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Murphy

By: ihartekenny



(Author's Note: This is my first story I've submitted, testing the waters. Be kind : D ) 

The first time she saw him Ananda's whole body lit on fire. More importantly there lit a fire in her heart. He would become hers, no matter what.

It was a little tradition they'd set up, Ananda and her cousins. Every Saturday morning they'd hit up Denny's and then catch a matinee movie. Ananda was always close to them, they were more than cousins more than best friends more than sisters they were part of her.

And yet she was never like them. They were left-brained, ambitious women with goals and moral codes while she was a 'free spirit', a hedonist , who enjoyed every day and aspect of her life...or at least she tried to. 

Their differences were also physical and very apparent. Jaelynn, was a child therapist and aspiring expert in that field. She was 5'4 with a long slender body, skin the color of peanut butter and just as smooth. She dressed like a Banana Republic model and left a trail of broken hearts behind her wherever she went. She refused to have 'pre-marital sex' and refused to get married until her practice was gaining some prestige.

All Ananda could do was laugh (never in front of Jae, though). She couldn't imagine waiting that long or even being so pre-occupied with success to where she thought this was acceptable. She never argued with Jae, only tempted her. She would drag her to swinger's clubs and any other naughty party Jae wouldn't be caught dead in.

Then there was Ruby. She had found the love of her life early on, in middle school, that is. Ruby and Truman dated since the seventh grade straight through high school. By eighteen Ruby was married, knocked up by twenty and now at twenty five she had two crumb snatchers that drained all her time and mental capacity. 

Ananda guessed that having children young was a good thing. After having twins Ruby's body bounced back like a a rubber band. She was a little over 5'5 and had a small waist that flared to child bearing hips and a complexion a few shades lighter than Jaelyn's.

She was a housewife and took her job very seriously. Every phrase that spilled from her face was about her kids, her husband, or her household dynamics. Ananda loved Ruby but she honestly couldn't relate. 

Ananda lived alone in a condo off Biscayne Boulevard. She was different from them in every way and she reveled in it. A self proclaimed bachelorette, she towered them with her 5'9 stature and had legs that went on for days. 

Her skin was the color of melted chocolate and she put a lot into keeping it flawless. She wasn't slim like Jae or perfectly shaped like Ruby but she delighted in her body, from its every flaw to its every virtue. Besides, she never had any complaints.

As always, Ruby monopolized the conversation with talk of her family, while Jae issued advice, and Ananda comically commented on it all. They were right in the middle of Ruby's story about how she found the twins playing wedding when a ruckus sounded at the front of the restaurant. 

Gales of male laughter floated through the air as a group of what Ananda could only call gods on earth walked into the restaurant. About seven of them with varying heights and all built like Adonis.

They were off duty firemen. They wore black dickies and gray polos with Miami-Dade Fire Department emblazoned on the back. The appreciative sighs were almost audible as they were escorted to a the breakfast counter near the kitchen. As they passed by, one man out of them all caught Ananda's eye. 

He was the tallest of the group, with broad shoulders (Ananda had a thing for shoulders), and a friendly smile. His green eyes met with hers as he passed. Ananda's body screamed, "Mine!" In his eyes, in that brief moment, she knew he saw it. 

Ananda didn't have a type, but if she did it would be him. He was one of those racially ambiguous guys with strong features, a square jaw, full lips and a shaved head. His skin was light tan which made his eyes shine.

Ananda's body called to him, her nipples puckered for him and her every breath was shallow. She knew that if he spoke, and his voice was that baritone that she loved so dearly, she wouldn't be able to contain herself. Even now her eyes hadn't left his. When he gazed her way she smiled at him unable to keep from flirting.

She wondered if he was Black or at least partially. Green eyes weren't uncommon on light skinned black men, or maybe he was Hispanic. She loved hispanic lovers, but it was also likely he could be white. She'd met quite a few white boys with tawny skin such as his.

'What did it matter?" She thought. She knew what she wanted from him and was excited at the mystery. If he was black he probably had a long dick, one that can reach places most men couldn't. If he was hispanic she knew he'd have a fat cock, one that would fill her completely. But if he were white it didn't matter how his cock measured up he would know exactly how to make her scream over and over.

The guy looked up at her with a burning she could only hope mimicked her own. A bolt of pure desire shot through her causing her to cross her legs.

"He is such a beautiful young man, and if I didn't have my promise ring I'd be all over them," Jae was saying when Ananda finally rejoined the conversation.

"Aren't you too damn old for a promise ring?" Ruby said. Ananda and Ruby laughed at Jae's expensive.

Jae frowned, "You're never too old to promise to save yourself for your husband."

"Good thing you did," Ananda said. "You see that over there? That's too much man for you. You wouldn't know what to do with that."

Jae rolled her eyes as both Ruby and Ananda laughed. "Like it's rocket science. We all can't be the major flirt like you, Nandy," Jae muttered 

"Ooh! I got upgraded. Last week I was a shameless fornicator." Ananda said causing Ruby to snicker and Jae to roll her eyes again. "Jae, how do you know Mr.Right isn't sitting right over there if you don't flirt with them?"

"She's afraid of becoming a shameless fornicator like someone at this table." Ruby said giggling.

"Oh! Oh! Alex, Who is....Ananda Rawlings?" Nandy joked

"Ding-ding-ding!" Ruby said and they both fell into laughter.

"You guys think you're so funny," Jae said. "Besides, I don't want a fireman for a husband. Its like being an army wife. You end up dreading the call telling you that you're husband is dead. No, thank you."

"Wow, way to look at the glass half full, Jae." Ruby said her voice dripping with sarcasm. 

Ananda waved over their waitress. When she finally came over she whispered her request then glanced at her guy. She smiled when she found him looking at her.

****** He'd seen that look before. 

Murphy wasn't exceptionally handsome but he'd seen it before. The sex gaze. He'd gotten it from women who liked a man in uniform, women who liked tall men, and even from women who saw him as a goal or a conquest. 

Yes, he's gotten that look. The look with a promise, only, most women who gave him that look couldn't cash the checks their eyes were writing. 

This woman was different. Her gaze said, "I know what I want, how I want it, and you're the one who's gonna give it to me." Murphy felt himself reacting to this girl, this woman. He tried his damnedest not to. It was in his experience that women who gave that look wanted nothing but to look.

When his eyes met hers and she didn't look away, was when he knew that this woman was different. She never stopped looking at him she smiled at him, she had claimed him. 

"I think you have a fan, Murph," James said beside him. That set his group off on jokes about Murphy being a virgin. It was a lie. 

Murphy wasn't a virgin by any means but the guys teased him for never having a girl. The thing was, Murphy didn't want a girl, he didn't want a relationship, he just wanted sex and nothing but.

This also presented a problem. When it came to sex Murphy was a bit more uninhibited then most (and by a bit he meant a whole lot; he was a freak) and it was very hard to find a partner of the same caliber who also wanted no strings attached.

Murphy kept up with the teases, gales of laughter, and anecdotes that his group spouted, but his eyes always found that girl. She was beautiful with chocolate skin and a head full of curly hair that fell down her back. Her eyes were upturned, exotic and seem to know exactly what she did to him. 

Murphy was so engrossed in simply enjoying looking at her that he jumped when the waitress and a few of her colleagues approached the group with armfuls of plates of pancakes. Enough for the men twice over. The problem was, they hadn't ordered yet. 

"These are from the women over there," she said gesturing toward the seductress. "They said, You are their heroes and they wanted to thank you guys personally."

When Murphy turned to look at the woman who'd just bought a shit load of pancakes for him and his buddies he found her watching them with her smile. He smiled back and she winked before turning her gaze back to her friends.

"I say we show our gratitude." James said to the group of men. "I second that!" Matthew said and soon every one agreed.

******

"I think he got the message," Ananda thought to herself. His group began to gather themselves picking up plates of pancakes.

"What are they doing now?" Ruby leaned in and whispered. Ananda shrugged before flashing them a mischievous smile.

"What did you do?" Jae said.

"Oh don't look so scared, Jae. Im just making sure none of these guys are your Mr.Right by....personally interviewing them."

"Hey ladies," One of the men said coming over. He was one of the shorter black firemen with a charming smile. The fire men began pulling a few tables and chairs closer to Ananda and her cousins. The man Ananda had claimed as her own pulled up a chair next to her. She inhaled the clean smell of his cologne. Damn, she wanted to touch him.

"We wanted to thank you for the pancakes in person." One of the other men said throwing lascivious smiles at Jae, who suddenly became absorbed with her omelet.

"What pancakes?" Ruby said seemingly unaffected by the surplus of beautiful men that surrounded them.

"Oh, that was me," She said to Ruby then addressed the men. "You see, My cousins here are thinkers, but Im a doer. The sentiment was theirs while the gesture was mine."

Jae looked so small and uncomfortable around the men Ananda almost felt bad, almost being the operative word. It wasn't too long before the men's flirtatious remarks slowly brought Jae out of her shell. It took even less time for Ruby to grill them about how to effectively explain fire safety to a five year old.

While it seemed everyone else was engrossed in their discussions Murphy leaned over and whispered to Ananda. "What do they call you?"

"Trouble," She answered smiling mischievously. 

Ananda's nipples tightened at the sound of his voice, it was that deep baritone that she'd hoped for. Bonus, his voice also had a hint of a rasp that left her skin riddled with goosebumps. "But you're cute so you can call me Nandy."

"Oh, but I like trouble so much better." he purred near her ear.

"So, is 'sexy' one of the requirements for being a fire fighter? Because I've never met a fireman that couldn't be described as sexy."

"Is that to say, you find my colleagues here attractive?" He said his eyes dropping down to her lips then back to her eyes.

"Of course," She said, "I wouldn't have sent pancakes if I didn't."

"I think I'm jealous," He flirted.

"Don't be, you're the one that I'm interested in."

"You're direct, I think I love that."

"Not direct, just honest. I want you." It seemed those three words were like magic as it successfully turned him on. He could feel his dick hardening and his mind fluttered with the things he could do to her.

As the meal went on, the three cousins really enjoyed themselves. They grew up in a family with mostly girls, so they enjoyed the sound of male laughter and the way they were so quick to joke with one another. For Nandy, it took super human willpower to keep the flirtatious barbs between her and Murphy at a PG-13 level.

She learned that he was born in St. Louis and moved to Miami when his parents split. She also learned that he kept his head shaved, not because he was balding but because he thought it made him look like a badass. He was right, it did, but Ananda still threw her head back and laughed at the reasoning. 

"I'm not joking. Think about it, who are the baddest men in action movies today?"

"Umm....the guy from the new Bond movies? I dunno, you tell me."

Murphy laughed, "Bruce willis, bald, Jason Statham, bald. Hell, I'd even count Vin Diesel."

"Okay, I get your point. You do look like a bad ass, but, woman love to run their hands through a man's hair and just watch them shudder with ecstasy as they scratch their scalp."

"There's no difference," He said as he grabbed Nandy's hand and placed it at the nape of his neck.

Ananda's heart skipped a beat at his closeness. Where she normally played with the hair at the nape, there was nothing there. She found herself gazing into green eyes as she ran her fingers over his scalp. A look of pleasure entered his eyes as she ran her fingernails over the area she had just touched.

"Feels good?" she breathed barely over a whisper.

"Yeah," He growled back causing her nipple to harden.

"Oh! Its two. You guys the movie starts in fifteen minutes," Ruby, aka time keeper, said.

"I guess that's goodbye," Jae said to her little fan base of three firemen that sat next to her.THey all fell over themselves trying to get her number.

"Well, its been a pleasure meeting you." Ananda said her voice husky with need. She waved over the waitress for their bill. A look of confusion fell over Murphy's face when he figured that Ananda was serous about leaving so soon.

"So thats it?" He said, "All that flirting for nothing?" The waitress came with the bill and Ananda passed her her Amex to pay.

"I guess so," Ananda said, "I mean, I told you I wanted you. Short of me hopping in your lap and riding you here in the middle of Denny's there is nothing left for me to do. The ball's in your court." 

With that her and her cousins stood making their way to the front counter to retrieve their charge cards. Murphy stared after her as what she said began to register. He watched as the waitress passed her a pen to sign the receipt and felt as if she were slipping between his fingers.

He quickly stood up and went to her.

"Can I borrow that pen?" He asked the waitress. 

Murphy scribbled something down on a napkin, folded it neatly, then placed it in Ananda's palm, closing her fingers around it. He loved the look of glee on her face. He leaned in close, inhaling the soft sweet smell of her fruity perfume.

He whispered, "If you ever have a fire that needs to be handled, call me and I'll personally take care of it."

The words sent shivers skittering down her back and the heat in his gaze made wetness pool between her thighs. She needed him.

He left her speechless and walked back to the table of his comrades. Ananda wondered if tonight was too soon to call him. She'd play it by ear.

~~~~~~~

It had been only two days after Murphy had met Ananda, but he was already wondering when she would call him. He tried to put it out his mind but that was a hard thing to do.That day they had an electrical fire to put out on Brickell Avenue and his mind wasn't in it. That was dangerous for both him and his men. 

Nandy wasn't lying when she said she was trouble. Murphy's lips curled up in a smile recalling the women.

He hopped in his car after a long day shift and prepared to head home. Just as he merged onto to the 95 his cell rang and for the umpteenth time adrenaline coursed through him. Maybe it was her.

******

Ananda loved her job, she didn't do it for the success, prestige or fat paychecks it had the potential to bring her, she did it because it was fun. She was Project Manager at one of the biggest PR firms in Miami. Her specialty was product launches . 

She was recently given the product launch for a new liquor owned by some rapper/entrepreneur. She had to present the idea tomorrow to this hotshot and for some odd reason she was on edge. 

She was prepared, she was more than prepared. She just wanted everything to go smoothly, but that wasn't a guarantee. When she finally got home she was restless. She ate the dinner that she painstakingly prepared for herself, a dish she saw on Emeril. Now she was too restless to sit and watch her favorite movie, Pretty Woman. 

She was pacing.

She knew what she wanted to do but she wasn't sure if she should. Nandy was no chicken, but when she called up Murphy she wanted it to be planned. She wanted to thoroughly seduce him, she wanted to bait him more. She could call any other guy in her little black book and they would all jump at her proposal, but ever since she met Murphy they all seemed so...inadequate.

Ananda grabbed her cell phone and hunkered down to call Murphy. Like Nola Darling in Spike Lee's movie, she had to have it and that meant tonight. After she made the call she already began to relax. Her restlessness was quickly being replaced by anticipation.

*****

"5235 Andrews Avenue, The Mondrian, suite 2100. Murphy, I'm on fire" A women's voice drawled over the phone after Murphy said hello. Adrenaline poured into his veins as he quickly exited the highway prepared to turn around.

"I thought you'd never call," He growled back into the phone. "I'll be there in ten," He pressed on the gas once he re entered the highway and began to swerve between the cars, "make that five minutes."

"Cant wait," She said before the line went dead. Murphy smiled then licked his lips, he could almost taste her. His cock hardened in anticipation. He couldn't wait to find out what kind of lover she was.

Ananda looked over her collection of underwear and tried to figure out which set would drive Murphy wild. "Innocent or freaky?" She muttered. 

She had showered quickly and threw on a tank and some undies. She checked the clock and found that she had more time than she anticipated. She decided to go through her lingerie to find the perfect pair. Now she had a dilemma.

Knock knock knock knock!

"Dilemma solved," Ananda thought as her stomach fluttered with nerves. She quickly shoved her lingerie in the nearest drawer and skipped to the door. 

She stopped right in front of it and took a deep breath. She opened the door and all the composure that she had obtained with her deep breath fell to the floor as she took in the sight of Murphy in her door way.

He was so tall his frame filled the doorway. She took the time to welcome those broad shoulders back into her life. He had a hint of beard and a mischievous half smile. His square face and full lips came only second to the desire in his eyes, that made her act so suddenly.

Murphy loved the way the breath caught in her throat. She was freshly showered he could smell it on her skin. His mouth watered at the sight of her.

"Can I come in?" he asked smiling at her. As if she couldn't help herself her arms quickly wrapped around his neck and she crushed her body against his. Her mouth found his, and planted sweet kisses on his lips. Her lips were full and her scent made him dizzy. Murphy rubbed his hardening cock against her body as his hands wrapped around her.

Nandy pulled herself off of him. She didn't know what came over her. She needed to feel him, to taste him, and now that she had, she wanted so much more. Nandy grabbed him by the hand pulling him in. 

Murphy kicked the door closed behind them while he pulled her back into his embrace, his lips descending on hers. He reveled in the way her body filled his hands. She wasn't skinny by any means of the word. Her body was full and soft and her skin was hot and silky.


Murphy & Carol: The Party



Carol bit her lip as she felt her body sway in the car seat. She wore big, dark sunglasses, but they were only to hide the 'x's of electrical tape that sealed her eyes shut. In darkness, she became sensitive to her own body, feeling it push and swing against the seatbelt as Murphy drove her to their special night out.

"Almost there. You nervous?" Murphy asked. She felt his wide, strong hand rest gently on her shoulder.

With a smile, she nodded. "I'm excited, though. You've been planning this a while, I'm really eager to see what you have planned."

"Yeah," she could feel the joy in his voice, "I think we're gonna have a lot of fun tonight."

The car slowed and came to a stop. "Now," he said, "this time of year and this late at night, it's a safe bet that this motel is basically empty. We have the only room, and even the manager has gone home."

Carol involuntarily pursed her lips. A motel? She was hoping for, well she didn't know, a spa or a picnic, but... the idea of a deserted motel gave her anxiety.

Murphy's door popped open, and moments later he opened Carol's door. He leaned in and unbuckled her, before holding her by her shoulders and leading her to her feet. The sneakers made it easy to walk, but with her arms under the long trenchcoat that covered her, she was at Murphy's mercy as he pulled her by the ring on her collar. They walked a few yards to the sound of crickets and distant traffic on a summer night. He stopped, and held Carol by her shoulders reassuringly.

"Carol, listen to me. I've put a lot of work into this, and it's important that you understand that I will be in complete control for all of this. There is nothing for you to be afraid of. We can stop any time, but I really want you to try as hard as you can to be brave."

Straightening up, she put on her bravest face. "I believe you, Murphy."

He gently stroked her cheek with a chuckle. The next moment, his hands were on the collar of her trenchcoat, and he pulled it loose, letting it drop to her feet. She stood there, her arms tied behind her at the elbows, leaving her forearms free with a reach between her nipples and her thighs, all nude save the rope harness around her chest and the garter belt holding up her stockings. There was a click and the sound of a door swinging open. Carol's heart dropped- from through the door came the voices of men, maybe dozens, chatting and joking and drinking. Her mouth opened, but she couldn't make a sound when she was pulled in by her collar.

"Hey everyone! Thanks for waiting!" The door clicked shut behind her. "So, you all know the drill. The room is paid for, checkout is at 11 tomorrow." He put his hands between Carol's shoulders, pushing her into the room, then pulling her collar down until she was on her knees. "There's condoms over there, but they're optional. She's complimentary, but you're welcome to tip as much as you like if you feel like it. Also, remember, she's doing oral only, and one at a time, so wait your turn! Come on, let's be grownups!" He plucked off the sunglasses and tossed them aside, grabbing her hair and tugging until she sat upright on her heels with a straight back. "Who's first?"

The murmur of the crowd continued, like most of them weren't even paying attention. The suspense didn't last, as a hand gripped under her jaw, tilting her head back, as another hand prodded its fingers into her mouth. Probing into her cheeks and under her tongue, they pulled out and smeared saliva all over her face before reaching to press the back of her head, leading her lips to the tip of a hot cock.

Breathing heavily, she parted her lips and let the cock slide in. Whoever it was moved slowly, giving her room to work, swirling her tongue around the head and sealing her lips around the shaft. She hardly worked for a moment when he pulled back and she felt a spray of hot, stringy liquid splattering across the bridge of her nose. Her arousal was starting to make her dizzy, and she resumed her upright, open-mouthed position as she felt a couple of crumpled bills getting tucked into her garter belt.

Hands pressed on the side of her head, holding her skull in place as he pumped his member in and out of her gaping mouth. He was wrapped in a smooth, vanilla-scented condom, but that didn't seem to help him last. A couple of hard thrusts against her tonsils and he quickly withdrew. She cooperatively resumed her stance, squeezing her eye against the tape when a hand closed on her breast.

She had superb mammary pair; firm, bouncy hemispheres of unblemished flesh, and her left nipple was pierced with a small barbell piercing. Thick fingers fiddled with the piece of metal before she felt a wet stretch elastic wrapping around her nipple behind the piercing and get tied on. Feeling the warm weight sway against her belly, her face erupted in blush as she realized she had a used condom hanging from her nipple.

A hand closed over her face and twisted it to the side, a hard cock poking into her inner cheek as someone stood right over her, one knee against her breast and another against her shoulder. His condom tasted of cherry, and with barely a little tongue-work, he pulled out. She faced forward again, resuming her vigilant availability, as she felt a gentle tugging on one of her hoop earrings. The feel of a swaying weight and soft warmth dangling on her shoulder needed no explanation; she had another condom hanging from her earring now. The service was topped off with more crumpled bills tucking into her garter and a hearty slap on the ass.

As if prompted by the crack of skin on skin, someone grabbed her by the hair and pulled her forward until she was nearly falling over. A hand on the back of her head pushed her into the crotch of someone bending over her, so that although the cock was deep in her mouth, her face was being pressed against belly and thighs and balls. His condom tasted like oranges. The man barely moved his hips, focusing on her exposed ass; he dropped his hands onto her bare cheeks again and again, manically slapping the firm, bouncy flesh back and forth. It was rude enough that she might have stopped there, but she figured that Murphy had let all of them know how much a firm spanking turned her on.

The hands pushed her back upright. She stood still, mouth open and waiting. The low pitch of conversation around the room didn't even change as a warm dribble started streaking down one of her breasts, followed by a limp, up-ended condom crumpling on top of her bosom. Her tits were so tight, the top of them was nearly level, and the sticky texture of the condom was secured to her skin. Something dry wiped across her breast, smearing away a little of the cum, before being pressed against her ass-cheek. Her lip trembled when she realized a dollar bill had been glued to her ass with jizz, the humiliation edging her dangerously close to orgasm.

The next man wasn't playing around, his licorice-flavored condom plowing into Carol's tongue. He grabbed a fistful of hair on either side of her head and began pushing and pulling, making her nod frantically, treating her like her whole head was just the lubricant he was using to masturbate. Only a few moments of abuse passed before he pulled out. Gulping with anxiety, Carol resumed her position, courageously determined to see this ordeal through. The pride she felt in her resolve faltered when she felt warm drops in her hair, some of them streaming down her scalp and some down her forehead and eyebrows before an emptied condom landed plap on top of her head. Panting heavily, her eyes were defiant and strong even through the tape, and she opened her mouth as wide as she could, sticking her tongue all the way out. She squealed in surprise when a strong hand grabbed her ass, spreading one cheek to the side. Her shoulders slumped in disbelief as she recognized the sensation of a quarter being shoved into her anus, then another, then some nickels- not even paper money? She was mortified.

After a couch-worth of change had been lodged in her rectum, a familiar hand rested on her shoulder and Murphy's voice spoke gently to her.

"That was great! I like your work ethic. You must be thirsty, would you like something to drink?"

"Yes," she gasped, relieved, "Yes thank you, that would be wonderful."

"Great! Let's go." She felt the force of her collar lifting her to her feet and guiding her to the door before she could protest. The door clicked open and he led her out into the warm summer night. "There's a drink machine right over here, come on." His finger through the ring in her collar, she followed him blindly.

Her heart was bursting against her ribs. This is insane! What if we get caught? What if someone sees us? She heard traffic in the distance, and they kept walking for what felt like hours. Having been blind for a fair spell, she was especially sensitive to her own body; the sway of the used condoms on her earring and nipple-piercing, the empty condom resting on her head and breast, the dollars stuck in her garter and glued to her butt, all with tape over her eyes and a harness tying her arms behind her. More than once, Murphy had to pull her upright by her collar when she stumbled, her legs trembling and weak, the blush spreading down her whole body, her every breath coming in a whimper of twisted, shameful ecstasy.

They stopped walking. Carol heard the rummaging of hands in pockets, and a mutter from Murphy. "Shoot, we're at the machine but I don't have any change. Oh! Say, you're the one who's gonna drink it- don't you think you should be paying for it?"

Breathing so rapidly she thought she might hyperventilate, she hesitated only a moment before turning around to show Murphy her back. With a gulp, she straightened her legs and leaned forward as far as she could while keeping her balance before using her bound hands to grasp her buttocks and spread them open.

"That's a good girl! Let's see, don't need much..." She felt a fingertip prod the bud of her asshole before the thick length of Murphy's finger slid into her depth. He wiggled his finger, fishing around before scooping out a quarter. He kept it up, prodding into her again and again, jingling the change in his free hand until he had enough.

Carol's head was swimming. Her deprived vision was crying out in swirls of color as coins clattered into the machine.

"Coke, Sprite, root beer, ginger ale, or orange?"

"Uhhhhmmm... ginger ale. I should settle my stomach.

There was a click and a clunk. Murphy pulled her upright by her collar, then whispered in her ear. "Hey, since I was nice enough to help you get the soda, I think its only fair you should carry it back, yeah?"

She nodded agreeably, holding out an open hand. She yelped and leapt off the ground when smooth, ice-cold metal rose up to press against her vulva and her inner thighs. She squirmed around, but Murphy corrected her.

"No no, careful! Don't drop it! If you drop it you have to pick it up the same way!" She went still, biting her lip and huffing through her nose as she endured the frigid bite against her genitals. Satisfied that it was securely squeezed between her thighs, Murphy took her collar and led her back.

If the walk to the vending machine was long, the walk back was an eternity. Carol's whole consciousness was overwhelmed with the condoms, the money, and now the intense, punishing cold chilling her sex as she waddled frantically to keep up with Murphy while squeezing the can between her thighs.

Near collapse, she heard the door click behind her and the can was mercifully snatched from between her thighs. Panting in relief, she was in a daze as Murphy whispered in her ear.

"How do you feel? Where are you cold?"

Slowly beginning to succumb to animal lust, she growled, "My- my pussy. My cunt is so cold right now, it's freezing, please help."

"Oh? What do you want me to do? Speak up now."

A trickle of spit escaped Carol's mouth before she gulped and said clearly, "I want you to fuck me. Please fuck me. Please fuck my cunt and warm my cunt up and make my pussy hot! Please! Please, I'm begging for your cock!"

The murmur of conversation among the men didn't even pause as she bent over, raising her ass as high as she could while spreading her ass as wide as her bound hands would allow. With a delighted chuckle, Murphy put his hands on hers, pressed the tip of his dick against her chilly labia, and said, "Whatever you like."

Cold as it was, Carol's vagina had already been gushing wet, and Murphy's prick slid down to the balls in a single thrust. Carol's jaw dropped as she moaned out loud, trying to grasp the straws of her sanity as he plunged his fat cock into her again and again.

"Are you having fun, Carol?"

"Ahh! Hahhh! Ahhnn! Yes! Oh God, yes! Yes!" She moaned like an alley cat.

"It was fun having all these people, right? It was really nice of them to come out and help you enjoy yourself, right?"

"Hahh! Oh, yes!"

Harold grabbed a fistful of her hair, holding her body up by her scalp as he started pounding her even faster. "Well?" he demanded, slapping her ass, "What do you say when people do something nice for you?"

Under the tape, Carol's eyes were rolling back into her skull, and drool flowed freely from her mouth. Cum was still trickling down all over her body, and she felt the swinging condoms swinging into her breast and her chin. Her legs gave out and went limp, but Murphy was strong enough that he could support her whole body as her legs wiggled beneath her and her arms flapped helplessly.

"Aaahhahaha! Thank you! Thank you, oh God thank you so fucking much! Thank you for cumming for me, thank you all so much for fucking cumming all over me and using me as your toilet and making me your fucking cum rag I love it I love it so much God it makes me so happy thank you thank you THANK YOOUUHOOHOHOOO..."

Murphy started cumming, but it took a dozen firm thrusts before his balls had been emptied into Carol's hot, twitching, dripping cunt. With a sated groan, he sank to his knees, pulling Carol down on top of him. She rested in his arms a moment, their fingers intertwined before he pulled the ropes of her harness and they went loose. Murphy got up, leaving her on her knees as he sat in front of her, delicately pulling the tape off of her eyes.

She blinked, needing a moment to adjust her sight. The first thing she saw was Murphy pushing a button on a tape-deck. Immediately, the sound of many voices chatting cut off, leaving only silence. Confused, Carol looked around- this was no motel, they were in their own garage at home! Mouthing her disbelieving confusion, she turned to Murphy, who, with a face-crushing grin, held up a hand-mirror. Carol looked into her reflection, and her jaw dropped. Splattered all over her body and in the condoms were bright, monochrome primary colors, red and yellow and blue. The bills in her garter were Monopoly money. She licked some of the blue slime from her lip- it was just water, starch and food coloring! The look she gave him could have made a statue laugh.

"But- I- you- why, you sneaky little gremlin!" With a laugh, she leapt forward and threw her arms around his neck, nuzzling into his cheek as he lovingly dragged his hands up and down her back.

Squeezed tight in each others' arms, the drew in breath together, and enjoyed a long, shared sigh. He whispered in her ear, "I'm exhausted. How about a nice, hot shower and a good night's sleep?"

She pulled away to look in his eyes with a deep, loving smile. "That sounds absolutely perfect, darling." She closed her eyes and pulled him in for a deep, sweet, mindless kiss.



Murphy and Jack



"Murphy, I can't do this anymore. You disrespecting me is not acceptable. I'm done," I said. "Even once more and I'm gone." We were standing out toward the backyard fence. I'd pulled her there, her resisting, to have it out with her, party or not. This was one time that I wasn't going to be waitin' until we got home, not this time.

"Jack, stop being so pissy. It was just a birthday kiss. It's Don's birthday. Everybody gets kissed on their birthdays," said Murphy. Her words made me think back to my own birthday two months earlier.

"You remember my birthday, Murphy? You remember where you were?" I said. She looked at me funny.

"Oh, well, we're married," she giggled. "It's not the same thing," she said.

"Yes, well, I remember. You said you had to help Don out with some stuff at the office, so you'd be a little late to the party—my birthday party! My birthday party goddamn it! And, I never did get a birthday kiss. By the time you did get back, everyone had left! It was humiliating that my wife—my very own wife—never even made so much as a formal appearance. And, now I catch you making out with that asshole while I'm just a few feet anyway in the next room. You get off humiliating me, Murphy? Make you feel good fucking me over!

"Like I said, Murph, I'm done. You're either my wife or you're not," I said.

"Jack, I apologized for missing your party. I felt awful about that. And, I promise, since it bothers you so much, no more birthday kisses for Don. Okay?"

"No, it's not okay. Here's how it's going to be. You're going back in there, now, and tell him you are quitting your job. No more late nights at the office and no more Don on any level," I said.

"Or what?" she said.

"Or, I'm gone, like I said."

"Oh Jack, you are being so juvenile. Just calm down. We'll settle this when we get home. You'd think I was fucking him for chryssakes! It was just a birthday kiss, Jack, nothing more. Just calm down," she said.

She broke away from me and headed into the house. As she reached the sliding glass doors that led off the patio, Donald met her. The two of them talked animatedly for a moment. Then, shock of shocks, she touched his cheek, as if to say that everything would be all right; and then, he leaned in and kissed her. She didn't push him away, but she did glance in my direction a worried look spreading across her features. I'm sure, that even at that distance, she could read the steel in my eyes. 

That last kiss ended my marriage. All of the shouting and running about still had to play out. But, we were done as a married couple as of that moment: she hadn't pushed him away.

I threw the bottle of beer, that I'd been holding, against the slate stone that lined good 'ole Don's rock garden and headed for the backyard gate. I had to get out of there before I did something felonious. The two of them had already disappeared back inside. 

A number of people, mostly Don's friends, looked over toward me as the shattered glass splintered in all directions; some of them smiled; I wondered at that. "Whaddya all smiling at," I said way too loud, "my marriage just died! You think that's funny!" The smiles disappeared to be replaced by a pregnant murmur.

It was all my fault of course. She'd been disrespecting me for so long that my threats probably meant nothing to her. In her mind, I was sure, she saw me as once again just going home in a snit, followed by her granting me a little mercy sex; then, waiting me out as the problem passed into our emotional history, like it always had, to be forgotten and never mentioned again. She was wrong if that is what she thought. 

And, the night wasn't over as I soon discovered. As if the hands of some perverse god were somehow in the mix, things escalated geometrically. Indeed, it seemed the fates had decreed that I would be having plenty more motivation to break it off with Murphy McBride, nee Poe, once and for all.

I passed through the gate took at the side of the house, and took the flagstone stepping stones two at a time on the way to my car. Just as I was about to round the corner of the garage and head to my car at the curb some yards away, I heard voices. I recognized them right away. I stayed back in the shadows, just around the corner of the building from them.

"No, Don, we have to cool it. He's really mad. I don't know what I was thinking making out with you in the den while he was just in the kitchen next door," said Murphy. "And you kissing me just now—I mean in front of him, fucking seconds after he'd read me the riot act! Jesus, are you crazy!"

"What you were thinking was that you wanted to have some fun. And, what I was thinking was the same thing, and frankly it was little enough," said Donald Petty. 

Good 'ole Don owned and operated a chain of female hair salons, Don's Beauty Stops. He'd hired Murphy as a hair dresser a year past, but had moved her into the office as his full time PA after no more than a month's time. For the record, I'm a body and fender man and a custom car painter, sole proprietor of Jack's McBride's Auto Body. I don't own a chain of stores, but I do make pretty big bucks doing what I do: six figures actually. The job is tough sometimes, and my hands can get real dirty, but I have a crew of three guys who work for me and we make do.

The dynamic duo had become friends, close friends, her term; and things had begun to become more and more testy between she and I as time went along. I could always wait on whatever I needed because Don was her boss and needed her more. I would sometimes catch at her office, when I came to take her to lunch or whatnot, with his hand on her shoulder, or even around her waist, and she just pooh-poohed my concerns. On at least two other occasions at parties I'd caught him kissing her. Tonight though, they weren't kissing; they were making out. Oh, and once at the lodge, where he and I are both members, he'd dominated her dance card to the point of embarrassing even her while humiliating me. That hadn't happened since, but that once, quite frankly, had been more than enough.

"Don, he caught us making out. He's threatened to leave me. If he ever found out what we were doing on his birthday; well, I don't even want to think about it," she said. That one did it for me. Not being one to procrastinate, I decided to finish it now. I rounded the corner and came up behind her. His face took on an indecipherable expression.

"And, just what was it you were doing on my birthday, Murphy?" I said. "Fucking him?" The look on her face as she spun around to face me said it all.

"I see," I said. "Your little, wimpyassed cuckold am I. Well, don't let me stand in your way. You kids have a nice time. Yuh hear?" I said.

"Jack! Wh—it's not what you think. It isn't. Let's go home and talk about it," she all but screamed. I smiled and headed for the car. She followed, but I didn't unlock the passenger side and drove off leaving her waving at me to come back. I was halfway down the block when I had a thought.

I put the car in reverse, stopped when I neared her, and motioned her to get in as I unlocked the door for her. She seemed to sigh with relief; I figured that that would be short lived.

As we headed home, she was quiet for a while. I wasn't saying anything either. Finally, she opened up; I guess she'd decided to be truthful and put it all out there, that surprised me.

"I was wrong," she said. "I've been treating you badly and I'm sorry. I mean it."

"He all that wonderful in the sack that you'd throw away our marriage," I said. She looked at me, a kind of sadness came over her features.

"Yes," she said, "if it comes to that." Tears were beginning to trail down the side of her face. "The bad part, though, is the way I've neglected you. You didn't deserve what I've been doing to you. I apologize and I will make it up to you; I mean if you don't divorce me."

"Better than me?" I said. "I do it your way or it's over. Sweet," I said. "Fucking sweet."

"Yes, Jack, he is better. And before you ask the inevitable masculine question, he's bigger by a lot too," she said.

"So, I guess you want the divorce then," I said. I was feeling so low I knew I'd have to look up to see my footprints.

"No. Absolutely not," she said. "I would never willingly leave you or go with him or anyone else. But, I know it's not up to me now."

Well, this was one night that was just full of surprises. I'd gone back to pick her up in order to get the bad stuff out of the way while I still had the image of them standing there talking about us hot in my mind to motivate me. I did not want to have a makeup session later, and I knew that if I cooled down a little, that she would get the upper hand, like always. Hell, I loved her for damn sure. I could forgive her anything, but things had gone too far this time—hadn't they? But, things were not playing out like I'd thought that they would. 

"Why not? Why don't you want a divorce. You clearly don't care about me, at least in a sexual way anymore, if you ever did," I said.

"Because you're a man, he's just a player that happens to be all that in the sack, as you term it," she said. "You take care of me, love me, provide for me, make me laugh, feel safe—when you're not being all pissy and whiny that is. And, coincidentally, because I love you. Always have." I looked askance at her.

Never in my wildest, most outrageous and unrealistic dreams would I have thought that I would be having a conversation like this—not like this. "I will say, Murphy, that your incredibly candid words stop me. I mean they stop me cold. I expected you to either say good riddance or cry and beg for forgiveness. But, you didn't do either. You just—what—told it like it is," I said.

"I am begging for your forgiveness, Jack, and your understanding. Your understanding—because I can't stop," she said. I pulled the car over to the side of the road. I was shaking, shaking real bad.

"You drive," I said. "I can't. I really can't." I had to think and it was affecting my driving. What I would say next was out of character for me, really for any man. I needed to say it right.

"Huh?" she said.

I was already out of the car and coming around to the passenger side. I let her out and she looked at me like I was nuts. Without a word she went around and got behind the wheel. She looked at me.

"Weird," she said, as she pulled out and started to drive us home.

"You have no idea," I said.

The rest of ride was silent. Pulling in at home we both got our stuff and headed inside. The house was cool. I adjusted the thermostat.

I was pacing in the living room as she came out of the bathroom to whence she had retreated as soon as she'd set her bag down. She set herself down on the couch and stared at me, waiting.

"Murphy, the degree of honesty you have shown me tonight intrigues me and worries me and—leaves me with a smidgen of hope," I said. She looked askance at me.

"What I am saying, dear wife, is that I see you—and him—as a challenge. You say he's better than me in the sack," I said. She looked down. "Well, I say you mean 'so far' he's better than me in the sack. I aim to change that little reality."

"Jack, I don't mean to..." I interrupted her.

"Murphy, you gotta give me a chance. You say you want my forgiveness. Forget the damn forgiveness. Let me prove to you that he ain't all that. 

"This evening, earlier this evening, when we were going at it, arguing, at his house, I really thought our marriage was over. I was ready to move out and never look at you again. And, if you aren't into what I'm saying here; that's still the plan. But, if you are willing to give me the chance to prove myself to you." She interrupted me.

"Jack, you have nothing to prove. And, as for the sack thing—well—Jack, you can't grow a bigger cock. And, I—I said it wrong before. I didn't mean that he was all that much better than you. But, he is different and he moves me in ways you don't because you are not him. That said, you move me in ways he can't.

"If I were talking to him, right now, instead of you, I would be telling him the same kinds of things. I mean that he can't do the things in the sack that you can. That's what I should have said," she said. I smiled. At least she had the decency to try and make me feel a little less bad. But, the reality was that she was lying to be kind to me, and we both knew it. 

"Murphy, earlier you essentially told me that I could like it or lump it, but you weren't going to give him up. It's clear to me that you think that what he gives you is worth giving me the door for if I am not ready to accept my role as your cuckold. Or, am I wrong? Did I somehow misunderstand you?" she looked away. 

"Yes, well, that's what I thought. The only question left then is whether or not you will let me give it the old college try. Or, whether I shouldn't bother. If the latter, I will pack now and leave. So what is it?" I said.

She was wringing her hands. I looked at her, stared at her. She was trying to find a way to turn me down with as little hurt as possible. Fucking wonderful! I wasn't even going to get a chance to try. Well, I guess I shoulda been used to the humiliation by now. I decided to say so.

"I see," I said. "Well, I guess I managed to humiliate myself pretty good here, again. I'll be outta your hair within the hour. At least I should say that I do appreciate your honesty. I'll see a lawyer on Monday." I turned and headed upstairs. I was fast; well, the adrenalin was flowing. I had three bags. I had them at the door in twenty-eight minutes. I turned to look at her one last time. "Goodbye, Murphy."

"Jack, I..." But, I was gone, struggling my stuff out the door as I went.

******

"No he left," she said. "He isn't coming back. We killed his heart, or I did. But, I didn't want to give him false hope and then have him despair of my love or any of it down the road."

"What was it he wanted exactly? Tell me again? I can't believe he thought..."

"Shut the fuck up, Don. No he can't do what you do. It just isn't in him. Even if he had the equipment, he couldn't do it. He's too—too much the good guy. If I wasn't so hung up on size and what you do to me..." she said.

"But, you are hung up on me. And, for the record, I'm hung up on you and what you bring to the table," said Don. "I can't believe he actually thought he could best me at my game. I'd almost have wished you'd have let him try. But, you're right, when he lost, and he would have lost; he would have been destroyed psychologically. You did the merciful thing."

"Maybe, but I feel like such a shit," she said.

He pulled her to him. He kissed her very lightly on her slightly parted lips. Her arms went around his neck and she kissed him back. One of his hands snaked up her side and found a soft and pliant breast that he massaged very gently; she mooed her evolving sexual high. She smiled. He might be a player, as the girls in his salons confided in her, but today, with her, he was definitely all hers. She giggled. Donald misinterpreting her laughter laughed too.

He gently nudged her back and began peeling her clothes off of her. He turned her and pulled her back to him. His hands wrapped around her and he felt her breasts for some moments, reveling in their incredible softness. He kissed her neck, then began sucking on it. She leaned back against him, eyes closed, letting him do the honors.

Some minutes later she was on her back with her legs, propped up on his shoulders, and pointed straight up at the ceiling. He was drilling her with a ferocity born almost of desperation as she cried for more and harder. The smell of sex was almost overpowering as they sweated and gasped and dribbled their saliva all over each other's most secret places.

Having rested for some little time, he flipped her over on her belly, pulled her ass up to a manageable height, and took her from behind. She grunted and made other unintelligible noises before screaming her intention to orgasm.

"Oh fuck that was good, honey," she said, as she sank into the mattress. He'd rolled off of her and lay with his own legs splayed and sweaty while he caught his breath.

"I will definitely second that," he said. "Think your husband would have measured up?"

"Donald, let's not be talking smack about Jack. I'm fucking him over, I know it, and he doesn't deserve it. At the very least we can stop bad mouthing him. Okay?" she said. He smirked.

"Yeah, that's cool," he said. "Hey, I feel sorry for the guy." She wrinkled her brow and for the first time in maybe a long time, the pangs of guilt began to assail her. Someday she would have to pay for her betrayals, she knew, and the realization of that little reality sapped some of the pleasure of the past hour from her.

"Yes, that is cool," she said almost to herself. Poor Jack, it was not his fault. None of it was his fault. He was what he was and Don was what he was.

******

After leaving the house, I headed for the Sweetwater Motel. It had the virtues of being cheap and close to the shop. I was good for a while with just what I'd scarfed from the house that night. But, at some point in the near future, I would have to be finding something a little more permanent.

Over the next few days I heard nothing from Murphy, no calls no emails, nothing. It was clear to me that she thought herself well rid of her pussywhipped, inadequately endowed husband. It was a bitter pill.

Sometimes it doesn't pay to get up in the morning. Since leaving her, that was becoming just about every day for me. I put myself into my work in a big way. I needed to anyway because Fred and Jimmy were gone for the next two weeks, and it was only me and Andy carrying the load. The work helped, but the nights were pretty bad. I was sure that hers weren't though; the thought killed my heart.

Love can turn to despair pretty quick if one isn't paying attention; I hadn't been. Yeah I know, I shoulda just broken it off with her, not talked myself into a hole like I did, but I couldn't. I needed her—real bad.

I never understood, why it was, that some men could just walk away from a woman, yes, even when it became clear that she just didn't want him anymore. In my mind emotional ties were just too damn tight to walk away from when the love was real. Mine was real. And the woman! How could she do that to her man, when that man was devoted to her to the point of pain like I was? The words of Sir Francis Bacon came back to me, well, I read a lot. How had he phrased it? "It is well said that for those who love, it is impossible to be wise," or something like that. But then again, he had also said, "...great spirits and great business, do keep out this weak passion (love)."

That's it, I thought. I sure as hell ain't no wise man, but the other things, great business, great deeds; I could get into something like that. I had to do something big. Something that would be so big that my woman, for that matter any woman, could not resist me. She'd be driven to return to me. Yes, yes, I know some would say that I was thinking wrong. I should be thinking of revenge or at the very least forgetting her and getting on with my life. Well, in retort I would have to say, without fear of contradiction, that forgetting her or getting revenge on either of them would not solve my problem; it would only compound it. Well, that is, I would have said that until three minutes ago.

What am I talking about? Well, I am forty-two years old. Been out of high school for twenty-five years. Hadn't seen her since "her" senior prom; the her was Annette, my ex-high school girlfriend. She'd graduated the year after me. She'd dumped me the year before, my senior year, and I had taken another girl to her, their, prom, Margaret Wells was the girl's name: she'd asked me. I'd done my best to ensure that Margaret had a good time, but I had had to gnash my teeth as I watched Annette dancing with Gil Jensen the fucking third. My date, Margaret, was cute, and very willing; but she was not Annette. And three minutes ago Annette Lessing, well that had been her name back then, had walked into my shop. 




Murphy and Jack



She was still stunning, at least to me. In that instant my life changed; my attitude toward Murphy and Don baby changed. At least the potential for change was there. Annette had usurped my attention.

"Jesus-H-Q-reee-eyest," said Annette, staring at me.

"No, just Jack, Jack McBride," I said. "Haven't changed my name." I was smiling broadly.

"Funny, Jack, funny. How the heck have you been. It's been how long? Forever?" she said.

"Not good, Annette. Not good. Not since you dumped me. I've tried to settle for second best, but, well, you were just kind of irreplaceable," I said.

"Like I said, Jack, funny," she said, smirking. "You can't still be carrying a torch even for me after so many years, Jack, but it is flattering of you to say so." She was laughing out loud now.

"No, really, I never got over you. Curious. You marry Gil Jensen?" I said.

"No, no, Jack. I married Mark Wilson. You never knew him. Divorced last year," she said. "You?"

"Married Murphy Poe. A girl I met through friends. We're in the middle of getting a divorce now. She dropped the hammer on me just last night as a matter of fact," I said.

"Oh, sorry. I know it can be so hard. Mark cheated on me, and that was the end," she said. I wondered at that; I could not conceive of any man cheating on a woman like Annette.

"A common disease, I guess. Murphy dumped me for another guy; I caught 'em cheatin', sort of, and that was the end for us," I said. "So, you want to?" 

"Want to what?" she said.

"Marry me. I figure my divorce will be final in a few months. We can honeymoon in Cancun or someplace," I said. She laughed.

"No, not ready for that yet, Jack. Thanks for the offer though," she said. "Uh, but I have a car problem." I didn't laugh. 

"Car problem?" I said. 

"Yes, over there, that car," she pointed. "I bought it for my son, Nicolas. He's almost eighteen now. I promised him a fancy dancy car if he graduated in the top ten of his high school class. He did. He wants flames or some wild thing like that. I heard of this place, but I had no idea it was your place. Anyway, I want to get it customized for his birthday next month. Can you help me?" she said.

The car was a fifty-five Chevy Belaire, a true classic. "Sure. It's what I do," I said.

"Can I ask how much it will cost me? The car itself cost me a ton," she said. I put on my pensive look. Something like she was talking about was going to run out somewhere around $3,000 to $5,000 dollars depending on what she thought of the pics and sketches that Andy would produce to give her an idea of what her son might go for. But...

This was Annette, not just any customer. "I can do it for a grand," I said. I knew I was going to hear from the boys on this one. Things had been a little slow and this was a live one.

"Really?" she said. Her smile closed the deal, at least for me. I'd make sure that the boys got paid the usual. They were on straight commission, except Andy, who got $50 for each sketch on top of his usual cut. But, I could fudge there and get the boys what they should be getting, I thought.

"Yeah, well that, and a dinner out with you," I said. I had to go for it; this was a once in a lifetime opportunity the way I looked at it.

She looked sideways at me. "Dinner?" she said.

"Yes, just dinner. For old time's sake, and you know, to catch up and stuff," I said.

"Okay," she said. "Friday evening?"

"Great. This is Monday. I should have the car done by then. I'll pick you up in it. But, first I have to let Andy over there work with you for a few minutes. He can show you some pics, sketch out some stuff for you too. Okay?" She nodded.

******

I had arrived to pick her up in the Belaire. She'd been properly impressed; the boys had spared no effort to do a good job since it'd seemed so important to me. We headed out to the Camel Lounge, an upscale bar and grill in the center of town. The parking attendant actually whistled when we drove up. I wasn't sure if it was at the car or Annette; both were worth the effort.

The date was a success, sort of. We ate and talked, and I even got a kiss goodnight. But, I was uneasy. I felt like a cheater. I wasn't. I never made a move on Annette, but I still felt funny going out with someone other than my wife. And then, that evening at home, at my little apartment, I had a visitor.

"Murphy!" I said. Talk about surprised, I was.

"May I come in Jack?" she said. I stood aside to let her enter. She looked around. I could only guess at what she thought of my humble surroundings. But, I knew that she knew I could afford better, so it didn't bother me.

"Well, at least there's no bed bugs," I said, as she took in the place. She looked embarrassed.

"Jack—I didn't mean—"

"What do you want Murphy?" I said. "And how did you find me?"

"Andy told me where you were staying.

"Jack, I felt horrible about the way we parted. I needed to come by and let you know that I have changed my mind about what you said, what you wanted," she said. "I was writing you off without giving you anything."

"You mean a chance to prove myself," I said. She didn't expect that, she wrinkled her brow. "That was a week ago, I've had time to think things over too, Murphy. I don't want to try and prove myself anymore. I was wimping out that night, not wanting to lose you; I was grasping at straws. I admit it; I'm a pussy when it comes to you. But, then after I left, I realized that I had already lost you, hadn't I. That was the real bottom line. I'm a loser, Murphy, when it comes to women; I know it; and I will somehow learn to live with it. But, what I am not going to live with is a woman, a so called wife, who is fucking around on me.

"So, is there anything else?" I said. She looked very hard into my eyes.

"Jack, I keep doing things wrong. I am really here hat in hand. I've told Don that he and I are over. You are too important to me to risk my losing you. So, I am here to ask that you come home with me, and let me start doing penance for my sins," she said. I think my mouth was hanging open. I gathered myself.

"What about the sex. You made it clear that I wasn't much, not near enough for you. What's changed?" I said.

"Sex isn't everything, Jack. Hell, it's damn little in the final analysis. You're plenty good enough for me, Jack," she said. I began to pace. I stopped.

"Murphy, that sex isn't everything, I completely agree. But, it is a big thing, not a little thing. If we stayed together the sex has to be good, not just tolerable. I don't want to wake up some morning and see you looking pensively off into space because you have nothing to look forward to but mediocre sex with me. I don't want you wondering if you made a mistake by not just cutting me out of your life and going with your lover. And, most of all, Murphy, I don't want to feel like I'm nothing to you when it comes to our doing it together. I've got a little pride left, Murphy, not much but a little. I just can't see us together anymore, Murph, and you have no idea how it kills me to say so."

She looked at me wistfully. "Jack, I need you. I really, really need you. I can teach you how to do things—you know," she said. I slowly shook my head from side to side. "If I'm that lacking, then I'm not for you Murphy. We best be getting to the divorce, and stop fooling around. I need to be free, and I expect so do you. You can show yourself out," I said.

She turned to go. I wouldn't be seeing Murphy again for a long time. 

******

"You say she just waltzed in and told you she was done with her boyfriend," said Annette. I was just finishing up the last bite of my orange roughy; it was very good.

"That about covers it, yes," I said.

"Why didn't you give her a chance? Sounds like she meant it, I mean the way you tell it," said Annette.

"I think she did mean it. I just don't think she would be able to keep her word. She wants or needs someone who's a better cocksman than I am, or so she's said at any rate," I said. Annette nodded.

******

The divorce was final this week. It was seven months to the day since I'd filed. Murphy didn't contest the divorce per se, but as we were leaving the courthouse, she caught up to me.

"Jack, this was a mistake. We should be together. I know that woman over there is your new squeeze, but she isn't me nor anything like me. She'll dump on you one day, Jack, and when she does, I'll be there to help you put humpty back together again," she said.

"Murphy, sour grapes do not become you..."

"No, Jack, I've asked around. You should too. But, I wish you well, though, whatever happens," she said.

"Murphy, Annette's a good woman. I'm not sure where we are going with our relationship, but you need to not concern yourself about us. You should just forget about me and get on with your life," I said.

"Okay, Jack, just remember what I said." And then, she who had been the love of my life, was gone.

******

"What did she want," said Annette, coming up to me as Murphy turned to leave the courthouse.

"Nothing. She just wished me well is all," I said.

"Anyway," said Annette, as she locked my arm with hers, "Nicolas is back in town. You know of course he loved the car. He said it has become something of a girl magnet since he'd gotten to college. He is meeting with us tomorrow. He wants to show us his car's new sound system." I nodded. I'd discovered that she was always excited about whatever her son did or had.

******

We were at the neighborhood park near my place. It was a nice day. Annette was setting up the picnic on the nearby table while her son and I meandered among the nearby trees.

We'd been talking awhile about his first stint at the college and other things. He brought up the subject of his car again, "Yeah it's really a girl getter," said Nicolas. "Mom had good taste this time around." I looked at him, not sure what he referring to by his "mom's taste." I decided it had to be the car's custom paint job.

"Well, I'm glad it is working out for you," I said. "Sounds like you have it together, I mean college the social scene, all of it."

"Yeah, for real," he said. "Mr. McBride?"

"Yes?" I said.

"Oh nothing," he said. He was off and heading back to his car before I could pin him about his almost question. I knew he had a hot date from things he'd said earlier. It was clear he wanted to tell me something or ask me something but had thought better of it. Well, if it were important, he'd get around to it in time, I figured.

"Honey," Annette called to me from her work station at the picnic table.

******

I had not been joshing Annette when I'd told her I had never gotten over her. I hadn't, and it was only a slight exaggeration to say that I had thought of her every day since we'd parted so many years ago. She didn't quite believe me of course, but it was clear that she was basking in the thought that it might be true. It was some months after my divorce was final that I took the plunge.

"Yes, Jack, I'll marry you. If you're sure," she said. "Jack you know I like variety. I hope..."

"Annette, I have never been surer of anything in my life," I said, interrupting her; she sighed. We were married six weeks later. Her folks, same as mine, and Murphy's too, were on the other coast, but they came out for the wedding. It was a modest affair, small church, maybe thirty people, including my folks and hers. I actually remembered her dad and mom. He'd been a postman back in the day, and his mom a pretty French woman that he'd met on a military tour in Germany. 

Mister Lessing had been doing some R&R in Paris and he'd come on to Jean Laboret in a night club where she worked as a jazz singer. She'd evidently been a private entertainer of the troops as well. This I'd gathered from snippets of conversation over the days immediately prior to the wedding. I didn't ask what was meant by it, the term "private entertainer," but I had a pretty good idea. At any rate, she was a nice and quite beautiful woman still, likewise possessed of a beautiful voice, all of which equaled a beautiful child, Annette; and now that child was mine.

Married life, and especially our sex life was good. For months it was good. It inevitably slowed down some, but now four years later it was still better than average, at least I thought so. This last even though I had of late gotten the feeling that something wasn't quite as it should be. Nothing substantial, just an uneasy feeling, nothing more; and no reason to have such a feeling; but I had it. That is until now. Now, it looked that there was more to my feeling than just a feeling.

My life, until my marriage to Annette, had almost seemed to be an unending series of emotional disasters; she'd changed that for me. Now, as I sat there looking at my worker, I had the sinking feeling that there was going to be a "déjà vu all over again." 

"Fred, you have to be mistaken," I said. 

"Boss, I saw them. They were making out, in the bar; and they left together," he said.

"Making out, you say. And they left together," I said.

"Yes, boss, but they didn't go far," he said.

"Huh? Whaddya mean," I said.

"I followed them out, taking care that they didn't notice me," he said. "They went across the street to the motel. Boss, they got a room together. They're there now." I was sick to my stomach. 

"Fuck-fuck-fuck!" I said. Fred moved his chair a little bit back. I guess I was acting scary.

******

What to do, what to do! Hell, I didn't know. I didn't want a divorce, not from Annette, the girl I'd adored since the tenth grade. But, my wants and wishes notwithstanding, it looked like that was where she and I were headed.

"Fred, do me a favor. It's a big favor," I said.

"Sure, boss, anything," he said.

"If you will, please go across the street, to the motel. Find the bitch and tell her that I take a dim view of her being there and to be home in fifteen minutes or not at all," I said. "Okay?"

Fred smiled the smile of a cat about to pounce. "Not a problem boss," he said. I stood, shook his hand and headed on home.

She didn't make it in fifteen minutes, but she did make it in seventeen. I decided to be generous. "She stormed into the living room and began raving. I guess she'd read Von Clausewitz: "when beset on all sides, go on the offensive"—or maybe that was Vince Lombardi.

"You bastard! You just had to humiliate me didn't you!" she said. "They fought and now Fred is in the hospital. Good work mister!" My face clouded.

"Which hospital?" I said, I was really concerned now. Not about Annette, obviously, but about my bud, Fred.

"How the hell should I know. The EMT guys took him there. I had orders to make it home in fifteen minutes!" she said, dripping from her tongue.

"You failed," I said. "You were two minutes late." I was out the door and on my phone in a hurry. Why the fuck had I involved Fred. I knew the reason. She was right; I'd wanted to humiliate her.

"The cops checked for me, he was at Heinz Memorial. I headed there.

As I was going in, Fred's wife came crashing into me on her way to the nursing station, my own destination.

"Mister McBride? Sorry. Fred's been..." she started.

"Yes, Nelly, I know. I heard all about it. I hadn't, but I did know the basics. Let's see if we can get in to see him."

We did try. She succeeded, I did not. She came out five minutes later. She looked to be in shock.

"Mister McBride?" She slumped into a chair. I went to her. "He says he was doing a favor for you?"

"He was. It was a personal problem, and Fred was willing to help out. It was stupid of me, but I had no idea any kind of fight was going to come off," I said.

"It wasn't a fight. He said the guy hit him with the butt of a pistol. He said your wife..." she said.

"Yes, I asked him to confront her and tell her to get home or else. I never thought that the bad guy was going to do anything like that," I said. "I'll make it right by Fred."

She cried for some minutes. I asked her if she'd eaten. She hadn't. I took her to supper across the street to Denny's, and then back to the hospital. We both settled in for the long haul.

It turned out that the bad guy was some out of towner. He'd cut country as soon as he'd flattened Fred. The police would be hunting for him, but the odds of finding him were low; I knew it and Nelly knew it.

Fred was out of the woods by noon the next day. I thanked whatever deity cared and headed home after giving Nelly a ride to her place to get a change of clothes and maybe a little shuteye. 

******

"You found him, I guess," said Annette, as I plopped down on the couch in our living room. It was near 1:00PM. I eyed her.

"Your lover did a number on him, but he'll survive," I said.

"Well—I'm glad for that," she said. "But he shouldn't have called Harry an asshole. It set him off, and Harry is a big guy.

"So where does that leave us, Jack?" she said.

"Care to tell me the why and the what?" I said.

"You know the what. As for the why? No good excuse. It just seemed like a harmless fun thing. An opportunity for some strange. I don't do it often anymore, but last night..."

"What the fuck!" I said. "You don't do it often! Anymore!"

"Oh come on, Jack, You knew. I know you knew," she said. "I told you before we even got married that I needed variety." I was actually snorting and grinding my teeth. My breath was coming in staccato bursts.

"Fuckin-A, bitch. Tell you what. Get the fuck out of here. You've got ten minutes to get any clothes you want and go, or else," I said. I headed into the kitchen. I was on a mission, and it was ninety proof.

I was sitting there drinking, not noticing the time. About an hour later, I got up and headed up to the bedroom. She was coming down the hall with a smirk on her face.

"What are you still doing here?" I said.

"I'm not going anywhere, Jack. You need to get a grip. I love you, Jack, but I also love variety, like I said. I really did think you knew about—well—about things. I guess I was mistaken about that. But, I was never, ever in your face about it, or did it with anyone you knew. It was always just random pickups. Harry was a guy I'd seen around and talked to a couple of times; out of the blue we just decided to make an evening of it. Just a couple of hours for fun. Me foolin' a little never hurt a thing, Jack, most especially not you. Like I said, I did it for variety," she said.

I was speechless. I got my hat and coat and went out. I had to think. I headed for the hospital. I would deal with ditching the broad later. Why didn't I just grab her by the arm and toss her and her sweet ass out? The obvious: her fucking around on me wasn't illegal; my manhandling her would have been. I figured that I might have to grit my teeth for a bit, but in the end she'd be gone, and I would be once again master of my own house; well, I could hope.

******

Fred was fine, well, getting better and would be fine. Nelly was breathing easier and a little put out with me for having Fred do the surrogate thing. But, she didn't hold it too much against me. I was grateful for that; I felt bad enough for involving Fred as it was. I made another mental note to make it up to him.

My next stop was to see one Jacob Masters, private-eye. His office was a third floor walkup in a tacky office building downtown—Humphrey Bogart could have learned from Jacob. 

"She's not going to stop," I said. "She as much as told me that I had to deal with it and to stop my whining. To say the least I am more than a little pissed. I want her gone."

"Well, if she's doing it, we'll get the goods. You say you want the house wired too?"

"Yeah, do it. I don't think she'd have the brass cojones to do that to me, I mean bring someone home to our house our bed, but who knows," I said.

******

The gum shoes were on the march and I was spending a lot of time in the local bistro, Hernando's. Helluva life, mine. Two unsatisfied wives fucking me over, and me sitting here doing my level best to fuck myself up. It'd be funny if it weren't so fucking tragic. 




Murphy and Jack



Nights were cool in our house. She didn't talk much, and me not at all, not to her. Her attitude really began to get to me. I was supposed to accept her little quirk and forget about questioning her. Murphy and her would have made a helluva a pair. Well, it would soon be over, I reasoned. The lawyers and the judge could do the heavy lifting now.

At least on one count, I had figured wrong. She did bring one of her lovers home, to our house, to our bed. And, Jacob had gotten it all: video, audio, stills the whole schmear.

I was waiting for her the next night when she showed up from her shopping. She had indeed been shopping; she had a ton of stuff in designer bags that she'd acquired from her efforts. She smiled at me when she saw me.

"Wanna see what I got for us?" she said. She didn't wait for a response. She pulled out a gaggle of lingerie from one of the bags and held up the sheerest black teddy I'd ever seen. It really wouldn't cover anything; it was more a garment that would enhance nakedness. "Like it? I bought it for you." I still hadn't said anything, and I wasn't smiling. I finally spoke.

"No." I said. She frowned. I reached for the garment and shredded it.

"Jack! What the...! Jack, can't we get by your little snit. It isn't working for us," she said.

"Whatever happened to the idea that you weren't shoving your little foibles in my face?" I said.

"What? What are you talking about?" She said. She was giving me her most practiced pissed off look.

"Just what I said. I consider it shoving it in my face when you do it here and in our bed. Our bed, Annette!" That shook her.

"How?" she said.

I punched the clicker and the video came on. One minute into it, she sank into the recliner across from me and started shaking her head slowly from side to side. "Jack, it just happened. I met him at the hair salon the other day. It's only two blocks from here. I didn't see the need to go two miles down the road and spring for a motel room. You would never have known. Well, except you do know don't you," she said. "I'm sorry I did it now. I didn't want to hurt or embarrass you, really."

"Except you have, Annette, big time. 

"Annette, I have a ton of stuff on you. I know none of it will mean beans in divorce court, but it will mean plenty to your folks and all of your friends and relatives when they get copies of it. So if you want to avoid the disgrace that you absolutely deserve, you will not fight me on the divorce. It'll be fifty-fifty on our marital assets, but you will have nothing to do with anything that I had before the marriage, including my business," I said.

"Jack, be reasonable. What I do on the side, occasionally, has nothing to do with us. It's just recreation, nothing more. Like a hobby," she said.

"Like a hobby? Are you fucking crazy, Annette! Do you not know how devastating this is for me? It's killing me. The girl I adored for decades has put a sword through my heart, and I will never really get over it, Annette. Never!" I said.

"Jack, I have something to propose to you. It may not be the right time, but I guess I have to give it the old college try now. After our little tiff before, I started brainstorming ways to make it right by you. This stuff I've been doing, that I honestly thought you were aware of. I knew I was in trouble when I saw your face and realized you had no clue. Boy, that really got me, worried me. That's why I have been quiet these past days, giving you space, while I worked things out for us," she said.

"Worked things out for us?" I said.

"Yes. This stuff I bought today was part of that effort. Jack, a way to spice things up between us, just you and me. And, well—I want to include you in my—fun," she said. I started to interrupt her, but she stopped me. "Wait, Jack, hear me out.

"It would be a lot of fun, you and I making it together, including third parties from time to time, even other women, Jack. Think about it. Think about it, Jack, and accept my sincerest apologies for everything I did to hurt you. We can start anew, Jack, the two of us, fucking and playing and fooling around. It'd be a kick, Jack, I know you'd have fun, maybe more fun than me even." She said.

"You done?" I said. She nodded. "The answer is no, Annette, not ever." She seemed to deflate.

"Okay, Jack, but I had to try. I'll move out in the morning."

******

She did move out. For me it was bitter sweet. She was the girl I'd dreamed about and loved for decades. Then, once I'd won her, or thought I'd won her; slam, the door hit me square in the snout finishing my dream of her forever. It wasn't a good feeling.

The days following her leaving were empty ones. I had nothing left of my heart. The two women, that I'd most loved—no, adored—had fucked me over and left me bleeding and broken.

******

My second divorce seemed almost to happen on autopilot. I wasn't aware of anything; I was so depressed. My lawyer had me sign things, assured me it was the best I could hope for, and like an automaton I just did whatever he programmed me to do. And, then it was over. Murphy had her lover, I supposed. Annette had her stable of studs, I supposed. Me? I had gentleman Jack and water—helluva note.

Well, as the saying went, I guess this was the first day of the rest of my life. And then I had a visitor.

"Nicolas! What...?" I started.

"Mr. McBride, Jack—I—could we talk?" he said. I nodded and stepped aside to let him in. It was Saturday, and I was planning on visiting Hernando's and doing my level best to forget. But, Annette's baby visiting me was going to make that a bit harder.

I took a seat at the small dinette table where I did most everything that I did in the apartment. I motioned him to do likewise.

"Mr. McBride, Jack—I—I—well, I'm sorry about you and mom. I wanted to talk to you about—things—early on, but I didn't exactly know how," said Nicolas.

"Things?" I said.

"Mr. McBride, I know that there is not supposed to be such a thing as nymphomania, but whatever is closest to it is what my mother has. She is definitely compulsive. 

"I had hoped that when you, well, married her that she might turn herself around. I knew from the git go that she loved you. And, I do not say that lightly, Mr. McBride. That part is true, no matter what you might think. I know my mom. All of that sex stuff with her and her friends; well, it had nothing to do with her feelings for you. I know this because she has taken me along to her therapist on more than one occasion," he said.

"Her therapist? Because of me, I mean her cheating on me?" I said.

"No sir because of her cheating on my father," he said. I stared at him. I had taken Annette at her word that it had been the other way around: that Mark Wilson, her former hubby, had cheated on her. Well, I guess it figured. Once a cheater always a cheater, and cheaters at all events are at base just a collection of liars.

"Your dad caught her then?" I said.

"No sir, far from it. She told him and asked him to join her. You know swing," he said. "He did not take her telling him well. He became unglued by her cold attitude. She essentially told him to like it or lump it. He lumped it and divorced her."

"Okay. I understand, Nicolas, but why are you here. I mean, what does any of that have to do with me," I said.

"Sir, I need your help. You divorcing her has driven her over the edge. She's actually become—well—I think the term is a working girl," he said.

I know my face clouded over. "Your mom—a..."

"Yes sir, a prostitute. I have come to ask you to help her. I know it's not any of your worry now; I mean not anymore, but you loved her once," he said.

"Once? I still love her. But, she..."

"Cheated, I know. But, like I said, she's actually clinically depressed and not acting rightly, Mr. McBride," said Nicolas. "She's not responsible for her actions, not in any true sense of the word."

"Nicolas—I don't know what I can do. I would help if I could, but I wouldn't know where to start," I said. "And, if you are suggesting I get back with her, or live with her, well..."

"No, no! I know that that is a non-happening. No, what I am here to ask—no beg you to do is to get my dad to take her back. 

"Mr. McBride..." I'd fallen into a trance. He'd noticed my lack of attention.

"Nicolas, you know me well enough, drop the Mr. McBride stuff and call me Jack, okay?" I said.

"Yes, sir, I mean Jack," he said. "My mom did love you, I know it; still does if it comes to that. I also know that she loved, and still loves my dad. She actually talks in her sleep. Your name and his are called out on almost any night you can name. 

"The difference between you and my dad, Mr. McBride, is that my dad cries almost every night because she is gone, even after all this time. Even though he kicked her out, he still cries almost every night. I know, I've had to hold his hand more than once when he was doing it. He has no woman friend and doesn't want any. Heck, Mr. McBride, he's as depressed as my mom is. They really, really need each other.

"You sir, do not cry," he said. He was not entirely correct in that assessment of course, but he was correct in the main. Annette had killed my love for her by her actions, and even more by her attitude.

"I still don't know what I can do to help you, Nicolas, or your dad for that matter," I said.

"You and me together can, well I hope we can, convince him to take her back. She'd go. I know she'd go back if he asked her to. But, as sad as he is, well; he's a stubborn man. I've tried to talk to him, but I'm still a kid. My advice is taken very lightly; heck worse, not seriously at all," he said. I nodded.

"You want me to talk to your dad?" I said, seeking clarification.

"Yes, but not alone, with me. I want to double team him and get him to forgive and forget," he said. "He's just got to." It was clear to me that this was one together kid, but desperate too. Desperate for his dad and mom to make things like they were. For no reason whatsoever, an old song came to mind: "Make it like it was," by Regina Belle.

I stared at him. It was an interesting confluence of feelings and motivations. I still had feelings for the girl I had adored for so many years. The romantic love was dead, oh yeah, but the caring would never completely die; I knew it, and I was more than a little surprised to note, that this young man across from me knew it. "Okay," I said. "But, I have to tell you, Nicolas, knowing how I feel and what I know about such things; that I have to say that our chances of success are not real good. Once cheated upon, twice warned. Okay?"

"Yes, sir, okay. For sure okay," he said.

******

We met with his dad for several hours. All of the dirty laundry had been hauled out and reexamined and reexamined again. In the end the man said he would give it a go, but wasn't especially sanguine about his and Annette's chances. Nevertheless...

Leaving the Wilson residence behind, I felt pretty good about having been instrumental in getting Annette and her ex back together, at least it looked like there was a good chance that they'd be getting back together. Ah, but then there was me.

I was alone, sad, and without any serious prospect of feeling any different in the morning. Murphy what did you do it to me, girl. I thought. You should be here right now—with me.

I wondered if she had indeed dumped big Don. I guess I believed her. But all of the things she'd said to me before. I just didn't have a lot of faith that she'd stay faithful, or, even if she did, that I could satisfy her; that was the biggee. What kind of man would marry or stay married to a woman who thought his sexual skills were majorly lacking. I just didn't seem to have the skills that women wanted. Helluva blow to my ego. Annette had never said that I was that bad, never hinted at it. But, then she hadn't had to; it was clear I wasn't near enough for her, and she was getting' it elsewhere in any event. The counter balance to that was that neither had her first husband been, and she was getting back together with him. Could I learn? I had to think on it. 

******

I put the steaks on and called everyone join me at the picnic table. The park was nice and not crowded today, Saturday. Nelly, Fred, Andy, and Jimmy were all present; it was a nice day. 

All had finally taken their seats at the table. Jimmy'd passed around the beers to everyone, Andy helped me by getting the steaks to their final destinations. Nelly did the hard part by setting out the salad makins. The spread looked good. The conversation was light, but I had an ulterior motive in keeping it that way: I needed to talk to Nelly. It was going to be humiliating as hell, talking to her; but I needed help; and, I was an expert at humilation. She was the only one anywhere near smart enough and knowledgeable enough to help me out if I even could be helped.

I pulled her aside as the eating, if not the drinking, began to subside.

"Nell, could I pick your brain for a moment or two?' I said. She looked at me kinda sidelong. 

"Do I detect a tone of voice here, Jack?" she said. "You sound serious."

"As a heart attack," I said. "I need your help, or more specifically your advice."

"Yes," she said.

"I wanna try again with Murphy. But..." I started. This was going to be more humiliating than I first thought.

"Yes?" she said.

"Nelly, you kind know what caused my divorce from Murphy the first time, right?" I said.

"She cheated and you walked out," she said.

"Well, yes, but the reason she cheated," I said. "It's—well—it's kinda embarrassing. Nelly, she kinda let me know that I wasn't worth a damn in bed and she needed something on the side to take the edge off.

"More, she wanted me to be okay with it. I guess I don't have to tell you it pretty well destroyed my ego. But—then—I met up with Annette, and she kind of put me back together again. Well, that is until she too decided she needed more than could deliver.  

"Nelly, is there anything that you, you know, as a woman, could tell me to get me off this treadmill I seem to be on?" I said. She rocked back on her heels and looked me in the eye. The look was not sympathetic.

"Young man, I haven't bedded you, and I never would: I have no idea what your problem is, not specifically that is. But—and you can trust me on this— most men are next to useless sexually until they are trained by their wives. Did Murphy ever try to tell you what she liked?" she said.

"No, not really. Not until that last day. She said she was willing to stay married to me, in fact wanted to stay married; but, she needed something more than I could provide; and that I would have to be good with it," I said.

"Hmm, ballsy of her. Frankly, Jack, if she never even made the effort to train you, she had no complaint coming. She should've either given up her toy or left you. Sounds to me like you were the victim, not her with her lack of satisfaction in bed.

"As for Annette, I think she was just a horny broad who had no self-control. You're well out of that situation," she said. I'd started to interrupt, but she stopped me.

"Yes-yes, I know, you loved her and she you and if things had only been different yadda yadda yadda!" she said.

"She, Murphy, did come to me after the break up and tell me she had changed her mind. Said she'd dumped the guy and wanted to come back, but by then I was with Annette," I said.

"I don't know, Jack. Stranger things have happened, but I have to tell you that I am of the opinion that you are better off without her. I liked Murphy, we all did, but she pretty well broke it off in your ass telling you all of those things, and if she meant them, I mean really meant them; then, that pretty much dooms any realistic chance you had of putting things back together.

"Jack, I hate to say it, but my advice is to move on. Find a new love, or many new loves. Find out just how skilled, or not, you really are in the sack. Don't just go back to the old situation and rediscover that you are still coming up short sexually," she said. "I don't mean to hurt you Jack, but that's my thinking."

I looked at her and saw she'd never been more serious. I nodded. "A lot to think about," I said.

We headed back to the table where the party was getting into full swing. Andy's girlfriend had arrived as had Jimmy's ex with their six year-old son; the ex left and the boy ran off to the jungle gym a few yards away.

As the day wound down, I made a decision. I would keep Nelly's thoughts in mind, but I would contact Murphy. It might be the final time, but I would make the first move; she'd said to let her know if Annette and I ever broke up; well, we had.

******

I have to admit I was shaking when I'd hung up. She hadn't seemed surprised to get my call. Nor, had she seemed especially thrilled to get it. The last time we'd talked she had led me to believe that she really wanted to make a second go of it, but now—well, now she sounded like she didn't. On the other hand, though, she had not actually said that there was no way. Damn women! How in the hell was a man supposed to figure 'em out.

At any rate we did have a date, if that's the word for it, for tomorrow night. She was to meet me at the Landsdown Inn. An upscale place I'd never been to; I guess she had since she'd been the one to suggest the place. 

But, the big date was still 24 hours away. I sat in my little dinette with the mandatory drink in front of me contemplating my actions and plans of action. I had to wonder if she were doing the same thing.

On the one hand, I figured that the best scenario would be for her to swear off her lover or lovers, if she hadn't already, and come back to me; well, it's what I hoped for. I still loved the woman, and even while I had been with Annette, I had not gone many days without Murphy crossing my mind.

The worst scenario would be for her to lay it on me that she'd changed her mind yet again and no longer thought it a good idea to come back to me, that she still needed her sex toy yadda yadda yadda.

And, if she came back, would she lay down conditions. And, what of Nelly's advice to get my act together and learn how to be a sexual animal. Jesus what kind of pussy was I anyway. Maybe I wasn't exactly a Don Juan, but I just could not believe that I was all that bad at pleasing a woman. I had to do something whatever Murphy decided she would do. And that was the crux of the matter: Murphy was in the driver's seat. I was the one hat in hand. Helluva thing.

******

I made a decision—another one. I would not be mister wimpy. I would be straight forward, make my case, and see how she reacted. No beating around the bush; I wanted her back but not bad enough to accept half a loaf. If she were amenable we would be on the mend, and the—meeting—would turn into a real date. Not amenable? I would minimize the damage to my already absolutely fragile and oft devastated ego and get the hell outta there. The last thing I needed was her to feel sorry for me or try to bullshit me about how she really loved me but how we just weren't meant to be. God that would be the worst!

I drove slow. I wanted to get there, but I didn't. Hell, for the life of me I had no idea what I had ever done to displease the gods that made them hate me so.

I pulled into the lot and sat for a minute. I was two minutes early. I wondered if she were already there or if she would be late.

"This way sir," said the maitre d. She was already there, a good sign, I thought.

I was ushered to a table toward the back and more or less sequestered from the ebb and flow of the nearly full establishment. The maitre d pulled out a chair for me. I nodded to him and he retreated. I remained standing next to the pulled out chair. I didn't feel comfortable enough to take my seat. Too many unknowns. 

"Hello, Murphy," I said, in my most neutral tone.




Murphy and Jack



"Hello, Jack. Aren't you going to have a seat?" she said. Suddenly I felt foolish, but I didn't let it show. I took my seat without answering her. "How have you been, Jack?"

I inclined my head in a manner indicating so-so. "I'm doin' okay, Murphy.

"Murphy, I have to say I'm a little—I don't know—confused about this meeting tonight," I said.

"Jack?" she said.

"Well, when I called you yesterday you didn't sound, well, all that enthused about meeting with me," I said. She leaned back in her chair and exhibited a wan smile.

"I see. It's been a long while since we've talked at all, Jack. I wasn't all that sure about you either, if I may say so.

"Jack, I know that I said that I wanted you back, I mean the last time we talked, but that was long ago now. There's been a lot of water under the bridges—both of our bridges—since then," she said. I had a bad feeling. Decided to short shank it all.

"Murphy, if this is a courtesy meeting, I'm not interested. Best if we just get up, walk out, and forget each other if that is what it is. I don't need the aggravation," I said. She leaned forward and folded her hands in front of her on the table.

"Jack, this is far more than a courtesy meeting as far as I'm concerned. It's a sounding out of each other to see if we can put humpty dumpty back together again. I hope we can, but a lot has happened in the past few years.

"Your divorce from Annette was a toughie for one. I knew what she was even back then, Jack; I'd asked around. I think I said as much. I would have warned you, but, I knew that there was no chance, given all that had taken place, that you'd believe anything I said. Maybe I should have risked it anyway, but frankly, my man, you needed to step up and do your own discovering," she said.

It was my turn to lean back in my chair. "Oh," I said. We were silent, contemplating each other for a few moments.

"Jack, it's clear to me that you don't want to waste time here. I agree. Let's clear the deck, and then see if either of us still has an appetite," she said.

"Yeah, okay, but let's at least order drinks. Those'll be useful either way," I said. She smiled and nodded. A waitress with impeccable timing came by at that exact instant. We ordered.

"Manhattans, two, coming up," said the far too young to be handling drinks waitress. She wheeled around and left.

"Murphy, I need to know the answer to just one question and one question only," I said. "Do you want to start over and come back to me?"

"In the worst way, Jack. But Jack, there are a couple of things that may not allow you to allow me back," she said. I looked askance at her.

She fidgeted. "I sure wish those drinks were here," she said.

"Murphy, no need to be nervous. You want back with me, and I want back with you. The only question, now, in my mind then is, your place or mine," I said.

"Hah!" she exclaimed. "If it were only that simple."

"Murphy..." I started. She held up her hand.

"Jack," we have had no communication for the past few years, almost four actually. I don't know if you know it, but I have not even been living here, I mean in town, for the last three.

"Jack, after you married her, I kind of lost it. I had dumped Don because he was such an arrogant shit and because he just couldn't keep it in his pants. He was fucking every cunt in town. And, before you say it, yes I know what a hypocrite that makes me. 

"Nevertheless, I took him back; Well, that is on a part time basis. I need cock, Jack. Most women do, and Don has a good one that he knows how to use. And again, yes, I know we've had this conversation before.

"Jack, he knocked me up. I've got twins: Maribelle and Mercedes. They're three years old," she said. 

I absolutely knew my face said it all: shock, disappointment, questions, a lot of questions. But, I kept my cool and brilliantly responded—"Oh."

"Yes, 'oh', Jack. So, I've got kids. The kids of your old rival. He gets them one weekend a month. He's become a good absentee father, as it happens. Well, relatively speaking at any rate. And before you ask, yes, he has been fucking me, maybe once every couple of months. But, that said, if you take me back that stops.

"Well, there it is. Got any questions or comments, Jack?" she said. She was sort of smiling at my apparent consternation.

For no damn reason whatsoever, I pushed my chair far back, stood, walked around the chair three times and sat back down. "Well, Murphy, I never said that you weren't capable of surprising the shit outta me. Twins, huh. Cute, I'm sure," I said. She looked at me like I was crazy.

"Jack? You okay. I'll understand if you want to call it a night. Really," she said. "Oh, and yes, they are cute and wonderful." I nodded.

"So then, Murphy, your place or mine?' I said. She took a second to process what I had just said. Then, a smile that made my heart glow spread across her features. She got up, came around the table and knelt in front of me. She laid her head on my lap and cried.

"Thank you, my husband," she said. Well, I wasn't her husband—again—yet, but that, as it happened, was only delayed but one week.

Oh, and if, dear reader, you were wondering; that it not nearly the end of the story.

******

The marriage was redone nine days after our meeting. Of course I met, and became, more or less acquainted with the twins almost immediately. They had big brown eyes and brown hair and liked being hugged a lot; well, they were still little hearts. It was a strange feeling, having two children around all of the time; them running to me when I got home each evening.

It was three weeks after the wedding that Donald had his weekend with the twins. Murphy took them over to his house. She said she didn't think it was a good idea for Donald and me to be in the same part of town. I didn't disagree. Ironically, though the children weren't biologically mine, and Donald had not agreed to give up his parental rights—read there was no my adopting them in the works—I still felt strange when they weren't around. I may have been just their stepdad, but I cared for them as if, well, as if they were my own.

It was more than evident that Murphy could see my state after she returned from delivering them to him. She correctly surmised that I didn't feel right with the kids being with their bio-dad, especially "that" bio-dad. She took it upon herself to adjust my feelings.

"We're going out this weekend, big boy. I need some socializing fun, and I'm guessing that you do too.

The Grey Goose Inn was a country western bistro catering to the economically lower end of the blue collar scale. What it also was, was one helluva fun place in a wild ass sort of way.

While we were fighting through the crowd to find us a table, two fights erupted in two different areas under the quarter acre roof of the place. Both ended quickly as a couple of three hundred pound bouncers brought order out of the almost chaos.

I loved the music and the line dancing; it lent a lot of sexy excitement to the atmosphere of the place.

"Let's go outside for a little while; I need some air," said Murphy.

"Lead the way," I said. She headed toward our car parked, as it happened, in a darkened area at the back of the lot. Hurrying on ahead of me, she went around to the back of car and waited for me. I arrived no more than ten seconds later than she did. And, by the time I did she shucked her panties and had spread herself out over the trunk of the car. I unzipped and entered her right there; it was deliciously dirty and, risky.

"Let's get in the car," I said. "The first one's out of the way, I want to take more time, and besides, I'm not all that into exhibitionism." She snickered.

"Okay," she said. "I just wanted to do it once. I've been thinking about you doing me like that forever. It was nice by the way."

"It was that," I said. In the car's back seat we went slower. We were both still dressed, except for Murphy's panties. We kissed for a long time, the smell of our drying saliva on various parts of our neck, arms, face was erotic as hell. 

I unbuttoned her blouse, slowly and kissed the flesh of her breasts that weren't covered by her bra. Undoing her bra, I sucked on her nipples like a hungry babe in arms. I opened her blouse wide and pulling it off of her shoulders, I let my lips and tongue trail their way down her torso to her belly button and lingered there kissing and licking her. Her skirt, hiked up, was no obstacle.

Her bald mons was still untouched; I remedied that now. I traced her slit with my tongue and she jerked spasmodically in reaction to me. I began sucking on her labia, and I wondered if her ex, her other ex, had done much the same; I expected that he had; she was delicious.

I shucked my pants and pressed forward into her. She grimaced as her pussy spread to accommodate me. I screwed her rhythmically and soon she was arching her back to meet my thrusts. She stiffened and held herself rigid as I poured spunk into her. I slid down her body and lapped at her cum filled pussy; she began to shake and shudder in response.

"Oh my God! I've never! No one's ever..." she began babbling incoherently. 

Some little time later, leaning back more or less uncomfortably in that all too small back seat, we caught our breath.

"Was that good for you?" I said, my breathing more or less normal again. She turned slowly to face me.

"Is that a serious question?" she said. "Of course it was good for me. "You? Really?"

"Oh yeah," I said. She smiled. 

"Thank you my husband. Thank you. We're going to make it this time. Really, you're a lot better than you used to be..." she stopped herself suddenly. "Oh, Jack, I'm sorry," she said. "I don't know what I was..."

"Forget it Murphy. Just forget it. It's okay," I said. It wasn't, but I didn't feel like pushing it. It was clear to me that she was still on the picky side in terms of her need for quality sex, something I had not been especially wonderful at providing. And, to make matters a little less that thrilling for me, I now had to recall that my dick had not grown in the years since I'd last had her, not a plus for me for sure. Up until her obviously spur of the moment, unrehearsed remark, I hadn't thought anything about it; I did now, and I would be now. Shit!

Donald brought the twins back the next day at about six in the evening. He didn't come up to the house; he just honked. Murphy went outside to get the girls. She stood by the driver's side of the car for a moment speaking to him; then, she went around to the other side and retrieved my—our—children. That became the routine. She'd deliver the babies Friday evenings to him once a month, and he would return them Sunday evenings. Having him around even for the few minutes required to return the babies was uncomfortable for me, but I didn't make an issue out of it. He was never longer than a couple of minutes and never came up to the house per se.

******

In time, I got over the worst of my insecurities and Murphy and I became a tight and loving couple. I can say without fear of contradiction that we were happy—both of us. A year passed, and another, and another: my fiftieth was fast approaching. The sex thing, especially, between me and Murphy seemed to have been resolved in my favor. That I thought about her earlier complaints, as to my skills, I won't deny, but for those first few years of our remarriage not a thing of a negative nature was ever said or even implied. I had finally been able to relax. And then things changed.

Nelly and Fred were over for a Sunday barbecue when Don once again brought the girls home from their weekend with him. Murphy was setting the patio table when he entered from stage left leading the babies by their hands. He was in the yard! My yard! He could have peed on the Pope's slippers and it would have been less of a sacrilege. I actually dropped a steak into the dirt as I saw him advance toward me behind Murphy and the children.

It must have been clear that I was stunned. Nelly looked at me and smirked. "Close your mouth, slick, before you attract any more flies," she said.

I could feel my eyes narrow; I could actually feel them. Murphy saw and reacted. She reacted in a completely unexpected way.

"Jack, I invited Jack to join us," she said. I know for a fact that I didn't even blink for a noticeable number of seconds. She came up to me and placed a hand gently on my arm. "It's okay isn't it," she said. I tore my gaze from him and looked her in the eyes. I slowly nodded. "It's time, my husband. He does want to be in the children's lives, and that's a good thing, Jack."

"I suppose," I said. "Yeah, it's okay."

"It's cool, Jack," said Fred who had chosen to say nothing about the invasion until that minute. "It's just a barbecue. It's cool to let the past bury the past." 

For the rest of the evening, Murphy played the role of the perfect hostess and kept things on an even keel. Mister Don Petty didn't make any untoward moves or say anything that could possibly be construed as being uncool. That I didn't trust him went without saying, but try as I might I could find no fault with his demeanor.

The party wound down, and as he was leaving, Don said his goodbyes making eye contact with me when he did so. His attitude was—what—warm. I waved and said my so long.

The guests gone, Murphy came up behind me as I was scraping the last of the embers from the portable barbecue.

"That wasn't so bad was it?" she said, smiling tentatively.

"No, I guess not," I said without enthusiasm.

"Jack, he is their bio-dad. We, the both of us, have to put the past behind us, bury it and start over. It's time," she said.

"Murphy, he makes me uncomfortable. No, he didn't do or say anything out of line tonight, but what might be behind the facade is what bothers the hell outta me," I said.

"There was no façade, Jack. What you saw was what you will be getting. He has gotten on with his life. And, his is tied to ours for the long haul because of the babies. Please, Jack," she said.

"The past may be buried, Murphy, but I am more than concerned that it could be resurrected. More than concerned, Murphy! I hope I am being clear. I don't wanna be vague, Murphy," I said.

*****

The shop was doing real good. If there is such a thing as a boutique auto body shop, we we're it. We were now at a place where we were handling only high end custom jobs. Our clientele were mostly repeat customers or referrals of repeat customers. The money was good; hell, we were becoming rich. Even Andy was driving a Mercedes—a new one—well, he is an artist. 

One result of doing well, really well, is that the boys and their wives and girl friends were frequenting more upscale bistros and restaurants. The kind Donald Petty and his female friend-of-the-month frequented. Getting a hint, dear reader, as to where this is going?

"I swear, Jack, I saw them," said Andy. 

******

We'd been to re-together for quite a while now, and I had had no complaints. The food was good, the conversation was good, the emotional support great, and the sex little less than spectacular, at least for me. So what was I going to do about it, now that I had more than Andy's sort of certain ID on the two of them? What am I talking about? 

Well, naturally after hearing my employee tell his tale, I had to make sure. I followed her and found them coming out of the same motel that Andy'd seen them emerging from. That after having sat in the motel's parking lot for two hours straight. The long kiss had told me she was looking for more than a bigger cock; there was emotional attachment as well.

Well, and why wouldn't there have been; he was the real father of her babies. Still that said, I was the babies real father too. A helluva mess this one. If I confronted her, I was certain, we were both fucked: she loses me, and I lose her and the babies. And make no mistake; I was more than mildly attached to those two little hearts, and they to me if it came to that.

I drove home having not the slightest idea what I should do. But, for good or ill, the decision was made for me as soon as I got home.

"Daddy's home, daddy's home, daddy's home!" screamed Mercedes as I came in through the kitchen door. I knew right then that I was in no way going to risk being alienated from them. I would grin and bear it and hope it would work itself out. Regardless of any of that, I had to know more.

My decision began a period of off again on again sleuthing on my part. After almost a year of detective work, all done on my own. I discovered the pattern and the probable reasons for her betraying me.

She would get it on with him every couple of months, each time was the day that she would deliver the babies to his house. It had been clear to me, after the very first time I caught them, that an older woman would sit for the children while Don and Murphy left for their assignation. It wasn't every month, but every other month that they went at it. I supposed that that was to minimize the chances of discovery. I wondered if Murphy's sensational performances in bed with me were the result of guilt or what she might have seen as a need to treat me right on some level. How does the old saying go: "Oh what tangled webs we weave when first we practice to deceive."

The interesting part about the whole drama was that at no time was there any evidence to suggest that Murphy didn't love me; it gave me hope.

Additionally, Don was showing up at do's where we were thrown together. Not a single time did I see or otherwise detect any evidence that he held me in contempt or was wanting to separate me from Murphy. We never talked about the past, but he seemed to realize that I was never going to be a close friend to him, and he was good with that; he never pushed it. Murphy for her part stayed out of it. If anything, whenever Don and I were in the same place; she made double sure that I got the attention not him. 

I wasn't fond of being a de facto cuckold, even one that was supposedly unknowing. But, nothing was happening that was going to force the issue; not until the babies were grown at any rate; that would be the time of reckoning, if there was to be one, and it was still far away.

******

The babies were near six when I'd discovered Murphy's periodic romps in the hay with Donald Petty. That was some twelve years ago now.

Once the babies had gotten big enough to take care of themselves at home and to visit with him on their own, the excuse for Murphy to be gone for those two hours every other month became her day at the beauty parlor: that inner sanctum where nary a man was to be found unless he were gay. I knew her game of course, and it more or less amused me. For some reason, and I would be hard pressed to express it, I didn't hate her or even him for what they were doing. I think it was partly because it was kind of a rare thing, and didn't intrude even a little bit on any of our plans or activities. That is Murphy's and mine.

******

Things might have gone on as they had forever were it not for the interference of my daughters. And, that's not just some wishful thinking or talk on my part. They had become my very heart and soul, and they knew it and they took advantage of it and I reveled in it! 

I was sitting at the patio picnic table in the backyard when they strode up to me.

"Dad, we have to talk," said Maribelle. The first thought that came to mind was "Oh God no, one of 'em's pregnant!" But, that was not it, not by a freakin' country mile.

"Yes?" I said slowly.

"Dad, mom—well—mom is not acting like she should. Doing like she should," said Mercedes.

"Huh?' I said.

"Dad, mom has a lover—kinda," said Mercedes. My look caused them to look at each other and then back at me.

"Daddy?" said Maribelle, cautiously.

"Yes, dear?" I said.

"Daddy, we're not kidding," said Maribelle.




Murphy and Jack



"How do you known this?" I said. I was wondering just how much they really did know.

"We've seen them, daddy. We've even seen them naked together, but not that in a long time," said Mercedes.

"Hmm," I said. "And who might the other man be? If you don't mind my asking."

"Daddy, it's uncle Don?" said Maribelle.

"Hmm, uncle Don," I said.

"Yes, dad. They do it every couple of months or so," said Maribelle.

"And you know this how?" I said.

"Daddy, we've known it since we were little. At first we thought you knew about it. We didn't know what to do. But, you never seemed to be mad at mom or uncle Don; so we just shut up," said Maribelle.

"That's right, dad. But, we've been talking. Maribelle and I went to a psychologist and asked some questions. When we left him we decided to come to you and tell you. You know, in case you really didn't know anything about it," said Mercedes. "Daddy?"

"Yes, Mercedes?" I said.

"Do you know?" she said. I was silent for some few moments. The girls were fidgeting.

"Yes, girls, I've known, almost from the beginning, I guess," I said. I could see them sigh with relief. Mercedes took a seat. Up till that moment both had remained standing.

"Wow!" said Mercedes. "And, you didn't—don't—mind?"

"Hmm, not sure how to answer that, Mercedes. I guess, I do mind, but I am not actually angry or unduly concerned about it. And, yes, I know that that makes little sense; especially to young girls like you two," I said.

Mercedes looked over at her sister. "Well, I guess you win the bet Maribelle; he is okay withy things the way they are," said Mercedes.

"Huh?" I said.

"Maribelle and I had a bet, dad. She bet you'd be okay with mom doing uncle Don in order to keep the peace. I said no, that if you didn't know, and if you found out, you might do something awful to mom or to uncle Don," said Mercedes.

"To begin with girls, I would never hurt your mom or any woman; only seriously low down scum would do something like that. As for uncle Don, I've know for a long time that he felt he'd made a horrendous mistake in opting not to be your full time daddy. It's his lifetime punishment that he can never be that. I have also learned that your mother felt sorry for him and as a result allows him what amounts to mercy fucks every couple of months to let him know that she still has feelings for him and sympathy for him. Similarly, I know your mom loves me unconditionally. How do I know all of this?

"Because I've had our phones tapped for the past ten years," I said. "Trust but verify, as some wise man once said."

"Daddy, you're genius," said Maribelle as she came to me and wrapped her arms around me. Mercedes joined her and we hugged and maybe shed a tear or two for some few minutes.

The three of us made a decision.

******

Dinner was good, the best actually: beef stew. The conversation had been light and not very animated. The girls and I had an agenda, but it would not come to fruition until after dinner. Tonight would be a night of revelations if not reckoning.

"Honey, you seem subdued tonight. No, not subdued, but a little on the quiet side," said Murphy. I looked over at her a wan smile playing on my lips, I was sure.

"Really?" I said. I phrased it as a question. She caught my tone and decided to push it. It was the opening I was looking for.

"So, what's this big mysterious whatever?" she said.

"Murph, the babies aren't babies anymore; they'll be going off to college in the fall. It's been a long time in coming. But, now that it has, we have to clear the decks, again, like we did so many years ago, and come clean with each other," I said. She gave me a questioning look that indicated a little bit of concern.

"Clear the decks?" she said. "I don't understand?"

"Well, it's like this," I said. "I've been keeping something from you for most of the past fifteen years plus. I did it because I didn't want to cause any possible harm to our girls. And, Murph, I absolutely consider them our—yours and mine—girls. I realize that Donald is their biological father, but I'm the one who's been there for them through it all. You have to give me that." 

"Yes, Jack, and I do give you that. You've been a wonderful father to the girls. Even Don admits as much. The fact is he envies you," she said. "But...?"

"Well, I thank you for that, and him too," I said. "And, Murphy, you've been keeping something from me for a long time too. Something that you need to come clean about. Fact is that which I have kept from you is that which you've kept from me. But, no more. Tonight we clear the decks." She looked over at the girls, whose looks could only be described as intense.

"Girls?" She returned her gaze to me. "Jack? What's going on here?"

"Murphy, many years ago, I discovered your bi-monthly liaison with Don. I kept quiet about it because by then I was in love with our babies. I was afraid, that if I raised a big stink about it, that you would divorce me, and I would lose them forever," I said.

She sagged back in her chair and turned as pale as a new washed sheet. "Jack—I—I..." she started. I held up my hand to interrupt her. She glanced furtively at the twins.

"Before I go any farther, Murph, I'm gonna ask that you let me finish. This is kinda complicated, and I'm gonna have a hard enough time getting it out. Okay?" I said.

"Okay, Jack," she said. I saw tears begin to form in the corners of her eyes.

"Murph, I, apparently, was not the only one who noticed. The girls noticed too. That said, I didn't know that they knew until yesterday. You can imagine my surprise," I said.

"Mom, Mercedes and I discovered you and uncle Don years ago. We we're in the sixth grade at the time. We knew what was what. We'd never actually saw you naked with him, but we heard the moans and some of the talk," said Maribelle.

"That's right mom. We didn't tell dad because we were afraid of what he might do. But, yesterday we made the decision that he had to know. He has a right to know, mom. You had a duty to be faithful to him and you weren't being faithful," said Mercedes. 

"Mom, You've got to stop..." started Maribelle.

"Girls, this is my territory. Mine and your mom's, please, let me finish. Okay?" They nodded, reluctantly, but they nodded their acceptance of my words. 

"I've been able, Murph, to kind of piece together the reason for what you've done..." I started.

"Jack, I'm sorry. Okay! If you're going to divorce me. Just say so. Just say so, Jack, and get it over with. Okay?" she said. The tears were coming now and they were little enough, I thought.

I looked at her and shook my head slightly. "Murphy, I'm not going to pretend that I'm happy with what you've done. But, I'm not going to divorce you. Nor, am I going to stop you seeing Don every couple of months." I let that hang in the air for some moments. One could have heard a fly fart it was so quiet.

"Jack?" she said. "What are you doing—going to do?"

"Nothing. Not a thing. Well, just listen to you tell us all why," I said.

After a moment or two, she stood and started pacing back and forth.

"Jack, I don't know if I can," she said. "I've hurt you enough. But I have a question: you mean you really aren't going to kick me out?"

"I'm not going to kick you out, Murphy, not now not ever. If you leave, it will be because you'd rather be with him than with me. It will be your decision," I said.

She shook her head vigorously. "Jack, I'm not going to leave you! Never would I do that," she said.

"Okay, Murphy, so talk," I said. She stood with her hands at her sides and looked directly at me, not even glancing at the girls.

"You know part of it, I'm sure, Jack. In the beginning, when we finally got back together—well—you still weren't much of a lover. Sorry, I don't mean to hurt you, but if we're clearing the decks; then, let's do it.

"And, before I go any further, I would like to assure you that you are a whole lot better today than you ever were then. You can thank Don for that, Jack; he taught me, and I taught you. But...

"The fact is that Don was nothing compared to you as far as husband material was concerned. It just wasn't, and still isn't, in him." She paused and I waved her to go on.

"The other reason that I kept seeing him was only indirectly related to sex believe it or not. He learned too late how important the girls were going to be to him as well as to you and me. 

"I would take the girls over to his house for his time with them, and he'd literally cry—literally Jack. He showered them with toys and attention and would be as sad as any man could be when I picked them up. Then one day...

"Well, I held him while he cried, and he kissed me and he felt me up, and then he fucked me. I felt awful for betraying your trust, and I got out of there as fast as I could. He called me a number of times during the next couple of weeks apologizing. But, then it was his weekend again, and he begged me to let him have me each month when I bought them by. I said no. Well, I said no for a long time. Then, one day I said yes. But, then I got to worrying about being discovered, so I told him, no more. But, he came back with a proposal.

"We, made a deal. We'd do it every couple of months. He made the point that doing it, at least infrequently, would let him feel like he was part of the family—kinda through me if that makes any sense. And—I won't deny it—I got my rocks off," she said.

I nodded. "I understand, Murphy. But, even so, when the time came that, as you say now, I was able to measure up sexually, why didn't you stop?"

"It was kind of a habit by then, Jack. It's as simple as that. But, you say you're not going to kick me out. So, I guess I will be breaking the other man's heart. I'll tell you, Jack, it's going to be tough. But, I will do it. I don't love him; I love you. So, the choice is easy, actually," she said. I smiled, even snickered a little.

We hadn't noticed, but the girls had slipped out. I noticed now. "Where are the girls?" I said. She looked over to where they had been ensconced.

"I don't know; I guess I was doing too much staring at the floor too notice," she said.

I looked at my wife and made a strenuous effort to not sound negative or sarcastic or any of that.

"You needn't break off with him or say anything to him, Murphy. Damn me if I understand why, but I'm okay with the status quo. So long as things remain as they are, I see no reason to change the situation. I've been putting up with it for these many years after all. But, there is one requirement that much never breached. He must never know that I am okay with this—never," I said. She looked at me strangely.

"Jack, I think you are the most wonderful husband in the world. Tonight, I will assaulting your very wonderful body with my pussy. You will be fortunate to survive it," she said. She was sobbing and shaking and shaking her head like she couldn't believe the turn of events.

I held her for some minutes while she calmed down. "Is there any reason we have to wait until tonight?" I said. We both started laughing; that, as we headed for the bedroom.

******



Murphy Ch. 02



(Author's Note: This isn't where I wanted to end this part but it was getting a bit too long. No worries, I'll bring the heat twice over in the next part. Hope you likey.) 

*

The bed felt huge and empty.

It had been three weeks since she had met Murphy and they made every excuse to see each other as much as possible. Ananda realized that Murphy was more assertive than she first thought. Time and time again he proved it. After their first night together Ananda went through the day with the hugest smile and it only grew with the thought of the things Murphy had done to her body. Around lunchtime Ananda had gotten this text from him.

"Next time no stops. Im gonna see how many times I can make you cum"

She could practically hear the deep resonance of his voice gliding across her skin. She went onto to do her presentation and nailed it. Even her supervisor commented on her upbeat attitude. 

The next time Nandy saw him, he kept to his word. She had stopped counting her orgasms around one in the morning and just enjoyed herself. This was the first time she hadn't been in control of the situation and it felt good to just...indulge. That wasn't the only thing she enjoyed about her time with Murphy. He was more than just a great lay, he was amusing, silly and had this boyish charm that hid inside the body of this grown man.

Sometimes his facial expressions made her laugh. He had ways of communicating things with the lost art of eyebrow raising. She also loved the way he made her feel, and not just physically. She felt feminine, like the heroine in a movie. 

When Ananda was a teenager she had towered over all the boys. As she grew older she grew accustomed to taking up a lot of space and being stared at. She embraced it. She knew she'd never be seen as delicate or gentle and she accepted it. It wasn't until she met Murphy that she realized she'd always wanted that feeling.

After she and Murphy made love he'd pull her into his side and fall asleep. He held onto her like she was a teddy bear. It was an amazing feeling being engulfed in his warmth, caring about nothing but the man holding her. Out of all her lovers she had never experienced one who'd made her feel that way. Ananda just didn't know what to do about it.

Ananda rolled over in her bed. She had cramps and her limbs felt heavy. All she could think of was how much she missed that feeling, how much she missed Murphy. It had been three days since she'd last seen him. Nandy's phone went off and she groaned. It wasn't like it was late or anything. She just couldn't muster the energy.

She fumbled with the phone then answered.

"I miss you" She heard and she smiled widely.

"What do you propose I do about that?" she said lying back on her bed smiling.

"You can open the door when I knock." Murphy said his voice deep with arousal.

"I will, but you won't be knocking tonight. Or for the next couple days" Ananda said trying to keep the disappointment from her voice.

"Why?" He asked sounding more confused than disappointed.

"I'm not feeling too well." She said simply.

"I can kiss it and make it better," Murphy persuaded "then I could lick it until you moan and--"

"No, Murphy, I...I just cant" Ananda said. It almost pained her to say.

"That bad?"

"'fraid so. "

"I'll just leave you alone then and you feel better." Murphy said. Ananda heard shuffling before he said good-bye.

"No, wait! Can't we just talk?" She asked sounding more desperate than she would ever allow herself to sound with anyone else.

"About anything, for as long as you want." He said causing her to smile. "but, I'll call you back" 

Ananda frowned as the line went dead. She tried not to think what was at the edge of her consciousness. Something, akin to rejection coursed through her. She sighed trying her best to rid herself of the feeling but it seemed to stick to her. maybe it was PMS or maybe it was her but him hanging up stung her.

It was an hour before Ananda's phone rang again. She knew it was Murphy but she was still seething from him hanging up on her. After about seven rings it stopped. Ananda sighed and burrowed deeper into her bed. Just as she found the sweet spot she heard knocking at the door. She groaned as it became incessant. 

Nandy pulled herself out of bed and went to answer it.When Ananda opened the door she gave a little start. Murphy stood in her doorway sporting that boyish smile she came to love. Her whole being smiled and she quickly forgot that she was angry at him.


"What are you doing here? I told you that you couldn't come over."


"Nandy I grew up in a house full of girls. It's been like three weeks of lovemaking, I just figured you probably have your period and didn't wanna do the nasty. I get it."

Ananda looked at him shocked but more so she was elated that he came anyway. She let him in still wearing her shock boldly, he had a bag of stuff and she was starting to get curious as to what it was. 


"You know that this isn't the ancient world, right? You're allowed to be around people, you don't have to be a shut in." He joked.


"Shut up," she said on a laugh as she followed him into the living room.


"I brought some snack-age and movies, so we can have a sleepover."

"You sure? I'm not one of those girls who have sex when I'm...you know."

"I'm very sure, can't I just come and hang out with my friend?" He said putting the bag on the table and rummaging through it. "I've got 'Crank', 'The Expendables', 'Red', and 'The Mummy' Trilogy" Murphy took a seat on the couch in front of Nandy's television. Nandy could only stare. He was her friend and not her...fuck buddy. Could a man and woman be friends? Could she feel what she felt and still only be friends with him? "Hell yeah!" she thought. She plopped down on the couch beside him looking through his movies.

"Why is there only 'shoot 'em up, kill 'em up' movies. If you grew up with a bunch of girls you would know I'm in desperate need of a chick flick."

He chuckled "It was all I have."

"I choose...The Mummy. It at least has a princess in it." Ananda said. She pulled the bag of his 'snack-age' off the coffee table and rummaged through it. Murphy stood up to put on the movie.

"You know, you should come to my house. I've got surround sound, a sixty inch flat screen, and a blue ray player." He said setting up the movie.

"Why?" She asked opening a bag of Doritos. He raised his eyebrows in confusion and Nandy couldn't help but laugh.

"Because..." Was all he said. making his way back onto the couch beside Nandy. She tucked her feet under her and dug into the chips.

"Blanket?" Murphy asked Ananda shook her head yes and made to get up. "I'll get it," Murphy said.

"I'm not sure if its sad that you know every nook and cranny of my condo but I have never been to your place," Ananda called.

"Im not gonna lie, I just like your place better," He said coming back with the blanket. "My place is like a sad empty man cave."

"Sad? Not with your dear home theatre system." Ananda teased.

The movie began and the two stuffed their face with what Ananda deemed the worst and best food ever created. She figured it was stoner's heaven. They had Doritos, Funyuns, gummy bears, packets of popcorn, Yoo-hoo, and a few wrapped tacos. He must have gone to the nearest seven eleven and grabbed everything he could find. 

After they were stuffed like a turkey in November they sat and simply watched the movie. Something seemed to be missing, Nandy thought. Just as she thought it, Murphy brought his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his side. Ananda almost sighed, that was the feeling she was craving. They watched The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, and had just started The Scorpion King when Murphy turned to Ananda burying his face in her hair. 

"You smell so good," He whispered causing a shiver to run through Nandy's body. "And you're so soft." He said his thumb rubbing the skin on her shoulder. 

Before she could respond his lips kissed the sweet spot behind her ear, his tongue flicked out to lick her earlobe before he traveled down her neck to nibble. Something traveled through her body and she laughed and jerked.

"Murph, Stop!" She said laughing.

"Are you ticklish?" He asked sounding delighted at the information. He had mischief in his eyes.

"Murphy, you better not." She said already laughing.

"How did I not know this?" He asked before nibbling her neck again causing her to squeal.

"Nut check!" Ananda said.

"What?" He asked then jerked when Ananda made a swing toward his crotch. She didn't actually hit him but when he jerked she laughed.

"That's what happens when you tickle me." She said cuddling back up to him.

Murphy chuckled, "Did you just nut check me because I tickled you?"

"Ask your balls?" Ananda said causing them to both laughed. As their laughter died Ananda's dark eyes drank him in. 

Murphy couldn't explain it. Ananda did something to him. He missed her every time they were apart. He found himself doing things he'd never done for a woman. He waited by the phone (metaphorically, nobody has a landline anymore), he gave up precious overtime for her, and he never wanted to not touch her. Murphy knew that shit like that can scare a girl off, being too clingy. He tried to keep his stalker instinct to a minimum. 

"Murphy, I was meaning to ask you something. I didn't want this to be...weird and I didn't know how you'd react." Ananda said softly. For some reason his heart quickened and he was rushed with adrenaline

"What is it?" He asked when she paused to search his face for his emotions.

"I was wondering...If you would be my....date, for my product launch." Ananda finally spit out.

"Uh--Um, Are you sure?" Murphy asked feeling a bit deflated. 

"I mean, you told me this is bigger than you had first thought." Murphy was wary of this party. It was a scene he'd never been in and honestly he didn't want to embarrass Ananda in front of her people. 

"Yeah, I'm sure. There's no one else I would want to bring. Ruby would leave early and Jae would cold shoulder everyone, and I look good standing next to you." She pleaded.

"Umm..." He said not knowing if he could deny her anything.

"We get to ride in the Luxe bus with G Frenzy. It's his tequila we're launching." She added sweetly.

"Sure" He said giving in. 

"Yay!" She squealed before kissing him. Her excitement made him feel a little better about going but he was nervous nonetheless.

******

"How long do you have before this thing anyways?" Ruby asked.

They'd forfeited that week's breakfast and movie to go shopping. Ananda had to find the perfect dress for this event. Not because it was a celebrity client but because deep inside it kind of felt like a legit first date between her and Murphy.

"A little over a week, but I really want it to be a great outfit." Ananda explained. "It has to say 'Damn, girl, what you got in that dress?'" She held up an emerald green dress to her and looked toward Jae.

"Jae you're the fashionista, what do you think about this?" She asked. Jae was fixated on her phone, texting with a small smile.

"Jae!" Ruby called making her jump.

"What?"

"Who're you texting over there?" Nandy asked forgetting about the dress.

"Is it a man?" Ruby asked teasing Jae.

"No," She replied quickly "I mean, yes, but it's not what you think."

"Liar," Ananda said "Tell me what you think about green." 

"Two words," Jae said analyzing the dress. "It's spring. Emerald green is a no, it's too dark. As a matter of fact, Dillard's is a no; let's go out into the mall we can find something way better."

"Well, excuse me, Miss Thang." Ruby said laughing.

"Miss Thang?" Jae asked looking at her cousins "People still say that? That's like a thing?"

Ananda chuckled and followed Jae and Ruby out the store. 

"Buying your dress for a South Beach event at Dillard's, you must be crazy." Jae muttered causing her two cousins to laugh

The three went to Bebe, Guess, Cole Haan, and White House/Black Market. They finally hit bank in Max Azaria. The store clerk was this black stylish gay guy. He was elegant which Jae liked, knowledgeable which Ruby liked, and gave Nandy a lot of choices which, you know she liked. He grabbed maybe fifteen dresses and ushered them into a huge simply designed fitting room.

"Who thought of this theme, in the first place?" Ruby asked when Ananda slipped behind a curtain to change into the first dress.

"I did" Nandy called out "It's not exactly my best idea but it's solid."

"It's a great idea, Vesuvius Tequila launch and a Grecian theme." Jae complimented standing next to the curtain holding onto a bundle of dresses. "Most of those college-dropout-star-fuckers won't get it but it will bring back the memories of drunken toga parties and it will be a success either way."

"Thank...you?" Ananda said poking her head from behind the curtain. "That was a compliment, right? Or was she just complaining about the people at an event she's not even going to?" She said looking toward Ruby.

"I'd go with compliment." Ruby said "Now come out! I'm getting bored."

"I dunno you guys," Ananda said receding back behind the curtain. "I feel stupid in this one."

When she stepped out in a frothy white off the shoulder dress Ruby clamped her mouth closed. She tried her best to hold back the laugh on her lips.

"You look pregnant...in a good way?" Ruby said forcing back laughs. "There's a glow."

"I told you empire waist dresses are my enemy and anything with flowers." Ananda said marching back to the curtain. Once she was behind the curtain Jae and Ruby both fell into laughter.

"So what's going on between you and Murphy?" Jae asked passing Nandy another dress.

"Everything and nothing," She replied vaguely. Frankly, she didn't know. "Why do you ask?"

"Because, this is a first...ever" Ruby said 

"Yeah, you've never invited one of your...'lovers' to an event. You'd just drag one of us. I just wanted to know if you guys made it official yet."

"Official? When have you known me to have a boyfriend, really?" Ananda said audibly struggling into the next dress.

"When have you been known to sleep with one guy only for a month?" Ruby countered

"College!" Ananda answered

"Doesn't count" Jae said taking the dress that Ananda pulled off in frustration. "You only did it during finals, two or three months out of the year."

"Okay, you guys want to know the truth?"

"Please," Ruby said.

"I like Murphy more than I have a lot of guys, he makes me happy. I'm so fucking happy it's insane. Sex is amazing and when we are not makin-a-sexy-time he's funny and he makes me feel secure and I can wear my heels around him without feeling like baby giant."

"Hmm...sounds serious." Ruby teased.

"It is serious but not official. It doesn't have to be official to be amazing." Ananda said wiggling into a dress. "You guys, I think this one is it."

"Lemme see! Lemme see!" Ruby said like an excited six year old.

Ananda stepped out in what she deemed to be the best thing to grace her body since Mango scented Shea butter. The dress was a beautiful dusted rose color, strapless and hugged her body down to the smallest part of her waist where it flared to a flowy tail hem. The long back hem fell to the ground while the front him hit just above her knee.

"Mucho Perfecto!" Jae said.

"I know!" Ananda squealed as she turned in the mirror.

"Jameson!" Ruby called to the store clerk. Within minutes he entered the fitting room.

"Tell the truth, if you liked women would this dress make you want to rip it off me?" Ananda asked with no shame. Jae gasped while Jameson, Ruby and Ananda laughed.

"Probably, but right now I want to rip it off you so I could put it on." Jameson responded and they all laughed.

Jameson rang them up and wrapped up her dress all the while giving them tips on shoes, jewelry, and a clutch. The trio spent the rest of the afternoon shopping and enjoying each other's company. They grabbed lunch at Johnny Rockets.

"This reminds me of high school," Ruby said. "Truman would take me to the movies here in the mall then we'd eat here afterwards." 

"I lost my virginity in that movie theatre." Ananda said

"Gross," Jae commented "How did you manage that?"

"It happened in the last row, close to the projectors. I was fifteen and Jonathan was eighteen, we were making out. One thing led to another and we were pulling up the arm rests and laying down on it. It lasted like five minutes" Ananda ended on a small laugh. "Jonathan, that dropout that used to trail you around after school?" Ruby asked

"Yeah," Ananda shrugged and continue to drink her shake. "What about you?" 

"What do you mean?" Jae asked.

"Are you going to let that guy you've been texting all day knock the dust off that ass?" Ruby asked.

"What is wrong with you guys? Life isn't all about how often," She said looking at Ruby then shifted her gaze to Nandy, "or how much sex you have."

"Of course it's not. It's about enjoying yourself." Ananda said.

"It's about connecting to people without fear." Ruby commented.

"I'll be sure to keep that in mind." Jae said then quickly switching to the subject of Ananda's hair do for the event. She suggested she straighten it, Ruby suggested a nice undo, while Ananda couldn't understand why she couldn't just wear it wild and free.

******

Murphy was nervous. He fretted over his outfit like a teenage girl. He had gotten dressed early and now he stood in his room wondering if a full suit was way too much. 

"You look ridiculous," He said to his reflection. He went back into his closet to find something else. After dressing too casual then too beachy he went for a pair of dark jeans, a button down cotton shirt, and a blazer. He hoped it was good enough because he was running out of time. 

He made his way over to Nandy's place, greeting the guard at the front gate. He made it to the door and knocked. He was reminded of his first night with Nandy. Ever since that night he has always opened the door expecting to greeted by her warm body and soft kisses.

When she opened the door Ananda smiled up at him. She was bare faced and her hair was a massive afro dancing around her face shoulders and back. She was barefoot and her dress hadn't been zipped up.

"You look...nice," Murphy said knowing he should complement her.

"Silly," She muttered on a laugh. "Come in, I'm almost done."

"Almost?" He teased.

"Shut up," She chuckled walking back to her room. Murphy followed her into the bathroom curious as to how she'd pull it together in twenty minutes.

"You clean up real good," She said when she sat in front of her vanity.

"Thanks, I had to make you look good, right?" He chuckled.

He watched Ananda fascinated by how she expertly took a flat iron to her hair turning the mass into fat nicely manicured curls. He'd never seen her hair like this, he wanted to run his hands through it but he knew better. He'd do that to Rosalind, his sister, to drive her crazy.

Murphy was rapt with fascination as he watched her do her hair then go on to do her makeup. She looked to be a pro at it. Ananda didn't wear much makeup. The most he'd seen on her was lipstick and eye liner, but now she had pulled out all the stops.

"Now, don't we look amazing together," she said as she looked over herself in the mirror. Murphy came to stand next to her, pulling her into his side. He could only marvel at the dichotomy they created. She looked as if she fell from some hipster magazine and he looked like he barely tried. She was a dark goddess while he looked more rough than anything.

"Wait," She said shaking him from his thoughts. She pulled off his blazer and rolled his sleeves up his forearms exposing the light dusting of hair, she also un-tucked his shirt. "Now, you look like my sex god." She said 




Murphy Ch. 02



He chuckled, "I don't know, I feel a little underdressed."

"That's the idea," She said leaning up to kiss him.

"Lipstick?" He said leaning back

"Smudge-proof" She answered kissing him lightly.

"Genius" He whispered against her lips before kissing her again. He pulled her close enjoying the smell and feel of her. She was all done up and he knew he shouldn't touch but that was what made it so exciting.

Ananda's phone went off. "That's him," She said pulling away to smile up at him. "You excited?" She asked.

"You can say that." He replied just wanting to kiss her more.

She chuckled "It's gonna be fun."

Ananda could see he was as nervous as a sinner in church. She wasn't sure why he was so nervous but she knew she wanted it to be because he saw it as a date, like she did. One could only hope. She linked her arm around Murphy's as they got in the elevator and headed down to the parking garage. 

As the elevator opened Ananda's jaw dropped as the big luxury party van came into view. Secondly she notice G Frenzy, or Cole Gerris, and his entourage of well dressed rappers and body guards. Standing at five foot nine Cole was as tall as Ananda with a personality that could fill a room. His skin was oaken and he had a smile that melted hearts. Dressed in loose dark jeans he wore a light gray button down, a vest, expensive sneakers, diamond chain and black ray bans.

Ananda has seen him countless times during the process of planning the launch but that night he didn't look like the intelligent jokester that she had come to know. He looked like G Frenzy, famous rapper, producer, entrepreneur, and playboy.

Murphy didn't like this guy. He didn't like the way he pulled up his shades to eye Ananda, he didn't like the fact that he wore sunglasses in a parking garage at night. The guy walked up to his Nandy with his arms spread waiting for a hug. Ananda's grip on his arm loosened and she fell into his embrace. His hands were too low on her back for Murphy's comfort but chucked it up to his short stature.

"Nandy, you look sexy, girl" He commented. Ananda pulled away taking her place next to Murphy again.

"Thanks, you look great too. This is Murphy, he's my date." She said. It unnerved him that Ananda seemed unaware that this guy has been eye-fucking her since he saw her.

"Your date? I thought you were single, ready to mingle." He said not even sparing Murphy a glance.

"Yeah, well, the only one I'm mingling with tonight is Murphy." Ananda said throwing a mischievous smile in Murphy's direction. He smiled, more smug than he'd should have. 

"Well, let me introduce to you my boys." He said walking over to his entourage. 

Murphy put a hand around her waist as they followed Cole. 

"This is Faizon, there's Queue and--"

"Wait wait, can you tell me names and not stage names" Ananda said. They all looked at her as if she grew horns. Cole laughed good naturedly.

"Okay, Thats George, Kyle, Derrick, Kenneth, Sean, and Robert but we all call him Bossman." He said pointing to each guy stopping at a guy Ananda could only assume was his body guard.

"Hey everyone" Ananda said while Murphy merely nodded his greeting.

"Okay let's get this party started right." Cole sang-songed.

"Let's get this party started quickly," Ananda sung back causing them to laugh and they all boarded the monstrous van.

The ride was short but far from uneventful. As soon as they got on the bus the music was blasted loud and bottles of champagne was being poured and spread around. The group spoke among themselves about their expectations and the people in their social group that both Ananda and Murphy weren't privy to. They sat in the corner of the bus taking in a scene that they'd only hear about on TMZ or something.

"Does this happen often, for you? Do you get to see this whole celebrity scene a lot?" Murphy asked close to her ear.

"Not really," She answered "I meet a lot of celebrity clients but this is a first. It's exciting isn't it?" Murphy agreed as they accepted glasses of champagne passed to them.

"I'm glad you came." Ananda whispered to him. It made him feel special, he was certain that he would look like coal next to G Frenzy's diamond studded lifestyle.

"Did you party a lot, back in the nineties." Ananda said causing Murphy to chuckle.

"Are you calling me old?" He asked.

"Your words not mine," She sipped her champagne as she waited for him to answer.

"Not as often as most people I knew. The nightclub wasn't, well isn't, my thing. I'd much rather take a girl to the museum or Dave and Busters."

"What about dancing and music? I thought you were Brazilian, they are party people." Ananda said smiling up at him.

"Yeah, a lot of Brazilian's are but not me." 

"Will you dance with me tonight?" She asked in away that sounded like she wanted to do more than dance.

"All night long." He replied flirtatiously.

About two blocks from the venue a few of Cole's guys stopped a group of scantily dressed girls on the street and invited them onto the bus, doubling the occupants.Though, it was barely there the women were dressed to the nines in the latest club wear and they seemed to be women worth their salt but Ananda couldn't help but think of them as groupies. Each woman, in an array of ethnicities cleaved to a rapper. The bus pulled up to the venue where the velvet rope was set up and they all hopped out, separating like water and oil. Ananda hopped out first with Murphy on her heels, She was immediately blinded by flashing cameras which died when they realized she and Murphy weren't of a certain status. Nicki, Ananda's assistant project manager quickly found her and ushered her past the bouncers. 

G Frenzy and his guard was the next out stopping for pictures and autographs from the people behind the velvet rope. Then Cole's crew came out, followed by their women.

"Did you do all of this?" Murphy asked in awe as they entered the space, already milling with people. 

"I planned it it, Nicholas, or Nicki, he executed it." Ananda answered delighted that he liked it. 

The room was huge with white drapery everywhere. There was a huge volcano at the far wall just behind the DJ. The bar was to the right, it was long and had at least eight bartenders. The VIP section was a balcony off to the left, well equipped with its own small bar and plenty of theme appropriate furniture. 

"Ananda you have to go and try the cocktail that Raphaela made for the event, its amazing and I'm sure you'll get lit brighter than the Northern lights." NIcholas said taking them to the VIP balcony. 

"Sounds like my kinda drink" She said. "Nicki, are you sure you've got things under control?"

"Girl, yes," He said " This isn't my first rodeo. Go enjoy yourself with el joven hermoso" He said the last in spanish.

"Okay," She giggled "but you call me if you need anything." Ananda called after him as he left.

"El joven hermoso? handsome?" He asked close to her ear

"That's you, papi," She said "Come on lemme introduce you to Raphaela. She is this amazing mixologists and in charge of making the signature drink for this launch."

The two made their way to the small bar in the VIP section. It was visibly stocked with top shelf liquors with the new Tequila Vesuvius being at the forefront. There were quite a few people milling around the bar but the woman behind it seemed to man in expertly. "Ella! You got a sec?" Ananda called as she found a seat at the bar. Murphy stood next to her.

"All the time in the world." She teased handing a guy four drinks before walking over. "Who is this beautiful man here." Raphaela said eyeing Murphy. 

"This is Murphy." Ananda said not minding the look she gave him. She understood it completely. Murphy was sexy as fuck.

"Murphy your...." Ella said.

"My date, " Ananda answered with a small smile. Raphaela was older than Ananda and treated her like a little sister. She was long and exotic, she had shining hazel eyes and confidence that made Ananda look like Jae.

"Now, I know you guys are dying to taste my new concoction with the Vesuvius but I am warning you its gonna burn like Satan's spunk, you're best bet is to shoot it first."

"Satan's spunk?" Murphy asked as Raphaela poured them shots. Raphaela looked into Murphy's eyes admiring the glint of mischief there.

"What can I say? She has a colorful vocabulary. I thought it was cultural with Latin people." Ananda said

"I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure you're whole perception of Latin people is based on stereotypes." Murphy said chuckling.

"Actually, my whole perception of Latin people is based on a mix of Raphaela and Nicki." 

"Less talking more drinking, mama." Ella said passing them shots. "To getting laid tonight." 

They all said their cheers and drank. The Tequila made her eyes and throat burn for a few minutes. She clamped them shut to recover. When she opened them it was to see the vampy gaze Raphaela threw at Murphy. Ananda's hackles raised a little but she knew a jealous...whatever she was to Murphy, was not cute.

"How was it Murph?" She asked pulling him closer to her by his hand.

"Not bad." He said not seeming too phased by the strength of that shot.

Raphaela had already went to making two cocktails. It was in a martini glass mixed with something that gave it a rheumy yellow color and topped with whip cream into a little pyramid.

"It looks cool." Ananda said.

"Yep, Its supposed to be like the Volcano Vesuvius, the whip cream is the ash." She explained setting the drinks down in front of them. 

The drink was sweet and citrusy and yet it burned going down like only tequila can. Murphy was quickly draining his and had a little whip cream left on his nose when he was done. Ananda reached up and wiped it off and licked it off her fingers.

"So, is Murphy your boyfriend?" Raphaela asked after witnessing the scene. If there was one thing Raphaela was, she was determined. 

It was how Nandy got it, Raphaela more than rubbed off on her. She practically molded Ananda into the fierce woman she was today. Raphaela couldn't deny she wanted Murphy, and looking at him with Ananda she could tell he was too much man for her. He hadn't even unleashed his full sexual prowess on her. Ella could tell from the way he walked with pent up energy, the way he hovered around Ananda like he was afraid to scare her off.

Raphaela knew that with her, he wouldn't have to hold back anything. Ananda was a little girl in big girl shoes while Raphaela was a woman. She didn't want to hurt her protege Nandy but she wanted what she wanted.

"Murphy is...mine," Ananda said chuckling. She recognized the determination in Raphaela's eyes. Once was an accident, twice a choice, and three times was a pattern. She meant to have Murphy. Ella, was dear friend. Nandy's known her since college but she'd be damned if she'd allow this broad to have Murphy. 



Murphy Ch. 03



[Author's Note: Sorry for taking so long :-( I'll make it up to you ;-)] 

*

Damn him! Jae thought as she stared at the screen of her phone. 

She sighed, she didn't mean it. The time on her last text said 1:55, it was 2:10 and he still hadn't replied. He was probably busy or he was probably sleeping. She should sleep. Besides this wasn't her, she didn't wait around for a guy to call (or text), guys waited for her. She figured this was payback for ignoring all the guys who pursued her. She was finally interested in a guy and he was so nonchalant about everything.

Almost everything.

His name was Delvin. She'd met him a few months ago in Denny's. He was one of three firemen to flirt with her. All three were breathtaking, in varying shades of mahogany. She remembered Delvin because unlike the other two he was more aggressive with his flirtation, he made her laugh. The other two asked her about herself while he showed her his personality, bearing it in flirtatious comments.

When they left the restaurant they all asked for her number, all except one, Delvin. She politely denied them and left with her cousins. She, Ruby, and Ananda had settled into their movie when Jae's phone went off in her purse, only it was a strange ringtone. Jae tended to keep her phone on silent whenever she hung out with her cousins.

She excused herself from the theater to answer it. In the light of the theatre's hall she could see it wasn't her phone. It was a white iPhone much like hers, but the background was different and there was a bunch of gamer applications. As she stared confused at the phone a message popped up on the screen. The sender's number was her own.

'sorry, I took ur phone 

but I knew u wouldn't 

gimme ur number even 

tho u wanted to :-)'

A strange mixture of giddy excitement, shock, and a little anger coursed through her. She quickly called her number.

"So you resort to theft?" She asked when Delvin answered. Her voice gave away her excitement.

"Theft? Our phones simply got mixed up." He said with mock innocence. Jae couldn't stop the smile that was forming on her face. He texted her all through the movie, their conversation lasted up until they met for coffee that weekend. But don't call it a date! He'd somehow enraptured her. She couldn't take her mind off of him. 

Last week when she was meeting with one of her young patients she found herself wondering what kind of children she and Delvin would make. The fact that she thought that scared her.

****

The tequila was finally hitting him. 

Everything began to fit. He felt less like a wannabe and more like...like the sex god Ananda claimed him as. He trailed after Ananda as she circled the party greeting co-workers, executives and potential clients alike. She charmed them with her wit making him feel, at first, like the nerd who went to prom with the popular girl. As the tequila flooded his system he began to notice the sly glances she slipped him and the many times her ass "accidentally" brushed his crotch. He realized he wasn't the nerd; he was the fucking prom king.

After she finished dutifully greeting everyone worth greeting Ananda slipped her hand into Murphy's and led him down the stairs taking them from VIP to the main room. She slowly lured him into the throng of people pulsing to the music. They maneuvered closer and closer to the speakers and the bass pulsed through them. 

Just as they were close to the D.J. booth Murphy pulled her into his chest and they danced to the surging music. She was engulfed in his heat his scent and she wanted more. Her hips moved to the rhythm and his moved to hers. They rode the beat getting lost in each other. It felt amazing.

His lips hovered near her neck a whisper against her skin. They danced like that until she didn't know where he ended and she began...or maybe it was the tequila that made her feel this way. She didn't know but what she did know was that as she lived and breathed she was giving him some tonight. 

"Ananda?" A deep voice called. She opened her eyes as she slowly came out of the haze Murphy's nearness, the music and tequila caused. She looked around for the voice, following Murphy's gaze. It was Robert or Boss Man, Cole's guard.

"Boss Man? What do you need?" She asked leaning close to his ear. Murphy kept a firm grip on her hips.

"Frenze need to talk to you," He stated.

"Frenze? Who the hell is frenze?" Ananda asked. Robert gave her an incredulous look.

"G Frenzy, Frenze, Cole, he wants to talk to you."

"Oh," She said finally understanding "Okay, we're coming." She put her hand in Murphy and made for VIP.

"No, just you." Robert said looking at Ananda then to Murphy and back. "It's business."

"Ohh-kay," Ananda said giving him a confused look. She glanced back at Murphy to see the obvious displeasure there. He didn't like the sound of that. Ananda couldn't just abandon him, he didn't know anyone there. She couldn't abandon Cole either he was business, her bread and butter. Against her better judgment she made the decision.

"Hey, Murph, I'll only be a sec." She said as the two stopped in front of the VIP bar. "You can hang with Ella. She's Brazilian like you," She smiled at him. He didn't like the fact that she was leaving she could see it in his face.

"Don't take too long." He said.

"I won't," she said leaning in to kiss him. Murphy, expecting a light peck was surprised when she drew his bottom lip into her mouth and wrapped her arms around his waist. Instinctively, he returned her kiss, inhaling her perfume, his tongue flicked out to greet hers. Just as she was about to end her kiss she opened her eyes pinning Raphaela with a warning glare. Murphy was hers. Ella returned the look with one that said 'game on, and may the baddest bitch win'. 

Ananda followed Boss Man through the throng of party-goers. The crowd parted like the seas before Moses as they reached Cole. He stood like a gem among his entourage. People flocked around him; there were cameras snapping here and there and a video crew recording an interview with him. As if on cue, his eyes found Ananda's and he flashed his dazzling smile. The teen-aged girl inside of her screamed in excitement.

She reminded herself that she was a grown woman and Cole was an illusion while she had all reality, all man, Murphy waiting for her. Cole grabbed her hand and pulled her into him. He was a bit too close and he'd switched his hand to her waist.

"They want to interview me but I've never done an interview without consulting a publicist. I fired mine a week ago." He whispered. Ananda barely paid attention instead her mind was on his entrancing cologne and his closeness.

"Uh...you know that you don't necessarily need a publicist for an interview." She whispered back.

He gave her a look as if he knew that already but had expected her to still do something about it. When he only got a blank stare from her he sighed and leaned in a bit closer, his body pressing closer to her. 

"I get...less than articulate...in front of cameras." He divulged softly.

"You're camera shy!" Ananda said louder than she meant too. He quickly shushed her. "How is that? You do interviews all the time."

"My publicist, I always knew exactly what I should be saying, but now..." He trailed off.

"So what is it you're asking me to do?" She asked again dumbly.

"Speak for me...just regurgitate all the information we went over about the tequila for the party. Any info will do I just don't want to make a fool of myself."

"Okay, but it's only because you're so cute when you beg." Ananda said failing to mention he was so cute when he did everything else as well.

With bravado she didn't know she had Ananda waltz over to the camera crew and host with Cole on her heels and his entourage on his. 

"This is Ananda Rawlings," Cole started, charming as ever. Then he paused and Ananda can practically see the cranks going in his head. The lights were on but nobody wanted to come to the door.

"Yes, I'm Ananda Rawlings Project Manager for C&D Marketing and I think I can tell you all you need to know about Vesuvius." She smiled toward the host; the bright light of the camera shone and illuminated everything. Cole put his arm around her squeezing her hip to communicate his gratitude for stepping up.

The host, a fashion forward gossip girl looking woman asked questions like "why the name Vesuvius?" and "Does G Frenzy think it can compete with the other rapper owned liquors?" Ananda answered expertly stealing glances at Cole to make sure he agreed with everything she was saying.

"So you and G Frenzy seem to have become really close...during this process. Can you describe what's next for the two of you?" The host asked.

This question made Nandy laugh. "Well, I hope that Co--G Frenzy would definitely come back to us if he has any other business endeavor he wishes to launch. I mean, this experience was great and I'd even venture out to say it was a success."

"Yes, but do you think that your personal relationship will progress?" She asked, fishing for something that definitely wasn't there.

"I can see g Frenzy and I staying on friendly terms." Ananda answered diplomatically. She was officially over this interview and wished to return back to Murphy.

"What about you?" The host asked trying to pry some words from Cole. "Do you think you'd pursue a relationship with Amanda? You two seem pretty close." She gestured to the hand that was still on Ananda's hip.

"Ananda" He corrects looking into Nandy's eyes. "She is amazing, beautiful, intelligent and creative. I'd love for her to join my team." His eyes never left hers, and for the second time that night she felt like she'd just won the lottery. The cutest guy there was her date and the richest and most famous guy in the room was complimenting her.

"Your team?" Ananda found herself asking as she returned his gaze.

"Yeah, you'd be great, an asset." He answered leaning in. Their interview suddenly became an intimate conversation. 

"I'd have to think about it but I can't say that I'm not excited at the prospect." To be G Frenzy's publicist was an amazing opportunity. This would have been a major pay bump as well as gain her great prestige in the public relations world.

"Well, we can get together and talk about it someday soon." He said suddenly a whisper away from her.

"Yes, of course." she answered, then seemingly without warning, rhyme, or reason Cole's lips had descended on hers. 

She was vaguely aware of the pop and snap of cameras or the conspiratorial cooing of the host. She was aware, however, of Cole's scent and heat filling her senses and how soft his lips felt on hers. She was even aware of the way he pulled her into him by the hip and how her heart seemed to beat so fast that it fell out of rhythm. 

She pulled away from him, this shouldn't be happening. Another part of her said, why the hell not, she wasn't dating Murphy. The sentimental side of her brain countered that she did really want to date Murphy, a first, which this kiss could ruin if not stopped.

She stepped back looking at Cole surprised that he didn't look apologetic one bit. She gave the host a shy smile and demure goodbye as she pushed through the crowd that still snapped pictures. She took a deep breath once she got out of the crowd. Cole will make it alright, he'd explain that he was drunk and it will all go away. She repeated this thought over and over until she believed it. She needed to find Murphy, quickly, because the memory of Cole's kiss was making her shiver in a way she didn't want to.

At first Murphy was convinced that Raphaela was intense but on second glance she was charming, and very easy-going.

"How long have you known Nandy?" Murphy asked simply out of something to say.

"A few years now," She said before grabbing two beers and handing them to another waiting patron. 

"I met her in college." She finished.

"Really? I thought you were older than her." He asked accepting another one of those tequila cocktails.

"I am. I met her when I was a senior University of Miami. She was barely a sophomore. We began to run in the same circles even after I graduated. We were really close."

"So that would mean you've got a little dirt on her." Murphy joked.

"Depends, on what you mean by a little," Raphaela gave him a charming mischievous smile. It was a darker form of Nandy's smile. It made him feel like she knew things about the world that he couldn't fathom.

****

'missed me?'

Delvin had finally texted Jae back. Though still irritated, a wave of relief washed over her. Twenty minutes was way too long to wait for her Delvin fix. She smiled at the phone screen.

'oh you were gone? 

I didn't notice'

Jae had text back.

'you didn't notice? then 

maybe I'll go to sleep'

'No! I've miss you!' She text then backspaced over the miss you part. It sounded too needy to her ears. As soon as she sent the text her phone began to ring. It was Delvin. She smiled, cleared her throat then answered in a softer voice than she'd normally use. What was wrong with her, she didn't speak like that.

"Um...hello?" She reiterated in a voice that sounded much like her own.

"Jae, I just wanted to hear your voice." Delvin said.

Her belly flopped with excitement. It was good to hear his voice as well. "It is a pretty awesome voice isn't it. It has great resonance. It is feminine yet authoritive. Sometimes I wish I could hear it even when someone else is speaking."

"Yes, it is that great and more." He chuckled, "It is only second to mine, so much masculinity in one man's voice. How do I keep the women away?"

"A stick? Do you beat them off with a stick?" Jae answered barely containing her laughter.

"Yes, a stick...but the women aren't the ones getting beat off, if you know what I mean."

"You're a bad man." She laughed

"Yeah, but it's only because you bring it out of me."

"Then maybe we shouldn't speak to each other anymore." She said

"Pfft! Like you can keep away from me." He joked, "I bet just the thought of kissing me is making you tremble."

'No it is not' she wanted to say but she and Delvin both knew it would be a lie. "So what if it did?" She replied boldly. She hoped he'd laugh it off while another part of her hoped he'd explore this string of conversation a bit longer.

"Nothing, I just wonder what your body would do if I told you the things that roam through my mind." He said slowly. Jae's breath caught in her throat. She was more than intrigued.

"L-Like what? W-What things?" She asked.

"Well, I think of kissing you a lot, obviously."

"Obviously" She parroted causing him to laugh.

", but I also think about touching you. Your skin must feel like warm silk. It looks smooth, like caramel, but it probably taste much better." His voice went husky. Jae's heart slowly sped up and her nipples tightened at his words.

"How'd your body react to that? Tell me." Delvin said.

"I..." Jae couldn't bring herself to describe what she was feeling. A pang of shyness and fear froze the words in her mouth.

"You're going to make me guess, aren't you? I bet your nipples are hard little nubs,"

"Yeah," Jae breathed softly.

"I also bet you've pressed your legs together. You know that won't stop you from getting wet, right? "

Without filter Jae said, "How're you doing this to me with just your words?"

"You're letting me, I turn you on just as much as you turn me on, whether you're afraid to admit it or not." He said.

"I'm not afraid," Jae said.

"Then tell me." He said and was greeted by silence. Just when he was about to say something else she spoke.

"You turn me on." She said softly.

"How so?" he asked his voice rasping over her body like a caress.

The words were once again stuck in her mouth. To say what she wanted, what she felt, was such an awkward thing, but she wanted to make his insides melt with her words like he'd done her.

"Your smile," she said taking a safe route. "...and your laugh, when I hear it, it feels like you're touching me. It sends shivers down my body and I want to continue to make you laugh."

"Is that all?" He pushed.

"No," She said quickly, "Your arms, they're almost as thick as my thighs. I wonder how it would feel to have them wrapped around me. Your hands are very soft for a fire fighter." The last part made him laugh.

"I wander how they'd feel over my skin, how'd they feel..." She wanted to say something but couldn't bring herself to say it.

"Cupping your breasts?" He finished, "How they'd feel squeezing your nipples, then traveling down your stomach and into you little panties, to touch you?"

Her pussy began to throb at his description and her body began to wind up into a coil she couldn't release.

"Yes," She said so softly it was almost like a moan.

"Mmm, you'd be so hot and wet." He sighed. "I bet you're wet now, slide your hand in your panties and see for yourself."

She did so slowly, trailing her hand down her stomach as if it were Delvin's. She caressed her slit, slick with proof of her arousal. Her fingers found her nub and gently caressed it. The feeling was so divine she gasped.

"Sounds like I'm right." He said, "Just your soft reply has my dick swollen." 

"Are we having phone sex?" Jae found herself asking him.

"No," he said, "I'm making phone-love to you." This made Jae laugh, melting away any of her reluctance. This felt right.

'That cunt!' Ananda thought, she didn't normally use that word but 'bitch' just seemed too nice. She understood that Raphaela was hot for Murphy's flavor but honestly! As she walked back to the bar she could see Raphaela leaning over the bar whispering into Murphy's ear with a smile before pulling back to watch his expression. Murphy was laughing and rubbing his chin in that way that he does when he just heard something dirty.

It was a trick that Ella taught Ananda, when in a crowded space always lean closer in than you normally would, it makes him feel connected to you. The least she could have done was use a newer strategy. Below the festering anger and petty jealousy Nandy knew that it was probably all innocent to Murphy. At least he didn't kiss her in front of a million cameras. She shook that thought away; Cole was going to fix it. Now, she had to pull Murphy out of the lion's den.

As they got closer Ananda could hear that they weren't speaking English to each other rather this aquiline version of Spanish, Portuguese. There speech was fast and smooth and were followed by spurts of laughter. What first looked like a 'strategy' now looked like camaraderie, something deeper than what she shared with him. Something akin to fear went through her. They seemed to have more in common than she did. What if Raphaela was better for him then her? She took a deep breath to shake the feeling. She knew of one way that always made Murphy putty in her hands.

"You missed me?" She asked sidling up behind Murphy. His arm went around her but his gaze stayed on Ella.

"I guess sua acompanhante veio para te pegar." Raphaela said causing Murphy to chuckle.

"I guess so, sendo elcoltadas sente tao bom." He said with a leer toward Nandy, they both laughed again.

"What's the joke, I want to laugh." Nandy said with a forced smile.

"Voce homem mau, se comportam. Behave!" Raphaela concluded before waving goodbye and seeing to her customers.

"What did she say?" Nandy asked putting her hand in his.

"It was nothing important." He brushed a hand over her cheek and kissed her softly. 

'Not important, my ass' she thought. 

"Well, I've got a bit of a surprise for you" She said smiling.

There was the smile that Murphy knew and love. While Raphaela's smile was something predatory and seductive his Nandy's smile was full of sweet promises that he knew she could fulfill. He let her lead him into a smaller dance room set aside for dub-step music and light displays not for people susceptible to seizures. At the back of this room was a small alcove behind flashing strobe lights and a curtain of hanging crystals, almost unseen to the swaying crowd of dancing bodies.




Murphy Ch. 03



"Are we allowed back here?" Murphy couldn't help but ask.

"Don't be a Scared Susan, let's have a little fun." She said leading them deeper into the alcove. Murphy laughed as he followed.

Once she found a spot she was satisfied with Nandy said, "Dance with me."

"Dance? You brought me back here to dance?" He asked smiling at her bit of playfulness.

Ananda simply smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck swaying her body against him to the swirl and pound of the music. Murphy brought his hands around her and pulled her in close. His hips swayed along with hers and it wasn't too long before they were lost in the music together. They were hidden by the cast of the light against the curtain of hanging crystal. It looked like their hidden paradise. Nandy's face was so close to his chest the rhythm of his heart mingled with that of the music. His heat engulfed her and his scent filled her.

They swayed together until the end of the song and half of another, there closeness taking over both of their overactive libidos. Before she knew it Murphy had her pressed against the back wall of the alcove still swaying and moving. His lips found hers as his pelvis pressed toward her. A zing of excitement shot through Nandy as she realized what they were doing. He continued to move against her as heat snaked up her body. Her hips moved along to his. Ananda felt his bulge grow against her and smiled to herself.

"That's not fair," He whispered against her mouth, "You're not behaving yourself."

"I'm a bad girl" She chuckled, in that seductive way she had. "I do bad things."

She brought her arms around his neck and kissed him, her lips moving on his. Murphy pressed closer to her and she could feel his heart beat pick up.

Her movements were becoming sweet torture to Murphy, he couldn't help himself. He wrapped his hand around one of her knees bringing it to his hip, in an effort to press closer to her wonderful heat. Nandy's dress rode dangerously up her thigh, but he found what he was looking for. His bulge pressed against her cloth covered clit causing her to moan into their kiss.

"Who's misbehaving now?" She asked against his lips. He chuckled, grinding harder and harder against her. Nandy let her hand trail down his chest, over his stomach to the zipper of his jeans. She unzipped it and slipped her hand past the material and into his boxer. He hissed as her hand found his cock, pulsing with needs.

"Be careful, you're approaching the point of no return." He said moving in her hands. She kissed him again as she moved her panties to the side and slid him into her slick opening. He groaned deep in his chest as he sank deeper inside her. His movements picked up and Nandy bit her lip to trap in the sounds of her pleasure. His lips found her neck as he ground into her causing her to whimper.

"Fuck me," She whispered into his ear as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He grunted and began to stroke faster.

"So wet," He groaned. Nandy could feel her body coiling and bunching. Her climax was near. Her nipples tightened painfully and her fingers dug into his shoulder. He brought her to her edge and kept her there teetering precariously.

"Murphy please makes me cum, please," She whimpered as she moved her hips as much as her position would allow. His hands found her hips, steadying them as he pummeled deeper into her, groaning softly with every stroke. He stroked until he felt her pussy spasm around his cock. The feeling so delectable he pumped his cum into her.

They stood their breathlessly holding each other. 

****

" I've never done that." Jae whispered breathlessly into the phone.

"You haven't?" Delvin said more surprised than Jae thought he should be. Maybe she shouldn't have told him. 

"Shit," He said "Well, you know what this means." 

"What?" Jae said, her heart seizing in wait for his response.

Delvin glanced at the clock. It was four am, he was supposed to be waking up in a couple hours to spend the day with his great aunt and yet time with Jae seemed to take precedence over his sleep. 

Jae's whispered confession sparked something in him. He knew she had an air of innocence about her, often mistaken for prudence, but never had he imagine that it extended to phone sex. He'd mastered that in the seventh grade. He sighed deeply. He definitely couldn't fuck this up. This was a jewel. To have a virgin in his hands at a time he considered himself to be at his peak of sexual intelligence, was like a skilled painter with a rare blank canvas. He was going to make the most of it.

"Jae, meet me in front of the Hilton on Sterling Road." He said hopping up from his bed.

"What? Why?" Jae asked hearing the urgency in his voice.

"Do you trust me?" He asked slipping on some jeans.

"I guess," She answered more confused than before.

"Okay, then do it. I'll be there in two minutes, I promise." Delvin hung up on Jae's confused squeak.

Nandy and Murphy giggled like a pair of teenagers as the party continued. Murphy never left her side and Nandy never stopped smiling. Celebrities came and went as well as some big wigs in the public relations field but none of that seem to matter to Nandy. She had what she came to refer to as her Murphy glow. The smile only he can give her and the giggle only he can make her produce. As the party was winding down Boss Man gathered the crew to leave. Each one weighed down by the smiles and giggles of the women that cling to them.

"Will there be room for all these women?" Murphy leaned in to ask Nandy as they made their way to the door. "If these girls are DTF they'll make room." 

As they exited there was a loud clamoring and shouting, lights exploded and the clicking of shutters like a low thrum. "Frenze! G Frenzy!" the people called. Ananda thought it be only a matter of minutes before they realize that they were no one and the noise would die down. It didn't. "Amanda!" they shouted. "Where's G Frenzy!? Who's that!?" 

"Does this make me a star-fucker?" Murphy joked.

"Just for tonight, tomorrow my fifteen minutes of fame will be over. Then you'll be a has-been-fucker." She said back, causing Murphy to chuckle.

Cole exited the club flanked by his posse and they're girls and the crowd turned their attention to them.

"Wow, exactly fifteen minutes," Murphy said. They both stood back in the crowd waiting for the bus to arrive. 

"Where's Amanda?" The crowd of photographers began to shout. Nandy was getting a little irritated. If she was going to have her fifteen minutes the least they could do was get her damn name right. Before she knew it the crowd was pulsing and swaying her away from Murphy, demanding she take a picture with Frenze. She was pushed toward Cole and without hesitation his hand was around her waist and he was posing. So caught up in it was she, she had nothing else to do but pose along.

"So what's the big deal? Why are they obsessed with Ananda all of a sudden?" Murphy asked a nearby photographer who was changing memory cards. 

"That's what I'm saying," The photographer said not looking up from his dslr, "This Amanda chick's got a nice face but she's a little big isn't she? His last girlfriend body was banging."

Murphy's hackles raised, Ananda's body was perfect and she wasn't 'big' but he wasn't going to argue. "Ananda's not his girlfriend." Murphy said

"Now, she is. Cole asked her during his interview and she accepted." 

That sounded ridiculous to Murphy. He chuckled "I don't know where you got that from but somebody lied to you."

"Buddy, I'd seen it myself." The photographer finished what he was doing and looked up into Murphy's eyes. "They kissed to seal the deal, in front of a bunch of cameras. My eyes may fail me but this lens never does." He threw Murphy a smile as if he'd just finish spilling the hottest news then resumed snapping pictures.

Something hot settled in Murphy's throat and traveled his neck. He saw Cole pull Nandy closer and the how she complied completely. He was angry. He had the strongest urge to pull Nandy behind him and punch Cole as hard as he could. He swallowed the feeling. It was his fault. He should have claimed her, not in some dark shaded alcove in the club but in front of everyone. Nandy was his and he wasn't going to let some bitch rapper steal her away.



Murphy Ch. 04



(Author's Note: I'm often caught between making these chapters longer and getting them to you faster. Enjoy) 

*

"What are we doing out here?" Jae asked when she arrived. 

The night was a little chilly (by a Floridian native standard) and she was only wearing a wrap dress and sandals. She wrapped her arms around herself and leaned against her Audi Coupe. After the first five minutes she felt stupid. Delvin said jump and she said how high. She finally saw his black Land Rover irk into the parking lot and she sighed with relief. He hopped out looking as handsome as ever, with his mouth fixed in a perpetual smile and eyes deep and playful.

Delvin didn't answer the question that she asked. There was one thing he needed to do first. His steps were steady and determined. He reached her and pressed his lips to hers, his fingers disappearing into her hair. He deepened their kiss as she melted into him. She smelled of peaches and lilacs. His body pressed against hers until she moaned into his mouth. This was the first time he'd kissed her like he truly wanted to. Before had only been measured pecks, sweet and innocent.

"Like I said, sweeter than caramel." He whispered against her lips. He took her hand and tucked it in the crux of his elbow. "Let's go, we have to get there before the drunken people leave."

"Wait, what?!" Jae said, still reeling from their kiss.

"You'll see," He chuckled as he led her out of the parking lot.

They entered the Waffle House across the street and were greeted by a less than enthused group "hi" from the staff as they waited on the drunken patrons. It made sense, there was a night club down the street that closed at two am and it was currently around three. They paused at the door and Delvin threw a smile to Jae. 

"Sit anywhere," a short round woman said as she passed them with an armful of plates.

"Who the hell put all these black things in my pancakes?!" A girl slurred loudly from the back corner of the restaurant.

"Pahh!" The guy with her laughed, "You wanted chocolate chip pancakes! Sit yo' drunk ass down!" The girl sat down shaking with uninhibited laughter.

"And so it begins..." Delvin said as he led them to an empty booth near the open kitchen. 

"Why didn't you say you wanted to take me out?" Jae said as she sat down.

"Honestly, I didn't think you'd want to come here. You seem like a Seasons 52 kind of girl." Delvin handed her one of the laminated menus.

"What're you talking about, I've been here before. I've even been in her position a few times." Jae said with mock offense. She gestured to the drunken girl listing heavily on her boyfriend, laughing hysterically at some unheard joke.

"I'd seriously loved to meet drunk Jae. She seems like the life of the party." 

"Get me near Ruby, Nandy and some liquor and you're sure to see her." She scoured the menu as a few moments of awkward silence passed. "So...why bring me here, now?" Jae asked after deciding what she wanted.

"Well, if I spend the night with a woman the least I can do is get her breakfast, right?" Delvin explained, his dark eyes twinkling.

"Well, aren't you charming?" She mocked.

"Very," he said, "As a matter of fact not only am I feeding you, you get a show as well." He gestured to the drunken group who was, for some unknown reason, toasting their glasses of orange juice and getting it all over the place. Jae and Delvin laughed.

****

The ride from the event seemed quiet to Ananda. She sat curled next to Murphy, his hand placed possessively on her knee. His expression was unreadable as he regarded the men in the luxe bus. They had beautiful women dangling from them, purring, cooing, and kissing them to the sound of R&B. His eyes found Cole. One girl was curled up beside him whispering in his ear and playing with the diamond chain hanging down his chest. The other sat on the other side pressing kisses to his neck and massaging his inner thigh.

Murphy couldn't believe she kissed him. He looked at Cole and could only see Nandy's body melting against him, he swear he could almost see red. He was getting ahead of him, could he truly trust some sleazy paparazzi over Nandy-his Nandy. If it happened, would she tell him? Why should she? He'd never made his intentions known. What were his intentions?

"Eeh-Er Eeh-Er, I see cranks going, what are you thinking about?" Nandy whispered to him

"Nothing," He said more cold than he'd meant it. "Nothing," he reiterated softly rubbing her knee. "Do you want to come over tonight?"

"Yes," Nandy replied quickly with her roguish smile, "I've never been there before."

"Cole!" Murphy called out. Cole's eyes darted first to Ananda then to Murphy. This irritated him. "Tell your driver to drop us off at 1580 3rd ave, and not Ananda's place." 

The bus erupted in hoots and Ananda smiled saucily toward Murphy. Cole nodded at Boss Man who stood to inform the bus driver. Murphy saw Cole glance longingly at his Nandy before returning to the woman on his lap, kissing her deeply. Murphy felt a little triumph at that moment. Cole may have kissed her but she was coming home with Murphy.

Something went wrong, but not very wrong, just a little wrong. Murphy wasn't giddy anymore like she was. He had a stern look on his face. Ananda resisted the urge to ask, she feared he would say that it's nothing and it was definitely something, but what was it? They pulled up to an apartment building. The parking garage was too low for the bus so they got out onto the street. Ananda said her good byes and Cole said he'd call. At that Murphy's grip on her tightened and he rushed them out of the van.

Something clicked, Murphy was jealous. This discovery more that excited her. He was feeling what she felt when she saw how close he and Ella had gotten. She smiled to herself, maybe he'd react like she did, with fast dirty sex (minus the fast part of course).

At first glance she liked his apartment. It was small and crowded, completely different from hers. His couch was big, plush and well used. She smiled. There was his big entertainment center that he loved. Speakers dotted his ceiling around the living room and many shelves of games and DVDs. It smelled warm, spicy and intrinsically male.

As Murphy closed and locked the door behind them she took to discovering his apartment. The living room was as big as her bedroom and she figured his bedroom is even smaller. There was a kitchen to the side that looked well used. There were a few pictures on the wall, people she'd never met. She wondered if she'd ever get to meet them. Would she ever be that important to Murphy? She found, framed, a diploma that read 'Murphy Borges graduate of Miami Dade College Fire Academy'.

"Fire Academy?" She couldn't help asking, "That's like a thing?"

She turned around to see Murphy arm's length away, face unreadable and eyes trained on the diploma in front of her. No, this seemed more serious than mere jealousy. Her stomach flopped. Could this be about that stupid kiss Cole planted on her. Did he know? Should she ask? 

"Nandy?" His voice was deep and rumbled through her body like only his could. Something akin to fear swam through her.

"Yes?" She answered meekly.

He finally turned to look at her. His green eyes burned with unadulterated lust. His gaze seemed to smooth over her skin like a caress. Her breath caught in her chest and heat flushed her skin.

"Take off your clothes." He ordered in his deep baritone. Ananda's nipples puckered at the sound. 

She reached behind her and slowly dragged down the zipper. The strap fell off her shoulder and Murphy drank in every inch of her chocolate skin. She pulled it down her chest releasing her breast. Pert dark nipples reached out toward Murphy causing his mouth to water to taste it.

The normal look of satisfaction that she wore when he reacted to her body wasn't there. In its stead her eyes burned with raw arousal and were tinged with worry. She continued undressing, her eyes never wavering from Murphy's. She pushed her dress past her hips and it pooled around her feet. There were a few thick moments of silence as he drank in her body. Her skin was a beautiful oaken shade and looked like spun silk. Her curls had fallen and her hair fell in frizzy waves down her shoulders, stopping just at her round breast with little chocolate nubs that looked back at him. Her waist dipped in then flared to wide hips and buried between two thick soft thighs was her hot waiting pussy sheathed by a tiny black silk thong. Murphy's hands itched to touch her.

He reached out grabbing the back of her neck and pulled her toward him. Murphy crushed his mouth to hers kissing her forcefully, his teeth clashed with hers and his tongue dipped inside her mouth. He was trying his best to claim her, and somehow make her his, but the thought of her kissing Cole made him see red. He couldn't stand the thought of her wrapping her arms around Cole like that first night they were together, showering him with her kisses. Ananda moaned into their kiss as warmth pooled between her legs. Her hands went around his waist and he pulled away. 

"Nandy, I want you." He said breathlessly, "Even the way you look at me sometimes..."

"I'm yours," She said. She reached out for him again, kissing him. Murphy inhaled her scent and ran his hands over her body. He ran his hand up her back to the back of her neck. He fisted her hair at the nape pulling her gaze up toward his breaking their kiss.

"Did you...kiss Cole?" Murphy whispered.

"No," She replied. The look he gave her was mixed as if he didn't know what to believe. "I didn't Murph, I promise. I'll never disrespect you like that. You were my date!"Ananda stepped back feeling something cold ripple through her. 

"He kissed me." She admitted solemnly. She hazarded a look and saw anger flash in his eyes. "I stopped it, Murphy. I walked away; you're the only one that I want."

"He kissed you?" Murphy said his voice rough with anger. "I could kill him."

"Murph, he was drunk and grateful that I saved his ass. He's going to explain it away, he has to." She said.

Murphy sat down on the couch, his face was unreadable once again. "Why should he?"

"Because he's business and you're..." She didn't know what to say. What was he to her?

"I'm what?" He asked looking at her. 

"You're mine," As the words left her mouth something deeper than lust, deeper than anything she'd ever felt, vibrated through her. "There is nothing Cole can do to change that. No amount of money, fame, or anything like that that will make me want him over you. It was a stupid drunken kiss."

Murphy ran a hand over his scalp then looked at Nandy. He thought over what she had said. Murphy was a man and he knew exactly what Cole was thinking. He knew Cole wanted Nandy and he knew that he's going to do whatever he could to get her. The question was should he believe that Ananda truly wouldn't fall for him and his glitz. She'd never seemed like the girl to be blinded by the sparkle of diamonds and cameras but now he didn't know what to believe.

"Were you ever going to tell me?" He asked.

"Eventually," she answered softly. She sat down on the couch next to him as her emotions boiled to the top. "Tonight was supposed to be perfect. I didn't want to ruin it." She wrung her hands.

"We've never been on a date, you know." She said throwing him a glance and a sad smile. "I was going to deal with it later, so we can have tonight. I guess I fucked that up, didn't I?" She stood up to grab her dress.

"Wait," He said stopping her in her tracks. "C'mere, on my lap," He commanded. She straddled his lap and placed a soft kiss on his lips bracing her hands on his chest. Murphy grabbed her hips and pulled her against the bulge in his pants, grinding against her. Her pussy throbbed in response. With every twist of her hip, her breast swayed in front of him, dancing for him. He latched onto a small dark nipple and rolled it on his tongue. It audibly popped from his mouth and he latched onto the next sucking harder. Ananda moaned, running a hand up the back of his neck and raking her finger nails slightly across his nape.

Ananda pulled back, she quickly unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it off his shoulders. She ran her hands over the warm skin on his chest as her body moved against him of its own accord. Her hands moved quickly down his body to his jeans, smoothly unbuckling his belt and pants. She looked up to see his gaze piercing through her. His gaze alone was enough to make her body flush with heat.

He pulled her off of him swiftly and stood before her stark naked like a golden Adonis. His muscles coiled and stretched under his tan skin. His cock was thick and heavy and bobbed with his every motion.

"Murphy," She crooned yearning for him to get closer to her.

"Shh, you're going to do whatever I want. You owe me." Murphy growled, he gave her a heated grin. His voice caressed her skin causing her nipples to tighten painfully. Ananda was excited yet anxious of what he had stewing in his mind. 

"Up," He growled. In the next second she was on her feet gazing at him like a melting ice cream cone, she'd want nothing more than to run her tongue over him. He led her to the back of the chair, dragging out every moment.

"Hands on the couch," He ordered. She complied as her arousal mixed with her anticipation and yearning. In the next moment he was behind her gripping her hips as he pressed his thick member to her ass. He buried his face in her hair and inhaled as he slowly reveled in the feel of his skin on hers. He slowly slid his hands up her body, taking handfuls of her breast and tempting her nipples with his fingertips.

"Don't move your hands unless I allow you to, do you understand?" He growled next to her ear sending shivers down her spine.

"Murphy," came her reply as she rubbed herself against his cock like a cat in heat. His fingertips clamped down swiftly on her sensitive nipples causing a ripple of pleasure and pain to sear her body. She hissed in response.

"Answer me," He ordered, not letting go.

"Yes," She hissed. When she answered he let go of her nipples rubbing away the sting until they were hard little pebbles once more. One of his hands trailed her body, over her belly then between her legs.

"Open up for me," He groaned into her ear. She obliged letting his fingers touch her lower lips. His hands teased her clit as his tongue glided up her neck and down. Never had she needed this man so much. He lightly smacked her clit causing her to squirm against him. His hand shot to her hips stilling her movements. 

"Don't move," He grunted. The next instant he pulled away. "Hands up in the air," He commanded.

She did so, anticipation building in her and making her nipples tighten painfully. Murphy slipped between her and the couch, leaning back against it as he buried his face in her bosom. He licked every inch of skin and rolled her tight nipples over his tongue. Murphy loved the way she trembled almost begging for his dick. If that was what she wanted that was what he'd give her.

"On your knees, sweetheart, show me how much you want it." He growled softly.

Nandy didn't hesitate; she kneeled down eye leveled to his member and laved the head with her tongue. She heard him hiss and she continued on pressing him slowly into her mouth. She pressed her tongue against his shaft, reveling in its heat and the salty taste of pre cum. She slowly took him into her mouth then back, bobbing slowly on his cock. Murphy began to growl and press his cock into her mouth further and further. Nandy picked up speed causing him to murmur, "Sua boca esta enlouquecendo."

She had no clue as to what it meant but it turned her on. His hands delved into her hair and he pumped into her mouth moaning beautifully in Portuguese. Nandy's body lit up with need, she let her hand fall between her legs to touch herself. 

"Uh-uh" He said pulling her mouth off of him. He grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her to her feet. 

She was once more eye to eye to him. "Murphy, please fuck me," She whispered with a hooded look, "I want to feel you inside of me, so hot and thick. My body is yours, Murphy, take it."

"Shh," He said gently. He once again put her hands on the back of the chair and demanded they stay there. He bent her over spreading her legs all the while trailing kisses down her back. She could feel him rubbing the head of his cock on her clit causing a delicious shiver to run through her body.

Just before Nandy could moan for him, Murphy pushed into her slick hole.

"Oh fuck," Nandy gasped as he continued to press into her, filling her. He'd normally wait for her to adjust to his girth; Murphy reared back and plunged in with a satisfied grunt. Nandy's knees almost buckled and her breath caught in her chest. He began to pump into her, slowly at first then gradually picking up speed. He leaned down to press kisses to the heated skin of her back. The feel of him inside her was so exquisite she leaned back into his strokes sending him deeper into her hole. The sound of their moans and slick skin slapping together filled the air and pushed their arousal to new heights.

Ananda's body began to shudder in the telltale sign of her impending orgasm. Murphy chose that moment to pull away causing Nandy growl in frustration. Nandy actually growled, she didn't growl. What was this man doing to her? She heard him chuckle with mischief. She straightened, taking her hands off the couch, ready to take from Murphy what she wanted. 

In a voice that was firm and commanding without shouting he said, "What did I say?" He slapped her ass sending a shock of pleasure-pain through her. 

"Now, I'll have to show you what happens when you defy me. Hands on the couch." 

She complied, filled with longing, anticipation 

and a little fear. His hands dipped between her legs, stroking her slowly, intently. His fingers slid slowly through her folds following the path to her small puckered button. Ananda gasped as she realized where his thoughts were taking them. She was no anal virgin but it wasn't something she did often or with just anyone. The first time she was madly in love with him, the second, third and fourth times she was flat out wasted.

Her heart sped up as she questioned whether or not she'd allow this to continue. She slowly let out a breath, her body said yes but her mind said, wait let's think about this. All the while Murphy's hands stroked her spreading her wetness between her cheeks. His finger slowly dived into her tight hole as his lips kissed a hot trail down her neck. She tensed with her un-assurance. 

"Calm down, Gostosa." He whispered, "Your body is mine, and I plan to take it."

She let out a shaky breath and tried to relax. Murphy's free hand wrapped around her to find her clit and rubbed it in slow agonizing motions. When her muscles where finally lax enough, his finger continued its voyage into her ass. He plunged in then out slowly a couple times before adding a second finger. 

Nandy finally became accustomed to the sensation, mewling softly at his ministrations. Murphy removed his hands placing his cock head at her entrance. His nudged at her opening as his other hand picked up its rhythm against her clit. He slowly pushed in causing Nandy to grip the cushions of the couch.

He growled his pleasure in her ear when he'd managed to fit the tip of his cock inside, pausing there for Nandy's benefit. When he felt her relax around him he continued inch by agonizing inch. He noted the heave of Nandy's breath and the moans of both pain and pleasure that she emitted. He smiled to himself. She was fiery and not afraid to go for what she wanted but it turned him on immensely to see her succumb to him. He'd finally pushed in to the hilt and felt her hole spasm deliciously around him. 




Murphy Ch. 04



He growled again and teased her clit till she writhed. He withdrew slowly testing her reaction. She gripped his forearm as she moaned this one of pleasure. He plunged in a little faster than before as he reveled in the delicious heat that gripped his cock. It took immense control to keep from pounding into her recklessly. He continued his slow pumping; enjoying her soft gasps every time he penetrated her. 

The feeling of complete fullness caused her to shudder in his grasp, his hand never stopped teasing he clit and his cock stretched her anus. Murphy began to pick up speed. Never has anal felt this good, it was a different sensation yet her body vibrated with the same desire. She pushed back against him causing him to go deeper.

He began to pump harder, one hand on her pussy one slowly snaking up her body pausing to pinch and squeeze her sensitive nipples then gripping her shoulder to slam into her. Her moans rang through the small living room. 

She closed her eyes forgetting everything except Murphy and the decadent and sinful things he did to her body. She gripped his forearm tighter, letting him know she wouldn't last much longer. He moved his hand from her shoulder to lay flat on her breastbone pulling her into his chest. His hand slid up past the hollow of her collarbones to gently wrap around her neck. 

She threw her head over his shoulder letting him moan sweet Portuguese words into her ear. She felt the edge of her pleasure quickly coming. The hand around her neck began to tighten, not enough to be uncomfortable but enough to cause her to panic.

"Shh," he comforted close to her as the hand on her clit picked up speed. Her eyes rolled back as the sweet feeling washed over her. Her head was swimming with it. His grip became a little tighter and her head swam more. Her body became overloaded with sensations so much so that her moans couldn't be distinguished from sobs. He began to growl gutturally with every stroke he made and Nandy knew he was about to come too. 

A few more pumps and she fell over the cliff, her whole body shuddered violently both of her entrances spasming as well. It was like electricity extreme cold and scorching heat all at once engulfed her. He growled loudly as he pumped his seed into her, filling her. It felt like it lasted for hours after which she slumped over the couch feeling extremely tired and spent. 

Murphy was no better, he wrapped his arms around her body pulling them both to the ground in a heap of heated skin and heaving chests.

"Not to self; defy Murphy more often." Nandy murmured barely able to keep her eyes open. She fell asleep to the sound of his chuckle.

****

Jae and Delvin stuffed themselves with pancakes, bacon, and orange juice as they enjoyed hours of entertainment from the drunken group. The group slowly stumbled out and Jae could only hope that they were headed to the hotel across the street and not behind the wheel of a car. It was time to blow this Popsicle stand. As they walked back to their cars Delvin slipped his hand in hers. Her heart flipped. She always felt like a teenager around him

"You ready to go home?" Delvin asked as they reached their cars. Jae silently looked down at their entwined hands. She'd never thought she'd like someone this way. She wanted to be around him all the time. I guess this was how punch, drunk love felt. Yet she couldn't help but question if it was love. It couldn't have been, not really. They've known each other for a month or so, maybe it was simple infatuation. She decided she didn't care.

"No," She said softly looking up into his eyes.

"Me either," He said, "Let's go for a drive." 

They both hopped into his Land Rover and drove around. They rolled the windows down and turned the radio up and just enjoyed each other's company. He drove holding her hand running a thumb over he knuckles. This felt absolutely perfect, but it was in Jae's nature to wait fearfully for the sword of Damocles to fall. She sighed trying to shake the feeling, and for a while she did.

The two decided that it would be fun to go to the beach.

"Let's watch the sun rise," Delvin had said suddenly.

"We can watch it rise from the car." 

"No from the water, it probably won't rise from over the shore but we can still watch the sky change color." He said jovially.

"Why not?" She said giggling a bit, "The sun rises in the east; it will rise from the water."

"Duh, no it doesn't, that's in California where they shoot the movies." He said causing Jae to out and out laugh.

"Duh, that's the sunset. The sun sets behind the buildings down here."

"Oh," He said his brow drawn in confusion; he quickly recovered and said, "Oh, okay then, shall we go?"

"Okay, let's go." She agreed with a playful smile.

They parked leaving their shoes in the car and ran toward shore. It was dark and the air was cooler and smelled of salt and sea. They stumbled across the cool sand until they found the public beach chairs that were chained together and tethered to the lifeguard post. They both sat down and looked out onto the shore. They settled into their chairs for the wait. For some reason Jae thought it would begin as soon as they sat down, but no, they sat awkwardly quiet in the dark.

"How long do we have until it begins to rise?" Jae asked in the mounting silence.

"I'm guessing twenty maybe thirty minutes." He said.

"Oh," There was another long beat of silence. Breeze whipped by and she shivered. His arm pulled her in closer. Jae smiled, he smelled warm and clean like spearmint and sandalwood. 

"Did you have any plans for today?" He asked her. The sound of his voice rumbled through his chest.

"Just a girl's day with my cousins. Nandy and Murphy had that event tonight and I need to get all the details. What about you any plans I'm ruining?"

"Actually," He said, "I plan to see my great aunt today."

"Ooh, a family man." She said pressing closer to him. "Tell me about her."

"What is there to say? She's my only family, she raised me. So when she was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's I promised her I'd always be there, even when she isn't. It's become harder and harder to take care of her. I've put her in a nursing home recently, something I thought I'd never do."

"Well, if it's for the best then there's no shame in it." Jae consoled when she heard the abhorrence in his voice. 

"What about your family?" He asked.

"Nandy and Ruby is my family. We're all a little estranged from the rest."

"Mind me asking why?" 

"Well. It's a moral issue. There was a big dispute in the family and most of them persecuted one of us in particular and we three were the only ones to see how wrong it was. We picked up and left after high school. We moved into a cramped studio apartment and helped each other get to where we are. We didn't need them." Jae explained.

"What was the dispute?" He asked.

Delvin could hear the hesitation in the air before she spoke. "It's not my place to tell you. I wasn't at the heart of it and I don't want you forming opinions about my cousins before you know her."

"Then which cousin is it?" He asked knowing she'd be even less inclined to tell him that.

"It's starting," She said instead.

Delvin pulled her closer to him as they watched the sun rise. He could feel it. Just as the sun bloomed from the horizon so was their relationship. Yet just like the sun in its first hours it illuminates part of the city there are still places where the sun has yet to reach, but it will get there soon enough.

****

She was out like a light and Murphy couldn't help but feel a little smug about it, having worn her out. When he final caught his breath Ananda was asleep in his arms. He picked her up taking him to his bedroom, laying her on the bed before retreating to the shower. As the warm water rained down on him his mind traveled to the woman in his bed. Her eyes and smile were both playful and sultry and somehow they've coaxed him into this position where he questioned his bachelorhood. The jealousy he felt at that club seemed so out of character.

Ananda wasn't his. Yet, he had to ask himself did he want her to be his? She was beautiful, intelligent and charming; he often forgot how young she was. Tonight he was reminded of that, the whole thing with Cole reminded him about the situations that will come up often. When he was twenty three he couldn't imagine slowing down or stopping for anyone, relationships were for when he was too old to party. Now, He wasn't too old to party but he was ready to get into a relationship. He didn't think Nandy was ready for that. 

He hopped out the shower with resolution. He'd ride this wave with Nandy until it comes crashing to shore. As he walked out the bathroom he heard his cell ring. He looked to Ananda to see if she'd woken up before heading to the living room to get his phone. It was a text from Raphaela. When they were speaking at the bar Ella somehow cajoled him into exchanging numbers. Why not, when they realized they ran in a lot of the same social circles.

u guys should b 

careful in the dub-step 

room the walls have eyes. 

Lol. Heard about a party next

Weekend at Justin's Lounge 

stop by u might know 

some people.

It seemed innocent enough to Murphy and Raphael was an enigma. She was a different kind of charming and had an air of mystery surrounding her. Part of him wanted to go to that party but for some reason it felt like a betrayal to Ananda. 

****

Ruby had very few personal indulgences, not that she was complaining. She loved her family. Although the twins were little brats sometimes and her husband has grown a bit distant, she was sure it was a rut. For now, she lived vicariously through Nandy and her exploits, and celebrity gossip.

She chuckled to herself as she pulled out ingredients to make her family's breakfast. She'd never thought that she'd be one of those housewives that indulge in things like that but things around her house has become a bit monotonous. 

She put the grits to boil and the bacon and biscuits in the oven to bake. She baked the bacon because it was healthier that way and the biscuits always had hints of bacon when she baked them together and the smell woke up her husband at seven in the morning. Ruby turned on the coffee and whipped herself a cup of tea, sat at the breakfast counter with her laptop and went to Media Takeout.

The first story on front page and Ruby nearly choked on her tea, "Oh shit!"

It read; "Mr. Steal-Yo-Girl and We Not Talking Trey". The story went that Ananda showed up with Murphy, "unknown guy" and left with G Frenzy. There were pictures of Ananda standing next Murphy as they left this huge party bus a few picture of them holding hands and kissing, a picture of Ananda kissing the rapper and then lots of pictures of her posed with him leaving the club. 

"What the fuck, Nandy?" She said to herself. This wasn't like her cousin at all and yet here were the pictures splayed on Media Takeout. She had to...what did she have to do? She was beyond shocked. She picked up the phone to call Ananda. It went straight to voice mail so she called Jae.

"Ruby? What you want?" Jae said by way of greeting.

"We might need to move up our girl's day." She answered.

"Why what's wrong?" She asked sounding more alert than she normally would at six thirty in the morning, Ruby noted.

"Check out Media Takeout and then help me get a hold of Nandy."



Murphy Ch. 05



Author's Note: It was horrible of me to end the chapter on a cliffhanger and not update immediately. I'm so sorry about that. I wanna thank you guys for still sticking it out with me. I really do appreciate it. I hope you guys enjoy and I promise to never wait so long. Ciao

*****

"Oh!" 

Murphy heard someone shout followed by excited murmurs, it woke him out of a deep sleep. He was wiping his eyes when he heard yet another outburst.

"Take it! Tell me how it tastes!" It was Nandy's voice. Murphy instinctively reached out for her but she wasn't beside him. He couldn't imagine what she was doing or who she could be talking to. He slowly rolled out of bed and stumbled to the living room. 

"I got something for that ass," He heard her say as he stepped into the living room.

Ananda was on the couch wearing nothing but his undershirt, playing Call of Duty on his Xbox. Her curly hair was pulled up in a messy bun, still damp from her shower. She was even wearing the headset, talking smack to the other players. This sight was probably the sexiest thing Murphy had seen in a long time. Her breasts swayed with every push on the controller and she was straight dominating in the game. 

"Don't worry about my name, just swallow my bullets." She said before killing three soldiers with expert shots, and ending the game. 

Murphy came behind her placing kisses on her neck.

"Did I wake you?" She asked setting down the controller.

"You woke up both of us," He said with a chuckle. He came around to the front of the couch taking a seat next to her. He handed her the controller, 

"You can play another game if you want."

She smiled widely, "Okay,"

"I didn't know you played?" He said stroking her knee.

"Yeah, we had an event with the developers last year, everyone at the agency played as "research". We still play together to this day."

"Murphy was content with watching her play. He stroked her thigh enjoying the soft warm flesh. Everything about her and about this moment turned him on. His hand ventured higher and higher on her thigh until his hand was close enough to feel the heat from her sex.

"Ooh Murphy, you're being bad." She said with her eyes glued to the screen.

"No," He said falling to his knees in front of her, "This is bad,"

He spread her legs; grateful she wasn't wearing any panties, and nibbled at her soft inner thigh. She stifled a moan which was more than enough encouragement for him to proceed. He kissed and nibbled until he reached her center, throwing her legs over his shoulders. He lapped slowly at her slit and she shuddered. His tongue swirled her clit until she was writhing in her seat. 

Nandy couldn't even concentrate on the game anymore, yet she continued to play. She did at least realize that it turned him on and good things happened when he was turned on. His tongue flicked at her swollen clit and Nandy jerked. Suddenly he drew the hard nub into his mouth.

"Oh God!" She hissed as she ground against his mouth. Murphy didn't relent slipping a finger into her tight wet hole. Nandy couldn't stop herself from riding his fingers and mouth, her moans breathy. She clutched his shoulders then the back of his neck as her legs began to tremble. 

"Don't stop!" She cried, trying her best not to clamp his head between her thighs. 

"Oh, goddamn," She moaned as she came hard, her whole body shook and jerked.

The tendrils of her orgasm shuddered through her limbs even as she leaned down and brought Murphy to her lips. She kissed him passionately as she pulled at his clothes. She fell to her knees in front of him. 

Murphy loved when she was like this, kissing and groping him as if she can't wait another second to fuck him. She quickly ridded him of his undershirt and gripped his cock while pressing her body against him. Murphy ran his hands down her back gripping handfuls of her ass while she stroked his cock.

Suddenly music was playing and they both were content to ignore it until Murphy recognized it as his ringtone. 

"I gotta get it," He moaned as Nandy nibbled his neck.

"Don't answer it," She said against his skin, "Stay here and fuck me."

"I gotta get it," Murphy repeated reluctantly pulling away, "It could be the station,"

"What about my fire?" She said watching him pick up the phone.

"Murphy," He said answering the phone, and then his brow furrowed, "Whoa-whoa-whoa wait, here she is. It's your cousin Ruby, something about an emergency." He said the last toward Nandy.

Emergency? The absolute worst came to mind. Was it the twins? Was it her husband? Was it Jae? Nandy was quickly on her feet and grabbing Murphy's cell.

"What is it? What happened?" Nandy asked as soon as she was on the phone.

"You're on Media Takeout!" Ruby said completely horrified.

"Wait, what? What are you talking about?" Nandy asked.

"You are on Media Takeout with Frenze. Nandy, what the hell happened last night? Does Murphy know about this?" Ruby said throwing question at her spit fire.

"Oh dear God!" Ananda said slapping a hand to her forehead.

"What's wrong?" She heard Murphy say from behind her. She couldn't lose it. She could handle this. 

Damn, what would this do to her career? This would do nothing, she was a publicist by trade, and a damn good one, and she could fix it. She had to make a few calls and she'd fix this by the end of the day. 

She took a deep breath, "Okay, thanks Rubes for looking out. I need to make a few calls and then I'll explain everything." 

"Nandy, we're here for you. Meet us at Shooters in about two hours okay?"

"See you, Ruby" She said.

"Everything okay?" Murphy asked genuinely concerned.

"Yeah, it will be, I'll fix it." Nandy said, racking her brain for solutions, "I gotta go," She said suddenly.

"Anything I can do?" He asked. Ananda shook herself out of her thoughts and smiled at him. She couldn't help it he filled her with the most wonderful feelings. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. He reciprocated wrapping his arms around her body.

"I'll bring your car back later this afternoon, okay?" She said pulling back.

"You know it's at your house, right?" He said.

"I'll bus it," She said shrugging.

Murphy sighed, "I'll call you a cab."

*****

"Why is she so late?" Ruby said after she told the waitress she wasn't ready to order for the third time 

"She's probably already got this figured out, so relax," Jae said after what seemed like a too long, exaggerated yawn. Jae had a death grip on her coffee and her eyes were at half-mast.

"What were you doing last night?" Ruby asked looking at Jae suspiciously.

"Minding my business and leaving yours alone," Jae dismissed.

"Jaelynn, you are either having a quarter life crisis and you're hanging out at janky nightclubs all night or you got a man." Ruby teased.

Jae stared too intently at her coffee while a smile played at the corners of her mouth, "That is none of your business."

"Hot damn! Jae's got a man." Ruby said excitedly.

"What!? Somebody knocked the dust of that ass?" Ananda asked coming up behind them.

"No," Jae protested as Nandy kissed them both on the cheek before having a seat.

"Don't be ashamed that you let your cookie see the light of day," Nandy said, slipping easily into her favorite past time, making Jae uncomfortable.

"Jae, it technically doesn't exist if no one but you've seen it." Ruby said teasing her.

"Really?" Jae said rolling her eyes, "Don't get sidetracked, Nandy is the one who went down to south beach and showed out."

"Showed out? I was working and my drunk client kissed me, it just happens to be that he is one of the most recognizable figures in the world."

"...and a scandal broke out," Ruby added.

"...and poor Murphy is in the middle of it," Jae tacked on.

Nandy sighed, "Get off my ass, I'm fixing it." She said as the waitress came around.

"Told you," Jae said to Ruby as they each took their turns ordering.

"So, does Murphy know?" Ruby asked.

"He knows about the kiss. Murphy is pissed at Cole; if he was a different kind of man there would've been a different story in the news today." Nandy said before taking Jae's coffee from her and drinking it.

"Aren't you afraid of what Murphy will do when he finds out it's in the news?" Jae asked taking her mug back.

"He's not going to find out," Nandy said. 

Thinking about how Murphy would react scared her, if only a little. She didn't want him to call it quits with her. He'd become more than her friend with benefits, he was truly one of her best friends. 

"I'm meeting with Cole this afternoon and if he has any shred of professionalism he'll simply clear the air with his social media. If he refuses I have a few favors I can call in. Either way, they'll be a different headline on the gossip blogs by the end of today."

Jae and Ruby both registered the sternness in Nandy's voice. Murphy means way more to her than she'll admit. Had it been any other of Nandy's "men" there would definitely not be any calling in of favors. She would've shrugged her shoulders in that way only Nandy can and go on to hold some vulgar conversation about how good she thinks Cole would be in bed.

******

After Ruby left the brunch with her cousins there was lightness in her step especially after the frenzy she'd worked herself into that morning. She hadn't even had time to make her husband's lunch trying to get in contact with Jae and Ananda. Yet after meeting with them she was excited for them, in a strange way. They were falling in love whether they both liked to admit to it or not. 

Ruby headed to her husband's office with his lunch from Shooters feeling great all the way.

"Hey Tru, I brought your lunch", Ruby said peeking her head into his office. He didn't look up from his work; Ruby figured he didn't hear her. 

"I got you some shrimp fajitas, it'll be good for you to take a break from red meat," Ruby continued as she entered his office.

"Close the door behind you," Truman said with an edge in his voice.

"What's wrong babe?" Ruby asked doing as he asked. He was sometimes short with her when he was frustrated but this coldness was peculiar, even for him. Looking at her husbands bowed head she couldn't even recognize him as the man she married, the love of her life. 

Tru was like her in many ways; quick to smile and a little inexperienced but they'd always worked in tandem and loved it. Nowadays it was like they didn't even speak the same language. She initially thought it was just a rut, so she did a lot (and I mean a lot) to bring the spark back into their marriage. It had to be something else, after so much effort Truman had only become more distant and more irritable.

"Where were you?" He asked finally looking up at her. His brow was furrowed but his voice calm.

"I went out to brunch with Jae and Nandy, we went to Shooters," She said holding up the bag as if it were proof.

"Bullshit," He said venomously, Ruby hated when he was like this, which was becoming more frequent. 

"The twins' teacher called, Junior is acting up again and she couldn't get a hold of you. Where the hell were you and don't lie to me." He said standing up from his chair. He towered her by a few inches, all of which he utilized as he stepped forward to cower her.

Ruby knew better than to back down to him when he's in these moods but she wouldn't add fuel to the fire. "I went out to Shooters with my cousins, I brought you lunch and I spoke to the twins teacher already. My phone was dead when she called." Ruby said straightening her shoulders and staring him in his eye.

Tru's gaze was so intense it would burn her eyebrows off it could. He took a step closer and quickly pulled at her hair at the base of her neck forcing her to look up at him. He held it tight enough to make her head immobile but not enough to hurt her. It was enough to put a little fear in her, but she wouldn't let him see it.

"Baby? Truman, why don't you believe me?" She said calmly.

"This dress, the lipstick, and perfume, you don't wear perfume." He said, his face changing from blind rage to something softer more vulnerable. 

Ruby, felt her face get hot, it was for him. She hadn't been to his office in a long time and she just wanted to surprise him with a little afternoon delight. It was part of her attempt to end their rut.

"I wore it for you," She said softly. His gaze studied her face and found there sincerity. He loosened his grip on her head and like a mask being removed, her husband was back. He kissed her deeply as he stroked her face.

"I'm sorry, honey. It's...just been a lot going on with this new case and the partners riding me and..."

"I know," Ruby said before pressing kisses to his chin, "I just wanted to show you how much I appreciate you."

Yes, this was more than a simple rut. It scared Ruby, certainly, but she wasn't giving up on her marriage.

******

Ananda was sure she looked crazy, she was still wearing Murphy's jeans, the length of which was cuffed and his shirt she'd knotted to look presentable. She marched through the pristine office bypassed a protesting secretary to barge into Cole's office. He had the nerve to smile at her.

"Do you know what's going on?" Ananda asked trying to keep her tone professional.

"Good afternoon to you too, Nandy," He said gesturing for her to take a seat.

"Cole you need to fix this, this can be damaging to my reputation, to my career. People will think I fucked my way to the top. I can't have that!"

"Slow down, what are you talking about?" Cole said not seeming to understand the gravity of the situation.

"Don't tell me you haven't seen it, It's all on twitter. A picture of you stupidly kissing me, hash tag 'These Hoes Ain't Loyal'. You have to fix this. I've already figured out a way to fix it but you have to do it. If you have any integrity you will do it."

"Whoa, integrity?" Cole said a little offended, "I thought that was what you wanted. You parade all around here, flirting and what not, then you had the nerve to bring a date with you when I invited you as my date. You saddle up close to me in that interview basically say you want to be with me and scuffle off when I kiss you."

"Oh dear God," She said burying her face in her hands, "No!"

"No?" He said shocked.

"No! Your communication skills suck! I'm sorry if you feel misled. I don't flirt at work, call it personal morals, I just don't. When you invited me to ride with you I thought of it only as business. Before you kissed me I thought you were offering me a job, "on your team". I never meant for any of this to happen. I'm with Murphy"

"Are you dating him?" He asked.

"Why is it any of your business?" She said defensively.

"Tell me you're dating him and I'll send a tweet right now and clear all this up." He said 

"Fine, I'm dating him," She said crossing her arms.

"I don't believe you," Cole said

"This is not about whom I'm dating or not dating this is about my career. I can't have people think I'm fucking my clients. Clear this up or I'm pulling you through the dirt with me." She said.

"How will you do that?" He sounded a little too smug to Nandy.

"Just know that I am well connected,"

"Okay, Ms. Well Connected how about a truce. You agree to become my publicist until I am able to find a new one and I'll call off the hounds."

"Your publicist? That's such a bad idea I can't fathom how it could be worse,"

"That's my deal," He said,

"Fine," She said, being his publicist was a great opportunity but there will be those that said she got it on her back. Something she hated to have associated with her but if it'll get her name out of the tabloid it's worth it, right? 

****

Jae had painstakingly curled her hair then squeezed into a little red dress that gave her more hips than she had and propped her boobs up. She pulled out all the stops when it came to makeup. Delvin was coming to pick her up for their first official date. Call it nerves but Jae got ready way too early. She had at least a half hour before Delvin would be there. She spent her time practicing her sultry gaze. 

After a particularly ridiculous looking gaze she gave up. She wasn't the sultry girl, she was Jae. She loved fashion as a creative outlet and she loved the interesting catacombs of the human psyche but she was no one's sex symbol. For the first time, though, she wanted to be. She wanted to make him melt like he did to her. She smiled at the mirror. She was admittedly beautiful with her long face, round dark eyes and shapely lips. Suddenly the doorbell rang. She almost fell with her rush to get the door.

The look in his eyes made it all worth it, the primping and prancing trying to be his bombshell it was worth it. Even now, sitting at the softly lit table of this elegant restaurant he looked at her as if he could eat her up spoonful by spoonful.

"I'm so lucky to be here with you. The guys at the station are still mad." Delvin said.

"Not lucky, you've worked hard and were very determined. You've earned the privilege to buy me dinner. I do plan to get the steak, by the way." Jae said cheekily as she picked up the menu.

"Oh shit," Delvin said suddenly patting at his pockets. "I left my wallet.'

Jae lowered the menu, eyes wide, and then laughed. "If I bought dinner does that mean you'll put out?"

Delvin laughed, "I was just joking. I have my wallet. Save your money, I'd put out whether you paid or not."

"Oh don't sell yourself short, you deserve better." Jae said in feigned concern, "Besides who'll buy the cow if the milk is free?"

Delvin threw his head back in laughter. Jae loved to see him laugh; his dark eyes seemed to sparkle. That was exactly what Jae needed. She wasn't so nervous anymore. Maybe she had been putting too much weight into this date. She fell in love with him through his conversation after all. Converse, they did. It flowed easily but somehow they were back at the topic of Jae's past.

"So were you born a twenty year old college student? You never talk about anything before that." Delvin said.

"Because it's not important. It was a hard time in my life; I barely remember most of it." Jae said concentrating a little too hard at slicing her steak. 

"Oh, I don't believe that for a second. The hard times are what make you who you are. How can I ever fully know Jaelynn if you don't tell me." 

Jae understood but she was still wary. She did trust Delvin with the information but it wasn't her secret to tell. 

She took a deep breath and looked him in the eye, "Ruby, Ananda and I left our family when we were about fifteen or so. They were religious zealots and...it drove us away. We lived out of Nandy's car until her mom reported it stolen. I still remember watching from down the street as they towed the car with everything that we owned in it. Ruby's boyfriend's family gave us a little money and we were able to rent a shitty apartment in Liberty city." 

"It's still a miracle that we graduated high school. It wasn't until college that life got easy enough to actually figure out who I was. In college scholarships and loan money paid for dorms and meal plans and I only had to work for extra spending money. I literally found out who I was in college. I had time to watch movies, and I could finally afford clothes. I found out what I like and didn't. When I was a teenager I couldn't afford to like or dislike anything and before that I was more focused on not going to hell; which is very easy according to my father."

"Damn," He said taking her hand, "But I knew you had a past. You had to; you're too successful to not have one."

"That's was real smooth, Del." Jae said genuinely complimenting his 'game'. "You're going to make me swoon." Jae felt like there was a weight lifted off her shoulders. 

"Why did you guys leave home in the first place?" He asked.




Murphy Ch. 05



"Moral reasons," Jae said once again brushing off a question about her past.

"Oh, that's such a cop out! What's the truth?"

"I-I can't. Nandy would kill me. It's not my secret to tell." Jae said softly.

"It was something Nandy did, was it?" Delvin said. He wanted desperately for her to trust him with any and all of her secrets.

"No, it wasn't her fault. None of it was her fault. Don't tell her I said that." Jae said looking at him wide eyed.

"No, I wouldn't do that." He said bringing her hand to his lips. "I just want you to trust me."

**

Murphy was whipped. What else could make him sit on the couch playing call of duty and pining for Ananda? He had already invited her to come over but she had work to do for Cole. It had been a couple days since the party and he was missing her. This was a different feeling for Murphy. Don't get him wrong he had felt this pining before but it was mostly for somewhere hot and wet to put his cock. With Nandy he missed her smile, her laugh, her caresses, and that face she makes when something he says goes over her head but she doesn't want to address it. 

Just before he was about to call in takeout Raphaela text him. She invited him, and a few other friends, to a Cuban bar opening downtown. She'd said he'd know a few people. Murphy didn't see why he shouldn't go but somehow he felt a little weird about it. To go would feel like a betrayal to Nandy but staying on the couch waiting around for Nandy was pathetic.

Decision made, Murphy showered dressed and headed out to the bar. The bar wasn't packed like Murphy had expected, it was a grand opening after all. Raphaela lied, he didn't know anyone there and he didn't even spot Ella. He sat at the bar and nursed a beer for few minutes feeling stupid. All of a sudden, there was a rush of people and in the middle of the crowd he spotted Ella. She was striking, beautiful and literally brought the party with her to the bar. There was a part of her that reminded him of Nandy and it was enough for him to relax.

"You made it!" She said spotting him at the bar.

"I did, it's actually a really cool bar." He said.

"Yeah, the bar owner, Chris, this has been a big dream of his. Where's Nandy? "She asked.

"She's working." He said simply but the tightness in his eyes told Ella he didn't like that. Wow, this couldn't have been easier. 

"Oh," She said feigning concern, "That sucks, Chris is a mutual friend. He's going to be sad that she couldn't show,"

"He won't be the only one," He muttered under his breath. It wasn't meant for her ears but when Ella heard it all she could think was 'hook, line, and sinker'.

******

Ruby heard the door open so she rushed from her vanity to the bed, positioning her naked body provocatively amongst the rose petals. She felt sexy and ready for what she'd planned that night. She'd worn her deep red lipstick and left her curly hair wild and free. She was sad to admit that they hadn't had sex in three months and drought was killing Ruby. Maybe it was killing Truman as well. It could be the reason he is so agitated and paranoid. 

She took a deep breath as she heard him twist the knob to the door. He walked in and immediately pinned Ruby with a heated gaze. It made her proud that after so many years he still was aroused by her.

"I bet you had a long day at work," She began huskily, "Let me help you forget about it." 

Truman was silent for a while looking her over, then as if the thought just occurred to him he blurted, "Where are my children!?"

"They're fine," She said to calm him. He must have just realized that the house was quieter than usual.

"Don't lie," He said venomously, "What did you do with them?"

"Nothing, Truman, they're sleeping." He was really trying to piss her off, wasn't he? Why else would he ruin this? "I took them to the park after school to tire them out. I wanted them to be fed and asleep when you got home. What do you think I did to them?" 

Before she could finish her question he rushed out the door down the hall to the twins' room. Ruby grabbed her housecoat and followed. When she had it on and had reached their door she saw Tru caressing her daughter's sleeping face. She really was an angel and spitting image of her father. Ruby wanted to be mad but the sight melted her heart. She watched as he gently kissed their daughter and went over to their son to do the same.

"Feel better?" She asked softly when he closed the door behind him.

"I'm sorry about that." He said before kissing her. His kiss was deep and passionate and thrummed through her whole body.

"It's-"She couldn't finish her sentence, he had claimed her mouth with his own as he gripped at her possessively. Ruby shivered from his touch. He quickly pulled her house coat down her shoulders and caressed every inch of her body from her small pert breast and tiny waist to her wide hips and thick thighs.

"I can't wait to see how good you are at holding your screams." He growled into her ear. Her skin lit on fire as she felt the wetness growing between her thighs. He quickly picked her up by the waist and her limbs instinctively went around him. Once they'd reach the bed. He laid her down and spread her legs. Ruby didn't have time to react before his mouth was on her sex. She gasped as his tongue sent rivulets of pleasure over her body. He licked and sucked until her legs were quivering.

"Damn, I haven't had pussy for dinner in a long time." He said giving her a smirk.

She giggled, "I'll keep that in mind," Ruby began undoing his tie and unbuttoning his shirt as Tru fumbled with his zipper. He finally freed his cock and pressed to her clit. Ruby sighed at his titillation. He continued to rub her clit until they both were heaving and grinding against each other. Truman placed his cock at her entrance.

"Wait, wait! I had a massage planned, handcuffs and everything." She whispered.

"Oh honey," He said kissing her appreciatively, "You can do whatever you want to me tonight but right now I need you." 

There was sincerity in his voice, Ruby nodded before kissing him. In a swift move he plunged into her and relished the sound of her gasp. He started slow, making love to his wife and whispering sweet nothings in her ear. His speed picked up as he clutched her passionately. He stroked into her until she was trembling in her arms. It took everything she had not to cry out from the bliss and she was soon coming with a stifled whimper. Truman didn't stop, he stroked until he was coming inside her.

"I love you," He whispered over and over.

Even in this perfect moment Truman had a fear he couldn't shake. It was ever present and ever growing and he just didn't want to see it to fruition.

*****

Murphy was actually enjoying himself. Raphaela was right he knew quite a few people, a couple guys from the station and even a few of his own cousins. No body called her Ella, it was always Raphy, and she was a part of the guys. She administered shots and seemed to know all the songs that would liven the party. Murphy felt like a VIP around her. She ventured off and yet was always near him.

"You're having fun," She said taking a seat next to him at the bar. "But not nearly as drunk as you should be."

"Why do I need to be drunk? Seems like everyone is drunk enough for me," He said

"Because it's a celebration!" She said loudly and everyone hooted. Murphy laughed.

"Do you recall last week when J Frenzy was caught kissing his publicist at the Vesuvius launch party he threw," Murphy heard from the TV just above the bar. One host was speaking to the other. They were showing a still from a video where Cole had his hands all over Nandy and she, stiff and shocked. When he saw the picture he was immediately angry with Cole and, yes, a small part of him was angry with Nandy.

"He has since denied any rumor of the two dating and called his actions a drunken mishap. Our sources have caught them out a few times together looking a little too chummy with a publicist he supposedly isn't dating. These pictures..." 

The host went on and on but what worked Murphy into a seething anger were the pictures they showed. One of Nandy and Cole at some Brickell Ave Bistro. Admittedly it could have been a business meeting but the gaze she gave him broke his heart. It was how she looked at him when she thought he wasn't looking. There were a few other pictures that looked fairly innocent but the image of her looking at Cole was burned into his memory.

"Oh Goodness, Does Nandy know about this?" Ella said softly. She really did feel a little sympathy for Nandy. She was after all her friend but this played perfectly into her plan to have Murphy for her own.

"Probably, probably not, it doesn't matter." He said dismissing it before ordering a strong drink. He didn't want to be mad, he didn't want to think about it or deal with it. It did confirm one thing. She wasn't quite in love with him as he was with her. It hurt a little but at least he was able to admit that he loved her and also that he had no obligation to her.

Ella could see it was affecting him, but she needed to drive the point home, "I'm sorry, Murphy, I should've warned you that Nandy was like this. She's fickle and-"

"Let's not talk about it," Murphy said cutting her off. He downed the glass of rum and coke. "Wanna dance?" He asked

"Okay," Ella said smiling inwardly. He'd be hers by the end of the night.

******

The night had a rough start but it was everything that Ruby could imagine and Truman willing did everything on Ruby's list. They hadn't had a marathon session like that since they'd skip class in college to smoke weed in his dorm and fuck all day. It was so nice to have her Truman back. Ruby and Truman sat in there deep claw foot tub. It was literally the selling point on their condo but they never used it. 

That night they did, Truman held onto her caressing her skin in the warm soapy water.

"...but I think she's in love." Ruby was saying.

"Jae? In love? Who is he?" He asked incredulous.

"That's the thing we don't know. I don't know why she needs to keep it a secret. Nandy, though, she is definitely in love. Normally if Nandy gets in a sticky situation she just drops a guy but this time she actually was about to call in a few favors."

"Nandy's too smart for sticky situation. The girl always knows what she's doing." He said.

"I guess love made her sloppy because she went to a party with Murphy and somehow her client got the impression that she was interested in him. He kissed her and it ended up in the tabloids."

"She kissed him, while she was on a date with someone else?" He asked not liking Nandy's choices. He knew also that Ruby was so influenced by Nandy. What if she convinced Ruby that that behavior is okay?

"It's not like that," Ruby said not registering his change in mood.

"I don't think you should hang out with her anymore." Truman said with an edge of seriousness to him.

Ruby regretted even saying anything, "Tru don't be like that."

"I'm dead serious, Rubes, what kind of person is that to hang around or to have our children around?"

"She's their aunt! She's my only family! You can't be serious!" Ruby said.

"Ruby, do not go around that woman." He said his grip on his wife tightening.

"That woman? Truman, don't act like you don't know her as well as you know me. Nandy is kind, loving, and fierce but compassionate." She said, "I don't want to fight. Please let's not fight!" 

Truman sighed, he wouldn't fight but he wouldn't change his mind on this. Even as he thought about it a heavy fear fell over him.

****

Murphy was enjoying himself. Maybe it was the liquor in his system or his company, whichever it was he couldn't stop smiling. He and Raphaela danced all night, took more shots, danced, and drank some more. Murphy was admittedly drunk. Yet he was coherent enough to still notice how much Ella reminded him of Nandy. She smiled mischievously and even "accidentally" brushed her ass against his crotch. He always expected for her to look at him the way Nandy did but it never came. When it didn't come he had another drink.

"Come on, give me your keys, I'll take you home," Raphy called out as Murphy stumbled on the way to his car.

"Nah, I'm fine," He slurred, "You drank too...a lot." 

Ella finally caught up to him, for a drunken man he was fast. 

"Then I'll call a cab, we'll share." She said standing closer than normal. Maybe it just seemed that way. Murphy noticed how her dark brown hair had fell out of its bun and tendrils of it cascaded down her shoulder. He raked his hands through it. 

It definitely wasn't like Nandy's. Her eyes weren't like Nandy's he thought as he stared at the hazel orbs. He trailed his fingers down the skin of her shoulders; her complexion was nothing like Nandy's. So why did he want to kiss her like Nandy. Why did he want her to press against him and whisper dirty wonderful things in his ear like Nandy.

"What are you thinking?" Ella asked. Murphy noticed how her lips weren't as full as Nandy and he hated himself because he was thinking of Nandy. Was she even thinking of him or was she right now getting plowed by Cole in some condo off of south beach. It hurt to think about. Murphy couldn't even answer Ella's question.

Suddenly, soft lips were on his kissing, him slowly. Hands that weren't Nandy's pulled him in closer. It felt so good to be kissed so tenderly and yet so wrong that he couldn't think of anyone other than Nandy.

What was wrong with him?



Murphy Ch. 06



[Author's Note: Thanks, for checking out this installment. I'm pleased to say that its almost done and by the new year I'll be finished with both GianCarlo and Murphy and have a new gaggle of characters for you guys. So much love, Kenny]




What was that horrible noise? 

It didn't register to Murphy that his phone was ringing. The sound of it just made his head pound and ache. He reached out patting for his phone until he found it.

"Murphy," He answered.

"Mmm, I love it when you get Barry White on me," Nandy said over the phone. Murphy instinctively perked at her voice. He hated and loved it all at once. Why did she affect him so much?

"Hey, what's up," Should he mentioned that he got shitfaced and kissed Raphy. Should he mention that he immediately puked afterwards and she had to drag him back to the bar? Should he mention that it took Raphy and two of his cousins to get him home where he immediately passed out on the couch? He didn't have time to mention any of that.

"I miss your face, come open the door for me." She said playfully then a knocked at the door.

Ah shit, Murphy was a mess he was still wearing last night's clothes and was splayed on the couch with heavy limbs and a splitting headache.

"Okay, gimme a sec." He grunted into the phone and hung up.     

Murphy stood up quickly, too quickly, he felt dizzy but he needed to do something about his appearance. There was nothing to be done and Nandy was knocking again. He opened the door bracing for the awkward look she'd give me.

Instead she gave him a moue of sympathy, "Aw, someone had a great night."

Murphy chuckled; he should have known she'd be able to tell. She was so cute today, it was hard to remember why he was so mad, so hurt.

"Who are you by the way?" He asked, she was wearing glasses, dark rimmed Tina Fey glasses. She looked so innocent in them and years younger. Her thick kinky hair was pulled up in a bun and she wore a flowy summer dress, a blazer, and these strappy heels that made her legs look smooth and thick.

She laughed, "I know, I'm four eyes today. I ran outta contacts. I was thinking we'd do a schoolgirl fantasy but you don't look up to it. Come on, I'll take care of you."

She followed him in and did exactly what she said she'd do. She'd fished out some pain killers from her purse and gave them to him before running him a bath as he brushed his teeth and washed his face. With her there smiling up at him from where she knelt near his tub, last night didn't feel real. He hated how content he was with forgetting it completely. He regretted that night even. If only he'd stayed home, ordered some Cuban food and played Grand Theft Auto all night, he'd be right now making Nandy scream his name from the rafters or at the very least cuddled on the couch playing xbox. Instead he stood there feeling barely human, burdened with regret and that horrible image of Nandy smiling lovingly at Cole.

"Lets get you out of these clothes," She said coming up behind him and pulling his shirt up over his head.

There was nothing overtly sexual about the way she undressed him. It made him want her so much more. She slowly pulled his shirt of then his undershirt . She ran her hands over the skin of his chest and the dark blonde hair scattered there.

"It really is pretty," She said more to herself than to him.

"What is?"

"The contrast, our skin," They both took a second to admire their reflection in the mirror above his sink.

"You were right, you really do look good next to me," He said.

She smiled wryly, "I'm always right," She continued to undress him and guided him to the warm soapy water.

"You're really going to do this?" Murphy asked as she knelt near the tub with a rag and soap.

She smiled at him, "Yeah, why not? I want to." 

Murphy acquiesced allowing her to wash him. She was gentle and worked slow. Murphy couldn't deny he enjoyed it. He watched her the whole time, studying the face he loved so much.

"You never asked me what I did last night," He said.

"You would've told me eventually," She shrugged, "What did you do?"

"Checked out this new bar that just opened called Serens,"

"You went to Serens!?" She asked smiling widely, "A friend of mine, Chris, owns that bar. I helped him out with marketing. How was it?"

"Great," Murphy said surprised she wasn't embarrassed to not have shown. He was even more surprised by the fact that she had a hand in its success, even if it was behind the scenes. "Good drinks, great prices, but that jukebox even better. It's like a classic bar and modern lounge had some weird super bar."

"I'm so glad you liked it," She chuckled, "that bar was his little baby, I'm just mad I didn't get to see it on its grand opening." 

Her gaze was trained on running the sponge over his chest and down his shoulders. She seemed so innocent and unreadable; he found it hard to hold onto his anger.

"I guess when duty calls, right? How is it working with Cole?" He asked trying his best to sound nonchalant.

Nandy wasn't fooled, she knew he was searching for an answer but had no idea of the answer he was looking for, "It's exactly what I expected it to be, like working for a spoiled six year old. I wasn't working with him last night, though. I and the team had to put in some extra work for a different client."

"Oh," Murphy said trying not to sound too surprised. He failed. He felt a bit foolish for immediately jumping to conclusions. 

Still, nothing changed the fact that the gaze that he'd always thought signaled some sort of deeper feelings for him was actually just another one of her seductions. It still hurt that she'd given that look to Cole. It didn't matter at that moment because with the full force of that gaze on him, he couldn't resist her, he wouldn't even try.

He pulled her down into his kiss, the movement making the water in the tub slosh around. She giggled against his lips, "You're getting me all wet,"

"And that was just a kiss, give me five minutes and the show will really began." He chuckled before tugging her into the tub with him. She squealed as she it the warm soapy water.

"I guess this means you're feeling better," She said feeling his erection between them as she laid on top.

"Much better," He said pecking her lips. He fogged the lens of her glasses with his breath, "four eyes,"

She giggled, "You know you love them," She said pushing them atop her head.

"I do," He cooed before kissing her. He could kiss her all day; spend his weekends curled in the tub with her. They made out like teenagers in the school hall, giggling and joking in between. He loved this woman but he wouldn't dare say it. He couldn't bear the silence from her he was convinced would follow. Anytime he felt the urge to utter those three words that could shatter their bliss he kissed her again. He gave her kiss after kiss until they were writhing against each other.

Nandy was the first to move, pulling herself out of the tub to peel off her wet clothes. Murphy stared at her as she revealed inch after inch of flesh. He will never stop marveling at her body. It was perfect for him, she wasn't slight in the least with beautiful curves and molded to his body with her long limbs and beautiful smile. 

"Get on up, so I can dry you off," She said with a leer in her voice.

Murphy obliged, allowing her to run the towel over his body. He stared at her, his gaze begging her to do more. She ignored it, teasing his body with slow motions. Just when he was about to reach for her she pressed kisses to his shoulder and across his collar bone, pressing her body against him. She kissed at every available inch of flesh as she ran her hands down his back until he reached the toned peaks of his ass and squeezed. Murphy shuddered and reached to explore her body but Nandy wasn't having it. She swatted at his hands as she kissed a path down his chest. She continued down the line of his body, licking and nibbling his skin. He trembled in anticipation as she got closer and closer to his hard throbbing cock. When she was on her knees in front of him she nibbled, kissed and teased everywhere but where he wanted, all the while swatting at his hands when he touched her. 

She finally licked up the underside of his cock slowly as he hissed and attempted again to caress her. She grabbed his hands and pinned them behind his back as she drew the swollen head of his cock into her mouth. He moaned at the wet heat and the flicks of her tongue. She took as much of him in her mouth as she could then slowly withdrew with a loud slurp.

"Oh fuck, what a beautiful mouth," He groaned as her tongue worked the head of his cock. 

She began to suck him, making the sexiest, nastiest sounds. She stopped only to suck a testicle into her mouth. She'd bring him to the edge and pull back to smile up at him in a way that made his cock jerk. It seemed the only rule was he couldn't touch her; she kept his arms pinned behind him. She once again engulfed him, throbbing and sensitive, into her hot wet mouth. She licked sucked and teased until 

Murphy was panting and his legs trembled. He was about to cum and Nandy didn't let up. She picked up the pace as Murphy's balls tightened. 

Murphy came pumping his seed into her mouth. His whole body shuddered as his cum came out in a seemingly endless stream. Nandy didn't stop sucking until Murphy was done. She let go of his arms and he immediately stroked her face. She smiled up at him. She hadn't wasted a drop. She'd swallowed it all and it turned him on. She continued to surprise him with how much she could turn him on. She'd given him one of the best blowjobs he'd ever had unbidden and spontaneously. At that very moment whatever she'd say, whatever she asked for, whatever she wanted, he'd give to her without hesitation.

She didn't ask for anything, she giggled, "That was a great O face, it had dignity." She said sarcastically, to tease him.

"Oh really?" He said pulling her up and into his arms, "You wanna see if you can do any better."

"Is that a threat?" She said in mock offense.

He chuckled before lifting her up in his arms, to her delighted squeals, and rushed off to the bedroom.

*****



Ruby was distracted all that morning. Truman had definitely kept his word and didn't argue with her the rest of the night, but that could all change when he came in for breakfast. She wondered why he was doing this to their relationship, their family. If there was one thing that could ever break a bond like theirs would be if he did make her choose between her family and her cousins. She promised never to abandon Jae and Nandy. She would leave with her children before she'd break that promise to Nandy and Jae. 

"Don't leave me," Truman whispered softly in her ear and wrapped his arms around her. She jumped as if he'd read her mind.

"Baby, what is it?" She asked still flipping pancakes on the stove. 

"Nothing, I just...I just can't shake the feeling that you're going to leave me. I know I haven't been the best husband lately and I really want to try to make up for it but just stay, don't give up on me." His voice rasped toward the end and it scared her. What was going on with him? 

She turned facing him and cupped his face to look him in the eye. His eyes were glassed with unshed tears. 

"I'm not going anywhere, I promise. I love you, Tru and whatever it is you're going through we can handle it together. Just tell me. We've been through some rough shit but we made it. Just don't shut me out." Truman nodded a tear rolling down his stoic face. She kissed him softly and Truman pulled her tight. He deepened the kiss, his tongue dashing out to dance with hers.

"Mommy you're burning it!" Her little son said, startling them both.

"Sorry baby, I'll make daddy eat it." She said causing the little boy to giggle.

His twin sister chimed in, "Yeah, cause its daddy's fault," They both laughed amused with themselves.

"Who raised these little smart allecks," He said before pecking his wife on the cheek.

"That's all your genes," Ruby said.

"Nuh-uh we got it from you," her son, Terren, protested and was quickly followed by Trudy's little voice.

"Daddy always say, 'She got a mouth on her'" The twins began to laugh more amused with themselves then they should be.

Ruby laughed, what had just happened was weird but maybe it was necessary to get her family back to what it was.

***



"What are you doing today?" Murphy asked playing with a coil of her hair as they lay in a heap of limbs on his bed. 

"You," She said before chuckling at her own cheek. 

"There's this party tonight and I was wondering if you could be my date." He said softly. 

"What kind of party is it? Just so I know what to wear."

Murphy smiled, "A house party, my dad's turning sixty two,"

Nandy couldn't help smiling widely, "I'm going to meet your family?"

"Yeah, you okay with that?"

"Yes, I can't wait! Just let the embarrassment flow through you now, so you can get used to the feeling."

"They're not going to embarrass me," He chuckled, "I've told you everything."

"We'll see,"



****

Murphy's father lived all the way out in Doral, a forty minute drive at least. It didn't bother Ananda at first but every mile they got closer the more nervous she felt. She wondered if her simple cotton dress and sandaled heels were enough. She wondered if they'd receive her better if she'd straightened her hair. It had been her experience that a lot of older Hispanics she came across saw her natural hair as unruly. What if Murphy father thought that...worse even, what if his sisters. Of course she wouldn't let Murphy get a whiff of her worries because what was more pathetic than being insecure and vocal about it.

"What's with that serious face? You look like you're about to meet God, Jesus and the holy spirit on judgment day." Murphy said breaking her out of her thoughts.

She chuckled. He didn't know apt she found that comparison. "I was just thinking that you never talk about your family. All I know is that you have a sister about my age. I just realized I don't know what to expect."

"They're like any other family, I guess, maybe a little louder and a little drunker-"

"Angry drunk or giddy drunk?" Nandy had to ask.

"Sociably drunk, no one will be falling out. They'll be a little tipsy and open to meeting people."

"Will your sisters be there?" Nandy asked trying to get more info out of him.

"Yeah, all of them will be there. Rosalind's my baby sister, she's about twenty four then there is Bianca my second oldest and her boyfriend and Marcela my oldest sister and her family. Not to mention my uncle and his sons," Murphy chuckled at the barely concealed anxiousness in her eyes. 

"Sounds like a full house," Nandy said

"Not even close," Murphy chuckled again when she looked away wide eyed.

He was only teasing her. He hadn't lied, there will be that many people and more but odds were they wouldn't remember her. Between his cousins "falling in love" every three months and the anticipation of the day his sister, Rosalind, finally brings home a girlfriend, they'd only see her as a passing fancy. That wasn't the reason why he invited Nandy; he wanted her to see a side of him that not many people do, a truer version of him.

****



"Oh my gosh! Your hair is gorgeous," Nandy exclaimed after being introduced to Murphy's sister Rosalind. She was sitting on the tailgate of an old pick up watching a few of the guys kick a ball across the front lawn when Murphy and Nandy pulled up.

"Look at yours!" She said back just as excited, "We're Curlfriends!"

Murphy eyebrow cocked up, "Curlfriends? You two just met,"

Rosalind was a about her height with tawny skin and a head full of wild dark blonde curls. Its unruly nature rivaled only by Nandy's. 

She rolled her eyes, a pretty light brown, and smiled, "Murphy never wants me to become friends with his girlfriends."

"So it's you that has all the dirt. Good to know, I brought my laughing pants. I'm ready to hear it all." Nandy said as charming as ever. 

Murphy noted that she did not protest the title of girlfriend and tried not to dwell on it too much. Murphy went onto introduce most everyone. She found Bianca to be quiet but friendly. She looked like Murphy the most, even sporting green eyes. Bianca's hair was a rich chocolate color and cut just below her jaw. She met Marcela and her husband both in there forties. They were a jovial couple who spent their time cooking, stopping periodically to dance to the Brazilian music blaring over the stereo. Lastly she met Murphy's father. He was a handsome man not nearly as attractive as his son but once was. He wore his age well.

"How did he get a beautiful girl like you to follow him anywhere, much less to my home?" He asked in a voice deeper than Murphy's and thickly accented.

"He had to club me a few times to make me willing," She joked.

Murphy's father, Carlos laughed, "You seem like you enjoyed the clubbing, eh? Just remember he may be young but my club is bigger."

"Pa!" Murphy said shocked and most definitely embarrassed.

Nandy couldn't help but laugh, "You're dad is a flirt!" She said.

"Unfortunately," He replied.

"Ah Murph, she knows I'm just playing." Carlos said before saying something in Portuguese that caused Murphy to laugh.

"Have fun tonight, pretty girl," He said as Murphy ushered her out of the garage where Carlos was watching a soccer games with another older gentlemen and a few younger guys. 

Ananda did enjoy herself. She spent a lot of time with Rosalind. She was bubbly, playful and had an expressive face like Murphy. She didn't disappoint when it came to embarrassing stories about Murphy , she even got him to blush a few times which was an interesting expression on his masculine face. Rosa managed to get Ananda alone in the kitchen with her sisters to help make Hunch Punch for dinner. 

Ananda expected a grilling but they were actually really fun to be around. She found out that Marcela, Marcy, was a home maker and loved it. She already had three children and wanted at least two more. 

Bianca was a little more complex and suffered from Middle child syndrome. She and Murphy grew up kind of like twins, having to share a birthday party often because theirs was so close together. She was artsy and worked as a graphic designer. Her boyfriend was this Cuban stoner with dreads and her sisters teased her mercilessly about it.   

When Rosa left to give out a few beers Bianca told her about how Rosalind came out to the family two years ago. They all seemed more amused by the news than anything. Bianca thought it was another ploy to illicit a reaction from the family and didn't take it too seriously. There was an interesting and light hearted dynamic to Murphy's family that Ananda loved. 

Normally being around other people's family made her remember hers but she felt comfortable there. She hated the times she missed her family and loathed herself for that hatred.

*****



"How long have you been dating her?" Rosa asked her brother in Portuguese. She'd brought beer out to the garage and saved two for her and Murphy so she could grill him about Nandy. Rosa passed him a beer then opened hers before sitting next to him on the trucks tailgate. 

"I can't really say, we use the word dating really loosely when it comes to us," Murphy explained without giving a concrete answer.

Rosa laughed, "Did you really bring your friend with benefits here?" Rosa delighted in making her brother uncomfortable.

"It's not like that, It's much deeper than that but not as serious as dating,"

"Oh, so you guys aren't serious,"

Murphy turned and gave his sister a suspicious look, "Why do you want to know, anyway?"

"No reason," She shrugged before swigging her beer.





Murphy Ch. 06



Murphy easily put two and two together and laughed, "No, not gonna happen,"

"I don't know I'm feeling some Sapphic chemistry between us," 

Murphy scoffed, "Even still, you're my sister and –no, out of the question."

"Oh really, how about I go in there and tell her how 'not that serious' you guys are and we'll both see what happens next."

"I know what this is; you're just trying to prove to everyone you're actually gay and not pretending."

Murphy knew that that would deter her from trying to hit on Nandy. Rosa huffed exasperated, "For the last time, I'm not pretending. Why would I pretend to like girls? It's not because it's easier I can tell you that much."

"You just suck at picking up girls," He said teasing his sister.

"I do. I'm horrible at it. I'm just so used to people hitting on me it's awkward to hit on people."

"Confidence, maricona, you just got to walk up to her like you're the shit and talk to her. Compliment the shit outta her."

Rosa laughed, "Don't call me maricona, asshole." She slapped his shoulder, "So, is that how you picked up Ananda?"

"Drop it, Rosa, you can't have my girlfriend." He said poking her ribs.

"No, I'm just curious,"

"If you want to know the truth, she picked me up. I saw her across the room at Denny's and a couple minutes later she'd bought the whole squad pancakes. That girl's got more confidence than even she knows what to do with."

"Then why aren't you guys more serious?" Rosa said. She thought it was a reasonable question but you never knew with Murphy. If he didn't want to share he had a tendency to make you feel bad about asking. He scratched at his jaw and sighed.

"A lot of reasons but two in particular, She's not ready for anything serious and I don't want to be the old guy that locked her down. I don't want to be her burden."

"Did she tell you she wasn't ready?"

"She didn't have to." Was all he said. Rosa sighed when it was evident that he wasn't going to elaborate. 

Rosa thought that he was wrong. He was obviously scared. He had strong feelings for that woman in their father's kitchen and it scared him. She could be wrong, but what it seemed like to her was Murphy was keeping her at arm's length because with strong feelings comes the potential for strong pain. He was scared and he'd figure it out soon. Then again Rosa didn't know the whole story so she kept her mouth shut.

After they made the hunch punch Murphy's sisters scattered and Ananda found herself examining the wall of pictures in the hall leading to the garage. She couldn't help it, there were a lot of them and it told the story of his family. Ananda stopped and fixated on a particularly adorable photo of Murphy and Rosalind. 

Murphy couldn't have been no more than eleven or twelve and had a head full of dark blond curls. He sat next to a laughing woman with his green eyes crossed, his tongue sticking out of his mouth, tugging at his ear. Rosa, only a toddler on the woman's knee was trying her little hardest to recreate Murphy's pose, her eyes straining to look at Murph. Ananda smiled and muttered 'monkey see monkey do'. She turned her attention to the laughing woman. She wasn't a particular beauty but that there was something about her that shined even through the photograph. Her love for the children she held was apparent and she looked as if she had a good sense of humor.

"That was out firs day in South Florida," Carlos said.

Ananda hadn't realized he joined her, "This is your wife, I reckon" She said turning toward him.

Carlos looked at the picture wistfully, "Yes, Marisol, Murphy has told you about her, yes?"

"Very little, if anything. What was she like?" Ananda asked softly registering the tinge of sadness as he looked toward her.

"She drove me crazy," He said with a chuckle, "She couldn't stay serious for longer than ten minutes, always with the jokes and laughs and, oh, those two loved it." He said gesturing towards another picture of the trio now a bit older seconds before pushing an angsty looking teenaged Bianca into a pool.

"They were her little partners in crime," Carlos continued, "Even before our last two children came along she brought so much laughter to our home."



Murphy was going to the kitchen to get him another beer when he heard Ananda's laugh from the back hall. He wondered who she was talking to and what embarrassing story from his childhood his family brushed up to tell her. Peeking just around the corner he heard his father's voice regaling her with tales of him and his mother. 

"It all makes so much sense now," She was saying

"He is a joker with you, yes?" His father said.

"Not pranks no but he does make me laugh a lot. Your son is a great guy and I have her to thank, don't I?"

"Yes," His father said laughing jovially, "But he got his good looks from me." Nandy laughed again.

Something swelled in Murphy's heart at the exchange. She was bragging on him. Even more, his father was telling her about his mother and he was smiling, laughing even. His papa rarely spoke about his mom and they did not bring it up, rather honoring their mother's life by living theirs to the fullest. Murphy realized that he may have passed a point of no return with Nandy. His family adored her way more than he ever expected. His father opened up to her, not to mention he was irrevocably in love with her. He realized he was totally at her mercy. She had his heart, his family, and his love and she didn't even know it.

"Murph," He heard someone call close behind him. He jumped, being thrust out of his thoughts. He turned to his younger cousin Lazaro looking as if he was bracing himself for a shot to the face.

"What is it?" Murphy knew it couldn't be good and he could almost already fathom the problem. Lazaro was one of his cousins at the bar last night. He knew the mess that Murphy made of himself and could only imagine what the young man was going to say next.

Nandy walked with Murphy's father out into the garage and was immediately stopped in her tracks.

"Nandy!" She heard someone call enthusiastically. She knew him he was about twenty with dark brown hair tall, skinny and tan.

"Cal!" She said back greeting Raphaela's brother jovially, She knew that with Cal here Ella would not be too far away. 

"Nandy," She heard on queue and knew it was Ella. 

She turned after trying her hardest to produce a genuine smile. Nandy loved her, she was one of her oldest friends but she knew Ella was here to cause trouble. It was inevitable. She shook away that thought. Nothing was going to ruin this good day. She almost believed it until Murphy rushed out the house looking just as unhappy to see Ella as she was. Now, Ananda had no claim at being a genius or being able to read people like a book but she knew Murphy and that look didn't bode well.

They were cordial as the party picked up. Nandy found out Ella knew Murphy's cousin. People ate and a few danced the house was full of warmth and gaiety. Ananda even manage to catch up with Ella. Despite what was between them they had been good friends since college.

"Where is Murphy's pretty girl?" Carlos called from the living room where he'd been dancing. Ananda stood in the kitchen with Murphy, Ella, Her brother Cal, and a few of Murphy's cousins. The whole room seemed to look between her an Ella and Nandy prickled. Did they look at Ella because she was the more "appropriate" choice? 

Murphy pulled her in the by the waist, "My dad's calling you," He said into her ear before kissing her temple. Nandy decided she'd drop it, for now. In the living room it was much louder and a few couples including Murphy's older sister and brother were dancing.

"Pretty Girl, can you dance?" He asked with a grin.

"Uh...depends on what kind of dancing," She answered giving a small smile to Murphy. He smiled back recalling the personal lap dance she'd given him not two weeks ago.

"Furro, you must dance furro to deserve my Murphy," He said taking Nandy by the hand and leading her to the center of the floor.

"Pa, she doesn't know how to furro. Don't make her." Murphy protested.

"I can learn," She said, "Besides I have to earn you, right?"

"Exactly," Carlos said, "Let's dance,"

It was surprisingly easy, a simple two step from side to side with a twirl here or there. It wasn't long before Nandy had the swing of it and was enjoying herself. The music was lively but all in Portuguese and everyone who wasn't dancing clapped along. Murphy danced with his sister Bianca nearby while Rosa danced with Cal and Ella with Murphy's cousin Lazaro. The music ended and everyone cheered.

Murphy came up behind her intending to dance the next song with her. 

"I think you've earned him," Carlos said handing her off to his son. She smiled at him. He really was a sweet guy and fun just like her Murphy.

"Enjoying yourself?" He asked as he led her in the next dance. 

Ananda pressed closer than probably necessary, "Very much. I love your family, especially Rosa. She's fun."

"I did mention Rosa was a lesbian, right?"

"Bianca did," She said after a twirl.

"You also know that she's been hitting on you all night,"

"I picked up on that too. She's not very good at it. I figured she needed practice and I was the only girl here she wasn't related to. Well now there's Ella so maybe she'd practice on her."

Murphy grimaced at the mention of Ella. "What is it with you and her, why is everyone acting strange around her?" Ananda asked never being the one to beat around the bush.

"It insignificant but if you still want to talk about it, we can when I get you home." Murphy said. He would tell her everything he just didn't want to ruin tonight, not yet.

"Okay," She agreed.

Murphy hogged her on the dance floor but Rosa managed to get a dance in with her as everyone's partners changed. Rosa was really bad at hitting on her. She was trying too hard to be like best buddies and not trying to rouse passion in her. She wasn't going to get a girlfriend that way, that's how people got trapped in the friend zone. Next she danced with Cal but was interrupted by Ella slipping in. Nandy was wary to dance with her since she didn't know what was going on between her and Murphy. It was like showing up to a knife fight unarmed.

Murphy was looking their way trying not to look worried, but worry creased in his brow despite it.

"Ella, we've been friends for a long time," Nandy started sincerely, "Please tell me the truth, what is going on? There's a pink elephant in the room that everyone can see but me. I just want to know how big it is." Nandy knew she was throwing herself at Ella's mercy and Ella looked as if she were savoring the truth on the tip of her tongue

"Last night, Murphy kissed me," She said softly after pulling Nandy closer to her.

"Oh," Nandy said as the air left her body. She felt like she was shot in the chest. Her heart squeezed in her chest. It was nothing less than she deserved for the fiasco with Cole but damn if it didn't hurt, Ella was her friend. She thought she finally found someone who she trusted not to succumb to Ella but he did. She felt a lump forming in her throat and tears threatened her eyes. She wasn't going to cry, especially not in front of Ella. 

"I've always told you," Ella said holding Nandy tighter, "They're all the same, every last one of them. That's why I love them and leave them." 

Nandy was still absolutely speechless and hurt and yet it was somehow comforting to be held by Ella. Despite the conniving, Ella was always upfront and truthful. It was a constant thing despite who came in and out of her life. Then something Ella said stuck with her.

"Leave them? So you plan on not continuing anything with Murphy." Nandy said trying to hide the hope in her voice. Something like anger or frustration flashed in Ella's eyes briefly but she didn't answer.

"Ella, I love him so much," She said softly, "I couldn't care if he is like the others. I'm happy with him. He makes me so..." She couldn't put it into words.

"If you loved him so much why is your picture with another man all over the internet?" She said with steel in her voice.

"To protect him. Do you think the media really cares about yet another one of Cole's 'conquests'? No, they want the story on the 'jilted man'. I've been working my ass off to keep Murphy's name and picture out of the gossip rags. So what, if some pictures with me and my client happen to slip out, it doesn't change how I feel. Just please, Ella, leave him alone. If you cared anything about me as your friend, you'd do this."

"He can't love you like...you deserve." She said biting her sentence in half.

"Please," Nandy repeated not bothering to hide her sadness and desperation. 

The song ended before Ella had answered and it was too late, Murphy was immediately by her side pulling her away. Ella gave Murphy a leer. Ella loved Nandy dearly, but this was far from over.



****



"I cried Jolene," Ananda admitted shifting her niece, Trudy, on her hip. She was a little too old to be held but God didn't make her this tall for nothing. Besides, Nandy had already spoiled her little niece.

"You didn't!" Ruby said at the same time Jae asked "You what?" Obviously Jae didn't understand the saying.

"Jolene, I'm begging of you please don't take my man," Ruby clarified by singing the Dolly Parton song.

"Oh, I always called it, crying mercy." Jae said, she never had to do this but she had a name for it. "I don't know why you're still friends with her anyway; she does this all the time." 

Nandy gave her a pointed look, not able to mention her history with Ella in front of the children. They were like blow horns, they repeated everything loudly. 

Nandy, Ruby and Jae walked from the Starbucks down the street to Young Circle Park where the kids were going to enjoy their Sunday afternoon.

"You can't save the world, Nandy" Jae said.

They'd finally reached the park and Ruby's twins shot off toward the playground. They took seats on the bench, sipped their coffee and enjoyed the unseasonably cool weather.

"I don't know what I'm going to do." Nandy sighed into her drink.

"Cut that bitch off," Ruby said.

"Snip-Snip, hoe" Jae agreed.

"If I cut her off now she'd only get worse out of pure vindication." 

All three were silent as they mulled it over. When Nandy had gotten back to Murphy's place he explained it all. It was upsetting, even as he stuttered over explaining exactly why the photos made him angry. She gave him the benefit of the doubt of course; it was the very least she could do. It mulled around her brain all night. What if he hadn't gotten sick, would that kiss have been so much more? Maybe Raphaela was 'the baddest bitch' and in the end, she'd take him away. That hurt to even imagine.

"Enough about me, Murphy says that Delvin won't shut up about you. He's sprung city. What are you doing to him, and can you teach me?" Nandy said changing the subject.

Nandy and Ruby both waited patiently as Jae took an unnecessarily long sip from her drink.

"No," she said finally.

"What? Why? " Ruby asked.

"I'm not talking about this," She said pleasantly as if it was story about distant people.

"We tell you everything," Nandy said.

"I didn't ask to know. Besides, I don't want anyone running interference or anything. I don't want to mess this up." 

"Uh-oh, guess that means you didn't tell him about your celibacy plan, did you? " Nandy said.

"We're not talking about this." She repeated.

"You really should tell him," said Ruby, "it's not like it's a big deal." 

"Not all men are gonna run from it, it's a noble thing. If he'll wait for you you'll know for sure. He's a keeper." Nandy explained.

Of course Jae knew this but what if he didn't understand. She wasn't ready to give him up yet.

"So, Ruby, what about Truman telling you to not to talk to Nandy anymore?" Jae said to change the subject. Ruby gave her a 'you weren't supposed to say anything' look.

"He said that!?" Nandy asked shocked, "this is because of the Murphy/Cole thing isn't it. Tell him he can't judge me. Mr. Whack it to Lesbian Porn with My Surround Sound on Full Blast." 

"Nandy it's not like that, he's been stressed a lot lately and just needed something to bitch about." 

Nandy rolled her eyes, "I liked Truman too. I was all for you guys when Jae thought you guys were too young to get married. I thought he'd be on my side." 

"He is just going through some things," she explained shooting a glare at Jae who merely shrugged.



****



Maybe she was as bad as Truman thought. She knew Truman just as long as Ruby did and he definitely wouldn't have said something like that without good reason. She sighed, she was human and entitled to get fuck ups but this fuck up in particular cost her Murphy and if Ruby wasn't related to her, maybe even her cousin.

She'd dropped off Ruby and the kids and headed straight home and showered because Murphy was coming. When she'd hopped out of the shower she found herself staring at her reflection in the foggy mirror. To her own eyes she still looked and felt like that fourteen year old girl, tainted and helpless. She wasn't tainted, her family only thought so according to their zealous religious belief that she'd done away with long ago. They convinced her she was. They told her she was tainted, worthless, and unlovable. She sighed to herself. She knew it wasn't true and yet some times she could believe it. She still couldn't help but feel that way. She was no longer helpless; she was the most in control person she knew. 

Ananda was soon jarred from her reverie by a knock at the door.

She smiled at her reflection before dropping the towel and rushing to the door. Murphy was greeted by her nude embrace. Nandy pressed her naked body against the hard contours of his. She nibbled at his ear as he nervously checked the hall for strangers who may see the wanton way she pressed herself against him and purred. 

When he was sure the coast was clear he claimed her mouth in a passionate kiss, his tongue thrusting in her mouth, his hands groping her plump ass. She never ceased to amaze, amuse, and arouse him.

He picked her up, her body melting and wrapping around him, and walked them into the apartment kicking the door closed behind him. Murphy laid her down on the nearest flat surface, her worn dining table and nipped at her smooth damp skin.

Murphy needed her right then and he could tell she wanted him just as soon, her body writhing against him as she moaned into their kiss. He found her swollen nub with his fingers as she reached between them to free Murphy from his jeans. 

Murphy hissed as she worked his hardness in her soft hand. He grunted unable to hold off any longer. He positioned himself to her entrance and swiftly pieced her wetness hissing at how tightly it gripped him. He withdrew then trusted deeper until Nandy let out a growl from her chest.

Growl? She didn't growl, only for Murphy who pumped into her deeply, filling her completely. No one has ever made her hunger for them, filled her every waking thought, or realized her every fantasy like Murphy had. He threw her legs over his shoulders entering her from a different angle and pushing deeper than he'd been before.

"Oh my god! Don't stop!" She commanded as his every stroke seemed to hit her g spot and drive her closer to the edge.

He was so close he was thrusting into her like a jack rabbit. He couldn't help it, everything turned him on about her, from the way her breasts grazed his chest, the softness of her skin, the sweetness of vanilla and sex that wafted around them, and especially the way she moaned his name like a prayer. Suddenly she went ridged and silent and he knew he had her. He didn't stop until she was shaking beneath him, her body gripping him.She writhed and moaned as pleasure shot through her body. Her thoughts were unintelligible, all she knew was Murphy filled her mind, soul, and body. That knowledge alone was winding her body tighter even as she convulsed beneath him. She whimpered as she felt she wouldn't survive the next wave of pure bliss.




Murphy Ch. 06



"Murphy, I fucking love you," she cried as a second wave of pleasure crashed into her, making her eyes roll.

At her admission Murphy came hard, groaning her name into her neck and filling her. It seemed like hours had passed before their orgasms left them twitching in a sweaty embrace on top of the table.

Nandy phone began to ring but she couldn't summon the energy to leave Murphy's arms. It rang until the voice mail picked it up and silence filled the room. She'd said she loved him. She couldn't believe she'd said it. More importantly she couldn't make up her mind whether or not she was upset he didn't say anything back or relieved he hasn't responded. She gently stroked his cheek where he laid on top of her chest.

The phone began to ring again not two minutes later. Amanda sighed.

"It could be important," Murphy said getting up and walking over to her cell phone and handing it to her.

It was Ruby calling; maybe one of the twins left something in her car that they were now throwing a tantrum over.

"Ruby, what's up?" Nandy asked her voice still husky from what had just occurred.

"Nandy I need your help," Ruby said in a hushed frantic tone, "Can you come get me and the twins so we can sleep at your house to night, please?"

Nandy sat up bolt straight as fear shot through her, "Sure, I'm on my way, but what's going on, what's wrong?" 

As if to punctuate the urgency she could hear banging in the back ground, Truman yelling unintelligibly then the line went dead. Nandy heart began to hammer in her chest as she thought the worst. She called back but the phone went straight to voicemail. She had to leave like five minutes ago.

"Murphy!" She said jumping up from the table and running toward her bedroom, "We have to go!"



Murphy Ch. 07



"Where are we?" Jae asked.

She knew exactly where they were, St. Mary's nursing home. She just wanted an explanation from Delvin. He simply gave her a sweet smile before getting out the car. Delvin had picked her up for lunch, Ruby had taken her children home for a nap and Nandy had ran off to be with Murphy, so his company was welcome. She had every expectation of going to some hidden gem restaurant or deli, but they'd pulled up to a nursing home. 

"We're having lunch here...with my aunt." He said simply when he opened her door.

"Oh," was all Jae could muster. She was instantly nervous, brushing at her clothes. She should have worn something nicer. Oh, and her hair, she'd just put it in what Nandy called her spinster bun. 

"Don't worry, she'll love you." He said as they waited for their visitor badges. He pressed a kiss to her temple, which lightened her mood infinitesimally. 

This was Delvin only family, this was a bigger deal than he'd let on. Delvin's aunt was already seated in the cafe overlooking a lake at the back of the building. She was a frail, skinny woman with oaken skin and dark hair. Her curls Jae easily identified as being from a roller set. Jae was almost shaking with anxiety as the woman stared out the window with a look of dismay.

When she noticed the pair approaching her dark eyes lit up and a look of elated shock crossed her face.

"Mona!" She said excitedly getting to her feet.

Jae instinctively looked back, maybe she saw a friend just beyond them.

A flash of dissatisfaction crossed Delvin face, "She isn't lucid," 

"Who's Mona?" Jae asked as his aunt approached.

"My mother, but she's talking to you." 

"Oh," Jae said confused, "Oh," she reiterated recalling that his aunt suffered from dementia.

"This will be interesting," Delvin said more to himself.

"Oh Mona," His aunt said finally reaching them, "I've missed you." She threw her frail arms around Jae. Jae did what anyone would do in that situation; she reciprocated, hugging her tightly.

"Uh, I've missed you too...sister," 

Jae didn't know the woman's name but the look of genuine love and joy in the woman's eyes more than touched her heart. She couldn't tell her she wasn't who she thought.

"Macy," Delvin provided softly.

That's how the first thirty minutes went. Jae tried hard to keep up the front, having not known anything about his family. Auntie Macy was completely oblivious to her fumbling. She still saw and talked to Delvin as if he were a little five year old which amused Jae to no end.

Suddenly, mid conversation, Delvin's aunt looked away confused then turned to Delvin as if suddenly realizing he was there. 

"Hey, baby, I don't remember you telling me your girlfriend name." 

There was a hint of sadness to her voice.

Jae put on a wide smile to encourage her, "That's alright, my name is Jaelyn." 

Seemingly relaxed by Jae's understanding Aunt Macy continued to get to know Jae.

Delvin felt something stir in him as their lunch continued. It had been early enough in the afternoon to expect his aunt to be lucid but he was surprised to find she wasn't. Her condition was getting worse. Delvin heart broke a little, that was until Jae had done what she did. It was something so simple but amazing, he could feel himself falling for her all over again. As the lunch continued aunt Macy slipped in and out of lucidity and Jae followed along almost seamlessly. This was the most he'd seen his aunt relax around new people since she was diagnosed. Devin knew his aunt was embarrassed by it, but Jae had given her permission to open up without judgment.



***



Nandy was silent as she drove but there was a nervous energy in the air. Murphy was worried for her. She hadn't explained the problem and Murphy didn't ask. As soon as she got off the phone, Murphy had grabbed for her a pair of underwear and a dress as she cleaned herself off in a hurry. She wordlessly rushed to clean him off as he helped her get on her clothes. Nandy grabbed her shoes and they were running out the door.

In the car Nandy gripped the wheel tightly but Murphy still noticed how she trembled.

"Babe, you're shaking. What happened?" Murphy asked.

Nandy opened her mouth but no sound came out. 

"I don't know," she finally said, "She wants me to pick up her and the kids, there was screaming and crying then the line went dead. I tried to call her back but...I'm afraid something's wrong. He wouldn't do anything to hurt them but I just keep thinking that they're not safe. I just hope she's alright and the kids are..." 

She spoke so fast it was starting to run together and her eyes focused a little too intensely on the road.

"Breathe baby, who's not safe?" caressing her knee to calm her.

"Ruby," she said softly, "Can you try calling Jae again," 

He did as she asked not taking his touch away from her; she seemed calmer that way. Sadly it went straight to voicemail and he had no good news for her.

When they'd finally arrived in front of a small house Nandy was out of the car quickly, Murphy almost had to run to keep up. At the door Nandy fumbled with her key ring until she found the spare that opened the door. She nearly stumbled over two children waiting in the foyer with matching jackets and backpacks.

They threw their arms around Nandy still looking down the hall with wide eyed.

"Everything's ok sweet hearts stay here with uncle Murphy." She said softly to the two. They looked toward Murphy warily and he gave them a reassuring smile. 



"You're not going anywhere, goddamn it!" A man shouted in the living room.

"Let me go!" Ruby responded calmly.

The twins clutched at each other and Nandy was rushing off to the living room. Murphy rushed after her going to make sure she didn't get too close to the irate man. 

When they'd reached the living room this man he'd presumed to be Ruby's husband had her by the arms in a vise grip shaking her. Ruby pushed at his chest, fear in her eyes.

Suddenly, Ruby's husband gripped her by the hair on the back of her head, forcing her gaze up to his. Ruby wailed out in pain.

"You called that bitch after I told you I didn't want her in my house!?" He said when he spotted Nandy.

Ananda looked as if she'd rush him in anger. He should intervene; it was his duty as a public servant and just as a man. It was too late to react Nandy had rushed forward and shoved the man in the chest. He immediately let go of Ruby letting her fall to the floor. In the very next second Ananda's back hand struck across his face. Murphy quickly rushed over pushing Nandy behind him, deterring the man from lashing out at her.

"Get a grip, Tru! Are you gonna hurt her in front of your children? Have some respect for your wife and the mother of your kids!" 

Murphy didn't have to look back to see that the twins were peering past the foyer with wide glassy eyes. He could hear one of them whimper softly.

"Just shut up bitch, you've done enough damage!" 

Ruby's husband made towards Nandy.

"Ay!" Murphy said loudly as he shoved Truman back. The man stumbled and audibly seethed. 

"Don't put your hands on either of them. Dude, I don't know you so I can kick your ass in front of your family and not feel anything. Just let them leave and you take tonight to calm down." 

Truman wasn't listening, he was staring angrily at Nandy ushering his wife and kids out the door.

"Seriously, take it easy tonight." Murphy said by way of departure. As soon as he closed the door behind him the sound of shattering glass filled the air. Ruby suddenly turned back to the door, "he's going to hurt himself!" 

"Well, he's going to hurt someone tonight; I just don't want it to be you." 

"We could call the police and have him Baker Acted," Murphy offered.

"No, that isn't Truman in there. Truman would never do what he just did. It's as if he's in a trance or something," 

"Regardless, Ruby, we have to get you guys safe." Nandy said buckling the children into her backseat.



***



Jae and Delvin walked hand in hand back to the car as they reflected on their lunch. Both surprised at how great it went. Delvin's Aunt Macy invited both Jae and Mona back several times. Jae would be more than happy to return. It was a little tricky but she had gotten to know Macy, her wit and humor as well as insight into what it took to raise such a precocious boy like Delvin.

"Thank you," Delvin said softly as they reached the car. He looked into the depths of Jae eyes and she immediately melted.

"For what?" she asked.

Delvin answered her by pressing a kiss to her lips. It was a tender kiss that made Jae close her eyes and lose herself in it. She trailed her hands up his chest and around his neck as she deepened their kiss. With a growl he pressed her against the car, pushing their bodies closer. His hands were everywhere groping and turning her assuredly solid organs to jelly. He grabbed her by the hips and pulled her against his growing erection. 

"Don't you see what you do to me?" He rasped against her lips before delving his tongue into her willing mouth. Her nipples puckered against his chest as his hands slid down her thigh until it found bare flesh then slid up her skirt. Her breath caught and an inkling of fear shot down her spine. She pushed away the feeling; she was enjoying their dance off tongues. 

"I can't wait to get you home," He growled into her ear.

Jae jumped when her phone suddenly began to vibrate in her purse. Delvin gave her some space to answer it.

It was Nandy calling, she actually had six missed calls from her. She quickly answered fearing the worse.



***



He would have never imagined the day taking this kind of turn, but by the looks of it neither had Nandy and her cousins. Nandy was finally able to get ahold of Jae and was quickly explaining what had happened as she drove them to her apartment. In the rear view mirror Murphy could see Ruby staring out the car window, a blank look on her face and tears streaming her cheeks.

Did he just witness the breaking of a family? He recalled the fire in Nandy's eyes as she rushed Truman. It was a sad situation but he was still proud of her fearlessness and the fierce way she protected those she loved.

When they'd reached Nandy's apartment Jae and Devin were sitting in the living room. The couple must have been closer than they had been and Jae let them in with a spare. 

Jae shot to her feet when Ruby entered. She threw her arms around her cousin and Ruby's strong facade crumbled.

"This is uncle Delvin," Nandy was telling the twins as she took their back packs.

"I don't have an uncle Delvin," Terren said as he warily eyed him.

"Or an uncle Murphy," Trudy followed eyeing Murph.

Nandy hid the smile playing at her lips, "Okay, you can call him Mr. Delvin and Mr. Murphy" 

They seemed fine with it.



***



Ruby had been in Nandy's bedroom for the rest of the day alternating between tears and sleep. Nandy could only keep the twins occupied while their mom was indisposed. Murphy had offered to leave but Nandy didn't want him to go. She said it was alright if he left but he must have seen the reluctance in her face. 

Instead, he stayed and curled on the couch with Nandy and the twins and watched Frozen. Delvin was glued to Jae side, helping her make the popcorn, and sitting with his arm around her during the movie.

***

Eventually it was the kids' bed time so Nandy and Jae decided to get them ready.

"Damn, you pinch one and the other two feel it, eh?" Murphy said when Jae and Nandy were out of the room.

"Exactly," Delvin answered taking the seat next to Murphy, "but can you blame them?" 

Murphy shrugged, their bond did seem deeper than a bond one would normally have with their cousins.

"I guess you don't know anything about how they grew up, do you?" 

Now that Murphy thought about it, he didn't. They didn't talk much about the past or the future; it was always about the present and enjoying themselves now. That's why he loved being with her. 

"They all got kicked out when Jae was seventeen. They were homeless for a while, living out of Nandy's car. That guy Truman, his family helped them get into an apartment. They worked and went to school up until college." 

"Wow," Murphy muttered unable to put his feelings into words. You would have never have guessed looking at them. Ruby with her leave it to beaver life, Jae with her career and Nandy with her care free attitude.

"Why'd they get kicked out?" Murphy asked.

"Jae wouldn't say, she says it was Nandy's secret to share if she was ready. She didn't want me jumping to conclusions about her."

Somehow that unsettled Murphy. It's hard to think of Nandy as a homeless and struggling teenager and could it have really been her fault. Lord knows she had enough charm, but would she coerce her cousins into something that landed them homeless. Did they still trust her? Does he?



**



The twins insisted on bathing separately because, "Terren's a boy!" Trudy reminded them. Jae obliged them; they'd been through enough today. 

Nandy bathed Terren first then Jae bathed Trudy. Delvin hadn't offered to leave and Jae wanted him to stay. Maybe it was insensitive to keep him near her during a time like this but she loved being near him. There was no fear; she never worried when she was around him. Well, there was one fear, that she'd give him everything. She feared she'd be so caught up in him that every dream, every aspiration, everything that kept her going when she wanted to quit would suddenly mean nothing in the shadow of her need and love for him.

"Auntie Jae, is daddy mad at us for having a sleepover here?" Trudy small voice asked, jarring Jae out of her thoughts. She had been staring off, fidgeting with her promise ring.

"No, baby, daddy has just..." She paused, how can she explain this situation to a five year old in a way that wouldn't leave emotional scars?

"...had a really bad week, he wanted you guys to stay with him but what he needs is a little time to himself." 

Trudy still looked a bit worried. A splitting image of her father, she nodded.

***



"I'm so sorry I brought you guys into my mess," Ruby said barely over a whisper. All of them curled into Nandy big bed with the twins until they fell asleep.

"It's not your mess," Nandy spoke first, "even if it was we'd be there for you." 

"Did you see this coming? I mean it was so out of the blue, right? "Jae said.

"For months he hasn't been himself. On and off he'd have bouts off anger, then paranoia, and tears." 

"Hmm, anything big happening has he been under pressure lately?" Jae asked, her curiosity peaking. 

"I guess so, I'm not altogether sure. He doesn't talk to me anymore, he doesn't...we used to be best friends." Ruby said her voice breaking as she reminisced on their relationship. They told each other everything they thought alike and acted alike. It was always them against the world. How did it come to this? 

"I'm sorry Rubes, I can't imagine how it is but you always have us, always." 

"You know what? He still is your best friend. People don't go badly and then you drop them like yesterday's garbage. No, I suggest you guys see a therapist. You have to fight for your family."

Nandy thought differently but she'd dare not say it. She understood that their relationship was salvageable but shouldn't Ruby's priority be the safety of her children? If so then that meant keeping them and herself away from Truman.

"I'm just sorry that I ruined y'all day with y'all men. 

"No, we'd had no plans after lunch," Jae explained.

"Wasn't much to ruin," Nandy said.

"You still haven't worked it out with Murphy?" Jae asked

"Umm since this morning? That would be a resounding no. I've only managed to make things more complicated. I told him I loved him." 

"I don't see how that complicates anything. It sounds like it would fix a few things." Ruby said, happy for the distraction from her problems.

"I don't know. It just feels like its gotten more complicated." Nandy said running her hands down her face.

"Ahh, he didn't say anything back." Jae said discerning the problem. 

Nandy sighed as Ruby asked, "How did you say it?" 

"Ahh ah Oh I fucking love you." Nandy said quietly imitating herself in the throes of passion.

"Ohhh, I see" Jae said.

"There's the problem," Ruby followed, "people say a lot of shit during sex, how's he to know to take you serious? I called Truman a bitch boy once." 

"I hope your right. This just sucks," 

"Why?" Ruby asked. She couldn't help but enjoy Nandy's torment. She was in love and didn't know how to handle it.

"I'm officially into this thing. I'm in love with him. It wasn't supposed to go this far. I want supposed to love him. He has my heart now, and there's nothing keeping him here. He could leave with it tomorrow." 

"He's still here isn't he?" Jae said. "That counts for something." 

Nandy felt a tiny bit lighter as she realized Jae was right.



***



"Alcohol, we need a lot of alcoholic refreshment." Jae said easily finding Nandy wine cabinet.

"Liquid courage," Nandy offered as she helped Jae get out a couple wine glasses.

"'Fuck-it' in a bottle," Ruby followed clutching a bottle of red wine in one hand and white in the other.

The trio joined Murphy and Delvin in the living room. "Giggle juice," Murphy said joining in.

"Hen dog," Devin followed. They all cocked an eyebrow.

"I didn't do it right?" Delvin asked unsure he was playing their game right.

"Yeah, but hen dog is strictly Hennessey." Jae explained bringing him a glass.

"Damn, I wish we had that hen dog. Imma need something strong tonight." Ruby said before gulping back her glass and refilling it.

"I'm with Rubes; I'm getting fucked up tonight." She brought Murphy a glass, "and so are you, no isn't an option." 

"I'm not refusing he said taking the glass and pulling her into his lap.

"Oh my gosh, do you guys want to hear Cole's mixtape?" Nandy suddenly asked as they'd gotten into a conversation about each other's career. Ruby silently sat in the corner chair. Jae was boring them with some kids psyche analysis or whatever. That was how they knew Jae was getting tipsy, she was a talkative drunk.

"He hasn't released it yet," Nandy explained getting up to put it on despite the wary looks. 

Murphy groaned, "Do we have to?" 

"I wanna hear it," Delvin said before shrugging, "I know you and J Frenzy have history but I'm still a fan." 

As the music began Nandy danced around whil sipping at her wine.

"Stop making that pouty face and dance with me," she said to Murphy. That was when he realized he was pouting, but even the sound of Cole voice angered him to a degree.

"Nah, I'm not drink enough," he said

"You're no fun," Nandy said with a pout of her own, "that's alright Jae will dance with me." 

She grabbed Jae by the arm pulling her up. 

"Nandy this is weird, you can't just start dancing," 

"Boo! When is fun Jae going to get here?" Nandy asked grabbing the wine bottle and refilling Jae's glass. Jae rolled her eyes as she sipped.

Nandy turned up the music, dancing to the pounding beat giving Jae a mischievous smile. 

"C'mon you know you want to dance," she goaded.

Jae tried to hide her smile as she began swaying to the rhythm.

"There she is," Nandy said dancing closer to her cousin.

Murphy watched amused as the two began to dance around the room drunkenly. The song changed and another round of wine went out. The two actually tried to make up a dance routine but Nandy kept forgetting the next move.

The next song was a slow one with deep pounding bass and the deep timbre of Cole's voice rapping against the rhythm. Jae and Nandy decided to take a break. Nandy cuddled a little closer to Murphy her free hand resting high on Murphy's thigh. 




Murphy Ch. 07



"This song is about Nandy!" Ruby said slurring a bit. "Just listen."

It was Cole rapping about some chick and to Nandy it didn't sound any different than any other rapper that mentioned a girl.

"Oh yeah that's definitely Nandy he's talking about," Jae cosigned.

"No its not, that's stupid." Nandy defended. She was strictly professional with Cole, even more so because of the debacle with the kiss. He wouldn't dare put her in a song. 

"Candy, he just said the girl he's rapping about is Candy," Delvin said not being helpful. 

Nandy gave him a death stare when she noticed Murphy suddenly listening intently. She sighed and stood to shut off the track.

Nandy paused at the radio then suddenly turned around, "I've got to fix this," she said more to herself, "where's my phone?" She asked suddenly.

"No," Jae said standing up and going to her cousin with her wine glass, "you're not going to worry about this tonight; you're going to drink your knee caps off and have a good time. Now, come on and show me that dance you said you learned at Murphy's."

As Nandy drank her wine Jae turned to Murphy asking for him to play a Brazilian song on his phone. He quickly did and Jae held Nandy forcing her stiff body to sway, "C'mon, move your body, Mamacita"

Nandy smiled, giving into Jae and showing her the two-step dance she'd learned.

Murphy laughed as they danced, or at least tried to dance. They were just drink enough to lose all coordination but sober enough to not give up. Nandy complained about having to dance "as the man" and Jae defense was that she was too short to dance as the man. Delvin couldn't help but feel as if he was seeing a new side to Jae, her crass playful side, he'd only glimpsed before.

The song came to an end and new slower one started, with a man singing softly in Portuguese. Jae announced that she was tired and plopped down next to Delvin. He then pulled her into his lap and she lay against his chest.

Now, will you dance with me? Nandy asked with a small smile. How could Murphy refuse, he was already missing her touch. He held her close slowly dancing the two steps she'd learned.

"I'm so impressed, even I was scared of you in that house," Murphy said softly.

Nandy chuckled, "Didn't know I was a fighter did you?"

"I just wanted to say that was sexy as fuck." He growled pulling her closer. Everything about Murphy made her burn. She leaned up kissing him on his chin before capturing his lips. 

Everything fell away as she allowed herself to simply enjoy his warmth.

"Uh-uh, none of that." Jae said interrupting their kiss.

"and they choose the middle of the living room of all places," Devin commented making Jae giggle in his arms. 

Nandy noticed Ruby had fallen asleep in the chair."Maybe we should call it a night,"



***

Murphy helped Nandy get Ruby in bed while Jae and Delvin helped themselves to the pullout in Nandy's home office. Unfortunately that left Nandy and Murphy the two couches in the living room. Nandy curled up on the love seat allowing Murphy to have the longer couch.

"I miss you," Nandy heard Murphy whisper in the darkness. 

She giggled playfully, "I miss you too," she whispered back.

"Come here," He whispered.

"I won't fit," Nandy said around another bout of giggles.

"That's what he said," Murphy joked, "I'll make room,"

"Is that what she said?" Nandy said giggling again.

"That's it I'm coming over," The sound of shuffling followed.

"No, I'll come." She said. 

They bumped into each other in the darkness and fell into each other's arms in a fit of chuckles and kisses.



***



"Ah, feels good to be home, I know you're happy." Cole said as his jet finally came to a full stop.

"Yeah, I'm still angry with you," Nandy said not bothering to look up from her tablet. 

"I really can't say I'm sorry about that when you inspire me. I thought you'd like the song."

Nandy sighed, "All you did was give me more work. People are drawing conclusions already and we're supposed to be making this go away, remember."

Cole gave her that charming smile that still somehow made her stomach flutter, "I don't want it to go away"

"I work for you, it has to go away" she reminded.

"Sounds like you're trying to convince yourself of that." He said. That rankled Nandy but she decided that no response was better than anything she could say.

He leaned closer when he realized no answer was coming. "I can give you so much, anything you want. I can make you so happy."

The sincerity in his voice caught Nandy off guard. Up until now Cole had struck her as too forward and too persistent. She never thought that his attentions could derive from actual feelings for her.

She stopped and looked into his face "Cole, I am happy. Murphy makes me happy."

Cole gave her an exasperated look before turning away, "Well, I hope he appreciates what he has, or what you're giving up for him." 

Nandy rolled her eyes, even when he was sincere he was still cocky. She had had to deal with his ego and advances for the past three days as they attended a music festival that he was performing at. There were quite a few press events that Cole insisted that Nandy be there for. All she wanted to do was curl up with Murphy and do a little more than curling up.



***



Murphy had spent the whole day preparing for Nandy's return, cleaning his apartment and even cooking a meal. He was a bundle of nerves, he planned to tell Nandy that he was irrevocably in love with her and even though it was past due he wanted to pursue something more serous with her. 

There was a knock at the door and adrenaline spiked inside him. He quickly made his way to the door and swung it open with a huge grin. His grin quickly faded when he saw that it was Raphy and three of his cousins.

"What are you guys doing here?" Murph asked, not hiding his disappointment.

"Get some clothes on, bitch, we're going out" his cousin Gustave said leaning against the door frame.

"Fuck no, I have plans," Murphy should have known it wasn't Nandy, he'd given her a key the night they'd picked up Ruby and her children, in case she needed space or to come see him whenever she wanted.

"Aww, come with us" Raphy said sweetly as Gustave pushed his way in.

"I have plans," Murphy repeated

"Familia acima de tudo," Gustave said, "just ditch out and hang with us."

Murphy was shaking his head before his cousin even finished. "Sorry Cuz, I really can't and I don't want to. Y'all can go now." It took another three minutes of refusing before his cousins decided to leave.

Raphy was the last to the door and softly closed it behind his cousins. 

"I just wanted to apologize for the other night." She said softly.

"It wasn't your fault, it was mine. You just reminded me do much of Nandy."

"I hope that's a compliment she said closing the distance between them.

Murphy smiled wryly, "Why wouldn't it be?"

"No reason, I just don't want to see you hurt." Raphy said stepping closer. I can't pretend I don't think about you and how your hands would feel on me."

Murphy sucked in a breath as his mind flooded with images of him gripping her soft body. This was wrong he thought, but he couldn't think of an appropriate response.

He must have looked conflicted because she laughed, "I'm sorry about that, I know you're with Nandy. Well, are you? Her relationship status: it's complicated."

Murphy still couldn't respond or react for that matter. He should make her leave he should end this now but he couldn't move. The determined sexual desire in her eyes froze him in his place. His curiosity with what she'd say next kept him quiet. He stood there as a statue as Raphy lusty smile grew bigger.

"At any rate, if I were with you, there would be no complications. You'd never leave my bed." She stepped closer, "I'd fuck you every which way but loose." And closer, "you'd pull my hair and make me scream your name," and closer, "then I'd hop on top and make you scream mine."

She was barely an inch away; Murphy could smell her sweet perfume and the slight spice of danger. "It was just a thought," she said barely over a breath, "but damn if I don't wish it was more"

"Nandy," was all he could manage

"...Is somewhere else..." She sneered resting her hand on his chest and pressing her hips against him. "...with Cole..." her lips were feather soft on his, "...fucking his brains out."

With that she kissed him, sucking his lip into her mouth to nibble on. Her hand slipped into his pants and palmed him. This was so wrong, he had to stop.



***



"Where are you taking me?" Nandy asked.

"To ya boy house like you said." Cole answered a playful smile on his lips.

"Stop playing," Nandy said finding his smile infectious, "you passed the exit."

"I'm taking the long way," He said shrugging.

"Cole if you take me to that launch party I'mma be so pissed."

"Its just a gathering at my house to listen to the mix tape before it drops?" He said.

Cole had decided to drive himself from the airport and offered Nandy a ride. She took it. Riding around in a flashy sports car with a successful rapper and entrepreneur sounded way better than a fifty dollar cab ride.

"No thanks, you'll probably all get drunk and try to fuck your hangers-on while I'll just watch and wish I was with Murphy."

"Don't call them hanger-ons they're just regular chicks who are fans. If they're willing then you know I'm willing,"

Nandy scoffed, "Bet you are, I just want to curl up with some video games.and a big Brazilian man."

"What do you see in him?" Cole asked his gaze intent on the road.

"It's not so much what I see, its how he makes me feel. I feel a kindred spirit in him."

Cole left that floating in the air as he pulled up to the apartment building.

"Call me when you change your mind," He said as she hopped out.

"Hold your breath...now" 

Cole chuckled, "you're so cold,"

***



Nandy was so excited to get to Murphy she couldn't bear to wait for the elevator. She ran up the stairs to his floor, digging out the key he'd given her.

She stuck the key in the door and was suddenly nervous. She patted her hair to make sure everything was in place, and then opened the door.

It smelled so good like Murphy and Sunday dinner. She didn't see or hear him so dropped her purse and shoes in the hall and followed her nose to the kitchen.

Suddenly her heart froze as she realized what she saw. Murphy was leaned back against the counter Ella's body plastered against him and her hand buried in his jeans.

Oh, it hurt like a knife in her chest. She wanted to be angry but all she felt was betrayal. Her eyes blurred as she turned away from the scene.

"Nandy," She heard Ella call, followed by Murphy's surprised echo. She couldn't bring herself to turn and look again. She had to leave before they see her cry.

It was too late Murphy had caught up to her, grabbing her hand to stop her.

"It's not what you think, please believe me," he pleaded.

Nandy kept her head down she didn't want to see his pleading green eyes or Ella's smug smile. She had to get the hell away she wouldn't let them see how this affected her. She quickly pried his hand off of hers grabbed her purse and close the door behind her. She walked down the hall picking up speed as it became harder to keep her sadness at bay.

By the time she entered the stairwell she couldn't hold out any longer. She saw Ella all over him again even when she closed her eyes. She leaned against the wall as her body was racked with sobs. She loved him so much but he wasn't hers. He didn't love her like she did. Some part of her knew it and it's only now that she must come face to face with that reality. 

It was only made worse by the fact that it was Ella. She cried until the pain in her chest subsided. She needed to be farther away. She didn't want to go home, she'd only have to explain to Ruby what happened and relive the pain.

She just wanted to forget her pain and she knew of one person who could help her.

"Cole, are you far?"



Murphy Ch. 08



Author's Note: Almost done! Stick with me, It's gonna get real good.

*****

Knock knock

It was a soft knock, one Ruby was surprised she even heard over the twin's rowdiness. She had just sat them down for dinner at Nandy's small solid dining table. She wiped that table down multiple times knowing her cousin all too well. That night Nandy would be at Murphy's apartment, giving her an extra day of having the apartment to herself.

Knock knock

This time was louder and made Ruby jump. Something was wrong. She'd developed this sixth sense after the twins went through their terrible twos. She quickly went to the door checking the peephole.

It was Truman! She missed him so much but she was wary; he couldn't imagine the attitude he'd be in.

"Tru? What are you doing here?" She asked softly through the door. If the twins knew there would be no silencing them. 

"Ruby, let me in! Enough of this!" He said loudly rousing the kid attention.

"Daddy!" They shouted gleefully, heading toward her.

"Truman, I can't. Nandy won't allow you in her house."The twins had finally made it to the door, their little mouths fixed to beg for their father.

Suddenly, Truman banged on the door, " You can't do this! You can't keep my kids from me." 

All three of them jumped, Trudy attaching herself to Ruby's leg.

"Stop it Tru! You're scaring the kids! You'll see them tomorrow, like we agreed. Now go!" Ruby said with a courage she didn't feel.

He banged one more time before audibly slumping against it sobbing. "Ruby don't leave me!" 

He cried and the sound ripped at her heart. Ruby's resolve was weakening. Was she doing the right thing? How did she get her husband back?

"Ruby, I can't do it, I can't live without you," he sobbed near the door. Her eyes pricked with tears. He sounded as if he were in agony and it tore at her. She ran to the door, the twins hot on her heels. Her hand stilled on the door handle as she hesitated.

Bang!

"Ruby, let me in goddamn it!"

Ruby jumped at the sound. Trudy had begun to cry, burying her little face in her mother's leg. Ruby summoned her strength, she had to protect her children. "True, leave now or I'll call the police!"

"Call them! You can't keep them from me! You can't just leave me like this!" 

Fear shot through Ruby. She was sure that with all the noise they were making the cops were already on their way.

"Daddy, you making Trudy cry!" Terren shouted back anger in his small face. The twins had always been overprotective of each other even if it meant disobeying their parents.

"Go home daddy!" He shouted bravely.

There was only silence behind the door. Ruby pulled him into her side hoping to calm the child. After a few seconds of silence Ruby called Truman's name. There was no response. She looked into the peephole and he was gone. A cold feeling settled into her stomach. She prayed he didn't hurt himself.

###

"Are you okay?" Cole immediately asked as Nandy hopped in the car. She simply nodded, too afraid that she would sob instead of respond.

"You sure? Did he hurt you?" Cole asked sincerely. 

"He wasn't there," she explained turning her face so he wouldn't see the tears, "I don't want to go home though," 

"Oh, so now you're trying to turn up with big boys, I hope you're ready," Cole teased.

Nandy chuckled glad to be distracted.

###

The party was already popping when they'd arrived at Cole's place on star island. Music filled the house and air yet there wasn't anyone milling around outside. Maybe it was just a small gathering. Cole always seemed to underestimate these things. When they entered the house Nandy was caught between gawking at the beautiful house, with its distinctly bachelor-with-a-lot-of-money aesthetic, or the familiar and famous faces they passed. Nandy hoped her face wasn't too puffy from crying. Luckily, she wasn't too out of place in her skinnies and graphic tee, everyone else seemed to be rocking the same thing albeit more expensive.

Cole strolled in and happily greeted almost everyone he passed all the while keeping a hand around Nandy's waist. Ananda wasn't sure when it got there, but it felt good. He introduced her to everyone he'd greeted. Cole was never so friendly. He usually either had on his charming persona or chose to remain silent. 

She realized that these must be his personal friends, family, and business partners. His mixtape floated through the air along with the smell of kush, perfume, and wine.

###

After a few drinks Ananda settled on a white leather couch with Cole beside her and a few of his friends. The vibe of the party was surprisingly chill, Nandy felt the pain of that night slipping away. She was even able to network, meeting the VP of Cole's clothing line. She'd always wanted to take her skills into the fashion industry.

Nandy also met Cole's financial adviser. He introduced her as a close friend but Ananda was sure that they had been closer than he was letting on. Her name was Beatrice, she was attractive and just Cole's type. She was long and tan like cinnamon, with dark eyes and a charming smile. Beatrice was definitely charismatic and witty. She made Ananda almost happy she came.

With that thought came a burning ache. She missed Murphy and hated him for being with Ella. She hated herself for loving him. She hated Cole for having feelings for her and being so funny and nice. She even hated that Cole's advances turned her on. Nandy felt like she was betraying Murphy. Then there was Beatriz. She didn't hate her or the way that she smiled at her.

They spoke for hours. Cole joined in here or there and many people joined and left, but clearly Nandy and Bea drove it. At some point Nandy found herself studying her face . It was square with soft curves, round expressive eyes and full shapely lips. Her smile was genuine and her gaze piercing. It was as if she saw right through her. Maybe it was the wine; she was on her fourth cup and was swimming.

Suddenly someone tapped Beatrice on the shoulder and she excused herself. Nandy felt her absence immediately. She was less interested in the conversation. Eventually she and Cole slipped into a private exchange all their own. 

"Are you having fun?" he asked close to her ear. The timbre of his voice raised hair on her skin.

"Too much fun," She said turning toward him. Nandy realized he was mere inches away from her face. She smiled at him. He really was a gorgeous man, with his smooth brown skin, sparkling dark eyes, and perfect grin. He smelled amazing and she even liked the tattoos snaking up his forearms. She was reminded of how delicious Murphy's forearms are. 

They were strong and tan with a dusting of dark blonde hair and looked great supporting her dark thighs as he pressed himself deeply into her. The thought both aroused and pained her. She sipped her wine to wash away the feeling. 

Ananda refocused on Cole who seemed to be studying her face. "Some how I expected shots of Vesuvius to be going around," Nandy commented cheeky as ever.

Cole chuckled, "You know, there are times when you pound shots and schmoke fat blunts, then there are times you sip wine and puff smaller classier blunts."

She laughed, "You haven't "schmoked" anything since you've got here," She pointed out.

"Nah, you're all the high I need."

"Are you flirting with me?" She giggled.

"Only if its working," they both smiled as something sparked between them.

The night went on in a haze of wine, flirting, and scanning the room for Beatriz. She wondered why she left and what she was doing and why she cared at all. The room began to slowly clear out as Cole whispered sweet meaningless words against her skin. Was he kissing her? His lips were feather light on hers and his breath fanned her neck. Cole's hand rested on her knee and part of her braced in anticipation. She found herself leaning into his touch and warmth.

"Are you ready to tell me what happened tonight with You-Know-Who?" Cole asked against her skin.

"Don't want to talk about it," She said almost moaning when he nibbled her neck. 

"Then let's go somewhere and not talk about it."

She wanted to say 'No, I love Murphy' but that meant she loved someone who didn't love her. Her body said yes, she wanted more of Cole. Nandy was already wondering what kind of lover Cole was. She must have made an affirmative sound because he was on his feet, tugging Nandy to hers. She felt as if she was being carried away by a warm current. They floated room to room then down a quiet hall, past a double door and into a foyer.

"You have a foyer in your room?" She asked aloud.

He laughed, " Yeah, a small one," he said locking the door behind them, "Now come here."

He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her into him. Cole's hands slid over her hips to grip her ass. His groping hands sent shocks through her body and pooled warmth between her thighs. She stiffened when her body reacted. Sensing her reluctance, Cole pressed a soft kiss to her lips, slowly deepening it until she melted against his body. 

"Just as good as I remember," He growled against her lips, filling his hands with her ass and grinding his hard bulge against her. He kissed down her neck, Nandy's soft mewling edging him on.

Suddenly, he spun her and pinned her to the wall. A shiver ran her spine at the surprise and excitement of it. Her nipples pressed against the cool wall as Cole's hands trailed her body. Cole's heat pressed between her cheeks. Cole's hand ventured between her thighs, touching her through her jeans. She bucked against his hand as her skin lit up with heat. Her body was wound like tight coil and she wanted to beg for release. 

"Oh god, Murphy, fuck me," She growled as she threw her head back.

Cole's hand froze and she realized what she'd said, what she'd done, what she was about to do. No, she didn't want this, she didn't want Cole. Everything in her yearned and craved Murphy. Goddamn him, for kissing Ella and touching her. Goddamn him for making her love him. Goddamn him for hurting her. Her eyes welled with tears. She couldn't cry in front of Cole. 

"I'm sorry," Nandy muttered as she pulled away and headed toward the door. She didn't look at him, couldn't speak, she just had to get out of there. Nandy fumbled with the lock and burst through the doors . Cole called after her but she continued. She wanted to want Cole, she wanted to fuck him to spite Murphy and Ella. She wanted to prove desperately that they couldn't hurt her, that they didn't have the power to affect her so. But they did.

Tears rolled down her eyes blurring her vision. She jumped when someone grabbed her wrist and stopped her in her tracks.

"Ananda? What happened?" Nandy heard Beatrice ask.

Nandy turned and forced a smile, trying to quickly dry her eyes. It was somehow a relief to see Bea.

"What happened?" She asked with concern in her eyes.

"Boy troubles," She said simply, forcing a chuckle, "I'll be fine." Bea's dark eyes latched onto hers and a shiver raked Nandy's body. As Beatrice wiped away her tears the pain and sadness seemed to melt away. 

"How about we get away from the boys for a bit." She said with a genuine smile. Nandy returned it weakly as she nodded her head. Beatrice grabbed Nandy by the hand and led her to the back of the house where the party began to thin out.They went out through the glass back door, farther still past the fire pit to a lounge near the pool. The cool wet air and Bea's soft hand in hers did much to calm Nandy.

"Can I ask what happened or is it too personal?" Bea asked lightheartedly sitting close and turning toward her.

"I was a little too quick to use Cole as a jumpoff." she admitted quickly.

"You just broke up with someone and Cole was your rebound?"

"Sort of, to the "broke up" part and "yes" to the rebound."

"That's A million dollar rebound," Beatrice teased, "Lemme guess. You weren't ready for Cole to be your rebound...tonight." 

Nandy laughed,"I'm just not bouncing back like I used to." She found it surprising how comfortable it was to be honest.

"When did this "break up" happen?" Bea asked using air quotes.

"Oh about, I don't know, four hours ago."she chucked lightly, she didn't want Bea's pity.

"Damn, I hate to know how fast you used to bounce back before." She searched Nandy's face, trying to decipher her true feelings.

"Lemme hazard one more guess," she said leaning in closer, "you came here to forget your problems, only Cole doesn't exactly make you forget, does he?" 

Nandy found herself leaning in as well, overly aware of their closeness. "It's just that Cole only reminds me that..." She paused as her eyes pricked with sudden tears, "He reminds me that he isn't the man that I wanted, and that the man I wanted is out fucking...my best friend."

Beatrice was silent as Nandy realized that she may not have been expecting a confession of this magnitude. As her silence dragged on, Nandy began to feel foolish for even bringing it up.

Nandy smiled weakly, "Thanks for listening, I'll be fine," Ananda pushed to her feet and Beatrice acted quickly.

"Don't go," she said standing and latching on to Nandy's wrist to stop her, "I was just thinking. I was thinking about how I had no chance with you. About how fucked up it is that I'm kind of glad it happened because I would have never had met you otherwise. I promised myself I'd stop messing with straight girls anyway so it shouldn't matter. Now, I'm thinking I've scared you a little bit," she said the last chuckling awkwardly.

Nandy felt the urge to kiss her. Her heart sped at the thought. Was she bold enough? Nandy's gaze fell to her full bowed lips. Before she had even decided, she'd pressed her lips to Bea's kissing her sweetly. Nandy immediately regretted it when Beatrice body stiffened.

"I'm so sorry about that," Nandy apologized. Before she finished Bea pulled her in by the waist, one hand wrapping around her neck to pull her into a deep kiss. Nandy's body flooded with heat. She couldn't believe she was kissing Beatrice, even more it felt better than she'd ever imagined.

###

Jae tried to make it a habit to not work on Sundays, a tenet held over from her childhood. She made an exception today, she knew she wouldn't be good company with thoughts of work muddying her mind. She dress down, it felt less like work that way, wearing shorts, a tank and her long straightened hair out. She'd be the only one in the office.

It was funny that she got like this, but she believed wholeheartedly in what she did. She worked hard, learned, researched, studied and went out of her way to treat her young patients. They were only children and she understood the life she spared them by putting her all into treatment. It was her dream to open a non-profit that reached out and treated those children who fell through the crack; the children who were left behind, forgotten and disowned. The passion for this dream burned deep inside her as she got lost in her thoughts.

"Mmmh looking like a tall Caramel Macchiato," Jae heard from the door. She immediately recognized Delvin voice before she turned.

"Ruby is the tall caramel macchiato," she said teasing him, "I'm more of a grande hazelnut frappucino. Nandy's a Venti Chestnut Praline Latte. I'm afraid if you can't see that we will have to call it quits ".

He chuckled as Jae hugged him. When she released him, Cole pulled her in by the waist, kissing Jae until she melted like a Popsicle in July.

"How did you know I was here?"

Delvin held his grip on her as he replied, "The way you were going on about your patient last night, where else would you be?" He slowly kissed her again, "and Ruby told me."

"So you decided to come distract me?"

"I came to feed you," he said gesturing to the bag in his other hand, "Then maybe you can feed me." He growled the last against her lips as he grabbed her ass. Jae squeaked, she hadn't expected that nor did she expect to be so turned on by it. She was so wrapped in him it both scared and thrilled her.

Jae gave him a peck and thanked him for the food. She had to get back to her research. She wanted to have her treatment plan ready for Monday. Delvin took the lounge in her office and watched her work. Jae would often catch his eye and smile. He'd make a silly face and she'd suppress her amusement. Within twenty minutes Jae's mind was deeply buried in her research. So much so, she jumped when she felt a kiss pressed to her neck. Engulfing her in his heat, Cole wrapped his arms around her.

"I'm trying to work," Jae protested weakly as Delvin wandering hands cupped her breasts.

"But you're so damn sexy when you go into therapist mode." He said into her neck as his fingers found a pert nipple beneath her shirt. Jae reaction was sudden and overwhelming as heat traveled her body and settled between her thighs.

"I really should work on this,"she said just as Delvin pinched her nipples, sending shocks through her body. Delvin pressed the evidence of his arousal against her backside. Fear shot through her a she felt her resolve breaking. Jae turned to face him and he smiled widely. Damn, why did his smile have to be so sexy?

"I thought you weren't going to be a distraction." She said stepping back.

Delvin quickly closed the space and before she knew it he'd lifted her and sat her down on the desk behind her. His kiss was back on her lips and his hands trailing up her thighs. He slowly pressed his growing erection to her core. She moaned into his kiss. She wanted to stop but it felt too good. She needed so much more. Jae had never had a man inside her but now her body craved that foreign sensation.

"No no no," she muttered, pushing him away. She quickly hopped down and crossed the room, finding it hard to catch her breath.

"I didn't mean to push you," Delvin said worry pressed between his brow. She'd freaked him out, and now she was a little embarrassed. Nandy was right. It was a shame that she was a grown woman and still a virgin, too afraid to have sex with her very sexy very loving boyfriend.

"No, I'm alright," Jae said still not catching her breath.She had to tell him. Delvin wanted to move forward in their relationship but Jae wasn't ready to risk losing him.

"I have a promise ring," Jae blurted. A flash of confusion crossed Delvin face. "I don't want to have sex until I'm married." She explained quickly.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He asked after processing it. His expression was unreadable and Jae wanted to cry right then.

"Because it scares guys off. They assume that I'm just looking for someone to settle down with but that's not the case. I'm just focused on my practice right now because that's what makes me happy, but now you make me happy too and I wasn't ready to scare you off."

His expression never changed as he listened to Jae's rushed admission. "I understand if it's something you're not ready for." Jae said when he hadn't replied. She squared her shoulders and wiped emotion from her face as she braced for rejection.

"Now I just feel like an asshole." He said finally. His answer confused her but she wanted to laugh.

"If I knew I wouldn't have been so... Now, you think all I want to do is rub on your booty." Jae did laugh then. Delvin walked over wrapping his arms around her waist.

"So you really okay with it?" She asked sincerely.

"Listen, I'm not with you to fuck a beautiful women. A couple hundred bucks and some charm and I can do that." Jae playfully slapped his shoulder as she laughed.

His dark eyes pierced hers, "I'm with you because you're intelligent and got a little attitude like my mama,I like that. I'm here because I can talk to you for hours and I'm happy when I'm around you. So if that means no nookie until the time is right then so be it."

Jae couldn't stop the joy that overtook her. She leaned into his embrace, kissing him with all the passion she possessed.




Murphy Ch. 08



"No nookie means you can't do that too often," he joked when Jae pulled back. She laughed she couldn't believe this amazing man.

###

"Hello?"

"Nandy?!" Murphy answered sounding more relieved than he meant to let on. 

He'd been calling her all night until it began to go straight to voicemail. He decided to try one more time before he had to go into the station. It rang then she answered and Murphy was filled with relief. Now he didn't know what to say.

When Nandy left that night the first thing he did was kick Ella out. He felt guilty and admittedly a bit stupid. He had allowed her to come into his home and talk trash about Nandy. He allowed Ella to kiss, touch, and manipulate him. He had no intention of taking it further but the hurt in Nandy's eyes proved to him he was wrong. He could punch himself. 

He tried to run after her but by the time he'd made it out of the building he could see Nandy pull off in a souped up Panamera. Murphy had no doubts as to who drove it. He was so angry he could chew bricks but he knew the only one he could blame was himself.

Now Murphy had nothing to say except something she may not believe. "Nandy, I'm so sorry," he said with the emotion he had, "...but..." He didn't want to say it but it was the truth, "it really isn't what you think."

Nandy sighed as if as of bracing herself for what he said next, "Murphy, it's okay."

This one threw Murphy. She didn't sound upset just indifferent. "It's not okay. We had hurt you, I hurt you. Nandy, I promise you it was Ella who was..."

"Murphy, seriously..." She sighed again, "It wasn't like we were dating. I mean I knew what this was."

This speared Murphy. How could she say that after all they've been through together. She'd met his father and He'd baby sat her niece and nephew.

"You can't honestly believe that we were just fucking," Murphy said angrier by the second. He couldn't have been this deep in love by himself. There was nothing but silence on the other side and Murphy feared she hung up.

"Nandy?" He called.

Another sigh, "What do you want from me?" There was was an agitated set to her tone.

"I want you to talk to to me, let's talk about this"

"What do you want me to say?"she asked angrily, "You want me to admit that you hurt me? You did, she was my best fucking friend. is there anything else you want to hear or did you expect me to just forgive you and swing by tonight for a quick fuck? I'm still hurting but do I have any right to be mad at you? No, I knew what this was from jump street. Is there anything else?"

"Goddamn it, Nandy!" Murphy said out of frustration. He'd much rather her scream and curse him than this dismissive indifference. He took a deep breath, "Nandy," he began calmly,"I am so sorry, if I can take it all back I would. I would have never let her in. I would've..." He didn't know how to make this right.

"Oh you're sorry, I guess everything is all better now, thanks."she replied sarcastically having reached the end of her patience.

"You know what Nandy, you're no saint either. Did you conveniently forget that you kissed Cole while you were on a date with me. Not to mention you and him running around the city together. You're pictures are on TV every week. I believed you when you said you weren't fucking him, I never questioned you."

"Never to my face!" She almost shouted.

"That's how you get your kicks isn't it manipulating people. You've manipulated me and Cole and even caused your cousins to be disowned with you. Trust me, querida, you're no angel either."

Complete silence followed his rant and Murphy nearly tossed his phone across the room.

"So, that's how you feel?" She answered calmly, "Fuck you, Murphy!" she said before the line went dead.

"Fuck," he said more to himself. He'd done it now. He'd made things worse. He wondered briefly why he ever thought it was good to abandon his bachelorhood. It was situations like these that made him avoid relationships all together. Murphy stormed out of his own front door. On top of it all he was going to be late for work.

###

Ananda was expecting Murphy to throw Cole in her face. She'd even braced for it. Then he said something that confirmed her worst fear; that it was because of her that Ruby and Jae were deserted along with her. Maybe he was right.She's been through her 'if onlys'. How did he even know? When did he find out? Why hadn't he brought it up with her. It was as if he were saving it just to spite her. To hear him speak those words turned the knife he'd shoved in her heart. She hated him and loved him and hated that she loved him in a painful dichotomy of emotion. 

She threw her phone across the room in a fit of anger. As soon as the phone shattered so did Nandy's control over her emotions. She buried her face in the pillow cried from the depths of her sorrow.

"What's wrong?" She heard from the door of Cole's guestroom. Nandy looked up to see Bea wearing only her panties and t-shirt carrying mugs of coffee. Where did Nandy even begin?

"What happened?" She asked with more concern as she sat down the mugs on the nightstand and took a seat on the bed next to her.

"Boy problems," Nandy answered tears still slipping down her cheeks. Bea wiped them away placing a comforting kiss there. She kissed Nandy's jaw then earlobe as her hands ran down her bare back. Bea's touch eased the pain in her chest.

"I can help you forget them," she said close to Nandy's ear before trailing kisses down her neck and back. For the second time that morning Bea made love to her until her pain was forgotten.

###

Ruby finally relaxed into Nandy's couch after a long day out with the twins. She loved her little crumb snatchers but without Tru's buffering they tired her out quickly. Now that they were down for their nap Ruby enjoyed her me time with a glass of wine and Ru Paul's Drag Race. Just as she had her show queued up and her wine in hand her phone began to ring.

"Hello, am I speaking with Mrs Hertland?"

"Yes this is her," Ruby answered, the woman's voice was professional yet distance.

"Mrs. Hertland I'm doctor Erica Mendes here at Atlantic Shores Mental Health Facility. We've recently admitted your husband under the Bakers Act..."

Ruby heard the rest of what the doctor was saying but it didn't register as her heart sank to her knees. Her worst fear had come true. Words like "delusional" and "suicidal" made her sick to her stomach.

"Can I see him?" she asked interrupting the doctor's seemingly endless flow of words.

"Yes, Mrs Hertland but he is heavily medicated and we can't be sure of..."

"I'll be there shortly," she again interrupted before hanging up.

"Truman what did you do?" She said to herself as fear consumed her.

###

Nandy got a call from Ruby asking if she could babysit the twins for a couple hours. She agreed happy to not have to explain last night. Beatrice drove her home in a car more souped up than Cole's. Bea's hand rested on her thigh the whole ride. Nandy really liked her, Bea was more like her than any other of her lovers, despite the obvious fact that they were both female. It still remained that that stupid sexy Brazilian man had her heart.

When they'd pulled up, Nandy hopped out and was surprised to find Bea getting out to. She pulled Nandy in by the waist, holding her close.

"I'm glad I met you,"

"Me too," Nandy said softly, enjoying the way Bea pressed a kiss to her lips while kneading her full cheeks. "Call me if you have anymore boy problems or, you know, when you decide you don't want anymore." she said playfully smacking her ass before getting in the car. Nandy smiled and waved her off.

"That didn't take long," Nandy heard from behind her. When she realized it was Ella her hackles raised. How dare she even show her face?

"This is a new one, though," Ella said ignoring her irritation, "this will be the second time you've brought a girl home. We both know how the first time went."

"I'm not in the mood to deal with you, take your ass on." Nandy said walking past her into the building. Nandy rushed through the lobby and hit the button for the elevator.

"What? You've got yourself a shiny new play thing and you forget about the skeletons in your closet?"

"You weren't a skeleton," Nandy said pinning her with a deep look, "you were my best friend. You were determined to fuck that up, weren't you?". The elevator dinged and Nandy entered trying to hide her emotions. This bitch didn't deserve her tears.

"So you make a habit out of fucking your friends?" Ella asked spitefully, she was ready for Nandy's anger but not the true look of betrayal. Maybe she had fucked things up for good. Ella couldn't believe that. She and Ananda had been through much worse.

"I learned from the best," Nandy said chuckling darkly at the irony.

Anger flared in Ella's eyes but she continued calmly,"I never meant for you to walk in on us. I would never be so cruel. I just needed to show you that he could never be what you wanted. Murphy would have never confessed to the bar and would have never confessed about last night. He'll always want to have his cake and eat it too. They all do! I don't know how many times I must show you that."

It was painful to hear, she didn't want to think that Murphy was the type but there was very little proving her wrong. Ella tentatively reached out to her, pulling her close and pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"I can say the same about you," Nandy replied not finding the strength to pull away from her embrace. Ella was shocked by her response but did not let go. She had expected Nandy to just run back to her like she always did despite the fact that Ella was the cause or her misery.

"I begged you Ella!" Nandy said amid crying into her arms.," I begged you to leave him alone. If you loved me you would have done it. But you were selfish, you rather I be miserable with you then happy with someone else and that's not love." 

Nandy finally pulled away and looked into the eyes of her former best friend and lover, hopefully for the last time. "Murphy may have done what he did but he'd never piss on my head and tell me its raining. Don't ever call or come by again and if you see me in the streets don't bother to speak." 

The elevator opened and Nandy muttered a good bye and left Ella there shocked and hurt. It killed Nandy to see her hurt but it was only deserving. Nandy was the one who lost the love of her life and best friend in one night. For the first time in her life she finally said it even if it was only to herself "Fuck Ella!"



Murphy Ch. 09



[Author's Note: I got all of your emails and comments and shoutouts and I thank you all for them. I have been gone, experienced life, now its back to the writing. Thanks for sticking in there with me. Only one more chapter and I'll try to have that for you before the New Year. Ciao Bella]



 "You son of a bitch!" 

 It was the screech of a woman that Murphy heard as he jumped down from the fire truck. It must be one of the guys bringing their relationship problems to the station again. It happened all too often and Murphy was glad he could keep his away. When Murphy turned he was greeted with a hard slap across his face. 

 "What the hell!?" He demanded, the blow still stinging.

 "Why the FUCK would you tell Nandy that it was her fault we were kicked out? What the FUCK is wrong with you? " Jae shouted before dealing him another slap that made him see stars. 

 Nandy must have sent her guard dogs after him. Jae was small but her backhand was powerful. The pain still seared his skin. 

 "She told you that in confidence and you throw it in her face? I was even rooting for you, you bastard!" Jae continued hitting him until Delvin appeared, pulling her away. 

 "Jae! What are you doing!? You need to calm down! What the hell is going on? " 

 Jae pointed at Murphy like a child throwing blame, "He told Ananda that it was her fault that we were kicked out as kids!"

 Delvin looked between Murphy and his girlfriend warily, "Isn't it?" Delvin said weakly. 

 "No!" she shouted, "Ruby and I chose to leave with Ananda! None of it was her fault. How could you even think that, Murphy, after she told you what she's been through."

 "I..." Murphy muttered as his stomach dropped.

 Then it dawned on her as she looked at Murphy's confused expression, "She didn't tell you, did she? Who told you?" 

 Jae followed Murphy's gaze to Delvin whom she pinned with fury. "I never told you it was her fault, I said it was her secret to tell! I can't..." She closed her eyes to gain some composure.

 She looked at Murphy when she was through. "I might as well tell you now, at least you'll know how royally you fucked up." 

 Jae looked around to find the other men looking at the scene they made, "Not here," she said before storming out as if she were the chief. 

 ***

Jae met up with Delvin and Murphy at the Starbucks down the street.

 "Nandy never mentioned anything to you?" Jae asked again. 

 "Not a clue," Murphy answered. He was nervous about what she'd tell him. He didn't know what to expect but a part of him hoped that with the information he'd be able to get Nandy back.

 "She cried to me last night, Ananda. I won't go into detail, but you cut her deeper than you can begin to imagine. It was as if the past ten years never happened."

 "I didn't mean to, I love her."

 "How do I know that? How does she know that?" Jae said raising her eyebrow.

 She had a point. He'd never told her, never said a thing. "But love isn't something you necessarily have to say for someone to know." Murphy said. 

 Jae simply looked down into her cup of coffee, "Have you ever wondered why Nandy is..." She struggled to find the word, "...the way she is?"

 "Because that's who she is. " Murphy responded confused. 

 "That is who she became. I remember her before that. Charismatic and cheeky she'd always been but she was also kind and very naive. She was a people pleaser. Her mom thought she was the perfect daughter, she was the perfect student and actually enjoyed participating in church. You see, we were all apart of a very strict, very zealous church with our family. Chastity and humility were of the utmost importance for teenage girls like us. Nandy tried her hardest to be exactly that, but the boys were noticing her and she inevitably noticed them too. Nandy's mom was becoming extremely terrified by that. She felt the urge to protect Nandy's innocence by isolation. She only went to school and church. Nandy had not minded it. She believed it was making her a better person."

 "Since she spent most of her time at church she'd built a very trusting relationship with one of the youth ministry directors. Believed he was guiding her spiritually. She never saw him as anything other than religious authority. No one saw anything wrong with this grown man taking these teenaged girls out on overnight retreats. Nandy had went several times and always enjoyed herself. One time, the last time, she came back silent. She literally didn't speak for a whole week. Ruby and I knew something horrible had happened. Whether it was grief, fear or denial that kept her quiet we hadn't known."

 "Not too long after that Ruby came across Nandy and the counselor arguing. He pounded her to the wall screaming as Nandy sobbed uncontrollably.

 He came forward a couple days later. In front of the entire church he said that he had sinned. That he was tempted by Nandy. He called her insatiable and God forsaken. Nandy didn't move. She didn't look anywhere but her hands as if she were carved from stone. What he'd said about Nandy being insatiable was a lie. She would have rather died than to disappoint her mother over one night of sex. Up until then she was a virgin." 

 "'Nandy, is this true?' her mom asked. Nandy didn't move, didn't acknowledge anyone in the room. As far as we could tell it was only her body that was in the room. Her mom called her over and over and Nandy stayed there frozen. Then her mother marched over to her and slapped her. The crack of it reverberated through the whole congregation, quickly followed by the thump of Nandy hitting the ground. She'd passed out." 

 "At the hospital she found out she was pregnant. Her mother was going to make her drop out of school and raise this child. Yet no one one held the counselor responsible, they didn't even report him for statutory rape. It all was so very wrong. No one stopped it, no one said anything. Even my mother and Ruby's parents talked about Nandy like a dog, like they didn't even know her anymore. Nandy became a pariah and even more isolated. We weren't even allowed to speak to her."

 "I didn't care, I wouldn't throw away a relationship with my cousin because they told me to. At school Nandy had broke down and confessed to us that she daydreamed of killing herself. She had said that she knew exactly how she'd do it going into grave detail. She was hurting and no one seemed to care. She felt like her life was over."

 "So, Ruby, Truman and I did what we felt necessary to save Nandy's life."

Jae paused there taking a sip of her coffee, her hands shook and tears threatened her eyes. Delvin put a comforting arm around Jae. 

 "What did you do? " Murphy prompted age a few minutes. 

 "Well, Nandy never had the baby...and when her mom found out she couldn't even look her in the eye. She kicked her out. Our mothers wouldn't allow Nandy in their homes. It was then that we made a vow to be to each other everything we needed."

 Murphy tried to imagine Nandy as a church girl, good and pure, taken advantage of, scared, pregnant and alone. He wanted even then to run to her and wrap his arms around her. 

 "You don't go through something like this without scars and it wasn't until I began studying psychology that I even began to notice them. You see after the initial shock and grieving period another symptom of the PTSD began to emerge. Hypersexuality, It's very rare and can turn very serious. I feared the worst when i learned of it myself. It's Nandy's subconscious way of asserting control over her sexuality. Her friend Ella only made it worse. We didn't approve of her but she made Nandy happy. We couldn't ruin that. Now, I wish that I had."

Jae was right, Murphy had fucked up royally. There was still something nagging at him though

"If Nandy and Ella was so close why was she looking to start trouble?"

 Jae sighed, "i don't know the extent of their relationship but I knew at some point it surpassed mere friendship. I can only assume what Nandy saw as exercising her sexual freedom. Ella saw as something deeper. Ella probably saw Nandy genuinely fall for you, jealousy, vindication or both. She wanted to ruin you for Nandy and have her rushing back to her comfort zone."

 "Shouldn't her comfort zone be you and Ruby?" Murphy asked.

 "In a lot of ways it is, but when dealing with sexual trauma you tried to revert back to those people and behaviors that you associate with being positive. That had always been Ella. "

 Murphy ran his hands over his face. He'd definitely fucked up. He was a pawn in Ella's plan and he'd played his part perfectly. Now he may have lost her forever. He couldn't lose her.

 "I have to make this better, Jae, and you've got to help me." He said hoping she'd see the seriousness in his eyes. 

 "I don't normally help people who run off at the mouth without knowing what they're even saying," She said raising an eyebrow, "or guys who can't keep it in there pants-yes, she told me that too."

 She continued when Murphy looked duly chastised, "but I'll help you, for Nandy."

Murphy nodded, "Just tell me one thing, " he looked at Delvin then back at Jae, "Does she love me?"

 "Do I have to answer that? She told you as much. I bet you don't even recall when."

 "I do! " he said recalling the memory, he remembered that moment very well. He had feared taking it too seriously. He was too afraid of it not being real. 

 "I see you obviously don't have a plan," Jae sighed, "this is what you need to do."

 ***

 It had been officially forty hours into Truman's 72 hour hold and Ruby still hadn't gotten the opportunity to see Truman. She bounced between worry for him and worry for the twins. A nurse came by an hour ago and informed her that Truman was awake and being evaluated by a physician. The news only serve to put Ruby on edge. She couldn't imagine what state he was in. Did he hurt himself? Did he hurt someone else? She realized that she felt guilty. She'd just left him to deal by himself. 



"Mrs. Hertland" she heard the nurse call. Ruby was immediately on her feet walking quickly over to the woman. 

 "You're able to see your husband now, but first the doctor wants to discuss his evaluation with you."

Ruby nodded, her heart sinking. That didn't sound like he had good news. As soon as they'd reached the door to Truman's room the doctor was exiting it. He was an older man, salt and pepper hair and a fatherly concern in his blue eyes. 

 "Mrs. Heartland, I'm Dr. Sullivan"

 "What happened? Is he okay?" Ruby said unable to muster the patience for pleasantries. 

 "He is perfectly fine. We'd sedated him, for his own comfort I assure you. Mrs. Hertland, has your husband's behavior changed over the past couple days or has he been acting normally?" He asked softly. 

 The knowledge that he wasn't physically injured calmed Ruby enough to think, "Uhhh...he'd been acting strange for the past couple months. Crazy mood swings and he'd have these fears. I figured he was stressed from work."

 "I see," was all Dr. Sullivan had said as he quickly scribbled something on his clipboard. 

 Again Ruby tensed. "What is it?"

 "The short of it is we think your husband may be suffering from Querelous Paranoid Personality Disorder. I definitely would like to evaluate him a bit more over a couple d-"

 "Wait, what does that mean exactly?" Ruby said cutting him off, she squeezed her eyes closed as her ears began to ring.

 "What it means is your husband has been suffering a mental illness, though mild, it has probably been exacerbated recently by stress or big life changes. Mrs. Hertland it pains me to have to tell you of your husband's condition but there is treatment to make it manageable."

The doctors calm reassuring voice did nothing to stop the words from bouncing around her head. Mental illness. Suffering. Her husband.

 "Wh-what happened? Did he hurt someone? Did he hurt himself? C-Can I see him?" Ruby asked in quick succession trying to peer behind the doctor into the room. She just needed to see him and to know he's alright, to know that he's still the love of her life.

 "You're able to see him but he's highly sedated." The doctor warned.

 Ruby nodded impatiently.

 When the doctor held the door open she hurried in. Truman lied there in a fitful sleep, dark circles beneath his eyes and hollowed cheeks. She ran a hand over his brow feeling emotion well inside her.

 "I'm so sorry," she said her eyes pricked and teared. How could she have left him to deal by himself? Truman was her husband and best friend. The guilt settled in her chest and made it hard to breathe. She looked over his prone body strapped to the hospital bed and lost herself in a wave of tears, burying her face on his chest.

 "Ruby," she heard rumble from his chest. She looked up to Truman's barely lucid gaze, his eyes blinking slowly. His sour expression began to melt into a small strained smile before he was out.

 "We'll figure this out,Tru, we'll make it." She said more for herself, she was determined and she wouldn't lose her family. 

 ***

 Nandy woke up and the sun was beautiful as it streamed through her curtains. It was the first time in about a week that she could even sleep in her bedroom without crying over a certain big Brazilian man who broke her heart. That beautiful morning seemed to be her reward. As if to say you've made it past the heartache and the worst is over. In a good mood she stopped for donuts for her team before heading to work. She walked into the building greeting everyone with a sincerity she hadn't possessed for days. They all noticed the change. 

 That was when Nick, her second in command gave her a look as if he feared her fragile happiness would crumble. "There's uh...someone here to see you. I had them wait in your office."

 Nandy's stomach dropped. It could only be one of two people both of which she wasn't ready to see much less speak with. She swallowed that sour feeling and nodded. Nandy was no longer a coward. She'd deal with this like she dealt with everything else; with grace, cleverness and head on. As she walked to her office she willed her heart to beat to the steady clacking of her heels and not the erratic pace it had taken on. 

 When she opened her door she was flooded with an emotion she hadn't felt in what seemed forever. She was happy to see Murphy he looked as mouthwatering as ever from his stoic brow, wide shoulders and braced stance it felt great to see him. She felt like such a dumbass for missing him. After all he'd done, after all he said, after all the tears, she would crawl back to him if she wasn't careful.

 Heavy fear dropped into her stomach but Nandy walked forward.

 "Nandy," he said softly, "its good to see you. "

 Nandy forced herself not to react, "what can i do you for?." She said emotionless. 

 "I came to apologize, I've tried calling and knew you wouldn't buzz me up to visit you. This was the only place I knew you-"

 "Knew I wouldn't make a scene?" She offered coldly.

 "No, where you felt the most in control." Murphy continued when that silenced Nandy. 

"I came here prepared for you to kick me out and to never want to see me again but I had to right my wrongs. I'm an adult and the least I can do is clear the air.

 Nandy crossed an arm over her chest and dropped her forehead in a raised hand, "I know what this is about. Murphy, I don't want your pity about what happened and I don't care to ease your guilt about what you'd said about it." 

 Murphy rushed forward and Nandy quickly stepped back. Shed backed away from him. That had hurt more than Murphy imagined it would. "I hurt you and it kills me to be the reason you cry. I can't live with myself when i caused you so much pain because, Nandy, i can't live without you. I love you."

 "No no no, you don't get to come here and say I love you and think that will make me feel better," Nandy said feeling herself melt for him. She held onto her anger and remembered vividly the hurt she'd fought to overcome.

 "I kept asking myself what did I do to deserve this? Any of it? All of it." Nandy's cold stoic demeanor began to crumble as angry tears filled her eyes and heat flared over her face. "That man took everything from me in one night, my virginity, my family, my freedom, my choice, my security, everything. Goddamn it he took everything and I wondered what the fuck did I do to deserve this." Nandy had begun to shake as tears streamed her face. She backed away as Murphy moved forward to comfort her.

 "That's how I felt that night in your apartment. I felt the exact same way, hopeless and alone. Once again everything was ripped away from me in one night. I asked myself when did you become everything to me? But it's okay, I've lost everything once and lived and i can do it again."

 "I lost my everything too that night. Before you I had nothing, kept everything and everyone at a distance but there was never any barriers with you. Raphy wanted to hurt you and I helped her and I'll spend the rest of my life regretting that but Nandy, I'll do anything to fix this, to fix our relationship, to be with you." 

 Murphy waited fear in his gaze. She wanted him to leave. Here he stood asking for forgiveness, offering her love and she found it hard to remember the betrayal. Nandy squeezed her eyes shut to the stoic figure Murphy made pleading for her. Nandy knew that Ella had caused this and blame shouldn't completely fall on him. But what next? After she'd forgave him and succumbed to his apology. what happens then? He had the power to do emotional damage that can take her out for weeks. She wasn't ready to risk it, but she wasn't ready to let him go. Nandy strides forward as a restlessness awoke in her. 

 Her arms we're once again around Murphy's neck as she pressed her body against his. She was flushed with an emotion she didn't want to understand when his arms wrapped around her. She pressed kisses to his neck, nibbling his ear and writhing against him. Murphy knew what was coming and was helpless to stop. He needed her touch, her moans, her presence. He pulled her closer, holding her tighter. Nandy began to slide a knee up his side as she melted into his arms.

 She nibbled at his neck murmuring words Murphy couldn't make out. 

"Please go," he heard finally, "Go Murphy, before I make things more complicated."

 "No, not until you're mine," Murphy growled back, "I love you."

 Nandy moaned as if it were a caress to her most sensitive areas.

Before she could react much more Murphy had lifted her by the hips laying her down on her sturdy dark wood desk. Nandy was sure that the crash of her desk things would alert someone in the office but Murphy quickly kissed away such fears. Her whole awareness was of him, from the way his broad shoulders hovered over her, and strong hands gripped her face as he kissed her with fire. Her whole body lit up and she wanted so much more. 

 But she wanted to be mad at Murphy. He's hurt her, he'd kissed Ella, and made her feel worse than shit. The memory of Ella and Murphy wrapped in each other's arms brought back with it the same pain and she let out a sob against Murphy's lips. He in turn clutched her closer grinding against her hot center. But, God he had the ability to make her feel so good. Just as quickly as the painful memory of last week, the memory of the many orgasms that Murphy had coaxed out of her over their relationship flooded over her making her resolve weak and her panties damp. Nandy moaned.

 Murphy needed her now and wouldn't wait. Her moan was the only confirmation he needed. He kneaded a breast through her crisp button down as his other hand tugged at her panties. He slipped them to the side, sliding deep inside her. He took a brief second to relish the feel of her hot pussy gripping him so perfectly. Murphy withdrew then pushed forward until she had taken all of him. Nandy's face contorted in ecstasy as she bit back her moan. He did it again withdrawing the slamming deep into her with a grunt. she cooed his name as her legs wrapped tightly around him. He continued picking up pace but never sacrificing force and passion. 




Murphy Ch. 09



It wasn't long before Nandy's moan became uncontrollable. He was deep inside of her and she was on cloud nine. she had forgotten where she was as moaned unabashedly at his every thrust. Murphy picked up speed once more swallowing her screams of pleasure in his kiss. Nandy felt the edge of her orgasm it would be powerful as her fingers and toes tingled with its nearness. Murphy never relented and she crashed into her bliss, her body trembling and she lost herself in the flood of heat that surrounded her. Murphy's pace was feverish now. He came into her spasming hole. pumping deeper as she gripped him. He held onto her. He held onto the feeling until he was exhausted with it.

 Murphy couldn't tell when her orgasm ended and her sobbing began. She trembled as her grip on him tightened. She cried burying her face in his shoulder. She cried because she loved him so much. She cried because he'd be the death of her. She cried because she wouldn't let that happen.

 "Please, Murphy, just go." she said between sobs. Nandy loosened her grip on him and gently pushed him away. Murphy obliged her. He was confused by her withdraw. Hurt was more apt. He realized he was hurt. So was she, Nandy didn't even look at him.

He took a deep breath strengthening his resolve. Taking her face in his hand, he lifted it until she was forced to look at him through flooded eyes.

 "I won't give up on you," he said forcefully, " and I won't give up on us." 

 With that he was gone. Nandy did the only thing she felt she could. She curled up on her desk fetal position and cried.



***

 "What did you bring?" Jae asked Ruby when she pulled up beside her in her family van. 

 Ruby had moved back into her home with her children and had been there for week. That was how long it had been since either of them had spoken to Nandy. Jae had the sense enough to call the front desk to her condo. She had been coming and going so the fear that she'd hurt herself or skipped town had been cleared with that call. Jae just wished she could call her sister-cousin but Nandy had been screening her calls making it clear she didn't want to speak with anyone. 

 So, what did that mean to Jae and Ruby? They didn't care whether she wanted to see them or not. When Nandy was hurting so were they and they both would see to it that it wouldn't happen for much longer.

 "I brought LifeSaver Gummies, 24 Subway cookies chocolate chip, gallon milk, chocolate syrup, and a bottle of tequila." 

 "The movies?" Jae asked. She had told Ruby to bring some gory scream movies for them to watch.

 "Welcome to the future Jae, where there's this magical site called Netflix. Did you bring what you were supposed to?"

 "I made a huge pan of Crab Salad/No Crab, tons of soda, 2 big bag of doritos and tons of ice cream." 

 "That's everything, now let's hope she'll let us in," Ruby said helping Jae carry all their goodies.

 "She will, she could never turn down any Crab Salad/ No Crab."

 "The fact that her favorite food is something she's allergic too is proof enough of her stubbornness." 

 *** 

 Nandy had been jumping between crying fits and trying to be productive all evening. It wasn't working. She wanted to clean her place, she had been neglecting it but every square inch and surface of her condo reminded her of Murphy. When the loud knocking disturbed her she had been on the ground of her living room huddled together crying. She could still remember what he smelled like, what his kisses tasted like, but it quickly vanished when the noise came.

 She jumped up wiping her face vigorously before checking the peephole. She stepped back, not sure of what she was seeing maybe her eyes were too swollen from the tears. She looked again through the peephole immediately recognizing the dark blue and green plaid pattern.

 "You know what time it is, bitch, open the door." Nandy immediately laughed. It was Jae's voice and she hasn't called her a bitch in ages. She had been holding up what they'd named The Drinking Blanket, an old plaid blanket that they'd got from the salvation army.

 Nandy wanted to cry again. She missed those days with her cousins. Sometimes life just became too much for them and they needed to cry to someone for hours and they needed to laugh with someone over nothing for hours. They needed to talk shit, and yell, and get angry and hear someone tell them that everything will be alright or that nothing will be alright but let's watch it burn down together. That was the reason they'd made a tradition out of Denny's and a movie because it usually followed a night like this. Yes, this was the perfect medicine for her broken heart.

 ***

 The three cousins spent the next three hours pigging out and drinking coddled under their drinking blanket on the couch. They cried and told their deepest secrets and confessions, they laughed about old fuck boys. They talked about their families and how they didn't allow themselves to miss them too deeply, but knew that they thought about them everyday. 

 "I'm such a dumbass," Ruby said crying over her empty glass, cookie crumbs around her mouth, " I just left Tru to deal by himself. He could have killed himself and he don't deserve that. He's always been good to me and good to you guys."

 "Bull shit," Jae said slurring, "Ruby you are a good momma and a really really really good wife,"

"Better than I would be," Nandy mumbled sipping from her refilled glass.

 "You did what you had to-to-to-to protect yourself and your little crumbsnatchers and-and-and even after all that you never shut him out. It's not your fault that he has a mental ilness and you're a good person for sticking with him through this thing with the sessions and hospital visits and shit. You are a good goddamned person!"

 Nandy gave Ruby the sincerest of looks "I..." She hiccupped, "second all of that" her voice slurred and her eyes sank to half mast. Ruby giggled and just like that they were laughing again.



"I hate him sometimes..." Nandy said matter of factly. They'd just finished watching the second Human Centipede movie and Nandy had shrewn off the drinking blanket and now lay with her head lolling off the seat and her long legs tossed over the back of the couch as she attempted to eat her gummies this way.

 Jae had taken a spot on the ground in front of the couch burrito rolled in the drinking blanket and Ruby laid perpendicular on the couch her legs hanging off the arm while her head rested on Nandy's stomach.

 "That's what you guys came over here to talk about, right?"

 Jae rolled over in the blanket until she was face to face with Nandy, "Why do you hate him?"

 "Because....I love him so much and...I think about him constantly....and that makes me feel like a dummy." Nandy replied openly, she had done it, she drank herself numb. It almost felt as though she wasn't talking about her but someone else's life and feelings.

 "You've got to know that Ella was using him, and what he said about the past he didn't know what the hell he was talking about."

 Nandy squeezed her eyes together as they pricked with tears, it seemed real now that Jae said it aloud.

 "I know," she said slowly, "I know but now he can hurt me. Its hard to explain, it's like I just realized my soul can bleed. No guy has ever been able to affect me like this, never ever," Nandy had to stop talking because her mouth began to tremble.

 "It's too much to handle, you know, like the sword of Damocles just hanging over my head. When will he hurt me again? When will he break my heart again? When will I cry my hardest and still feel like it's not enough to assuage my sadness?"

 "That's the fucking point Nandy," Ruby said sitting up then pulling Nandy up, "it had been ten plus year that I'd been with Tru. I never imagined he would curse me or say some shit to me. I never imagined that he'd break my heart but he did. I just realized a few things, he is human and he fucks up. Shit happens but you've gotta figure out if what you get in return for the risk of heartbreak is worth the risk. Personally, I'll bet on my husband every time. I'd risk heartbreak for the man that wiped my tears when I'm sad, who have always made a way for my family, who have always supported me and been there for me. I'd risk it for the man who loves me with all his heart and never misses a moment to remind me of that. I'd take that risk because he is willing to take that risk too."

 Nandy's breath became heavy in her chest as everything she struggled with sort of fell into place. She remembered those times when she was most happiest with Murphy, the times he defended her, the times he loved her, and showed her off, the concerned looks and sweet kisses, the jokes, the smiles, the laughter, the moans and caresses. Everything that left her crying in a heap is also everything that had made her happy. Goddamn it she loved Murphy and maybe he was worth that risk. 

 Briiiinng Briiiiing! 

 "Oh, sorry that's my alarm clock." Jae said wrestling with the blanket to get to her phone. When she finally managed it she paused. Then looked up at Nandy, " The station's calling..."

Jae answered it and Nandy heart dropped she knew it couldn't be good.

 As the conversation went on Jae didn't contribute much, she just listened but her movements became stiff and her eyes glassed over. Nandy could only imagine what was going on, was it Delvin? The fact that her gaze kept landing on her told Nandy that it may include Murphy. Jae's hand began to tremble. 

 "OK, thanks, I'll stay by the phone," Jae hung up then paused wiping away her tears. She cleared her throat then looked into the expectant gazes of her cousins.

 "An apartment complex caught fire in Norland, the building collapsed. Half the squad is trapped inside. They've put the fire out but there they're still stuck. They're getting more firemen to help with the rescue..."

 "Jae! Just say it are they in there?" She asked her heart thumping.

 "Murphy is."



Murphy



Murphy ran his hands down her back taking handfuls of her round ass and pulled her hips into his. He growled his ecstasy into their kiss. He reveled in the way her softness gave way to his hard body. Murphy trailed hot kisses down her neck and smiled when he felt her shiver in his arms. His hands slid up her body until it found a round heavy breast beneath her flimsy top. His fingers seeking her pebbled nipples, found one and gently squeezed it.

Ananda inhaled sharply as she pushed her breast more into his hand. She was already wet and found herself grinding on the outline of Murphy's cock like a cat in heat.

"I need you," she whispered against his shoulder. 

At that Murphy took a step back, drinking in the sight of her. Her long body covered only in a sheer white tanks and a pair of white panties. It was something about white panties that did it for Murphy, it was the simplicity of it. 

Ananda had thick thighs and wide hips made for a man's hands. Her butt wasn't big but it was round and firm and her breasts were big and sat high for breast that size. The peaks of them seemed to stare at him.

"Take them off, I want to see your body," Murphy demanded. The deep resonance in his voice rolled over Ananda's skin. He was so gorgeous, it was hard to believe that he was here and he was hers. She quickly pulled off the tank and threw it on the nearby sofa. Her panties soon followed. Nandy felt so powerful as his eyes devoured her body. His eyes stopped at the apex of her eyes and a smile crossed his face.

"Did you do that on purpose?" He asked referring to the way Ananda had manicured her pubic hair. It was shaved down and into the shape of a heart.

"No, it grows naturally like that," Nandy said her voice dripping with sarcasm. Murphy laughed huskily. He pulled her into his embrace again as his hands traveled the path his eyes did. 

"Turn around," he growled in her ear.

Ananda, finally realizing she was no longer in control of this seduction, acquiesced gracefully. She was excited to see what beautiful wicked things he'd do to her body.

Murphy's mouth found her neck as one hand found her breast. Nandy moaned at the feel of his hands. It excited her that she was naked for him to see while he remained clothed. His other hand traveled down her body, his fingers traced the outline of the design on her pubic mound before delving into the folds of her pussy.

"Murphy," She breathed when he found her nub and began to stroke it. He moaned into her neck his delight. She was so hot, wet, and ready for him. She rocked her hips against Murphy's hands causing her ass to grind his cock. There was silence except that sound of Murphy's labored breathing and the occasional moan from Nandy.

For some reason the sounds of his breath turned her on more than anything. She pushed back grinding harder into his groin and smiled when he grunted into her neck. Without warning he bent her over at the hips and pushed his covered cock against the core of her. She moaned at the friction. He reared back and slammed his erection against her again with a grunt that Nandy thought would drive her insane. Ananda was so wet it almost dribbled down her thighs. 

"I need you," She moaned again and before she knew it she found herself whipping around to face him.

She walked him to the nearest wall with a mischievous smile. Ananda grabbed at his tucked in polo pulling it out of his slacks and up over his head.

"Sweet Jesus!" she whispered becoming inexplicably self conscious. He was perfect with a large barreling chest, a cut stomach and a sprinkling of dark brown chest hair that tapered down his belly and disappeared into his slacks. Damn, with a body like that he could have anybody he chose and here he was at her beck and call to do with what she pleased. 

She squashed the little voice in her head that asked, "What did he want with a tall chubby dark girl like herself?" She didn't have time for such thoughts when she had a devilishly handsome Titan god to please. She placed her hands on his chest and marveled at the difference in color then at feel of his skin, like satin over hot steel. 

She licked up the side of his neck then down his body until she was on her knees in front of him. She looked up at the beautiful man who's green eyes pierced hers.

Those dark eyes seemed to capture him. His whole body fired up when she made her way down his body, her nails trailing the path. He watched fascinated as her hands caressed his cock through his pants as she used her teeth to undo his belt. Murphy caressed her face as he realized he had never wanted a woman more than he wanted Nandy. 

She'd unbuttoned and unzipped his pants. A look of marvel crossed her face as his cock sprang free and bobbed before her. 

She slowly smiled. "You must be hispanic." 

Murphy chuckled, "I'm Brazilian."

"Mmm delicious," she purred before she ran her tongue over the head of his swollen cock. 

Murphy's chuckle turned into sharp intake of breath as the feel of Nandy's hot tongue hit him. She licked his cock as if it were an ice cream cone before she took the head into her mouth to suckle on it. 

Murphy buried his hands into her hair as she began to bob up and down on it. Murphy threw his head back as he tried his damnedest not to pump in out of her mouth like he wanted to do. She pulled his cock out of her mouth as she sucked on each of his balls. Ananda took his cock back into her mouth and Murphy couldn't hold back anymore. 

He pumped slowly into her mouth. To his surprised she began to moan as one of her hands disappeared between her legs. He began to pump faster until he could feel the head of his cock hitting the back of her throat.

Ananda pulled back to catch a breath and smiled at the look of amazement on Murphy's face. She wrapped her lips around his cock again taking as much of him as she could. He began to pump into her mouth again. She doubt he knew how hard he'd been pumping. Any other woman wouldn't have enjoy it but Ananda wasn't any other women. She enjoyed the sound of the pleasure he received from her mouth. 

Murphy, feeling as if he was close to his climax, pulled his cock from her mouth and dragged her up his body. 

"I need you," He growled as he kissed her lips, his tongue whipping out to touch hers then he kissed a hot path down her neck until he came to one breast. He took a dark nipple into his mouth and rolled it over his tongue. Bolts of pleasure shot through her body. Then he bit at her nipple and she moaned. His mouth found her other nipple to do the same while his fingers squeezed the first.

When Murphy had her writhing against him. He kicked his pants off all the way and spun them until Ananda's back was against the wall. 

"Tell me you want me," He said staring deep into her eyes. "Tell me you need me."

"I need you Murphy," Ananda breathed "Please!"

That was all Murphy needed to hear before he'd pulled one of her knees to his hip and buried his cock deep inside her. Ananda gasped as his thick cock thrust deep into her, stretching her. Murphy moaned as her slick heat gripped him. 

He stayed there as they both adjusted to the feeling of their body's entwined.

Murphy began to pump into her, slowly at first, his strokes measured, his pelvis girding against Ananda's clit. She captured his lips, her tongue dancing on his causing the fire that made him pump harder into her body. Ananda mouth fell open as his dick pumped into her. She felt a pressure building through her whole body.

"Oh Murphy," she moaned gripping his shoulders.

"Yes Babe, talk to me!" 

Ananda moaned his name again. She dug her nails into his shoulder as the feeling became unbearable. She slipped over the edge crashing into an orgasm so strong her legs shook with it. Her pussy spasmed all around his dick as he pumped harder. He chuckled with satisfaction as Ananda slumped against him, her breathing labored.

"I'm just getting started," he said close to Ananda's ear. 

She chuckled "Bring it."

Murphy led her over to the nearest couch bending her over the arm. He eased his cock inside her once more enjoying the way her sensitive cunt spasmed around him. He began to pump into her heat, stabbing her pussy relentlessly. It wasn't long before he had her moaning his name. 

The way his name rolled off of her tongue made him feel like a god among mortals. He felt his balls tighten and knew he was close. He reached down, grabbing one of her breasts, he played with her nipples until she was shuddering with her orgasm. He pulled out pumping his cock in his hands and until he came on the small of her back, grunting with the force of it. 

"Well," Ananda said as she stood up and turned to look him in the eye. "I thought this was only the beginning, Guess I was wrong." She teased him then walked away. Ananda heard him chuckling as he followed her into her bedroom.

Murphy stopped just as Ananda disappeared into the bathroom. He sat on her bed and took a look around the room. It wasn't as feminine as one would expect from a single woman living alone. The room was spacious and everything looked simple and practical, similar to something you'd see int a hotel room. 

There was a point of interest just above her head board. There were bookshelves filled to the max with books of all kinds. He spotted fictions, non-fictions, classics, periodcals, a few text books, novels, and so on. 

Ananda returned with a wet cloth and had already wiped herself. "It was my understanding that you were gonna fuck me like you had a championship to win," She said as she stood before him.

Murphy chuckled, "That was only round one, Now for round two. Ding-ding!" 

He slid to his knees before her and hiked one of her legs over his shoulder putting him face to face with her pussy. Murphy took slow measured licks, his tongue focusing on her swollen nub. He sucked it into his mouth rolling it over his tongue causing her to moan loudly.

Ananda wrapped her hands around the back of his head running her fingers over his smooth head. Unable to help herself she began to grind against his tongue. Murphy grabbed the back of her thigh to steady her shaking. He quickened his pace as he slid two fingers inside her hot opening. 

He slowly slid his fingers in and out torturing Nandy with the feeling. He soon found her spot. He knew he'd found it when her caress became a grip on the back of his neck and she sucked in a breath that seemed like she was holding. 

He continued like a man possessed unable to stop until she moaned his name in that husky voice she had. He continued to play with her spot while alternating between licking and sucking her clit.

"Oh god Murphy please don't stop!" She moaned as her head fell back. She moaned his name a few times in a high pitch before she came on his fingers her silk walls pulsing around them.

Without giving her a chance to recover he laid her on the bed and pushed in to the hilt. He moaned immediately, she was so much more wet than before. He pummeled his cock into her enjoying the wet slapping sounds they made. 

Her breasts bounced hypnotically and her face was drawn in ecstasy. Ananda gripped his forearms and found herself coming again, and yet he continued to pummel into her. His release was so close, He didn't know if he could stop to pull out. He hadn't asked her if she was on birth control. It was too late for thought, he came, slamming into her. Murphy rolled them around so that she was laying on his chest as they both took a moment to catch their breath. 

"You came inside me," She said. 

Murphy didn't have the mental capacity at the time to read into her emotions. "I'm sorry," He said knowing full well that his apology wasn't good enough.

"No, it's alright I'm on BC. I only pointed it out 'cause you didn't know that," She chuckled. "How are you so amazing at sex?"

"How are you forming words right now?" Murphy asked with a laugh.

"I'm a woman, capable of complex thought and the talent for multi-taking."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," He said. His hands ran lazily up and down her back.

"How old are you? I never asked." Ananda said after only a few minutes of hearing each other breathe.

"Thirty two," he responded his hand went still on her back.

"No wonder, no guy my age would have been able to make me cum three times in one night."

"How old are you?" Murphy asked.

"Twenty four."

"My sister is twenty-four," He pointed out.

"And you, my friend have just made this creepy," Ananda teased.

"I'm not attracted to my sister, now am I?" He asked squeezing her closer to him.

"I think that's a question you must ask yourself." Nandy teased. He could do nothing but laugh.

"Have you always wanted to be a Firefighter?" 

"Yeah, I mean, it stems for this obsession with action movies early in life."

"Then you needed to live it?"

"Need being used loosely, but yeah. Why do you do what you do?"

"Oh, professional slut?" Ananda asked. Murphy was quiet and Nandy couldn't help but laugh, "It was a joke."

"Not a very good one. Did some one say that to you?"

"My cousin,but it was a joke. Because I like to have sex and men can't fathom the idea that I enjoy it as much as they do so most guys insist on buying me things and I accept them....wait, that made me sound like a whore didn't it?" Ananda buried her face in his chest.

"Forget I said anything, I'm a project manager for a PR firm."

"Nandy, I don't think you're a slut or a whore. You're just a girl who likes sex and reap the benefit of that double standard. I'm a big boy, I won't pull your hair and call you names." He chuckled rolling over until he was on top of her again.

Ananda could feel his dick hardening inside her. "So, can I call you big boy from now on."

"You can call me anything as long as you're screaming it while I'm fucking you. I think I prefer 'Oh, my god, Murphy'."

Ananda laughed.

Murphy continued to make love to Ananda as he bit down on her neck. She was so wet and tight that his every effort to slowly fuck her was thwarted by this urge to pump recklessly inside her and it didn't matter how he did it Ananda seemed to respond to his every move. 

Her hands grabbed at his ass, sinking her nails into his skin with every thrust. She moaned with his every move it was almost enough to cause Murphy to get a big head. It wasn't long before he had her writhing beneath him, urging him to make her come. 

"Come for me baby," He said grinding his pelvis against her clit with every thrust. She gripped him as she crashed into her climax. The feel of her walls spasming and squeezing him sent him over into his own orgasm, spending himself into her hot pussy.  

Murphy rolled off of Nandy pulling her into his side as they caught their breath.

"You're amazing,"Ananda muttered snuggling into his arms. Murphy could only chuckle smugly. 

The long day and their physical exertions had definitely took its toll. He was certain if he hadn't worked that day he would have been able to do at least two more rounds. As his breathing slowed his eyes became heavy. He'd just rest them, he rationalized as he fell into the sleep of the deeply exhausted.

*******

Murphy dreamed of her.

He'd dreamed of her every night since they'd met in that Denny's. His dreams weren't really coherent. It only consisted of her, her every curve and dimple. As if he'd memorized her. From her delicate feet with the light pink nail polish, Her long legs and shapely thighs. He dreamed of the little heart shaved into her pubic hair, and her round ass, even that little bulge just below her belly button, he'd love to nibble on that. He saw her round breast and the elegant slope of her collar bones. Her wide smile, round face, exotic up turned eyes, and great big mass of curly hair that trailed down her shoulders.

Toward the end of his dream Murphy could feel her all over him. Her mouth on his body, trailing down his chest, enveloping his cock just like the night he spent with her. 

Or did he spend that night with her? Did that really happen or did he drive home as usual and his imagination got the better of him? Even now, in his foggy sleep ridden mind he could feel her, her body, her kisses, her tight cunt. 

Small fingers of consciousness began to spread over him and he ignored it trying to hold onto to the dream of Ananda. It was too late he was waking up and he feared he'd be back in his empty condo.

"Mmmh Murphy," he heard Ananda moan softly. His eyes cracked open and were assaulted by the bright sun streaming through white curtains.

"You're up!" He heard and turned to see Ananda's bright smile. Her voice was husky as if she'd also just awoken and her hair stood atop her head like a lion's mane. She was straddled across him, slowly riding him. His hands instinctually went to her hips as he attempted to quicken his pace.

"No" Ananda said with that mischievous smile he was coming to love. She removed his hands from her hips, rather placing them on her breasts as she continued her slow tortuous riding. She closed her eyes and threw her head back granting Murphy a great view of her body. 

His gaze traveled over her, memorizing this moment and the way she pleasured herself using his sleep heavy body. Murphy leaned back to enjoy the view.

He marveled at the sight of is dick disappearing into her dark folds, and the way her titties bounced with her every move. Her hand played with her nub. Murphy watched the show she was putting on. Her strokes became a grinding motion as she continued to play with her clit. 

She moved faster. She began to bounce on his cock and Murphy wasn't sure of how much more he could take, but he refrained from taking over. Ananda rolled her head forward to look at him, her eyes were deep and piercing as she moaned, impaling herself on his dick.

Murphy couldn't take anymore, he held onto her hips and slammed deep inside her repeatedly.

"Murphy, your so deep!" she moaned, her face drawn in ecstasy.

"I know, baby." He said with a smile.

She gripped his forearms for balance as she came. She rocked her body as little rivulets of pleasure ran through her. Murphy came himself pumping harder and deeper inside her.

Murphy and Ananda laid tangled together in a sated heap, trying to catch their breaths.

Ananda was the first to speak. "Sorry I kinda molested you at first there, I just couldn't wait." 

"Feel free to molest me anytime you want," Murphy chuckled

"I'll hold you to it." She said tracing lazy circles on his chest 

"Murphy, I don't want this to end."

He went still, he wasn't sure what she was referring to. Did she mean she didn't want this moment to end, or did she mean she wanted to keep having sex with each other? what scared Murphy more was when she said that some part of him hoped she meant that she'd want something more with him. That felt ridiculous to him, he was Murphy, he was destined to be a bachelor forever. He preferred to be alone and yet here he was, wondering where a relationship with Nandy could lead.

"What do you mean by that?" Murphy asked for good measure. Ananda leaned up and kissed him, then his neck, and then his chest before speaking. 

"I dunno?" She shrugged. Before Murphy could make and argument she smiled her signature smile and sashayed toward the bathroom, disappearing inside. Murphy didn't know what to do but he knew one thing, he'd be doing it with Ananda.



Murphy's Law



It was one of those days when nothing had gone right, and Murphy was working double time. My entire day was one disaster after another, people wanting my attention, phone calls, irate customers, equipment breaking, and not a moment to myself to think. i was finally able to escape work and as i was walking to the car it started to rain, not petite little movie rain drops but the cats and dogs kind, and me with no umbrella, figures. On the way home i got stuck in an hour long traffic jam and my cell phone battery died so there was no way to call. 

i end up walking in the door an hour and 45 minutes late, soaked to the skin, tired, and most of all, worried that You'll be upset with me. As i drop my bag in the hallway and take off my shoes i see You sitting on the couch waiting, watching me, an intense look on Your face and i know something is on Your mind.

i immediately sink to my knees and crawl over to You, that look in Your eyes unmistakable. "i'm sorry i'm late Sir, my day was awful, work was a mess and it took me forever to get out of there, i got caught in the rain, then my phone died and i couldn't call, and i got stuck in traffic," i start, gasping for breath, my eyes welling up with all the pent up emotion of the day.

"Shhhh baby girl," You say, Your fingers laying gently over my lips. "No apologies tonight, it's obvious you've had a rough day, you look like you've been through the ringer. Just take a deep breath, everything is ok now that you're home. Let Daddy take care of you." 

i nod and look up into Your eyes, thanking You silently for understanding, for knowing me so well and most of all for seeing me so clearly. i scoot closer and lay my head in your lap, nuzzling my cheek against your thighs, letting the tears fall and all the stress of the day fall away with them. i sigh, knowing that no matter what happens outside, here, at home with you, i am safe, loved and don't have to be anything but what i am......your little girl. i feel your hand on my head, brushing the hair out of my face and the tears from my eyes as you lean down to kiss me. 

"You're soaking wet sweetheart, let's get you out of these wet clothes and dried off."

You stand and take my hand lifting me off the floor and putting your arms around me to envelop me in one of your all consuming bear hugs. i sink into the hug and feel you gently kiss the top of my head before you whisk me up into your arms and head for the stairs. i lay my head on your chest and sigh again, putting my arms around your neck closing my eyes, trying to relax. You take me into the bedroom and sit me down on the bed, kissing me softly. i start to unbutton my shirt but feel your hands on mine stopping me. You take my hands and place them beside me on the bed, looking deep into my eyes. "No baby girl, not tonight," you whisper "let me. You just sit here and wait while I run your bath for you," You see me nod in understanding and smiling you turn towards the bathroom. 

i sit on the bed, eyes closed, and breathing deep in an attempt to let the last bits of my day float away. i can hear the water running and moan softly, unconsciously at the thought of a nice hot bath, heaven......

i suddenly start awake feeling your hand on my shoulder. i open my eyes and see you staring down at me, small smile in your eyes, "You drifted off little girl, are you ready for your bath?"

"mmmmm, yes Daddy," i moan softly.

You reach down for my hand and lead me into the bathroom, i gasp as i see that you've filled the room with small candles and the bath is almost full to overflowing with bubbles. my eyes tear up as i turn to look at you, to thank you. i open my mouth to speak and once again feel your fingers against my lips. "Shhh baby girl, no more words, just put yourself in Daddy's hands and everything will be ok."

i shiver, knowing that no truer words have ever been spoken. Nodding my head i step closer, eyes falling to the floor in silent acquiescence to your will. i stand in the middle of the bathroom and let You undress me. You quickly unbutton my top and pull it off over my head. Dropping it on the floor you move on to my pants making quick work of those as well, holding me steady while i step out of them. Kissing my neck you reach around to unhook my bra, a deep sigh escaping me as my breasts are free. You smile and kiss my lips as you reach for my panties, pulling them down kissing my shoulder, my chest, my belly and my thighs as you kneel down to help me step out of those as well. 

Standing, you reach for my glasses, and place them gently on the counter behind you. i shiver a little, standing there naked in the middle of the big bathroom, then suddenly i am warm, feeling your arms wrapped around me again, your naked body against mine. Turning to you i smile amazed that i didn't even notice you'd taken your clothes off. You laugh and smile back at the look of surprise on my face, "Ready for your bath girl?" you ask. 

i nod and place my hand in yours, following you to the tub. Standing at the side i wait for you to get in and then step over the edge into the warm inviting water. i sit down in front of you the heat surrounding me like a cocoon, and lay down on your chest my back to you. i feel your hands running up and down my body and i moan softly, squirming against you.

Behind me i feel you shift as you reach for the shampoo and a cup. i see you dunk the cup in the water but somehow it still startles me as the hot bathwater cascades down over my hair, and my face, warming the rest of me. "Lean back sweetheart let me wash this awful day away," you whisper, hands already in my hair massaging my head. 

Your hands feel so good, bringing life back to this tired body, waking me up a little. "But Sir....." i start, suddenly somewhat uncomfortable at being taken care of this way, all this attention being focused on me instead of the other way around.

You continue to wash my hair but, speaking in a slightly firmer tone you lean close to my ear, "Little one, I said no words, you're not planning on disobeying Daddy are you now?"

i shake my head definitely not wanting to misbehave and disappoint you, and try to relax into whatever it is you have planned for me.

"Good girl," you say, "this is something I want to do for you. I know that generally it's you who washes and takes care of me after a long day, but just think of this as a reward for being such a good girl lately." You leave it at that and finish washing my hair, pouring cupfuls of water over me to rinse the soap out.

i squirm against you as you grab the soap and start running it over my body, giggling as you wash the ticklish parts, gasping and groaning when you get to the sensitive bits and linger a little longer than necessary. After you're done you let me sit quietly in the tub, facing you leaning against the opposite side while you quickly wash yourself up. i love to watch you, my eyes wander over every inch of your naked body, each part of you bringing up a good memory, a mental image of something wonderful. A moan escapes my lips as you stand up and step out of the tub, drying yourself off and then holding up a big fluffy towel for me.

Standing up carefully i rest my hand on your shoulder as i step out of the tub. i step towards you, standing on my tip toes to give you a kiss of thanks. For the second time tonight you wrap me up in a big hug, the towel in your hands. You take time drying me off, making sure not to miss any spots then wrap me back up in the towel and carry me into the bedroom sitting me gently on the edge of the bed looking down at me.

"We're not done yet girl, there's still the issue of you being late and not calling. I was worried about you, and that needs to be dealt with. I know you've had a hard day, but I know you, and I know you need this." you say to me, the look in your eyes firm but loving. "I know just as well as you do that there are consequences for breaking the rules, even if you've had a bad day. We can't let you get away with that, can we?"

i shake my head, well aware that you're right even if i don't relish the thought after the day i had, but knowing it will bring relief and release in the end.

Going over to the toy chest you pull out a few long lengths of soft cotton rope and a new toy that i haven't seen before, a brand new leather crop. Climbing up onto the bed you tie two of the ropes to the posts on the footboard and the other one is looped through the holes in the middle of the headboard, a very familiar configuration to us both. i start to squirm with anticipation as you pull me to the center of the bed, laying two pillows down for me to rest my hips on. 

Pushing me down to the bed on my stomach You arrange me in the middle of the bed and firmly secure my hands together with the rope being careful to check that it's not too tight. Satisfied, you move down to the foot of the bed and secure each of my ankles in the same manner, my ass lifted into the air, legs spread open wide. You leave me there for just a minute, alone, to think about what i've done and then i hear you behind me, standing between my legs at the foot of the bed.

i gasp as i feel the first swat of the crop on my ass, soft but shocking none the less. A second follows and then a third and i start to squirm my hips. You're peppering light taps all over my ass, warming me up and i lift my hips a little trying to get closer to you. You slowly start to increase the intensity and i can hear the crop slap my ass, feel the sting and the warmth growing. Suddenly you land a hard swat on my damp lips and i cry out, stunned by the heat searing through my pussy. 

i hear you chuckle at my surprise as you start to crop my slit harder, opening my lips, drawing moisture out of me. You go back up to my ass and the slaps get louder, i can hear the crop whipping through the air as the handle snaps and my ass feels like it's on fire. i gasp and moan, squirming hard on the pillows, trying to get some relief but not being able to get away. The swats get harder still, each one sending shock waves of pain and pleasure through me. You alternate between my ass and my pussy the room filled with the sounds of the crop and the scent of my arousal. 

My heart is pounding in my chest and my breath is coming faster, harder, and you know i'm close to my limit. You raise the intensity one more time, wanting to make sure you get your point across, this is a punishment after all. i start to whimper and gasp for air, thrashing in my bonds. 

The tears start to fall from my eyes as you cross the threshold of my tolerance and you know that the lesson has been learned. Slowly the swats become softer, still tapping my ass and my now soaking wet slit, dragging the crop over the welts and redness. You push the head of the crop between my lips, opening them up that last little bit, tapping my clit to bring me back down to that place where i'm just floating. I gasp and lift my hips to you trying to open my legs up even wider. Even tied securely down to the bed i do my best to entice you, needing you inside me more than anything in the world. 

i feel the edge of the bed sink and suddenly you are behind me, your hands on my thighs. You lay down on top of me your warm body cool in comparison to the heat radiating from me. i moan and whimper as you rub yourself against my heated ass, your soft skin like sandpaper against the welts. I hear your breath hard and fast in my ear and i know you have exerted yourself, but i also know that you are incredibly aroused as well. Your hard cock brushes up against my thigh and i moan loudly, turning my head to look up into your eyes silently begging you to take me.

"Mmmmmm," you growl, "is there something you want little girl? Tell daddy what it is."

Feeling you press the tip of your cock against the opening of my hot wet pussy i can barely get the words out. "Sir....pleeease...i need your cock, i need you to fuck me, to take me, to make me yours," i gasp, lifting my hips to try and push you in further.

"You need this cock little girl? Are you sure you're ready? Ready to take care of my cock?" you ask, pressing a little closer with each question.

"Yesssssssssss god yes please," i moan, "i need you inside me so badly. Please, please, please, i need you Daddy."

I hear You growl again close to my ear. Satisfied with my answer You push yourself all the way into me in one long unending stroke. I shake and whimper as you fill me, stretching me to my limit with almost no warning. You can feel my pussy squeeze your cock tight and this only excites you more, urges you on. Soon you are thrusting in and out of me harshly, using my swollen wet slit to please your cock. You push me hard into the bed burying yourself so deep. 

Moaning loudly i suddenly feel you reaching underneath me to play with my clit as you fuck me, holding it between your fingers and stroking it like a tiny cock, making me buck my hips back into you. i start to shake and i know i'm close, you can feel my pussy start to clench your cock tighter and you growl into my ear, "That's it little girl, cum all over my cock, you cum on this cock now, right NOW."

i whimper and whine feeling my orgasm building with each thrust of your cock, your words sending me over the edge. Unable to deny you anything i feel myself cumming hard in a rush of ecstasy and blinding light, thrashing under you on the bed. Just as i start to cum You stretch me even further, the head of your cock swelling as you get ready to cum yourself.

"Again," you growl into my ear, and that's all it takes as another wave of orgasm takes over my body. This time i hear you moan and feel you shooting your hot cum inside me thrusting even deeper than before.

You collapse on top of me, cock still twitching, making me shiver and shake. Kissing the back of my neck, nipping at it just to watch me tremble, you reach up and untie my hands, rubbing my wrists to bring the blood back. Pulling yourself out of me you slowly kiss down my spine, my body convulsing each time your lips make contact. You lean down and untie my ankles, rubbing them as well and then pick me up and wrap your arms around me for the third time tonight, holding me so close, curled up against your body.

You kiss me, little kisses all over my face, kissing away the tears, the stress of the day and once again making me your little girl. i look up into your eyes softly thanking you silently. Kissing my cheek you lean in and whisper, "Mmmm, that's my good girl."



Murphy's Law



Gordon was not a happy chappy. He'd awakened that morning, smiling. The smile had lasted all of thirty seconds, which was when he'd noticed that he'd slept through the alarm.

By skipping breakfast and doing a very fast final hundred yards he'd got to the station barely in time to catch his train. But he'd caught it. No seat, but he'd made the train. 

Then came the announcement. A passenger had had a heart attack and the train would be held up until an ambulance arrived to remove him. In Gordon's opinion, the passenger could have done everyone a favour by dropping dead. They could have tossed the body off the train and kept going.

Arriving (late) at work, the first thing Gordon did was switch on his computer. Fat lot of good it did him. An unrecognised device error message flashed up and the computer would not start. An urgent call to the IT department resulted in a guru coming up to tell him his computer was bust. He'd already worked that much out, himself, thank you very much.

It turned out that the hard drive had died. Totally. 

"No worries," said the guru. "We have some hard drives available and everything was backed up. You'll be up and running in an hour or so with all your files restored."

That was the way the day went. Murphy ruled supreme, with anything that could go wrong, going wrong. The only time something went right was when Murphy was setting him up for a bigger fall.

Gordon arrived home from work (late) to find he was supposed to be at a barbecue one of the neighbours was throwing. Would he please change into casual clothes and haul his arse down to where it was supposed to be.

Thinking nasty thoughts about parents who make appointments for you and forget to tell you about them, Gordon changed into cooler clothes and wandered down to the neighbour's place.

What with one thing and another, Gordon had missed breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. He was ready to eat. All you had to do was wave the cow gently in front of the fire and then stand back. He'd do the rest.

Unfortunately, it turned out that the cook had found a tough old bull to barbecue, one that had obviously died from a combination of old age and starvation. To make matter worse, Gordon was convinced that the idiot had used napalm on the barbecue. Nothing else could account for the charred mess he called a steak.

As the sun vanished Michael, the idiot ruining the meat, had flicked on his new solar powered spotlights. This resulted in the immediate barbecue area being floodlit with the rest of the backyard deep in shadow. Grabbing a bottle of beer, Gordon faded into the shadows to sit out the rest of the barbecue.

Wandering down the yard, Gordon came to a rest under an apple tree, leaning against the trunk and looking towards the highlighted barbecue. How long, he wondered, before he could make his excuses and get the hell out of there?

"Not enjoying our barbecue, Gordon," queried a soft voice.

Gordon looked towards where the voice was coming from. He could make out a figure silhouetted against the lit area and, while not able to see her clearly, he knew who it was; Alison, Michael's wife. 

"Not particularly, Alison," he said apologetically. "Not your fault. It's just that I've had a hell of a day and your husband's cooking hasn't exactly improved it."

Alison laughed. "I know. He's a hell of a cook, isn't he, but he does enjoy doing it. So I take it you're going to hide away until you feel you can decently leave?"

"Something like that," admitted Gordon. "I'm just not good company to day."

Gordon's eyes had adjusted to the lighting and he could see Alison quite clearly. He could also see and appreciate the way her breasts bounced when she gave a soft laugh.

"Well, feel free to hide if that's what you want," she told him. "If there's anything I can do, just let me know."

Gordon fought temptation, took another drink from his bottle, and yielded.

Alison was wearing a strapless sundress, and the way her breasts had bounced Gordon was willing to swear that she wasn't wearing a bra.

"Actually, Alison," he said, "you can help me with something I've always wondered about. Are these natural?"

With that Gordon reached over and tugged the top of Alison's sundress over her breasts, freeing them for his greedy hands. He cupped both breasts, gently squeezing and probing for any inserts.

Alison gave a startled yelp.

"Gordon, you fool," she yipped at him. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Just checking them out," murmured Gordon. "They are real, aren't they?"

"Yes, they're real. Now let go of them."

"OK. In a second," said Gordon, lowering his head to take one nipple into his mouth.

"Stop it, you idiot," gasped Alison. 

Her hands tangled in his hair tugging his head away from her breasts. Somehow or other, she found her tug wasn't very hard or very effective. Gordon kept appreciating her breasts, mouth drifting from on to the other.

Concentrating on what Gordon was doing to her breasts, Alison didn't really notice his hands running down her back. The fact that he was pushing her sundress further down didn't register until she felt the material drifting down her legs and Gordon's hand closing upon her bottom.

Indignantly, Alison jerked harder on Gordon's hair, this time pulling his head away from her breasts. The feel of his hands on her bare bottom told her that her panties had dropped with her dress. Her hands moved to Gordon's chest, intending to push him away, only to find them trapped there when Gordon's hold on her bottom tightened and pulled her hard against him.

Her eyes opened wide. She knew damn well what that was pressing against her tummy. What she didn't know was how Gordon had found time to unzip while manhandling her.

Opening her mouth to protest, Alison gasped instead when she found herself being lifted. Suddenly, she was acutely aware of Gordon seeking an entrance to her body. 

"Gordon," she managed to say, and then found that Gordon had found what he was looking for and was sinking into her.

"God, I needed this," muttered Gordon as he sank fully into Alison.

He turned slightly, pressing Alison against the apple tree while he pressed into her. Apart from that one soft cry of his name Alison hadn't said a word, just stood there, eyes wide, as he took her.

Looking back at Alison, Gordon started moving. A gentle press to feel Alison out, to feel her respond, and then he was away.

Alison, astonished, found herself pressing back against Gordon's first stroke. She heard him groan in response and then she felt him go berserk. He hammered into her, hard and fast and Alison found herself reacting to that urgency. 

For every move that Gordon made, Alison responded. She matched him, move for move, pushing hard against him as he thundered home into her. Alison was appalled and enthralled. Without so much as a by your leave Gordon was taking her, seemed desperate to have her, and she was responding with every ounce of her being.

Excitement was building within the pair of them as they came together. If there had been light they would have been in plain sight of the crowd at the barbecue, but in the dark like this they were isolated, a million miles away.

They mated savagely, Gordon showing a desperate craving for Alison's body and Alison responding to his desire, knowing that she was the one he wanted.

It couldn't last. It had come upon them too fast and too hot, and Alison found Gordon's mouth closing over hers as she opened it to scream her release. She sensed him swallowing her cries while at the same time she felt his hot life flooding inside her. 

Gordon wandered back up the yard to the barbecue, feeling relaxed. Alison, as soon as her dress was straight, had faded inside to take a quick shower before returning to her hostess duties, feeling strangely energised.

"Ah, Gordon."

Gordon looked up to see his mother bearing down upon him. 

"I thought you might have snuck home already. You seemed a bit out of sorts earlier."

Gordon smiled.

"I'm fine, mum," he told her. "Wouldn't have missed this for the world." 



Murphy's Law



"If anything can go wrong-It will."

Not only that, "Everything goes wrong all at once."

There is not much sex in this one, and it is not very long. 

*****

When I woke up this morning, I had no reason to believe it wasn't going to be anything but another good day in this wonderful life of mine. Boy was I ever wrong.

By the end of the day, it would turn out to be the worst day of my life.

My name is Stony Adams. I am a 48 year old engineer with an electrical design company. I am married to the beautiful Amy McPherson Adams. She is the love of my life. I met Amy a year after graduating from college. She had married her high school boyfriend, Austin Butler, after they graduated high school. It turns out that he was abusive, possessive, and a jack ass. She didn't find this out until after they were married. They divorced after about three years. They had no children. 

I met Amy about a year after her divorce. She was still suffering from the effects of that marriage. She had no self confidence, and thought very little about herself. She did go to a technical school and became a Paralegal. She is a very good one.

We started dating, and I very quickly fell for her. I treated her with kindness, respect, and showered her with love and affection. I was totally opposite of her ex husband. The problem was that she was still in love with Austin. 

It took a little time, but she finally admitted she was over him, and in love with me. To this day I have never mistreated, cheated, or shown her anything but love, admiration, and respect. We got married 23 years ago. 

For the first few years of our marriage, Amy would talk to me about Austin. He is the only other man she has had sex with. She said he had a big dick, but was pretty selfish in bed. Listening to her talk I could tell she had been so drawn into him. He had total control over her, including her mind.

I tried to be comforting, and let her talk because it helped her deal with what he had done to her. Apparently, he also cheated on her while they were married. After a couple of years, she stopped talking about him. 

Amy and I have one child, a daughter named Karen. She is 18, and in her last semester of high school. She will be going to college next year at Brown University. She is excited that she made it to an Ivy League school. She is quite brilliant, and has a pretty good academic scholarship. She practically aced her SAT. She wants to go to law school eventually. 

So you see I have an awful lot going for me. I have a beautiful wife, an intelligent daughter, a great job, and everything had been going my way for a long time, until today.

I had noticed that for the past few weeks Amy had seemed a little distant, and something was on her mind. I thought she was starting to get antsy about Karen leaving home for college in the fall. She had been talking about it, and I knew it was going to be hard on her. However, I had a feeling there was something else, I just couldn't figure out what it was.

I knew when she was ready, she would tell me. Amy and I have always been open and honest with each other about everything. Any problems or issues that came up, we would sit down talk about them, and solve them.

I had a feeling Amy was going to say something this morning, but she didn't. She acted like she wanted to, but never said anything. It was business as usual. The morning kiss and hug, a shower, getting dressed, breakfast, then off we all go. 

I got to work, went to my office, then started working on this systems design for a resort complex we had been hired for. At 10:00 my secretary informed me that the big boss needed to see me. He was the Vice President in charge of all the engineers. 

I could tell by the look on his face as I walked in that this was not going to be good news. He got right to the point by informing me I was being let go due to some economic downturns, and a restructuring of the engineer staff. They were going with the younger, and cheaper engineers at this time. He did give me a check for six months pay as severance. I would remain on the company insurance for three months, at which time I would be dropped. 

I had until the end of the day to clean out my desk. Today was my last day on the job. How was I going to tell Amy and Karen? I couldn't believe after all I had put into this company that I was being treated like this. 

I was pretty sure I could eventually find another job, but I really liked working here. They did promise to give me a good recommendation. I would be ok for six months, but I needed to find a job. 

I went back to my office and started packing all my stuff. Word got around, so several co workers came in to tell me bye. I found out a few of others got sacked also. 

I left my office around 2:00. I went to this nice little park by the lake. I wasn't ready to go home yet, besides no one would be there. I just sat on a bench and thought about how I was going to tell Amy and Karen. 

It was about 5:00 when I decided to go home. Karen would be home from school, and Amy would probably be home from work. 

I walked in the front door to find both of them sitting on the couch. I tried to be upbeat and yelled out, "How are my two favorite girls that I love more than anything in the world today?"

Karen broke out crying and ran over to hug me. Amy just starred at the floor. Did they already know? There is no way they could know. Maybe they do. Maybe someone from the office called. 

"Karen honey, don't worry, we'll survive. It will be ok."

She gave me a funny look, then looked at Amy. She sat back on the couch sniffling. 

Amy looked a little puzzled also. "What are you talking about Stony?"

"I'm talking about me losing my job today. Isn't that what you two are upset about?"

"You lost your job Stony? You have been with that company for 15 years. How could they possibly fire you?" Amy said.

"They didn't fire me honey. They had to downsize due to the economy, so they restructured the engineering department. They kept the younger, cheaper engineers. I was let go, but I was given six months severance pay. I'm sure I can find a new job. We will be all right."

They both looked at each other, and both started to cry. 

"How did you find out Amy?" I asked.

"We didn't know until you just told us Stony." Amy said.

"Then what are you two so upset about?" I said.

Amy took Karen by the hand, then spoke, "Stony, I don't know any other way to do this except just come right out and tell you. Please understand I still love you very much. About four weeks ago I was contacted by Austin. He lives here now. He wanted to see me. He said it was very important."

Amy took a Kleenex out of her purse and continued. 

"At first I didn't think it was a good idea, but he has always been very persuasive with me. I agreed to meet him for lunch. He basically told me he had changed. He had turned his life around and was doing good. He also said he never stopped loving me. He never stopped thinking about me, and wanted another chance. I told him I was married, but he said that didn't matter. He said we were destined to be together."

She stopped to compose herself, then said, "After lunch he wanted me to come to his apartment to show me something. I knew I shouldn't, but I did. At his apartment he showed me all the love letters I had ever written him. He had all our pictures. He had kept everything good about our relationship. I was pretty overwhelmed, and some old feelings came back. I felt that deep down I was still in love with him. He kissed me Stony, then we made love on his bed. We have been having sex for the past four weeks."

To say I was stunned does not even come close to describing how I felt. I finally managed to say, "Are you leaving me Amy? After 23 years of a great marriage, your old boyfriend and ex husband, who abused you and treated you like shit, comes to town to say he's changed, and wants you back?"

"I'm sorry Stony. I do still love you, but Austin says he really needs me. He loves me so much. This is so hard, but I feel like I have to go back to him. I will give you everything in the divorce."

"Divorce? Just like that you walk in and tell me you want a divorce so you can marry that asshole?"

I collapsed in a chair. I couldn't believe this was happening. I honestly didn't know what to do. What else could go wrong today?

"There is something else Stony. Karen and I have talked, and she is coming with me. I feel it is best if she stays with me and Austin."

I felt like I had been kicked while I was at my lowest point. How can someone's whole world come crashing down in one day? I literally couldn't think of anything to say. I'm sure the look on my face said it all. It was more than just hurt. It was defeat, humiliation, hopelessness, and fear. 

"Come on Karen, we need to get going. It will only get worse if we stay any longer."

Amy came over and gave me a hug, and a kiss on the cheek. I just starred blankly at her. Then Karen threw herself in my arms crying. 

"I'm so sorry daddy. I hate what mom is doing. I want to stay with you, but she thinks it's best if I go with her. Mom is being so selfish, and I may never forgive her. I will be by to see you quite often."

I returned her hug, and told her how much I loved her. They picked up their bags, and were gone. The house got very quiet. I have never been so depressed as I was at that moment. 

I sat there awhile hoping it was all a bad dream. It wasn't. Finally, I went into the liquor cabinet and got a bottle of scotch. I drank until I passed out on the couch. 

The next few days were pretty fuzzy. I didn't do much except sleep, drink, and occasionally eat something. I had literally checked out. Karen called a couple of times, but I got choked up trying to talk to her. She finally came over to check on me. 

She had me take a shower, shave, and change clothes. She fixed me a nice dinner. She didn't say much about Amy and Austin, and I didn't ask. She made me promise to start looking for a job. Two days later I hit the bottle again. That afternoon the doorbell rang. 

A very attractive young lady asked, "Are you Stony Adams?" 

I told her I was. 

"You have been served sir."

It was a divorce petition from Amy.

I started feeling very light headed. I was having a hard time breathing. I felt a tightness in my chest. That is the last thing I remember.

I woke up in a hospital room. I was hooked up to a heart monitor. A rather attractive young nurse was smiling at me. 

"Hello Mr. Adams. How do you feel?"

"I'm not sure. Where am I?"

"You are at Methodist Hospital. You came by ambulance about 2:00 this afternoon."

"What time is it now?" I asked. 

"It's about 8:00 pm. You came to right after you got here but we gave you a shot that sedated you. I'm sure you're probably still a little fuzzy?"

"Actually, I'm a lot fuzzy. What happened to me?"

"Apparently, when the lady served you divorce papers, you passed out, according to her. She called 911, which is how you got here. You had an issue with your heart Mr. Adams, but we don't think you had an actual heart attack. According to your daughter, you haven't been taking very good care of yourself the past few days. That, and I suppose the shock of the divorce papers set you off."

"Am I going to die?"

"Well, I guess someday you will, but not right now. With some medication, and a little less alcohol, I would say you will live a pretty long life."

"You mentioned my daughter. Is she here?"

"Yes, she has been here for quite awhile. She just stepped out to go to the bathroom. Your wife is also here. She went with your daughter to the bathroom."

"When they get back, please allow my daughter in here, but I do not want my soon to be ex wife in here."

"I will let them know." The nurse said. 

A few minutes later Karen came in the room crying. She ran to me and hugged me. 

"Daddy, I was so worried about you. I thought I had lost you. The doctor told me you were going to be just fine. I am so sorry for everything. It didn't take me long to realize that I made a big mistake going with mom. I'm coming back to live with you, and I will take good care of you."

"Thank you sweetly. I will be ok, I was just feeling so sorry for myself. "

"There is more Dad. Mom is here also, but the nurse said she was not allowed in here. A lot has happened in the last few days. Austin is a creep, a pervert, and an asshole. As soon as we moved in he changed. He became very possessive of mom. He also became abusive. I don't know what mom was thinking."

"Honey, I guess she loves Austin more than me."

"No she doesn't Dad. She admitted to me after a few days that she had made a terrible mistake. She let him get to her again. He is bad news Dad. He hits her, and calls her all kinds of names. She told me she wanted to come back home."

"What about the divorce papers she served me?"

"That was all Austin's doing. He took her to a lawyer he knew and forced her to sign, and file it. She has been miserable without you. She desperately wants you to take her back, but she is also afraid of Austin. She is afraid if she does, he will hurt you, and her."

"He's not going to hurt anyone honey, you have my promise on that. If he thinks he can waltz in here after all these years and destroy everything we have built, he has another thing coming. Tell your mother to come in here."

"There is one more thing Dad. He made a pass at me. I rebuked him, but he told me if mom tried to go back to you, he would get all of us, including me. I'm so scared Dad."

I took her in my arms and assured her everything would be ok. Then she stepped outside and told Amy to come in. 

Amy stepped into the room with tears rolling down her cheeks. She had a black eye, and bruises on her arm. 

"I am so sorry Stony. I've done some stupid things in my life, but this is the worst. He got to me again Stony. The son of a bitch is worse than before."

"Amy, for the past several days I have been trying to come up with some kind of explanation for what you did to me. I thought maybe it was something I did, or didn't do for you." 

She started to speak, but I stopped her. 

"Hear me out Amy, then you can talk. I thought maybe I wasn't a very good husband. Maybe I didn't satisfy you sexually, or maybe Austin was just a better man for you than me. But you know what? I am a good husband, a good father, a good provider, and I think I'm pretty damn good in bed. So you tell me Amy, why did you leave me? Why did you convince my daughter to leave me also?" 

She looked down at the floor for a moment, then spoke. "All throughout high school, and at the time I married him, I was so in love with Austin. After I married him, he changed. He was abusive, and so possessive of me. After I divorced him, I met you. You were so good Stony. You were the opposite of Austin. I couldn't ask for a better husband than you. Then Austin came back in my life. He said he had changed, and that he still loved me so much."

She stopped to compose herself a little. 

"Austin has this mysterious control over me Stony. I can't explain it. He convinced me we were destined to spend the rest of our life together. Unfortunately, I fell for it. I let him seduce me. I let him talk me into things I knew were wrong. I knew I was hurting you so bad, but I let him control me. He even convinced me to bring Karen with me."

"Amy, did you know that Austin made a pass at Karen this week?"

"What are you talking about?"

"He hit on our daughter Amy! He tried to seduce her. Your fucking lover boy tried to make it with our daughter. Can you not see that the man you say you love so much is a fucking jack ass?"

She was crying pretty hard now. My God the control this ass hole must have over her. 

"Yes Stony I do. I fell for his bullshit. I destroyed our family for that ass hole. I am really ashamed of myself. I want to come home Stony. I miss you. I miss our life together. I know you can never forget, but I'm hoping you can forgive."

I actually felt sorry for her, and strangely enough, I believed her. 

"I love you with all my heart Amy. Even after all this, God help me, I love you so much. However, I can't live my life wondering that if Austin were to summon you, you wouldn't go running to him?"

"I hate that son if a bitch Stony. I think I finally realize just what kind of person he is. He is nothing compared to you. The only thing is that I'm afraid. If I come back to you, he will come after us. He will hurt you, and he will hurt me. He will probably even hurt Karen. I want to be with you Stony, but I don't want him to hurt you. I'm so afraid of what he will do."

"Your coming home Amy. We have a lot of healing before we can get back to normal, but we can do it. In the meantime, you let me worry about Austin. I have a plan, and I think Austin will be in for a big surprise."

Amy and Karen spent he night with me in the hospital that night. I'm sure Austin was fit to be tied, but he didn't know where they were. I'm sure he would make his his move real soon, and I would be ready. 

I was released from the hospital the next morning, and given a pretty good report. I was told to take it easy for a few days, and stay out of stressful situations. Yea, right!

I had Amy call Austin at work and tell him she was moving back in with me. He went ballistic and said she would regret that decision tonight. Amy and Karen went to Austin's apartment and got all their stuff while he was gone. 

I decided I needed a little professional help. I called an old friend of mine from college. Lt. Rick Hays, Texas Rangers. He had an office in the city. The Texas Rangers have been around since the Texas Republic. They are an elite law enforcement agency of which there is no equal. He is a direct descendant of a very famous Ranger, Captain Jack Hays. Jack Hays served from 1836 until 1847. He was as good as they come. Rick had it in his blood. The Ranger motto was, "One Riot, One Ranger."

I explained everything to Rick, and that I expected trouble at my house that evening. Rick agreed to come over and spend the evening with us. Rick seemed a little excited that there might be some action tonight. I guarantee you the last person on earth I would fuck with, is a Texas Ranger. 

Rick showed up around 5:45. We had made a nice supper, and Rick joined us. Amy had met him years ago, but Karen had never met him. She was so intrigued. She didn't know much about the Rangers. She was hanging on his every word as he told his stories. 

I guess it was around 8:30 when Rick excused himself to the bathroom. We were all sitting in the living room figuring Austin was full of shit, and not going to show, when the front door flew open. Austin had stolen a key from Amy. 

Austin had a gun in his hand. He obviously was drunk. 

"Well, well, well, what do we have here? It's just one big happy family. You must be Stony, the cuckold husband who can't satisfy his wife. Karen, so good to see you. I plan on getting my just desserts from you before this night is over. Of course we have the love of my life, Amy. Hi honey, you miss me, you little whore."

"Austin, Amy does not want you, and never did. She is staying here where she belongs, with her family. I suggest for your own good you just leave, and never contact any of us again." I said. 

"Sorry Mr. Cuckold husband, not gonna happen. Amy is coming with me. She belongs to me, and always has. In fact, I will probably just go ahead kill you, so we don't have to put up with your shit anymore."

Amy jumped in front of me. She said, "Austin, I will never go with you. I do not love you. I love Stony. He is ten times the man you are. You need to get the fuck out of my life. That divorce you made me file has been nullified. I wouldn't marry you if you were the last man on earth."




Murphy's Law



Austin raised his gun towards Amy. I dove in front of her as he fired. The bullet hit me in the shoulder. I went down, but Amy was unharmed.

Amy and Karen were both screaming. 

"Oh what a brave, but stupid husband you have Amy. You can watch me put a bullet in his brain, then you're next."

Rick had entered the room and drew his pistol. He ordered Austin to drop his gun. Austin turned and fired a shot at Rick which missed. Rick fired his .44 six shooter. He didn't miss. The bullet hit right between Austin's eyes. He was dead before he hit the ground.

Rick ran over to make sure Austin was incapacitated, which of course, he was. He called 911, then used a clean wash rag Amy brought him to stop my bleeding. 

I was rushed once again to Methodist Hospital. The bullet had entered my left shoulder, but was not life threatening. I was treated, held overnight, then released. The emergency room doctor told me we had to stop meeting like this, people would talk. I agreed.

Rick stayed back to talk to the police. The police brought in a clean up squad, and removed Austin's body. 

The next day we were all back home, a little shook up still, but otherwise ok. I had my arm in a sling, and the shoulder did hurt, but I would survive. I still had some things to discuss with Amy.

We all sat in the living room as Amy said, "I know I have made a pretty big mess of things for all of us. I made a terrible mistake, one that really should not be forgiven, but I am hoping that both of you will find it in your heart to forgive me?"

Karen said, "You are human mom, and humans do make mistakes. You made a very bad choice, and we all paid a price. I for one will tell you that I will never let a man like Austin get control over me. I've learned a lot from all this, and I know the kind of man I'm going to look for."

She turned and smiled at me. "My husband is going to have to be pretty special because he will have to measure up to my Dad. I am lucky to have such a fine father, and I will tell you flat out Mom, you're lucky to have a husband like him. In fact, you're lucky to be sitting here right now. A lesser man would not have taken you back or helped against that pervert you thought needed you."

"Thank you Karen. As for you Amy, I will forgive you, but I will not forget the fact that you almost destroyed this family. We will survive this, and will probably be stronger for it, but you need to realize the seriousness of what you did." I said.

"I promise I do Stony. I love you so much. I will do whatever it takes to win back your trust." She said. 

I decided that Amy was not going to get off scott free. I arranged for her to get some counseling. I wanted to get to the root of why she went back to Austin. It turned out to be very beneficial as some old issues in her life were finally resolved. 

I also took it pretty slow with my relationship with Amy. Although I did let her back in my bed immediately, I wasn't ready to make love to her yet. I had some visions of her and Austin in bed together. She desperately wanted to show how much she loved me, but I made her wait. 

After about three weeks, and several counseling sessions, I made a date with her. Karen was spending the night with a friend. I brought her flowers, then took her out to a very nice restaurant. Amy was so attentive to me all night. She was starving for my affection, which I gave her. When we got home, we made love for over two hours. 

I lost count of Amy's orgasms, but I know I came three times. Once was in her mouth, which she had never done before. She said she actually like it, although it was a little salty. We made love pretty much every night the rest of the week. My dick was pretty sore by the following weekend. 

The police did investigate the incident with Rick and Austin. They determined that Rick was definitely justified in using deadly force. 

I started my job hunt, but didn't have to look very far. A competitor company had heard about me being let go, and contacted me. I was offered a job for more money, and better benefits. 

I even took away a lot of customers from my old company, which did not seem to bother my conscience. 

As I look back on that day, a day that Murphy's Law bit me in the ass, I am thankful for some things. I am thankful for a wonderful daughter who never did really abandon me. I am thankful for my misguided wife, who although she made a huge mistake, never stopped loving me. I am thankful for the Texas Rangers. If I had not called Rick, I think maybe the police would have found three dead people, and Austin would be out there somewhere. 

Karen is doing very well at Brown, and Amy and I are enjoying our empty nest. I love my wife very much, and never regretted taking her back. I probably saved her life. There is not a day that goes by that Amy doesn't thank me for not only taking her back, but saving her from that asshole Austin. What ever the opposite of Murphy's Law is? Well, that is my life now.