that when he was done... he couldn't just leave her by the bank unconscious or alone, especially not when he had barely heard her gasp.

Vincent went back to collect his duffle bag and the remainder of her things he had left for her to find. Starting up his truck, he noted the time and knew her roommate should be home, hopefully in bed. When he arrived there, before removing Ember's slumbering form, he would check on her roommate.

Once Vincent had parked his SUV around the corner from her bungalow, he then snuck around to the side of the bungalow. He saw that a TV was playing, but after looking inside of the room, it was obvious the roommate had fallen asleep waiting for Ember to show up. Luck was truly with Vincent, for Jenna was already asleep.

He quickly exited his vehicle, carrying her over his right shoulder and quickly moved up to her front porch. He used the house key that he had fished out of her pocket of her shorts by the river; he quietly entered her bungalow and made his way to her sofa.

Not wanting to risk her waking up completely or waking her roommate, he gently placed her on the sofa, and backed out the way he entered. Once outside, he closed and locked the door behind himself, and eased down her porch steps. She began to stir from the effects of the ether.

Getting her home without anyone noticing him hadn't been really difficult. Visibility was poor and none of the locals were aware of his history with Ember. He didn't need to worry about the permanent restraining order her parents had taken out against him. He was still somewhat nervous, but this was a risk he felt he could take. Damn her parents anyway for making life so difficult!

Vincent couldn't shake the feeling that he'd somehow blown it. His suspicion was proven the moment she paused in her struggles after she heard his voice. It was like on some weird level of awareness she knew that voice. All he could do was to hope that she may not recognize THAT voice, and could not connect it to him. But just to be sure he did not want to jar her memory anymore; he would be stay away for a few days.

~~€

The morning following the riverbank...

Ember's first thoughts upon waking up were that last night had to be a dream, but waking up on her sofa, in a blanket not hers, and bottomless...? Like a lightning bolt, it struck her that last night was indeed real. Due to Vincent, on occasion she would a nightmare reminisce of their fateful last date.

Those dreams, those memories like so many other dreams that people have, seemed so real, so real that she would always wake-up with a gasp. Even now she could still hear that voice..."Shut up Ember." She knew that voice, but it couldn't be him. Her parents, friends, the military, and Judge Hagen's restraining order made sure it wasn't him.

Memory lane for Ember...

Vincent Sinclair was her one time boyfriend, who had forced himself on her years ago. At first Ember couldn't believe what had happened. They had been friends since her last year of junior high. He was so attentive, funny, caring... so what happened? When did he change? What happened to him... for him to do what he did? To think and say the things he said? He began pushing her back in her seat; she tried to push him away.

His words still haunted her now and then, "You belong to me... you need to remember that... you don't look or talk to any other guy," he had hissed in her face just as he pushed the release lever of her front passenger seat down in his car. He had grabbed her wrists with one hand and held them above her head as he angled his body over hers.

In the past, they had snuggled up on a date, she had even allowed him to feel her up, but their clothes had always remained on, if not necessarily in place. They had been at the local make-out place, they weren't the only teenagers parked out at the edge of the Carter Lake, which was fortunate for Ember.

At first she thought he was playing and went along with the rough housing, but when her wrists began to hurt and he began to straddle her hips and tugging her t-shirt up, from over her white lacy bra, she became frightened. This wasn't a game. He was serious.

"Vincent! What are you doing? Stop, this isn't funny! Stop..." He had covered her mouth with his. He quickly undid his jeans with his right hand and yanked his boxers down enough to angle out his hard-on, he was so turned on, and this shit was blowing his mind. He had her shirt pulled up and her bra pulled down, for skin to skin contact.

Then his hand had unsnapped her jeans and he raised his body as she attempted to buck him off. Then he began to tug her panties to the side, but wound up actually tearing them. Ember screamed, but only a muffled sound was heard outside the car. She frantically tried to dislodge him, but all that did was to help secure him between her thighs as he used his right knee to split her thighs farther apart and angle his hips further between her thighs.

With one well aimed thrust, Vincent slammed into her. Her mouth tore away from his painful kiss and finally, her scream was heard. So after finally tearing into her, he pulls back to push deeper into her, so into punishing her for trying to deny him... Vincent failed to notice others coming to Ember's aide. Her door, which she had unlocked, was snatched open and someone pulled Vincent from on top of her. The whole time she was screaming and sobbing for him to stop. Someone screamed to call the police, another stated they knew her, a third said call her parents.

This initiated many issues in their small town: it signaled the downward spiral of Vincent's decent and legitimate future. It ruined any hopes his parents had of him becoming an officer of the law; it forever cast him as a villain in the eyes of Ember and her family, it also caused a split in the senior high school.

There were those loyal to Vincent who labeled Ember a tease and flirt that got what she deserved. Then there were those on Team Ember, who cast Vincent as the golden boy jock that had to always get his way... so why not the prettiest girl on the cheerleading squad. So their school went, so followed their small town.

Not wanting to create a bigger scandal for their daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Michaels chose to drop charges of sexual assault, due mainly to the fact that Ember was adamant things did not go that far. She had refused a rape kit. Vincent was court ordered to stay away from Ember permanently, much to his mother's chagrin. She thought, 'who does this little girl think she is to defile my son's and our family's good name? He didn't do anything she wasn't asking him for, the little slut' Yeah, his parents were pissed. They were pissed for different reasons though.

Mr. Sinclair was simply disgusted by his son's behavior for two reasons: one, he'd already told him to be careful with the Michaels girl. He knew Ember's parents and knew her to be good kid. Not like the fast little girls trotting around his son and his son's friends. And two, he knew his son... he knew boys and the games they play. Vincent was a star athlete and his dad knew such star worship led boys to feel entitled. Mr. Sinclair was not disillusioned about his son as his wife was.

He strongly believed every word the Michaels' girl said, as well as what she didn't say. Knowing his son, he was surprised it had not occurred earlier with some other girl. It was decided that Vincent would finish high school through home study, seeing as they had nearly three months of their senior year left. There would be no prom for either student, with one student being traumatized or barely making it to school on a daily basis and the other banned from all school related functions.

After a while, it was decided (by Mr. Sinclair), seeing as how this event ruined any of Vincent's chances of entering a reputable college, perhaps the military could do what his parents couldn't do, and straighten Vincent out. His mother was even more resentful of Ember's accusations of her son.

Mr. Sinclair could not even on his best day change or alter her biased opinion of either teen. In Mrs. Sinclair's eyes, 'Ember was a flirtatious black tramp that entrapped her innocent son and thus far ruined any chance of a decent future he once had.' From then on, she hated Ember and any member of her family or race. 'That little black tramp,' would be quite commonly heard during rehashing of that hateful event.

So at the end of their senior year, an eighteen year old Vincent was a young Marine. At first Vincent was pissed. Who was his father to determine his future career? Throughout all of this, he never faulted Ember. In his mind, he knew he had forced himself on her, but also in his heart, he felt that she was his and always would be.

It was the others that had gotten in their way of their romance. He could have made her see that they belonged together... and he would, have given the time. He realized that he had to get his own shit together before he could approach her to pick up from where they had left off.

He kept tabs on her from various individuals in their hometown. His mother's voice would take on a tone of disgust whenever he inquired about Ember or her family. 'Oh, why do you even bother to ask about that little Black tramp? Honestly, I fail to see whatever attracted you to her in the first place,' which he knew was a lie, Ember's mother and his mother had been fairly good friends since the kids met in school and again at PTA events at the start of their freshman year in high school.

Ever since then, his mother would always hint at what a lovely and sweet natured girl she was. Vincent had long ago determined she was the one for him. She wasn't like the other girls that flirted shamelessly with him or his jock friends. No she was an athlete in her own right, she ran track, did volleyball, and played tennis. If she wasn't on a field then she had her head in a book.

Now, his mother would cross the street or walk in the other direction if she even caught a glimpse of Ember or any member of her immediate family. If Vincent wanted an exaggerated update of her family, his mother was his source. If he wanted a social teen update, then he could casually ask a former friend of Ember's that was now 'Team Vincent'. Of course it was somehow embellished as well, but more likely of a snarky White girl that was jealous he never gave her a try and was annoyed that he still asked about the Black girl that caused him so much trouble. And in their eyes, His asking just went to prove what a good guy he was after all.

~~€

Memory lane for Vincent...

Over the years Vincent kept abridged of Embers comings and goings. Upon learning that she was moving out of town western Oklahoma, far from home and even closer to an Army military base, Vincent worked like crazy to get himself stationed there. Within a month of a not-so-little favors, he found himself and a few of his cronies stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

He had learned that Ember was majored in photography at their local community college and had obtained a job near Lawton, OK. He thought it was cute of her. She actually went to school for a time and picked up a career. She found a position with the local newspaper and did some freelance work here and there.

She shared a bungalow with a woman that worked at a nearby florist shop. It was a simple two bedroom setting. They shared a bathroom, a living room, and dining room slash kitchen.

Ember had left for the local community college, not long after Vincent departed for boot camp. Though she had supporters, it was still very uncomfortable to live in her small town where everyone knew your business, or at least thought they did. For every one or two supporters she had, she had just as many or more accusers. It was almost common to hear former friends whisper poorly or just out right state she probably got what she deserved, that Ember thought she was better than him or others. That is probably wasn't even her first time. That she was a slut, a Man-trap. It became unbearable to attend classes seeing that eighty percent of the population that attended high school were also attending college with her.

So she opted to take courses that led to a fast degree that would grant her some independence and a ways of affording her move from her hometown to somewhere far where no one knew her past. A new start is what she wanted, and Lawton would be it for her.

He'd also learned that she had a roommate named Jenna; she met her by answering an ad on Craigslist looking for a roommate. Ember had already secured the job at the newspaper, and the bungalow was not to far a walk and a quick drive if she chose. Lawton was at heart a small town. Jenna and Ember clicked right away, and it was nice for Ember to meet someone new that had no knowledge of her and Vincent.

Even 'Team Ember' was getting annoying. Back home she just wished people would let it go, but when people have nothing better else to talk or gossip about... well, it seemed to never get old. People either still blamed her for Vincent's absence or people still pitied and tsked her, like her parents and friends. She was stronger than that and wanted them to move on or at least, let her move on.

~~€

Current tabs on Ember...

Ember had lived in the town for over a month and was soon accepted into Jenna's little clique. And not long after introduced Ember to their little nightly routine of night bathing, swimming, or just fooling around. It had started off as a dare amongst the friends when they attended their local high school, but it quickly became their sinful weekly misdemeanor... sneaking off to small nearby lake on Ft. Sill, but up on higher ground to a calm shallow river, that flowed from a small waterfall.

It was picturesque. Not one of them could resist it, it now being midsummer. It was agreed upon by the group that after a hard long week of work, the girls would meet up at a set time to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the waterfall and the river.

Unknown to the girls, their little getaway spot had been discovered by young troops training nearby. The girls laughter, conversations, or splashing caught the attention of the unit. For awhile the men couldn't believe their good fortune, too bad it was short lived.

After awhile the men began to brag of the hot girls that swam in their undies up beyond hill by the waterfall. For awhile, units would barter as to who would train in said area on certain nights. After a few weeks of various units trying to spot the girls, it became apparent Friday and or Saturdays were the girls days of choice.

Not long after, word of their romp reached Vincent. His curiosity got the better of him, especially after he heard the description of one of the girls. Knowing that Ember was now working and living in the town, he had become very interested as to her comings and goings.

This was mostly to make sure he had no competition for her time or affections. He had made it quite clear she was hands off. Though he had established no reputation locally, Vincent did keep a girl or two on hand just for an occasional fuck, nothing serious since Ember was never far from his thoughts. To get off he always had to picture in place of the woman he had been rutting into.

Vincent was 6'2" height and seemed to have a permanent scowl accompanied with a no nonsense personality. He had an impressive physique, which made him a very intimidating figure.

After finally spotting Ember amongst her friends, Vincent instantly became pissed for so many reasons. These fools had been gawking at her for weeks. She was walking and swimming in her damn panties and bra for all to see, and she was out with these idiot girls flaunting his shit, unprotected, and he had just found out these horny ass mother fuckers were ogling what was his.

This shit was going to end now. He quietly withdrew himself from the onlookers, and headed steadily over toward the corporal leading this group and informed him it was his duty to protect these women and allowing or even encouraging his men to ogle these women without their knowledge or permission was conduct unbecoming; this was grounds for action under military laws, and he would initiate the charges.

The corporal grudgingly quietly indicated to his men that they were to cease and desist from watching the women without their permission and to return to base.

This was only part of Vincent's solution. Next, he had to prevent the girls, namely Ember from returning to swim, bathe, or whatever she did in the river. He wasn't going to have his woman and her attributes going public.

After speaking with the post's Judge Advocate and the City Attorney, it was agreed that a sign would be posted banning swimmers, and bathers, of any type from the area. And not just the river and the waterfall, but the surrounding land also. It was to be posted in the town's newspaper as well, informing any and all that that part of the land was military access only.

This caused a little stir, as it was not only popular with Ember's group, but was considered a family gathering where small children could wade in the water without the fear of strong currents overtaking them, and where kids could gather in the summer days to cool off from high temperatures of the day.
None of this wavered Vincent's decision. His woman, that he was not yet ready to approach was putting herself, and therefore him in a compromising position. She was letting others look at her body and as far as he was concerned, it was pissing him off that they were looking!

A week later and very pleased with himself, he was shocked and barely controlled his anger when he heard a couple of returning MPs scoff at the girls that continued to ignore the No Swimming/ Bathing sign that was posted along both sides of the river along the roads leading to the river and waterfall. "What the hell...!" thought Vincent.

Vincent couldn't believe his eyes, there sat Ember with her back to him. She was wearing a skimpy little bra, with a towel wrapped around her waist. He had just arrived to see her climb out of the water onto the bank of the river. She had pulled her hair into a high ponytail and was just sitting there as if she had all day.

The sun had gone down, and the day's heat was still hugging the air. The heat and humidity would draw anyone to the river where its cool breeze would cool anyone off. Then their conversation cut through his brooding thoughts.

"Look Jenna, I think we better call it quits on this river. I love it here, but I'm not trying to get in trouble with the military or the law. My uncle is a deputy; I'll never hear the end of it if I get busted. This is my official last swim hear at the 'Ole Hole'."

Vincent could only slowly smirk that his idea was finally getting some credence, that is until Jenna and Ember spoke up.

"What? You're kidding right? Do you know how bad I look forward to this by the end of the week? Oh, I'm still coming for my weekly dip, who else is with me? Ember? Cynthia? Shawn?" asked Jenna of her remaining crew.

"I'm with you Jenna." voiced Ember and Cynthia.

"What about you Shawn?" pushed Jenna.

"Sorry you guys, I'm with Jaime on that. Not trying to get into trouble. I'm a school teacher." finished Jaime.

"I guess that leaves you, me, and Ember Cynthia. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted."

"Yeah, we'll, I'm out of here... Jaime, you coming?" asked Shawn.

"I guess so... check you guys later." added Jaime, she had already grabbed her things and was now turning to follow Shawn down the path to where the dirt path joined the paved path that led back to the town's public park.

"You know what, it's late, and we might as well as head back to town too. How about meeting back tomorrow, since we might head back in early today?" asked Ember, much to Vincent's annoyance.

"Can't chica, I have a date mañana. Why not just keep our usual time?" asked Cynthia.

"I feel like tonight didn't do me any justice. I had a trying week with the editor over some shots I took for the upcoming editorial." complained Ember.

"Hey, let's just keep it like we always do... okay?" It keeps it special if it's once a week, any more than that, and this place will lose its uniqueness to me."

"Well... okay. I guess you're right." answered Ember. But Vincent could tell her mind had other plans... and just like that, so did he.

Vincent figured she'd do her own thing, typical Ember. 'Screw the rules. They don't apply to me.' Yeah, he'd seen enough of that rebellious streak when they were teens. It was like a silent rebellion one that was usually aimed at her mother.

She would agree to anything to keep an argument from developing, but would do her own thing regardless, and suffer the consequences afterwards. Well if she were still of that same mind, then consequences she would have in spades.

All of a sudden Vincent had his solution. He had had been hankering for an opportunity to reach out to Ember. He was pretty sure she wouldn't be too receptive to seeing him, but if she was going to put herself in compromising position, then why shouldn't he reap the benefits... and he planned to do just that. She wanted to risk her safety, her well being, and her life? Then he would be there to show her the error of her ways.

But luckily for him, no one, not even his unit knew he chose to continue to visit this particular area. They had assumed since the posting of the signs; that no one would continue to visit the river. But Vincent knew better, or he knew HER better. She had her own stubborn streak. Fine with him... till it went against what he wanted from her.

Listening to her friends' conversation regarding the river, Vincent had already started formulating a plan for her next visit, Vincent had watched for Ember and her remaining friends to leave the river. Then he carefully scoped out the best hiding spots noting the places where she seemed to linger the most.

He had noted that her horse would have to be moved and left untied, which would allow it to find its own way back to town. It was such a simple task. He would be prepared for her next time when she came alone for her summer night swim.

But it was still too soon to enter her life. He had to disappear... die so to speak. When she came up missing, everyone back home and his military buddies that he had warned away from her would all look to him for answers. If he could only put her in her place without revealing his identity... the corners of his mouth began to turn upward. Yeah, he would get his cake and eat it too.

He realized he could and would definitely enjoy Ember during her next visit to the river. He would have watch every night till she appeared. He wouldn't snatch her yet, but he would put a lot of fear into her.

~~€

Nine days after the riverbank...

The more he thought of that night by the river and how he had grabbed her had caused him to start sporting a near constant hard-on. He'd relived that magical night over and over again. He'd finally gotten the chance to show her who was boss; only he still had to disguise himself. He'd wanted to roar it to the sky, to his commanding officer, to his doubtful friends, to her stuck up friends and family, but mostly to HER. "Yeah, I had you baby! Just like old times!" Yeah, she would learn soon enough it had been him, marking her as his, not just some horny kid trying to get lucky.

Their shit was for real, but he couldn't even to talk to or approach her, but those days were soon to end. The more he thought of having her again combined with the memory of that night by the river... always gave him a hard-on. He'd relived that magical night over and over again. It had been over a week. Staying out of her sight meant she was out of his as well. He desperately wanted to see how she managed after their time together.

Had she gone to the authorities? Contacted the base military police? Had she told any of her friends? Shit! He was dying to know. What was going on with her? He didn't see her for several days, then a little over a week he spotted her from his HMMWV, walking closely with her roommate. Yeah, she was affected. Her body language screamed it. Something happened and it was obvious she was no longer felt safe walking the town by herself.

Her shoulders were hunched as if she were attempting to make herself smaller. Her eyes were casting about as if searching for someone, and then quickly looking down to the ground every so often. She held her portfolio or large thin briefcase close to her chest. Her clothes that normally were summer dresses or Capri's and snug fitting t-shirts were now long dull brown skirts, long sleeve blouses, or sweat pants and baggy t-shirts. Yeah, he affected her. He'd finally gotten the chance to show her who was boss... only he had to disguise himself.

~~€

Just as Vincent started up his SUV, his cell phone chirped. The ring indicated it was Vergara. He reached into his uniform pocket to answer, "Hey Enrique. So is everything set? ... Okay, will do. Hey, I will hit you back once I check my email for the access codes. Thanks for setting up that second account as well. What? You want to discuss something with me in person? Is there a problem?

Why do I feel you are trying to stall? But you have my transportation arranged right? Cool man, thanks. Yeah, yeah we can still meet. Not now tomorrow night. I'm on my way out to meet up with my traveling companion. I'll give you a call before noon tomorrow. We can meet back at our original spot. I'm out."

~~€

Leaving it all behind...

Vincent's disappearing act really depended upon how soon Enrique Vergara could funnel his money into hidden accounts under his new name, one not linked to Vincent Sinclair. Then, finally, he could focus on Ember. He had already decided to fake his death near the end of his six year enlistment.

He had planned that at that point once he had all of his money transferred, reinvested, and transportation for the both of them secured, he could slip into Mexico with her. But now that he had revealed himself as an unknown threat, he had to move his plans up some.

~~€

Before Vincent could leave the military, he had to confirm that Vergara would have Ember's passport ready, in order to cross the border. Perhaps faking his death would be the better alternative when he left with her. Her disappearance would spark more of an alarm once it was known he was no longer shackled to the military. Her parents, cousins, and dear old friends would just about move heaven and earth to find her or whoever took her. He kind of laughed at that idea, could they possibly find her on the east coast of Mexico. He snorted with a smirk on his face. He was beginning to grow impatient waiting for Vergara to obtain a passport for Ember.

Vincent wanted to leave the military, this life; this... country in style. He had grown tired of serving the officers, acting like their shit didn't stink. The finest meals, best sleeping quarters... he wanted that and he wanted to show Ember he could provide her with a better life than either of them had known growing up in middle-class America. If she'd only give him a second chance; and if she wouldn't, then he'd simply take her.

Vincent and Enrique...

After meeting Enrique Vergara, things started to fall into place for Vincent. He had begun to worry that he would not be able to provide for Ember and win her back on a military salary. But after a few deals with his man Vergara, he could see his future looking way more prosperous than that of an enlisted man, some damn detective like his dad, or even as the Chief of Police.

Yeah, Vergara had set him up nice and pretty. Secretly they were smuggling old military weapons out of the country. These out dated weapons were catalogued for destruction, which they sold to third world countries not so friendly with the U.S. government, was a stroke of genius.

Also, hiring himself and a select few from his squadron to do under the military radar... little favors for Vergara was an added plus. He had already gained a reputation and place among Vergara's associates as a man of means and who could get the job... no matter how small, it got done. Vincent had yet to deal with his old life back home. His parents, or rather his mother and a few ex-girlfriends were hoping he would return home a take up life again in Omaha.

Not happening. After traipsing about the globe to places like Morocco, Brazil, Belgium, and networking through Vergara's connections Vincent knew America could no longer provide the type of life he expected to live with Ember. He had set up kidnappings and assignations for associates of Vergara and had orchestrated little military takeovers in little third world countries. Yeah, it was profitable to be Vincent Sinclair.

Thanks to another business outlet, he also had established an investment as services as a watchdog over a diamond mind discovered near Chapala of Brazil (and taking a nice cut himself in diamonds), and his established association with certain men of the ever growing cartels of South America. Why he was once assigned to prove himself by discretely and ruthlessly putting down his first black market competition.

These little ventures only reinforced his desire to drop the idea of returning back to the mid-west to satisfy his parents need to keep him underfoot. All he needed was to take his girl with him when he finally disappeared. He needed a clean break and had been harboring the idea of a fake suicide to get it.

No more needing to check in with his worrisome mother and ever vigilant father, always expecting the worst of him. It still hurt that his dad still believed, well no, knew what really went down between he and Ember. Ember down played the whole mess, and his mother was completely acceptable of the rated PG 13 version Ember gave the officers, doctors, friends, and her parents. But only she, he... and somehow his dad knew the truth... fucking detective!

Over the years Vincent kept abridged of Embers comings and goings. Upon learning that she was moving out of town to southern part of Texas, far from home and even closer to an Army military base, Vincent worked like crazy to get himself stationed there. Within a month of a little 'washing my back and I wash your back favors,' he found himself and a few of his cronies stationed at Army Base Bliss, In Texas.

~~€

Enrique Vergara...

It had been on Vergara's mind that he did not want his business ventures to end with Vincent Sinclair disappearing into the night. He liked doing business with him. Sinclair made him a rich man, a very rich man... he was already a cartel, but as always with the rich, they only wanted to get richer.

He had yet to introduce his latest business idea to Sinclair... human trafficking of young African American girls and woman... It had occurred to Vergara that there was money to be made in that arena. African American women were not hard to come by in America, and getting them young enough could be very profitable. Brazilian women had proven that for him some time ago.

But African American women would be quite unique. When he thought of it, they tended to be hardier, stronger, intelligent, had stamina, very exotic, unique attributes, and they seemed ageless. During a couple of his visits to America, he had been introduced to a Madame that operated female escorting business. Deciding to try something new, he selected a young Black woman for a lap dance.

Later on, he was astounded to discover his lap dancer was nearly twice the age he had assumed. He had been impressed with her features, curves, and moves. Vergara had thought to make arrangements for her to be available whenever he was in town and so had inquired as to her age. The dark beauty that he thought was closer to 25 was in actuality closer to 40.

The women of his country tended to not age so well. Perhaps the hard life or what, but when he complimented the whore on her ageless beauty, she simply laughed and stated that, "Black don't crack," or "The Blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice?" Little startled or confused Vergara, but this did. He actually found himself amused by this little discovery and that he even enjoyed the little education.

He considered himself a learned man. A man of the world, he knew the world and the greedy bastards in it knew the greedier ones that ran it, he included. The more he pondered this idea of "Black don't Crack," or as he pounded his educator, an idea took root in his head.

There is a black market for blue-eyed blondes, Russians girls, and Asian girls... but what of nice caramel to dark skin beauties, from curly natural hair to long braids cascading down their backs, a Beyoncé look-a-like with golden high-lights in her hair blowing in the wind as she is driven in a convertible. Yes, the possibilities were endless.

African American women were very diverse, their skin color alone, hair color, hair texture, features, and their particular gifts that only their unique DNA allowed for... their enhanced backsides and full lips. These women were still somewhat different from the darker women of his primos' home area of Veracruz. Enrique felt more of an urge to contact Sinclair for this business proposition, than to inform him that his female companion's passport and cruise tickets were ready for their departure.

Vincent planned to travel in first class with some girl he had yet to pick up; and Enrique had to admit, he was curious for all the talk Sinclair put behind the woman. One woman his ass, snorted Vergara, what a waste of his time. Perhaps he could persuade his acquaintance to put off his early retirement or just postpone it.

Yes, he and Vincent were nowhere near done. It had been agreed that Vergara would send word and information to Vincent on his scheduled departure, but now Vergara felt he should meet with him in person with this new venture. Why he couldn't dare say no. Hmm... 'Black don't crack', he snickered to himself at the thought.

~~€

Vincent...

The more he thought of his planned disappearance, the more he realized how silly it was. When he left America and the military, he was gone. He had no plans to contact family or hometown friends again. The people he planned to stay in touch with were the people he conducted business with now.

So, in the end, he was like 'fuck it', take the girl and the money and run. Yeah, there would be no more worrying about the small shit. Now, Ember... he couldn't exactly know how to just walk up to her grab her by the hand and board a plane or put her in a car. Vergara's private jet would do it. He was still keeping track of Ember.

There was a guy here and there that may have showed an interest; but Vincent wasn't having any of that shit. Usually a meeting of the minds or the knuckles was needed to let any perspectives know it wasn't in their best interest to pursue a relationship with Ember. She didn't know it, but she was well indeed spoken for.

Vergara had called him to schedule a meeting about some new business he stumbled across. Sometimes he wondered was that all Enrique put his mind to. Yeah he was wealthy due to Enrique, but a man still had to live. Well that was Vergara's problem, not his. Vincent had to admit he was somewhat curious to the vague yet brief meeting of Enrique's. To be honest, Vincent wanted to snag the passports and tickets and be on his way out of town.

But he owed Vergara a lot and they still had other dealings that involved the two of them, so blowing him or his new idea of commerce off, was not an option. Vergara had implied he had wanted to personally present Vincent with his new passports and tickets for the last leg of his trip to coastal Mexico. Secretly Vincent wondered if that were not his only reason for insisting on meeting him in person with his traveling companion at hand. He knew it would surely take her awhile, but even she would fall in love with the little town of Boca del Rio; it was Vincent's idea of a tropical hideaway. He had Enrique's man purchase it under his new alias. Vincent had visited the town a few years back and it had stuck with him as a place for them to start anew life.

~~€

Ten days after the riverbank and lightning strikes twice...

"Look, Jenna, I'm not feeling this party. What if we call it a night and head home?" Ember was practically begging her friends to leave. She couldn't believe she had allowed Cynthia to talk her into wearing the teal colored spaghetti strap dress that stopped just above her knee. But Ember wouldn't let them take away her long white shawl. She kept it wrapped around her like the mummy.

She couldn't help wondering should she have told her friends, or even just Jenna about the river incident. In the back of her head, that is what it was thought of just for her to stay functional. How could she tell them when they had been so adamant about her not going solo? In a very much a way Ember was ashamed and felt she brought the attack on herself. When Jenna mentioned the party, Ember felt this was a good opportunity to prove to her that she could move beyond that night.

But being out at night at the party to socialize was like saying, 'Here I am' to her attacker, 'come and attack me again!' Not one for theatrics, she still couldn't dislodge the sensation that she was in someone's crosshairs. She clung to each friend at different intervals of the party. She made it a point not to stick to one person too much so as not to appear clingy or wear out her welcome. At one point, Cynthia asked if she knew some guy over against the wall. Not only was Ember trying to seem not interested, but doing her best to avoid catching any guy's eye.

"Sorry, not interested," she told her friend. "Yeah, he seems plenty interested. Tall, light, and brooding... oh yeah. You got to check this guy out. Nice wide shoulders..." Cynthia gives a physical shake as if she were affected by his mere look.

"Are you sure you don't know him, because his eyes are trained on you. I'm trying to catch his eye, but... nope, he's into you." Jenna added with a pout.

Tired of her friends comments, she turns to see what the 'who-ha' is all about. Her breath catches as she gasped, "Vincent." She mumbles as he starts to head in her direction. She stumbles backward. "No, no, I have to go!" Ember pushes through her friends and others suddenly feeling smothered. She heads off to the ladies restroom toward the rear of the banquet hall. 'I can't breathe, I can't breathe, oh my God... no, no, no!' her chants over and over again.

"This is not real, this is not happening, no, not again! Shit, get a hold yourself Ember!" She splashes some water on her face then towel pat her face dry. "You're just imaging things. You have a court order damn it! He wouldn't dare come near you." Squaring her shoulders she turns to head out to find her friends and drag one or all of them home with her. Turning to her right to exist the restroom, Ember bumps into a wall. A wall with loafers and black trousers blocked her path.

Even though she knew Vincent was at the party, she was still somewhat shocked he had followed her. His sudden appearance had thrown her as well as how big he had become. How could she have forgotten how tall and wide he was she wasn't sure? It was scary to her that she had knowledge of just how dangerous a man his size was. Big scary motherfucker!

Instinctively she took a step back bumping into the wall behind her. She pressed her hand to her hear; it felt as though it was about to explode, as she continued to take in his presence. For a moment, her mind went back to how she used to swoon whenever he would pass her in the halls of Creighton Senior High. Now, she could barely keep the party's hors d'oeuvre down. Being in this hallway away from the other partygoers and knowing Vincent was only a few inches from her caused her stomach to twist into knots. Her hands came up by instinct to push herself away from his chest. His hand reached out to keep her hand pressed against his body.

"Hey Ember, are you feeling okay? I noticed you seemed to be in hurry to get the ladies' room." He asked and his smug expression never changed as he reached out to caress her cheek. 'What the hell?' she thought, it was like she was on auto pilot reaction when she suddenly slapped his face. She actually heard it before she felt sting in the palm of her hand. "You. Don't. Touch. Me!" she hissed at him.

.

Furious, scared, and shocked that Vincent had the nerve to not only approach her, but to touch her, Ember pulled herself away to rush back to her friends.

"Get out of my way!" she spat pushing by Vincent's body. She said hoping to sound tougher than she felt. She had hoped to keep panic feeling out of her voice, because whatever courage she did have was back in the bathroom.

Ember had expected him to get angry because she slapped the shit out him a second ago; but instead she heard laughter as she felt his muscled arm go around her waist. "Sorry, but you're heading in the wrong direction Babe." He made it sound so sweet and endearing, but it only made her skin crawl. Just then the two men behind him seemed to block her way back to the main party room.

That sickening feeling started to build in her stomach as she realized the men were with him. To rejoin the banquet room where her friends were, she would have to pass by Vincent's small entourage. Taking a deep breath trying to keep some control in her voice, she looks up to his smirking face, "You're not supposed to be within fifty feet of me," she barely breathed. All she could think was that she had to deal with him on top of the riverbank shit... The riverbank?" Her breath caught as she quickly looked over her shoulder to Vincent. In her mind the understanding flashed like lightning, 'The Riverbank! It was him. You knew, you knew then!' she weakly admitted to herself. Aiming her heeled shoe, she stomped on his instep and was rewarded with a painful grunt. His arm loosened a bit and she whirled around to face him as she tried to push further from his embrace, all the while memories of their disastrous first date, her attack at the river, the following weeks, all began to flash through her mind.

It all came together; the riverbank, a sense of being followed, and his sudden appearance tonight. She couldn't stop her head from shaking from side to side in utter disbelief; she tried to back away from them, no, from HIM. She felt like she was moving in slow motion, before could fully turn to run he once again grabbed her by her waist, but this he lifted up into his arms where stomping was not possible. Six years later and it's as if it were yesterday. With fear as her motivator, Ember started to struggle in his arms again.

"Let go, oh my God! "Jenna! Let me-" Vincent clamped his other hand over her mouth. He lowered his mouth to her ear, "Shh... we have unfinished business." He turned to one of his men, "Check where her friends are, I don't want any mishaps like a wannabe hero or snoop. Remember we have an impromptu meeting to attend and a couple planes to board."

Ember was desperate to pull away but her screams were held back under his hand. Vincent pulled her up against his chest even tighter, one arm around her waist held her arms down to her sides and the other hand over her mouth, Vincent nodded his head toward the large banquet hall's equally large kitchen; that was off the main hallway toward the back of the building.

With the help of a flashed semi-automatic gun, Vincent's men had already had the kitchen help ushered into the large walk-in refrigerator. No need to worry about anyone witnessing the small group of interlopers traipsing through their domain. "Cache, bring the car to the back entrance of the kitchen," barked Vincent.

All Ember could think about was calling for Jenna and her mom. She had brought a small clutch purse that one of the men had picked up once she had dropped it during her struggles with Vincent. What good would the purse do her; her phone wouldn't fit in the purse, so she decided to leave it at home.

~~€

As Vincent, his men, and Ember left the building from the side, Jenna and Cynthia had just made it toward the restroom. They had seen Ember walk toward the main hallway which they knew led to the restrooms. They saw Ember's expression but never looked around to see the cause of her distress. They searched the restroom and returned to search the ballroom. They turned around to head toward another room down the long hallway thinking she went to any of the other rooms that were opened up as part of the banquet celebration. After a few more minutes of searching, Cynthia just assumed she ditched them and headed home like she had stated before she disappeared on them. After a couple more minutes, Jenna had to agree. Jenna thought to herself she would give her roomy a piece of her mind when she got back home about ditching friends without any warning.

~~€

Vincent is enthralled as he held Ember to his chest, she squirmed and muffled cries for help went unnoticed by Vincent's personnel as he brought her to the curb and was placed in the back seat where he soon followed. Once inside the backseat of his SUV, he held her wrists together in one hand and uncovered her mouth with the other. He attempted to stroke her cheek with his free hand. "Get your hands of me!" she screamed at him.

Vincent reached his hand around to the back of her head and grabbed a handful of her hair. He snatched her head back and pulled her toward his face, he didn't even pause as he angled her for his kiss. His lips pushed onto hers, his lips forced her apart where his tongue swept over hers. With a growl, he hissed, "Bite me and it'll be worse," he emphasized by tugging harder on her hair.

She felt like her neck would snap; her only response was a painful whimper. Vincent once again excited about having her, pushed backwards into the cushion laid her on her back. He raised her wrists above her head. Reaching into his jacket pocket he brought out handcuffs and cuffed her to the coat hanger rod over the passenger door. Satisfied she wasn't going anywhere, he reminded his driver of their time constraints concerning the meeting with Vergara and their plane departure.

After about thirty minutes of driving, they arrived at the back end and private air plane runway. It was empty except for Enrique and his two car assembly. As Vincent's SUV pulled up next to Enrique, he turned to Ember, "Now behave yourself, I won't be long," he once again tried to caress her cheek, but she averted her face to avoid his touch. He smirked at her as he exited the vehicle.

"Enrique, my man, it's good to see you," Vincent uses both hands to grasp Vergara in a gesture to show good faith and camaraderie.

"Same here Vincent. You will be happy to learn that you will have the use of my personal jet. I understand your request for secrecy, faking your early demise from family and your government. You and your lady will land in Mexico City after a four hour flight; then board a smaller plane for Veracruz. You will be pleased to know I took the liberty and booked a lovely villa with at least three balconies.

The villa is pure luxury. It is one of the best villas in Boca del Rio. So much that I hope it will make you realize we have much more work to do together," he added laughing and hoping he could persuade his number one go-to-guy not to prematurely retire.

"I can hear the gears churning in that diabolical brain of yours Enrique. What is this new business venture you have cooked up?" asked Vincent, he turned his head to check on his car's occupant.

"I believe you will see the practically of this, you being an American and us both being so close to the Mexican/American border. But before we continue, here are your plane and the deed and keys to your new villa, and your young lady's passport," Enrique held up his right hand, just as one of his men approached them from the other side of Enrique's vehicle. "I had Ramon complete these for you. Am I to meet your traveling partner?"

Vincent lead Enrique over to his car; he had one of his men open the back door, that revealed Ember, she sat at the edge of her seat as her arms dangled from the handcuffs; she gave each man a glaring look.

Vincent couldn't hold in his snort as she attempted to look threatening. He leaned down and cupped her chin, as he showed off his prized possession. Ember tried to snatch her face away, but he had anticipated her reaction and held her jaw with a painful grip.

Unbeknown to Vincent, Enrique was taken with her. He had not expected her to be so lovely. The almost oval shaped eyes with light brown irises made him inhale. Ignoring the fierce look aimed at them, he instantly realized she was bonita. The passport he had created with her picture did her no justice. This was the woman Vincent was to take with him? He had assumed from the way Sinclair spoke that this trip was consensual, not an abduction.

If anyone was to abduct her, surely it would be him. Her face alone got his attention. Only after careful perusal of her face did he even bother to take in her body, from what he could see of her sitting at the edge of the backseat and handcuffed to the rod mounted above the rear doors. Vincent then uncuffed her wrists and had her stand for Enrique's inspection. Yes, she was lovely.

A mujer like that... even he wouldn't sell, no, she would have to be for him... for HIM? Enrique had to mentally back-peddle... this was business; and this was Vincent, a business associate. You never mix business with personal shit. Enrique felt like his shirt collar was too tight. He had to catch himself; he had almost reached over to caress her cheekbone with his thumb.

Instead, he played it off by reaching out to grasp her free hand that she held in front of her body, and lightly kiss the back of it, but she snatched that away too as Vincent squeezed her waist and laughed at the snub she gave Enrique in his attempt to charm her.

"You like her? This is Ember, soon to be Cassandra Serrano." Vincent announces as he introduces Ember to Enrique. He noticed how Vincent neglected to mention her surname. It seemed Enrique was as curious as Vincent was cautious.

"Senorita, if I may... I am sorry for your style of travel, but I only wish to introduce myself... if I may show that I am a gentleman. Her refusal to acknowledge him, made him inwardly cringe. He had truly wanted to touch her. Reassure her she would be alright. But then he realized in reality, he could not guarantee her a damn thing.

Pity, he couldn't help but to wonder did Vincent really appreciate the treasure he had. This was a woman to romance, not steal away in the middle of the night from family and friends. He was only now coming to realize was he any different from his long standing business associate. To look at her set him alight. For a heated moment or two, Enrique found himself wanting to snatch her away from Vincent. Though he addressed Vincent, his eyes never left her.

Ember was dangerous. He had only to look at her, and she had him rethinking his alliance with Vincent. She had full lips that seemed the softest to kiss and he could have swore they were begging him to do just that and more... like tracing his lips along her slender neck, cradling her face against his, or whisper what he would do to her, given the chance. '¡Mierda!' Enrique had to step back to appreciate her curvaceous body as well, she would never be skinny.

She wore a funny colored blue like party dress wrapped in what looked like... his abuela's chal!, he was sure. It had been awhile since he had attended any social gatherings. However, he was sure her outfit would be considered oldish or a bit granny like, he inwardly laughed to himself. But there was not hiding her toned thighs. She was designed to be an athlete, that was as plain as day. She had legs like a sprinter and full hips and beautiful feet in flat sandals.

Her dark brown hair was just to her shoulders and was in twists. It had at one time been pushed back behind her ears, but hung seductively in her face as a curtain before her eyes. Her eyes were somewhat a mystery to him, sense they were hidden behind the veil of bangs that dangled in her face. The cutest button nose he had ever seen, it had the nerve to even turn up a bit. She had high cheekbones and possessed a caramel complexion.

Enrique had to give himself a mental shake. 'Vincent did well, as always,' thought Enrique bitterly as he unwittingly gazed at Ember. Then it hit him, he wanted her. He wanted her badly. So this was the girl that had Sinclair in knots. She looked young, what like early twenties... But, then wasn't Vincent young? He had always placed him at his late 20's to his early 30's. Only once doing his background check of Vincent did he discover his actual age. Vincent had always given him the air of a mature and organized individual. He was very organized to successfully snatch this girl right from in front of everyone.

Vincent's laugh pulled Vergara from his voracious way of thinking. "Careful Enrique you don't get caught. She can do that to a guy," he added letting Vergara know he picked up on his interest of Ember. Vincent turned to her, and guided her back into the rear of his SUV. Once she was secured by the handcuffs, Vincent closed the door upon her. "So what is this business venture you want to pitch to me?"

Upon meeting Ember, Enrique found himself somewhat flustered and excited about his new business idea, "I want to expand the human trafficking to included African American women. I believe there is an untapped market there. It was brought to my attention that African American women possess many attributes.

They are a variety of complexions to choose from, hair textures, colors and styles; unique facial features consisting of naturally full lips and high cheekbones, and their curves, so unique to their ethnicity. Upon my most recent visit to El Paso, a Black prostitute recently proudly informed me that Black women have longevity of the appearance of youth... 'Black don't Crack' she smugly stated. When her age was confirmed, I had to agree." Enrique chuckles at the little saying.

"I have also noticed from my visits to other parts America, Brazil, and Veracruz that women of African ancestry tend to have that natural beauty, longevity, the appearance of youth despite their actual age. You are an American and military, I have the notion you would know who to contact and how to handle this." Enrique slyly stated inclining his head to the side in hopes of catching another look at Ember. Vincent noticed and didn't even bother to hide his knowing smirk.

"Meeting your traveling companion, I am now very much of the mind you are my go-to-man once again Vincent. I have made some inquiries and my interested parties, are still interested. Some gentlemen in Germany, the Arab Nation, Japan, Canada, even a lady has expressed a desire as well, and surprising South Africa. I have made acquaintance with a Madame Monique through El Paso. She feels she may have the resources to provide with a nice variety of women. But I feel you may have better quality merchandise, judging by your traveling companion, no? It seems you most likely know where to go... you know your source."

"I like it already, of course the younger the better, but nothing less than 18 years of age. I'm not trying to gain the attention of child protection agencies and the appeal of exploiting children turns my stomach. But I believe this could be a win-win venture for all involved," Vincent added taking in all that Enrique had said.

"Judging by the interested parties that have contacted me in the past... from gentlemen from around the world for the introduction of African American women. I feel this may be an untapped and promising venture for us both. Think of the ramifications, wealthy and well bred clients that wish to initiate a relationship with African American women? And, I do believe you have the right connections to fulfill these requests?" added Enrique.

"I'm also thinking these women should be trained. There women regardless of their ethnicity will willingly accept these type of arrangements and then there are those like Ember. I think it is best to deal with the willing, see what we get, then for the less willing, we meet again, right?" offered Vincent. In this market, this could quite possibly be a win-win-win situation for all parties involved; the women, the clients, and Enrique and I of course, as the brokers. I think you got something there Enrique!" Vincent clapped him on the shoulder.

Ember could only glare out the rear shaded window at the two men, as they shook on some deal and went their own ways. 'Bastards,' thought Ember of both men. She had been holding back tears, hoping someone would see the wrongness in what was happening to her. How could any decent man stand by and allow another man mistreat a woman. Ember began to tug on her cuffed wrists again, hoping against hope she could squeeze her wrists free, the cuffs weren't that tight.

After several attempts and bruising her wrists, she bowed her head in despair. Thinking that if she had only confided in Jenna what was going on. But she had not wanted another Spanish Inquisition with her new friends which most likely would have resulted with her hometown friends and family from her last altercation with Vincent from years ago. Ember knew she had messed up, only leaving breadcrumbs for Jenna to decipher that something was wrong with her. Breadcrumbs, that were about to be gobbled up by Vincent and his friend's scheming.

Vincent climbed into the backseat with Ember; already he was on his cell reaching out to contacts concerning Vergara's latest adventure. He turned to watch Ember, his chest swelling with pride. She trembled with fear. Ember turned away from his gaze, she noted as Vincent's SUV drove away how Enrique's never wavered from hers.

Vincent closed his phone and leaned over to caress her left shoulder. She jerked her body away. No longer did he think it cute, he instead grabbed the front of her dress ripping it down the middle. Ember screamed and had tried to turn her body away from him. She did anything to avoid his touch. Vincent scooted closer to her, angled his body to the face her on his right-side. He then leaned over and lifted her left thigh with his right hand to place over his left thigh, and lifted her left thigh with his right hand and placed it over his right thigh.

She was still handcuffed and then wedged slightly on her back propped against the backseat and backseat door; she was practically sitting in his lap. Ember couldn't move any farther. She tried to pull herself off his lap, but she couldn't get any purchase. Vincent grabbed her by her waist and placed her right over his crotch. Amidst her grunts and struggles, Vincent had pulled her entire body to face him. She had to hang onto the chain of the handcuffs or the car overhead rod to prevent the handcuffs from continuing to dig into her wrists.

By then her dress, of what was left of it had pooled around her hips exposing her breasts being held up by a simple white cotton bra. Vincent groaned and reached a hand up to snatch it down. His other hand had captured a handful of her hair and pulled her head back, exposing her slender neck. Vincent leaned to kiss and lick her neck. He stuck out to lick his way down to her breast.

Ember whimpered, she couldn't stop him or avoid him. She didn't want to respond, but when he lightly licked her nipple, she felt it. It was the same ripple she got when she touched herself at night. Once again she was sickened with the sudden knowledge she was getting aroused. She wanted it but she didn't. Not from HIM. But Vincent wanted her aroused. He wanted her to want it. He needed for her to want him. If he had to force it, then he gladly would. Yeah, he wanted her to fight it. He realized then and there he wanted to rip it out of her. Then she would know he controlled her. He controlled her pleasure. It's what owners do.

All the while, Vincent had forced her legs open at an awkward bend to accommodate his hips which opened her up further for his unrelenting exploration. He let go of her hair and moved his hand down to her heated core. 'Fuck!' he screamed in his head. He could feel the heat through her panties. Oh she screamed, "No Vincent! Let me go... stop! Get your hands off of me!" but he knew her pussy was getting wet. He would prove it.

"Relax Ember, stop fighting me." He guided her body back and forth over his hardened bulge, till he could feel the warmth of her core through his zippered crotch. Holding her in place by her hips, Vincent began to grind his hardened member into her. With one hand, he popped his pants button open and started pulling down his pants zipper. "Be still Ember!" He warned her. He had gotten frustrated with her struggles; he reached up and snatched a handful of her hair from the back of her head.

"Calm down, this is gonna happen! No more interruptions, no retraining orders! You belong to me now," he breathed into her neck. Once his right hand had pulled out his hard dick, he reached under her dress to tear away her panties. "Can't wait... have to have you... have to be in you now..." He growled in her ear as he slammed into her entrance whether she was or not.

Crying, screaming, and twisting she tried to push him away from her with her hips. But she was braced against the passenger rear door and speared on his hard dick. He held her by her hips and pulled her down onto his thick and fully erect cock. She screamed out from the sudden thrust. Vincent grunted and waited, taking in the sensation of being in her once again. He pulled out, not giving her a chance to prepare before he began yanking her up and down onto his hardened member. "So beautiful... my Ember, mine," he said more to himself than to her. "I'll never let you go. Do you hear me? Never!" and he began ramming into her again and again. He grunted with each thrust.

Her cries became whimpers that matched his thrusts as well. "Please, please... stop, please... no more" her voice was a raspy whisper. Her cries of protest became moans of pleasure. Her body began to ride in rhythm with his thrusts.

Feeling himself getting close, he slowed down to gaze into her face, "Look at me Ember. Do you feel that? That's us, together; and I'm the only one that will touch you like this, the only one. You belong to me. No more fighting me. I won't allow it. Who do you belong to? Say it!" he growled as he held her face in his hands, piercing her with a wild gaze.

She shook her head, "No, you... you don't own me... I hate you, I ha..." Her defiance was cut off by him grabbing her throat and squeezing.

"You will say it. Or I'll choke it out of you. Say it!" Vincent growled in her face. Feeling her center clutch around him, so lost in his lust, he hadn't noticed that she had squeezed her eyes closed in her small attempt to defy him. He thrusting became so slow and deep, as he looked into her face. He knew she was aroused by the slight moans that escaped her. Her eyes snapped open when his snail paced rhythm became too much. He wouldn't allow her to climax, but his pace kept her just enough to crave the ending.

He smirked when he saw her disbelief that he would deny her their orgasm. "You will say it, or I will get you there again and again, but not let you peak. Say it Ember." He spoke it softly but confidently just as he deliberately started to increase his thrusting into her heated core. She was unbelievably tight. He himself wouldn't be able to hold out much longer. His grip about her neck tightened even more, he knew he would leave bruises.

Crying and struggling to breath, she began to feel lightheaded; her throat was burning from the pressure as well as her lungs from being deprived of air. He loosened his grip waiting. Ember began to quickly shake her head up and down, "Yes, I... belong... to you." She said in a defeated sob.

Then he had eased his grip on her throat. He had lightly stroked and kissed her neck. "See things are looking better for us already. I love you Ember, but don't try me. Do what I say and we'll be good. Remember I love you" he cooed in her ear.

Her only response was to shudder and nod her head in agreement. How could she escape this nightmare? How could she escape Vincent? Her only thought, 'Survive this, survive him. Endure this for now... I'll get away somehow... just do what he wants for now...'

~~€

Enrique

"Hmm... Ember, I wonder." Thought Vergara to himself.

"¿Usted dice algo Enrique? (You say something Enrique?)" Ignacio asked as they watched Vincent's SUV head out from El Paso, passing under the Cesar E. Chavez Border Hwy out toward Avenida De Las Americas Hwy into Mexico. Now Enrique regretted not accompanying them on his private jet that was waiting for them in Ciudad Juarez that would eventually fly them their new villa in Boca del Rio.

Vincent Sinclair and Ember were now Rodrigo and Cassandra Serrano de Boca del Rio. He had suggested the town. Not far from Veracruz, and an easy place for his darker companion to blend in with the locals of the area. The town was near mountains and the coast of Eastern Mexico. 'Perhaps I could pay them a visit. I am curious as to how they will get along in Mexico. Naw, I am curious as to how she will get along in Mexico. They are so close to Veracruz, and women do disappear everyday in this world.'

"Ignacio." Vergara called to the front of his caravan.

"¿Sí, jefe?

"She was pretty, huh? The brown one." Vergara asked.

"¿Sí... Vinecente's mujer? Sí, muy bonita. ¿Por qué lo preguntas?" ("Yes... Vincent's woman? Yes, very beautiful. Why do you ask?") inquired Ignacio.

"Because, I want her. Follow them... no, follow her. When she runs from him, bring her to me. No one is to know. This is quiet between me and you."

"El parece que no la deja fuera de su vista. ¿Como saben que incluso tienen la oportunidad?" (He looks like he will not let her out of his sight. How do you know she will even get a chance?)

"She will. I saw it in her eyes. She has fight, or better yet, fire. Did you not recognize her name; Ember. She is like a slow blaze, underestimate her and she will devour you. When she leaves him, bring her to me.

"¿Y si ella no vendrá?" (What if she won't come?)

"She has no option. I want her. And Ignacio, I want her brought to me like fine China... undamaged."

"Hmm... Ember, I wonder," Thought Vergara to himself.

"¿Usted dice algo Enrique? (You say something Enrique?)" Ignacio asked as they watched Vincent's SUV head out from El Paso, passing under the Cesar E. Chavez Border Hwy out toward Avenida De Las Americas Hwy into Mexico. Now Enrique regretted not accompanying them on his private jet that was waiting for them in Ciudad Juarez that would eventually fly them their new villa in Boca del Rio.

Vincent Sinclair and Ember were now Rodrigo and Cassandra Serrano de Boca del Rio. He had suggested the town. Not far from Veracruz, and an easy place for his darker companion to blend in with the locals of the area. The town was near mountains and the coast of Eastern Mexico. 'Perhaps I could pay them a visit. I am curious as to how they will get along in Mexico. Naw, I am curious as to how she will get along in Mexico. They are so close to Veracruz, and women do disappear everyday in this world.'

"Ignacio." Vergara called to the front of his caravan.

"¿Sí, jefe?

"She was pretty, huh? The brown one." Vergara asked.

"¿Sí... Vinecente's mujer? Sí, muy bonita. ¿Por qué lo preguntas?" ("Yes... Vincent's woman? Yes, very beautiful. Why do you ask?") inquired Ignacio.

"Because, I want her. Follow them... no, follow her. When she runs from him, bring her to me. No one is to know. This is quiet between me and you."

"El parece que no la deja fuera de su vista. ¿Como saben que incluso tienen la oportunidad?" (He looks like he will not let her out of his sight. How do you know she will even get a chance?)

"She will. I saw it in her eyes. She has fight, or better yet, fire. Did you not recognize her name; Ember. She is like a slow blaze, underestimate her and she will devour you. When she leaves him, bring her to me.

"¿Y si ella no vendrá?" (What if she won't come?)

"She has no option. I want her. And Ignacio, I want her brought to me like fine China... undamaged."

~~€

If Ember could have disappeared into the rear seat of Vincent's Black Escalade she would have. He had left her handcuffed to the interior handgrip above her head. Once he had stuffed his dick back into his trouser and zipped himself he sat back with a smug look to admire his handy work. Her mind was screaming for her to do something. But what could she do, she couldn't even look at him. Knowing what he'd just done. She was in a battle not to release the bile churning in her stomach. She looked to the floor of the read seat area, completely aware and fearing his next move.

Vincent was in heaven. He had Ember, their new identity, access to his money, and a private plane waiting to take them away. 'Fuck! Life is good!' he thought to himself. He was truly giddy with glee. But even in his bliss began to wan when he noted how his woman wouldn't even acknowledge him. Vincent grasped Ember's chin with a 'What the fuck!' glare, to make her look at him. "Get your shit together Senora Cassandra Serrano. Baby we can only get better. You'll see... Imma gonna take such good care of you. You won't want for noth'n"

His grip not being too tight allowed for her to snatch her face away, fearful he intended to kiss her again. Instead of getting angry, Vincent just laughed at her attempt to dismiss him. Leaning back in his seat, he slightly shook his head from side to side, admiring her fire. His mirth made her jerk her head back to him, "You ass! You think this is some fucking romantic shit? You fucking psycho... you think... you can get away with this, my family, my pare..."

"Your fucking parents are gonna what Cassandra? Huh?" He chuckled. "What are they gonna do? Fucking nothing!" he once again smirked at her. "How the hell are they going to even know what happened? Not your stupid drunk friends." He sneered as he turned to look out his read door window. "I run this and now I run you. But it's alright, you'll get used to it," he scoffed. "You have no choice." He said as he turned back toward her with a crooked smile leaning over back into her face, "No fucking choice," he said just above a whisper.

After a while of looking out her rear door window, Ember began to notice less and less buildings representing a city or even a town. What was at first a city, dwindled down to a town, then rural as the homes became far spaced farm homes, then stretches of land with no structures. Then after a while an airfield barely visible, appeared to the far right of their caravan. She then recalled hearing Vincent and the other men mentioning an airport. Hope fluttered in her heart. An airport would mean other people. Someone she could call out to for help. She still had a chance. 'Fuck Vincent's crazy ass!' She actually began to sit up straighter as if her body was getting ready for the first opportunity to make a break from him.

It was as if he could sense her excitement as he began to refocus on her person after ending a lengthy phone conversation with Enrique's pilot confirming their expected arrival time to the airfield and their take off. "Excited for our trip Baby?" Vincent cooed in her ear. Ember cringed as she tried to back away.

"You really think I'm getting on a plane with you, you're crazier than I thought," she seethed at him.

Vincent leaned back as he crossed his arms over his chest. "And what will stop me from escorting you onto any plane?" he smirked toward her.

Ember held her chin up as she faced him eye to eye, "I won't get on any plane with you and if you even try... " Ember realized she was about to give away her most likely any chance of getting help. She didn't want to warn him that she was intent on seeking help from airport security, she turned her head from him.

"I'll just carry you kicking, screaming, and hopefully biting onto Enrique's jet." At the mention of the other man's name owning their transportation, Ember's hopes plummet.

'His jet?! No!' She turns to Vincent twisting her head from side to side wide-eyed that she realized there would be no help. A private air strip, no one there would lift a finger or even bat an eye to help her. Ember threw her head back in despair as tears began to well up in her eyes. "Please Vincent, don't do this, just let me go... I won't say anything to anyone. Don't do this. Ple..."

"Be quiet Cassandra." He said with such finality. All she could do was bow her head as her shoulders shook as she silently cried. She felt utterly defeated.

Vincent had kept watch over the emotional changes that phased over her face. "What? You thought I was stupid enough to try a commercial flight?" he laughed at the very idea. "Baby, with me everything will be first class, and even their idea of first class won't be enough for us." He chortled at her.

His laughing silenced her crying and only made her more determined to not just escape him but to do him great harm. Before she had only wanted get away and be back home with her suffocating parents, friends, and family. God, how she missed them now! Even she began to get tired of her sad state. Just then she noticed their SUV took a turn onto the open air field. What little bravery she was amounting soon evaporated with the sight of a dark gray jet in the distance near a hanger.

As their SUV pulled up to jet, Ember unconsciously tried to pull herself away from Vincent. He had taken another call from his cell phone, "Not a problem Enrique, just allow me my honeymoon break and I'll get right on it." He commented as he turned to watch Ember. His leer only made her skin crawl. Ember turned her head, unable to endure his heated look.

'Argh!' Ember screamed in her head just from sheer frustration. Every fucking inch she gained from Vincent and he would either ease her back to his side or crowd her with his body into her corner of backseat of his truck. Already she had picked up on how he seemed to wait for her to defy him only for Vincent to snatch or pull on her as to demonstrate his power over her.

During their ride to meet up with his friend on the outskirts of Lawton, Ember had been cursing herself for ever leaving her bungalow to hang with her friends, but in hindsight, it hit her like a lightning bolt, Vincent had been her stalker from the waterfall, and most likely even before. She hated that she had not taken precaution against him from entering her life again. Maybe she even deserved it she began to consider. Who else could be so stupid as to move away from caring family and friends? Yeah they were a bit suffocating her but still there she was least safe. Fuck, she left herself wide open like some dumbass girl running and stumbling in the woods from her attacker. The one saving grace she had was that she may have gotten her foolish butt in this sling, but she sure as hell wasn't going to stay in it. Now, she just had to wait for her chance and then run like hell. That was the one factor boiling in her brain... run, just run, run straight home and never ever look back.

~~€

Ignacio was careful not to be seen anywhere near Vincent's departure area. In fact, he had hired a helicopter to get him close to Veracruz's coastal town. Like his friend and boss, he had connections in and about the fisherman town. It was time he reconnected with a few of them. 'Así que Enrique quiere esta mujer.' ('So Enrique wants this woman.') From what interactions Ignacio had had or observed concerning Vincent, it was very obvious he was a suspicious bastard and wise to be so in their line of work, even to the point that Ignacio admired him. Personally he thought Enrique risked a lot over some brown punta. With Enrique's looks, charisma, and wealth he could buy, steal, and even his look of impending violence has caused a bitch to wet her panties. So all he could wonder was "... ¿por qué en el fuck que Vincent es mujer? ('... why in the fuck did he want Vincent's woman?') Even Ignacio mumbled, "Esto era una mala mierda acerca de ir hacia abajo." ("This was some bad shit about to go down.") But like a real lieutenant, he would follow Enrique anywhere. For as tough, powerful, and ruthless as he and Enrique's bunch could be, Ignacio had a sneaking suspicion that that damn 'gringo Vincent' could fucking teach them a thing or two. 'Sí, esto era una mala mierda acerca de ir hacia abajo.'

Ignacio ended his phone call that arranged for him to be collected from a different airfield from the one Enrique's jet would land that carried his new assignment.

Enrique's right hand man bit off the end of his Cuban cigar he took out from his inside leather jacket pocket and considered his next day's steps to bring the Ember woman to his boss. Delivering her would not be a problem, sedate her and deliver her. Now getting her would be the issue. Vincent may have let Enrique take her hand and ogle her but he noted the possessive vibe that jumped off Vincent. Anyone that would have come close to the trio would have been choking on it.

~~€

Vincent hardly waited for the vehicle to come to a full stop before snatching open his car door to meet Enrique's personal pilot. He wanted to inspect the crew as well. He didn't want any English speaking person to lay eyes on Ember. For there to be no repercussions of her abduction, she would have to appear to disappear literally into thin air. He had always been good at making unwanted people disappear... permanently. Some of his clients and colleagues had considered it his greatest skill. After all, he had been U.S. military trained. Funny thing about the government, they see a potential and capitalize upon, fine with him, just made himself more marketable in the long run. Vincent wasn't some stupid leatherneck, he knew with his cloak and dagger deadly training, he had a short shelf life with his government. He was alive and kicking because they needed him. But once he appeared expendable, then that is just what he would be. After his first year and seeing how shit went down, Vincent had already started his own 401K planning. 'Get trained as much as possible, build up your own shit, make some connections, and vanish.' Yeah, ever the planner; if plan A falls short, go to plan B, if that one falls apart, jump to plan C... and so and so on. 'Thanks dad for the five year plan training,' he laughed as he ambled up the stairs to enter the loaned jet.

Her insides twisted as she watched her tormentor enter the cabin of the airplane. She started to pull and twist her wrists in a last ditch effort to squeeze them from the handcuffs holding her within the backseat of the Escalade truck. Getting tired of the useless attempt, she jumped when Vincent snatched open the backseat door.

"Hold still before you hurt yourself!" he barked as he grabbed her by her elbow as he leaned in with the key to un-cuff her wrists.

Though Ember had fought him like hell when he forced her into his truck at the back of the building of the party, she equally struggled against to stay within in then. Instinctively Ember knew when they pulled up to the privately owned jet outside the hanger, this was not a good thing for her. Once Vincent un-cuffed her wrists she was scratched, screamed, kicked, and bit whatever part of his body she could reach. She even surprised him a bit, who knew his kitten was a wildcat in hiding. Not wanting to hurt her, he finally grabbed her wrists and fastened them behind her back in one of his hands. Vincent pulled her back up against his chest and lowered his lips to her left ear, "Nice to know I have something to look forward to later on." This caused her to pause in her struggles to jerk her head around to glare at him.

"Asshole!" she hissed in his face. He responded by jerking her as he headed them in the direction of the waiting plane, only taking his eyes away from her angry stare once she turned away from his smug look.

As they approached the stairs to the jet, Vincent barked out some orders to his men, her Spanish was somewhat rusty, and all she could get out was meeting up later in Mexico or in a del Boca. A couple of his men marched ahead of them onto the jet. Ember felt this was a bad dream, surely Vincent did not have his hands on her. Yeah, a crazy dream. 'What the fuck! Wake up girl! I don't like this dream.' She screamed in her head.

Vincent locking right wrist with the handcuff to the armrest of her seat, was her pinch back to reality. This shit was real. "Too tight?" he asked.

"Go fuck yourself bitch!" she spat at him.

He crouched down to her eye level. "Now Cassandra baby, that's what I got you for, hmm?" He tried to caress her cheek but she snatched her face away as he knew she would. He stood still wearing that smirk she wanted to scratch off his face.

Vincent sat across the aisle from her seemingly temporarily occupied with his smart phone tapping in a text message. On occasion he would glance up to look at her. His annoying smile was gone and replaced with an intense stare aimed at her entire being. His heated look made her uncomfortable. Shit the whole fucking ordeal made her stomach churn. She refused to acknowledge him for the remainder of her flight to hell.

~~€

Ember woke slowly, grateful her nightmare had finally ended. She slowly raised her head from her pillow, sat up some and pushed her shoulders back to stretch her back. Before she could truly open or even focus her eyes to her environment, she heard his voice.

"Morning mi princesa."Vincent said with a smile. Unknowingly, Ember had used his shoulder as her pillow during their flight. She nearly jumped out of her skin to get away from him. He just shook his head and chuckled along with some of his men that witnessed her wake-up awareness. He turned to one man facing them, "Hey Ethan, I guess there goes any chance of a morning kiss, huh?" the same men laughed again.

~~€

Ember noticed a change in the jet's direction and engine sound. Coming from a small town, she had never flown on an airplane before. She began looking around, her eyes as wide as tea plates, Vincent leaned into his seat observing her. He leaned over toward her, "The landing gear has released, the jet's speed has decreased, and we are turning to land, relax." Landing gear was releasing, plane turning, and speed reducing; all these things were new and scary to Ember. If she had her way, she would have never set foot on an aerial vehicle. This was yet another thing to add to her hate list of Vincent.

The more time she spent in his presence, the more she wanted to not just get away, but to cause him personal injury as well. She laid her head back, pissed at her situation. Though she had been an athlete in high school, but still her 5'4'' could nowhere compete or compare to his 6'4'' stature. Vincent was a fucking mountain to her ant hill. For all her struggling and fighting him, not one damn defense lesson she learned helped her. Why, he even laughed at some of the blows that landed as aimed. Even that pissed her off even more.

The jet touching down on the runway jolted Ember out of her somber recollections. She was afraid of Vincent, no doubt there, but the more she thought of what he had done to her, the more she wanted to enact her own form of revenge. She no longer wanted to leave or escape she wanted to gouge out his fucking eyes. He raped her; hell, she wanted to burn off his dick. And the fucking morons that laughed at her predicament, she wanted those fuckers to pay too. Yeah, she was going to get that motherfucking bastard back.

Vincent turned toward her, "Rise and shine princess," he conveyed to her in a cheerful morning voice.

Ember couldn't hide her grimace if someone paid her to. Vincent unlocked the handcuffs. Grabbed her by her right elbow and helped her to her feet. He allowed his men to exit the plane first. Once out the jet, it was clear his men had their own various transportations waiting for them. One had a motorcycle with his helmet sitting on top waiting for him, another had an ATV with an Asian girl at the wheel, the next guy (the one that originally laughed at her onboard) got into a waiting black Hummer 2. The last man held the door open for her and Vincent to enter, he was their driver, as he had been in Lawton, Ohio.

She truly hated this mess. It looked like he really was going to get away with this shit. 'Fuck!' she thought.

As the new truck headed out of the airfield, Vincent started telling her how much she was going to love her new home. Ember thought, 'My new home? Awe, hell naw!' Now she knew not only was a sexual deviant, a kidnapper, but also a certifiable nut. He really thought she would just accept this life. Ember knew she was already making tracks. She just had to wait for her window to jump this crazy shit.

After driving along the coastal shoreline for nearly 40 minutes, Ember realized she was not only in Mexico, but on the eastern side. She had been a Girl Scout and knew they were driving into the sun, meaning they were heading east. She wasn't sure how far north or south they were, but she remembered hearing something said about a del Boca in Mexico. After sometime, they pulled up to a three story hacienda style home off the beach. She hated to admit it, but the house was lovely. The mini mansion was painted in an adobe kind of orange, with a lovely fountain in the center of the circular driveway. The garage was off to the side of the circular driveway, not connected to the main building, created in a three car cable car garage design. Amidst its beauty, Ember could see it was a pride and joy to Vincent. It just made her want to burn it to the ground.
Vincent got out of their ride and held his hand out to her. She merely stared at his and scooted further back into the rear of the truck. "Give me your hand Ember." After the long flight and Ember's reluctance to converse with him, whatever good natured thoughts Vincent had were clearly gone. He reached in and took hold of Ember's forearm and dragged her out the back of the vehicle.

"Get your hands off of me!" she could be heard screaming. Once he had some distance from the truck he tapped the roof signaling for their driver to head out. The whole time Vincent had had to hold her to his chest as she had continued to break free of his tight hold on her. As he pulled her toward the front door entrance, the door opened up by a small Latino woman.

Buenos días, Senora Talavera. Esta es mi esposa, Señora. Serrano." (Good morning, Mrs. Talavera. This is my wife, Mrs. Serrano). Vincent tightened his hold making Ember gasp in pain. Her struggles ceased. Por favor perdone mi esposa, ella no se siente bien de nuestro largo viaje. (Please forgive my wife, she does not feel well from our long trip.)

"Keep it up Ember, and I'll help you put on a real show for the help." Vincent added in a whisper when he'd pulled her close to him.

Ember stood still long enough to stare down Senora Talavera. 'Was this bitch in on this shit? What kind of a woman helps a man keep another woman locked up.' Ember gave the smiling woman a quick once over. 'Bitch.' Rung out in Ember's mind.

Vincent nodded his head to their new housekeeper and quickly passed her as he headed toward the third floor with his plans of putting Ember in her place. He was actually looking forward to the punishment. It had always been a fantasy of his to bend her to his will. He was taking two stairs at a time as he dragged her along. To her credit, sensing Vincent's intentions, she started pulling away from him, until he turned and dipped down and threw her over his shoulder caveman style.

Senora Talavera, turning from closing the front door smiled at the young couple as her assistant Senorita Garza approached her and stated, "Qué dulce casada y enamorada." (To be married and in love.)

Senora Talavera's smile did not reach her eyes and responded, "No dejes que te engañe apariciones." (Do not let appearances fool you.)

~~€

Vincent carried Ember up to the third flood and down the end of the hall to their master suite. He had had enough of her defiance, again. He knew he had to curb her attitude. Once he entered their room, he tossed her onto the bed, she bounced so hard, she nearly bounced off the 10ft. by 7ft. king size bed. As soon as she had secured herself onto the bed from falling to the floor Vincent was on her. He had straddled her sitting on her thighs while one large hand held her wrists above her head. "Why, why, why do you continue to defy me Ember? Your new name is Cassandra Serrano. Remember that, don't make me hurt you. You have a new identity and a new life. Get used to it."

Vincent took a deep sigh, "You can't win baby. I.Won't. Let. You. Win. You want to fight me..." he simply shook his head at her. "You want to fight?" he asked with a smirk. "You know I like it rough. Tell you what, I'll give it to you rough, and when you tire of it, you let me know, huh?" he said as he held her face to his and then quickly placed his mouth over hers, forcing his tongue into her mouth.

Enber tried to jerk her face away, but he held a painful grip to her jaw. He swallowed whatever screams she could get out. She arched her back trying to buck him off of her. Instead, he used a knee to force her thighs apart. Vincent released her jaw to reach down and to begin fingering her, two fingers pushed between her lower lips and began to circle and rub her nub. She wasn't nearly as wet as he needed her to be. Once he felt her shudder and juice coated his two fingers, he grabbed onto her dress to finish ripping it off of her. Then he went to unbuckle his belt and pants.

Vincent was so frenzied to put her in that he leaned down to her face again, "Where the fuck you going little girl?" Vincent couldn't wait to get back inside of her. "You think I can't have you? You think you too good for me? This is the beginning of a beautiful thing Ember." He whispered as he ripped his own shirt off. He then hitched up his body to scrunch down his boxers and once those were kicked to the foot of the bed, he angled himself back to between her legs all the while Ember was screaming and begging him to let her go.

"Let you go? That is never going to happen." He stopped just as he angled his swollen dick at her entrance, "Ember, you don't even have an idea of what I've done, what I will do if you even try to leave me." His trademark smirk was gone. His blue eyes seemed all of a sudden steely grey as he gazed at her face, he raised himself up a bit to take in the view of her body, then refocused back up to her face shaking his head from side to side, "I fucking love you."

Ember tried shaking her head from side to side in to deny his claim. "You belong to me... only me. You're not going anywhere. I'm the only man that will fuck you." He licked the side of her neck then bit her there to make his point; she cried out in pain.

"You can't leave me... I. Will. Find. You." It was like the idea just hit him, she thought she could actually leave him. Leave him? 'No she fucking wasn't.'

"You don't leave. That shit ain't reality." He said as he speared her without any warning. She stiffened and screamed like she was being torn in half. Again Vincent bent down to bite her, this time the top of her breast, he wanted to mark her, she screamed even louder from before. It was almost music to his ears, each scream, sob, and beg was her submission to him. Vincent started whispering more to himself than to Ember, "My fucking pussy. Mine, you're so fucking good Ember. You'll never even get the chance to leave me."

Ember screamed and cried as Vincent continued his heartless rhythm that began to pick up speed as he pistoned into her. He'd barely given her body time to prepare for him before he impaled her.

A few moments later, Vincent paused in his pounding to look down into her face, "Ember, know that I love you. I love you so much. You can't leave me... I won't let you, if you even try to leave..." his look became so cold, so deadly, despite the sweat pouring of off him and the heat radiating from their bodies, a chill ran through her body as she looked into his cloudy grey like eyes. "... if you every try to leave me..." He slowly shook his head from side to side.

"I will find you. I'll find you and bring you back. I will always bring you back. No damn parents or judges get in my way this time." He supported his body above hers on one hand and held her wrists with the other and as he had just finished making these proclamations to her, he started to take slow and long plunges back and forth into her. Once again, her cries of pain surely became moans of pleasure as he made sure to imprint his dick and lovemaking in her.

A few moments later, Vincent paused in his pounding to look down into her face, "Ember, know that I love you. I love you so much. You can't leave me... I won't let you, if you even try to leave..." his look became so cold, so deadly, despite the sweat pouring of off him and the heat radiating from their bodies, a chill ran through her body as she looked into his cloudy grey like eyes. "... if you ever try to leave me..." He slowly shook his head from side to side. "I will find you. I'll find you and bring you back. I will always bring you back. No damn parents or judges will get in my way this time." He supported his body above hers on one hand and held her wrists with the other. As he finished making these proclamations to her, he started to take slow long plunges back and forth into her. Once again, her cries of pain surely became moans of pleasure as he made sure to imprint his dick and lovemaking in her.

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Ember blankly stared out her passenger side window. The buildings blurred into residential homes, which soon became wide open fields scattered with horses and cows and the occasional ranch house. All this was unseen by Ember as she ran Vincent's assault over and over again in her head. She felt out of her body. No, more like out of her head, ‘Who fucking responds to shit like that?' she berated herself. She felt physically nauseated. For all her worth, she literally tried to curve her body into a ball. She had wrapped her shaking hands around her equally trembling forearms. It was a horrible change from rubbing her bruised and raw wrists from the chaffing she had endured from the handcuffs earlier. It was as if she thought if she could just ignore the monster next to her he would no longer exist, no longer be a threat to her and what she experienced could be chalked up to a very bad dream, but he shattered that illusion when his spoken words were as if he had read her mind.

"You can stare out that window all you like for now, but I won't let you ignore me or what we did." Vincent simply stated as he scanned his cellphone and tapped a text to Vergara's pilot informing them of their ETA.

As if her body suspected he required an answer to his comment, it involuntarily shuddered. In some strange way, that one response appeased Vincent that she understood what was expected of her from now on.

Ember could not resist the desire to cast a glare in his direction. Though as much as she hated him that moment, the act of meeting his stare made her skin crawl. She wanted to defy him on everything, but her sore throat and more infuriating, her sore spot between her legs constantly reminded her she had to walk on egg shells where Vincent was concerned.

She couldn't help but to drift back to the first time she had really taken notice of Vincent the teenager.

As she gave those memories serious thought, it surprised her to realize she had known of Vincent for years, not directly, but through their parents. Their mothers and his father had gone to school together in Omaha, from when they were in the first grade to high school and some college. Only Ember's dad was from Down South. Why her dad and Mr. Sinclair were even fishing buddies. Vincent's father would jokingly call her dad a ‘good ole boy,' her dad never took offense.

Mr. Sinclair even used her dad as a go-to IT man for the police department. They were all such good friends. Well, they used to be... that is. Ember's mother ran in similar social circles as Mrs. Sinclair. Mrs. Sinclair was the PTA president and her mom was the recording secretary. They both served in the booster club. Well, once again, no more.

Ember's eyes moistened at those memories. How did things get so crazy, oh, yeah...? Vincent. Her first contact, in a weird sort of way was when she had first spotted him in their junior high school hallway standing at his locker staring at her. At the time she wasn't sure he was either looking at her or looking at someone behind her. There had been a bevy of girls clamoring for his attention, so of course she couldn't have caught his eye. She remembered thinking that he was out of her league anyway. With a sardonic snort she shook her head from side to side. She had just assumed he was looking at someone behind and turned to her own locker to fumble through the textbooks there looking for her French book. That became their interactions with one another, more so for her than him. She could be in the school library with a study group, look up for a moment into gray eyes. Walking with friends and casually look away and meet his glance. It had to be a glance, who just stands to the side and watches a person everyday whenever they appear?

With a disturbing thunderclap going off in her head, Ember finally grasped all the looks, the glances, mere chance of locking eyes with Vincent. Though a chance on her part, they never were on Vincent's. Daring herself to twist her head back toward Vincent, she had to look, she had to confirm her new suspicions. Had this shit with Vincent started way earlier than that fated date? Did she not see this shit for what it was?

Expressionless eyes were already attuned to her every move. "Nice for you to realize you're not the only one riding here in the back." Vincent added in a humorous tone. Once again, it was as if he had been waiting for her to look in his direction. But this time his look held a smug expression.

Ember could barely contain her gasp, and once again wonder how did she never pick up on his stalkerish ways? Had she known would she had been more careful, would she have allowed the psychologist label it as something that women have had to deal with? Who fucking deals with a stalker? And more importantly, how was SHE going to deal with one?

The nausea returned with a vengeance, "I'm going to be sick," Ember whispered trying hard to keep down her early dinner.

Vincent learned toward the front, "Cache, pull over, she's gonna puke." Vincent quickly unchained Ember's wrists from the coat handle above her as their driver jumped from the SUV to open the left side of the rear passenger door for Ember to lean out to throw up. Vincent leaned over to her right side while holding her back down with his left hand and supporting them both by gripping the opened door's frame. Not much came up, but enough for Vincent to realize she needed a break from him.

"Breathe, take deep breaths you'll be alright." Vincent added as he helped her to lean back into the vehicle.

He allowed her to shrug away from him when he attempted of comfort her as their driver got back behind the wheel and started the engine. He knew he was railroading her, but how else was he to get her. It wasn't like he hadn't tried to eradicate her from his life, his mind, and his dreams, but his fantasies would not release him. Not one night could he go with not playing back any one of his fantasies he had created starring Ember.

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Vincent never really dated after leaving for the military, but there were women at his disposal, and some had been, disposed of... those that did not or refused to accept their role as a passing fling and attempted to push themselves onto him or insert themselves into his life. There was Lt. Candace Warwick, that social climber thought she could coerce him into an exclusive relationship simply because her uncle was the Major over his platoon. She even gave him an ultimatum, which left her with none. Pity what happens in the field stays in the field. ‘You want my answer Candy...' "You know I hate nicknames Vincent" she snapped at him, not even knowing she was no longer a concern for him. "Yeah, I know, thought I'd let you have that final annoyance."

"Final? What are you...? You can't be that stupid, so instead of taking my offer, you'd rather just shoot me? Unbelievable! I gave you mor..."
"Now why would I shoot a 401K?" Vincent asked just before he took out his cellphone and tapped a button.

"A what? What are you talking about Vincent? This is not funny, you're standing there pointing your weapon at me. What the hell am I supposed to think?" He see Candice beginning to sweat. Now realizing she probably didn't hold all the cards she thought she did. "What are you doing with that?" she asked pointing at his cell phone.
"Just completing a small transaction, actually a pick-up. Just curious, did you really think you could blackmail me into being with you? You're right killing you would be stupid since you most likely bragged how you had me, but let me introduce you to a colleague of mine, and soon to be yours." Vincent used his rifle to direct her to turn around and face the men coming up behind her.

"Well Vincent you did not lie, a strawberry blond with bright green eyes. She will indeed fetch a high price." Said the man in the front with an unknown accent.

Candice whirled around to face Vincent, "What the hell Vince, you can't sell me, I'm a fucking American! Are you out of your fucking mind?" Then it clicked for her, he actually was out of his fucking mind. "What, oh my God, okay forget the offer! Forget the whole damn thing! Go and get your damn Black Barbie!"

"What the fuck did you just say?" Vincent rushed over and grabbed her by her throat, "What the fuck did you. Just. Say. To. Me?" He screamed in her face.

"Nothing Vincent, nothing at all." But already Vincent was tired of her shit. He took a step back as if seeing her for the first time and hating what he saw. He couldn't help but to wonder why the fuck did he ever wet his dick in her conniving whining ass.

Vincent suddenly raised his hand to the approaching men, "Take her, she's yours. Tired her shit, maybe you can do what her old man couldn't do..."

"What is that Vincent?" the man in charge asked with a knowing smirk.

"Put her in her damn place. Can't stand when a bitch doesn't know her worth." He nearly spat the last word out. On that, Vincent turned his back on the small group and headed back toward his platoon. He had a MIA report to fill out.