A Love to Last Ch. 06

"Hello, sir!" He put his hands together, wearing a smile. "My name is Ben Henandez and I believe I am supposed to have a meeting with you?"

"Ben Henandez?" The man extended his hand and powerfully shook his. "My name is Enrique Chavez." He had a powerful Russian accent. "I have been expecting you. Please, come inside."

Ben entered the fancy room and it smelt so heavenly. He scanned the room as he was led to the small living room where he was made to sit comfortably.

"I had no idea that I was supposed to have a meeting with a young boy." The man commented. "A very handsome one for that matter. May I offer you something?"

"Not really." He shook his head. "Do you mind if we start?"

"Not at all."

Ben got out his sketches and his tablet and started pitching his ideas to the man that seemed interested in what he was presenting. He was so good at it that he could tell the man was paying attention. He explained things so well just like he had seen his father do at one time and he knew he was selling his products. He couldn't have been prouder of himself than the way he was at that time.

A few minutes and he was already done with the presentation.

"Wow!" The man clapped, staring at the boy. "Not only young but very smart too. So tell me, how do you come up with all these designs, all these ideas?"

Ben chuckled. "I think sometimes I feel like they just naturally come to me. Maybe I was born with them." He took a deep breath and looked at the man. "So which ones do you like? I was told that you wanted something specific. So maybe if you can explain that then I might help."

The man chuckled and moved closer to Ben, a little too closer that it made Ben uncomfortable.

"Well. She was right about me being specific." He rested his hand on Ben's thigh, squeezing it. "What do you say we get something as I show you what I really want?"

Ben felt himself get itchy all of a sudden. He could hear his own heartbeat.

"Err... Sir, I am fine. I think it would help out if you explained to me what you want."

"Good!" The man took Ben's tablet away and placed it on the table. "Now you're talking. You see, I couldn't quite say it when you came in but you're the most gorgeous boy I have ever met. During the whole presentation, I couldn't help but study your body." He wrapped his arm around Ben and pulled him closer. "What do you say, we get to know each other a little more?"

Ben rose from the couch like he had been sitting on hot coals. His heart was racing and a shiver was going down his spine. He couldn't believe that had just happened. He took a deep breath and tried to stay calm.

"I am not that kind of boy, sir." He said with so much respect. "I am only hear for business. If you don't mind, can we please get back to the reason why I am here."

The man got up from the couch with his hand in his pocket.

"Come on, you don't have to pretend. I am very good at reading people." He got closer but Ben moved away. "I am a very rich man and I can pay you a lot of money, even more than Elena is paying you."

"That's a nice offer, sir." He shook his head. "But I am afraid I'll have to decline. I only came here strictly for business. Please, can we finish this? I need to be somewhere."

"Business?" The man laughed mockingly. "I don't wanna talk business with you. If I wanted to do business, why would I meet you in such a private space? And why the hell would I deal with someone like you? I can just meet with the boss herself."

Ben nodded. "Alright, sir. Then I am afraid this is the end of our meeting. Excuse me, sir!"

He leaned to pick up his stuff when the man grabbed his arm painfully and pulled him harshly and locked his arms around him.

"I am afraid you're not going anywhere." He had an evil grin on his face. "I paid a lot of money for this."

"What?"

Ben tried to push him off but it was no use. He was too strong. Fear crept on his soul, preying on him as his heart thumped harder. He felt fear in the hair on the back of his neck. It was like invisible fingers running along his spine.

"Let me go, sir!" He drew in a sharp breath, trying to let himself free. "Please."

"You're so handsome. I am gonna enjoy myself."

The man attacked his neck and started kissing it like a predator. Ben tried to scream but he felt like the man was squeezing the air out of his lungs. He quickly moved his arms between him and the man, trying to let himself free. With so much difficult, he managed to release his arm and smacked the man across the face.

Free! The man let him go and held his cheek. But at that same moment, he couldn't see the smile on his face.

"You're proving stubborn." He sneered, staring lecherously at the boy. "We can either do this the hard easy way or the hard way."

Ben tried to run but he was gripped again. Like a discarded toy, he was shoved down on the floor. He lifted his eyes and saw the man sneering victoriously down at him.

"You can stop resisting and we both can enjoy this." The man spoke as he took off his jacket and threw it on the floor. He began unbuttoning his shirt. "I don't wanna hurt you but if you fight, I'll hurt you."

"Why are you doing this?" Ben said as tears began pouring on his face.

"Because I want to feel good. We can either feel good together or I can do this alone."

Ben knew he was in trouble and if he didn't react, he was gonna get raped. He did what anyone in his shoes could do.

"Help!" He cried at the top of his voice. "Somebody! Please, hel..."

The man tore him from the floor and gripped him harshly, throwing him on the couch. His huge hand had covered his mouth and the weight on top of him wasn't helping matters . His heart was throbbing in his ears, loud and irregular, but he barely heard it, for his mind was clouded with fear.

"Shhh..." The man whispered. "Don't fight it. I will be as gentle as a dove."

Ben felt the man's hand tracing up his leg and the color drained from his face. He moved his hands and began hitting the man hard on the chest but the man took his hands and pinned them on top of his head. He tried to release them but only ended up hurting himself. The only thing able to speak for him was his tears.

Muffled screams could be heard. Ben struggled to be let free but it was in vain. He tried screaming but only muffles could be heard. As the man tried to do what he wanted, Ben shut his mouth and ended up biting the man's hand.

"Fuck you!" He heard him curse.

He heard a high-pitched scream; he didn't realize it was his own until much later. Then before he realized it, he felt a sharp pain on his cheek.

"Bitch!" The man snapped, slapping him hard across the face.

Ben cried in pain but his mouth was covered once again as the man stacked his neck and began kissing it furiously. He was fighting, trying to move the man but the more he tried, the weaker he got. He knew there was no escaping what was gonna happen.

*

David zipped himself up and washed his hands before he went to the huge mirror to fix himself up. He had just been from attending an important meeting and striking yet another deal. He looked smart in a blue designer suit with a white inside and some black shoes on his feet. His hair was made into a quaff, making him look even more handsome.

He took a deep breath and wore a smile, remembering the words Ben had told him. He had a date with Jim and he knew he was gonna have to reach there early because he had promised him.

"Alright, Mr. Paola. Smile." He said to himself. "You can do this. It's just a few hours of food and chatting and you'll be alone again. Surely, you can do this."

He fixed his tie and got out of the men's room. For some weird reason, the restrooms downstairs had been out of service. He had to go all the way up and use the bathrooms for the rooms. He started passing the hallway, his eyes fixed on the elevator at the end.

He was passing one certain room when suddenly, he stopped and suddenly felt tense and nervous. His heart began racing and he began sweating. There was a scary tingling sensation all over his body and fear that he'd never felt before. He couldn't think straight or concentrate on anything.

"Please, stop!"

That was the voice he heard.

"Ben!" He gasped in fear, turning almost robotically. He was facing the door where he'd heard the voice come from. He got nearer, trying to hear the voice again but there was nothing. His hand moved involuntarily to touch the handle and he tried to open it but it was locked.

"Great!" He hit his head. "I am going insane with love. I can now hear his voice everywhere. You're going crazy, David. Congratulations."

He shook his head and started going away.

*

Ben heard the sound of a zipper and didn't know whether it was his or the man's. He cried for help but the only things were the muffled screams. There was no way he was not gonna get raped. He tried to resist but it was futile.

Then just as all hope was going, Ben heard the sound of something falling and then the man was ripped from him. Before he realized what was going on, the man was on the floor wincing with busted lip. Ben slowly raised his head to understand what was going on. He was blinking repeatedly in shock, staring at his savior, David.

David on the other hand was staring at the man on the floor, breathing like an ancient warrior after its slumber. His eyes glowed with savage fire and veins in his neck stood out in livid ridges.

"How dare you touch him?"

He picked the man up by the collar and punched him so hard he heard his nose crack. But he didn't care. The man tried to fight but David pinned his arm on his back painfully and kicked him so hard that he smashed his head on the floor. Hot blood began trickling down his face as he wailed out in pain. There was ringing sound in his ear as his skull pounded painfully.

"Who-who are you?" He cried out in pain.

"Your worst nightmare." He seethed as his foot met with the man's face. "You shouldn't have touched him."

There was a coppery taste in the man's mouth, the smell of blood at the back of his mouth. He winced and started crawling on the floor. David started following him because he was gonna kill him with his bare hands.

"David!"

David stopped when he heard that voice, so weak. He looked at the boy and seeing the fear in his eyes, he couldn't stand it. He rushed to him and cupped his cheeks, staring into those teary eyes.

"Are you okay? Did he do anything to you?"

But Ben didn't say a word. He just wrapped his arms around David and placed his head on his chest. That was all he needed to break down. Gut wrenching sobs tore through his chest as tears escaped his eyes. He held on to David so tightly that he feared that if he let him go, it would be a dream.

"Ben, shhhh..." David wrapped his arms around him.

"I need to get out of here." Ben sobbed uncontrollably. "Please!"

David didn't need to be told twice. He wanted to kill the man but he needed to get Ben out of there. He picked Ben up, bridal style and got him out of there. The boy never let him go and he wasn't gonna let him go too.

***

Ben was still crying. He had wiped his eyes so much they were red and swollen. The sound of wailing and suffering echoed in the car and it broke David's heart. He couldn't understand how someone would want to hurt a person as sweet as Ben. It was just so unfair. Ben hadn't spoken a word to him.

"Here!" David said as he offered his handkerchief.

Ben took out and started wiping his eyes but the more he did, the more tears that fell.

"I want to go back and kill that man." He hit the driving wheel so harshly. "I swear I will kill him for touching you."

"It's okay. He's probably gone by now and..." He paused and cried. "...I just thank God that you were there to save me. Otherwise, I don't know what he would have done to me if you hadn't arrived."

David's face flushed in rage. "I think even God wanted me to save you today. I was having a meeting and I needed to release myself. Fortunately, the bathrooms downstairs were out of order. I had to use the public ones for the rooms. I can't explain what happened but I was restless when I passed that room. I wanted to leave but I found myself breaking the door."

He looked at the boy and rested his hand on his thighs, rubbing them.

"What were you doing there?"

Tears raced down his cheeks. "He was a businessman I was supposed to have a meeting with. My... stepmother sent there and... I didn't know that he would turn out to be like that."

"That woman!" David groaned, gripping the driving wheel harder. He felt like punching something. "I am sure she knew the kind of client that she was sending you to. How could she do this? What kind of woman endangers a boy as young as you? Doesn't she have any conscience?"

"It's my fault!" He sobbed. "I should have known not to trust her or to meet any client in privacy. If you hadn't been there, what would have happened to me?"

"Shhhh..."

David leaned to the side and placed Ben's head on his chest, rubbing his back. Somehow, that felt so good to Ben that some of the pain went away. He was so confused that he couldn't understand how he'd let his guard down and let Elena do that to him. He should have known that it had been too good to be true. There was just no way that she'd have changed overnight and trusted him with the family business.

As the two were embracing, David's phone began ringing and ruined the moment. Ben slowly raised his head and when he glanced at David's phone, he realized that it was his brother calling. He looked at David and the man sighed.

Ben wiped his face and tried to smile but failed miserably.

"It's Jim. Maybe he has arrived at the place where you're supposed to have a date. You should go to him."

"What?" David gasped, his eyes widening. "I am not going anywhere. You expect me to leave you in this state and in the middle of the road just to go on a date? How do you even expect me to be on that date? I'll just call him and cancel."

"No!" Ben shook his head. "You're doing no such thing. Jim has been looking forward to this date and I'll not ruin it for him. Thank you so much for saving my life. I'll forever be indebted to you. But I will be fine. I just need to go home and rest."

"To that woman?" He snapped. "No ways."

"Please!" Ben put his hands together. "Just go and meet him. Please!"

David sighed gloomily, hitting his head. "You're putting me in a very tight position, Ben. You're being unfair to me, you know. This isn't right."

"I am sorry. But you have to go. Thanks again."

He tried opening the door but David gripped him and pulled him back. He was staring at the boy who wasn't even making eye contact with him. Deep down, it was so hard for Ben because now more than ever, he loved his hero. He wanted to hug him but it had been so long since he had felt such peace as he did in his arms. But his hands were tied.

"Can I at least text to know how you are doing?" His voice was barely above a whisper. "I won't be at peace until I know you are doing. If I get too worried, I might just turn up at your house. God knows I won't be there for Jim but for you."

Ben glanced at the man and tears couldn't help but run down his cheek. He simply nodded without saying a word. He opened the door and let quickly, leaving the man so lonely and yearning to hold him again. David felt so much debate going on in his heart. But he had promised the boy and he was gonna fulfill that promise.

He started his car and drove off.

***

"Did you dress the way I told you to?" Elena asked with the widest smile. "A little bit seductive but classy as well?"

'Of course, mommy.' Jim answered happily on the other end. 'It's a pity you didn't see me when I left. I am almost there and he told he's also on his way.'

"Good!" She moaned. "My son is all grown up. You're reminding me of my teenage years. No boy was ever safe from me. But what can I say, an apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your boyfriend will not know what hit him and before you know it, he'll be all over you."

'Oh mommy.' He chuckled. 'You're simply the best mother in the world. I will rush home to tell you all about my date.'

"Take care. I love you." She kissed the phone and cut the call.

Her heart was leaping with excitement. Her day was going fine and she was sure that by that time, Ben must have met with an accident. When she thought of that, her face scrunched up as she gave a big, toothy smile.

She chuckled happily and was about to head to the bathroom when...

"How could you do this to me, Auntie Elena."

It was Ben's voice. She turned quickly like the hounds of hell were behind her, eyes widened in alarm. Ben was standing just in front of her and he looked a mess. His eyes were swollen and red. And if she wasn't wrong, the boy looked traumatized.

"Ben!" She gasped in fake shock. "Are you alright? Why do you look like that? Were you robbed?"

"Why did you do this to me, Auntie Elena?" Ben asked in a weak voice. "What did I do to you?"

"What are you talking about?" She shrugged. "My God, what happened?" She placed her hand on his shoulder but he angrily shrugged it off.

"Stop pretending because I know you sent there knowing the kind of man you were sending me to." There was a tightening in his throat. "This wasn't a business meeting because that man tried to force himself on me."

"What?" Elena's eyes widened, her mouth shaking. "He tried to do what?"

"Don't pretend you don't know what's going on because you had put him up to this." His eyes were filled to the brim with tears. "How could you be so evil? What did I do to you that you would want to repay me with such evil? Would you have gotten happy if I was raped? If someone hadn't been there to save me, that man would have raped me."

"Ben dear..."

"Don't pretend!" He snapped, raising his finger at her. "I am going to tell Papa about this. I'll tell everyone what you did. I am going to tell him what you did on mother's memorial too."

"Oh my God, what am I going to do? What will my husband and son say to me?" She gasped, touching her chest. "Ben please, don't do this. I will... I will be chased out." But then she wore an evil grin on her face and burst into laughter. "And what do you think they're gonna do, believe you over me?"

Elena jutted her hip and crossed her arms. "You're one silly little child, Ben. You think anyone's gonna believe I would stoop so low?" She chirped and started going round him. "You see Ben, being me ain't easy at all. You always have to plan ahead and look for a plan B. Look around, delusional child." She laughed. "You're in my territory and you're threatening me?"

"I am not threatening you. I am gonna tell papa everything."

Elena chirped. "I was trying to be a mother to you, give you the same opportunities as I would my son. I had sent you to a big client, trusted in you and then you tried to seduce him. Now that it backfired, you're... you're accusing me of setting you up." She pretended to cry and rubbed her non-existent tears. "I was just trying to be a mother which you have been looking for."

A flood of tears gushed down Ben's already swollen cheeks.

"What will Jim say about this accusation? What will he do when you accuse his precious mother of such a grave crime? He'll hate you. And poor Jerome, he'll be so devastated when he realizes that his precious innocent son is not so innocent after all."

Ben sniveled. "What have I done to you, Auntie Elena? I have loved you like a mother."

"Oh, cut the crap!" She barked; her face filled with rage. "A mother, me? You must have me mistaken for that whore. I told you, whatever that whore did to me... for seducing my husband and breeding a bastard, you're the one that's going to pay."

She gripped his jaw painfully and applied pressure. Ben wept.