ALEC & SUSAN

Taken in Handcuffs

Without a word, I pushed myself up, focusing on keeping my breathing even, as the burning behind my eyes threatened to spill over. I had to stay strong, I couldn't let her see me shatter. The air felt heavy, and my stomach churned, a sharp, cold lump in my throat preventing me from even swallowing. They hate my kind, the thought echoed. They hate people like me. Her words haunted me—treating Alec like a high-limit card, a mere legacy to maintain—stripping me down to nothing I realized, the crushing weight of their disdain settling in.

As soon as the corner turned, hiding me from her view, my frantic walking broke into a desperate, stumbling jog. The dam broke. Hot, thick tears blurred the afternoon sun, streaming down my face faster than I could wipe them away. It was over. The crushing finality of it made it hard to breathe—never again would I feel his hand in mine, never again would I look into his eyes. I flagged down a taxi, sinking into the corner of the backseat and burying my face in my hands, sobbing uncontrollably all the way back to Ava’s.

My phone buzzed relentlessly against my thigh in the backseat, Alec’s name lighting up the screen over and over, followed by a torrent of texts I couldn’t bring myself to read. Each buzz felt like a betrayal. I stared out the rain-streaked window, my stomach twisted into a cold knot, answering my phone meant breaking the sacred promise I’d made to his mother only hours ago. When the cab finally jolted to a stop, I waited until a group of tenants pushed through the front door, slipping in behind them to avoid the stares. The elevator ride felt agonizingly long. Standing at her door, I pressed my forehead against the cold wood, forced a shaky breath into my lungs, and knocked. The moment Ava opened the door, my control snapped; I couldn't even speak, my breath catching in ragged, choking sobs as I tried to blink away the heat in my eyes.

Ava's eyes widened when she saw me. She held me in her arms, squeezed me tightly, brought to the sofa and I just cried on her shoulder. I managed to say, it is over,

“What? No, that’s not it at all.” She leaned in, her fingers weaving through my hair with a gentle, rhythmic pull that eased the knots in my scalp. “Alec loves you—completely. The thought of leaving hadn't even crossed his mind.” Her other hand found the small of my back, tracing slow, warm circles against my skin until the tension in my shoulders finally began to give way.

Sobs wracked my body, turning my words into broken fragments. I told her how "his mother had backed me into a corner, threatening to strip away my life here and send me back if I didn't disappear immediately."

Every time I think about returning, I look around my home here—at my stable job, at the life I’ve earned—and I know I can’t go back. Trinidad is my past, not my future. While my family is there, I am here as their lifeline, a role that’s impossible for me to fill back home. The guilt of staying away has kept me up at night, turning into sobbing fits that leave me physically broken, my stomach churning and my ribs aching, but I have to survive to take care of them.

"Just send the text, Susan. It’s over," the voice in my head urged me. I inhaled the cold air, feeling the weight of the past few months. I knew the question was coming:

"Why?"

My thumb hovered, knowing the answer was more than just a phrase.

"We're from two different worlds," I typed, "and neither of us can bridge this gap." I hit send, leaving it in the hands of the digital void.

"We can talk about this, Susan."

The message glared at me, demanding a reply I wasn't going to give. I dropped the phone onto the sofa, my hands trembling as I dialed Katie. The words spilled out—the weekend, Alec's mother, the suffocating atmosphere—until I was breathless. Katie didn't speak immediately; I heard her sharp intake of breath, the sound of her sinking into a chair, physically disturbed by the story.

"What now?" she asked.

I picked up the phone as I watched the 'block' option appear. "It’s over, Katie. I'm taking my life back."

My thumb hovered over the screen before finally hitting "block," the finality of it forcing a shaky breath from my chest. I wiped the wetness from my cheeks, grateful for the dim lighting, and caught Ava’s eye.

"I need to go home," I whispered, the words barely audible. I avoided taking a cab, opting instead for the slow, rattling train—the one that took an hour longer, giving me ample time to watch the city lights blur together while I tried to piece myself back together.

As soon as the train got to my stop in Brooklyn, I began running towards the corner store. Stepping into the store, I immediately made a beeline for Jacob, needing to tell him about the chaotic weekend. He took one look at me and brought me into a comforting embrace. He listened quietly, pulling me into a bone-crushing hug that instantly made me feel safe. He pressed a soft kiss to the top of my head, murmuring an apology that felt heavy with shared empathy.

I’m reclaiming my weekends, diving back into work here to fill the silence and stay driven. I need to get back to the blueprint I had mapped out, forging ahead with the original plan before the distractions took over, and moving forward.

A month has passed, yet the air remains thick with the incident, prompting Katie to carefully curate her weekend stories, treating Alec’s name like a forbidden word in our conversations. The atmosphere is fragile. I've grown accustomed to the sensation of being watched—catching fleeting glimpses of Alec ducking behind the corner of a building or dissolving into the shadows of the trees just to fix his gaze on me. I play along, keeping my gaze forward and my expression neutral, I make it a point to never break stride or catch his eye, acting as if I'm entirely oblivious to his desperate surveillance.

My pulse thudded against my ribs the moment I saw him walking behind the treeline. It’s the same helpless, total love that should have faded by now, yet it hasn't. I tighten my grip onto the handle of the stroller, swallowing down every word I want to scream, turning my face away so no one sees how my smile betrays me.

As the weekend rush buzzed through the store, Jacob materialized at my side, holding a stack of papers and a pen, his expression nonchalant.

"What’s all this?" I asked, looking from the forms to his face. He waved a hand dismissively, saying,

"Just a formality—gives you access to everything when I’m not around. No big deal." Without a second thought, I scrawled my signature across the page, trusting Jacob implicitly.

For years, I've let my birthday pass by, but this Saturday? Everything changes. I'm finally embracing the spotlight. The girls and I are hitting the town, ready to feel the rhythm and make this birthday truly unforgettable. It’s a huge, long-overdue celebration and I couldn't be more excited to turn my birthday into a full-blown lifestyle.

On Friday after work, the girls and I hit the shops to find the perfect outfit, trying to create a fun atmosphere. We ended the night with dinner, saying in unison until Saturday, then we went our separate ways. Despite the camaraderie, a heavy feeling settled in my chest. I was incredibly depressed because all I wanted was to spend my birthday with Alec, but I knew that, in reality, that was a dream that would never come true.

It was Saturday night, and I couldn't help but catch my reflection—a silver sequin dress shimmering just at mid-thigh, paired with 3-inch heels that elongated my legs. Katie stepped out in a vibrant pink and black jumper, instantly pulling every eye in the room toward her. Mia followed in a matching, tight two-piece shorts set that accentuated her style, while Ava kept it edgy in a short leather skirt and crop top. Finally, Liv appeared, making a statement in a black dress that hugged every curve as she walked.

I’m crashing at Ava’s tonight, but I’ve already set my boundaries: the second she locks eyes with some random guy and starts acting like I’m invisible, my Uber is hailed, and I’m escaping back to my quiet apartment. Tonight is purely for sweating it out on the dance floor, letting the bass drown out the whispers of Alec’s name in my head. Just one evening of pure, unadulterated freedom, with zero baggage.

The bass vibrated through the soles of my shoes before we even passed the bouncer. As we stepped into the strobe-lit haze, the conversation at the corner table died down, and I felt the weight of dozens of eyes tracking our entrance—just how I wanted it. Shrugging off my jacket, I moved toward the bar, ordered a vodka soda, and let the ice clink against the glass as I surveyed the room. I skipped the peripheral lounge areas, heading straight into the thick of the bodies on the dance floor. With every bass drop, I moved, catching the gaze of a guy near the speakers, then another by the DJ booth. I didn't say no to anyone—just spinning and smiling, letting my hair fall over my shoulders, fully inhabiting the freedom of a girl with absolutely nothing to lose.

A relentless rhythm to the hour I’d spent moving between the crowded dance floor and the bar. But amidst the sweat and strobe lights, the fun evaporated. A prickling sensation started at the back of my neck—that distinct, uncomfortable feeling of eyes burning into me from the shadows. I scanned the room, my gaze cutting through the haze, but found only blurred faces and shifting bodies, nobody looking my way.

Another drink appeared in my hand, a gesture from a guy I barely knew. I forced a smile, bringing the icy glass to my lips, but only allowed myself a tiny, methodical sip before setting it down on a high-top table, untouched. The game was frantic, but I needed to keep my head clear—too many eyes, too many hands, and I wasn't about to lose control.

The digital clock above the bar blinked 11:58 PM, the red numbers blurring slightly, though I was lucid enough to notice the shift in the air. The two guys crowding my space—one anchoring my back, the other blocking my front—were no longer just dancing; they were pressuring, their smiles turning predatory under the strobe lights.

The rhythm of the music felt increasingly suffocating as the two figures closed in. One blocked the path forward while the other pressed in from behind, their presence heavy and unyielding. Attempts to sidestep the pair were met with firm resistance; hands clamped onto my shoulders and arms, turning the dance floor into a cage. The world seemed to narrow down to the heat of the crowd and the sudden, sharp realization of being trapped.

Then, the tension snapped. A sudden blur of motion sent the two men reeling toward the beer-slicked floor. A steady grip found my wrist, and with a purposeful tug, the chaotic noise of the club began to fade as the cool, night air beckoned from the exit.

"Alec!" The name escaped me as a breathless gasp, my knees nearly buckling as I stumbled back. My hands flew to my mouth, teeth grazing my knuckles, while my heart hammered against my ribs with the force of a frantic bird.

He stood in the dim, pulsing light of the club, looking entirely too steady, too intense. "What are you doing here?" I managed, my voice barely a whisper over the thumping bass.

"I came to see you," Alec said, taking a slow, deliberate step closer. "It’s your birthday, Susan. I needed to be with you".

I should have been pleased. Instead, a surge of adrenaline masked my panic. "What the hell was that, Susan?" he demanded, his voice dropping an octave, raw and possessive. "Dancing with all those guys?"

I crossed my arms, fighting the urge to shake. "I’m not in a relationship, Alec. I can dance with whoever I please".

I turned, heels clicking on the pavement, aiming for the relative safety inside the club. But I didn't make it. His hand closed around my wrist, a warm, inescapable anchor, spinning me back. The sudden movement sent me straight into his chest.

Before I could breathe, his hands were framing my face, his thumbs pressing against my jaw. He kissed me—not a question, but a demanding statement. It was a hungry, desperate collision that tasted of mint and possessiveness, instantly dismantling my resolve and leaving me breathless.

I finally pulled away, my chest heaving, lungs burning as I fought for a breath that wouldn't come. My heart was hammering against my ribs, racing in a fast, frantic rhythm. Alec, barely more composed, managed a breathless smile.

"Happy birthday," he whispered, his voice shaking slightly.

Before I could speak, he produced a slender box from his blazer, the velvet worn at the edges. I took it, my shaking fingers tracing the hinge, and flipped it open. A gasp escaped me. It was a necklace—a delicate web of diamonds, catching the dim light and throwing it across our skin. I stared, running my fingertips over the cool, impossibly brilliant stones, my breath catching in my throat again.

Then, reality set in. The beauty of it suddenly felt heavy. I looked from the glittering treasure to his eyes, the gravity of the gesture hitting me. Slowly, I closed the lid with a soft snap, pushing it back into his hand.

"Alec, I… I can’t," I whispered, the words catching. "This… this looks like it costs more than I make in a year."

"Take it," Alec murmured, his voice velvety and insistent, pushing the heavy velvet box closer. "You can and you will. Nothing is too much for me to get for you."

I stared at the velvet box in his hand, feeling my chest tighten. "I can't accept this, Alec. It’s... it’s not right." I pushed it away.

A prickle of unease crawled up my neck, making my breath hitch. I spun around, scanning the shadowed corners outside the club, my eyes searching for… something. Nothing. Just the empty space. But the sensation lingered, a cold, watchful presence that made me on edge.

"You should not be here," I told him, finally turning back to face him, my voice barely a whisper.

Alec didn't even blink. He just asked,

"Why not?"

"Go home, Alec." I turned, my heels clicking on the pavement as I tried to walk away, to create some kind of distance.

His hands caught my waist, pulling me into him with a hunger that stole my breath. I didn't resist, melting against his chest, my fingers tangling in his hair to urge him closer. The cold plaster of the wall met my back, a stark contrast to the heat of him grinding against me, rough and urgent. When we finally broke apart, breathless, his forehead rested on mine.

"I love you," he whispered, his voice shattering in the quiet space. "Don't leave me. The last month... it's been hell."

My throat tight. "I can't."

"Why?" I looked away, the secret suffocating me.

"I can't tell you."

"Just tell me why," he whispered, the words tumbling out too fast, too raw.

I’d already said too much, exposed too much.

"Come home with me. Please."

I blinked, a harsh, incredulous laugh escaping me. "What? Are you insane?"

"Then I'm going with you," Alec blurted, stepping into my space, his voice thick with a desperate, immovable resolve. "I am not leaving this spot without you."

I scanned the club one last time looking for the girls, catching Ava’s eye and giving her a subtle nod toward Alec, who was already waiting by the door. Slipping my phone out, I texted her—Leaving with Alec, will explain later—before we stepped out into the cool night air. I hailed a passing taxi, giving the driver my address without hesitation. The moment the cab door clicked shut, the tension that had been building for the past few months snapped, and we were instantly tangled together, fighting for breath in the dark backseat.

Sixty minutes later, the yellow cab hissed to a halt outside my building, its meter clicking off as Alec settled the fare. The heavy metal door groaned behind us as we entered the dimly lit lobby, our footsteps echoing against the linoleum. Mid-way up the creaking staircase, I stopped, my heart hammering against my ribs, and turned to face him. I gestured vaguely at the peeling wallpaper and the scent of stale cooking, my voice tight.

"It’s not much," I murmured, staring at his shoes rather than his eyes, "but it’s mine. Please... don't look down on it."

Alec took a step closer, his expression softening, and shook his head firmly. "Never," he said, the sincerity in his voice cutting through the gloom.

The door clicked shut behind us, sealing out the rest of the house. I kicked off my shoes, letting them fall where they may, already anticipating the hot spray of the shower to wash away the sweat.

"I need to wash this day off," I mumbled, moving toward the door.

"Can I join you?" Alec’s voice was barely a murmur, a low, smooth sound that made my breath hitch.

I spun around so fast I nearly lost my balance, expecting a smirk, a tease—anything but the total seriousness in his eyes. The air in the room suddenly felt thin.

"Absolutely not," I said, my voice firmer than I felt. "I’ll be back in five."

Stepping into the room, I nudged the door shut behind us.

"All yours," I said, tossing a crisp, folded towel onto the bed before gesturing toward the hallway. I led him past the sleeping quarters, pointing out the shared bathroom with its flickering light just a few steps down the narrow, dimly lit corridor.

Without a second thought, he snatched the towel, and five minutes later, the bedroom door creaked open. He walked in, the white cotton riding low on his hips, damp hair dripping onto his shoulders still glistening from the shower. I couldn't breathe. What was I thinking, bringing Alec here? My gaze fixed on the small bed—the only bed. It was suddenly shrinking, the space between us charged with a terrifying, electric intent. As he moved closer, my heart hammered against my ribs, a chaotic warning I couldn't ignore.

I stumbled backward, the cool, unforgiving drywall hitting my shoulders before I could catch my breath. Alec didn't just close the distance; he engulfed it, his lips crashing onto mine with a hunger that stole whatever air I had left. A sharp gasp escaped me as he spun me around, maneuvering us seamlessly until the back of my knees struck the edge of the bed, forcing me down into the soft mattress.

His weight was a welcomed anchor, crushing me into the mattress as he devoured my mouth with a desperate, hungry need. Coherence dissolved when he broke the kiss, trailing wet, burning kisses down my jawline. I gasped, my fingers tangling in his hair, as his lips traced the sensitive column of my neck, moving with agonizing slowness toward the pulsing hollow beneath my ear before descending lower to my breast.

His fingers worked quickly, the buttons of my shirt giving way one by one until the cool air touched my bare skin, followed immediately by his warmth. As he latched onto my left breast, his mouth hot and insistent, his other hand settled on the right, kneading the softness with a slow, heavy rhythm. A jolt of electric sensation shot straight to my core, shattering my focus. Soft, needy moans broke free from my throat, vibrating in the small space between us as I arched into him, entirely overwhelmed by a euphoric, molten wave of pleasure.

My fingers tangled into his hair, gripping tight to anchor him against me as I arched, desperate for the intensity of his mouth. As he shifted his focus, a soft pop marked the release of my breast, replaced instantly by the slow, warm trail of his lips moving down my stomach. His mouth hovered just above my waistline, sending a tremor through my skin before he pressed a slow, deliberate kiss to the left side, then teased the right, lingering to worship every inch.

With slow and steady movements, he brought down my shorts along with my panties. Within seconds, I was left naked. My body shivered from the cool air, and goosebumps pebbled my flesh. He kissed the inside of my thighs, and then he licked through my slit. I was thrown into oblivion. My breath hitched, then broke completely, dissolving into a ragged moan that filled the room. Under Alec’s relentless, skillful mouth, my body felt less like solid flesh and more like a shattering kaleidoscope of sensation.

I rode his face, my hands tangling in his hair to keep him locked against me, needing every intense, wet pull. Alec’s own strained groans echoed mine, telling me he was enjoying it as much as I was, drowning in the same electric current. He licked and sucked, I can hear the slumping sounds. A thick, bubbling heat began in my stomach, radiating outward until I was entirely molten, teetering on the edge of an explosion that promised to turn my world into pure, white-hot bliss. As the euphoria evaporated, my chest tightened, leaving me gasping for air as if I’d just run a mile, my lungs aching for a breath that wouldn't come.

Alec’s lips traced a slow, lingering path upward, his warmth a stark contrast against the skin.

"Do you like that?" he murmured, the low, rough rasp of his voice vibrating through the quiet room. A sharp intake of breath was the only immediate answer before a soft, barely audible

"Yes" escaped. The air between us seemed to thicken as he moved closer, the weight of the moment pressing in with a sudden, intense urgency.

"Are you ready?" His voice was a ragged murmur against the shell of the ear, sending a shiver down the spine. Trusting the voice felt impossible, so a simple, a silent nod served as the only answer while sinking back against the pillows. "It will hurt," came the warning, his breath warm and steady. As he worked, his was at my core, it was a mixture of pleasure and pain. I watched as his d**k penetrated and began vanishing. Then a pain left me gasping for air, as I bit down on Alec's shoulder to muffle the sound. A sharp, shallow breath followed—a sudden gasp as the weight of the moment finally took hold, breaking through every lingering defense.

Alec paused, allowing me a breathless moment to acclimate to his size before beginning a slow, deliberate rhythm. As he started moving his hips, a tidal wave of pleasure crashed over me, turning my thoughts into white noise and making my body tremble beneath him.

His name left my lips in a breathless moan just before he collapsed against me, heavy and sweat-dampened. I anchored myself to him, gasping for air as the world slowly stopped spinning. Burying his face in my neck, while I held on tight, my fingers digging into his back, trying to catch my breath.

"I love you," he whispered, the words brushing against my ear like a promise I couldn’t keep. "We’ll get married one day."

I burrowed deeper into his shoulder, the familiar scent of him catching in my throat.

"We can't," I mumbled, the fabric of his sheet dampening with a sudden, silent tear.

He pulled back, searching my face. "Why not?"

"Because your mom won't let you."

The tension in his arms tightened. He released me, his eyes clouded.

"Susan... why did you break up with me, really? Did my mother say something to you?"

I couldn't look at him. I simply nodded, the movement small and defeated.

"What did she say?" he pressed, his voice strained.

Tears blurred my vision, escaping before I could stop them. I clamped my mouth shut, fighting the tightening constriction in my throat that made breathing a conscious effort. It wasn’t just heartbreak; it was the raw, paralyzing terror of her ultimatum. Walking away was the only way to keep myself from being ripped away and deported, and that realization was shattering me.

"Wait, what?" his brow furrowing in confusion, "That won't happen."

"Can you take Monday off? I don't know, but I can ask, Why?"

"Do it," he pressed, grinning. "Ask to be off."

"Why?" looking at him with curiosity.

"Because," I leaned forward, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "I’ve got a surprise for you, and we need a free morning."

Alec’s weight finally lifted, leaving a sudden, cool space between us on the sheets. He propped himself up on one elbow, his voice barely a breath against my ear. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," I whispered back, my heart beginning a slow, heavy thud against my ribs.

He didn't hesitate, his eyes searching mine with intense focus. "Will you marry me?"

I choked back a breath, my brain struggling to process the words.

"What? Are you... are you serious?"

"Yes," he said, reaching out to trace the line of my jaw, his expression overflowing with earnest devotion. "I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life waking up next to you, and I want to protect you. Once we’re married, my mom can never touch you again."

I needed to be sure, so I locked eyes with him, studying the seriousness in his expression. When I spoke, it wasn't a question—it was a vow. "Yes, I will marry you." The world seemed to stop as he crashed his lips against mine, kissing me with a desperate, passionate intensity that told me I was finally home.

Sunday morning arrived with a quiet urgency. I dialed Mrs. Goldberg, holding my breath as I explained I needed Monday off, but her quick

"Of course, allowed me to exhale. Within the hour, Alec and I were navigating the buzzing mall, the fluorescent lights reflecting off the velvet cases until he slid a perfect ring onto my finger. Heart pounding, he dialed John, watching Alec grin as he told him to meet us at City Hall tomorrow, adding, "Bring Katie—we're making it official."

Monday morning broke, and within minutes, we were maneuvering through the bustling marble halls of City Hall, my hand firmly in

Alec’s. A few hushed conversations, a knowing nod from a clerk, and a signature from a hurried judge vanished the mandatory 24-hour wait, turning our tentative plans into an immediate reality.

Minutes later, standing before a justice of the peace, we exchanged "I do," the quiet vows sealing our fate before John and Katie. Sunlight poured through the windows as we celebrated with a leisurely lunch, toasts clinking together, followed by a handful of cherished, fleeting pictures on the steps. The day culminated in a whirlwind of luxury, as Alec whisked me away to a plush, high-rise hotel suite, leaving the world behind for a night of indulgence and our first few hours as husband and wife.

The next morning, I braced myself before sharing the news, as their jaws dropped around the park. Later, strolling toward Alec’s restaurant, two officers intercepted me, demanding to know

"Are you Susan Thomas?"

“I... yes—no, I’m Susan Beck,” I stammered, watching them exchange a confused glance before I clarified, “I was Thomas, but I got married.”

"My husband—he works here, he can explain all of this," I stammered, pointing toward the entrance of the restaurant, my voice shaking. A heavy hand landed on my shoulder, spinning me around.

"Ma'am, we've received reports you're here illegally. You need to come with us." The world tilted.

"What? No, please," I begged, tears blurring the harsh fluorescent lights, "Just let me say goodbye to him!"

"Keep the cuffs on, and we won’t have a problem," the officer muttered, guiding me forward by the elbow. I gave a tight nod, the metal biting into my wrists with every step we took into the crowded room. My eyes scanned the faces, searching for Alec, until suddenly, I found him. Across the room, his jaw dropped, his eyes locking onto mine and widening in pure, paralyzed shock.

Alec’s breath hitched, seeing his wife in cuffs as two uniformed officers stepped in front of him, their movements efficient and cold.

"What's going on?" Alec asked, his voice shaking as he glanced toward his wife, Susan, who stood frozen next to the police officers, her eyes wide with terror.

The taller officer checked a tablet, not bothering to meet Alec’s gaze. "We received a tip that she was here illegally. She needs to come with us."

"She’s my wife!" Alec took a step forward, putting himself between the officers and Susan. "You cannot just take her—she has rights."

The officer barely glanced up, gesturing to his partner to close the gap. "It’s not a discussion. She will be processed and deported."

"I Love You."