UNDER HER CONTROL.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE.
UNDER HER CONTROL.
Elizabeth’s POV
The door slammed in my face, echoing through the silent night. For a moment, I stood there, stunned, the cold air biting at my skin. My heart pounded with a mix of anger and humiliation. Alice had actually thrown me out. After everything we’d been through, she had the audacity to treat me like this? I clenched my fists, feeling a hot surge of rage course through me.
I quickly wiped away the tears that had welled up in my eyes, but they weren’t from sadness. No, they were born of pure, unadulterated fury. How dare she? How dare she humiliate me like that?
My gaze fell on my travel box, lying in the dirt where Alice had flung it. I stomped over to it, grabbed the handle, and yanked it upright. As I dragged it along the gravel path, I swore under my breath, “She’ll pay for this. I swear, Alice, you’ll regret ever crossing me.”
My mind was already spinning with thoughts of revenge, but I needed to act quickly. I couldn’t stay here, exposed and vulnerable. I needed to get to someone who would understand, someone who would take my side without question. I needed Dennis.
Without hesitating, I pulled out my phone and dialed his number. My fingers trembled slightly-not from fear, but from the anticipation of what was to come. He answered on the first ring.
“Elizabeth?” Dennis’s voice was filled with concern, as it always was when it came to me. A small, satisfied smile tugged at the corners of my lips. He was so easy to manipulate.
“Dennis,” I whispered, my voice shaky as I forced tears into it. “Dennis, I-”
“Where are you?” he cut in, his tone urgent. “What happened? Are you okay?”
“I… I’ll tell you everything,” I replied, letting a sob catch in my throat for effect. “But… can I come see you? I just… I just need to be with you right now.”
“Of course, Elizabeth,” he said without hesitation. “I’ll come pick you up. Where are you?”
“No!” The word came out sharper than I intended, but I quickly softened my tone. “No, I mean… I’ll come to you. I’ll be at your place in ten minutes.”
There was a brief pause before Dennis sighed. “Alright. Just… be careful, okay?”
“I will,” I murmured, letting a hint of vulnerability slip into my voice. “Thank you, Dennis. I’ll see you soon.”
As soon as I hung up, the facade slipped away, and the smile that had been playing on my lips turned into a smirk. Dennis was so predictable, so easy to reel in. He had no idea what was really going on, and that was exactly how I wanted it.
Dragging my box behind me, I made my way down the street. The night was cool, the air crisp with the promise of rain, but I didn’t care. I had a plan now, and nothing was going to stop me.
As I approached the main road, I spotted a cab idling nearby. Perfect. If one door closes, another one opens, I thought to myself, a twisted satisfaction bubbling up inside me. I flagged down the cab, and the driver rolled down his window.
“Where to?” he asked, glancing at me through the rearview mirror as I slid into the back seat.
“Maplewood Lane,” I replied smoothly, settling into the seat as I set my box beside me.
The cab pulled away from the curb, and I stared out the window, my mind already spinning with thoughts of how I would play this out. Dennis was easy, a pawn in my game. He’d believe anything I told him, especially if I played the victim well enough.
Alice might have thrown me out, but I wasn’t beaten. Far from it. In fact, I was just getting started. And when I was done, she’d wish she’d never crossed me.
The cab made its way through the streets. I allowed myself a moment to relax, to savor the victory that was already mine in my mind. Dennis would be my shelter for the night, but more than that, he would be warming me up for the night, I was catching cold already.
As the cab neared Dennis’s house, I glanced at the driver. “Just drop me off at the corner,” I instructed, not wanting anyone to see where I was really going.
The driver nodded, and a few minutes later, the cab came to a stop. I handed him the fare and climbed out, pulling my box onto the sidewalk. The house was just a short walk away, and as I made my way there, I rehearsed my act in my mind. I’d play the part of the devastated, betrayed sister perfectly, and Dennis would fall for it, just like he always did.
When I finally reached his door, I paused, taking a deep breath. This was just the beginning. Alice had no idea what was coming her way, but I would make sure she felt every ounce of pain she had inflicted on me.
I rang the doorbell. The door opened almost immediately, and there stood Dennis, his face etched with worry.
“Elizabeth, what happened?” he asked, stepping forward to embrace me.
Dennis’s arms tightened around me as I whispered those pitiful words, “I have nowhere else to go.” He pulled back slightly, searching my face with concerned eyes.
“I don’t understand, Elizabeth,” he said, his brow furrowing. “What happened? Why would you say that?”
I let out a shaky breath, letting the tears flow again, the perfect picture of a woman crushed by betrayal. “It’s my parents… and Alice.” I choked on her name, hating how easy it was to conjure these tears. “They discarded me, Dennis. They threw me out of their home, all based on an accusation… something I didn’t do. I’m innocent, Dennis, and they didn’t even give me a chance to explain.”
Dennis’s face contorted with anger on my behalf. “What? How could they? Elizabeth, you don’t deserve that. You’ve done nothing wrong.” He wiped away my tears with his thumb, his touch gentle, soothing. “Don’t worry, I’m here now. You’re safe with me.”
He kissed my forehead, and I allowed myself to relax into his embrace, knowing I had him exactly where I wanted him. “Thank you, Dennis,” I murmured, my voice still trembling. “You’re the only one who truly cares.”
“Of course I care,” he said softly. “You’re everything to me.” He pulled back slightly. “Let me get you some coffee, okay? And maybe something to eat. You look like you need it.”
I nodded, giving him a small, grateful smile. “That sounds nice,” I whispered.
He rose from the couch, moving quickly to the kitchen. I watched him go, a small smirk playing on my lips. Dennis was always so eager to please, so desperate to keep me happy. It was almost too easy.
While he was busy, I glanced around his living room, taking in the familiar surroundings. It was cozy, warm, the kind of place that made you feel at home the moment you walked in. Dennis had always been meticulous, everything in its place, everything just so. I would have found it endearing if it weren’t so predictable.
A few minutes later, he returned with a steaming cup of coffee and a plate of cookies, his expression one of pure concern. “Here,” he said, placing them in front of me. “I made your favorite.”
I smiled, genuinely this time. “You’re too good to me, Dennis.”
He sat down beside me, watching as I took a sip of the coffee, the warmth spreading through me. I took a bite of a cookie, letting the sweetness melt on my tongue before I turned to him, my eyes softening.
“Dennis,” I said, setting the cup down. I reached out and placed my hand on his, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath mine. “When are you going to marry me?”
His eyes widened in surprise, lighting up with joy. “Elizabeth… do you really mean that? You want to marry me?”
I rolled my eyes playfully, though my heart was pounding with anticipation. “I wouldn’t be your fiancee if I didn’t, would I?” I said, a hint of teasing in my tone.
Dennis chuckled, relief flooding his features. “I just… I thought you said you weren’t ready for marriage, that you wanted to wait.”
My voice wavered slightly as I came up with an excuse, leaning closer to him. “I was naive, Dennis. I wasn’t sure of my feelings back then, but now… now I am.” I looked up at him, letting my voice drop to a soft whisper. “I love you, Dennis.”
He beamed at my words, his hand coming up to cup my cheek. “I love you too, Elizabeth. More than anything.”
He leaned in, pressing his lips to mine in a passionate kiss. I reciprocated immediately, wrapping my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. The kiss deepened, his lips moving against mine with an intensity that sent a thrill through me.
Dennis shifted closer, trying to close the small gap between us, but his knee bumped the coffee table, sending the cup of coffee tumbling over. The hot liquid splashed onto my skirt, and I jerked back with a gasp.
“Oh my God, Elizabeth, I’m so sorry!” Dennis exclaimed, grabbing a handkerchief from his pocket. He started dabbing at the stain frantically, his face a picture of panic. “I didn’t mean to-”
“It’s okay,” I interrupted, gently pushing his hand away. “It’s just a skirt. I’ll change into something else.”
Dennis nodded, his eyes still wide with worry. “Of course, you can wear anything of mine. Please, go upstairs.”
I pouted, feigning reluctance. “Will you help me change, Dennis?” I asked, my voice soft, almost a whisper.
His eyes darkened with realization, understanding the invitation I was extending. He swallowed, the tension between us palpable. “Elizabeth…”
Before he could say another word, I pulled him in for another kiss, this one slow, deliberate. Dennis’s resistance melted away as he kissed me back, his hand sliding to the small of my back, pulling me closer. When he finally pulled back, his breath was ragged, his eyes locked onto mine.
“Your wish is my command,” he whispered, a grin spreading across his face.
Without another word, he scooped me up into his arms, and I let out a soft laugh as he carried me upstairs, my heart racing with the thrill of it all.
This was exactly where I needed to be. Dennis was mine, completely under my spell. And as for Alice and my parents? They would get what was coming to them, sooner or later. But for now, I had everything I needed right here, in the palm of my hand.
Dennis carried me into his room, closing the door softly behind him, the click echoing in the still air. My heart pounded as he carried me over to the bed, his hands gentle as he laid me down. I watched him through half-lidded eyes, my breath catching as his lips found their way to my skin. The warmth of his kisses sent shivers down my spine, and I reveled in the sensation, letting it wash over me.
He moved slowly, unbuttoning my shirt one button at a time, each brush of his fingers against my skin igniting a fire within me. When he finally pulled the fabric away, tossing it aside, I felt a thrill of anticipation. His lips found mine, claiming them in a kiss that was deep, consuming. His hands roamed my body, reaching behind me to unclasp my bra. I gasped when he freed me from it, his eyes darkening with desire as he took in the sight of my bare chest.
I moaned softly as his mouth descended, taking one of my nipples into his mouth. The sensation was electrifying, his tongue swirling around the sensitive bud, sending jolts of pleasure through me. I arched my back, pressing myself closer to him, wanting more. His hand massaged my other breast, his fingers teasing my skin as his mouth worked its magic.
When he switched to my other nipple, I felt the pleasure intensify, my body responding eagerly to his touch. His kisses grew more insistent, and I felt his hand move lower, fingers finding the waistband of my skirt. He unzipped it slowly, teasingly, before sliding it down my hips, leaving me in just my panties.
I was completely exposed beneath him, and yet I felt powerful. The way he looked at me, with such raw hunger, made me feel like I was in control. I lifted my hips slightly, urging him to take the next step. Dennis hooked his fingers into the waistband of my panties, pulling them down my legs and discarding them with the rest of my clothes.
He straightened, his hands moving to undo his trousers. I watched him, my pulse quickening as he pushed them down along with his boxers. His erection sprang free, and I couldn’t help the way my eyes widened slightly, my breath catching in my throat.
Dennis leaned down, placing a kiss just above my mound, sending a thrill through my body. I bit my lip, anticipation coiling tightly within me as he positioned himself between my legs. He looked up at me, our eyes locking. I nodded, my body aching for him, and he pushed forward, entering me slowly.
I gasped at the feeling, the fullness of him stretching me, filling me completely. He started with slow thrusts, his movements measured as we both adjusted to the sensation. But soon, the pace quickened, his thrusts becoming more urgent, more intense, driving us both closer to the edge.
I clung to him, my nails digging into his back, my moans growing louder, more desperate. The pleasure built within me, a tight coil ready to snap. And then, with one final thrust, it did.
“Denn.. is I cried out his name as I came, my body convulsing around him, waves of pleasure crashing over me.
Dennis followed shortly after, his release spilling into me with a deep groan. He collapsed beside me, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. He wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close, and I nestled into his warmth, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over me.
“I love you, Elizabeth,” he murmured, his voice soft but filled with genuine affection.
I turned my head to look at him, my expression tender as I responded, “I love you too, Dennis.”
He smiled, pressing a gentle kiss to my lips, the warmth of it making me feel secure, content. But even as I kissed him back, my mind was already calculating, already thinking of what would come next.
Dennis pulled away slightly, his eyes twinkling with a playful light. “You know,” he began, a mischievous grin spreading across his face, “I think we should go for another round.”
I arched an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corners of my lips. “Oh? And what makes you think I’d agree to that?” I teased, though I already knew the answer.
He didn’t need words to respond. Instead, he swooped down, capturing my lips in another heated kiss, his body pressing against mine. I could feel him hardening against me again, and I couldn’t help but think that maybe this wasn’t so bad after all. Maybe, just maybe, Dennis could be useful in more ways than one.