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The Arrangement Ch. 01

By: zouzouni



Something new. I hope you like ... enjoy :)

***

Jade knocked on the door in trepidation. She was unsure about her presence here but she didn't want to get in another spat with her boss. Especially after their last conversation. Jade recalled the last few weeks. The firm Jade worked for was small but exclusive. They only dealt with clients that had money, serious money. Jade was working her way up the food chain trying to make a name for herself. She was doing well too. The partners had noticed her achievements and placed her on a very lucrative project. This is where all the problems started.

Jade's immediate superior was Caitlyn Compton. Caitlyn was a shark. She'd been swimming with the big boys so long that she treated everyone with more than a touch of disdain. Jade felt that Caitlyn resented her presence on this project because she thought she could handle it herself. Instead of working together, Caitlyn turned it into a competition.

Files 'accidentally' misplaced. Emails sent to the wrong people. A great deal of subterfuge and underhandedness was Caitlyn's way of undermining Jade. Well, Jade had enough. She was not about to jeopardize her career for this woman's ego. So after a particularly frustrating meeting where Caitlyn belittled her in front of the client, Jade let loose.

"Caitlyn we need to talk." Jade said firmly as they were gathering their things from the conference room.

"What is it now brat? Can't find the stationary cupboard?" Caitlyn's voice dripped venom.

"Look Caitlyn, I've had enough of your particular brand of insanity. I'm on this project because I'm good at my job and no amount of bitchiness on your part is going to change that." Jade said.

"Oooh the kitten has claws. I'm so scared." Laughed Caitlyn.

"You are such a cow. If we lose this contract it'll be on you not me." Jade said frustrated.

"You think you're so smart. These guys aren't going to sign with us anyway. They've been entertaining offers from other firms. The owner is a complete whore; he likes to spread himself around to get the best deal. I'm just using this opportunity to demonstrate to the board how useless you are." Caitlyn said haughtily.

"Suck my cock Caitlyn." Jade growled. Caitlyn just laughed. "I bet I can make them sign with us." Jade whispered.

"You think you're better than us. We've been trying for years to land them. What are you going to do other than spread your legs? Believe me better people have tried." Caitlyn said almost resignedly. Jade shook her head; she didn't really want to consider the implications of that statement.

"I'm going to do my job Caitlyn and I don't need to resort to selling myself to do it." Jade said quietly.

"Hang on. You said you'd bet. Well a wager it will be. You get them to sign and I'll leave you alone. You lose and you quit." Caitlyn said with a pleased expression on her face.

"There's not much in it for me." Jade said thinking about it.

"Hmm I never make bets that I'm not sure I'll win. Ok, if you win you get a bonus." Caitlyn said smugly and wrote a number down on a piece of paper. Jade leaned over to look and her eyes widened in surprise. It was more than double her annual salary. Crap, risk it and lose her job or be tormented by Caitlyn forever? Tough choice.

"I'll take that bet only if you stop interfering from now on and let me do this properly." Jade said her voice a little shaky.

"Fine. I'll expect your resignation on my desk immediately after the final meeting." Caitlyn laughed as she strode out of the room. 

Jade fought panic as she contemplated what she'd agreed to. For the next two weeks she immersed herself in research and planning. Jade discovered that all the companies vying for this account had presented the same pitch. She needed to be different. Inspiration finally struck and Jade planned accordingly. 

The day of the final meeting Jade was a little nervous but mostly confident.

"Have you packed up your office yet?" Caitlyn snipped as she walked passed. Jade simply ignored her as the owner of the company they were trying to sign walked in with his son and their lawyers. Once everyone was seated Jade started. 

"Mr. Thornton, gentlemen. Our pitch is exactly the same as everyone else's. Here." She said and slid a binder across the table to them. "There's nothing different we can offer you. It simply comes down to whether you want to work with us or not." She continued to everyone's shocked faces.

"Caitlyn what is the meaning of this? We're leaving." Thornton said his anger evident as they all rose to leave. While Caitlyn spluttered and tried to explain, Jade had other ideas.

"Feel free to leave Mr. Thornton but I would like a moment of your time in private." Jade said. 

Thornton was too shocked by this turn of events that he followed her out and to her office much to the protestations of his lawyers. Frankly he was curious about this woman's unusual approach. Jade escorted him in and gave him a piece of paper.

"Mr. Thornton I realize that this is highly unorthodox however I think I've figured out why you've been so hesitant to sign with anyone. And it's got nothing to do with service delivery or profit margins. It has to do with your son. He's a right royal shit isn't he?" Jade smiled taking a risk.

Thornton looked over this young woman. She'd hit the nail right on the head. 

"I don't mean to tell you how to run your business or your family. But I've put together some ideas that may help. I think you've been coming at him from the wrong direction." Jade said as she indicated the piece of paper.

Thornton sat down and read. As he digested the information the expression on his face went from serious scepticism to guarded hope. "You think this could work?" he asked.

"Yes sir I think it can. What do you have to lose? You can try that on your own, you don't have to sign with us to do it. I just wanted to let you know that sometimes it's not all about the business." Jade said honestly. As much as her job meant to her, there were more important things in life.

Thornton was startled by the sincerity. It wasn't often that people in the corporate world bothered to look beyond the bottom line. "Let's head back shall we?" he said with a smile. 

Jade was uncertain about his decision but at this point she really didn't care. She'd genuinely help someone out and that felt good. Maybe she was too soft for this job. They walked back into the conference room to tense silence.

"Now Caitlyn where is that contract, I'm ready to sign." Thornton said to everyone's utter shock. "There will be one stipulation however." He continued.

Caitlyn fumbled around with the paperwork "Anything." She breathed still trying to work out what had happened.

"My company only deals with Jade here. No-one else. Are we clear?" he said much to Jade's surprise and Caitlyn's ire. 

The paperwork got signed and the details hammered out and everyone left happy with this turn of events. Jade was beside herself with joy and a sense of accomplishment. She practically bounced into Caitlyn's office. 

"I'll accept direct deposit or a cheque." She said.

"Drop dead. There's no way I'm paying you. Lord knows what you said to make him sign." Caitlyn said scathingly.

Jade had a feeling she would back out of their deal. "Oh well I guess I'm going to have to let the senior partners know you are extorting junior staff. And before you pop a blood vessel, who do you think they are going to believe? The person that landed them the billion dollar contract or you?" Jade said calmly. 

Caitlyn's jaw worked but she didn't say a word. Jade could see the thoughts turning over in her head as she considered all her options. "I don't have that kind of money lying around and I don't think I can liquidate anything immediately." Caitlyn said looking very put out. Jade was annoyed. It wasn't that she'd expected her to pay the full amount just something to make it sting a little.

Caitlyn got up and closed the door. "There is something. A way I can pay you but it will be in service not cash. I have already paid for this and I'm willing to let you use it. There's only one condition. You are never allowed to tell anyone about it. Ever." Caitlyn said.

Jade was curious now. Caitlyn looked almost scared. Her smooth complexion was paler and her eyes were darting about. Jade had never seen her like this. "I'll bite. What is it?" Jade said.

"Famous last words." Caitlyn muttered. "I have this arrangement with a man, well he's not really ... um." Caitlyn stammered.

"I'm not using your escort service." Jade said annoyed now.

"No! It's not like that. This is going to sound strange but hear me out. There is this guy, his name is Ayden Gregori. He is a vampire. Don't look at me like that, he really is." Caitlyn exclaimed to Jade's disbelieving stare. "I don't know that much about him personally. All I do know is that he makes arrangements with people to feed off them." She continued.

"The experience is, it is... I can't describe it. It is the most thoroughly satisfying thing I have ever felt." Caitlyn said. Jade watched the dreamy look on her face as she tried to describe something that seemed so unbelievable. But Caitlyn was the most straight-laced person Jade knew. Unscrupulous in business but straight down the line with everything else. Jade couldn't believe her. She didn't look crazy. Her mind reeled with the possibility that vampires were actually real. 

"So what? You want me to go over and be lunch in your place?" Jade said incredulously.

"Don't scoff. People pay a great deal of money for the experience. It is such a rush." Caitlyn said and got that dreamy look again.

"And what about this Mr. Gregori? Won't he mind that you've sent someone else?" Jade asked.

"Who gives a shit? He gets what he needs." Caitlyn said as she wrote something down and handed it to Jade. "Here are the details, time and place. Be on time. I'll send along a letter explaining." She continued. 

"I don't think this is right Caitlyn. The man has an arrangement with you, not me. I don't think it's very fair." Jade said, angry that her boss would be so dismissive of someone, though she shouldn't be surprised.

"Don't be me that holier than thou crap. He's not even human. What do you care? You'll get the biggest rush of your life. Besides this is the only way I can pay you. Otherwise you get nothing." Caitlyn said, back to her catty self.

Jade shook her head. She wasn't happy about this turn of events. Maybe she could just go there and check it out. She could just tell Mr. Gregori what happened and leave. "Ok Caitlyn. I'll go" Jade said.

"Don't forget, no-one hears about this. I mean no-one, not even on your death bed. Do you understand?" Caitlyn said intently. Jade nodded and left the office. Annoyed and confused where only half an hour before hand she was elated at her success. 

Now Jade was standing outside the apartment door, completely unsure if she wanted to go through with this. Angry that she was put in this position. She knew that she had some leverage over Caitlyn temporarily but she didn't put it passed her to try something else to get her fired. 

"Enter." Said a deep masculine voice. Jade entered and looked around the richly decorated room. She didn't even notice the man standing near the desk until her eyes had done a complete round of the room. "You are not Caitlyn." That same deep voice said sending chills up her spine. 

Jade turned to look at him. It is not possible, she thought. Not possible. No-one anywhere could look that good. No Hollywood actor. No male model. No-one. The man was stunning, tall, dark hair, grey eyes, very male. Jade nearly drooled as she was standing there ogling him like a teenager. Pulling her tongue back off the floor and sticking her eyes back in her head, she took a deep breath. "No Mr. Gregori. My name is Jade. Jade Klein. Ms. Compton sent this letter by way of explanation." Jade said handing him the note.

Ayden Gregori took the note with a frown and tore it open. Caitlyn explained in her note that Jade was one her employees. A young up and comer. She lost a bet against her regarding a very big account and this was the only way she could pay her back without loosing her position at the firm. Ayden growled. He wasn't some toy to be passed around to whoever could pay. He stared out the window his face a mask of fury.

"I'm sorry Mr. Gregori. I told Ms. Compton that this arrangement was offensive but she wouldn't listen. I will leave you alone now." Jade said. Jade was annoyed that she had to be the one to explain this to him. It was Caitlyn's responsibility since she lost the bet. Jade briefly explained that she'd wanted the monetary amount of the bet. Caitlyn however informed her that she didn't have that kind of cash and wanted to pay in service. This was the service she chose. Jade couldn't hide the note of disapproval over Caitlyn in her voice.

"You are concerned about offending me?" Ayden asked surprised. He finally took the time to look over the young woman in front of him. She was attractive enough with auburn hair and dark eyes. But it was her body that noticed. She was tall for a woman, maybe 5'10" but boy did she have curves. All the way around it seemed. It had been a long time since he had given a woman more than a passing glance.

"Yes Mr. Gregori. I would have preferred that Ms. Compton paid her debt outright but she insisted that she couldn't. That this was the only way she could settle since this was something she had paid for in advance. I understand why you do what you do but I do not intend on taking advantage of you Mr. Gregori. I'll just leave and tell her that it all went well." Jade explained with some force. She remembered her anger at Caitlyn for thinking it would just be ok with him to just swap out. She turned to leave.

"Ms. Klein. Do you really understand what goes on here? What I am?" he asked his words catching at the end. Jade turned to look at him. He looked sad, she thought and wondered why. 

Ayden was weary. Tired of the world and its inhabitants. He had not chosen this life for himself. He was attacked one night while on the way home from a drinking hall. He woke up feeling, different, strange. Then the thirst started. The need for blood. He could hear people's heartbeats. The thud of their pulse in their veins. He tried to resist but hunger got the better of him.

Raised in a good family with values and morals, he couldn't reconcile what he had become. A monster. He left home and everything and everyone behind to keep them safe from himself. It took him a while to work out how to feed without harming and how to live in the world that was now different for him.

From time to time he'd met another like him but he found them cruel and barbaric. They had no regard for humans. Even though Ayden thought himself a monster he didn't want to become like them. He tried to hang on to every ounce of humanity he could. Unfortunately, time and time again people would disappoint him. He would see in their eyes exactly what he thought of himself. It made him sad and numb. Now there was this woman behaving differently to what he'd always expected.

"Yes, Mr. Gregori, I understand." Jade said. Ayden looked at her expectantly and she realized that he wanted her to say it. "You are a vampire Mr. Gregori. I understand that you need to feed and that people, some people, pay for you to feed off them. Ms. Compton said it was highly pleasurable for the person being fed off." Jade said not backing away from his intense gaze.

"And yet you do not wish to avail yourself of this pleasure." Ayden said sarcastically waving his arm dramatically.

"I will not deny that I am curious Mr. Gregori. However, I have never and will never take advantage of someone." She said annoyed at his assumption that she was just after cheap thrills. 

Ayden looked hard at her. She was annoyed at him. This surprised him. In his long life it took a great deal to surprise him. She was serious about him being comfortable. He watched her walk towards the door.

"Don't go." He said barely above a whisper. Jade stopped in her tracks unsure if she'd heard him correctly. "Stay." He said louder. He motioned for her to come and sit by him on a bench like seat. Jade moved slowly, curious about his change of heart. Sitting she half turned in his direction and waited for him. To do what exactly she wasn't sure.

Ayden sat near her somewhat unsure of where to start. "Ms. Klein I wish to apologize. It is not your fault that others act so... so..." he couldn't find the right words.

"Stupidly? Irresponsibly? Rudely? Disgustingly? Give me a moment; I'm sure I can think of a few more epithets." She offered smiling. Ayden relaxed and chuckled at her. She was different to what he was use to. He was definitely curious now. 

The people, both women and men that came to him were generally spoiled, rich and selfish. They had no regard for him or his needs. They were universally repulsed by what he was. They sought only their pleasure and thought their money could buy their safety as well. Ayden knew that he could crush them like bugs. However, this arrangement suited him for feeding, he didn't want to roam the streets to hunt. Still he didn't have to like being treated as their own personal toy. 

Jade looked at him as he sat there thoughtfully. "Still I do not wish to take it out on you." He said quietly. 

"It is fine Mr. Gregori. I understand that you would be angry." She said.

"Please call me Ayden. Now, you are here. Without meaning to offend, do you still wish to, um go ahead?" he asked tentatively. Jade looked at his handsome face and realized that he was nervous. It amazed her that someone like him. So gorgeous and powerful could be nervous.

"If I am to call you Ayden then you must call me Jade." She stated to his nod. "Do you need to feed?" She asked directly. Ayden nodded. "Only if you are sure Ayden. I am not doing this simply to fulfil an obligation. Then yes, I am happy to provide." She breathed. Lord he was intoxicating. She could feel herself becoming wet just looking at him. 

Ayden turned in his seat so that they were facing in opposite directions on the bench seat. He drew her close and was about to take her wrist when she pulled her hair back and offered him her neck. Shocked, he stopped. Exclusively he fed off peoples wrists since they wanted the effect without being so close to him. That she would allow him so close touched him. Feelings that he'd long ago given up hope of ever experiencing started to churn. 

Ayden wrapped an arm around her and with the other hand he cradled her head as he leaned in and ran his lips along her throat. Jade shivered in pleasure. She smelled divine Ayden thought as he felt his fangs lengthen. 

Jade felt an initial prick of pain as he sank his teeth into her and she stiffened in his arms. As he started to pull her blood, pleasure suffused her body. Her nipples tightened and wetness pooled between her thighs. She relaxed against him as he felt the pressure building in every nerve ending. 

Although Jade was lost to the sensations in her body, she was not completely unaware of her surroundings. Her hand stroked the hardness of his chest and slowly travelled lower along his toned stomach and eventually paused on his hard length contained in his pants. Jade traced his hardness with her hand, gently squeezing and stroking as her own pleasure built.

Ayden could believe how incredible this woman tasted. Each mouthful of her sweet blood was going straight to his head like a drug. He was going to have to be very careful not to take too much. When her hand landed on his hard cock he nearly pulled away from her. He was shocked that she would touch him so intimately. He quickly relaxed into her and continued to feed enjoying the sensations.


The Arrangement Ch. 01-03



Part One : The start

"Tamia & John, Sara & Robbie, Tyler & Lani, and Alexis & Jeydon. Those are your lab groups now

split up and get to work" the science teacher said reclaiming his seat at his desk. The students shuffled around the class room switching tables. Alexis rolled her eyes at the irony that was her life.

Her worst enemy was now her lab partner for the next 2 months. The two 19 year old's have been 

trained to hate each other since birth because of their father's multimillion dollar companies feuding. "Great 2 months with you" she complained as the 6 foot muscular god sat down at the table. 

"Don't flatter yourself princess I don't look forward to working with you either" he said frowning at her.

"whatever Jeydon we just need an A on this project. I'm pretty sure we can put aside the fact that your an idiot and work together" she cut out. 

"I'm sure we can, shorty" he said taunting her about her height.

Alexis was short and voluptuous. Standing 5'1 she had full breasts sized at 38 d, she had a flat stomach and thick hips that made People often say she was a sexier version of Nicki Minaj. 

"Whatever" she rolled her eyes again and pulled put her notebook. 

"Just saying" Jeydon chuckled and did the same thing. 

"Lets get to work" she said trying not to slap him. They got to work having no idea that in the next 24 hours their lives would change completely.

Part Two- The Deal was made

After school Alexis tried to make a run for her bedroom but her father's voice stopped her "Alexis come in her please" he called out from the study. 

She sighed and walked down the hall to her father's study. She avoided this room like the plague. The last time he called her in there he tried to make her give one of his business partners a blow job. Luckily her mother had come home and she was let free. She just hoped it wouldn't happen again.

"Yes daddy?" she asked poking her head in the door then came in further when she saw that both he and her mother were in the room alone. 

"Sweetheart you should sit down. We...we have something to tell you" her mother said her face sullen. 

"What is it mom?" she asked noticing the same look on her dad's face.

"Sweetie your father's company has been in..... a little trouble to say the least" her mother started but stopped as sobs racked her body. 

"mom what is it" she said getting scared "Alexis what your mom is trying to say is that the company has been involved in some bad dealings and went bankrupt" her dad said. 

"Okay so that means what? That we're broke?" she asked in shock "well not exactly. You see Tomas St. James is kind of helping us out" he said hedging around what was going on.

"What does Jeydon's dad have to do with this? Whats going on" she demanded "Mr. St. James offered to pay for the company in full but we had to add an extra part of the deal" her father pushed on. 

Alexis shot up out of the chair " WILL YOU JUST TELL ME WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!" she yelled at her parents as a sinking feeling settled in her stomach. 



"Alexis your father not only sold the company but he sold you as well. St. James bought you to marry Jeydon. He wants to tame his son and he felt he could kill 2 birds with one stone by bailing your father out." her mother said point blank.

"what?" she asked. She couldn't believe what she just heard "it's true Miss Alexis you now belong to me or should I say my son. You two will be married within a week" Tomas St. James gloated as he entered the room. 'married' was her last thought as she fainted hitting the 

ground.......

Part Three- The life of a newly wed 

When Alexis came to she immediately noticed that she was no longer in her fathers study nor was she in her bed. The room she was in was not familiar to her. 

Everything that had happened in the last 12 hour came back to her: the fact that her parents sold her to be married to their worst enemy.

"how did this happen to me?" she cried out loud in the dark room letting her tears fall. A knock sounded at the door and before she could even say anything Jeydon slipped into the room.

"what do you want" Alexis spat when she finally saw who it was " I came to see if you were alright. I saw my father's goons bring you in and he told me what happened" he said gently easing his tall frame down next to her.

"yeah right like you didn't already know. I'm only 19 and I'm already being married off!" she yelled at him wiping another tear from her face. 

"Alexis it's going to be alright I promise" he said wiping her face with his hand "how do you know it's going to be alright Jeydon?" she whispered.

He didn't answer instead he tilted her face up and captured her lips. The kiss was soft and sweet. Jeydon weaved his hand in her hair drawing her face closer.

Alexis opened her mouth allowing Jeydon to shove his hot tongue in her mouth. She moaned loud and wrapped her hands around his neck. Jeydon rolled her over so that she was on top of him he pulled his mouth away to reach for her school uniform blouse and ripped it open. 

"what are you......?" she started to ask but Jeydon unclasping her bra and latching on to one of her erect nipples stopped her "ohhh" she gasped out loud as he sucked like he was a new born baby. 

Not wanting to neglect her left nipple he licked his way over and gave it the same treatment. "Jeydon" she moaned a little louder as his hands slid under her skirt to squeeze her ass.

Alexis reached down and helped Jeydon get rid of his shirt before taking his lips again just as the door swung open 

"WHAT THE HELL GOING ON!!?"

To be continued..............



The Arrangement Ch. 01



I stood on the corner of the street, smelling of fear and stripper perfume. Sweat mixed with the saccharine scent I had applied to my wrists and neck. My eyelids were smeared with blue glitter and false eyelashes brushed the tops of my cheeks every time I blinked. Calf-high, shining black boots with devilish pink tongues tapped nervously on the asphalt, gradually warming as the day wore on, and above my knees rested a red, pleated tartan skirt. A tight black shirt stretched over my breasts and clung to my stomach with some uncertainty.

The tree-lined suburban road extended for three-quarters of a mile straight ahead of me, peppered with modest homes. I simmered in the mid-morning sun at the top of the hill just a few yards from where I lived. This was where they would pick me up and take me away for a while.

After about fifteen minutes of waiting, my stomach flipped at the sight of a clean, jet-black car approaching. An anxious burn crept into my throat as it stopped. The window on the driver's side rolled down and a liquid baritone voice shot straight into my gut: "Get in." I complied without a word; I sat down in the backseat behind the voice that commanded me.

The man sitting to my right folded his hands in his lap. "You look fucking ridiculous," he commented without looking at me. I didn't dare move my eyes from the back of the driver's seat. "I don't even know how you could look in the mirror without turning red." His voice was noncommittal, but I thought I sensed a smirk.

My thighs clenched and my hands moved awkwardly here and there as I tried to relax. Lying in the bed the night before, I had created a violent scene for that day: a bag pulled over my head, phantom hands groping me, tearing off my clothes and eventually binding me helpless and gasping. Yet there I remained untouched and anticipating beside a middle-aged man in a black business suit and leather gloves. Unconsciously I ran my right hand over the supple leather of the seat.

His hand leapt from his lap to grab my wrist and twist the skin there. I barely contained a wince. "Don't touch it. Neither the driver nor I want your dirty hands all over the interior. For God's sake, try to restrain yourself." My breath caught in my throat; the disgust and condescension in his voice were palpable, dissolving any dignity I might have had. However, after he released me, I found myself yearning for his touch.

"How do you feel?" He asked, producing a silver cigarette case from his jacket pocket. A similarly silver lighter followed; hearing its metallic click made me turn my head. The man appeared to be in his early forties, with dark brown hair and a neatly trimmed beard. His head was turned toward the window, his gaze following a slender trail of smoke leaving his full lips. Rough hands smoothed his black silk tie as he took another long drag. 

My eyes fixed themselves on the ember glowing at the end of cigarette. "I don't know, nervous, I guess," I answered quietly, an uncomfortable laugh escaping. Almost imperceptibly, he smiled. Wrinkles gathered at the corners of his eyes.

"That's a start, I guess," he remarked, mocking my anxiety. The smile grew. He watched the scenery pass with some interest, his view slightly impaired by the tinted windows. "What do you think, driver?"

The driver chuckled. "Just bait for dirty old men like us, right? A pretty baby asking for it." 

We stopped at a red light. The man in the suit leaned my way and slid my skirt up to expose a pale thigh. He didn't touch my skin at all, but tapped his cigarette and let the ashes fall onto the flesh there. I started and grimaced with a sharp intake of breath. The cooling ashes felt like dozens of pinpricks.

"Leave your skirt like that and keep your leg still. I don't want any ashes on the leather; if you move, next time they'll go on your tongue," instructed the man. His voice never wavered, as smooth and cold as the surface of a frozen lake; his eyes never left the window.

Once more, the car lurched forward as the driver picked up speed. Mortified, I noticed the ashes shifting on the top of my thigh. I swallowed hard and tried to freeze my muscles in place, the image of the orange end of his cigarette approaching my tongue flashing in my mind. The ashes seemed to stop moving, yet I kept myself stone. As I clutched the fabric of my skirt, I dreaded what would happen once he finished his cigarette.

Keeping my eyes straight ahead, I heard him inhale again, the crackling of the cigarette almost sending a shudder through me. I knew better and steeled myself, unwilling to let a single ash touch the seat. Resolution set my mouth in a hard line. 

"Look at the girl, a proper porcelain statue. I don't know why you bother. I could just shove you and then have reason to stub out my cigarette right there on your thigh." Delight laced the delicate malice in his voice. "I don't want you marked up just yet. You have to look your best for all my friends."

We continued for a while in silence after that. It was useless to speculate on anything regarding the present situation, so I focused on the task at hand. I couldn't tell how much time passed; it felt as though I only breathed every five minutes.

The car finally came to a full stop, the engine powering down. Silence enveloped the three of us, punctuated only by my small bursts of breath as I tried to remain still. The driver looked back at the suited man, smiled and said: "We're here."



The Arrangement Ch. 01



"Lord, I know you say that you'll never give us more than we can handle, but right now, it sure seems that way. Them girls need more than just a Granny. And Lord, that boy of mine has more wounds on his soul from that woman than the Seals ever put on his body." 

Esther Monroe gently rubbed the glass on the silver picture frame, outlining the faces beneath. Her shoulders slumped as the frame fell onto the bed next to her. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she bowed her head. 

"Now Jeb too. I know some people would say forty-three years is too long with one man, but Lord, I ain't ready to give him to you yet. I just don't know what to do no more. Daniel and the girls need me here, but my husband needs me home. With the cancer back, I just don't know what I'm going to do."

Wiping the wetness from her weathered cheek, Esther opened her grey-blue eyes. She stood slowly as if uncertain, but with determination. She crossed the room to the corner where the computer screen glowed softly in the night. Squaring her shoulders, she reached out and pushed a single button. 

"It's done now, Lord. For good or for bad, it's all in your hands now," she pronounced with finality as she turned back to the bed, the open suitcase and clothes lying on it. She began to fold and place them inside one by one. 

***

Jill Chambers placed the cup of steaming black coffee on the table and opened the battered laptop. Her fingers hesitated before pressing the power button. She listened to the soft whir of the fan as she brought the cup slowly to her lips. 

At forty-five, she felt an utter fool to be expectantly awaiting an email from a man half a world away. But over the past six weeks, she had felt a growing excitement about Daniel Monroe and his daughters.

Looking out the kitchen window, Jill watched the rain fall. Another rainy day in London. The weather would be one thing that she would not miss about her adopted home. If this arrangement with Daniel worked out. 

Opening the Internet browser, Jill checked her email first thing. Her fingers trembled as they pressed the key that would open the latest email from Daniel.

My mother is packing this evening. The news from the doctors back home isn't good. My dad's cancer that we thought was in remission has spread. She wouldn't say it, but I don't think there is much they can do this time. 

I know this may seem sudden, but it isn't like we haven't talked about it. The whole arranged marriage thing. Besides as Mama points out the girls need more than a grandmother and I'm not too damned proud to admit I need some help here. Four daughters to care for, even without considering Rachel's death. Hell, give me an IED in Afghanistan any day. 

I know I'm rambling, but it's late. Anyway, I've purchased a plane ticket for you. Your flight leaves Heathrow day after tomorrow at 11.15 and arrives in Washington Dulles at 14.20. My mother's plane back to Omaha leaves an hour earlier, so I'll pick you up after she takes off. 

I guess I'll be seeing you shortly...or I sure hope so.

Daniel

Jill ran her hand through her shoulder length dirty blonde hair. Tomorrow. There was a plane ticket for her back to the states tomorrow. After twenty-six years in a country that had never felt like home, despite her husband and sons, she would be going home. 

If the idea of traveling three thousand miles to marry a man that she had never met gave her pause, Jill did not show it. Powering down the computer, she placed her cup in the sink. Less than twenty-four hours from now, she would be at Heathrow and on the way to a new life. 

*** 

Daniel Monroe leaned into the back of the Ford Explorer. It was an older model, but he made certain that it was well maintained. Re-adjusting the last of the luggage in the storage compartment, he slammed the window shut and walked around to the driver's side door.

He crammed his six foot four inch frame behind the wheel and turned to face his mother. "Simone said that she would call you tonight to let you know how things went. I got the feeling she wasn't talking about your flight either."

Esther fidgeted in the front seat, avoiding her son's clear blue eyes. "She might be a tad unusual, but that girl has a heart of gold." 

"Well, you two have certainly become thicker than thieves these past few months, that's for sure. All those computer classes she gave you better pay off when you get home. I expect an email every day with updates on Dad."

Her face paled at the mention of computer lessons. She patted the laptop that sat on the seat next to her. "You have my word."

Daniel hesitated "Mama, how bad is it really?" 

Her grey head dropped to stare at her hands neatly folded in her lap. Esther fought back tears, "Bad, Daniel," was her only response.

He wanted to press for more information, but Daniel could see the pain in his mother's face and made a strategic retreat. "You'll be home tonight."

"I know, but I still worry about you and the girls."

"I told you already. Simone will help out for a few days and I have already called a couple of agencies about nannies. We'll be fine," he bluffed.

"Daniel, those girls don't need a nanny. Nannies quit all the time. Those girls need someone that is going to be there no matter what. Someone that's gonna love them through the bad times."

"Mama, they have me. I might not know much about hair and Barbie's, but I love my girls."

"I never said you didn't, Daniel. But they need a woman. They need a mother."

"Yeah, Mama, well they had one of those and look how that turned out," he spat with vitriol. 

Looking over to his mother's concerned face, he reassured her. "We'll do fine."

"Daniel, I know Rachel was your wife, but that woman didn't have a motherly instinct in her body. God rest her soul," she said as she made the sign of the cross.

Slamming his palms against the steering wheel in frustration, "Mama, we've been through this before. So unless you got a wife and mother in one of those bags in the back, this subject is closed."

"Well, she isn't exactly in my luggage. You have to pick her up at the airport."

***

"May I bring you another drink?" smiled the steward.

Jill's fingers trembled a bit as she passed the empty wineglass back to him. "I'd better not."

"Business or pleasure?" the man inquired.

Jill furrowed her brow as she considered the question. What was this 'arrangement' anyway? 

"Business, I suppose."

"Well, best of luck to you then," he offered before pushing his cart further down the narrow aisle to the next weary traveller.

Jill pondered the question. The bravery or fool-hardiness of the past thirty-six hours melted away from her as the reality of the situation set in. 

For the past six weeks, it had all seemed so completely logical. She wanted to go home. She missed the military life that she had once shared with her husband. And her arms and heart ached with love. Her own sons grown, she had no one to whom she could give it all.

Daniel's wife was dead. Widowhood was just one of their common bonds. He had four daughters, just as she had four sons. Except that his daughters desperately needed the love that she had to give. 

Arranged marriages were common, she had told herself. Her best friend, Ubah, had always extolled the advantages of a relationship built on common values, goals and respect. It was far more stable than a marriage built upon the tides of passion that ebbed and flowed with time, she pointed out repeatedly. As proof, she pointed to the lower divorce rates in countries were the practice was still common.

Of course, there were similarities with Western practices as well. Was it really any different than dating sites that boasted of finding the perfect match based upon shared principles and goals? What too of the many men that practically bought foreign brides? She had reasoned and justified the decision.

Pulling the grainy picture printed on cheap computer paper from the pocket on the chair back in front of her, Jill stared at the laughing man and the four beautiful girls surrounding him. Jill knew so much about each of them.

Jessica or Jessie as she preferred to be called was almost thirteen. Her blonde hair was cut short for the sake of the many sports that were her passions.

Isobel was six and could play for hours in her room with the dozens of Barbie's that her sister had long since abandoned.

But it was the two youngest Monroe girls that tugged at her heart. Ashley and Britney were barely a year old. They had started to walk since their email correspondence began. Daniel had even sent a video of their first steps that his mother had taken. 

Her eyes danced across the figure of the man holding a baby high in each arm. The lower part of his face was covered with layers of soft chocolate hair from his beard. But she could see, despite the poor resolution of the picture which was probably taken on a cell phone, that his lips were full. But it was his grey-blue eyes. She could not look away from them. They danced with laughter and hid so much pain.

"What the hell have I gotten myself into?" she whispered.

***

"What the hell have you done, Mama?" Daniel demanded to know. His voice louder and firmer than it had ever been to the woman whom he loved deeply.

"What you should have done yourself, looked for a good woman that will love those babies and take care of them like they ought to be cared for."

"Mama, they call those women nannies and I am looking for one," Daniel slammed the car into gear and drove off. Silence filled the air as they drove off. 

Daniel knew his mother meant the best. He was one of the lucky ones in this fucked world. He grew up in a home where his mother and father loved him and one another. They weren't afraid to show it either. Until he was almost ten, Daniel awoke each morning to a kiss on his cheek and a song. He hummed 'Arise and shine,' in the darkest of moments.

It was a tradition that he carried on with his daughters, though Jesse was beginning to complain as he had once. Still, there was not a day went by when he was home that he did not hug them and tell them he loved them. That was probably what got them through the past nine months since Rachel's suicide. 

Things were hard, he admitted that. He really did not know what he was going to do now that his mother was going home. He knew that Simone and the other wives would help out as much as they could. The closeness of his unit extended beyond the battlefield to the home front; wives and children encompassed in the bands of their brotherhood. 

But Daniel remembered well those first few days following Rachel's death before his mother arrived. He had burnt everything, even food he microwaved. Bel's hair was a mass of blond tangles because he could not bear the tears if he tried to comb it. The only thing he had successfully managed was changing the babies' diapers and at times he had been tempted to break out the gas masks for that chore. He did not even want to think about what their small three bedroom house must have looked like when his mother came through the door. 

He shuddered at the thought of going back to that. But the shock of the situation had worn off. Now he was more familiar with the girls' routines. He told himself that he would manage. Until he could find a nanny that was.

His thoughts were broken as they entered the freeway that would take them north towards DC and the airport. "Daniel, I'm sorry. You have to know I was just thinking of those girls and you."

Daniel saw tears glistening in his mother's eyes. He never was any good at handling a woman's tear. His daughters'. His wife's. Or especially his mother's. "I know, Mama. I know."

"And Jill really is special. She raised four teenage boys all by herself after her husband was killed in Afghanistan. She works as a chef at a mental health center now that her sons are all grown." Her eyes pleading with him, she continued, "Daniel, she's come all the way from London. I know you are mad at me. And I deserve it. But, son, your dad and I raised a gentleman. Promise me you won't leave her standing at that airport."

"Jesus, Mama, of course I won't leave her at the airport," taking his eyes from the road for just a moment, "Did you really have to ask?"

Sighing, Esther continued. "No, Daniel, I guess not. I just feel so responsible for this mess."

Daniel was tempted to let his mother off the hook. He could see the worry etched in her face. Him and the girls. His dad. Everything must have seemed to be closing in on her. It was a familiar feeling these past couple of years. 

"What did you expect me to say or do, Mama?"

Shaking her grey head, Esther stared at the tall trees that ran along the side of the highway. "I don't know. I guess I just hoped that I could make you see how practical it was. You need someone to manage the house, cook, clean and look after the girls. They need someone that will actually invest real time and love in them, not someone who just sees them as a pay check. And Jill is so alone over there now. Her husband dead. Her sons grown. She just has so much love to give and I figured those girls could really use some of it."

Daniel hated to admit it, but her words did sound perfectly logical. "Mama, she's a perfect stranger," he argued in his defence.

"She doesn't have to be. Give her a chance, sweetie. That's all I ask," his mother pleaded.

"Considering the alternative is to leave a woman stranded at the airport, alone in a foreign country, what choice do I have?"

"It's not a foreign country. Jill is American."

"But I thought you said she was from London," Daniel was confused.

"She is, but she's American. She moved over there twenty-six years ago when she married an officer in the British Marines that she met while on leave in Cancun."

"She was on leave in Cancun?"

"No, silly, he was."

Daniel gripped the steering wheel tighter. 

"Alright, we have a couple of hours at least. How about you brief me on this whole damned thing? But only the basics," he asserted. He did not want his mother getting any foolish ideas...any more that was. "I am not making any promises here. I just want enough information so I can make the lady comfortable until we can get her back to London. Understand me, Mama?"

Esther smiled and nodded as another silent prayer was sent towards heaven.

***

Jill fumbled with the blue passport that she held in her fingers. United States of America embossed in gold on the front, she smiled as she stepped forward to hand it to the customs agent. She was home. Well, on American soil at least. 

"Business or pleasure?" the man repeated the question that had plagued her for hours on the plane.

"I'm returning home," she smiled.

The man looked up from the screen and smiled. "Welcome home then. How long were you away?"

"Twenty-six years."

"That's a long time. What brings you back?"

"I'm getting re-married," she answered.

"Lucky man," he pronounced as he stamped a page in the document. "You can collect your luggage through those doors," he pointed.

Jill nodded and made her way across the floor. The heels of her pumps tapped against the floor with each step. She stood in the queue, the line; she corrected herself and waited for the carousel to start. Time drug by. 

She watched the older woman that had been across the aisle from her. She was going to meet her new grandbaby. The young couple, who had been in front of her, struggled to keep their son from running away. His father grabbed him and lifted him high into the air. Giggles echoed through the baggage hall.

Jill guessed that he was only slightly older than Ashley and Britney. She could easily imagine Daniel doing something similar to distract the girls from trouble. She knew from his emails that he loved his daughters. Even more than the country he served for almost twenty years. It was one of the things that made this whole thing feel so right. 

The loud bell brought her back from her thoughts as the carousel began to turn. She focused her attention on the luggage as it moved slowly by. Her whole life was crammed into two suitcases and the battered laptop bag that was slung over her shoulder. Finally, she spotted the first of her bags. She struggled to lift it onto the trolley, just in time to notice the second one arrive. 

It occurred to her then that perhaps she should have stopped by a restroom before she collected her bags. After hours on a plane, she was certain that she neither looked nor smelled good. She berated herself for the oversight. There was nothing she could do about it now, she thought as she pushed the cart towards the double doors to the arrivals waiting area and the man that would soon be her husband.

***

Daniel rushed across the airport from one terminal to another. He hoped that he would make it before the woman finished with customs and collected her bags. He might not know her, but his mother had told him enough about Jill Chambers to respect a woman that would leave everything she had known for a quarter of a century and travel half a world away to begin a new life. He admired her spirit of adventure that was for certain. 

He arrived just in time to watch the first of the passengers push through the double doors. He looked at the picture his mother had given him, along with the account name and password information for the dating site where she had found the woman. Jill, he corrected. She was as innocent a victim in this sham as he was. 

He caught site of her as she struggled with the trolley, which was piled high with two large bags. His gut tightened. The picture did not do her justice. She might not be the typical beauty that Rachel had been, but there was something completely captivating about the woman. Her curves in the jeans were womanly and soft. Despite the bulky sweater he could tell that her breasts were full and lush. They would more than fill his hands. 

Shaking his dark head, Daniel reminded himself that he was not interested in the 'arrangement' as his mother called it. He was picking the woman up from the airport, explaining about the misunderstanding and offering her whatever hospitality he could until arrangements could be made for her to return home. 

He noticed her scanning the crowd and waved his arms to catch her attention. The genuine smile that lit her face when she saw him took his breath away. She quickened her step as she approached him. 

"Daniel, it's so good to finally meet you," she exclaimed as she wrapped her arms about him.

Daniel wasn't sure what to do. He knew next to nothing about this woman. He certainly wanted no part in this little 'arrangement' of his mother's. But he was too much of a gentleman to push her away. So instead he patted her back. 

"Here, let me get those bags for you," he offered as she drew back from the embrace. 

She nodded, "Thanks. I am a bit tired. And could we find a loo before we go?"

Daniel smiled at the distinctly British term for bathroom. He placed one hand on her elbow and guided her down the hall as he used the other hand to push the cart. "I saw a bathroom back this way."

"Sorry, bathroom. It will take me a while to get used to the American words again. One of the first things I learned when I moved to England was that English and American are two different languages."

Stopping in front of a door that bore the image of a stick figure wearing a dress, "It's fine. Perhaps after you freshen up, we could have a drink or something to eat," he offered as an entry point to the conversation they needed to have.

"Sure. I'll just be a couple of minutes," she offered as she disappeared. 

***

Jill ran the brush through her hair once more. Her reflection in the mirror scowled. What was wrong? 

What's wrong, stupid! You came three thousand miles to marry a man you have never met and he isn't interested, she thought. Jill wasn't sure what she expected, but the polite but stiff hug he had returned spoke volumes. Of course, she was not the beauty that his wife had been, but she had been honest about that. She had sent pictures; some unfaltering ones too. 




The Arrangement Ch. 01



Putting her brush back into her bag, Jill pulled the clear plastic case from its pocket. Bank cards, phone numbers and cash; it was her back up plan. It looked like she was going to need it. 

She was not certain what she was going to do now, but she had options, she reminded herself. She had not come all this way without at least considering this possibility. She still had family in Houston. She would Facebook her cousins as soon as she got to a computer. Perhaps one of them had a couch for a couple of weeks. There was her AmeriCorps application too. She had for some time considered utilising her skills to help others. 

And of course, there was always the possibility of just traveling. It was a journey she had begun twenty-six years ago as a fool-hardy teenager, but she could purchase a bus or train ticket and just go. See America. She could always find work in cafes and restaurants. A good chef was never without a job for long.

Staring at her reflection in the mirror, she straightened her shoulders and smiled. "The important thing, my girl, is that you are home," she said to the empty bathroom. "The rest will take care of itself."

With one final inspection, she turned towards the door. She would handle this with calm and composure; a stiff upper lip that would do David, her husband, proud. Then, whatever happened, happened.

***

Daniel watched the woman finish off the plate of tamales. She had practically squealed when they found the Tex-Mex restaurant hidden in the corner of terminal. She loved her food that was certain. 

Rachel had always picked at everything; afraid that it all went straight to her petite figure. Looking back, he suspected that his wife may have suffered an eating disorder as well as the depression that led to her suicide. But he had been too busy with his work to notice he supposed. 

The words of her note echoed in his mind, "I always came last with you. Your country, the Navy and your daughters left no room for me. You were a lousy husband and I hate you."

"Wow that was good. You can't get good Mexican food in England. Hell, you can't even find the right ingredients to make it," the woman explained.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." He inhaled and leaned back in the booth. "Jill, there's something I need to tell you," he searched for words. 

"There's no easy way to say this, but this whole thing has been a mistake. Well, not a mistake. A lie. Not a lie exactly either. I am Daniel Monroe. I am a widow with four daughters and a SEAL." 

He could tell from the cold and confused look on the woman's face that he was screwing things up. He had practiced this speech over and over in the car on the drive up, as they waited for his mother's plane, even as he raced across the airport to meet her. He knew what he wanted to say, but none of it was coming out right. He supposed it was just another example of how inadequate he was with women. 

Drawing a deep breath, he stared at his hands folded in front of him on the table and tried again. "I didn't write those emails. In fact, I did not even know you existed until a few hours ago. My mother wrote them." He explained unable to look at her.

"I'm sorry about you coming all this way, but I don't need...I don't want a wife."

Silence hung about them. The air seemed to actually chill. He waited. And waited. He was not sure how long, but it seemed too long. For a man accustomed to passing long stretches of time while on reconnaissance, it was hell. 

"I don't know what I expected. But that was a shitty excuse, bud. Alright, so I'm not some slim, trim beauty queen after four kids. But I deserve better than that," she said as she stood.

Daniel was right behind her, throwing a wad of bills on the table as they left. "Honest, it isn't an excuse. I didn't have any part in this."

The woman stopped outside the restaurant. She glanced from side to side as if looking for the quickest exit. It was a feeling he could understand.

"Jill, I understand. I was as shocked by this as you are. Why don't we talk about this on the way back to Virginia Beach?"

"If you think, I'm going anywhere with you, buddy, you're crazy," she exclaimed as she pushed past him. She grabbed the cart and began pushing it the wrong way, back towards the arrivals hall. 

Daniel tried to wrestle the cart from her grip, but noticed a TSA guard watching them closely. He did not want to attract more attention.

"Please, my mother left you a letter. Just read it," he pleaded as he held out an envelope with a distinctly feminine scrawl across it. 

"Please," he begged.

"What will a letter prove? Anyone could have written it for you," she argued.

Daniel knew they were at a stalemate in their negotiations. He changed tactics. It was a strategy that had served him well on the battlefield and one he hoped would prove useful in this battle of wills.

"So where will you go now? There isn't another plane back to London until tomorrow. I checked. I suppose you could get a cab to a hotel, but that costs money. How much did you bring with you? I don't imagine a chef in a mental health day center makes all that much. Would you rather spend a couple of days in a safe, relatively clean house with people you know a lot about or alone in some grimy hotel room with cable TV and not much else?" he reasoned.

He could see the dejection his strong words caused. The proud woman's shoulders slumped at their harshness. 

"Please, Jill, I promised Mama that I would take care of you. She would box my ears if you went to some flea bitten hotel room."

"Always honor with you guys, isn't it? Is it some kind of a god complex?"

Daniel laughed, "We live by a code, ma'am. You know the officer and the gentleman thing."

Jill chuckled weakly, "Yes, I know it. Better than you think. Remember my husband was one too."

"Then please, for his memory, allow me to offer our hospitality. Would he want you alone in some questionable hotel? Let me do this, one officer and gentleman to another."

He watched the play of emotions across the woman's face. He could see the uncertainty still in her rich green eyes, but he knew that he had won the battle even before she nodded her blond head. 

What he did not want to face was why that victory felt so damned good? He could have and probably should have purchased her return ticket before he even picked her up. It would have been simple to book and pre-pay for a decent hotel until her flight. But he had not. 

"Alright. But just until I figure out what I want to do now," she whispered.

"Yes, ma'am," he smiled as he took the baggage cart from her once more and turned it in the other direction. "The exit is this way," he pronounced.

***

Jill stretched as she looked around at the quiet, non-descript neighborhood. She had fallen asleep before they reached the highway. She woke up when Daniel had shaken her gently. They had stopped by his friend's house to pick up his daughters. 

She fought back curiosity. She reminded herself that she would not be staying. That whatever Jessie, Bel, Ashley and Britney were like, it was none of her business. She was just an unwanted houseguest for a couple of nights. 

But it seemed a futile battle. She careened her neck to watch as Daniel took the two sleepy babies from the arms of a dark skinned, stout woman. She could not hear what they said, but she could see from the scowl on the man's face that he did not like it. A tall, black man joined them in the doorway. He held an equally sleepy little girl with an array of thick blond curls that spread across his shoulder.

The two men headed towards the parked car with their bundles. 

***

Daniel was in no mood for chit chat with Simone Jackson. She might be his best friend's wife, but he knew deep in his gut that she was deep in this mess with his mother. Suddenly, all those computer lessons and hours spent laughing made perfect sense. What would his mother know about Internet dating sites, let alone ones that catered to lonely service men and women? No, this little trick had Simone's fingerprints all over it.

The woman smiled as she carried his sleeping twins down the hall towards him. "You could have left them all for the night, you know."

Daniel stared at her. A look that had sent enemy combatants scurrying and his own men into immediate action. "Why would I want to do that, Simone?" he challenged.

"Well, if you have female company..." the woman offered in her thick Caribbean accent.

"I know that you know damned well who that woman is and why she is here. And I swear, woman, if you meddle in this any further, I am going straight to Samuel with your part in all this. Do you hear me?"

The short and round woman had the affront to laugh at him. "Daniel, my friend, de stars be favourable to ye. Don't you be messin' wid things dats bigger dan you."

Before Daniel could respond, his lieutenant appeared carrying his Bel. "Jessie insists she has to stay, something she and Althea are up to on the computer. You know those two, my friend? I'll bring her home tomorrow, right after soccer practice."

Daniel simply nodded his dark head before glaring once more at the woman who wrapped herself like a cat around her husband. "Of course, we'll bring the girl home tomorrow. It will give me a chance to talk to your new friend."

Both men stared at her coldly. "What? Us, girlies, have to hang together against you big bad wolves."

It was her husband's turn to stare. "Simone, I swear I'll turn that sweet chocolate backside of yours red if you be messing in people's lives again."

"Well, now dat's reason enough for me meddlin'. But don't you be makin' no promises you ain't gonna keep big boy."

Both men shook their heads and laughed at her words as they turned towards the car parked in the driveway.

"I'm sorry, man. I'll talk to Simone tonight. But you know she never means any harm when she gets these ideas," Samuel said.

"This isn't talisman for us to wear that itch and burn and smell worse than your god damned socks after two days of hiking through the damned jungle. This is a woman, who came three thousand miles thinking I was going to marry her so she could be a mother to my poor orphans. Sam, this isn't harmless fun."

"But you got to admit buddy, this will make a damned funny story in a few years."

"I give up. You are as bad as she is. No wonder you two been so damned happily married that it makes the rest of us sick for twenty years. You are just alike."

"Thank you, commander. That is quite a compliment," his friend smiled.

"Just open the damned door," Daniel said as he stepped aside.

Samuel did as always, following commands. He gently placed the still sleeping little girl into her pink booster seat and fastened the straps that would keep her safe. Turning back to Daniel, he took one of the sleeping toddlers and repeated the action. 

Daniel walked around to the other side of the car, his load lightened. He opened that door and placed a sleeping Britney in the seat next to Ashley. 

"Howdy, ma'am. I'm Samuel Jackson, his best friend and sometimes lieutenant," he offered to the woman in the front seat, who had turned as they placed the sleeping children into the car seats.

"Hello, Samuel. I'm Jill..." Words hung in the air as she searched for an explanation for her presence. 

"Don't worry. He knows the rest and his damned meddling wife has a lot to answer for in this whole damned situation," Daniel responded.

Turning towards Samuel, Jill spoke. "This situation as he calls it isn't anyone's fault except my own. Please don't blame your wife for anything."

Daniel growled as he clicked the seat belt fastened. "Let's get going." Taking his friend's hand in his own, he said "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes, sir," he joked.

***

Jill tried not to stare at the sleeping heads. Bel with her blond curls and thumb stuck between full pink lips could have been a child model for books and movies. The babies too were beautiful. 

It was not the first time in the past couple of years that Jill felt her heart and womb brooding for children. But it was following those feelings that had gotten her into this mess to begin with.

"Where's Jessie?" She asked with familiarity before she could stop herself.

"She's staying the night with Sam and Simone. Their daughter, Althea, is her best friend."

"I know. They have been since they were babies. Born on the same day at the same hospital and inseparable ever since," she practically quoted the emails that she had read time and time again.

She watched a dark scowl form once more across the man's handsome face. "I'm sorry. I keep forgetting that it wasn't you that wrote all those things. It must seem strange for me to know so much about you and the girls while you know practically nothing about me."

She played with her hands in her lap as they pulled into another driveway, a house not that different from the other one. "Can I help?" she asked as he turned off the engine.

"Sure, if you get Bel. Then I can manage Ashley and Britney," he replied palming the keys as he opened the car door.

Jill opened her door and stepped into the night air. "I can smell the beach," she said.

Daniel smiled. "The beach is less than a mile from here," he replied as he unbuckled the babies from their car seats.

Jill breathed deeply as she opened the door on her side of the car and unfastened the complicated mechanism that held the sleeping child safely. Her heart caught in her throat as she lifted the child. "Shhh, baby girl, you'll be in your own bed with the dream fairies soon," she whispered.

The child stirred against her shoulder, cuddling closer against the cool night air. Jill drew her closer to her body and fell in step behind the man. By the time she reached the door, he had unlocked it with a baby in each arm. 

"Follow me. We'll put Bel in her bed first. You can sleep in the nursery. I brought a bed in there for my mother. I'm sure she would have changed the sheets and gotten everything ready for you."

Jill simply nodded as she followed him down the dim hallway. He opened a door on the right with a sign that read, 'Secret Ops, Keep Out.' Inside were two twin beds. On the right side of the room, everything was pink and decorated with Barbie's. The centrepiece was the four foot high, three story doll house; pink too, of course. 

Daniel did not have to tell her which bed belonged to Bel. The Barbie blanket announced its owner as Jill pulled it back and placed the sleeping little girl beneath its warmth. She pulled the covers up and could not stop herself from bending to place a kiss on the top of soft curls. "Sweet dreams, Bel."

Jill held out her empty arms and took one of the sleeping babies. "Lead the way, commander."

Daniel shook his dark head as he turned and crossed the hall. Inside were two cribs and another twin bed. This one boasted a patchwork quilt with every color in the rainbow. 

Daniel placed the sleeping baby in his arms in one crib and motioned for her to do the same in the other. Jill followed his command, although reluctant to release the softness and sweet baby smell. 

"I'll get your bags from the car. The bathroom is next door, if you want a shower or anything. The girls will be up early, but we'll try not to wake you. I know you must be exhausted from the flight and jet lag."

"I'll be fine. Thanks," she replied, anxious for the man to leave so she could be alone with her thoughts. She needed to think about what was next for her.

"Alright then. Good night," he said as he made a hasty retreat.

He stopped in the doorway. "Jill, I honestly am sorry about all this. You seem like a really nice lady. I'm sure any man would be lucky as hell to have you as a wife."

Jill simply nodded and turned away before he could see the tears glistening in her eyes. She did not need his sympathy.



The Arrangement Ch. 01



This is my newest story. Thanks to my editor AccentsNTattoos for her wisdom and editing. Without further ado, here is The arrangement.

*

Julianne Mills, the daughter of John and Marie Mills, wasn't the class valedictorian, nor was she the class clown. She was the average girl. She worked hard in school and earned decent grades. Once she graduated from high school, she went to a state school and gained a degree in sociology because she wanted to become a social worker. She believed in helping others and working hard to do it.

She carried that foolish notion until she found herself an unhappy state employee laid off due to budget cuts which had taken place two years ago. With federal unemployment benefits that were about to run out and no hope of getting more, a completely tapped savings account and her everyday living expenses piling up, she had nowhere to turn until one day she literally ran into Peter Baker.

She apologized profusely, cursing her stupidity and helped the older, strikingly handsome gentleman to his feet before excusing herself. He took one look at her and knew exactly what he wanted. "Miss? Excuse me, Miss!" shouted Peter to her. Hearing a voice behind her, Julianne stopped in her tracks and turned around to see him striding towards her.

"Yes, sir? What do you need?" she asked him innocently.

"Actually I have a business proposition for you." he responded bluntly. He stared intently into her dark chocolate colored eyes until she blinked and looked down.

"I... I don't think I understand you sir. What do you mean?" she stammered, eventually looking up into his piercing blue eyes.

"I have always wanted to engage a woman like you in a relationship...of sorts." Peter began while taking in her appearance. She looked like she had been neglecting herself; run over sneakers, jeans too loose in the hips, and huddled into a jacket too thin for the cold Manhattan winter.

She looked at the well dressed older man closely and squinted her eyes at him in understanding. "You mean a sexual 'arrangement' of sorts?" she asked him while curling her index and middle fingers, using air quotes.

Peter watched her closely before speaking again. He allowed his eyes openly eye fuck her body. When his eyes landed on her face he could tell she was heated at his open proposition by the affronted look on her face and watched as she began to storm off in a huff.

Before she could take five steps he was somehow in front of her pushing his business card in her hand with his cell phone number written on the back. As soon as he was there, he was gone, leaving her watching the taillights of his stretch Lincoln town car limousine.

Three months passed since the incident with Peter. In those trying months Julianne barely scraped by. She had sold all of her possessions for quick cash and was now down to sleeping in a sleeping bag on the windowless bathroom floor. She was left with virtually no money and less pride as she contemplated a desperate move. Pulling out the card from the dirty pair of jeans she wore when she ran into him, she dressed as warmly as she could and made the trek to the nearest payphone.

When she called the number she was told to give her location and to expect a car to come for her within the next half hour and to be showered by then. She walked back to her apartment with lead feet. She disrobed and showered preparing for whatever this man had planned for her, but expecting the worst.

The car came on time and she reluctantly got inside. She watched the buildings zoom by in the night and was a bit shocked when the limo stopped on the curb in front of an upscale lingerie boutique. The driver opened the shade that separated them and handed her a note. She was to go inside and follow the instructions of the employees there. The doorman escorted her inside where she was given articles of 'clothing' to wear, red stilletto heels and a white trench coat to cover her.

The women at the shop fussed over her makeup and placed a red blindfold on her when they were done. A hand helped her up and she was led out of the building back into the car. After driving for a while, they stopped someplace and she was escorted inside again while having no clue where she was. She was placed in a room and left alone for several minutes. In reality, Peter stood in the room waiting for her arrival.

After what felt like hours, she felt strong hands undo the belt of the trench coat and smooth down the lines of the lingerie she wore. A pair of lips felt close to her neck and her suspicions were confirmed when she heard and felt a deep inhale of the vanilla scent of her body soap.

She was led further into the place, where she heard soft sultry music from Les Nubians playing in the background. Hands crept up her face and peeled off her blindfold. After adjusting to the lighting of the room, so finally saw that she was inside a sprawling home office decorated in dark colors and expensive antique furniture with rich leathers.

"Hello Julianne." Peter finally spoke. He looked at her up and down, admiring her voluptuous figure.

"Hello. Wait... how do you know my name? And who are you?" Julianne asked very confused as she did not know how he would know information about her.

"I want to discuss our 'arrangement' as you have called it." stated Peter, ignoring Julianne's question and mimicking air quotes like she had when they first met.

"Ohhh...... kay..." Julianne spoke rather softly while cocking her head to the side.

His sharp blue eyes peered intently into her soft brown eyes. Feeling distinctly uncomfortable, she blinked rapidly, noting that the heat of his gaze never left her body. He gently cleared his throat before starting.

"I will contact you for us to meet and you will be escorted from where you are to a shop for apparel, then sent straight here. When we are here, you will do as I say. No exceptions. In exchange for your cooperation, I will pay you ten thousand dollars for each time we 'meet'." Peter informed her.

Julianne trained her face to not show her reaction to his words. However, she couldn't help the sharp breath she took in at his words. She closed her eyes, contemplating their new arrangement. Peter brushed past her and approached a cart filled with vintage bottles of wine and champagne and selected a bottle. He opened the bottle with a pop, and placed the alcohol into two flutes that were accompanied by a plate of chocolate covered strawberries. Turning slowly toward her he asked, "Do you have any questions Julianne?"

"Yes, I do." Julianne stated shakily.

A wry smile played on Peter's lips. "What may that be dear?"

He walked towards the desk she stood next to and placed the tray with food and drink on it.

"Who are you? And how do you know my name?" Julianne asked in a low voice.

"My name is Peter. And I know your name because I hired someone to find out information about you during the three months you kept me waiting." Peter calmly told her while sipping the champagne.

"Do you have a last name, Peter?" Julianne asked in a rude tone.

After a long look that made her shiver, Peter replied, "Yes I do."

The two stared at each other, engaging in a battle of wills. Peter was pleased that she would not shy away from his glare, unlike so many others that knew him intimately. Peter suddenly smiled which caught Julianne off guard.

"Please dear, have something to nibble on. I have an affinity for chocolate covered strawberries. They are quite delicious." stated Peter.

Peter continued to smile as he offered the plate to Julianne. Looking down at the plate, she opened her mouth to protest, stating that she was too full from eating earlier. Her stomach betrayed her at that moment by expelling a long pronounced growl.

Julianne made sure to ignore Peter's smiling eyes as she picked up a large strawberry and munched on it. Peter handed her a glass of the champagne, which she sipped. She reveled in the contrast in taste between the sweetness of the fruit and chocolate matched with the dry drink. Her eyes slid closed as she moaned and enjoyed the contrasting flavors. Temporarily forgetting where she was her eyes flew open to see Peter's eyes intently set upon her.

Peter watched her reaction to the food and drink and forced himself not to grin. In his many years of experience, women who showed their enjoyment of food and drink were much more pleasurable sex partners. They were expressive and excellent recipients and givers of pleasure.

He was in a very giving mood.

After watching her savor the food, He walked to a large leather couch nearby the desk in his study. He picked up the remote to his surround sound system, and turned up the volume. He looked over and noticed that Julianne had her back toward him. Her hips subtly swayed to the music.

"Dance for me." Peter spoke his simple request.

Startled by his words, Julianne turned toward Peter with shock and a bit of confusion written on her face. He watched her for a moment before frowning. "Dance, or you can go home now."

'Well, shit.' thought Julianne. 'This is what I get for fucking around with this rich bastard. I need this money to pay bills, so here it goes, I guess'.

She closed her eyes to block out Peter and focused her thoughts on the music. Her hips swayed and moved to the seductive rhythms of the music. Moving around began to heat up her body. She slowly pulled off the trench coat and continued dancing. She was so involved in the music that she didn't hear Peter move toward her until she felt his strong hands fit around her waist.

Startled, she looked up into his eyes as they moved in unison to the music. They engaged in a slow dance. Feeling a bit bashful, she looked away from his intense stare. He pulled her body close to his and felt her chest crush into his. He breathed in her vanilla scent once again and lowered his head to lay a gentle kiss on her neck.

Julianne began to pull back from Peter, but he held her closer to his body. He whispered into her ear how beautiful he thought she was and how much he wanted to hold her close, touch her and bring her pleasure. Julianne felt her body heat at his words and sighed against his neck. She didn't realize that Peter had danced her over to his bedroom that adjoined his office.

He spun her body around and she gasped as she took in the sight before her. Julianne stared at the room in disbelief. She felt his hand close gently around her right hip. His hard body filled the void of closeness on her back. Bile rose to her throat quickly, causing her to cough and heave suddenly.

"What's wrong?" he asked with concern.

Between heaves she finally forced her body into her control; something she knew she never had with this man.

"What's wrong?" she repeated as she looked at him plainly.

It was incredulous to her that he would ask such a question. It was incredulous to him that she would respond in that manner to him. He had planned this moment perfectly, so her uncooperative attitude almost startled him.

Almost.

He took her in again. She was the kind of woman he had always dreamed of, but could never have. It wasn't right for someone like him to lust so openly for someone like her.

He couldn't tell her what he felt for her. It was more than just her hypnotic appeal to his baser senses. No, it was better off if she hated him. Besides, she would get remuneration for this night. He would make sure of it.

He smiled at her look of shock and disbelief. Jasmine and Sandalwood scented candles littered the room with little points of light and their intoxicating sexy scents. The bedroom suite was decorated in muted tones that offset the blaring red silk sheets decorated with white rose petals- and crisp one hundred bills. A pair of red fuzzy handcuffs were attached to the intricate metal headboard. The keys to which lay in his pocket.

Before she could get a grip on anything Julianne passed out on the plush carpeting, collapsing at Peter's feet.

***********************

Peter looked down at his decadent chocolate angel and easily picked her up and placed her on his bed. He gently brought her down on the silk sheets and gazed at her longingly. Shaking his head from his trance, he placed her delicate dark brown wrists in the red hand cuffs.

Once that business had been accomplished, he walked into the en suite bathroom and came back with a warm wash cloth to revive her. Looking down at her he realized that she was perfect. She was the embodiment of what he always wanted, but could never have. His fantasies could sustain him no longer.

He always wanted to make love to a black woman.

He took in her resting form and smiled a rare smile. As she slept he took in how her body looked against the red sheets and lingerie. He decided that he liked the way her skin looked with red against it, but already anxious to see how his pale hands and body would look against the deep browns of her delectable flesh.

His eyes crept down the clear skin of her face and the curls of her hair as they haloed her head. His sparkling blue eyes swept down to her breasts and the slight rise and fall of them as she breathed.

He watched, hypnotized by the swell of her brown skin- skin that held a bewitching golden glowing hue. A nice flat tummy that led to graceful hips, down to thick muscular thighs and perfectly toned calves that ended in red suckable toes.

Silk and lace held the body he treasured and it tormented him.

He quickly stripped off his clothes and climbed into the bed with her, disrupting the money and rose petals in his wake. He knew it was tacky of him to remind her of their arrangement, but every time he envisioned her body wrapped around his, it was just like this.

Well, almost like this. In his dreams her arms weren't tied down but wrapped around his torso accepting his body and the pleasure he gave to her.

Her pleasure was his goal.

He remembered the keys to the cuffs, picked them out of his pockets and placed them on the side table next to the bed. Lying next to her, he took the damp cool hand towel off the near nightstand and wiped her brow with it. He murmured soothing words to bring her around.

Julianne's eyes fluttered under her lids before slowly opening. She took in Peter's steady gaze and the slight smile that raised his thin pink lips.

"Hello Julianne." he whispered into her ear as a hand stroked her dipped in waist.

A shiver spread up her spine at the huskiness of his voice. She didn't want to turn to see the look in his eyes. Instead she tried to pull away from his hands are realized that she was cuffed to the headboard of the bed.

"What the fuck is this?" she screeched at him.

He looked up to her restrained limbs that eagerly tried to flail. His wide handsome grin unnerved her even more as she struggled fruitlessly to break from her restraints.

"Shhh..." he whispered in her ear as he took the lobe into his mouth and nibbled on it.

She didn't notice the arm underneath her, until she felt his fingers gently stroking the silk covered nipple closest to it. Her eyes slowly slid closed even as she continued to pull lightly against her restraints.

"Please, I'll do anything. I just don't want to be tied up. It scares me." she pleaded urgently.

His kisses that trailed down the expanse of her neck stopped at her whimpered admission. He looked into her scared brown eyes seeing the panic and fear in them. It nearly broke his resolve to take her.

Raising back from her, he asked, "If I release you, will you fight me?"

After a momentary staring contest, she shook her head slowly; her resolve to allow this grotesque situation to continue was firmly embedded in her psyche. She hated her submission to him more than she hated him at the moment.

He reached behind him for the keys and released her hands. Before she could snatch them down, he gripped her wrists. He straddled her partially nude body, and carefully kissed the previously bound wrists. He looked down at her vivid brown eyes and wild dark hair. He needed to taste her.

He brought his lips slowly down to hers and halted about a centimeter before contact. He was testing her resolve to her word. She didn't move or flinch, but instead closed her eyes. Satisfied, he lightly kissed her plump lips. He gently nibbled and sucked on her fuller lower lip and was happily surprised to hear a sigh express from her mouth.

The kiss deepened, and he took the time to slowly and meticulously touch the inside of her sweet mouth. She tasted like the chocolate covered strawberries and vintage champagne that he bought for the occasion. His hands that still placed hers above her head slowly traced their way down to her chest while he loved her mouth with his own.

He gently rose up from leaning forward over her in their kiss and took her in again. Her eyes were heavy from his skillful assault on her mouth. Her full lips were plump and red. They looked juicy and inviting and tasted decadently sweet. Her chest was heaving. She looked so delicious to him - like a fine meal long denied to a starving man.

His pale hands traced down the front of the bustier that covered her breasts. He gently unclasped the hook and eye enclosures that kept the silk and lace closed over his treasure. Once the last of them was undone his fingers slowly crept up from her soft stomach to open the garment. The sight of her breasts caused his breath to tremble.

They were perfectly raised from her ribs. It seemed that the golden glow of her body radiated out from those beautiful dark chocolate tipped breasts. He looked down at her, and she suddenly looked away.

She was bashful in her nakedness.

His hands gently slid across her silken skin to touch the swell of them. He moaned audibly when he saw that her large dark chocolate areolas were pebbled in anticipation with little stiff nipples gently tipped in light pink. His left hand slid up to her face leading her by her chin to face him. He didn't want her to be embarrassed by his heavy perusal of her body.

He lowered himself to her and kissed her neck. He held a steady hand on her hip while the other drew slow circles around the aroused tip of her breast. He heard a moan catch in her throat. He wanted this lovely creature below him to scream and shout her pleasure and he intended for her to enjoy their encounter enough to repeat it many, many more times.

So he worked harder to make sure that would happen.

He tenderly sucked and nibbled on her throat while working on her aching nipple. Her legs started squirming, and he knew that her pussy was heating up from his gentle assault. 'Good.' he thought.

He trailed his kisses down her throat and licked across her clavicle, then blew on it. A shocked gasp escaped her lips that turned into a moan once his hot lips kissed their way down to the valley of her breasts.

He brought the hand on her hip up to cup and play with the unattended breast. Suddenly he stopped his assault and looked up at her face. She looked down at her newly found lover with hooded eyes and watched as his mouth descended to her nipple. She moaned deeply feeling his tongue and lips nibble, lick and caress her stiff nipple with its softness.

When he brought his teeth down on her hard nipple he heard her whisper, "Oh fuck..." Her hips pumped slowly up to his groin and the thin bit of drenched red silk covering her pussy made contact with his long hard reddening cock. The sensations of the gentle flicking on her nipple, coupled with his insistent plucking of the other nearly drove her insane with desire. He wanted her over that edge. Quickly.

Feeling her hips pump up to him, his free hand raced to her hips. He caressed the damp material, causing her hips to pump further. He slipped his middle finger underneath the cloth and rubbed her clit slowly. A breathy whimper came from her lips as he continued to fondle and lick her breasts and stroke her clit.




The Arrangement Ch. 01



Author's note: I was in a quandary about the appropriate category for this story so I enlisted the help of some friends, all of whom are very familiar with the Literotica site. Two of the groups favored LW because of the way the story unfolds in the beginning. The remainder were more focused on the principle sex scenes and opted for EC. I went with the majority opinion. Hope I didn't mislead anyone.

*****

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain has turned on the seat belt sign in preparation for landing. Please return all seat backs and tray tables to the fully upright position and turn off any electronic devices you have been using during the flight. On behalf of the crew of Flight 409, please enjoy your stay in the Roanoke area. It has been a pleasure serving you this evening and we ask that you consider Northeast International for your future travel needs."

I grinned to myself in anticipation. It wasn't often that I could complete a business trip early. I'd been gone several days on this one and the family checkbook balance would reflect the success of the trip. Getting home early was a bonus. I purposely had not told my wife of my early return, intending to surprise her when I appeared on our doorstep.

As the pilot started his final approach to the Roanoke airport, the leggy blonde flight attendant with the sexy voice who had been in charge of the first class cabin moved quickly up the isle searching for seat back and tray table violations. Finding none, she took her place in the jump seat at the front of the plane and strapped herself in. I could see part way up her dress. She reminded me of my wife, Kelly. I continued to steal glances up the lady's skirt as I thought about the reception that was surely awaiting my arrival at home.

Kelly is more beautiful today than she was when I met her over twenty years ago. She has remained fresh, vibrant and sexy throughout. I always come home to her with a justifiable feeling of anticipation, knowing that I will be greeted with genuine and passionate enthusiasm.

The flight attendant crossed her legs, probably unconscious of the view she was providing to any interested occupant of the first class cabin. I glanced around. Everyone else seemed preoccupied with the approach. And with good reason. It was mid-fall in western Virginia and the leaves were at the peak of their autumn color. Passengers in the window seats were mesmerized by the view below them as the sinking sun set the foliage ablaze. Those in the middle seats were craning their necks to see out. I had an aisle seat. The scenery ahead of me was far more intriguing.

The inside of the woman's right thigh, well above the knee, was now revealed. What I could see from my seat looked damned good. My imagination filled in what I couldn't see and then allowed me further liberties. Soon I could picture the woman lying naked under me. I mentally parted her thighs and pushed my cock slowly and deeply inside her.

The double thump of a less than perfect landing jolted me back into the real world. I welcomed the break. A tortuous erection needed to be dealt with before I could get off the plane. The magazine in my lap was cover enough for now but it wouldn't serve very well once we arrived at the gate. First class passengers deplane before the others and few of them do it with a magazine or laptop clutched to their crotches. Fortunately, our plane was held up on the taxi strip so it was several minutes before we could disembark. Time enough for my problem to correct itself.

I departed the plane with the moving throng and headed for the taxi stand.

****

"Need a ride?" asked a husky female voice behind me as I waited for a taxi to appear. Although I was sure the question was not directed at me, I turned anyway and was astonished to see the blonde flight attendant standing a short distance away. She was looking directly at me and there was no one else within fifty feet of us. Before I could respond she laughed softly. She had a low, throaty laugh that matched her voice.

"I have you at a disadvantage. You don't recognize me. I couldn't place you either until right at the end of the flight. I'm Carol Somers. We're neighbors."

I could feel the blood rush to my face in embarrassment. Not twenty minutes ago I had been mentally screwing this woman and now I find out she's a neighbor. Although I had tried to be discreet, I wondered if she had noticed me staring up her dress.

"I...I'm sorry...," I stammered, "I don't ..."

She laughed again, easy and self-assured. "I understand. People I've known for years have trouble recognizing me in a flight attendant's uniform. I normally wear jeans or sweats at home and my hair is always down. This is my professional look. Even if you've seen me around the neighborhood, you'd never make the connection. My husband and I bought the cedar-sided contemporary a few houses down from you about a month ago. I've seen you jogging a time or two. I believe you live in that house off the cul-de-sac that no one can see from the road. I peeked once. You have a beautiful home and all those woods for privacy."

"Oh, I remember you now," I lied. Nice recovery. I sure as hell would have remembered someone like her if I'd seen her. Between Carol and Kelly, they had to be two of the most beautiful women in Virginia.

"My name is Scott Barnes. I've seen you in the neighborhood once or twice," I lied again. "Look, I'd really appreciate the ride if it's no trouble for you. I'm arriving a day early from a business trip so my wife is not expecting me. I was going to grab a cab and surprise her. The ride would be a lot more convenient."

"No trouble at all. Besides I would enjoy the company. My car is in the staff parking lot across the street. It'll take me a couple of minutes. I'm driving a red Camry."

The matter settled, she turned on her heel and strode off, wheeled luggage in tow. I stared after her, still in a mild state of shock.

A few minutes later the sedan braked to a halt in front of me and Carol popped the trunk. Dropping my carry-on and laptop inside, I eased into the passenger seat and we were on our way. Soon afterward, we were on US Route 220, southbound for the little town of Boone's Mill.

"Let's get to know each other a little," said Carol. "I'll go first. I was born in Alabama. I spent four years at Auburn getting a nearly worthless degree in communications. You don't see many help- wanted ads for communicators so I decided to become a flight attendant. I've been doing this for fifteen years now, all of it with Northeast. Brad, that's my husband, is an engineer for DataTech in Clearbrook. He was transferred there from Rochester several months ago. I just recently picked up the Roanoke-Dallas route with the airline. I normally fly Monday, stay over in Dallas Monday night, and fly back Tuesday. I'm home on Wednesday, fly out again on Thursday and come back home on Friday. One of the attendants on Wednesday's flight was ill. I filled in and thought I would have to layover until Friday but a scheduling snafu opened a slot on this morning's flight so I grabbed it. Didn't even have time to let Brad know I would be in a day early, but he'll be pleasantly surprised when I show up.

I watched her as she talked, filling in details for five minutes or so. She was truly stunning. My guess was natural blonde, although Kelly pokes fun at my guess rate - wrong about eighty percent of the time. She had a square jaw, high cheekbones, small nose, and wide mouth with full lips. Her breasts were high and perfectly proportioned. Long shapely legs were partially revealed by the skirt riding just above her knees.

"I'm originally from Texas," I began. "I went to the University of Texas and managed to get a degree in industrial engineering. That's where I met my wife, Kelly. I worked for an engineering firm for twelve years and then decided to go it alone as a consultant. We moved to Boone's Mill eight years ago because we love this part of Virginia. Kelly also works at DataTech. She's the personnel manager there. Like you, I travel a lot, usually a couple of weeks each month. My two largest clients are in Dallas but this is my first trip there in nearly a month, which probably explains why I haven't seen you on a flight before."

We continued to chat for the remainder of the brief ride. Easy, relaxed conversation. Before I knew it we were entering Boone's Mill, only a couple of miles from home.

"I'll get off at your place." I said as she turned onto our street. "It's only a short distance home and I'll enjoy the walk."

"I'd be happy to deliver you to your front door."

"Don't bother. Look I'm really glad we ran into each other. And not just because of the ride either, although it is very much appreciated. I enjoyed the company. We should get together some time soon. I'm sure Kelly and Brad already know each other. Personnel types know everybody and DataTech isn't all that large."

"They might. Brad hasn't mentioned Kelly but he doesn't talk about work very much. Anyway, getting together sounds like a great idea." She said as she whipped her car into her driveway with one hand, stabbing at the remote door opener with the other. Seconds later, the car rolled to a halt inside the two-car garage.

We chatted briefly as I retrieved my baggage and promised to get everyone together soon. Thanking her again, I started up the road toward home, Carol's garage door rumbling shut behind me in the deepening twilight.

****

Our house is only a couple of hundred yards away and the night was perfect for a walk. It was the kind of evening only Virginia can produce in early fall. The air was brisk and sharp. A hint of wood smoke hung in the air from a fireplace nearby. A dying sunset provided just enough light to see the road and the entrance to our driveway ahead.

As I entered the driveway I could just make out a light or two through the woods. Most of the foliage remained on the trees and the house was still almost totally obscured. I thought of Kelly somewhere in the house ahead and quickened my pace.

Just for the fun of it, I decided to sneak up and give her a little scare. She would briefly get angry with me for startling her but it would be worth it.

Kelly's ancient Isuzu Trooper was parked in the drive. We both loved the little SUV. It had no center console and the seats could be fully reclined; perfect for having sex in out-of-the-way places which we did from time to time. We had several secluded parking spots around Boone's Mill and had fucked like teenagers in all of them.

I stashed my bag and laptop behind the Trooper and moved up closer to the house, trying to decide the best place for me to pounce. I could see no movement although I could hear the stereo in our master bedroom playing softly. That was as good a place as any to begin my search.

After advancing slowly toward the deck that stretched across the entire back of the house, I paused at the foot of a short flight of stairs leading up onto the deck and removed my loafers. Cautiously climbing the steps, I kept to the edges to avoid squeaks.

Inching along the wall past the living room, I arrived at the sliding glass door which connects the master bedroom to the deck. From the light pouring outside, I knew the curtains were open. They nearly always are. The house is so secluded that our privacy is assured.

Holding my breath, I cautiously peered into the room.

The scene before me didn't quite register at first but suddenly I felt ill at ease. Kelly was standing naked before her full-length mirror turning her body this way and that as she put an earring in each ear. Earrings?

When she completed that task she cupped a hand under each breast. Rising up on her toes, she turned to examine her body in profile. Apparently satisfied with what she saw, she crossed the room to the walk-in closet and emerged moments later with a pair of black high heels in one hand and a slinky flower-print dress draped over her arm.

I know that dress well. It beautifully accentuates the curves of her body, displays her lovely legs and has a row of buttons from throat to hemline, which makes her body easily accessible. She had bought it because it was a sure-fire turn on. She wears it for the same reason. 

Pausing momentarily in front of the mirror, Kelly ran the fingers of her other hand down between her legs to softly caress the dark mound between her thighs. My erection was instantaneous. I had seen her do this often and it turned me on every time.

After a minute or two of gentle probing, she donned the dress and fastened all but the top and bottom buttons. Next she placed a shoe on each shapely foot. I was acutely aware of the fact that Kelly was wearing only three articles of clothing and two of them were her shoes.

I had just about concluded that I was going to witness an elaborate masturbation ritual when her cell phone chirped. Crossing quickly to her dresser, Kelly snatched up the device and examined the screen.

"Hi there," she said in a soft voice. A pause...

"I'll be right there. Fifteen minutes." Another pause...

"Of course I want to get laid! I'll hurry." A shorter pause... "I know the rules. No bra, no panties." Bye."

An icy hand clamped down on my gut. My breathing stopped and my heart began to race. I thought my knees were going to buckle. My breathing resumed so heavily that I was sure Kelly would detect my presence. Instead, she crossed the room quickly to examine herself once more in the mirror. Apparently pleased with her image, she grabbed her purse from the dresser and turned to leave.

I should have rushed in to confront her right then but my feet seemed rooted to the deck. I'll always wonder how things would have turned out if I had stopped the whole thing then or at any one of several other points that night. I'll never know.

As Kelly left the bedroom and entered the hallway, I regained some of my senses. I needed a plan. Racing across the deck, I flew down the steps onto the lawn, grabbing my shoes as I went.

My bag! My computer! My stuff was behind the Trooper. If she didn't see it she'd run over it pulling out. Either way I'd be busted. Somehow it became very important that she not know I was nearby. At least for now. I had to find out who this guy was. Once I knew that, I'd figure out what to do.

I raced to the Trooper and snatched up the bag and laptop, glancing frantically about for a place to hide them. The woodpile! A couple of cords of wood were stacked by the drive. Without further thought I threw the bag over the woodpile where it landed with a soft thump. With slightly more care, I hid the laptop in the cordwood.

As I turned toward the house, a shaft of light illuminated part of the side yard. Kelly was coming through the door. There was only one place for me to go where I could stay on top of the situation as it developed. Carefully but quickly opening the rear door to the Trooper's cargo area, I jumped inside and quietly pulled the door shut behind me. Just as I ducked down behind the rear seat, the shaft of light disappeared and I knew Kelly was outside the house and on her way to the car.

Within seconds she was seated in the car fiddling with her keys. I struggled to hold my breath. I was certain she would hear if I dared to draw air before she got the engine started.

Kelly was in a hurry. The engine caught on the first try. She immediately slammed the transmission into reverse and backed rapidly down the drive.

I couldn't believe it! She hadn't seen me. Talk about luck. My bag didn't make any serious noise when it went over the woodpile and Kelly had been too preoccupied to look into the car when the dome light came on. Apparently the Gods felt sorry for me.

I certainly felt sorry for me. I hadn't been home fifteen minutes yet and here I was crouched down in the back of my wife's car while she drove off to meet her lover. A short while ago I had been a happily married man and now the world was crashing down around my ears. No matter what happened from this point on, our lives would never be the same. I could not imagine what had gone wrong, but it hurt like hell. Just the thought of someone else touching Kelly was more than I could bear. That she would be a willing accomplice was devastating.

Once again I almost revealed my presence but at the last moment held myself in check. I had to know who this guy was. The wait seemed interminable but within ten minutes Kelly had pulled up somewhere and stopped, leaving the engine at idle.

It was important to know where we were. I decided to take a chance. Slowly raising my head above the back seat, careful to avoid the center where the rearview mirror would be trained, I looked carefully around.

We were parked in a side lot at DataTech. Who is this guy? Someone from work? I didn't have a clue. Is this old news or is the affair just beginning. Answers. I needed some answers.

A man was approaching from across the lot. Kelly saw him as soon as I did and moved over to the passenger side. I ducked quickly back down behind the seat.

The door opened, the car rocked slightly, and a second later the door slammed.

I heard a rustling sound, barely audible above the idling engine.

"Hmmmmmm.." Kelly's husky purr.

"Did you obey the rules?" the man's voice inquired.

"What rules? I can't remember."

"No bra or panties. Those are the rules," he said, playfully stern.

"Oh yes, I remember now, but I can't recall. You'll just have to find out for yourself."

More rustling followed by a sharp intake of breath.

"You follow instructions very well."

Again I felt a shift of weight in the car. More throaty sounds, both male and female.

"You are very wet," he said softly. I thought my heart was going the burst from my chest. The bastard was finger fucking her! Once again I almost jumped up to confront them both. And once again I held back. I had to know who this asshole was and I had to figure out how to deal with this mess.

"Of course I'm wet." A breathless pant. "I've been thinking about it all day. If you don't stop that I'll cum."

"Go ahead. You'll cum again before the night is over."

For the next several minutes no one spoke a word but the interior of the car filled with Kelly's accelerating cries and whimpers as her arousal grew.

I couldn't stand it. I had to look.

I peered cautiously over the seat back. Dashboard lighting bathed them both in a soft glow. The man was leaning over her, kissing her passionately. They had reclined the seats enough to suit their purpose. Kelly's feet, free of her high heels, were propped up wide apart on the dash. I could see only half way up her thighs.

It was clear to me that their attention was elsewhere so I rose up for a better look, confident I would not be seen.

Kelly's thighs were open. The man's left hand was moving gently on her pussy. I watched, both miserable and fascinated, as he inserted his middle two fingers inside her and then withdrew them to circle her clitoris. Each time he eased his fingers inside, Kelly would thrust upward with her pelvis to meet his hand. Each time he withdrew to caress her clitoris, she cried out. As I watched, he accelerated his pace. Kelly's cries became louder, more frequent and more urgent. Within a minute or two she came, crying out sharply, her thighs quivering against his hand.

The man held his hand tightly against her as her tremors slowly subsided and her breathing evened out. I ducked back down behind the seat, horrified to find that I was fully erect.

What the fuck's the matter with me? Am I some kind of pervert? Some stranger just made my wife cum and I've got a hard on. Jesus H. Christ.

"Oh God, I needed that," Kelly said breathlessly. "Let's get out of here. I need more and I need it soon. Please hurry. Scott will be home tomorrow and I don't know when he's going out of town again."




The Arrangement Ch. 01



I had been entertaining a slight, nearly subconscious hope that all of this was some sort of dream or elaborate joke. It simply couldn't be happening to me. But the mention of my name jerked the entire situation and all its insanity into raw, sharp focus. What had seemed too distorted and illogical to be true was now a shattering, unavoidable reality.

"Your wish is my command. We're on our way."

With that, he put the car in gear and accelerated slowly away.

"Let's play a game," Kelly suggested.

"What do you have in mind?"

"It's called, 'you concentrate on your driving and I will try to distract you.' You'll like it. Here, I'll show you how it's played," she offered.

The faint sound of a zipper being rapidly opened followed. I chanced a quick look over the seat back. Kelly had turned toward him in her seat and was concentrating on his crotch with her eyes and hands.

"Oh Christ," the man moaned as she pulled his erection free.

"Oooh, Mr. Somers, what have we here?" Kelly inquired with mock surprise as she lowered her face into his lap.

Somers? Where the hell had I heard that name? I clawed frantically through my brain looking for a connection. Oh shit, Carol's husband?

I made as if to rise and end this business once and for all. But once again something stopped me. What would it accomplish? The damage was already irrevocable. The best I could do was prevent an act that had obviously taken place before. It was clear to me that they had been together many times. They were at ease with each other. None of the awkwardness of a first meeting was detectable. Although I would have loved to see the looks on their faces as I reared up right behind them, it would not be worth my own humiliation. If I revealed myself now I could salvage neither my marriage nor my pride.

I still needed some answers. I had learned a lot in the last few minutes; that my wife was cheating on me with someone from work, most probably Carol Somers' husband, and the affair had been going on for a while. But I needed to know more. Where did they go? How long did they stay together? And so I remained where I was, anger and hurt eating at my insides, while an absurd erection forced itself against the fabric of my trousers as I listened to the guy moan while my wife sucked his cock. From the erratic movement of the car I concluded that Kelly was winning the game. 

****

I didn't have long to wait for an answer to one of my questions. In just a few minutes I felt the car make a final turn and coast to a stop. The engine died.

Kelly and her lover immediately left the Trooper while I made myself as small as possible, listening to the clicking of Kelly's high heels recede into the distance. I gave them a full minute and then slowly raised my eyes above the lower edge of the window.

My house! We were parked at my house! Goddammit! They do it in my house! Why the fuck don't they go to a motel like most other couples having an affair?

Rage took care of my erection as I emerged from the car. I needed to confirm this guy's identity and then get the hell out of here to do some thinking.

I waited a few minutes to allow my breathing and emotions to calm a little. Then, with great care I approached the stairs leading up to the deck. Again removing my shoes, I silently crept up onto the platform.

Part of the deck was softly illuminated from interior lighting that Kelly had turned down very low. I glanced around and saw that a portion of the deck was in deep shadow. I moved into the darkness and found that it gave me an unobstructed view of the living room only five or six feet away.

"Brad, would you light a fire please?" I heard Kelly call out from the kitchen. Brad? I guess that answers my last question. Brad Somers. No doubt about the man's identity now. The question that remained was what to do with the information.

"Okay," he responded and set to work with a familiarity that confirmed he had done it before. He seemed to know where everything was and he knew enough to walk over and open the slider a few inches to allow the fireplace to draw. That fireplace smokes like hell without sufficient draft. As he positioned the door, we were face to face for a brief moment, mine hidden in deep shadow.

He was a nice looking man of medium height and build, casually but expensively dressed. I would not have expected anything less of a man found attractive by Kelly and married to someone like Carol.

There was no longer any reason for me to stay. I had enough answers. I needed to think. I turned to leave just as Kelly entered the room with two glasses and a bottle of sherry. At the sight of her I stopped.

As she approached, Brad took the bottle and glasses from her hand, set them aside and drew her into his arms. Kelly melted into him, molding her body to his as they kissed.

They broke apart slightly and he began to undo the buttons of her dress. In a few seconds her breasts were free. He bent to take an erect rose-colored nipple into his mouth, cupping her breast with his hand. Kelly moaned, threw her head back, closed her eyes and arched into him. It was a disturbingly erotic scene.

Although I could feel the stirrings of another erection, I lacked the stomach to watch any longer. Stealing quietly from the deck, I abandoned Kelly to her lover, probably forever, and relinquished my last opportunity to stop the insanity that had overtaken my life.

After retrieving my bag and laptop, I leaned against the Trooper to consider my options. There were very few, at least for the remainder of the night. A motel seemed like the best idea. It would provide a chance to lick my wounds and decide how best to handle tomorrow and the rest of my life.

I decided to call a taxi and have it pick me up at the end of the road, far from the house and far from the prying eyes of Mrs. Henderson, the neighborhood gossip. I knew she would go berserk trying to figure out why I was being picked up by a cab at the end of my own driveway. I also understood that Mrs. Henderson was the reason why Kelly and Brad met in the DataTech parking lot. It was unlikely that Brad could simply walk from his house to ours without drawing the attention of the notorious busybody.

Pulling my cell phone free of a jacket pocket, I quickly discovered that my bad luck for the evening had not yet run its course. Fuck! A dead battery.

Carol's house seemed like the only remaining option. Besides, Carol was involved. She just didn't know it yet. In fact, Carol presented an interesting problem. She had a right to know what was going on, but I wasn't certain it was my responsibility to tell her. If I kept this to myself, she might never know, and therefore be spared a great deal of hurt.

Unfortunately, that would leave Brad to get off without a scratch. My desire for revenge made that outcome unpalatable. I wanted Kelly and Brad to pay for what they were doing. Exposing them would accomplish that but it would hurt Carol. Kelly and I were probably finished but I wasn't sure I should be the catalyst for trouble between Carol and Brad. Still pondering, I set off for their house, baggage in hand.

As I approached the front door, I realized the house was almost totally dark which helped explain why Kelly and Brad had not noticed that Carol was home when they drove by. Of course, Kelly's face was buried in his lap and he was understandably distracted.

I rang the doorbell and waited.

****

"Scott, what's wrong," asked Carol as she held the door open and beckoned me inside? "You look like you've seen a ghost." I entered the house, leaving my bag on the porch.

"Something like that. Carol, I'm sorry to bother you but I really couldn't think of anywhere else to go. I need to use your phone. My cell phone died."

"Of course, but what's the matter? You are white as a sheet. Are you ill? Has something happened to your wife?"

"In a manner of speaking. Look, I really don't need to be bothering you with any of this. If you'll just let me use your phone, I'll call a cab and be on my way in a few minutes."

"Tell you what, you sit right here and I'll fix you a cup of coffee," Carol directed as she escorted me to a stool at the breakfast bar. "After you've rested a bit, you can call anyone you like, although I'd be happy to give you a lift wherever you need to go." She seemed sincere.

I watched her from across the bar as she moved about the kitchen. Once again I was struck by her incredible beauty. Clearly braless, she wore a flannel shirt and the jeans she had mentioned at the airport. Her hair, down as advertized, was the extraordinarily fine hair of the genuine blonde, the kind that escapes from any styling effort to float in wisps about the face. Despite the fine texture, her hair was luxuriantly full and thick. She wore it very long, nearly to the middle of her slender back. She wore no shoes. There is a special femininity about a barefoot woman, earthy and exciting. Carol's looks, and the graceful way in which she moved, presented a breathtaking picture.

She placed a steaming cup of coffee in front of me and pulled a stool up to the other side of the bar. "Ok, why don't you tell me about it? I really don't mean to pry, but I sense woman troubles. Maybe I can provide a different perspective."

"Believe me Carol, you don't want to know. I have no business being here and bothering you. Let me call that cab and I'll be out of your hair in a few minutes."

"That's nonsense. Bothering me I mean. Whatever the problem is, it may not be as big as you think. After a few minutes to think clearly and maybe get a thing or two off your chest, you'll probably realize everything has been blown out of proportion. Besides, I have plenty of time on my hands. Brad is apparently working late again. My own fault since I didn't call to tell him I'd be home early."

I looked into her beautiful face, totally open and without guile, concern for a relative stranger plainly written on her face. How could I tell her? How could I describe what I've seen? She seemed so honest, so unsuspecting, and so unprotected against that kind of hurt.

Something must have crossed my face. Looking a little alarmed, she reached over to touch my hand.

"Tell me. Is it another man?"

"Yes."

"Tell me."

I took a deep breath and looked into her eyes, trying to decide whether I had an obligation to deal her such a blow. I concluded that I did not. Instead, I provided a very sketchy account of the past hour. Omitting virtually all of the details, I revealed only that I had seen Kelly with another man, that their intimacy was undeniable, that she did not know I'd seen her, and that I regretted catching that early flight. I offered the opinion that I would have been far better off not knowing at all. If the affair ended soon I would have been none the wiser.

"Oh Scott, how awful for you. I know you are deeply hurt but in the long run it will prove to be best that you know. If it were me, I'd want to know. At least if you know the score, you can make your own choices. I can't stand it when someone makes decisions for me without my knowledge and consent. Before you flew home today, you were an unknowing victim without options. At least now you can participate more directly in your own life, even if it hurts."

"So you believe knowing the truth is better regardless of the circumstances?"

"You bet. If Brad ever cheated on me, I'd want to know so I could make whatever decisions were needed to reestablish balance in my life. Not only that, I would deeply resent anyone who knew about it but didn't tell me. A secret like that wouldn't belong to them, it would belong to me."

"Wouldn't you feel anger toward the person who delivered the bad news?" I asked, sensing where this conversation was heading.

"Maybe a little at first. Who doesn't want to shoot the messenger when they hear bad news? But I think my anger would be brief if the disclosure was handled with kindness."

Carol had said all this with strength of conviction that told me she might be far tougher than her appearance had first led me to believe.

I realized that I did not want this beautiful woman to feel resentment toward me. Sooner or later Brad and Kelly would make a mistake if their affair continued. At the moment no one knew I had identified Kelly's lover, but I probably would not be able to protect that secret forever. When Carol found out, she would see me as part of the deceit. For some reason, Carol's continued good will toward me seemed very important.

Carol's hand still rested on mine. I placed my other hand on top of hers and swallowed hard.

"Carol," I croaked, "Brad is not at work. He's at my house."

She sat there, expressionless for a moment but staring intently into my eyes as though looking for any hint of duplicity. Apparently she found none. Her shoulders sagged a little.

"You've never met Brad. How can you be sure? Are your certain you haven't made a mistake?" she asked hopefully.

"I was in a position to hear them talking. She used his full name. Unless there is more than one Brad Somers who works at DataTech, it sounds like it has to be your husband. I'm really sorry, Carol. I wanted to keep this to myself but you made it pretty plain that you have a right to know."

"How do you know they're having an affair? Maybe they're just working on a project from DataTech."

"No Carol, it was pretty obvious."

"Did you actually see them?"

"Yes." I didn't really want to go into the details but I couldn't think of a way out if she kept pressing me.

"How did you see them? Were you in the house with them? Were you really close enough to know what was going on?" she asked, her expression bleak.

I sighed. There was no escape. Leaving out my ride in the Trooper, I described what I had seen at the house and how I had come to see it. Although I was as gentle as possible, when my tale was completed a tear rolled down each of her cheeks. She dabbed at it with a dishcloth.

"Why didn't you stop them?" I had been waiting for this question. "You certainly had the opportunity."

"I started to but I had to know who she was with. By the time I figured out who he was, it was pretty plain that tonight is not the first time they've been together. You can tell by looking at them. Stopping them would not prevent the damage that has already been done and would only produce a messy scene. I didn't know how to deal with what I was seeing. All I could think of was running away." Carol squeezed my hand in sympathy and took a deep, but ragged, breath.

"Take me up there. I have to see for myself."

"That's not a very good idea. When I left they were just into the preliminaries. Whatever is going on now is certain to be worse. It sure as hell isn't anything I want to watch. You don't need to see that kind of thing either."

"Bullshit, Scott!" she exclaimed, raising her voice." I want confirmation! Who the hell are you to protect me anyway? If you don't have the stomach for it, tell me how to get up there without being seen or heard and I'll go myself. I'm not sure how to deal with all this but the actions I take will be based on what I see for myself, not on what you tell me."

She was right. She had just been telling me she reserved the right to be in charge of her own life, to make her own decisions, and here I was trying to intercede.

"I'm sorry. You're right. I guess I wasn't listening very well a few minutes ago. I'll take you up. But wear sneakers and a dark jacket. And do something to cover your hair; it is so light it may be pretty visible in spite of the darkness."

"Good. I'll be right back," she said. "And thank you. I'm sorry I snapped at you. You have been through hell already tonight and you don't need my ill humor." With that she disappeared.

I looked at my watch and was amazed to find that it was only seven-forty and only fifteen minutes had elapsed since I had arrived on Carol's porch. Only two hours had expired since the plane landed. It seemed like an eternity.

Carol emerged a couple of minutes later, a dark windbreaker over her shirt and her hair stuffed under a dark knitted ski cap.

"Let's go," she ordered.

****

No lights were visible in Mrs. Henderson's house when we went by. I fervently hoped she wasn't peering out one of her darkened windows.

Within a few minutes we arrived at the base of the stairs leading up to the deck. I stopped to remove my shoes.

"Where is Brad's car?" Carol inquired, glancing about the driveway.

"At DataTech."

"How do you know that?"

"Look, it's a long story. I'll tell you later. If we're going to do this we need to get started."

Oh shit! I'm going to have to tell her the whole goddamned thing. I had been very careful not to lie to her directly but my lies of omission were about to catch up with me.

Carol looked at me for a moment, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"Very well. For now," she said, her meaning crystal clear. Fuck!

"Follow exactly in my footsteps. I would guess we are both in for a shocking scene so I am going to ask that you be quiet no matter what you're feeling. You may want to confront Brad immediately but I am not yet ready to deal with Kelly."

"I won't give us away. It may be tempting to crash their party but I'll need time to think too." 

I turned toward the first step and felt a hand on my sleeve.

"Scott, I'm being unfair. You have already had to deal with this once. If you don't want to go up, I will understand. Just tell me where to go when I get to the top of the steps. I can handle this myself. You've been hurt enough."

I considered her offer. There was no doubt in my mind that the scene awaiting us was going to burn itself forever into our retinas. On the other hand, I was at least partially prepared. She was not, still harboring some hope that I was mistaken. The blow to her was going to be far greater than the one I was about to receive. While I'd had a little time to reflect on my wife's infidelity, Carol had known about Brad and Kelly for less than half an hour, and then only through hearsay.

"We'll go together."

"One more thing Scott. If we get up there and they're doing paperwork at the dining room table, or working on a jigsaw puzzle, or engaged in any other harmless activity, I'm going to punch you in the nose." There was no trace of humor in her voice.

We started up the steps. As we neared the top, my worst fears were confirmed when I realized I could faintly hear the unmistakable sounds of a woman spiraling upward in sexual arousal. I knew those sounds intimately. Kelly is very vocal.

Turning to Carol, I saw that she could hear them as well. She stood there, a step below me, with one hand clamped over her mouth as she blinked back tears. I could only reach out and hold her other hand while she dealt with the undeniable meaning of those sounds. She closed her eyes and swayed for a moment, clutching my hand for support. In a second or two she pulled herself together and disengaged her hand from mine. She motioned for me to continue.

Twenty seconds later we were positioned deep in the shadows. The scene before us destroyed any lingering hope that we were involved in some elaborate dream.

Years before, Kelly and I had bought a sleep sofa and kept it directly in front of the fireplace. Its stated purpose was to serve as an extra bed to accommodate the occasional overflow guest. Its more common use, as a platform for fucking in front of the fire, was now being demonstrated.

They were both completely naked, their clothing strewn about the room. Brad was lying on his back across the foot of the bed, his head toward Carol and me. Kelly was sitting astride him. She had established a rhythm I knew well. Slowly rising up on her knees until most of his cock was visible between her thighs; she dropped swiftly down to impale herself on the stiff appendage. Each time she completed a descent, she cried out sharply. Brad remained motionless except for his hands, which were occupied with Kelly's perfect breasts as they bounced erotically above him.




The Arrangement Ch. 01



"Oh Brad, you miserable fucking bastard!" Carol hissed quietly beside me. There was little danger of our being heard over Kelly's cries if we kept to a whisper.

"My God, look at her. She's beautiful," exclaimed Carol in a softer tone a few seconds later.

I had to agree but I'd seen enough.

"Let's get out of here. You have your confirmation."

"Not yet. When I confront that sonofabitch I want to be able to describe enough details to convince him I really saw what I'm seeing now. Go if you want. I'll join you in a minute. He can't last long like that."

"Stop!" commanded Brad, as if reading Carol's mind. Kelly froze in mid descent.

"If you're going to cum, I want you on top," she said breathlessly.

"Christ, don't move!" Brad panted.

After a few seconds he had himself under control and Kelly pulled away from him. Brad rolled to one side as she arranged herself on the bed, thighs apart, dark pubic mound clearly visible.

Brad knelt between her legs, pressing her thighs farther apart with his hands while Kelly moaned in anticipation. Then, grasping his cock in one hand, he positioned it between the folds of her pussy as she tilted her hips upward to receive him. When he was ready, he leaned forward to support his weight on both outstretched arms, his cock still poised for penetration.

"Fuck me!" The urgent command I had heard a thousand times before. In response, he thrust deeply into her.

"Oh God!" cried Kelly.

"Oh God! whispered Carol.

Almost immediately I felt the stirrings of another erection. Nice going pervert. First I get a boner watching my wife prepare for her rendezvous. Then I get one while Brad finger fucks her in the car. Then I start to get one watching him suck on her tits. And now another one after I bring the guy's wife up here so we both can watch him fuck her.

"Let's go!" I whispered urgently.

"No way." A little breathlessly. "I'm staying until this little show is over."

I shut up, knowing we wouldn't have long to wait anyway. Brad was hammering into Kelly at a pace that would finish one or both of them soon. Kelly was crying out continuously and digging her fingernails into his upper arms. It was a sure sign she was on the brink of a shattering orgasm. In confirmation of my prediction, Kelly began to counter-thrust with her hips in answer to Brad's strokes. 

"Oh! Oh! Fuck me, Brad! Please! Harder. Oh God! Don't stop!"

He redoubled his efforts in response to her commands, slamming into her with renewed strength, her firm breasts dancing sensuously in time to the violent rhythm of his thrusts.

With an unintelligible scream, Kelly clutched his surging hips with her legs as orgasmic spasms rippled across the muscles of her stomach and thighs. With a primal cry of his own, Brad filled her pussy with a series of powerful contractions before falling onto her in exhaustion.

"Oh my God!" whispered Carol. "Let's go. I've seen enough." She was breathing heavily and her voice was choked with emotion. For my part, I was now fully erect and desperately trying to hide the fact. Fortunately the shadows were deep.

We retraced our steps, leaving Kelly and Brad in each other's arms. After I retrieved my shoes, we moved quietly down to the end of the driveway, the dark Virginia night provided each of us the privacy we needed for a moment or two and hopefully shielded us from spying eyes.

Carol was crying. I was now numb to the shocks but she was having trouble dealing with the painful blow she had just received. I moved forward and put my arms around her. She pressed her face against my chest and sobbed.

She soon pulled away and began to search her jacket pockets for a handkerchief. Finding one, she dabbed at her eyes and blew her nose. Then, with a deep shuddering breath she composed herself.

"Okay, time to move on," she said. "You were going to call a cab when you first came over. I'll drop you wherever you want to go. I can't face the bastard tonight so I'm going to clear out and think for a while. Maybe by tomorrow I'll have some idea about what to do next. Come on, it will only take a moment to gather my things."

She headed down the road, leaving me to follow if I wished. Not having much in the way of an alternative, I took off after her.

The instant we arrived at her house she swung into action. Within minutes she had obliterated all traces of our presence. My cup and saucer, the coffeepot and utensils were emptied, cleaned and put away. She hurried into the back of the house and emerged, minutes later, carrying a garment bag and pulling her carry-on.

"Let's go. I got everything. He'll never know I was here. My cell phone is off. I don't want to talk to that asshole until tomorrow. If then."

Within seconds we were in her car, easing down the drive with the headlights off. Carol peered cautiously up the road toward my house to ensure we were not going to run into Kelly and Brad returning to DataTech. Satisfied, she accelerated quietly out onto the road, turning on her headlights when the car was safely out of view. Her dashboard clock said it was ten after eight. Jesus Christ! How can so much happen in so little time?

"I'm going to DataTech first. I want to see the bastard's car with my own eyes. Just to complete the picture. After that, we'll go wherever you want."

We were in the DataTech lot ten minutes later, Brad's car illuminated in Carol's high beams.

"That's his car, the deceitful prick!"

"Carol, I have no idea how long they stay up at the house. It wouldn't do to have them show up while we're here," I warned, glancing about nervously.

"You're right. Let's get out of here," she said as she dimmed her lights and accelerated rapidly out of the lot. "Where did you intend to go?"

"I thought I'd be miserable in style. There's a new Embassy Suites right outside of Roanoke."

"Good. I know where it is. They have a lounge. You can buy me a drink while I decide what I'm going to do. Besides, I think you owe me some answers."

****

"Why don't you go ahead and check in. I'll wait in the lounge," Carol suggested as we pulled into the hotel parking lot.

"Okay, it'll only take a minute."

It was my intention to get the most expensive room they had and lick my wounds in luxury.

"I'd like the best room you have available," I said to the desk clerk.

"Sir, our very best is a nice suite on the top floor. It has a media center with large screen TV and DVD player, a wet bar with refrigerator and microwave, and a Jacuzzi. That room goes for two fifty per night."

"I'll take it. One night please."

I paid him, received the key in return and headed for the lounge.

Carol had chosen a seat in a small semi-circular booth set back against a wall. It was a good choice. There were several other customers and the booth would provide some privacy.

I slid in next to her and glanced at my watch, shaking my head. Eight-fifty.

"Late for a date?" asked Carol in a feeble attempt at humor. She looked little bleak. The few minutes it had taken me to check in had allowed her too much time to sit by herself and think over the events of the past hour. I smiled to acknowledge her effort.

"Do you realize that our plane touched down less than four hours ago?" I asked. "I think I'm suffering from some sort of time distortion. Like reverse jet lag. Far too many upsetting things have happened in too little time for me to comprehend. I'm still having trouble believing that we've been caught up in all this."

The cocktail waitress interrupted to take our drink orders. Carol impressed me by ordering single malt scotch. I followed suit.

"You're right about too much too fast," Carol agreed. "Please tell me all of it. I need to fill in some blanks. If someone had asked me this morning if I thought my husband would ever fool around, I'd have said 'no way' without any reservations. Now I'm sitting here wondering if he's been doing it for years. I have been searching through my memory to see if there have been any hints of an affair. Women are usually pretty adept at detecting such things. I keep coming up blank. Did you have any idea this was going on?"

The waitress set our drinks on the table and quickly retreated, leaving us to our conversation.

"Not a clue. Kelly and I have been married for almost twenty years and I've never even had a suspicion. All of a sudden, I have no idea what's real and what isn't. For all I know, this could be her first affair or her fiftieth. Dammit, I was in Denver just last week and came home to one hell of a reception. Kelly always seems genuinely happy to have me home. She is warm and affectionate. I would expect her to be a little aloof if she's seeing someone else, but she isn't. She deserves a fucking Oscar."

"Brad's the same way. The only thing I can think of is that I'm away from home a lot. But he's never objected, at least not out loud. And I don't think we have a problem in bed. From my perspective our sex life is pretty damned good, so I find it hard to believe the bastard strayed because he didn't get laid enough at home. On the other hand, from what I could see of Kelly, she's got to be one of the world's most beautiful women. Small wonder he has the hots for her. How about you? Your sex life, I mean. I'm sorry to get personal but I need to understand."

"I don't think we have a problem. Neither of us is sexually inhibited so I can't imagine what she might be missing. Maybe it's just many years of marriage coupled with my travelling. Hell, I thought my road trips actually made things better. We get to honeymoon nearly every other weekend. I always thought Kelly viewed it the same way. She's never acted otherwise."

"Brad and I got married in college so we've been with each other more than seventeen years. Do you suppose that could be all there is to it? That we've each been married a while and we both travel? They're by themselves a couple of days a week so they get bored and the lure of a little strange stuff is more than they can stand, for Christ's sake?"

"I can't come up with any other explanation. Short of asking them, I don't know how to find out for sure. But if that's the whole story, it pisses me off. Hell, I'm alone a few days a week and I get bored too, but I've never run around on Kelly. I've been tempted a time or two but always held off. I played by the rules and I always believed she would do the same."

"Well, as for that bastard Brad, I've played by the rules too and God knows there are plenty of opportunities to do otherwise in my business. Like you, I've been tempted from time to time but chose to keep the faith. I expected the same from him. I had a right to those expectations. Now he's blown it and I'm going to pay the sonofabitch back somehow as soon as I figure out how I want to do it. As soon as I can think clearly, I'll decide whether to divorce him or kill him or whatever. Meanwhile, tell me the rest of it and don't leave anything out."

And so I did, from start to finish. She had been tough enough to stand on that deck and witness Kelly and Brad together so she was tough enough to hear the rest. I left nothing out. Well, almost nothing. She didn't need to hear about my erections. I needed to deal with those perversions privately. It was embarrassing enough to tell the tale of my ride in the Trooper. I also didn't provide the explicit details of the encounter between Kelly and Brad in the car. I could spare her that much.

Carol listened intently, interrupting a from time to time to ask a question. We drank another round during the telling.

"That's all?" asked Carol when I had finished.

"That's it."

"I don't believe you. You're hiding something. I can see it in your face. Your ears turned red when you told me about getting into the back of the car. That was a stroke of genius but you're embarrassed by it for some reason. Something happened in the car, didn't it? Tell me"

I took a deep breath. There was no escaping this woman's determination.

"They couldn't wait to get to my house."

"What?"

"They couldn't wait so he finger fucked her in the car before they left DataTech." The old shock effect.

"And you were right there? Three, maybe four feet away? Listening? Jesus Christ! How could you stand it?"

"I almost couldn't. And I did more than just listen. They were so busy that I was able to look without being detected. That was one of the times when I nearly stopped the whole thing. I wanted to see the look on their faces when I sprang up out of the back like a jack-in-the-box but I couldn't bring myself to do it."

"Did Kelly cum?" Carol inquired, breathing a little unevenly.

"Oh yes."

"Oh God. What else is there?"

"Brad drove. Kelly gave him a blow job all the way up to the house."

Carol stared at me for a long moment, nervously chewing her lower lip with even white teeth. Her breathing was heavier. I returned her stare. She reached across to take my hand.

"You didn't confront them because it excited you." Carol stated this as a fact. Her voice was shaky. "You enjoyed it. You despised yourself but you enjoyed it."

"That's part of it." My own voice was a little uncertain and my breathing irregular. My crotch was stirring again. She had detected the truth. "I was shocked at myself," I continued, "I had an erection; and another one when Kelly was preparing to meet Brad. Then the same thing happened when I first watched them from the deck. It happened again when we went back up there together. I hated them both for what they were doing but still managed to find it very arousing."

Carol's breathing had deepened. She kept staring directly into my eyes as though trying to read my mind.

"I have a confession to make," she said at last. "It affected me the same way when we watched them. After a few seconds it stopped being Kelly and Brad on that bed. It was just two people fucking. Expertly, I might add. I was so goddamned mad at myself I could hardly stand it, but I had to stay. I had to see them both cum. When they did, I thought I was going to faint. I don't know when I've felt so aroused. That's why I was crying after we left. I was so angry with myself and so ashamed. Now I find out you had the same problem. Thank you for telling me. I don't know if we're both perverted or not but at least I'm not alone."

"No, you're not alone."

Carol's hand was clammy in mine and her eyes looked feverish. I realized she was very aroused. Once again I found myself fully erect.

She drew a deep, shuddering breath and moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue.

"I have a plan. I know how we're going to get our revenge," she said.

"I thought you wanted balance," I teased, remembering a comment she had made earlier.

"I'll eventually get it. But first things first. Take me up to your room, please."

"Are you staying?" I asked, my heart thudding in my chest as I realized the probable meaning of her words.

"Yes."

"I can't get up just yet. Finish your drink."

"What?...Oh, I understand," she giggled. "This makes what, four erections for you today? Five?"

"Five, maybe six. I have one more confession. I was fantasizing about you on the plane today."

"Shame on you! Let's go get my bag."

****

The elevator was empty. As I turned from the control panel, Carol stepped into my arms and tilted her face up to be kissed. I obliged.

It was a tentative kiss at first. Her lips were soft and moist. Her breath carried a trace of scotch. I pulled her closer. Her breathing quickened as she put her arms around my neck and pressed herself against me. A bulge quickly formed in my pants. Carol felt the change and began to move her hips suggestively as she parted her lips to admit my probing tongue. I dropped my hands to cup her ass and pull her tightly against my stiffness. The kiss continued as we groped at one another.

"Excuse me, Sir," a male voice said, startling me. The elevator had arrived at the top floor and the door had opened, all without Carol or me noticing. I snapped my head around and saw a young bell boy waiting to board the elevator, an amused expression on his face. I wondered how long he had been standing there.

I declined his offer of help as we collected our belongings and beat a hasty retreat. As we moved down the hallway, I shot a glance back toward the elevator. The bell boy, grinning broadly now, waved as the doors slowly shut.

"What's your room number?" demanded Carol. "Please hurry!"

"Twelve-Twelve. It's right there on the left.

As I bent to slip the key into the lock I could hear Carol's accelerated breathing next to my ear.

"Hurry," she commanded again.

The door opened and she rushed inside. As I entered the room, she turned and threw herself into my arms. I reached back to push the door shut and then wrapped my arms around her.

We kissed with intoxicating passion. I could feel Carol's heart pounding against my chest. Small sounds of arousal were escaping from deep in her throat. Her hot little tongue was frantically searching my mouth as she ground her hips into my crotch.

Breaking away at last, she pulled me quickly through the room where we fell across the bed, and once again became locked in each other's embrace.

Remembering that she was braless, I fumbled briefly with the buttons on Carol's shirt before ripping the garment open in frustration to reveal two magnificent breasts, firm and pink-tipped. Her nipples were erect and inviting. As I took one into my mouth, Carol cried out softly, kicked off her shoes and began to remove her jeans. Soon she was lying next to me, clad only in the ruined shirt and a pair of delicate bikini panties.

As I continued to fondle her breasts, she opened my pants to free my painfully erect cock. I groaned aloud when she grasped my erection firmly and a wave of carnal need washed over me.

My hand slid down her body to trace the lines of her hips and move across the top of her panties. A tremor raced through her body. My fingertips brushed the insides of her thighs and she opened her legs permissively. Her panties were soaked. The feel of her wetness was more than I could stand.

Within seconds I had removed the remainder of my clothes.

"Please hurry!" she cried.

I grasped the thin material of her panties and ripped them free of her body. She opened her legs and I quickly positioned myself between her thighs. Using both hands, she grasped my cock and placed its tip beneath the soft blond hair at the entrance to her pussy.

"Now!" she demanded, as she tilted her hips upward to accept my thrust.

We both cried out as I slipped inside her. She was hot, wet and smooth. Nearly cumming right then, I paused to regain control, a difficult task with her already moving sensuously beneath me.

"Lie still a moment," I breathed into her ear.

She struggled to comply, only partially successful but enough to allow me to overcome the frantic urge to explode inside her.

After a few seconds I was able to begin moving again. I positioned my body so the shaft of my dick rode against her clitoris. Supporting my weight on both elbows, I cradled her head in my hands and entwined my fingers in her hair. I began to move with a slow tempo, intending to make our coupling last as long as possible.

Her response was incredibly exciting. She was in constant motion, moving her hips sensuously in counterpoint to my thrusts, straining to pull me deeper into her. As she surged upward toward climax she became increasingly vocal, moaning and sighing with each thrust. She was on the brink of orgasm within a few short minutes.

"Faster! Pleeeeese! Faster!" she ordered.

As I began to fuck her with increasing speed and force, Carol cried out sharply and drew her knees up alongside my hips to allow deeper penetration. Her breasts bounced in rhythm with my thrusts, the nipples brushing my chest.

"Harder! Fuck me harder!" she demanded.




The Arrangement Ch. 01



Her legs began a slow tremble before he felt her clit pulse mightily underneath its hood against his well trained digit. Her stomach seized, and he felt more moisture greet his busy finger. He pulled his mouth reluctantly from her tasty nipple to smell her juices on him. She smelled as delicious as she looked. He covered her unattended nipple in her juices, causing her back to arch seductively upward to greet his glistening finger.

His finger returned to capture more moisture, as his mouth went to her girl cum glazed nipple to taste the divine tangy sweetness of her juices on her body. He angled his fingers so that one could enter her lovely body. At the feel of his finger entering her body, her hips bucked up. He continued his ministrations with his eyes closed. He was in nirvana with the taste of her body's sweetness being sucked slowly off her hard peak.

His finger insistently pumped into her warm wet pussy while his lips, teeth and tongue drove her mad with his licking, slurping, sucking and biting on her nipple. He added his index finger to her wet pussy. His thumb rubbed her clit while his fingers pumped her mercilessly. Her moans fed his enthusiasm, and he worked hard to make her cum all over his fingers again. He twisted his fingers to graze over her g-spot, and an ear splitting scream came from his beauty's lips.

A hand held onto her hip as he pulled his fingers out of her and his lips off her nipple. He looked down at her again, watching as her breathing started to slow down, with her nipples proudly standing out an inch from her gorgeous brown body. He ripped the dampened red silk from her pumping hips. He rubbed her cum over both her nipples and glanced down to see her pretty brown pussy flowing with her creamy girl cum. Pre-cum streamed from his cock and mingled with the small amount of hair that surrounded her slit.

Seeing the wet brown folds of her flower nearly made him blow his load all over her pussy.

"So sweet." he murmured before sliding down to devour her.

His tongue parted her slickened folds and found her hard clit. His tongue flicked over her clit and her back arched. Her pussy was thrust into his face and he couldn't have been happier.

Her legs began to open further in an unconscious invitation to his tongue. His dried hands slid over her outstretched thighs and held them open while his tongue ravaged her. He licked, sucked and moaned deeply into her pussy as his long tongue fucked her.

He relished her tangy sweetness as it washed over his outstretched tongue. Tasting the finest cuisines of the world was nothing compared to the taste of her. A restraining hand left its post and insistently fingered her while his mouth sucked hard and gently bit at her clit. He again felt her body tense, then explode as she came squirting into his mouth and face.

She went limp in his arms. He rose from kneeling between her legs, and positioned them around his waist. He lined up his long thick cock to her weeping pussy and gently pushed the head in. The heat of her body enveloped his cock like a searing kiss. He slowly guided himself inside her slick wetness until his pelvis was flush with hers.

He gently pulled his reddened cock out of her brown flower and nearly came when he saw the brown give way to her pink inner folds. Her cum glistened on his cock. He yanked her legs up to his shoulders and leaned forward to look deep into her eyes. He slowly rode her pussy, making intimate contact with every crevice and area of her pulsating wetness.

Deep moans issued from her lips as her hips rose up to meet his advancing and retreating length. Realizing that she may not be as limber as he thought, he pulled her legs off his shoulders and back around his waist. Still pumping slowly inside her, he placed his knees back on the bed, wrapped his arms around her back and lifted her up. She automatically locked her thick thighs around his waist to hold onto him. With grace that belied his age, he carefully sat on the edge of the bed, still connected to her warmth.

With skill born of age and knowledge, he raised and lowered her exquisite body up and down his shaft, guiding her hips to ride him. Soon she was bucking in his lap. His hungry lips latched onto her inviting hard nipples where he tasted the salt of her sweat and the sweetness of her cum that he drizzled over her lovely tits.

Julianne began to buck rapidly and frantically on top of Peter as he continued to love on her breasts. A hand came around to smack her ample ass, before a finger was inserted into her backdoor. The sensation of his skillful fucking, nipple love and ass play sent her into an explosive orgasm that caused her to black out.

Realizing that she may be out for the rest of the game, he dislodged from her body and gently laid her on the bed facing away from him. He draped her top leg over his and reinserted his hard cock into her pulsing pussy from behind. He twisted her torso to suck on the closest nipple while he fucked her hard this time, seeking his release. He came when he felt her pussy clench again around him.

Completely spent, he pulled his cock out of her with a plop and watched as a mixture of their cum came slowly out of her vagina. He toyed with her still pulsing pussy some more by pushing a finger into and pulling out more cum, only to smear it on her outer lips.

He smiled at the thought of her becoming pregnant with his child as slumber finally claimed him.

******************************

Julianne woke up later that morning feeling sore. She peered down to her swollen pussy and saw the wet stain that laid between her legs, as well as the congealed mixture of his semen and her ejaculate around her pussy lips. She felt sick to her stomach looking at the hideous reminder of their arranged encounter.

She then noticed that he was already gone.

She looked around the ornately decorated room trying to make coherent sense of what happened. Her lingerie and shoes littered the floor. Dried, curled white rose petals and money laid in disarray on the stained red silk sheets. She felt some discomfort until she realized that she had a crisp one hundred bill attached to her ass check from the congealing cum on her body.

Tears of regret sprang to her eyes as she pulled the paper off her ass. She got off the bed and walked slowly to the bathroom. As she sat down to pee she found a folded note on the bathroom counter with her name on it. She picked it up and when she read it she quickly stood and emptied the contents of stomach.

Julianne crumpled onto the floor as tears fell from her face. She laid her head on the cold tile and wept bitter tears.

******************************

Peter woke up at six in the morning after having the best night's rest in his life. He looked over at the still slumbering frame of Julianne. Easing himself out of bed, he extracted a pen and a piece of paper and began writing a note to Julianne, saying:

Dearest Julianne,

I sincerely hope that you enjoyed our evening together. I would regret it if you

didn't. As you may have already noticed, in my haste to be inside your exquisite

body, I forgot to use a condom. Thankfully, I am clean and very, very fertile.

And I know you are too.

I want to see you often dear Julianne. I will be back shortly to start the rest of

this day in my bed with you. You certainly are smart enough to know my

intentions with your delicious body.

As per our arranged price, a check in the amount of $25,000 is being issued to

you today and will continue for each "meeting". I added a slight bonus as remuneration for cumming inside you, as well as your responsiveness to our fuck.

When you are finished using the bathroom, please come back out so we can continue where we left off before you fell asleep dear. Food will be ready upon your arrival.

We have a busy day ahead of us.

Yours indefinitely,

Peter Baker

Peter then went to dress for the day, leaving the note on the bathroom counter where she would most likely to find it. He located his checkbook from the desk drawer in his office and called his financier.

"Hello, Mitchell? It's Peter." he spoke into the telephone.

"Thank you for asking. It was a fine night indeed..."

End of Chapter 1 -- thanks for reading! 



The Arrangement Ch. 01



Jade could feel an orgasm fast approaching. Amazed that she could come this way, her breathing became more ragged as she tensed feeling every synapse fire in her mind. Wave after wave of pleasure rolled through her as a feeling of euphoria started to settle over her. She didn't take her hand off his cock, instead squeezing harder. 

Ayden drank her adrenalin filled blood and moaned. As she came down he withdrew his fangs and licked the wound to seal it. He held her as she breathed heavily against him. Jade came to her senses quickly impressed with the power of the orgasm she experienced. She realized that he was still hard under her hand. She turned in her seat and slid down so that she was on her knees between his thighs. Without preamble she undid his pants and release one of the most beautiful cocks she'd ever seen. Certainly one of the largest.

Ayden was feeling a little light headed from the feed. He didn't immediately realize what she was doing until his cock was out and her hand was gently stroking him. He was about to stop her when her lips descended on him and he was enveloped in her warm wet mouth. All ability to think left Ayden then. All that existed was his cock and her mouth and tongue.

Jade tried to get as much of him into her mouth as possible but couldn't. She resorted to licking and sucking as much as she could. Her hand assisting her as she bobbed her head along his length. She was enjoying him. His taste and the feel of him in her mouth were scrumptious. Jade hoped that she was giving him as much pleasure as he had given her.

It didn't take long before Ayden felt his balls tightening and the rush of his seed spurting into her mouth. He didn't even have time to warn her. His breath was coming in pants. He opened his eyes to find Jade valiantly swallowing all of his come and continuing to lick him clean. 

Jade regretfully released him and stood. Blueberries, good Lord he tasted like blueberries. A girl could get use to that, she thought. She was musing over this discovery when she felt him slide to his knees and wrap his arms around her pressing his face into her stomach. He held her like this for the longest time. He was shaking all over. Not knowing what to do, Jade stroked his hair and his shoulders.

Eventually Ayden disentangled himself from her and sat down on the bench seat heavily. Jade saw a look of what she perceived to be pain cross his features and panicked. "Ayden? Did I do something wrong? Was I not suppose to? I'm so sorry." She stammered very concerned. 

Ayden was shocked out of his confusion at her words. She thought she'd offended him again. God she was amazing. "Jade." He said, his voice gravelly. "Why? Why would you?" he asked in wonder.

"Why? Because you gave me so much pleasure. Because you are too gorgeous for words. Because I wanted to. Because it felt right. Again I'm sorry if I overstepped the bounds." Jade said with a slight blush at having to explain her actions. 

"You have done nothing wrong. That was the most incredible experience of my life. A first." He said looking at her intensely.

Jade burst out laughing before she noticed the look on his face and clapped a hand over her mouth. "I find that impossible to believe. You cannot honestly tell me in your long life that you haven't had a blow job." She said incredulously. Was he trying to flatter her? Someone as stunning as him surely had women falling all over him.

Ayden stared. He'd never had to explain this to anyone but he couldn't let her think that it was nothing to him. "No Jade, not my first blowjob. My first blowjob where the person giving it knows exactly who or what I am and did it anyway." He said gravely.

Jade let the words sink in but was still confused. "Ayden, I don't want to pry but I still don't understand." She said quietly.

"I have lived a long time Jade." He started. "In that time I have found that most people are repulsed by my kind. Intrigued, curious, fascinated even, but repulsed. I have had many women but all under the guise of being human. Never as myself. And none of the people in my current arrangement would condescend to let me touch them, let alone touch me." He explained bitterly.

Jade shook her head in amazement. "Haven't you told any of your lovers?" she asked gently. 

"Oh, there was one woman around the time I was made. I was young and foolish, in complete denial about what I had become. I didn't want to be what I am. I fancied myself in love with her. I thought that I could tell her and we could live happily together. I was so deluded. She screamed and yelled for me to leave her alone. To die like the evil creature I am. She said she would rather die than have me touch her again. I left. I have never told another woman what I am. The only ones that know are those that I have a feeding arrangement with." He said sadly looking at the wall lost in his memories.

"What a stupid bitch!" the vehemence in Jade's tone jerked him back to the present and he stared at her. "Sorry, but she was." Jade said simply. 

"You are not repulsed by me? By what I am?" he asked in awe of this woman in front of him. 

"Repulsed?" she spat. "You are fucking gorgeous. I should be falling at your feet thanking you that you would even let me anywhere near you." She exclaimed with passion. Ayden's eyes widened in shock. This generous, loving, amazing woman was grateful to be in his company. How could she think so little of herself?

"Jade, colourful language aside, you are a beautiful woman. You could do so much better than something like me." He said and looked at his feet. His comment pulled her in two directions. Pleasure that he thought her beautiful and frustration that he kept putting himself down. Anger won out.

Jade stomped up to him and shoved hard against his chest. It was like trying to move granite but it got his attention. "You have no right to wallow in self pity." She yelled at him. "So most people are stupid idiots. Hey they would be stupid idiots regardless of you anyway. From what you've left unsaid I get the impression that you didn't choose this lifestyle and you are trying to make the best of it. So just grow up and start appreciating what you have." She huffed at him. 

Ayden looked at her and laughed. He hadn't laughed in such a long time. She was incredible. She wasn't repulsed, she wasn't frightened. She was beautiful standing there yelling at him as if he was a regular guy, an equal. A very dangerous emotion reared its head: hope.

Jade halted in her fury and started giggling. Embarrassed at her tirade she blushed. Ayden caught up in the moment gathered her in his arms and kissed her. At first he was still chuckling and it was simply a light brush of his lips against hers. Soon enough the warmth of her body pressed against him and her fingers threaded through his hair were driving him crazy. He moved his lips against hers more purposefully.

Ayden's tongue ran along her lips seeking entry and she opened willingly. His tongue felt hot in her mouth as they duelled. His hands moved lower to cup her arse and grind her against him. Jade groaned as she felt his hardness along her belly. They were both panting as they broke the kiss. "Jade, if you would like, I mean if you are willing, I would like to –" He said haltingly as he kissed her collarbone.

"I would be honoured Ayden. Also, if it is safe, feel free to bite me as much as you like." She said breathlessly. Ayden didn't know what to say to such a precious gift so he simply kissed her as he led her backwards towards the bed. 

Ayden undressed them before falling into her arms. They kissed and explored each other slowly. Jade ran her tongue lovingly over his already extended fangs causing him to shiver. Her acceptance of him was going straight to his head just like her blood had. 

Ayden moved lower down her body aching to taste her and see if her other fluids tasted as good as her blood. Not having tasted a woman in over a century made him almost ravenous as he attacked her glistening folds. He was right, she tasted like heaven. He lapped and sucked on her trying hard not to nick her with his fangs. Jade was writhing above him making the most delicious sounds. He felt her climb towards her release and he couldn't help himself. Ayden bit down into her soft flesh and drank down the combination of her blood and her juices.

Jade came hard, every muscle in her body straining. She also felt something she'd never experienced before. She actually squirted her release into his mouth, chin and chest. Ayden released her and licked the pin-pricks closed much to her squirming. He practically purred his satisfaction.

Jade draped an arm over her eyes and blushed as he lay next to her and drew her close. "I'm so embarrassed. I've never done that before. The gushing I mean." She said quietly. Ayden pried her arm away to look at her.

"Why? That was the most erotic thing I've ever been part of." He said kissing her face. Jade succumbed to his kisses. "Would you like to stop?" He asked not letting her go.

"No way. I want you. I want you inside me now. Fuck me Ayden." She pleaded.

Ayden growled in approval as he positioned himself above her and slowly eased his hard cock into her. Jade groaned at the exquisite feeling of being filled. Ayden trembled with the effort of holding back from pummelling into her. He took his cues from her as he slowly started to move. Ayden withdrew until only the head of his cock was at her opening before plunging back into her. She cried out to his delight every time he bottomed out in her.

"More Ayden. Harder. Faster. More." She begged as she lifted her hips to meet his thrusts. Ayden was more than happy to comply and he upped his pace. He loved how tight and warm she felt around him. Her responsiveness was driving him to his peak faster than he thought possible. Ayden kissed her passionately savouring the way she fit against him. Grunting he grabbed her hips hard as he pounded into her over and over.

Ayden's mouth left hers to capture a nipple and suck on it. Jade arched her back feeding him more of her breast. She was close to coming again. "Bite me Ayden. Make me come." She panted unable to breathe with the pleasure building inside her.

Ayden growled and bit hard into her breast and Jade exploded. Her pussy clamped down hard on his cock. This combined with her blood in his mouth triggered Ayden's release. He shot pulse after pulse of come inside her as she contracted around him milking every drop. Ayden finally let go of her breast and held her tight as they fought to regain their breath.

"Fuck." Jade breathed.

"Yes, I believe we've already covered that."Ayden chuckled as he buried himself in her hair. Jade laughed breathlessly, her movements causing him to groan. Reluctantly Ayden withdrew from her but would not let her go. "Are you all right? Do you feel dizzy or lightheaded?" he asked his voice full of concern.

"I feel both dizzy and lightheaded but it has nothing to do with blood loss. I feel incredible, a little tired though." She said running her fingers over his furrowed brow. 

"You need to rest. I'll have a vitamin drink sent up immediately." He said as he grabbed the phone from the bedside table and spoke quietly. "I don't think I took too much but I was so enthralled that I can't be sure." He continued.

"Ayden, I trust you. You wouldn't hurt me. I feel fine. Please don't stress." Jade soothed. "So, how long before we can do that again?" she asked with a seductive grin. Ayden should have been use to her amazing him but he wasn't.

"You mean you'd like to. Again?" he asked to her enthusiastic nod. "Well, I won't be able to feed or bite you again for a couple of weeks to allow your blood to replenish. But as for the rest, give me about half an hour." He smiled his eyes darkening with desire.

Jade's breath caught at how gorgeous he was and then a thought occurred to her. She slapped her palm to her forehead. "That was so presumptuous of me. I mean you don't have to if you don't want to. I-" She stammered too embarrassed to look at him. 

"Jade." He said. "Jade look at me." He demanded. "You are the most beautiful, generous, understanding and accepting woman I have met in the 400 years of my existence. If you think that I'm giving this up so quickly you are sorely mistaken. I'm more concerned about how you feel about being tied to me." He said with a catch in his voice.

"Tied to you?" she queried.

"I would like to offer you a place by my side. How does this go? I'd like to see more of you, get to know you. I don't know if I'm doing this right." He said nervousness marring his beautiful features. 

At that moment there was a soft knock on the door. Ayden quickly covered her with a sheet as a distinguished gentleman entered with a tray. He placed the tray on the bedside table and left quickly, but not before shooting Ayden a little smile. Jade looked at him questioningly. "That was Kyle, he looks after me. I think he is a little surprised to find you here. I'll explain it to him later." Ayden said.

The short interruption allowed Jade to think. She had no real claim on this man, vampire, whatever. But she needed to know some things. "If I was to be tied to you would you still be feeding off others?" she asked tentatively.

"No, just from you." He said firmly.

"But what about your arrangements?" Jade wondered.

"I'll pay them back, it's not like I need the money." He said simply. "Jade, let me make myself clear. I want this to be exclusive. I know it is a lot to take. It is an easy decision for me but it may not be for you. After a while you may feel it is too restrictive. You may want a normal life with a man that can give you that." He said. 

Jade looked at him. Really looked at him. He needed her. He needed to believe in himself again, in people, in the world, in his existence. In something.

"I understand Ayden and I accept." She said quietly looking in his eyes.

"Are you sure? One word and I'll let you go." He said meaning it but it pained him. Jade had many thoughts running through her head. Several she wasn't prepared to voice at this point in time but none of them involved doubt.

"I'm positive. You need me. I'm irresistible. You can't get enough of me. It wouldn't be fair to deny you. I'm a generous goddess." She said haughtily laughing at herself. Ayden chuckled and kissed her lips tenderly. "So, are you ready yet? This goddess needs worshiping." She said in the same lofty tone. 

Ayden growled as he captured her lips and rolled her on top of him to take her again, and again, and again. Until they collapsed into an exhausted sleep. 

***



The Arrangement Ch. 02



"The arrangement" has been working really well for the last few months. Cassie, my lovely wife, is being serviced on a regular basis by Jude, a young black stud who we met when he came to maintain our swimming pool at our villa in the Costa Tropical.

We had fantasised so long about Cassie taking a black lover that when it happened we were both very excited and happy that the thing we had talked about had finally happened. Cassie is very content, she loves to be satisfied by Jude's big thick black cock and I love to watch and listen to them fucking. I love to lick Cassie clean when her lover has satisfied her and to fuck her when her lover has made her pussy so wet and hot.

Jude and Cassie are very adventurous and they have sex several times a week now and Cassie gets so hot and excited when she knows he is visiting. Cassie really loves to suck his big black cock and to feel it in her pussy and ass. So really things seem to be just perfect with our arrangement.

But something happened last weekend that was so mind blowing and unexpected that it took us both to new heights of excitement. Jude had mentioned to us that he would be having a few drinks with some of his friends on Saturday night because one of them had a birthday, so we were not expecting Jude to come over. Cassie and me were sitting on our patio drinking wine by the pool. 

We were quite surprised when Jude arrived, together with three more black guys. Cassie, who had been fairly quiet and relaxed, suddenly became quite animated when she saw these men arrive. Jude introduced his friends and told us it was Hugh's birthday. Hugh was a really attractive black, tall muscular man. The men were laughing and joking and soon we were all sitting around the pool, drinking and talking.

Cassie was clearly flirting with the men, and she was just loving the attention she was getting from all of them. Cassie was taking quite an interest in Hugh and was flirting quite heavily with him. While she was talking to him her hand was rubbing up and down at the crotch in his jeans. Suddenly she looked at Jude and said " Jude do you mind if I give Hugh his birthday present?" Jude laughed and said, "Sure, show him a good time". 

Cassie unzipped Hugh's jeans and gently pulled them down his legs, then she pulled his shorts down and then I saw her face light up. Hugh's cock was really big and thick, black and shiny. Cassie went down on her knees before him, her fingers struggling to encircle his big cock. Then she started to lick in circles around the tip of his cock. Hugh just stood there with a big smile on his face. She licked his big black shaft up and down then swirled her tongue around its head. Then she opened her mouth and took his cock inside. She held his big cock at the base and sucked his cock. Hugh was loving it and his friends were cheering him on. Suddenly Cassie pulled his cock from her mouth and she turned to look at Jude. " Jude ... I want this big thing inside me. Do you mind?" Jude nodded his head. 

Then, it started .... Cassie and the black guys and myself moved inside to our bedroom. Hugh lay on his back, his cock was so big and hard now. He motioned to Cassie and she climbed astride his legs. She rubbed Hugh's cock on her pussy lips and he lifted it and slapped in against her pussy. Then I watched as she pushed the head of his cock between her pussy lips. Her eyes met mine and I watched as she gasped with pleasure as she slowly lowered herself onto his huge cock. It slid slowly inside her pussy. I was so proud of Cassie as I saw her take all of Hugh's big black cock Then she started to ride Hugh, up and down she went on his big thick cock. 

Tom, another black guy was standing near her head, and pushing his cock to her face. Cassie reached for his cock and started to suck it while she rode on Hugh's cock. She was screaming with pleasure as she felt the big cock filling her and fucking her pussy. She was sucking hard on Tom's cock . Meanwhile Jude and Joe, the other guy, were touching and caressing Cassie. Joe touched and stroked her nipples, which were so hard now, while Jude's black fingers rubbed gently at Cassie's clit while Hugh pushed up hard fucking her pussy. Soon she was screaming and shaking and coming real hard. I was almost coming in my pants as I watched her come with this huge black cock in her pussy and with another black cock in her mouth. 

Cassie rolled away from Hugh and lay on her back breathing hard. Her legs were wide open and I could see the trickle of come running from her pussy. Then it was Jude's turn. He was over her, fucking her so hard. Joe pushed his cock into her face and she sucked him whilst Tom and Hugh touched her all over. 

Jude fucked her until she came again and then Joe and Tom fucked her. They took her pussy and ass in turn. She was really squealing when they took it in turns to fuck her doggy style. Cassie was so hot and excited, and she seemed to come over and over again.

I sat and watched the action rubbing my cock, hardly believing what I was seeing. Here was my lovely wife being pleasured by four well-hung black guys, and she was clearly in heaven, loving every minute of it. 

The sex orgy went on and on, with a few breaks, and then back to the action again. These men really had such staying power and energy, and Cassie amazed me with how much cock she could take in her mouth, pussy and ass. 

That night I slept in the guest room and listened as they fucked until the early hours. Cassie was screaming and I heard her begging for more This really got me excited and I was rubbing my cock so hard and coming, as I heard the orgy going on in our bedroom. 

In the morning the men left early and I brought Cassie her breakfast in bed and she told me that this had been the best night of her life. She was really sore and tired but she was so content and happy. We talked about it in detail, still unable to really believe that Cassie had been fucked by these four black studs all night long.

She wants it to happen again. Well her birthday is coming soon, and I think it would be a perfect birthday surprise for her if Jude and his friends join her party.



The Arrangement Ch. 02



Hello all, sorry about the delay but here is the next installment. I hope you like it. As always comments are appreciated. Enjoy :)

***

"Hurry up Ayden, we'll miss our reservation. You may not be interested but I'm starving." Called Jade from the bottom of the stairs.

Jade paced excitedly, her heels clicking on the marble tiles. She couldn't believe she was in Ayden's home. The apartment that she'd first met him in was not his permanent residence. His home was on the outskirts of town and it was magnificent.

The last four months had flown passed in a whirlwind. Ayden had terminated all his arrangements with his wealthy 'clients'. Most were disappointed but accepting of the change. One was quite aggressive but Ayden did not explain to her how he resolved that situation. Jade wasn't sure if she wanted to know.

At work Jade pretended to not know anything about Ayden's change in plans. Caitlyn had confronted her on several occasions trying to get answers. Jade recalled their final confrontation with a shudder.

Jade had finished up a meeting with Mr. Thornton and everything was progressing well with that particular account. She was re-organizing the files as Caitlyn stormed into her office without so much as a courtesy knock. 

"Tell me again, what did you do?" Caitlyn hissed.

"What the hell are you talking about Caitlyn? I don't have time for your games." Jade replied exasperated. She wasn't sure if Caitlyn was referring to how she landed the account with Mr Thornton, or the situation with Ayden. Caitlyn had been so erratic lately that even the senior partners had noticed.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about. He won't take my calls. The apartment is vacated and the remainder of my account with him has been re-deposited in my bank account." She said glaring.

"That's not my problem. I have no idea what he does with his arrangements." Jade tried to lie convincingly. 

"Bullshit. You did something to him, I know you did. This all started after you went instead of me. It's all your fault!" she practically screamed.

"Caitlyn please calm down." Jade tried to say soothingly. She was becoming a little concerned at Caitlyn's uncharacteristically strange behaviour.

"Don't you tell me to calm down bitch!" Caitlyn screeched as she came to stand toe to toe with Jade. Jade on her part was truly concerned now; there was a wild look in Caitlyn's eyes that was scary.

"Please Caitlyn, tell me what the problem is." Jade said with a quaver in her voice.

"You know fucking well what the problem is! You took him away! You must have! Now I don't have my release, I can't concentrate, I can't function! It's you! It's always you! Your account, your bet, your ..." Caitlyn was screaming but managed to stop herself before she said too much. Instead she lunged at Jade and wrapped her hands around her throat.

Caitlyn was screaming incoherently, this was all Jade could hear. That and her own blood pounding in her ears as she tried to fight the other woman off. Possessed by an unusual strength Caitlyn wasn't letting go. Two of Jade's co-workers came in to investigate what all the commotion was about. They gasped in collective shock as they saw Caitlyn attempting to strangle the life out of Jade.

Once the momentary shock had worn off they jumped in and separated the two women. Caitlyn was dragged kicking and screaming from Jade's office while Jade collapsed on her chair and struggled to regain her breath. She couldn't believe that Caitlyn had lost it like that. Verbal abuse she was use to and equipped to handle. A physical attack though was something else. A part of Jade even felt a little guilty because she knew that it was her fault that Ayden stopped his arrangements. The other part, the larger part of her was fuming because she knew that Caitlyn was behaving like a two year old whose toy was taken away. Her reaction had nothing to do with Ayden and his feelings. It was as always about her.

The next few hours were a blur. Jade spoke with the senior partners. The offer to call the police in order to press charges was made and declined. The offer to see a doctor was similarly made and declined, though the senior partners were more insistent on this point. Jade was not blamed for any of Caitlyn's actions; conversely she was praised for putting up with her for so long. 

Somewhere in amongst the questions, water-cooler gossip and restructuring of staff now that Caitlyn was 'taking an extended leave of absence', Jade managed to score herself a promotion. This barely registered as all she wanted to do was go home and crawl into bed. Better yet she wanted to go to Ayden's and have him wrap his arms around her.

Jade chose the latter option since she had a dire aversion to being alone. Ayden was initially pleased to see her but livid once he saw the bruises on her neck. He flew into a rage and for the first time Jade saw the vampire inside the man. Up until then Ayden's beast was restrained. His fangs, unnatural strength and stamina were all part of their erotic pleasure. This was something completely different.

This was truly frightening. His visage had changed into something almost unrecognizable. The fury coming off him in waves, Jade became alarmed. 

"Please Ayden, please calm down." Jade pleaded and flashed back to her earlier attempt to calm Caitlyn down. She fervently hoped this time there was a better outcome.

"Jade." He growled. "Look at what she did to you. She had no right to lay her hands on you. It is my responsibility to keep you safe and I failed. I didn't deal with her when I should have. I should have ... She ... I ..." he ranted pacing about the room. Even his voice was different, deeper, more intimidating. 

"Ayden." Jade said and it fell on deaf ears. "Ayden!" she yelled as she stood in front of him and he nearly bowled her over in his frantic state. He stopped, and grabbed her by the upper arms to steady her. It was then that he truly looked at her face. He didn't like what he saw there: fear. It was exactly as he thought it would be, as he feared it would be. She would one day see the real Ayden and run screaming for the hills. It was nothing more than he expected from the moment he allowed her into his life.

"Oh Jade, I'm so sorry Jade. I never meant for you to see this side of me. I have frightened you. Please forgive me? No of course you can't. I'm a monster. I don't deserve you." He babbled as he held his head in his hands. How could she possibly want him after this? After she saw what he truly was, what he was capable of.

"Ayden stop!" Jade yelled, annoyed now. "Just stop and listen for a minute, fuck!" she said. "Just listen." She continued knowing she had his attention. "I am scared but not 'of' you." He gave her a very confused look, the vampire gradually retreating.

"I'm afraid 'for' you. I'm afraid you'll go off half cocked and do something stupid that might mean you'll then have to leave. I'm afraid for Caitlyn because even though she's a supreme bitch she doesn't need to be ripped limb from limb, no matter how much I've fantasized about it. I'm afraid that you'll realize how much of a bother I am and won't want me around anymore." She said in a rush. Breathing heavily, like she'd run here from work, she sat on the couch and sighed. 

From the moment Jade met Ayden she wondered. She thought long and hard about why she didn't feel afraid of him, why she didn't even feel more than a moment of surprise when she found out vampires were real. The only thing she was able to come up with was that ever since she was a child she believed that the stories were real. As she grew up and society expected her to let go of childish flights of fancy, a part of Jade hung on to that wonder, that magic that lets people feel that anything is possible. She'd often thought she was a little insane for feeling this way but being proven correct was ample vindication.

Even witnessing Ayden's beast hadn't shaken her of that belief. He wouldn't hurt her, she was sure of it. Part of it was his own gentle nature; the other part was the struggle she saw in him. That ongoing battle to reconcile what he was with what he wanted to be. No, he wouldn't hurt her.

Ayden let her words sink in. It didn't make sense. She should be running right about now. Instead she was worried she'd become a burden. It couldn't be true. Ayden shook his head.

"You can't, it's not possible. How is it that you are not afraid of me? I don't understand." Ayden looked at her dejectedly. The expression on his face was as close as vampires came to crying, Jade was sure.

"Ok Ayden, I'm a little afraid. But mostly not. More worried about the consequences. Right now I'm exhausted I just want to lie down." She said closing her eyes. Something tugged at Jade. It felt like they were talking around an issue. Something was left unsaid. She didn't want to examine her need to be around him, how much she valued his opinion, how scared she was that he would one day get rid of her as she aged and lost her appeal. She locked these things up in her heart and resolved not to revisit them.

Ayden swept her off the couch and took her to bed. He helped her change and curled up next to her as she fell asleep. She continually surprised him. Without his realizing it, she'd become an integral part of his world. He looked forward to seeing her, he wondered about her when she wasn't there. He wasn't sure what this was but he was determined not to let anyone hurt her ever again.

***

Jade was becoming impatient. She wondered if Ayden was deliberately trying to get out of going out. He'd tried it before. Jade was determined to drag him kicking and screaming into the real world. She insisted they go out for dinner, shopping, museums, the movies. Anything she could think of to get him out and mingling, albeit peripherally, with people.

The museum trip was particularly hilarious, particularly the modern section. Here he impressed her with stories of where he was and who he'd met at the time various things on display were created. It was amazing to hear such firsthand accounts.

Jade was about to yell again when she felt him behind her. She hadn't even heard him, but that was nothing unusual. He curled his arms around her middle and gently kissed her neck. A sweet tease of what was to come later.

"Hmmm you called?" he said his voice dripping sensuality. Jade felt a shudder of anticipation run through her.

"Yes I did. All your preening is going to make us late." She scolded playfully.

"Yes your highness, let's go." He teased.

She loved this playful side of him. They made it to the restaurant on time and were seated by their waiter. Although Ayden didn't eat human food, he did enjoy wine. Jade had taken to ordering two entree meals so that it would appear that he was eating although she consumed both. He liked to watch her eat. The food may have repulsed him but the way her mouth moved when she chewed, or when her pink little tongue poked out licking those sensuous lips, he was enthralled. He could watch her do that for hours.

They talked and laughed and Ayden felt as close to 'normal' as possible. It was a delightful feeling that he often felt around her. Here sitting with a beautiful woman, having a glass of wine, talking and laughing, he could be the man he wanted to be. It amazed him that she could see him for what he truly was. That she'd seen his beast and not run away. She was constantly amazing him. 

"Ok let's go." She said bringing him back to the here and now.

"Go where?" he wondered. Knowing her she had some plan or other for his social re-education.

"We are going dancing. I haven't been to a club in ages and I feel like letting loose." She informed him, triumphant at the pained look on his face. "Ah-ah no weaselling out. We're going, no excuses."

Ayden groaned but paid the bill as they got their coats and headed to the car. Jade directed him to where she wanted to go. They left the car in a nearby parking garage and made to line up at the door of the popular nightclub. The bouncer took one look at them and let them in. 

Ayden put a possessive hand around Jade's waist as the bouncer looked her over. Hell, he couldn't blame the guy, she looked stunning tonight. She was wearing a little black dress that looked like it was painted on. It fell to mid thigh and had a sweetheart neckline that showed a generous amount of cleavage. Her hair was up in an artfully messy style. With all her curves on display Ayden was surprised that the man wasn't drooling, he was near enough to it himself.

After depositing their coats Jade led them directly to the dance floor. Ayden was grateful that it was crowded and dark so that no-one would notice his awkward dance moves. All fears evaporated as Jade began to move. She moved to the music in about half the time of the beat. The effect was a slow motion sensual dance. Better than any exotic dancer he'd ever seen. Her hips swayed as she ran her hands down her sides. Ayden had to stifle a groan, not that anyone would hear him with the music so loud.

Jade continued to dance, song after song. Sometimes she would rub against him gently, or run her hands over his body. Other times she would turn around and grind her arse into his groin. She was confident in this, that he wanted her, that sexually they were incredible together. This allowed her to be more free, take more initiative, give him more and demand more.

After one too many accidently on purpose brushes against his rock hard cock, he grabbed her hips and pulled her to him. 

"You are trying to kill me woman." He growled into her ear. Jade smiled and ground her hips into him harder. Ayden moaned and kissed her, his tongue plunging into her mouth. He was hot and insistent, barely allowing her to breathe. The kissed for several minutes oblivious to the masses dancing around them. 

Ayden's hands wandered up to cup her breasts teasing the hardened nipples with his thumbs. Jade gasped into the kiss as she rubbed herself against him harder. Unsure if it was being in public and not caring, she was incredibly turned on. If he played with her nipples any longer she was going to come right there. A positively wicked thought occurred to her.

"Bite me Ayden. Right here, right now. I want to come for you." She said into his ear. Her soft breath sent shivers down his spine. 

"We can't, not here. People will see." He protested weakly. 

"Be creative, it's Bite Nite. I need you." She said. Ayden chuckled at the name she'd given their two to three weekly ritual of his feeding off her. He thought about it as he held her and kissed her neck.

"Ok, I need you to kiss me and when you put your tongue in my mouth, leave it there. This will be quick. I can't afford to attract too much attention." He said to her obvious delight.

Jade did as she was asked, kissing him passionately. As her tongue delved into his mouth she held still in anticipation. Ayden allowed his fangs to lengthen and gently sink into her waiting tongue. He simultaneously sucked her blood and tongue, letting the sweetness wash over him.

Jade felt the familiar rush as she felt his fangs. She was so close to an orgasm that it didn't take long until she was shuddering in his arms. She felt him lick her tongue when he was done and to all observers it appeared that they were kissing passionately.

Ayden held her as she breathed heavily against his chest. Her breasts rubbing against him were driving him crazy. He grabbed her hand and almost dragged her out of the club. He didn't say a word as they waited for their coats. And then they were off again as he walked them quickly to the car.

Once there, Ayden went to open the door for her but couldn't resist a quick kiss. Jade had other ideas. She threaded her fingers in his hair and dragged him in closer kissing him harder. His moan was captured by her mouth as he pressed her against the car. Ayden was lost now; he didn't care where they were. All he knew was that his cock was aching to be inside her. 

Still kissing her Ayden pulled at the front of her dress to release her breasts to his hands. After squeezing and kneading for a while he lowered his head taking one swollen nipple into his mouth and sucked hard. Jade squirmed in pleasure. He repeated the licking, nibbling, and sucking process with the other breast until she was positively writhing in his arms.

"Hmm I think I like it when you don't wear a bra." He chuckled against her neck.

"Yeah, you think that's impressive? Wait 'til you see this." She panted taking his hand and placing it on the inside of her thigh right at the hem line of her dress. Ayden took the hint and moved his hand slowly upward caressing the smooth expanse of her thigh as he kissed her. As he got closer to her core he started to feel the wetness that had trickled down her thighs from her excitement. His fingers made their way higher until they encountered soft, slippery folds. No panties. Just her and her molten heat. 

Ayden hissed as he ran his fingers along her lips causing her to moan. "You really are trying to kill me." He breathed.

"Please Ayden." She panted. 

Ayden couldn't deny her or himself any longer. He quickly unzipped his pants releasing his straining cock. He pushed her dress up and grabbed her thigh, tugging it so she wrapped her leg around him. He positioned himself and entered her in one, long, hard stroke. The both groaned loudly, the sound echoing in the parking garage. 

Ayden only held still a moment before fucking her hard and fast. Jade buried her head in his chest in a futile attempt to muffle her cries of pleasure. She sensed, rather than saw his need. Without thought she tilted her head and brought his head down to her neck. It was all the encouragement Ayden needed. His fangs slid easily into her and he feasted on her delicious life essence. 

Jade came hard around his cock, crying out at the combined pleasure of his cock inside her and his mouth on her neck. Ayden wasn't far behind as he came inside her shooting pulse after pulse. Once they regained their breath they started laughing. They did look a sight and probably gave anyone watching a descent show. Jade blushed with some belated embarrassment at the possibility of getting caught.

Ayden helped her clean up before settling her in the car for the drive back to his place. He couldn't believe the effect she had on him that he would risk exposure by behaving so wantonly in such a public place. He shook his head and smiled at himself.

Jade's whole body was humming with desire. She loved Bite Nite. It made everything they did more intense. But public sex was a first even for her. She chuckled to herself. "Hmm that was really hot." She murmured as she seductively ran her fingers along her collar bone.

"Indeed." He whispered as he stole a glance at her. Trying to keep his eyes on the road was becoming difficult as she started running those fingers lower along her chest to the swell of her breasts. Ayden noticed he was gripping the steering wheel hard and eased up lest he crush it. The little minx was deliberately trying to drive him to distraction.

Jade was enjoying herself as she toyed and teased him. She ran her fingers along the edge of her dress pulling it lower and lower until the soft pick of one areola was visible. She heard his sharp intake of breath as he saw what she'd done. Smiling to herself her hands left her breasts to gently caress her thighs.

Painfully slowly her light strokes were pushing her dress higher and higher, exposing more and more of her creamy flesh to his view. Knowing she was naked underneath had him salivating at the possibility of seeing that beautiful, soft, wet part of her.

They pulled up at this house and despite his earlier release Ayden was again rock hard due to her little teasing game on the drive. Jade quickly readjusted herself and stepped out of the car. Ayden followed her slowly into the house, curious as to what she would do next. 




The Arrangement Ch. 02



Jade turned and pushed him up against the door kissing him passionately. Her hands running over all the parts of his body she could reach. She reached between their pressed bodies to stroke his hard cock and Ayden moaned into her mouth. His hips started bucking against her caressing hand, wanting more, needing more. Silently begging her to touch him, to take him out and feel her skin on him. Instead she gave him a peck on the nose and stood back.

"I'm going to bed. Good night Ayden. I had a lovely time tonight." She said breathily with a look that screamed pure seduction. With that Jade walked away and headed for the stairs. She walked slowly up step by step, swaying her hips as she did. Each step she took was pure torture for Ayden. That little black dress riding higher up her thighs as she went. When it reached high enough for him to catch a glimpse of her glistening folds he let out a low growl. A deep feral sound that reached her ears and caused her to smile.

Within a heartbeat Ayden was behind her. Yanking on her dress until her breasts and arse were exposed. She was still facing away from him as he roughly kneaded her breasts. This was what Jade was hoping for. She wanted him to lose a little of his impressive self control. Tonight she wanted him to want her so much that he couldn't stand it. 

Ayden literally tore his pants to release himself before plunging inside her with a roar. The sound sent tremors through Jade knowing she had succeeded in her goal. He took her roughly, thrusting inside her as she bent forward to brace herself on the steps in front of her. Her cries of pleasure ringing in the stairway. 

Jade could feel him getting closer to his release. As much as she loved him coming inside her, this time she wanted him in her mouth. That mouth watering blueberry taste was addictive and she had to have more. Quickly she pulled forward and turned around. Her arse hit the step in front of him with a thud but she didn't care. Skilfully she lowered her mouth on his throbbing cock. That she could taste herself on him served to further her arousal.

Ayden groaned as he thrust into her mouth, once, twice before sending rope after rope of seed into her willing throat. He trembled as he slipped out of her mouth with and audible pop.

"Mmm yummy." She purred.

"You are something else Jade. I'm convinced you've made it your life's mission to see if you can kill the already dead." He said as he kneeled before her to kiss her.

Jade made to get up but he stopped her. "My turn." He whispered as he lowered his head between her thighs. Jade threw her head back and moaned as she felt his mouth on her. His tongue explored every inch of her flesh, nibbling and sucking as he went. All the time his eyes never left her face. Her moans were becoming increasingly louder as she neared her peak.

Ayden looked at her, his eyes seeking permission. Jade smiled her ascent as she braced herself for the intensity that awaited her. Without preamble Ayden sank his fangs into her soft folds. Over time he had perfected his timing and placement so that he would drink both her blood and her squirting juices as she came. This time was no different. Lord he loved this. He loved the combination of her fluids sliding down his throat, satisfying him like nothing else could. 

Finally Ayden withdrew and after he licked the wound closed he gathered her in his arms. "I think that was the best Bite Nite ever." Jake chuckled sleepily. 

"Seconded. Now let's get you a drink and tuck you into bed." He said as he carried her the rest of the way upstairs.

Tucked into bed Ayden watched her drinking her vitamin drink as he struggled with what he wanted to say. "Jade I know you're tired but can we talk for a moment?" he asked somewhat nervously. 

That was not a good line to start a conversation. Icy told tendrils were making their way towards Jade's heart. This can't be good. Nothing good ever came from the line 'we need to talk'. Jade nodded worried about where this was heading.

"You stay here a lot right?" he started. The tendrils inched their way closer as Jade nodded. 

"You still have a few months to go on your lease agreement for your apartment right?" he continued. Closer now. Jade nodded again. Hell, she might as well turn in to one of those bobble-head toys.

"Look, I think that it would be more convenient for both of us if you simply moved in here and sublet your apartment." He almost whispered. Tendrils banished but something new took its place. 

Jade spent precious moments worried that he was sending her on her way. Instead he was asking her to move in. This should be a happy moment. A moment of delighted hugs and kisses. It wasn't. His words angered her. They reminded her that what they had was simply and arrangement of convenience. The emotions must have been evident on her face because he started to give her one of his worried looks.

"Yes, mustn't make things inconvenient for you." Jade said more harshly than she intended. She had no claim on him she knew. But that didn't make it any easier to be reminded of her place.

Ayden was mystified by her reaction. Didn't women want a commitment? Didn't they want men to make these changes in their lives to have them around, to want them around? He pondered the word 'inconvenient' and the way she used it. A quick reflection on the conversation and a lightning bolt of realization hit. Lord he was stupid.

"Jade, I would like to make myself clear. I enjoy having you around. I like it when you stay here. I want you to stay here all the time. It doesn't make sense for you to have your apartment when you spend all your time here." He tried again.

Oh he 'wanted' her here? Really? Could it be true? Dare she hope? Ayden had always been honest with her. He had an almost annoying habit of meaning what he said and saying what he meant. Was simply 'wanting her around' enough? Could she be content with that? Hell yes, she'd take anything he'd give her as long as it meant he'd keep her near him longer. Lord she was turning into a pathetically dependant creature. Engaging the bobble-head action again she nodded timidly as she said "Ok Ayden I'll move in."

Ayden beamed. He took her in his arms and kissed her tenderly. Jade was a little overwhelmed with the rollercoaster ride of emotions over the last few hours. This had been the most interesting Bite Nite. She curled up on his chest and fell asleep. Ayden sat there listening to her breathing, the most content he'd been in ... ever.

In the morning Ayden drove Jade to her apartment and helped her begin the logistical nightmare that was moving house. He'd done this often enough in his long life, but still it never ceased to amaze him how many details there were to attend to. Once a plan was decided upon he left Jade to start organizing and went home to begin his end of the arrangements.

Ayden walked into his home with a buoyant step and light heart. Not two steps from the front door he caught a scent. Someone was in his house. Someone he hadn't wanted to see again in all eternity.

"What are you doing here Marcus?" Ayden hissed.

To be continued...



The Arrangement Ch. 02



WARNING!!!

This story is about cuckolding and humiliation.

If this offends you, please do not read it.

*

The following morning, Saturday, I wakened, and, as if in a dream, I dressed quickly and made my way to the kitchen.

I was painfully aware that I was about to carry out Margaret's instruction to serve Tina breakfast in bed.

I wondered why I had never considered doing this previously, after all, I loved my wife completely.

I cut a red rose from the climbing plant which covered the wall outside the kitchen door. It was a romantic gesture which brightened up the hastily prepared tray. I just hoped that she would be impressed at my offering of tea, toast and a plate of cereal. 

The question was, of course, just how, would my lovely Tina react to this unusual behaviour on my part.

By the time I got back to the bedroom I found Tina sitting up in bed, looking fresh and gorgeous as usual and as if she fully expected me to be serving her breakfast.

"Good morning darling." She greeted me with a big smile.

"This is very nice, how kind and considerate of you Jamie.

Do you know that Margaret told me that you would be doing this?

I didn't believe her. I said that you had never ever given me breakfast in bed.

Do you know what she said? 

She said that you would be a different man from now on and that I must be prepared to assume control in our marriage.

That, from now on, I, would be the mistress in our marriage.

Is that accepted and understood?" 

Sheepishly, and not knowing what to say, I hung my head and nodded yes.

I knew that I was a broken man. I didn't have much belief in myself before, but now I was about to embark on the next stage of our marriage as a virtual slave to my adorable wife.

Pouting her lips in a simulation of a kiss, she said.

"Close the bedroom door as you leave, but come back in ten minutes for the tray. In the meantime, please run a bath for me. You can clear up and wash the dishes while I soak in the bath."

Without speaking, I couldn't anyway, I slowly, backed out of the room and closed the door gently.

I then obediently made my way to the bathroom to begin my duties.

Clearly, Tina had been coached by Margaret, as to how to treat me, now that I was her virtual slave.

Strangely, I found that I got quite a nice feeling carrying out these menial tasks and by the time I had voluntarily vacuumed the lounge carpet, Tina appeared, looking gorgeous in a sexy black negligee.

She had a very satisfied look on her face as she said.

"Jamie, how thoughtful of you, I must thank you for being so helpful. I think you deserve a kiss for being so good to me."

Giggling, she pulled me to her and kissed me gently on the lips. Then she took my hand and placed it on her breast. I immediately caressed it, enjoying the soft feel of firm flesh beneath the silk of her negligee.

Before I could go any further, she pulled away saying that she would have to phone Margaret. She handed me a shopping list and asked me to go to the local mall while she spoke to Margaret.

I left the house determined to carry out her wishes as requested.

It took a lot longer to do the shopping than I thought it would. Not knowing which item was in which aisle certainly didn't help, but eventually I completed my task.

By the time I got home, exhausted, Tina was relaxing on the sofa looking ravishing as usual.

Sitting in my favourite easy chair was my tormentor, Margaret.

I had to hand it to the bitch, she was a very handsome and assured looking beauty and she wasted no time in getting down to the task she had set herself.

"Jamie, Tina's just been telling me that you served her breakfast in bed this morning, good boy!

Did you also tell her of your fantasy?"

I almost groaned, out loud.

"What do you mean, fantasy?"

"You know Jamie, tell her what you confessed to me last night."

My eyes darted from Margaret to Tina and back again, as I desperately tried to think what to say.

She must have sensed that I was going to deny everything, because she continued.

"Tina, your shy, loving husband confessed to me that his greatest fantasy was to see you with another man. He wants you to be made love to, by a handsome, well endowed, lover.

He realises that he will never be able to give you the intense sexual satisfaction that you need and deserve. 

He was afraid to tell you in case you were shocked and disgusted.

I told him you would certainly not be shocked, in fact, you would be relieved and ecstatic."

Tina gazed at me for a moment and said.

"Oh darling, Jamie, I never guessed that you loved me so much. 

Thank you, thank you for being the most loving and understanding husband I could ever have hoped for.

Of course I'm not shocked, I promise you that I will be very discreet and try never to embarrass you. My dearest wish is to make you happy."

Holding her arms, outstretched towards me, she said.

"Come."

In a daze, I went over to her and sank to my knees.

She took me in her arms and kissed my brow.

I was conscious of Margaret observing us and I was not surprised to hear her say.

"Tina has something exciting to tell you Jamie, haven't you Tina. Tell him that you may satisfy his fantasy this evening.

Tina has a date with Carl who has been trying to date her for the last couple of weeks. He tells me he is over the moon that she is going out with him and he has promised to be gentle with her."

Unable to believe what I was hearing, I looked up into my lovely wife's eyes which seemed to sparkle as she nodded her head, saying.

"You don't mind, do you darling. 

I am so excited by all of this. It's so thrilling to know that I am going to give you so much pleasure by being a very naughty girl.

Margaret will be with you here while I am out. 

She intends to help you through what she says might be a tortuous time for you.

She has explained to me that part of your pleasure will be in the pain and humiliation that you have to suffer.

I don't claim to understand it but I am sure Margaret knows what she is talking about.

Just remember that I love you, and only you."

Feeling weak and helpless, I turned towards Margaret who smiled wickedly at me before turning the knife, by saying.

"Carl is picking Tina up here at seven o'clock so I'll be back by then. 

I think that it would be nice if you helped Tina to prepare for this evening by suggesting which of her sexy undies you think would be most exciting for Carl.

It will add a little spice to the occasion knowing that you have a personal input."

Tina left the room with Margaret and I heard them whispering for a while before Margaret eventually left.

From the window, I watched her walk back towards her own house.

I couldn't help thinking that she had thoroughly enjoyed the last hour or so.

I swear I could detect a smirk as she turned and waved, before turning the corner.

She knew she had won. Not only had she tricked me, but she had tricked Tina as well.

She had spun her web of deceit, expertly, and I was trapped, enmeshed in a situation I seemed to have no control over.

My wife was about to take a lover in the mistaken belief that she was doing it for me and for my devious pleasure.

Tina was surprisingly quiet over the next few hours. I am sure she was trying to convince herself that she was doing the right thing.

I didn't quite know what I should be doing to help, so I kept a low profile.

I did consider asking her not to go through with it but I just couldn't bring myself to muster up the courage, wimp that I was.

She did ask me to help pick out the undies that I would like her to wear for her date.

I carefully and lovingly laid them out on the bed for her approval. 

I chose a delicate pair of black see through knickers, matching garter belt, black nylons and a matching silky bra.

It was a gut wrenching thing to do, knowing that she would be wearing them for another man's pleasure.

She completed the outfit by selecting a tight black skirt topped off with a flouncy black chiffon blouse and a pair of sexy high heels.

She was obviously shy and embarrassed when she emerged from our bedroom at about six forty five pm.

But, God, what a vision!

I was transfixed, I realised how incredibly proud I was of this beautiful woman, my wife. It was then that I remembered that this was not for my titillation. Another man would have the ultimate pleasure that her sensual body promised and she would ultimately know just how small my penis really was.

Tina eventually summoned up enough courage to speak to me in a measured voice. She gave me the impression that she wasn't quite convinced that she should be actually going out on a date albeit with my complete support.

"Are you sure that you really want me to go ahead with this?"

For some reason, I found myself unable to speak and could only sink to my knees in front of her. It must have been obvious that I was entranced at the vision which was my wife.

She continued.

"I'll take that as a yes. You do know that this is not something which can be undone once I walk out of the door.

Oh, darling, I'm so anxious but I'm also so excited. I'm determined to do everything I can to make you proud of me and I just hope that you will still love me afterwards."

"You know I will." I said quietly.

The ring of the doorbell made both of us jump. I got up off my knees and went to let Margaret, the witch, in.

She had a small suitcase with her which I thought was odd.

She made a point of circling around Tina, taking in the sexy attire she was wearing.

"Tina, darling you look gorgeous, Carl is going to be most impressed. By the way, he's already here. I told him to park his car in our driveway just in case one of our nosey neighbours wonders who he's visiting. He's speaking to William at the moment."

She was already taking charge, telling me to hide behind the kitchen door so that I could get a look at Carl when he arrived. He had been told that I was out of town for the day.

Taking up my position behind the door as instructed, I heard Margaret whispering to Tina. I couldn't hear what was said but they both laughed at whatever it was.

The doorbell rang again. This time Margaret answered the door, allowing Carl to enter. From my vantage point, behind the almost closed kitchen door, I peered through the crack I had left.

Damn, he was bloody handsome, and younger than me. He was gazing at Tina as if she was some film star. He was completely besotted.

In a cultured voice, he eventually said.

"Good God, you are looking absolutely beautiful, Tina."

He swiftly moved towards her and took her in his arms, quite oblivious of Margaret standing there.

Their lips met and for a second they lingered before they both responded by indulging in a full blown kiss, tongues encircling, sucked in to each other's mouths.

After a few seconds, Margaret intervened, suggesting that they should continue somewhere else.

The next thing I knew was that they had hurriedly left, with Margaret wishing them a wonderful time together.

Alone now, with Margaret, I quickly re-entered the room.

"Sit down, Jamie. I have a lot to explain to you and you have a lot to learn this evening. I have spoken to Tina so she knows what I am going to do with you.

First of all I think I should tell you where they have gone. I thought they deserved to have the best tonight, without worrying about being seen. So, I've given them the guest suite in my house. William will be there to wait upon them.

At the moment he will be serving them with chilled champagne in the lounge. In about ten minutes he will suggest that they may wish to retire to the guest suite. He will advise them that there is a bell on the table next to the bed. He will suggest that they may wish to call upon him in an hour or so, and he will serve them with more champagne, hot towels and face cloths.

I might add that this is the first time William will have attended to someone other than me and my lovers and understandably he is a little nervous.

He is wearing his uniform for such occasions, a pair of black satin pyjamas and a frilly French maid's apron.

It presents him as a non- sexual servant, in other words, no threat to them or their anonymity as a couple."

I listened to this information with my heart pounding in my chest, unable to fully comprehend what she was telling me. But, at the same time, fully aware that my lovely sexy wife was now only minutes away from finding out how thrilling sex could be in the arms of an experienced lover.

There was so much that I wanted to ask Margaret but I was having difficulty controlling the trembling which seemed to have taken over my body.

I was trapped in a nightmare from which there was no escape.

Margaret was looking at me sitting there, visibly trembling, she then opened the suitcase I had noticed earlier.

She produced a bottle of schnapps and two small shot glasses. Pouring out two measures she handed me a glass and said.

"You know what to do, don't you Jamie, over in one go.

A toast, to the lovely sexy Tina, may she have the time of her life tonight. Today is the first day of the rest of her life."

We both knocked back the schnapps in the manner she described. 

I was surprised that my hand managed to find my mouth, I was shaking so much.

Immediately, she poured me another one and said.

"Again, Jamie, you are going to need this to help you get through this evening."

As I knocked it back, she said.

"To your wife, who is probably cuckolding you at this precise moment."

I almost choked as the fiery liquid hit the back of my throat. The bitch certainly knew how to turn the screw.

There were no words of comfort.

Instead, she said. 

"Jamie, I want you to take your clothes off and stand before me naked."

"No, I can't." I said quietly.

"Of course you can and you will do as I tell you. Tina has given me her permission to train you to be her faithful cuckold from this night onwards.

You do know what a cuckold is, don't you? Well, from tonight, you will forever be a cuckold."

For some reason I didn't answer her, I just stood there with my head bowed.

Then, with a sharp edge to her voice, she almost shouted.

"Take your clothes off, now!!!.... Do you hear me?"

In a trance, I began to strip, and a few seconds later I stood stark naked in front of my tormentor.

I saw her staring at my little, shrivelled, three inch penis and I felt so ashamed. 

But then she took it between her finger and thumb and gently began to tease it. 

I groaned in the knowledge that I would disgrace myself, then, my shame turned to humiliation as I felt it begin to stiffen up.

One of my problems with sex was that when I did manage to achieve a hard on, my penis did not get any bigger. It remained at the same size, a little stiff three incher.

Margaret showed no emotion or sympathy, she stopped frigging me before it was too late and said.

"It's actually smaller than I imagined. Tina will not regret what she will learn tonight with Carl.

Put these on."

She had opened the small suitcase I had noticed earlier and lying on the sofa, was a pair of black satin pyjamas and a frilly French maid's apron.

"These will be your uniform from now on. These are the same as William's. Put them on, now!"

I did as I was told.

Actually, they felt very sensual. I enjoyed the feel of the soft satin against my skin.

Margaret showed me how to tie the apron in a nice bow at my back, before continuing.

"Kneel down at my feet, Jamie."

I knew it was useless to object, so I did as I was told.

"Now, kiss my feet Jamie, kiss them as if I was your mistress wife.

You must learn, to not only love your wife, but to worship and adore her, especially after she has had sex with another man."

In a daze, I found myself kissing her expensive designer shoes and feeling a new thrill of being under Margaret's control.

Eventually, I felt her tugging at my hair so I began to raise my head, but she held me fast when my face was level with her knees.

She kept me there as she said.

"Tina will have a wonderful time with Carl tonight, I am sure of that. But when she comes home she will need your reassurance that you are happy and excited for her. This is how you will convince her of your undying love.

There is more than one way to sexually please a woman. You may be short on the conventional equipment but that doesn't matter.

Have you ever, gone down, on Tina?"

By the look on my face she deduced that I had not.

"You mean, neither of you has experimented. Good God!

Look, I take it that you, as a couple have never indulged in fellatio or cunnilingus. Well, for your information, it means using your mouth and tongue to stimulate your partner.

Stick out your tongue, let me see it."

This, was bewildering, my mind was in a whirl. I just did as she asked me, sticking my tongue out for her approval.

"When I said stick your tongue out I meant right out. Let's see how long it is."

This time I stuck it out as far as it would go.

"Wow, Jamie, what have we here. That, is quite magnificent, you are going to be a great comfort to Tina, especially after she has had a hard fucking from a big cock.

Now, you will do exactly what I tell you.

Push my dress up so that you can see my knickers. I want you to remove them as skilfully as you can."

The schnapps must have been doing their job as I eagerly slid my hands up Margaret's shapely nylon covered legs and allowed the back of one hand to brush across the gusset of her silky knickers. She raised her bottom off the seat to help me to slip her panties down and off.

Moving her bottom forward to the edge of the seat, Margaret's pussy was now only inches from my face. I was conscious of the feel of her nylons brushing against my cheeks.

I was transfixed at what I was looking at. I had never seen a shaved pussy before, in my life, in fact I had never even seen my wife's pussy before. 

I was breathing heavily and was suddenly afraid of where this was going.

"Now Jamie, I want you to relax and breathe normally.

When she comes home tonight Tina will expect you to pay homage to her newly stretched pussy. I promised her that I would show you how to please a woman and as a cuckold what your duties would now entail.

Now, lean forward and breathe in, my personal perfume. That's it, now kiss my pussy and let your tongue slither up the length of my slit."

My head was spinning as I followed her instructions. The perfumed aroma from her pussy was heavenly and I inhaled it greedily. My first kiss and taste of hot pussy was out of this world and I knew that this would be my place from now on.

For the next hour or so Margaret coached me on how to lick and when to suck. She taught me how to send shivers of pleasure through her body by titillating her clitoris with my lips and tongue, Although, I say so myself, I was a good learner and looked forward to showing Tina how much I could please her with my tongue.

My jaws were aching when Margaret finally pushed me away at eleven o'clock, saying we should get cleaned up before Tina got home.

Tina, I had almost forgotten that she was out on her momentous date. Margaret had taken complete control of me this evening. My opinion of her had started to mellow, maybe she wasn't quite as bad as I had thought.

By eleven thirty, we were sitting sedately as if nothing had happened.

Almost on cue the doorbell rang.

Margaret motioned for me to hide in the kitchen as she went to open the door.

I watched, as first, Tina entered, then her date for the evening, Carl. He looked a bit haggard I thought, but Tina looked radiant, almost glowing.

They chatted for a few minutes before Carl made his exit, saying he would phone Tina the next day. That was the only part of their conversation I could make out.




The Arrangement Ch. 02



Once he had gone Margaret called for me to come in to the lounge, I entered feeling a bit embarrassed, especially when Tina said she liked my new satin pyjamas.

My eyes were fixed on Tina, as if she should look different after her date with Carl. She certainly looked wonderful, good enough to eat, I thought!

Margaret broke the silence by saying she would leave us to enjoy the rest of the evening.

She smiled knowingly as she left.

When she had gone, Tina stood with her back to the front door which she had just locked. She stared at me with a strange expression on her face, then pouting her lips, she said.

"Come, Jamie, we have a lot to share with each other, but before we do, I just want to say that I love you, very, very much. You have given me a whole new outlook on life by insisting that I kept this date with Carl and I will always be grateful to you for your love and understanding.

Now, let's go upstairs, to our bed, I understand that your fantasy is to worship me or something like that."

Giggling, she took my hand and we climbed the stairs together.



The Arrangement Ch. 02



Thanks to the wonderful editing of AccentsnTattoos. You are simply the bestest! Everyone enjoy Chapter 2 of 'The arrangement'!

After Peter's phone call was finished he went to go check on his guest in the bedroom. Walking in he saw the remnants of last night's coupling and her scant clothing strewn about the room. Realization set in that she must be in the bathroom showering, he headed in that direction. He heard no water running, but as soon as he stepped in he saw her on the floor staring up at him with bloodshot eyes.

'She must have read my message.' Peter thought while he looked down at his angel.

They stared at each other for a moment before Peter stepped into the room and turned on the faucet for hot water in the shower. Walking back to her, he stooped down and lifted her up with ease. 

"I can get up on my own, thank you very much." Julianne's replied in a snarky tone. 

"I didn't say you couldn't sweetheart. I just thought you might need some assistance..." started Peter.

Julianne did her best to push him away without losing her own balance. "No I don't need your help." 

Wearing nothing but the red thigh high silk stockings and red open toed high heeled shoes she slowly rose from the cold tiles to her feet. As she began to sit on the toilet to take off her shoes and stockings, Peter slid gracefully to his knees in front of her. 

"Oh gosh. Look, can I just take a shower without you putting your hands on me? I mean is this also part of the arrangement?" she asked incredulously.

"Now that you mention it, it most certainly should be part of our 'arrangement'. I just want to help you out of your clothing dear." Peter said while his hands smoothly unfastened the ankle straps on her shoes.

He slowly slid the shoes off her pretty feet. Once he had them off his hands moved up her legs caressing her skin until they stopped at her thighs. 

"Spread your pretty thighs for me love." Peter purred. 

Julianne looked down into Peter's piercing blue eyes. She didn't like the order he gave her, but a part of her loved the look of this obviously powerful man on his knees wanting to see and experience her body. Without breaking eye contact she spread her thighs for him. His hands crept to the top of the thigh highs and she watched him slowly roll each silken garment down her legs. 

Peter suddenly stood and held his hands outstretched for Julianne to help her stand as well. Once she was up with his help he walked her to the large shower stall. He closed the shower door behind her. While she was getting comfortable with the soothing heat of the water, Peter busied himself getting undressed before sliding inside with her.

Julianne felt a rush of cold air from behind her while reveling in the hot water. She turned to see Peter stark naked. Her eyes seemed to take a mental picture of his magnificent body. His dark brown hair was barely graying at the temples, making him look distinguished and refined. His slightly tan skin accented his steely bright blue eyes. A strong brow, aquiline nose and thinnish lips made for a devastatingly handsome man who reminded her of a slightly older looking version of Detective Stabler from Law & Order: SVU.

Her eyes roamed down his torso to see defined pecks, strong muscled arms, a flat abdomen that sported a six pack and neatly trimmed bush of pubic hair that highlighted a nine inch long cock that was semi-erect.

'Holy shit. That was inside me?' Julianne couldn't help but wonder as she her eyes seemed glued to the member between his legs. 

Julianne was so busy staring at Peter's cock that she was startled when she felt wet fingertips graze her high cheekbones. Breaking out of her daze she looked up into his smiling face. She felt her cheeks redden and hoped that he couldn't tell the difference of color in her face.

"There's no need to blush dear. Look all you want. I don't mind at all." 

'Dammit to heck, he could tell I was blushing. Crap.' thought Julianne. 

Peter laughed at the deer in headlights look she gave. She shyly turned away from his laughing countenance. He brought her chin back to look at him and waited for their eyes to connect. When she finally looked at him he took her lips slowly, sucking and nibbling on her lower lip.

'Dammit! Why do I let him keep turning me on? I'm not supposed to like this!' she chided herself as she whimpered from the pleasure he gave to her.

He whispered against her lips, "Turn around; I want to clean your body." 

She never would've imagined that a simple shower could end up feeling so damn sexy. She turned around and she heard Peter stifle a groan from looking at her succulent round ass.

He reached past her to grab a loofah and poured a little body soap into it. He created a soapy lather and made slow sensuous circles down her back and shoulders. He held her stomach as he knelt down to wash down both of her strong dark brown thighs and shapely calves. A hand came around each calf to lift them up so he could wash her cute feet. 

Once he ran out of soap, he stood and worked more into the loofah before proceeding to her torso. He rubbed the suds over her sides and hips. He picked up each arm and gently scrubbed her armpits. Slow sudsy circles traced across her tummy before gentle fingers rubbed and cleaned her belly button. 

He noticed her breath becoming shallower with every pass of the loofah on her body. His unoccupied hand once again held her hips still as he continued his slow sudsy perusal of her body. She shuddered and gasped when the rough texture of the loofah made contact with her erect nipples. 

After receiving so much attention the night prior, they were very sensitive to his light caresses. The hand on her hip that was used to hold her steady rose up to cup and manipulate the hard slippery tip. He moved her so that the water could beat down on her body and remove the soap on her skin. He continued to rub and massage her sensitive nipples while the hot water caressed her skin. Her eyes closed and her head fell back as she moaned her approval of his handiwork. 

He removed his hands from her body and reached for another bottle of soap. After putting a dollop on his fingertips his eyes scanned her body and analyzed an area on her body that was untouched. He rubbed his fingers to create a lather and moved to rectify his error.

"It looks like I may have missed a spot sweetheart. Spread those pretty legs for me so I can get it." he whisper huskily.

In pure need of his touch, she did as he directed.

One hand returned to a breast while the other rubbed the top of her mound in slow circles. Her hips gently rocked into his hand. The hand on her pussy continued downward, parting and cleaning her folds with the hypoallergenic soap. He insistently rubbed her pussy lips, listening to her moans. His hand pulled her thigh up onto a nearby bench so he could have better access to her. He continued rubbing her pussy making sure to reach far enough from it to wash her asshole. 

Julianne continued to moan as his hands never stopped caressing and teasing her nipple and pussy. The hand on her pussy left as he took down the detachable shower head and directed it onto her pulsing clit. Julianne's treasures were streaming with her cum as her climax hit her hard. He sucked and nibbled on her neck, enjoying her pleasure and the feel of her hard little nipple against his fingertips. 

Julianne came breathlessly down from her intense orgasm still shuddering at the feel of his lips on her skin and his hands on her body. He put the shower head back in its cradle and guided her to sit on the bench in the shower. He knelt down in front of her and spread her thighs before diving into her juicy center. 

He sucked and nibbled on her again while driving his now cleaned fingers into her pussy. He pumped her nubile body for all it was worth and a look of pleasure and relief came from him when he felt her juices squirt from her body. 

Julianne never thought a man could bring her this much pleasure. She peered down to see the look of absolute bliss on Peter's face. Panting from the onslaught of another orgasm, she cried out to him.

"Peter! Please stop, I can't take anymore!" 

"Mmmm.... take it pretty girl." Peter moaned into her sex as she came crashing down from her second climax in the shower. 

Peter's cock was rock hard and ready, but he needed her soaked before he could get inside her tight wet body again. 

"Oh, God Peter!" Julianne screamed as her body convulsed and sent her cum into his mouth. 

He happily licked her juices. Once he had his fill he picked her up and pushed her chest against the shower wall behind the bench and guided his thick cock into her soaked pussy. Once fully inside her body, he spread her legs and started pumping away. 

Low moans seeped from her chest as he hit every delicious spot inside her. Her erect nipples rubbed against the cool tile wall and continued the pleasurable torture she felt in his arms. While she enjoyed the sexual gratification that he gave her, a part of her despised the fact that they were only together because he was paying her money for the pleasure of her body. Despite being on the precipice of a third orgasm, she felt like a whore – bought and used for one reason. 

That feeling sickened her.

Drawn out of her reverie by his fingers tap dancing on her clit, she came all over his cock. She heard a low moan from him and felt his cum wash inside of her body. After a couple more pumps of his cock she realized that he was still inside her.

He rained kisses on her neck before speaking. "You feel so good darling. I think it is my turn to be washed though. I seem to have gotten quite dirty." 

Julianne turned to Peter and dislodged him from her depths with a small twitch of her lips before locating the loofah and rinsing the rest of the vanilla scented soap out of the loofah.

She briefly noticed that it was the exact same soap that she used; an expensive name brand soap which was last year's Christmas present from her mom. The same company made a sandalwood shower gel, which Peter had amongst his shower gels. She decided to use that one on him.

Once the loofah was foamy she rubbed the suds into his neck and chest, making sure to focus on her work and not on his hypnotic blue eyes. When the loofah brushed over his nipples she noticed his sharp breath in. 

Her eyes flickered up to his and stopped her movements. They simply looked like little blue flames. Disturbed by the fire of his eyes she continued moving southward until she finally noticed his hard cock pointing directly at her core. She gulped as she got on her knees and continued washing his legs.

He picked up his feet for her to wash. When she stood up he had in his hand the same hypoallergenic soap he used on her privates. She focused her eyes on the soap as he opened the bottle and put a dollop on her hand. 

"I think you know the usefulness of this soap. Please continue, dear." Peter spoke softly.

She created a lather with the soap and slowly stroked his cock with one hand while reaching down with the other to gently clean his balls. She was slow and gentle with her touch and had no idea she was driving him insane with desire. 

"Mmmm... such magical hands. Don't forget my ass sweetheart." he whispered to her.

She finally peeked up to his blue gaze with a quizzical stare. He then took the hand massaging his balls and brought it through his legs. 

"Rub." 

With soapy fingers she rubbed the cleft of his ass. His eyes slid closed as he rocked his hips to her careful hands. She found his male g-spot between his balls and ass and pressed upward as she continued stroking his cock. A sudden groan was her only warning before she felt his warm cum splatter against her chest. She pulled her hands away from his body in surprise.

"Such a naughty girl." He faintly panted as his eyes slowly opened. 

She turned around so the water could clean her off before she opened the shower door and exited. He finished cleaning his body and turned off the lukewarm water. He saw her with the white towel wrapped around her mahogany colored body and noticed how her figure couldn't be hid by the bulky material. 

She wiped down the mirror with a hand towel just in time to see his piercing blue eyes behind her. Her gaze locked onto his, until she felt water on his skin drip onto her upper back. The mirror was rather large so she could see his entire torso, down to his mid-thighs. His prominent erection never went away from the view she got from the mirror. 

Looking into his eyes she realized too late that he was slipping the towel off of her body. 'He CANNOT be serious. Again?!' she thought as she felt the material slowly caress her damp skin. Once the towel was pulled away his pale hand reached forward and fondled a chocolate nipple. She watched her eyes slant in the hazy mirror and moaned at watching him fondling her breast and her own aroused reaction.

He watched her watching herself react to his touch and continued exploring her body again. Her little sounds were such a turn on and seeing the contrast in their skin colors made his cock harder than just by looking at her body. He quickly spun her around and kissed her. 

"You are so fucking delicious sweetheart." he groaned in her ear while nibbling on her lobe. 

"Oh, fuck." was all she was able to whimper. 

He guided her back to the now cleaned bedroom. The once red sheets were replaced by royal blue flannel sheets, and a dark gray plush velour down comforter and pillows that accentuated the set. Once he got within a foot of the bed he suddenly pushed her down onto it. She flew back onto the velour in shock at the sudden upheaval. 

"Ready for round two pretty?" Peter asked, smirking at her wide eyes as he began approaching her.

"Wait! I... I mean, you...you need to wear a condom. Don't you have any? I mean you don't want any offspring from this, right? We...we...we need to think things through... so there won't be ah-ah-any accidents..." Julianne stuttered as she crawled back away from Peter. 

She shivered when her back hit the headboard and she saw him licking his lips. 'Oh, fuck. I'm in trouble now.' thought Julianne. 

" Hmm... so you read my note then?" Peter chuckled lightly.

Before Julianne could answer, Peter raised the foot closest to him and started sucking on her toes. She couldn't stop the scream that came from her lips at the feel of his skilled tongue on her sensitive toes. 

He continued sucking until all her toes were attended to while she writhed at the sudden pleasure of it. She was already slick from the earlier bouts of pleasure he gave her body in the bathroom. He slowly fingered her increasingly slippery pussy and licked the sole of her foot. 

"Oh God! Ooohhh, Wait! Peter! You need to think about this more carefully! Shit! You don't want an accident to come from this arrangement! I mean you, oh fuck, you are obviously a... a man of great means and don't want to have to deal with a child from this, right?!?" pleaded Julianne.

Peter stopped sucking her toes and pulled her foot from his mouth. His finger kept its slow assault on her body, causing her to shake as she tried to control the wonderful sensations creeping slowly through her body.

"It's not like I couldn't take care of you, or anyone else affected by this. So I don't see any logical problem other than you disobeying my order." Peter stated calmly as he continued fingering her soaked pussy. 

"What? Wait, what... oh, order is that? You haven't said anything 'order-like' to me since asking me if, oh God, I was ready for round two! This c-c-can't possibly go on any f-f-further without having some form of protection." Julianne said in an attempt to display a firm tone of voice.

"Julianne, I'm sure that you read my note to you this morning. Did you not understand what was meant by that message?" Peter coldly stared into Julianne's eyes, never stopping his finger from stroking her pussy.

"Wait!" panted Julianne breathlessly. 

She was close to cumming but the movement of his fingers would change once he knew her body was close to orgasming and kept her on the precipice of achieving release. 

"This isn't part of the deal. The terms that you stated are different than what you are proposing now. We came to an agreement... I accepted the, oh God, the original terms, rather than this!" Julianne stammered and she sighed as the effect of his fingers inside her hampered her ability to form coherent thoughts, never mind words. 

"Are you saying that you want to end this?" Peter asked her completely stilling his fingers from their tortuous assault on her fevered opening. 

Julianne looked up into his eyes, knowing that he read the need for him to continue the pleasure he gave her within her own brown eyes. After watching her blink uncertainly a few times, he leaned down to her ear. 

"Answer me, sweet Julianne. Do you want to end this?" 

Julianne felt the defeat pooling between her thighs. With a long sigh, she slightly shook her head no. She sucked in a sharp breath as his fingers surged into her body and pumped into her core vigorously. As her legs shook from the pleasure and slight pain, he slowly sucked and nibbled on her ear.

"Are you gonna come for me darling?" he murmured in between nibbling on her sensitive earlobe. 

"Ooooohhhh." Julianne moaned softly. 

Her breaths were pants as her bare chest heaved as he kissed and nibbled his way down to a hardened nipple. The moment his teeth grazed her nipple Julianne shrieked and came hard all over his fingers. He continued to stroke her slowly, drawing out her orgasm while his lips, teeth and tongue tantalized her hardened tip. 

Coming down from her orgasm, Julianne half opened her eyes to look up at Peter who was busy sucking his cum slicked fingers and studying her closely. He began positioning himself between her outstretched legs and stroked his long erect cock. 

"Peter," she sighed. "You don't want kids with me. I'm a poor woman – with no pedigree or anything of that nature to be anything meaningful to you and the world you come from. If you get me pregnant, would you even want to keep the child, or would you shove out hundreds of dollars to make it disappear?"

Her last question came out as a whisper. She knew that if she wasn't already pregnant from what happened last night; or in the shower, then she would be pretty soon. 

Suddenly Peter's eyes became cold and he stared directly at her. His voice came out low, but the menace in it was unmistakable. 

"Never question my motives Julianne. If anything should happen, you will be both well compensated and well cared for. You and all of our children."

Before she could utter the confusion written on her face, her knees were pressed against her chest as his freakishly long thick cock stroked her pussy lips to make delicious contact with her exposed clit. She moaned in spite of herself at the contact before sucking in a sharp breath when his cock slowly entered her tight wetness. 

Once he was fully swallowed by her dark brown and pink lips, he brought his cock out slowly before gently rocking it back inside. He kept up this torture, feeling every bump, ridge and spot in her succulent body. 

He watched as she valiantly tried to stop from coming after the first five minutes of his delicious fuck. Wanting to watch her completely lose it and cum all over his cock he rubbed his thumb gently over her clit. The effect was immediate as her legs shook again.

"Hold your legs up for me sweetheart." Peter commanded.

She eagerly held her legs for him as the back of his other hand lightly stroked a pebbled nipple.

"Oh God...What are you doing to me?" Julianne moaned as her body hummed in extreme pleasure. 

"I'm fucking you good. That's what I'm doing to you sweet Julianne. I'm fucking you so good. Isn't that right sweetheart?" Peter answered as he began pounding into her tight hole. 




The Arrangement Ch. 02



"Oh fuck yeah." Julianne nearly screamed. 

Peter was beating into her fast and hard as her core started spasming around his hard length again. "Come for me baby." Peter belted out as he again lengthened his stroke to lengthen her orgasm. 

"Oh fuck!!!" Julianne hollered as she came again. 

Peter pulled her legs around his waist and moved off to the side and continued slowly stroking into her body. Julianne's body shook and spasmed as she was amazed at his stamina and extreme skill. Through passion filtered eyes she took Peter's face close to her own before bringing his lips down to hers. The hand that caressed her nipple slid down to stroke her now abandoned clit. 

"Please don't make me pass out again. I want to see you cum. Please let me see you cum, Peter." Julianne begged in a voice that threatened to become hoarse if she screamed anymore.

She knew that she was one orgasm away from passing out again from the mind blowing sex he gave her. He looked deep into her eyes while feeling his own orgasm chase him. His hips moved erratically as he pumped faster into her fertile body. 

She stroked and rubbed her nipples for his enjoyment. The effect of watching her slim dark brown fingers pluck and stroke her pink tipped chocolate nipples drove him out of his mind. Before he could stop it he felt his balls tightening and his cum streamed out of his body and into her warmth. Her body spasmed again in acceptance of his seed.

Thoroughly pleased with her, he slowly pulled out watching their combined cum slide out of her beautiful body. He toyed with her pussy, bringing out more of their cum to smear it around her pussy lips. He knelt down between her legs and slowly licked the spoils of their romp from her body, humming as he enjoyed the smell of their sex on her soft body. 

He sat up and positioned himself behind her to spoon her body. With a contented sigh he sleepily mumbled, "You please me so much my precious Josephine. Still, so very much." Julianne, who was already half asleep, knew that she heard him say something that niggled at the back of her mind, but didn't think too much of it as slumber completely consumed her.

End of Chapter 2!



The Arrangement Ch. 02



Daniel awoke to the smell of pancakes. It took a moment for him to place where he was. It always did. His dreams were sometimes more vivid than reality, whether of smoke-filled battle fields or limp, lifeless blondes. This morning in particular the confusion hung over him. He ran a hand across his face as if to clear the cob webs from his brain.

Pancakes? His mother had not made pancakes since he was in kindergarten. Eggs, bacon, toast; sure, but not pancakes. 

Then he remembered. The woman. Jill was her name. The events of the previous day came flooding back like lahar flow after a volcanic eruption. The woman had flown thousands of miles to marry him based upon emails he had not even written. The idea seemed ridiculous, but what little he had seen of the woman, she seemed anything but the flighty type of feminine creature he would expect to do something so...crazy.

Rolling over he looked at the digital clock on the nightstand next to his bed. Nine thirty-eight. 

"What the fuck?" he spat. He never slept past oh-six-hundred. Not in years. Not even on vacation. It was programmed into his mind and body. His alarm clock was more for show than functionality. 

The girls. What about them? Where were they? Worse yet, what had they gotten into? Even if she was up and cooking pancakes, the girls did not know Jill. How could she manage three children under the age of six and make breakfast?

Daniel's senses were immediately at attention, his mind racing with horrific images of disasters, each worse than the last. Three girls could cause more trouble than a terrorist cell. 

He threw back the blankets and raced down the hall towards the kitchen, not even considering his attire.

***

Jill flipped another of the sweet breakfast treats in the small pan. This morning she had opted for the thicker American style batter that rose in the pan, a golden delight visually as well as its smell and taste. 

Her brows creased in thought. It was amazing that two countries, which shared the same language and were in fact close relations, could have so many differences. She had barely been back in the United States for twelve hours and already she had run across at least a dozen different words or customs. Pancakes that were so thin you could see right through them seemed inconsequential in the grander scheme of things, especially in the bright morning light. 

The mess that she had made of her life by hopping on the first plane available and coming three thousand miles to marry a stranger that was consequential.

"Bel, you ready for another?" She asked the little girl playing quietly at the table with a Barbie doll.

Turning around with another pancake poised on the spatula, she almost dropped the frying pan. The sight that greeted her gaze sent her heart into overdrive and pushed the air from her lungs.

Six foot plus of lean, muscular male filled the doorway between the kitchen and living room. His soft chocolate hair looked as if someone had just run their fingers through it. His matching beard was in disarray. His blue eyes held a sleepy, dream-like look that invited her mind to go places it should not. 

Most disconcerting of all, he wore nothing more than a pair of basic military issue white boxer shorts. Jill's throat tightened further at the sight. 

The man was beautiful. She knew that was not the correct word to use to describe this tough, macho-type men, but no other word fit. She thought of the Greek gods that she had read about in high school. 

Ares, the god of war. The man before her was the modern day reincarnation of Ares.

She tried to ignore the rush of heat that coursed through her blood and pooled distinctly between her thighs, a wetness that begged to be relieved. She was a woman after all. Any woman would feel the same, she assured herself. She almost jumped from her skin at the girlish giggles which echoed off the kitchen walls.

"Daddy," Bel squealed. The twins, sitting in matching Winnie the Pooh high chairs, simply hit their messy hands against the white plastic trays that surrounded them.

"I hope the girls didn't wake you," he said in a deep husky voice that caressed her skin and sent electric shock waves skittering along her spine.

"I hope you don't mind," she fumbled waving her hands towards the counter top where eggs, flour, sugar and milk sat among drips of yellowish batter and white powder. "I suppose my body clock is still a bit off," she smiled by way of explanation.

"Mind? Lady, I woke to the smell of pancakes. Why the hell would I mind?" He paused and with a conspiratorial wink to Bel adding, "As long as there are some for me."

"Yes, Daddy. Jill saved you some. She said not to wake you up," the child explained through the gap where her front teeth had once been.

"I'll put some more on while you get dressed," Jill hinted as she turned back towards the low flame on the stove. The idea of sharing an intimate breakfast with him wearing nothing more than boxers might be appealing, but it was also more than a bit daunting given the misunderstanding that had resulted it her current uncertain future. 

Still she doubted that the sight of this man in his bare feet and boxer shorts would quickly fade from her mind, if ever. More than likely her brain would file it away and bring it forth to haunt her erotic dreams in an empty bed for months and years to come.

"If you're sure the girls aren't bothering you," he questioned once more.

Jill giggled as she thought, 'It's not the girls that are bothering me, commander.' Over the last quarter century British politeness had taught her to keep such thoughts to herself. "We have everything under control, commander." She assured, careful to keep her back towards him and her eyes straight ahead. "You should go get dressed. Your pancakes will be ready in a couple of minutes." She would need that time to try and wipe his mostly naked form from her mind if she were to continue with polite indifference.

***

Daniel sat at the oval table that dominated the small kitchen with its yellowish walls. His fork was laden with thick layers of pancake. The rich, brown maple syrup dripped to his plate below. The truth was that the smell had not done justice to the woman's cooking. The pancakes were perhaps the best he had ever tasted.

"Want more?" the woman asked as she cleared Bel's plate from the table.

He shook his head. "I really shouldn't." He had already consumed at least half a dozen. Anymore and he would have to add an extra mile to his daily run.

He watched as she used a damp cloth to wipe Britney's hand. Ashley was content to shovel another bite-size piece of pancake into her mouth. Bel had run off to her room her Barbie doll in tow. 

His eyes came to rest on the generous curves of the woman. Her jeans clung tightly to round hips. He stared in fascination. Where this woman was soft and generous, Rachel had always been more angular. Even during her three pregnancies, she had carefully watched each thing she ate, afraid to gain too much weight. After the births, she had spent hours in the gym. Her need to lose it all quickly was almost obsessional. Hell, Rachel had always been so small that some part of him had been almost afraid of breaking her. As a result, their lovemaking had never been especially good, tame by most standards in fact.

There would be no need for restraint with a woman built like this. Her full hips and round backside elicited forbidden thoughts of wild lovemaking, reckless comings together of flesh, ample enough to take whatever came.

Daniel cleared his throat and with iron will pulled his mind back from thoughts that it had no business thinking. The woman was a guest in his home, a temporary if unexpected guest. In a couple of days, she would be gone and his life would be back...to normal. Except nothing had been normal in their lives in a very long time.

As if sensing his gaze, Jill looked up at him. She fidgeted with the cloth, wringing it between her fingers nervously. "I really am sorry about all the mess. I tend to make a bit of a mess when I cook. And it is just that I cook when I think," she chuckled. "To be honest, I cook when I'm happy. I cook when I'm mad. I cook when I worry. I guess I just cook," she explained nervously as she turned back to the counter wiping and cleaning the remnants of the morning feast.

"Think away then," Daniel said as he patted his full stomach. If the way to a man's heart was his stomach, this woman must have left a lot of broken hearts, he thought. He watched as she set to work rinsing syrup from the plates, loading the dish washer and wiping down already clean counter tops. It was clear that this situation was making her as nervous as he was. 

When she ran out of work at the sink, she turned back to the table. With a weak smile she asked, "You finished?" she stared at his empty plate. He nodded as she lifted the plate. 

Hesitating for a moment, she asked "Is there any way I can get online? I want to email my cousin in Houston."

"Sure. I'll set you up on the wireless this morning," he offered with a smile. Daniel chastised himself for the poor host he had been. He should have realized that she needed to contact family and friends to let them know she was alright. "Sorry, I did not think of it sooner."

"Thanks, it's alright really. It is just that the sooner I can email my family and check a few things out online, the sooner I can get out of your hair," she said as she wiped Ashley's hands and face.

Daniel frowned at her words. Of course, she would want to make plans since the ones that had brought her here in the first place had fallen through. But still she seemed so completely in charge, as if his kitchen were her battlefield and his girls her troops to command. It was more than a bit disconcerting how natural it all felt, he thought as she picked the child up in her arms.

"I'll be back for you, sweetie, after I change your sister," she cooed to the baby sitting in her clean high chair chasing a cloth block across the tray.

"Ashley. After you change, Ashley," he supplied.

Jill smiled weakly at him. "Thanks. I would ask how to tell them apart, but I suppose it doesn't matter. I won't be staying that long."

Her words stung for some unexplained reason. Rather than delve deeper into the why's of the situation, Daniel sought solace in mundane conversation. "Britney is more demanding and she has a dimple in her left cheek when you make her giggle," he explained. "Ashley is laid-back. An easy baby and the dimple is on the right side with her. I just tickle them when I need to figure out which is which."

She smiled and turned down the hall towards the nursery where she was staying. Ashley tucked naturally in her arms babbled happily as if revealing secrets of her own. Her baby's conversation made more sense at the moment than anything else about this situation. "Thanks," she mumbled as she beat a quick retreat.

Daniel sighed as the woman left the room. "What now, buddy?" he asked.

As if in answer to his rhetorical question, Britney goo-ed. "Yeah, well, don't get used to the pancakes, sweet cheeks. You know I can't cook worth a damn." 

The baby clapped her hands and drooled in response. 

***

Jill stared at the computer screen. She had written and re-written the email to her cousin three times. 

Drawing a deep breath, she shook her head. "The truth is Jill you just don't want to go back to Houston," she said to the empty room.

She had also responded to emails from her youngest son and her former boss. Both were worried about the suddenness of her trip. She was too. A little too late, my girl, she thought. 

Opening another browser window, she checked the status of her AmeriCorps' application. Still pending. 

In desperation, she checked the prices of unlimited bus travel. A two month ticket would cost her six-hundred dollars. What then? Why didn't they sell tickets good for a whole year? A lifetime even. It wasn't like she had anything to go back to.

Jill fought back tears. Things had been hard after David died. Some nights, missing him was so deep that it actually hurt, like someone had driven a knife into her gut and ripped out a piece of it. 

But they had one another. She and the boys against the world it seemed sometimes. Now it was just her. Staring at the picture of her sons that was her screen saver, she reminded herself that was how it was supposed to be. Children grew up. They started lives of their own. Her sons had done particularly well. All were successful in one way or another. 

The weight of the last nine months pressed upon Jill's shoulders. It felt as if this load was heavier than any she had faced before. Loss and death hung about her as she looked into the unknown. She recognized that the problems were not bigger than ones she had faced in the past, but there was no one to share the weight of the burden this time. It seemed too much.

***

Daniel felt like an intruder in his own home. He didn't know how long he had stood in the doorway to the nursery watching the woman. 

Jill, he reminded himself. She had a name. But somehow it was easier to think of her as 'the woman.' The impersonal nature of it offered protection. He did not want to like her. Admire her gumption as his dad would call it. But whether it was the delights of waking to the smell of the world's best pancakes, the natural way that she had with his daughters or simply her full-figure that had his hands itching to cup and feel things that he ought not to even think about, he could not seem to get her out of his mind.

He called a halt to his musings. Nothing could come of any of it. The woman came here to get married and that was one thing he swore at Rachel's grave-side he would never do, subject another helpless woman to his failings as a husband. 

He reminded himself that he had come here with a purpose. Clearing his throat to warn her of his presence, he began. "Jill, I'm going to take Bel, Ashley and Britney down to the park to watch Jessie practice. Would you like to join us?"

When she looked up from the computer screen, he could see the unshed tears glistening in her clear green eyes. He had no idea what to say or do to help her. The deep stabbing pain in his gut was a reminder that he hated tears. He was no good at stopping them, at least not when it came to women that mattered to him away, he thought. Why should this time be any different?

With a lame brush of her hands across her clear green eyes, she offered a weak smile, "Practice what?"

"Soccer. Football I guess you would call it," he tried an inviting smile.

"Actually, I don't. That was one of those Americanisms that I hung onto. I used it to drive David and our boys mad sometimes," she laughed.

"Wow, you are a brave woman. Calling football soccer in England? I'm surprised the Queen herself didn't boot you out right out of the country," he chuckled. 

"What can you say? Some things are worth fighting for and truth is one of them."

He felt something inside of him shift at her words. How many times had he used similar ones to encourage and motivate his men. This woman truly possessed that most elusive of feminine traits...depths of the soul. He fought back the sudden urge to ask about the others worth fighting for. 

Reminding himself once more that this was all just a temporary situation, he repeated the invitation "So you want to come with us?"

"Sure, it's been a couple of years since I watched the theatrics of kids kicking a ball around."

"More drama on the sidelines. Don't know about England, but around here all the action is with the parents," he replied.

"Oh yeah, I forgot about them. Or at least, we all try to. I'll just grab a jumper," she said reaching for a sweater from the suitcase at the foot of the bed.

"Sweater," he reminded her. "We'll see you in the car then. Five minutes?" he asked. "I have to round up the troops."

***

Jill screamed again as she watched the children race down the field. The black and white ball danced in front of Jessie as she approached the goal. Jill held her breath as the girl swung her leg in an arc that would do David Beckham proud. 

"Yes," she yelled at the top of her lungs. Her arms flung in the arm, the universal symbol of a goal. 

She looked down the side line to Daniel and the girls. She checked that they had not missed the action as they stood in line to purchase drinks and food. She was rewarded with Daniel's conspiratorial grin and wink. She held her thumbs up in response. Her heart pounded more quickly against her ribs. "Ares," she whispered beneath her breath at the sight of his dark head bent near Bel's blond as if planning a military campaign rather than simply ordering snacks.

"You really are as perfect for them as we thought you might be."

Jill was startled by the heavily accented voice that came from behind her. She turned to the woman, whom she recognized from last night. She reminded Jill of Aunt Jemima, her round fullness evoking a comforting sense of home.

"I'm Simone Jackson. You met my husband, Samuel, last night," the woman said as she held out a pudgy hand.

Jill shook it and returned the smile. "I hope you didn't get into any trouble. He and Daniel seem to blame you for..."

"Nuttin' I can't handle, girlfriend," Simone cut her off before she could finish the sentence.

"Why do they blame you?" Jill could not hold back the question.

"Because you is all my doin'," she said simply.

Jill screwed her face into a scowl. "What do you mean...all your doing? I thought Daniel's mother wrote those emails."

Simone's face lit up with a conspiratorial wink she said, "She did. But whose idea did you think it was to look on the Internet in the first place? Dat sweet ole' woman didn't even know what email was until I showed her. No, it was me dat be helpin' the stars along wid dis one," she said proudly.

Jill had to laugh at fate's sense of humor. "I hate to tell you this, but the stars made a mistake."

Simone frowned. "De stars never make no mistakes," she assured her. "Only people make mistakes." Her dark eyes turned towards Daniel, who had been joined in line by her Samuel. "Sometimes people can fight what's good for dem, but make no mistake de stars is always right."

Jill tried to change the subject. "Which islands do you come from? I can hear the West Indian accent but can't figure out where it comes from."

"West Indian. I haven't heard dat word in years. Around here, they call it Caribbean," she said. "Montserrat."

"How long have you been here?"

"Since I was six years old."

Jill drew her head back in shock. "Sorry, I just thought that with an accent like that you hadn't been here long."

Simone winked, "Oh that. It is just useful," she explained in perfect English. "I do readings on the side. People are just more inclined to believe in the arts when they hear the accent." She nudged Jill, "Besides, de men can't resist a good lovin' Caribbean woman."

Jill cackled out loud. The laughter felt as if the weight of the world had lifted from her shoulders. Genuine joy danced within her for the first time in a very long time. 

"Dare I ask?" the deep voice danced across her skin like velvet. Jill immediately stopped laughing and sat up straight. She stiffened at the words whispered from behind, just inches from her ear. So close that she could feel his warm breath against the side of her face. 

"I was just talkin' wid my new friend," Simone responded looking at Daniel and her husband. Both men stared at her as if neither believed the innocence of her profession for a single minute.

New friend, Jill considered the words. A dark look crossed her face and her eyes misted a bit as she remembered her best friend. But Ubah was dead and she would not be around long enough for any real friendship to develop with this lively character, she reminded herself. She was as alone as she felt at that moment.




The Arrangement Ch. 02



Daniel took a seat on the metal bleacher next to her. "Your nachos," he said as he passed her the plastic bowl piled high with chips, chilli and cheese. "Extra jalapenos, just like you wanted."

Jill focused on living in the moment. She smiled, "It's nice hearing them called hal-e-pen-yos and not jal-e-pen-yos."

"What?" he asked.

"Just another of the odd things they say," she supplied. She moaned after biting into the delicacy that never tasted quite the same in England. "Damn, that is good."

"You love your food," he said.

Jill stopped with cheese dripping off the next chip poised inches from her mouth. She looked at her full figure. His words stung as if he had slapped her. "I might not be a size zero model, but I'm not exactly fat either," she said defensively.

Daniel shook his head. "I'm sorry. I did not mean it like that at all. It's actually kind of nice."

Simone broke in, saddling her robust busts up against her husband's arms. "That's right. Just more of us for the lovin'. Ain't dat right, Sammy? More cushion for da pushin'."

Everyone laughed at her forthright words. Even as her husband blushed and slapped lightly at her bottom. "Watch your mouth, woman."

Jill turned back to watch the game, before anyone could see the tears that glistened in her eyes. It was not his fault, she thought. It was not his words that ricocheted through her mind at night. "What man could really want you? You're fat and what's more you don't even try to take care of yourself."

***

Daniel ushered Jessica towards the car. He could see Jill struggling with the fastener on Bel's boaster seat. 

"Who's she anyway?" his daughter demanded sullenly. Dragging her equipment bag, even as she drug her feet. 

He searched for the right answer. Jessie would not be satisfied with the simple answer of a 'nice lady' that Bel had. Of course, the babies needed no explanation; just cuddles and pancakes.

"She's a friend of gran's, who is going to help out until I can find a nanny," he said, assuring himself it was not a complete lie.

His daughter scowled, "We don't need no one. I told you I can manage. I took care of the babies when mom was..." Words hung in the air. "I took care of the others even when she was alive."

Daniel felt the knife to his gut. "I know, sweetie, but you shouldn't have to." 

Guilt nibbled at his heart. How had he not seen how bad things had become those last couple of years? Alright, he had always known that Rachel was not the domestic type. His beautiful wife had never reformed from the spoiled, rich party girl that she had been when they met. But the house was always passable, the girls clothed and fed, even if it was mostly take-out. How long had Jessie been bearing the burden that was never hers? He wondered now.

He hit the button on his key ring. The click told them that glass window on the back of the car was open. Jessie was pouting as she tossed her gear bag into it. 

Jill had finally conquered the cursed fastener. She was now rising to her full stature, a triumphant look upon her face.

"Jessica, this is Jill," he said. "Jill, the sulking pre-teen is my daughter, Jessica." He offered apologetically.

Jill extended her hand. "It's nice to meet you, Jessie. Your grandmother told me a lot about you. But not how good a soccer player you are. That goal was really good."

The young girl looked at the ground. "Yeah. Whatever," she mumbled as she held open the door.

Jill climbed in first and buckled the seat belt. Jessie took the seat on her right, next to the window. She promptly pulled out her IPod and plugged it into her ears.

Daniel climbed into the driver's seat. His legs brushed against Jill's as he folded his tall frame into the car. 

He had forgotten how packed and intimate even his Explore could be. He tried to remember the last time that Rachel had gone with them on one of their family outings. But failed. Those last couple of years she had begged off so many things. She said that she needed some time alone, but he had always wondered. 

There was nothing he could do about the past...as much as he might like to. Turning the key, he smiled at his girls. "Next stop home." 

***

Jill wiped Britney's face. The baby giggled, revealing the dimple is her left check. 

"You really are a cheeky little monkey, sweetheart," Jill said as she tickled the baby's side.

Ashley began to whimper uncharacteristically in her high chair. "Alright, sweetie, you're next. Just let me get your sister's hand clean," she ran the damp cloth across the baby's hands as well. She placed Britney on the kitchen floor, which she had just swept. The baby crawled towards the box of toys in the corner.

"Your turn now, angel," she smiled. 

Jill had to remind herself once more not to get too attached to the babies. But over the past couple of days, it was a fight that she feared she had already lost. The girls, even sulking Jessie, had been a delight. Jill had played Barbie's and read books with Bel. She had even attempted to engage Jessie in conversation about soccer with some limited success. The tween had grudgingly admitted that she knew quite a bit about the sport 'for an old lady.'

But it was the twins for whom the fight was the hardest. She had insisted that Daniel allow her to care for the babies while she was there. After all, it was the least she could do to repay his hospitality. It had been almost twenty years since she cared for babies. She had forgotten the softness, the warmth and the unconditional love that they exuded. 

She would miss it when she left this place, but she had come to a decision. She was going to purchase an older car and begin her tour of America. Even her limited funds would get her quite a ways if she camped out and stayed in hostels, where possible. Besides she could always pick up money in any café that had a help wanted sign. 

If she felt a bit let down by her decision, there was not much she could do now. It was the best of her options. 

"All done, my girls," she pronounced as she placed Ashley on the floor. She promptly headed straight to where her sister sat playing with a plastic worm. 

Jill used the damp cloth to clean the high chairs.

***

Daniel growled as he tossed the paper upon a growing pile on the coffee table. How hard could it be? Finding one qualified, responsible and caring person to look after four girls. But over the past couple of days, it was as daunting a mission as he had ever undertaken.

This one was too old to manage four active girls. That one too inexperienced. This one too strict and unloving. That one too lenient. This one didn't speak enough English. That one didn't drive. 

He growled again in utter frustration as Jill entered the room. He stood up and took the heavily laden tray that she carried. "Here, let me help you with that."

She handed it over with a smile, "I just thought you could use some lunch. How's the search going for a nanny?"

"Finding terrorists hiding in the mountains of Afghanistan is easier," he replied weakly.

"I hope you find the right person," she replied as she turned to leave.

"How about you? Any word from your cousin?" he inquired.

"Actually, I'm thinking about buying a used car and just hitting the road," she responded, stopping in the doorway.

Daniel frowned, "Isn't that a bit dangerous for a woman alone?"

Jill shook her head, "I'll manage...probably better than you will if that stack of papers is the reject file." She gestured towards what was in fact the reject pile.

"Thanks a lot for the reminder." His deep rich laughter filled the room as she headed back into the kitchen to make some other delightful concoction for dinner. 

Patting his tummy, he thought 'I'd better get back to the field soon or I'm going to be out of regulation with that woman's cooking.' A low moan came from his lips as he bit into the thick sandwich rich with beef left over from the night before and a dressing that was unlike anything he had tasted before.

"Damn, that woman can cook," he said around a large bite. 

Why was it that in the hundreds of resumes he had read and the dozen interviews there was not a single woman to be found that could cook, clean and take care of the girls like this one had? She stepped off the plane and simply took over, making everything look easy.

His brows furrowed deep with thought as he finished off the sandwich.

***

Jill washed a pot as she stared out the kitchen window. The street was bustling with young families out for walks and bike rides. The sun would not go down for another couple of hours. Jessie had asked to go see Althea and Bel was with the little girl next door. 

From the window, she could see the Commander entertaining the twins in the wading pool. The man looked way too good in khaki shorts and a t-shirt. Not as good as in those white boxers, of course. Turning to wipe down the table, she reminded herself not to ogle the man. 

She pondered what to do now. She could go watch some television she supposed. She had always been partial to American shows, even if they were weeks or months old by the time they appeared on British channels. Crime dramas were her favorites. 

She headed into the living room but stopped just inside the doorway. A picture caught her eye. It was a family portrait. The Commander and a devastatingly beautiful blonde woman with a much younger Jessie. The other little girl must be Bel, but she could not have been much older than the twins were now. They were all giggling in the picture as Daniel and the girls attempted to tickle the woman. Rachel.

Jill had spent the past two years working in a day center for people with mental health issues. She had even received some basic counselling training. She knew people, who suffered with depression. She had even known a couple, who had attempted suicide. 

The laughing blue eyes that looked at her from that picture showed no signs of sadness. Certainly not of depression so deep that it would drive her to take her own life. 

Rubbing her finger across the glass, she whispered, "Why?"

"If I knew that don't you think I would have done something...anything to stop her."

Jill jumped. She was startled by his presence; the man seemed almost a ghost, moving about without making the least bit of noise. She was certain it was a skill that made him very good at his job, but it made her more than a little uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry," was her only response to the hurt and defensive tone of his voice.

"I need to get some more towels. The other ones are wet. Would you mind going outside with the girls?" he commanded.

Jill nodded and brushed past him as she headed outside. It was clear from his tone that she had overstayed her welcome, prying as it were into things that were not her business. But it was hard for her to disconnect from the girls. And each day she stayed it would only get harder. Her resolve grew firmer; she had to get out of here...before it was too late.

As if to verify her thoughts, she caught his smell, soap and man, nothing more. It was intoxicating. Washing across her senses like a cool breeze on a hot summer's day, she sighed. If she did not leave soon, this man would be her undoing. 

***

Daniel sat on the back steps. He could hear Jill singing a lullaby to the twins. Her voice was horrid. Each note flatter and more off-tune than the last. At least, I know she isn't perfect, he thought. 

How could someone insinuate themselves so completely into his family in three days? But this woman had. Whether it was her cooking that was definitely putting weight on him and the girls; the easy way that she managed the house, multi-tasking until everything and everyone shone bright and clean; or the easy and genuine love and care that she gifted on each of his girls, love and care that made him a bit jealous and ache for even a smidgeon of her affections; this woman fit. Fit into their lives like a missing puzzle piece.

If she left now, he knew that Bel would be devastated. The two of them had formed a close bond, playing dolls for hours as the babies crawled about. It had made him realize exactly how badly his middle child had craved for feminine attention, taking her mother's death and emotional abandonment more deeply than he had known. The twins too had taken to the woman, although they were easier to please; milk, food, clean diapers and a few toys and anyone could be their friend. 

Of course, Jessie would probably be happy to see her go, but he could sense that even she was melting just a bit, responding to the interest that Jill showed to her activities, especially soccer. Given time, he was certain that she would come to accept the woman, who had taken a bit of the burden her young shoulders were too thin to manage alone. 

"What about you, buddy? You happy to see the woman go?" he asked the darkness.

Besides the obvious, cooking, cleaning and the true care that she showed his girls, he admitted that there was something else about her. The few conversations that they had the past couple of days had been comfortable. Comfortable might seem an odd word, but he was not accustomed to conversations with women that were anything other than contentious, angry even.

When he had seen Jill looking at that picture, it had been a reminder of one thing; what a miserable failure he was as a husband. How could he have not seen the depression? Oh, he knew that Rachel was not happy with their life. She made that damned clear. He had thought that they might even get a divorce. But he had never for a moment thought she would commit suicide. 

'Why' had haunted his life for nine months and probably would for the rest of his life. It was not an easy enemy to confront. Why had he not seen the truth? Why had Rachel thought everything so hopeless that she would leave the girls? Him, he could understand. They had long since stopped loving one another. The Navy his mistress and true love as she had accused thousands of times over the years. 

And Rachel was never one to play second fiddle to anyone. She craved center stage like the spoiled, youngest child of the wealthy family that she was. He chuckled almost fondly, she would have been at place on one of those television reality shows where all the women did was shop and go to parties. She certainly was not cut out for the long absences and responsibilities that marriage to a Navy Seal brought with it. Even though Simone and some of the other wives had reached out to her, Rachel had never really fit in with this life-style that required self-sacrifice.

His senses trained over the years to be at constant alert, he heard the creak of the screen door as it opened. Silence hung in the crisp Ocean air; the woman stood in the doorway as if uncertain how to proceed. It was a feeling that he could sympathize with at the moment.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know you were out here," Jill said.

"The girls asleep?" he asked as he lifted the bottle of lukewarm beer to his lips. 

She nodded as she turned back to go inside. 

"Don't go," he commanded.

"I really don't want to bother you."

"Actually, I was going to come looking for you anyway. There is something I wanted to discuss," he said.

***

Jill reluctantly took a seat on the step next to him, but declined the bottle of beer when he passed it to her. 

"Never liked the stuff. More of a wine girl."

He nodded and brought the bottle back up to his lips. His profile shown proudly in the soft moonlight. Up close, she could see the fine lines around his eyes, lines drawn by time and responsibility. He was a man with plenty of those that was for certain. 

Jill crossed her hands in her lap to keep from reaching up and touching his beard. What would it feel like? Would it be as soft as it looked? His dark brown hair too was longer than she was accustomed to. She knew of course that the US military had loosened its once stringent regulations on such things. Fitting it with local cultures and camouflage were more important than tradition, at least in this country. 

Her heart stuttered as she remembered David in his dress uniform. Hair cut short in keeping with customs, his olive cheeks shaved clean. Even after five years, it still hurt a bit to remember the man that had been her first lover, best friend and husband for almost twenty years. 

But the past was not something she could change. And while her future might not be the one, she had dreamt of, it would be one of her choosing. She watched him in silence as he lowered the empty bottle, resting it on his knees. Resolve welled up inside of her.

"So what did you want to talk about?" she asked.

"Are you serious about buying some old clunker and just going?"

His words stung. While it might not seem the most logical option to someone like him, or even to most people, Jill had always been someone who followed her heart. If it had not worked on this particular occasion, it had when she had given up her home and country to follow a man she loved. Their happy marriage and the four sons they had produced attested to her instincts. Still his words made her feel defensive, "Is it any of your damned business?"

"Yeah, it's my mother's fault you came on this damned wild goose chase to begin with. So, hell yeah, I'd feel like shit if anything happened to you. I have enough fucking blood on my hands as it is." He stared straight ahead at the moon as if seeing ghosts that were not there. 

Jill fought the urge to wrap her arms about those broad shoulders that bore more pain and responsibility than any human ought. If things had been different, she thought. But they were not. He had made his choice. He did not want to risk hurt or share the burdens that he carried. And she would do well to remember that. "Well, don't worry about me, Commander. I'm a big girl," she said as she stood and turned to leave. 

His hand grabbed hers. She could feel the callouses as they rubbed against her palm. She froze at the heat. Her heart stuttered in her chest with an old familiarity. She shook herself as for a moment she too felt ghosts pass over this place, even if for her they brought a comfort. Something she doubted this man had felt in a very long time.

"No, please don't go," he pleaded. "I always screw these things up." His other hand ran across his face as he sighed deeply. 

The battle waged in her mind. She knew that she ought to run, seek out the safety of the room that she shared with the twins. Pull up the edges of the quilt that seemed made with such loving care and try to forget this man, the girls and the longings of her betraying heart. But the quiet strength of this man touched a part of her that she thought long since dead. A part of her that ached to soothe and comfort just as much as she would his crying twins. It had been a long time since she felt that protective of a man. 

In the end, it was not his words that she responded to, but the unspoken needs that they hid. She returned to her seat next to him. Their thighs brushed against one another once more.

"You know I've been looking for a nanny." 

Jill simply nodded. If a friendly ear was all he sought from her, it was certainly something that she would offer freely. 

"It isn't going as well as I hoped," he explained.

"I'm sorry for the girls' sake and yours." 

"I was thinking. You are really good with them. The house is cleaner than it has been in...ever. And your cooking is amazing. You don't really have any place to go or anything." 

Jill frowned at his last words. They seemed so cold and logical as if a computer were analysing the situation and calculating best possible outcomes based upon nothing more than strings of zeroes and ones. It reminded her of how different they were. The man who followed his sense of duty and the woman who followed her heart. 




The Arrangement Ch. 02



"I'm rambling again, aren't I?" he asked when he saw her looking up at the moon once more.

"Yes, you are, Commander. Are you saying that you have reconsidered the marriage idea?" She inquired, trying to keep the note of hope from her voice.

Daniel drew back. "No, God, no," he exclaimed.

Jill fought back tears. His words cut across her like a bayonet. Feeding insecurities that she thought were buried. Of course, a guy like him would never be interested in someone that looked like her. She sat in stunned silence. 

"What I'm trying to ask is...would you consider staying as our nanny?"

Jill thought that she was immune from rejection after the past couple of years. But his proposition was so much less than what she had once hoped that it was impossible not to draw back from the pain. She would not let him see the pain. She gathered her words carefully about her like a Kevlar vest to protect her heart from word bombs.

"Daniel, I'm sorry, but I'm not interested. As I said in an email, I had considered the possibility of caring for other people's children, but I don't want to become attached to them and then have to move on."

"But it doesn't have to be that way. The girls adore you. Well, except for Jessie, but she's just being a typical teenager. I can see you are already care for them. This could work. I know it could," he tried almost desperately to convince her.

"No, Daniel, it couldn't. Your job is dangerous. We both know that. What if something happened to you? I know from personal experience that the military isn't exactly kind to its widows and orphans. But at least the boys and I had one another. A nanny has no legal standing...whatsoever," she punctuated the last word. 

She hesitated to say more. She realized that she knew far more about this man, his daughters, and even his marriage than he knew. But for some reason, she needed him to understand how it could never work. "I know that Rachel's sister has already tried to get custody of those girls once. I wouldn't stand a chance as the hired help. So, no, Daniel, the answer is no," she said with finality as she stood and turned back towards the house. 

The slamming of the screen door punctuated her remarks in the dark, silent night.

***

Daniel stared at the computer screen. His eyes hurt. He had barely slept at all last night. And when sleep did finally come, it was filled with images of blond lifeless bodies and cold, blue lips. The nightmare was a frequent visitor these past months. But this time, when he looked back the lifeless form was not Rachel, but Jill. 

He hated to admit it, but everything she had said last night made perfect sense. She was right. Even widows and children were rapidly erased from the minds of the country that they had served. And of course, even if he made a will giving her custody of his daughters, it would probably not be enough. A nanny would have little standing in a custody battle, especially when faced with the best lawyers money could buy. He knew just how vicious things could get, especially with his former sister. 

He was a bit shocked that she knew about that though. What else might she know about him and the girls was what had kept him up most of the night. He had pulled the piece of paper with the account name and password from his desk. He spent hours pouring over the emails that she had exchanged with his mother and Simone. He still was not anywhere near the end of them all. Over the weeks, there were hundreds. Two-hundred and twenty-seven to be exact. And that was just her responses. 

He had finally given up trying to read them all around three in the morning. He might not know everything about this woman that had invaded their lives and home. But he was a man accustomed to making decisions based on limited intelligence. Decisions that could cost him and others' their lives. 

He knew enough to come to a decision.

He closed the laptop and stood. He knew where to find her. After she walked Jessie and Bel to the bus stop and saw them off to school, her mornings were spent in the backyard as Ashley and Britney toddled and played on the plastic gym that had seen over a decade of proud service. 

He held open the screen door. He saw them immediately, laughing and playing in the pool. Jill was wearing some knit dress that clung to her lush covers. The halter style top accentuated her full breasts. He swore that he could see the dark outline of her nipples through the thin fabric. 

'Enough of that, buddy,' he chided himself. This was not that sort of an arrangement, he thought.

Clearing his throat to announce his presence, he waited. Jill looked up with a smile plastered on her face. Britney giggled and splashed water on her dress. The knit material clung to her soft breasts. 

In self defense, he turned his eyes towards Ashley as she waddled towards him. He lifted her into his arms when she reached the steps. Finding the woman sexually attractive would only complicate an already muddled situation. 

Even with the decision made, his mind and his body were battling. He did not need this complication. It was not a duty that he any damned good at. But it was the only choice. He dove in, knowing that he was probably messing this one up too. He forced the words out before he could think himself out of it.

"Jill, are you still interested in this arranged marriage thing?"



The Arrangement Ch. 02



"Look at this place!"

I struggled up out of a deep sleep, momentarily disoriented, to find Carol standing in the middle of the room, hands on hips, surveying her surroundings. I looked at my watch. Six-forty. We had slept through the night.

Carol had discarded the ruined shirt from the night before and was now standing naked in the middle of the room. In our haste the previous evening, I had been conscious of her body's special beauty only in a general sense. Now I propped myself on one elbow and studied her more closely as she moved about the hotel room examining its amenities. Her breasts were high, firm and beautifully shaped. Long perfect legs rose from small shapely feet to meet in a triangle of golden hair. A tiny waist accentuated her slender hips. Her round little ass blended nicely into a delicate back, almost completely covered with cascading blond hair. Her skin was flawless.

I could feel a familiar stirring between my legs. She was breathtaking and she seemed to have no inhibitions about parading around, completely naked, in front of a man she hardly knew. For my part, I was more comfortable with the sheet pulled up to hide my growing erection.

"Look at this place!" she repeated. "Have you ever seen anything like it? Wait until you see the Jacuzzi and fireplace in the other room. And the bathroom is big enough to play tennis. The shower has three shower heads! And look at these mirrors!"

I glanced around. She was right, the room we were in was beautifully appointed. The media center housed a sixty-inch TV, DVD player and stereo system. The unseen Jacuzzi and fireplace intrigued me. Several erotic fantasy images raced through my mind. Glancing at the strategically placed mirrors, I was sorry we'd slept away so much of our allotted time in the room.

"The desk clerk didn't say anything about a fireplace."

"Well, it's there, right across from a Jacuzzi big enough for a diving board."

Carol continued to move about the room for a minute or two, examining the room in detail. As she did so, the expression on her face changed slowly from girlish delight to somber thoughtfulness. Finally, she crossed the room to sit facing me on the bed, tailor fashion. My cock swelled.

"Scott, I think it's time to talk," she said, looking pensive.

"All right. Last night you said you had a plan. Want to tell me about it?" I offered, my erection dwindling.

"It wasn't so much a plan really, more of an idea. I had a notion that we should pay them back in kind. Set something up so Brad and Kelly could catch us like we caught them. Then they'd know how it feels. But I want us to look as comfortable together as they seemed to be. So I thought we could sort of rehearse the performance for however long it took to plot our revenge."

"Looks like we got a good start last night."

"I guess we did," Carol responded, blushing prettily at the mention of our incredible encounter the night before.

"So, when did that idea first come to you?"

"It flashed through my mind when I was waiting for you in the lounge. After that, things sort of went haywire and I didn't really think about it again until this morning."

"Well, as gratifying as it might be to pay them back, it won't work. Not like that anyway. Have you ever seen an X-rated movie?"

"Maybe," she grinned.

"Those people are professionals at screwing in front of others and they usually can't keep their performances from being wooden and insincere. I'm neither actor nor exhibitionist enough to handle that kind of thing. Besides, if I really thought they were watching us, I'd probably never get it up."

"That would impress them," Carol giggled.

"I'm serious. I suppose we might be able to videotape ourselves and leave a copy or two lying around. But I think that's called 'evidence' and we don't need any of that getting loose. In any case, whatever we did would look cheap by comparison to them because we'd be acting for the camera. They weren't. They looked natural and uninhibited. Just like we were last night. If they had seen us, they'd have received the shock they deserve. But they didn't and I can't think of any way to set up what you're after."

"You're right. It was just a thought. Besides, I'm having second thoughts now anyway."

"How so?"

"This will sound funny but I'm not nearly as pissed off at them as I was last night. Our going to bed together took the edge off my anger. Last night I could have gleefully strangled them both. This morning I'm not sure exactly what I feel, but it isn't murderous."

"I know what you mean. Twelve hours ago I thought my world was ending and then you came into the picture. Now I find myself thinking about you and me, rather than them. And I don't want to go home. At least not yet. For one thing I don't know how I'm going to handle the situation when I get there. For another, you are beautiful and sexy and I haven't had nearly enough of you. Last night blew my mind."

Carol looked at me a long moment and said, "I thought it was pretty special myself. The whole thing was the most erotic experience of my life. What we saw from your deck and what we did here was beyond anything I've ever even fantasized about. I want more too, but I don't see how we can avoid going home today. Once we confront them, the lid will get blown off this whole mess and I'll end up feeling like I got cheated out of something good. That pisses me off."

"But we don't have to go home today."

"How can we avoid it?"

"Easy. I call Kelly and tell her I'm staying over a day to meet with another client. You call Brad and tell him there's been a scheduling snafu and you have to stay over in Dallas for a night.

"Don't you think Kelly will get suspicious?"

"No. My travel schedule is always pretty fluid because clients constantly change things. Plus she's going to be so delirious over the prospect of another night with Brad she won't give it a second thought. I'll bet she calls him thirty seconds after I tell her I'm coming in a day later. By the time you call Brad he'll be at such a fever pitch he'll buy anything."

"I guess you're right. Flight attendant schedule changes are an occupational hazard. Brad will see it as routine."

"Well, there you go; nothing to it. We just bought ourselves another day."

Carol looked thoughtful for a moment. Then a smile began to play across her lips.

"You know what we're doing, don't you?" she asked, laughing and shaking her head. "We're deliberately offering up Brad and Kelly for another night so we can behave just like them, even though we were outraged victims just a few short hours ago. We're as bad as they are."

"I know, and I don't really care. The fact that we're here in this room together doesn't make me feel guilty at all. If they had behaved themselves, we wouldn't be here. But they didn't and here we are. And here's another thing fate threw at us. If my cell phone hadn't died, we wouldn't be here under any circumstances. I'd have called that cab, spent a miserable night in a motel somewhere, and probably would have gone to a lawyer today. But regardless of what put us here, being with you is an unexpected and very pleasurable result that I'm not all that anxious to give up."

"I'm not ready for this to end either."

"Then we stay. But there's a little more we can do."

"Oh?"

"We go home Saturday evening and face the music, right?"

"I suppose we have to."

"You fly to Dallas again Monday, right?"

"Right."

"I'll go too. I have a client there who wanted me to spend some time with his firm on this trip but I was in a hurry to get home so I put him off. I'll call today and arrange to meet him Monday afternoon. You and I can get together Monday night to see where things stand after we've each been home for a little while. By then we'll have some idea about what comes next. I'll probably fly back on Tuesday's flight with you."

Carol stared at me. She understood that I was leaving the door open for something of greater duration to develop between the two of us. I held her gaze. She barely hesitated.

"Okay. Then let's do this right. Can we stay here the extra night? This place is fantastic. I have some money with me."

"Don't worry about that. I'll call the front desk and arrange the extra day. After that, I think I'll shower, shave and molest you. Beautiful ladies who sit around cross-legged with no clothes on are almost sure to get molested."

"You have a filthy mind. For all you know I have other plans."

"Yeah, like what?"

"Maybe I'll shower and shave my legs and molest you."

"Oh good, we can form a mutual molestation society."

"Call the front desk. And put your phone on the charger. I'll meet you in the shower," Carol said, wrinkling her nose at my bad joke as she uncoiled her body and slid gracefully off the bed onto her feet. "And don't take too long at it either. Naked ladies don't like to be kept waiting."

****

In the few short minutes it took to arrange the extra night in our room, shave and brush my teeth, Carol had completely steamed up the bathroom. The source of the heavy mist was a shower stall at least twelve feet in length. A set of double width swing-out frosted glass doors allowed entrance. Opening one of the doors, I stepped inside.

I was impressed. The entire interior was finished in off-white marble. The stall was dome shaped inside, making the interior much larger than it appeared from outside the doors. Indirect lighting, installed at the apex of the dome about ten feet high, bathed everything in a soft light which was further muted by the steamy mist. The curved walls flared down into a continuous marble bench seat that traced the perimeter of the stall from door to door. Three large shower heads sprayed heavy streams of hot water down into the stall. Clearly the shower was designed to accommodate multiple bathers. The exact center of the enclosure was occupied by a low round pedestal seat, also made of marble. Carol was perched there shaving her legs.

The misty atmosphere, the soft lighting, and the unconventional layout of the shower room gave her an ethereal appearance that was highly erotic. Like most women, Carol shaved her legs with long graceful strokes that made the exercise sensual all by itself. In these surroundings she radiated a sexuality that was overpowering. My cock responded instantly.

Ignoring me for the moment, Carol completed her work, rose from the pedestal and stepped into one of the shower streams to rinse the soap from her legs. Then, turning in my direction, she summoned me with a provocative look and a graceful motion of her hand. I moved eagerly into the water and into her arms.

"I want you to do exactly as you're told," Carol said.

"Yes Ma'am."

"Wash my hair," she commanded, handing me a tube of shampoo and turning her back. I began to slowly work shampoo into the mass of heavy wet hair, massaging her scalp and the back of her neck as I did so. She leaned against me in a relaxed stance as I worked. Thick streams of soap began to ooze down her back and coat my chest and stomach.

Soon we were sliding against each other in a slow sensuous dance timed to the motion of my hands through her hair. Reaching down with one hand, I coated her ass and inner thighs with the creamy suds. Applying more soap to myself, I slid my cock in between her thighs so it was positioned solidly across her pussy from back to front. As I began to move back and forth, Carol cried out softly.

"Oh Christ! Stand still. I'll do it," she ordered. "Hold on to me."

I released her hair and slipped my arms around to cup her breasts with soapy fingers, delighting in their silky firmness. As I caressed her she reached down to grasp the end of my cock where it protruded from between her legs and pulled it upward to apply pressure to her clit. A shiver of excitement raced through my body. Slowly she began to move her hips back and forth, sliding along the slippery shaft. In response, I softly kneaded her breasts, rolling the nipples gently between fingertips and thumbs.

"Oh fuck!" she panted, picking up the tempo of her thrusting, her round soapy ass slapping softly against my upper thighs.

We remained there under the hot water for a minute or so, soap streaming down from her hair to lubricate our bodies; I remaining motionless, Carol continuing her rhythmic dance as she spiraled quickly upward toward orgasm, her cries echoing softly off the walls of the shower.

I began to fear that Carol would not reach orgasm before I lost control and ejaculated between her legs. I had been dangerously close several times already and was not sure how much longer I could hold out.

As if in answer to my silent prayer, Carol threw her head back against my chest and clamped her legs tightly around my cock just as a spasm raced through her body. Continuing to knead her nipples with the fingers of one hand, I dropped the other arm to her waist and tightened my hold on her.

"Oh! Oh! Ohhhhh!" she exclaimed, her voice high pitched and straining. As a second, more acute tremor sliced through her, Carol pitched forward slightly and her knees started to buckle. I held her firmly so she wouldn't fall and concentrated hard on fighting down a powerful urge to cum. By the time her body quit shaking and she regained some strength in her legs, I had forced myself under control.

When she was able to move, Carol turned in my arms to face me, now straddling my still painfully erect cock from the other direction. As she clasped me gently with her inner thighs, I dropped my hands to her ass and pulled her tightly to me. Her breasts were still heaving from excitement and exertion.

"Don't move!" I ordered, urgently.

"I can't move," she gasped.

We stood motionless for a minute or two, her face against my chest, luxurious hot water streaming down our bodies. Finally, Carol disengaged herself and walked over to the bench seat. She returned a moment later with a bar of translucent amber-colored soap.

"Wash me. All over," she commanded, handing the bar to me. Without a word, I pulled her out of the direct stream of water and began to gently rub the soft soap over her entire body. Soon, except for her face and hair, she was completely lathered in thick creamy suds. I pulled her into my arms, reinserted my dick between her soapy thighs and pressed my lips to hers. Her tongue immediately began to probe my mouth. Our kiss intensified. Once again I felt dangerously close to orgasm.

In self-defense, I withdrew my cock from between her legs and substituted my left hand, now slippery with the mild soap. Carol parted her legs to permit better access and broke free of the kiss.

"I don't know if I can cum again," she whispered in my ear. "But don't stop."

"I have no intentions of stopping," I whispered back as I slowly inserted my two middle fingers into her. A sharp intake of breath was her only response.

When my fingers were positioned precisely, I curled them forward and brushed them quickly over her G-spot, deep behind her pubic mound. The effect was instantaneous.

Carol stiffened and cried out sharply in astonishment at the thrill of arousal that shot through her body. Without giving her time to recover, I began to move my fingers quickly but softly over the same spot. Within a few seconds she opened her thighs wider to accommodate my hand and started a continuous chant as her arousal rapidly increased.

"Ohhh, Ohhh, Ohhh, fuck......"

I increased both the speed and pressure of my stroking fingers. Carol responded by pressing down against the palm of my hand, clasping her arms about my neck in a fierce grip and crying out sharply into my ear. "Oh, God! What are you doing to me?"

Sensing she was very close to orgasm, I dropped my right hand to her ass, pulled her tighter against my body and increased the speed of my fingertips once again.

Carol was crying out incoherently now, teetering on the brink of a thunderous climax, her body held tightly in my hands. Just as her body began to tense in preparation for release, I used my other hand to slip a finger deep into her ass and push her over the edge.

Spasm after spasm rippled through her body as I held her tightly against me, continuing to flutter my fingers softly inside her pussy and gently probing her ass at the same time. I could feel the sharp contractions of her powerful pelvic muscles. Her hands tore at the back of my neck.

Finally, Carol collapsed against me, once again nearly falling as her legs lost their ability to support her weight. Her breath was coming in sobs. I slowly withdrew my fingers and wrapped my arms tightly around her, holding her close as she recovered from what must have been the most powerful orgasm she had ever experienced. As her breathing neared normal, I tilted her face up to mine and kissed her gently. Soon she could stand unaided.

"Come with me," I ordered, pulling her back into the shower stream. I began to slowly rinse the soap from her body, starting with her hair and moving down her body, gently caressing and rinsing in soft afterplay. By the time I finished, she had recovered significantly.

"I've never felt anything like that before," she said softly. "Sometime you'll have to explain exactly what you just did to me. It blew me away." And with that she reached down to gently grasp my still painfully swollen cock.

"But now it's your turn. Go sit on the pedestal," Carol directed. I did as I was told, watching her as she moved about the enclosure, readjusting each shower head to produce a fine hot mist that rained directly down onto me as I sat in the middle of the stall. Satisfied, she scooped up the abandoned bar of soap and crossed the room to kneel at my feet.

Working the soap into a thick lather, she smoothed it over my stomach and thighs, lingering erotically near, but not quite touching, my throbbing cock. Then, apparently satisfied with the result, she rose to her feet and, with a graceful movement, moved to stand directly over me with her legs straddling mine.

Locking her hands behind my neck, Carol slowly lowered herself into my lap, my rigid cock slipping easily into her wetness.

The feeling was incredible. I had been aroused for so long that the delicate hot flesh encircling my cock was almost more than I could handle. Carol understood and remained motionless with me deep inside her for a minute or so while I fought for control. After a brief struggle I succeeded in forcing back the urge to cum. Sensing that I was now under some measure of control, she began to move.

I expected her to simply ride up and down on my cock. But she surprised me by moving gently back and forth, sliding easily in the soap that coated my lap. With each stroke, she rocked her pelvis in a sort of bump and grind that quickly began to drive me wild. Every fourth stroke or so, she would rise up until only the very tip of my cock remained inside her and then slowly ease back down to take me deeply into her once again. The entire time, she stared directly into my eyes. The effect was exciting and hypnotic.

Carol's obvious intentions were to bring me slowly to orgasm, prolonging my release until the last possible moment. I don't think she expected to become aroused again herself but she badly misjudged her own sensuality. Within a few short minutes her eyelids fluttered shut, her breathing began to accelerate and a series of low husky moans escaped her throat.

"Oh God," she breathed into my ear, "It's happening to me again. I'm going to cum!"

I answered by grasping her ass in both hands and adding my strength to her thrusting hips. Soon she was sliding madly across my lap and crying out continuously as she rocketed once again toward a shattering climax.

Just when I knew I was completely out of control and would cum within seconds, Carol arched her back sharply and let out a primal shriek as the first of several violent spasms racked her body. Letting out a loud groan, I exploded into her with a series of hot convulsive spurts that matched the timing of her contractions perfectly.




The Arrangement Ch. 02



Carol clutched me tightly to her breasts and burst into tears. I held her for a long time as our tremors subsided and our breathing returned to normal. She continued to cry softly, her face buried in my hair. I began to grow concerned. Apparently sensing my growing alarm, she struggled to regain control of herself. After a few seconds, she was able to speak.

"I'm sorry, Scott. I didn't mean to frighten you. Those were not tears of guilt or regret. They were tears of release. I have never really been multiply orgasmic. Last night I came twice and that's only happened to me a time or two before. This morning I lost track of time and I lost count of the climaxes. You have unlocked something deep inside me, something overwhelming. That's why I was crying. I don't know what you are doing to me, but I love it and I want more. But right now I'm exhausted. I have to rest. Please take me back to bed."

We both got unsteadily to our feet and rinsed the soap from our bodies. I turned off the water and guided Carol out of the shower stall. Wrapping a huge bath towel around her for warmth, I used a second one to pat her dry and get as much moisture out of her hair as I could. By the time I tucked her in bed, her eyes were glassy with fatigue. She dropped immediately into a deep sleep as I slipped beneath the covers to lie naked at her side.

****

Much, much later I drifted up out of a coma, slowly becoming aware of a pleasant sensation between my legs. I raised my head slightly to investigate the source of those feelings.

I was flat on my back, the covers had been thrown aside and Carol was lying between my outstretched legs. While one hand cradled my balls and the other clasped the base of my fully erect cock, she was easing her mouth slowly up and down its shaft. A delicious thrill raced up and down my spine.

"What on earth are you doing?" I asked sleepily, but with rapidly increasing interest.

Carol paused to give the head of my dick a gentle, playful nip with her teeth. I was suddenly more awake.

"What does it look like I'm doing?"

"Unless I miss my guess, I believe you're giving me a blow job."

"A splendid piece of deductive reasoning. Now pay attention," she ordered. "Lie back and enjoy this. You are not to touch me in any way. When I decide you're ready, you'll be allowed to come in my mouth." And with that she returned her attention to the business at hand.

Within seconds I was awash in some of the most intense sensations I had ever experienced. She was in constant motion as she brought me dangerously close to orgasm and held me there, teetering on the brink of ejaculation for a lifetime before allowing me to drift briefly back to safer territory, only to send me rocketing upward once again. Her fingernails continuously traced my balls and the base of my cock. Her tongue, lips and teeth danced over the head and upper shaft, sending a series of exquisite but involuntary spasms slicing through my body. Each time I approached the end, Carol sensed the impending explosion and, at the last possible second, sharply squeezed the base of my throbbing shaft to shock me into a momentary withdrawal from the edge. Moments later, she would send me racing toward the brink once again.

"Oh, fuck!" I cried out sharply as my body started to tremble. "I'm going to cum!"

Carol's answer was another sharp squeeze as she pulled me back from the precipice once again. Seconds later she began to bite the underside of my cock in a series of almost painful nips, starting near the base and moving relentlessly toward the swollen and quivering head. I thought my mind and balls would explode.

I lost touch with my surroundings completely as Carol expertly forced me to endure a roller coaster ride of exquisite pleasure. My breathing was labored and convulsive. My fingers clawed at the sheets beneath me.

Finally, mercifully, she was no longer able to keep me under control. Loudly vocalizing my intense arousal, I clutched a pillow to my face as I shot toward the orgasm we both knew was now inevitable.

At the precise moment of my first spasm of ejaculation, Carol bit down lightly on the shaft of my cock just below the head and began to swirl her tongue roughly over and around the tip. Every nerve ending in my body burst into flames of agony and pleasure as I arched my back and hips up off the bed to fill her mouth with a long series of violent white-hot emissions.

With a final roar into the pillow, I fell back onto the bed, completely spent. Carol eased back and began a gentle massage of my still trembling cock with soft lips and tongue, bringing me down slowly as the spasms subsided. Finally she released me and rested her cheek on my thigh.

Carol sighed and said, "There now, I believe I have at least partially evened the score from this morning."

"Jesus H. Christ! Where did you learn that?"

"I read about it in Cosmopolitan this week when I was in Dallas. I love that magazine. The writers have such dirty minds. I was going to try it out on Brad but that's not happening. Looks like you were in the right place at the right time."

"Come here," I ordered, pulling her up to lie along side me as a slipped one hand between her legs.

"What are you doing, you pervert?"

"Just this," I said as I lifted one of her legs and rolled underneath it to position myself between her thighs, mouth poised above the pale golden triangle. Using my hands to force her thighs wide apart, I quickly brushed my tongue lightly through the soft hair just above her clitoris. A slight tremble moved across the muscles of her stomach.

"Ohhhh," she sighed, planting her feet firmly on the bed and opening her legs wider to permit better access as I bent to my work.

Her pussy was hot, wet and sweet as I slowly penetrated its folds of flesh with my tongue to arrive at her clitoris. With utmost care, I began to circle around and around that special organ of female pleasure with the tip of my tongue, not touching it directly but providing enough stimulation for Carol to begin her ascent toward orgasm. Her soft moans told me that things were proceeding nicely. I noticed with some surprise that I was once again fully erect so soon after my explosive climax of only a few minutes earlier.

After several minutes of slow stimulation, Carol began to rotate her hips very slightly and tilt her pussy up toward my probing tongue, trying to encourage more direct clitoral contact, silently pleading with me to bring her to climax. Instead I held off, choosing to ease my tongue deeply into her instead. She froze.

"Oh, fuck!"

For several minutes I probed Carol's velvet softness, gently licking the inner folds of her pussy to bring her slowly up onto a plateau of arousal from which I could propel her into orgasm whenever I chose. Reaching around a shapely thigh to gently stroke the mound of golden hair with the fingertips of one hand, I parted her for better access with the fingers of the other.

Once again beginning to circle her clitoris, I paused briefly at the top of the first rotation to gently flick my tongue across the tiny erect mound. As I had hoped, the effect on her was immediate and electric. A shiver raced through her body and she cried out with pleasure. I began to repeat the motion, circling, pausing and gently flicking across the sensitive flesh. Both her arousal and her cries of response accelerated rapidly. As with the previous night, she placed a hand over her mouth in an attempt to muffle her cries. Her other hand began to claw frantically at the sheets.

Sensing she was very close, I paused above her clitoris. Using the very tip of my tongue, I began to flutter it rapidly but softly in a continuous motion.

"Oh! Oh! Ohhhh, God! Ohhhhh! Fuck me, Scott! Fuck me now!" she demanded.

Ignoring her, I continued to rapidly manipulate the very tip of her clitoris, quickly pushing her up to the brink of a shattering climax.

As the first orgasmic spasm convulsed her body, I took her clitoris between my lips and began to suck it gently. A second, stronger tremor raced through her. Her cries were continuous and unintelligible. A third tremor. A fourth.

I held her there, trapped in a continuous orgasm for several seconds, providing only enough stimulation to hold her in orgasmic limbo. Then, increasing the tempo of my oral manipulations and rolling her clitoris steadily between my tongue and lips, I pushed her quickly over the top into a final, shattering, screaming descent down the far side.

I allowed her to rest. She needed it. Her breathing was ragged and gasping, her breasts heaving. I kissed the soft flesh on the inside of each thigh. They were warm and wet. Gentle tremors continued to course through her at rhythmic intervals. Her breathing slowed.

I bent toward her again, intent on repeating my performance.

"No, please. Come inside me now."

Solidly erect, I honored the lady's wish. Positioning myself between her open thighs, I slowly entered her hot wet softness. Carol sighed in response and wrapped her arms around my neck.

I settled into a slow, deep cadence, intending to prolong our physical connection as long as possible. But Carol was quickly on her way up to the crest of another orgasm and began to move sensuously under me. Soon she was answering each of my strokes with a counterthrust of her own, propelling us both helplessly toward another explosive climax. With uncontrollable urgency, I accelerated the pace, plunging into her with renewed strength.

"Oh! That's it! Fuck me! Fuck me!" Carol demanded, as she began to draw her knees back along my flanks to take me as deeply inside her as possible. Almost instantaneously her cries rose to a crescendo that reflected intense arousal and imminent orgasm as I struggled to hold myself in check. Seconds later, she came in a series of sharp orgasmic spasms punctuated by a wailing cry of release.

As Carol's climax peaked and then cascaded back down, exquisite convulsions welled up from deep inside me to force blazing jets of hot semen into her pussy. With a final moan of pleasure and exhaustion, I brought my thrusting to a halt and held her to me as her tremors slowly subsided. Minutes later, our heartbeats nearly back to normal, I withdrew to lie at her side.

"Scott, what in the world are you doing to me?" Carol asked rhetorically some time later, her breathing still a little ragged.

"What am I doing to you? You must be kidding. Men my age don't come twice within thirty minutes. Twice in one day would be pretty good performance in my book." I glanced at the bedside clock. High noon.

"Well, guess what?" Carol asked.

"What?"

"We still have about twenty-four more hours. At the rate we're going, I can cum a hundred more times."

"Oh, no! Have mercy!"

"Okay, a short break then. I'm starved. And we need to make our phone calls."

Carol was right. I had not eaten since the late lunch she had served me on the plane. Suddenly I was conscious of a nagging hunger I hadn't been aware of a moment before.

****

Twenty minutes later we had showered and dressed. Kelly bought my tale of client demands without a shred of suspicion. I was not surprised, but I must admit I was gratified to detect a note of what seemed like genuine disappointment in her voice. If it was an act, she was good. Ten minutes later, Carol delivered the bad news to Brad. She insisted that he sounded positively ecstatic.

"What an asshole! The least he could have done was fake it a little," she exclaimed.

"No fair," I chided, "I caught Kelly by surprise. She almost certainly called Brad. By the time you called, he would have had time to think about it and was probably incapable of sounding very disappointed."

"He's still an asshole."

"If you like, we can call back and tell them that everything has changed again and we'll be home at the normal time."

"No way," Carol responded with a grin. "I'm just reacting like the proverbial woman scorned, which is my prerogative. I'm going to do exactly what I want. It's just that it would be much sweeter if he were miserable while I'm doing it. Now, you'd better call your client in Dallas and then get me something to eat before I starve to death."

My client in Dallas was only too happy to clear his calendar for Monday afternoon. Minutes later I reserved a first class seat on Carol's flight. She had a standing reservation at the Dallas Airport Hilton and we would spend the night together there unless things changed radically over the weekend.

Room service saved us from certain starvation. As we ate, we planned how best to spend the next twenty-four hours, part of which would be a quick shopping trip to replace Carol's ruined shirt and panties from the night before.

****  

We had room service breakfast on Saturday and then spent the rest of the morning making love. It was nothing like the energetic fucking we had engaged in over the previous thirty-six hours. We took our time and enjoyed each other in ways that would not have occurred to us the day before.

We checked out of the hotel as late as possible and drove up to the Skyline Drive to kill time until Flight 409's arrival. We would return to the airport early to ensure I'd get there before Kelly and be available for pickup when she arrived. Carol would time her departure from the airport to dovetail with the flight's arrival and arrive home at the appropriate time.

The day was crisp and bright. We spent our time enjoying each other's company but carefully avoiding discussion of the unknown territory that awaited each of us at the end of the day. At times we were silent, lost in our own thoughts about the incredible turn of events we had experienced. My mind turned often to the two wild nights we had shared, a confused jumble of Jacuzzi baths, firelight, urgent wet sex, steamy showers, lazy conversation, and good food. I suspected that Carol's thoughts were dominated by similar images.

The Skyline was busy. It was a beautiful Saturday and the fall leaves were gorgeous. People were out in droves. Even so, we were able to find a reasonably private place for Carol to change into her uniform in the front seat of the car. I enjoyed the show, watching her strip down to her underwear and wiggle into her skirt and blouse. When she was finished dressing, she took the wheel.

All too soon, our time together drew to an end and we found ourselves on the highway approaching the Roanoke airport.

"Scott, listen to me for a moment. I don't know what the rest of the weekend will bring and the uncertainty confuses and frightens me. But I want you to know that I have the most delicious soreness between my legs and strong feelings for you in my heart."

"I know what you mean," I responded. "I've been trying not to think about the problems this evening will bring. I'm scared too. I don't know what the future holds for any of us, but I know that a life which doesn't include you seems kind of bleak to me. We've only spent two days together but there is something special between us already. And it's not just sex either. I wonder if this is what happened to Kelly and Brad. Maybe they were surprised to discover they were irresistibly drawn to one another and powerless to hold those feelings in check. I wouldn't have considered such a concept on Thursday night but today, after what's happened between us, I find it an easier explanation to accept."

Before our conversation could proceed further, we arrived at the airport. Carol parked in the staff lot and we entered the terminal. The status screens told us that Northeast International's Flight 409 was expected to arrive on time at gate Five. I had a little time to kill before Kelly arrived so I stopped briefly at the passenger service counter to pick up Monday's ticket, outbound on Carol's flight, the return left open.

"I'll leave you here, Scott. I don't want any of my regular crew to see me. I'll wait in the car until the timing is right and then head for home." She squeezed my hand fiercely and tried, without much success, to smile. "I can't wait 'til Monday."

With that she spun on her heel and walked out of the terminal. I watched until she was out of sight, once again struck by the strange circumstances that had brought us together and trying to fight back panic about the uncertain future that lay ahead for everyone.

I knew Kelly would meet me in baggage claim so it would be a simple matter to catch up with the Flight 409 passengers and mingle with them as they departed the security area. I waited out of sight, anxious about the confrontation ahead, certain that nothing good would emerge. Mercifully, I was given little time to dwell on my troubles. Soon, passengers began to file out. I waited until several of them had exited the security area and then joined the moving throng.

Seconds later I caught sight of Kelly craning her neck to see over the crowd. I took a deep breath and waved, earning a curiously happy smile and a gleeful wave in return. A moment later we were in each other's arms, a repetition of all our airport meetings from the past. I felt oddly detached, as though I were watching someone else's reunion, but Kelly seemed perfectly at ease, squeezing me hard and then tilting her face up to be kissed. I didn't feel comfortable with the intimacy, but since a crowded airport is no place to begin a showdown, I did as expected.

The outcome was a little unnerving. Her lips were as sweet and soft as I remembered them to be and the effect of the brief kiss left me in the same condition as thousands before it had done. I wanted more. Confused and alarmed by the stirrings between my legs, I withdrew from her embrace.

"Something wrong?" asked Kelly, cocking her head.

"Just tired," I lied. "Let's get out of here."

"The car is right outside," she said. "We'll be on our way in a jiffy. I'm so glad you're home. I really missed you."

I followed her out the door, confusion and apprehension blinding me to the beauty of the cool Virginia evening.

****

The drive home was one of the strangest events of my entire life. There was absolutely no change in Kelly's demeanor. She seemed genuinely happy to see me, snuggling against me, one hand idly stroking my thigh as I drove.

She asked, as usual, about my trip. How was Dallas? What about the clients? What kind of issues did they present? How did I handle them?

I kept searching her voice for some trace of false interest, preoccupation, or suspicion. Finding none, I answered her questions, truthfully when I could, lying when necessary. I was astonished at how easy it was to fabricate nearly two days of my life.

Kelly was equally adept, chatting easily about her activities throughout the week and skillfully lying about them. Where in our past did the truth stop and the lying begin for her? Two months ago? Two years ago? Ten years ago?

I knew when I had started lying. Yesterday. But Kelly was an enigma. Her performance was flawless, her sincerity seemed real yet her duplicity was an established fact. She was precisely the same woman I had returned to from hundreds of business trips. Where there should have been some aloofness, some indication that a part of her was with someone else, there was none. The confrontation to come would be so much easier if there was some detectable change in her behavior toward me, some hint that all was not well.

But there was nothing to detect. She was the same Kelly who had been beside me for twenty years. Whatever choices she had made in her life, she seemed thoroughly and completely at ease. For my part, I was a seething mass of confusion. Driving along with her as we had hundreds of times in the past, but having detailed knowledge about the incredible events of the past two days, was unnerving in the extreme. I struggled to behave as though nothing were amiss while strange emotions thrashed about in my mind. I wondered if Kelly was as calm inside as she appeared. Probably, I concluded. She'd had lots of time to get used to leading a double life. I was just a rookie.




The Arrangement Ch. 02



Kelly entered the house ahead of me and my baggage. As I crossed the threshold, she pushed the door closed and came into my arms. Mentally I stiffened, but out of habit my body conformed easily to hers. We kissed and once again confusion engulfed me as my body responded to hers. I wanted Kelly. I wanted her just as I had on countless homecomings in the past. Guilt pressed down hard on me for my easy and swift betrayal of Carol and the two incredible days we had shared.

Kelly must have sensed something for she drew back slightly and peered up into my eyes.

"Are you sure there is nothing wrong?" she asked.

"Just a little tired," I lied once again, "It's been a long week."

"Come then, and have a drink before dinner. We're having lobster. Afterward, I think I'll fuck your brains out."

The same old thrill of anticipation, laced with guilt and anger, shot through me as I followed Kelly down the hallway, my eyes following the soft sway of her hips and the curve of her beautiful legs. A fleeting vision of her lying beneath Brad, caught in the throes of sexual release, swept through my mind. An equally vivid scene, Carol trembling in orgasmic surrender under me in the firelight, followed instantly. My cock began to stir.

Much later, I entered the familiar warmth and wetness, the catalog of familiar tastes and smells, the world of intimate response and exquisite timing I had shared with this woman for half my lifetime.

I could not forget the scene I had witnessed two days ago nor the ones in which I had been a participant in the hotel. Part of my mind seemed reserved for Carol and the feelings for her that would likely continue. But the remainder was steeped in the certain knowledge that I was still in love with this woman moving sensuously beneath me and that she remained deeply in love with me. It was not an act, not for either of us.

I set my confusion aside and reveled in the sensations of loving Kelly, both Carol and Brad forgotten for the moment. Maybe tomorrow I would choose a path. Maybe tomorrow I would set my life in order. Tonight there was only Kelly.

****

"Ladies and gentlemen, please take a moment to view the television screens above the aisle where the features of your Boeing 737 will be explained for your safety and comfort. Flight attendants throughout the cabin are standing by to assist you. Thank you for choosing Northeast International and we hope you have a pleasant journey."

My brain had turned to jelly. It was Monday. Finally. I was no longer capable of coherent thought. I had spent the remainder of the weekend making love to my wife and trying to think of a way to deal with the absurdity that had entangled everyone. I had finally reached a conclusion.

I intended to make an offer to Carol, but surely one she would never accept. I was certain she would find me contemptible when I made my proposal. I was miserable. What's more, she was nowhere to be seen. I had hoped the sight of her would bring things into sharper focus for me, help to right a world gone tipsy. I wallowed in self-pity at the thought of having to endure Dallas and my boring client without seeing Carol, without resolving the painful issues at hand. Finally, I dozed, brain-dead from exhaustion.

In the manner of all flight attendants, today's hostess in first class could not abide the thought of a passenger sleeping through mealtime. I awoke as she fiddled with my tray table and placed a light snack in front of me. I ignored my food and picked up the coffee cup. A small sealed envelope was revealed where the cup had been sitting on the tray. My seat number had been penned on the front by a feminine hand.

"This came from someone in the main cabin," the attendant informed me.

My pulse quickened. I spun around in my seat to peer down the aisle into the rear of the plane. Carol! She was serving a passenger, her demeanor professional and warm. When I boarded the plane, I had expected to find her in first class. When she failed to appear, I thought she was not on the flight at all. It never occurred to me that she might be somewhere else on the plane. I returned my attention to the envelope and unsealed the flap.

"Hotel lobby at 6 PM. We need to talk. Love, Carol."

We need to talk? Love Carol? What the hell does that mean? Oh shit! This is going to be a lot tougher than I thought. Maybe she feels vulnerable and doesn't want to encourage too much commitment. Maybe she intends to tell me to take a hike. No matter what was on her mind, the uncertainty made me feel very uneasy.

But I felt better knowing she was aboard and, one way or another, some sort of resolution to our dilemma would emerge from tonight's meeting. At least there would be some relief from the agony I had suffered during the flight.

After an eternity we were finally on the ground in Dallas. I waited for the flight crew to appear in the terminal. Carol spotted me at once and approached with a look of apprehension on her face.

"Did you get my note?"

"I have it. I'll be there. I need to see you."

"I need to see you too," she said with no discernible message on her face or in her voice. "I'm going to lunch and then do some shopping. Go meet your client and I'll see you at six." She reached out to squeeze my hand and then turned abruptly around to walk down the concourse, her small suitcase in tow.

****

By the time I left my client at five thirty, I figured I'd probably seen the last of his business. Inattentive, preoccupied, distracted, incompetent; all were words that could be easily applied to my performance on his behalf. Finally, I apologized for my poor service, refused to bill him for my time, and beat a hasty retreat with a promise to make it up to him later.

At six o'clock sharp I entered the hotel lobby with my heart in my throat. She was waiting and she was beautiful. I wanted her immediately.

The bar was crowded. Happy hour Texas-style. There would be no privacy for us there. I suggested her room but she declined, ominously claiming a need to do our talking on neutral ground. In desperation I suggested we go for a walk.

The night was warm. An abandoned bench in a small shady park across the street offered us sanctuary. We sat side-by-side, not touching.

"Listen...," I started.

"No, let me go first," she interrupted. "I have been practicing this all day. If I don't say it now, I'll throw up. That's why I was working in coach. I couldn't bear to be right next to you the whole flight while I was rehearsing what I have to say."

"Okay, shoot," I said flippantly, a knot tightening in my stomach.

"I fell in love with you a little bit over the weekend," she began. "And I don't mean lust. That part was obvious and I'm old enough to know the difference. I mean 'in love' like the real thing. What we experienced, the sex and the feelings that grew around it, was one of the most extraordinary things I've ever experienced. When I left you at the airport, my intentions were clear. I had decided to confront Brad, making up some sort of story to protect your part in this, and demand a divorce."

"When I arrived home, Brad was waiting for me. He was cooking dinner in his usual bumbling fashion, eager to please me, knowing I have always appreciated that kind of thoughtfulness. The time didn't seem right to have it out with him so I held off."

"Brad has always been charming and fun to be around. He was the same on Saturday night. All the reasons why I fell in love with him in the first place began to reassert themselves. By bedtime I was so confused that a confrontation with him that evening was simply not possible. We went to bed. Brad wanted to make love to me and I let him, feeling like a complete shit for betraying you and what we had shared just a few hours before."

"I don't mean to hurt you, but the sex with Brad was very good. I was anxious at first but the familiarity of him, and the mental images of him with Kelly and you with me, just blew me away."

"I can't offer you very much. I'm going to stay with Brad. There will be no confrontation, at least for now, and no divorce unless he initiates it. I still don't know how he feels about Kelly. For all I know, he may eventually want to leave me for her. I don't yet know how to deal with what they've been doing, but I know that divorcing him is not what I want."

"And here's the hard part. I don't want to lose you either. I still want you in my life. Here's my offer. We all go on as before. When we're out of town together, we spend our time together. When we're home, we stay there. We let Brad and Kelly resolve their relationship however they see fit. I can't speak for you, but I think I can live with that."

I coughed, my mouth strangely dry and my heart pounding with relief. I took her hand.

"I wish I had gone first," I said. "Now you'll think I'm plagiarizing. I had the same experience. Kelly and I also made love and it was as good as ever. I discovered that my feelings for her haven't changed. Having you in my life allows me to deal with the jealousy I felt at the thought, and the sight, of the two of them together. But I still love her and my life would have a large empty place if she were gone. The trouble is, I will have a different kind of emptiness if you aren't with me. We've only known each other for a few days but my feelings for you, sexual and otherwise, are intense. I want my cake and I want to eat it too. My offer to you was going to be the same as yours but I thought you would feel used by such a suggestion. I never expected this."

We stared at each other for a long moment and then moved into each other's arms.

"This is going to be exciting, but what if we get caught?" Carol murmured into my ear.

"Aren't you the same lady who wanted to set them up to catch us in the act?" I asked with a grin as I pulled back from the embrace to look into her eyes.

"That wasn't a very good idea. If the catch us, we might have to stop what we're doing."

"They aren't likely to catch us unless they start following us around the country. Being on the same flights doesn't prove anything. They may get suspicious but they won't have proof," I countered. "My only concern would be for your safety if Brad becomes convinced we're together."

"Brad loves me and he doesn't have a violent bone in his body. He would be hurt, just as you were last week, but he would never physically harm me."

"I am relieved to hear that."

"You know what?" Carol asked after a long pause, a pensive look on her face.

"What?"

"We have them boxed in. Kelly and Brad probably won't confront us directly no matter how suspicious they get. It's not like they are operating from a position of moral superiority. Even if they convince themselves that we're together when we travel, they won't want to tip their hand. If they do, we're holding the trump cards. Can you imagine the expressions on their faces if they bring up the subject and we describe what we saw them doing Thursday night?"

"Deer in the headlights," I replied with a smile as I took her hand.

"Or maybe we'll confront them someday to see how they react," she offered with a little smile. "Just for fun."

"Let's give it a few months to see how everything develops. "Now come along with me. I'm hungry; first for a steak and then for you."

"Do I detect something sexual in your intentions?"

"You can count on it."

****

It has been six months or so since that first night together in Dallas. I've shifted much of my business to new companies in the Dallas-Fort Worth area but retain a few clients in Seattle, San Diego, and Atlanta. Carol's seniority with the airline allows her to change routes when she wishes, so occasionally we are able to journey to those cities together. In all, we are together two or three times per month, four if we're lucky.

Because our encounters are relatively infrequent, none of the physical intensity in our relationship has faded. Nor has the passion cooled between Kelly and me. Carol reports the same phenomenon with Brad.

As Carol and I grew closer, we were surprised to discover that our love for Kelly and Brad had not been diminished in the slightest, and we knew with certainty that we were loved in return. I have never detected the slightest change in Kelly. If anything, she is now more ardent when we are together. Six months ago I would not have thought it possible to love two people at the same time with such passion, but that notion now appears to be the norm for the four of us.

I believe that Kelly is suspicious about Carol and me. On a recent Sunday morning, when we were lingering over coffee after a night of sensational sex, Kelly suddenly got my undivided attention.

"Did you and Carol have a good time in Dallas last week," she asked with a hint of a smile on her face.

I stared at her for a long moment and then decided to play it straight.

"We did," I responded. "Since we are on the same flight together so often, we occasionally meet for drinks or dinner. Last week we did the dinner thing."

"Good for you. She really is quite beautiful." And with that she arose from the table and began to clear the breakfast dishes. When she finished, she walked back over to sit on my lap.

"Will you do me a favor?" she asked as she ran her fingers through my hair.

"Sure"

"Take me back to the bedroom and fuck me."

"Actually, I was thinking along those same lines myself."

****

The following week I repeated the conversation to Carol when we were in Dallas.

"Oh shit! That explains it. Brad has been a bit moody and distracted lately. It didn't occur to me that we were busted. How do you suppose they found out?"

"Well, they know we are often on the same flights. We've extended our trips several times to grab an extra night together. It's unlikely we have not aroused their suspicion. But they don't have any proof."

"Do you suppose they might have ended things? That would also explain his moodiness."

"I doubt it. I've detected no change in Kelly. As close as they are, there should be a few visible clues that the relationship had ended. She's a good actress, but not that good. My guess is that she is dealing with their suspicions more easily than Brad."

A week or so later, Carol reported that Brad had recovered quickly but, in spite of my assurances, she began to experience guilt pangs, certain that he was home alone while she and I were in bed together in some city far away. Carol's comfort with our relationship was so closely tied to Brad and Kelly being together that I began to fear losing her if the guilt feelings persisted. Fortunately, a situation identical to that which started this whole crazy business occurred soon afterward; circumstances forced us to return home a day early. Without telling Kelly and Brad, we decided to check out the situation in Boone's Mill on the sly.

When we landed in Roanoke, I rented a car on impulse, leaving Carol's Toyota at the airport. She was convinced that Kelly and Brad would be in our respective homes. I believed nothing had changed. To prove my assertion, I drove straight to the DataTech parking lot just as darkness settled in for the night. With little delay, the events of that night long ago started to repeat themselves. Kelly pulled into the lot as before and Brad joined her. Relieved, Carol and I left them alone by declining to spy any further, returning instead to our old suite at the Roanoke Embassy Suites for the night, completely at peace with our arrangement.

To be continued..................maybe.

*****

As always, I encourage readers to vote and comment. Constructive thoughts, suggestions, and criticisms are very much appreciated.



The Arrangement Ch. 03



Almost a year has gone by since we started "The Arrangement", and it is still working very well. John, my husband, and I live a very contented life in our villa on the Costa Tropical in Spain. Jude, my lover, who we met when he came to service our swimming pool, visits several times a week and satisfies me with his big, thick, black cock. John accepts I need and deserve my lover, who can satisfy all my hot desires. He encouraged me to take a lover and he gets so turned on watching Jude fucking me. Sometimes Jude brings some of his friends and this always becomes a very hot night. Having several well-endowed black guys taking me every which way all night is the most delicious sensation.

Well, last month John and I decided to have a holiday further down the coast at Marbella. We arranged to stay in an apartment there. The first few days were fine but I must admit that I was really missing Jude, my lover. He had gone away himself for a month to visit his family, and I was really missing the feel of his big cock inside me. Each day I sat by the swimming pool and found myself looking at the men, checking the bulge in their shorts and wondering if there was a guy there to satisfy me. John saw me watching the guys and he said that he knew I was in desperate need for a big cock, and told me that if I found the chance to go for it.

Well, the opportunity came the very next day. We went to Puerto Banus, which is a very exclusive part of Marbella. A very pretty harbour filled with luxury private yachts and the playground of the rich and famous. It's cool to just sit at the chic bars overlooking the harbour with a glass of wine and watch the people and the activity in the harbour.

John and I were sitting at a bar with a glass of wine, just people watching. I was looking out at the yachts berthed in the harbour. Suddenly I saw two guys appear on the deck of one of the bigger more stylish yachts. One was tall, muscular and black. He just wore white shorts. The other guy was olive skinned with jet-black hair, and wearing green shorts. I was immediately impressed by the look of these two men. They were busy checking things on the deck. I watched them intently and felt myself getting wet just imagining how it would be to be taken by these two guys. John saw me watching them and I could see he knew just what I was thinking. After a while the black guy saw me watching and made eye contact with me. I smiled and he smiled back. I could see that he said something to the other man because he turned and gave me a big smile too. John leaned towards me and told me he would go for a walk and leave me to watch the yachts. John walked away and I moved my seat so I could see the men better. Suddenly they both came to the front of the yacht and came down the gangplank on to the waterfront. They walked slowly to the bar, looked at me and then sat down at my table. I was soon chatting and flirting with Carlos and Luke. Both of them were drop dead gorgeous and they knew it. Carlos bought me another drink and all three of us sat laughing and drinking for a while. Luke said he had seen me watching him, and asked me if I was interested in having a look around the luxury yacht they both worked on. I smiled and said yes of course. I could see people watching me in the bar as I walked away with these two guys. They knew what would happen next as well as I did.

John was watching me as he pretended to browse in a shop window. I knew that he would be getting very turned on by what he saw and that he knew that very soon these two men would be fucking me. He realised I was desperate for cock and that I needed it so badly right now.

Carlos and Luke led me up the gangplank of the yacht. They showed me around and smiled as I gasped at the luxury of the yacht. Then suddenly Carlos put his arm around my waist and led me to the master bedroom, in the middle of which was a circular bed. Above the bed was a big circular mirror. I looked at him and back at Luke, who was following us, and smiled. There was no need for many words; we all knew why I was there and what would happen next. 

Carlos slowly lifted my t-shirt over my tits. My nipples were so hard and I gasped with pleasure as I felt his fingers slowly stroke me. His fingers were playing on my nipple ends. 

Then I reached to his waist and pulled his shorts down. My hand felt for his cock, it was growing so big now. I stroked it with my fingers and felt it grow big and thick in my hands. Then I dropped to my knees in front of him, looked up at him. His hands rested on my head, and pulled me in. I put out my tongue and touched the tip of his cock. I licked all around the big head. My tongue swirled around and licked at the tip of his big cock. Then I opened my mouth and took in his cock. I sucked him and it felt so good. His hands held me there and I could feel him push in deeper. I felt his cock slide into my throat and then he was pushing in and out. This felt so delicious. Then I felt hands on my shoulders and slowly Carlos pulled his cock from my mouth. I turned and the sight I saw then made me crazy with desire. 

Luke the black guy was standing behind me, he had stripped off his shorts and was naked. He was stroking his cock and rubbing it against me. I gasped with pleasure when I saw it. His cock was shiny, black and so big and thick. I started to lick it up and down the shaft. He just stood there proud and defiant as I licked his beautiful black cock. I licked and sucked him harder and deeper. I could feel that my pussy was so wet and my clit was twitching as I licked and sucked Luke's cock. I could stand it no longer. "I want you", I panted. 

Carlos pushed me back on to the bed. I opened my legs wide and lay back waiting to be fucked. Carlos looked at me with deep dark brown eyes, and then he came down over me. I felt him rubbing his cock on my pussy lips. Up and down he rubbed his big cock on my wet pussy lips. Then I felt him push the head of his cock between my lips. Slowly he entered me, pushing in inch by inch, deeper and deeper. Soon he had filled me, and I gasped with pleasure as I felt his big, thick cock pulsing inside my hot, wet pussy. Then he started to fuck me. First long, slow, deep strokes, then he became faster and more urgent. I was screaming with pleasure as I felt his cock moving deep inside me. 

Luke was beside my head, his hands stroking my tits and his big black cock beside me. Then Luke moved so I could hold his cock in my hand. It was so thick it was impossible for me to get my hand around it. As Carlos fucked me I rubbed Luke's cock up and down. Then I felt my orgasm coming, Carlos saw this too and with one almighty thrust I felt him come inside me. His hot come was pumping deep inside me. I was screaming with pleasure.

I lay there on the bed feeling so good, but knowing that the session was not finished yet. I had to have Luke's big, thick, black cock inside me. Right now I needed this more than anything. I would die for it. Luke looked down at me. He spread my legs very wide, and then started to rub the tip of his cock on my pussy lips. Then he rubbed against my clit, which was so sensitive now. I almost came again but I managed to stop it. I wanted to have a mind-blowing orgasm with this black cock fucking me. Luke pushed his cock between my lips. Then he pushed in deeper. I thought it would split me in half. Then he gave me the fucking of my life.

Carlos played with my tits while Luke fucked me deep and hard with his delicious, thick, black cock. Then he pulled from me, turned me over and I moved on to my hands and knees on the bed. Then I felt Luke enter me from behind. This time his big cock slid in easily, I was hot and wet and very open now. He held my hips tightly with his big hands while he fucked me for all he was worth. He fucked me so hard and fast for what seemed an age, each stroke sent me to heaven. Then I felt him slow a little and I knew he was near to coming. I was on the brink too…. I breathed deeply then I came so hard and at this moment he came too filling me with his hot come. I lay on the bed for a while totally happy and satisfied. 

I got dressed and thanked Carlos and Luke for the afternoon's fun. They invited me to call in again when I was in Puerto Banus for more of the same.

I left the yacht and walked down the gangplank. I had to walk quite slowly because these two guys had really fucked me so hard. I could feel their come running from me now and my panties were so hot and wet.

John was waiting by the bar and just finishing a glass of wine. He got up and smiled at me. He just said "Well?" I looked at him and laughed and said " Ohhhh God it was so good". John said I looked very flushed, but satisfied. 

We went back to our hotel room. I must admit I was quite exhausted now, but John demanded I tell him every detail of how these two guys had fucked me. He pulled my wet panties down and I opened my legs wide for him. I pulled his head between my legs and let him lick my hot, wet pussy clean. He loves to lick me when other men have fucked me. "Wow" he said, " Your pussy looks so well fucked, you are so open and wet". I smiled and closed my eyes, replaying the afternoon again in my head. John came on top of me now, and as I whispered in his ear about how these two guys, with their big, thick cocks had fucked my pussy, he fucked me again. We both came together and lay there, both very satisfied.

I did of course go back to the yacht again, but that's another story…….

THE END



The Arrangement Ch. 03



Hello, thanks for your patience. Please enjoy the next chapter and as always your comments are valued. 

***

"Now Ayden, is that anyway to greet an old friend." Marcus said as he stepped out of the living room into the foyer.

"You are not and have never been a friend of mine." Ayden growled. His body tense and ready for anything that Marcus might do.

"Come now, bygones, water under the bridge and all that. I've just come passed as a courtesy really. I'm going to be in the area for a few days. This city being your home and all, I thought you might like to know." Marcus said as he strolled around like he owned the place, touching everything.

"I really don't care Marcus. I just want you gone." Ayden responded his anger barely in check.

"Don't be so difficult Ayden. You know that I always know how to have a good time. You can always join me." Marcus started with a smirk playing on his lips. At Ayden's furious look he continued "No? Hmmm I'd forgotten about your fondness for the humans. You still don't like to play with your food. I thought you may have changed since I can scent more than one in here. Have you found yourself a pet Ayden?" 

Ayden almost leaped at him. The desire to crush, maim and kill was strong. A low growl began in his throat and was clearly audible to Marcus judging by the bark of laughter he expelled.

"You have always been very amusing Ayden. Don't worry I won't play with your toys unless you invite me to. As I said, just letting you know that I'm passing through." Marcus said smugly.

"Make sure it stays that way Marcus. Just passing through. I wouldn't want you to over stay your welcome." Ayden almost whispered as he stepped out of the doorway hinting strongly that Marcus should leave. Ever one to show off, Marcus used his unnatural speed to effect and sped out the door with chilling laughter in his wake.

Ayden trembled with tension and anger. Marcus was in town. The most evil representation of their kind was here just as things were going well. How had he found him? What was he doing in this city? Too many questions. He shook with fury. He knew he would have to keep an eye on him and make sure he didn't leave too many bodies in his wake. Marcus had a habit of increasing a city's murder statistics dramatically.

Ayden had first met Marcus not long after he'd been turned. Initially he was thrilled to meet others like himself hoping to learn how to manage the changes in himself. Marcus seemed older, more knowledgeable to the young and naive Ayden. He played the role well. Ayden was desperate for help and guidance and Marcus took full advantage of that. He subtly espoused a philosophy of being better than the humans. That humans were only food and that they, as vampires would eventually take over and treat them as the slaves they were. It was a conniving seduction with little comments here, pointing out negatives there. Nothing overt or confrontational.

Marcus would give Ayden only enough concrete information to keep him coming back for more. Eventually Ayden started to believe that this was what he was destined for. This was the life he now had to lead, humans as cattle to be used at a whim. Once Marcus was convinced of his acceptance he invited him to hunt together for the first time.

One night they found themselves at a drinking hall. The noise and smell assaulting their sensitive senses. Ayden was desperately thirsty and could hear every single person's heartbeat like it was a drum. He followed Marcus' lead however as they sat and ordered a couple of ales. The serving girl was pretty enough. She'd shown just enough flesh to indicate that she wasn't averse to the attentions of the men. After a few rounds she spent more and more time at Ayden and Marcus' table. Who could resist their stunning good looks?

After some good natured flirting and not so subtle hints the young woman ended up at their rented room after the bar had closed. Initially she appeared hesitant being alone with two men but she quickly warmed up to Marcus' kisses and not so gentle fondling.

Ayden cringed as he remembered the callous way they treated her. The way they took her in as many ways as they could. He remembered how superior he felt and how seductive those feelings were. Once they had sated their lust, Ayden quenched his thirst leaving enough for Marcus. He handed the still trembling woman to him and sat back to watch.

Ayden smirked as Marcus sank his fangs into the girl's neck. He laughed as he watched her writhe through orgasm after orgasm as Marcus held her up. He found it amusing that their sustenance brought the humans such pleasure. 

It took Ayden a while to realize that Marcus wasn't stopping. He wasn't pulling back. He watched as his supposed friend drained the life essence out of the young woman. He stood there stunned as he saw him let her drop in a heap on the floor like she was nothing. 

Ayden saw her lying there, he heard the last flutters of her heartbeat before it stuttered and stopped altogether. He took in the paleness of her skin and unseeing eyes. Marcus' laughter started to grate on his ears. This was not what he expected. He thought it would be a night of fun and feeding. Debauchery possibly, using the girl definitely, but murder? This was beyond Ayden's ability to process and accept.

"What's the matter friend? She was fun, want to go and find another one?" Marcus asked flippantly. Standing there naked with a dead girl at his feet as if it was nothing. He was so casual, so unaffected that something inside Ayden snapped. He felt the beast inside him surge forward; snapping and snarling at Marcus he leaped on him with every intention of pulling him to shreds.

Ayden had never been an aggressive person; he'd never been in a fight in his life. This situation, the part that he'd played in this abomination fuelled his fury and lent power to his lack of skill. They fought grappling and wrestling mostly. They broke furniture and put holes in the walls. Ayden noticed nothing, his sole focus was to kill Marcus and prevent him from doing this ever again. 

At some point Ayden felt Marcus groan and slump. He stood up and looked down on the bloody pulp that was Marcus. He wanted to move in and finish him off; he wanted that more than anything. As he moved forward he tripped on something. Looking down he noticed that it was the dead girl's leg that he had tripped on. 

Ayden looked at her again. She had been jostled from their fight. Her arms and legs splayed, her body covered in splashes of their blood. It was obscene. He didn't want to become that. He didn't want to be the monster that caused that carnage. As much as he wanted to kill Marcus, he couldn't bring himself to do it. He found a sheet and draped it over the girl's body before dressing and getting out of there as fast as he could.

Ayden recalled the next few months of despair over what had happened. His fear that Marcus would come after him. He had berated himself so much that he had stopped feeding, becoming weak and listless. It was only the thought that if he left it too much longer he might become deranged and hurt someone that he decided to feed again. Once he proved to himself that he could feed without hurting the person he started coming out of his depression. It was then he resolved to live within the human world as much as possible, shirking all contact with his own kind.

Ayden came back to the present and stormed into his study. Immediately, he started making phone calls. Just because he didn't want anything to do with his kind didn't mean that he didn't keep tabs on those he knew. Also, there were always people in the human world that associated with vampires. Ayden made sure he maintained these contacts. After Marcus' visit he was glad he'd made the effort. He wanted to know why Marcus was here.

***

Jade was humming as she put away her things. Ayden had been very considerate in making space in cupboards, wardrobes, bookshelves and any other area he thought she may need. It felt strange putting her meagre possessions next to the beautiful items he had collected over the centuries. When she had confronted him with her concerns he told her that it was impossible to compare. Her life treasures were just as important, just because she hadn't lived as long didn't count.

Jade pondered the last few days. The move had gone smoothly with a great deal of help from a packing and moving company. It was the actually living here that made her thoughtful. Ayden's behaviour was odd to say the least. He claimed that he wanted her in his home, that he was happy she was finally here full time. But he was constantly on the phone, and when he wasn't he was quiet and brooding. He claimed it was a business concern but Jade wasn't too sure.

Ayden walked in the room and noticed the small changes that having a woman in your home meant. He liked it. Even though Marcus hadn't made any waves, Ayden felt more comfortable having Jade close. Without realizing he was constantly finding excuses to be around her, in the same room with her, go with her on shopping trips. He told himself it was to keep her safe but he found he really enjoyed it, even the shopping.

"I'm nearly done Ayden. Do you want to go out tonight?" Jade asked hopefully, she was becoming worried about his gloomy behaviour.

"Hmm that's nice." He said distractedly as he was looking out the window.

"Ok Ayden let's just stay in and watch the purple polka dotted unicorns dance a jig in the living room." She said half seriously.

"Sure whatever you like." He said in the same affected manner.

"That is enough Ayden!" she practically shouted. "You say you want me here but ever since I've moved in you've been behaving strangely. If you've changed your mind its ok just tell me." She said exasperated.

"What? Of course I want you here. We've spent almost every waking moment together." He said a little shocked at her comment.

"Yeah? Well if you've been paying so much attention then tell me what I just said we should do tonight." She demanded.

"You said we should ... um, we ... um ..." He tried.

"Exactly! You may be physically present Ayden, but you have been entirely absent. Now I really want to know what is going on with you." She said quietly as she sat on the couch and looked at him expectantly.

Ayden felt uncomfortable. He realized that she was too perceptive for her own good. But how much to tell her? Would this be the conversation that would send her over the edge? That would make her realize that his mere existence put her in danger? He really had no choice so he told her everything. 

Jade sat quietly and attempted to process all that he had said. She knew he had a past, a lengthy one at that. She wasn't naive enough to think that it had all been pleasant and violence free. But hearing it from his lips was another matter entirely. She gathered her thoughts and looked at him. He looked frightened, fearful of her condemnation and judgement. The vulnerability touched her. It still amazed her that he was so quick to blame himself and think the worst.

"Ayden, do you think this Marcus is a real threat?" she asked tentatively.

"He is dangerous, but so far he has kept a low profile. I can't figure out what he wants." He said. "What about, you know, the other stuff?" he continued, his voice wavering.

"Oh that, yeah well everyone has a few skeletons in the closet. Besides, it seems to me that this Marcus is very good at manipulating people. I think you did your best under very difficult circumstances." She explained matter of factly.

Ayden was again floored by her acceptance and generosity of spirit. He gathered her in his arms and hugged her fiercely. "I'm sorry I have been so 'absent' as you put it. I've just been worried about keeping you and everyone else safe. I promise from now on I'll let you know what's going on." He said as he nuzzled her neck. He traced kisses along her neck and jaw line before reaching her lips. Ayden kissed her gently, delicately as if she was the most precious thing on the planet. 

The tenderness was something completely unexpected. They'd had passion, lust, fun, pleasure, but tenderness? It was too close to another emotion that Jade was unprepared to examine. Irrespective of her doubts she melted into his kisses. She could do nothing else; when his lips touched hers she was lost. 

That night they made love, slowly, tenderly. It was exquisite. Even their climax felt different. They hadn't stopped kissing the entire time. Jade lovingly wrapped her tongue around his fangs as usual. However, this time as Jade rushed into that wave of pleasure she felt like she could taste something different to his own personal sweetness. It was exotic and spicy, something totally heavenly. She didn't have a chance to ponder this change as the pleasure overwhelmed her and she couldn't think anymore.

Their relationship shifted after that night. There was nothing said or explicitly talked about. It was just a subtle change in the way they were around each other. Closer somehow, more in tune. There was the ever present concern of Marcus in the back of Ayden's mind, but he felt more comfortable that Jade knew everything.

***

"Marcus, I'm bored. Let's go out." Julia whined. Marcus looked across at her naked form on the bed. She was truly stunning and it was seriously temping to dive back into her body, but she was right it was time to go out and have some fun.

"You're right my dear. We've been cooped up too long." He smiled.

"When are we getting out of this city? Can't you just kill Ayden and be done with it?" She said in a bored tone. Marcus knew she was getting stir crazy but bigger things were at stake.

"Soon sweetheart. I know it must be driving him crazy not knowing what I want. Besides killing him is just not enough anymore." He said as he dressed. He wanted Ayden to pay and he was trying to figure out just how to do that. Having him dead was just a bonus; mostly he wanted to exact his pound of flesh. He'd heard from some very unscrupulous characters that Ayden was particularly interested in a human woman. He was having her followed to see what would come out of it. In the mean time he and Julia were enjoying the delights of the city.

So far Marcus and Julia had been careful. There had been no unexplained deaths or unusual happenings in the newspapers. The main reason for that was that when they were hungry they mainly focused on homeless people. People on the fringe of society that no one would miss or question if they turned up dead. It was disgusting at times, the filth, the alcohol and drugs in their systems. But it was sustenance and it would have to do.

The fact that he had to curb his desires, even temporarily, irritated Marcus no end. He was frustrated that even unknowingly Ayden was interfering in his life. In fact everything about Ayden irritated Marcus, especially the fact that he still existed.

Marcus recalled the way he woke up in that inn. Battered and broken, in more pain than he'd ever felt. He scrambled away in the dark to the small house he called a home for a time. It didn't take long for him to heal, a day at the most. The physical injuries at least.

The mental wounds still festered. He'd trusted Ayden, believed that he'd found a follower. Someone that thought as he did about the superiority of their race. But no, he had been betrayed. One dead human and Ayden had completely turned on him. Ayden's physical strength astounded Marcus. He really should not have been that strong for a young vampire. It was a lesson to never underestimate; it stung to be bested by one so young. 

While he healed Marcus planned and plotted. His fury rising to fever pitch. However, once he went looking for Ayden with the most serious intentions of dismemberment, he was gone. Marcus looked high and low for him but he had disappeared. With no one to vent his fury on, Marcus indulged his depravities. 

It was not too many decades later that he met Julia. She was another willing tavern wench that fell for his many charms. For as a vampire Marcus was also possessed of the hauntingly beautiful features that both women and men fell for in droves. Julia though appeared to have a streak in her that appealed to Marcus. She was in equal parts cruel towards others and devoted to him. A combination that flamed his ego while supporting his perversions. 

Without consideration Marcus turned her. When Julia woke to her new self she was thrilled. Possessing no fear or conscience she used her new enhanced senses and skills to wreak havoc on those around her. On Marcus too, on occasion. She had a personal proclivity for inflicting pain. 

They were well suited this pair. Marcus often thought he'd found the female version of himself. So as he indulged himself every whim, he also indulged her. On everything except for this. Julia had not wanted to come to this city. She didn't understand Marcus' obsession with finding Ayden.

It had taken centuries but Marcus had finally tracked Ayden down. He was disgusted with his straight and very human lifestyle. Business magnate, quiet arrangements for feeding, all very civilized and all too human for Marcus' tastes. 

Poor little humans, mustn't hurt them, should look after them etc. It was reminiscent of the others' attitudes. The ones that had banished him so long ago. Marcus fantasized about dealing with them after he'd finished Ayden off. Maybe. 

Marcus was patient. He watched and waited from a distance until something had changed in Ayden's quiet, predictable routine. He stopped all his feeding arrangements. No amount of subtle and not so subtle inquiry could provide an answer. That was why he was here in person. Something had changed and it was that something that would bring about Ayden's demise, he was sure of it. Marcus looked over at Julia as she dressed in a barely there outfit. Again he pondered whether they should just stay in. One more night on the town wouldn't hurt, he thought as they left.

***

Jade was feeling fantastic. She and Ayden had never been closer, work was great. Also she was possessed by and incredible feeling of wellness and energy. Jade put it down to sleeping well and having a content personal life, but it was more than that. She glowed, everyone had commented on the change. 

A very small part of Jade was concerned about 'the other vampire' out there, as she had taken to calling him. Mostly she was content that Ayden could manage that situation, it wasn't like she would need to go up against a vampire herself. 

The day to day routine of work and home had never been more satisfying. In fact Jade spent the majority of her day, although putting one hundred percent into her work, aching to get home to Ayden. It was like the physical distance was painful. She berated herself constantly for turning into a clingy, dependant what? She didn't know what she was to him. She kept warning herself to not get too attached but all her tired arguments were slowly failing.

Jade shook her head of errant thoughts and started to prepare for her meeting. Thoughts of Ayden would take over all her time if she let them. 

Jade stood as Mr. Thornton walked in for their regular meeting. "Hello Mr. Thornton. I trust things are going well?" Jade said smiling.

"Jade, how many times have I asked you to call me Peter? And things are well. You, my dear are looking more beautiful every time I see you." Peter said as he kissed her cheek.

"Mr... Peter. Thank you for the compliment." She said blushing as they got down to business. The account was progressing well. Finally they were finishing up and making small talk.

"So how is Jonathan coping with his new role?" Jade asked about the son that Peter had been so worried about a few months ago.

"Oh, he was resistant at first as you can expect. But this role as creative director suites him so well. So after some teething problems he took to it like a duck to water. I've never seen him so settled. He stopped the partying and drinking. He even comes to work on time and works hard. I'm impressed." He said beaming while he spoke but a small frown crossed his brow as he finished.




The Arrangement Ch. 03



"What is it?" Jade asked.

"Nothing serious. It's just he's been so straight for so long that the last few nights he's been going out again and I'm a little worried. He's probably just blowing off some steam. He keeps talking about a couple he's met from out of town. I don't know. I guess I'm just scared he'll fall back into old habits." Peter shrugged.

"I'm sure you're right Peter. He's really made an effort I don't think he'll throw all that away." Jade soothed as they wrapped up.

Jade put in another hard day's work as usual. And just as usual she was looking forward to going home and seeing Ayden. 'Home'. It was strange how quickly she'd come to think of Ayden's house as her home. She was smiling as she made her way to her car. 

De-activating the alarm Jade threw her laptop and bag into the passenger seat before closing the door. She was making her way around to the driver's side when everything went black. 

To be continued ...



The Arrangement Ch. 03



WARNING!!!

This story is about cuckolding and humiliation.

If this offends you, please do not read it.





As we entered the bedroom, Tina turned towards me and told me to undress her. With mounting excitement I carefully unzipped her tight black skirt and allowed it fall to the floor. She daintily stepped out of it and turned towards me saying.

"Now my blouse, please, darling." 

As I was removing her top she ran her hands all over my silky satin pyjamas and squealed in pleasure when she felt my tiny erection.

"I seem to have an excited hubby here. Are you ready to worship and adore me? Take off your apron and pyjamas, I want you naked for this. 

Well my dearest, there's no going back now. Are you pleased?"

Slipping off my new satin uniform, I replied.

"I'll only be pleased if you tell me you enjoyed it."

God, she looked so sexy, standing there in her used underwear. I noticed she had laddered both her stockings and wondered how it must have happened. Did he have a ragged nail?

I stood there, stomach churning, wondering how she was going to tell me about this evening's life changing events.

Smiling, her eyes shining, she almost purred, like the cat that had all the cream. 

"Darling..... darling..... darling..... Jamie. That was the most enjoyable sex I have ever experienced. I have so much to tell you and so much to thank you for. I never realised that sex could be so exciting and wonderful, thank you darling for making me go through with it."

Hearing these words, I dropped to my knees, and leaning down and forward, I kissed her feet. I remembered how Margaret had instructed me earlier.

I managed to whisper.

"I love you Tina, you know that. I adore you and I worship you."

Somehow, Tina knew what to do as she backed around and sat on the end of the bed. Conscious of my nakedness, I moved forward on my knees and slid my hands between her legs, gently easing them apart. She did not resist, she even helped by easing her bottom right on to the edge of the bed.

She was watching my every move as I stared at the soaking damp patch on the front of her knickers. 

I was aware of licking my lips when she took hold of the back of my head and pulled my face in to the slippery, sopping gusset.

I heard her giggling as she said.

"There now, you naughty boy, that's what you've been waiting to do, isn't it?"

Oh, heaven, I thought, as I once more inhaled the perfumed aroma.

But this was strangely different. 

Oh well, it's my wife, not Margaret, I thought.

After a few minutes sniffing and kissing her pussy lips through the wet silky fabric of her soaking knickers, Tina pushed me back and quickly slipped her knickers off. She then pulled me back but this time my mouth was mashed in to a sticky mess with pubic hairs everywhere.

I closed my eyes and proceeded to kiss and lick and suck just as Margaret had shown me. 

I gave the whole length of her slit a deep tonguing, which she clearly enjoyed. Her moaning spurred me on to please her even more. 

It was at this early stage that I was aware of a distinctive new taste, I should have known what it was but my inexperience just made me suck and swallow all the harder.

I was managing to get my tongue really deeply in to her vagina which made her wriggle and squirm. After a good ten minutes of this treatment, I felt her stiffen and her thighs clamped tightly around my head.

I heard her moaning really loudly this time and all of a sudden she cried out, "I'm cumming,....I'm cumming..... ohhhhhhhhhhh, gawdddd......ooohhhhhh....."

I stopped licking and sucking and she almost screamed, ordering me not to stop, but to keep going for a little longer as she came down from her high.

She eventually pulled me up to lie beside her.

I stole a look at her as I snuggled up closer. She looked so beautiful and peaceful, eyes closed, with a satisfied expression on her face. It was an expression that I had not seen before, but one that I would learn to recognise in the coming months.

Still, with her eyes closed, Tina spoke, unashamedly and with much feeling.

"This has been the most enjoyable day of my life. I really feel that this is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. 

Do you know that until tonight I had never experienced an orgasm? "

I smiled, knowing that I had just provided her with that orgasm. I was so pleased with myself, when she continued.

"But incredibly, I've had two in less than an hour!"

Somehow my brain seemed to have blocked out the fact that someone had just been fucking my wife, but now I was made painfully aware of my altered circumstances. From a feeling of euphoria I was plunged back to reality.

"Carl, was fantastic tonight, he was very gentle with me, at least to start with. 

Oh, Jamie, you should see his wonderful cock, it's magnificent.

I couldn't believe it could be so big and feel so good.

He was so kind to me, he said that he felt as if he was breaking in a virgin, as I was so tight.

He didn't believe me when I told him that it was probably because you only had a little three incher. 

He said that Margaret had told him that you only had a small one, but he didn't realise it was that small."

I cringed at hearing how the size of my little cock had been so casually discussed by everyone involved.

I whispered.

"You shouldn't have told him our personal secrets."

She giggled before continuing.

"Don't be silly, darling, he's not going to tell anyone. Anyway, Margaret says that you have accepted that I need something bigger and I love you for that.

Did I tell you that he came three times tonight, and after the first time, it didn't even go soft, he was able to keep going for at least another fifteen or twenty minutes.

How he managed to keep up the intense fucking he was giving me I will never know.

It was then that I had my first ever orgasm, I just felt this overwhelming feeling and I seemed to swoon as it flowed over me, giving me this tingling sensation all over, it was a fantastic experience. 

I think it was my orgasm that caused Carl to cum again. We both almost collapsed, we were breathing so hard."

I lay there quietly, listening to my wife. I couldn't bear the humiliation I was being subjected to. But I knew she wasn't doing it intentionally.

She continued.

"How he managed it I don't know. Quite amazing, I told him you had never ever managed to cum more than once.

After a while, he showed me how to tease it hard again. 

I hope you don't think I am bad, but he asked me to suck it for him. 

I didn't want to do it but he said that most women did it and loved it. 

It felt strange at first, it still felt big but soft and meaty. 

Then, after a few minutes, I could feel it begin to stiffen and grow in my mouth. 

I tried to take it out as I was getting frightened but he said that he wanted me to make love to it, to lick it, kiss it and suck it, just like you did for me just now.

I began to really enjoy it. I could feel it twitching and throbbing and he was telling me that I was the best, that I was an expert cock sucker.

Now, please don't get upset dear, but he really couldn't help it. I suppose it was my fault for not stopping sucking it.

He said I was too good at cock teasing and he was going to have to empty his balls. All of a sudden he let out a loud groan and the next thing I knew was that my mouth was full of his spunk and I could feel his cock, twitching, as it unleashed a huge load of cum. 

I was choking but he kept telling me to swallow it, all of it, so I did what he wanted me to do. Some did escape and dribbled down my chin. 

I'm so glad that I swallowed what I could, because it made me feel ever so naughty and it didn't taste too bad at all."

Turning towards me she kissed me on the lips and then with her mouth open she forced her tongue in to my mouth. After making sure my tongue got a coating of her saliva she pulled back, and giggling, she said.

"Can you taste it, and does it taste the same as my pussy?"

All this time, I knew that she was teasing me and my stomach was churning. 

I struggled to reply. "Yes I love the taste of you, you are wonderful. You know I'll do anything for you."

Here I was, being teased and listening to my wife telling me how wonderful her new boyfriend was, and how she had done things with him that she had never done with me.

She had never sucked my little cock, but then, until tonight, I had never sucked or licked her wonderful pussy. 

My wife Tina's married pussy that another man had been fucking only a little while ago, oh, god.......oh, god......what, have I allowed to happen?

Patting me on the head, Tina said that we should get some sleep so that we would be fresh for tomorrow, whatever she meant by that.

She asked me to remove her nylons and garter belt which I did with a loving reverence. I retrieved her long nightgown from the wardrobe and helped her put it on.

Lying next to my darling wife I was very much aware that there was now no turning back. She was clearly happy at the new turn her life had taken.

I was not so happy but I knew that I would serve her through thick and thin, because I loved her, unconditionally. 

As I drifted towards sleep I wondered if she would ever suck my little cock, if only to reward me for being her faithful servant. 



The Arrangement Ch. 03



Hello all! This update unfortunately does not have an editor...(sad face). So I've been wanting to get this out & get this lovely little twist out there for you all to read, comment, like, love, hate, make snarky statements about, etc. LOL.

I have some issues with this one, but i'll let you all let me know how you feel about this update. I hope it is worthy of the last two in the series

As a warning, there is an element of nonconsent/reluctance in this story that happens outside of the two main characters of this tale. It happens to two different sets of characters related to the main character, Peter.

Thanks for all feedback -- It's nourishment to my soul to find out how I'm doing as an author. Without further ado, here is Chapter 3 of "The Arrangement".

Peter knew he fucked up when he heard the mumbled "Hmmm? Who's Josephine?" issue from Julianne's sweet lips. He silently cursed himself for his stupidity. Fully awake, he slowly removed his body from Julianne's side and walked into his study.

He sat down heavily into his chair as he tried hard to not remember the face of his first love.

Josephine.

He could easily remember her face. He chose Julianne because she looked exactly like his Josie. He remembered her laugh, the easy smile she wore, and their time spent in his family's garden. Tears crept at the outer edges of his eyes before he blinked hard, cleared his throat and called his friend & financier, Mitchell to arrange for another deposit into Julianne's bank account.

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Forty years ago...

Sunflowers.

She smelled like sunflowers the day he remembered falling in love with her. Her mother Millie worked as the maid for his father & mother. Millie helped raise him from the time he was a year old until his current 21 years of age. Millie was the mother that he always treasured -- strong, tough and always showed him right from wrong.

His family could always afford the best and finest of luxuries, but it was his "Momma Millie" that saw his report cards first, went to his polo games and attended the school plays he starred in rather than his busy parents.

Growing up he knew that Momma Millie had a daughter, but she never came to work with her mother. It was only on rare occasions that she would join her mother. He always thought she was a pretty girl, but the few instances that they came across one another, she was busy helping her mother clean for an event, or tending one of his family's gardens.

It was a gorgeous summer day, bright and warm at 11:00 or so in the morning. The day was in full bloom and he was on summer vacation before his final year at Harvard. Just as he walked downstairs on a leisurely wednesday afternoon, he saw her coming through the foyer from the french doors that led to the gardens. The little girl that he only noticed in passing over the years was an 18 year old woman. Peter stopped dead in his tracks when she graced the room with her presence.

Her long kinky hair was rolled high on two sides that came down into a thick bun at the nape of her neck. A large yellow sunflower and some pretty little oxalis decorated the space above the bun. Her long full figure was shrouded in a light yellow dress decorated with little purple flowers, with delicate little white heels that clicked on the marble floors of the entry way.

He watched her glide down to the hallway to the foyer, barely noticing that her unjeweled left hand held a large basket filled with a wide variety of yellow and white flowers. Peter carefully crept down the stairs to chase another glimpse of his quarry. He came to the hallway, and peeked around the doorway to watch her. She was graceful in her movements -- quick, and decisive - as she put orange tinged yellow roses, sunflowers and sweet alyssum into a large vase on the mahogany and inlaid tile circular table in the foyer of his family's estate.

Quickly mesmerized by her, he studied her features. In so many ways she looked like his Momma Millie -- even skin, bright brown eyes, high cheekbones and adorable little ears. The similarities between mother and daughter ended there, because Josephine had a slightly larger nose than her mother's cute little button nose. Josephine's skin was much darker than her mother's caramel hue. Her lips weren't as full as Momma Millie's, they were slightly smaller and looked like a plump heart. Her face was oval in shape, and came down to a small delicate chin. Her jawline was visible and he imagined tracing it with his fingers while he tasted her beautiful lips.

She continued working, completely oblivious to the audience that she silently entertained. His eyes traced the visible portions of her figure that weren't hidden behind the large vase she studiously decorated. The front of her dress dipped down invitingly, and Peter was treated with a view of the column of perfection that was her long neck.

Her arms were delicately curved with muscle, but didn't look overtly muscular. They tapered down to slim wrists and long fingers which expertly arranged the flowers. They were painted a vibrant shade of orange that raced to the top of his list of favorite colors. He couldn't see the way her large breasts strained slightly in the front of the material before tapering inward to her smallish waist before flairing out to her ample hips.

She had a build that was legendary for black women -- so many curves and built for a man's worship and pleasure. With great effort, Peter pulled his mind out of the thoughts that began with slowly peeling that enticing outfit off her body to explore her vast treasures properly -- since his thoughts were making his rather large erection cause noticeable discomfort in his khaki trousers. He pulled himself out of his reverie and up against the wall he was peeking from. His eyes slid closed as he focused on anything that would make his cock go back to it's normal size. When he opened them, his breath halted in his chest.

Momma Millie had somehow slipped into the hallway behind him and saw his distress and the cause of it. Her normal smiling, gentle nature was gone. Her usual soft brown eyes looked like stones. The laughter that was usually on her lips was replaced by a solid line of disapproval. She didn't have to say anything for Peter to understand that her daughter, Josephine, was off limits to him.

Before he could say anything to assuage Momma Millie's fears, she spoke to him. "Peter. I better hope and pray that that there thing of yours isn't directed at my little girl. Boy, I love you like my own, but you can't have my little girl. Keep your eyes and everything else of yours away from her. You hear me?" spoke Millie in a deadly whisper.

"But..." stumbled Peter.

"No buts Peter. Leave my baby be. All you'll do is cause her pain. Just leave her be, now." replied Millie.

Before Peter could say anything, Millie walked past him into the foyer and spoke quietly in urgent tones to her daughter Josephine. Within a few moments the two women walked past a still stationary Peter. Josephine's upper arm was in her mother's firm grasp as she practically marched her down the hallway back towards the servant's back entrance.

As the two women passed by a stunned Peter, Josephine graced him with a glance. He thought he would pass out from the look of wonder and confusion in her brown eyes. He watched the hurried sway of her hips as her shoes click clacked on the marble floors and out the backdoor of the estate.

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He wouldn't see her again for another three weeks. During that time Momma Millie spoke very little to Peter. She went about her duties around the house without so much as a smile in his direction. Peter was almost beside himself wondering if Josephine was okay, and if she was seeing any boys in town. He didn't know where Momma Millie lived, since she practically lived at the estate, but he knew that she didn't live on the estate with him, at least that's what he figured.

Peter woke up each day bright and early to shower and dress so he could check the grounds to see if his Josephine would be working in one of the gardens. He hadn't thought much of his impending return to Harvard in the coming months, or his internship at one of his father's companies. His thoughts were entirely consumed by the beauty that had stolen the breath right out of his lungs.

During one of his early morning pursuits he finally saw her again. She was in the south garden pulling up weeds. She had on a large hat, long sleeves and long pants & some comfortable shoes on her feet. He figured that since Momma Millie wasn't really speaking much to him that talking to Josephine wouldn't hurt his standing with her mother. He didn't understand why she took a sudden dislike of him, but put his feelings on the subject aside as he approached the object of his desires.

"Hi Josephine. How are you this fine day?" asked Peter as he walked up behind Josephine's bent, upturned form. Her back stiffened, as she heard the male voice behind her. The playful lilt in the speech meant that whomever this man was was enjoying the view of her backside lifted in the air. She straightened up as quickly as possible and turned to see the handsome son of the family, Peter Baker.

She refused to notice that his blue eyes seemed to sparkle down into her own brown eyes. She turned away from his face and politely replied, "I'm doing well Mr. Baker. How are you? I really hate to be so short with you sir, but the vases in the foyer and the parlor require fresh flowers & I've been a bit too careless with these beds, as you can see here. So I'd like to finish this all up before the sun becomes completely unbearable, if it's alright with you."

Her voice was light and soft and caressed his senses. She could have told him he was a devil out of the pit of hell and he would have smiled as he reveled in her whispery soft voice.

"Hmm? I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. Could you please repeat what you said?" replied Peter after shaking his head to clear his thoughts and focus on what she was trying to convey.

"That's quite alright sir. I was just letting you know that I need to finish up these beds before it gets too hot and gather some more fresh flowers for the vases in the foyer & parlor." replied Josephine as she nodded towards the flower bed she was weeding and some further flowers in the distance.

"Don't let me keep you hostage or anything, Josephine. And it's Peter. Please call me Peter. I'd like that, if you would do me the honor." said Peter to an increasingly flustered Josephine.

"I don't think it's such a good idea, sir. My mother and I are in the employ of your family. I was instructed by her to call you and your father Mr. Baker." replied Josephine in the hope that it would make this ridiculously handsome white man who couldn't take his damn eyes off her go away.

"Well, you can call me Peter anytime that no one else is around. I like the sound of your voice and it would be a pleasure to hear you call me by my first name. If you want, you can think of it as our little secret." assured Peter as he stepped closer to Josephine.

Josephine took a step back away from Peter, and replied, "Sir, I'll call you Mr. Baker out of respect for my mother, and your family. I really don't want to be sent away for being out of place or in any manner untoward and unbecoming of a lady. I need this job to pay for college, as I'll be starting in the fall, so I will not make any moves to ruffle the feathers of your parents, who are my employers, and my mother." replied Josephine in a dignified way. By this time her chest was heaving slightly because she was getting a bit angry with Peter.

Before Peter could respond she had turned and bent back down to resume her work. He realized the dismissal and chuckled lightly at her spirit. He bent down right behind her and whispered, "Call me anything that pleases you sweetheart, as long as we're together when you do it." He watched her back stiffen suddenly at the closeness of his body to hers. She flinched when she felt the heat of his breath on her ear, and was stunned into silence at his words.

Satisfied that he had accomplished the task of getting under her skin, Peter stood and took a parting glance at her ass again before turning away and walking into the house. Unbeknownst to him their interaction was viewed not only by her mother, but his father as well.

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When he got back inside he went into the kitchen and noticed that no one was there. He went into the fridge & pulled out a pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice, cashew butter, wheat bread and fresh strawberry preserves. Millie came into the kitchen just when he was starting to make the PB&J sandwich on the center island, and paused slightly when their eyes met before looking away and continuing on to the counter adjacent to the fridge.

The airy white & black tiled kitchen with sunny yellow walls felt cold in the wake of their silence. The once easygoing banter that carried them through the years of disappointments and joys was replaced with unfamiliarity and resistance. Peter was in a place that felt all too familiar -- lost. His parents weren't the best in showing affection, unless it was for appearances to their society friends. He was expected to be position 3 of the polo team, he was expected to be class valedictorian and student body president for his high school and college.

He was supposed to be the lead in every play that he participated in. He was supposed to excel, because that is what the Baker name stood for: excellence in everything. Unfortunately, it didn't make for excellent parents. His father, Stephen Baker and mother, Maryse Baker were two people who lived like roommates rather than as husband and wife. Maryse put up with most of Stephen's dalliances, as long as she was provided with a few of her own.

Their provision of not developing feeling for anyone outside of their open marriage was the overarching deal. They both knew that this was not a lovematch. It was practically an arranged marriage -- one that brought business to both sides of the deal. They never argued, and they never openly showed anyone anything other than contempt, derision or open scorn.

Unbeknownst to Peter, that all changed when Stephen developed a long standing crush on Josephine's mother, Millie. Millie only stayed on with the household because she fell in love with Peter. She had been mostly successful in thwarting the numerous advances of the older Baker, only to see the same treatment being shown to her only child, Josephine.

Maryse for her part adored Millie because of a long held family secret. The fact that Millie was so wonderful to her only son, Peter, was a bonus that she enjoyed immensely -- even if she didn't go on about it openly in front of others. The two women spent time together chatting and quilting in the evenings when the rest of the household was in bed. As hard as Maryse Baker was, she could never tolerate any wrongdoings to Millie & would fight anyone who wronged her.

Stephen bought Millie anything she hinted at desiring, just to see her happy. It put Millie in a terrible position with her own husband enough times to where she had to stop accepting presents and gifts left by Stephen to preserve her marriage.

Millie couldn't let what was beginning to happen between Josephine and Peter continue. She didn't want her daughter to worry about dark corners, or being caught alone in a room where a white man's hands and body could cause her serious trouble.

Millie was drawn out of her thoughts when she accidentally sliced open her palm while deboning a chicken for the family's supper. She hissed suddenly and Peter was right there holding her bleeding palm under cold running water to rinse the chicken off the open wound. The two stood together, the younger Baker man holding his black maid/mammy's hands in a caring fashion.

He wished that their relationship wasn't as strained as it was. He wanted to tease her for her unusual bout of clumsiness, but figured that she must have a lot on her mind to not want speak to him, let alone cut herself. Without preamble, he began his earnest plea for understanding.

"Momma, I know what you saw a couple weeks ago, and I know it looked bad. Really bad. But I really would like to get to know Josephine better. I don't want to hurt her. I just want to know who she is. I honestly can't stop thinking about her, how she's doing, what she's doing and who she's doing it with. I would really like your consent so that I can date her. Also, I just need to know what I can do to win back your good graces again, because I miss you momma. I really, really miss you." stated Peter firmly as he gently washed her hand.

Millie stood still and listened to his empassioned pleas. She wanted to trust that the young man she helped raise wouldn't be like his father. She sighed, long and hard and looked into the young man's beautiful blue eyes. He looked so much like his father, it was frightening. Millie steeled her nerves before responding to Peter.

"Peter, sweetie, I know you mean well. But it's like I said earlier. Nothing good will come of it. I'm sorry, but this is just the way that it has to be." she replied.

Peter stood and listned while still washing her hand. He grabbed a towel wrapped it around Millie's bleeding palm. He was confused. It was the early seventies, and the civil rights movement was in full swing. He was an empassioned follower of the freedom riders, and participated in the heated discussions on campus in about the plight of blacks in America.

He celebrated with friends when the supreme court erred on the side of justice for all rather than for some. So Millie's reticence about his obvious affection for her daughter didn't make sense to him. He knew it was something deeper, and he told her as much.

"Momma Millie, why are you fighting this? Why won't you let her even talk to me? What is the harm in us getting to know each other?" responded Peter.

"Because it can lead to places that would be difficult, complicated and result in more heartache than you could even imagine Peter!" shouted Millie. Tears began to prick her eyes, and she turned her face away from Peter.

Peter watched her for a moment, stunned that she had yelled at him. His Momma Millie never yelled at him, even when he did things that got him in trouble. He started to ask her what she felt was so wrong about him when it came to her daughter, when he caught the subtle shake of her shoulders. She rarely ever cried in front of him when she did it always broke his resolve, and his heart.

He walked close to Millie and wrapped his arms around her. He towered over her 5'3" frame and gently kissed her plaited slightly graying hair. He whispered, "I'm sorry for upsetting you momma. I'll try my best to stay away from her, if it makes you happy."

Millie patted the arm wrapped around her chest and, "Chile, the problem is that no matter what happens, nothing happy can come from it." She sighed heavily and he took that as his cue to move away from her. She looked into his eyes, and put her free hand on his cheek. He closed his eyes at her touch, and a moment later he exhaled and turned his head so his lips made contact with her open palm. He placed a gentle kiss there before taking her hand in his and guiding her to a nearby bathroom where the first aid supplies were kept so he could patch up her palm.

Neither saw Stephen who stood silently in the doorway, watching his son touch Millie in a way that he could never touch her. He would never get Millie alone again for long enough to touch her in the tender manner that his son was able to. He listened to their conversation, and realized that his son was a strong willed young man who would make the family proud. He also realized that his son had it bad for Millie's daughter, in the same way that he had it bad for Millie.




The Arrangement Ch. 03



He needed to have a long talk with the heir apparent to his businesses and fortunes, and figure something out before this whole tenuous situation blew his fragile family apart for the second time in his life.

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The next few days after their conversation were both difficult and easy for Peter. Peter and Millie were back on speaking terms, but Josephine kept her distance from him and only spoke to him enough to say hello and goodbye. He noticed that she always made sure that they were never alone in any part of the estate. He figured that she didn't want him to corner her like he did in the garden.

He couldn't help but watch her, and a few times he caught the hard look that Millie directed to him before she covered it with a slight smile. He would return it sheepishly and set out of the room in the opposite direction of whatever way Josephine headed.

The first Thursday in July began bright and hot. The doors to the house were closed by 9:00 a.m. to keep the air conditioning inside. Josephine was busy working in the shade of the front garden planting new beds of multi colored cosmos. Stephen was off at a board meeting, and Maryse was on vacation in Majorca for the next two weeks of Peter's summer vacation.

Millie realized too late that she needed to make a trip to the local market and to the farmer's market before the sun became too treacherous to be out doing work in the day. Just as she shut the back door to speak to the driver to escort her to the town, Peter came downstairs.

He looked around and called out to Millie to no response. He proceeded out the back door to see one of the family cars go down the drive. He figured that Millie was going into town and wouldn't be back for some time. He walked for a bit on the property before heading to the front where he spotted Josephine.

He carefully stepped around the waist high boxwood hedges that bordered the estate manor and approached her as noisily as he could. Josephine heard the commotion of feet moving towards her on the brilliant green lawn and stopped her planting to turn around and see the smiling face of Peter Baker. She issued a small smile before returning to her work.

Peter stood for a short while watching her while she meticulously worked on the planting of the flower bed. She was quite good at gardening & probably would become a fine horticulturist or landscape architect.

He stood there studying her movements, when he was jarred out of his reverie by her voice. "Did you need something Mr. Baker?"

"Hmm...Oh! Um, I'm sorry for being inarticulate. I just noticed that we are the only ones on the grounds at the moment. Your mom and a driver have left for town and it seems that we are quite alone on the grounds at the moment." Peter replied while smiling down at Josephine.

Josephine looked at him for a moment then responded, "The groundsmen are in the maze on the south quarter, trimming the hedges. We aren't alone Mr. Baker." With that, she turned back around and continued digging a fresh hole for another start of flowers.

"Can I help?" asked Peter. Josephine paused in her work and stood up. She barely came up to chest. He peered down intently into her large brown eyes, surveying her pensive look with amused interest. Josephine frowned at the smile that played on his lips, and mentally shook herself from staring at her employer's son. He was incredibly handsome, and wasn't shy in showing his interest in her. She remembered her mother's warning and steeled her resolve to not let him get under her skin -- or clothes.

"Quite frankly, Mr. Baker, I think there are better uses of your time than helping the help. So please tell me why you are asking me such a silly question." replied a flustered Josephine.

Peter openly laughed at her gumption. He knew he had it bad -- if it had been anyone else on the staff that spoke to him in such a manner (except for Millie), they would have been fired on the spot and escorted off the property. Once he stopped laughing, he replied, "Well, to answer your question, there is not much for me to do, and I'd rather help a beautiful woman on a bright summer morning, than waste away doing nothing in the comfort of my family's home."

As Josephine stood considering his words, he stepped closer to her and whispered, "Besides, it would be lovely to engage such a tempting woman as yourself in conversation." Peter smiled down into her flustered face and caught her lovely eyes. They flickered with something that looked like curiosity with a hint of whimsy. He liked curious.

Before she could answer Peter's bold words, she felt his hand embrace her elbow lightly. "Please, I'd like to help you Josephine. What is the harm that can happen?"

Knowing that she was falling under the spell of his hypnotic blue eyes, she gulped audibly and moved to politely remove her elbow from his hand. He held onto her elbow tighter, and bent down to her ear "Please sweet Josie?" She was almost flush with his warm large body. She could smell the light citrus scent of his expensive cologne.

"I'll agree on one condition. Keep your hands to yourself." she responded briefly looking at his hand on her elbow before staring into his flaming blue eyes.

"I'll do my best, but that will be a challenge." smiled Peter down into Josephine's face as he gently removed his hand from her elbow and took a few steps back to show her he meant no harm.

"Right, You'll need some gloves, I happen to have a spare set and an extra trowel." she responded in a businesslike manner. After she handed him a pair of leather gloves, and the trowel she bent down to resume her digging.

"Start here. When you dig, make sure the well of the hole is bigger than the lip. It ensures that there will be enough air around the planting to allow the roots to breathe and expand outward." instructed Josephine. Peter bent down and did as she instructed next to the hole she dug.

"Take the planting out of the little container, and gently separate the roots. This will help it root easier into the ground." She proceeded to show him what she meant, and he took a planting and followed suit. They worked together for an hour just barely finishing up the bed until they heard a car pull up.

The driver stepped out of the vehicle and hurried to let Stephen Baker out of the back of the stretch limosuine. He took a look at the two youngsters, and repressed his smile. He gruffly spoke first to Peter before turning his head to address Josephine, "Just what in the hell do you think you are doing working with the help? We pay her to do this work, not you! Get in the house and meet me in my study. We need to talk about this immediately. As for you young lady, it would behoove you to remember who's employ you are under. I do not pay you to have my son doing your job. Don't stand there looking silly, girl. Get back to work!"

"Now wait a damn minute, father! I asked her if I could help and convinced her to let me help. She didn't put me to work, I wanted to work by her side!" shouted Peter as he threw the gloves to the ground.

"Peter, get your ass in the house now. As for you young lady, get back to work in the west side gardens." instructed a red, visibly angry Stephen.

"Yes sir." quietly replied Josephine as she picked up her basket of tools, and grabbed the thrown gloves & trowels and scurried away from the scene of the two men.

Peter watched Josephine quickly walk/run away from him & his father. Even in his anger he could still admire her plump backside.

"Inside, now." responded Stephen quietly to his son, shaking the young man out of his reverie. Peter glared at his father before marching directly inside the manor into his father's study.

Stephen walked into the study a minute after his son and closed the door behind him. He sat down heavily at his desk, and ran a hand over his face and sighed.

"Listen, I know that you are upset with me, but you need to hear me out." started Stephen.

"I don't need to hear a fucking thing you have to say old man. You were a complete and utter jackass to Josephine. She deserves an apology!" shouted Peter.

"You are right, I was an ass, but there is something that you need to know about Josephine & Millie." responded a suddenly sullen Stephen.

What are you talking about?" Peter asked, slightly perplexed by his father's composition.

The normally powerful Stephen Baker, III looked defeated and hesitant. His eyes were slightly bloodshot, with his shoulders hunched over. He looked like a man struggling with the truth. An awful, terrible truth.

"Son, please sit." stated Stephen.

Peter was slightly alarmed by this, and sat down on a leather couch as instructed. He heard his father mumble something to himself, and sigh, before turning his reddened gaze on his son.

"Peter, I know I haven't been the best father, or a man that you would want to take any type of relationship advice from. Especially since your mother and I don't act like any normal married couple." started Stephen.

Peter became a bit flustered by his father's admission. It was the first time either of his parents mentioned that their relationship was one of convenience, rather than of genuine passion and love.

"Father, what are you trying to tell me?" responded Peter, becoming quickly irritated with his father's dallying.

Stephen peered into his son's eyes. They were the same blue as his wife's eyes -- clear, open and when angered, like ice. He took in his son's angry appearance, noting that he would grow older to look exactly like himself, with blue eyes instead of his own green eyes.

"I...I'm sorry to tell you this, but you must keep your distance from Millie's daughter Josephine." Stephen whispered.

This was the last thing that Peter expected -- he expected the usual diatribe of "we're not like them.." and the other type of garbage that he had to listen to from his snooty country club friends and their racist parents. He didn't expect the exact same rhetoric that came from Millie to come from his dad.

"What the hell are you talking about? Why are both you and Millie saying the same thing? What is the meaning of this, this tripe? What is wrong with me trying to have at least a friendly relationship with Josephine?" shouted Peter, standing up to his full height.

"Peter, sit down! Just hear me out. Look it has nothing to do with anything about her skin color, if that is your concern. Son, Millie, and by extension Josephine aren't just our maid and gardener. They are technically our family. Millie is a relative of your mother's side of the family." stated Stephen sullenly.

Peter felt like he had been punched in the stomach. "Family? How?" he asked as he staggered back to sit heavily on the leather couch.

Stephen closed his eyes and sighed. "Back during the founding of this nation, many of the old money families like ourselves and your mother's family had slaves, and a considerable number of them. Millie's family was owned by your mother's family. The problem came into being when your mother's grandfather raped Millie's grandmother." said Stephen. Peter sat there completely stunned.

"Their 'union' birthed Millie's mother." said Stephen as calmly as he could. "That's a fucking lie." breathed Peter. "I would believe this more if it came from your side of the family -- the bunch of fucking theives, but not mom's side of the family. Great grandfather was a damn abolitionist for Christ sakes!" yelled Peter, standing once again to his full height, and hurling spit in his anger and passion.

"That's because the man felt guilty for his actions. He was a slave owner who never intended to take and bed a slave, until he forced Millie's grandmother. Hell the man had the same reaction to her as you had to Josephine -- he had to have her. It was bad enough that she was his slave, but the threat of being punished or sold off to another place that could be ten times worse than the treatment she was used to kept her from speaking out. His guilt is what got him." continued Peter.

"Once he found out that she, Margaret, was pregnant, he knew it was his child. He explained to his wife what happened, and he promised to care for Margaret and her entire family as his own. He gave Margaret to another slave and they bore Millie. Long before he died he emancipated all the slaves, but made provisions for Margaret and all her children in his will. Millie herself married a black man, and bore her beloved Josephine. Millie always knew that her grand father was her mother's rapist and master. " stated Stephen as soberly as possible, ignoring his son's angry outburst.

Stephen sighed, before continuing with the sad tale. "Millie grew up knowing the history between her grandparents. Her grandmother was never the same after the assault -- and raised both her daughter and grand-daughter to be careful around white men, especially in their homes."

"You simply cannot have a relationship with Josephine, other than a friendship. She's your blood, and family to you, just like Millie is." rambled Stephen.

Peter sat down stunned. Josephine was his cousin? 'SHIT!' thought Peter. He couldn't get close to her, outside a friendship.

"Father, how do you know this? Why didn't anyone tell me before I saw her and started falling in love with her?" asked a thunderstruck Peter.

"Because it was hard for me to come to grips with as well. I've promised an oath to your mother to not let this type of thing out -- a family secret as this could devastate her and her 'social standing'. We both know how much that nonsense means to her. Anyway, it wasn't long after your birth when Millie came to us. The two women both knew the family history & Millie took on reponsibilities here, namely you. She did not inform us right away of her own child until we found out about her by accident.

"Not long after Millie began working for us, your mother realized that I had fallen hopelessly in love with her own cousin. Naturally she became extremely hurt, and angry. She informed me that I could never touch Millie again, unless I wanted a very messy public divorce. I chose a life of silence, pining for a woman I could never ever have.

"I took one look at Josephine and knew that if you were anything like me, that you would have to suffer in the same manner -- never able to take the woman you are hopelessly in love with in public. Never able to show her how much she means to you, and that without her, you're nothing. I'm so sorry to let you know this Peter. I'm sorry to have passed on this family curse to you." responded a clearly heartbroken Stephen.

During the exposure of the family secret, Peter buried his head into his hands. There was simply no way that Josephine was his blood. There must be some sort of lie, or half truth to the story. He had to be able to see her, and touch her, and feel the softness of her lips pressed against his own. He simply had to have her!

"Son, I know that you think I'm a liar, but it's true. Ask Millie if you don't believe me. Just don't tell Josephine. She still doesn't know this family's shameful past." spoke a despondent Stephen to his distraught son, Peter.

Peter raised his head out of his hands and stared into his father's eyes with his own bloodshot orbs. "I'll never have the chance to love her properly. She should know the truth." said Peter evenly.

"No! Why should she know this family's injustice upon her's? All it will do is cause more pain! Don't you get that? Not everything needs to be told! Not everything is absolutely necessary for everyone to experience! Your mother would agree with me, and you know that we rarely agree on anything!

"If you ever thought you could fall in love with Josephine, your cousin, then you cannot tell her something this heartbreaking! You can't tell her that her employers are her family too! That would ruin any notion of goodness coming from you whatsoever. It would ruin your chances of having at least a friendship with her." shouted a frantic Stephen.

Peter weighed his options, and realized that in the disgusting, sick twisted scheme of everything, that his father was probably right. It would hurt not only Josephine, but also his Momma Millie. He was still perplexed about his father & Millie's relationship, so he asked him, "So what of you and Millie? She knows that you know about our family's continued indiscretion. Why did she go along with this? And why didn't you say anything to her about how you feel towards her? And what the hell did you mean by 'again'?"

Stephen looked away at a far wall containing legal text and sighed before responding to his son's inquiry. "Millie knows that I've been and will be in love with her. In every woman that I have an affair with, I replace their faces with hers. It's her body that I see, and it haunts me everyday. I'm not as brave a man as I need to be son. I can only love her behind closed doors and in shadows and whispers. She's scared of me because she fears that what happened to her grandmother will happen to her with me again. Unfortunately, her fears are justified, as I've tried once before to have a moment and simply hold her."

Stephen's tears coursed down his face as he recalled the events of that night, almost 20 years prior.

"She was right in this room, dusting the bookshelves. I happened to be on my way into the kitchen to get something to eat when I saw her alone. I walked into the study, and closed the door behind me. She didn't realize she was alone with me until she heard the click of the lock. She stopped cleaning, and turned to see me -- the man who constantly followed her with his eyes." started Stephen.

"I started to justify my actions to myself -- rationalizing that I 'just wanted to have a little chat with her' to 'see how her day was going'. In my heart I knew I wanted much more from my sweet Millie. I approached my desk and asked Millie to sit down. She looked at me warily before sitting in a chair on the opposite side of my desk. I stood and moved directly in front of her. I remembered watching her chest begin to heave with her fear. I took it to mean that she was intrigued by me." he rambled on, remembering that night so long ago with perfect clarity.

"I tried to reassure her, so I reached out for her arm. She flew out of the chair, and stumbled onto the ground. She backed away from me as quickly as she could as I advanced on her in the guise of wanting to help her up. When she fell, her uniform flew up high on her legs, and I caught a glimpse of her soft brown thighs." he ended in a slight whisper. He blinked slowly and focused his eyes on the carpet, remembering where she landed, an the shade of brown of her soft skin.

"Anyway, I somehow ended up on the floor in front of her. She was whimpering incoherently because I was coming closer to her, and she was backed up against the couch and was in too much shock to get up again and run for the door." he continued in a hollow voice. The memory of his actions a fresh pain to his heart. He didn't see the look of rage dawning on his son's face.

"I got close to her, and rubbed the tears from her face, trying to console her. It was then, in my stupidity, that I tried to kiss her, thinking foolishly how that would make her feel better. Her beautiful eyes went wide with fear as our lips touched. I kept touching and kissing her while she whimpered and cried at my assault." said Stephen as the memories of their encounter both enlivened and broke his heart. He didn't feel the tears falling from his eyes, streaking his cheeks. He took a deep breath and continued his confession.

"I whispered to her how beautiful I thought she was, and that she had the power to make me into a very naughty man. I told her things that a man in love with a woman would say, except that I was her employer and not her lover. I was giving to her the very horror that had been visited upon her grandmother. Times may have been slightly better, but a bad reference for not doing 'everything' an employer said was akin to starvation for many black women who worked as maids." stated Stephen. He sighed and resumed his own sad tale.




The Arrangement Ch. 03



"While all this was going on, your mother was looking for Millie because you started crying in the upstairs nursery and Millie was the only person that you responded to. She looked around the house for her, then remembered that this would be the time when Millie would be dusting the study. She got to the study to find it locked. By the time she came back with the key and opened the door, my....my..." choked Stephen.

"My hand was caressing Millie's bare breast, while my face was between her legs. Millie laid there trembling in shock while I assaulted her. She kept telling me to stop. And I didn't, thinking that she secretly wanted me to touch and kiss her. I was so fucked up that I took her lack of resistance as her acceptance of the pleasure I intended to give her body." stated Stephen openly weeping at this point. He sobered up enough to continue, but could still vividly recall seeing the horror and fear in Millie's precious brown eyes.

"Your mother came in an pulled me off Millie. I apologized profusely, not realizing that I was still licking my lips because they carried her heavenly scent on them. There was no inquiry because your mother hushed it all up with her connections, that and the police found it hard to believe that a white man had assaulted a black woman. They chose to believe that she somehow asked for my attentions. Their allegations didn't help the tumultuous situation at all. Later on, Millie had to be sent to a hospital for treatment. She tried to kill herself because of what I put her through and the lack of justice served to her because of her skin color." stated Stephen after calming down some to finish the tale.

"Son, I can and never will touch Millie again. I took something away from that sweet innocent woman that I'll never be able to give back to her. I took her trust. She is never alone in a room with me, and for very good reason. I don't even trust myself to be around her without supervision -- even with the many years of counseling I went through to remedy my faulty reasoning. Your mother swore to divorce me for treating her family in such a deplorable manner." told Stephen.

Peter stood, then sat back down as he tried to digest the news that his father sexually assaulted and almost raped his Momma Millie. His mind spun with the news that his great-grandfather, a man who served as a leader for the abolitionist movement was a slave holder and rapist. 'What he fuck does that make me?' thought an anguished Peter.

'They think I would hurt my Josie that way. Oh my God, I've already behaved exactly as my father has. I'm such an idiot!' thought Peter as he stood, opened the door and walked into the nearby kitchen. His thoughts tormented him as he ignored the sobbing pleas from his father to come back to the study. Peter frantically opened drawers, and wildly looked around the room for something until he finally found it.

Just as he wrapped his hand around the sharp chef's knife, he heard a voice say in alarm, "Baby, whatchu doin' with that?"

Momma Millie had just come home and found her boy looking like he received the worst news in his entire life. And holding a large knife to his wrist. When he looked up at her, she saw the deep pain in his eyes and knew what could have upset him so much. She put down the groceries in her hands and slowly stepped to him.

"Baby, hey, hey, hey now. Be easy. I'm here. You can talk to me about anything, so long as you don't hurt yaself." spoke Millie slowly to the only son she ever raised.

"Momma? He hurt you. How can you still be here when he hurt you?" responded a slowly dissolving Peter as tears poured down his reddened cheeks.

"I'm still here for you baby. So you could grow strong, and not hurt anyone like I'd been hurt. You are so much stronger than that -- than any blood that you think goes through ya veins. You are not him, you are his son -- there's a difference in that alone sweetness." responded Millie as he allowed her close enough to take the knife from his trembling hands.

"Come here baby." was all she needed to say before Peter sank down to his knees and cried against her stomach. She stroked his hair as he wept his apologies for his actions toward Josephine. Stephen watched the scene unfolding, knowing that he was part of the cause of his son's heartache. Millie's eyes met Stephen's for a moment and she saw the regret.

Stephen left and went to his study to gather the papers that he initially came home to retrieve for a company merger. Once he located them, he closed the front door softly behind him and left the house and didn't come back until much later that evening.

Peter was directed upstairs to his bedroom by Millie. She climbed in bed with him and held him until he fell asleep.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Josephine was rooted speechless underneath the slightly opened window of the office. 'That's why momma didn't want me near him.' she thought as she heard the awful tales and the family secret. Too dazed to really think about the words that had just changed her life, she continued working on the flower beds and once everything was complete, she moved onto another area before giving up her work to the excessive heat of the day. She walked into the servant's quarters, laid on a bed and wept.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Peter woke up with gunky eyes on the lap of Momma Millie. Sunlight barely poured into the bedroom as he took in his surroundings. He looked up and saw that she was still asleep. He gently rose from her lap, and the subtle movements instantly woke her up. She had spent nights before with him in his room during his early year, especially when he had a bad dream, was sick, or his parents were out of town for an extended period of time and he needed constant supervision.

"Hey baby, how ya feel?" asked Millie as she rubbed her sleepy eyes and began to straighten up the bed.

"Like shit." said Peter simply as he stared at the carpet. Millie instantly halted her movements and stared at him.

"Language young man. Language." said Millie in a stern tone.

"Sorry momma, but it's the truth. I won't tell Josie, though. None of it. If it hurt me this bad, it could only be much, much worse for her." replied Peter in a contrite tone.

"Sweetie, I'm pretty sure that she knows by now." replied Millie as she finished straightening up the bed and sat down next to him.

Peter turned his face to her with a look of pure alarm on it. "How?" was his nervous response.

"The window to the study was open. I heard only the last bits of it, because of the yelling , but I saw her crouched underneath the window, hunched over a flower bed with a trowel in her hand, shaking." replied Millie with a forlorn sigh.

"Oh no. Oh, we have to talk to her." stated Peter as he got up and made his way to the bedroom door.

"Honey it won't do any good. She knows the whole thing. She walked away and carried on working. She'll do like so many women have done for years, bear that cross and keep on goin'." said Millie with a weary sigh.

Peter stopped the unconscious pacing he was doing in his bedroom and asked, "What should we do then?"

Millie smiled at him. She stood and walked over to the nervous young man and captured his face in her rough hands. "You are a good man Peter Baker. She'll be just fine. I'll have a talk with her, and we'll get through it like we always have -- like family."

Peter blew out a shaky breath, and pushed his forehead into Millie's. She smiled gently at the gesture. "Come on son, walk me home."

"Yes ma'am. One thing though, can I call you Auntie?" asked Peter with a look of the hope of a child at Christmas in his blue eyes.

"No. Call me momma." smiled Millie.

"Alright."

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Peter willed the tears from his eyes again as he remembered that eventful day. He and "his Josie" remained close -- but he never married a woman or impregnated a woman in his life until he found Julianne.

He knew he was asking God for a chance to love someone with the same passion, spirit and tenacity as his beautiful cousin -- the woman he foolishly fell in love with in his youth. He knew that he would have to explain to Julianne the whispers of his heart and their meaning. He wasn't sure why he wanted to be so forthcoming with his past to this young woman. He also didn't want to analyze his feelings or figure out why he thought so much of her perceptions of him, especially now that he had a taste of her sweetness.

What he needed was a talk with someone who could help him figure out what the heck was going on in his head. With that thought resolved, he picked up the phone and called his momma.

"Hey baby!" answered Millie as she picked up the phone.

"Hey momma. Can you come out in the next couple of days? I have someone I want you to meet." replied Peter with a smile.

"Sure. What's her name?" answered Millie with a laugh on her lips.

"How do you know it's a woman?" asked Peter. His lips were still curled into a smile, but his brows furrowed.

"Baby, you've never wanted me to meet anyone over the weekend, so I figured that it must be a woman who caught your eye and heart. What does she look like?" responded Millie with the laughter still on her lips.

"To be perfectly honest, she looks exactly like Josie, momma. That's why I want you to meet her." sighed Peter.

Millie paused for a moment, and said, "I can be there from Thursday to Saturday. I need to be back home so I can go to church on Sunday though."

"Thank you momma. You don't know how much this means to me." replied Peter.

"How long you known her? I mean really known her, not had her investigated or whatever Peter." asked Millie.

It was Peter's turn to pause, "A couple of days."

Peter was surprised to hear Millie chuckle. "You move real quick don't you? Tell you what, give it time, say a couple of months, 'fore I meet this young lady. I hope she doesn't tell me anything shameful about you Peter. You like your business deals, but love ain't like that honey." replied Millie.

"I know momma. So we're looking at late spring, in April or so? Does that work well with your busy schedule?" asked Peter.

"Yeah. If she's anything like Josie, then I know that you'll be holding onto her for as long as you can. You still are a good man Peter Baker. Even if you act like the devil himself at times." chuckled Millie.

Peter laughed out loud to momma's joke. After a while he said, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know. I just gotta get her to fall in love with me and see if she'll stay."

He heard Millie's sigh through the phone. "Peter, she's not Josie. You can't just use the poor girl as your fantasy. She's a real person. If you treat her as such, then she'll be a lot better about this whole situation, or arrangement or whatever." said Millie.

Peter pulled the phone away from his ear when he heard the word "Arrangment". Damn, did the woman have ESP? He cleared his throat before responding. "I know that she's a real person, I've just been kind of a jerk to her. I promise, I'll do better." said Peter.

"That's all I need to know, baby. That's all I need to know." said Millie.

Peter smiled into the phone. Millie went on, "Ok, so if that's it, then I will see you and your Josie look-a-like lady friend April 22. Have a car sent down to get me. And be on your best behavior young man."

"Yes momma. Please tell Josie I said hi and that I have a friend who would like her to design a malaysian garden in their backyard and that I'll forward the info to her sometime tomorrow." said Peter.

"Ok honey. Take care of yaself now." said Millie.

"Will do. Love ya momma." said Peter.

"I love you too sweetie." said Millie and she hung up the phone.

*******************************

Peter put the phone back in the cradle and walked back into the bedroom. Julianne was still slumbering peacefully.

It was uncanny how much she looked like Josephine. He made sure that she wasn't related to his family in any way, shape or form before continuing on with their arrangement/relationship. Watching her sleep was a joy for him. He walked over to a side table in the bedroom and pushed a button above it for the house intercom.

When his maid Cheryl answered, he stated, "Please bring up some brunch for me and my guest. Anything is alright, and within the next half an hour. Thank you Cheryl."

"Your welcome Mr. Baker, sir." responded Cheryl with a smile before she set about preparing a meal for her boss and his 'guest'.

"So, we'll be eating brunch in about half an hour?" asked a sleepy Julianne.

Peter turned to face her. Her face was radiant in the afterglow of their time spent in and out of bathroom that morning. Her lips were still puffy from his kisses, and he could make out the outline of her rampant curves from underneath the sheets of his bed.

"Yes. I can think of a good way to work up an appetite." replied Peter as he crawled slowly over her body.

He pulled the sheets down slowly to reveal her delicious skin and began trailing kisses up the outside of a thigh, over her hip and with gentle licks and nips over her ticklish ribs. While her body was racked with laughter from the soft caress of his lips on her ribs, he gently guided her hands above her head and continued kissing up one side of her body.

He paused for a moment to kiss and nibble at the sensitive skin of her armpit, before lightly brushing his lips over her sensitive underarm. Once he reached that point he moved over to her ear, that he nipped and nibbled. Spurred on by her purrs and sighs, he moved over her, kissing her lips with gentle tugs and nips on her bottom lip.

They both could smell Julianne's arousal as easily as they both felt his erection pressed hard on her stomach. He gripped his cock in his hand and rubbed it up and down her clit. Breathy moans escaped her lips before she gripped him and slowly inserted him inside her dripping warmth.

Her legs were pushed up high on his waist as he slowly and unhurriedly rose and fell from her depths. The slight hairs on his chest grazed her sensitive nipples and caused her pussy to pulse around his cock. He buried his face in her neck and sucked on the skin there while softly stroking her hair.

Julianne was lost in the intensity of their coupling. It was unhurried, slow and meticulously done. He was doing this to explore every crevice inside her body. His tempo never waivered, even as she tightened twice around him. She shook, and trembled, wondering how this man was able to have such incredible stamina. He answered the question in her eyes with a smile as he tilted their hips to the side to hit another extremely sensitive spot inside her, while giving his idle hand access to her nipples and clit. He pinched and rolled each in rapid succession until she squirted on him. When she came down from her intense orgasm she was shocked at the amount of ejaculate that left her body. The bedsheets were soaked and she was mortified.

Peter began chuckling as he resumed his slow fucking of her exquisite body. "That never happen before?" he asked her.

Breathlessly she responded, "No. I've ruined your sheets! I'm so sorry. I can have them dry cleaned..."

"You'll do no such thing. Just relax and take it sweetheart. Have I told you how good you feel and make me feel?" asked Peter.

Julianne's eyes were busy rolling into the back of her head again before she could respond. Peter pulled out and gently rubbed himself against her mound. When her breathing slowed down Peter raised up off her, and lowered his head to her pussy. He entered her body again with his fingers while he sucked on her clit. She moaned and writhed on the bed for him and her juices slickened her puckered butthole.

He withdrew his fingers from her pussy and rubbed around her butthole to get it even more lubricated. Then he spread her thighs further and flicked his tongue over her asshole. She nearly jumped out of her skin at the contact. Smiling, Peter raised up, pushed her thighs up and flipped her over.

"Put that pretty ass up for me, sweetheart." directed Peter. Julianne complied with his demand and shrieked when she felt his tongue lick and love on her asshole. One of Peter's hands fingered her from behind, while the other pinched her clit.

She was nearly short circuited by the explosive climax when he shoved himself into her dripping pussy. One drenched middle finger was inserted into her asshole as he rode her through another orgasm.

He bent over her willing body and pulled her hair to the side to suck on her exposed neck. The other hand continued pinching and rolling her clit until she squirted again all over him.

"So juicy" replied Peter with a smile before his balls tightened and he came with a grunt deep inside her body. He pulled out and watched her body plop down onto the bed.

A knock at the door signaled that brunch was ready for them.

End of Chapter 3!

Post script:

Sooo...I hope you all liked this update. Like I said, I'm without an editor, but I would like to thank my former editor, AccentsnTattoos, for doing such a superb job with the first two parts of this series. It's a momumental effort & she's been great. However, life happens, so keep her in your prayers please.

What'd you all think of Millie? She came about from tales that I was told by my mother of the women in my family who had some experiences or knew women with experiences similar to Millie's and to Margaret. My family is from the deep south, and it is unfortunately a sad part of american history for this type of sexual assault to be considered common during those times. It's not my intent to offend anyone, but to convey a story and set it in a context that is common enough in our american history to be plausible.

My intent in this update was to give Millie, and the many women who had this horror visited to them a certain dignity -- she was able to survive the assault and in time find a sense of forgiveness toward her aggressor. Forgiveness is something that is difficult for me to pen, because it's a hard thing to capture and express properly in an emotion or a phrase. She was able to raise the child of her attacker without seeing or expressing the hurt that his father gave her. Forgiveness, to me, is the most powerful act in the world and something I feel is greatly overlooked.

Anyway, I'll be searching for a new editor soon, so I don't keep putting out useless drivel. Thanks for reading my stories y'all.

As I stated earlier, I hope you all enjoyed this latest edition of 'The arrangement'.



The Arrangement Ch. 03



Jill stared at him. Frozen to the spot, her heart pounded out a Texas two-step that would tire even the most experienced dancer. She must have heard him wrong, she thought in surprise. "What, Commander?" Her voice sounded needy and unsure even to her own ears and she cursed herself for it.

Daniel walked across the yard, carrying his daughter. He stopped barely two inches from her. At five foot ten, she was not a small woman, but he towered over her. The gentleness with which he held his daughter warred with the strength that emanated from him like an aura. At this distance, she could almost feel the heat coming off his body.

"I asked...if you would do me the honor of being my wife?" he smiled. "I suppose that sounds more like it."

Jill shook her head in disbelief. "Is this some joke? You said last night that you didn't need or want a wife?"

"I still don't want one." He paused and stared off at the clouds for a moment. "Well, more like, I'm not very good husband material." Jill could feel his pain in those words. She wanted nothing more than to reach her hand up and brush his cheek, reassure him. Tell him that everything would be alright. But she reminded herself that she barely knew this man. That the words poured out in those emails were not his. That she had no real right to feel this way.

He smiled weakly as he looked back at the baby in his arms and then at her. "But I admit defeat. What you said last night made perfect sense. I do need one. The girls need a mother" Tickling Ashley softly, he continued. "And you're damned good at it." Rubbing his own stomach, he added, "Besides, lady, your cooking speaks for itself."

Jill laughed. His words reminded her of an old musical, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The hero fell instantly in love with his soon to be bride's stew. She could only hope their road would be less rocky. If his words were too practical, so much less than what she wanted, she stamped those doubts down. Like Ubah had said, those things came with time. 

Jill felt the tug on her dress. She looked down into Britney's smiling face. She knew what her answer must be. If before her heart had missed the laughter, the noise and even the fights that a house full of children brought, the past few days she had fallen for these girls, Daniel's daughters. There were not just images on a computer screen anymore. They were little people with minds of their own. And he was right. They needed her.

Picking the wet little girl up, she nodded. "Yes, please."

***

Daniel spent the rest of the day making arrangements. From his perspective, there was no need to delay things. The sooner they handled the formalities the better. He admitted he had practically bullied Jill into a quick wedding. Protesting that the girls needed the stability and he needed to get back to the field. They were arguments he knew would strike close to her heart. If some part of him felt a tad guilty that he had rushed her, that there would not be time for her sons to join them for the wedding, he dismissed those concerns in favor of expediency. 

He justified his actions. Truth was some part of him wanted things settled quickly, before the woman had second thoughts, saw how inadequate he really was. 

He had called the chaplain first. After more than his fair share of funerals and memorial services the man was delighted at the prospect of a wedding. If he was a bit shocked when Daniel suggested the next day, he did not say anything. 

The next two calls were more difficult. He phoned his mother first. He could hear the worry in her voice when he began by asking about his father. Thankfully, she was the first to mention Jill. When she asked if she had returned safely to London, it was the opening that he needed. He explained the situation as best he could. 

"I really am happy for you, sweetie. I know that you have been hurt, but I hope you will give her a chance. Sometimes friendship is the best place to start," she had said. But before Daniel could confide more, she had to go. A nurse had come by to check on his father.

By far, the hardest call was Samuel. Not Samuel really, but Simone. He knew that the woman would gloat. This would only fuel her meddling. But he also knew as her husband said she did not mean any harm. 

Picking up the phone, he dialed the number. Simone answered on the second ring. He waited as she got his friend from his workshop in the garage.

"Hey, buddy, what's up?" Samuel asked a moment later.

"Are you busy tomorrow?" Daniel stammered nervously. 

"No plans. Just gonna putter around with some wood. Making Simone a new table for her readings."

Daniel screwed up his courage, "I was wondering if you would be my best man."

"What the fuck?" The voice on the other end faded, followed by a thump. Daniel waited a moment. Silence and then a squeal filtered through the phone. A moment later he heard his friend pick up the phone. "I'll be right over," he replied.

"Don't bring," but before Daniel could say Simone the line went dead. 

***

Jill was finishing up dinner and cleaning the kitchen. Looking up at the clock on the kitchen wall, she noted that she would need to leave for the bus stop in another fifteen minutes. 

She washed the countertop for the hundredth time that day. She had been distracted since her conversation with the commander that morning. Since Daniel's proposal would be more accurate she supposed. She had moved through the day like a robot on autopilot. She cared for the twins, made lunch, started dinner and cleaned. But it all seemed so surreal. 

She supposed she had good reason. Most brides were nervous before their weddings. But she was not most brides and this was not a 'normal' marriage. It was an arrangement. Pure and simple. Daniel needed a housekeeper and cook, someone he could depend upon. The girls needed a mother, even Jessie, though Jill was sure she would deny it. And she needed... 

What did she need? She was back in the good old U. S. of A. after all these years. Sure, she had missed having her sons around the past couple of years. And the girls were more than she could have hoped for. 

But suddenly, what had seemed so logical and practical all those weeks ago when she responded to that first email seemed absolutely preposterous. Marrying someone you hardly knew. Someone that you did not love. At that moment, she would have given anything to talk to Ubah. 

She heard the door bell and called out, "I'll get it," as she raced from the kitchen, looking for something more to do, any distractions from her turbulent thoughts.

She practically ran into Daniel in the living room. "Oh, sorry," seemed a foolish response when the side of her breast brushed his arm. The man was going to be her husband in twenty-four hours. It was just another sign of how wrong this all was, she thought as she stepped to the side, suddenly feeling like the stranger she was in this house.

He nodded to her as he opened the door. His face a perfect mask, devoid of any emotion. Any doubts. If he had them. Jill shivered as she realized fully how little she knew of this man. Not even those emails that they had shared over the weeks were real. Second hand, it was all just second hand information. She knew nothing really of the man she was about to marry. 

Simone burst through the door first. "I told you de stars never lie, Danny me boy," she said as she wrapped him in a hug. Jill saw the glare that Daniel sent towards Samuel. 

"What could I do?" the man replied in his defense. Daniel did not have a chance to respond before Simone turned her attention to her. For a large woman she moved fast, racing across the room and wrapping her in an embrace as well. Jill wanted, needed, to surrender to that contact, but she held herself back.

"Gurl, we's got so much to do. Why's tomorrow? We need at least a month to do this thing right." The woman questioned. It was the same question that Jill had been pushing back from her own mind all morning. But the truth was she did not want to examine it too closely just then.

Turning back to where the men were chatting quietly by the door, Simone said, "Aw, you two go do some man t'ings and leave us gurls to plan de whole thing," Her dismissal was complete as she drug Jill towards the kitchen.

The moment they were behind the kitchen door, Simone opened like a flood gate. "See, I told you everything would work out. I knew the moment I saw your profile that you were the one. And when I did a reading, well that only confirmed it, sweetie. This is going to be perfect. Now, we have to plan everything. What you going to wear? The girls will all have to be in the wedding, of course. They will need new dresses too."

"Stop it," Jill screamed. Tears that had been held back for days began to pour down her cheeks. "I can't do it. I can't. This is crazy. It's all a horrible mistake," she said as she broke down.

The woman stared at her for a moment. Then she wrapped her soft arms about her. "Sit down," she commanded as she led Jill to the kitchen table. She placed Jill in a chair and went to the cupboards. Jill watched through the tears as the woman pulled two cups out of the cabinets and started the coffee pot.

This woman obviously knew this house well. Jill wondered how many times over the past months or perhaps years, the woman had taken charge like this. She was certain that she had done so after Rachel's death. Jill was just as certain that Daniel and his daughters would have been lost without her.

The woman's words rang in her head...'dis is all my doin.' Jill supposed in some ways it was too. She thought of the hundreds of emails that she had unknowingly shared over the weeks with this woman. For a moment, she could empathize with Daniel. This woman knew things about her that few people other than her sons and Ubah ever had. One in particular haunted her. 

By the time, Simone returned with two cups of strong black coffee, Jill had regained some of her composure, her sobs had weakened to a stray tear or two.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have screamed at you like that," she apologized.

Taking the seat across from her, Simone shook her head that was now covered in thick braids that hung past her shoulders. "It's alright. You want to talk about it?"

"I don't think I can go through with this," she began as she stared at the cup in her hand. "I know it is a little late now to be having second thoughts, but..." she trailed off, uncertain what to say. How to explain.

"But what, sweetie? I thought you wanted to have a family again. You were tired of the quiet of your empty nest, you said. You wanted to be part of something bigger, a community that fought for what was right. What's changed?"

Jill heard her own words written all those weeks ago pour from Simone's lips like flood waters. She could not deny the truth of them. "I know, but..." She sought for words. Words to explain the self doubts inside of her.

"I know you care about those girls already. I could see that on Sunday at soccer practice." Simone reached across the table and covered Jill's trembling hand with one of her own, "You have your family and trust me you are gonna fit right in with the wives' club. So why the cold feet?" Simone pressed again.

"Him," the answer sprung forth from Jill's heart like the first flower of spring bursting towards the truth of the sun.

Simone laughed. The sound was deep and rich as it echoed off the walls of the kitchen. "Aw, dat."

Jill stared at the woman in disbelief. How could she of all people not understand the angst of this situation? She, who knew her secret. "Yes, that. He's nothing like what I thought he would be."

"How so?" The woman pinned her with a knowing stare. "Everything his mama and me put in those emails is true. He's a man of honor. We both know that is a dying breed. Men, who actually believe in right and live by a code. Men willing to give their lives for what they believe." 

Shaking her braids, the woman continued her sermon, one that would have done the hell fire and brimstone preacher that she had grown up with proud. "The only thing that man loves more than this country and the Navy is those girls. For the past nine months, he has stayed here for them." 

Her dark eyes bore into Jill's soul. "You know how hard that is for a man like him. Sending his guys off to face god knows what danger while he watches from some damned satellite feed? But his daughters needed him." 

Squeezing Jill's hand, "I thought you could understand all that. I thought you could see past the code to the man. I thought, no I felt, that just maybe you could heal some of the pain that man carries. I thought that you could give him the love he needs." 

Jill looked at their hands entwined on the table. "What made you think that he would want someone like me?" she whispered. Confiding her deepest fears, "You've seen Rachel. Look at me. Hell, look at him. The man's drop dead gorgeous." 

Jill looked around the kitchen that gleamed in the afternoon sun, "I didn't want someone who saw me as a cook, cleaner and nanny. Alright, so maybe it was crazy, but I thought, alright I hoped, that someday real feelings could grow between us."

Simone rich laughter filled the small kitchen. "Dat man is purty. Dat is for sure. But don't you be tellin' my Samuel I said dat or I swear I'll have to curse you." Jill noted that the woman had taken up the thick accent that she used only when it suited her purposes, "But don't let those pretty boy looks and I don't need no one attitude fool you. That man is hurting. He hurting bad."

The woman sighed, "That woman you think is so pretty had a heart of darkness. And I should know." Jill wanted to question Simone more about the woman, who had been Daniel's first wife. So many things about her, about their marriage, about her death, just did not make sense. 

But before she could speak, Simone barreled on, "She did a real number on that boy's head too. I promise you, sweetie, you a more beautiful woman than she ever was. Because your beauty comes from within."

Jill laughed sardonically and shook her head, "And men are so good at seeing that." The words cut like a knife through old scars that were barely healed even after almost two years.

"The good ones are. And I'm placing my bets on the stars that's a good man in there." The woman dismissed her fears casually. "Are you gonna let a few nerves stand between you and what you want? Cause if you is then you ain't the woman we thought you were." Her eyes once more pinned Jill's soul as if searching for some unseen flaw...as if the ones she could see were not enough.

Jill looked at the clock. "I better go get the girls from the bus stop," she said to avoid the answer.

Simone shook her head, "Let them boys do it. They ought to be good for something other than looking pretty. You and I have a wedding to plan." She pronounced with finality, making the decision for her.

***

Daniel stared at the ground. Sprigs of green grass, weeds and dandelions sprang from between the cracks in the concrete sidewalk. He really did not mind being shuffled off to pick up Jessie and Bel from the school bus. It gave him a few moments to think. To re-evaluate his decision.

Logically, this situation was the perfect answer to the dilemma that he had faced for months. In Jill, he had found someone that he could trust to care for his daughters. Hell, better than Rachel ever had. He could get back where he belonged, in the field with his men. Daniel had though never been a man of pure logic. But his gut that he trusted just as much as his mind told him that this was the best option too. The right battle plan.

So why was he so fucking nervous? It was not like him. Once he had the Intel. He considered the options. Choose the one most likely to accomplish the goals of the mission. Then he put everything else aside and focused on executing that mission. But this time, he was torn up with doubt and second guessing.

"What's bothering you, buddy?" said the one man that knew him better than anyone else. The man that had been his non-commissioned officer for more years than either of them wanted to count. The man he considered his best friend.

"What if I screw this up to?" the words were out of his mouth before he even thought about them. 

But suddenly it all made sense. That was what was bothering him about this situation. Not the Intel. Not the decision itself. But the execution. He just did not have the knowledge or skills for this mission. He never had. He was the problem. Unlike Samuel, he just was not cut out to be a husband. 

Samuel chuckled as he slapped him on the back, "It ain't as hard as you think it is, Danny my boy. You already half way there." 

The two men knew one another so well, thought so much alike that Samuel continued with Daniel's analogy. "It's just the same as any other mission we face. The biggest challenge is in the planning, picking the right battle plan."

Looking Daniel in the eye, he continued. "You did that this time." He put his hand on Daniel's shoulder, "You were just a kid when you married Rachel and that girl was never cut out for this life style," he confided. 

"I hate to admit it, almost as much as you do, but my wife and your mama did a hell of a job this time. That woman might, and I said might, just be as right for this job as Simone is," he winked conspiratorially. 

With a shrug of his shoulders, he continued, "The rest is pretty much getting the hell out of their way and letting them manage." He spoke in hushed tones as if imparting secrets, "Of course, good loving and few kind words here and there never hurt anything either."

"That's what I'm worried about. I'm not very good at that," Daniel scuffed his shoe against a lone dandelion, uprooting it. He felt instant regret. Empathizing with the plant, himself uprooted for so long now.

Samuel bellowed with laughter. "Oh, don't give me that shit. I remember the women you had chasing you before Rachel. They didn't seem to be complaining none. If I remember right, we needed an extra Marine guard at the base just to keep them off you."

Daniel laughed at the reminder of another lifetime. "That's different and you know it."

Samuel stared at him for a moment, "Is it? You think a wife wants or needs something different than a woman you just screwing?" The question hung in the air, bold and blunt like the two of them. 

"Then, buddy, you do have problems. Trust the man that's been married almost twenty years, a wife is just as kinky as any of the girls you pick up in a bar. And they want your ass just as bad too. Why else would they marry you?" he explained.

"Difference is the work that goes into keeping it that way in the long haul. But you ain't got to think about that for another year or so." With a nudge he added, "But don't worry, when that time comes I'll show you all the best tricks to keep things going in the bedroom. It's the least I can do considering Simone's meddling."

Daniel was pondering his words when the big yellow bus pulled up to the curb next to them. Any questions he might have would have to wait for another time. Right now, he had other things to worry about. Like how he was going to tell his daughters about their new 'mother.'

Bel with her smile was the first one off the bus. She danced over to where he stood with Samuel. With her quiet beauty, his middle daughter had a way of bringing out things deep inside of him. Her optimism and easy smile brought comfort, even in the darkest of times.

"Where's Jill? She promised to sew Cindy up for me. She's been torn for a long time, but Jill said she could fix her so she was good as new," the child said referring to the favorite teddy bear that she had had since she was a baby.

Daniel smiled. The woman sewed too. Damn, was there anything, besides singing, that she could not do? 




The Arrangement Ch. 03



He reflected on his earlier conversation with Samuel. The image of Jill bent over that pool as Britney splashed water all over the front of her dress played like a video through his mind. His palms itched as he thought of those lush breasts that had spilled from that wet halter top. There was certainly one thing he was more than anxious to find out about. 

He drew a steading breath. Right now, he needed to focus on other things though. "Jill's been kind of busy today, sweetie. But you can ask her when we get home," he soothed as he watched his eldest daughter and Althea slink from the bus, the last ones to get off of course. Their heads bent in a secretive whispers. "There's something I need to talk to you two about."

***

Jill was on her third cup of coffee. She never drank it after noon. She was certain that it would keep her up all night long. Not that she needed another excuse to be up this night. Marrying a man you barely knew was reason enough for a sleepless night. Despite the past half hour of Simone's reassurances, her doubts still ate like a worm at the apple of happiness that should be this day.

The kitchen door burst open and Jessie ran to stand in front of the chair where she sat at the kitchen table with her new friend. The teen's face was bright pink and her blues eyes were flaming. "You will never be my mother," she screamed before racing from down the hall. The slamming of another door punctuated her remarks.

Daniel, Samuel, Althea and Bel followed behind through the open door. Jill looked at Daniel, but he could only shrug. She stood up, ready to go after Jessie. Uncertain what she should say or do, but her motherly instincts told her someone should do something. 

Before she could leave, Bel came over. Her face shown with light on par with her sister's dark countenance. "This means you're my forever friend. You won't leave me ever? Promise?" pleaded the little girl as she wrapped her tiny arms about Jill's waist.

Jill's eyes filled with tears that she held back as she returned Bel's embrace. "I promise, sweetheart." In that moment, she found the answer that she sought and the resolve she lacked. Oh, doubts still niggled at her mind, but they took back seat to the needs that she felt in this special child.

Althea pushed past them, turning to her mother for approval and support, "I'll go talk to Jess." The dark skinned beauty smiled at Jill, "Excuse me, please. But I'm really glad you came. Honest, I am," she said before following her friend's trail down the hallway.

Jill nodded after the girl, "Thank you, Althea." 

Bel stirred in Jill's arms. She had had enough reassurance it seemed as she turned to her father. "Can I wear my pretty pink dress that Grandma Janice bought me this time? You said it was in..in-appro," the child fumbled for the word.

"Inappropriate," Jill and Daniel said at the same time. The small group laughed at the faux pas.

"That's right. That big word. You said it was in-a-pro-pri-ate," she pronounced each syllable carefully, "when they took Mommy and put her in that box. But it isn't for a wedding, is it?"

Jill choked on the hidden depths of pain she felt in the child's simple words. Jessie might be angry, but one thing was certain this little girl needed her. She needed a woman, a mother. To pick out dresses. To play Barbie's. To mend torn bears. To love her...unconditionally. 

Looking at the man, who would be her new husband in less than twenty-four hours, she saw him smile weakly. As Simone had said, the children were not the only ones that could use some unconditional love. The question was would this proud man bend enough to share the heavy load he shouldered alone for so long. And how the hell did she reach him? 

With David, it had all been so easy. They were young. She was barely nineteen to his worldly twenty-five. And he had seemed so worldly then. His accent. His job as a Royal Marine. The glamor of his home in far way England, a foreign land that had been the setting of so many of the romance novels she read as a young teen. Looking back, she had probably been as in love with the romance of it all as she had been the man himself. 

Of course, the reality of being his wife had come soon enough. They had been married less than a month the first time he had one of 'those' dreams, nightmares. It had taken her almost two years to pry the briefest of details from him...the Falklands. His friend torn to pieces by an exploding missile just yards from where David hunkered with the anti-air craft gun against his shoulder. In all their almost twenty years together, she had never gotten anything more from him. 

But it was enough. Sometimes word did not matter as much as the feelings they covered. The two of them had over the years grown into their love. Grown up together. She had learned when to hold and when simply to give him space. 

Staring at Daniel, she pondered. While she could not deny the similarities between the two men, there were differences too. 

But perhaps the biggest difference was in her. Gone was the care-free young beauty with the boundless confidence that she could conquer anything. Jill had her own secrets. Her own pain. And in that moment, she wondered if it was not too big. 

How could she ever be any kind of wife to this man if the very idea of being naked with a man, any man, let alone this Adonis, scared the ever loving shit out of her?

She was about to bolt at the thought of it, when Bel tugged at her top once more, "So can I wear the pink dress?" 

Jill smiled weakly. "You may wear whatever you like, Isabella."

Simone stood up, "Lordy me, we have so much to do. You men make yourself useful and go out for some chicken for dinner. Take the child with you too. Us girls have more planning to do."

***

Jill was exhausted as she folded the last of the laundry. It was after ten. She knew that she should take a shower and head to bed. But she knew too that it would all be futile. She was certain that sleep would not come this night. 

Why torture herself by lying in bed and staring at the ceiling with every question and insecurity racing through her fertile imagination? No, better to keep herself busy. Hell, perhaps she could even exhaust herself out so much that she would simply drop into sleep in the early hours of the morning. 

Folding the last item, a pair of white boxer, she ran her hand across the warm cotton. The image of Daniel standing in the kitchen doorway wearing nothing but these boxers danced through her mind. Her nipples pebbled instantly at the memory. She had not lied when she told Simone the man was beautiful. 

Hell, he belonged on the cover of one of her cheesy Mills and Boone romance novels. Harlequin, she corrected herself again. She chuckled. Actually, he was too sexy for those. Something more in line with the racier, eBooks that she bought these days. Too hot to handle, sprang to mind.

In some ways, he reminded of David when they had first met. She smiled the memory of her first husband, rising up like Poseidon from the clear Gulf waters of Cancun. But even at twenty-five, David had not looked half as good as Daniel did that morning. David had been... 

She searched for the word. Comfortable. From the moment they met, David had been comfortable like a pair of old jeans. Sure, he was good looking, but he was also easy to talk to and approachable. Things that Daniel were not. 

But more than that, the two of them had been equals. At nineteen, Jill had been a late bloomer. After a horrible experience of high school, braces, glasses and acne, she was finally maturing into a beautiful young woman, and she knew it. Over the years as time and pregnancies had taken their toll on her body, so too had the years softened her husband's once firm muscles and added a touch of padding about his waist line that despite all his and the Marine's attempts to combat it seemed destined to remain.

Yes, she and David had grown up together. They had grown together as individuals and as a couple. But they had also been growing old together. Before. Before that day five years before. Friendly fire they said. A mistake. How the hell was any fire friendly, she always wondered? But now was most definitely not the time to dwell on those things. 

She had enough other worries right now. Looking down at the sundress she had worn all day, the one that hid the soft jiggle of the muffin top that came with four pregnancies in less than five years. The rolls of flesh that never went completely away not matter how much weight she lost or how many sit ups she did. 

Of course, that was not all of it. She knew that the breasts that might look so nice in the tight confines of the halter top of this dress also sagged a bit too much. Another side-effect of her pregnancies and breastfeeding four hungry sons. 

But her pregnancies were not to blame for the wide hips or slightly dimpled softness of her thighs. The cooking that Daniel seemed to love so much was totally to blame for that cellulite. 

'Jill, my friend, you need a crash diet and six months at the gym...before tomorrow,' she thought as she caressed the cotton one last time before turning to leave the cramped laundry room that was off the kitchen. Her mind was preoccupied with the thoughts of quick liposuction and miracle diets as she stared at the brown stone tiles of the floor.

***

The woman had a way of making him feel like an intruder in his own home, he thought as he watched from the doorway as Jill smoothed invisible wrinkles out of his shorts. 

His mind immediately went places it should not go. He imagined her caressing those same wrinkles out of his boxers, but this time he was inside them. His cock hardened immediately at the thought. Needs and desires that he had thought long since conquered seemed to rise to the occasion as easily as his penis. He gave into them then, closing his eyes and letting the fantasy take over. 

He was jarred quite literally back to reality when the object of his fantasies slammed directly into his chest. His arms wrapped about her waist to steady her. Their bodies aligned perfectly. If he was half hard from the fantasies, his cock sprang to life fully at the innocent contact.

"I'm sorry. I should look where I'm going," she stammered.

"No, it's my fault. I was so caught up in," his voice trailed off. He could not say erotic fantasies about you. "The girls are all down for the night," he stammered this time. Jessie had insisted on staying with the Jackson's, refusing to stay in the house with 'that woman' as she called Jill, but he would deal with that after tomorrow. Right now, he had other things on his mind. 

He knew he was screwing it all up again, but talking with women had never been easy for him. When he was younger, things just seemed easier. He and a few friends went out to a bar. The women were more than happy to make the first move and often more because they were Seals. Rachel had been no different, she had most definitely done the picking, he had just followed along...until it was too late. And after over thirteen years of marriage, he was more than a little rusty. 

The woman smiled. Jill smiled, he corrected himself. He had to quit thinking of her like that. In a few hours, she would be his wife. The word stuck in his mind, his second wife. And he hoped like hell, Samuel was right. That this worked better than it had the first time.

"That's good," she replied. Her green eyes went to the pile of clothes that she clutched tightly to her chest. "I was just doing a bit of laundry. Tidying up."

Daniel could tell that she was as nervous as he felt. He wanted somehow to reassure her, to comfort her. But he had no idea what to say or do. 

His own mind had continued to war all evening long. After dinner, he and Samuel had once again been kicked out of the house by Simone, retreating with the children to the beach. They had walked and talked for some time as the girls played in the sand and surf. But Daniel had been uncertain how to broach the question that taunted him the most. Then with his best friend or now with the one person that could truly answer it. 

"There's something I wanted to talk to you about. Well, ask you, I guess would be a better way of saying it." He stuttered over his words. Reaching out for the pile of clothes like a security blanket, he said, "Here, let me take those."

Jill nodded her head, "Yes, commander. What is it?" as she reluctantly surrendered her burden.

Daniel clutched the warm clothes, bringing it to his chest like a Kevlar vest. He studied them, uncertain how to proceed. "About this marriage thing," he pushed the words that had been taunting him all day past the lump in his throat, "is it a 'real' marriage?"

Jill chuckled, "Are you trying to ask about sex, commander?"

Daniel felt the heat rising up his neck, spreading across his face to the tips of his ears as he fumbled, "Yeah, sort of."

She shook her head, "I keep forgetting that you did not write those emails. I'm sorry." She drew in a deep breath before continuing, "Just because this situation is," she paused for a moment, "unconventional. Does not mean it can't work, commander. I know that as Americans we are raised on the ideals of love and romance. But I know you have seen enough of this world to know that is not the only way. In fact, we are probably in the minority in our illusion that love conquers all."

She stepped back into the laundry room and leaned against the washing machine before she continued. "My best friend for the past five years was an amazing woman. She was also Muslim and had fled the civil war in Somalia. It was Ubah that first introduced me to the whole arranged marriage thing," she chuckled. "And given the fact that it was your mother and Simone that placed that damned ad and wrote those emails, I guess this is more of a traditional arranged marriage than even I had realized."

Shrugging her shoulders, "Anyway, I'm sure that you can figure this one out, commander. We don't have to rush things or jump head long into it, but in the end, most arranged marriages are very much 'real' as you say."

Daniel watched as this time pink stains spread up her neck and face from that ample chest. Her eyes were glued to a spot on the floor as she stammered through the speech. "We are both adults, commander. If this thing is going to work, we need to recognize the power of certain needs. It would probably be best for everyone if we kept those needs..." She sighed, "If we..." She paused again. 

"I know I'm not beautiful like Rachel was, but I also know enough about men to know that certain," the stains deepened to bright scarlet, "urges make those things less...essential." She said as she finally raised her eyes to his face, "So the answer, commander, is there is no need to rush things, but yes. Over time I hope that we become friends...and more."

Daniel nodded. "Thank you. I suppose I should have wadded through a few more of those damned emails before I put you on the spot like that. I'm sorry."

Jill smiled, but he could tell it was forced. "Forget the damned emails. How about we just agree to take this thing one day at a time and get to know one another the old fashioned way, by talking?"

Daniel smiled, a genuine one. "I'd like that very much, Jill."

She held out her hand, "It's a deal then?"

Daniel shifted the clothes he held and took the hand she offered. "Deal." His heart beat increased when he saw the genuine smile light those green eyes at his words.

He knew that he had made her uncomfortable. And he knew that he should make a strategic retreat just then. But he did not, "Tomorrow..."

She sighed, "Yes? What about tomorrow?"

"When the minister pronounces us man and wife, it's traditional," he felt his palms getting sweaty and wondered if she noticed it as well, their hands still intertwined. "It's just, I'm not sure I really want our first kiss to be in front of three dozen or so rowdy Seals and their WAGS as I think they call them in England."

She giggled. "They do call them that. And I see your point, commander. What are you proposing then?"

"Nothing as drastic as this morning's for sure. Just this," he said as he closed the distance between them. Laying the neatly folded clothes on the dryer next to her, he lifted the hand that he had been holding for the past minute until it rested on his shoulder. His hand wrapped about her waist as he bent his head slowly, giving her every chance to stop him. But he hoped like hell she would not.

Their eyes held a heated gaze for several heart beats before he watched the lids of hers close slowly. He felt her chest arch just slightly towards his. Her breasts that he had been itching all day to touch brushed against him. It was all the welcome he needed.

He had never been one to wade into anything. Storming the gates was more his style, and this kiss was no different. His lips captured hers. His hand about her waist tightened as he drew her body completely against his. His fingers bit into the soft flesh as his tongue traced her lower lip. When she moaned a bit, he grabbed the chance to deepen the exchange. His tongue breached her defenses, tasting and teasing her depths. 

His other hand came up to lace through the long, blond hair that hung about her shoulders. He used it to hold her in place as he drank deeper from her lips. When her tongue accepted the challenge and began a slow, erotic dance with his, it was Daniel that found himself moaning into her mouth. 

His hips pinned her against the cold, hard metal of the washer as his fingers sought the prize they had coveted all day long. His hand slowed moved up her side from her waist until it trailed softly along the outline of her breast. He could not deny himself any longer. His hand encircling the under side of it, the heat of her skin permeating the soft, thin material of the dress. Daniel's other hand found the knot that held up the halter top and began to toy with it, tugging impatiently at it. 

He felt Jill's hand on his shoulder push softly, pushing him away. His mind recognized that she was right. Things were moving too quickly. What had begun as a simple first kiss had too quickly become an all out frontal assault. 

But Daniel's body wanted something very different. It wanted to push the god damned top aside and feel those gorgeous tits filling his hands to overflowing. It wanted to lift that round ass until it perched on the edge of the washing machine. Then it wanted him to push her dress up up those long legs. 

In his wildest fantasies, he would find nothing beneath the dress except hot, wet woman. He would unzip his jeans that were already way too tight and plunge inside her warm, welcoming body until nothing else in this fucked up world mattered. 

This night Daniel's mind won. Even as his body protested, he loosened his hold on her neck and slowly retreated back the way he had come until his other hand was softly draped about her waist. His tongue took one final long taste of heaven before he slowly lifted his head. 

He watched her for moment. Her eyes were still closed and he could not help but notice that her chest rose and fell as quickly as his own. His fingers pleaded to trace her chest, seeing for himself that her heart beat as rapidly in time with his own. He saw her bite her lower lip that was already swollen and redder from his kisses. 

Some primal part of him roared in triumph with the knowledge that she was affected by their little interchange as he was. His eyes sought confirmation to this assumption and were reward with the hard nubs that strained impossibly tightly against the confines of that damned halter top. For this night that tell tale sign of arousal would have to be sufficient, but Daniel swore not for long. He wanted to feel and taste for himself the arousal of this woman who was to be his wife. 




The Arrangement Ch. 03



He smiled broadly. This little arrangement of theirs was getting more interesting by the minute. He wondered for a moment what she would say if he suggested they continue this in his bed. But the shocked look in her green eyes when she opened them halted the brash words half way up his throat.

"Yes, well, I guess it is a good thing that we did not have an audience for that," she said. Her voice was deeper and more throaty. Another sign of his affects on her, he hoped. 

Daniel chuckled and leaned his forehead against hers. Even though the erotic spell was broken, he was reluctant somehow to give up the close contact of his hand about her waist, their bodies touching intimately. It was just as well, the woman know how strongly she was effecting him. 

Because despite her words earlier, he had every intention of 'rushing' certain things. The sooner this marriage was real, the better as far as he was concerned. And from the looks of things, Jill had no real objections to his touch either. 

"We should probably go to bed," she stammered. Her cheeks flamed a deep red and her free hand flew to her mouth. "I didn't mean. I mean..." she stammered.

Daniel chuckled as he brought her hand from where it still rested on his shoulder to his lips. He brushed a gentle kiss across her knuckles. "I know what you meant." With a devilish grin he could not stop himself from adding, "But the other has real possibilities too. Don't you think?"

Jill blushed before twisting to the side and escaping his grasp. "Tomorrow is a big day. We should both try and get some sleep," she said as she practically raced from the confines of the small room.

"Sweet dreams," Daniel could not help himself from teasing as he watched that generous back side retreat, swaying softly beneath the soft material of the dress. 

Oh yes, this little arrangement was most definitely looking up, he thought.



The Arrangement Ch. 03



Author's note: This is a sequel to my earlier two-part work called The Arrangement. I decided to write it after getting feedback from some friends who wanted me to move the story in a different direction. 

*****

About a year later...

It was the first Tuesday in April. Carol and I had flown to Seattle the day before. She had taken a layover day to shop while I spent the day with a client. We met that evening in the hotel bar.

"Do you ever get tired of sneaking around?" she asked.

"Sometimes," I replied, wondering where this conversation was heading. "But it has been pretty easy so far. Other than that one time a year or so ago when Kelly asked if you and I had a good time in Dallas, she has given no indication that we're under suspicion."

"It's the same at home," she replied, "but sometimes I think we should just get it all out in the open. I intend to keep being with you as often as I can. I imagine we'll continue on for years, and I'll bet Brad and Kelly will do the same. So it might be nice for everyone to openly acknowledge and accept what's going on. We've been pretty casual about extending our trips, so I have a hard time believing they don't know about us. The whole thing is probably an open secret."

"I understand what you're saying, but do you really think things will be better if we expose everything to the light of day?" I asked.

"I do. You and I have to sneak. Brad and Kelly have to sneak. Everyone has to be on their toes when we talk to them on the phone while we're traveling. That's stressful for everyone. If we put it all on the table, everyone can relax."

"If they aren't already highly suspicious of us, we might be in for a really ugly scene," I countered.

"Do you really think they're that much in the dark?"

"Probably not. So let's assume they are on to us but have no solid proof. How would you handle this?"

"I've been thinking about that. We'd have to get all of us together somehow and then tell them right up front what we're doing, and that we know what they're doing."

"Sounds like fun," I quipped. Carol waved me off with a grin and a flip of her hand.

"All I ask is that you think about it. I know I'm catching you by surprise. After you've given it some thought, we can talk. In the meantime, let's have one more drink and then go to dinner. Afterwards, you may fuck me if you wish."

"Aw, come on! There's a Mariners game on tonight," I protested with mock exasperation.

"Too bad," she said with a grin as I signaled the bartender for another round. "You can read about the game in the paper tomorrow morning. By the way, I'm not wearing any panties. You can think about that during dinner."

****

Our return flight left early the next morning so we did not discuss Carol's idea any further. I was exhausted from the previous night's athletic activities but Carol looked as fresh as the morning dew. I decided it was because she is three years younger and then I slept for most of the flight.

Homecoming was just as it always was. The ever-beautiful Kelly picked me up at the airport and was genuinely glad to see me. Later that night, the sex was sensational.

I had a full week at home before flying to Dallas for another client meeting. As usual, Kelly and I made the most of our time together. And also as usual, I studied her very closely, trying to detect some hint that she was suspicious about Carol and me. I found none, which told me that Carol's proposal might be risky. But I did give the idea a lot of thought, imagining scenarios that would get the four of us in a room together and trying to predict the outcome of such a meeting.

I also spent a lot of time trying to decide if my relationship with Kelly would be better or worse if the secrecy were removed. The only conclusion I reached was that we would no longer have to tiptoe around the issue. 

Kelly has a habit of sitting cross-legged on the bed and talking to me while I pack for a trip. I wondered how our conversations might be altered if everyone's activities were out in the open...

'Do you fuck Carol as soon as you get to the hotel, or do you enjoy the anticipation of sex later in the evening like you and I do when you return from a trip?'

'No, we wait. Usually we have a couple of drinks and then a leisurely dinner. We have sex later. In fact, everything is much like you and I enjoy when I come home.'

'Is she better in bed than I am?'

'Different, not better. How about you and Brad?'

Actually, we're envious of you and Carol. Boone's Mill is such a small town that we can't go anywhere. And we always have to worry about that snoop Mrs. Henderson. If we want to have dinner together, we have to go to the other side of Roanoke where no one knows us. You and Carol get to have sex in hotels all over the country. Most of our sex occurs here on the sleep sofa or the guestroom. I don't allow him in our bedroom. That belongs only to you and me. And we've never done it at their house.'

'Why not?'

"It's a scent thing. A woman can smell another woman's perfume a mile away. If we had sex at their place, my scent would linger and Carol would know another woman had been in her house."

'You're kidding!' I exclaimed, truly surprised.

'Nope. But now that Carol knows we'll probably have sex there while you're gone this time. Just for the change of scenery.'

'Is Brad good in bed?' I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

'Oh yeah, but it's like you said; different, not better.'

A conversation like that would be surreal, but not beyond the realm of possibility if Carol's idea became reality.

One thing became clear as I did my thinking. Carol and I really did have an advantage from a logistical standpoint. I had nothing to fear when traveling and all Carol had to worry about was drawing unwanted attention from a fellow flight attendant. Fortunately, she flew more often than I and was able to spend sufficient time with her colleagues on other trips that she could escape from time to time when I was around. Kelly and Brad had far less flexibility. It occurred to me that they might find it liberating if they could take short vacations together with our consent. Not to mention the fact that I would enjoy screwing Carol in my house while they were gone.

My week at home quickly ended and once again I found myself in Dallas with Carol.

"I've given your idea plenty of thought over the past week," I began after we finished dinner.

"And?"

I described in detail my thought processes, including the conversation I had in my head with Kelly, which elicited peals of laughter from Carol.

"Oh God!" she exclaimed as she wiped away tears of mirth. "Whew! Please go on."

"I decided to approach the idea from one just one direction; who benefits? You and I benefit by not having to be careful about tipping our hand when we're home. Phone calls become easier. They'd get the same reward. But they have far more constraints than you and I, and therefore more to gain if we go forward. If we do this, and some sort of arrangement is agreed upon, they should be free to get out of town from time to time like we do."

"Then we can stay home and fuck on your sleep sofa," Carol suggested with a wicked grin. "Or you can come to my house and do me there. Did you get any hint that Kelly is really suspicious?" 

"None. How about Brad?"

"I think he suspects. He was very moody this week and he's never like that. I think we extended one too many trips and aroused their suspicion. We have been a little careless about that and neither of them is stupid."

"Then Kelly is the better actor," I offered.

"Women usually are," she countered with an impish smile.

"So what do you want to do?" I asked, already certain I knew the answer.

"I think we should do it. And I think I know how to make it happen."

"Let's hear it."

"It's pretty simple. We get home from this trip on Tuesday. I'll ask Brad to meet me at O'Bannon's Bar for a drink after work on Wednesday. Let's say six o'clock. We'll get a booth. You bring Kelly to the bar at six fifteen. When the two of you walk in they'll know we're on to them. You join us in the booth and we'll put all the cards on the table. Since it's a public place, everyone will have to behave themselves."

"I don't know Brad. Is there any potential for a violent reaction on his part? I know you told me once before that you won't be at risk, but I'm worried."

"Not at all. He'll be surprised, and he won't like having his suspicions confirmed, but he is a very reasonable man without a violent bone in his body. How do you think Kelly will react?"

"She's tough. I think you'll see her at her best," I answered.

"Can you think of any reason why we shouldn't do this," Carol asked.

"None beyond the fact that we are about to upset the status quo. Let's do it."

****

When Kelly and I entered O'Bannon's at precisely six fifteen, she spotted Brad immediately. I had my hand on the small of her back and felt her stiffen, but she recovered quickly. Glancing briefly over her shoulder at me, she marched right up to the booth and slid into the seat opposite Carol. When she was settled, I took my place across from Brad. The drinks in front of them were half finished.

"I don't fucking believe this," Brad said, shaking his head.

"The next few minutes are likely to be the most bizarre experience of our lives," I countered. Both women remained silent.

A server arrived and took drink orders for Kelly and me.

"Carol and I know about you and Kelly," I started, directing my comments at Brad. "We're pretty certain you have suspicions about us but have nothing but circumstantial evidence. We're about to clear everything up."

Kelly recovered first. "How did you find out?" she asked, her voice husky with emotion.

I waited until the server delivered our drinks and moved on.

"I won't go into all the gory details, but I found out about eighteen months ago when I returned early from a trip. I intended to surprise you. Carol recognized me on the plane. She saw me at the taxi stand and offered me a ride. I got out at her house and walked home from there. It was dark. I crept up onto the deck so I could give you a little scare. I saw you in an unfortunate position with a strange man. A few moments later I heard you say his name and realized that it was Carol's husband," I said, pointing a finger at him across the table.

"Oh God," breathed Kelly, visibly reacting to my story. "I am so sorry."

"I left intending to call a taxi and go to a motel, but my cell phone was dead. So I went to Carol's to use her phone. One thing led to another and she got drawn into the whole mess. She wanted proof of Brad's indiscretion so we came back to the house. We were well hidden, deep in the shadows. The two of you were enjoying yourselves on the sleep sofa in front of the fire. When she had seen enough, we left and we've been together as often as possible ever since."

"So you and Carol got together because of a dead cell phone battery?" she asked, disbelief showing plainly on her face.

"Precisely, and you and I are still married for the same reason. Had my phone worked, I most likely would have filed for divorce the next morning."

"Why didn't you confront us?" asked Brad, looking a little shell shocked.

"By that point there was nothing to be gained except an ugly scene. It was obvious that the two of you had been together many times. When did it start?"

"It would have been a couple of months or so before you saw us," Kelly answered. "It wasn't a casual thing. We couldn't seem to help ourselves, but it has nothing to do with my love for you. I've never stopped loving you and I'm so sorry that I caused you pain. I never wanted to hurt you."

"I know that, but thanks to Carol the pain was short lived."

Kelly stared quietly at me for a long moment, apparently trying to process everything that was going on.

"When did the two of you begin to get suspicious of us?" Carol asked, breaking her silence.

"You have extended your trips more often than usual in the past few months," said Brad. "It made sense that the two of you were often on the same flights, but your trip extensions and Scott's coincided perfectly every time. Not solid proof, but it painted a pretty compelling picture."

"Okay," Carol said, "but I'm a little curious. It's probably pretty obvious what we're doing. We are only together when we travel. We don't see each other or communicate in any way when we're home. It works for us. What about you and Kelly?"

"Pretty much the same except we do see each other frequently through work," Brad replied. "When you're home, I am devoted to you and Kelly is committed to Scott. We only get together when the two of you are out of town."

Suddenly everyone ran out of things to say. We all sat in silence for a while, nursing our drinks and wondering what to do next.

Finally, Kelly took a deep breath and looked at each of us I turn. "Now what?" she asked, her voice calm and steady.

I took the lead. "I doubt there's another situation like this on the planet," I began. "We're all involved in some sort of crazy quadrangle. I think we have only two choices; we all end it right now and return to our marriages exclusively or we continue on as we have been, but without the secrecy."

"And your recommendation is?" she prompted.

"All this started out as a big mess but it now seems to be working pretty well for everyone. I told Carol months ago that I wanted my cake and I wanted to eat it too. I still do, and I'll bet everyone else at this table does as well. Unless anyone feels differently, maybe we should leave things just as they are for now."

Kelly looked at me, unblinking, for a long moment and then nodded her head.

"I agree," she said. "I don't want to give up Brad. How about you Carol, are you willing to part ways with Scott?"

"No, I'm not. Not unless Brad decides to end it with you. Then I would have to support his decision."

"I don't want to do that," offered Brad.

"Then it's unanimous," I said. "What should we do next?"

"Let's order another round of drinks and see if there are any loose ends," suggested Carol, earning murmurs of agreement from the rest of us.

****

Our lives began to change rapidly after that meeting, and it was all for the better.

The following week a 'FOR SALE' sign appeared on Mrs. Henderson's front lawn. Two weeks later, Kelly and Brad went away for the weekend. They departed with our blessing and we spent the weekend alternating between my sleep sofa and Carol's guest bedroom, no longer caring about Mrs. Henderson's observations. 

A week later a 'SOLD' sticker was appended to the sign in Mrs. Henderson's yard. Unable to contain myself, I rang her doorbell to falsely express my sorrow that she was leaving. She informed me that she had sold the place to a pair of newlyweds and was moving to Biloxi to be near her grandchildren. I wished her well and then did a couple of fist pumps when I was safely out of sight. Newlyweds would be perfect, fucking like rabbits for the next couple of years, showing no interest in neighborhood comings and goings.

Unexpectedly, the four of us gradually became friends. By mid-summer we were socializing, dining out together, barbecuing in our back yards, and attending events in Roanoke and Richmond.

One balmy evening in mid-August found everyone in our backyard, sitting around the pool, drinking beer and waiting for steaks to finish on the grill.

"Brad and I have been talking over lunch at work and we have something we'd like to discuss with the two of you," said Kelly.

"And?" asked Carol, raising her eyebrows and taking another sip of her beer. I listened intently, taking a mouthful of my own beer and waiting to hear what they had in mind.

"Under some very unfortunate circumstances, you and Scott watched Brad and me having sex."

"Water under the bridge," Carol said with a wave of her hand as she took another slug of beer.

"Yes, well, Brad and I would like the opportunity to watch you and Scott."

Carol sprayed beer everywhere and started coughing. I did something wrong and ended up with beer running out of my nose.

Carol recovered first.

"That was certainly unexpected," she said with a wide grin. "I suppose we could arrange for you to watch Scott fuck me. How about now? We can do it right over there on one of those chaise lounges."

"That's not exactly what we had in mind," said Kelly, a note of irritation straining her voice.

"I'm sorry," said Carol, reaching out to pat Kelly on the forearm. "I was being flippant. What did you have in mind?

"We thought maybe we could all go to neutral ground somewhere and have a four-way," she answered. "It might be fun and there are a lot of variations we could explore."

Brad remained silent. I was stunned. Clearly the women were going to take the lead in this conversation.

"What you are proposing will radically alter our arrangement. Everything has been out in the open for months now, but our privacy as couples, married or otherwise, has been maintained," Carol countered. "I'm not sure I'm willing to sacrifice that."

"We've caught you by surprise," Brad offered, finally joining the conversation. Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. "Just think about it and get back to us when you're ready to discuss it again."

"Since Carol and I are going back to Dallas tomorrow," I said, "we'll discuss it while we're there and talk to you on Tuesday when we return. Will that do?"

"Certainly," said Brad and Kelly in unison.

"Good," I replied. "Because the steaks are done."

****

"What do you think?" I asked Carol as we were lying in the hotel bed after a particularly energetic sexual encounter.

"I have to wonder what their motivation is," she responded. "It was the last thing I would expect from them."

"My guess is that curiosity got the better of them."

"Why?"

"Like Kelly said, we've watched them have sex, if only for a few minutes. Where we're concerned, they have nothing to go on except their imaginations. I think they see it as leveling the playing field."

"Maybe you're right."

"So, what do you think?" I asked, repeating my question.

"I'm not sure," Carol answered. "I think it might be pretty awkward at first. How do you start something like that? Who fucks who first?"

"I think everyone does it at the same time and we pause periodically to watch each other. Maybe husbands and wives start out together and then swap in the middle."

"I'm not sure I want to watch you do to Kelly what you do to me," Carol said.

"Jealous?" I ask, raising my brow.

"Maybe a little. I must be losing my mind. Brad is probably fucking Kelly right now and I don't feel a single twinge of jealousy. But the idea of watching you with her bothers me."

"I know what you mean," I replied. "I know you and Brad have sex when you're home, but I'm not so sure I want to watch you do it. And maybe it would bother both of us if we watched Brad and Kelly together again. That scene certainly got to us the first time around."

"Ancient history. We were both surprised and hurt, but look how everything turned out. We might like it this time," she replied.

"We can always tell them no."

"I know, but there is a little voice in my head telling me we might be closing the door on something really good if we turn them down outright," Carol said with a small frown.

"Do you think we're capable of having sex while they watch? Do you think they're capable of it? Can we have sex with our own spouses while the other couple watches?"

"I don't know, but there's only one way to find out," Carol replied. "Why don't we give it a try? As Kelly said, it might be fun and we'll have lots to explore if everything turns out well. We can certainly agree and then chicken out later if we have to. The worst that can happen is we have a nice weekend away somewhere."




The Arrangement Ch. 03



"Okay, I'll go along with it, but there is something I need to take care of first," a said as I slid my hand between her naked thighs.

"And just exactly what do you think you're doing Mister?" she demanded with a fake scowl.

I pulled her into a long kiss to shut her up.

****

Kelly was positively ecstatic when I told her we'd give it a try. 

"What caused you and Brad to come up with the idea?" I asked.

"It started out as a desire to even things out. Everything is out in the open now, but you and Carol are the only ones who have actually observed anything. We felt left out," she replied.

"I can understand that."

"But the more we talked about it the more we realized we were really curious. We came to the conclusion that watching you might really blow our minds."

"You know that in a true four-way, you and I will also have to have sex in front of them, and vice versa. Can you handle that?" I asked.

"It's not like they'll buy tickets and sit in folding chairs while we do it," she replied with a grin. "I imagine we'll start out doing it at the same time. As long as you guys can get erections with everyone watching, everything should be okay."

"I doubt that'll be a problem, but maybe I should practice getting an erection right now. Wanna fuck?"

'Why, now that you mention it, I believe I do," she declared, taking my hand and leading me toward the bedroom.

****

Later that evening, the women hit the internet while Brad and I drank beer. After a half hour of searching, they found a beachfront rental on the Outer Banks for the first weekend after Labor Day. 

We all gathered around the monitor. From the pictures on the screen, the house seemed perfect. Designed for the rental market, it could accommodate a lot of people. Built on pilings for hurricane surge protection, it had three floors of living space. The first was a common area with kitchen, dining, and recreation areas. The second had four bedrooms and two bathrooms.

But it was the top floor that really captured our attention. Two spacious bedrooms occupied the back half of the house, each with a private bath, while the front half was one huge room with two king-sized beds. The two beds caused us to speculate that the room might have been designed exactly for what we had in mind. The entire front wall facing the ocean was glass. Sliding doors lead to a spacious deck. The deck was so large and the room so high up that we knew we couldn't be seen from the beach. It looked like the perfect setup to all of us so we electronically sent in a deposit.

Everyone was now at a fever pitch. Our clocks slowed down. The days crawled by. We marked them off our calendars at a maddeningly slow pace while we waited impatiently for Labor Day to come and go. None of us knew for sure how it would turn out, and we all wondered if we were about to make a lasting alteration to our arrangement.

Finally! Finally we were ready to depart. We took two cars; Kelly and I in her Isuzu, Carol and Brad in her Camry. The drive would take about six hours. We stopped at a place on the Intracoastal Waterway for lunch. We tried to be jovial and lighthearted but each of us was a little preoccupied with thoughts about what was going to happen later that night. We finished our lunch in silence.

Brad caved in first. "How should we do this? How do we start?" he asked. No one answered him at first. Surprisingly, Carol took the lead, probably because it was her husband who threw the question out on the table.

"Scott and I understand your need to even things up so I think we should get that part out of the way first. Tonight we get into those beds and do what we've been doing for more than a year; we fuck. When we feel the urge to watch what's going on in the other bed, we watch. What we see, and how we feel about it, will set the tone for the rest of the weekend. If it works, we're off to the races. If it doesn't, we enjoy the beach, go home on Sunday, and pick up where we left off."

Her speech was met with silence for a few moments while we all considered our responses.

"I agree," said Kelly. It's the most direct solution. Nicely done."

"Me too," I offered. "Brad?"

"I like it. I certainly can't think of anything better. I've got the tab," he added, getting up from the table.

"One more thing," said Carol as we gathered in the parking lot. "Let's pair up now and stay that way for the rest of the day. It'll make it easier for all of us later on. Scott, you come with me. Brad, you get into Kelly's car."

"Yes Sergeant," Brad replied, making us all laugh and easing the tension.

"I'm impressed," I told Carol as we resumed our journey, following Kelly and Brad down the highway. "Kelly and I were wrestling with that issue all morning but couldn't come up with anything that wasn't too complex. Good headwork on your part, and I admire your organizational skills."

"I'll feel compelled to remind you that I am a highly trained flight attendant, well-versed in handling tricky situations," she replied with a radiant smile.

"How do you think it will go?" I inquired, asking the question that was one everyone's mind.

"I think we'll be just fine. You and I are going to get into that bed tonight. Then you are going to fuck me like you have in all those hotel rooms around the country. You will make me cum and I'll make a lot of noise, just like I always do. From time to time we'll take a peek at what they're doing. I have a hundred bucks that says they'll be doing whatever it is they do when we're out of town. As for tomorrow's activities, we'll just have to wait and see."

"Maybe this is going to be fun," I said, now looking forward to the night ahead.

"I think it will. At the very least, it will satisfy a lot of curiosity."

An hour later we arrived at the rental agency, paid the remainder of our rental fee, and picked up the keys. Twenty minutes later we pulled into the driveway of our weekend getaway.

"Holy shit!" exclaimed Brad as we entered the first floor. "This is better than the pictures."

"It's a freaking mansion," exclaimed Kelly.

We went inside and slowly worked our way upstairs, exploring every nook and cranny, finally arriving at the top floor.

The two back bedrooms were more than adequate for sleeping so we shifted our attention to the room in front. It was bigger than it looked on the computer and it was everything we expected. The two beds were about six feet apart, each flanked by nightstands on either side of the headboards. A tray ceiling contained hidden lights that would prove useful for soft illumination later on. A table with four straight-backed chairs was placed near one side wall next to a wet bar while two overstuffed chairs sat near the opposite wall. 

The view was perfect. We stepped out onto the deck and were pleasantly assaulted by the cool salt air blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. All of us breathed deeply. 

Each end of the deck contained an outdoor bamboo seating arrangement, each featuring a huge mama-san chair. I had not seen one in years. Kelly and I had one when we were first married. It was large enough for two people to enjoy a variety of sexual activities in comfort. The sight of the chairs triggered flashes of memory from our past.

"I was thinking about Carol's solution after lunch and I have a few things I'd like to add," said Kelly suddenly.

"Go ahead," Carol prompted. 

"I think we should continue our current pairing throughout the evening, as much as possible acting as though the other couple doesn't exist. Seeing each other together, but not interacting unless absolutely necessary, will help us grow accustomed to the idea of what's going to happen later. It will also allow us to call the whole thing off before any damage is done if anyone changes their minds. And it will only take one of us to end the whole thing. Either we're all in or we're all out. "

"Perfect. I agree." announced Carol. "I've been thinking about how we could gracefully pull out of this if someone feels the need."

"There's more," continued Kelly. If we continue, Brad is going to fuck me tonight and Scott is going to fuck you. But when we're done, I'm sleeping with my husband. So you and I are each going to go choose one of those bedrooms in back and start unpacking. After that, Brad and I are going for a walk on the beach. You and Scott are on your own. Later we'll go out to dinner somewhere by ourselves. When we return, we'll have a few drinks at one end of the deck until bedtime. You and Scott can have the other end of the deck."

"Excellent idea," Carol replied, nodding her head in agreement. "Let's get started." 

I winked at Brad and he grinned. It was obvious to both of us that everything would be okay as long as we did exactly what we were told. The women were in obviously in charge. We'd be foolish to interfere.

"Why don't you guys go get our bags and the booze," Kelly suggested, "and then come find us in our rooms.

When we got back upstairs, Brad and I carried the alcohol and mixers over to the wet bar. The women had been busy in the few minutes we had been gone. Both beds had been stripped down to a fitted top sheet and a couple of pillows. The excess bed clothing had been hidden away somewhere.

When I closed the door to our room, Kelly moved into my arms. We kissed for a long time. Finally, she broke off the kiss and stepped away.

"That's it. We don't touch each other until we are once again in here at the end of the night, regardless of how things turn out in the other room," she said.

"Any second thoughts? I asked.

"Of course. And I'm betting everyone else is having them too. We'll just have to see how things go."

Kelly and I finished unpacking our belongings and walked out into the hallway just as Carol and Brad emerged from their room.

Walking barefoot together out onto the beach, we paused for a moment. Carol and Kelly moved far enough away to be out of earshot, leaving Brad and me to ourselves, and held a brief conversation. When they returned, we split up, Carol and I heading north, Kelly and Brad heading south.

We must have walked for a couple of miles, holding hands, our cuffs rolled up, splashing in the shallows like kids, frequently stopping to kiss like teenagers. Being at the beach was a treat and we had a wonderful time. We did not discuss the evening ahead.

When we turned to head back, we could see a handful of people down the beach, too far away to determine if Kelly and Brad were among them.

We strolled along, my arm around Carol's waist; soon close enough to spot Kelly and Brad walking arm in arm. They reached the house before us and were soon out of sight. After lingering on the beach a while longer, Carol and I strolled up to the house. Kelly and Brad had gone somewhere in the Isuzu, presumably out to dinner.

****

Carol and I opted for a glass of wine before heading out to dinner ourselves. We leaned against the deck railing, staring out to sea and sipping our wine.

"What were you and Kelly talking about before we began our walk," I asked, having suppressed my curiosity on the beach when Carol didn't bring the matter up.

"I was just getting ready to tell you about that. We were establishing a signal to use if either of us decides to stop everything at the last minute. Here's how it will go. When we are ready to begin, probably about nine or ten o'clock, you and I will go into one bedroom. Kelly and Brad will go into the other. We'll do all our bathroom stuff. When we're done, you guys can wear towels if you're bashful, but Kelly and I will each put on a pair of panties."

"Why bother?" I asked with a lascivious grin. Carol never wore anything to bed with me except her skin and I had no intention of letting her wear panties for very long.

"We believe you and Brad will follow our lead, although either of you can stop everything simply by speaking up, just as Kelly or I can. But if we get as far as climbing into bed together, the panties serve as the final failsafe device. Nothing will happen until both of us have allowed you gentlemen to remove our panties or we have removed them ourselves."

"I don't get it."

"It provides the last opportunity to stop what we have set in motion. If either one of us decides to stop the game, we will keep our panties on. If we both take them off or allow their removal, you and Brad will be free to continue."

"Actually, that's pretty clever. Second thoughts?" I asked.

"Absolutely, and I know you're having them too. What we are about to do may change everything. If I decide the changes will not be for the better, I won't hesitate to pull the plug on the whole business. I hope you will do likewise if you reach the same conclusion. I have no idea what Kelly and Brad are thinking."

"Even though this was their idea, I know Kelly is having second thoughts," I said.

"I'm sure Brad is having them too. So...let's all move ahead with this and the final decisions won't have to be made until the last minute. Now, I'm hungry enough to eat an entire cow. I'm going to change into a dress and then you had better take me to dinner before I faint."

****

We spotted Kelly's Trooper at a restaurant about a mile down the highway from the house, so we drove for another few minutes until we found a place that looked reasonable. 

Dinner was a pleasant affair. The food was good and I felt relieved that the women had installed a relief valve into our plans for the night. Carol was totally relaxed, so I knew she was relieved as well. I hoped the plan was providing the same sense of relief to Kelly and Brad.

It was dark when we got back to the beach house. As we pulled into the drive, we could see Kelly and Brad by the rail up on the deck, drinks in hand. He had his arm around her waist and she had her head on his shoulder. Kelly had also chosen a simple dress for the evening.

As we reached the top of the stairs to the upper level, Kelly passed us in the hallway, apparently heading for our bedroom.

"Will you fix me a martini, please?" requested Carol. "I need to use the facilities."

"Coming right up," I responded, suspecting that she had something else to discuss with Kelly.

When Carol joined me, we went to claim our end of the deck. Kelly joined Brad moments later and maneuvered him into the corner.

Relieving me of one of the drinks, Carol did the same to me. I figured Brad and I were about to learn the results of the ladies' discussion.

"Listen to me," she started. "When we finish these drinks, we are going to gets into these huge chairs..."

"Mama-san chairs. That's what they're called."

"...and engage in what my mother would call heavy petting," she finished, ignoring my tutorial.

"You mean I get to unbutton your dress and play with your boobs, or stick my hand under your dress and finger fuck you a little before things get serious?"

"Of course not," she said giggling, "but you can kiss me and feel me up if you like. Now stop interrupting. Kelly and Brad are going to do the same thing and we're all going to watch each other without being too obvious about it."

"Why?"

"It's another safety measure. None of us knows how we are going to react. I told Kelly I thought we needed some interim level of intimacy before we just jump into bed. She agreed. The last time we saw them, it was pretty tough on us. I think we're over it, but we don't know for sure. They've never watched us so their expectations are based only on what their imaginations have created. This way we all have another opportunity to call things off if we find ourselves feeling uncomfortable."

"I wouldn't have thought of that. You are one very smart lady."

"Thank you."

And with that we turned back to the rail and looked out over the water. The moon had risen and the view was gorgeous.

Fifteen minutes later, we set our empty glasses aside, and I pulled Carol into the big chair with me. A quick glance told us that Kelly and Brad were already in their chair, locked into an embrace.

I drew Carol into my arms. When our lips met, her hot little tongue, tasting faintly of martini, darted into my mouth. I felt my crotch stir. I let my hands roam over her body, feeling her curves through the slick material of the dress.

Over the next fifteen minutes, things heated up rapidly in both chairs. I could see Brad cupping Kelly's breast while she was running her hand up and down his thigh.

Carol's dress had a row of little cloth-covered buttons that started at her neckline and ended near her navel. I began fumbling with them but she gently slapped my hand away

"It'll take you all night," she whispered. "I'll do it."

Kelly's dress was a wraparound. Our pause for the buttons was just in time to watch her loosen the tie enough to give Brad better access to her body. He slid his hand into the dress just as I moved my hand into Carol's. A naked, beautiful breast with an erect nipple was my reward and Brad's. Carol began to squirm against me harder than before. The open dress exposed enough of her body for me to take the lovely nipple into my mouth. Carol let out a soft moan, turned slightly in the chair, and draped her legs across my thighs.

"I changed my mind," she whispered moments later, her breath ragged. "You can finger fuck me."

I didn't need to be told twice. I moved my hand up under her dress and she parted her legs. Her panties were soaked. I pulled the lacy material to one side and brushed my fingers through the damp fur.

"Now," she breathed and I obliged, slipping two fingers into her wetness. She cried out loud enough to be heard at the other end of the deck. Seconds later, Kelly let out a similar cry. Brad and I glanced up simultaneously. Our eyes met briefly. My feelings tonight were much different from those I felt the night I watched him finger fuck my wife in her car nearly two years ago. We both returned to our work.

It soon became clear that Carol was going to cum so I redoubled my efforts. From the sound of things in the other chair, Kelly was on her way as well.

Carol came first with a muffled wail as she buried her face in the side of my neck. Her pussy clenched my fingers rhythmically and her body quivered against mine. Her tremors had not yet abated when we heard Kelly give her own muffled cry.

I held Carol tightly in my arms as she slowly came back down to earth. Brushing her hair aside, I kissed her soft lips.

"Oh God," she whispered. "You just gave me an orgasm in front of my husband and it was wonderful. How bizarre." 

"No one has pulled the plug so far," I whispered back. "Only one safety valve left."

****

Carol was in the shower. Her cell phone, a hairbrush, and a pair of bright red panties were on the vanity. I stripped off my clothes, stepped in behind her, and turned her around to face me.

"How much time do we have?" I asked, cupping one of her breasts in my hand.

"Not enough time for that," she said, laughing as she playfully slapped my hand away. "But you can wash my hair and then I might let you wash my body."

Doing as I was told, I began to work shampoo into her luxurious hair.

"When we were at dinner tonight," she said suddenly, "I had pretty much decided to stop everything before it went too far. But then I thought up the little necking scenario on the deck and Kelly agreed to go along with it. Everything worked out perfectly."

"And?" I prompted.

"And now we're going to go through with it, unless you'd rather not."

"I have no intentions of stopping," I replied.

"Good. Because I'm not going to wear the panties."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely. I want them to see what they set in motion so long ago."

"Revenge?" I asked, a little surprised by her answer.

"Not at all. But we wouldn't be here at if it weren't for them..."

"And a dead cell phone battery," I interrupted.

"...and if they have ever had any regrets, I want them to see what they unleashed."




The Arrangement Ch. 03



"How about you? Any regrets?"

"None. And now that I've had my first orgasm in front of Brad, I want more. So we go ahead unless they call everything off."

"They won't. Kelly won't be wearing any panties either."

"She won't?"

"I know her. She's already made up her mind. It's her style," I said as I finished rinsing her hair and began to lather up her body. "She makes a decision and moves forward."

"That sounds intriguing! And what you're doing feels good. By the way, what have we here?" she asked as she gave my swollen cock a squeeze.

"Don't touch that," I cautioned. "It's loaded and it might go off."

"It had better not go off before I'm finished with you tonight."

"Speaking of tonight, how will we know when it's time to go out there?" I asked.

"I told Kelly we'd be in here about thirty minutes. She said they'd take about the same amount of time so she'll text me when they're ready to get into bed."

"Well, we've been in here quite a while, so we had better finish up and get dried off. I'll dry your hair."

A few minutes later I was standing behind her with the dryer, running the brush through her hair. Just as I turned off the machine, her phone chirped.

"And so it begins," I said, a little more calmly than I actually felt. "When we go out there, I think we should ignore them as much as possible. They want to see us as we are when we're together on the road."

"Okay, then let's give them a show they won't forget anytime soon. Why don't we do exactly what we did in Dallas last week?"

"Everything?"

"Everything."

"Okay, then when we go out there, go straight to side of the bed and turn around to face me. Then sit on the edge of the bed and lie back. If you recall, that's how we started things off last week."

****

Kelly was lying naked on her left side facing our bed. As I predicted, there were no panties in sight. Brad was lying behind her, his head propped up on one hand, his other hand reaching around in front to gently fondle her breasts. As soon as Kelly saw that Carol was completely naked, she let out a soft moan, knowing we were all going forward.

Carol's performance was perfect. Strutting up to the bed, she spun around and pulled me into a passionate kiss for a few seconds before breaking away to take her position on the bed. 

I was fully erect, partially from anticipation and partially from looking at my wife and her lover in the next bed. Giving them a moment to stare at us and wonder what was going to happen next, I dropped to my knees in front of Carol. Knowing what to expect, she drew her legs back to accommodate me.

Placing her legs on top of my shoulders, I buried my face in the soft blonde hair and went to work. Using all of my skill and the intimate knowledge of Carol's body I had gained over the past year and a half, I quickly brought her close to orgasm. Her cries filled the room in response to my efforts.

From my position between Carol's legs, I could look directly across at Kelly and Brad without breaking stride. Kelly was hyperventilating and rocking her hips back into Brad's crotch. As soon as we made eye contact, she held my gaze and gave Brad a command.

"Fuck me," she ordered, and Brad immediately eased his cock into her pussy from behind. A soft cry from Kelly acknowledged the penetration. A bright flush appeared on her face and neck, a sure sign of arousal that I knew was in response to what she was seeing as much as what she was feeling.

I decided to go ahead and push Carol over the edge for her second orgasm of the evening. Sucking her clitoris gently in between my lips, I began to move my tongue rapidly across its tip. As usual, she went wild, thrusting her pussy against my face while she used both hands to pull my head more firmly between her thighs. Then suddenly she released my head and clamped her hands over her mouth to muffle her cries as the orgasmic contractions began. Closing her thighs tightly around my head, I could feel her begin to shudder in release and then go limp.

I gave her no time to rest. Rising to my feet, I grasped her behind the knees to lift her legs up and out of the way. She held them in position while I took my cock in one hand and slowly eased it into her pussy. It was the first time I had been inside her since Dallas more than a week ago. When I was buried to the hilt, I slid my forearms under her knees and leaned forward to support my weight on outstretched arms. Her legs were now draped over the insides of my elbows. We had used this position many times with wonderful results, so she began to moan in anticipation.

Kelly and I also used this position frequently with similar outcomes. I glanced up to see my very aroused wife thrusting back against Brad as he drove into her with much greater speed and force than he had been using just moments before. Her sharp cries punctuated the impact of his body against hers as he completed each stroke.

"Fuck me!" Carol ordered, a note of frustration in her voice. I understood her problem; she couldn't see what was going on in the other bed. Knowing we would change positions as soon as she achieved another orgasm, I was being urged to make her cum as quickly as possible. I complied with the lady's wishes and began to ram myself into her as she reached up to lace her hands behind my neck. Soon both women were filling the room with their cries of pleasure.

I wasn't completely certain that Brad had been able to make Kelly cum when we were on the deck, but I knew her to be wonderfully orgasmic. My guess was that she was now hurtling towards her second climax of the night while Carol was on her way to a third. The sounds of flesh striking flesh competed with the women's cries as I pounded my cock into Carol's pussy. 

Brad was staring intently at me while Kelly was trying desperately to maintain focus on what I was doing to his wife. This was what they wanted and their wish was being granted. If I could keep it together long enough, there would much more for them to watch.

Kelly went over the edge first with a sharp cry and I watched, fascinated, as she began to tremble visibly in Brad's arms. Carol followed moments later, her pussy clamping rhythmically on the shaft of my cock, nearly causing me to lose control. Brad and I stopped moving at the same time, both of us concentrating on anything other than the two beautiful women who were now enjoying spectacular orgasms.

When I knew I would survive, I withdrew my cock from Carol's pussy and bent to kiss the insides of her thighs. Releasing her legs, I scooped her up in my arms, placed her in the center of the bed, and arranged my body alongside hers. 

No one moved until we all regained control of our breathing, gathering strength for what was yet to come. 

"What next," I whispered into her ear. "We're blowing their minds."

"Roll over onto your back. I'm getting on top for the next round, just like I did last week." I was relieved. The female-superior position would be perfect for my state of arousal as long as I could survive Carol's inevitable climax at the end. I could partially control her movements with my hands on her waist and therefore control much of my urge to cum.

A few seconds later she rose to her knees and threw a shapely leg across my body. Pausing briefly, she reached down to grasp my cock and guide it into place as she lowered herself onto its shaft.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw movement in the next bed. Playing copycat, Kelly was in the process of mounting Brad's cock, guiding it inside her just as Carol had done with mine. The women exchanged heavy-lidded smiles and began to move.

I knew from experience that both women liked this position, were very good at it, and employed essentially the same movements. Clitoral contact was important, so both ladies arched their backs and leaned forward to grind their clits against the base of the cocks buried in their pussies. Occasionally, they would alter their movements to ride up and down our shafts to relieve an internal itch, their cries of pleasure harmonizing beautifully.

I was doing a good job of controlling myself, and I was pleased to note that Carol was getting very close to the edge. I grasped her by the waist and used my strength to assist her in the final seconds of her ride.

Now frantically rubbing her clit against my pelvic bone, she let out a sharp cry and began to shudder violently as orgasmic contractions took control of her body. This was the moment of truth for me as I could feel every spasm on the shaft of my cock; and once again I was able to hold my response in check. With a final wail, Carol collapsed onto my chest. I wrapped my arms around her and then turned my attention to Kelly.

Kelly often likes to use clitoral contact to push her right to the top and then rely solely on vaginal stimulation to finish the job. She was using that tactic now, furiously plunging her pussy down onto Brad's cock, her firm breasts bouncing perfectly in syncopation. Clapping her hands over her mouth, she screamed in release, duplicating Carol's shuddering response of a few moments earlier. As is often her style, she remained upright as her orgasm faded, her head thrown back and her breasts heaving as she held herself in place with her hands on Brad's chest.

Brad had not made a sound, so I assumed he had maintained control, making both of us good for one more round. Once again I would let Carol take the lead when she recovered. 

But Kelly had other ideas. Recovering more quickly than Carol, she pulled free of Brad's cock and rolled to the far side of their bed. With some effort, she was able to get unsteadily to her feet beside the bed and motion for Brad to join her. He did as directed, his stiff cock bouncing in the air as he got to his feet.

As soon as he was standing, she knelt on the edge of the bed with her knees widely spread. Lowering her weight onto her forearms, she looked Carol and me directly in the eye and gave us a radiant smile. Her message was clear; two could play the edge-of-the-bed sex game.

Carol, still lying on my chest, was not to be outdone. 

"Let's do it the same way," she whispered in my ear. "It'll be the perfect way to finish. We'll all be facing each other when we cum."

Seconds later, Carol had duplicated Kelly's position. Brad and I took our places behind them.

"Fuck me Brad," demanded Kelly.

"Fuck me Scott," ordered Carol.

Brad and I nodded to each other and then slowly pushed our cocks deep into welcoming pussies.

The next few minutes were a jumble of thrusting cocks, feminine exclamations of arousal, sounds of flesh impacting flesh, and breasts dancing to the rhythm that Brad and I established. Kelly maintained eye contact with me throughout most of the activity, and I was certain that Carol was doing the same with Brad.

Mercifully, both women came within seconds of one another, their cries reverberating off the walls as they broke eye contact to lose themselves in the sensations of their thunderous orgasms. For a few seconds longer, Brad and I pounded ourselves into them and then unleashed powerful spurts of semen deep into their bodies.

Carol fell forward onto the bed, disengaging from my dripping cock. Kelly appeared to have lost consciousness, remaining in position with a fist full of bed sheet in each hand. Brad slowly withdrew.

I pointed to Carol and made a twirling motion with my fingers. He understood and we traded places. When I reached Kelly, I scooped her up into my arms and carried her back to our bedroom. Placing her gently on the bed, I took my place alongside her and pulled her into my arms.

Ten minutes later, she began to stir. 

"Thank you for that," she whispered. "I'm sure it's difficult for you to understand, but it was important for me to see you with Carol."

"I know," I responded.

Kelly looked me in the eye for a long moment end then moved in for a kiss.

"Give me a couple of minutes in the bathroom and then join me in the shower," she said.

Five minutes later, I found myself in a shower stall with a gorgeous woman for the second time that night.

"Wash me," she commanded. "All over."

I did as the lady ordered, enjoying the feel of her soapy body and lathered hair. I took my time, eventually bending to one knee to wash her pussy, her legs, and her feet. When I was done, I rinsed us both until our skin squeaked, and then turned off the water.

Wrapping a huge towel around her, I blotted her dry. As I had done earlier with Carol, I took charge of the hairdryer, slowly driving the moisture from her beautiful auburn hair. With a few passes of her hairbrush, I returned her mane to its normal lustrous state. When I finished, Kelly turned to me and offered her lips to be kissed. After a long embrace, she broke free and looked into my eyes.

"Take me to bed and make love to me. Don't fuck me. Make love to me."

Once again I scooped her into my arms and placed her gently in the center of the bed. An hour later, both of us completely spent, we drifted off into a deep slumber, vaguely aware of the sounds of arousal and release coming from the room next door.

****

When I awoke, I was alone. Pulling on a pair of gym shorts, I padded out into the big room, glancing briefly at the two rumpled beds. I could smell coffee and see Brad out on the deck. Pouring a half cup, I joined him.

"Where are the women?" I asked.

"Beats me," he answered. "Probably on the beach."

"Any thoughts about last night," I inquired.

"Only a million or so, but I'm not sure what they all mean. None of them are feelings of regret, but this has to be the weirdest weekend of my life."

"Yeah, I know what you mean, but it'll sort itself out. Kelly and Carol will have a handle on everything. Let's just follow their lead."

"I suppose today we watch each other have sex with our own wives. That's probably what a genuine four-way would require," Brad offered.

"Probably. Want to go for a run?"

"Sure."

Just as we were ready to depart, laughter on the floor below announced the return of our wives. Both appeared to be in a good mood, taking delight in each other's company.

"When you guys get back, we're all going out to breakfast. So don't take too long; we're both on the verge of starvation," announced Kelly.

****

As we were finishing up a remarkable breakfast, Carol tapped a spoon on her water glass to get everyone's attention.

"Kelly and I have something to tell you," she announced.

"We've made an important decision," Kelly continued. 

"Last night was great fun and sexually rewarding," Carol said.

Brad and I exchanged looks. It was obvious we were being tag-teamed. Wisely, we remained silent.

"The next logical step in a true four-way would be for us to pair up with our own spouses for at least part of today's sex play," Kelly declared, "But..."

"... that isn't going to happen," Carol said, finishing Kelly's sentence.

"We've decided to maintain our privacy," Kelly said.

"Just like our bedrooms at home, what goes on in there, stays in there and is off limits to witnesses," Carol declared. "Any problems with that?"

"None at all," I said, and was echoed immediately by Brad. I felt immediate relief and I suspected he felt the same.

"Okay then," Kelly said. "Here's how we're going to spend the day."

"We'll go for a walk on the beach and then take a nap," Carol declared. "We don't know about you guys, but neither one of us got much sleep last night."

"After our naps, we'll take another stroll on the beach, and then the four of us are going to dinner together," Kelly continued. "Then we're having cocktails on the deck."

"After that, if you guys are interested in a rematch of last night, that can be arranged," Carol announced with a wicked smile on her face.

Brad and I just sat there like deer in the headlights.

"Well?" prompted Kelly.

"We're interested," we said in unison, still a little stunned.

****

We did indeed have a rematch, but with more creativity. Kelly was slightly miffed that she did not have oral sex the night before, so we started with the ladies seated side by side in the overstuffed chairs, their legs draped over the arms. Kneeling in front of the chairs, Brad and I did a credible job of servicing each other's wives. Afterwards, we traded places with the ladies and they treated us to splendid blowjobs, stopping just in time to ensure our continued participation in the evening's agenda.

Two of the straight-backed chairs figured prominently in Round Two with the women alternating between bouncing energetically on our laps and grinding their pubic mounds against ours. They came within seconds of each other, their cries echoing off the walls.

Round Three involved the table. That was Carol's idea. The women took over both ends of the table, leaning forward to grasp an edge with each hand. Brad and I took our positions behind them and gave a repeat performance of the previous night's finale, face-to-face sex having become the favored way to end an evening. When it was all over, we retreated to our bedrooms to make love to our own wives.

By the time we left late Sunday morning, everyone was a little sore between their legs but pleasantly exhausted. 

Epilogue

Almost a year has passed since that weekend on the Outer Banks. We went back in the spring and will go again after Labor Day this year. In February we retreated to the Florida Keys for a week of sightseeing, shopping, sport fishing, and sex, the ladies having found a house to rent on Marathon Key that suited our needs perfectly. We'll probably maintain that pattern well into the future.

Carol and I continue our travels while Kelly and Brad escape for a weekend every month or so. Our bedrooms at home, and the activities that go on inside them, remain sacrosanct.

Two interesting wrinkles have developed. Carol's comment about having sex in a chaise lounge by the pool so Kelly and Brad could watch, while meant in jest at the time, eventually became reality. One warm summer evening we did exactly that. A little later that night, they treated us to a similar performance. Weather permitting, we continue to engage in that behavior whenever the mood strikes. Our house is so secluded that there is no fear of discovery as long as the ladies keep their vocalizations in check. More than once, Brad and I have had to clamp a hand over their mouths to prevent them from sharing their orgasmic pleasure with the neighbors.

The other change is that DataTech has become one of my clients. Brad, as a senior engineer, set up the contract. It is a small one that only requires a few hours each month. Since Wednesday is usually an off-day for Carol, I do my work on Wednesday mornings when I'm in town and Carol joins us for lunch in the DataTech cafeteria. We find the whole thing highly amusing.

All four of us are very comfortable with our new arrangement. We know it is highly unorthodox and would not work for most people, but it suits us perfectly. We don't feel the need to change a single thing.

*****

I encourage readers to vote and comment. Constructive thoughts, suggestions, and criticisms are always appreciated.



The Arrangement Ch. 04



Hello all. I hope you enjoy this next chapter. As always all feedback is welcome. :)

***

Ayden nervously paced in his study. It was passed seven o'clock and Jade wasn't home yet. Normally she was home around six and she always called if she was going to be late. He was worried, something didn't feel right, so he rang her mobile for the seventh time and it went straight to voicemail. He called work and there was no answer, obviously everyone had left for the night.

Something was nagging at Ayden causing a strange tugging sensation at his stomach. This was something he'd never experienced before. At first he put it down to his worry over Jade's lateness but it was persistent. Over his long life he'd learned to listen to his intuition as it had served him well in the past. Without pausing to over-think he grabbed his keys and headed out to her workplace.

The building was closed and security was tight. He didn't want to ask the guards preferring to keep this quiet for now. He made his way to the parking structure he knew Jade parked in. He followed the whispers of her scent straight to her parked car. Glancing in he noticed her bag and keys sitting on the seat. 

Icy cold tentacles of fear gripped him. What happened? Where was she? What would make her leave all her things and go? There were several scents around the car other than Jade's. Ayden wasn't familiar with any of them. He followed them but they ended a few meters away. Thinking rapidly Ayden worked out that she must have gotten into another car. But did she go willingly or was she forced? With Marcus in town anything was possible.

Ayden embraced the fury that had slammed into him. There would be hell to pay for anyone that dared touch his Jade. And if they hurt her? Well Ayden was sure he could easily make all their nightmares come true. Making sure there was no-one around he quickly headed to the parking garage's main office. He needed to see those security tapes and figure out who had Jade.

***

'It's dark.' Thought Jade. She winced as she slowly lifted her head. The throbbing pain at the base of her skull protested loudly at her movement. Incrementally she opened her eyes. 'Oh not dark, I just had my eyes closed.' She mentally corrected as her vision came into focus. Her thoughts were fractured and slow. Nothing made sense. 'Breathe' she reminded herself.

After several deep breaths and clearer vision Jade realized she was in a room. A bedroom, judging by the large bed occupying the middle of the room. She tried to get up but couldn't. Without moving her head too much she looked down and around. 'Ok I'm tied to a chair.' She figured out. Her thoughts coming together a little better than earlier but still too slow for her liking. 

Jade took an inventory of herself and the room. It looked like an ordinary room in and ordinary house except that there were no personal touches. No photographs, no books on the bedside table. It almost looked like a show-home. She tried to pull and wriggle out of her bindings but to no avail. Her wrists and ankles burned from the effort. 

Time passed, how much Jade didn't know. All manner of thoughts were whirling around in her head. Why was she there? Who grabbed her outside her car? What did they want with her? What if they just left her here? As she pondered the implications of this last thought she heard the door open.

"So you're awake finally. Sorry about the knock on the head. Those boys were a little too enthusiastic in getting you here." Said a deep voice. Jade tried to move her head to see who was speaking but the pain was too much. Fortunately for her he moved around to stand in front of her. 

Jade was face to face with the second most beautiful man she'd ever seen. He was fairer than Ayden but still had that appealing, insanely handsome look about him. It dawned on her immediately who he was. Marcus. Her mind spun with potential responses, she decided to go with silence. She sat quietly as Marcus looked her over apparently amused by her predicament. He was looking at her so long that she started to squirm under his scrutiny.

"Who are you and what do you want with me?" she asked defiantly.

"Mmm feisty little pet aren't you?" Marcus chuckled. "I can see what Ayden sees in you."

Jade tried to hold the intensity of his gaze but failed as she let her eyes fall to the floor. The door opened again and a woman entered. Jade gasped, she didn't think she'd ever seen a more beautiful creature. She walked over and draped herself on Marcus. The disgust on her face surprised Jade. "Marcus, can't we just kill her and be done with it? I'm so bored." She drawled.

"All in good time sweetheart. We'll wait for Ayden to get here, he will eventually. Then I can make sure he experiences the most exquisite of tortures as I kill his little pet in front of him before I kill him." Marcus said as he smiled contentedly.

Jade was beside herself. He was using her to get to Ayden. She couldn't allow this to happen. "But you are mistaken. He won't come after me. I am nothing to him. Just an arrangement for feeding." She attempted to explain. 

Even as the words left her mouth Jade wondered as to their truth. She hoped, dreamed, wished that she meant something to him. But in the end she wasn't sure. What she did know was that she couldn't allow this creature to harm Ayden. Jade felt the emotion rise up in her and mentally clamped down on it with force. She had to be strong, for Ayden.

Marcus disentangled himself from Julia and approached Jade slowly. He bent over until his face was millimetres from hers. "Oh I think it is you who are mistaken. You must be important since he has marked you as his." He said quietly.

Jade frantically tried to look herself over. She couldn't see any discernable marks on her person. Looking up confused, she said "You lie." 

Marcus threw his head back and laughed. "Oh how amusing. He hasn't even told her." He said to Julia who barely broke a smile. "Not your body pet. He has marked you with his blood. You have his blood running through your veins. I can smell him all over you. Not very appealing I must say." He said as he scrunched up his nose.

Jade tried very hard to process this information but couldn't understand. Ayden had never given her his blood. Marcus must be lying. She couldn't keep the disbelief off her face and Marcus started laughing again.

"Let's go Marcus, I'm hungry." Julia said in a whiney tone. Marcus nodded and they left the room.

Jade almost laughed in relief that they weren't going to feed on her. Again her thoughts ran rampant. She had to get out of there. Ayden mustn't come here, he would be in danger. Jade silently prayed that he wouldn't come. She couldn't bare the thought of him in Marcus' hands. The possibilities of what Marcus might do to Ayden strengthened her resolve. Again she tried to free her hands and feet. She didn't know how long she struggled futilely with her bonds until exhaustion eventually overcame her and she succumbed to sleep.

Jade was startled awake by musical laughter coming from the next room. It was still dark out but she had no idea of the time. Marcus and Julia entered the room followed by another woman. Jade watched them cautiously, as she looked over this new addition. She definitely wasn't vampire; she was very human and very young. 

The girl looked around and noticed Jade. "Hey you guys didn't say anything about any kinky stuff. That's gonna be extra." She exclaimed.

Jade took in the girl's appearance, the tight short top and shorts, over-done makeup and track marks on her arms. She was a prostitute and a desperate one at that. Her head jerked up at Marcus' laughter.

"Don't worry dear, our friend here is only going to be watching." He explained as he grabbed the girl and pushed her towards Julia. "Now my partner here needs you, make her happy and I'll make sure you are rewarded for your efforts." He said.

The girl approached Julia and posed in what she assumed was a seductive way. It made Jade cringe. Julia laughed and grabbed the girl and kissed her fiercely. Her hands making quick work or the girl's clothes as they kissed and fondled each other.

Jade turned her head away not wanting to watch the display in front of her. Instantly she felt Marcus' hands on either side of her head, forcing her to look up at him.

"No, no, no dear. You must watch. We've gone to a lot of effort for your entertainment this evening." He chuckled. His amusement frightened her. Jade defiantly closed her eyes only to feel his whispered breath in her ear. "You will watch every little bit of it. I will be watching you to make sure. If you do not, I will kill that little human and it will be all your fault."

Jade shivered involuntarily. She was certain he was telling the truth and that terrified her. Not wanting to be responsible for harm coming to the young woman she opened her eyes again. Marcus had moved closer to the two women that were now both naked. 

Jade watched as the younger woman enthusiastically licked at the vampire's pussy. She must have been doing a good job judging by Julia's soft moans. Julia grabbed the girl's head and ground herself harder against her willing mouth. Her hands then travelled to the young woman's breasts where she found her nipples. Finding them distended from arousal she began to pinch and tug on them. 

As Jade continued to watch, she tried hard to not focus on the intimate acts but rather on an arm or a leg. Several times her gaze wandered and a small growl from Marcus quickly had her looking in the right direction again. Was he hoping that this would arouse her? That she would participate in their games? If anything this situation was terrifying her, all she could think about was placating them until she could figure out a way to escape.

Jade noticed the moment things changed. It was a look that came over Julia's face as she continued to play with the girl's nipples. Julia started to tug harder and twist the buds painfully eliciting a yelp of surprise from the young woman. Use to occasional rough treatment from clients, it didn't appear to bother her much. Julia didn't receive the reaction she wanted so she pulled and twisted harder. The girl's cry one of genuine pain now.

Julia's face shone with pleasure. Each gasp and cry from the young woman was arousing her further. Jade was feeling increasingly uncomfortable as Julia's handling of the girl became more and more rough. Jade gasped in horror as Julia produced what looked like a riding crop. Her reaction caused both Julia and Marcus to laugh.

At the vampires laughs the girl raised her head causing Julia's expression to turn venomous. She smiled cruelly and allowed a hint of fang to show. "Sweetness, you will not stop what you are doing until I say so if you want to get out of this alive." She said as she pushed the now terrified girl's head back into her streaming crotch.

Jade flinched every time the crop connected with the skin of the poor young woman's back. Her own face a mask of fear, mirroring the girl's, as she watched the cruelty before her. Soon the red welts on the girl's back gave way to streaks of blood. This, along with her screams of pain incensed the vampires further. 

"Continue with your hands girl, I want to hear you scream." Julia instructed as she continued to strike ever harder. "Come on Marcus, join in the fun." She purred as the girl plunged her fingers inside her.

Marcus growled at the invitation divesting himself of his clothes in lightening speed. He turned to ensure that Jade was watching before plunging his cock into the young woman's pussy. He loved when Julia got into this kind of mood. He found it incredibly arousing when she played with their food.

Jade had tears streaming down her cheeks as she watched the brutal scene before her. She wanted access to her hands so she could scratch the image of the girl being abused from her eyes. Each scream was tearing into her very soul. And still with the hope that they'd let her survive, she watched on. Her impotence pounding at her heart.

By the time both vampires climaxed, the girl was a limp rag doll between them. Her back a bloody mess of flesh. They used their strength to hold her up between them before they both sunk their fangs into her neck. Jade continued to watch as the young woman's body convulsed in pleasure. They drank for a long time eventually letting the girl go and she slid unceremoniously to the floor. Jade's eyes were riveted to the girl's face. There was no sign of life in those eyes. No hint of breathing. 

Comprehension dawned and Jade looked at Julia and Marcus in horror. They lied. They had no intension of letting the girl survive. Jade felt violently ill as her stomach heaved. 

"Yuck, heroin. I never liked the metallic aftertaste." Julia said as she grabbed Marcus and kissed him passionately. It was clear that their activities were not over for the evening. Jade however was spared the visual of their rutting as she chose to close her eyes and damn the consequences. Her sobs of despair also helped to block out the sounds that the couple were making.

Jade had read a book a while back about a young man who had to undergo painful medical procedures. Each time he would take himself away in his mind. He would picture his childhood growing up in Africa, all the sights and sounds would surround and envelop him. After particularly difficult procedures he would tell his parents 'That one took a trip to Africa'. Jade decided she would try this but her mind couldn't be still. Her thoughts constantly drifted back to Ayden. So she gave up the struggle and decided to 'take a trip to Ayden' instead. She concentrated very hard on the curve of his jaw, the way the light hit his eyes sometimes making them sparkle, the sound of his voice. And for moments, precious moments she was there with him, touching him, holding him. Away from the horror that awaited her when she opened her eyes.

*** Armed with the security discs Ayden scoured every moment of film to determine what happened to Jade. Again and again he watched the footage trying to determine a vehicle, make, model, number plate. Anything that could give him a person or address. After hours of tedious scanning he noticed a late model sedan exiting rapidly. He'd noticed the same sedan over several days arriving just after Jade had and leaving just after she did. Now it could easily belong to another employee but something told Ayden it wasn't the case.

Ayden tried to keep his focus on little step by step tasks. Get a number plate, track down the owner, get an address. He knew that if he allowed his mind to wander and think about what Jade was going through, he would go mad. Worse he would succumb to the beast within and tear apart the whole city in an attempt to get to her. 

Fingers a blur on the computer keyboard, Ayden finally tracked down a name and address for the owner of the vehicle. That person better have some answers or Ayden was going to let his beast free. Using his unnatural speed he grabbed his keys and headed out again.

Sitting in the car with the keys in the ignition Ayden froze. In that moment he realized that he was in love with Jade. It was a peculiar moment for this to occur but none the less it hit him with the full force of a freight train. He loved her. The revelation was something that made the man in him want to shout with joy. Unfortunately, his beast had put her in this predicament and that made Ayden want to cry. He knew that if it wasn't for his presence in her life she would be safe. 

Starting the car he resolved that he would find her. Once she was safe, he would remove himself from her life. This could never be allowed to happen again. Ayden did not entertain thoughts of her being dead. He knew she wasn't. The incessant tug in his stomach told him so. But he needed her safe and well first. Tyres squealed in the driveway as Ayden took off to track down the owner of the vehicle in the security footage.

***

Jade woke to daylight peeking behind the drawn shades. She was grateful for the oblivion of sleep depriving her of the rest of the show between Marcus and Julia. Yet again she found herself attempting to take in her surroundings. She was definitely in the same room but this time she was tied to the bed. It was somewhat more comfortable than the chair but not by much. Her arms tied above her head and her legs splayed and tied to the base. 

Jade felt weak and tired but she continued to use what little energy she had left to test her bindings. Again this proved a fruitless task. She tried concentrating on her breathing to fight the panic welling up inside her. Silent sobs racked her body as she momentarily gave in to the despair in her heart. She was most likely going to die in this room. 

Time was meaningless as she wallowed in the knowledge of her imminent death. Jade knew that most people would be listing the things they hadn't done, what they hadn't achieved, arguments they regretted and other such self recriminations. Jade's mind was filled with one thing: Ayden.

Abruptly the door opened jolting Jade out of her reverie. Julia sauntered towards the bed and Jade couldn't help but admire the incredible physical beauty of the woman. Too bad what lay beneath the facade was dark, rank and evil. 

"Hello pet." Julia purred. "Did you enjoy last night? Yes I'm sure you did. It was fun wasn't it?" she continued to prattle. Apparently it didn't matter that Jade wasn't answering her questions. 

"So what are we going to do with you?" Julia asked. "I think I can come up with a few ideas." She said meaningfully as she produced a knife. Jade's eyes widened in fear.

"Marcus said you would wait for Ayden before your killed me." Jade said, her voice shaky.

"Yes pet. But just because I can't kill you doesn't mean I'm not going to have some fun. You see last night left me wanting more." Julie smirked as she slowly approached Jade's prone form.

Jade's eyes never left the knife in Julia's hand. Her mind was frozen and she was spared the panic of wondering exactly what Julia was going to do with that knife. Closer Julia came until she was standing looking down on her. 

Julia ran the flat of the blade absently along Jade's cheek slowly. A shiver of pleasure ran through her at the look of terror on the human's face. She felt herself become wet in anticipation of the pain about to be inflicted. Taking the knife she slowly, carefully cut away Jade's clothing leaving her naked. Julia had to admit that Jade was an attractive woman. Her scent was delicious making her mouth water and fangs descend. She wished she was permitted to feed off her but Marcus had left explicit instructions. 

Julia set the knife on the bedside table and Jade exhaled in relief. That respite was short lived once Julia starting touching her. Initially it was a gentle stroking of her flesh. Jade felt like she was being evaluated by a predator deciding on the best way to rip apart their kill. She tensed under the other woman's touch unsure what Julia was going to do.

Jade gasped in surprise and pain as Julia pinched one of her nipples hard. Julia threw her head back and laughed before doing it again, harder this time. Not stopping there, Julia poked, prodded and grabbed at Jade's body. Each time Jade grimaced in discomfort or pain she would appear thrilled with the result.

This went on for an indeterminate amount of time before the blows started raining down. Julia hit, punched, grabbed and pinched every available piece of flesh in front of her. Each time Jade would cry out in pain she would feel another tingle of pleasure in her pussy. It was intoxicating. Julia grabbed an already bruised nipple and pulled watching as Jade arched her back to alleviate the pressure. She just pulled harder. With her other hand she thrust her fingers roughly into Jade's unwilling slit. Jade screamed at the intrusion causing Julia to almost shatter right there.




The Arrangement Ch. 04-06



Part Four-

"Dad it's not what it looks like." Jeydon said pulling away from Alexis as she used her arms to cover herself. Mr St. James' icy, cold stare made the heat of the moment her and Jeydon just shared cool very quickly.

" I thought you were told not to come into this room under no circumstances. Why is it that you refuse to listen to me Jeydon?" Mr. St. James sighed angrily as Alexis dipped under the covers to hide her embarrassment over what they had been caught doing.  

"dad you can't just keep her here. You need to let her go." Jeydon said getting off the bed pulling his shirt back on as he went to his father and gently placed his hand on his shoulder "just let her go home dad."

Tomas felt his blood pressure rocket sky high when his son touched his arm " you are to stay away from this room until the wedding. I will not having you spoil my plans over some second generation whore. Do you understand me boy?" he bit out. 

Jeydon ground his teeth and pulled his arm away. He lowered his head, a sign of submission to his father "yes sir." He spared on more look at Alexis, begging with her eyes for him not to leave her with his dad, then walked out of the room closing the door quietly behind him.

Tomas turned his hard glare back onto her " so you want to whore yourself out, you little bitch? I'll show you the punishment for whores." he growled menacingly as he he locked the door and started removing his belt.

"Please don't do this. Please!" she begged as the first lash of the belt touched her skin. She screamed bloody murder and tried to pull the covers out of Tomas' grasp, but he was too strong, throwing the covers across the room.

"This..... is...... what...... you........ get for being a whore Maria........." Tomas yelled while beating her. He realized what name he had yelled out too late and dropped the belt. He looked around with crazy eyes before he turned leaving the room but not before locking the door to the room where he had left the beaten, bloody woman in his wake.

-Interlude-

Part Five- 20 years ago

Tomas sat in the dark, smoke hazed bar drowning down shot after shot. ' How could they do this to me? He knew I was going to marry her.' he thought bitterly as he signaled his waitress to bring another shot. Tomas pulled out the note that still smelled like her and re-read the same thing for the hundredth time:

Dear Tomas,

I am so sorry it had to come to this. We had never wanted to hurt you but we couldn't lie to you or ourselves anymore. Tomas I have been having an affair with Philippe. It just happened one night and we couldn't stop it. We love each other and we we're tired of having to sneak around, keeping our love a secret from you. I have decided to run off and get married. You may wonder why the rush and this is the hard part. I'm pregnant and we want to raise our baby right. I know this may be shocking but it's not as if I don't know about your mistress Carla and your love child. Do right by Jeydon, Tomas. He needs you. We're sorry it had to end like this. Take care of yourself.

Maria & Philippe 

Tomas balled the note up and threw it across the room. He thought about the woman and best friend he just lost. He thought about the 6 month old son he resented because of it. Tomas' anger boiled over as he thought about Maria and Phil together. 'Someday, some how that bitch and her lover are going to pay.'

-Interlude Over-

Part Six- Back To The Present-

Jeydon watched from his hiding spot in the hall as his father left the room he was keeping Alexis in. he had heard the sick screams coming from the room and knew that his dad was at it again. Every time he saw a girl that reminded him of the betrayal Alexis' mother Maria, he found a way to "make her disappear." 

Tomas stomped past him and Jeydon slumped back against the wall trying to stay out of sight. When he was sure that his father was gone, he walked to the door. Jeydon heard Alexis' cries and screams from inside the room. "somebody, please help me!" she screamed out for help.

All his life he had been taught to hate Alexis and her family and like the ever dutiful son he had. But did he have the courage to stand up to his father to save somebody being punished for a past wrong? Taking one final look at the door he sent out a thought to Alexis ' Keep your head up, shorty. I'm going to get you out of here.'

To be continued...



The Arrangement Ch. 04



WARNING!!!

This story is about cuckolding and humiliation.
If this offends you, please do not read it.





The following morning, Saturday, I silently crept from our bedroom, carefully closing the door behind me as I left.

It felt so normal that I should make my way to the kitchen, and within ten minutes, I had a breakfast tray all ready for my darling wife. Once again, I lovingly cut a fresh rose to add that little bit of colour to my morning offering.

Wearing my new uniform of black satin pyjamas and frilly French maid's apron I knocked on the bedroom door. After a few seconds I heard Tina's voice.

"Come!"

I nervously opened the door to see my beautiful wife sitting up in bed and smoothing out the bedclothes above her legs so that I could safely lay the tray.

"Thank you Jamie, this really is kind of you. 

Now would you please run my bath and if you come back in ten minutes you can collect the breakfast dishes for washing. 

By the way, I would like you to wash my nylons and the rest of my undies, by hand. I don't want them put in the washing machine.

Close the door as you leave, oh, and by the way, I like your uniform but I think we can make it a little more exciting for you though. I'll let you know what I'm thinking, later."

Backing out of the bedroom after picking up her nylons and undies, I closed the door as requested. It was at this juncture that I realised that this was the first morning of my new life as a cuckold.

I felt sick, unable to fully understand my submissive acceptance of my new position.

It was a strange feeling, knowing that my wife had been with another man, and that I had actually encouraged her to inflict this ignominy on me. She seemed to enjoy telling me how her new lover was so much bigger and better than me.

I wondered what she meant about my uniform.

I carried out my duties diligently and before carefully hand washing her nylons and knickers, I automatically put them to my nose and breathed in their fragrance. . . As I draped them over the central heating radiator to dry,

I wondered if she knew that her nylons were badly laddered and would be of no further use to her.

The next few hours passed quickly as I carried out various other duties as instructed by my beloved mistress.

Tina left me dusting in the lounge saying she had to go round and see Margaret.

By mid-afternoon as I was just finishing, Tina returned from her visit to Margaret's. She was looking quite flustered but obviously excited as well.

I remarked that she had been away longer than I would have thought.

Breathlessly, she said she had something to show me and told me to follow her up to the bedroom.

As soon as we were in the room, she ordered me to kneel at her feet.

She then said. "I have a surprise for you, Jamie. Run your hands up my legs as far as you can go."

Confused, I eagerly did as I was told.

"Oh, my God, Tina, your pussy has been shaved."

I proceeded to run my hands all around her bottom and her smooth as silk cunt. My actions raised the hem of her skirt so that I could now see the newly shorn object of my desire.

I was now in a daze as I leant forward and kissed it, allowing my tongue and nose to caress the warm soft hairless skin.

Pushing me back, Tina said. "That's enough for now, Jamie, you are getting me just a little too excited for this time of day."

I managed to stutter.

"But, how did you do it? I mean, you were over at Margaret's. Did you take a razor with you?"

"No! silly boy! Margaret mentioned that Carl had said that the only thing that would have improved last night was if I had been shaved.

She suggested that we do it there and then.

I couldn't believe my ears when she said that William was an expert at shaving pussy and she would be happy to offer me his services.

Before I knew what was happening I was sitting with my legs wide apart with William snipping off my pubic hair with nail scissors.

Margaret had made him strip naked to perform this task which is how he performs this procedure with her.

I couldn't help but notice that he had a little hard-on all the time he was doing it.

It was pretty small, not much bigger than yours."

I was mortified, the thought that William was given this intimate act to do in preference to me. 

With a shaking voice, I think I tried to protest that this was not fair, but Tina told me not to be jealous. She would make it up to me later.

She continued.

"Once he had clipped all the longer hairs, he lathered me in shaving soap and made a lovely job of shaving me completely, down there.

Margaret asked me to thank him by stroking his little hard-on for a few moments."

"Did you?"

"Of course I did, it was the least I could do. Anyway, he was obviously pleased with what I did. He was writhing in ecstasy as I teased his little cock. Margaret had to push me away before he lost control."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I seemed to be the only one not involved in this bizarre performance.

Tina then said that I wasn't to think that I had been forgotten.

Margaret and William would be over shortly to shave me as well!

To say I was stunned is to put it mildly. I was suddenly petrified!

Almost immediately, Margaret and William appeared at the door.

With a big smile on her face, Margaret asked me if Tina had given me the big news that I was to join the team, as she put it.

"Let's not waste any time then. William, take Jamie through to the bathroom and both of you get stripped. We'll be through in a couple of minutes after I discuss something with Tina."

The next twenty minutes or so flashed by in a blur. 

Once stripped, William and I just stared at our respective little cocks. I was fascinated by his hairless appendage, it looked so fragile.

He eventually smiled and said he would soon have me shaved like the rest of them.

Entering the bathroom, Tina and Margaret burst out laughing at the two of us standing there naked.

"Come on then, William, get to work." I heard Margaret's voice.

William dropped to his knees and proceeded to, snip-away at my pubic hairs and before I knew it, he was applying shaving foam all over my genitals.

He was very efficient with the razor and soon I was standing there being inspected by Tina and Margaret, both of whom complimented William on a job well done.

I couldn't help snatching a look at myself in the full length bathroom mirror.

At first I was taken aback by a sense of nakedness and then the realisation that it looked even smaller now that there was no hair. But then I realised that I had a raging little hard-on and that I must have had it since William first took it in his fingers and manipulated it, as he shaved around it.

Looking across at him, kneeling there, I noticed that he too was sporting a little hard-on, only a little bigger than mine.

I saw him staring intently at my newly shorn private parts, then he looked up to Margaret and I saw him raise his eyebrows in a plea for her permission.

She nodded her head.

Then it happened, so quickly, he moved towards me on his knees and promptly took my rigid little penis in to his hot wet mouth. Sucking and licking it while looking up into my eyes. I was mortified, the sensation was incredible but Margaret was determined that it was going no further and she pulled poor William off me and back on to his feet.

We both hung our heads in shame, as both girls giggled excitedly at our obvious embarrassment.

Still laughing, Margaret, ordered William to pick up his clothes, as they were going home.

I remained in the bathroom as Tina showed our visitors out.

I was still standing there when she came back in.

She came right up to me and kissed me on the lips. Then she thanked me for allowing myself to be shaved by William, who, she said, obviously enjoyed the whole experience. She had been as shocked as I was when he suddenly took my penis into his mouth and was relieved for my sake when Margaret stopped him before he went too far!

Then, out of the blue she said.

"Oh, by the way, Margaret and I are going out to a party tonight. I'm afraid husbands have not been invited."

"What about your new boyfriend, Carl?"

"He's not invited either so you don't have to worry on that score.

Don't bother putting your clothes back on, I have something else for you to wear when I am out partying or on a date."

She led me through to the bedroom where I observed items spread out on the bed.

"I've decided that your black satin pyjamas are not slutty or exciting enough for you while you wait, suffering, patiently, for me to return from a date. So, I've put together my choice of uniform for you to wear from now on."

She pointed across at the items on the bed and said. "Put them on."

The first things I recognised were her laddered nylons and the fine silk knickers that she had been wearing when Carl had fucked her.

Also on the bed was a short black silk slip with thin shoulder straps lying beside a sexy garter belt.

On the floor lay a pair of shiny high heel shoes.

Tina sat down on the edge of the bed and again ordered me.

"Put them on, I want to see what you look like."

I quickly crossed to the bed and put on the used nylons and knickers, which felt so sensuous against my newly shaven genitals.

The slip fitted snugly but I had more difficulty with the garter belt and getting the nylons just right.

I completed my new outfit when I finally slipped into the sexy high heels.

I couldn't help admiring my new self in the mirror, very, very slutty.

Tina growled sexily. "You look great, just stay like that while I get ready for tonight's party."

Tina had me running around after her while she readied herself for the party.

She kept changing her mind about what she would wear.

Eventually, she stood in front of me waiting for my approval. I was in awe at the vision of loveliness which was my wife.

I knew what she expected of me and as I slowly sank to my knees before her, I lavished her with all the words of love that I could think of.

Grovelling, I proceeded to kiss her dainty feet only to be brought back to reality by the piercing sound of the front doorbell.

"That'll be Margaret. Let her in please darling."

"But, I don't think I want her to see me dressed like this."

"Don't be silly, I want her to see you like this. After all, it was her idea that you should be humiliated and made to feel ridiculous. She says that it proves that you now fully accept your position as my personal slave.

Now! Please answer the door and let her in!"

I had never heard Margaret laugh quite so loudly, as she did when I opened the door to let her in.

Once inside, she complimented Tina on coming up with such a slutty idea for my new uniform. She loved that I was being made to wear the nylons and knickers that Tina had worn when Carl fucked her.

"Poor Jamie will always be reminded of your first real fucking every time he has to wear his uniform!"

Tina looked pleased with Margaret's kind words and gave me a peck on the cheek as they both left to go to the party.

As I watched them drive off, I suddenly realised that I didn't even know where they were going or when they expected to be back again.

Closing the door, I subconsciously ran my hands between my legs, feeling the warmth from my little penis, through the silky material of Tina's sexy knickers.



The Arrangement Ch. 04



Chapter Four

Jill looked out across the Jackson's packed backyard. When she and Simone had discussed a small get together for the unit, this was not what she had expected. Music was blaring from the speakers next to the back door. The large built-in barbeque pit was blazing and everyone from the chapel plus a few more were crammed into the yard, the house and pouring out onto the street. Thankfully, they did not have to worry about the neighbors complaining since most of them were at the party.

Althea, Jessie and a dozen other teens were crammed into the decent sized above ground pool, but it was still a tight squeeze. The teen had flatly refused to participate in the wedding, choosing instead to sit sulking on the front row. And that was only under duress, her father threatening to ground her for a month. No soccer. No television. It was not until he had said no Internet that she had acceded. But the moment the brief service was over, she had made her escape to hide in her room, her head bent over the computer as usual.  

Jill remembered well how upset her youngest son, who had been just a couple years older than Jessie was now, had gotten when she began dating again two years after his father's death. Of course Darren happened to be right, at least about her choice in men. She sighed and brought the glass of wine to her lips. She had long since lost count of them, but she would worry about hangovers later. 

The words to the old song, 'it's my party and I'll cry if I want to,' kept racing through her mind. And Jill did feel like crying. After her little run-in with Daniel in the laundry room, her deepest fears had been realized. She had lain awake until the sun began to rise, staring at the ceiling, counting and re-counting every doubt she had. She had weighed them all carefully on the scales of life against the love she already felt for Bel, Ashley, Britney and even Jessie. And despite it all, she decided not to run. 

Of course, that would have been bad enough. But just as the dawn was approaching and the hour was decent enough for her to get out of bed and begin the day, her wedding day, she had finally fallen asleep. Even then it was filled with turbulent dreams. David smiling as he rose from the surf that first day. Shaking his dark curls and flinging water about as he and his mates laughed. Daniel's brown waves rumbled and his eyes dreamy as he stood in the kitchen doorway wearing nothing but those damned white boxers. 

It only got worse from there. Taunts and jeers. 'Fat, obnoxious slut.' 'Old and worn out.' 'No man could ever really want you.' The words had rung in her ears until Simone had woken her late for the big event.

If that was not bad enough, the kiss that she had spent the whole morning worried about, as Simone and a couple of the other wives got her dressed, did her hair and make-up, it had turned out to be anti-climatic to say the least. After the flames that had flared between them in the laundry room, Jill had not known what to expect, but it certainly was not the brief and formal brush of Daniel's lips across hers. Signing the papers on a new car was more exciting than that kiss. 

The kiss had only served to confirm Jill's worst fears. After her wanton behavior the night before, Daniel was having second thoughts about the whole thing. Hell, if he did not need a nanny so damned bad, he would have probably run from the church as fast as he could. And Jill could not blame him. 

The sarong wrap that she wore tied between her breasts hid well the one-piece swim suit that was the official attire for this pool party, barbeque and wedding reception. But Jill was thankful to have the wrap. Its folds encompassed an array of sins; cellulite covered thighs and a not so flat tummy just to name a couple. 

Of course, the assortment of beautiful younger women around her served only to fuel her insecurities and her drinking. The only good thing was the bright floral swim suit that Simone and all her 'big beautiful women' glory was parading around in. She envied the woman's confidence and acceptance of her body shape. She envied too the way that Samuel seemed to adore every single inch of his wife's character. 

Jill looked around the yard once more. It had been so many years since she had done head counts as she called them with her sons. Once her third son was born, it had been simply easier to count heads at the parks than to call to each boy individually. She noticed that Jessie was still safely staring daggers at her from the pool. 

Bel and a couple of other girls around her age were on the screened in back porch. Their Barbie’s and Ken’s dressed in wedding finery. Bel herself was still dressed in her prettiest pink dress. It was a present from a fancy shop in New York she had boasted to Jill as they curled her blond tresses. 'Only the finest' her Grandma Janice said for her girls. After the wedding, Daniel had tried to coax the child to change into her swim suit and shorts like her sisters, but Bel insisted that her dress was a-pro-pri-ate for the party as well as the wedding. In the end, both he and Jill had caved into the child's 'cute face' as she called it. 

Ashley and Britney were in the small wading pool that one of the wives had insisted the guys bring over for the event. There were four or five young mothers, who were much more sober than she was at the moment, watching over a half a dozen toddlers. 

That left only Daniel unaccounted for. Her husband, she thought as she drained the glass and headed off to the bar that Simone and Samuel had sat up opposite the barbeque bit. Jill knew that if she concentrated very hard, she could make it the fifteen or twenty feet from her plastic chair near the back door to the bar without stumbling or weaving or doing anything else that might embarrass herself or Daniel. 

Of course, that was not counting on the five or six young boys that came barreling along out of no where, water guns blazing. One of them, who could not have been more than seven or eight, ran straight into her. Any other time, the impact would have barely been felt. But with that many glasses of wine in her, it was a recipe for disaster. She felt herself toddle and began to fall forward.

Until a pair of strong arms wrapped about her waist from out nowhere. Jill righted herself and shook her head, ready to make her apologies. When she looked up it was into the hazy blue eyes of the person she had been looking for, the one person she was trying hardest to avoid this night. 

"Daniel," she whispered.

His hands about her waist steadied her, but they were also a painful reminder of the night before. The kiss. The real one. 

"You all right?" he asked. 

Jill could do nothing more than nod. Whether it was the wine warming her blood or the dreams or the man himself she did not know, but she swore that her skin beneath his hands was blistering from the heat. 

Holding up her empty glass, she purred, "Just getting another glass of wine."

Daniel took the glass from her fingers. "You sure that's a good idea, sweetheart?"

His casual use of the term brought anger bubbling up inside her gut. After that weak excuse for a kiss in front of everyone. Then hours spent avoiding her at the party, she was in no mood for his patronizing. 

"What do you care? Go, find your buddies again. I'm just fine," she said trying to pull out of his grasp, but he refused to let go of her now that he had found her it seemed. 

The wine had loosened the sharp tongue that a quarter of a century of politeness had taught her to curb. Turning to him, she whispered, "What? Is it time to pretend to be a 'real' couple for our company, commander?"

***

Daniel was in no mood for games with his wife. Eight glasses. Two god damned bottles of wine in less than two hours. 

What was it about him? Why was it that marriage to him was enough to make a woman drink? They had been man and wife for less than four hours and the normally reserved Jill was tipping glass after glass. It only confirmed his worst fears. He just was not cut out to be a husband.

But a husband he was. Again. And right now, short of showing his wife exactly how 'real' things were between them, all he wanted to do was get her home and safely to bed. Alone. This night at least. That ship had sailed a bottle and a half ago, he thought as he guided her through the crowd towards the bar, but not for the purpose she thought.

Jill smiled and held her glass up as they greeted Samuel, who was tending bar for a bit while Simone helped Dwayne through the house so that his wheel chair did not get stuck along the way. Daniel had been pleased that in the haste Simone had remembered to invite Dwayne and several other members of his unit that were no longer active. But Simone was a team player like that. 

She had even invited Chloe and her son, Thad. Daniel had been surprised to see the young widow, but delighted too. Thad was beginning to look like his father, Zach, who had been killed on the same mission two years ago that left Dwayne a paraplegic. Daniel had hoped that Jill would be able to befriend the young woman, having raised her boys alone after her husband was killed. But that too would have to wait for another time.

"Great party," his new wife screamed to Samuel across the bar. The music was loud, but not that loud, he thought. "Another glass of the rose," she asked.

Daniel shook his head as he handed his friend the empty glass he was holding. "Actually, I was just about to take Jill home. It's getting late," he made their excuses, although he knew his friend understood far more than he said.

Jill shook her head and was about to protest when Simone stepped up from behind them. "No way, buddy. You, of all people, know this party is far from over," she said as she pinned him with one of her looks. 

Daniel was just about as much in the mood for Simone as he was for his wife's drinking binge. "This party is over for my wife, Simone. O-V-E-R," he spelled.

Jill wrapped her arms about her new buddy and ally. "I'm a big girl and I'm staying," she said as she poked him in the chest with her finger. "Just because we are married does not mean you can boss me about."

Daniel threw up his hands and passed his wife off to Simone, "Get her out of here." Turning to Samuel, he added, "Not another drop, I mean it." It was an order that was painfully familiar to the men.

Simone nodded and wrapped her arms about Jill's waist. "Come on, girl friend. Let's get a cup of coffee and something to eat from the kitchen. Then we can get you ready." Jill nodded and the two women turned back towards the house.

"Simone, one more thing," Daniel called after them. The women turned and looked at him. "I mean it. This party is over for her. I know what you are up to and I'm not having it."

"Spoil sport," Simone taunted him, sticking out her tongue. "It's a tradition almost as old as this unit and you damned well know it. It's bad luck too if we don't," she nodded her head to where Chloe and Dwayne sat by the wading pool watching Thad splash and giggle. Their faces were both dark with sorrow that neither had the courage to speak of.

"That's poppy cock and you know it, woman. This is the twenty-first century and we live in America not some damned third world country where superstition still reigns over everything," he justified. "I will not have you and the others making a fool of us just to satisfy some stupid, perverse tradition. Do you hear me?"

"It's up to her, commander," Simone said as she turned, dragging Jill back towards the house. 

Daniel shook his head and took the bottle of beer that Samuel held out for him. "I wouldn't worry about it. Your wife can barely stand. I doubt like hell that a cup of coffee is going to sober her up enough to dance in front of fifty people."

"I sure as hell hope you're right, but you know these crazy women. Did a little alcohol stop Simone? Or Trisha? Or Gail?"

Both men left her name unsaid. It was the one time that Rachel had ever attempted to fit in with his friends and comrades. And it had been a complete nightmare. The last thing he wanted or needed was a repeat of that night in front of his men.

"Hey, don't worry about it. I got your back, buddy. Remember I'm DJ as well as bartender. If anything goes wrong, I'll simply switch the songs," he said raising his bottle of beer. "Just remember to make a big of show of it. Rubbing against the little lady while you hold her drunk ass up and keep her from falling."

"Gees, with a friend like you, who needs enemies?" Daniel sighed.

A cloud passed over Samuel's face as he looked over towards the wooden gate that led to the street. A stocky blond headed man entered, smiling and shaking hands with several people. "Speaking of which."

Daniel turned and followed his friend's line of sight. He gulped the bottle of beer and slammed it on the bar. "Just what I need right now. Clay Dodd. Who the hell invited his sorry ass?"

"Don't look at me! I told Simone not to call that one," Samuel said holding his hands up in surrender before he passed Daniel another bottle.

"Yeah, like your god damned wife listens to anything you say," he cursed.

"Come on, Daniel. You know that isn't fair. If Simone did invite him, it's our fault. We're the ones so damned worried about how what he did would affect the unit that we covered it up." Lifting his bottle of beer, he took a long drink, "Sometimes I wonder if we ain't as dirty as that bastard. The way we left that poor girl out to dry."

Daniel sighed. It was not one of his prouder moments as a commander, but sometimes there simply were no win situations. Then you made the best choice; the best of a bad lot. Clay Dodd was one of those times. 

"What is it about a little money that spoils people?" he asked.

Samuel chuckled. "Not like we would know, buddy. Not with what Uncle Sam pays us."

Daniel smiled and raised his bottle, clinking it against his friends. "I'm surprised you ain't accepted one of his daddy's kind offers."

"Nay, man. Something ain't right about that outfit. I'll take my chances with you and the other guys. At least, I know you got my back and won't sell me out to the highest bidder."

"Thanks for that, man. Don't know what I'd do without you, especially tonight." Turning Daniel watched as Clay approached Dwayne and Chloe. "I better go see what that snake is up to this time. But I mean it, keep our wives away from the PA system. I don't want to hear that god damned song tonight."

Samuel saluted. Something they both knew was a joke in a group where skill meant more than rank. "Yes, sir. I'll do my best."

"You just remember who has your back next time."
Samuel laughed, "Yeah, buddy, but you remember what side our bread is buttered on. And I don't know about you, but I like my butter spread nice and thick on my buns."

"T-M-I," Daniel said as he spewed beer at the image of Samuel's butt covered in butter. "If that's one of your 'tricks' do me a favor and keep them to yourself."

Both men laughed and raised their bottles one more time before Daniel turned to face the unpleasant task of dealing with this gate crasher.

***

"You want me to do what?" Jill practically screamed at Simone and the half dozen other wives and girlfriends that were huddled in the kitchen. "Are you fucking nuts? I might be drunk, but I ain't that drunk. You want me to prance half naked before Daniel." She stared at Simone, "With everyone watching?"

The buxom young red head from Texas, who had introduced herself as Trisha, stepped forward. "It's tradition, honey. You a Texas gal. You know how important these things are," she looked around to the others for support. "We all did it. I promise you, another glass of wine and it'll all be good fun."

Jill could not expect this girl, who looked like she stepped directly off the Miss Texas USA ramp, to understand so she turned to Simone.

"You know why I can't do this, Simone. Please," she pleaded in a whisper.

The woman nodded her head of braids and turned back towards the others. "It's her choice, girls. You know that."

The petite brunette who had just entered the kitchen carrying a toddler stopped. A horrified expression on her face, as tears threatened to brim over her green eyes. "You have to," she cried out. Looking at Simone, she begged, "You have to tell her. She has to do it. I don't want this happening to anyone else."

Simone tried to wrap her arms about the younger woman, "Chloe, you have to let this one go, honey. It wasn't your fault. Daniel's right, it is all just a superstition. You refusing to dance had nothing to do with that copter going down. You aren't to blame for Zach's death anymore than Dwayne is."

The woman clutched tightly to the toddler as the tears spilled down her innocent cheeks. "Maybe you are right. But I'll never know for sure, will I?" 

Her eyes bore into Jill, who in that moment felt remarkably sober. She knew those eyes. They had stared back at her from a mirror for over two years. They were the eyes of grief. 

"It's a dance. Just a dance. Trust me, it isn't worth the pain of never knowing," Chloe choked out the words before she turned and ran from the room, clutching the little boy so tightly that he began to cry.

Jill stood up and went to follow after her. Her heart brimmed over with the shared pain of losing a soldier, husband and father. It was the worst of nightmares, suddenly made real. 

But Simone held out her hand.  "I'll go after her, sweetie. And don't let this lot pressure you. It is your decision. The tradition began as a special gift freely given by a bride to her groom. If that ain't what you want, then don't do it."

Jill nodded and squeezed her friend's chunky hand. "Thank you. Now go after her. And call me if you need me. I might be drunk, but I ain't so drunk I don't still know those feelings. Tell her I'll call her next week too, will you?"

Simone brushed a stray hair back from her face, "I meant it. You are as perfect as we thought you were. You are everything that man and this unit needs. And don't you forget that, girl. Size zero or size twenty-four don't matter half as much as what's in here," the woman thumped her ample chest. "And that you got in spades."

Jill hugged her. "Go, damn it. If I'm gonna do this thing, I don't need black mascara smudges on my cheeks on top of everything else."

Simone squeezed her back, "You go, girl. I knew you would come through in the end. Don't you dare do nothing before I get back," she said.

"You have my word on it," Jill said. "And no matter what Daniel says bring me another bottle of wine. I'm gonna need it for this one."

Simone winked before she disappeared through the back door. Jill sighed and joined in with the other wives as they chattered about the night's main event. Or what for all of them had been the prelude to the main event. She hoped like hell that Simone was right. That she could do this. Or at the very least she hoped that bottle of wine was enough to make her forget it all.

***

Daniel walked over to where the man was chatting with Dwayne Richmond, Chloe Johnson and a half dozen other wives and girl friends. For a moment he thought of a Bible story from his childhood, the apple in the Garden of Eden. This man was as wily as that snake for sure.

Clay Dodd had served in his unit for less than a year. The Annapolis graduate was the only son of one of the country's wealthiest men. Clay Dodd, Senior had founded his security firm, Night Walkers, back in the early eighties. He had used his own expertise as a former Army Ranger to craft a line of personal and electronic security systems that were among the most innovative and sought after of their time. 

Over the years, he had grown from security details for the rich and famous to protecting some of the world's most powerful leaders and some of its most precious resources. Problem was that to build his wealth and power, the man had chosen not to be too picky about who he worked for. Rumor had it that some of Africa's most wanted men were among his client list, hiding from the same United Nations that was also a client of Night Walkers. 




The Arrangement Ch. 04



Clay, Junior had inherited his father's poor moral compass. Rumor had it that Dodd, Senior had purchased his son's nomination to the Naval Academy with a large donation to a senior Senator, a man that also served on the Department of Defense's oversight committee. A man that it was said had used his influence once again to guide the young man's career path into the highly prized Seal unit. It was a path that had been unobstructed until he joined Daniel's unit. 

"Hey, Clay," Daniel said as he extended his hand towards the man. "I'm surprised to see you here."

The man smiled just as Daniel imagined that snake would to an unsuspecting Eve. "It's always nice to see you too, commander," he said as he took the extended hand. "And on such a joyous occasion. So soon after Rachel's suicide too. I spoke with Heather Thomas just this morning. Seems that they knew nothing about your nuptials. How odd?"

Daniel cleared his throat and looked the man in the yes, "Yes, well, I see no need to inform Rachel's family of my private affairs."

"Was it, commander?" the man laughed as he raised a bottle of beer to his lips. "I mean the timing does beg the question. Less than a year and you have replaced your dead wife with someone new. Makes one wonder how 'new' she really is."

Daniel ignored his comment, turning to Dwayne. "It's good to see you again my friend. How are things going with the new job?"

Dwayne took the hand that Daniel held out and smiled. "Pretty good, commander. How's things around here?"

"Same as usual," the men exchanged pleasantries without revealing the sensitive nature of their partnership. Daniel had helped arranged Dwayne's new job with one of the computer firms working closely with the Department of Defense and his team. 

"Yes, I was just telling Dwayne that despite his disability, Night Walkers could use a good man with his computer expertise," Clay inserted himself into their conversation. 

"Did they ever figure out what did go wrong with that helicopter? Damned shame about it though. Zach dead and you ended up in a wheel chair for life. Seems like the least this country could do is get to the bottom of it all. Don't you think, Chloe?" he said addressing Zach's young widow as he drained the bottle of beer.

The smile that had been on the woman's face as she played with her son was gone in an instant. The pained look that replaced it spoke volumes. "If you'll excuse me, it's getting late. I should take Thad in and change him. We should be heading home soon," she said as she stood preparing to make a hasty retreat.

"I'm pretty tired too, Chloe. Mind giving me a lift?" asked Dwayne.

The girl nodded as she took Daniel's hand. "I really want to get going before," her voice broke with pain.

"If that's why you're in such a hurry, don't be. That particular tradition is not happening this night," he asserted.

A shadow crossed the woman's fresh face, as she gripped his hand tighter. "No, she has to. You know that. You know what happens if…" she trailed off before reaching down, scooping her son out of the pool and running into the house.

"Oh yes, I forgot about that," smiled Clay. "Nice timing on my part. Arriving just in time for the big show," he grinned. 

"I said it is not happening tonight," said Daniel with finality.

"Too damned bad. I hear that Rachel's performance was unforgettable. Besides I'm kind of curious now to see if the new Mrs. Monroe is as hot looking as the Ice Queen was."

Daniel took a swig of his beer. He gripped the bottle tightly. Too bad it was only his third. He might have enjoyed knocking the bastard over the head with it if he had been drunker. Not that he had been that drunk in a very long time. He add it to his growing list of fantasies, right along side with watching Jill do the one thing that he had virtually forbidden her to do.

Holding out his hand to Dwayne, he said, "I'm really glad you came. It's always nice seeing old friends." He nodded to the four remaining wives that had strategically retreated to the edge of the pool upon Clay's arrival, "Ladies."

Turning to Clay, he replied simply, "It is always interesting seeing you." 

"Yes, well. Here's to hoping we see lots more of the new wifey," the man said raising his bottle.

Daniel's palm itched, this time with the need to curl it into a fist and slam it into the man's face. He could not help smiling as he overheard Dwayne say, "You always were a real asshole."

But he was more than a little tempted to turn back at Clay's low blow response. "At least I was smart enough to get out while I could still walk away."

Daniel fumed at the cruel words. The man had not walked away. Not exactly. He had slunk away like the snake he was when one of the female supply clerks that worked closely with their unit came to Samuel and him in confidence. She had been virtually raped by Clay, who had used threats that came with his officer rank and his father's wealth to intimidate her into having sex with him. 

She probably would not have come forward at all had it not been for the fact that she found herself pregnant with a child she did not want. Despite the gravity of the woman's charges, it really had been a case of he said, she said. While they did not doubt her claims for a moment, they knew that a court martial panel might not, especially in light of his father's influence. 

So he and Samuel arranged a transfer back to the States for the young woman and confronted the man themselves. They offered him a simple choice…transfer out of their unit or face court martial. It was an empty threat, but the man did not know that. With the disgrace of transferring out of the prestigious unit, Clay had chosen to leave the Navy completely. As fathers and leaders, he and Samuel had sighed with relief. 

But that was not the end of their troubles. Like a bad apple, the man seemed to show up everywhere the unit went. Thanks in large part to the sensitive contracts that his father held to protect local officials in Iraq and Afghanistan. Worse yet, the man had chosen to remain in the Virginia area rather than return to the bright lights of New York City. 

He had also taken to poaching men from Daniel's unit. Offering them lucrative contracts, huge sums of money that the Navy simply could not compete with. The bastard had even had the balls to try and buy him and Samuel as they called it. 

The offer had become one of the biggest arguments between him and Rachel in those final months. His first wife simply could not understand how his duties to his country could be more important than money. Money, she felt that she deserved after a decade of their bad marriage. Money that would pay for her shopping addiction and private school for their daughters.

Daniel wanted to turn back  and reveal the truth of who and what this man really was before everyone. Instead he chose prudence once more, as he simply walked away towards the larger pool from which he saw his eldest daughter finally climb out. 

"What's that man doing here, daddy?" asked Jessie. 

Daniel looked over his shoulder, "I didn't know you knew Clay Dodd, Jess."

The girl stared at the grass, her toes making circles in it. "Yeah, well, he came around a few times. To talk to Mom when you were away."

Daniel shook his head. He should have known. When he refused the man's offer for a higher paying job with his father's company, he would have, of course, gone to Rachel. Hell, the two of them were probably country club buddies from way back in New York City. 

Daniel smiled as he lifted his daughter's chin. "Don't worry about it, sweet pea. And besides since when you talking to your old man again?"

"Oh, you don't need to worry about that. I'm still plenty mad with you. And you know I have every right to be. You marry the woman a week after you pick her up from the airport. Friend of gram's, my ass."

"Watch your mouth young lady," he said as he wrapped his arm about her shoulders. "I know this seems sudden to you. And one day when you're a bit older, we'll talk about it. But for now, will you just trust your old man that he has not gone crazy and that he is just trying to do what's best for our family?"

"Is this because of Aunt Heather and the custody case? I thought we won that?" she asked.

"Sort of, Jess. But more than anything it's about having someone else there for you and your sisters. If anything," he smiled. "Well, just if."

Jessie shook her head, "I get it. I guess. Althea and me watched this old movie. I mean really, really, really old. It was like this. A Navy commander that wanted to get back on his ship, but he had all these kids. He married this red headed lady, who had just as many kids. It was called something funny like His, Hers and Theirs or something."

Daniel chuckled. He remembered being forced by his mother to watch it when he was younger. Back in the day when there was only one television set and adults got to decide what you watched. "Yeah, something like that, sweetie."

The girl shivered, "Just promise me that there wont' be any 'theirs.' That's the most disgusting part. Old people like them and you guys having babies. Yuck!"

Daniel chuckled at his daughter's train of thought. He certainly would not mind a little baby making action with his wife. "I  promise it is not on the agenda any time soon. Am I forgiven?"

She shrugged her shoulders, "Maybe,  but she still won't be my mother. Ever. You tell her to keep her smothering to the little girls and we'll be fine."

He nodded. He knew that Jill would appreciate his daughter's boundaries, but he doubted very seriously that the woman would simply give up on trying to reach the temperamental teen.

He hugged his daughter and watched with worry as he saw Chloe Johnson race from the house, carrying the screaming toddler. He was about to go after her when he noticed that Simone was right behind the girl, calling out to her. But she would not be stopped. Chloe barreled through the wooden gate at the side of the house that led directly to the street.

Thankfully, Daniel noticed Dwayne roll his wheel chair after the woman that was his best friend's widow. He held out his hand to stop Simone as she ran after Chloe. "Leave it. Dwayne can handle her better than any of us."

Simone nodded, "All right, I have some things cooking in the kitchen anyway."

Daniel stared at her. "It better not be what I think it is."

"Well, that's for me to know and you to find out, commander," the woman said as she swung her wide hips and danced back into the house.

***

Jill held up the glass of wine and stared at the woman in the mirror. "Simone, it's perfect."

Simone wrapped her arms about Jill's waist in another hug. "Did you really think I'd let you down, girl friend?" She said as she reached up and adjusted the sheer, white lace robe on her friend. "I know exactly how you're feeling. You think just because I flaunt my stuff that it's easy for me to be around all these teeny weeny beauty queens?"

Jill stared at her friend, "But you're so confident."

Simone laughed, "No, sweetie, I'm arrogant." She took the glass of wine and turned Jill back to face her. "I meant what I said earlier. You are perfect and that has nothing to do with what? Size sixteen?"

Jill blushed, "Something like that."

"Look at you. You're breath-taking."

Jill did take another long look at herself in the mirror. The white satin bodice of the bustier lifted and molded her breasts until they sprang like the waters of life from its D cups. But the stays inside the soft material also did a beautiful job of holding in the waistline that made her cringe. The array of pastel colored scarves that hung from its bottom and formed a skirt of sorts hung to her stocking clad calves. Beneath it she wore a white garter belt and lacy underwear that were like a second skin to her round bottom. Her friend had even found a perfectly sheer chiffon robe that covered the lingerie until it looked almost presentable enough to be worn in public. 

Almost, Jill thought. She still would much rather be just about anywhere else at this moment. But with Simone's help she would make it through the next five and a half minutes or so she promised herself as she took a deep breath. "Let's do this damn thing then," she did not bother trying to wrestle the glass of wine from her friend's fingers, instead she picked up the bottle that was sitting on the dresser and downed what amounted to another half a glass.

"You know we're all right there with you, girl friend," Simone reassured her as she swung the door open and they were greeted by more than a dozen squeals.

"For the first fucking verse, thanks a lot, girl friend," Jill said sarcastically as she was passed from wife to girlfriend to wife for hugs and inspections. 

"You'll do fine, sweetie. Just think of it as another two-step," Trisha said as she slapped Jill on the ass. Hard. "Come on."

The group of women exploded like a hurricane through the back door. A storm of giggles, laughter and blushing. Night had fallen and most of the children had been whisked away by a couple of the more reserved wives to communal beds in their homes. A few, including Bel, were bedded down in Simone's living room watching a Nick marathon. Even the group of teens had disappeared in favor of bad horror movies, junk food and whatever mischief they could manage. Only a couple dozen guys and the stray date that was not yet 'official' enough to be included in the traditions remained in the back yard. 

Lanterns flared around it, casting shadows. Shadows that Jill was thankful would hide what sins this amazing get-up did not. The soft glow of the fire lights cast a spell that the bright light of day and even the haze of early evening had not. Despite the chill of the breeze coming off the Ocean, there was a warmth to the place. Or perhaps it was just that extra glass and a half of wine that gave her courage to think that she stood half a chance of pulling this one off, she thought.

Until she saw him. The men were congregated by the bar, laughing at another of Samuel's stories. As if on signal, they moved as the team they were, surrounding their leader. Jill lost sight of him among the crowd for a moment, but not before she saw a dark and unreadable expression cross his handsome face. "I told you," she heard his voice carry across the yard, but the rest of his sentence was muffled by the robust heckles of his friends and the silly giggles of hers. 

She turned to run back into the house as the recognizable, pounding eighties beat suddenly blared from the speakers. Two hands reached out to restrain her. Simone's dark one and a freckled one with a stone the size of Texas on its ring finger. She looked up into their faces.

"You can do this," the women said as the group began to move together as one across the all too short yards that separated them from their husbands and boyfriends. The shaking of their arms and shoulders imitations of the MTV video that had once been among Jill's favorites.  

Jill surrendered to their words of encouragement. The dye was cast already. Now she just needed to make it through the next five minutes,  she thought as she began to move her satin and lace clad figure in time to the familiar song. She closed her eyes and prayed for strength. For the damned song to end. For this night to end. 

But when she opened her eyes again, she realized that her troubles had just begun. Daniel stood just ten feet away, stripped to the waist of his too damned tight jeans. The impossible defined muscles of his bronzed chest glistened in the fire light. The air caught in her throat and she willed herself to breath. But nothing could stop the insanely fast pounding of her heart, its beat faster than even the song. Jill noticed that somehow the t-shirt that he had changed into for the party was now wrapped about his wrists, securing them firmly behind his back. 

"You'll pay for this," he mouthed. Jill winced. Although she was not certain if he was speaking to her or Simone or even Samuel and his other men. The intense need to escape, to take flight, gripped her once more, consuming what false bravado that the wine and her friends had managed to impart.

As if they could read her thoughts, the group of women surrounded her then. With smiles and giggles they began to move faster to the chorus. The singer's words rang like an anthem in Jill's mind. Of heroes rising from heat, of gods and white knights. 'I need a hero,' 'fresh from the fight,' and 'larger than life' played through her mind. 

Suddenly, Jill was transported to another time and another place. The music moved over her, carrying her on its wings, transforming her into that young girl she had once been, brimming with new found beauty and sexual confidence. Without thought, she began to move in earnest to its rhythm. Her steps were sure as she focused on the moment, surrounded with new friends and old memories. 

As they had promised the group remained by her side as they swayed and gyrated across the all too short distance. Jill lead them with confidence as they flanked her like her own unit of warrior women invading and conquering. 

But as the pounding refrain died and that sultry voice slowed once more into the second verse, Jill found herself eye-to-eye with the man that was her new husband. She swallowed hard at the look she saw in the depths of those crystal blue oceans. Her heart stuttered in her chest, skipping beats as her brief surge of assurance came face-to-face with the enemy.  

When she would have turned and fled back to the safety of the group if not the house, he whispered, "You started this, you gonna run away now, sweetie?"

Even over the lingering charcoal, citronella and beer, she could smell him. The rush of adrenaline. Man, pure and simple. Words filtered through the haze of the wine, as she took up his challenge and the unspoken one that those eyes held as well. She knew this song. She knew these people. And on some primal level she knew this man. The rest just sort of flowed out of the depths of her soul. 

Hers hands trailed slowly across heated, bare flesh of his chest as she swayed and moved against him. She felt the silk scarves wrap about her calves as she moved her hips in seductive circles, brushing against the rough denim of his jeans. Her nipples tingled and swelled inside the bustier and for a moment she  feared that they would burst over the dam of its low-cut cups.

Emboldened by the moment, their audience drifted away until in her mind nothing remained but the two of them. They were as alone as they had been in the laundry room. Was it just a little over twenty-four hours? Things were moving too fast, she thought. Not fast enough, her body replied as her hands came to rest on his broad shoulders, her hips brushing repeatedly against his in this mock lap dance.  

She could not bring herself to look into those blue pools again so instead she found herself mesmerized by his soft, pink lips that were curled into a sardonic smile. If she closed the distance, if she had the courage, would she savor that fire again? Or would it be the ice she had found when the chaplain said…you may kiss your bride. 

She would never find out, she thought with a touch of disappointment when the pounding bass trailed off and the song came to an end.  She smiled. At least, I did this, she thought as she went to step away. To flee back inside the house with her comrades. To change out of this remarkable but ridiculous outfit. Before she could turn though, hands came from out of nowhere, imprisoning her wrists more securely than handcuffs ever could.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asked as he drew her into his arms. Smiling over at where Simone had retreated to the safety of her husband's embrace, "The little witch didn't tell you the rest, did she?" He chuckled. His arms beneath the chiffon of her robe were like a vise holding her still against him.  "Stick around sweetheart cause this night is just getting started." 




The Arrangement Ch. 04



With a wink to Samuel, a slower tune drifted on the still, cool night air. This voice was male, but equally throaty and seductive. Daniel's smile was brighter than any of the lanterns that dotted the landscape. Her eyes were once more glued to those hypnotizing lips as he repeated the singer's words, "Would you dance if I asked you to dance?"

Jill's heart froze in her chest. The air seemed impossible thin as she struggled to move it in and out. Her mind was thrown into turmoil. She forced her eyes to meet his gaze. The azure depths of his eyes were hazy. An erotic invitation to the unknown. It was probably all just a show for his friends, she knew that. But some part of her wanted to believe that even just a tiny portion of it was just for her. In that moment, she decided to give into this temptation. To go with the flow. To be hypnotized by it all. 

Surrendering her last reservation, she melted against him, moving slowly with him as the music drifted around them as the other couples joined them on the makeshift dance floor. Her arms wrapped about his neck as she leaned her head against his shoulder. It was just beginning to throb a bit from the alcohol and more than likely the stress of the past few days. In the ridiculously high heels that went with the get-up that Simone had chosen, they were practically eye-to-eye. 

His hands slipped lower to rest against her hips, drawing her even tighter against him. The hard ridge beneath the rough material was pressed against her, making a mockery of her earlier taunts about being a 'real couple.' Standing this close she could feel the pounding of his heart as it strove to match the wild music of her own. She could feel its life force in his neck pulsing beneath her cheek. She bit her lip to stave off the temptation to kiss and lick at his pulse beating so steadily there. 

This moment seemed more 'real' than anything she had felt. In a very long time. She smiled against the warmth of his shoulder. Tears gathered in her eyes. She knew this feeling well. Safety. Perhaps it was not as certain, as full-realized, as it had been once. Perhaps this man was not the best friend, lover and husband of her youth. But the two of them were more alike than different. And this moment could be a start, a new beginning. If she let it.

For the first time, she faced a truth that she had been avoiding these past weeks. She could not just casually exchange one hero for another. It was more complicated than that. As much a like as David and Daniel were, they were individuals. They were different men. As familiar as this new life was, she needed to let the old one go. As the tears spilled over, she felt the power of the song wash like a benediction over her. She was most definitely in over her head, she thought as she followed her new husband's lead. 

Her mind battling to come to terms with it all, she heard some temptress whisper "Will you?"

The man in her arms turned to look at her. Through the haze of tears it was clear. Clear blue eyes that stared back at her, not the laughing brown ones that had a taken a part of her heart with them. She smiled as she realized that a part was not all. There was plenty of heart still beating, quite loudly in fact, inside her chest. And just as loving Daniel's daughter would never take anything away from the love she felt for her sons, neither would caring for this man ever change any of the twenty wonderful years she had shared with David. 

He answered her with a tentative one of his own. "Will I what?" he asked in a low throaty voice.

"Kiss away the pain," her answer echoing the singers.  

Their eyes held for a moment. She watched as dark clouds gathered in the blue skies of those eyes. She felt him stiffen a bit and she worried that she had said something terribly wrong. The memory of his cold kiss earlier burned in her mind. 

She opened her mouth to take it all back. Instead his mouth covered hers. And fire erupted. The chill of the night melted away at the touch of his tongue against hers. She tasted the beer, but it was overpowered by another taste. Daniel. It was more intoxicating than the wine she had drunk. More powerful than any drug. And she feared she might be addicted already. 

"I'll do my best," he whispered against her lips as the music stopped. 

***

Daniel  laughed around the bottle beer as his friends surrounded him. The truth was he felt like anything other than laughter. This show was grating on his nerves. He had tried to slip away quietly with Jill after that song. Its words and her pleas haunted him as much as the question that was burning in his mind. The question that he hid from them all.  

"Yeah, well, you just remember I owe you for this one," he said addressing Samuel. His friend had no way of knowing exactly how much. And the rest of this night would have to tell. Samuel slapped him on the back as the group entered the same front door that he had opened for his new wife barely more than a week ago. 

New wife; words that played like a bad movie in his mind, a movie in which he was now the male lead. The problem was he was not very good in the role. The truth was he was no one's hero. At least not when it mattered most. Oh sure, he could fight. Win battles that few other men could even face. Hell, he could even change diapers. But at the one thing that mattered most…as a husband…he was a complete and utter failure. 

"You can thank me later, buddy," laughed the man that seemed to be cut out for the part. "Simone, you girls better be finished in there cause we kept the man waiting long enough," his friend called out as the gang pushed Daniel down the hallway towards the bedrooms. Towards heaven or hell itself.

Simone and a group of the wives stepped out of the doorway just as they approached, "You think we'd let you down now, suga'?" she drawled as Samuel wrapped his blushing bride of almost twenty years in a bear hug and brushed a kiss across her ruby red lips. The others pushed Daniel through the open door.

Jill was sitting on the edge of his bed. Her head was down as she stared at the sea of brown carpet. Blond hair fell about her features, but the stiff way that she held herself told him that she found this moment as impossibly embarrassing as he did. 

But embarrassment was not the only emotion that he felt as he took in the view of his wife with her legs dangling off the bed. If the flowing sundresses that hugged those luscious tits and the tight jeans that caressed her full bottom had been temptation, this was hell itself, he thought as he took in the white satin and lace that encased her full-figure. 

Gone was the lacy robe that had been draped about her shoulders as she had gyrated about him earlier. Her pale skin glistened in the dim light of the lamps that sat next to his bed. He watched hypnotized as her chest rose and fell. He was not sure if he feared or hoped for the gentle swell in those satin cups to overflow their boundaries. 

And those impossibly long legs that he could only imagine wrapped about his waist were covered still in the sheer white lace stockings that were attached to the tiny strap of silk that he supposed was a garter belt. With the scarves that had flown about her legs as she danced gone, he could see it and those lace panties she wore. They had him trying to push the door closed before anyone else caught sight of her.

Daniel felt blood coursing through his body. "You can take my breath away," he whispered as they shoved him towards her. 

But their audience was not to be denied this night. "Naw-aw, buddy," laughed Samuel. "You know this show ain't over." 

He cursed whatever fool had started this tradition. But he knew Simone was right, it was one almost as old as his unit itself. And he of all people should know the importance of such things, but this night he was in no mood for their games. He just wanted to be alone with his new wife. He wanted to settle some things. 

"It's over when I say it's over," Daniel barked. "And I say it's over. You guys have had your perverted fun. Go home to your own wives," he ordered.

Simone giggled as she snuggled against Samuel. "Oh no, you don't, boy. If you think that milk toast kiss you tried to pass off in front of the chaplain is gonna satisfy us girls, you got another think coming." 

Reaching across the room, she grabbed Jill's hand and pulled her from the bed until she was standing right in front of him. Simone gave him another of those looks, "NOW, you may kiss your bride. And make it good, boy. Us wives got to have something to tease these old men with."

Daniel looked down into Jill's green eyes. "I'm sorry, but they aren't going to leave unless we…" his words trailed off as he lowered his head.

The moment his lips brushed hers it burst across him like a tidal wave. Desire. Need. Pure fucking lust. He was hard in an instant. The way she melted against him, melding their bodies, entwining their legs, was driving him insane. Or was the taste of wine and woman as her tongue met each bold thrust with her own. Her arms draped about the heated skin of his shoulders had his body begging and pleading with him to finish what they had begun the night before. 

With a groan deep into her throat, he wrapped his arms about his wife's waist and drew her tighter against him. Partly because he wanted, needed, to feel those soft curves pressed against every single inch of his hard body. But also partly because he did not want to have to murder his friends and comrades for looking at his wife in that fucking white cloud of temptation. 

The loud cheer that went up from their assembled guests barely registered in his mind as he tasted and feasted on her lips. His hands moved over the satin, wishing it were nothing but the softness of her skin. 

He smiled against her lips when he heard the quiet click of the door closing. His mind replayed their earlier conversation about 'not rushing' things. He knew that he should step back now. Offer his wife the bed for the next couple of nights while the girls were away with friends for their 'honeymoon.' He could slip away to watch stupid late night horror movies and drink himself to sleep. 

But what he should do and what he wanted to do were two different things. Even though he knew the alcohol and the situation itself clouded her thinking, he did not care. He did not want her thinking, did not want cool reasoning to have any part of this night. He wanted to fuel the flames that had her burning against him as hotly as he himself was igniting. If honor, niggled at the back of his mind, it could go fuck itself, because his body had every intention of ending a very long dry spell by fucking his new wife.

He maneuvered them until he felt the edge of the bed against his shins. Gently, lest he arouse her from the wine and kiss induced stupor that he wanted to feed this night, he lowered them both to the bed. His hand moved with more confidence than he was feeling up from her waist until it cupped her breast. His fingers ran along the edge of the material as his tongue danced against hers. 

She whimpered as he broke the kiss. He looked into those cloudy green pools as he brushed the offensive material back to reveal the soft, full perfection of a man's dreams. He knew that if he did not want this dream to end too quickly, he had to keep her drugged with the seduction. Keep reason and sanity at bay…at least until dawn. 

So he did what he had wanted to do since the the moment that Britney had splashed water across that damned dressed. He lowered his head and tasted the sweet heaven and hot depths of hell that was his wife's nipple. He drew the turgid peak deeper between his lips and was rewarded with a louder whimper as she arched against him. 

Their bodies laying side by side on the bed, he could feel her hips moving in slow circles against his. The dry humping as they had called it as teens was driving him insane. One of his hands moved to her hips to still the incessant rhythm as his other hand cupped and squeezed at her bared tit. His teeth lightly scored the firm flesh and she practically came off the bed. This time the whimper became a moan.

His wife's responses were a more heady concoction than the half dozen or so beers that he had drank over the course of the night. More heady than anything he could remember, even the adrenaline rush of battle. 

Daniel knew he was moving fast, but it was not fast enough for him. His fingers slipped beneath the patterned lace of her underwear. Panties that revealed far more than they hid as they stretched tightly across the white skin of her lush bottom. He tugged and pushed at them in time with the rocking of her hips against him. He had them half way down her thighs when she lifted that round ass and moaned as his tongue lathed her damp nipple. 

"Fuck this," he spat as he tore the damned things off her. His words breathed across the tips of her breast. 

The lacy scrap was still wrapped around his fingers as he explored the softness of her round bottom, mapping it with his touch. His mouth and tongue refused to surrender their prize as he toyed with it incessantly. "Please," she whimpered.

"Please what?" he breathed across her skin as he continued to toy with the darkened peak. He knew the answer he wanted. 'Please fuck me,' rang like a refrain in his head. 

He threw the damned lace across the room as his fingers moved between her soft thighs. He groaned against her flesh as they moved over soft curls and delved lower still. He smiled around her nipple as he found her as wet as he was hard. Her hips lifted then, enveloping his hands between her legs as two of his fingers disappeared into the warmth that another part of his body was coveting. 

"Aw," she screamed as he felt her flesh clamp tight about his fingers. "Yes," she moaned as he began to move them deeper inside of her. "Oh god, yes," she whimpered as she arched her hips into his bold caress.

Daniel was about to burst out of his god damned jeans. But the choice was surrender the heavenly softness of her ripe breast or the wet welcome of her tight channel. It was not a choice he was ready to make just yet he thought as his teeth tugged more firmly at the the soft flesh, his fingers greeted almost instantly with a rhythmic tightening of her muscles. 

"D…" she whimpered as he continued the all out assault on her senses. The end game of this mission so close that he could almost feel it. "Da…" she moaned once more. Daniel was preparing to surrender the tender softness of her breast as she crested and crashed against him. The need to discard the tight confines of the thick material was driving him mad with distraction when she gave a final moan, "Da-vid."

Daniel shut his eyes at the stabbing pain that ripped through his chest. He had taken more than one bullet to the Kevlar vest. He knew the stinging shock of that pain, but it was a fraction of what he felt at that moment. His fingers slowed inside her impossibly tight body as the aftermaths of her tremors continued to squeeze softly at them. 

He knew that her words, misspoken though they were in her drunken and lust induced dreams, would not stop many men. Hell, most men. But he was not one of them as that damned honor came bubbling back to the surface. Indecision and pain warred in his heart as he stilled. His head rested against the soft pillow of the breast that moments before he had been teasing and tormenting. 

But it was his new wife that ultimately made the decision for him. The soft rise and fall of her chest soon gave no doubt that after the powerful release of her orgasm, she had found the peace of sleep. Something he knew he would not find this night. Not even at the bottom of the bottle of Southern Comfort that awaited him in the kitchen cabinet.

Softly he turned, withdrawing his fingers with regret. He rolled to the edge of the bed. His head hung in defeat. "Fuck, when you going to learn, man. You just aren't cut out for this," he whispered as he stood up. Going to the closet he pulled out the spare blanket and tucked it about her. Her blond hair spread across the quilt brought another stabbing pain to his gut. "I'm so sorry, Jill," he said as he bent to place a kiss on her forehead. "You don't deserve a fuck-up like me." He flicked off the lights and drew the door closed even more softly than their guests had earlier. 

In the darkness, he stumbled down the hall to the kitchen. The moon light was streaming through the window over the sink as he reached high into the cupboard next to it for the only comfort he would find this night. The famous alcohol was far from the sweet comfort he had hoped to enjoy. Unscrewing the cap, he brought the bottle to his lips and swallowed. He looked out at the array of bright stars and lifted the bottle. 

"David, my friend, here's to you. Wish I were half the man you must have been," he said as he drowned his sorrows in another long drink. The liquid burned his throat with heat and fire that was only a dim reminder of the flames he had held in his arms just moments before.



The Arrangement Ch. 04



This is the latest chapter in the tale of Peter and Julianne. In this chapter I hope to explore more about Ms. Julianne, as she seems to be an innocent pawn in the game of a very accomplished man. However, this woman has a history and her own story that brings her to this place with this man.

I write this at a weird place in my life -- I'm going through a divorce. My writing therapy has come to be a blessing that I hope to continue to draw from during this time where my heart and spirit recuperate and heal. This chapter involves something that I've never experienced before that after reading up on it, I'd love to learn more about it. 

Thanks for the comments, readership and critical analysis. I appreciate it all & hope that you guys enjoy this update. 

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Julianne stared out the tinted back window of the white Cadillac Escalade that escorted her from her apartment to the restaurant to dine with Peter. Their arrangement made her a great deal of wealth, but came at the cost of her joy and self esteem. She stopped seeing herself in mirrors - only a woman who was purchased for the intent of a man's pleasure. No amount of primping, makeup application or jewels could help erase the self-imposed moniker of whore that she saw reflected in her haunted eyes. 

The luxury vehicle soundlessly manuevered through evening New York City traffic. It allowed Julianne to clear her mind of the thoughts that threatened to undo the very fibers of her sanity. 

'Is this what it means to be a kept woman?' her mind wondered.

'So the going rate for black pussy is $10,000 per hit huh?' came the second mental barrage. 

"Actually, its $25,000 per hit if you let the fucker cum inside." responded Julianne to no one.

"I'm sorry, miss. Did you say something?" asked David the driver over the intercom to the back of the vehicle.

"No! Gosh I'm so sorry. No I didn't say anything sir." answered an embarrassed Julianne.

David chuckled at her response before saying, "It's quite alright miss. No harm no foul. We'll be at the restaurant shortly. Mr. Baker should already be inside waiting for you." 

'Great. Already here so I can't find a way to sneak off and say that I did show up.' thought Julianne. 

"Oh, ok. Thank you." she replied to the driver with a slight smile that never reached her eyes. 

"You are welcome Ms. Mills." answered the driver before the subtle click of the intercom turning off sounded in the abnormally quiet rear passenger area of the vehicle.

Julianne closed her eyes to try and mentally prepare herself for Peter. His presence alone was enough to warrant a spat of hyperventilation. His manners, dress and charisma were impeccable, but there was something about him that was so incredibly frightening and attractive. Nothing ruffled the man's feathers, and it unnerved Julianne to no end. 

'More like devastatingly gorgeous.' thought Julianne as she sighed again while reining in her wild thoughts back to the task at hand. She had a feeling that this night would be similar to so many others that occurred since the two of them began their 'arrangement'. He would send a car to her place to pick her up and send her to a shop for the outfit he selected for the evening. Then she would take the vehicle to a predetermined restaurant of Peter's choice. After dinner he would escort her in his own vehicle and take her to his home. After fucking her senseless, he would contact his accountant to transfer more money for her pussy payment.

Same old fucking same old.

Julianne sat in the luxurious vehicle, in her expensive clothing and accessories numb to the reality of her situation. In her mind, she was nothing more than a rich man's whore. Peter never outright said anything demeaning toward her after the first night when he paraded his money and influence over her, but the sole purpose of this entire escapade was for him to obtain his pleasure from her body. 

'Worthless fucking cunt, wait -- make that millionaire's worthless fucking cunt... old story, new day.' she thought.

After a while she realized that the vehicle stopped permanently. The window she stared through suddenly opened by the driver.

"Miss Mills? We are here." said the driver as he offered her his hand. 

She blinked a few times before realizing what was happening. Pulling herself together, she plastered on a smile that again never quite settled in her eyes. She took the drivers' hand as he graciously led her out the vehicle onto the sidewalk. Peter was standing on the sidewalk watching Julianne exit the vehicle, his heart fluttering but his face a mask of nonchalance. Julianne wore a stunning yellow halter maxi style dress that fit her curves like second skin, with rhinestone accents covering her breasts before cascading down the bodice to the skirt. Her makeup was done perfectly and accentuated her features and high cheekbones. 

Julianne walked forward with her head held up, but her eyes downcast as she manuevered in the expensive silver platform heels that barely brought her smaller stature up to his shoulders. She walked close to Peter, who in turn leaned in to kiss the outside of her lips, before placing a hand on the small of her back. The woman in her secretly swooned at the sweet protective gesture, until she rationalized that he was only doing that to subtly cop a feel of her ass.

Julianne pushed out a subtle breath, noted by Peter as he quickly glanced in her direction before returning to his destination, a spot towards the back of a rustically beautiful mediterranean restaurant, named Estiatorio Milos in New York City. She should be used to him parading her about in gorgeous restaurants filled with the beautiful and the affluent (and the fortunate few who like Peter were a combination of both) talking, laughing and doing God only knew what else rich people did in restaurants. 

Once they were seated at their table, Peter reached across to hold her hand. She furrowed her brow in response to this action before she wiped her face clean of emotion to review the offered menu. Peter sat across from her wondering where her mind went while she was in his presence. He often wondered about her day, but she purposely kept herself closed off from anything personal about her life. As she told him succinctly one evening when he dared to ask her how her job hunt was going, " I'm not comfortable sharing that information with you." The simple look she gave him brokered no response to the contrary, and he sat befuddled wondering just who this young woman was who could make a man as powerful as him speechless.

Rather than suffer another night of silent dinner before intense lovemaking, he initiated conversation with her, even if she would play the unwilling participant. When she looked back at the menu of the trendy mediterranean restaurant deciding on which of the appetizers to nibble on before Peter made the order for their dinner she realized that his hand was still warming her cold one.

Getting a little weirded out by this outward display of affection for her in public, she sighed before completing her appetizer choice and asked, "Is there something that you need Mr. Baker?"

Peter looked into her tired brown eyes, noting the other time he looked at a woman just like her who said a similar thing to him so long ago. He gave her a warm smile before bringing her hand to his lips to gently kiss her knuckle. Peter smiled inwardly when he felt a small shiver go up her arm from his kiss before finally answering her question.

"I need you to enjoy yourself Julianne." said Peter as he held her hand close to his lips.

Julianne became a little ruffled, wondering why her glorified fuck buddy was holding her hand in public. Public displays of affection were something that she had purposely shut him out of before. 

Before she could stop herself she muttered, "Why should you care?" in a tone she hoped that he wouldn't be able to hear.

Peter's grip on her hand tightened subtly, enough for her eyes to come off their joined hands to his eyes. The blue of his eyes reached glacier levels as he stared at her in silent fury. He didn't plan on scaring her, but he was pissed that she would feel that way. 

"Is it hard for you to understand that I do care for you?" asked Peter in a soft whisper that belied his anger at her glib comment.

They stared at each other for a few moments before it was broken by the friendly waiter who took their order of the Milos special of thinly sliced zucchini, eggplant, fried cheese and tzatziki and their dinner of lobster, leaving their drink order up to the waiter's discretion. They both thanked the waiter for his work, anticipating the meal more than the staring contest that erupted prior to his visit.

"Peter, what are you trying to initiate here?" asked a battle weary Julianne. She took the hand he kissed and placed her forehead in her fingertips. Everything about this man messed with her senses. She couldn't deny the pleasure he willingly gave her body, nor the way he tried to treat her like a human being when they were in public together. The entire situation was becoming complicated, and she felt the need to delineate between their bedroom activities and what she considered her life. It wasn't like he cared about her she rationalized.

Peter sat back in his chair and studied her. She was just as trying as his cousin, but there was something more to her. Josephine had his family's legacy of forced sexual advances, whereas Julianne was his somewhat willing sex partner. His eyes openly admired his dinner partner, anticipating the moment when he could get her in his vehicle. His eyes flashed to her irritated ones when he heard her sigh.

"Conversation. I think we can pass the time rather well with some simple conversation. I realized that we aren't in what most would consider an ideal relationship, but I don't think that should preclude us from having a nice, stimulating conversation." answered Peter once his eyes settled on hers.

Julianne had to catch herself before her mouth flew open. 'How dare he!' she thought while trying, and failing, at reining in her raging emotions. 

After looking down in near disgust, she turned her head and mumbled, "What is there to discuss?" 

"A lot." answered Peter in a strong clear voice. Julianne jerked her head back to him and stared at him.

"Like what, Mr. Baker?" she asked in clear pronounciation. 

"Let's start off simple, like how your day went." said Peter, completely unfazed by her reaction.

Julianne sat back in her chair, and squared her shoulders. "My day went well, Mr. Baker." she answered.

Peter chuckled before responding, "Drop the Mr. Baker. We've been intimate long enough for you to call me Peter." 

Julianne's eyes widened slightly as she looked quickly around the crowded restaurant to make sure that none of the fellow diners heard what Peter just said to her. Peter remained calm, with a faint smile on his lips. 'Payback really isn't a bitch. It's a fucking killer.' he thought as he watched her with amused restraint.

Julianne leaned over the table and harshly whispered, "Could you please not say things like that?" 

"Why not? It's the truth, right?" answered Peter with the faint smile still hanging on his lips. 

Julianne was getting really irritated. Peter just sat there calm as a cucumber with his eyes sparkling in mischief and the slightest hint of a smile on his face. 'Fucker.' she thought.

"Truth or not, it's just something that doesn't need to be paraded around like it's the best news in the world." said Julianne before thinking.

Peter's once sparkling eyes froze her over in an instant. She knew she crossed the line, now it was time for damage control. 'Well fuck that.' she thought when she realized that she had paid enough of her time and 'talents' to this man and was decidedly done with this arrangement, or whatever the fuck this thing was they had.

"Truth or not. Interesting choice of words, Julianne.... The truth is that I do care about you. It's not easy for me to invite a woman into my home, particularly into my bed, without the need for me to care about her. I've cared how you thought of me, even when I knew - as I know now, that it wasn't quite high.... I realize that I took advantage of you when you were in a bad place, and for that, I am sorry. However, I am not sorry for the feelings that I have developed for you, nor the joy you have brought to me, an old man." stated Peter, chuckling drily at the end.

Julianne felt like shit, sorta. She was so focused on how she felt that she didn't notice that Peter had started showing her signs that she was more than a casual fuck. It all began not long after that long first weekend she spent with him. After enjoying their brunch he suggested that they go for a walk in the estate gardens. Julianne was only privy to three rooms up until that point -- the bedroom, the bathroom, and the adjoining office. 

Once they were dressed (he purchased and had delivered a summer dress and sandals for her while she slept after their first encounter) , he guided her down a long ornately decorated hallway filled with antiques to a sweeping double staircase that overlooked a foyer with a large circular wooden table holding a Tiffany vase overflowing with fresh flowers and inlaid wood floors. 

He led her by hand down the steps and through the black and white tiled kitchen that contained dark marble countertops, and brand new appliances. His maid was busy cleaning the dishes from their brunch, but stopped long enough to greet her once Peter introduced Julianne. The older woman had a kind glow to her round face, and shook hands vigorously with Julianne while looking upon the young woman with a friendly tenderness that made Julianne pause for a moment to try to decipher.

Before the two women could chat, Peter swept Julianne out the side entrance to the kitchen and lead her to the french doors that opened out to the west gardens. Once the doors opened to the outdoors, Julianne was immediately entranced. Instead of following Peter out to the garden, her feet carried her to the soft lush grass. She found herself bent forward at the waist to smell the roses that not only gave bloom to beautiful floribunda white and yellow roses, but also generated lovely reddish orange rose hips. 

Peter smiled at how much like his cousin Julianne seemed to be -- taken in by what she most looked like, a flower. Peter was happy to shadow her as she flitted around the west garden, taking in the many different flowers and shrubs that decorated this portion of the property. The action of her bending, stooping, stretching and fawning over the beauty of nature in his family's home had his cock hard and ready to enjoy her again. However Peter Baker was infamous for his patience. 

Julianne was knocked out of the memory of that day by the waiter bringing them their food and drinks. Peter watched her eyes mist over and figured the memories of how he treated her were coming to mind. It was time for a real conversation, and it would happen tonight.

Julianne left the appetizer plate next to the dinner plate and both took food from the presented dishes and ate in silence, enjoying the food. She kept her eyes everywhere except on Peter, while Peter stared intently at his dinner guest. 'She wants peace now. I can give her that, but things will change.' thought Peter as he forked a piece of buttered lobster into his mouth, watching her body squirm at his open perusal. 'Hynoptic.' he thought while slowly chewing and enjoying the show Julianne gave him.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Julianne stood waiting by the front entrance to the restaurant for the chauffer to arrive with Peter's vehicle. Peter stood behind her, watching her fidget and breathe. He took a few steps toward her and greeted her exposed back with the stroke a finger down her spine. She tensed then relaxed into his touch before pulling away. He stopped her forward progression with his other hand that hovered gently above her stomach. She quickly found herself confined between his body and his hand. 

"Did I tell you that you look divine tonight?" whispered Peter into her ear. 

"No." Julianne said after swallowing to quell the dryness in her mouth.

"Hmm..." said Peter as his hand gently settled on her stomach. "I've been remiss. You look beautiful tonight." 

"Peter, please not here." whispered Julianne, while turning her head only to have his lips gently take hers in a tender kiss.

Julianne pulled away from him when she felt his tongue stroke inside her mouth, only to be stopped by the hand holding the side of her head. He deepened the kiss and she moaned into his mouth in want. He pulled back slightly to look at her. Her eyes slowly opened, full of barely disguised lust. She blinked rapidly at the look in his eyes and pulled away just in time for their car to pull up to the curb. Se was momentarily stunned when the Escalade pulled up curb with David driving the vehicle. 'Wonder what is different...' thought Julianne.

Peter watched her for a moment while she moved into the Escalade, noting the jiggle of her ass as she stepped up into the vehicle. He walked into the vehicle and the driver manuevered the vehicle to his home. Once the car was in gear for highway travel, he placed his right hand on Julianne's thigh. He stroked her leg, pleased that her even breathing changed for him. From the corner of his eye he could see her turn her head to look out the window as they drove past expansive fields illuminated by the moonlit sky. 

"Peter, please don't do that." whispered Julianne into the quiet cabin.

"Why?" asked Peter as his fingertips ran circles up her inner thigh.

"Because it is distracting me." answered Julianne.

"How so?" asked Peter again as he continued stroking her skin.

"Peter, you know what I mean." she answered.

Peter removed his hand to press the button to alert the driver. 

"Yes Mr. Baker?" asked David.

"Take the long route, please David." answered Peter.

"Yes sir." replied David. 

The glass pane dividing the front from the back of the vehicle disappeared behind a much more solid divider that had a small flat screen TV set into it. All the lights in the back of the vehicle came on and went slightly dim.

"Peter, what's going on?" asked Julianne. Peter turned to look at her for a moment, but didn't answer her. 

"Where are we going?" asked Julianne a bit more flustered. 

Peter continued staring at her appreciating her nervousness.

"Peter, where are we going?" asked Julianne again.

Peter looked her over body before responding, "Home."

Julianne watched him for a moment before she turned from him to look out the window to the desolate road. Bushes and trees decorated the mostly dirt pathways. Perplexed by the bumpy road, she asked Peter again where they were going.

Peter looked ahead and did not respond. After a half hour of driving in silence at night, the road suddenly became pavement. The change in the road's texture perplexed Julianne more.

"Peter what is going on?" she asked.

Peter felt the two subtle bumps and heard the barely distinct metal clanking of the tire hitting the road markers he had put in place. He counted to eight before the vehicle stopped entirely.

"We're home, sweetheart." he said before reaching over to rub her curls between his fingertips.

Julianne looked around into the surrounding darkness, noting that there was not much around them. 

"Is this some sort of joke, Peter?" she asked.

Peter laughed and said no before reaching up to press another button. They both heard the car door to the driver open then slam close and the subtle sound of footsteps walking away from them. Peter reached over and stroked her exposed collarbone.

"Peter, what the hell are you doing?" she asked quietly. Her thighs rubbed together slightly to stave off the dampness accumulating between them.




The Arrangement Ch. 04



"I'm preparing you for my advances dear Julianne. Although if I'm not mistaken, you are already starting to react to my touch." stated Peter.

Peter moved closer to Julianne, dropping the hand on her collarbone to her thigh. He got down on his knees before her and gently pulled her legs open, telling her what a good girl she was for opening her pretty brown thighs for him. He moved forward between her legs and kissed the center of her exposed chest. Her nipples teased him with their hardness. He reached up and gently stroked them, enjoying the shiver that went through her body.

He was hard and ready for her, but she was nowhere near ready for him. He licked her from the center of her breasts up to her soft neck. He took his time, nibbling the underside of her chin, before coming up to suck on her tempting lower lip. He gently licked the inside of her sweet mouth, reveling in how she responded to him. How she always responded to him.

His hands came up to the halter part of her dress, covering the back of her neck. He undid the snaps that held her breasts away from his view as his tongue continued to explore her mouth. The glittering yellow straps fell away from her torso, revealing the physical display of her beauty to him. Peter paused for a moment, in awe of her, before his desire to touch and taste his addiction consumed him again. 

"So beautiful..." he murmured to himself as his fingers gently roamed her soft brown skin. The golden glow under her chocolate skin held him spellbound as he traced the outside of her areolas. He placed his hand on her chest to watch her heavy breasts tilt back for his pleasure. With a deep moan he kissed the top of her exposed stomach, as one hand held a heavy breast. His agile thick fingers pulled and stroked her nipple before his mouth descended on the other.

"Oh..." moaned Julianne.

"That's it sweetheart. Talk to me." Peter said around her nipple

Julianne's hand came up to cup Peter's head to her breast. Her breathing deepened in response to his skillful tongue. 

"Fuck, Peter. Oh, oh my God..." moaned Julianne.

"Mmmmhmmm, that's my pretty girl." said Peter between kisses and licks around her nipple.

"Peter, wait. We're still in your car. We need to get in the house still." said Julianne. She was trying very hard to not be distracted by Peter's skilled tongue doing absolute miracles on her nipple. 

Peter pulled back from her delicious tit surveying the wetness he put on the glistening hard tip. He rubbed his other thumb steadily over the slickened tip, and watched her squirm before him. He looked her directly in the eye before asking her the question that burned in him.

"Why are you so ashamed of me? Don't you like what I do for you?" asked Peter while watching her hips pump in need. 

"I...I..." stammered Julianne before falling silent.

Peter lightly snorted and let the acknowledgement of his words stiffly hang between them. Julianne couldn't figure out what to say. She wasn't sure if she was ashamed of Peter, or herself. She turned her head to the side and stared out the window again, perplexed at the emotional battle she had. Peter however had no such inner turmoil. He knew how he felt about her. He knew what he wanted from her, and he was more than willing to wait to get his prize. 

He pulled his hands off her, sliding them down her legs before going up under her dress to pull down her drenched g-string panties. His blue eyes flicked up to her startled brown eyes, watching the question floating in them. He held her panties up to his face, inhaling the smell of her wet pussy encased in the cloth. His arousal was painful at this point, but he could care less. He needed his dessert down his throat. 

He quickly slid her ass toward him in the large seat, exposing the pulsing wet folds of her pussy to his view. He pulled her legs up to the bottom of the seat so her heels rested on it, opening her up completely to his eyes. He was unrestrained in his admiration of her beauty and moaned as he brought his face down to her glistening wetness to smell her intoxicating scent. The tip of his tongue traced up her slit and Julianne's head fell back heavily from the sensation. 

Peter opened his mouth and fed from her, leaving no part of her pussy untouched by his lips, teeth or tongue. A clever index finger of his went inside her body while he sucked and nibbled on her exposed clit. Julianne couldn't stop screaming her release into the quiet vehicle, not caring if anyone was around to hear the commotion going on in there. Her body clenched and released as sweat trickled down her neck, tracing a line between her sensitive breasts. Peter continued to eat her through many more orgasms before he felt he had had his fill of her soft juicy pink center. 

A trembling Julianne fought to catch her breath once Peter pulled away from her. Her legs ached from the extreme position she was put in. Peter helped her put her thick thighs down by rubbing the circulation back into them. Peter leaned in and kissed her on her forehead before putting the straps of her dress back on her. He located her panties and put them in the back pocket of his dress trousers. He climbed out of the vehicle and held his hand out to a still trembling Julianne.

What Julianne saw when she exited the vehicle astonished her. Each row of fluorescent lights coming to life brought to view the vast underground garage filled with all different sorts of american and european vehicles. From motorcycles to classic roadsters, Peter had a collection of cars that looked as big as a football field. He watched her take in his hobby, noting her awe at his abundant display of wealth.

"Are you ashamed of me?" asked Peter quietly as he stared at her.

Julianne's head snapped to his face. His face was stoic, but there was something in his eyes. His eyes subtly struggled with some other emotion to be nonchalant. She couldn't see what the other emotion was because it was safely locked away behind the full mask of nonchalance.

"Peter, I..." started Julianne after a moment's pause.

"It's a simple yes or no question Julianne. Are you ashamed of me?" he asked again, still staring at her.

"It's not that I'm ashamed of you. A part of me is afraid of you." she said quietly.

Peter nodded his head in acknowledgement of her statement. He said nothing, knowing that his silence would cause her to say more to explain herself. He didn't have to wait long.

Julianne continued, "I'm afraid of feeling for you. I'm afraid of losing myself to you and this amazing life that you live. You are a mystery to me -- an enigma. I don't know why you want me, but you do. You incorporate me into your 'lifestyles of the rich and famous' life, and it's just a lot for me to process. Your garage alone probably costs more than I could ever hope to make in a lifetime. I've always worked, and since I accepted the terms of this arrangement, I haven't worked -- at least not in the traditional sense. I don't have an office to go to, or a job to fulfill my time. I go where you tell me to go and then we have amazing sex. I can't help but feel cheapened by that.

"In order to function, it's just easier if I can pigeon hole you into the friends with benefits -- except for the fact that we were never friends. It is hard for me to imagine that you see me beyond the physical. To be honest, I can't see myself much beyond the physical for you to be attracted to anyway." she finished twisting her fingers the entire time.

Peter stood for a moment taking in her words. Inwardly he was upset, but he looked over at her and smiled before asking, "Have you ever had a yoni massage?"

Julianne looked at him, completely perplexed by his question. "What is that?" she finally asked him.

Peter smiled and said, "You're about to find out." He took her hand and lead her to the elevator up to the main part of the house.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

"Turn around for me please." instructed Peter to Julianne. The trek from the garage to his bedroom was long and silent, filled with doubt and uncertainty. Julianne looked at him with her brow furrowed before doing as he instructed.

"Beautiful..." he whispered while admiring her skin and figure as she turned. Julianne hesitated for a moment, before turning completely around.

Peter reached up and undid the clasps on her halter dress, and helped smooth the material down her dark body. When he was eye level with the base of her spine, he placed a soft kiss on the flesh of her ass. He admired the contrast of his pale fingers as he touched and rubbed her ass.

Standing back up, he quickly stripped off all his clothes. He stepped close to her and noticed the shiver that passed over her when she felt the wet tip of his hardness leave a cooling trail of his arousal on the back of her thigh.

"Turn around." he whispered into her ear. It sounded both harsh and sexy at the same time. Julianne had a hard time stifling the moan that came from her throat as she turned around. He watched her spin in front of him, and trained his piercing blue eyes on her uncertain brown ones.

"Lay down sweetness." he said to her through his sexy smirk. 

Julianne subtly nodded and sat on the edge of the bed. He quickly placed a pillow underneath her head before it hit the mattress of the bed. She watched him look down on her and instinctively pulled her thighs together and covered her breasts with her arm. She had no idea the amount of temptation she provided him. He stood still, erection proud and gently dripping on her closed thighs basking in the erotic sight of her covering her modesty from a man who knew her treasures intimately. 

It was in that moment that his eyes faltered.

A wave of guilt threatened him. This beautiful woman was the embodiment of everything he desired. Smart, sexy, and looked exactly like his first love. Yet she laid down before him, in all her glory, shielding herself from him. From his eyes, his hands, his body. She was symbolically shielding herself from him in more than just physical ways. The visual confirmation of how much she was at a disadvantage in this relationship became profoundly clear to him in that very moment. She was completely vulnerable not because she wanted to be, but because he designed it to be. 

A sigh of longing and approval crossed his lips. He knelt down on the plush carpet in his bedroom and rubbed her closed thighs. Julianne looked down at him over her crossed arms. She waited for his next command with a hitch in her breath. Seeing this, Peter slid his hand over her stomach, noting how she instinctively pulled away from him before settling into his touch.

Knowing that he was waiting for her to open herself to him, she slowly spread her legs to Peter's transfixed gaze. Peter watched the unsettled rise and fall of her stomach after his lingering gaze to her womanly parts. He tried to get her to calm down by removing his oozing erection off her calf. 

"Breathe with me, please." asked Peter as he took a deep inhalation and watched her battle whether or not to do the same. He exhaled fully, still waiting for her comply. On his next inhale he noticed and felt her stomach rise and do the same. Within minutes they were breathing together -- deep yogic breaths. Peter gently smiled down at Julianne, keeping careful to not brush himself against her. So much of their arrangement had been at his discretion -- what she wore, how she looked, and where she ate. It was time for that to change.

Once Julianne was fully relaxed he stood to retrieve some candles and massage oil. An odd shiver ran through Julianne when she looked at the scented candles. They weren't the sexy musk and bergamot scented candles, but lavender vanilla scented candles. Peter noticed the apprehension and kicked himself for his stupidity for not remembering how their first night together started out with scented candles, rose petals and $100 bills. It was not lost on him how much he cheapened her and made her worry. 

He knelt down, keeping his bouncing arousal away from her body, and poured some of the jasmine scented oil in his hands before picking up a foot and massaging it. The fine bones of her foot cracked, and her calloused feet softened in his hands. 

"I'm sorry to visit a painful memory for you. I just wanted you to relax." said Peter to Julianne quietly. 

"I know. Thank you for the apology though." said Julianne after nodding her head.

Peter smiled while massaging her ankle. He moved his hand up her leg, all the while noting how she visibly relaxed into his touch. Her deep breathing continued in a much less forced way. He repeated his actions with the calming oil and massage with the other leg. 

"How do you feel?" he asked her. 

"Hmmm....I feel good. You have magical hands." replied Julianne, with a giggle at her joke before she cupped her hand to her mouth in a delayed act of self censure.

Peter smiled, truly smiled at her and asked her to turn over. Julianne complied and heard Peter's breath catch slightly at the jiggle of her ass. He was tempted to pull apart her cheeks and plant his face in her ass, but controlled his raging hormones enough to continue the massage. He took his time massaging her bare back mostly because he was enamored with the way the oil glistened on the large expanse of skin there. He massaged her down to the back of her knees before hovering over her to ask her to turn over. 

Before she became completely settled on her back he slipped a towel covered pillow under her generous hips. Their eyes connected as he poured more oil into his hands and began a slow massage of her chest, being careful to not linger on her taut nipples. He did this while on her right side before moving down to the top of her abdomen. He moved himself to in front of her closed thighs. 

"Spread your thighs for me again sweetheart." stated Peter as he watched her comply to his request. 

"What are you going to do to me?" she asked, curious to her own inquiry.

His steady gaze was deeply unnerving. It was all the more disconcerting with the playful smile and his masked eyes. She could never get a proper read on this beguiling man. Her chest tightened briefly, unsure of what he would say, or how he would react, before shaking off her fear and countering with a defiant look of her own. He watched her, the fear, the defiance, everything. It was suddenly clear to him. She was a woman who was deeply hurt in her past. A part of him mourned for her, and the slightly frosty look in his blue eyes softened.

"Give you something you need." he responded simply. His eyes brokered no response to the contrary. She laid back, and offered no resistance to him spreading her to his view. 

He placed his right hand on her belly again to initiate the deep relaxing breathing technique from earlier. Once her breaths were deep and even, eyes alert to his every move, he continued with his new mission. He poured a portion of oil on her mound, allowing the oil drip around her outer lips. It was just enough to cover the outer portions of her pussy. Her breath quickened while her hips writhed at the feeling of the oil slithering down her exposed center. 

He continued watching her, coaxing her to breathe steadily by setting the example. Once her breathing returned to normal, he took his other hand and began to massage her mound and outer lips. A soft groan came from her at his unusually firm but gentle touch. He focused his breath to be open and flowing because the image in front of him had all his senses firing off. 

Julianne hummed and sighed at Peter's touch. Everytime she began to feel her breath quicken he would stroke her stomach and slow his hands to remind her to relax. Peter made sure to take his time, even after her happy little clitoris made its debut to his hungry eyes. He closed them for a moment to revel in the sensations assaulting his senses: the slight stubble on the soft skin of her mound; the feel of her few soft feminine hairs sliding between his fingers; the scent of her arousal punctuating the air; and sight of her juices finding his fingers and mixing with the oil present on her skin. He realized that while he was inundated with the immediate need to sink himself deep inside her willing body, that this moment was about her, and her healing. 

After some time Peter opened his eyes to watch what she was doing. Her hips pumped slightly in his hand, while hooded eyes peered down at him over her sucked in plump bottom lip. He took the right outer lip between his thumb and index finger and gently squeezed, rubbing the fingers up and down the lip. She released her glistening pink lip from under her teeth, and breathed deeply from her belly at the feel. Renewed moans were Peter's reward. Oddly enough it was more erotic and sensual for them to look into each other's eyes as he massaged her.

He repeated the same movement with the other lip for more time, watching her alternate between calm and extreme pleasure, before returning to the opposite side and stroking her inner lips in the same manner. Peter moaned inwardly at the amount of fluid greeting his busy fingers making them more slippery. He made sure to neither touch her clit, nor sink his fingers in her willing body. Instead he kept a steady pace.

"Do you like this touch? Shall I go softer or harder?" asked Peter in the the sexually charged atmosphere. 

"Perfect." sighed Julianne. 

She could feel her insides quiver in anticipation. She hoped that an errant finger would pump inside her tensing pussy. Yet when her eyes opened after closing at the pleasure, what she saw startled her.

Softness.

His eyes were focused on her own. He intently watched her body, but the focus on her eyes told volumes. With no words spoken, he laid himself bare in front of her. How he was so powerful, and so visibly vulnerable to her drew her attention immediately. His eyes told her that he wanted nothing in return. Those constantly cold blue eyes told her that he had no intentions of hurting her as she had been hurt by others and his past actions. He wanted to do so many things with her, beyond what they experienced already.

He wanted the opportunity to show her his love for her.

She blinked at the realization of the promise in his eyes and her breathing changed from sexually charged breaths to near hyperventilation. He knew what she saw in his eyes, and rubbed a circle into her stomach with his palm to remind her to steady her breathing. Once she gained control of breathing, she realized the full gravity of the situation. 

Peter could see the battle in her uncertain brown eyes. The want to give into her desires versus the need to protect her heart almost won out. He continued watching her as one hand steadied her belly while the other hand massaged her inner lips. Her body felt relaxed and charged at the same time. She closed her eyes, feeling more exposed as he watched her. 

'Why?' she pondered. 'Why is he doing this? Why is he showing this to me?' I can't possibly return it. How could I return something like that?' she thought in rapid procession.

"It's ok, Julianne. All I have for you is time." he said patiently.

Her eyes flew open, ignoring the tears that streamed from them while she questioned their relationship and her ability in her head. 

"What are you talking about?" she whispered in an uncertain tone.

"Shhh.... Just relax. Breathe." he said in response as he rubbed her belly.

She watched him again, but the challenges and questions were absent from her eyes. However, uncertainty remained there. She wasn't sure if she was hearing his thoughts, or if he had actually voiced an answer to her questions. 

He gently pulled his fingers away from her lips and placed the index finger of the same hand directly on her exposed pulsing clit. Julianne's hips bucked up from the immense pleasure and more tears spilled from her eyes -- tears of pleasure. Her back arched beautifully for him as he insistently rubbed the pulsing bit of flesh back and forth in a clockwise and counter clockwise motion. 




The Arrangement Ch. 04



He gently reminded her to relax and rubbed her belly to remind her to focus on her breathing. Julianne tried hard to not focus on the sensation that at any moment her belly would clench and her pulsing, drooling pussy would burst forth with her bliss. With more effort than she would ever admit to, she was able to get herself under control, but still moaned because the pleasure was so intense. Every so often her control would falter when he gently pinched her hardened nub between his thumb and forefinger. 

He removed his hand from her belly and carefully slipped his middle finger inside her. He gently explored inside her, feeling the walls of her pussy. He continued to rub and pinch her clit, watching her body begin to unravel. He could feel her pussy begin to erratically clench and grab onto the intruder creating the amazing sensations in her body.

"Shhh..." instructed Peter as her body began to convulse around his moving fingers. He slowed his movements to a near standstill to allow her to calm down before resuming his original pace. Their eyes connected again, and she moaned. Peter would have shouted for joy at the arousal clearly evident in her eyes. Instead he watched her intently until her breathing slowed back to normal while still stroking her. 

"Oh my God, that was amazing." said Julianne out loud. This time she wasn't as shy about her honest praise of his handiwork. 

Peter just smiled as he continued to maintain his frighteningly deep eye contact with her. Then he did something that she didn't anticipate. He curved his finger inside her body and began to softly yet urgently stroke her g-spot. He added his ring finger to the middle finger and began to stroke and play with her in earnest. Julianne's hand clenched around his left hand and threw her head back and screamed out her orgasm. 

Peter continued pushing into her body, watching her roll from one orgasm into another. Her completion was spectacular to Peter because almost all of his senses were fully engaged as he made this woman that he knew he was falling hard for completely unravel beneath him. The only sense not fully engaged was taste. He would wait until she dragged his head between her beautiful thighs and beg him to make love to her pussy with his mouth.

He pulled himself out of his reverie before putting his thumb on her hard nub to rub it while moving his fingers inside her charged body. Her legs quivered and a streak of a tear leaked out of each eyelid. Her breathing came back to being deep breaths but he knew her body. This was merely the beginning of the big one. He greatly anticipated seeing it -- he'd only caught minor glimpses of when she would completely unravel, and all had been glorious to watch and delicious to taste. 

He angled his pinky to her puckered asshole and sunk it gently into her anus. He was tempted to lean down and suck on one of her hard oil slicked peaks, but knowing that her body was relaxing, releasing and experiencing pleasure was the best thing he could have ever asked for. 

The sensation of complete fullness felt amazing to Julianne. Everytime she looked up, she saw Peter. He was barenaked in his expression of care for her. Thoughts that she hadn't uncovered in years began to surface for her, threatening to distract her from the release he was providing for her. In his eyes she saw hurt, pain, trust and loyalty. She couldn't begin to fathom the meaning of everything his eyes willingly gave her, but she did respond.

"Peter?" she asked uncertain of his response.

Peter began to understand the meaning of "holding one of the mysteries of the universe in your hand". Her eyes mirrored his own vulnerable visage, and he let out a breath he didn't realize he held. Peter relaxed his thumb on her mound, and used his other hand to gently massage her breasts. He moved the hand down until his thumb massaged her clitoris, all while watching her, his woman, enjoy the massage he so lovingly gave her. 

Julianne's tears streamed down her face as she looked up into the eyes of a man clearly and completely in love with her. She cried because she knew she felt the same. She cried because her logical mind thought it was too soon for love. She cried because she didn't know how to tell him, specifically how to tell his eyes that she felt the same way too. He was so gentle with her. This was a tenderness that wasn't there the first night she was with him. This was also a tenderness she had never experienced with a man before. 

'This is what love looks like.' they both thought at the same time.

Peter slowly stopped his fingers and gently pulled them away from her body. He watched her come down from her orgasm, rubbing his own unattended hardness. He watched her body breath as she came down from her simultaneous orgasms, pulling his aching length in time with her breaths. After a sharp inhalation, he exhaled streaming cum from his body onto an extra towel nearby. Julianne had never watched a man cum, especially after being so aroused from touching her body. It excited her to watch him orgasm and ejaculate. 

Once their breathing was back in check they looked at each other again. A sense of calm that was never present in their prior interactions was palpable. Peter reached out to brush a couple hairs stuck to her forehead back before sliding his hand down to cradle her face. Julianne put her hand over his outstretched forearm. 

"Hey." said Peter.

"Hey." replied Julianne.

"Are you okay enough to talk?" asked Peter.

"I think we've got plenty to discuss." said Julianne.

Peter blew out a breath before leaning in for a kiss. His lips gently touched hers. It was a kiss that held the understanding that what they experienced together moved their relationship beyond the boundary of occasional fuck or even friends with benefits to something much deeper, much more significant.

Julianne looked at Peter and asked her the first question she could think of.

"Who is Josephine?"

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Julianne quickly walked through the crowded ballroom looking for the bathroom. She was strong enough to keep the tears at bay before she reached the restroom, but let them flow once she closed the door to her stall. She looked around in the cramped space and pulled some tissue out to dab her wet cheeks.

"He lied. He told me a bold face lie. She was his cousin, his blood, and not some longtime girlfriend. We look exactly alike, and she's his cousin. He lied.' thought Julianne.

Julianne heard the door to the bathroom open and a soft voice call her by name.

"Julianne? Are you in here?" came a woman's voice.

Julianne steeled her nerves, dabbed her cheeks and unlocked the stall door. Before her stood a woman who could pass for a slightly older twin. It was like looking into a mirror, one that showed how she would look in thirty years time. The stunning woman before her was dressed in a sweeping red gown bedazzled with matching sequins on the silken fabric.

"I guess you already know some of the history between Peter and I." said Josephine.

Julianne couldn't find words to explain her feelings, so she merely nodded her head.

Josephine sighed and crossed her arms in front of her, putting her head down. 

"I'm sorry that you have to find out this way." she said softly when she finally met Julianne's eyes.

"Me too." stated Julianne.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Peter looked everywhere for Julianne among his friends and enemies attending his party. He decided not long after their long conversation to begin to show off Julianne to his associates and friends. His personal banker greeted her warmly and commented to Peter how lovely she was once the two men were alone. He knew that after he explained, in part, who Josephine was that he would have to sit her aside and explain more about the nature of his relationship with his exceptional cousin.

He didn't expect for said cousin to walk through the door with her husband in tow. Julianne had just returned from a table holding hors d'oeurves when she spotted Peter talking to Josephine. She was stunned by the woman who looked like her, only Peter's age. The closer she came to them, the more she realized how uncanny the resemblance was. A feeling of dread began to form in the pit of her stomach, but her damn feet kept moving in the direction of certain heartache. 

Peter and Josephine laughed at one of many inside jokes, and he placed his hand on her hip for a sideways hug. He looked up in enough time to see his Julianne with an unreadable expression on her sweet face.

'Shit.' thought Peter as his woman came closer and closer to him.

"Hey Peter. Who is this?" asked Julianne cautiously, curiously.

Peter cleared his throat and caught a look that exchanged between the two women. Josephine was stunned to see an almost exact replica of herself standing before her, obviously connected to her cousin Peter. With a dignity and grace she didn't expect of herself, Josephine extended her hand to the younger version of herself.

"Hi, I'm Josephine, Peter's cousin. I didn't quite catch your name." stated Josephine.

"I'm...I'm...out." stammered Julianne before spinning around to find the restroom.

Josephine looked back at Peter with her lips pursed.

"Peter, how could you?" 

Peter stared at her for a moment trying to figure out a way out of this really bad situation. He never expected his cousin to show up to his event. He knew he should have gone over the guest list, but didn't have enough time in between his liasons with Julianne. 

"Peter, after all this time, how could you?" asked an exasperated Josephine.

Peter lowered his eyes slightly to take a glance at the floor. Jacob, Josephine's husband came up to the two family members having passed Julianne as she made her mad dash to the women's restroom.

"Hey Peter, there's a young woman here who looks a lot like my Josie," started Jacob as he hooked a thumb behind his back and turning his head slightly. He stopped when he saw the look on his wife's face and the look of penitence on his friend's face. 

"She also looked pretty upset. Peter, what's going on man?" asked a confused Jacob after surveying the looks of shock, anger and extreme sadness lay plainly on their faces.

Peter didn't know how to begin to answer that question. Before he could go and get Julianne he saw the sway of his cousin's backside move swiftly through the happily oblivious crowd.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

"So, you're Peter's cousin. He mentioned you, but didn't mention that you two were related. He's been in love with you for a very long time." stated Julianne in a still voice that belied her anger at Peter.

"I'm not so sure about that." said Josephine into the sterile space between them.

Julianne scoffed in response. The two women looked each other in the eye for a long while. Finally Julianne told her the nature of her relationship with Peter.

"Peter asked me to have sex with him anytime he wanted. We verbally agreed to this arrangement, that has now lasted for about three months." said Julianne.

Josephine closed her eyes at this and blew out a breath. The situation was much, much worse than she could have imagined.

"Why?" she said more to herself than to Julianne. However Julianne didn't take it that way.

"Because I needed the money. I couldn't go to my family, my unemployment ran out, and I was living in a sleeping bag in my then unfurnished apartment not using any electricity and trying to just keep up with the damn rent while looking for a job. Do you know what it's like to take an ice cold shower during a New York winter? My teeth would chatter so bad during interviews that the interviewer would stop to let me warm up. If I hadn't fucked your cousin, God only knows what would have happened to me. I had no other choice." said a shaking Julianne as new angry tears sprouted down her cheeks.

Josephine stepped into the young woman's personal space and swiped the angry tears off her cheeks. 

"I'm so sorry you went through that. The question wasn't asked to make you remember such an awful time in your young life. It was rhetorical and one that I want to ask my cousin about. Especially since he took advantage of you when you already had your back against the wall. I'm also apologizing for the confusion of this night -- there was no excuse for it. I just wanted to surprise Peter with our impromptu visit. I inadvertently caused you great pain, and for that I am truly sorry." said Josephine.

Julianne's features softened considerably, and the weight of the situation felt lifted from her shoulders. She smiled weakly at Josephine after dabbing at her eyes with the tissue. 

"Come on. We both need a drink. Besides, I can tell you all sorts of wonderful crap about my crazy behind cousin." said Josephine which caused an unexpected peal of laughter to come from Julianne.

The two women exited the bathroom one after the other and headed for the hors d'oeurves and drinks tables before going outside to sit on the lamp lit terrace. They spoke for a while, with Josephine filling in many details about Peter. She discussed the closeness between their families, opting to not divulge the family secret to the young woman. Josephine spoke of their college years, how she met her husband through Peter's fraternity, and what she knew of Peter's dating habits.

Josephine looked closely at the young woman next to her. There was something about her -- the way the light of her eyes shone like fireflies in moonlit skies -- that caused her to tell her about Peter himself.

"Just so you know, Peter has never been attended by a woman. Don't get me wrong -- he dated and more than likely did his fair share of sleeping around for years -- but he's never had a steady. At least not a real steady." she said, quietly saying the last sentence. 

Julianne looked at her for a long time processing those words before she said something that chilled her to her core.

"Peter and I danced on my wedding day. Because they were and are so close, he was naturally Jacob's best man and was honored to do so. When we danced he told me that when he settles down it will have to be with a woman who captivated him as much as I did before he learned who I really was to him. I have a feeling that you're it." she said.

Julianne's eyes studied Josephine's for a long time before asking her why she would say something like that.

"Because I know my cousin. He had this panic stricken look on his face when you came over. My cousin is the king of stoic, and rarely lets his face go uncontrolled. Absolute fear was in his eyes as you came near. When you left he looked like he was ready to cry. You affect him deeply Julianne. Please don't think that the start of your relationship has any bearing on the feelings that have developed from it." implored Josephine. Julianne stared into Josephine's sincere eyes, with a raw pain evident in them. 

"I'm not sure if I can ever trust him though." she began slowly. 

"How we started, who he is, everything is just so overwhelming at times. His world is foreign to me -- from fancy dinners to showing up to grand ballrooms amongst the movers and shakers of this city, heck this country is just too much at times. I'm a simple girl. I like simple things. They aren't the very best, but I've learned that my authentic self just doesn't need the very best. 

"As far as the trust goes, our first night together was hallmarked by being picked up in a car, taken to an expensive boutique store for 'clothing'," she said with air quotes, "Taken to his house in said 'clothing', to be escorted to his room . After dancing for him at his command he guided me to a bed full of rose petals and $100 bills. The message was clear from the beginning with Peter. I...was...his...whore. No amount of flowers, clothing, jewelry, fancy dinners, and being taken to events like tonight can ever erase that first night with him. Trying to reconcile his later actions to his earlier actions are almost inconceivable. Acting like I'm his 'boo' is screwing with my mind. 

"I've kept him at arms length because I've already allowed him to make me feel less than. I've already allowed this rich man to make me into his whore. I desire no validation of myself, because the woman reflected in the mirrors I pass reminds me of the less fortunate souls who have to walk the streets. The only difference between me and them is I don't have to service other men unless, God forbid, Peter decides to allow that to happen. 

"I'm here because I look like you." She paused to allow her words to take affect before continuing.

"I'm here because he's always fantasized about having you. He called out your name after we had sex -- another reminder of why I'm really here. I'm not a person to Peter. I am an entity that looks like the woman he really loves." she chuckled drily to herself.

"To tell you the truth the truly screwed up thing about this whole situation is that by staying here, I'm allowing this to happen. By all rights, I shouldn't complain. I should be grateful that he pays me to have sex with him while he fantasizes about having sex with you.

"But I am not grateful. I'm mad as hell at myself for allowing this situation to continue. I'm furious that my heart wants to feel for him. I'm angry that I've allowed him as much access to my life as I have. Even with all that fury, anger and vitriol, what truly makes me mad, truly and utterly angry, is that I made the conscious decision to love the man that treated me like his whore." said Julianne.

Josephine sat speechless at Julianne's candor. She had no clue that it was that bad, or that Peter could do such a thing to this beautiful vivacious creature. She realized with sudden clarity that Peter's adoration of Julianne was the only thing the young woman could never fully understand. The young woman had no clue that the man she entertained was hopelessly in love with her.

Not knowing what else to do, she wrapped her arm around Julianne's back. Julianne leaned over and put her cheek on Josephine's shoulder, failing to stifle the sob that began to start all over again. The older woman embraced the younger, not knowing that their entire conversation was overheard by both Peter and Jacob.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

"May I speak with you Julianne?" asked Peter from the entryway to the terrace. 

She jumped at the sound of his voice and stared back at him, pulling away from Josephine's embrace. She stood and nodded her head and walked close to Peter, still preserving her personal space. Her arms were stationed tight against her sides, her fists choking the night air.

"Not to embarrass you, but I heard your conversation with Josephine." started Peter.

She subtly turned her head in his direction, before staring ahead and walking further through the carefully manicured lawns of his friend's estate away from the dramas and delights of the flourishing party behind them.

Peter stopped next to a gardenia bush. The soft glow of the full moon bathed the garden in a serene glow of possibility. She noticed about a step too late that he was no longer walking with her. She turned and met his intense gaze with her own. 

"I am a man full of fortune, worth and means. Objects and for a long time, people, were merely possessions for me to use." he started.

"I am ashamed and truly sorry for treating you in this same deplorable way. I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I humbly ask it of you. I can promise you anything you desire, but I'm asking you to please forgive me for allowing me to have you feel that you didn't mean a thing to me." he continued. His hands shook in fear of losing this woman in his life. He knew that he was at the precipice of the biggest decision of his life -- and also knew that he had absolutely no control over its outcome. 




The Arrangement Ch. 04



Jade's body was on fire. She had never experienced pain like this. Her voice was hoarse from screaming constantly. Her breath coming in laboured pants as pain ripped through her chest. A part of Jade's mind registered that she must have at least a couple of broken ribs. And now with the invasion of her most private of areas she was close to passing out in agony. She welcomed the freedom that unconsciousness would bring. Wished for it, prayed for it. Unfortunately Julia seemed very experienced in her chosen art and kept her on the brink. Jade felt Julia push harder inside her and her mouth opened in a silent scream for there was no longer any voice left. 

Julia then cried out in ecstasy finally achieving her release. Oh this little human was going to bring her hours and hours of pleasure. Having sated her lust for the moment she left to find Marcus.

Jade heard the vampire cry out but it sounded very far away. All she knew was that the blows had stopped but her body was one whole throbbing ache. She felt the edges of her awareness darkening. She sought out that feeling and embraced it falling head long into the blackness.

***

Ayden checked the number of the apartment again as he approached the door. He was in the right place. He knocked and listened to the shuffle on the other side as the door opened only until the safety chain stopped it. "I'm looking for Steven Downs." Ayden said.

"Yeah, what do you want." Said Steven from the other side of the door. Ayden didn't pause to ponder the man's stupidity for admitting who he was. He pushed at the door and he heard the snap of the chain as it broke. He didn't even register that the door smacked Steven in the face as he stood behind it. 

Ayden walked calmly in to the room. Ignoring Steven's yelling for him to get out and that he broke his nose. "You took a young lady from the 10th Street parking complex. I want to know where you took her." Ayden demanded his rage barely in check but his exterior remained calm.

"Don't know what you're talking about. Get out!" Steven screamed. "Frank, get your arse in here!" he called to his accomplice.

Ayden's head turned to watch as another man came in from the bedroom. It would have amused him that they thought they could beat him. He didn't have time to waste on things like that. He needed to find out where they took Jade.

"I was so hoping you wouldn't make it difficult. Just tell me where you took her and I'll leave." he tried one more time.

The men laughed. Ayden caught the look Frank gave Steven and sighed. Frank launched himself at Ayden hoping to tackle him to the ground. Ayden extended his arm, his palm connecting squarely in the man's chest. Ayden gave a little shove and Frank flew backwards landing hard against the wall before sliding down. Steven undaunted by the exchanged came at Ayden with fists flying. Ayden grabbed him by the arms and pushed him roughly back into the couch. Holding him down he leaned in closely and allowed his fangs to descend.

"You need to tell me where you took her or this is going to get a great deal messier." Ayden growled. The sheer terror of seeing Ayden's full vampire was more than enough to encourage Steven to talk. He told him everything including the address he drove Jade to. 

Ayden stepped back and looked over the two sorry excuses for humans in the room. He knew he had to be strong for what was coming and he hadn't fed for a while. Making a quick decision he grabbed Steven and sank his fangs in to his neck. Ayden withheld his venom making the feed excruciatingly painful for the man. He repeated the process with Frank. 

Full of blood and armed with information Ayden took one last look at the pitiful creatures moaning on the floor. He should have killed them. They deserved to die for what they did. However, he couldn't help but hear Jade's voice in his head. Knowing she wouldn't approve, he left to go and see what he was up against.

***

Jade woke to the feel of hands on her body. For a moment she forgot where she was and wondered if Ayden was feeling amorous. She opened her eyes to see Julia sitting next to her on the bed stroking her and one would a cat. Hell, these vampires really did see her as a pet, it wasn't just an expression.

"You know, you really are much more trouble than you are worth." Julia drawled. Jade stared at her uncertainly. "Marcus was very mad at me for playing without him. He was warned me not to hurt you too much because we can't have you dying on us before Ayden gets here. But I don't think that's fair since you are already healing because of his blood." She continued.

The stroking never ceased and the almost gentle words were unnerving for Jade considering her resent experiences with Julia. "He won't come. He doesn't even know here I am." Jade whispered.

"Oh he'll find you. He'll feel you through his blood. The connection will allow him to find you." Julia explained still stroking.

"If I've had his blood, then how come I'm not a vampire?" Jade exercised a little of her curiosity given Julia's calm mood.

"It doesn't work that way. The blood exchange has to occur three times. The third being crucial since he would have to drain you until you last heartbeat before giving you his blood a final time. It is a tricky thing to get right that is why The Assembly monitors all conversions. Well except me, they don't know about me." She chuckled.

"The Assembly?" Jade forced out overwhelmed by all this information.

"Yes, Marcus says that there is a group of vampires that looks after everything. They banished Marcus centuries ago for his aggressive behaviour or some such nonsense. What do they know the old farts? Probably never left Edenville in their life." She snorted. 

Jade groaned internally in frustration. This was information that Ayden need to know. He knew next to nothing about being a vampire and this could help him. Her inability to help him infuriated her. In order for Ayden to get the information he would have to come to her and that was something that Jade didn't want as it would put him in danger. The conundrum of wanting him here and not was driving her mad.

Frustrated beyond belief she started crying. All barriers down now she admitted to herself that she loved him. She loved Ayden beyond all sense and reason. More than her own life. She would gladly take whatever Julia and Marcus had in store for her if it meant he would still be out there, alive, well. If she couldn't help him then she would pray for death, at least that way they couldn't use her against him.

Jade's tears affected Julia as well. Just not in the way Jade would hope. Tired of the talking and playing nice Julia allowed her hand to come down hard on Jade's stomach causing her to groan in pain. 

"Enough chatting, time for some fun." Julia said with a delighted chuckle.

Jade knew what was coming. She tried to prepare herself for it but who was she kidding. Pain was pain. Instead she sent a silent prayer of love to Ayden and braced herself for the blows she knew we're coming. It was time to take another 'trip to Ayden.'



The Arrangement Ch. 05



A really huge thank you to apollona for all his help with this. Also to the Guild for their support :) Please enjoy ...

***

Jonathan was on his fifth, maybe sixth drink of the evening. Sitting at the bar he was contemplating why he was even there in the first place. Oh he knew why he was there, Marcus had called. He was trying to figure out why he cared what the handsome man thought. Why he felt like he was at his beck and call.

Nursing his drink he recalled the night weeks ago when he met the improbably beautiful couple. He was at this very bar having a quiet drink with a couple of colleagues, a far cry from his wild partying days. They had walked in as though they owned the place and for all Jonathan knew they may as well have. People fawned all over them, wanting to be close to them, to be seen in their company.

Jonathan was not immune to their charms. Lord that Julia was stunning and a part of him coveted her for himself. Reality stated that she was completely out of his league but that didn't stop him wanting her. There was something completely mesmerizing about the couple. 

Marcus had called and invited him to a night out, and so he found himself sitting there drinking heavily and wondering why he kept putting himself in these situations. The last thing he wanted was another confrontation with his father. He didn't want to jeopardize the relationship that had only recently been repaired.

Marcus and Julia waltzed in much later and Jonathan was relieved to see them. "Jonathan, my friend." Marcus purred by way of greeting. The sound of his voice sent shivers up Jonathan's spine. "You've started without us. Never mind I'm sure we'll catch up." He chuckled.

As was typical of Marcus and Julia, they drew a crowd. An ever expanding group of people desperate to be within the strange web they spread before them. Everyone was drinking and having a wonderful time until Julia announced that it was time to leave. That was the way Julia did things; she made announcements and proclamations of fact. 

"Come along Jonathan." She said with a devastating look. "Let's continued this party back at our place." She drawled as she traced her finger across his lips. Jonathan was lost, there was nothing he could do other than follow this divine creature directly into hell if she so chose. 

Jonathan had had a great deal to drink and his tolerance levels were nonexistent considering he'd been a good boy for so long. It's why the alcohol hit him so hard as he stepped out of the car at their place. Swaying in place and stumbling forward he felt strong arms bare him up and guide him into the house. Those same arms placed him on the couch and stepped away. As soon as he was released Jonathan passed out.

"Damn it!!" yelled Julia. "I was looking forward to some clean blood for a change." She whined.

"You can still feed darling." Marcus said wrapping his arms around her.

"Yes, but it is no fun without them screaming. You said I could play and I want to play." She pouted as she snuggled into his chest. 

"Ok my love, we'll go out and find you another pet to play with. Maybe when he comes around we can enjoy him too." Marcus chuckled. Julia smiled radiantly at him as they departed leaving Jonathan on the couch snoring quietly.

***

Ayden circled the neighbourhood for the third time making sure that there was nothing out of the ordinary. He was only mildly concerned with encountering any sentries Marcus may have left. His main reason for trying to avoid them was that they could potentially warn Marcus and that could affect his treatment of Jade. The tug in his stomach was stronger now, almost throbbing in its intensity. He could feel her, his Jade, she was close. He wanted to run to her but he knew her safety depended on his being careful. 

Clamping down on his instincts he parked the car several streets away from the address he'd obtained from Steven. Darkness caused by cloud cover suited his purposes as he made his way closer to the house. Walking passed darkened windows of sleeping households he hoped that the violence that was planned for this night didn't spill over into the neighbourhood. He was determined to rescue Jade but he also didn't want any innocent humans becoming collateral damage.

Amusingly the house in question had its porch light on. Ayden almost chuckled at the warm and inviting image it portrayed. Marcus' scent was everywhere now. He could also smell a couple of humans and another vampire. That thought made him hiss. If Marcus had help this may not be as easy as he expected. However, he could sense that the two vampires were not in attendance at this moment. He approached cautiously nonetheless. Nothing was going to keep him from Jade, not even an army.

***

Jonathan woke up groggily. A bleary glance at his watch told him he'd been out for a couple of hours. The queasiness of his stomach told him why. Stumbling through the unfamiliar house he finally found the bathroom and divested himself of the contents of his stomach. A couple of glasses of water and practically drowning himself under the tap managed to bring some semblance of clarity. Where on earth were Marcus and Julia? 

Still dizzy, Jonathan tried to find his way back to the living room. He needed to call a cab and get himself out of there. In his inebriated state he got somewhat turned around and so he started opening random doors to find his way. 

Jonathan opened a door he was sure led to the living room. Realizing it wasn't he was about to close it when he heard a groan. What on earth was going on? There was someone else in the house? He fumbled for the light switch and hit it on the fourth try. As the light illuminated the room before him he noticed someone on the bed. Correction, he noticed someone tied to the bed. Moving closer his face paled as he saw the woman tied to the bed.

Jonathan's heart started to beat rapidly, what on earth were Marcus and Julia into? He approached cautiously and tried to make sense of what he was seeing. The woman was black and blue from head to toe, angry red welts interspaced between and on top of the bruises. Jonathan could now taste the bile as it rose from his stomach. Who on earth would do such a thing? Looking at her face he noticed something familiar about her but he couldn't place it. She groaned again and he nearly jumped out of his skin.

Jade's whole body was pulsing in pain, so much so that she couldn't even delineate which parts hurt more. Julia had been particularly vicious during that last session and no 'trips to Ayden' were able to block out the entirety of the assault as she showed off for Marcus. Jade belatedly realized that the light had been turned on. They couldn't possibly be back already. She slowly and painfully tried to open her eyes, her left one not opening fully as it had swollen.

There was a man leaning over her. Although her natural reaction was to scream all the fight had felt her, she didn't care what happened to her anymore as long as Ayden was safe. Her vision cleared and she recognized him then shock replaced indifference. 

"Jonathan, what are you doing here? You need to leave, it isn't safe." She managed to croak out.

Jonathan struggled to hear her and he finally identified who the woman was. His alcohol addled mind cleared instantly. "Oh my God Jade! What happened to you? Who did this to you?" He asked as his hands automatically went for the bonds tying her to the bed.

"No time. Too dangerous. You must get away. Go. Please." She pleaded. She couldn't allow another person to fall victim to Marcus and Julia's evil. He had to leave and she kept telling him so until her voice gave out.

Jonathan ignored her pleas. If he was going, she was going with him. He couldn't possibly leave her like this. Almost yelling in frustration he tried to untie her to no avail. He felt he would need to go in to the kitchen and get a knife but didn't want to leave her. Frantically he started looking around for something to use on the ropes. His eyes landed on the knife on the bedside table, sending a quick prayer heavenward he grabbed it and started attacking the ropes.

Jade was annoyed that he wasn't listening to her. Her heart pounded in fear, her eyes darting to the door expecting them to walk in at any moment. Jonathan managed to free her arms and she lowered them crying out in pain. He winced at her agony but continued to cut through the bindings on her ankles. Finally she was free. 

Jade was hurting but she tried to get up anyway. Even with Jonathan's help they weren't making much progress. Jonathan tried to help lift her but something came at him and the next thing he knew he was on the floor metres away. He groaned as he tried to get up unsure of what had hit him. Something was clasped around his neck and he couldn't breathe. He struggled and clawed at the devise but it wouldn't budge. His vision was fading as he couldn't suck in enough oxygen to fuel his movements. Things were not good, if he was killed, who would help Jade?

***

Although Ayden could sense that Marcus and the other vampire were not there at the moment, he had probably left a human around to guard her. Stealthily he let himself in and headed in the direction of the whispering. In his anxiety to get to her he wasn't focusing on what was being said, only on getting to Jade. He stood in the doorway of the room; a man was leaning over Jade, his Jade, with a knife in his hands. 

Ayden's beast reared its ugly head as he launched himself across the room and into the man. Snarling he grabbed him around the neck and started squeezing. Oh he wouldn't kill him straight away; he wanted to inflict some pain first. 

Jade watched as a blur crossed the room to smash into Jonathan. Slowly that blur took shape and she almost couldn't believe it. Ayden was here, the thought nearly made her heart stop. He was here and he was choking Jonathan. Jade was unsure if she could stop him but she had to try.

"Ayden! Ayden! Please stop. He's a friend. Please Ayden." She said as loud as she could, her voice hot helping her in the least. She tried again but he wasn't moving. Jade could see Jonathan turning blue as his arms that were lashing out now hung limply at his sides. Again, and again she tried. 

Ayden could hear something in the background. He thought he heard his name but he couldn't be sure. He was so focused on destroying the thing in front of him. Again he heard his name, this time he didn't fight the impulse to look around. Not letting go of the man, Ayden turned his head and concentrated on what was happening around him. Jade was talking, well more like whispering. He listened. The man was a friend. Oh. Regretfully he let the man drop to the floor and turned his attention to Jade.

What he saw on the bed before him broke his heart. Seeing her naked frame sorely abused hurt him like a physical wound. Ayden sank to his knees beside the bed and buried his head on the mattress. He couldn't look at her; he didn't want to see the damage he had caused her. How could she love him after this?

Jade still couldn't believe her eyes, he was here. She reached out a trembling hand and stroked his hair, ignoring the pain it caused her. "Ayden, it isn't safe for you here. Marcus wants you dead. Please just take Jonathan and go." She whispered, tears welling in her eyes.

Ayden's head jerked up at her touch and hearing the care and concern for him in her voice tore at his heart anew. Where did all this compassion come from, she was truly unique. Ever so carefully he wrapped her up in the sheet on the bed. As he went to lift her she said "Jonathan." Ayden looked toward the floor and noticed the man slowly coming around after he nearly crushed his throat.

"Get up. We have to go." He ordered as he lifted Jade into the security of his arms. The odd trio made their way quickly outside. Ayden wanted to use his speed to get to the car but Jade would not hear of leaving Jonathan behind. By the time they got to the vehicle Ayden was thoroughly irritated at the man for delaying their progress. 

The ride home was filled with an aching silence, only filled with Jade's quiet groans each time the car hit a rough spot. Ayden winced each time this occurred. At the house he quickly took her upstairs and cleaned her up, he needed to see the extent of her injuries. Laying her on their bed he examined her thoroughly. She had several broken bones, many deep bruises and he was sure there was internal bleeding. Ayden was amazed that she was able to stay conscious. He needed to get her to a hospital; it wasn't simply a matter of rest and healing.

"No, no hospital." She argued as he prepared to leave again. "No one is going to believe any story we come up with. Blood, I need your blood. It will heal me." She said her voice fading fast as was her ability to stay conscious. She was adamant in her demand. He had no idea what his blood would do to her, but if she believed that it would help then he would comply. He could always take her to the hospital afterwards.Ayden carefully pierced his wrist with his fangs and lowered it to her lips. She was so week she struggled to form a seal and take in his blood. As soon as that spicy liquid hit her tongue she was enveloped in a cocoon of calm. She drank deeply unable to get enough of the incredible taste. Ayden slowly managed to pry her lips away unsure how much she needed or what to do next. 

Jade was grateful that the pain had subsided allowing her a moment of relief. That taste also brought with it a flood of memories as she recalled how she received Ayden's blood the first time. It certainly had been accidental. It was the night they made love after she pulled him up about being distracted. He must have nicked his lip or tongue without realizing it, but she definitely remembered the exotic sweetness of that flavour. With that thought she allowed herself to sleep knowing his healing life force would make her feel better.

Ayden looked down on her noticing that she seemed to be resting comfortably and in no pain. Maybe she was right, the blood would work. He had been so focused on her needs that he hadn't noticed the man in the doorway until he spoke.

"What are you and what did you do to Jade?" Jonathan demanded, his voice gravelly after the punishment he'd taken earlier. He didn't know what was going on but he'd be damned if he was going to let Jade get hurt again. "Jonathan isn't it?" Ayden asked, his eyes never leaving her. "Jade said you were a friend. How do you know her?"

"She manages the marketing and advertising for my father's company. We've worked closely with her over the last few months. My father considers her family, as do I. Now, what is going on?" Jonathan demanded. Ayden sighed and nodded acknowledging the draw this amazing woman had to all around her. "I am vampire, Jonathan." Ayden said matter of factly. "Marcus and Julia are also. They kidnapped Jade to get to me. I came to rescue her and saw you standing over her with a knife in your hand. I didn't take the time to ask questions. I'm sorry about your neck but she is my ... my ..." he couldn't get the words out as his throat closed with emotion. "She is my everything." He finally whispered. 

Jonathan's mind reeled with the information. The room started spinning as he felt the thud of his arse hit the floor. It was enough of a jolt to wake him up but was still grateful for Ayden's strength as he helped him into an armchair. It took a while for him to gather his composure but eventually he did. He told Ayden all he knew about Marcus and Julia and how he came to be at the house. Jonathan realized that this vampire was indeed in love with Jade. He'd never seen anyone look at anyone else that way. The adoration and anguish marred the lines of his beautiful face. No he wouldn't hurt her. 

Both men lapsed into silence as they quietly watched and waited for Jade to recover. Ayden was already planning and plotting his next move. He didn't know when or how but Marcus was going to die, again, but this time it would be permanent. 

***

Marcus and Julia returned home to find their front door wide open. He growled as he scented Ayden on the air. Cursing himself for leaving the human alone he barged in to find the house empty. He screamed in fury and frustration as he tore through any and all available objects in front of him. When his anger had somewhat abated the house looked like a tornado had ripped through it.

Julia remained on the sidelines as she watched his fury unleashed. A part of her was frightened at his reaction, certain of some repercussions on her part since it was at her suggestion that they left for the night. Another part of her was aroused by the display of force. It thrilled her that her mate could be that destructive.

"Not again. I will not play games any more. Ayden and I will finish this." He growled. "Now my darling, you know it is your fault the human got away, you and your demands. I think a punishment is in order." He snarled at her. 

Julia backed away. She knew that look in his eye, he was serious and this wasn't one of their little games. This time he was going to make her hurt, really hurt. Bizarrely that knowledge sent a little twinge of pleasure through her groin. She would sport the marks for a while but she was going to enjoy Marcus' punishment. She tried not to smile as he approached her. ***

Ayden was reluctant to leave Jade but he needed to go out and see about Marcus. As long as Marcus was out there, Jade would be unsafe and he wouldn't allow any harm to come to her again. He'd packed off Jonathan to guest room while he sat by her bed for hours. Slowly he noticed the bruises fading and felt the broken bones knitting together. It surprised him that his blood would have these healing properties. It also angered him how little he knew about being a vampire. It was excruciatingly frustrating to live so long and not know about something as simple as the effects of his blood.

Knowing she was safe for the moment he took the opportunity to go back to the house. He knew Marcus and Julia weren't there but he was still cautious. The place was a wreck; it seemed that Marcus was not very happy with the turn of events. This pleased Ayden. Still, he now had to search for him all over again.

His eyes took in the destruction of the living room and he noticed something on the wall. It was piece of paper with a knife holding it to the plaster. Ayden pulled out the knife and grabbed the paper. It appeared that Marcus had left him a note.

'No more games. Meet me at the picnic area of Creswick Woods. Friday. Midnight. We will finish this.'

The childish drama of it almost amused Ayden until he thought about what that vile creature had done to Jade. Oh he would meet him and he would definitely finish it. Shoving the paper into his pocket he left needing to get back to Jade. 

*** 

Jade awoke but she kept her eyes closed. She felt disoriented and confused. It was all a dream, it had to be. Ayden didn't rescue her, Jonathan wasn't there. It was all in her imagination and she would open her eyes to find herself still in that horrible room awaiting the next round of cruelty that Marcus and Julia wished to inflict. It was a cruel dream to have at this point in time. 

Slowly she opened her eyes and found herself in her own room, on her own bed, in her own clothes. She felt no pain, for which she was grateful, but she could also see no bruises on her skin. Oh the mind was cruel indeed. Gradually she stretched testing her limbs and muscles. Other than some tiredness, she felt well, healthy and whole. Her mind was still trying to work out how this dream could possibly feel so real.

Ayden noticed her stirring and joined her on the bed. "You're awake. How do you feel sweetheart?" he asked looking into her eyes.

Jade watched him as he sat next to her and cursed her brain for inventing such torture. He couldn't be there, it wasn't real. She covered her face with her hands and started crying. "It's not fair. It's not real." She sobbed.




The Arrangement Ch. 05



WARNING!!!

This story is about cuckolding and humiliation.
If this offends you, please do not read it.







I spent the best part of the early evening pacing back and forth throughout the house, a nervous wreck. Every time I passed the full length mirror in the hall I winced. What a freak I looked! Dressed like a whore. It didn't even cross my mind to take the tacky clothes off.

Somehow, the time passed, even though I was troubled by my over active imagination. Oh God, what might she and Margaret be doing right now at this precise moment? 

I kept getting visions of her at the party. She would be dancing too close with all sorts of different men, all of them intent and hopeful of being the one she would choose to fuck her. I kept trying not to think about it but it was impossible.

I think I may have downed a couple of whiskies too many, as by midnight, I was beginning to bounce off the furniture as I prowled around the house.

I cannot think of the number of times I must have peered out of the window looking for some sign of her return.

Then all of a sudden I saw the headlights of a car swing in to our street and pull up outside our door. I quickly hid behind the curtains but left enough space to be able to see what was happening.

It was a taxicab. Tina got out followed by a young man who quite brazenly took her in his arms and kissed her in full view of any of our neighbours who might still be up and, watching.

Their smouldering kiss seemed to last for ever. Finally they made their good byes and he got back in to the cab and left.

I was in the hallway, standing self-consciously, when Tina let herself in.

Standing a little unsteadily, she suddenly burst out laughing, informing me that I looked like a whore in my slutty get-up.

She was more than a little drunk, as she stumbled in to my out stretched arms.

Oh-God, she felt so good, her warm womanly body pressed up against me.

No words were spoken, she lifted her face up to mine, inviting me to kiss those luscious lips and I could not resist. As we kissed passionately I was aware of Tina sliding her hand down to my crotch where my little penis was rigid with excitement.

Taking it between her thumb and middle finger, she began to frig it through the silky fabric of my knickers. 

I gasped as she very gently teased my little erection. Then, after a few moments, she began to increase the momentum which had me writhing in ecstasy begging her to stop. I had to pull myself away otherwise I would have disgraced myself.

Laughing at my discomfort, Tina pulled me towards the stairs and said.

"Come, my little whore, it's time for you to worship and adore me, slave!!!"

I released myself from her grip and quickly ran around the house, closing all the room doors and putting off the lights.

By the time I got to our bedroom, Tina had removed her outer clothes and was standing there, posing provocatively for me, in her sexy underwear.

She looked gorgeous, a veritable erotic sexual goddess.

She certainly knew how to tease me, knowing I would do anything to please her. Moving sensuously towards me she swayed back and forth as if dancing to music only she could hear.

I was licking my lips in anticipation when she pointed to the floor in front of her. No words were necessary to explain what she meant. I dropped to my knees immediately, and waited for her next command.

She swayed right up against me, brushing her lower body all over my face and shoulders, moving her hips wantonly, knowing how much she was teasing and tempting me. She wiggled her shapely bottom in my face and I could feel the heat from her, I was conscious of her heavenly perfume permeating the air.

Then, still swaying around me, she spoke haltingly and in a slightly slurred voice. "I just wonder what you're thinking, my darling husband. Do you think I've been a naughty girl again, eh? Do you think I've been out shagging another man? You do think that, don't you?"

I remained silent, not knowing how to answer her. This was probably the most drunk I had ever seen her.

Then, in a sexy but slightly more belligerent voice, she said. "Well, for your information, I did not shag anyone, but I could have, if I had wanted to. Margaret suggested that we should lead them on a little, you know, to be a couple of cock teasers and do you know what? I had more offers to go to one of the bedrooms than you have had hot dinners!!! Ha, ha, ha."

I cringed and bowed my head in embarrassment. This was not my Tina, not the perfect lady that I knew. She was drunk, not aware of what she was saying.

She continued. "It was so much fun, just knowing they were all trying so hard to impress us. In case you're wondering, the young man who brought me home, Paul, was a complete gentleman. We only snogged, but he made me promise to meet him for a date this Friday night. You don't mind do you sweetie, I think he might be a bit of alright. He certainly seems to be pretty well endowed. He kept pressing it against me when we were dancing, it felt so good."

All of this time she continued to dance her way around me, determined to tease me to distraction. I'm sure she wasn't trying to hurt me. In fact I am sure she thought that I wanted to hear how sexy she had been at the party.

She was obviously pleased with herself knowing that she had not allowed anyone to take advantage of her. She was also excited about her date for Friday.

Then she stopped right in front of me, my face only inches from her pussy. She stood there with her hands on her hips then she began to rock back and forward so that her mound bounced against my mouth and nose.

"You like that, don't you darling. Smell it my little whore, tell me you need to sniff it and taste it. Tell me you need to worship and adore me and that you want me to have any man I want, tell me!!"

I managed to nod my head, but that was not good enough.

"Tell me! I want to hear you beg me to cuckold you again!"

I stuttered as I told her that she was the most important person in the whole world to me and that her needs and wishes were my own.

"Tell me! Tell me! I want to hear you say it. I need to hear you say it, for God's sake, do you not understand?"

I had no option but to comply with her demands. Shaking, with a mixture of fear and foreboding, I managed to whisper.

"I love you Tina, I love you so much that I want you to cuckold me as often as you want."

This seemed to satisfy her for she bent forward and kissed me, gently and lovingly. Then she grabbed me by the hair and dragged me towards the bed. Shuffling along on my knees I would have fallen on my face if she hadn't held me up with the strong grip she had of my hair.

"Margaret says that I am a lucky girl to have you for a husband. You know what? I agree with her. I am going to make sure that you are proud of me. I promise to have an exciting and varied sex life for you so that you can worship and adore me as your goddess."

Flopping back on to the bed, she sighed and promptly fell asleep.

I didn't know whether to be pleased or relieved. This was not the way my darling would normally behave. This was a completely different person to the girl I knew. I pulled the bed cover over her and sat on the edge of the bed. I undressed myself, carefully laying out my "uniform" and thinking that I would be wearing it again, come Friday.

As I lay down beside my beautiful wife I had a picture in my mind of her kissing her handsome young friend and I wondered what lay ahead for the three of us, this coming Friday night.



The Arrangement Ch. 05



Daniel raced along the beach, the surf crashing about his boots, sucking them and him deeper into the soft sand. Neither the wet, squishing inside them or the ninety pound pack on his back registered. He was a man driven. Driven by demons that had haunted his dreams for over two weeks. Dreams of soft, welcoming flesh that turned suddenly still and icy cold. The dreams had even begun to invade the waking hours. And for a man whose job could cost him or his friends their lives, it was something he could not allow. 

"What the fuck is your problem?" spat Samuel as he finally caught up with him. 

It was after one. The sun was high in the sky. The soft breeze off of the Atlantic Ocean did absolutely nothing to mitigate the blistering summer heat. They had been at this since four in the morning. Daniel had always trained hard. Trained his men hard. But these past few days, he knew he had pushed them and him further than ever before. But demons were sometimes harder to outrun than even the enemy.

"If you're getting too old to keep up, maybe it's time to get out, old man," he accused his friend.

Samuel put out his arm, his hand resting on Daniel's shoulder as he stared at him. "I mean it. What's eating you, man? You weren't even this bad after..."

Daniel turned away. He knew what Samuel meant. He had not been this tormented, not even after Rachel's death. 

He stared out at the rough ocean. It was as volatile as he felt, churning and pounding. In a moment it could wipe away billions of grains of fine sand that had taken millions of years to form. Just as he could without knowing how or why destroy the women in his life. 

Sixteen days as a husband and except for a very awkward encounter in the kitchen the morning after their wedding, they had spoken less than three dozen words to one another. She was avoiding him. 

Oh, she was always around; cooking, cleaning and caring for the girls. But he was cast off to the sidelines; doomed to watch the game. The hardest moments were when he caught her laughing and playing with his daughters. No, the hardest was when he watched her hug or kiss them with such soft, tenderness. 

How could he be so fucking jealous of his own children? But he was. He would give anything for just one of those touches. If Jill would just brush her fingers across his cheek and give one of those smiles over some stupid accomplishment that no one else even noticed. If she would bend and kiss him good night, then perhaps the nightmares would disappear as surely as the mythical bed bugs that she dispatched with her reassurances each night.

But that tenderness and care was reserved for his daughters. For him, it was polite formality and stiff uncertainty that seemed to boarder almost upon fear. It was driving him insane. If he did not get out into the field soon, he knew he would explode.

But he just shrugged and said, "Nothing. I'm fine."

The blow to the side of his ribs came out of nowhere. It took the air out of his lungs in a single whoosh, just as the sight of her in that damned white lace and satin nightmare had. He went to the ground instantly. A large wave hit him, taking him under. The pack weighed him down as he struggled to the surface. He broke through gasping and gurgling to clear his lungs from the nasty salt water.

Samuel stood gloating over him. "No, buddy, you are not fine. Otherwise, I could not have done that and we both know it." He held out his hand and helped Daniel to his feet, "So spill it now. What's wrong? I mean shit we left you with your half naked wife and instead of thanking us, you try to drive us all to our deaths with training exercises that start hours before dawn and last past dark."

"Yeah, well, you guys have gotten soft over the past few months. Just because I could not go into the field or exercises, you thought you could fuck off and it shows," he justified.

Samuel held up his hands in surrender, "I think we both know that was not fair, man. We know what's at stake here. And we take our jobs seriously. You know that."

Daniel shook his head. He could not allow this. Even during the worst of his marriage to Rachel, he had always been able to compartmentalize. Home was home. And work was work. You left your shit where it belonged. So why was she different? Why did a few bad days with her have him taking his best friend's head off and unfairly accusing his men of the worst of sins in their eyes?

"I'm sorry," he said as they walked silently back to where the others were beginning to congregate near a pile of rocks. Looking at their sweaty faces, he knew that he could ask for no better group of men. Soldiers. Or friends. 

"Go home. Day's over, guys. You did good," he said. 

He smiled and chatted with a couple of them as they dispersed, taking packs and equipment back across the beach to waiting vehicles. Most headed home to the one thing he would not find, the smiling welcome of a wife happy to have them back after a short day.

He straggled even after they were gone. He would go back to base, spend some time over paperwork that was more than caught up after almost a year of virtual desk duty. But it would give him an excuse, something to do until dinner time perhaps. 

At least the thought of dinner time brought a smile to his face.

He smiled, definitely dinner time. If what the woman had said was true about cooking when she was thinking, she had been doing a hell of a lot of it lately. The menu had been unforgettable. Each night better than the last.

"You should go too," the voice said.

"I will," he lied. "Just have a few things to do back at the office first. Tell Simone not to get used to this though. Damned witch," he cursed.

"White witch," his friend smiled. His friend remained silently by his side for several moments, just watching the waves crash in and slink back. "She says that Jill fits right in with the others. Says that it's like the woman belongs."

Daniel sighed. Another thing to be jealous of. His wife's affection for the other spouses. Why was it that he was the only one she did not seem to have any real care for? He knew he was being a bit harsh there as well. She was polite to a fault, asking if she could get him something, if he needed anything. 

But after that night, it was not like he could just say, 'Yeah, I need you.' No, it was pretty clear that while his wife might have enough love to instantly bond with his daughters and even the other wives, the woman was still very much in love with another man. There was simply no place for him. He was locked on the outside looking in.

"I mean it, man, if you ever need to talk about something, I'm there for you," his friend once more put his hand on his shoulder.

Daniel shook his head, "Some things just can't be fixed. Sometimes people just aren't cut out for a job."

Samuel frowned, "You talking about Clay Dodd? What that bastard do now?"

Daniel shook his head again, "Nothing that I know of, but that wasn't what I was talking about."

"Then what? I know it isn't always easy to talk about things. But man, if you don't do something you gonna explode soon."

Daniel picked up a stick and tossed it across the waves. It did not work the same as when he had skipped stones across the still pond on his father's ranch. But nothing was as simple as it had seemed back there.

Silence hung for several minutes. Daniel smiled. He knew what Samuel was doing. Wearing him down. He wanted to think it would not work, but truth was the man was right. If something did not give soon, he was not going to be fit for duty or anything else.

"Jill," he said but was uncertain what more to say.

Samuel laughed, "I figured out that damned much. It don't take a fucking genius like Dwayne to know that. What about her? When we left you things seemed to be going pretty damned well. Seemed your new wife was more than ready for the job."

"Yeah, well, certain parts of it maybe."

"Gees, man! You mean?" Samuel pinned him with a stare that would have done Simone proud. "You mean after all that you didn't seal the deal?"

"Seal the deal? What the fuck is that? This some fucking high school locker room now?" He accused, "If you mean, am I fucking my wife? The answer is no. Seems the missus still has a thing for her dead husband."

Daniel did not know what he had expected from his friend, but ruckus laughter that had the man doubled over was not it. Anger coursed through him that his pain should be the object of his friend's mirth. He repaid several debts with the round house kick to the man's head that sent him sprawling backwards into the sand.

Samuel quieted and rubbed the side of head. "All right, I suppose you owe me that one after Simone's meddling and what I did earlier." He stood up slowly. "But that's it, buddy, no more. If this isn't the locker room, you want to give me some Intel here? What makes you think that?"

Daniel was still reeling with bent up rage and frustration, "I don't fucking think. I know. She called out his name when..." his screams trailed off at the last.

Samuel stood and took several steps back, but the broad smile and chuckles that he could barely contain had his friend going after him anyway. He tried throwing up his hands in surrender once more, "I give, man. I give."

"You think it is fucking funny?" Daniel said as he ran at him, slamming into the larger man and taking them both to the ground. 

The men were fairly equally matched. It had been one of the strengths of their working relationship. This wrestling match was made more intense because they knew one another so well they could almost anticipate the opponents next move. They tousled for several moments in the sand. When they rolled once more so that Daniel was atop his friend, he drew back his fist to deliver the final blow, but it stilled in mid-air. 

What the fuck was he doing? Samuel was not the enemy. He had been until a minute before the best friend Daniel had ever had. And despite the crass behavior, he still did not deserve a beating. 

Daniel rolled to the side. "It wasn't fucking funny, man."

His friend sat up next to him. "I'm sorry, Danny boy. I didn't mean it like that." He turned and looked at his friend, "I just see things a bit differently from where I'm sitting."

His friend stared out at the waves for a moment. His voice was deeper when he spoke again, "You know we all face the truth sometimes. We know each time that this might be it. That this time we might not be coming back. We don't talk about it, of course, but we all live with it."

"Truth is that I long ago faced those facts. And I've told Simone that I expect her ass to find another good man to love." He turned and looked at his friend then. Daniel could see the mist in his eyes, as he chuckled, "It beats the hell out of the woman having a string of boy toys." Daniel joined in the painful laughter with his friend at the image of the big beautiful woman surrounded by a bevy of beefy young studs. 

"But my friend, let me tell you this. After twenty years of the best loving of my life, that same thing damned well better happen once or twice at first. Or I swear I'll haunt every fucking séance that woman gives," he smiled.

"Now I don't know what happened exactly and I don't want to. But I know from what Simone has told me that those two had just about as happy a marriage as we do. So have you thought for even half second that this might just be a good thing? That if when she's drunk off her ass, she confuses the two of you, maybe, just maybe things could be heading in the right direction for you?"

"Cause I can tell you one thing, it wasn't just the alcohol and old memories going on that night. Even a blind man could see that you had your missus more than a little hot and bothered that night?"

Daniel sat in silence for a moment. His friend's words washed over him like the waves. It was not a perspective that for a second had entered his mind; not one that would enter most men's in the situation. But as Samuel said, he could see it more from David's point of view. 

Daniel paused for a moment. A thousand questions about the other man ran like a marathon through his mind. But the cold hard fact was that none of them mattered. He was dead and Daniel was the one left holding his wife. Their wife, he supposed. 

"So where the fuck does that leave me? What the fuck do I do now, smart ass?" he asked as he continued to stare across the ocean that separated his wife from her old life.

Samuel chuckled again, "Well, first of all, make sure she ain't drunk next time."

They both laughed then. "Yeah, I suppose that would be a good idea."

"I think that given some time and a hell of a lot more patience than you've been showing lately, the rest will work itself out, my friend." He turned and stared at Daniel, "You really do have an amazing wife. Second best woman I know in fact." 

"At least mine don't meddle in things she shouldn't," Daniel said boldly.

***

Simone, Trisha and a couple more of the wives giggled around the kitchen tables as toddlers and babies scooted, crawled and cooed on the floor at their feet.

"Damn girl, you still ain't givin' no details. Don't make us use our interrogation skills," smiled Trisha around the steaming cup of sweet black coffee. 

The plate of homemade cookies and scones in the middle of the table was practically empty. Over the past two weeks, it had become common for the mothers, although Jill still found herself calling them 'mums,' to come back to the house after the morning school bus run. They laughed and gossiped over the continental breakfast before cleaning, cooking and running whatever errands their days held.

But Jill was wise enough to know that this frivolity would not last forever. Oh, the laughter might continue, but it would take a decidedly different turn in a few days or weeks. Anytime their husbands were away, she knew that the mood would change as well. It would become nothing more than a cover for the worry, loneliness and pain that was the other side of their lives. 

That was why it was so important to build these bonds now, during the good times, because in those darkest of hours it would have to sustain them all through whatever lay ahead. Chloe and Thad's occasional presence among them was a stark reminder of just how dark things could get. Jill's own memories only deepened her resolve...no woman left behind, she pledged. And this was part of it, part of her new/old role as leader among the wives that kept it all going on the home front. 

But how to answer that particular question still plagued her thoughts and dreams. She remembered little of that night after the intimate dance they shared. Just bits and pieces of an erotic fantasy. Truth was she did not know how it went, but it could not have been well. The cold shoulder that Daniel had given her since that night spoke volumes. 

Looking back, she realized the embarrassment that she must have been for him. Prancing around in that naughty lingerie like one of these much younger, more beautiful and thinner women. She must have looked like a clown. A proud man, a leader, Daniel had tried to save her from the embarrassment to them both. But in her drunken stupor, she had chosen not to listen. 

So now she was paying the price. His anger was completely justified and she had no idea what to do to get him to forgive her lapse in judgment. She could not tell these women that, so instead she smiled around the pain. It was something you got good at over the years, especially in this job. She laughed it all off with a simple, "I don't kiss and tell."

Trisha though was like the prize bull at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, she would not give up when she had her rider cornered. Bucking and jumping, she took Jill for a long ride, "Now, girl, don't be shy. I mean come on. We're all green with envy. Oh sure, our hubbies might be hotties," the woman looked around the table at her co-conspirators and made a big show of fanning her perfectly manicured hands back and forth. 

"But damn, yours is unforgettable. And that kiss. Holy hell, it was hotter than the West Texas Hill Country on the fourth of July." Everyone laughed at the woman's flare for drama. 

Jill was searching for a comeback that would deflect this line of conversation, one that had been coming up over and over during the past couple of weeks. Thankfully, the woman that was rapidly becoming her best friend and confidant handled it for her.

"What girl? You having problems at home? You so desperate to hear the naughty details cause your man ain't takin' care of bid-ness? Just send him to my Samuel. Dat man knows all the tricks for keepin' it fresh like these two newlyweds," she said as all the girls roared with laughter at Trisha's friendly take down.

Jill smiled her thanks to Simone as she began to clear the table. The last cinnamon buns winked its tempting smile at her, but she kept fast to her resolve. "Anyone for the last of my buns?"

Trisha's wicked sense of humor still smarting from the put-down responded, "Is that how you get him going? With your buns? Must say there's plenty of them."

Simone reached over and took the sweet off the plate and took a huge bite out of it, "Yeah, you know what my man always says, 'more cushion for the pushin.' Maybe I should give you this, Trisha, sweetie? With that skinny ass of yours maybe that's the problem, Travis getting stuck in all the wrong places. Ain't nothin' us real women have to worry bout." She purred as she held out the bun to the other woman.

Jill stepped in between them, smoothly. "Trisha, you'll have to take me with you to the gym sometime soon. I could really use some pointers from you on how you keep your run way figure. I mean Miss Lubbock and all."

Her red head turned from glaring at Simone with a smile, "Sure, suga. I know it can't be easy. After four babies and all. That's why I put my foot down. Trav got his son and that's it for me. One is definitely enough for this girl."

Jill shivered at what she recognized was another dig at Simone, the couples difficulties conceiving another child after Althea was the only thing that marred their otherwise perfect marriage. She had already hugged Simone through a couple of PMS days with chocolate cake and an extra large box of tissues. 

She knew that this day was getting personal and she had to step in. "Well, my ladies, if you'll excuse me, I'm afraid I have some errands to run myself. So I'm afraid I'll have to scoot you off today," she lied.

They all nodded and hugged. Most headed off down the street in groups of two or three. Only Trisha struggled alone with her terrible two-year old T.J., short for Travis Junior. She shook her head at the sight, remembering how hard little boys could be sometimes.

"You never cease to amaze me, girlfriend," Simone said as she put her hand on Jill's shoulder. She held out the cinnamon bun. "Here, you should finish this. You didn't eat a thing this morning."

Jill shook her head as she walked over to the sink with the plate. "No, it's alright. I'm on a diet anyway," she replied as she put the plug in the sink and ran hot water, adding a few drops of washing up liquid, detergent she corrected herself for the millionth time in three weeks since she had been home.

Home? She asked herself. Was this place really home? Sure, she kept the house and loving the girls had come almost as naturally as it had each time they placed another of her pink faced sons into her arms. Even this sometimes rowdy group of wives seemed to embrace and welcome her, accepting her as one of their comrades, a leader even. But that night still haunted her. 

"What's really wrong, sweetie?" her friend asked.

The tears flowed down her cheeks, adding to the growing pool in the sink, absorbed by it, becoming just as much a part of it as she was of these people. So why was it all not enough?




The Arrangement Ch. 05



"I don't know," she whispered.

"I think you do. Something is bothering you and I have my ideas. It's him still, ain't it?" The woman reached around and turned off the water. Taking Jill's hands in hers she led her back to the table and placed her in a chair before sitting down herself. "Tell Simone all about it."

Jill chuckled at the soothing voice that she would have used after Bel had a bad day. "No, really. The problem is I don't know. I don't ever know how to answer that woman's damned question because I was so fucking drunk I can't remember what happened after you guys left that night."

Simone chuckled and shook her head, "Then I'm guessing not much. Because I'm purty damned sure if that man had made love to you, you'd be remembering it, girlfriend."

"God, sometimes you're as bad as she is, you know that?" Jill teased as she swatted at Simone's hand. "But seriously, I remember the dance and parts of you girls getting me ready," she blushed at the memory of some of the more ribald comments from that night. "And I remember..." her voice trailed off and the blush deepened.

Simone fanned herself, "Oh yeah, that kiss was pretty unforgettable. Almost made up for that shit in the chapel, didn't it?"

She chuckled that she and her friend thought so much alike. "Almost."

"So what? You just forget the rest? You don't remember anything? I mean I know the guys call him Super Man but I never did buy that whole thing with a single kiss and Louise Lain forgetting the whole damned thing, Ice Crystal Palace, making love, even the fact that Clark Kent was Super Man. Oh, come on, nobody kisses that good."

"I don't know about that," she whispered in confidence.

"Shit, girlfriend. Now you do have me curious."

Jill giggled as she reached for her cup of coffee, even knowing that it would be cold by now. She needed something to hold on to and the mug was as good as anything. "I woke up the next morning in his bed," she saw Simone's brow arch at her words. "Alone," she clarified. "I found him asleep on the couch with an empty bottle of Southern Comfort curled in his arms."

Simone winced, "This ain't good, child. But it sure as hell explains why he's acting like an asshole and driving the guys mad right now."

The guilt of Simone's admission weighed on Jill like the world on Atlas' shoulders. She knew her job: keep the home front quiet so her man could stay focused on all that it took to get his job done. And it was obvious to her even before that slip that she was not doing it very well. 

"Shit," she spat. "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. I told you this wasn't a good idea. I should have listened to those second thoughts. I mean what guy like him would ever look at a woman like me," she said as she brought the cup to her lips. The cold liquid did nothing to extinguish the hot pain in her gut.

"Oh, don't give me that shit. You know damned good and well that there is no faking a kiss like that. You had that man tied in knots all damned night long. When we left here, I was sure that everything was going to work out just perfect. All we got to do now is figure out what went wrong, then we can fix it," she said as she placed her hand over Jill's. "You must remember something else?"

Jill shook her head. "No, really I don't. It is all a blur..." she blushed. "The only thing I could remember when I woke up that morning was having the most erotic fucking dream of my life."

Simone threw up her arms, "That's it then. Something did happen. I'll just hypnotize you and we'll get to the bottom of this whole thing."

Jill felt the heat rising in her cheeks once more. The last thing she wanted was to share that dream with anyone, even her new best friend. "It's all right. You don't need to do that. The dream I remember just fine," what she did not say was that she could not stop having it. 

Every time she closed her eyes it was there again. Lips and hands moving over her. Her body on fire like it had never, ever been before. Never. And that to her was the worst. How could she respond like that? Like a slut and slag, begging and pleading for the touch of a man she barely knew. All right, so that man was her husband. It did not excuse her behavior. Her betrayal of David.

"So what aren't you telling me?" 

"Nothing really," Jill lied.

"Oh, there is plenty you ain't saying, honey. You got that boy's ball in a vise. And as much as I love you, this shit's got to stop soon. I'm tired of seeing what's he's doing to those guys. Hell, even after that bitch offed herself...good riddance and god rest her soul...that boy weren't this bad." 

Seizing the opportunity to learn more about the mysterious ghost that fuelled her demons, and more than a bit happy to divert her friend away from the other topic, she said, "Tell me about her."

Simone shook her head that was tied in a scarf between hairdressing appointments. "I know what you doing, girlfriend. You ain't getting away from it that easy." Standing up, she walked across the kitchen window and picked a couple of leaves from the planters of herbs that Jill had growing in the window. She reached into the utility drawer next to the sink and pulled out a lighter. 

"What's that for?" Jill asked.

Putting the leaves on one of the empty plates, Simone lit them until they smoldered, filling the room with a musty warmth. "Sage clears bad spirits away," she explained as she took her seat. "You know I'm not one of the gossips and usually I wouldn't do this. But one thing I know. The past is forever entwined with the present...and the future." 

Reaching across the table, she took both of Jill's hands, enveloping them in one of hers. "What I'm about to say stays between us, do you understand me? Not even our husbands. I want your word." She held out her other hand, little finger extended.

Jill nodded. "Pinky swear."

"Pinky swear." Jill noted that Simone's usual smile was nowhere to be seen. "You get that stupid reality television show about those spoiled rich girls over there?"

Jill laughed, "Which one?"

Simone smiled back, "Suppose you right, ain't much else on the damned thing anymore. But I'm talking about the one with that crazy chick that married and divorced that sport's star in the space of a breath."

"Never watched it, but who can help but read the headlines on the Internet or in the newspapers. So I know the basics. What's that got to do with Rachel though?"

"Like Esther and I said she was spoiled, rich girl that never grew up. Daniel's marriage to Rachel weren't much different than that." She sighed as she stared at the burning incense. "She was not yet twenty. A bunch of her friends were slumming it for the summer in Ocean City instead of the Hamptons." Jill smiled at the sarcastic note in her friend's voice. 

"Anyway, he met her at one of the bars. He and the guys had gone out for a few. Like you say the boy is drop dead gorgeous and that one noticed quick enough. The rest as they say..."

"By the end of the summer, she was pregnant. Me, I always said she did it on purpose to keep the one guy that could not be bought with her daddy's money. Those first couple of years were pretty tough. That one was high maintenance and liked to be the center of attention. Not the best attributes for this type of life."

"Actually, they were right on the edge of divorce when nine-eleven happened. And of course, everything changed then," she smiled and squeezed Jill's hand, realizing how much it had transformed her own life as well. "But it suited that one's purposes real fine. She took off back to New York with Jes still in diapers. Said she needed to do what she could to help out too. And of course, over the past decade, our guys been away more than they been home."

"So Rachel holed up in her daddy's penthouse in Manhattan while Daniel was off fighting. Anytime the team had down time, he'd store his gear at ours and catch a red-eye up there to see his little girl. Of course, that couldn't have suited Miss Perfect any better. Nannies, Daddy's money and the big hero husband around just enough to make all her friends green with envy."

"Then she got pregnant with Bel. Daniel was pretty tired already of watching the way his oldest child was being spoiled by that lot. There was no way he was having two of them up there. So he put down his foot. Demanded that Rachel move back here."

Jill nodded as Simone paused, bringing her own cup of coffee to her lips. "But she hated it here. I mean really hated it. There was this guy from Daniel's unit. His daddy owns one of those private security firms, mercenaries if you ask me. Anyway he offered Daniel and a few others big money to come to work for his daddy."

"Of course, Daniel and Samuel said no, but that was not the answer that one wanted to hear. For over two years she made that boy's life living hell going on and on about how he didn't owe this country, the Navy or his team anything. About how she and his daughters should come first. Like they didn't already?"

A dark look came across Simone's face and she made the sign of the cross, "She got pregnant again. This time I know it was on purpose. Told him that now he would have to take up the Dodd's offer. That they could not afford another baby." Simone smiled weakly, "Of course, fate pulled a big joke on her. It was not one more baby but two."

"What I'm about to say, no one on this earth knows except me and Daniel. She was about six months along when she got real drunk one night, took some damned pills too. Daniel asked me to come over and take care of Jes and Bel so he could take her to the hospital. Have the doctors check her and the babies out to make sure everything was all right." 

"The things that woman screamed at the poor man in her drunken stupor would chill your blood. She told him that if he wasn't quitting the Navy she didn't want anymore of his bastards."

Jill's hand flew to her mouth in shock at the cruelty of the woman. But the tale only got worse when Simone spoke again. "She told him not to bother coming home from the next mission. Then she would at least have a nice little paycheck from the insurance company. But that he should make sure he did it right because she didn't want to be left with half a man to take care of like Dwayne."

"Oh my god," Jill breathed around her hand. "How could she?"

Simone shook her head, "Thing is I always felt sorry for her. Until that night anyway. She was like some lost child, who just could not handle not getting her own way. Except for Daniel, no one had ever said 'no' to her."

"Why didn't she just get a divorce if she hated it here so much? Hated this life?"

"Like I said, a couple of times, I thought for sure that was the way things were going. But I think in some perverse way, Rachel actually liked having someone say 'no.' It gave her boundaries."

Jill's brow furrowed, "Why didn't he? I mean divorce her."

"The girls mostly. He knew he was not always around, but at least me or one of the other wives would always check in on them. Besides, sweetie, in case you ain't figured this one out, your husband is an old fashioned country boy to the core. Nothing he's seen in this crazy world has managed to change the fact that his parents, who been married almost as long as we been alive, raised that boy to take those vows seriously."

Putting her hand over Jill's she looked her directly in the eyes, "So that brings us back to the other. What we gonna do to make sure that those vows don't bite him in the ass again?"

Jill swallowed past the foul taste in her mouth. The story that Simone had shared raised as many new questions as the ones they answered, maybe more. Some piece of the puzzle was still missing. The woman that Simone described seemed far too selfish to take her own life, too self-centered. 

But Jill pushed those thoughts aside for now in favor of more pressing matters. She stared at the bottom of the empty cup. "I acted like a fool," she whispered.

Simone giggled softly, "We all do that. What do you mean exactly?"

"In the dream, we're..." Jill blushed unable to continue. "Let's just say doing things that I would not do back in High School unless I was going steady with someone. Going steady...for a long time," she stretched out the words. 

Simone winked, "Don't need to ask if it was good. Look on your face answers that one, girlfriend."

"That's the problem. It was too good," she confided.

Her friend looked at her in shock, "Too good? There ain't no such thing."

She sought answer in the bottom of the empty cup again. "There is if you barely know someone. I mean." She sighed deeply. "It wasn't that good...even with David."

Simone's loud laughter chimed about the room. "So that's what's bothering you. Guilt?"

"Not really guilt, I suppose. It all just seemed to be happening too fast. And of course, well, there's the other. You know?"

Simone rolled her eyes, "I think we can safely put those worries aside, sweetie. If things were moving so damned fast, that you got scared I don't think there's much doubt that your husband is into you."

Jill shook her head. Simone could afford to be so sure of herself, her beautiful full figure. She had known nothing but the loving support of her husband for twenty some years. Jill had faced other things. And despite her friend's reassurances, the idea of exposing herself to another man was terrifying.

"Besides right now the question is more about what we gonna do to get things back to moving too fast?"

Jill shook her head, "Moving forward at all would be nice. Slow and steady wins the race, they say."

"You think that man knows shit about slow and steady?"

Jill brought her fingers up to her lips as if she could still feel the scalding heat of his kisses, "I suppose you're right."

"No, the thing we got to plan for now, is how to release these floodwaters from behind that dam without taking out all those downstream."

"How do we do that?"

"Aw, sweetie, that one's easy. You just have to seduce your husband."

Jill choked on the air in her throat. The idea alone was enough to send her scurrying like mice when you turned on the kitchen light.

***

Daniel opened the backdoor quietly. Stepping into the laundry room, he was assailed with memories of her taste. The feel of those soft curves pressed against him. He was already half hard as he tossed his tack bag in the corner and stepped into the kitchen. Britney and Ashley sat giggling with delight in their highchairs. Food was thrown about the floor as she stood by the sink. Her hands were wringing out a dish cloth, preparing to clean up the mess.

She stopped when she saw him. "Daniel, I wasn't..." She blushed. "We didn't expect you home this early." Nodding her head towards the toddlers, she said, "I was just about to put these two down for their naps."

"Don't let me stop you," he stammered feeling like that stranger in his own house.

She smiled nervously. "I'll just be a couple of minutes. Let me clean and change them then I'll make you something for lunch. You must be hungry."

He nodded, "Sure, I'll just grab a shower while you put them down." He fled the room as quickly as he could. A nice, long ice-cold shower, he thought. He would need it. 

What the hell had he been thinking? Even after his conversation with Samuel, he should have headed back to the office. But like a fool, he had turned the SUV towards home, hoping for once to be greeted with the same enthusiasm Samuel and the others could count upon. 

Stripping his sweaty and sandy clothes, he threw them into the basket and stepped beneath the spray. The water was cold, but not cold enough. He felt it slide down his body and imagined it was her fingers. Remembering how hypnotic her touch had been that night as her fingers danced across his bare chest as she swayed against him. 

"Fuck," he spat, picking up the bottle of shower gel. Pouring some into his hands he began to lather his head and body.

To make things worse, she was wearing another one of those damned dresses again today. This one was long and black. It was a perfect contrast to bring out the creamy color of her skin. There was no halter top to untie this time. But the low V-neck revealed the swell of those impossibly full breasts. His hands ached to feel them once more. 

"God damn it," he cursed again as he rinsed the suds from his body. He was tempted, more than tempted to tarry a few more minutes. Take certain matters into his own hands. But he knew that she would probably be done with putting the twins down for their naps by now and he did not want to keep her waiting. 

Besides he had been doing that for over two weeks and it brought no real relief. What he needed was far more than a quick jerk-off in the shower. He needed his wife. Not like he was going to have her. 

But the least he could do was make some head way using the advice that Samuel had offered. Some conversation over lunch was as good a place as any to begin, he thought as he grabbed the towel and wrapped it about his waist. His mind was decidedly somewhere else as he opened the bathroom door and walked straight into his wife. 

***

As usual, Britney and Ashley had fallen asleep almost before their blond curls hit the pillows. They no longer took morning naps, so by this time of day they were more than ready, having run out all the energy their little bodies had saved up from the night before. She smiled as she bent and kissed them each. 

Simone's words echoed through her head. How could anyone have felt that way about two such precious gifts? She thought as she closed the door to their room and turned. Directly into the bare, wet chest of her husband.

She swallowed past the lump in her throat as she took in the view of bronzed, muscles that rippled and played beneath what she knew from that night was impossibly hot skin. She did not know what she was thinking. Problem was she was not thinking at all as she reached up to feel the soft steel once more. 

The growl from his throat brought her back to reality. "Sorry," she whispered. "I shouldn't have," she mumbled as she stared at the carpet. Anything to keep from looking at the one thing that tempted her beyond all reason. "I should go make you something to eat," she said as she turned to head down the hall. 

The arm about her waist stopped her. "Why shouldn't you, Jill?" he whispered just behind her. "Why the hell shouldn't we both?" His hand moved up to cup her breast. She blushed as she realized that she was bare beneath the thin cotton of her favorite sundress. She had not thought for a moment that he would be home early, so with the late summer heat, she had opted for comfort once more. 

His fingers discovered that fact as they toyed with her nipple through the impossibly thin barrier. She leaned her head back against his shoulder and closed her eyes. She gave into the total pleasure that his hands were drawing forth from her body. Fire and lightening coursed and strummed through every nerve ending from the hair on her head to her toes that were curling into the wiry carpet. She bit her lower lip to keep from moaning as his lips and tongue danced along the pulse pounding like Native American drums in her throat.

She arched back into his embrace as she felt the pressure building inside of her. She had read somewhere once that some women could actually achieve orgasm simply from having their breasts played with. She had thought it was complete rubbish. Until that moment. Damn it, she thought as she hung right over the edge. Still he made no further move. 

Finally in desperation, she whimpered, "Daniel, please."

"Yes," he virtually roared as he turned her in his arms. She did not have time to say anything more, to finish her pleas. His mouth descended upon hers, capturing whatever she would have said. His tongue warred, and it was war, against hers. This was certainly not their first kiss, but there was an undeniable hunger to it that transcended anything they had tasted before, making the others seem tentative and tame. 




The Arrangement Ch. 05



She felt as if she were falling for a moment. Then she realized that they were moving. He was pulling them across the dark, tiny space of the hall. The few steps from the nursery to his room seemed an impossibly long journey. Too long. 

Some sane part of her argued that she should slow things down. The tortoise and hare, it said. But this day, the hare was winning that race as her tongue tasted his moans. She trembled a bit as she felt her back hit the hard, cold surface of the door. She knew there was no turning back if she crossed its threshold. 

But when he released her breast long enough to fumble with the knob, she made no move to slow things down. A moment later she felt it give at her back, and then his hand and fingers were once more on the heated flesh of her right breasts doing things, making her feel things that she probably should not. Things that she wanted more than her next breath.

The distance between the doorway and the bed seemed shorter than it had in her foggy dream that night. Or perhaps they were just moving faster, she reasoned. And they were moving fast. 

If some part her still screamed for reason and sanity, it was silenced by Simone's words, 'seduce your husband.' Just that neither of them imagined how quickly she would be given that opportunity. Question was, did she have the guts to follow through on it?

She felt the edge of the bed against her calves and put her hand up to the heat of his shoulder. Uncertainty and her own demons flared to life, her mind finally jumped started. She pushed gently, but it was lost in the momentum of their fall to the bed. If his kisses and caresses had not already taken her breath away, the pair of them landing upon the firm mattress would have. 

When she came back to reality, she was sprawled beneath him and the hand that had been holding her, guiding her, was now around her ankle, moving slowly up her calf beneath her dress. She panicked for a moment as it reached her knee. 

What would he think when he discovered that she wore no underwear, she thought. But the worry was just a bleep on the radar as his other hand tugged firmly at her nipple. His mouth swallowed her moans before continuing its journey along her jaw and down her neck. 

She bit her lip harder to keep from moaning as he brushed the material back from her breast. His hand covering the bare flesh and kneading it softly. But she could not stop the whimper a moment later as his other hand completed its journey. Her dress was bunched about her upper thighs as his fingers grazed over her mound. When he slipped them lower and brushed the rough calloused surface of his thumb across the too-sensitive nub, she arched off the bed. 

"Daniel," she almost screamed. 

She was not prepared for the sensual assault that followed. He bit down hard on her shoulder as he squeezed the tender flesh of her breast. Her thighs opened a bit more as she arched off the bed at the edgy sensation of pleasure/pain. His fingers slipped just inside her and she whimpered in need like a puppy seeking the attention of its master. "Please," she begged.

"Say it again," he growled as his fingers stilled, remaining perched right on the edge of fulfilling her every fantasy and need. 

"God damn it, Daniel. Please," she begged unashamedly.

"Yes," he roared once more as he plunged them inside her. It took her instantly over the edge as she arched against his hand, riding the intense wave of a pleasure like a surfer hanging ten on the big one. His teeth on her shoulder held her upper body in place as he continued to toy and torment her breast. 

She was reminded of the documentaries of wild animals mating. This was something so primal and powerful that she was frightened for a moment. She feared that she was in way over her head this time. Except that her body was betraying her. It responded to each of his demands in a way that it never had before. It gloried in his mastery of her as she came hard over and over and over again. 

Still it was not enough, "Please, oh, please," she pleaded and whimpered. Her mind wondered at who this wild woman was? What had taken over her body and mind?

"Please what, Jill," he whispered low as his teeth gave up their hold on her flesh. His tongue and lips took over, trailing further down towards where his hand lifted her breast. Presenting it to them like some trophy for the taking. 

The moment his lips curved around the tingling tip of her nipple she felt her body clamp tightly around his fingers once more. How it was possible she did not know, but this orgasm was even more powerful than the dozen he had already given her. "Daniel," she screamed. 

The fog cleared for the briefest of moments. For a spilt second she was overcome with a sense of déjà vu. This felt so familiar. The dream. Except this time, his fingers between her legs were not stilling. They were plunging faster and deeper inside of her. As if powered by some steam engine, driven by the demons of hell itself. Her orgasms, as consuming as they were, did not seem enough. She felt empty. She felt needy. And only one thing would fill that void. 

"Please," she whimpered again, arching against the palm of his hand once more.

This time those fingers did still. His mouth released its prisoner, her nipple puckered as the air brushed over its wet flesh. She felt him shift. 

"Look at me, Jill," he demanded. 

There was an edge to his voice, something powerful and in control, yes. She turned her head to the side and bit her lip with indecision. Her skin flamed even redder with embarrassment as much as the desire that lay just beneath the surface. 

His fingers caressed her cheek. She could feel the wetness of her body and the blush spread even more at her wanton behavior. She fought him as he turned her head towards him.

"Jill, please, look at me," the need and pain that she heard in his voice this time did what even the demands could not. She could not deny him. She did not want to. 

It hit her then like the proverbial ton of bricks. "Oh my god," she whispered at the revelation as her eyes flew open to meet his blue ones. To look into the handsome face of the stranger that was her husband. The man she loved.

***

Daniel sighed at the look of utter fear in his wife's eyes. Fear was a look he knew intimately. It was more powerful than the cold shower, doing what it could not, instantly extinguishing the flames of hell that had driven him for two weeks. 

He rolled to the side, bringing his arm up to cover his face as he regrouped. His mind raced with a million thoughts, but only one of them stuck. 'You blew it again, buddy.'

What he did not expect as he played that tape recorded message over again in his mind was to feel the warm, soft swell of his wife's bare breast pressed against his side. Or her arm draped casually about his waist. When he felt her long soft hair spread across his chest, he stiffened a bit. He knew that laying like this she would feel his heart beat. Know exactly what her gentle touches were doing to him. 

But he honestly did not give a damn just then. After weeks of coveting the tenderness that she showed to Bel and Britney and Ashley, he was finally on the receiving end and it was not an opportunity he was going to pass up. He lowered his arm and wrapped it about her shoulders. Drawing her even closer, he placed a tender kiss on the top of her head.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

He felt her body tremble as she chuckled softly. "You damn well better be. That's the second time you've left me hanging."

He lifted his head and met the gaze from those unforgettable green eyes, "I thought you didn't remember that night."

She sighed, "I didn't. Not really. Not until..." He watched as pink spread across her cheeks once more. "Until just now," she whispered so low that he had to strain to hear it. 

He nodded his head, knowing that this time he was the one blushing. He tugged her gently back towards his chest. He would be much more comfortable staring at the ceiling for this conversation than into those eyes. Thankfully, for once, his wife acceded to his wishes. Her hair once more spread across his skin, caressing it as he fought back the needs that were even then just below the surface.

"So where does that leave us, sweat heart?" he echoed the question that he had asked Samuel earlier in the day.

His wife seemed full of surprises this day as he felt her hands begin to move slowly across his chest, down his stomach that went taut as he held his breath. "Jill," he whispered. 

He could almost see her smile against his chest. "A wise woman told me I should seduce my husband." Her tiny hands wrapped about his hard flesh and it was he that was arching off the bed this time with each rhythmic stroke of those soft hands up and down his hard cock. 

He was barely thinking as he felt her slipping from his arms moving lower as she whispered, "What do you think about the idea?" 

His answer was a guttural moan as his cock disappeared between her soft lips. His fingers clutched at the sheets, bunching them within his grasp as he fought back the need to run them through her hair. The need to lift his hips more and plunge his cock deep inside the warm wetness of those sweet pink lips that tasted like heaven but knew how to take him to the very edge of hell at the moment.

He grounded his teeth and fought it all as she tortured and tormented him for several minutes. He knew his body was on the very edge. He could feel the need to come pulsing like life itself through him as basic an urge as breathing. And one that at the moment was about as difficult to control. But as sweet as her mouth was, as delicious as this felt, it was not what he wanted most. 

His fingers did wrap at last through those soft lengths, but this time not to guide her head in tempo that would take him over that edge, but to draw her away from his burning flesh, "Please, Jill," it was he that was doing the pleading this time.

She smiled as she lifted her head. Devilry danced in the green pools. "Yes, commander," she teased as her hands continued to torture his steel length.

His fingers laced tighter through her hair as he tugged her up his body. The damned witch, took her time, sliding those soft curves along every single millimeter of his smoldering flesh. By the time they were eye to eye the only thought left in his muddled brain was wiping that smug look off her face and he knew one way to do that. 

His lips stormed the beaches of her mouth once more as his hand about her waist held her to him. He rolled them until he was once more on top of her. In the exchange, she lost hold of his cock, but that suited his purpose perfectly. His hand slipped beneath that damned temptation of black cotton. He had just one thought, tearing it to fucking shreds as he pushed and pulled it up her legs, baring smooth, soft skin as he went. 

But the goal of that mission was forgotten as those soft fingers found his throbbing erection once more. His hand stilled as she whispered, "Please, Daniel, I need you," against his neck. Her tongue licked softly at the pounding pulse that raced faster still at her admission. 

Later, he promised himself. Later, he would be skin-to-skin with his wife. Hard muscles against soft curves. But right now, he needed to give his wife the one thing he could. He felt her arch and shift on the bed beneath him. Her tiny fingers guiding him home. He ground his teeth to keep from screaming as that warm, wetness enveloped him. 

His hand reached back and wrapped her leg about his hips as he bent to kiss her sweet lips once more, "Hold on, sweet heart. This ride's about to get rough and fast," he whispered as he surged forward into her depths just as hard and fast as he promised.  

For a millisecond he worried that it was perhaps too much. He might not know much about his wife, but one thing he was certain of...she was not an easy woman. The tightness of the muscles that greeted his invasion only confirmed that. His mind told his body to slow down, to give her time to catch up, to adjust to him, but it seemed a battle that was destined to be lost. 

Only the soft mewing against his neck and the upward thrusts of her generous hips to meet and match each downward one of his own offered solace and forgiveness for his rashness. But it was the sharp bite of her nails into the corded flesh of his back, when she arched even higher, those blond tresses covering his pillow as her eyes closed and he felt her body tighten into an impossible vise that refused to let him go. He took it as an ancient invitation to do what he had been aching to do since the moment her lips touched his cock. He surged as deep as possible inside of her and emptied his very soul into her welcoming depths. 

He rolled just enough to take his weight off of her, but held tight to her drawing her against him. His body was satisfied. But somehow it did not reach the depths of his soul. He tightened his hold about her waist, needing to hold on for as long as possible. 

"Wow," he felt her giggle beneath him. The movement drove his still hard cock further inside her. 

He turned his head back towards her and smiled. "Can I take it that you enjoyed that, Missus Monroe?" He kissed the end of her nose and brushed her hair back from her face. It was spread across his pillow like a spider's web of fine silk threads. He could easily get sucked into the erotic and loving web his wife was weaving. Those long blond strands spread across his pillow or his shoulder. It was another thing he could definitely get used to. For the rest of his life.

Her smile lit those green fathoms as her fingers toyed across his shoulders. "Are you fishing for compliments, commander?"

He chuckled once more driving his cock home, this time he held it there, giving a small circle of his hips that had his wife arching up against him and meowing like a hungry kitten. "It takes a lot of fish to feed a hungry seal, sweet heart," he teased as he began to move in earnest once more within her. 

Anything that she might have said was lost against his tongue as he kissed her and took this thing where they both wanted to go once more.

***

Jill lay replete against his side. Her head rested against his shoulder, his strong arm wrapped about her, his hand still curved around the underside of her breast. His fingers occasionally brushing against her nipple, teasing them both. Her body was satiated like a day spent at the all-you-can-eat buffet. But it was definitely looking forward to the next meal already. 

When had she become such a sex addict, she wondered. Oh, from the moment that she had given David her virginity, she had enjoyed the act. Theirs had been a happy and satisfying life in many ways. But, hell, nothing had prepared her for this. She frowned. Was this an addiction? Or was it just that after the other, it felt so amazing once more to feel like a woman? Looking up into his smiling face, those sky blue eyes closed, she thought, or is it him? She swallowed past the lump that formed in her throat. It was most definitely the man. 

"I should get up and make you a sandwich or something. Britney and Ashley will be up soon and I have to pick Bel up at the bus stop too." The truth was that she needed a strategic retreat to think and come to turns with the latest revelation.

He turned and looked at the clock on the night stand, but he took her with him. His hold on her tightened rather than loosened. "Fifteen hundred," he sighed as he stared into her eyes. "I can wait for dinner." A playful tweak at her nipple that sent a tingle of electricity shooting straight between her legs was followed by his husky command, "You get a shower and I'll pick up the girls after school."

She nodded her head, suddenly reluctant to leave this erotic fantasy. "Might be a good idea." She winced just a bit as she rolled away from him and sat up on the edge of his bed.

"Sorry, I should not have lost control like that. Taken things slower," he said as his lips pressed a soft kiss to the small of her back. She felt the heat of those soft lips to her very core even through the safety of the thin material.

She chuckled as she straightened out the top of her favorite dress, tucking her breast back inside it. "If I remember right, commander, it was a two-way street."

He laughed at her admission. "You should probably change into something that covers your top a bit better too."

She turned and stared at him, her brows raised. "What? You seemed to enjoy the view earlier."

His fingers brushed softly over her shoulder and she winced at the tenderness there. "Oh, I do. But I don't think either of us is ready for the comments of a smart-mouthed teen if she caught sight of that."

Jill blushed, "Oh that. I forgot."

"I'd say sorry again. But you got your own back, she-cat. I won't be going shirtless anytime soon with the map those fingers left on my back," he reached over and drew her hand to his lips, placing a tender kiss in the palm. "It's a good thing that you aren't into those damned fake claws like Simone, Trisha and..."

His voice faded and his face darkened before he turned over and rose off the other side of the bed. He stood in all his naked glory and her breath froze in her lungs. She tugged her dress a bit further down her thighs before standing slowly. 

"I'll get that shower now," she said as she walked carefully across the room. She felt the wetness of their lovemaking slide slowly down the inside of her thigh as she opened the door to reality and a thousand doubts that awaited her on the other side of this fantasy land.



The Arrangement Ch. 05



Thank you all for the positive encouragement. I'm good most days when it comes to coming to terms with the end of my marriage - you know the term "life goes on". Well, it's marching forward for this girl and I can truly say that I am blessed for it.

I also would like to thank those who took time to read my work and have enjoyed it so much so far. I am not going to go so far with the sex in this update, but the story between these two does move forward, as well as for another pair of characters related to the main couple. One thing to keep in mind is while writing this update I listened to "Charlene" by Anthony Hamilton - it will make some sense later in the chapter. Actually the whole album reminds me so much of the 50s, 60s & 70s R&B songs of love and loss that made music of that time so incredible.

Please comment -- constructive criticism is much appreciated. Thanks all!

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

"How are you today miss?" asked the polite bus driver as he smiled down on the smaller woman.

"Fine. Thanks for asking." mumbled Julianne, swiftly turning her head away from the smiling man.

"That's good. Where are you going today?" He asked, still smiling at her.

"I'm going to Little Falls, New Jersey." she answered while looking at her bag.

She handed over the ticket she paid for in cash to the smiling man. She felt nervous and uncomfortable with him looking at her the way he did. He took the ticket, making sure to subtly touch her fingers. Her hand snapped back from his in surprise at the contact. Instead of the heat she was used to seeing in Peter's flaming eyes, there was a warmth in his deep brown eyes that seemed reassuring as he looked back at her. She blinked a little in confusion, and looked away waiting for him to be finished with whatever he needed to do with her ticket.

"Here you go miss. Do you have any bags you need to check?" he asked politely while handing back her ticket.

"Just my backpack. I'll be carrying my purse on the bus." she stated while looking up at him briefly. He smiled again, and effortlessly picked up the bag after checking the paper tags on it.

She turned to walk up to the bus. On her way up the stairs she heard him say, "I hope you enjoy the ride."

Her head turned slightly to the side before continuing up the steps, pretending to ignore the double entendre and knowing that he was watching her ass move under her heavy black sweatpants as she walked away.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

"This doesn't look good Josie." said Jacob to his wife.

They both looked in the distance as they saw Peter talking to Julianne. Peter stopped walking, and waiting for Julianne to notice. The background noise of the party kept the couple's conversation a mystery to the two onlookers. Josephine stepped closer to her husband. She sighed and took his arm in her own.

"No baby. It doesn't look good at all." she said as he wrapped a hand over her exposed one.

They watched the scene unfold before their eyes. Julianne stopped Peter from talking, and put her hand over her stomach. She said some more words before turning around and walking away from Peter toward the front gate of the mansion. A valet came up to her to ask her where her car would be. She must have told him to contact Peter, but before he could do so Peter was standing right behind her.

They watched him run his hand down the back of her exposed arms and lean in to her slightly once the young man went away to retrieve their driver and vehicle. Once the man showed up, Peter said some words to him. During this entire exchange, from the moment Peter came to Julianne's side, she had her head down and turned away from Peter.

The midnight blue Rolls Royce came up to the waiting couple and Peter opened the door for her before turning fully to the driver and giving him some directions. They heard the door close in the distance and watched, along with Peter, as the car left the party, leaving their eyes with a burning trail of red tail lights.

Josephine sprung into action the moment she saw Peter move unsteadily on his feet. The moment she reached him, Jacob was in the other direction shouting for a doctor in the house to help a collapsed Peter. By the time Jacob came out with a doctor, Josephine laid next to Peter, checking for a pulse.

"Please step aside madam. He needs a bit more room." grumbled the much older man as he shooed Josephine away from Peter's side.

"Watch how you talk to my wife doctor!" said Jacob in a menacing tone.

The older man waved an irritated hand at him as his other hand went to Peter's pulse. It was slightly irregular and faint. Peter's breathing was labored. The older man contacted the hospital where he was the head of cardiology, realizing that Peter was going into cardiac arrest.

The ambulance came within moments of the doctor's initial call. The paramedics loaded Peter into the back of the vehicle and allowed the doctor to come aboard to administer first aid to him. They arrived at the hospital in minutes with Josephine and Jacob in a car following right on the heels of the emergency vehicle.

The hospital's intake staff gathered Peter's information and made Josephine and Jacob wait in the waiting room near the emergency room entrance. Jacob paced around the room making phone calls all over the place. He started with Josephine's mother, Millie, and ended with a call to Peter's father, Stephen. Within the hour several of Peter's longtime friends and college fraternity brothers, Millie, and finally Stephen came to be there for the news of Peter's health.

Josephine kept close to her mother, who held her own shaking hand. Peter's mother Maryse died about a decade earlier from a long battle with skin cancer, and Peter, who was not close to his father since their discussion all those years ago, did not keep in touch with him except to argue over the direction of the firm he inherited.

After a four hour wait, the same doctor from earlier in the evening came out and asked for Josephine and Jacob. The two rose and spoke with the doctor who informed them that Peter needed to have an emergency surgery and a stint put in his heart due to the massive coronary he sustained that evening. The doctor informed them that he was stable, and awake from the surgery. A night nurse at the station nearby Peter's private room informed them that since it was so late in the evening that they would be the only two to see Peter.

Josephine turned to Jacob and informed him that they might not be the best people for him to see right now. Jacob looked at her with confusion written all over his face.

"Why should we not go in there Josie? He's our friend and family. He needs us." pleaded Jacob.

"Baby, I know. But I think he needs some advice, not pity. I want to see him just as much as you do, but I think he needs to talk to someone who can help him more than we can at this point." said Josephine.

Jacob pondered his wife's words thoughtfully before countering with, "You mean Momma."

Josephine nodded her head. Jacob leaned down and kissed his wife's forehead before turning around to inform the night nurse that someone else instead of them would be coming to see their friend and relative. The couple then went back to the waiting room, where they found Stephen sitting directly across from Millie. Millie was in a state of silent shock while the couple relayed the news of the doctor to the group. Stephen watched her face change in the wake of the anguish and turmoil that only a parent could feel when confronted with the possibility of losing a child. He felt the same as well, but in his anguish he would do anything to comfort Millie.

He closed his eyes briefly to remember the sweet taste of her and willed down his erection. He was thankful that his trenchcoat carefully hid the unexpected arousal of being in the same room as her. However when he opened his eyes he found her expressive brown eyes looking at him. She was neither mad nor upset to see him. She looked resolved. He realized that she was looking through him and focusing on being strong for Peter.

Stephen felt shame like he hadn't felt in a long time -- not since having to admit his love and lust for Millie so many years ago while in therapy. Coupled with that shame was the almost desperate need to be close to her. Knowing that those old feelings were still there, Stephen quietly excused himself from the waiting room. Millie watched him walk away already understanding why he left the waiting room.

"Momma, Why don't you go in to see Peter." asked Jacob after he and Josephine finished explaining the news to the group.

Millie looked back at Stephen exiting through the emergency room automatic glass door. Even with everything that happened because of him -- her nightmares, jumpy behavior, the fear of whispers and shadows, and the deep depression of her situation, she still felt that this father needed to be with his son.

"I'll go see him. But the person my baby needs to see beside me is his daddy. Jacob, baby you go talk to that man and get him to talk to his boy. I'll head on over." responded Millie.

Josephine and Jacob stood there stunned. Josephine was the first to recover and gently pulled her mother to the side. Jacob, being the dutiful son walked out after Stephen who was making his way to his car in the chilly early morning air.

"Momma, what are you doing? He'll be in the same room as you! How are you so sure that he won't try to do something to you?" asked an upset Josephine.

"Baby, his boy needs him more than he thinks he needs me. I'll be fine. You just keep praying for ya cousin." stated Millie as she patted her daughter's hand and began heading off toward Peter's room. Josephine stared in wonder at her mother before shaking her head, knowing that once she made up her mind that there would be nothing to change her mind. She retreated to a nearby seat to wait for her husband to return.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Julianne stood in the center of the perfectly manicured lawn staring at the front door of her parents home. The loose black sweats barely stayed on her thick hips. Her hair hung slightly limp from the long bus ride from the heart of the city to the suburban New Jersey town of her youth. Her once racing mind was blank as she stared at the pristine white door set in the brick building framed by equally pristine corinthian columns. Everything seemed to weigh her down all at once - the choices she made that led her to her parents front steps. The despair, loneliness, and pain from the weight of the decisions she made hurt her to her soul.

"Julie?" Came a deep masculine voice from a slight distance away.

"Julie, honey? Babygirl what are you doing here?" came the voice, this time from a slightly closer distance.

Julianne blinked and the tears that marred her vision finally fell down her ashen cheeks. She looked up to see her father in the early dawn light. Warm firm hands slid around her shivering body and enveloped her in a warmth that tried to touch her soul.

"Baby, what's goin' on?" came the tender question to reach her self imposed solitude.

Julieanne finally acknowledged the voice and warmth that attempted to ease her pain.

"Da..." she started before her eyes lost focus and her body relaxed completely in his arms, sinking to the damp grass.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

When Millie entered the room, she paused for a moment to gather herself. Peter looked horrible. His normally refined appearance looked haggard and tired. His color was off -- a grayish tinge to his skin where it was usually a healthy pink under his slightly tanned skin. What hurt her most was the sight of all the tubes coming out of his body to stabilize him. She could see the bandages covering his chest. While relieved that he wasn't breathing out of a tube, seeing the IV and other things in his body made her sway slightly. She steeled her resolve and bravely walked forward into the room

"Hey baby." said Millie softly into the room as she stepped through the doorway.

Peter was looking out the window of his suite, deep in thought until he heard his momma's voice. He turned his head and smiled at her. Millie noticed that his smile was off -- the usual twinkle of mischief in his blue eyes was absent. She came to him and pulled up a chair to sit next to him on the far side of the bed close to the window. He reached out a hand to her, and she took it -- feeling the coolness of his skin against her warmth.

"How ya feel baby'?" asked Millie tentatively as she smiled down on him.

Peter shook his head. A tear dropped from his eye quicker than he could react and before either knew what hit him he was balling his eyes out. Millie scrambled over to the bed as quickly as she could and held Peter as he crumpled into her soft smaller frame. She stroked his hair and wiped the tears from his cheeks to soothe his frazzled nerves. It took him a while to cry his emotions out, but when he finished he began to talk to her.

"She's gone momma. She's really gone." whispered Peter in anguish.

"Is this your Josephine look-alike lady friend you talkin' 'bout baby?" asked Millie softly.

Peter nodded, burying his head in her tear dampened shirt.

"Baby, what happened?" asked Millie.

Peter asked her to sit and listen to his tale, and relayed the information about what lead up to their last conversation to his momma.

"I asked her why she was ashamed of me that night. I gave her a massage and after it a range of emotions came from her. She asked me about Josephine, and I did the stupidest thing ever. I told her that Josie was an ex-girlfriend that she sorta looked like. The two met tonight, and it was explosive. I had an inkling that she was not so sure about being with me because of the life I live, but I never expected her to leave. She's pregnant with my baby, and she's not sure what she will do with our child. How do I get her back? How do I get her to know that I love her when she thinks I've treated her as my object?" asked Peter.

Millie sighed holding her hand to her chest. She wanted to comfort him, but wasn't sure what to say that wouldn't hurt him worse than he was already hurting. She looked around the room before her eyes settled on the reflection of Stephen in the glass partition facing the nurses' station. Their eyes met in the glass, and she realized that he heard everything. She stared into his reflected eyes, raising a hand to beckon him to come into the room. Stephen hesitated before heeding her command.

Peter barely noticed that another person came into the room until he heard a slight cough announcing the presence of a man. Thinking that it was the doctor he turned away from Millie to see his father. The years since his confession of his attack on Millie had not been kind to the old man. He wasn't stooped, but his demeanor was contained where it used to be boastful. His green eyes looked watery, like he wanted to cry. Those same eyes flickered between Millie and Peter.

"Why are you here?" asked Peter as Millie swiped at some tears that fell down his ashen cheeks.

"I...I...I'm sorry. Maybe I should go." came Stephen's soft-spoken reply as he slowly backed out of the room.

"Stay." said Millie.

Peter turned to look up at her and saw the look on her face. It was a look he was very familiar with. There was no discussion: Peter would listen to whatever his father had to say. Peter turned back to look at his father with a look of annoyance and hostility in his icy blue eyes.

"I'm not gon' tell you again Peter." warned Millie.

She stepped away from him and her wiry hands settled on her hips. Peter closed his eyes briefly before opening them again on his father. They lacked the prior heat but still retained a coolness that would unnerve lesser men.

Stephen, encouraged by the support of Millie, stepped into the room and sat down in the chair to Peter's right side. Sitting close to the light above Peter, the younger man was able to see how the older man fared over the years. He also knew that for all of Stephen's remorse, the longing to be with Millie never abated, and if possible it grew stronger with each passing year. Stephen cleared his throat and began to speak.

"Son, I don't know what transpired to land you here in this bed, but I can tell that whatever it is must be over a woman you've fallen in love with and hurt deeply. In my experience, which unfortunately is vast, I've hurt a lot of people and broken many hearts and lives. I hurt the ones closest to me and ruined the one chance I may have ever had at true love. My foolish pride wouldn't allow me to realize that I couldn't take what I wanted just because I fell in love with a woman. I never learned the lesson I should have given to you so very long ago -- work for her.

"Whoever she is, she's special to you. Don't let her forget that. Don't take what you want and lay waste to her feelings as though they don't matter. Her feelings not only matter, but will be the most important measure of how you are as a man -- her man. Son, if this woman loves you, then treat her like the precious gem she is. Whatever you do, don't make her afraid of you. Don't take her for granted. And never, ever stop telling her that you love her and always will." finished Stephen.

For most of his advice he spoke to Peter, but as time wore on and he began to reflect on his life and those hard earned lessons, his eyes would land on Millie. Toward the end he stared at her as he told her through his son how he felt about her. Millie stood there watching and listening before realizing that he was speaking to her albeit indirectly. Millie broke the stare by looking to the side, absorbing the weight of the message Stephen gave them.

Millie gently patted Peter's shoulder, drawing his attention to her. He reached up to catch the tear that descended down her cheek. His hand wandered down her arm and linked hands with her. He looked over at his father and spoke clearly, with perfect enunciation.

"You hurt my momma. By that, you hurt me. I understand your words, and the sentiment behind them. But don't tell me of your mistakes as a way of instructing me on my own mistakes. Tell her. She's standing right here and is waiting for you to tell her. Be brave and beg for her forgiveness." said Peter.

"Baby, your father is here for you, not me." spoke Millie into the quiet hospital room punctuated by the soft beeping of Peter's heart monitor. Stephen looked pensively at Peter before he told his son exactly how he felt.

"Peter, you're my only child. I'm so, so sorry for hurting you all those years ago. I'm sorry for not being there for you the way you needed me to be there for you. I've looked back at my life, and realized that while I provided for you and your mother, I wasn't the man you needed in your life. It was because of my actions that I almost destroyed the best person in your life, the woman whose hand you hold so tenderly.

"I won't deny that I would trade places with you any day, because she taught you how to be affectionate and kind. I hope that whatever transpired to bring you to this place isn't because of what I taught you -- to be cold, manipulative and use your power and influence to subjugate others to your whims. It would hurt to know that that is my lasting legacy on this earth." spoke Stephen into the quiet room.

Peter looked up into her eyes, searching for the duplicity he knew would not be there. He put his head down, staring at the light blue blanket and rough white sheets covering his legs. After some time, he turned his head to his father and said the words that the old man needed to hear.

"I forgive you father."

A weight felt lifted from the shoulders of both men. The mood, while subdued, was hopeful as the three people in that room realized that with those simple words they would be able to start putting the immeasurable pain of the past in the past, and work toward a stronger relationship for the future.




The Arrangement Ch. 05



"I forgave you long ago Stephen." said Millie quietly into the room. A stunned Stephen raised up from his chair, staring into her gorgeous brown eyes. He saw no duplicity or fear in them and was amazed.

"Thank you. Both of you, thank you so very much." said Stephen softly to the two as a tear slid down his weathered face.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Jacob and Josephine remained in the lobby of the hospital waiting for Millie and Stephen to exit while the crowd of friends and family concerned for Peter's well being slowly dissipated over time.

Millie was the first one to leave the room and greet the two in the waiting room. She told them how Peter fared and some of the dialogue that passed between the three of them. Josephine swept her mother in a tight embrace, whispering how proud she felt of her mother's courage. Millie patted her daughter's back and was released shortly thereafter to get a small breather before her son scooped her up in a bear hug that had the woman laughing.

"What's this for?" asked Millie once Jacob released her.

"That's for you being amazing as always." said Jacob as he held her slim arms in his large hands.

Millie smiled up at the young man and son and patted his cheek.

"Come on handsome, you two need to get home to them grandbabies of mine before they give their sitter a heart attack. Again." joked Millie.

Josephine & Jacob laughed, knowing that by now the sitter was either passed out on their couch or climbing up the walls dealing with their twin girls.

"Ok mama, you win. We'll save the sitter and go home. How will you get home?" asked Josephine.

"Baby, I got more work to do. I'm spending the night here. I've already planned it wtih Peter and the hospital staff, and you can't talk me out of it." replied Millie with a steely glint in her eyes. Seeing that her mother would not be swayed, and not quite sure what kind of "work" she had to do she decided to leave her mother to her own devices, especially since the woman had a knack of knowing the right thing to do.

"Ok mama. Walk us out please?" asked Jacob as he wrapped an arm around his mother's shoulders.

"Sure baby." said Millie as they walked out the sliding glass doors of the ER room and into the soft rain of the pre-dawn night.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

"Baby!" screamed Richard into the front door. Within seconds his wife Charlene came running to the balcony overlooking the downstairs living room and front foyer.

"Oh my God, Richie what's wrong with Julie?" yelled a panicked Charlene.

"Baby, I don't know. Help me get her on the couch!" yelled back an equally panicked Richard.

Charlene sprinted down the stairs to help bring their little girl into their home. Once she was settled on the couch they took off the muddy, grassy sneakers from her feet. Charlene softly tutted at her daughter's wet sweatpants and sent her husband away to close the front door.

Once Richard left the room, Charlene slipped on a quilt to cover up Julieanne while she took off her pants. Julieanne began to moan and shiver as her bare skin made contact with the cool fabric of the couch and the cover. Charlene's brow furrowed as she observed her only daughter. They hadn't spoken in years. The time, in Charlene's view, was wasted.

Julieanne twisted slightly and moaned in pain before a sudden cough caught in her throat. Her body sputtered and heaved before beginning to choke. Charlene pulled and twisted her daughter's body for her to puke onto the tile floor. When Julianne's head fell heavily against her mother's cloth covered breast the lack of heat from her body shocked Charlene to the core.

"Richard!" screamed Charlene.

Richard ran back to the room and seeing the vomit on the floor and Julieanne's lagging body sprinted into quick action. He picked up the nearest wastepaper basket and set it close to his daughter. He moved his hands quickly to her hand to check her pulse. Alarmed at finding her pulse lagging, he gently but quickly opened her eyes. The sunlight that now streamed in through the east facing windows was in just the right position to see her dilated pupils.

Quickly surmising the situation, he scooped his daughter into his arms and instructed his wife to drive them to the nearest hospital.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

He watched her from by the entrance to the hospital doors as she sat peacefully under the amber outside light, not daring to approach the woman he both loved and feared.

"Ya know," she said to the air surrounding her, "before ya began wearing the cologne I told my husband that I like, ya wore a light fruity fragance. I never told anyone this, but next to my husband wearing the cologne I like, that one is my favorite, Stephen."

He froze where he stood, still wrapping his head around how she knew that he was in her presence.

"There's a light breeze coming from behind you. Ya cologne came my way." she answered his unasked question.

Peter blinked and smiled to himself. After all this time he still got goosebumps being in her presence.

"Come on over Stephen. I don't bite." sighed Millie.

Stephen hesitantly walked up to the bench she sat on and stared into the parking lot of cars that sparkled under the amber lights in the dark blue night sky.

"Sit and rest ya self." said Millie into the open space.

Her soft voice whispered sweetly to Stephen's sense of hearing. She was the only woman whose voice could have him ready and dripping with anticipation. He sat next to her, breathing slowly, taking care to not hyperventilate from being in her presence. He sat down, adjusting himself to hide the effect she always had on him. When he finally ventured to look in her direction he finally realized that her eyes were closed and her head was uplifted to the cool night sky.

He sat next to this woman that was the basis of his every desire wondering what it was about her that made him so crazy, and why was he so arrogant to think he could just take her and she would miraculously fall in love with him. He watched the even ebb and flow of her breath, noting how smooth her dark skin appeared. He knew he was staring, but he couldn't help himself.

"It took me a very long time." she said to the wind.

Stephen blinked, hesitating for a moment before asking her what she meant by her statement.

"It took me a very long time to forgive myself." she finally said after a few passing minutes.

Stephen waited for a while expecting her to finish when he finally understood why she said that particular statement to him. He coughed into his sleeve before adjusting his tie.

"Why did you have to forgive yourself? I was wrong for what I did to you. No amount of sorry could cover for how badly I treated you..." he started before she held up her right palm in his direction.

"I wasn't in my right mind when I came back to work after you did what you did to me. I was angry, hurt and scared, and I almost took it out on that precious child of yours, Peter. I almost hurt the child I'm kin to. The shame of my thoughts of harming the child I love simply because he looks like you was the light at the end of a dark tunnel. I knew I was sick and needed help." replied Millie.

She paused for a few minutes. Each person wandered deep into their own thoughts on the aftermath of Stephen's attack on her. Each one felt the physical and emotional pain of the aftermath.

"I never thanked you for sending me to that hospital. Thank you for providing for my care." Millie finally stated to the deep quiet surrounding them.

Stephen wasn't sure what to say, but he knew her nature and penchant for kindness and understood that her gratitude was real. He also knew that he didn't deserve any of it.

"You shouldn't have had to go through what I put you through. Thank you for forgiving me. I was wrong, and no apology could ever encompass how ashamed I am at my own behavior. You never deserved to be assaulted. You deserved love, devotion and compassion. How you are able to forgive is an act of grace that I don't deserve. Giving you anything you want or need won't ever make up for what I did, but I thank you still for allowing me to be a better man." said Stephen looking at her profile.

The two sat together staring into open night sky before their sense of smell picked up the familiar scent of an event soon to come. Within moments sprinkles from above dripped onto their heads. Stephen had a mind to get the two of them up and shielded under a nearby overhang or back into the warm and dry ER waiting room. He paused when he saw Millie lift her face toward the heavens, openly reveling in the soft raindrops splashing against her skin. He watched in quiet awe as a slow smile spread over her lovely features. He simply watched her, ignoring the soaking he received. Just as quickly as the rain started, it stopped leaving a lightly damp roadway, cars and passersby.

"Ever heard the sound of a soft rain falling on trees? Or smelled the air, really smelled the air before, during and after the rain has come?" asked Millie, with her eyes closed.

Stephen, unsure of his answer shook his head in the negative. A space of time existed between them before Millie answered Stephen's unasked wonder at her question.

"The most peaceful events in life occur when no one notices - each little drop's mission is to fall. Each leaf's mission is to allow it. The interaction of the two, multiplied to infinity, creates an act, a sound, and a smell that is and will forever be the very definition of peace." stated Millie.

Stephen shifted in his seat, still unsure where the conversation was headed, but enjoying the sound of her voice, while seeking to understand the wisdom behind her words.

"It is my desire, through this life I've been blessed with, to seek the stability and peace of softly falling rain. I actively choose to recognize the damage you did to me. I also actively choose to move forward and not let your actions affect my need for peace." stated Millie.

"My mission in life is a work in process. Realize that it took a great deal of trial and pain for me to tell ya this, but I truly forgave you long ago. What ya do with that information is solely your choice and responsibility. Mine was to let ya know." finished Millie.

Stephen nodded his head in her direction. He turned away from her, lifted his face to the sky, closed his eyes and inhaled.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

"Richard?" asked Dr. Martinsen.

Richard and Charlene rose from the uncomfortable plastic seats in the waiting room of the urgent care facility.

"Kyle. What's going on with Julie?" asked Richard as he shook his golf partner's hand in greeting.

Dr. Martinsen looked briefly at the worried parents dreading the information he would have to give them.

"Richard, Charlene - let's go talk in here for a moment." said Dr. Martinsen pointing to the open door of a small meeting room off the side of the waiting room.

The couple looked at one another before Richard wrapped his arm around Charlene's round shoulders. They silently followed the doctor into a small, well lit, light drab gray room with a table and some more of the uncomfortable plastic chairs.

"Please sit." stated Dr. Martinsen as he pulled out a chair for Charlene. Richard waited for her to be seated before seating himself. Dr. Martinsen sat across from a couple that were his friends, preparing himself mentally for the difficult news he would give them.

"Richard..." started Dr. Martinsen before Richard interrupted him.

"Kyle, what's going on with my daughter? Will she be ok?" fired off Richard in rapid succession. Charlene put a gentle restraining hand over the back of her husband's hand to try to calm him down.

"Baby, whatever is going on with Julie isn't Kyle's fault. Just calm down and we'll work it out together. Okay?" said Charlene gently.

Dr. Martinsen sighed. He ran a hand over his face before it went into his thick head of graying strawberry blonde hair. He cradled his face with the same hand and looked at Richard.

"Richard, there's no easy way to say this. Julie's pregnant. Exactly nine weeks along. She's severely dehydrated, and it seems quite depressed. I gave her a sedative to help her sleep, but when she wakes up she'll be disoriented and scared. She'll need you two to be strong for her." said Dr. Martinsen.

Richard and Charlene sat stock still in shock from the news they just heard.

"Julie's having a baby?" whispered Charlene.

Kyle shook his head in the affirmative.

"We didn't know. We had no clue she was seeing anyone serious. Ever since our last..." started Charlene before Richard placed his arm around her and pulled her body closer to his.

"Rich, Char, I know. I'm sorry to be the one to break this news to you. I wish I could take it back, but it just is the truth. When you found her she was on the verge of a mental break. She needs time and care to sort out this entire thing. She's always been a strong willed young lady - you can trust that she will do what feels right and best in her heart." said Kyle.

An uncomfortable silence punctuated the room as the occupants pondered what will happen next.

"Richie, let me know what you need. I'll do whatever I can to help you all out through this." stated Dr. Martinsen as he stood to leave.

Richard stood with his friend and the two men shook hands before embracing. Kyle left the room, leaving the distraught parents to their thoughts.

"Pregnant. Our baby girl is pregnant..." mumbled Charlene into the quiet room.

"We'll get through this baby. God only knows how, but we'll get through this." replied Richard as he held his trembling wife closer before a muffled sob disrupted the stillness of the tense room.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Stephen opened his eyes quickly when he felt the shift in weight and the creaking of the bars of the outside bench he shared with Millie. Slightly startled, his cat-like eyes went immediately to his right, where Millie now stood. With the chivalry embedded in his system he rose immediately to honor her. They stared at one another for a while before he broke the silence with his words.

"I have no rights to tell you this, but I never stopped loving you Millie. I know you found it in your heart to forgive me, and I am eternally grateful for that. I know that this is asking a lot, but would you please grant me your blessing to treat you with the kindness, dignity and respect that you truly deserve? I'm not asking for your love, I'm asking to have the chance to earn your trust. I don't have any rights, but I'd appreciate the opportunity." stammered Stephen.

Millie viewed him through seemingly impassive brown eyes, surveying her aggressor. A part of her did not want to give this man the time of day, let alone the opportunity to even address her as anything other than 'Madame'. Another part of her knew that the right, and Christian thing to do is to forgive and try to navigate a way forward that would allow her soul the maximum amount of peace. Her sweet, kind nature battled against her wits. In a decision that she knew she would have to review continually, she slowly nodded her head, and stepped away from Stephen, back into the much warmer waiting room.

Stephen's heart soared. Once she was out of earshot, he rummaged through his pockets until he found his cell phone. After quickly punching in a few numbers into the keypad, he located his contact and dialed.

"Hello?" answered a soft-spoken, yet masculine voice.

"Anson? It's Stephen."

A moment of silence passed between the two men before Anson sighed.

"What's going on Stephen?" he asked

"It's about..." started Stephen

"Millie?" Anson finished his statement.

"Yes. It's about Millie." said Stephen.

"Haven't you done enough to the woman? You need to get over her and move on with your life Stephen. Date other women, and stop obsessing over this one. Shit, it's been thirty fucking years Stephen. She deserves for you to leave her the hell alone Stephen." sighed Anson.

"I know, but she forgave me." replied Stephen in a low voice.

Silence came from the other end of the phone before Anson blew out a low breath.

"She's much more amazing than you deserve." Anson responded.

"I know. That's why I need to see you again." replied Stephen.

"For what? She gave you her forgiveness, which is all that your sorry ass could ever hope for. Why do you need to see me?" he asked.

"Because I want to gain her trust, and show her that I'm not the same man I used to be." replied Stephen.

"What exactly did you say to her. Don't sugar coat this shit either. I need to know what the hell happened between the two of you." replied Anson in an even voice.

Stephen took his time recounting their entire conversation, from start to finish.

"You're an asshole Stephen Baker." stated Anson flatly.

"I already know that. I need to be a better man for her sake though. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make her see that I'm not the same man I used to be." Stephen responded sincerely. More silence came from the other end of the phone line before a deep sigh broke it.

"When do you have availability?" asked Stephen.

Anson didn't want to say that he was happy that Stephen was making progress, and moving in the right step. He didn't want the cocky son of a bitch to get it into his thick head that he knew what he was doing and risk hurting Millie again.

"This Thursday at 10:00 a.m. sharp. Don't be late." replied Anson.

"Thank you. Your office or the club?" asked Stephen.

"My office. I don't want to confuse this with a social gathering." replied Anson warily.

"Okay. I'll see you then." replied Stephen before hanging up the phone.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Charlene and Richard slowly made it into the room holding their oldest child and only daughter, Julieanne. Their steps echoed loudly on the highly polished pale tile floors. There was a slight knock and a brief hesitation as they both leaned close to the heavy wooden door to listen in on any activity behind the closed door. Hearing nothing, they cautiously turned the handle and walked in. What greeted them took their breath away.

Julieanne's once glowing chocolate skin looked gray. Dark circles rimmed her reddened wild eyes. She looked absolutely terrified. Her hands were shackled to the sides of the hospital bed. Her hospital gown was low where the heart monitors met her skin.

This was not their Julieanne.

"Da-da-daddy?" she asked, confusion lacing her sleep induced gravelly voice.

Richard stepped into the room and went to his daughter's hospital bed. Whatever panic he had in him he tamped down to produce a smile that would put his babygirl at ease. The moment the creases of his dark face turned upward, a glimmer of his oldest and only girl came through.

"Hey babygirl. How you feel?" asked her father as he sat his much larger frame on her hospital bed.

"Where am I daddy?" she asked. Julieanne looked all around the room. It was a standard hospital room, with a television overhead, white walls, a chair against a wall with shiny tile floors. A window overlooked the beautiful manicured grounds of the hospital complex. Neither of the two noticed as Julieanne's mother, Charlene moved to and sat in the lone chair in the room.

"Why do I have restraints? What's going on?" asked an increasingly anxious Julieanne. She began to pull at the restraints only to note that she had an iv attached to her left arm.

"Daddy?" she asked with tears starting to form in her large brown eyes.

Richard took a deep breath to prepare for the news that may or may not devastate his only daughter.

"Babygirl, what do you remember?" asked Richard.

Julieanne blinked a few times in thought before responding.

"I came home. I rode the bus and came home. After that I don't remember." she said. Confusion marred her facial features.




The Arrangement Ch. 05



"That's right baby. You came home. We are glad to have you home too baby." started her father.

"That's not right. Momma told me not to come back." answered Julieanne in a deadpan.

Heavy silence filled the room.

"Baby, whatever transpired that long ago between you and your momma is long over. Now is not the time to talk about this sweetheart. Let's just focus on your health and recovery. Okay?" said her father into the uncomfortable silence.

"No. I don't think that will work. Momma, you hurt me. You called me a slut for kissing my first boyfriend. Not for actually having sex with the man, but just kissing him. You told me that if I was going to throw myself away to some man that I might as well be out on the street getting some money for my wares. Then you informed me that I might as well pack up for school early and get started earning my money." said Julieanne robotically.

Richard sat in stunned silence as Charlene sat completely shocked that her daughter would remember something in complete and unrepentant detail. Shame inflamed her dark cheeks. Richard turned slightly toward his wife with a shocked look on his face.

"Julieanne, that boy meant you no good. He was lousy and not worth your time. The way I said what I said came out entirely wrong, but honey, you have to admit that you dated him to spite me." was her mother's reply.

Julieanne stared hard at her mother. Charlene blinked in response. Richard cleared his throat to try clear the obvious tension in the air.

"I dated him because I liked him. Your words scarred me. My own mother, calling me a whore for not obeying her word because she didn't like some guy that I liked. That. shit. hurt. like. hell momma. You had no business doing that to me. I don't want you in here. Once I get better and get the hell out of this place then I'll be out of your hair and into a hotel until I figure out my next step. Good bye mother." said Julieanne with a finality that stung Charlene.

"Baby, you're just a little upset right now because you've been through something hard. Just focus on your healing and you will be more than welcome to come back home to finish out your recovery and plan your next steps." said Richard quietly to his daughter.

"No. I won't go home. I was a fool to come back. Daddy, I love you, but I can't go home and be under the same roof as momma. It just ain't gonna happen." said Julieanne as she turned her head away from her father's pleading visage.

"Not even with the baby on the way?" asked Richard.

Julieanne's head turned slowly to her father's face.

"How do you...Dr. Martinsen, correct?" asked Julieanne.

Richard's furtive glance toward Charlene, who sat on the edge of her seat, told the story.

"Ah. So my godfather tells you all that I've obviously gotten myself into some sort of trouble and that you two need to step up and help me. Does that about sum it all up?" asked Julieanne snidely.

Richard set his gaze on his only daughter. Too much time and misunderstanding stood in the way of helping his child. He would be damned if she were to walk away without so much as an inkling of help from them. Charlene, on the other hand, had other ideas as she stood and began to walk out the room.

"Charlene, don't you dare walk out that door. Not when she needs us. Not now." said Richard to his wife.

Charlene stood at the door with her hand on the knob. She shook silently with anger at both her daughter and her husband. Charlene whipped around and prepared her verbal spar with her daughter, who looked equally ready to give it back to her mother.

"Just stop you two. Stop it right now. This has gone on for too damn long. I waas tired of the fighting that happened when you still lived with us Julieanne, and I'm tired of not hearing from you because of this stupidity between the two of you. Don't you realize how much you need each other? Julieanne, you need your mother's advice and help as you prepare to either have this life in yours, or choose to terminate. Charlene, you have missed Julieanne so bad over these years. Why can't you just admit that? Why can't you admit that you miss having the girl time you once had when she was here? Why can't you admit that you miss your daughter? What the hell is wrong with the two of you?" asked a frustrated and determined Richard.

The two women felt some of the flame in each other's eyes soften as the sobering reality of their situation settled. A long silence punctuated by each person's slightly labored breathing settled over the three denizens of that sterile hosptial room. Charlene sighed - she knew her husband was right.

"Julie - I never should have said those things. I meant one thing that came out wrong. Can you forgive me?" asked Charlene. A pregnant pause hung over the room in anticipation of Julieanne's response.

"Sure momma. Just, let's just take this one day at a time. We didn't get this way overnight, so we can't expect to reconcile overnight either." stated Julieanne.

"Sure. And thanks Julie-girl." said her mother, referring to her childhood nickname. It had been a long time since she heard her nickname not be used to mock her or her behavior.

A small smile played on Charlene's lips. Richard motioned for her to go back to her seat and wait until he was finished speaking with their distraught daughter. Charlene flashed a look of impatience at her husband, before walking over to her chair to perch. While he knew that look well, he also knew what it took to tame the wildcat known as his wife.

"Babygirl, you've got a life growing in you. That is a gift and a blessing. Have you thought about what you want to do? And, I've just got to say this to you, but who is the father and why is he not taking up his end of this responsibility?" asked Richard as he implored his daughter with his eyes.

Julieanne sighed heavily. Her eyes grew weary and her head reclined against the soft hospital pillow that tried to comfort it.

"It's a long story daddy." said Julieanne, looking away from her father's eyes.

Richard put his hand over her cold one to reassure her.

"That's quite alright with me. I've got all the time in the world for you, Julie-girl." said Richard.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Sunlight streamed into the bedroom that overlooked the tranquil lush greens and perfectly manicured shrubbery of the north garden. The sunlight danced playfully over the grounds while their owner sipped hot tea watching the butterflies flit about below.

He missed her something terrible.

His thoughts went to the days following his release from the hospital. After the emergency life-saving surgery, Peter found himself without a life to truly live. Just being in that room brought back fond memeories for him....

She stood staring out over the north garden. The sunlight streamed through the window, dancing over her brown hair and outlining the curve of her body through her silk lounging chemise. Peter had just come into the bedroom to find her staring out the window. Her soft voice sang of love lost by one of her favorite musical artists. Seeking to not disturb her, he quietly closed the door to the room, and crept slowly toward her, making sure to not disturb the creaking floorboards that would give his position away.

Once he stood directly behind her, he leaned forward to smell her hair before sliding his hands around her hips. At first she tensed, then relaxed into Peter's arms. The sapphire blue color of the chemise mixed beautifully with her gold toned chocolate skin. Peter's head dipped down to the gentle curve of her neck, laying light kisses up her neck to her ear that brought a shiver to her body.

"Hey baby. How was your day?" asked Peter as his tongue decided to flick her earlobe before gently sucking that tender bit of flesh.

"G-g-g-gooood." stammered, then sighed Julieanne.

"Yours?" she breathed out with a sigh.

"Better." he murmured. A hand on her hip slid up the silk to cup a breast, with his thumb carefully strumming the hardened nipple.

Julieanne tried her best to fight the arousal she felt to Peter's touch, but the man knew her body better than she did.

"Wha...t.. did you...Oh....do today?" asked Julianne as Peter's hand crept down her other hip and pulled up the chemise to find the thin bit of satin that clung to her thick hips.

"Mergers, acquisitions, stock performance evaluations. Same old same old. The company overall is doing well, and we just received the report from the investment agency giving us the green light to go ahead with our acquisition of a textile merchant." replied Peter calmly as the hand holding her breast slid up to bring the strap of silk and lace down her arm, before exposing her breast to his view. Peter groaned aloud as his mouth salivated at the sight of her exposed breast.

The other hand at her hip rose up to caress the smooth skin of her tummy. After gaining some control, and enjoying the shiver of her body, he asked her to turn around and sit on the edge of the chaise lounger she stood over. His kissing her neck and sucking on her ear never stopped as he touched her body.

Julieanne did as instructed, turning to face Peter. His bright blue eyes searched her face before laying a kiss to her pouty lips. Her partially nude skin made him hotter for her. His hand went for her exposed breast, allowing his thumb to resume its work. Julieanne's head fell back. His other hand cupped the back of her head, relishing the sensation of her natural hair in his palm. He licked her lips to allow him entry into her sweet mouth, which she graciously opened. His thick tongue slid between her lips, seeking her tongue, coaxing it to dance with his between their mouths. The hand on the back of her head slid down her silk covered back and cupped her thick ass that had a slim string of blue silk covering her modesty.

When Peter had his fill of her mouth he kissed her chin and moved his way down the curve of her neck to her chest. He nibbled on her chest, enjoying the change in her breathing because of the pleasure he was able to give to her. Once he came to her nipple, he took a tentative lick then blew on the skin to watch it harden further. Her sharp cry let him know that he did it just the way she liked it. He gently positioned her to recline back on the chaise, with the sunlight beaming down on her beautifully. He parted her thighs to gain access to her exposed nipple. The other silk covered one called for his attention as well.

He kissed his way up her silk covered belly before applying sucking kisses to the underside of her nipple before wrapping his lips around the aroused flesh. She tasted as sweet as her chocolate skin looked to him. Whispery sighs came from her thick lips as her hands mussed up his salt and pepper hair to cradle his head to her breast. His hands stroked her thick thighs as her hips grinded into his chest & abdomen.

A hand placed on her gyrating hips slid down to her wet pussy lips. Her hips jerked in response, as he kept sucking and lapping at her nipple. His fingers made contact with the damp silk, running up and down to further worsen the wet spot in her panties. Julieanne whimpered for more, but all Peter would do was suck, lick and tease her one nipple while sliding his finger through her silk covered pussy lips. Her body began to tremble as it began its ascent to an orgasm. Just as she was about to see stars, he pulled completely away.

Julieanne turned around to look up at Peter. The smirk on his handsome face told the story. Before she knew it, his lips captured hers tenderly as he gently pushed her back onto the chaise. She started to take off the shoulder straps to the chemise before he stopped her.

"No baby. That's my job. Just lay there, and I will take care of you." said Peter to Julieanne as he quickly discarded his clothing. He was down to his birthday suit, with his thickness swinging in front of him, staring down at the beauty he knew he could only have through bribery. That thought still niggled at his mind, but he put it away to focus on her pleasure.

Peter knelt down on the side of the chaise, and brought up a muscular leg to his side. He rubbed her calf muscle and knee, placing gentle kisses up her legs. He could smell her scent heavily permeating the air. It drove him crazy. He paused for a moment to stare at the damp spot between her heavenly thighs. He realized all too quickly that trying to ignore her pussy would be a futile task. With cat like reflexes, he slid up to her hip to suck on the tender flesh covering her hip bone. A startled shriek was his reward, but he was far from done in hearing all her little sounds.

He dragged his teeth over her heated skin, sprinkling kisses intermittently until he came to one side of her silk dark blue matching panties. He gently tugged on the silk material with his teeth. Once he came to a stopping point, he kissed the other side of her hip bone and pulled that down. He continued pulling the fabric from her body until it was at her feet. He worked at the buckles and straps of her high heel shoes to slip those off before sucking on her big toe.

"Oh..." sighed Julieanne in quiet amazement of the wonderful feeling of his warm mouth wrapped around her extremely sensitive digit. She tried to withdraw her feet from the intensity of the pleasure he gave her toes, only to have him drop kisses on the other toes before licking the sensitive underside of her foot. She couldn't stop the shriek she gave as he sucked on her ankle. His kisses were nibbles up the inside of her calf that had her shivering when he lingered on the back of her knee. His strong fingers kneaded and caressed her thighs. He relaxed her tight legs allowing them to gently spread open so he could see her glistening pussy lips. She looked incredible to him from this angle -- strong, sensitive to touch thighs spread open for his delight, bare chocolate breasts with suckle hardened nipples peaking over the tops of the dark blue silk that caressed her curvy body.

He thanked God everyday for his sweet tooth when it came to his Julieanne.

He watched her for a moment before standing to his feet and opening the French doors that overlooked the garden where the chaise sat. It was a warm day, not to hot and just enough of a breeze to cool their heated bodies. At first Julieanne was shocked and pulled away from the opened doors to the outside. She told Peter that she was not wanting to give his gardeners a show and began to cover herself in shame from the opened doors.

"I gave them all the rest of the day off. They aren't there baby. It's just me, you and the sun. Just enjoy this please sweetness." pleaded Peter.

Julieanne stood shivering in front of him, unsure of whether or not he was being truthful. So far he hadn't lied to her, as far as she knew. Then again, he wasn't the type of man to tell everything, only the information he felt she needed to know.

Peter, seeing her hesitation, reached for her and slowly removed her trembling limbs from her body.

"I would not do anything to publicly embarrass or hurt you, ever." said Peter slowly as he came closer to her trembling body.

Julieanne looked at him for a long time, before she allowed Peter to touch her skin. Goosebumbs formed on her arms and chest in fear of being seen so naked in front of strangers. Her fear was slightly abated, and he pulled her close to him. Any remaining clothing on her delectable figure he peeled off slowly and reverently, stopping to kiss her on her ribs, the back of her hips and her ass cheeks.

His gentle caresses soothed her anxiety, as he slowly pulled her body to his, with her back facing his chest. He nipped and nibbled on the sensitive skin under her ear, loving the soft moan from her full lips. One hand came up to caress and stroke her pebbled nipples. They lost some of their hardness from his earlier attention, but were still sensitive to the touch for her, much to his delight. She gasped when the fingers of the hand that gripped her hips slid down to gently touch her dampening folds. His kisses remained light, with soft nibbling from his lips turning her on that much more. Her soft hair caressed his face as his hands worked her receptive body into a frenzy. He slid two of his fingers inside her warm pussy, and pinched a nipple. Her cry of satisfaction matched the amount of her juices that spilled from her body all over his fingers. He slowly fingered her pussy, enjoying the scent of her skin, and the warmth of her delicious body. He walked her close to the chaise, where she bumped into it and moved with her to lay on it behind her. His fingers in her pussy still did its work, stroking her body to climax. He kept his warm hand over her hardened nipple as he pushed her to her pleasure limits with his fingers. He knew where her spots were and worked them masterfully. When her body shook and trembled with her orgasm, he slid down her body, kissing all the way down her back until his knees were planted on the ground and raised her thigh into the air. He ate her pussy like it was the finest dessert, with one thigh held in the air to open her up for his hungry mouth. His other hand kept her gyrating hips as stationary as possible.

"Peter, baby, please stop. I...I can't take any more..." moaned Julieanne.

Peter switched from sucking on her exposed cute little clit to running his tongue up and down her pussy lips. She was so wet for him and his cock was so hard it hurt. He could feel himself leaking pre-cum on the floor. He needed to be inside her body, but only when she was about ready to pass out. He loved it when her eyes would roll back into her head and she begged him to stop before she succumbed to pleasure overload. Taking her body while she was passed out was slowly becoming a fetish for him with her. Knowing that he pleasured her beautiful body so greatly that she was asleep, or greatly weakened while he then enjoyed his pleasure from her body made him feel so good as a man. He felt that he was her man, even if he was paying to keep her.

"Peter...please...please stop. No mas... baby... no mas..." she moaned again.

"I love it when I can make you beg me to stop in Spanish baby." sighed Peter into her pussy. The hand holding her thigh up came down, only so he could slide to fingers into her pulsing pussy while his mouth could concentrate on her hard and distended clit. His concentrated efforts caused her body to climax hard, yet he continued to slide his fingers into her heat. Soon just his gentle flicks of the tongue on her clit were enough to cause her to body to ascend completely, and she squirted her release all over his hand.

He sampled her sweet nectar and enjoyed the way her pussy walls contracted erratically around his fingers. Her screams of release sounded better than a symphony, and when he looked up, she was truly a vision for his weary eyes. Her strong arms were underneath her large heaving tits with nipples as hard as diamonds. Her head was thrown back, exposing the column of her sexy neck. Her thighs were open and shaking, breathing shallow and her cleanly manicured nails gripped the side of the chaise.

He allowed his tongue to slide down from her pussy to her asshole, where he licked at it, startling her completely. He pulled her top thigh from its position over his back and placed it on her bottom thigh to get to her cute little button. He paid loving attention to the tight bundle of nerves just under her pussy and pushed her thigh up higher to get better access to her asshole. Her body trembled and continued to leak as he pleasured her body more.




The Arrangement Ch. 05



Ayden was shocked at her reaction, whatever he had expected it certainly wasn't this. He quickly gathered her in his arms and softly stroked her hair. "Shhh baby, I'm here. It's ok, you're safe, no one is going to hurt you again." He soothed. 

Jade gradually calmed down enough to allow the reality to seep into her confusion. She ran her hands over his face, his hair, his neck, lovingly touching every part of him that she could reach to reassure herself that he was truly real. Ayden allowed her to look and touch her fill, enjoying the feel of her in his arms after so long. He gently caressed her back and sides. When his hand inadvertently brushed the side of her breast he felt her stiffen in his arms. He looked at her carefully and saw the terror cross her face.

Jade backed away with an unnatural quickness, her mind flashing back to other not so pleasant touches. Ayden was confused by her reaction but he didn't move closer. Jade took a moment to catch her breath and come back to the present. When she opened her eyes she saw Ayden's handsome but confused face looking at her. "What did he do Jade?" Ayden said quietly. Every fibre of his being was dreading her response, but he needed to know.

Jade couldn't form words, tears welling in her eyes yet again. She rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling. How could she tell him everything, he would never look at her the same. The rational part of her mind was screaming at her to talk, tell him everything, and purge all the horrible memories from her head. The scared little girl inside her, the one that was desperately in love didn't want to hurt the object of that affection. She didn't want him to be repulsed by her in any way. 

"What did he do?" Ayden said again with inhuman restraint on his tumultuous emotions. His active imagination was creating the most horrendous scenarios. 

Jade's rational mind won out and she started to talk, it was infinitely easier when she didn't have to look at him and see the disgust in his eyes. She told him about being kidnapped and walking up at the house, about the young prostitute that was abused and killed in front of her. She told him about Julia's particular brand of entertainment and about the information she imparted about vampires, and conversions. All this she told him while staring at the ceiling, tears streaming down her temples dampening her hair. In an odd way it was also cathartic getting all that poison out of her system allowing her to see that it was not her fault and not within her control.

Each word ripped another hole in Ayden, another wound that wouldn't heal. It made him breathless that she suffered so much at their hands. Julia's involvement surprised him in particular. How could she stand it, she was incredibly strong this woman that he loved. He didn't deserve such a treasure. He had to get her away from the danger his world presented. She was too important to risk again. Marcus and Julia were going to suffer for all they had done.

Ayden was quiet for so long that Jade didn't know what to think. She got up and wiped her tear stained face. "I'll go now." She said quietly as she moved to get some things together. 

"Yes." He said. The pain that tore through her at that simple word was more than she'd ever imagined. Nothing that Julia inflicted could compare. She stumbled catching herself on the dressing table. 

I knew he would get rid of me but I didn't think it would be like this. She thought as she started opening draws. Jade started as she felt him next to her.

"Get rid of you?" Ayden asked turning her to face him. She hadn't realised she had spoken her thoughts out loud. His question confused her and she looked at him perplexed. He was the one that wanted her gone what was he asking for? Tired, more tired than she'd ever been in her life she decided to take a risk and be honest. She had nothing to lose after all.

"Yes, get rid of me. I realize Ayden that I am nothing more than an arrangement for you. But I am weak, human. I can't defend myself and I can be used against you. You cannot risk having me around so I'll just get out of your way." She said wearily. 

Ayden shook his head and tried to make sense of her words. She had no idea, no idea at all. His anger was close to the surface at the moment and he allowed a little of that to show through. "You think that I would just toss you away like that. That you mean nothing? It is you that should be running from me Jade. I've caused nothing but pain in your life. You are the most wonderful woman I've ever met. So strong and courageous, loving and tender, funny and challenging and not to mention incredibly sexy. You are my world, my everything; I'm thoroughly and utterly in love with you. I can't stand it that you were hurt because of me. I need you to go to keep you safe. I won't survive if anything happened to you again. I love you enough to let you go so you can live a normal life." He practically spat at her annoyed that she didn't see the reason behind his words.

Ayden loved her. That is all Jade could process at the moment. He loved her. Her heart stuttered and stoped before resuming at a must faster rate. "You love me." She whispered breathlessly moving closer to him.

"More than my life." Ayden said solemnly. He gasped when she flew into his arms and kissed him. "Jade please you need to go, you need to be safe." He vainly tried to argue as she was planting kisses over each part of exposed skin she could reach. 

Jade looked up at him and stared him straight in the eyes. "Listen here Mr. Gregori I'm not going anywhere, ever. I happen to love you too. Besides I think I earned the right to be by your side. So just shut up and kiss me." She said firmly before placing her lips on his. 

Ayden's heart soared with her words, words he never thought he'd hear in his existence. Her lips on his were working their magic and soon he found himself kissing her back passionately. His tongue delved into her hot mouth tasting the sweetness that was solely her. Ayden groaned as she pressed against him, he'd missed her so very much. 

Jade's head swam with the intensity of their kiss as she tried to communicate all her adoration through her lips and tongue. His mouth left hers for a moment to trail along her jaw and caress that magic little spot behind her ear causing a shiver to run down her spine. Jade gave a little gasp as he picked her up and carried her to the bed.

Ayden's lips captured hers again as he lowered himself on top of her. His hand gently brushed down her side causing her to stiffen again. Ayden froze, he wondered if she would be able to do this as he looked down on her with her eyes closed trying to control her fear. "Jade look at me." He said quietly with no reaction from her. "Jade I need you to look at me." He said again. 

Jade slowly opened her eyes. "I'm sorry, it's just that..." she whispered unable to complete the thought.

"Baby I want you to keep your eyes open. I want you to look at me and know that I would never hurt you. I want you to know that every touch is love Jade. Know it." He said hoping with his words and gentleness he could help her move through this fear. 

Jade forced her eyes to stay on him, to watch as he ran his hands over her stomach and thighs. She watched as he slowly and carefully removed her clothes and stared at her with such reverence that it made her heart ache. She watched as those gentle hands caressed and worshiped her breasts causing shivers of pleasure to shoot to her rapidly heating core. She watched as his mouth followed the path his hands had taken making her gasp in pleasure. 

Jade looked directly into his eyes as he lowered his mouth onto her moistened folds. She watched him as he licked and suckled her lips, as he stroked her swollen nub with his tongue. She watched until the pleasure became so intense that she was forced to close her eyes and cry out her orgasm to the world. 

Ayden growled in delight as his Jade achieved her release. He gathered her in his arms and held her until her breathing came back to normal. He was entranced by her soft sighs so he didn't immediately notice the hand on his hardness. Oh the little minx, she was definitely being more herself. Ayden groaned in her ear as her strokes increased in firmness and speed. Rolling on top of her he forced her to let go causing her to hiss her displeasure. 

Ayden smiled and slanted his mouth over hers giving her a wonderfully drugging kiss as he entered her in one long smooth stroke. Jade's cry was muffled by his mouth on hers. Breathless but unwavering in his steady rhythm, Ayden broke their kiss. "Keep your eyes open Jade." He whispered. "Look at me and know. Know how much I love you."

Jade clung to him as she looked deeply into his dark eyes. Foreheads pressed together, eyes locked intensely as Ayden continued his maddeningly steady pace. Ayden used his free hand to caress her hardened nipples causing her to moan and squirm beneath him. Jade was trembling with need as he knowingly kept her on the edge of release. Just as she was about to beg for more he increased the power and speed of his trusts.

This change of pace was too much for Jade as she broke eye contact to bury her mouth in his neck. Every stroke was bringing her closer and he was relentless in his desire to push them both over the edge. Jade dug her nails into his strong arms as she screamed for the second time and Ayden was lost the moment he felt her shatter around him. Ayden growled as he released himself inside her satisfied that he had marked her as his in every way possible.

To be continued ...



The Arrangement Ch. 06



For those that have been following this tale I thank you and want to let you know that although this is the last chapter it will continue. There is a whole other world of adventures for Jade and Ayden to explore. It just may not be right away.

My heart felt thanks goes to the Guild and apollona who has lived up to his namesake :) 

Please enjoy and comments and feedback are always welcome.

***

Life returned to some semblance of normal over the next couple of days. Jade had made contact with her work and told several white lies to cover her absence. Although physically well enough, she wasn't exactly emotionally ready to go back straight away. Thankfully the partners were very understanding and told her to take all the time she needed.

Jonathan was another problem entirely. His father Peter had almost reported him as a missing person thinking that he'd relapsed into his old partying and self-destructive ways. It took a great deal of smoothing over by both Jade and Jonathan to convince Peter that things were all right. Jonathan had left for his own place promising to return soon. Jade was grateful to have a friend that knew the complete truth, someone that she could have a laugh with about the absurdity of it all.

Ayden was working, trying to manage his various businesses considering how he'd neglected them while he was looking for Jade. He was also trying to decide what to do with his vast wealth on the off chance that he didn't survive the encounter with Marcus. He was determined to make sure that Jade was looked after for the rest of her life. There was also his long suffering assistant Karl to consider along with the numerous charitable organizations he supported. Collecting all the appropriate documentation into a clearly labelled folder he put it aside and started the most difficult task. A letter to Jade. A letter explaining everything she'd inherit but more, his love and utter devotion to her. He wanted to tell her to go on without him, get married, have children, and have a normal life. It shattered his heart into a million pieces to even consider these thoughts but he was determined that she would be happy.

While Ayden was pouring his heart out, Jade was upstairs cleaning up. It was a mundane task but it made her happy that she could at least contribute something to their home. She chuckled to herself as she picked up Ayden's discarded pants off the floor. For such a capable man, Ayden was often a little scattered with his clothes. He never put them away, choosing rather to leave a trail around the house that either Jade or Karl would have to track down. Jade diligently went through the pockets before placing the pants in the laundry basket. 

Finding only a folded piece of paper she pondered on whether it was appropriate for her to look at it. Curiosity won out as she reasoned that if it was trash then she didn't need to bother Ayden with it. As she read the note Marcus had left her breath caught and she leaned heavily on a table grateful for its sturdiness. He hadn't said a word, not one word. How dare he keep this from her? She was positively fuming as she stormed her way to his study.

"When were you going to tell me about this?" Jade spat as she threw the paper in his face.

Ayden grabbed the note and cringed. Never, was when he was going to tell her about the deal with Marcus but he wasn't stupid enough to tell her that. "I was waiting until you were feeling stronger." He said weakly and it sounded hollow even to his ears. 

"Bullshit!! You were going to go and fight him and not tell me. How could you? He'll kill you." She was screaming now.

"Calm down Jade, it will be fine." He tried to sooth the incredibly irate woman in front of him. 

"Fine? Fine? How can it be fine Ayden? It's two against one, or did you conveniently forget about Julia? You don't honestly think she'll sit on the sidelines when there is pain and violence to be had?" Jade practically growled.

Ayden had considered Julia's involvement but dismissed it. He had no choice; he would go through her to get to Marcus, hell she had some payback coming too. "I can handle it." He said quietly.

"All right then, I'm coming too." She said firmly.

"No!" Ayden yelled as he jumped up out of his seat, fangs descended.

"Ha! You get no say. I'm coming. If you don't like that choice then change me, make me like you so I can fight too." She said surprising even herself.

"Out of the question." He snarled at her, his protective instinct coming to the fore along with his vampire.

"Don't you give me that whole 'I am vampire hear me roar' routine. It doesn't work on me. And why not, I want to, don't you want to be with me forever?" she exclaimed.

Ayden blanched at the very thought of attempting something so risky. He didn't know the mechanics of a conversion other than what Jade had explained. What if it went wrong? He wouldn't be able to live the fact that he was responsible for her death. No way. "Jade, listen to me, it has nothing to do with me wanting you. I can't risk you. I have no idea how to do that and I will not take the chance that it could go wrong. You are too important." He tried to explain.

"Well if you aren't going to change me and you won't let me come, then you can't go!" she said throwing her hands up in the air exasperated.

Ayden started to chuckle. She was magnificent in her anger, hands on hips, eyes shooting fire. His chuckles quickly escalated to full scale laughter while Jade looked on in annoyance. All this laughter was diffusing the tension somewhat. Tension she needed to show him how serious she was. But it wasn't working, and started failing miserably when Jade began having trouble keeping her face straight. She loved to hear him laugh, it was the most magical sound and her second favourite thing he did. Soon enough she was laughing along with him realizing that it was a little silly trying to tell a 400 year old vampire what he could or couldn't do no matter how much she wanted to.

The laughter faded as Ayden gathered her in his arms. Jade buried her head in his chest and inhaled that wonderful scent that was solely him. They both knew that this topic needed to be addressed, but for the moment, the need to express their love for one another took precedence. He picked her up bodily carried her to their room where they engaged in her absolute favourite thing in the world.

***

On Friday evening Ayden went out to feed, adding another layer of guilt on his soul as he didn't tell Jade. He needed to be strong for what was coming and he couldn't bring himself to feed off her. He had already decided to fight Marcus, the situation needed closure, but he didn't want Jade in harm's way. He wasn't going to tell her. He let himself back into the house to find Jade along with Jonathan in the dining room.

"Oh Ayden, Jonathan came over for dinner while you were out. I hope you don't mind?" she said cheerfully.

"No problem. I'm actually glad you have company since I have to go out again later and sort out some business issues." He said trying to be casual but cringing mentally. 

Jade accepted his comments without question and continued her conversation with Jonathan. Ayden hung around not really listening or participating until he had to leave. He'd decided to head out earlier than the arranged time to check out the area in case of any traps Marcus may have set. With him, you could never be too careful. 

Throughout the evening Ayden kept looking over at Jade, trying to memorize every little expression on her face, the way she smiled, every nuance. So many times he was about to confess and tell her where he was going. Then he recalled what had happened to her and this served to steal his resolve. No matter what, she would be safe. If that meant he had to lie to her then so be it. 

All too quickly it was time to go. He went over to Jade to say he was leaving but the emotion of the moment caught up with him and he dragged her into his arms kissing her passionately. Ayden poured all his love and determination to come back to her into that kiss. He never wanted to let her go. 

At first she seemed hesitant but she succumbed to his mouth and melted in his arms. When they broke apart Jade was slightly breathless, a blush creeping onto her face considering Jonathan was still present.

"What was that for?" she admonished jokingly.

"I have to have a reason to kiss the woman I love?" he asked smiling at her. That heated look always made her week at the knees and this time was no exception. She collapsed back on the couch chuckling as Ayden left. Jonathan just shook his head at their antics.

***

"Earth to Jade, come in Jade." Jonathan said as he tried to get her attention.

"Sorry Jonathan I was a million miles away." She apologized. 

Over the last half hour Jade had started to feel increasingly distracted. She was barely paying attention to the DVD they were supposed to be watching or the conversation. She felt bad considering that Jonathan had offered to stay and keep her company. Something felt out of place, like the strange feeling you get when you can't remember if you've locked all the doors before you left the house.

"What's the matter?" Jonathan asked.

"Nothing I guess. I just feel weird." She said unable to explain. She thought over Ayden's strange behaviour earlier, that kiss felt like good bye. Like a forever type good bye. 

Suddenly Jade got up and raced to Ayden's study. She didn't know why she was going there or what she hoped to find, there was no rhyme or reason to this strange sensation plaguing her. Jonathan followed closely behind concerned about her behaviour. Jade threw open the door and stood in the middle of the room. She felt stupid now, there was nothing in here, simply Ayden's study like it always was. She almost chuckled in relief when her eyes fell on the folder at his desk. It sat alongside two envelopes, one addressed to her, the other to Karl. 

Jade ignored the envelopes and picked up the folder. As she slowly leafed through page after page of legalese, catching a word here a phrase there, realization dawned on her. He went to meet Marcus and he wasn't planning on coming back.

"The lying bastard!!" Jade shouted as she threw the folder onto the desk. Jonathan looked at her questioningly. "He's going to meet Marcus, Jonathan. And by the looks of it he's already planned for the possibility that he'll not be coming back." She choked on the last part. Jonathan put his arms around her as the tears started to flow. 

After the initial shock Jade's crying turned into tears of rage. She stormed out of the study and into the living room. She quickly grabbed her bag and keys and was on her way out when Jonathan grabbed her arm.

"You'd better let me drive." He said. Jade looked at him gratefully. "So, any idea what we are going to do when we get there?" He asked calmly.

"Not a clue." Jade said honestly.

"It's always good to have such a well thought out plan." He said smiling as he started the car and took off.

***

Ayden sat quietly at a picnic table as he waited for Marcus to show up. He'd carefully explored the area several times and had determined that there was nothing lurking out there for him other than Marcus and Julia. As he sat there he pondered how little he actually knew about fighting. The only fight he'd ever been in was the one with Marcus all those hundreds of years ago. He'd read a little about some of the more ancient Oriental arts but he'd never been interested in learning the skills. He knew that this would probably end up one sided with Julia in the mix, but he hoped that his determination and sheer force of will would carry him through like last time. Except this time he wouldn't be so merciful.

Ayden tried to block out all thoughts of Jade, he didn't need the distraction. However several thoughts still managed to sneak in. Realizing it was a futile effort to try and not think of her, instead he decided to focus on her smile and the way her eyes looked when she saw or heard something that amused her. Yes that would be a perfect last image to hold onto. 

A slight rustling immediately brought him out of his reverie. It was so slight that it could have been mistaken for the wind, but he knew better. He stood and waited for Marcus to appear. Ayden waited unmoving for several long minutes before Marcus actually strolled into the clearing wearing a maddeningly confident smirk. He just itched to wipe that smirk right off his face, maybe take the whole face with it, now there's a thought. There was no sign of Julia but he was sure she was sulking about somewhere nearby.

"Ayden. Long time no see." Marcus drawled. Ayden took a moment to calm himself; it wouldn't do to let Marcus have the upper hand so quickly.

"We must just keep missing each other, don't we?" he retorted. "Where is your little friend?" he wondered.

"Right here." Said Julia. Ayden turned to see her coming from the opposite direction. He was going to have to be very careful now. "How's my little pet doing? Does she miss me?" Julia said with saccharine sweetness trying to bait Ayden.

Ayden maintained his position as they moved closer. He ignored Julia's little barbs, they weren't important; he needed to focus on what Marcus was going to do. 

"It is time we finished this." Marcus said as he dropped to a half crouch allowing his full vampire to emerge. Ayden responded in kind. 

The two vampires slowly circled each other, each looking for an opening, an opportunity to attack. He also had to keep an eye on what Julia was doing. At the moment she seemed content to sit on the sidelines but he knew that wouldn't last. Suddenly a fist connected with Ayden's stomach. Marcus was standing a few metres away smiling at Ayden's doubled over form. So that was how he was going to play it, well turnabout is fair play. Ayden burst forth and at full speed hit Marcus squarely in the jaw hearing satisfying crunch before darting out of the way. 

Marcus snarled his displeasure before attacking again. These lighting quick attacks, to and fro, lasted for several long minutes as both vampires sported gashes, broken bones and bruises that where already healing. Ayden moved again to approach Marcus when he felt something attack him from behind. Julia. He had lost track of her and now paid for that mistake with the sting of her teeth sinking into his neck. He quickly dropped low and flipped her over his head. She connected with the ground with a deep thud, there was no time for rest though as he picked her up and used her as a shield between himself and Marcus. For a split second Ayden considered killing Julia while he had her in his hands, but this in his mind was a cowardly option. Instead he mentally shook himself; this was between him and Marcus, no one else. He effortlessly threw Julia clear across the clearing before setting upon Marcus again.

This time the two vampires were locked in a more traditional hand to hand combat, albeit faster than the human eye could detect. Ayden tried to block as many shots as he could while doing his best to land some of his own. It wasn't working very well due to his inexperience and he was becoming distracted by the incessant throbbing in his stomach. The last time that happened ... Jade. A powerful right cross connected with his face as he heard Julia's high pitched squeals of delight.

***

Jade and Jonathan parked the car and tried to make their way to the picnic area as quietly as they could. This was not a simple task since there was barely any light illuminating the way. Several times they thought they were lost when they came upon the path again. 

"So do you want me to look about for any sharp pieces of wood?" Jonathan asked. Jade looked at him like he was insane. "You know the whole stake through the heart thing?" he explained.

Jade nearly broke out into nervous laughter but regained her composure quickly. It was absurd really, what did she know about fighting vampires? She'd never asked Ayden about how to go about killing one. Oh, by the way honey how do I go about killing you if I need to? Indeed wouldn't that have put a dampener on the mood? Instead she just stood there and looked at Jonathan helplessly as he took her hand and they moved forward again.

Jade was only able to see the clearing when they almost stumbled right into it. She saw a blur of motion off to one side but it took her a while to realize that it was them. They were already fighting. To her utter shock she saw something fly across the clearing and land not too far from where she and Jonathan were standing. It was Julia. Jade froze, seeing her again had brought back every moment of the fear and pain experienced at the woman's hands and it rooted her to the spot.

Jonathan wasn't so paralysed, he grabbed Jade's arm and dragged her away trying to put as much distance as he could between them. He was running now, his blood pumping in his ears, his only thought to keep Jade away from that creature. Suddenly he felt himself jerk backwards and a consuming pain emanate from his arm. He let go of Jade and screamed at her to run. Julia loomed over him and her beautifully evil face was the last thing he saw before he went flying through the air and darkness claimed him.

Jade didn't see Jonathan being thrown into the woods; she'd taken his advice and run. She didn't know which way she was going as branches lashed at her face and arms. Momentarily she too felt herself jerked back to come face to face with the image of her nightmares. 

"Hmmm leaving so fast pet? The fun has only just started and you know you don't want to miss out." Julia drawled as she grabbed her and dragged her back to the clearing laughing the whole way. 

Ayden's heart sank as he saw Julia drag a terrified Jade into the clearing. Why couldn't she have just stayed at home? Tonight, her wilfulness was not her most endearing quality. At least she wasn't harmed from what he could see. He stepped back from Marcus and waited to see what would happen. He couldn't attack now there was too much danger of her getting hurt.

Marcus laughed as Julia handed Jade over to him. He ran his hand over her hair and across her breast for good measure rejoicing in the hiss of anger coming from Ayden. Jade trembled in his arms and he enjoyed the rush of power that her fear gave him. He took a moment to memorize this moment; it was not one he wanted to forget in a hurry.

"Marcus." Ayden hissed. "Let her go and I will come willingly. You can do what you like, just let her go." 

"No!" yelled Jade and Marcus at the same time. Marcus laughed at the little human's protective instinct. It amused him. "As your little human here said Ayden, no. It wouldn't be as much fun without her." he said holding Jade securely to him.

"Come on Marcus, it's me you want. Just let her go, she has nothing to do with this." Desperation colouring Ayden's words.

"Ayden, why can't you just see that she has everything to do with this? It is your unnatural affection for these vile little animals that has led us to this point. Maybe if she dies you will come to your senses and realize that they are nothing." Marcus said. "Then again may be not." He smirked as he heard the tortured snarl that came from Ayden when he mentioned the human's death.

Without warning Marcus sunk his fangs into the human's neck and drank long and deep. He knew the blood would both fortify him but the act would cause Ayden immeasurable pain. Adding insult to injury, he chose to rip at her throat instead of simply withdrawing his fangs causing a large gash in her artery. Even though he hated to waste clean blood, it pleased him that the human's precious life force was steadily pumping out of her.

Ayden tried to convey a sense of calm and confidence to Jade. Their eyes never wavered from each other's throughout the exchange. He saw the fear and confusion there, but more importantly he saw the love she felt for him. Love he returned desperately. This scene was all wrong 




The Arrangement Ch. 06



WARNING!!!

This story is about cuckolding and humiliation.

If this offends you, please do not read it.





The following morning I automatically carried out my duties and as I served Tina her breakfast in bed she leaned forward and kissed me.

In a soft, gentle voice, she simply said.

"Thank you my darling, thank you for everything."

No mention was made about the previous night or anything else.

I thought that she would bring up the subject when she felt able, but no reference was ever made of the previous night's embarrassing incident.

The following week passed by surprisingly quickly. I suppose I found it quite difficult to concentrate on my work but my colleagues didn't seem to notice my nervousness. I kept worrying that maybe one of them would someday find out about the re- arrangement in my marriage situation.

It was like a constant thorn in my mind, one which would not go away.

I just couldn't bear the thought that they would think less of me or make fun of me because I was now a virtual sex slave to my flirtatious young wife. I didn't want anyone, ever, to find out our secret.

Tina, on the other hand, happily spent the week shopping for sexy gear. Margaret, of course, was only too happy to assist her and enthusiastically advise her on each and every purchase.

Although I didn't know it at the time, Tina's Friday date, Paul, also joined them for lunch one day. No doubt he was making sure that Tina was not about to change her mind about Friday.

I was a bundle of nerves at work all day Friday, but somehow I managed to make it through the day. Leaving work I wondered what my colleagues would think if they knew that I was going home to help my wife get ready for a date with a young man. A young man who would already be on a high knowing he was going to fuck the woman of his dreams, my wife!!!

I was almost physically sick with worry and dread. The journey home in the car went without incident, which is surprising as my mind wasn't exactly focussed on my driving. In fact, thinking about it now, I can't remember the journey at all!

I almost tripped in my haste to cover the distance between our garage and our front door. Once safely inside I shouted to let Tina know that I was home. Then I noticed the message lying on the bottom tread of the stair leading to our bedroom. Picking it up, I read it, aloud.

"Jamie, your uniform is in the downstairs bathroom. Put it on before you come up to help me get ready."

Opening the bathroom door, I saw that Tina had laid each item neatly on the floor. I immediately removed my clothes, hanging them on the hook behind the door. Ten minutes later, I stood gazing at the reflection in the bathroom mirror. Oh God, dressed in the sexy, slutty underwear, I looked ridiculous, but in a strange way, I actually enjoyed what I saw.

Before I climbed the stairs I went to our drinks cabinet and poured myself a good measure of Scotch whisky. Without savouring the exquisite taste, I hurriedly gulped it down as quickly as I could. The burning sensation was unbelievable, so a tumbler full of water quickly followed the potent nectar.

Gripping the banister, I slowly climbed the stairs, glassy eyed and trembling with excitement. Nervously, I knocked on the bedroom door which was closed. After a few seconds, I heard Tina's response.

"Come."

Turning the doorknob, I pushed it open and there, lying on the bed completely naked, was my beloved and beautiful wife.

"Jamie, oh Jamie, you do look so very slutty in your nice sexy uniform. You do like it, don't you?"

I managed to stutter, that, as it was her choice, I would wear it for her pleasure.

"Come over to the side of the bed so I can examine you."

I tottered over on my high heels and stood beside her. She stretched out her hand and brushed the back of it against the little bulge in my knickers. It had the desired effect, my little prick soon jumped to attention at which point she chuckled sexily.

"You like that, don't you, you little tart. I'm beginning to get the feeling that you really do like the idea of me enjoying being fucked. It takes a little getting used to, you know, knowing that I am able to give you so much pleasure by having so much naughty pleasure myself.

Now, time to get ready."

Standing up, she instructed me to get her the sexy red silk knickers from her underwear drawer and help her to put them on. I immediately did as I was told and I knelt down and held them so that she could slip her dainty feet through the opening. I shivered as I pulled them up her legs and finally plucked the waist elastic as she filled her panties to perfection. 

I could see the shape of her incredibly sexy and hairless pussy and I instinctively kissed the prominent mound and breathed in the heavenly perfume. 

I was allowed to help her put on all of her sexy underwear which excited me beyond belief. When she finally stood up and spun around, like a beautiful model posing on the catwalk, I just gazed at her, in abject adoration.

I hadn't realised how quickly the time had flown by and I was brought back to reality by the strident, almost piercing, sound of the telephone ringing.

"Answer that, darling."

I did as I was told. "Hello."

"Oh, hi Jamie, it's Margaret here. Put me on to Tina, please."

I handed the phone to Tina who was obviously expecting the call.

They chatted, as women do, concluding with Tina saying that she would be with Margaret in a couple of minutes.

Retrieving her coat from the cupboard she held it up for me to assist her to put it on.

"Put your coat on too, Jamie, you're coming with me. Margaret says that this will also be a special occasion for you tonight. I'm not quite sure what she means but I'm sure she will tell you when we get there. She is giving me her guest suite again, for this date with Paul. She really is a wonderful friend."

Margaret's house is right next to ours, so having put on sensible shoes we walked smartly round to her large and interesting home.

Once safely inside we were urged by Margaret to change our shoes and remove our coats as Paul was expected imminently. 

I stood there, feeling very conspicuous and a little ashamed in my grotty gear, as Margaret praised Tina for looking so gorgeous.

At that moment, William appeared wearing his uniform of black satin pyjamas, and he graciously welcomed us to their abode.

"William, take Jamie down to the dungeon and make him comfortable, I'll be down shortly."

I heard the words being spoken by Margaret with a mixture of fear and horror and wondered what fate awaited me as William took me by the arm and lead me down to the basement. I was surprised by the size of the place and the warren of corridors all with doors firmly closed.

William stopped beside a door painted vivid red which he opened with a key. He reached in and switched on the lighting which was very low and atmospheric. As my eyes got used to the low lighting I saw that the room was indeed furnished as a sumptuous dungeon. Everything seemed to be coloured red or black and the carpet which was black had a particularly deep pile giving one a feeling of comfortable luxury. However the place was furnished with all sorts of items of torture such as chairs with manacles for wrists and ankles and all sorts of restraints. There were also whips hanging on the walls and lying on the floor, no doubt for show, I hoped.

William had not spoken up till then, but now he quite firmly told me to put my hands into leather cuffs which were hanging from the ceiling. Stupidly, I just did what he told me and I found myself completely helpless, standing there with my hands manacled above my head. I was more than a little frightened and said to William that I thought that things had gone far enough and that he should release me immediately.

He said he couldn't release me as Margaret had instructed him to put me in these manacles. He spoke as if he was apologising but I suspected that he was secretly enjoying my discomfort.

Before I could remonstrate further, Margaret entered the room. She immediately smacked my bottom with her open hand. It stung, making me cry out.

"Quiet!!! You are a very lucky boy to have a sexy wife like Tina and I have decided to let you see how much she is enjoying her new found freedom.

You will do exactly what I tell you to do and only speak when I give you permission. Nod your head if you accept that I am in charge here and that you will do whatever I decide."

I nodded my head, although I wanted to tell her to release me, but I knew that was futile.

"That's better, Jamie. Now, I'll tell you what's going to happen. Tina and Paul are having a drink together in the guest suite which has a number of concealed CCTV cameras which can be controlled from this room. However, through this doorway here, there is a walk-in cupboard. I have converted it into a viewing room. You see, in the guest suite bedroom there is a full length wall mirror. The sort they have in police interview rooms. Yes, I can see that you've guessed where this is leading. It's a two way mirror. We can see them but they can't see us or even hear us because of the excellent sound insulation."

Before going through to the viewing room, Margaret proceeded to demonstrate how accurate the CCTV cameras were. She opened a drawer to expose a console which operated the system. Clicking a few switches, three large monitors lit up on the wall opposite to where I stood with my arms stretched above my head. Uncomfortable as I was, I found that I could not help looking at the images of Tina and her lover in the guest suite. Margaret turned up the volume and we could hear everything that they were saying, very clearly. She zoomed in close to where they were sitting. I was taken aback when I realised that Tina was stroking Paul's inner thigh and he was stroking her exposed breast. Margaret gave a little sigh as she commented that they weren't wasting any time getting down to business.

"William, help me to remove my dress so that I can be more comfortable and relaxed while we watch Tina getting what she can't get at home. Are you listening, Jamie? "

I watched William obediently assisting Margaret to remove her expensive dress.

She stepped out of it and stood posing proudly so that William and I could gaze on her undoubted beauty. She looked magnificent, her long dark hair framing her beautiful face. She stood there in her fabulous sexy underwear, all in black, stockings, bra and sheer black silk knickers. Her shiny black patent leather stilettos set off her shapely legs to perfection. William and I were hypnotised by the exceptional commanding presence which she exuded and William sank to his knees in worship.

Telling him to get up, she said.

"Release Jamie, I think we can trust him not to step out of line. In fact, I think his main focus of attention is what is going on next door!"

William smiled knowingly as he undid my bonds. He then ushered me towards the viewing cupboard, letting his hand caress my bottom through the sensual silk of my slip and knickers. I shivered in shock but he did not do anything else untoward and I wondered if I had imagined the whole thing.

Once the three of us were in the viewing area I was aware of how small and cramped it was. There was only one chair which Margaret duly claimed before instructing us to stand on either side of her. It was also quite dark and almost airless. Margaret told William to pull back the curtain which covered the two way mirror and we were suddenly bathed in the warm light from the bedside lamps in the adjoining room.

My eyes were immediately drawn to the lovers standing at the foot of the bed. They were slowly undressing each other. My mouth felt dry as I tried to see and hear all of what was happening in the guest suite. They were gazing at each other with lust laden eyes, as they caressed. 

It was obvious that my lovely wife was destined to be this man's whore for as long as he wanted her. I was brought back to reality when Margaret, huskily whispered, that I was a very lucky boy and that I was about to see my wife getting a real and proper fucking. It was the way she said it that upset me a little. She seemed so smug and pleased that it was she, who had brought them together and that she had me there, being made to watch as her virtual prisoner. 

Margaret was evidently going to enjoy making me suffer. I would have to witness my darling wife being willingly seduced and ravished by her young and eager lover.

I wasn't sure that I could bear the pain.



The Arrangement Ch. 06



Daniel pounded the bag like those demons from the fires of hell he had tried to outrun. His body needed to release the frustrations and doubts that his mind refused to admit. 

The past four days had been fucking amazing. After his little fight with Samuel on Monday and his surprising afternoon romp in bed with his wife, that word still stuck in his throat sometimes, all should be right with the world. Except...

"Give the damned thing a break man. What has it ever done to you?" asked the voice of his conscious and best friend.

Daniel stepped back from pounding the leather surface of the punching bag. Walking to the side of the gym, he picked up his towel and wiped sweat from his brow. 

"Want to talk about it?"

"Gees, man, is that all you and that witch you married to ever do? Talk about us and our lives?" Daniel accused as he lifted the bottle of water and downed most of it in a single gulp. If only he could quench other thirsts as easily. But even after four days of the most spectacular sex of his life, he still could not let it go.

"I keep telling you, she's a white witch," Samuel said as he wiped his own forehead. "And she doesn't mean any harm, man."

Daniel sighed, "Is nothing sacred with that woman?"

Samuel laughed, "Not much, buddy. And we just want to help. Be there for you both." 

Daniel shook his head at his friends words.

"Is it what we talked about the other day? I mean it's going to take some time and patience."

Daniel laughed this time. "Not as much as you think, old man."

Samuel arched his brow and waited as they picked up their gym bags and headed out out the door and across the parking lot.

Daniel toyed with things in his mind. True enough, Samuel and Simone had been his friends for almost fifteen years. They were among the few people, who knew the dirty details of his first marriage. Simone more even than his best friend. But somehow this felt different. Raw. 

But the truth was if not for his conversation with Samuel on Monday, he might still be cooling his heels and stewing in his own insecurities instead of enjoying his wife's charms. Well, most of the time anyway.

"Things are good. I mean really good. Really," he finally said in a low voice.

Samuel wrinkled his forehead, "Then I'd hate to see that poor dead cow if they weren't."

"No, I mean the sex is great. More than great."

Samuel smiled, "For the rest of us too, thanks for the short days. But what's the problem?"

Daniel leaned against his Explorer. "She's still sleeping in the nursery with Britney and Ashley," he almost whispered.

Daniel just shook his head at the chuckle from his friend. "You have a really bad sense of humor, my friend. Unless you're looking to replace that bag, I'd recommend you stop laughing."

His friend rubbed the side of his head and smiled. "No, thanks. I'm still having headaches from the other day."

Daniel shook his head as he opened the back door and threw his bag onto the floor board. 

"Have you tried talking to her about it? Asking her."

Daniel slammed the car door. "Fuck, man, you don't invite your wife to sleep in your bed."

"Maybe," Samuel paused, a knowing grin cut across his dark face. "But then again most marriages aren't arranged sight unseen on the Internet by meddling friends and mothers either."

Daniel fought the urge to knock that smile from his friend's face. But he grudgingly acknowledged that what he said made sense. 

"I'm getting tired of asking this fucking question, but now what, smart ass?"

"Find a delicate way to bring the subject up with the missus. I don't know. Maybe ask how the babies are sleeping. See if perhaps she is worried about them. Hell, Jess has been begging and pleading for her own room so damned long. Why don't we all paint the basement for the kid? You could use the excuse that she needs the bed for her new room, maybe?"

Daniel frowned in thought. Samuel did have a point. Jess had been asking him to do just that for over two years. She hated pink and Barbie's almost as much as she disliked being forced to share her space with her younger sister. It had been another of Rachel's little points about why he should quit the Navy and go to work for the Dodd's. So they could afford a bigger house and give all the girls their own rooms.

"How about you bring the truck and meet me at the bus stop then? We can take the girls and make a quick run to the hardware store for drywall and some paint before dinner. Get started first thing tomorrow," he smiled.

"Sure you don't want to head there now," his friend teased.

Daniel laughed, "Hell, no. You ain't the only one whose sexy wife is waiting at home for a nooner."

Samuel slapped him on the back. "That's the way to think, my friend. See you after a bit of...sky rockets in flight...after noon delight," his deep baritone attempted a falsetto. The two parted laughing, smiling and humming the old hit.

***

Jill had just set the bowls of diced ham, cheese, carrots and cherrios in front of Brit and Ash when the door bell rung. Leaving the girls securely fastened in their high chairs she turned towards the living room and the front door. Singing out, "I'm coming."

When she opened the door, she was expecting to find Simone, Trisha or one of the other wives. But instead a tall and stocky blond man filled the door way. She was not certain what it was but something about the man threw her, made her decidedly uncomfortable. Her arms spread between the doorway, her body blocking his view of the house beyond.

"Yes, may I help you?" she asked the stranger.

The hand held out his hand, "I'm sorry. I forgot we didn't meet at your wedding reception. You were holed up inside with Simone I think." The man smiled, but it only sent a shiver down her spine. Something about it was anything but genuine. "I'm Clay. Clay Dodd. I was in your husband's unit a couple years back."

Jill relaxed her stance a bit. She tried to quiet the irrational voices in her mind. If this man served under Daniel then he must be all right. Right? But somehow the sentiment did not translate from her logical brain to the knots in her gut that screamed for her to beware.

"Mister Dodd, I'm afraid Daniel isn't in right now, but we expect him shortly," she said stiffly.

"Mind if I wait inside," he smiled.

Jill wanted to scream, yes, yes I mind. But without some logical reason she could not afford to be rude to one of Daniel's men. Things had been going so well for them this week. Well, almost anyway, she thought. 

"I suppose it will be fine. I was just feeding the little ones."

"I don't mind. I haven't seen my girls in a long time until the other night," he added another of those smiles that Jill supposed would charm most women.

She stepped back to allow the man entry. A shiver ran down her spine as he brushed a little too close against her. His smile broadened.

Jill closed the door and turned towards the kitchen. "I really need to check on the girls. Have a seat in here. I'm sure Daniel won't be long," she knew she was stammering but there was little she could do to control this irrational reaction to the man.

"If it's O.K., I'd like to hang out with you and the twins in the kitchen. Like I said, I haven't seen much of my girls since..." his words hung in the air. "Rachel was a dear friend. And I was quite fond of the little angels before...Well, before their mother's untimely death."

Jill nodded. The man's affection for the toddlers should have allayed some of her concerns but for some reason it did not. 

Walking into the kitchen, she smiled at the mess about her. Britney and Ashley had managed in only the couple of moments she had been gone to throw as much of their food on the floor as they had eaten. Maybe even more. Jill knew that playing with their food was as important at this age as eating it. Picking up the little pieces allowed them to develop their fine motor and hand-eye coordination. So after four boys, she really did not mind the mess.

The man was another matter as he obviously looked around the small kitchen. "They have grown so much. I remember when Rachel was pregnant with them. She always complained about how active they were. Their kicking kept her up half the night."

Jill tried to focus, gain whatever information she could about her mysterious predecessor. But she could not seem to fight off this feeling. It was one that she had felt only twice before. She hoped with all her heart that this did not end as badly those other times.

"You said you were friends with Rachel?" she probed as she grabbed a dishcloth from the kitchen sink. She began to clean Britney's hand as she snuck a quick glance at the clock on the wall. She just hoped like hell that Daniel would be back early as he had this past week. If he tarried the way that he had before...Well, it simply did not bear thinking about. 

That smile was back again. It reminded Jill of another man's, the tiny hairs on her arms stood on end once more. 

"Yes," he boasted. "Our fathers run in the same business circles in New York and Washington. Although we had never met until I joined Daniel's team, we shared many of the same friends." 

Jill nodded as she finished washing Britney's hands and face. Removing the soiled bib, she turned her efforts to Ashley. The men came to stand right behind her, once again brushing against her until she moved away. 

"It was refreshing having someone more..." He bent to pick up Britney as Jill fought back the desire to push him away from her charge. "Someone more worldly in these god forsaken backwaters."

Jill frowned at his words. "I don't understand, Mister Dodd. If you don't like this place and no longer serve under Daniel, why would you say?"

"Unfinished business," he replied with a smile that made Jill's blood freeze and her heart skip several beats. She wanted to vomit. She wanted to grab the girls, run and hide. 

Jill willed herself to breath through the fear. Her mind kicked into the cognitive behavioral therapy that she had undergone after. After the other. It was just fear. Her mind was playing tricks on her. Her body was responding with the irrational fight or flight syndrome. 

Jill chose fight. She picked Ashley up and reached out for Britney. The man brushed his hand against the side of her breast in the exchange. She immediately recoiled at his touch.

"Sorry," he mumbled with that snake oil smile. Jill ignored his comment. "I don't know what is keeping Daniel. He has been getting home earlier this week."

"Oh yes, the boys preparing for a deployment. Making sure the little ladies on the home front have something to think about while they're gone. Tide them over."

If she had been uncomfortable before, the man's brazen words made her more so. Her cheeks flushed scarlet. Perhaps she was just over-reacting. This was America. Perhaps her years of British reserve had just tainted her views of polite conversation.

"Rachel always hated these times," he crooned.

The fact that this man knew something so intimate about Daniel's first wife sent the alarm bells clanging even louder in her head.

"I can imagine. It is never easy knowing what is ahead. The uncertainty that the people you love face. The danger. I'm sure she would be very concerned for her husband."

His laugh at her words reminded Jill of the villain in some bad nineteen-fifties horror movie. "Oh that was not what worried the Ice Princess. She could not care less about what happened over there. It was her wifely duties before that she hated." 

The man stared at her. His gaze travelled over her curves. For the first time, Jill felt exposed in the long sun dress. She was aware of the way its halter top hugged and lifted her full breasts. And when the man's gaze lingered there, she wished she had chosen something else. Something that had a bra with it for certain. But she had not dressed for uninvited company. She had dressed for him. Her husband. 

"I bet that isn't a problem for you," he winked. "Heard that you really heated up that damned tradition." He took a step closer to her and Jill tightened her grip on the babies drawing them from where they rested on her hip closer to her heart. Offering her a bit of protection from his bold stares at her cleavage.

"Just remember, if you get lonesome while the 'hero' is away, I'm always around."

If Jill's hands had not been filled with the babies she might have well slapped his arrogant face. But as it was she simply made her excuses.

"Yes, well, it is time for the babies to get their afternoon nap. I don't know what is keeping Daniel. But I'll let him know you stopped by." Her head tilted towards the door, "Let me see you out."

The man chuckled. "Maybe I was wrong. Another Ice Princess. Poor Commander."

Jill moved towards the door with both girls in her arms and was thankful to run into the broad chest of her husband. For a moment it felt as if she could actually breath again. Until she saw the hard, cold expression on his face.

"Dodd," he said just the single word.

The man smiled. "Hello, Commander. I just thought I would stop by for a bit. Meet your new wife properly. I did not get the chance to stick around the reception you remember," the men held one another's stares as the tensions increased.

Looking at Jill, he continued. "Have to say she is not what I expected. Nothing like Rachel in fact."

Jill blushed at his words, a vicious reminder of other's words. She was thankful when Daniel stepped forward and took Britney from her arms, draping his other arm about her shoulder.

"Yes, well, it's time for the girls' nap. So I'm afraid, I'll have to cut this visit short, buddy," Jill could hear the chill in her husband's voice at that last word. 

"Well, there is one more thing actually. I just wanted to stop by and let you know that my father's offer still stands. In fact, I could probably get him to add another ten grand or so," he smiled at Jill once more. "A wedding present, of sorts."

"The answer is still no."

"Come on, man. At least say you'll think about it. I know that the Navy isn't paying you peanuts but our offer is almost triple what you make now. I'm sure that the new wife wouldn't mind a nice diamond wedding ring or a new car. You got to treat'em right to keep'em."

It was Jill that stepped forward this time. "Actually, Mister Dodd, I support my husband's decision one-hundred percent. This world needs more honorable men like him and his team. I would think that you of all people would understand that," she smiled.

The man shook his head, "Honor does not pay the bills or provide those girls with the best private education available," he said as he reached out to tweak Ashley's nose. The baby screamed immediately. 

"My daughters, my family is none of your concern, Dodd," Jill felt Daniel's arm tighten about her shoulders as he spoke.

"Do you think Rachel would see it that way? You've virtually kicked her family out of their lives. Heather says you still have not said a word to them about your new marriage. And now you want to kick Rachel's only real friend around here out too. What you got to hide, my friend?"

Jill watched the muscles flex in Daniel's jaw. She could feel the pent up energy course through him. She slipped her free arm about his waist to offer what measly comfort she might. 

"Trust me, buddy. Whatever I have to hide is nothing compared to some people. Excuse me if I don't feel the need to share the intimate details of my life with the woman that tried to take my daughters from me." 

Turning to Jill, he handed Britney back to her. He brushed a kiss across his daughters' forehead and a brief one across her lips. "You go ahead and put the girls down for their nap, sweetheart. I'll see Mister Dodd out."

Jill thought about protesting. She wondered exactly how her husband would see the man out. She smiled at the image of his boot to the man's ass. Not that their guest did not deserve it. 

As if sensing her concerns, he swatted her bottom and smiled. "Go ahead. This will be quick."

Clay smiled, "I'm sure it will be, Commander."

Jill saw the stares exchanged between the men and decided that a hasty retreat might be a good idea. The babies did not need to see or hear what was about to transpire. And honestly, she did not want to be around for these fireworks either.

***

Daniel watched the sway of his wife's backside beneath the thin knit material. She shushed and shooed the babies as she walked. When she finally disappeared down the hall, he turned his attention to Dodd, only to find the man still staring after his wife's ass with a big grin on his face. It was not what he needed at that moment.

"Stay the fuck away from my wife and kids, Dodd," he growled through gritted teeth. 

Dodd just shrugged, "Like I said, I just stopped by to let you know that our offer still stands and to check up on things for Heather."

Daniel moved towards him then, standing inches from his face, "I mean it. My personal life is none of the Thomas's business. So don't think you can come around here when I'm not around, checking up on things for them or any other god damned reason."

"Hey, buddy, the little lady let me in the front door same as Rachel always did. So if you have a problem, maybe it is with your wives, not me," he smiled.

"Jill is not Rachel. And I mean it, stay the fuck away. Or I," he paused.

"Or you'll what? You and Samuel think it matters shit to me what you say now? You think my daddy will fire me over something that little cunt says. It was never anything more than her word against mine anyway." 

Clay met his gaze squarely. "Not after you two arranged her little transfer back here so she could take care of her little problem."

Daniel kept his expression neutral, it was something he was trained to do with the enemy. And he suddenly realized that was exactly what Clay Dodd was. The enemy and a very dangerous one at that.

"Oh, that's right I know. I know all about how she killed my kid. And I hold the two of you responsible for it. How would you feel if something happened to yours?"

Turning to look down the hall once more, he added, "Or maybe that new wifey of yours? You might care a bit more than when poor old long-suffering Rachel offed herself? It wasn't like you ever really loved her anyway. But this one? This one is different. She's gotten under your skin. Not the cool, calculating bastard so easily with her."

Dodd shoved past him, "You just remember, Commander, pay back is a bitch. You took what was mine...my kid, my flesh and blood. And I haven't forgotten it."

Opening the front door, he turned, "So is this one a better fuck than the Ice Princess? Does she do more than just lay there like you're doing nothing more than push-ups to an orgasm? She sure is better at taking care of those cute little babies of ours, isn't she?" 

He smiled and saluted, "I'll see myself out, Commander. Don't let me ruin your little fun before those other two brats of yours get home." He said as he pulled the door closed behind him. 

Daniel stood in the living room clenching and unclenching his fists at his side. They itched to hit something and not the damned punching bag either. When he saw the red Ferrari parked in front of the house, he knew things were not going to be good. Clay Dodd always was trouble and today was no different. 

It was not that anything Clay Dodd said was really all that surprising. He had long suspected that Rachel was involved with another man. At least those last couple of years for sure. It made sense too that it would even be someone like Dodd. His casual taunts just confirmed things.

But what bothered Daniel most was the man's tone when he talked about owing him and Samuel. It sent warning bells clanging. The need to protect what was his rode Daniel. 

A soft smile touched his lips. The image of his wife stepping up to defend his choices to the man soothed his soul like cool water in the desert. Oh, Jill was most definitely not Rachel. But then again he knew that from the beginning. He had a feeling he was just scratching the surface of his wife's depths.




The Arrangement Ch. 06



Looking at the package wrapped in pink paper and ribbons that he had cast on the couch as he raced through it to the voices he heard in the kitchen, Clay's parting words rang in his head. Was he going to let the man's accusations ruin the rest of this day? Or was he going to clear some things up with his wife? 

He picked up the package and tossed it in the air. "The man was right about one thing, buddy." He caught the box and headed down the hall towards the nursery.

*** 

Britney and Ashley were fussier than usual. It always amazed Jill how sensitive little people were to their environment. The girls had felt the tensions between the big people in their world and it had taken a touch more love and attention to reassure them that all was right in their world this day.

Britney was just falling asleep to the soft sound of her horrible singing when she felt his strong arms about her waist.

"You are too damned good at sneaking around, commander," she whispered. 

He chuckled against the pounding pulse in her neck. His tongue already heading for the fading green and yellow mark where it meet her shoulders. "Part of the job," he whispered.

She smiled, "Oh, no, I think that it is more part of the man that makes him right for that job than the other way around," she whispered as she turned in his embrace to face him. Her arms wrapped about his neck. She stared at the floor as she spoke again, "I'm sorry. Something told me I shouldn't let that man in. But he said he was one of yours and I didn't want to be rude."

Daniel placed his fingers under her chin and forced her to look into those ocean pools, "It wasn't your fault. You had no way of knowing." He brushed a brief kiss across her lips. Jill was glad that he did not take it further. She knew exactly how quickly the fires could ignite between them. 

She nodded her head and she took his hand and led him from the nursery. She paused in the hallway. Uncertainty still taunted her mind. Her role in his life the one area that still remained a question mark in her mind. The closed door to his bedroom was a reminder of that.

"How about I make you something to eat?" she tried for casual this day. Turning and walking down the hall towards the kitchen before he could even respond. 

At the moment, she wanted nothing but solitude actually. The man's words echoed like a prosecutor's accusations. 'Nothing like Rachel.' His meaning was clear enough. A petite blonde beauty she was not. 

She did not even look back to see if he followed her as she pulled things from the refrigerator. She fought back tears again as she began to assemble sandwiches on the counter top. She would fix him something to eat and then make an excuse about a headache or something. Escape to lick her freshly opened wounds alone while the babies napped. If she was lucky, by the time, they woke up she would have her insecurities back under control.

The pink package that appeared on the counter top was her first warning of his presence. She jumped startled from what she knew logically was another of her pity parties. "I told you, you have to stop doing that to me. Sneaking up on me like that."

His hands ran up and down her bare arms sending sparks of desire coiling through her body. Her nipples strained against the tight material of the halter top. Wet, heat flooded her groin like a tropical storm dumping its power on the shore. 

Her mind was as turbulent as that storm, but then again his touch always did that to her. It brought her body relief like the rain from that storm, but its powerful winds blew through her mind making her wish for things that would never be. Making her crave more than just this man's body. Making her want his heart just as he already held hers.

But Clay Dodd's words today were a clear reminder of how futile those girlish dreams would be. It was not so bad, she reminded herself. She loved the girls. She had real friends that she had missed for years. Hell, she even had that magnificent body just about any time she wanted. So why the fuck was it not enough? 

Staring out the kitchen window, she fought back tears that threatened to spill over. "Let me finish your sandwich. I have a bit of a head ache so I thought I'd lay down while Brit and Ash napped." 

She felt him stiffen behind her at the words. "Oh, all right," he said as he dropped his hands from her arms and walked over to the table, taking a seat while she finished. Her body screamed at her in protest, begged her to follow him. But she forced herself to finish her task in the hollow silence. 

She smiled weakly as she sat the plate in front of him. "How was your day?" the words seemed so hallow as they echoed around the room.

He shrugged, "All right," was his only response as he bit into the food.

Jill went back to the sink, despite her earlier words about laying down, after the past few days, she could not seem to make herself leave, to abandon all hope of another chance to hold and be held by him. So instead she made herself busy in the silence.

She washed what few dishes the girls had made with their lunch. She cleaned up the messy high chairs and around them. Around him was the truth, she thought as she fought back to urge just to brush against him. Craving any type of contact like a kitten meowing for its mother. 

When she returned and began to wipe down the counter tops, she noticed the box again. "What's this?" she asked.

He shrugged, "Nothing much. Just a little present I picked up for you, but it doesn't matter now."

Her fingers caressed the ribbon. "Can I open it? Or do you want me to save it for later?"

"Whatever," he replied as he finished the food and brought his plate to the sink. 

Jill's heart tried very hard not to leap at the thought he had gone to the trouble of buying her a gift. It seemed futile as her fingers ripped the bow and paper from the box, but when she saw the present inside it immediately fell.

"Baby monitors?" she questioned.

He shrugged, "It was a bad idea, I suppose. I just thought you might worry less about Britney and Ashley if we had those. I don't know maybe..." he trailed off as he washed up the plate and put it in the rack to dry.

"Maybe what?" Jill replied, confused.

He turned to face her, "I don't know maybe move your ass into my bed to sleep like a 'real' wife as you said at the reception."

It was not exactly the way that she hoped to begin this particular conversation, but she had to admit that it was the subject that had been bothering her most of the week. She tried to be light as she teased, "Is this your way of asking, commander?" 

Daniel stepped forward and took her hand in his, he lifted them to those soft pink lips that felt so perfect against hers. "Actually, even if you don't count the very clear one I made that night in the laundry room, this was the only one you should have needed, sweetheart," he said as he pressed a kiss to the gold band that twinkled in the sun light. 

His eyes held her gaze for a moment as her heart raced once more from his touch. "So what's your answer, Missus Monroe? You want to put the question of how 'real' this marriage is to bed and move into the one that you belong in?"

Relief washed over her. Jill sighed as she nodded her. "Yes, please," she reached up and wrapped her arms about his broad shoulders. She drew him closer until his lips were just a fraction of an inch from hers, "Sorry, I just wasn't sure if you wanted me there."

The power of his kiss did more to answer her question than the gift or his words had. His lips captured and overpowered her as he pushed her back against the cabinets. She was trembling by the time he pulled back slightly.

"I think this may be my favorite of those god damned dresses you wear that hide everything and reveal even more." 

His hands made quick work of the tie at the back of her neck. His hands brushed the triangles of material back to reveal her breasts. His thumbs brushed back and forth across their peaks as he squeezed and lifted them.

"I've been wanting to do that since the morning I asked you to marry me. I wasn't sure if I should kiss Britney or smack her little hand when she splashed water all over it," he smiled. "So are we clear, Missus Monroe? Clear about where my wife should sleep? Clear about this too?" 

His hand reached up and took her right hand from where it rested on his shoulders. He drew it to the front of his jeans. Her heart pounded so loudly in her ears that she could barely hear his next words as her fingers toyed and danced across the hard ridge there. "I thought the past four days would make it crystal clear to you just how real our marriage is." 

She nodded her head as she fumbled with the button at his waist. It was not giving as easily as she wanted, needed. She fell to the floor on her knees, tugging more firmly at it until she felt it spring free. The zipper was easier to manage as she pushed the rough material back and down his thighs. She made certain that the softer cotton of his boxers went with it until she had exactly what she wanted. His hard cock in her hands. She toyed with it, running her hands up and down its hard length as she moved her head closer. She smiled up at him as she ran its softness across her cheeks and face. Taking her time to enjoy the feel of its steely heat against her skin. 

It was only when her lover growled and began thrusting against her that she finally gave into his pleas suckling softly upon the tip, running her tongue back and forth against the hard ridge. She flicked her tongue along the soft, sensitive underside. She felt him tremble in her hands and drew its length deeper into her mouth. Her hands matched the tempo of her mouth, drawing him deeper, taking more of him into her mouth, her heart, her very soul.

She wallowed in the feminine power she felt as she knelt on the cold, hard floor. His moans, the white knuckles she could see gripping the counter top out of the corners of her eyes, the faster and more erratic pace his hips thrust against her face. They all pushed back the doubts that had consumed her earlier. In his arms, she found the confidence and power that she had once known as woman. She wanted to show him just how much this all meant to her. How much he meant to her. 

She hummed softly in her throat as her fingers moved lower still, brushing over the rougher surface of his balls, rolling and tugging gently as she continued sucking his hard cock. 

"Fuck," he spat as he trembled in her palms. His hips moved faster, feeding her more of his cock until it hit the back of her throat. She swallowed hard and tried to breath through her nose but her hands and mouth were pushing buttons in her husband that she had not seen before. The pain barely registered as the back of her head hit the drawer handle. 

She supposed she should have slowed things, tried to get him and this back under control, but the only control she wanted at that moment was his utter and complete command of her body. So instead of backing off, she fanned the flames that already threatened to consume them both. Her fingers tugged softly at his sac as she looked straight up into those blue pools. 

"Damn it, Jill," he breathed as he watched her draw her mouth up his full length until just the tip remained within her mouth. Her tongue drew a slow circle around the head before allowing it to slip with a loud pop from its warm, wet home. 

"What? Do you want me to stop, commander?" she teased as she began to lick slowly down the underside. She could feel each strong beat of his pulse in the large blue vein that ran its lengths.

His growl that bore little resemblance to any human sound could have meant anything, but she took it as a 'no' as she continued her journey until her tongue licked and laved across the wrinkled surface of his ball sac. The guttural sound vibrated through his body causing them to twitch and tremble under her tongue. Her hands moved around to his tight butt, her short nails raked across them as she pulled him forward. Her mouth opened and she gently sucked one inside her mouth. Her mouth was too full to smile this time when her efforts were rewarded with another loud expletive. 

She slowly released it and gave it a final tender swipe of her tongue before seeking out its twin and repeating the process. This time though her hands released his buns of steel and instead found her other favorite toy of solid metal encased in soft silk. Her hands danced up and down the length of his hard cock as her tongue wrapped around the firm surface of his testicle drawing it deeper into her mouth. She felt it tighten and attempt to draw up towards his body. She recognized it as a sign of how badly her husband needed to come, but she would not allow it, not yet anyway. Not like this. 

"God damn it," he roared as she tugged firmly with her mouth. Her hands moved more slowly on his cock as she released his firm flesh, licking it and blowing across the heated surface. 

Jill smiled up at him once more, her hands moving more surely on his cock as she found the rhythm that she had already learned would drive him to the very edge of sanity. "No, no, not yet, suga. Not like this," she purred as her tongue began to trace his rapid pulse once more back up the length of his cock. She paused when she reached the soft tip, licking her wet lips she whispered across its surface, "I want to taste you. All of you," she swallowed him once more, moving her head up and down him, trying to take more of him with each stroke. Trying to swallow all of him, to fulfill the promise she had made.

"Fuck yes," he cursed again as his fingers laced through her hair. He used them to guide her head even as he thrust his hips faster and harder against her face. "Suck my cock!" 

His words raced along every nerve ending in her body igniting a fury that she had never imagined. She knew she was playing a dangerous game. More than once she gagged as she tried with all her might to take all of him. She found herself light headed, but she was not certain if it was from forgetting to breath through her nose as she sucked him harder and faster or if it was the heady power she knew as she felt him tremble and shake beneath her efforts. Either way it did not matter, she was not going to stop. Not until she had what she wanted or died trying. 

For a moment that seemed a very real possibility as Daniel's hips surged forward, his fingers in her hair tugging her head even more. She feared that she would gag again except this time as she did the head of his cock pushed past the back of her throat, sliding further than it had before. Her mind overpowered her body's natural reflex as she swallowed him deeper. She was rewarded a heart beat later with another string of curses, his hips flexing and moving against her face as his come burst forth into the back of her throat. She reminded herself to breath as she gulped again and again. Her fingers scratched at his firm thighs not for release but in triumph of her accomplishment as she swallowed the last of his precious offering down. 

***

Daniel chuckled. He was not sure what he had ever done to deserve this but damned he wanted, needed, to find out. So he could keep doing it. Not only was his wife the loving mother that his daughters needed, she could cook even the most experienced chef under the kitchen table, and she was every bit his equal in commanding the troop of wives and girlfriends. To top it off, she could give a god damned porn star lesson in how to give a blow job.

Jill looked up at him, questions danced in those green depths. "It wasn't supposed to be funny."

By way of answer, he lifted his wife from the floor. He sat that amazing round ass of hers on the edge of the counter top and bent to brush a kiss across those lips that knew exactly what to do to him. 

"It wasn't that. I was just thinking what a lucky man I am," he said as he kissed her up-turned nose.

Her answer was to wrap her arms about his neck and draw him in for another kiss. Before he realized what happened the waves of need pounded him again. His tongue breeched her lips, plundered her depths. It hit him then, his own taste lingered. But rather than turn him off it only agitated the waters, making the waves bigger and stronger, threatening to knock him to his knees. He smiled against her lips as his hands came up to toy with those fabulous twin mounds. His fingers pulled and tweaked the turgid peaks. 

God, how he wished that the twins were hers. How he would have loved to explore the soft roundness of her body as if brimmed with life, life he had given her. But just as much, he wanted to taste the sweet gift of life that would flow from these soft lush globes. Rachel had refused to consider breastfeeding any of the girls, but he knew that would not be the case with Jill. Her nurturing would easily extend to this most natural of motherly acts. But would she allow him to taste the sweet milk that flowed from her body to nourish their child. Fuck, he was getting hard again just at the thought. 

He pulled back from her drugging kisses that threatened to wipe every sane thought from his mind. His lips trailed along the soft skin of her jaw and down her neck. His tongue wiped at the bruise he had left on her shoulder that first time. He should feel regret at the pain it must have caused her, but he did not. It was a stark reminder of one thing...possession, ownership. Like the stupid hickies in high school, it announced to the world that she was his. Body and...his mind stuttered over the word. This thing was too new, too intense. It transcended anything he had ever felt, but now was not the time to think of the other. 

Now was for enjoying what he did possess, his wife's lush, ripe body. His tongue blazed a trail lower still across the swell of those spectacular tits. He smiled against the heat of her skin as he felt her breath catch at his touch. After the other, it felt so remarkable each time he felt his wife's body respond so naturally to his caress, his kiss. And when she came apart in his arms, when her body clenched around his, well, heaven could not be as sweet, he thought. 

His tongue trailed across the hard peak of her nipple and she shifted on the counter top. He drew it into his mouth and tugged on it gently. His hand moved from around her waist to cup its fullness, weighing and squeezing its softness as his tongue wrapped around it just as hers had wrapped around the head of his cock earlier. He felt her moan move through her chest even before he heard it. The sound made him want to fly through some fucking jungle, beating on his chest and roaring 'I am man.' 

At the moment though, there was another hot, wet place on his mind as his other hand slipped lower to encircle her ankle. He slid it slowly up her leg, feeling her soft skin as he pushed that damned perfect dress up higher and higher until it reached her upper thigh. Her hands moved over his head, tangling in his hair and holding him in place against her chest as he suckled. He drew back slowly, releasing the nipple that glistened in the sun light from his kisses. He tugged softly at the other one, twisting it just a bit until he watched her eyes fly open with surprise and a hint of something more.

"I'll come back to here," he whispered as he knelt on the floor this time. Both hands wrapped around her full hips and drew her to the very edge of the counter top. He pushed the dress higher until the soft curls of her mound peaked from beneath the edge. His hands caressed slowly lower down her legs, spreading them wider. 

"Daniel," she whispered as her fingers clutched desperately at the edge of the Formica surface.

He winked up at her. "It's called turn about is fair play, my lovely wife," he whispered as he lowered his head kissing the inside of her thighs and trailing his tongue along her softness. He took his time, avoiding the obvious even as he felt her twitch and move her hips. Still he teased. 




The Arrangement Ch. 06



When he looked up, he swore he had never seen anything more beautiful in his whole fucking life. Those tits that never failed to make him horny heaved and jerked with each labored breath she took. The dark pink areolas were tight and puckered. Her nipples stood at attention like the best of soldiers. Her head was thrown back, those golden lengths flowing down her back and falling about her shoulder. Those green eyes were closed tight but her pink lips were open, forming a perfect O. 

It was too much, his undoing, as he bent his head. His hand moved up slowly, spreading her open so that he could see the pink depths that drove him to the edges of hell and welcomed him home to heaven. He blew across the surface of her clitoris and she nearly came off the edge of the counter.

"Daniel," she practically screamed.

He smiled at his name upon this lips as he looked up once more. This time her eyes were wide open. Their green depths took his breath away, they were clouded with the same desire he felt course with each loud, fast beat of his heart. 

"Watch me, Jill. Watch me eat your sweet pussy," he commanded as he held her gaze and lowered his head to match actions to his words. His tongue lathed the hard ridge as he tasted her for the first time. He saw her back arch as she tried to move away from the sensitive assault, but he was not letting her. His hands on the inside of her thighs held her still as he repeated the action once more before drawing the nub between his lips and suckling just as he had her nipple. He heard her moan as she again pleaded his name. He held her gaze as he continued licking and sucking on the peak, pushing her closer and closer to the same powerful release she had given him earlier. 

"Play with your tits for me, baby," he ordered as his fingers found the wet welcome of her depths. His head bent once more to suckle at the tender morsel as his fingers moved deeper inside of her channel. 

His eyes never left hers as she obeyed his every command. Her right hand gave up its death grip on the counter and cupped the fullness of her left breast. Her fingers pinched and squeezed the hard nipple just as he did so often, just as he wanted too. But he had only two hands and at the moment his fingers would rather he cut them off than take them from the depths of her tight cunt. 

"Daniel, please, I can't take any more," she pleaded. "I need you. I want you inside me," she begged.

He smiled as he breathed once more across her clit. "Not until you come apart for me like I did for you. sweetheart," he purred as he returned to teasing and torturing her sweet depths.

She whimpered and pleaded, "Please, I need you, Daniel."

"And you'll have me as soon as I taste your sweet orgasm," he mumbled with her sensitive flesh still between his teeth as he scored its tenderly. 

He watched as she threw back her head and closed her eyes, he bite down harder, not enough to cause real pain but enough to make her open those green depths once more. "No cheating my dear. I want you watching me. I want to see the look in your eyes as you come for me," he demanded as his fingers plunged inside her once more. 

He felt her body begin to tighten, he knew he held her on the edge and he stilled his fingers inside of her. She had come to his touch. She had come apart on his hard cock. This time he wanted her to come on his tongue. He bent forward once more holding her gaze as his tongue and fingers worked together, driving her higher and higher. Until he felt the first tremors, building deep inside her depths. 

His eyes held her gaze, daring her not to look away, daring her to open herself to him. Totally and completely. Body...and soul. This time he wanted, needed his wife's all. And he would do whatever it took to get it. 

***

"Daniel," she screamed as she looked into those blue endless pools. As she felt the power roar over her like a tornado tearing even the mightiest tree up by its roots. She wanted to look away, she needed to close her eyes. But something in his eyes held her still. She was powerless to look away. She did not want to deny him anything. 

She felt her body riding the hard waves of its release. One after another orgasms washed over her as he suckled at her sensitive clitoris, his fingers moving inside her. Still she stared into the blue depths that reminded her of the most perfect sky, the deepest ocean, Bluebonnets in full bloom in an East Texas meadow. Perfection. 

She trembled under the power of that gaze. She worried what her own might reveal. Could he see? Could he tell? Did he have any idea what he did to her? What he meant to her? How much...she stopped her mind, shy still at the use of that word. But it was the only word she could imagine, the only one she knew that accurately described all she felt for him. Her husband. Her lover.

As the final threads of her orgasm wrapped about her softly, she watched as he stood. She saw instantly that he was hard again and she reached for him. She scooted even closer to the edge of the counter as she wrapped her hand around his hard cock and drew him inside her. Her other arm wrapped about his shoulders and drew his head down. Their lips touched and she tasted herself on him. She drank from him even as she wound her legs about his waist and took him fully into her depths. 

"Yes," she moaned into his kiss as she felt her body begin to climb that peak once more, but this time she had what she wanted. She held tightly to him as he plunged deeper and faster into her, pushing her higher, demanding more until she would have sworn there was no more to give, but still he took. Still she gave. 

Then she felt him tremble in her arms. She smiled against his lips as he joined in the heavenly song that their bodies sung every time they touched. She swallowed his moans and roars as she felt him burst inside her. They clung together perched on the edge of the counter top. He drew back from her embrace with a smile, but still their bodies remained locked intimately. 

"Sky rockets," he chuckled as he kissed her nose. "Most definitely rockets."

She laughed and felt him flex inside her. "Care to explain, commander?"

He winked and started to hum a tune. It took her a moment to recognize it, but then she smiled and laughed once more, "Afternoon delight."

"Don't you agree?" he teased.

"One hundred percent," she smiled echoing her earlier support for his decisions.

She noticed the dark scowl cross his face. "I really am sorry, Daniel. I didn't know," she reassured him once more.

He nodded, "I know. Just promise me you won't let him in again."

Jill nodded, "You have my word, Daniel." She wanted to ask more, but knew better. Some things were not to be shared even with wives. Whatever the man had done, she would have to trust her husband and her own gut. But still she had a distinct feeling that this one went deeper than whatever might have happened in battle. "I'm always here if you need to talk," she whispered as she reached for the straps of her dress.

He nodded, "I know." He bent so that their foreheads touched, "I know and I appreciate it. But right now, I need to get moving. Samuel is meeting me at the bus stop. We are taking the girls to pick out some paint and stuff. I figured one way of buying off recalcitrant teenagers would be to finally give her her own room. We're going to work on fixing up the basement this weekend."

Reaching over he picked up the baby monitor and handed it to her, "So, you, my dear wife, had better get this set up in the nursery, because that bed of yours is going to be the first thing we move down there."

She giggled, "Making sure I don't change my mind, commander?"

"Damned straight I am, Missus Monroe," he said as he helped her tie the halter back around her neck. She could not stop the whimper from escaping her throat as he pulled back, his half erect cock popping loudly from her wet depths. He smiled at her and brushed another kiss over her lips as he pulled her dress down a bit. "I'd tell you to take a shower, but I don't think you have time before Britney and Ashley wake up." 

He wrapped his arm about her waist and lifted her from the counter top. Sitting her firmly on the ground, he brushed her hair back from her face and whispered against her ear, "Besides the idea of you walking around the rest of the day full of my come will make damned sure I'm ready for round three tonight. In the comforts of our bed this time."

Jill blushed at his words as she brushed a kiss across his lips. "Promises, promises."

He swatted her ass as he replied, "I always keep my promise, Missus Monroe. Now go check on the babies or I'm never going to get out of here."

Jill smiled and obeyed as she walked down the hall towards the nursery with the box in her hand. Opening his bedroom door, their bedroom door she corrected herself, she opened the box and pulled out the instructions. She would set up the receiver in here and then tackle the transmitter once the babies woke up. Maybe she would even have time to move a few of her things in here before dinner. Things were looking up for this marriage. 

Thinking about their visitor earlier, she frowned. Well, most things anyway. 



The Arrangement Ch. 06



Time ground almost to a halt. Ayden's senses came into sharp focus, unlike anything he'd ever experienced before. Images were appearing before him in flashes, where ever he looked, he could discern the minutest detail. Each leaf in the brushes surrounding the clearing, Jonathan's crumpled body, heartbeat still intact. Julia's grinning form and the darkness in her soul. The colours where almost blinding as he looked around.

He turned his attention to Marcus and could clearly make out his black heart. His bloodied, elongated fangs sinking into what remained of his lover's neck. Holding her like a discarded rag doll.

He zoomed into the image of Marcus' teeth in her throat, and heard the tearing as he ripped her throat open, as he shoved her to the ground. Her blood still staining his lips. 

Ayden saw this in achingly clear detail. A burning sensation spread through his chest. Deeper than rage and grief, and more than his beast's need to destroy. This was a cold kind of heat. He embraced it and allowed it to consume him.

With deathly calm he approached Marcus slowly, somewhat surprised at the odd look on the vampire's face. Ayden followed Marcus' eyes to observe with chilling detachment that his hands were glowing. It didn't matter, Marcus was going to die, that mattered, and of that he was certain.

"It can't be. You can't ..." were the last words Marcus would ever speak as Ayden came up alongside him. Why was he speaking in slow motion? Marcus started to run and Ayden just smiled. His speed and power greatly enhanced it took no time or effort to catch Marcus. Ayden dragged him to the ground impervious to his struggles. Placing those glowing hands on either side of Marcus' head and giving a little twist he easily detached it from the body. Immediately the remains started to decay and crumble. Ayden was distracted from his moment of triumph by Julia's cry of anguish. He merely thought it, and surprisingly found himself next to her yanking on her hair and divesting her of her head as well. Again the remains crumbled to dust.

It was done. Over. Why didn't he feel elated at the fact? Time normalized. The cold burning power that suffused him quickly retreated and he fell to his knees. Crawling he made his way to Jade's prone body; the blood pouring out of her was soaking into the ground. He gathered her in his arms and made a keening sound as he felt wetness on his face. Tears? Vampires don't cry, it was one of the very few pieces of information that Marcus had ever parted with. Regardless, Ayden sat there crying over the woman that he loved as her life seeped out of her.

***

Jonathan came to with a pounding headache and a sharp jarring pain in his arm. Realizing it was broken he cradled it gently to his body and headed back to the clearing to find Jade. The scene that met his eyes had him immobilized. Ayden started to glow and all hell broke loose. One moment he was at the far end of the clearing dispatching Marcus, the next he was over by the picnic tables decapitating Julia. Jonathan only regained his ability to function when he saw Ayden crawl over to Jade. It was only then that he started to run in their direction.

Puffing from the pain of moving so quickly he reached them and almost fainted in shock as he saw Ayden's blood streaked face. "Is she dead?" he asked amazed that he could even voice the question.

Ayden just looked at him blankly. Jonathan squatted down and took her wrist ignoring Ayden's hiss as he touched her. She had a pulse, faint, weak, but a pulse. 

"She's still alive. Do something!" Jonathan exclaimed. The pain and anguish clearly visible in Ayden's face were obviously marring his ability to think clearly. "Damn it Ayden do something. Give her your blood, convert her, anything. Just save her." he pleaded physically pushing the vampire to try and goad him into some type of action.

Like rising out of the thick layers of unconsciousness, Ayden finally allowed Jonathan's words to sink in. He slashed at his wrist and held it to her mouth. She was beyond swallowing but he hoped that a small trickle made it down her throat out of sheer gravity. He heard her heart falter and stop, at that moment his world ended. Ayden screamed, a dark feral sound that echoed around them in the night.

Numb, he gathered her up and carried her to the car. He followed Jonathan, grateful for the man's help as he had no idea what he was doing. He wasn't even sure how he managed to drive them home.

An uncanny sense of déjà vu enveloped Ayden as he cleaned up Jade and laid her in their bed, a bandage around her damaged neck. Karl had managed to get Jonathan off to the hospital allowing Ayden to just sit and wait. Wait and watch to see if by some miracle he'd managed to save his precious Jade. 

Hours passed with no change. Jonathan had come back with his arm in plaster, a sling holding it immobile. He sat with him and together they waited until Jonathan succumbed to exhaustion and pain medication. Ayden carried the man to the spare room before returning to his vigil at her bedside.

***

Jade woke with the same dizzying sense of disorientation she'd felt less than a week ago. Again she opened her eyes to find herself in familiar surroundings. Only this time it felt like she was on sensory overload. There was a loud thumping assaulting her ears, she could see the specks of dust on the light fixture and there was a tantalizing smell that seemed vaguely familiar. 

"What's wrong with me?" she whispered as she tried to sit up.

"Absolutely nothing. You are perfect." Said Ayden as he smiled from his chair at the end of the bed. He'd only started to hope in the last couple of hours when he was able to discern changes in her skin. Her features sharpened and softened where necessary so that where she was beautiful she was now breathtaking. His Jade was whole again and she was his forever.

Jade looked at her hands and was shocked at the slight iridescence of her skin and realization dawned. She recalled the last moments of her life, her irrational hope that Ayden would just leave and be safe. The moment Marcus touched her she knew she was going to die, all she wanted to do was to let Ayden know she loved him. Other than telling him with her eyes, this was denied her. His beautiful face etched in pain was the last thing she remembered before everything went black.

"You did it. You changed me." She breathed. Excitedly she leaped off the bed and into Ayden causing both of them to topple as the chair collapsed beneath them.

"Careful love, you are much stronger now." He chuckled as he held her close to him. They disentangled themselves and stood up but still Ayden was unwilling to let her go. He smelled good, that was the scent that was tickling her earlier. Ayden. More than just a tickle, it was turning into a burning need as she started to feel strange. A peculiar sensation started in her gums and she felt her canines lengthen.

"What is happening Ayden?" she asked a little frightened by the newness of it all.

"It is all right Jade, you just need to feed." He smiled at her. 

Jade looked around nervously. How on earth was she supposed to do that? Who was she going to feed off, surely not Karl? Sensing her apprehension Ayden held her tighter and stroked her hair.

"Don't worry love, you will feed off me to start with and then we'll work something out." He soothed as he lowered her onto the bed. "Now listen for the pulse of the blood and feel the heat coming off the area. Once you have a position just bite down and drink." He explained. "Don't worry you won't hurt me and I'll let you know when it is enough."

Jade was trembling as she lowered her mouth onto his exposed neck. Following his instructions she was rewarded with the sweet exotic essence that was just him. She allowed her whole universe to become that moment, that taste, the pull on his neck. 

Ayden was a little disappointed to have to stop her as it was a very pleasant sensation having her feed from him. Different to what he believed humans experienced but arousing none the less as evidenced by the bulge in his pants. She came away without difficulty and even licked the wound closed. His Jade was a natural; she was going to be fine. 

Jade's whole body hummed in pleasure now that it was full of Ayden's powerful blood. She gave him a gentle kiss to express her gratitude in his assistance and care with her. That wasn't enough for Ayden as he rolled her underneath him and proceeded to devour her mouth. How many times had they danced this dance, except this time it was his blood they both tasted as their tongues duelled. The thought gave her a little thrill as she melting into his unending kisses. 

Liquid fire raced through Jade's veins as Ayden lifted her top to suckle on her nipples. It was more than she could take as she shredded his clothes needing to feel his skin on her. This time was not going to be gentle and loving. This was all about need and passion. Using her new strength she rolled him so that she was on top quickly lowering herself onto his throbbing hardness.

Ayden groaned as she enveloped him in her molten heat. Home, that's what it felt like. Like coming home. Grasping her hips firmly he allowed her to set the pace as she ground herself on him over and over. It was easier now knowing her could love her with abandon, not having to worry that he would hurt her. He met her thrusts as their bodies collided, causing Jade to cry out in pleasure. 

"Mine forever." He growled as his hand snaked between them to flick at her clit.

"Yours forever." She gasped as his fingers expertly sent her flying into sheer bliss, her walls convulsing around him so that he also came with a groan.

Jade collapsed on top of him trying to make sense of the sensory jumble that was her world now. That was the most intense experience she'd ever had. Everything felt heightened more powerful somehow. She lay there trying to understand as he stroked her back.

"That was ..." she tried to express her emotions to no avail.

"I know sweetheart. Everything will be overwhelming for a while but you'll learn to control it. Rest now." He chuckled as he tucked her into his side happier than he'd ever been. She was his, truly his. 

The door burst open and Jonathan stormed in. He'd waited and waited but there was no word from Ayden as to Jade's condition so he decided to come and see for himself. What he'd barged in on was a little more intimate than he'd expected.

"Oops my bad. Didn't think you'd be ...hmmm." He said turning away from the naked couple on the bed. At least Jade was all right, in fact she was better than all right from what he could see. She was a goddess. "I just came to see if Jade was ok ... umm." he stammered.

Jade was grateful that Jonathan was fine until another delicious scent hit her. It was mouth watering and instinctively she felt her fangs descend. Ayden hissed and held her tight.

"Jonathan, you need to leave now. Jade is still very new at this, her control is not great. I suggest you and Karl leave for a few days while she gets use to her new life." Ayden said as calmly as possible while trying to restrain the woman in his arms.

Jonathan took one look at Jade and comprehension descended; she was looking at him like he was lunch. He bolted from the room closing the door behind him. As his scent dissipated Jade came back to herself.

"Oh my God. I nearly attacked Jonathan." She exclaimed and buried her head into the pillow. 

Ayden chuckled at her frustration but understood how unnerving it was to want to succumb to the beast within. "I'm right here love. I'll never let you hurt anyone. Give it time. You only woke up a few hours ago. It gets easier. Trust me." He said.

"I have so much to learn." She groaned. 

"We both do. It's not like I'm some expert or anything. In fact, as soon as you are ready I think we need to go and find this Assembly. We both need to know more about what we are. Maybe they can help." He said knowing it was really their only option.

Jade raised her head to look at the wonderful man by her side. He was right as always. They needed to know more, particularly about his glowing hands. She couldn't believe she missed seeing that. Oh yeah dying and everything. But right now they had time. Jade kissed him and smiled as he sighed against her lips. She was home.



The Arrangement Ch. 07



Jill stood in the door way of their bedroom. Her breath caught in her lungs as it always did when she looked at him. He sat on the side of the bed wearing nothing but his boxers. She smiled as she thought of that first morning that she had seen him in the white cotton. His shoulders were slumped as he spoke on the phone. His voice was low and his brow was furrowed, the soft lines more pronounced. 

"Yeah, Mom. I understand. I might be away for a while in a couple of weeks, but Jill will be here if you need anything. Promise me, you'll call if you do?" she heard him say as she slipped into the room and curled up on her side of the bed. Her hand automatically went to his shoulder and squeezed the tense muscles there softly. 

"Maybe. It would be nice. Let me see if I can get a few days off. I know the girls would love it and it would give you a chance to meet her. We'll talk about it tonight." She scooted across the bed and wrapped both arms about his waist, pressing a soft kiss between his bare shoulder blades.

"All right, I love you both," Jill's heart rose into her throat at how easily those words came to her husband. For his parents. For his daughters. 

She told herself to give it time. That was how these things worked. Love that grew over time, as Ubah would say. But still the doubts ate at her mind, taunted her. Dodds words, 'Nothing like Rachel,' had become the newest litany among all the others that undermined her confidence, her womanhood. 

She drew back as she heard him saying his farewells. She snuck back to her side of the bed, grabbing her book and drawing her knees up to her chest as she leaned against the headboard and pillows. She pretended to be engrossed in it even though she could not remember a word she read. 

Daniel put the phone on the night stand and rolled over, wrapping his arm about her waist. "Unless that is the karma sutra put it down for a bit."

Jill laughed as she put it back on the night stand on her side of the bed. "How is your dad?" she asked as she turned in his arms to face him. The worried look on his handsome face answered her question before he spoke.

"Mom says that he made them stop the chemo. Said he didn't want to spend what time he had left sick as a dog. So they are just giving him what pain meds they can," his blue eyes were misty as he stared at the buttons on his shirt that she had kidnapped and wore to bed most nights. 

Her fingers brushed across his cheek. "I'm sorry, Daniel." She wanted to take him into her arms, into her body and heart. But those damned words would not stop their song in her mind. So she satisfied herself with the soft caress.

"Mom asked if we could get away for a few days. Visit," Jill could hear the unspoken words in his voice as it cracked, 'say good-bye.' Tears filled her eyes for his pain, for his mother's, the woman without whom she would never have met this remarkable man.

"Can you get some time off? I know that the team is going to be activated soon. Is there time?" her fingers moved down his neck to caress his bare shoulder. She fought back the temptation to move lower, to play with the firm muscles and springy chest hairs that always entranced her. 

Daniel shook his head, "Normally, I wouldn't. But this is different. I'll talk to the command tomorrow. If I can swing it, you think you and the girls up to a long drive?" those blue eyes looked up at her, the smile on his soft lips was weak and forced.

Jill nodded, "We'll manage," she bent and brushed a kiss across his forehead. 

Trying to lighten his load anyway she could, she added, "And I have a surprise for you." She padded barefoot over to the dresser and rummaged in her purse for a moment before pulling out the small card. She smiled as she tossed it at him. "Got this yesterday. I figured I'd need it while you're gone. So, you have a relief driver, commander," she teased.

He smiled as he picked up her new driver's license, but then she remembered the photograph. She lunged and tried to snatch it back. "Oh no, you don't. The picture is horrible."

He rolled to the side, the license still firmly in his grasp as she collapsed on top of him, stretching and reaching for it. 

"Oh no, you gave it to me. So no going back now, Missus Monroe," he said as he brought it up to his face. "What, you look fine," he replied.

Jill rolled over. 'Fine,' was not the word that she wanted to hear on his lips. But then again it was about time for her to face reality. Sometimes fine just had to do. And her marriage was just that...fine.

***

Daniel was not sure what he had said or done, but the look on his wife's face told him it was something big. As good as things had been the past four weeks since Jill had moved into their bed, he still did not know how to handle moments like this. 

Like a fucking hurricane she had blown into his world and changed everything. It had long since stopped being just the way she loved and nurtured his daughters or the delicious meals or clean house. It was not even the best fucking sex of his life. It was the way that she was there. Just there. He knew that no matter what he could talk to her, or just snuggle up next to her. He felt safe. He knew that she would never turn him away. Never. 

So why did he keep fucking things up? Even when he did not know how, he managed to screw things up. To hurt her. And that was something he never wanted to do.

He could not find the words then, anymore than he could any of those other times. So he did the only thing he knew, he reached for her. Wrapping his arms about her waist he pulled her back against his hard body. He spooned with her as he brushed her hair back from her neck and began to kiss along the pulse that beat loudly there. The immediate increase in its tempo told him that once more his miracle welcomed him with open arms...even if he did not deserve her.

His tongue flicked at the vein throbbing beneath it as his hand moved from her waist up to cup the fullness of her breast, his thumb playing with her nipple through the cotton. He ground his hips against the softness of her ass as he whispered, "I need you."

If her moan was not response enough, the way that she arched her chest into his caress, her nipples hardening as she pushed her bottom back against his hard cock, set any shreds of doubt aside. His wife wanted him. Almost as much as he wanted her. 

Still it was not enough. His fingers moved lower to work more of the buttons free. He wanted his wife naked and needy beneath him. He wanted, fuck no, he needed all of her. Her total and complete surrender. 

Jill pushed his hands away from the cotton as she turned in his arms. "Turn out the lights," she whispered against his lips.

It was the only thing she denied him. As spectacular as the sex had been the past month, it was always the same. Hot and heavy coming togethers of their bodies, their afternoon delights, with clothes pushed up or aside just enough to get the job done. Kitchen counter tops, rug burns from living room carpets, hell even the garage bent over the hood of the car, anywhere was fair game for the two of them. 

Or it was slow, sweet making love in their bed after tucking the girls in for the night. But still it was the same. Sexy lingerie, his god damned shirts, something was always between them. Except on the couple of occasions when he had reached for her in the middle of the night. When his need for her loving comfort was stronger even than the need for sleep. Then she came to him, totally and completely. But watching his wife move atop him in the pale moonlight, its rays casting shadows on her beautiful face as she came apart for him was not what he needed. It was not enough. It never would be. 

He shook his head as he rolled her beneath him, "Not tonight, sweetheart. Tonight I want to watch you as you come for me," his fingers brushed the material back from her shoulders. "I want to see how red your chest gets as you ride my hard cock." He pulled at the edges, intent on ripping the damned thing off his wife if he needed to.

Then the soft whine broke from the pink and white box on the night stand next to them. "Fuck," he spat.

Jill pushed at him and jumped up quickly. Too quickly, panic shown in her eyes as she mumbled, "Let me go check on them."

He watched her round bottom swoosh back and forth beneath the edge of the shirt as she practically lunged for the bedroom door and the safety of the nursery across the hall. 

"Fuck," he cursed again as he collapsed back on the bed to stare at the ceiling. What the fuck was wrong? Why would she never let him see her completely naked? Hell, why did it bother him so fucking much? Everything else about their lives was just about perfect; so why did this one little thing matter so much? "Because, buddy, it's the one thing your wife always denies you." 

Not the only one he thought as he heard her horrendous voice on the other end of the monitor, crooning a lullabye to his daughters. It was tender as she whispered, "I love you." His chest tightened uncomfortably at the soft admission that was not for him. 

***

Jill watched Britney fall back to sleep. She bent to kiss the soft blonde curls about the angelic face. Brushing a stray lock back, she whispered, "I love you." 'Especially for this one, angel,' she thought. She owed the baby for a reprieve this night.  

What would she have done? She had never seen him like this. Over the past month, when he tried to take off her dress or shirt, she had always been able to distract him. Move things forward quickly until his mind was on something else. But the look of determination is his eyes tonight had scared her. If Britney had not cried out, she had no doubt that he would have ripped the shirt open, buttons be damned. 

'Nothing like Rachel.' 'What man could ever really want you?' 'Fat whore.' The words played like a bad song through her mind. 

She felt the hot tears course down her cheeks. It was the one thing she could not allow. If those words brought pain, she knew that she could never survive the look of disappointment that was certain to be upon his face. 

She tiptoed across the nursery, looking back one final time at the babies sleeping peacefully in their cribs. She loved them. No matter how hard she had tried to protect her heart, the truth was that she probably had from that very first night as she watched Daniel and Samuel put the sleeping angels into their pink car seats. 

But she knew one thing, she could never live with that look. Not even as much as she loved them, as she loved him, she could never stay and see disappointment, disgust in the eyes of only the second man she had ever truly loved. 

Looking at the closed door to their bedroom, her hand trembled upon the knob. She could not. Not just yet. She needed time to think. Time alone to clear her head. Get her feelings back under control. So instead she padded softly down the hall and through the kitchen. She stopped for a moment in the small laundry room, her fingers brushed against her lips as she remembered that first sweet taste of him. Daniel. Her husband. She forced her feet to move. She opened the back door and sat down on the top step. Tears flowed unchecked down her cheeks in the pale moonlight. 

What a mess she had made of this whole thing? Falling in love with a man she could never really have. Not the way she wanted anyway. 

She would never be a raving beauty like Rachel. Hell, even when she was that young girl first discovering her womanly power and sexuality, she had never been anything more than girl next door pretty. Now at forty-five and after four pregnancies, her body was not even that. Round, soft, full...those were the nice words. Fat, cellulite, sagging were more appropriate.

Looking up at the moon, she wondered once more for the hundredth time since coming to this place, why? Why would someone so beautiful, so perfect not find happiness in his arms? All right, so maybe this place was not New York or glamorous. But still, Daniel was amazing. Gorgeous. Considerate. Strong. Funny. A good friend. A great dad. Not to forget, an amazing lover. Wasn't that enough? What more could there be? Of course, there was the girls too. Her daughters. How could she leave them like this? It just did not make any sense. 

If she had been half as pretty as Rachel, hell, a tenth as perfect, she would grab on to it all. And never let it go. Never let him go. Why had the other woman? Money and possessions simply could not be that important. 

Jill sat on the back steps thinking for some time. The yard about her was cast in shadows as the tears flowed down her cheeks. She played her predicament over and over in her mind. She wished a thousand different things, but none of them changed the simple reality. She was head over heels in love with a man that would never feel the same way about her. 

Oh, he needed her, perhaps even wanted her. But that was just simple biology. A hungry man would eat anything after all. How long this passion would last? Well, the though did not bare considering. Not now. Now she would enjoy him while she could. 

His face kept haunting her. The hunger and the need that she had seen, reflected so raw in the depths of those blue eyes, would not leave her alone. His father was dying, another loss in little more than a year. And all too soon, they would face the first separation of their new marriage. She wanted and needed to offer him what comfort she could. Solace and yes, as much of her love as she dared to show. 

She fought the battle in her mind until only one truth remained. She could deny him nothing. Well, almost nothing, she thought as she sent a silent prayer upwards and slipped back into the house, re-tracing her earlier steps until she grasped the doorknob in her trembling fingers. Her resolve almost fled as she opened it and saw him collapsed across the foot of the bed, exactly as she had left him. 

She walked over to the night stand and switched the lights off. She would go as far as she could this night, she thought as she began unbuttoning each of the tiny white buttons along the front of his shirt. She let it slip from her shoulders but wrapped it about her like a security blanket as she saw him turn over.

"Jill?" he whispered. 

She closed her eyes and prayed for strength to answer the unspoken need she heard in his voice. She let the shirt slip the rest of the way down her arms until it pooled about her feet on the floor. "I'm sorry, Daniel," she whispered as he reached for her. 

She went willing into his strong arms. His lips moving over her bare shoulders and breasts as they rolled and tumbled on the bed they shared. When his mouth moved over the turgid peak of her nipple, she pushed him onto his back. Her hands made quick work of his boxers, the only barrier between them this night. When those were tossed carelessly across the room, she rose up over him. Taking his already hard cock inside her once more. 

She gritted her teeth and held her breath at the intense pleasure of it stretching and filling her. Fireworks of pleasure burst over her as she came almost immediately, her body squeezing his as her fingers scratched at his shoulders. She rode wave after wave of it as she gave him everything she could in the safe haven of the pale moonlight that drifted through the small window in their room. 

***

Daniel thought for several minutes that it was a dream. Another of his torturous dreams. His wife close, so fucking close, but always just out of reach. When she slowly dropped his shirt from her lush curves, he had thought he would explode. The moon cast a hypnotic spell about her, about it all. Half dream, half reality, all heaven. 

When she rose up over him and took him deep inside her welcoming depths once more, he fought back the need to come immediately. The way she felt when she came, clenching him tightly, milking him, was something he was not sure he would ever be able to resist fully. But he was not ready for it to end this quickly. 

He watched her as she rode his cock. Her head thrown back and her eyes closed. He could not see the depths of those clear green eyes or the red that stained her face and chest, but he could hear her labored breathing, feel her heart pounding as his hands cupped and weighed those perfect tits. 

He thrust his hips up, driving deeper into her and was rewarded with a soft moan, his name on her lips. "Daniel," she called. 

But god damn it, it still was not enough. It was irrational. Unlike him. But he needed all of this woman. He wanted complete control of his wife. 

He pushed her off him. He gloried in the soft whimper that the denial of his body brought to those sweet lips. He reached up and pulled one of his pillows down. He slapped her soft ass, the sound vibrated around the quiet room. 

"On your hands and knees, Jill," he commanded. 

He caught a brief glimpse of the surprised look in her eyes. He cursed under his breath once more that in the moonlight he could not see their true green. 

But this night he would settle for what she offered. Take more than perhaps she had meant to give. He swore though that he would not allow these games to continue, not for much longer. She was his wife. His. And she was about to find out all that meant.

"Daniel," she whispered over her shoulder as she moved into the position he had commanded. 

Taking his cock in his hand, he stroked it as he moved behind his wife's remarkable backside. Something inside of him begged to be released, pleaded with him to bring his hand down hard upon those ivory globes until they would twinkle scarlet even in the dim light. To go far beyond the quick taps that he had used a moment before. 

But a lifetime of rules stopped him. She was his wife, he never wanted to hurt her, he respected her, he...he needed her, he thought, refusing to allow his mind to take that next plunge off the cliff without so much as a parachute to prevent his fall into the fiery depths of hades.

Instead he took another type of plunge, into her depths, as he positioned the head of his cock between the impossibly hot and wet folds of her body. It was his turn to groan as its tightness gripped him once more. His hands firmly about her waist, he dug his fingers into her. He was in no mood for gentle this night as he plunged deeper and faster inside her. 

He felt her trembling beneath his hands, heard the low keening as she bent forward into the mattress. It muffled her screams, but not enough that he could not hear her begging and pleading. But it was not for him to stop. Her body and her words begged him for more. His own body echoed her pleas. But his mind wanted more. 

He lunged forward, pushing his cock deeper inside of her and holding it there. He waited as he felt her orgasm ebbing and flowing around him. She whimpered and tried to move her hips against him to continue this roller coaster ride that was their bodies need for one another, but his hands about her waist were firm, denying them both the release they sought. 

She pleaded louder, "Please, Daniel, I need."

His right hand moved up her body to grasp her breast as it dangled just above the duvet. His fingers tugged firmly at the hard point. "What do you need, Jill?" he demanded.

"You," she moaned as she tried to move again, but his arm wrapped about her waist holding her still as he toyed with her breast, his cock buried balls deep inside of heaven. 

"Who's pussy is this?" he demanded as he circled his hips, adding enough friction to send her body higher, but not high enough for the release he knew she craved.

She whimpered at his movement and he could see her fingers clutching the covers above her head. Her head came up and she arched her back into him, but he pulled back, denying her what she craved once more. 

"Damn it, Daniel. Quit screwing around," she breathed.




The Arrangement Ch. 07



WARNING!!!

This story is about cuckolding and humiliation.

If this offends you, please do not read it. 

*

It was a strangely unreal feeling, standing there, dressed like a little tart, in my wife's used undies and nylons.

I was suddenly aware that I would be forced to watch, in the presence of 

Margaret and William and I had a sinking feeling of utter humiliation which made me weak at the knees.

It actually felt as if we were in the same room with the two lovers. It was scary and at the same time, exciting, but extremely humiliating. Margaret was getting quite turned on by the actions of the two of them and was quite clearly enjoying my dreadful ordeal. 

Standing up and slipping off her panties, she ordered William to get into position to pleasure her. It was then that I realised that the chair was custom-built to allow William's head to nestle just below where Margaret's naked and hairless pussy would be. Lying down on the floor he was soon in position. Placing his head, face up he soon disappeared from view as Margaret settled back down on to the seat. Within a few seconds she was sighing contentedly as William applied himself to his task.

It was then that I noticed that Tina and Paul had almost stripped each other and were ready to make love. Tina still had her stockings and garter belt on and it was obvious that Paul did not intend to remove them.

I stood there riveted to the spot, unable to take my eyes off the two of them.

I could feel an ache building up in my gut as they kissed and caressed.

I watched helplessly as this stranger groped my gorgeous wife causing her to writhe in pleasure. She reacted by grasping his rigid penis which had suddenly popped into view. I gasped as I saw the size and girth of his erection. I felt completely helpless and impotent as I realised that this monster was about to ravish my sweet wife's innocent and inexperienced body.

She, however, showed no signs of inexperience, as she quite expertly began to stroke his throbbing cock causing it to visibly expand in size.

Margaret was enjoying the moment and commented that Tina looked like an excited little girl with a new toy to play with.

At that moment Tina pointed over at us. With sudden dread I thought that she had seen us through the mirror but she said loudly. "Oh look, Paul, what a big mirror. How kinky, let's watch ourselves."

With that, she pulled him over towards us using his penis like a dog's leash.

"I've always wondered what it would be like to see it as a voyeur or peeping tom would." Paul said.

He laughed and pushed Tina in front of him so that she was standing facing us. He started caressing her all over, mashing her breasts, squeezing her bottom and finally slipping his fingers between her legs and all the time nuzzling and kissing her neck and ears.

I squirmed as he pleasured my, no longer, innocent wife. It was blatantly clear as she responded to his crude groping, that she was relishing her inevitable seduction. They both evidently enjoyed watching themselves in the mirror, quite unaware that we were witnessing the whole scene, only a few feet away.

Muffled sounds of his increasing arousal should have warned us of his next move. He suddenly bent her over and forward, placing the palms of her hands on the glass of the mirror. I could only watch helplessly, as he took hold of his huge cock and slowly slid it back and forth across the slippery lips of her hot eager pussy. I was breathing heavily as I watched him ease it into her, inch after inch after inch. She was gasping out loud as he started to fuck her doggy style. 

She seemed to be looking straight at us while he defiled her. Her face began to contort as he increased the pace. He had her groaning and moaning in rapture as he continued to slide his throbbing monster deeper and deeper into the hot cauldron of her most private parts.

I realised that I too was emitting involuntary gasps and groans as I watched my beautiful wife clearly enjoying being degraded, right in front of me.

Margaret must have noticed my condition for she slid her hand up my legs and began to gently frig my tumescent little hard- on through the silky material of my knickers. 

"There, there, Jamie." She whispered. "See how much she's enjoying it. Watch her get a good fucking, look how hard she's pushing her bottom back in to him. She's trying to get him in as deep as possible. Listen to her, she's really egging him on, did you hear that? She just begged him to fuck her like the whore she is, she's acting like a little bitch in heat." 

The noise coming through the speaker was almost deafening and I could feel the mirror shaking as he fucked her harder and harder. I had somehow stretched my hands over and onto the inside of the two way mirror so that they were matching her outstretched fingers on the glass. I felt that I was in some way giving her strength to get through this ordeal. I searched her eyes as I stood there, my own eyes filled with tears of anguish as I heard her urging him on to fuck her even harder and deeper. He too seemed to be looking directly at me and I was convinced that he had a smirk on his face which screamed "Look at me, look at me. I'm fucking your wife." 

He continued to fuck her, getting more and more agitated all the time. I could see the veins standing out on his forehead and neck as he struggled to maintain the momentum. Then all of a sudden he was gasping as he unloaded a mighty ejaculation, pumping his hot seed deep into Tina's gaping cunt. Shattered, they crumpled to the floor still joined together in their moment of ecstasy.

I staggered back and nearly tripped over William's legs as I took hold of the back of Margaret's chair to prevent me from collapsing in a heap.

This scene must have lasted at least half an hour and I was now exhausted by the intensity of it all. 

I recovered my composure in time to see Tina being helped back over to the luxurious king-size bed which dominated the whole room.

They both climbed on to the bed and lay down beside each other, completely drained of energy.

At this juncture, Margaret got up from her chair, allowing William to get some air. Taking me by the arm she led me back into the dungeon area and made me raise my arms so that she could, once again, restrain me by shackling my wrists above my head.

I stood there powerless to protect myself and very much aware that Margaret was a most demanding woman who knew what she wanted and who was used to getting what she wanted.

She poured out three large measures of her favourite Schnapps, giving one glass of the fiery liquid to each of us. As my hands were manacled above my head, I was unable to lift my glass. Margaret, kindly, came to my aid. Putting the overfilled glass to my lips she helped me to sip a little of the schnapps. Then she forced me to swallow the whole measure in one go, which I almost managed. Caught unawares by her swiftness, I gulped as quickly as I could and only a little of the liquid escaped to dribble down my chin. Almost immediately I felt the rush of blood to my cheeks as the drink took its toll.

Huskily, Margaret whispered in my ear.

"Now Jamie, I am going to show you how pathetic you are and how completely enslaved you are now, to your cock loving wife. Did you enjoy seeing her being taken by her new lover? I'm sure you did, at least your stiff little dick proved that you were excited.

Very soon they will, no doubt, recommence their sexual adventure but you will only be able to hear them, because I am going to blindfold your eyes so that you will not be able to see anything. 

Imagination can be a very stimulating companion, especially if it is fuelled by the sounds of wanton abandonment. But don't you worry. I intend to give you a running commentary on just what they are doing."

I watched, helplessly as William came towards me with what looked like a black cloth in his hand. It was in fact a black linen bag which he quickly slipped over my head plunging me into darkness. As he moved away I was again conscious of his hand brushing across my silk clad buttocks and I groaned and shivered with embarrassment.

Margaret must have turned up the volume coming from the monitors because the room was suddenly filled with the sound of mumblings and heavy and laboured breathing. This soon changed to the sounds of wet kissing and rustling of sheets and silks.

Chuckling, Margaret was now standing immediately behind me and she proceeded to run her hands all over my chest and lower abdomen. She feigned shock when she ran her fingers over my flaccid penis which she expected to be hard. Although my facial expressions were hidden by the head bag, I screwed up my eyes in shame. I was even more ashamed when Margaret began to frig my little cock and it stiffened almost immediately. I groaned, powerless to control myself and sure that I was about to squirt when she stopped abruptly, saying.

"Don't think I am going to let you off that easily. Your slut of a wife is just about to suck his big cock. There, can you hear her slurping on it? She's on her knees and he has her head in his hands. Try to imagine it, he's shoving it into her throat and she's gagging on it."

She didn't have to tell me what was happening, I could hear quite clearly that she was struggling to cope with the face fucking she was getting. The bizarre thing was that my imagination was painting all sorts of pictures of her enjoying the disgusting things her lover was subjecting her to. I tried to think of something else, but I couldn't.

Margaret continued to torment me, describing how much Tina was obviously enjoying the fucking he was giving her. She kept this unbearable teasing up for more than another hour or so. She kept rubbing herself up against me as she graphically described how Paul was fucking my slut of a wife and how much Tina was enjoying the thrill of riding his big cock. Tortured by Margaret's incessant descriptions, I was experiencing gut wrenching spasms as I listened to how my lovely wife was having multiple orgasms and how she would always need other men to satisfy her needs from now on.

Incredibly, I must have passed out with the strain and intensity of the occasion. I came-to, lying on the floor. I had been released from the manacles which were restraining me and the bag had been removed from my head. 

Moaning quietly, I was helped back on to my feet by William who also helped me on with my coat. The sounds from the bedroom continued as I heard Margaret telling William to take me home and put me to bed, which he did.

Later that night at about 2am, I was wakened by Tina staggering in to our bedroom. She looked a real mess, hair all over the place, make-up and lipstick smudged, nylons laddered and with a shattered look on her face. But she still looked incredibly beautiful in a stunning, sluttish sort of way. I managed to jump up in time to catch her as she slumped towards the bed. 

She was tipsy, again. I held her close, and it was with a real sense of relief that she appeared to be unhurt.

She mumbled, her words slurred.

"This time, I really have been thoroughly fucked. Bloody hell, he was insatiable. I now know what it must be like to be a whore. He actually managed to come four times!!! He was fantastic. Mind you, I wouldn't fancy getting fucked like that every night! 

Kiss me, Jamie, I love you and I need to know that you still love me."

"You know that I love you, my darling. I will always love you, no matter what happens and I am so pleased that you had a good time tonight."

As our lips met, she slid her tongue deep into my mouth and I knew that she was making me taste her lover's spunk. It was, surprisingly, not unpleasant. 

After about ten seconds she pulled back to see if I would make any comment, but I refrained from saying anything. She then told me she would give me ten minutes to give her the adoration and worship that I must be dying to perform on her. I didn't need any further encouragement and re-arranged our position so that her shapely legs were up in the air allowing me easy access to her centre of passion.

I shut my eyes as I bent forward expecting to bury my face into the heat of her soaking knickers. I was immediately taken aback when my lips closed in on naked flesh all slippery with spunk. I eagerly started to show her how much I worshipped and adored her and as I licked along the outer lips of her hot vagina, I wondered where her hot red knickers were. I think I knew that they were probably in Paul's pocket as a trophy, to remind him of a fantastic night of sexual excess with another man's beautiful and willing wife.

Would he sniff them occasionally or did he intend to obtain a collection of my wife's sexy knickers?

It didn't take long before my darling drifted off into a thoroughly deserved, deep sleep.

I lay there and wondered.

I wondered if Margaret would tell Tina that we three had witnessed her night of passion, or would it be our secret, to be kept forever.

I wondered if she would tell her of my humiliating experience in the dungeon and the viewing room.

I wondered what further indignities lay ahead for me.

Could my marriage survive what the future held in store for me?

Oh God, oh God!!!

Lovingly and with a real sense of reverence, I arose and gently undressed her and although I knew she couldn't hear me, I told her that I loved her. 

I tucked her up safely, in our comfortable double bed before folding her sexy discarded undies. I sniffed her laddered and cum-stained nylons and I knew then, that, come what may, I would play my part for as long as she wished.



The Arrangement Ch. 07



He smiled and pulled back just a fraction more, "You sure you want me to stop screwing you, Missus Monroe?" he teased as he gave another gentle circle of his hips.

"God damn it, you know I didn't mean that," she roared and she turned her head to look at him. "Fuck me, Daniel. Fuck me hard."

He gave another slow circle, "You haven't answered my question, sweetheart. Who's sweet little cunt is this?" To encourage her, he rocked his hips forward as he tweaked her nipple.

"Daniel," she whimpered. "Please," she begged.

"Wrong answer, baby," he said as he drew back until just the head of his swollen cock rested inside her. 

"Yours, god damn it, yours," she almost screamed. "Now fuck me," she demanded as she moved her hips back against him. This time his hold about her waist lessened, allowing her to move backwards, swallowing the length of his cock as he plunged forward at the same time. 

He pounded into her. He felt those demons riding his back once more. As good as her admission felt, it was not the one he craved. He gave up his hold about her waist, his hand moving up, his fingers wrapping themselves into the soft lengths of her hair. He used it to tug her back until her face was just inches from his. "Say it again, Jill. Tell me who's pussy this is!" 

He felt her body begin that incredible magic of its release as she looked into his eyes, "Yours. It's yours, Daniel."

He roared his victory into the depths of her sweet lips as he plunged harder and faster into her as she milked and squeezed his hard cock. He felt his come rising up, he wanted to hold back, he wanted to push her further, he wanted more. But as always her body mastered his, drawing forth that which he was not ready to fully give. And all he could do was ride the wave of his release as he emptied himself once more inside of her. 

As the power drained from them both, she collapsed forward onto the bed and he followed. He rolled enough to take the bulk of his weight off of her, but their lower bodies remained entwined, their legs pieces of a puzzle that fit perfectly. His arm fell across her lower back and in the moon light he noticed it for the first time. The faint blue lines of a tattoo just above the round curve of her bottom. He recognized it instantly. The Royal Marine Corps Crest. 

"Per mare, per terram," he whispered as his fingers outlined the other man's symbol of ownership upon his wife. The man, who had held far more than he ever would. He might have her body, but he knew this ghost still held her heart. 

She stirred in his arms, turning her head towards him. "What did you say?" she whispered, her eyes drowsy and barely open.

Daniel bent and kissed her nose, "It's nothing. Nothing important," he lied as he rolled away from her. He walked over to the closet and pulled out the spare blanket. As warm as the night was, it would be enough.

His wife rolled into his arms as he spread it over them. He drew her head to rest as it did most nights against his heart. He placed another soft kiss on the top of her head as he wrapped his arm about her, holding her close. But not close enough. It would never be close enough. 

The tattoo was just another reminder of that fact, he thought as he stared at the ceiling. His body far more relaxed after their love making than his mind. He knew that sleep would not come easily this night as the ghost of that other man lingered in his mind and heart. He shook his head, "It's never going to be enough, is it, buddy?" he asked the silence. 

***

Jill's hands folded and packed, although she was not really certain what. Her mind was somewhere else. Things had been different since the other night. He was avoiding her again. He said it was because of the trip. He needed to make certain that everything was ready before he left. So of course, their nooners were gone. He barely made it home in time for dinner each night. And maybe that was it, she knew the demands that the military placed upon a marriage.

Maybe too it was this trip. It could not be easy on him, knowing that this was almost certainly the final farewell to his father. It was something that she had never gotten, her own parents killed suddenly in a car accident when she was a senior in high school. Even then she was a true child of the sixties, having never been that close to the free-spirited hippie academicians, who had accidentally given birth to her. But it must be eating Daniel up inside this final farewell.

But the one thing she feared most was that she had allowed herself to go too far the other night. That in her need to comfort and please her husband, she had revealed too much of herself. Not just her less than perfect body, but the wildly sexual creature that beat just below the surface of her calm exterior. She had learned the hard way that type of wanton behavior did not appeal to all men. Perhaps she had gone too far. Perhaps the dirty talk that she was barely able to stifle most times and had failed to muffle that night was too much. Too bold. Too whorish. Or perhaps the moonlight had not been as kind at concealing of her many flaws as she thought. 

The truth was that over the course of the past three days, he had not touched her at all. Well, that was not totally true. Even though they started each night on their respective sides of the bed, like opposite of a magnetic pole, their bodies were unable to resist the pull of the attraction. They awoke each morning a tangled mess of arms and legs. His hard-on pressed against her was a temptation she could barely resist.

She was piling another something into the case and staring out the small bedroom window, when she felt the tug on her dress. "Jill, my tummy hurts," whispered Bel.

She knelt down and drew the little girl towards her, brushing a kiss across her forehead. The heat emanating from it caused her to draw back in alarm. The child was burning up. She placed her hand at the back of the girls neck and was greeted with similar. 

"Where does it hurt, sweetie?" she asked.

"All over. It so bad," the large tears that glistened as they flowed down her rosy cheeks told Jill the truth of her words. 

"Let's put you in bed, then I'll get you some medicine and something to drink," she was about to reply when the little girl turned pale, her soft blue eyes that always reminded Jill of his grew large before the onslaught of projectile vomiting that covered everything in the suitcase. Jill held the little girl, whispering soothing words until the violent vomiting stopped. Their bed, the floor, the suitcase and Bel were all covered. 

Jill picked her up and carried her down the hall to the bathroom. Bel was crying and whimpering, "I sorry. I didn't mean to make a mess."

She knelt next to the girl as she began to strip her soiled clothes off. "Sweetie, don't worry about it. I know that. I'll clean it up after we get you tucked in bed."

The child continued to sob as Jill finished undressing her and lifted her into the tub. She heard a noise behind her and turned towards the door.

"What's wrong with her?" demanded the petulant pre-teen staring around the room.

"Your sister is not feeling well. Could you get me the children's Tylenol out of the closet in the hall and a glass of water, please Jessie?" Jill asked as she picked up the cup that she kept near the tub for washing the twins' hair. She began pouring the tepid water over Bel's head even as the child shivered.

"I know it's cold, sweetie, but we need to get your fever down," she said as she poured a bit of shampoo into her palm and began to lather her hair, removing the bits of food and bile that hung to the blonde tresses. 

She heard the older girl sigh as she left, "Sure, I'll check on the little ones, too."

Jill smiled up at her step-daughter. "Thank you, I can use whatever help you're willing to give here."

She shrugged, "Don't worry about the babies. I'll take them downstairs with me. I've kinda been missing the little brats since you and Gran showed up. They used to be my responsibility when Dad wasn't around."

Jill frowned at her words, "What about," she began but another round of violent vomiting put an end to her inquiries. She turned back to the younger girl, pulling the plug from the tub and starting all over again.

She had just finished a second rinse of the girl's hair when a bottle of medicine and glass of water appeared on the sink next to her. "Thank you," she said without looking up.

"Do you want me to call Dad at work?" asked Jessie.

She shook her head, "He should be home soon anyway. If you can manage the babies, then I'll take care of Bel and try to clean things up a bit before he gets home. Would you mind getting me a big bowl or pot from the kitchen?"

"Sure, no problem, is she gonna be all right?"

Jill nodded as she smiled at the little girl, "You're going to be fine, angel girl," she said as she placed another kiss on the child's forehead. It was still much too hot. She poured a spoonful of the medicine and tried to get the child to drink it, but she just cried and shook her head. "Please, sweetie, girl?" Jill pleaded.

"She hates the stuff. Mom always gave it to her when she wanted to make sure she would stay asleep, not wake up and disturb her and," the girl looked away as if she had said too much. "Bel, quit being a baby. You need it this time," she commanded her younger sister.

Jill wrapped the towel about the child and drew her into her arms. "Sh, sweetie girl, it's o.k. Let's get you to your bed and we'll try again," she said as she scooped her up in her arms. "Would you bring the medicine and the glass of water before getting that bowl, please, Jessie?"

She nodded her darker blond head and picked up the items, following them down the hall to the bedroom that she had shared with her sister until a month before. "You sure I shouldn't call Dad," she whispered.

Jill saw the genuine concern in her face and smiled. "It's probably just a tummy bug. I'm sure the two of us can manage fine until he gets home." 

But the moan from the child in her arms as another pain doubled her over had even Jill doubting her words. 

"Need toilet," cried her bundle. 

Jill barely managed to get the child to it before the loud pop announced that this bug was one to be reckoned with. "Jess, go manage Brit and Ash. I'll handle Bel," she commanded. She was busy trying to reassure the younger girl when she realized how pushy she might have sounded, "Jess, I really do appreciate your help here. Thank you," she smiled weakly into the girl's face as she turned to leave.

The next half an hour was spent in bathroom with her step-daughter, alternately being violently ill into the sink or tub or doubled over the toilet holding her tiny tummy. Jill was at the end of her wits, worried about the fever that just would not come down, despite the cool clothes she kept applying to the girls forehead and neck. 

She heard voices down the hall as she held the little girl's shoulders which were shaking as she vomited again. Even the carpet did nothing to hide the pounding of feet down the corridor. A second later, he filled the tiny doorway, just as completely as he filled every corner of her fantasies. 

"Is she all right?" he asked looking at his daughter wrapped only in the towel as she dry heaved over the sink.

Jill shook her head so that the child could not see the worry on her face or in her voice. "I think we should take her to the hospital," she said in almost a whisper.

He nodded his head and pulled out his phone, pushing a single button, he barked orders to their friend, "Bel's sick. I need you over here now. Jill and I are taking her to the hospital." 

Jessie stepped up behind him, "I can watch the babies, daddy."

He nodded and smiled weakly at his oldest. "I know you can, sweetie. But Simone will be here in a couple of minutes. You and Althea can do whatever you girls do these days while we have the doctors check out your sister."

Jill saw the disappointment on the girl's face. She recognized how hard it must be to be pushed aside, have duties that were once yours taken away by a stranger. "Jess, would you mind one more huge favor for me? Can you grab a t-shirt and knickers for your sister? Nothing heavy just enough to cover her bits."

"Knickers?" 

"Sorry, underwear, panties. I'm still re-learning the American language," she smiled. 

"Sure, whatever," she said as she sulked away.

Daniel shook his head, "You really are fucking amazing, sweetheart. I didn't even realize how all this must seem to her."

"Teenagers are an experience. Let me tell you. D.J. was nineteen when his father was killed. He thought that made him the man in the house. It wasn't easy," she smiled as she hugged her bundle closer, her eyes filling with tears as the worry of the past hour gave way to sharing this burden. "We'll make it through in the end."

***

Daniel cradled his daughter's hand as she slept. They were still waiting for the doctors to tell them something. But they had started an IV almost the moment they arrived. Medications that brought his Bel some relief for the vomiting and fever had been administered through it.

Through it all, she had been there. Her voice soothed and calmed even when the nurses had poked the child's tiny veins, three times. Daniel had turned away. He might know how to start one himself should he or any of his men need it, but he would be damned if he would watch them torturing his baby girl. 

Hell, she'd even managed somehow to find Cindy, the damned bear that had been his daughter's favorite for as long as he could remember. The teddy was clutched tightly in her tiny arms as she slept peacefully now. 

The gentle hand on his shoulder came as a surprise. He chuckled as he turned and looked up into her face. He saw his own worries reflected there as he brought her soft hand to his lips. "Are you taking lessons on sneaking up on someone, Missus Monroe?"

She smiled, "Well, there is this really hot Seal that I know. Think he might give me a few?"

Her attempt at humor touched him. How did she do it? Bel? Jess? Him? She seemed to know exactly what to say and do to bring each of them the care their hearts yearned for. He kept her hand in his as he drew her to sit on his lap.

"I'm sorry I've been such a dick the past couple of days," he whispered. "It's just," his voice trailed off. It is just that I am fucking green with envy for a dead man, he thought. 

But she did not give him time to think of some plausible lie, "It's all right, Daniel. Your father. The deployment. I understand." She looked over at Bel, "Now this. I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"You're doing it already, sweetheart. Just being here. For her. For me. It's all we need right now," he said as he bent to brush a kiss across the frown that marred her perfect features. 

He fought back the need to take it further, to deepen the kiss. But he knew how quickly things could flare between them. And the last three days of self-enforced abstinence was not helping at the moment. Despite his worry for his child, the trip that would have to be cancelled, the bright lights and sounds of the hospital, he was rock hard in his jeans. His body cried out for her, the rest be damned.

He was thankful for the metal on metal squeak of the curtain being pulled aside. A young lieutenant in scrubs stepped into the room. He recognized the man from another visit to the Emergency Room. That one for far different reasons. He blushed at the memory of things which where said that night.

"Commander, Missus Monroe," the man nodded towards them with a smile. "Well, we are still waiting for some test results to come back to confirm it, but it looks like your daughter may have food poisoning."

"Food poisoning?" Jill asked her hands going to her mouth. He could see her mind clicking over.

"But none of the rest of us got sick?" he quizzed.

"She could have picked it up anywhere. School. The playground. Anything. It could have even been something she ate days or weeks ago. There is no telling with these things. But you did the right thing. Bringing her in quickly like this. These things usually work themselves through, but especially in little ones like her, well things aren't always so good," he tried to offer them reassurance.

"We'd like to keep her overnight just to be sure. But I think the worst of it is over. She should be fine in a couple of days. Weak, but fine."

Jill stood up, "We had a family trip planned tomorrow."

The man shook his head, "Afraid you're going to have to re-schedule it, ma'am."

Daniel nodded. His heart tightened in his chest, but as much as he loved his father he knew his priority lay here in this hospital bed. 

His wife though pressed forward, "I'm sorry, Lieutenant. But you don't understand. The commander's father is ill," she smiled softly at him. "Terminal. His team is being deployed next week. Is there anyway?"

The man shrugged, "Normally, I wouldn't recommend it, but I understand what you are saying. Let's keep her here tonight. Then if there is no more vomiting or diarrhea you can take her home tomorrow morning. If she can manage to keep some liquids down without any problems, then maybe we can think about it. A day, maybe two," he said looking sympathetically at Daniel. "I'm truly sorry, sir. But it really is the best we can hope for."

"Thank you, Lieutenant," he replied as the man walked out, pulling the curtain closed behind himself.

His wife walked back to him. She knelt on the floor and wrapped her arms about his shoulders, pressed her forehead against his, "Take Jess and go tomorrow. I'll stay here with Bel, Brit and Ash."

"No way, Missus Monroe. This is a family trip. Besides it isn't just me that dad wants to see. He wants to see his grandbabies and meet you too." He chuckled, "Mom would make me sleep in the barn if I showed up without you. She's been dying to meet you since," he smiled.

Jill giggled, "I'm not sure I'm ready to meet her. Simone and your mother know things about me that no one else does."

His eyebrows shot up, "Such as?"

Jill swallowed hard. He watched pink spread from her cheeks to her ears and down her neck. But she just shook her head. "Nothing important. Just girl stuff."

But Daniel had the feeling that he needed to pull that damned password out of the drawer and give those things a more thorough read. Perhaps they could explain. Explain why his giving and caring wife pulled back every time he tried to get her out of her clothes. 

But not this night. This night would be spent in the hospital, again. "I'll take you home, sweetheart. Then come back here so someone's here when Princess wakes up."

She shook her head, "No, if we have any chance of still making this trip, you need your sleep. It's a long drive from Virginia to Omaha. You go home and relieve Simone. I'll stay here with Bel."

He shook his head, "No way, that bed's too damned big and cold without you."

His wife chuckled, "You men are such wimps. How do you think we feel when ya'll are gone for months? I always told David that women really were the stronger sex. We keep it all together while you boys pound your chests."

He could hear the teasing tone in her voice, but even the mention of the other man had him on edge. He fought to keep his jealousy under control. He reminded himself that it was his bed that she slept in. His arms that she filled. And his chest that she used as a pillow every night. 

But all the pep talks in the world could not erase those blue lines of another man's mark on his wife's body. Or his memories from her mind. Worse, they could not push him aside in her heart. No, the truth was that he was the one left out in the cold in this marriage, at least in the only way it mattered. 

So he simply nodded, "All right, you win. I'll head home." He lifted her reluctantly from her place on the floor. He wanted to wrap her in his arms and kiss her senseless, but what would it solve? There was no doubt in his mind that he could have his wife's body any time he wanted. He even had her loyalty, this night proved that as much as any. But each day it got harder to take the crumbs of affection from the other man's table. 




The Arrangement Ch. 07



Instead he simply kissed her nose. "See you first thing tomorrow, sweetheart." 

*** 

Jill sat on the edge of the bed. She brushed back the golden hairs, thankful that Bel's forehead was cool. She had still been asleep when Daniel arrived that morning. The young doctor had smiled as he checked her out and told them to play it by ear but as long as there was no more vomiting or diarrhea he did not see why they could not leave tomorrow morning for their trip. It was the news that Jill had hoped for. Bel had even managed to keep some of her homemade chicken soup down this evening. It was the final green light for the trip in her mind.

She stretched and yawned. She was tired, bone tired. She had not gotten much sleep last night in the stiff chair at the hospital. Then she had spent the day caring for Bel, cleaning and packing. She had come home to find that the worst of the mess was already gone. Simone and Daniel had cleaned the bathroom and bedroom, including several loads of laundry, but there was still more packing to do. Most of it was done now, just a few more of her things to pack tomorrow morning.

She bent and kissed the child, "I love you, Bel," she whispered as she stood to leave. Looking down she saw Cindy bear and smiled. The thread bare stuffed toy could use a wash as well she thought. 

She brushed her fingers across the toys tummy and felt something sticky there. Moving closer to the hall door and its light drifting into the room, she brought it closer to her face. She saw the dark red stains there. Smelling it, she recognized the scent of strawberries. But that could not be right. She had not made anything with strawberries recently and it could not be from school either since Cindy was not allowed to attend. 

Warning bells were once more ringing in her head, her gut clinched in tight knots. She was probably mistaken. The stain could be the spaghetti sauce from a couple nights ago. It was likely nothing, but since no one else in the family had gotten ill and the school assured her there were no other reports of food poisoning, Jill's mind could not just let it go. She reminded herself to mention it to the child tomorrow. 

Tomorrow, she thought as she walked back to the sleeping child and tucked the toy back under her arm. A long two day drive in the tight confines of the car, squeezed between an angry pre-teen and a man she could not stop lusting after. Although that was not quite accurate, if it were simply lust, she could handle it all much easier. 

The original plan had been to drive the twenty hours straight through, but with Bel still weak they had decided to break the long drive into two days, spending one night in a hotel along the way. It would shorten their stay from a week to four, maybe five, days, but still it was better than not going at all, she reasoned. 

Standing in the hall, she stared for a moment at their closed bedroom door. She steeled herself for whatever awaited her this night. Would she find the sweet welcome that she craved in his arms? He had been more than solicitous all day as he went about the tasks of caring for the twins, helping with the packing and making certain that the car was in top mechanical order. He must have stopped to check on them two dozen times or more as she read to Bel or they played Barbie's. 

It was better than the cold shoulder and avoidance that he had employed for the past few days. But she still did not understand what precipitated these changes in his behaviors. The other night had been amazing, at least as far as she was concerned. His body's dominance of hers had sent her sailing to new heights like a kite caught on an updraft. She had thought he enjoyed it just as much. 

But the doubts that held court unchecked in her fertile imagination would not be quieted. Whether it was her less than model perfect body or her whorish behavior, she had clearly done something wrong that night. She just wished she knew what. She sighed heavily and built her courage as she opened the door. 

What she saw there took her breath away. The room was lit only with a couple of candles on the night stand. The bed was covered with rose petals. And he was lying in the middle of it, the white cotton replaced with red silk. She swallowed hard as she lifted her eye brows.

"What's this?"

He rose up and knelt at the foot of their bed. Reaching out, he drew her hands to his soft lips. "My way of showing you how fucking amazing I think you are." His blue eyes met hers and she saw her own insecurities reflected there. She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his forehead as she squeezed his hands. "Do you like?" he whispered with his face buried against her neck and shoulders.

"I love it, but you shouldn't have. The trip," her voice trailed off as he nibbled at the juncture of her neck and shoulders, the exact spot that had born his mark that first time. "Daniel," she whispered as she pulled her hands from his and brought them up to lace through his soft hair.

He pulled back, "It's not what you think, Jill." He leaned back and grabbed a bottle from the night stand. 

"What's that?" she asked.

"Massage oil. I know you are exhausted after last night and today. So I thought a nice bubble bath and massage might help you to relax," he smiled.

Jill panicked bubble baths and massages usually involved being naked. As tired as she was, she could not think quickly enough. How could she divert him this time? Panic rose quickly as she sought some excuse.

"I've filled the tub already. You go soak for a bit while I grab the champagne and some glasses from the kitchen. When you're done just wrap up in the towel and your masseuse will be awaiting your every desire, madam," he purred as he brought her hands up to his lips.

She smiled at her reprieve and scooted quickly down the hall. She would figure out how to hold onto that towel while she soaked, she assured herself.

***

Daniel watched his wife scurry out the door. It just did not make any fucking sense. If her marriage had been so damned great that five years later she was still in love with the man, why the obvious insecurities? 

He understood viscerally how a bad marriage and bad sex could wound your confidence. And his wife showed every god damned sign of that being the case. As much pain, regret and guilt as he felt at Rachel's death, he most definitely did not romanticize their life together or even pretend that he still loved her. Yet what he saw in his wife was not pretend, he knew that she genuinely still loved that god damned ghost. So why the fuck would she if their marriage had left her so insecure that she clung to any scrap to cover far more than her naked body, but her wounded soul as well. 

Her words spoken the night before echoed in his mind as he padded down the hall to the kitchen. He would find the time to speak with his mother about these secrets that she and Simone knew. And if she wouldn't then he would god damned well beat it out of the little witch when they got back. 

One thing was for certain he was not going back there with any secrets between him and his wife. Not this time. Not with her. Not with someone he...the word stuck in his mind. He could not force it out, but neither could he force it away. Instead he settled, not with someone he truly cared about. 

Grabbing two glasses out of the cabinet and the cold bottle from the refrigerator, he headed back down the hall. He stopped outside the bathroom. His hand on the door knob. He wanted so badly to open it, step inside and draw her out of the tub. He wanted to hold her wet, naked body against his. The image of taking her fast and hard against the cold, hard tiles had him instantly hard inside the damned silk boxers. He gritted his teeth as the material rubbed softly against his erection, but not as softly as her touch. 

He settled this night for tapping lightly on the wood, "Hurry up in there. Champagne and me are waiting down the hall, Missus Monroe."

"I'm coming," rang out her voice on the other side of the barrier. He thought once more about kicking the damned thing in, just as he wanted to kick down the barriers that stood between them. But those were far greater than a simple piece of wood. So he turned and walked back down the hall to their room. 

He poured two glasses of bubbly and sat them next to the bottle of oil on the nightstand. Then he flicked through the IPod until he found the playlist he had created, plugging in the speakers, he hit the play button and soft music filled the empty room. 

He felt nervous. More nervous than he had since...well, since that morning he had approached her in the backyard. Her dress clinging wetly to those perfect tits as he stammered out his proposal. Had it ever been as fucking simple as the arrangement that his mother and Simone brokered with her? From his first glimpse of those round hips encased in denim and those high breasts hidden beneath the too large sweater, had he ever had any real chance of resisting the web of his wife? 

Bringing the glass of champagne to his lips, he drank it down in a single gulp and poured another. The truth was he was that fucking fly caught firmly in her spider's web. Its mystical, shimmering strands of love had encompassed his daughters, the other wives and every thing she fucking touched. His heart included, he finally admitted as he swallowed another glass of the sweet liquid. 

He swore he needed something far stronger when he looked up to see her standing in the doorway wearing nothing but a towel. Her long hair brought up off her neck had soft tendrils falling about her face. He watched the pink stains spread across her cheeks in the pale candle light.

"You look beautiful," he whispered.

***

Jill froze in the doorway. His words washed over her like the soft caress of the water had in the bath tub. She could see the honesty in those soft blue depths, but she could only look away as the doubts battered her once more. 

She reached out, "Is one of those for me?" She needed the false courage of the alcohol if she was to make it through this night. She willed herself to follow through with the plan that she had formulated in the warm depths of those sweet bubbles. She would not have her new life burst like they had, popping one by one until the water was chilly and there were barely enough left to make a thin film across the surface. 

He handed her one and watched as she drank it quickly. She held out the glass, "More?"

He chuckled, "How about you slow down on this one? I don't want you falling asleep on me too soon like you did that first night."

Jill blushed whether from the memory of that first disastrous night or his almost psychic guess about her secret plans for this night. She brought the glass to her lips and drank more slowly this time as she looked deep into his eyes. 

He smiled and held out his hand, "How about that massage I promised you, sweetheart?"

She smiled at him as she allowed him to arrange the pillows upon the bed and guide her down to the mattress. The sweet smell of the rose petals being crushed beneath their bodies assaulted her nostrils. She inhaled the musky fragrance as she closed her eyes.

She almost jumped when she felt the slight shift of his weight upon the bed and then felt the warm oil poured across her shoulders. She moaned when his fingers began to knead softly at the tight muscles of her neck and shoulders. 

"Screw Dodd's offer. When you finally decide to retire, I'm putting you out as a masseuse," she smiled against the soft pillow.

He chuckled as his fingers delved deeper into the tender flesh near her spine. "It would be more honest work."

She laughed, "No doubt about that."

"But I don't want to talk about that man tonight, sweetheart."

"Then what do you want to talk about?" she teased as she sank deeper into his touch. The light massage should have relaxed her muscles after the hard night and long day, she had honestly thought it would not take much for her to fane sleep. 

But the way he had her skin tingling at each stroke undermined her confidence in the plan. If she allowed him to keep this up much longer, she might well throw off the god damned towel and push him back onto the bed, maybe even rape her husband so great was her need for him growing quickly. 

His lips caressed the side of her cheek as he pushed the towel further down her back, "I don't want to talk. I want to feel." His hand left her shoulders and she moaned. But a moment later she felt the mattress shift once more and his calloused hands moving firmly over the heel and arch of her foot. When she moaned again it was the sound of joy that the angels made in heaven.

"Oh, yes," she moaned as he worked his way down each toe. She thought she would die from the intense pleasure of his touch until she felt the wet sucking upon her big toe, then she knew that she would. "If you keep that up much longer, I'm gonna come," she purred against the pillow.

"That's the idea, Missus Monroe. The massage. A couple of orgasms," he chuckled. "A couple of dozen more like it with you, sweetheart," he teased as he moved onto the next toe. "Then you should sleep like a baby."

Jill raised her head from the pillow and looked over her shoulder, "But what about you? I thought," her voice became quieter. It was what she had planned. What she supposedly wanted? So why then did it seem so inadequate?

He kissed the arch of her foot as he massaged it more firmly. "Tomorrow morning before we pack up. I'll wake you up early, sweetheart. But tonight is about you. All you. So lay back down and just enjoy."

Jill reluctantly obeyed. He made good on each of his promises as he moved slowly up her legs, kneading and massaging each tense muscle and setting fire to every shred of her reserves. She was moaning and pleading by the time that his hands reached the soft globes of her buttocks. He lifted the towel and poured oil into the small of her back and between the crack of her ass. She was half afraid and half hopeful that he would change his mind as his fingers and hands worked the tender flesh. 

She felt him tracing something on the small of her back. For a moment she did not make the connection. But his soft voice brought it all together.

"How long have you had it?" he whispered.

"Five years. It was going to be an anniversary present," she replied.

"Going to be?" he asked.

"David didn't make it home from that tour," she fought back the clouds that threatened her vision. How could it be so easy to talk to him...even about this? Especially about this.

"What happened?" his lips blew the words across the mark.

"You know they never tell you everything. The Ministry of Defense. It's a reality I lived with from the beginning. Sometimes we just won't ever know the truth," she choked on the words. 

Fear ate at her gut. This was not the reminder she needed at the moment. The reality of her world then and now was too stark beneath his touch. But it was a reminder nonetheless. Could she do it? Could she live through that again? If she lost him as she had David, could she survive? She fought back the bile in her throat. 

"Friendly fire was all they said. Some damned drone that hit the wrong target. David was killed and the three others with him seriously injured." 

She felt his hands still on her back, perhaps it was too close a reminder for him as well. She clutched the towel about her chest tightly and turned over. "So he never got to see it. But like you he had one to match, right here," she drew her fingers over the Seal emblem on his right upper arm.

He nodded as he rolled over. "So are you relaxed enough to sleep?" he asked as he blew out the candles.

Jill was not certain what to say. What had she said that was wrong. But once again, it was back to the cold shoulder. She nodded as she clutched the towel and reached for the shirt that lay on the dresser.

His hand on hers stilled it. "Forget that. I want to hold you tonight. Skin to skin," he whispered as he brushed a chaste kiss across her lips.

As confused as she was by his words and his actions, she simply nodded as she lifted the covers and crawled beneath them. Only then did she loosen the towel and throw it out from under the sheets. She opened her arms and held them out for him as his dark head came to rest over her heart.

"Good night, Daniel," she whispered.

His heavy sigh that blew heat across her breast was the only reply.

***

Daniel listened to the soft beat of her heart. He felt the gentle rise and fall of her chest beneath his cheek. And he hated himself more with each soft pitter-patter.

It was not bad enough that he was jealous of a dead man. No, fate had to have a final laugh. Because the harsh reality was that man's blood stained his hands. If it had not been for his mistake, the man would have come home once again to this miraculous woman. She would be spending this night and all those others for the past five years in the arms of the man she loved. Not an ocean away with a stranger she barely knew. 

He cursed himself for the hundredth time in the past couple of hours. How had he failed to make the connection before now? Her dead Royal Marine husband. The mysterious David. And Major David James Chambers, Thirty Commando, Intelligence and Reconnaissance. 

Life sucked sometimes and this was one of those times, he thought as sleep finally overtook him, only to be filled with the sound of explosions, the smell of bombs and burnt flesh. 



The Arrangement Ch. 08



"I like her," Daniel smiled at the quiet, understatement that had always been his father. He nodded his head as he brushed the back of his hand across his eyes. 

"Me too," he replied as he turned to look at his father. He had spent the past ten minutes standing on the old porch watching as Jill and his mother played with Bel and the babies. Jess was hiding in the barn with the horses again.

"Just like, son?" his father questioned.

Daniel sighed, the action causing his shoulders to slump under the heavy weight of his own mind. Truth was that he had thought of little else than his predicament over the past few days. The long drive had been the worst. Pressed against his wife, thigh to thigh, for hours as the girls laughed, played and occasionally fought had driven him practically mad with need. But that need could not override the cold hard facts; he loved a woman that if she knew the truth would hate him. 

"It's complicated, Dad," was all he could manage to say in the end.

His father nodded. "Sometimes things seem more complicated than they are, Daniel." His faded grey eyes took in the woman that had been his love for close to half a century. "But let me tell you when the chips are down, son, loving is all that matters in this world."

Daniel ached to confide on his father, to seek advice from him just as he had so many times before, but he knew he could not. It was the reality of the code with which he lived, so many things in his life were 'classified.' From his father and mother, but even from his wife. No, this was a burden he would have to bare alone, because even if he wanted to cleanse his soul, tell her all that had happened that night. He knew that he could not. Security protocols of two nations and the lives of dozens of men prevented him. 

He shook his head as she tickled Bel. The sound of laughter rang out across the dry, brown field. The farm lacked its usual lush greenness. "What about the farm, Dad?" he attempted to change the subject.

The older man nodded his head, "I've been thinking the same thing, son. I don't want this place to become a burden to your mother. Hell, she's been married to this land her whole life. Farmer's daughter marrying a farmer. No, I want her to take that cruise around the world we always said we would," Daniel saw the tears collecting in his father's eyes. 

He wanted to argue, demand that the man re-start the chemo, fight the cancer just as he had five years ago when he won and went into remission. But the lank man with the yellowish tinge to his skin walked slowly, deliberately now, as if each step cost him precious energy, brought him more pain. He could see the very life draining from the man, who had once seemed such an immovable bear of strength. And he would not be selfish enough to add his own pleas to the burdens his father shouldered. He would do all he could to lighten them in the time they had left.

"You're thinking of selling?"

His father nodded. "Farming ain't much these days, but city folks, hell, even Hollywood types are buying up ranches and farms all over these parts. They want to escape the city and get back to nature, it seems."

Daniel nodded, "Any offers?"

"A couple. Thing is I don't want to wait and make your Mama face that choice alone," he placed his hand on Daniel's shoulder. "But I also don't want to sell this place out from under you, son. It's yours if you want it. It always has been. It's just that I don't think farming and the land ever really ran in your blood, boy. Not much excitement round these parts."

Daniel watched his mother as she talked quietly with Jill. The two women had bonded instantly, as his wife said, shared secrets to which he was not privy. But this was no secret. His father was right, he had never felt the connection to this land that his parents and grandparents had. He was a soldier, not a farmer. 

He spoke slowly, "No, Dad. You're right. I don't have the skills to run this place anymore than those city slickers do. Tractors, milking machines, the business of farming, it's as high tech and demanding these days as my work is. And truth is that my knowledge is almost twenty years out of date."

"I'm glad you see it that way, son. I didn't want you to think we were selling off your inheritance or nothing."

"No, Dad, you and Mama are my inheritance. The only one that matters. Growing up here with the two of you as parents gave me so much more than most people ever have in this world. And that won't ever change."

His father smiled as he wrapped his arm about his shoulders, "You know your Mama and I wouldn't mind watching those girls for a couple of days if you wanted to take your wife up to the old fishing cabin by the falls for a bit. Can't imagine you two have had much time to ourselves since you got hitched."

Daniel laughed, "Hitched? Really, Daddy? Next you're going to call her the old ball and chain."

"Nope, son, not that one. She's nobodies burden anymore than your Mama ever has been. So what you say? A little honeymoon? Your Mama can make a few sandwiches in case the fish ain't biting and I'm sure we can manage to pry two horses off that oldest daughter of yours."

Daniel frowned. Time alone with Jill. A few days ago it would have seemed like a gift from heaven. But now? He had been carefully avoiding her since that night, or as much as was possible anyway. Of course, it was not easy, sharing the same room that he had grown up in. A double bed that forced their bodies to brush against one another constantly it seemed. 

The nights reminded him of some of the training exercises that he had undergone, how to resist torture techniques if captured. He had used every technique they had taught. Visualization usually ended up with him reliving the night where she had slowly stripped out of his shirt in the pale moonlight. Counting took on new meaning as he would enumerate the thousands of ways he wanted to make love to his wife. And disconnecting, forget it. It was impossible to disconnect from her, not when she lay so impossibly close. His wife. His in all the ways except the one that mattered.

"I don't know, Dad. The girls are a handful. That might be too much for you, right now," he tried making excuses.

His father shook his head, "Let me put this another way. I'd like some time alone with those grandbabies. I've hardly seen Jesse and Bel over the years. I mean this place wasn't exactly that woman's idea of a vacation, was it? And those babies, except for those couple of days after Rachel's death when I came with your Mama, I've never even seen them. I want to get to know my granddaughters, son. Is that too much for a dying old man to ask?"

Daniel felt his father's word like Samuel's sidekick to his ribs. It knock the wind from him as surely as a physical blow. His father was dying. This place would be gone soon. The wounds bled and ached. He could not speak so he merely shook his head.

"Good boy. Your Mama has some stuff packed already. Let's go and tell them now," he smiled as he led his son down the porch steps to where the women and children were playing under the old tree.

***

Jill giggled as she tickled Britney's tummy. "Cheeky little monkey," she said as she kissed the head of blond curls. The child pulled away from her embrace and toddled across the brown carpet of grass towards her sisters.

"You are everything we hoped you would be," her mother said.

Jill laughed uncomfortably, "Not you too?"

"Me too? What do you mean?"

"I hear that all the time from Simone."

"Simone," Esther sighed wistfully. "I miss that woman. She might be a touch crazy but I ain't meet too many people with a heart as good as that one's."

Jill nodded, "She is pretty amazing."

"Not anymore than you are, sweetie. Those girls love you already."

Jill watched them playing and for the hundredth time since coming to this place her eyes teared up. "I love them too," she whispered.

The older woman reached out and covered her hands with one of her own. "There was never any doubt in our minds about that one, sweetie." Her eyes travelled to the porch where her husband and son were talking. Jill's could not help but follow. 

She left like someone had kicked her in the stomach when she saw the pain etched into his handsome features. She wanted so deeply to run to him, wrap her arms about him, soothe and comfort him. But she couldn't. 

Their marriage was back to icy politeness. In the three nights that they had been sharing that impossibly small bed not once had he willing reached for her. Oh, they woke most mornings uncomfortably aware of one another's presence. Her body practically ached with the physical need and there was no denying he returned the feeling, his erection pressed tightly against her.

She felt the other woman's eyes on her as she turned and smiled weakly. "I don't need to ask the question that's been bothering me most these past couple of months. I can see it in your eyes when you look at my son," she smiled as she squeezed Jill's hand. "So what's wrong, sweetie?"

Jill lifted her arm and passed it across her face, using it to wipe tears from her eyes as she pretended to shield them from the bright sunlight. "What makes you think anything is wrong, Esther?"

"A Mama's gut. So don't bother fibbing to me, girl. We both know that those don't lie," she pronounced with conviction.

Jill lowered her arm and gazed at the dry grass beneath her legs. Dead, just like the hopes and dreams she had once had of this man growing to love her. "He doesn't feel the same," she whispered.

His mother's chuckle felt like a knife as it sliced through her. Jill wanted to stand up and run, but the woman's hand held her in place. So she merely looked away to hide the pain she knew anyone could see in her face.

"What makes you think that, child?" she asked.

Jill swallowed hard. It was not exactly like she could share the intimate details of her marriage with her mother, hell, Simone's nosey meddling was bad enough. "I just do," she whispered defensively.

Her mother nodded. "How much has Simone told you about her?"

Jill looked back over at the older woman. As always, the mention of Rachel piqued her curiosity. Some part of her felt as if by understanding the other woman, her death, she could heal old wounds, perhaps even break down some of the walls that stood between them.

"Enough," she replied.

"All right. Then let me tell you about him," she said as her gaze drifted back to the porch. "My son keeps everything inside. He always has. Even as a little boy that child would never cry," she looked up at the huge weeping willow under which they sat in semi-shade. "He was six when he fell out of this tree. Broke his arm in three places. The damned bone was sticking through the skin and he walked calmly into the house and said he thought we needed to go see the doctor."

As the mother of four tough sons, it was something with which Jill could empathize. She simply nodded as the woman continued, "But that does not mean the boy doesn't feel the pain. I slept in the chair next to his hospital bed that night. He tossed and turned and cried out all night long."

"I always told Gerald that boy has more scars from that woman on his soul than the Seals ever put on his body. Add that to the burdens he bears as a leader, the lives of his men and even those he's been forced to kill, and it's no wonder my son finds it hard to trust anyone. But let me tell you one thing, when he does...there is nothing on this earth or heaven and hell that will keep him from taking care of what's his. His men and their families. Those girls. Me and his daddy," her blue eyes looked over Jill carefully. "And you, sweetie."

Jill automatically shook her head in denial. Words of protest dripped from her lips as Daniel and her father approached them.

"Esther," the man called. "I've convinced the fool to take us up on our offer," he smiled conspiratorially to his wife. "We're going to the barn now to saddle up a couple of horses. Why don't you two go into the house and make a few sandwiches? After all these years, I'm not sure the boy can manage to catch his own supper, let alone enough for two," the man slapped his son's back.

"What are you talking about?" Jill asked.

She saw the discomfort on Daniel's face as he replied, "My parents want some time alone with the girls. So we're being shuffled off to the old fishing cabin on the other side of the property," he explained.

Jill frowned, "How far is that? I mean we'll be back for supper, right? I need to get the girls ready for bed and all."

Her mother squeezed her hand, "Oh, don't worry about that, sweetie. Gerald and I can manage tonight. The cabin is a good two or three hour horse back ride. Nice and secluded," the woman winked at her.

Secluded away with her husband was not what Jill had in mind at that moment. What might have once seemed like a dream come true took on nightmarish qualities given his icy coldness these past few days. "I don't think we should. I mean what if something happens. You might need us. Bel is still recovering from the food poisoning and the babies are used to their routine," she rambled on looking for any excuse.

"Nonsense. Esther and I managed this little tornado. How hard can four girls be?" dismissed her father.

Her eyes looked up at his, pleading for his support. But he just shrugged his shoulders and shook his head, resigned it seemed to his fate. 

"Aw, come on. It will be fun," said Esther. "There's a beautiful waterfall just a short walk from the cabin and the stream beneath it should be perfect for swimming this time of year. Not too cold, but just cool enough on a hot day like this."

They might make the place sound like paradise but this was not a trip that Jill was looking forward too. And from the dark scowl on his face, neither was her husband.

***

Daniel was alone in the barn. His father had excused himself only a few minutes after they came to the barn, saying he would check how the women were coming in the kitchen. But the truth was that Daniel could tell he was not up to the task. 

He saddled up the old Palomino. He did not know if Jill had any experience riding horses, but the old nag was perfect for even a novice. He had chosen her as Bel's first mount when he had taken the older girls out riding the day before. Of course that had just been a short ride along the trail that snaked through the woods and fields close to the house. 

This trip would be much longer, a fact he was not looking forward to. Guilt ate at him, just as it had since that night. It gnawed and twisted his gut. It was not like this guilt had ever real gone away, not in the past five years. Not even the exoneration of his team by the joint task force made up of senior officer from the United States and United Kingdom's special forces command had managed to lessen the load. 

He had relived those days and hours so many times over the past few years, looking for some mistake, some explanation of what went wrong that night. But like that task force, he could find none. Technical failure was the final ruling, some error in the computer programming that caused the drone to drop its load a half a mile short of its target, hitting the contingent of Royal Marines that had along with his own troops been shadowing the convoy that was their real target. The convoy that they had been following for days across the mountains. The convoy that they believed held top targets. 

Knowing that the mission was aborted and their presence known to the enemy then, he and his men had still taken the risk, making their way across the two miles that separated them from their colleagues in only a matter of minutes. But it had been too late. At least for the man that was his peer, the other commander had died almost instantly. Blown away as he shoved and pushed his men towards the safety of a nearby cave. The others were injured as well. Two of them badly burned from the explosion. One had lost his leg from shrapnel. 

The irony was that when the investigation was finally concluded Daniel and several of his men were given a medal for valor, another fucking piece of metal. The men that sat in Washington and London and moved men around the world the way some people moved pieces on a chess board might think their actions, going back for their comrades was heroic that day, but it had been years, decades since those men had faced the realities of war, if some of them ever had. No, they were just doing their duty. Doing what they knew the other men would do if things had been reversed. 

Duty. Daniel played the word over and over in his mind. What was his duty? His father was dying. Selling the only place that had ever been home to him. His mother would be alone for the first time in her life. His daughters were growing up so fast. Too fast. Each time he left and returned he had to get to know them all over again. 

And now her? His wife. He hated to admit it, but the word still seemed strange somehow on his tongue. Every time he said or thought it, the words of Rachel's note rang in his mind, "I always came last to you. Your country, the Navy, your daughters left no room for me. You were a lousy husband..." And truth was as much as he wanted things to be different with Jill, they were not. It was not even like he had any right to want more. Not after...

"Penny for your thoughts, son," his mother said from the doorway.

He shrugged, "It's nothing really, Mama. Nothing you need to worry about. You have enough on you as is," he replied as he cinched up the saddle. Standing up he reached for straws, "Which is why Jill and I don't think this is a good idea. You have enough to handle with Daddy. You can't manage the girls by yourself," he protested.

"Fiddle sticks and you know it. Jesse will help out with the little ones, like she always does. And your father might be dying, but since they stopped the chemo, the man has gotten back most of his energy. I hate to admit it, but he made the right choice. I'd rather whatever time we have left be like this than him being sick and tired all the time," she said as she crossed the barn carrying a sack.

"Jill and I made those sandwiches. I really like that girl, even more now that I've met her," she said as she passed him the bag.

He just nodded his head. He did not want a repeat of his earlier conversation with this father. 

"So what's wrong? And don't tell me nothing I need to worry about. I'll worry anyway and you know it. Probably make things worse than they really are too," she laughed.

In the guilt that had ridden him these past few days, Daniel had practically forgotten his resolve to question his mother about Jill's odd behavior when it came to being naked with him. But now as he sought some diversion, some answer to her question, he remembered and clutched it as the perfect straw.

"Mama, what do you know of her marriage?" he asked.

His mother scrunched up her brow and tilted her head. "I know it was damned good. Why do you ask?"

Daniel shook his head, "I don't get it."

"Don't get what, son?"

He placed the sack inside the saddle bag on the horses flank before turning back to his mother. As hard as this conversation was going to be, it beat the hell out of the real problems he was facing. So with a silent prayer, he plunged in, "If it was so all fire great, why the fuck is my wife so damned ashamed to show a bit of skin?" 

His mother coughed at his blunt words, then she laughed. "I take it I don't need to ask if this will be a real honeymoon then."

Daniel rolled his eyes at her question. "No, please don't, Mama."

His mother was quiet for several moments. He saw her squint her eyes in the dim light of the barn as if taking measure of him, of the situation before she answered.




The Arrangement Ch. 08



WARNING!!!

This story is about cuckolding and humiliation.

If this offends you, please do not read it. 

*

Over the next couple of months Tina continued to date both Carl and Paul at least once a week and she kept reminding me that she was doing it for my sake, but at the same time admitting that she was thoroughly enjoying herself.

I, of course, continued to be captivated by her ever developing sensuousness and voluptuousness.

I reassured her that I was happy that she was enjoying her dates, and thanked her for being so good to me.

I suppose that I must have been a good liar as I managed to hide my heart aching jealousy, which did not seem to have diminished.

The mixture of pain and pleasure persisted as before but I was always so relieved, oh, so relieved, when she came home safely to me after a date.

One Friday evening I arrived home from the office about six thirty pm to be met at our front door by Margaret on the point of leaving.

"Oh hello, Jamie you're home." She said, casually. "I'm afraid your tea won't be ready for you. Tina and I are not long home from having a few drinks with a couple of friends of mine. They used to stay nearby but moved away a couple of years ago.

Oh, by the way, I've invited them to stay for the weekend. They are going to be staying in our guest suite."

With a cheeky wink and a mischievous grin on her face she turned abruptly and left, leaving me wondering what that was all about.

I called out that I was home and Tina met me with a lovely kiss before leading me through to the living room. Making me sit down in my favourite armchair, she sat herself down opposite me.

Looking at me straight in the eye and pouting her lips, she put on her sexiest voice and said.

"Darling Jamie, Margaret has just invited me to join her for a few drinks this evening with her friends. We were with them this afternoon and they were great company. I have a feeling that it might turn into quite an exciting night. 

You don't mind, do you darling? After all, you do want me to be your sexy little wife, don't you? 

Margaret said that they are both exceedingly well endowed and have great stamina as well."

Giggling, she continued, blissfully unaware that my stomach was churning and aching at what I was hearing. Somehow I had assumed that Margaret's friends were a couple, a man and a woman.

"You'll have to make your own tea tonight. I'm going upstairs to prepare for our double date. Is there anything you would like me to wear for you, any special pair of knickers, shoes, perfume or anything else that you think might add a little spice to the evening. What about the little black silk crotch- less knickers that you bought for me last week? It's about time they were broken- in!"

She obviously didn't expect an answer from me.

She stood up and before climbing the stairs to our bedroom, she said.

"Put on your uniform, you'll find everything in the downstairs bathroom. Do it now please, sweetie, I want to see you looking excited for me, before I leave. Try to imagine all the exciting things that I'll be getting up to, while you squirm, waiting for me to come home to tell you what happened."

With my head bowed in submission, I made my way to the bathroom and obediently changed into my grotty uniform. Once again I tried to admire the wild looking image that mocked me from the mirror. 

The funny thing is I was beginning to get used to dressing-up slutty like this. I knew that it would always end up with Tina cuckolding me and then teasing me as I grovelled in my need to worship and adore her.

Before leaving to go over to Margaret's, Tina asked me to check that she looked attractive and sexy enough. She certainly was, both, sexy and attractive, in fact quite stunning. I knelt down at her feet and told her how beautiful she was and how much I loved her.

She shimmied up close to me, then, slowly pulled her silky skirt up so that I could see her gorgeous legs. She allowed me to run my hands up her nylon clad limbs, until I was able to gently caress her exposed shaven pussy beautifully framed by her new silk crotch-less knickers. I leaned forward and lovingly kissed the soft puffy lips. This intimate contact caused me to whimper excitedly as I breathed in her expensive perfume.

In a voice shaking with emotion, I told her how proud I was to have such a beautiful sexy wife and that I would be waiting patiently and obediently for her to return later when I would prove to her how much I worshipped and adored her.

A few minutes later, with my stomach churning, I watched her walking away towards Margaret's house. 

I knew that she was excited.

Half an hour later, the telephone rang and I answered it.

"Hello, Jamie here."

William's soft voice crackled down the line in reply.

"Jamie, you are to come over here right away. Margaret instructed me to invite you so that you were not left out of the evening's fun. Come right away, bye."

Within five minutes William was removing my coat and ushering me down to the dungeon. I shuddered as I remembered the last time I had been invited to the plush basement room.

William looked very fetching in his black silk pyjamas. This was his uniform and in its own way, it declared his subservience to Margaret.

My own uniform of my wife's used underwear made me feel silly and very vulnerable although I was aware that William was envious of my visible humiliation.

Looking at me, up and down, in a knowing sort of way, William smiled and said.

"No restraints tonight, Jamie. Make yourself comfortable, I've set up two chairs for us in the viewing room."

We made our way through to the small room with the two way mirror.

The scene which confronted me left me stunned and weak at the knees. In fact I almost had a seizure.

Two big men were fondling our wives intimately, but, unbelievably they were black, black as the ace of spades.

I had never even thought about Tina wanting to have sex with black men. 

There was no denying this as both men were almost naked except for their matching red silk boxer shorts. 

The coal black colour of their skin seemed to shimmer against the creamy white bodies of Tina and Margaret, and both men had their hands on our wives' bottoms.

Tina and Margaret had already had their outer clothes removed and looked extremely vulnerable in their fabulously skimpy sexy lingerie and nylon stockings.

Before I could say anything, William explained that he had to go and serve drinks for the two couples and that he would return in a few minutes.

Left alone in the viewing room I stood rooted to the spot, quite unable to settle myself down into one of the comfortable chairs that William had provided. 

Shaking with excitement and emotion, I surveyed the scene unfolding before me. My eyes were glued to the big, black hand caressing my wife's shapely bottom. I watched helplessly as the biggest middle finger I had ever seen, wriggled effortlessly into the silk of Tina's black see-through knickers. She was obviously enjoying the sensation and lifted her face up so that he could kiss her lewdly. I watched his tongue slobber in and out of her voluptuous mouth as he finger-fucked her vigorously.

They pulled apart quickly so I guessed that William had knocked on the room door. 

Margaret instructed him, to enter.

I watched as he entered with his head bowed carrying a tray of glasses and bottles of spirits. He put them down on a low level coffee table and turned towards Margaret to await her further instructions.

He poured the drinks as she instructed.

I then saw her point to the scattering of clothes lying on the floor and heard her tell him to pick them up and to carefully fold them and lay them neatly on the dressing table in the corner of the room.

Both black men smiled and winked at each other as William obediently began to gather up their hastily discarded clothes.

Then, it was as if he was invisible as both men ignored him and turned their attention back to the ladies.

When she noticed that William had finished his task, Margaret extricated herself from her lover's grasp and instructed William to approach the bed on which the four of them were lewdly sprawled out.

I watched and listened in horror as I heard her order William to prepare Tina for intercourse with her lover.

Margaret explained to the two men that Tina had never before experienced a cock the size of her partner's and that William would assist by using his tongue to lubricate her tight little pussy.

William was not expecting to be part of the proceedings and I could read the obvious shock in his eyes. Tina was also wide eyed with shock and obviously not expecting this turn of events.

I could hear the rustling of the sheets as they all shifted their positions.

Tina lay on her back not knowing what to expect.

William, licking his lips, was, somehow, now kneeling between Tina's lovely long legs and he slowly lowered his head towards her beautifully framed cunt in her silky crotch- less knickers.

He seemed to hesitate and looked over to Margaret as if to make sure that this was what she meant him to do.

Tina's big black lover leaned over and shoved William's face into her pussy telling him to, "Get licking, shrimp dick."

I could hear him slurping away at my lovely wife's centre of passion and heard Margaret and the two black men laughing at the grotesque scene.

Pulling his silk boxer shorts off, Tina's lover moved behind her sporting the biggest penis I had ever seen. He dangled the big black monster right above her face and lowered it so that it rested on her luscious ruby red lips.

My heart was pounding, my lips were dry and I felt so very, very, helpless as I watched my darling wife open her mouth to accept the huge cock being offered to her.

Her hot tongue appeared and slithered around the bulbous cock head which slowly disappeared into her lascivious mouth.

She sucked him hungrily and noisily and I could see his member visibly stiffen as she excited and teased it.

Groaning, he started to move his hips in a very slow fucking movement, almost as if he was afraid he might do her some damage.

After a few minutes his friend grabbed William by the neck pulling him away from Tina's gaping cunt which she tried to conceal with her dainty hand. 

I heard Margaret whispering to the two black men but couldn't make out what she said. Whatever it was, she then whispered to William and he immediately left the room.

Tina was clearly not included in the secret and I could see the questioning look on her face.

William, face shining with sweat and Tina's pussy juice, opened the door of the dungeon and motioned for me to follow him.

I approached him with a feeling of dread. Taking me by the arm he made his way to the guest suite. Knocking on the door, he waited to be told to enter.

I heard Margaret's voice, "Come!"

William opened the door and almost dragged me in behind him. I was immediately aware of the heady smell of perfume and cigarette smoke and for some strange reason I just stood there with my eyes looking down towards the floor.

"Kneel down, the two of you." Margaret commanded.

We quickly acquiesced.

Gesturing with her hand she introduced the two men.

"Gerard and Chico here are our guests for the evening and Tina will be experiencing her first big black cock. Do you here that Jamie." 

I nodded my head.

Speaking to Gerard and Chico, she explained that I was here to witness my sexy wife having sex with her first black man and that if they didn't mind, she had decided to make it an unforgettable experience for me.

Turning to me she said. 

"Jamie, I want you to ask Chico nicely, if he would please give Tina a good fucking with his big black cock. Then I want you to take him to her and insert his superior manhood into Tina's hot little hole, thus confirming your status forever as your wife's submissive slave.

Do it now!!!"

Incredibly, I found myself obeying her and in a hypnotic daze I heard myself meekly addressing the man called Chico, as follows.

"Please sir, would you please give Tina a good fucking. You see, I love her but I am unable to give her the sort of sex that she, love's, needs and deserves."

I started to rise from my kneeling position but Margaret pushed me back down.

"Shuffle over to the bed on your knees." She said.

Raising my eyes for the first time since entering the room I saw that Tina was watching me intently from the bed. She was propped up on her elbows as I started to shuffle towards her.

Margaret told her to move so that her bottom was level with the edge of the bed. She complied and placed her feet up on the bed so that her beautiful pussy was exposed to us all.

In my stupor, I waited for Margaret to instruct me what to do next.

She stood right in front of me, and slid her finger into her shaved pussy.

"Jamie is a good little slave, isn't he? "

I nodded my head.

"Jamie is going to do everything he's told, isn't he?"

Again I nodded my head.

Pulling her finger out, she pushed it deep into my mouth and I sucked on it instinctively.

Removing it she pulled my face into her warm pussy and instructed me to lick it which I did for a couple of seconds. 

Moving back, Margaret told Chico to stand beside me.

She then told me to take his enormous cock in my hands and to offer it up to Tina's waiting pussy. 

I did as I was told and the feeling I got from having that thing in my hands was unbelievable. It felt absolutely huge and I could feel it throbbing as I tremblingly placed the big black shiny knob at the entrance to my beloved wife's slippery love hole.

Margaret's voice seemed far away as she told me to push it in as far as I could.

I could actually hear the wet sucking noise as her black master's cock sank into the moist heat of Tina's once tight little pussy.

Margaret pulled me back out of the way as the black bull claimed his prize.

I watched in amazement as he slowly eased his throbbing tool further and further into Tina's well stretched cunt.

"Fuck her, Chico, fuck her good." I heard Margaret urge him.

She put her arms around me in a consoling sort of way. Then, kneeling down beside me, she slipped a hand down to frig my little penis through the soft silk of my panties. I groaned, in fear of disgracing myself but Margaret had no intention of allowing that to happen.

Chico was up to full speed now and was pumping his huge cock deep into Tina's hot cunt. She was urging him on, telling him how good it felt and how she was going to need this sort of servicing regularly. Moans and gasping were interjected by long squealing sounds as Tina had orgasm after orgasm. 

Margaret continued to urge Chico on to greater physical highs and after only ten minutes or so, I noticed that Chico was losing control. He started to shudder as he continued to hammer his mighty cock into my wife's tight vagina. Suddenly, he let out a loud roar and his whole body shook as he agonisingly unloaded an eruption of hot spunk.

I noticed that Tina's hands were on his back and that her nails had drawn blood. Her legs were wrapped around him and I saw that her toes were clenching and unclenching beneath the nylon of her stockings. Both of them were breathing heavily and seemed drained of strength as they lay in each other's arms.

I was still in the kneeling position, with Margaret standing next to me gently stroking my cheek with her hand. I suddenly realised that Margaret was also breathing heavily and discovered why.

Glancing sideways I saw that her black lover had his hand on her sensuous and shapely bottom. He was finger fucking her and had been, throughout the whole time Tina was being blacked.

Margaret noticed me looking and immediately smacked me across the face. I cried out in surprise and pain.

"OK, that's it for you. You've seen enough for now. It's time for you to go home. William, take Jamie out of here and make sure he goes straight home. Both of you stand up and get out now!!"

We meekly rose to our feet and quickly made our way to the door. As I was leaving I glanced back and saw that Tina and Chico were kissing. Margaret and Gerard were laughing silently at our, or rather, my discomfort as we made our sheepish departure. 

Once we got back to the hallway, William handed me my coat and said that I had better do as Margaret had said. 

I was still shaking from the intense excitement of the scene that I had just witnessed when William opened the front door and I felt the waft of cool evening air on my face.

Head bowed, I forlornly made my way home to await the return of my lovely wife, whenever that might be.



The Arrangement Ch. 08



"Daniel, I gave you the password to that email account for a reason. But if you're asking this question, I know you didn't use it."

"It's not like that, Mama," he defended himself. "I had no intention of marrying her, marrying anyone. So it seemed wrong to pry into her life like that. Then things just happened," he paused as he remembered that first week. He smiled as he realized that from the moment she lifted Bel into her arms that night, he had never stood a chance.

"Then it seemed even worse. We agreed to get to know one another the old fashioned way, by being friends."

"Seems like a fair enough decision to me. So why you asking me about things she said in those emails? Why aren't you asking your wife?" his mother replied as she tapped her foot. She had not tapped her foot like that since he had come in late from the senior prom. 

"Oh, I'm just supposed to ask her. 'So Jill, why won't you ever get naked with me?' It's not the sort of thing that just comes up in conversation, Mama," he replied with stony resolve.

His mother's laughter ringing in the confines of the barn felt as inappropriate as Samuel's. "I'm so damned glad that my marriage is funny as hell to you people. But it sure ain't to me."

She sighed, "Don't tell me there have not been opportunities to ask, Daniel. It might not polite dinner conversation, but if the two of you are," she cleared her throat before continuing, "intimate, it is more than appropriate to discuss such things in the privacy of your bedroom."

He watched as her expression softened a bit, "I know your first marriage wasn't what it should have been, son. But I think growing up your father and I gave you an example of how things ought to be when two people love one another." She chuckled, "And I know for damned sure that Samuel and Simone must be trying like hell to keep you on the straight and narrow."

Daniel chafed at the mention of his friends, "So why the hell won't one of you clue me in on my wife's problem?"

"Because son, some things you need to discover for yourself," she replied. Her mouth twitched for a moment, Daniel recognized it as a sign his mother was thinking. "Daniel, were Rachel and Jill your only lovers?"

He choked on his mother's question. "Mama!" he yelled.

She laughed again, "Then what makes you think that you and David were the only men in Jill's life." She lifted her brow as she met his gaze. "Talk to your wife, Daniel," she said as she turned and left.

Daniel was left standing alone in the barn. His mind torn down two different paths. Given the guilt that ate at his craw like the cancer that was killing his father, did he have any right to talk to his wife about anything, especially something as intimate as this? But like his mother said, he had spent the last thirteen years of his life wishing with all his soul that his marriage could be half of what his parents' had been. 

Now whether he liked or not, he had a second chance. Question was...was he man enough to take it? Could he put it all behind him? It had been bad enough when he lived with Rachel's blood on his hands, but knowing that he was responsible for her husband's death as surely as he was for his wife's, it seemed unfair to her. She did not deserve to be stuck with a murderer. 

***

Jill lay on the blanket in the warm late morning sun. Daniel was off somewhere fishing, she was certain. Wearing nothing but a pair of old cut-off jeans and a sleeveless t-shirt, she had snuck away from the cabin, following the trail that led to the waterfall Esther had spoken about. She needed the break. Time away from him to think.

The horseback ride up to the cabin had been long, but the silence that reined between them made it seem longer still. They had barely spoken a dozen words as they made the trip higher and higher into the low mountains that encircled the property. The sun was setting when they finally arrived. Given that the cabin, which had been the original homestead of Daniel's great-great grandparents over a hundred years before, did not have electricity, it had not been a good beginning to the night. 

It was too late for any fishing that night, so they had eaten in silence the sandwiches she and his mother had packed. Daniel had built a fire in the fireplace as the chill of the late night began to overtake the uninsulated cabin. Jill had busied herself straightening and cleaning, sweeping cobwebs and dust from the surface of the few pieces of furniture that graced the makeshift abode.

When she had turned to the small bed tucked into the corner of the one room cabin, she had practically groaned. Of course, she recognized that historically speaking humans of the previous century were physically smaller than modern man. But the truth was that the wood and down filled bed was even smaller than the one that they had been sharing for the past few nights. It was probably not even big enough for Daniel alone. And while she had spent more than one night in the past two months practically draped across her husbands magnificent chest, given the situation it did not seem a solution this night. As if reading her mind, Daniel had offered to sleep on the floor by the fire. 

It should have been a fine remedy, but still Jill found sleep elusive that night, tossing and turning as she imagined how it would feel to rise above him in the soft fire light, to take him deep inside her body once more and feel the heaven that his touch always brought her. It had taken her hours to finally fall asleep and even then her dreams had been haunted with the images of his face as he arched up into her, taking her over the edge as he filled her with his seed. 

Worse yet, when she did finally wake up she was alone. The blankets that he had slept on were neatly folded and tucked into a corner as if he had never even been there. Which was exactly how the needy and wanton body that was her curse felt this morning. It ached, begged and pleaded for his touch. For relief. 

"Fuck," she spat as she felt her nipples harden beneath the thin cotton which was growing uncomfortably hot in the sunlight. Her shorts too felt uncomfortably sticky, but she knew that had far more to do with her hungry pussy than it did the rising temperatures. This was getting her nowhere fast she thought as she stood up. 

She unbuttoned the shorts and slid the zipper down quickly. She pushed them down her legs and kicked them off. Then she lifted the hem of her shirt, pulling it over her head and tossing it next to her shorts and the shoes that she had discarded when she first arrived. She ran to edge of the stream that bubbled and frothed at the foot of the waterfall. She gave a soft yell as she lifted her legs high into the air and cannonballed into the water.

***

Daniel could not breath. He could not force air through his nose down his throat and into his lungs. His heart pounded an ancient rhythm in his head. His cock hardened uncomfortably in his jeans as he dropped his pole and the basket that included his tackle and the catch. 

The show he had just watched was more erotic than anything he had ever seen. More so than any of the half dozen or so strip teases that he and his friends had frequented when he was younger. His wife, thinking she was alone, had done what he had longed for weeks. 

Question was, what now? It was the question that had ridden him for days, but especially since his conversation with his parents yesterday. He was married to the woman and simple fact was he took those vows seriously. Dead seriously. Death do you part seriously. He always had, it was the lesson that his mother had eluded to in the barn. Divorce was not an option.

What's more, he realized that if Jill left now, his daughters would be devastated. As much so as when their mother had died, perhaps even more so. Britney and Ashley would never remember Rachel, Jill was the only mother they would know. He remembered how close the two blond heads had been as she played with Bel, entertaining her with dolls and stories when she was ill. Hell, even Jesse, was slowly warming to her.

But the starkest truth he had faced as he stared into that fire last night listening as she slept, her moans and pleas echoing about the tiny cabin, was that he would be even more hurt than his daughters. He wanted her soft cries as she came, wanted to know it was his body that gave her that release. He needed her soft caress as he fell asleep, her arms wrapped about his shoulders, his head pillowed on her soft, full breasts. He loved her. 

So despite David's and Rachel's blood that would always stain his hands, he had come to a decision. He would bear this secret alone as he did so many others that his country labeled as OpSec, operational security. And it was. Not just his life rested on keeping the secret, but his men's, their families', and even David's men and their families. This secret was not his to share, not even with his wife. 

He drew a deep breath, trying to push it all aside, as much as he could. It would always be there, like so many other things. But he could not afford to allow it to continue to control him, them, their life together. If on occasion, he could no longer keep it locked in the corner of his mind, if in moments of weakness he saw David's mark upon her body and ached for the pain he had caused them all, it was his burden alone to shoulder...and he would gladly for all those other times when she came so willingly into his arms. When he found in her arms and body, peace that he had never known before. It was a small price to pay. 

Watching as she splashed and dove beneath the boiling surface of the water, he knew this was not an opportunity he could pass up. It was a miraculous gift. A chance to push one issue that stood between them. It was time. Past time that his wife little secret came out, he thought as he stripped out of his own t-shirt and jeans. He covered the twenty feet from where he stood to the edge of the stream in a heart beat. He watched her blond head plunge beneath the surface once more as he dove head first into the stream. 

***

Jill had just touched bottom and was heading back towards the surface, several feet above her head, when she felt the tug. She instinctively fought it as something wrapped about her foot, pulling her backwards. She feared that she had gotten tangled in one of tall plants that grew in the sandy soil at the bottom of the pool. She shook her leg madly as she tried to break free, but it was no use. As her lungs tingled with the need for oxygen, her hands flayed about her. She hit something but she was not sure what. As the burning need for fresh air intensified, her only thought was 'I never told him I loved him.'

Then as if by some miracle, she felt herself being tugged upwards towards the bright sunlight twinkling across the surface of the water. As her head broke through she gulped for air, taking a huge lungful even as she spewed water from her nose and mouth.

"Breath slowly," she heard his deep voice command from behind. She felt his arm wrapped about her waist. But that was not all she felt. Their bodies were aligned perfectly, touching from shoulder to feet almost. She felt the soft tickle of his legs as he kicked, treading water and holding them both afloat. She felt too the heated length of his erection pressed between the soft globes of her ass. But at that moment, it was not desire she felt.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing, Daniel? You could have killed me," she said as she pushed at his arms, trying to free herself.

His deep laughter was not the response she wanted. She kicked out, landing a glancing blow to his shin, but he held tight. 

"Let me go, god damn it," she cursed.

For a moment his hold about her waist lightened and she thought he would obey her command, but he did not, instead turning her in his arms to face him. "Wrap your legs around my waist, baby," he demanded.

She pushed against the solid steel of his shoulders, trying in vain to excrete herself. "What do you think your doing? We could fucking drown," she accused as she stared into those blue depths. What she saw there ignited her body, sending up in flames. The ice was gone and the passion she saw flaming in his eyes equaled or surpassed what she felt tingling from the tips of her toes to the top of her head that felt it would explode if she did not feel him inside her that moment.

"I said wrap your legs around me," he said as one hand trailed lower, lifting her left leg and forcing her compliance. She did not wait for him, lifting the other and entwining her feet behind his back. Her breath caught once more, burning in her lungs as it had before at the feel of his hard cock pressed at the opening of her wet depths, wetness that had nothing to do with the water surrounding them and everything to do with her body's need for him. 

"Daniel," she choked.

He buried his face in the wet lengths of her hair as his teeth found the juncture of her neck and shoulders once more. He surge into her then. Taking her fully in a single stroke as he treaded water. Despite the questions that raced through her mind, in spite of the righteous anger caused by his treatment the past few days, she felt her body crash helplessly like the water cresting over the rocks above their head. It foamed and frothed as she rode out the wave of ecstasy. She whimpered as her fingers bit into the flesh of his shoulders. 

He pushed deeper inside of her. She moaned as she felt her body climbing that peak once more. "Daniel, we can't," she protested. "The water's too deep."

She came as his cock thrust and retreated in time to the soft laughter that ricocheted off the rocks of the waterfall. 

"Sweetheart, I can tread water for days. With packs that weight more than you do," he chuckled and she felt the movement once more to her very core. "Actually, this has always been one of my fantasies," he winked. "A Seal fucking his mermaid mate, how fucking erotic is that?" he teased.

Jill shook her head and chuckled, feeling the spray of water off of her wet hair. "You are too naughty, Commander."

He thrust his hips forward as his feet kicked a bit harder. "So what do you say?"

She laughed again as she wrapped her arms tighter about his neck, arching into his thrusts, she toyed with him. She smiled at the deep moan her movements stole from deep in his gut. "As long as you don't expect me to sing like Ariel, I say let's test your fantasy, Commander."

His hands moved from her waist to cup her breasts that floated half immersed beneath the surface. "Oh god no, please don't sing." 

"Hey, Britney and Ashley don't complain," she protested as she felt his fingers brush across her hard nipples. She moaned this time as she arched her back, pressing the pebbles against his touch.

"They can't talk yet," he replied as he tweaked and pinch the tiny buds. "Lean your head back baby. Like you're floating."

She whimpered at the feel of his fingers working the sensitive flesh. "Are you sure you can do this?" she asked.

"I'm sure," he replied with confidence that bordered on arrogance. "Now lay back so I can taste those sweet tits of yours."

Jill bit her lip, "Well, when you put it so damned nicely, Commander, how can a girl refuse." She winked before she released her hold on his shoulders. Laying back, she obeyed, spreading her arms as if she was floating on the surface of the stream. 

"That's right baby, surrender. Surrender to me," he said as she felt him bend forward. She whimpered a bit as she felt his cock retreat from her depths a couple of inches, but before she could complain she felt the heat of his lips covering her engorged nipples. She cried out with the intense sensation of his mouth suckling on her as his hips moved in slowly torturous circles. His cock teased her depths, thrusting in and out in perfect time to his legs paddling several feet above the bottom of the small pool. 

"God you taste sweet," he whispered against her breasts. "You want to hear another of my fantasies, sweetheart?" 

Jill was writhing against him, trying to draw his cock deeper. His words barely registered until he bit gently at the peak, "I wonder what your milk would taste like. You don't know how many times I've watched you give Britney or Ashley a bottle and wished they were your babies. Wished you had breast fed them. Wanted to taste your sweetness." He groaned as he sucked her nipple deep into his mouth, "Tell me you would have let me, baby."

Jill was unable to answer him with words. Her body was afire once more with the erotic image his words wove in her mind. If she was a wanton, it was never more so than when her body ripened with child. To her it was elemental as Mother Nature that surrounded them then. Bursting forth with life and water, nurturing and giving back.

She felt the power of it all as her body clinched tightly about his as she felt a powerful orgasm travel from the tips of her toes, pooling in her womanhood and bursting forth like life itself from her nipples in his mouth. She roared her release, its chorus melding with the roar of the waterfall, the chirping of the birds. She felt the power of the earth and water itself flow through her as he lunged deeper inside of her. She felt him tremble against her breasts as he joined her, pouring his life into her. 

She felt his hands about her waist as his frantic breath brushed across the heated surface of her breasts. It was the only warning she got before he tugged softly once more taking them beneath the surface of the water. This time she knew what was happening, trusted her lover. She wrapped her arms about his neck as he hovered for a moment beneath the water. The rainbow of colors on the surface above them was as beautiful as the feel of his body still hard inside of her. His lips captured hers, his tongue slipping inside her mouth as he wrapped his arms tighter about her, kicking and taking them to the surface once more.

"Damn it, mermaid. I think that was even better than my fantasy," he chuckled. 

She giggled, "I'm impressed, Commander. You did that so well, considering my weight." She blushed and looked away, afraid she had revealed too much already.

"As much as I want round two, how about we take this one to land, sweetheart?" he said as he turned towards the shore.

It was only then that Jill realized how completely vulnerable she was. Totally and completely naked beneath the water. Her clothes and the blanket more than twenty feet from the edge of the pool. She panicked as much as she had when she felt him pulling her down earlier. "No," she protested. Her heart slamming inside her chest as she struggled to breath through the panic she felt overcoming her.

***

Daniel watched the fear and panic wash across her face. He held tight to her waist as she tried to pull away, tried to make for the safety of shore or deeper water. Even knowing that she was going to be upset by his suggestion, he was rocked at the depths of her emotions. For a moment, he thought about letting her go, letting the issue go. Allowing her to just swim away, turning his back as she sought her clothes and ran from this place, like he knew she would do. 

But one thing he knew. You could not run from your demons forever. Hell, he had spent days with his. Faced them in the pale light of the fire as he listened to his wife call his name as her body shook with an orgasm while she slept. He had faced them as he sat on the banks of the stream above this place. His mind thousands of miles away, replaying and reliving each and every one of his movements over those days. The movements of his men. Trying for the thousandth time to find some explanation of what went wrong that night. But for some things there simply were no explanations, he thought.

Drawing her against his body as he brushed her hair back from her face, whispering softly to her, he knew one other thing. There was an explanation for this. For his wife's irrational fear and it was past time they had this one out.




The Arrangement Ch. 08



"Not this time, sweetheart," he whispered against her lips as he felt her trembling like the small fawn he had found when he was eight. 

She had been hidden the brush a few miles from the house. She could not have been more than a few days old. His father had warned him that she was too young to survive without her mother, suggested that it might be best if they put her out of her misery. But Daniel had insisted. They took her home and he nursed her himself, waking every two hours to feed her the milk that they had gotten from the vet. And against the odds that tiny doe had made it. They would too. But it was most definitely time to put his wife out of her misery. 

He could hear her tiny sobs as he swam for the shore. Even though he was careful to keep her head above water, he saw moisture streaming down her face. Knew they were her tears and not water from the falls. She pushed away even before he reached shallow water. Making the run for safety that he knew she would, but he was right behind her. He knew his skills well enough to know there would be no escape this day. Not when his mind was made up.

She lunged for the shore, running across the hard surface despite her bare feet. He was right behind her. She was less than two feet from the safety of the blanket when he reached out and grabbed her, turning in his arms to face him. 

"Not this time, Missus Monroe," he said as he looked into the frightened depths of her green eyes.

"Please, Daniel," she whimpered as she brought her arms up trying to wrap them about her. 

"No, sweetheart," he whispered as his lips covered hers. His hands gripped her forearms prying them from their defensive position covering her upper body. He forced them about his shoulders, freeing his own hands to move unimpeded about the lush curves that were at long last fully revealed to him. He moaned into her mouth at the thought of exploring each and every inch of her soft womanly body. He felt his cock harden painfully against her round hips. 

Only then did he give her what she sought, pushing her softly to the blanket. But not to cover her nakedness as she had hoped, rather to cushion her back from the rough ground beneath as he explored and tasted her.

"Daniel," she protested as she pushed against his shoulders, trying to roll away, reaching for the white t-shirt that he recognized as one of his own. 

"No, baby, not this time. You're not hiding behind another of my shirts or the moonlight or any fucking thing else. You're making love with your husband in the board daylight. Sun shining down on our naked bodies as my cock slams into this sweet little pussy of yours," he held her gaze as his fingers ran back and forth across the cleft of her womanhood. 

He felt the wet, warmth, knew it was more than the water or even his cum still dripping slowly from her womb. He knew that she could not stop her body from responding to his touch, even as petrified as she was of whatever unknown had haunted his wife all these month. She craved him as badly as he needed her. It was that knowledge that drove him on. 

"Open for me, Jill. Open those sweet thighs so I can taste you, baby," he ordered her. He watched as she shook her wet head against the blanket. "You can't stop me, sweetheart," he said as he bent his head to feast once more at the pointy tips of her full tits. His hand squeezed and kneaded its fullness as his mouth and teeth worked at the nipple. His other hand moved over the sweet softness of her stomach. He felt her cringe, watched as she blushed and turned her head to the side. 

He did not need his training in interrogations to recognize his wife's secret. His hand wrapped about her waist, drew softness against his hard body. "You so fucking worried about it, Missus Monroe. Tell me, does it feel to you like I'm turned off by this sweet, soft body you've been trying to hide for months?" 

He thrust his hip forward, the tip of his cock slipped softly between her folds, rubbing against the hard surface of her clitoris. He felt the quick intake of her breath as she arched in his arms. "I just fucking came inside you and I'm as god damned hard as a diamond. Again. Does that tell you anything, sweetheart?"

"Daniel," she whimpered as she moved against him, trying to draw him inside of her.

He rolled over onto his back, releasing his hold on her completely. She fell against his chest as he sprawled across the blanket. He waited for a moment as she lay in stunned silence against him. 

Then she looked up into his eyes, "Then why did you stop?" she whispered as she blushed and looked away. He could see the tears glistening in her eyes. 

One hand cupped her chin and forced her face back towards his, "Because I'm not making it that god damned easy for you, sweetheart." His other hand fisted his hard cock as he spoke, "If you want this, if you want me, then you're going to have take me, Missus Monroe," he watched as the emotions played across her face. Desire. Fear. And finally, realization. 

She shook her head as she pleaded. "I can't," she whimpered.

"Can't or won't, Jill?" he asked as he stroked his cock. His balls tingled, his cock twitched in his hand, demanding that he give into her pleas. That he plunge it deep inside of her, give them all what they wanted most...relief. But his steel will won out, "If you want me, sweetheart, you're going to have to take me. You're going to ride this ride this hard cock while I use my mouth and hands to explore that ripe body of yours, baby." 

He held her gaze as he watched the decision play through her mind. "Otherwise, I'll close my eyes while you get dressed and we can walk back to the cabin together. Continue with the little lies like we have been, sweetheart. You want that?" 

She shook her head slowly as she closed her eyes. 

Daniel felt her pain, it ate at his resolve, as he lifted his head, pressing a soft kiss to the corner of her mouth. "Please, baby, I need this too. I need you," he whispered against her lips. 

It seemed forever as he lay there waiting. Waiting for her decision. A decision that seemed in that moment would determine the rest of their lives, as irrational as it seemed to him given everything else they faced. But it was a decision, he ached for with every fiber of his being. 

Finally, he felt her sigh heavily as her forehead knocked against his. "Compromise, Daniel?" she whispered.

"I'm listening."

"Close your eyes?" she pleaded with her own.

"And how would that be any different than the moonlight or your clothes or mine or even those damned sexy lingerie you're always wearing? I need you baby. This is about a hell of a lot more than this gorgeous body of yours that you've been teasing me with for months. This is about trust. Do you trust me not to hurt you, baby?" His eyes met her gaze.

"You think I don't know how it feels? They didn't call Rachel the Ice Princess for no reason. You spend all your time comparing your curves to her bones, but that's only half the picture, sweetheart. If you want to do a comparison, do it all. Do you know how I feel every time you come for me baby?" He saw her blush but he would not allow her to look away. 

"I feel like fucking Tarzan beating his chest and swinging through the god damned jungle. You want a dose of truth here, sweetheart. Your amazing curvy body works the way a woman's should. Something that hers never did. So next time you're worrying your pretty little head about the ghosts in this marriage, try it from my perspective. Cause trust me, baby, I got bigger shoes to fill than you do," his throat tightened around the last admission, one he had never meant to make to her. 

It was he that took the easy way then, closing his eyes as he waited. And waited. He was about to open them in defeat, give into her pleas, do anything just to keep her, hold her. Then he felt her, moving over him. Her hands moved softly over his thighs and up his abdomen. He sucked in his breath as he felt her shift in his arms, felt her rising above him, straddling him. His head arch against the ground as he felt her wetness running up and down his hard cock, teasing him with heat that he swore was hotter than a volcano. 

"Jill," he choked in a whisper as she sank down on him fully. His eyes full open as she took the last of his hard length inside of him. 

She chuckled and he felt the contractions of her sweet cunt tickling his nerves to his very toes. "That was all I wanted, Daniel. You didn't let me finish," she said as she bent to nip and kiss at his lips, her sweet pussy slid up and down his hard shaft as she ground against him enticingly. "I was going to say...close your eyes at first. Just until you're inside of me," her tongue swept into his mouth as she tasted him. 

His hands moved slowly from their death grip on those round hips up to cup the full tits that he had feasted upon so many times. "Oh," was his mindless response as she drew back from their kiss. Her hair was darker than usual as it hung damply about her shoulders. She arched her back as she moaned and sank further down his cock. 

He lifted his head off the blanket and did as he had taunted, tasting her breasts. Licking and sucking like a mad man, which in that moment as he watched her move on him was exactly what he felt like. "Yes, baby, ride me. Ride my hard cock. Take me, sweetheart."

He watched as her fingers dug deeply into his shoulders. Her face mirrored his own wild need as she increased the tempo, matching her motions to his taunts. "You want me to ride this hard cock, Commander? Want me to fuck your brains out?" she grunted as her tits bounced in his face. He lifted his hips pounding into her.

"Damn it," he cursed as he felt the come boiling inside his sac. His hands gave up their purchase on her breasts, moved to her hips, tried desperately to slow the frantic pace. It had been almost a week since he had made love to his wife. Their quick mating in the water had been rushed due to the circumstances, but it should have taken the edge off his need, allowed him to hold out longer this time. But not when she riding him like a cowgirl pushing her stallion around the barrels, fighting for the best time, racing head long for the finish line and the win. 

"Slow down, Jill," he pleaded as he tried to catch his ragged breath. 

"Don't you like it, Commander? The feel of my hot pussy squeezing that delicious hard cock of yours? You know you want it. You know you want to come. Come deep inside me. Flood this sweet cunt," she taunted as she rode him even harder. 

Her erotic words raced through his blood, igniting fires he had never known existed. The look of aggression in those green eyes was doing things to his gut that he had never imagined possible. His fingers bit into the soft flesh of her waist. He was no longer even trying to slow her movements as he lifted his hips to meet each of her downward thrusts. Her thighs slapping against his, the sound echoing around them as they mated. 

"God, yes, I like it," he roared through gritted teeth. "Milk my cock, baby," he pleaded.

He looked up as she threw back her head, her eyes shut tight as he felt her coming. She whimpered when for a moment her body lost the frantic rhythm, but his hands on her hips guided her as he pounded upwards. Riding out her sweet release before taking his own. 

She collapsed forward onto his chest. Their bodies damp not from their swim but from the exertion. His hands on her waist wrapped tighter, holding her to him. He brushed a kiss against the side of her face. "Was that so bad, Missus Monroe?" he whispered against her ear.

***

Jill felt as if every muscle in her body had turned to jelly at the power of her orgasm. There was sex and then there was that. Whatever this thing between them was. But as she floated quietly back into her body, she waited. Held her breath. Anticipated his rejection. Girded herself for it. 

So when his whispered reproach finally reached her addled brain she could only laugh. Laugh hysterically as he rolled them so that she lay on the blanket and he loomed over her, staring down as if she had lost her mind, which very likely she had. She could not stop laughing. Laughing until her sides hurt. Laughing until she felt her stomach roll. Her hand flew to her mouth as she pushed him back, racing for the bushes just a couple of feet away. 

She was shaking again as she vomited into them. Her stomach churned and heaved as it emptied itself of the toast and jam she had eaten that morning. Still it boiled until there was nothing but dry heaves. She felt his arm about her shoulders as he pressed the cold cloth to her face. 

His voice was a whisper as he soothed. "Are you all right, Jill?"

She nodded as the last of the nausea passed. She was weak but this time not from the passion they had shared. He guided her back to the blanket. 

"Lay down for a few minutes before we head back to the cabin," he ordered as he took his damp shirt and walked back to the stream, wetting it again and bringing it back.

Jill had composed herself as much as she could around his naked body anyway. "I'm fine," she protested as he placed the cloth back over her forehead. "It must be the food poisoning that Bel had. The doctor did say it could take days or even weeks to show up," she assured him. "I'll be fine in a bit, I'm sure. I actually feel better already." 

He shook his head, "It could be the heat too. This mid-day sun on your fair skin. We should head back as soon as your feeling better." 

She nodded. "Just let me lie here for a few minutes."

He nodded and joined her on the blanket. He threw his arm casually across her waist as he forced a worried smile to his lips.

"I'm fine. I promise," she said again as she tried to sit up. But her head only swam around her, the sunlight fracturing and twinkling like a billion stars as she collapsed back onto the blanket. "Well, almost," she whispered.

She felt him lifting her, cradling her against his chest. "No, you can't. I'm too heavy," she protested as she shoved at the solid steel wall of his chest. 

"Shut up, I've carried grown men through fire and bullets. You weigh next to nothing," he said as he made his way up the path towards the cabin.

"Really, I can walk," she tried once more.

"Maybe you could, but I have no intention of letting you," he said as he crested the small hill. 

She could see the cabin a couple hundred yards away and decided it was not worth the effort arguing, especially as she needed all her energy to battle another wave of nausea. She managed to keep this one back until they reached the door of the cabin. She made him stop there as she leaned over another bush, but there was nothing left inside of her stomach this time. She retched and heaved for a couple of minutes until he lifted her once more and took her inside to the small bed, tucking her in as she had done Bel just days before. 

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"What for?" he frowned at her.

"Bit of a mood buster," she smiled weakly.

He laughed, "Hey, neither of us should complain. At least you didn't get sick until afterwards." Brushing her hair back from her face, "You get some rest. I'll go back and get our stuff. I hope this passes as quickly as Bel's did because Mama and Daddy are expecting us back tomorrow. And we're supposed to leave the next day. I'd try phoning them, but you never get a signal out this far."

She nodded weakly as tiredness overtook her. Her restless night was coming back to haunt her. "I'm sure I'll be better by then. I'm sorry," she whispered as she fell asleep as quickly as the babies did.

***

Daniel pushed open the door to the cabin with his foot. He unloaded the fishing gear just inside the door, dropping it carelessly in his rush. He tossed the blanket upon which he had slept last night on the table along with their clothes. He was in a hurry for one thing, to get to his wife. 

He knelt by her side as she slept. She seemed to be resting peacefully now. He brushed the hair back from her face once more. He sighed in relief that there was no fever as there had been with Bel. That was good at least, he thought. 

He hoped that she would be better tomorrow morning...and it had nothing to do with getting back to their daughters or the trip home. He simply could not stand to see her in pain. For one simple reason, "I love you," he said as he bent and kissed her soft lips.



The Arrangement Ch. 09



Warning: For some of you that have been following Daniel and Jill's journey this chapter is going to blow your mind. It will certainly challenge certain societal views of what love and romance truly are. Please keep an open mind and heart for the rest of this amazing journey into true love, soul mates, and redemption. But hold onto your seats, folks, because things get really interesting from here. 

***

Jill nibbled on pretzels as the three women giggled and laughed. This it seemed was another tradition. A sexy shopping trip to end all shopping trips. She was just glad that they had separated once they got to the mall. She blushed as she thought of the contents of the purple and gold bag on the floor next to her. 

As if reading her mind, Simone lifted her pink and silver one, "Show and tell time, ladies," she announced to her friends.

Jill was glad that Trisha moaned along side her, at least she would have an ally, but from the willful and determined look on her best friend's face it would be a futile fight.

"Come on, Simone," pleaded the stunning red-head that looked out of place in their curvy women's club. But the only response was a stare down. 

"I'll go first," Simone offered. "Rule is just one item, but it has to be your wildest purchase."

Jill fought back another wave of nausea at her words. 

"You sure you're feeling better, sugar?" Trisha placed her perfectly manicured hand over hers on the table. 

She nodded but the action only made the situation worse. "I'll be fine. The doctor said these things could take a few days to clear up," she smiled.

"You went to the doctor?" demanded Simone.

"No, what would be the point? It's obviously the food poisoning that Bel had."

"How do you know that if you haven't seen him?" asked Trisha. "I mean you don't have a fever or the diarrhea. And this is lasting way longer. What is it five days? Six now?"

Jill nodded, "I haven't actually thrown up in two days though. I was reading up on these things on the Internet though. It said that every body is different. Maybe since I have a milder case it is just taking longer to work it's way out of my system?"

"Or it isn't food poisoning at all?" Trisha giggled, "Have you thought it could be morning sickness?"

Jill went even paler at her friend's words, "This is anything except 'morning' sickness. I feel great in the morning. It's the afternoons I have to worry about. Besides I'm forty-five years old, do you know the odds of me getting pregnant?" 

She regretted her spontaneous words the moment that she saw Simone's face. The pained look was like slamming the car door on your own hand. She reached across the table and covered her friend's chunky hand. "I didn't mean...You are not forty-five."

Simone forced a smile, "I know what you meant. But Trisha has a point, sweetie. Fertility might decrease after forty, but that is not birth control. If you aren't feeling better in a couple of days, I think you should see the doctor. Just to be sure."

Jill rolled her eyes, "Come on, you two." 

Their conversation was making her more than a little uncomfortable. It was something she really had not even considered. Sure, she and Daniel had never really taken any precautions. Hell, worse yet, they had never even discussed it. She blushed deeper at the memory, except for his erotic fantasy at the lake. 

She frowned as she thought about it. Pregnant? As unlikely as it was, she could not stop her heart from racing a bit. Another baby. Daniel's baby. Their baby. Her throat tightened and she fought back the moisture that threatened her vision. 

She drew a deep breath and forced her mind back from that path. Like she told them, at forty-five the odds were most definitely against her conceiving. Seriously against it. What would be the point of getting her hopes up? It was not worth thinking about, let alone talking about with these two.

In desperation, she took up her friends earlier challenge, "All right, Simone. Show us your worst. Or do I go first?" 

Trisha moaned, "Not you too."

Simone smiled and pulled something from the bag. In one hand she held a small black box with an array of mechanical buttons. Attached to it by a long cord, she held a string of shimmering pink pearlescent beads in the other. 

"What the hell is that?" demanded Trisha.

Jill chuckled knowing exactly what her friend held in her hand. The two women responded almost simultaneously, "Butt beads."

Simone pushed a button on the black box and there was a soft buzzing sound, "Vibrating butt beads."

The red head drew back and shivered, "That's disgusting. Ain't nothing going near my ass."

Simone winked at Jill, "You don't know what you're missing, sweet cheeks. All right, Jill, your turn."

Jill hesitated. The contents of her bag were shocking. She knew that. In fact, she was still not certain if she would find the courage to use any of it. It had been years since she had released that side of her. She smiled at those memories. 

Truth was that despite the battle with this stomach bug, things had never been better between them. That day by the pool, and in the water, had freed something inside of her. Something she feared was dead. She loved the feeling of making love with Daniel naked. Oh, she still got shy at moments, but he either teased her through it or just pushed down her walls. 

He even seemed to enjoy some of her wilder and more wanton ways. Her potty mouth as it had been called even seemed to drive Daniel to newer and higher levels of passion. Her pleas for him to 'fuck me hard' always met with moans and compliance. But this was so much beyond all that. 

"Come on, girl friend. Give it up," Simone demanded, pulling Jill back from her thoughts. 

She lifted the bag and peeked inside. The leather bustier, the blind fold or the riding crop. She was glad now there had not been a hardware store in the mall. Rope might have won out as the kinkiest. As it was she slowly drew the leather riding crop from the bag and laid it on the table.

Trisha's eyes flew open, her red lips forming a perfect O. Simone laughed, "Wow, girl friend, props to you. I'm not sure even I would trust Samuel with something that dangerous looking in his hand."

Jill smiled at the stunned look on her friends' faces when she replied, "Who says it's for Daniel to use on me?"

***

Daniel watched Britney and Ashley double team poor T.J. 

"Hey, man, that ain't fair?" complained Travis. "There are two of them."

Samuel chuckled, "Hey, give him another twenty years. Bet he wouldn't be complaining then?" He winked at his friends as they shared babysitting duties. "So any bets about what the girls bring home?" he teased.

Daniel shook his head and Travis turned away, but Samuel was not to be deterred. "Come on, guys. You know you love these little shopping trips as much as I do," raising his beer to Daniel, he added, "Or you damned well will after this, I bet."

Daniel flipped a burger on the grill and tried not to get drawn into the conversation. "So Travis, any progress on changing Trisha's mind about another one?"

A dark look crossed his friends face, it was not the first time that Daniel had seen the change in the man. "Not so sure I want to anymore," was his only response.

Samuel frowned. "I thought you were dying for a little girl to add to your family."

The man shrugged, "Yeah, well, sometimes things change." He lifted the almost full bottle of beer and drained it quickly.

Daniel stared at Samuel before speaking. "You know we're here if you want to talk about anything."

Samuel slapped the man on his back, "Hell, I'm here even you don't. Just ask the strong, silent one over there."

Travis stared at the ground. The toe of his cowboy boot toyed with a dandelion as he thought. Finally after a moment of uncomfortable silence he replied, "What the hell. I needed to find a way to bring this up anyway. I have a favor to ask you guys." He frowned, "Well, not you guys, but I need your wives' help on something."

Samuel chuckled, "You know Simone is up for anything. What is it? A fertility potion? Some aphrodisiac? You name it, buddy."

The man shook his head solemnly, "Nay, nothing like that."

Daniel saw the red stain spread across his friend's pale, freckled skin. He recognized his discomfort, empathized with it. "You know you can trust us, man. Whatever it is, we're there for one another."

The man looked up and nodded. "This ain't easy to ask, but can you ask Jill and Simone to keep an eye out on Trisha?"

"Trav, you know those three are thick as thieves. I don't think you have to worry about her," Samuel replied.

The man shook his head, "Not like that. I mean watch her," he hemmed and hawed as if searching for the right words.

Daniel felt the stabbing pain in his gut. This would be the first deployment in almost fourteen years that he did not feel that kind of worry and pain. He reached out a hand and placed it on the younger man's shoulder. "I understand," was his only response.

Trav forced a weak smile as he reached for another bottle of beer. Samuel studied the two men, quickly catching the meaning of what was transpiring around him. He cleared his throat, "Sure, man, I'll ask Simone to check in on her." 

Daniel scooped several burgers and hot dogs off the grill on to the plate on the table next to him. "I mean it. If you need to talk, I'm here. You know I understand." He smiled weakly at his friend, " Better than I want to admit."

"Yeah, man, I know, but things are going good for you now. I don't want to bring up old shit."

He nodded, "I know, but if I can help then it's all good."

The man looked over at his son playing in the wadding pool with the twin girls. "Last time I was away, she cheated," he whispered.

"What? How do you know?" asked Samuel.

Travis sighed, "She told me herself. When I came home." He paused , studied the ground a bit more before continuing, " I knew things weren't right, but it was just suspicions. I wasn't even sure what it was. Then a couple of weeks later, she started crying and babbling about how sorry she was. It all came out."

Daniel breathed through the shared pain. "But the fact that she told you herself. Begged you to forgive her. That's got to mean something, right?" Rachel had certainly never made any such apologies, almost flaunting her affair with her hints and accusations, he thought. 

Trav shrugged, "Maybe it would if."

"If what?" asked Samuel.

"It's not just that she had an affair. It's who she had it with," he brought the new bottle of beer to his lips and again drained it in less than a minute. His friends did not press, knowing he would reveal all in his own time.

"Clay. Trisha fucked Clay Dodd," he swore loudly. "I used to think of him as a friend, you know? And he screwed my wife while I was gone. How fucked is that shit, man?" He reached for a third bottle of beer from the cooler at his feet. 

"Oh and it gets better. The bastard is still trying to get me to quit the Navy and come to work for his daddy. Can you believe that? The little son of a bitch has balls, I'll give him that much," he said as he opened the bottle.

Daniel felt the knife to his own heart, remembering the other man taunts. His virtual admission that he had been Rachel's phantom lover. Now this? He felt raw as he remembered the way that the man had looked at Jill as she walked down the hall carrying the babies. 

Daniel's cell phone rang. He picked it up, smiling in spite of himself when he saw that it was his wife. "Hey, sweetheart," he began but his smile quickly faded at her words. "I'll be right there," he said as he hung up the phone.

***

Jill stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror as she patted her face. Splashing the water on her face had helped. The worst of this latest round of nausea had passed. 

She looked at the woman in the mirror more closely. A spider's web of fine lines spread out from the corner of her eyes. Deeper lines marked her forehead and around her mouth. Although she might not look her age, she was no longer a young woman. The thousands of grey hairs that interspersed with her blond ones was a testament to that. 

Trisha was being ridiculous, she asserted. Pregnancy was the least of her worries. Not that it would be a worry really. More like wishful thinking. She touched her abdomen for a moment before she shook her head. 

"Stop being silly Jill. You're old enough to be a grandmother for god's sake," she whispered to her reflection as she turned towards the door. 

What she saw when she opened it sent those warning bells clanging in her mind and her stomach on another roller coaster ride. A few yards down the hall, a tall, husky man with blond hair had Trisha pinned against the opposite wall. His hand squeezed her upper arm as he spoke in a low whisper. Tears streamed down her friend's cheeks as she whimpered softly.

Jill did not hesitate. Plastering a smile on her face, she walked defiantly across the short distance. "No need to come looking for me, Trisha," she said as she approached the pair. 

She sucked in her breath as the man turned to face her. "Mister Dodd," she responded to his bold gaze stiffly. 

The man cleared his throat, "I was just talking to Trisha here about my father's generous employment offer. Hoping I could convince you ladies to have more sense than those pigged husbands of yours. What do you say, Missus Monroe? Have you given any more thought about what we spoke a few weeks ago?"

She squared her shoulders, "As I said then, Mister Dodd, I support my husband's decision."

His laughter echoed off the cinder block and glass walls. "Perfect little submissive wife, aren't we, Jill?"

She smiled secretively, thinking of the stash of items in her shopping bags. "I hardly think so, Mister Dodd. Simply a wise one." Turning to her friend, she added, "We should head back."

Trisha brushed the tear stains from her face with the back of her hands. She nodded and tried to pull her arm out of his grasp. She winced as it broke free.

Jill walked to her side, placing herself between Trisha and Clay. "I can't say it's been a pleasure, Mister Dodd, but as always it is certainly interesting."

He returned her bold stare, "You have no idea how interesting I can be, Missus Monroe."

Taking the other woman more gently by the arm, she lead her away. "I hope I never have reason to find out."

His laughter followed them down the hall. "I'm sure you will. One day soon. Very soon," he said as he pushed pass them in the narrow corridor.

The moment that he was gone Trisha collapsed against the wall in tears. Jill wrapped her arms about her and rubbed her back as she waited for the sobs to cease. She murmured quietly, soothing words, like she would for the babies. They stood like that in the hall for several moments. Jill kept her back to the passing people, offering her friend what privacy she could.

"He's gone now. Don't worry, sweetie. I'm sure it ain't all that bad," she lied. Knowing that man, it was that bad and then some, she thought looking down the hall after him.

"You don't understand. He says that if I don't convince Travis to quit and come to work for Night Walkers he will tell him everything," she sobbed.

Jill frowned, "What do you mean everything?"

Trisha wiped her trembling hand across her eyes once more. "We had an affair," she whispered. 

Jill sucked in her breath, "I see."

"I told Trav about it when he came back. I begged him to forgive me. But he wouldn't drop it. Said he would walk, unless I told him who." She sighed heavily, "But that only made it worse. The fact that Clay was his friend. It made it more unforgivable."

Jill nodded her head, "I understand."

"Now he says that if I don't get Tray to quit after this tour, he'll lie, tell him that we are still seeing one another." 

She shook her head, "Who knows maybe it's for the best? Trav is never going to forgive me anyway." She shrugged her shoulders and forced a smile, "I was glad you got sick before, because the only thing in my bags are toys for T.J." The younger woman stared at the tiles on the floor, her voice broke as she finished, "Truth is his daddy ain't been interested in playing since I told him about the affair."

Jill wrapped her arms about her friend, "I'm sorry, sweetie. What you did wasn't right, I think you know that. But if Travis wants to stay married, even for his son's sake, then he needs to meet you half way. You want me to have Daniel talk to him?"

Her friend shook her head, "Nay, I shouldn't have said anything to you. This is between me and Travis. We'll work it out," she looked down the hall once more, "One way or the other."

Jill was about to argue, convince the woman to fight for her marriage, when Simone came running around the corner. Half a dozen bags swung wildly in her arms as she teetered from side to side. Althea was right behind her mother, trembling with huge tears running down her face.

"Come on, girl. We have to go," screamed Simone.

That fear ate at her gut once more, gnawed like a maggot on rotting flesh. "Where's Jesse? Althea, where is she?"

Althea sobbed as her mother stopped in front of the women. Taking Jill's hands in hers, she said, "There's been an accident. She's hurt."

"Hurt? How bad?"

Althea sobbed, "I don't know. She fell down the stairs. I tried to help but the security guard kept pushing me away. When Jesse came to, she told me to go get you. I think the guard called for an ambulance or something."

"Where? Where is she?" Jill demanded as she pushed past them, heading down the hall without knowing which direction to take. 

***

Daniel rushed into the emergency room once more. He shook his head at the sense of déjà vu. It had been barely more than a week since they had been here with Bel and now this. He looked around for any sign of them. Seeing a nurse, he approached her, "Excuse me. My daughter's been in an accident. Monroe, Jessica Monroe?"

The woman nodded and led him towards the locked double doors. Swiping her security card, she held the door open and pointed, "Third curtain on your left."

"Thank you," he nodded.

When he pulled the curtain back, Jill was sitting on a chair by the bed. Her hands covered her face and he saw her shoulders trembling a bit. He walked over to her and knelt down.

"Where's Jesse?"

She looked up and her green eyes were swimming in tears. She threw her arms about his neck, "Oh Daniel," she cried as she buried her face against his neck. He patted her back as she cried. 

"Where is Jesse?" he repeated.

She whimpered a final time before answering, "They took her to x-ray. She didn't want me to come with her."

Daniel sighed. If Jesse was being stubborn enough to refuse Jill's care, then things could not be that bad. "How bad is it? Have the doctors said anything?"

Jill drew a deep breath and pulled out of his arms. She looked down at the floor and blushed as she wiped the tears away with the back of her hand. "Her arm is broken that is for sure. A compound fracture. But what they are most worried about is head injuries. She lost consciousness for a bit so they want to do CT scans to make sure that there is nothing serious. That's where she is now."

He nodded his head. "So what happened? Jesse isn't the type to just fall like this."

"Someone pushed her," she replied.

"Pushed her? Why?"

"I don't know. They were in a hurry I suppose. But someone shoved her and she lost her balance, pretty close to the top of the stairs too. The security guard said she fell a good twelve to fifteen feet, maybe more."

She started crying again, "I'm sorry. I should have been there. Shouldn't have let her and Althea wander all over the mall."

Daniel drew his wife back into his arms, "Don't be silly. She isn't Bel or Britney and Ashley. Wandering around the mall alone is what teenagers do. This isn't your fault. It's an accident."




The Arrangement Ch. 09



The curtain pushed back further and an orderly wheeled Jesse into the tiny cubicle. Her arm was wrapped in a bandage and there was a big bump on her forehead, but otherwise she looked the same.

He released Jill and went to his daughter, "Hey, Jesse, how you feeling?"

She nodded her head and then winced, "I'm all right, Dad," she said as she climbed into the hospital bed. "But you're wrong. This was no accident. Someone pushed me."

Daniel nodded, "Sure, that's what Jill said. That someone bumped into you and you lost your balance."

The girl shook her head, "No, Dad, not just bumped into me. They shoved me. I grabbed onto the railing and thought I was going to be OK, but then they put their hands on my back and pushed harder. Maybe the first time was an accident, but pushing me twice? That's no accident."

He frowned, "Jesse, you took a pretty bad fall. You sure you remember it all correctly?"

His daughter stared at him, "I bet you wouldn't doubt anything she said," she screamed pointing at Jill.

"I didn't say I don't believe you, Jesse. It is just that sometimes when things happen fast our memories can be fuzzy."

"There was nothing fuzzy about it. He pushed me. Twice."

"He?" Daniel asked. "You saw the person?"

She shook her head, "It happened too fast. But he was tall, not as tall as you, daddy, but at least six feet. And big too, or at least his hands were when he pushed me. I tried to turn around but I lost my balance again and fell. All I saw was a grey hoodie."

Daniel sat on the bed next to his daughter. "Did you tell this to the security guard?"

She nodded, "Yeah, but he didn't believe me either."

He frowned, "I did not say that I don't believe you, Jesse. But it just doesn't make sense. Why would anyone want to hurt you?" His own mind searched for those answers as he saw his daughter and wife do the same in silence for a moment.

"I don't know maybe somebody from one of the other soccer teams? We have that big tournament coming up. And I was the team's best player," she held up her bandaged arm. "I was until this anyway."

Jill smiled weakly, "Then they messed up, sweetie, because a broke arm won't stop you from playing soccer. You don't need your arms."

The girl looked at Jill and frowned, "Maybe."

Daniel shook his head, "I know those sorts of things happen, but still." 

He would prefer his daughter's explanation to his own. Had his security been compromised? It was always a possibility. If a terrorist cell or even some of the more militant war protesters discovered even one of their identities, then they and their families all became targets. It was why Operational Security was always tight, especially this close to being activated. He would check with command. 

He smiled at his daughter and wife, "I left Travis and Samuel with three toddlers and a Barbie princess, so if you, ladies, will excuse me, I'm going to step out and make a quick call. Make sure that the enemy has not worn down my best men."

He could see the disappointment on his daughter's face. He bent and kissed her forehead, careful to avoid the nasty bump. "Jesse, I'll look into this. I promise you, sweetheart."

"Sure, dad, whatever," said the sulky pre-teen.

Jill stood up as he pushed back the curtain. "Wait, I'll walk with you for a bit. I need to find a loo anyway."

"A restroom," he smiled.

Jill smiled up at him. He could see tiredness and the effects of her recent illness in her face. Dark circles reflected the green depths of her eyes. He wanted to wrap her in his arms and protect her, make it all better, but he knew he could not. 'Lousy husband,' 'murderer' echoed like the refrain of bad elevator music in his mind. He forced his own smile before he turned back towards his daughter. "You sure you'll be all right by yourself?"

Her face showed that was the wrong thing to say even before she opened her smart mouth. "Yeah, I'm not Bel or the babies. I can take care of myself," she replied in a huff.

He bit his tongue to stop his own retort. So why are we sitting in a hospital, he thought. But if what she said was true, if someone had pushed her, then things could have been much worse. Her quick wits to grab the railing very likely may have saved her life or at the very least minimized the damage from her mystery assailant. 

"All right, honey. One of us will be back in a couple of minutes," he smiled as they walked out of the tiny cubicle together. They had just stepped through the locked double doors when he felt Jill's hand on his arm. 

"Daniel, I didn't want to say anything in front of Jesse, but do you think this could have anything to do with Heather Thomas's custody suit? I know that you won, but still maybe she thinks if something happened to one of the girls the judge might change his mind. Decide we weren't fit," she asked.

He frowned. It was another possibility that he had not even considered. "I suppose, but I doubt it. The woman is like her sister, a short attention span. I'm sure she has moved on to summers in the Hamptons," he tried to joke, " the rich ones not poor little Hampton Roads round here." 

"I think it was more a publicity stunt to begin with. I don't think she ever really wanted to be saddled with four little girls to raise. Although I'm sure she wouldn't have. She would have hired a string of nannies," he blushed as he remembered his own determination to hire one. He still hated to admit it, but his mother and Simone had been right. Jill was so much more than any professional could have been to his daughters. 

Of course, that did not even begin to scratch the surface on what the woman meant to him, but now was not the time to think about that. "Let me make a couple of calls. Check on the girls."

"More like check on Samuel and Trav," she smiled. "And see if your security has been compromised too, I'm sure."

His eye brows shoot up. How had she known that was the real purpose of this trip? His wife never failed to amaze him. He bent and brushed a soft kiss across her lips, "Go find your restroom, sweetheart. After the doctor comes in with his report, I'll take you home. It's my turn to take hospital duty this time, Missus Monroe."

She smiled weakly, "I'd argue the point, commander, but I think Jesse would prefer having her daddy."

He brushed his finger down her cheek and returned the smile, "You better not let her hear you call her a daddy's girl," he joked. "Besides you need your rest, you're still recovering from the food poisoning." He frowned, "You are still feeling better, right?"

She sighed, "Mostly. I haven't been sick in a couple of days, but still have pouts of the nausea."

He nodded, "You sure it's the same thing Bel had? She was over it so quickly."

Jill nodded, "Yeah, I looked it up on the Internet the other day. It said that sometimes it can take days or even weeks for it to go completely away."

"Still why don't you have the doctor look you over while we're here?"

She shook her head, "I'm fine, Daniel. Or I will be in a couple more days."

Her words hit him in the gut like a sucker punch. 'A couple more days' was all he had with his family. After almost a year grounded at home while his team went into the field and trained, he should be ecstatic about it. 

Instead all he felt was reluctance. Bel had been sick, then Jill and now Jesse was injured. He wondered if this was such a good idea after all, perhaps he was pushing things. Perhaps he should give Jill and the girls a bit more time to adjust before he went back. 

"Maybe I should speak to command about..."

Jill put her fingers over his lips, "No. Don't even say it. I know you want to go back on active duty. Hell, that was the whole idea behind this arrangement. So don't even mention it. I've spent most of life managing our family while David was on one deployment or another. I might be a bit rusty after five years, but I know my job. Food poisoning, broken arms, burst pipes, sprains, overdue bills, you name it. I can and will handle it. You go do what you need to do, commander. The girls and I will be fine." She held out her other hand, "You have my word on it."

Instead he wrapped his arm about her waist, "I have a better way of sealing the deal, Missus Monroe," he whispered as he bent and brushed a kiss across her lips. 

The fire ignited in his gut at even the casual contact. Would he ever get enough of this woman? It was a question that haunted him day and night. He sighed and pulled away reluctantly. "Go find your restroom, sweetheart. If one of us doesn't get back in there soon, the girl will probably drive the nurses nuts."

"I'd be more worried about the looks she keeps giving the doctor if I were you, commander."

"Don't even go there," he said as he swatted her bottom. "Scoot and go play chaperone before I have to pull rank on the poor lieutenant and have a nice grey haired old man take over the case," he laughed.

"You can't keep her a child forever. She's going to start noticing boys her own age soon. Then things get way more complicated than puppy dog eyes and flirting with men she knows she can't actually have."

"That's when I remind them I know a hundred ways to kill them with my bare hands."

"A hundred?"

"More or less, yes. But don't you worry about it, I have others things in mind with you and my bare hands," he blushed as he felt his cock harden in his jeans at the image of her round bottom propped up on the pillow. His palms itched and he could not resist another playful swat at it. "Go or I swear we're going to end up in a compromising position in the janitor's closet."

Jill laughed as she walked away, "Naughty boys like you get into trouble sometimes, commander," she whispered as she walked away. "Big trouble."

He shook his head and laughed, "Promises, promises, Missus Monroe."

***

Jill paced their bedroom, listening for any sound. She had sent Daniel to check on the girls and grab a quick shower. It was their last night together for who knew how long. And she wanted to make it special, very special. 

Their bed had seemed lonely last night while he slept in a chair at the hospital with Jesse. But after the one night of observation, the doctors let her come home. Of course, her arm was in a cast and she had a nasty knot on her forehead, but they were lucky once again. It could have been so much worse, Jill shivered at the thought. 

Trying to put it all aside and focus upon this night, she walked over to the dresser. Jill bit her lower lip as she studied her reflection in the mirror on top of it. She sucked in her breath and held it. Mistress J stared back at her. It had been so long. Too long since the women had met. 

Her bare breasts jutted from between the triangular straps that held up her black leather corset. It was laced up the back with leather straps, but four metal buckles in front added to the look. Her black lace fish net stockings were just visible above her thigh high black leather boots. 

She knew that she did not have long. Daniel would be back any minute. Her heart pounded in her chest. Her mouth was dry and the palms of her hands sweaty. This was risky, very risky. But the naked freedom she had felt with her husband since their run-in at the cabin was only part of it. It was not just her body that she had feared exposing to him, but her sexual nature. This side of herself, Mistress J. 

Problem was that over the past few days, the vixen had increasingly been slipping out. Demanding to come out and play. When Simone had whisked her away on Saturday afternoon for another of their 'traditions,' the special shopping trip for going away presents for their husbands, she had broken free. The leather riding crop that she had shown Simone and Trisha that afternoon was just the beginning of her purchases. Trouble was what if it was too much? 

She heard the shower turn off and shook her head. "Too late now. In for an ounce, in for a pound," she assured the woman in the mirror before slipping back to the bed and running her hands under her pillow to make certain the rest of her things were tucked safely under it. Of course, she might not actually use any of them. She would wait and see her husband's reaction. 

She picked up the rope that lay at the foot of the bed. Closing her eyes, she drew in a couple of cleansing breaths as she heard him padding barefoot down the hall.

***

Daniel opened the door to their room expecting another of his wife's sexy lingerie numbers. But his mouth dropped open and he forgot to breath at what he saw there. 

His eyes travelled slowly up her lush body from the pointy toes of high heeled leather boots that ended mid-thigh to the fish net stockings that peeked out of the top of them. The stockings were held up by garters suspended from the most devilish thing he had ever seen. Black leather and metal encased his wife's mid-section.

He admired how the damned thing was designed to showcase her full tits. The bottom of it formed a sort of shelf bra that lifted her flesh, made him ache to hold her tits. On each side, two thin leather strips were attached with metal loops coming together at the top of her breast, connected to a larger metal loop and slightly wider piece of leather that wound round her neck holding it all up. 

"Holy fuck," was all he could find to say as he took in the sight of her standing at the foot of their bed. That was when he noticed that she held a length of rope in her right hand, was slapping it lightly into her left hand.

His eyes brows lifted and his smile deepened when he saw that. His wife tied up and at his tender mercies. It was a surprise he would definitely enjoy. Some traditions were worth keeping, he thought as he dropped the towel and walked towards her.

He stopped immediately at the steely resolve when she purred, "On your knees."

His eye brows arched, "What, Jill?"

She gritted her teeth and threw back her head, her long blond hair shook about her bare shoulders. "Mistress J to you. And you need to learn some respect."

His eyes flew open at the command. He paused naked just inside their doorway. This was not what he expected, but there was no denying his bodies reaction to it. From the moment he had stepped into the room, his cock had been on full alert, but it throbbed almost painfully at this new turn of events. 

"Shut the door and get on your knees," she said as she slapped the rope even harder against her palm. 

Daniel considered his options. The gorgeous creature before him bore little resemblance to his normally sedate wife. But damn, did she do something to his blood. It was boiling inside of him. He drew in a deep breath and turned to close the door. Truth was he had to find out more. Had to taste this Mistress J, needed to learn this woman as he was still learning Jill. He fell to his knees at the foot of their bed. He looked up at her and waited. He felt the sting of the rope across his shoulder. 

"Did I give you permission to look at me?" she asked. 

He frowned. The blow had barely registered, but still if this was the way the night was going, did he want to do this? The ache in his balls answered his mind's stupid question. He lowered his eyes.

"No, Jill," his response was followed by another sting of the rope against his shoulder. He looked up again, a move that was followed by another blow. 

"I did not give you permission to look at me. And you will address me at Mistress J."

His mind renewed its battle with his cock but he dropped his head at the sound of authority in her voice. His training made it almost automatic on some level, even as his brain ran through options, scenarios. 

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her kneel next to him. "Poseidon, the safe word is Poseidon," she whispered against his ear.

"Safe word?"

"These little games are only fun if we both enjoy it. If things go too far, if anything makes you uncomfortable," she chuckled, "well, really uncomfortable, all you have to do is say Poseidon and it stops. My word."

He nodded and sighed, "All right, I guess."

She brushed a light kiss across his lips, "Good boy."

His cock twitched at her words, but his heart raced and alarm bells went off in his head as he felt her hands gather his, wrapping the rope that she had been holding about his wrists. On one hand, she couldn't use the rope like a whip if it was wrapped around his wrists. He felt her tie off the knots and tested the bonds. He smiled, not bad. Not bad at all. He could get out, of course, and that was the only thing that kept him from calling an end to this little game right there and then.

When he saw her reach for the silk scarf at the foot of the bed, his apprehension increased. He tested the bonds once more as she wrapped it around his face, blocking his vision. It was not the first time that he had been bound and blind-folded. He trained regularly in such things and he knew on an intellectual level he could handle the situation. And on a sexual level? He sighed heavily. He could not deny that his body was turned on by it all. 

He heard her moving about the room. Used his other senses as he had trained to locate the enemy, except this was not the enemy. It was his wife, well, sort of anyway. And that knowledge and Poseidon kept him kneeling at the foot of their bed, waiting further instructions. 

He heard her get on the bed, then it was silent for several moments. "All right, commander, let's see just how good you are," she said in that deep throaty voice that twisted his guts into knots and had his balls aching for the past ten minutes. "Crawl to me. I want you to show me how much you want to fuck this sweet pussy by worshiping my body. Start with kissing my boots and work your way up. I think you know what I mean. And if you don't?" She paused, "Well, disobedience will be punished."

Daniel nodded his head and homed in on her location using the sound of her voice. With his arms tied behind his back and the blindfold, it was slow going. When he reached the bed, he could tell that his wife was laying back, her legs spread wide. He gave a half smile. It was the same position he would have used the rope to tie her into, so things could not be that bad. This order was certainly one he did not mind following. 

He located a booted foot and kissed the toe. He worked his way upwards, leather was not what he wanted to taste. When he reached her lace covered upper thigh, he began to lick softly. He could feel her breathing getting faster. It was the only sign that his ministrations were having any affect on her. It was frustrating, he missed his wife's soft moans and whimpers. He sucked softly at her inner thigh, determined to get a reaction out of her.

"Not half bad, now the other foot, commander," was not the one he had been hoping for. 

He tested the bounds, slipped them just a bit looser. He did though turn his attention to her right leg, repeating the process. When he reached her upper thigh once more he began to alternate, kissing, licking and sucking first one leg and then the other. 

She might refuse to give into whimpers and moans, deny him that auditory satisfaction, but this time it was not only her quickened breathing that told him his efforts were pleasing his wife. Her smell filled him. As much as she might fight it, there was no denying that she wanted him. 

"Do you really need to be told what to do now, commander?" she drawled.

He smiled as he nipped playfully at the tender skin of her inner thigh, "I did not want to presume. Did not want to displease you, Mistress J," he tried hard to keep the 'teasing' out of his voice. 

"I heard that impudence," she barked. "Would you like to start at the soles of the boots this time, commander?"

"No, Mistress." Daniel nibbled at her other thigh, "Is that what you really want?"

"I want you to learn some manners. Try asking nicely. Please, Mistress J, can I eat your sweet pussy?"




The Arrangement Ch. 09



Daniel froze. He swore if he moved at all in that moment he would come on the spot. Her commanding voice, her nasty words alone were enough to send him into orgasm. He tried to force air through his tight throat. He willed his throbbing cock to hold out, just long enough to do what she demanded. He needed to taste her. 

Finally, he managed to regain enough control to whisper, "Please, Mistress, can I eat your sweet pussy?"

"What was that? I thought I heard something but I could not be sure," she responded.

"Please, Mistress J, may I eat your sweet pussy?" he said a bit louder.

"That's pretty good, commander. Yes, you may. Since you asked so nicely," her hands came up and laced through his hair, caressed his scalp. It was the first time that night she had touched him and as innocent as it was, it forced him to fight for control once more. His mind might be a reluctant participant in these little games, but his cock was more than willing. 

Her hands increased the pressure on his head, guiding, no forcing it between her spread legs. It was unnecessary. He had spent several long minutes that felt more like a lifetime without benefit of sight or even the satisfaction of sound. He had reveled in her smell until ever fiber of his being begged and pleaded to taste her cream once more. He did just that, diving his tongue deep inside of her. Licking at the salty sweetness like a kitten at a bowl of milk. 

"Oh, yes," he was rewarded at last with the sound of his mate's pleasure. "That's a good boy, tongue fuck my cunt, Daniel."

He redoubled his efforts, her words burning inside his mind like a torch to lead the way. 'What is wrong with me?', he wondered. The more demanding his wife became, the dirtier she talked, the more he loved it. His mind was torn to shreds at the dissonances. It simply made no sense, but now was not the time for deep thought.

As her juices flooded his mouth, he licked softly at the opening before redirecting his attention upwards. His tongue found her clitoris. Its throbbing told him far more than even her moans could. His wife was enjoying this little game as much as he was. He suckled on the little button and was rewarded with another of those soft moans.

"Not yet," she ordered. "Scoot over here. I want to play with that hard cock while you eat my pussy."

Daniel wanted to argue. He feared that he would not last two minutes with her soft hands or warm mouth torturing the little traitor that had gotten him into this situation. But kneeling as he was between her open thighs, his tongue just a centimeter from her swollen clitoris, the smell of her desire overpowered his common sense, he had no choice but to obey this command as well. 

He shifted his body, aligned them so that he was on top, his cock as close to her face as his was to her dripping wet pussy. "Like this, Mistress?" he offered, perhaps a tad too sweetly. 

"Fuck," he cursed when he felt her lips wrap around the head of his cock. His heart was pounding so hard that it drowned out all thoughts. Then she released it so quickly that he could not stop his own whimper. 

"Did I tell you to stop, commander?" Her hand slapped softly at the throbbing flesh between his legs, "If he is so powerful that he makes you forget your duties maybe he does not deserve my attention."

Daniel blew softly at her swollen flesh as he tried to force his brain to process it all. "No, Mistress," he pleaded. His head dropping once more as his tongue and teeth went back to work on her clitoris.

She sighed as she arched her hips against his face, "That's better. Eat that pussy, Daniel. If you make me cum, I might even allow you to fuck me later. But only if you make me come so hard I squirt all over that handsome face of yours. You have to drink it all down too."

Daniel swore he was losing his mind. Fuck torture training, this was way worse than anything they had ever thrown at him, worse than anything the enemy could. His wife, his sweet little wife, had transformed into this sexual siren that was driving him completely insane with her commands and taunts. Each one dirtier and kinkier than the last. And he wanted them all, actually was fucking getting off to this shit. He feared for his sanity if the games did not end soon.

He loosened the bounds a bit more as his tongue worked the nub of her womanhood. He heard her whimper, but before it could turn into a full moan she stuffed his cock back into that sweet mouth. He felt her response down the length of his cock as she finally released the sounds she had been holding inside, denying him. She moaned and whimpered silently around his flesh. It only added to the torture.

He remembered the earlier warning, this time fighting back his own needs, focusing on hers. He licked and sucked at her clitoris, matching his tempo instinctively to hers. 

He moaned around her flesh as she released it once more. He was just about to protest, when he felt her shift beneath him just a bit. Her hands replaced her mouth on his wet cock and her tongue found his balls. 

"Fuck," he murmured against her mound as she took one inside her mouth, her tongue twirling around it as he felt it tightening, draw back, ache even more with the mindless need to come. Come in his wife's soft hands. 

He fought his body, forced his mind to focus on the task at hand. He knew he was not going to last long. Not with his wife's sweet lips around his nuts. But he wanted her with him. He might be tied up, blindfolded, but when he came he did not want to be alone in the pleasure. He wanted her with him, equals and partners in pleasure. 

He worked her button harder with his tongue and teeth as he felt her release his ball, turning her attention to the other one. It was frustrating not having his fingers to help him, to push her higher. Massage her g-spot. Drive her as crazy as she was him. She released his sac with a loud plop. He was certain she would return to sucking his engorged cock, finish him off, before he had the chance to finish her.

His eyes practically popped out of his head as he felt her tongue travel not back down his shaft but up towards his ass. He tried to raise his head, protest, but her hips slammed against his face, muffling his cry. 

Then he felt her tongue swirling around his asshole and all protest faded. 'Fuck, it should not feel that fucking amazing,' his mind protested. But it did and then some. His cock throbbed and hung heavy against her chest. He moved his hips, trying to rub it against her soft tits, seeking the release that was so fucking close. But his movements only brought his ass closer to her face. 

They were a writhing, moaning mess of tangled limbs. His face buried even deeper between her legs to stifle the moans he did not want her to hear. Her face buried between the cheeks of his ass, doing things he had never dreamt of actually doing, but had discovered his torturous body loved. He felt her blow across his opening and practically jumped at this new sensation. 

"Follow my lead, commander," he heard her voice from somewhere far away. "Use your tongue on my clit just like I do on this sweet ass," his mind was fracturing and knew it. Was powerless to stop it. And would not even if he could. 

He nodded against her wet cunt as he felt tongue circling his tender flesh. He tried to focus, match her rhythm against her clitoris. He had just about mastered that task when he felt her push hers against his tender bud. "God damn it," he moaned against her mound as his wife tongue fucked his ass. 

He paused trying to gain some control of the situation, of his own fucking body. Each time he thought he had adjusted, come to terms with what was happening, she changed the rules, pushed him a bit further. But he could not, would not stop it. He was coming to want this, need this, need her like the mad man he had become. 

He breathed deeply and followed her lead, his tongue plunging deep inside her sopping wet pussy once more. He felt her tremble beneath him. He gloried in the fact that even like this, his wife could not deny her body's reaction to his touch. He went mad at the simple, unconscious admission. His tongue fucked her as his cock ached to. 

He moaned as he felt her tongue retreat from his ass, but he could not stop to speak. He knew she was close, so fucking close and like her earlier taunts, he wanted nothing more than to drink every drop of her juices as she came on his tongue. He moaned as she trailed her tongue slowly along the sensitive flesh back to his balls. Her tongue swirled around each one and he whimpered into her cunt when she did not suck either of them inside that sweet mouth. 

He felt her shifting once more beneath him. Then her mouth was once more wrapped around the head of his cock, taking him deep, gobbling at his cock. Her hands on his ass guided his movements as she took even more inside the warm, wet depths. He knew he was going to come, he was utterly powerless under her control to stop it. 

"God, Jill," he moaned into her pussy. "Come with me, baby," he pleaded as his tongue went to work on her clitoris once more. He felt her arching into his face once more as his balls drew up against his body. He could almost feel the come surging through them, racing to break free. 

Then there was a new sensation. Something was once more pressed tight against his asshole. His mind fought through the fog. Her tongue was torturing the head of his cock. So what the fuck was pressing deeper and deeper inside his ass? 

Before he could make sense of it all, he felt the ultimate betrayal. His body trembled, his hips pounded against her face, which caused whatever it was to plunge deeper still within his bowels. He saw stars, whole fucking galaxies of them as his seed shot out of his cock, deep into his wife's throat. 

He moaned and whimpered against her clitoris as he felt her tense beneath him. It was the only warning he had as her release answered his, flooding his mouth with the honey he had worked so hard to draw forth. Their orgasm seemed to go on and on as he felt it moving inside his ass. 

The ropes slipped from his wrists onto the sheets as it slipped softly from his bottom. His head collapsed between his wife's thighs as his mind fought his still hard cock for control of the situation. His heart was pounding out a drum beat that drowned them both out. Until he felt the stinging blow to his ass cheek, he moved so quickly, instinct took over. 

***

In less than a heartbeat he was looming over her. His hand wrapped about her wrist holding the riding crop high in the air.

"What the fuck was that?" he demanded.

"You didn't say Poseidon," she smiled up at him.

He laughed as he dropped her wrist, rolling to his side. She smiled and for the first time in the past few hours she sighed with relief. Mistress J had done her worst and her husband was laughing. She curled up against his chest. 

"I take it we're still good?" she questioned.

He wrapped his arm about her waist and drew her tighter against his body. He brushed a kiss on the tip of her nose. "I'll let you know when my head catches up to my cock. Shit, what was that? Fuck, Jill. That was wilder than most of the porn I read."

She chuckled, "Then I'm going to have to enlighten you to a few more interesting porn sites too, it seems."

His eye brows arched, "You're joking, right?"

She shook her head, "No, I'm not." She bent and placed a tender kiss over his heart. She knew that they should have perhaps had this conversation before, but it was better late than never, she supposed. 

Looking deep into his blue eyes, she whispered, "Did you really not like it?"

He shook his head, "You know damned good and well I can't lie my way out of this one. Did it feel like I didn't like it to you, Missus Monroe?" His fingers played with the metal loop near her shoulder, trailed softly down her skin to her hard nipple. When his fingers pinched at it, she moaned. "Or maybe I should say, Mistress J?" he winked.

He reached over and picked up the riding crop, "But what the fuck is this? My daddy won't even allow these things used on the horses, let alone in the bedroom. I ought to turn your ass over and show you how it feels."

Her heart raced faster at his words. "You can, you know," she whispered.

His brows furrowed at her words. "Are serious, Jill? This thing could do real damage."

She shrugged, "It might be a bit uncomfortable sitting down for a day or two, but not serious damage."

He studied her face, "Seriously? I mean what if I wanted to tie you up? Maybe not this nasty thing," he said tossing the whip across the room and drawing her tighter against his body until she felt his hard cock pressing against her thighs. "What if I wanted to spank this sweet ass of your until it was red?" he whispered as his hands caressed her bottom.

"I'd say, what are you waiting for, commander?" she said as she pressed tighter against him.

She watched indecision play across his face as he tried to pull from her arms, "No, I could hurt you," he said in a whisper.

"That's why we have Poseidon, Daniel. If anything is too much, either of us can say the safe word."

"What's this safe word shit?"

She chuckled, "I really do have to educate you, don't I, my sweet little farm boy?" She brushed another kiss over his heart. "I'd rather play than talk but safe word is a word...one you would not normally say, that doms and subs use when they play. It allows both to relax and enjoy the games knowing that it is safe, no one will get hurt," she winked, "seriously anyway."

She allowed her fingers to toy with his chest hairs. She smiled as she realized how comfortable she was getting with him. She laughed at the thought, comfortable did not touch what just happened.

"Want to share what's so funny, sweetheart?" he teased.

"I was just thinking how comfortable it is talking to you. I mean, " she felt herself blush, "I mean it's not easy for most people to talk about these things. Even couples, who have been married for years find it difficult to talk about their fantasies," she frowned then as she remembered her own introduction to these games. 

He nodded and buried his head in her hair, kissing her neck. "I know. It was something that hit me from the beginning. I've never been able to talk to women. Not really." He drew back and smiled down at her, "But not with you. From the very beginning, it was like I could talk with you about anything. You threw me for a loop, sweetheart."

She frowned at his words. Well, most things, she thought. They rarely discussed them. The ghosts in their marriage. 

***

Daniel saw his wife frown, tears brimmed in those green eyes, making them greener still. "What is it?" he whispered. "Why, sweetheart? What are you so fucking scared of? And why? It can't be him. David. Not as in love with him as you still are," he sighed at his admission, hoping she could not hear the longing in his voice. 

He lifted her chin, "Why, baby? Why were you so fucking afraid to be naked with me? Why did you feel you had to hide all this from me?"

He felt her trembling in his arms and hugged her tighter. She was silent for so long that he feared once again the questions would remain unanswered, a wall between them. Another one anyway. When she finally did speak, it was so low he had to bend his head just to hear.

"It was right after we moved to London. DJ had gotten a place at Goldsmiths College. I figured what the hell, thought a change of scenery might be good for us all. So I moved all of us down there. Away from the memories, away from everything they had ever known."

He watched the tears slip over the edge of her eyes, bent and kissed them away. He smiled as he remembered their dance, her drunken question, 'will you kiss away the pain.' He wanted nothing more than to try.

He saw her smile weakly, "Anyway, I got a job, working as chef in a mental health day center. I made a couple of friends," she frowned again. "Then I met him. He was the psychiatrist there, worked a couple of days a week. We started talking, then dating." She shook her head, "He was so different from anyone I had known in a very long time. Cultured and educated. Always taking me to museums, the theater and lectures. That part was nice."

Silence hung like sides of beef, its pungent smell drifting from his daddy's barn after a slaughter. "I don't want to talk about it anymore," she whispered. "Daniel, please make love to me," she pleaded as huge tears coasted down her cheeks.

He lifted her chin, forced her to meet his gaze. "Baby, you don't know how much I want to do just that, but if I did this would just keeping growing in that pretty little mind of yours. Eating away at you like it has been all this time. Jill, trust me. Trust me like I did earlier. Please," he brushed one of the tears back with the pad of his thumb.

She sighed and blushed, "Other things weren't so good, between us. We'd been together for six months before we even had sex. Then it was not that good." She chuckled, "All right, it was crappy. A couple of sloppy wet kisses and fumbling in the dark. But I thought it would get better. I mean David had been the only other man I had been with so I thought maybe I was not being fair, giving him a chance."

Daniel chuckled, "Yeah, bad sex doesn't get any better. Trust me, I had almost fourteen years of it."

She giggled and forced a weak smile, "Well, I didn't know that. So when he asked me to marry him a couple of months later, I was still so in awe of the great professor's brilliant mind that I ignored," she cleared her throat, "his short comings, shall we say."

Daniel shook his head, "Didn't measure up, sweetie?" he teased.

"Not hardly," she smiled. 

"So what happened? I know bad sex can take its toll on your ego, but it still doesn't make sense. Why would his short comings as you call them effect you so much?"

She sighed, "I guess you're right. It wouldn't have, except for the other."

"What other?" he prodded her with a couple of tender kisses on her shoulder.

"We had been together almost a year. It was just a couple of weeks until the wedding actually. And I was getting nervous. I mean really nervous. We'd made love less than a half a dozen times and it always the same...in the dark and over quickly."

"I went out with a couple of my girlfriends and got a bit drunk. Decided it was time we had it out about the lousy sex so I went to his house. He'd given me a key the week before so I could come over and take measurements, make whatever little changes I wanted, he said. But he insisted that I should call before coming over. That alone should have told me something, shouldn't it?"

He nodded, "But sometimes we get so caught up in things that we ignore those little warnings until it is too late."

She smiled weakly, "Yeah, I guess we do. Anyway, I forgot to call first and I walked in on him with a student. Damn, the girl was probably barely legal." Her frown deepened, "It got nasty from there."

"I know how much an affair can hurt," he whispered.

She brushed back his hair softly, "It wasn't just that. It was the things he said," fresh tears cascaded down her cheeks and Daniel's gut clinched.

"I'll listen if you need to talk, but I'm not asking for more details. Afraid, I already want to kill the bastard," he said as he hugged her tighter.

"Let's just say, he hit every insecurity a woman can have," she sighed. "Fat. Old. Even told me that good wives did not act like whores in the bedroom. Told me I was nothing than a wanton old slag," she stared down at her outfit. "I guess he might be a tad right about being a slut in the bedroom."

"I'm damned glad he did not appreciate the value of that," he frowned as he imagined her married to the other man. 

"Yeah, me too," she smiled up at him, but he could read the insecurities still hidden just beneath the surface of those green pools.




The Arrangement Ch. 09



He brushed the hair back from her cheek. "I think I'm going to enjoy having a slutty wife. Once I get used to it," he added.

She studied his face for a long moment, but this time when she finally smiled it reached her eyes that were twinkling with her teasing nature. "So what were you saying earlier about turning my ass red, commander?" 

He groaned and buried his face in her hair, "Jill, quit teasing me."

"I'm dead serious, Daniel," she replied. "One more quick lesson for now. Your wife is what they call a switch. Yes, Mistress J might like to come out and play her little domination games on occasion, but most of them I'm pretty submissive. Didn't you notice how turned on I got that first time when you held me down and bit my shoulder?"

His brows furrowed as his mind played back that afternoon on the wide screen of his memory. "How could I fucking forget?" he asked. "So you're saying that biting and spanking gets you as hot as all that crazy shit earlier?"

She nodded, "Actually, hotter most of the time. I enjoy Mistress J, but trust me in small doses. I would never want to be with a truly submissive man," she nibbled at his shoulder. "Luckily, I don't have to worry about that do I? Actually, I'm sort of surprised how far you let her get."

He groaned, "Now you tell me." He rolled her over onto her stomach. "For that you do deserve a good spanking, my sweet wife," he said as he brought his bare hand down harder than he ever had on her upturned bottom. Hard enough that even the palm of his hand stung with the blow. 

"Opening your fucking legs," he commanded. His wife's instant obedience left him smiling at this new turn of events. He plunged his fingers between her wet folds and felt her body trembling in release as his fingers found her g-spot. 

He did not allow her body to even come down from the high before his other hand delivered another hard open handed blow to the other cheek. The sound echoed off the walls of their bedroom. 

His fingers still inside her cunt felt it clutch them tighter. He bent and kissed each red mark on her ass, caressing them tenderly with the same palms that had made them. "Oh yes, I'm going to love having a nasty little slut wife in my bedroom. Stupid bastard doesn't know what he's missing."