The Arrangement

by Cassie Verano

  Rocking back and forth, I hammered her as my balls made loud, slapping noises against her. And the harder I drove inside of her, the more she cried out, screaming my name.

  Pulling out again, I said, “Turn over.”

  Xiomara did as I asked, pushing her face into the bed as she got up on her knees.

  Climbing off the bed, I grabbed a paddle from the bench at the bottom of the bed. My fingers lovingly traced the word “slut,” before climbing back up with her.

  “What’s that for?” she asked.

  “Punishment. You’ve denied me for too long, and I don’t like denials, Z. What Lake wants. Lake gets.”

  I smacked her ass hard, causing her to cry out. And then I returned to those same spots, applying gentle kisses and licks there to soothe her.

  Xiomara pushed against me again, and I smacked her on her other ass cheek harder than the first one, relishing her scream.

  Opening her up from the rear, I slid inside of her, my movements subtle and slow. I trailed a finger down her back, coaxing her to give me her all. And she did.

  Like a wild horse unleashed in the mountains, she pushed hard, giving me everything inside of her. Slamming against me, gyrating wildly, and squeezing her pussy all around my dick when I commanded that she give me more.

  And when she had exerted all of her energy, I flipped her over onto her back once more.

  Easing inside of her, I rubbed her clitoris, liking how she writhed because of that simple touch.

  “It’s the little things with you, isn’t it?”

  “Mm-hmm,” she moaned, rubbing her breasts.

  Pulling my finger away from her clitoris, I sucked it and then trailed my fingers up her belly, through the passage between her breasts, and to her neck.

  Wrapping my hand around her throat, I squeezed gently, watching her for signs of panic or resistance. There were none.

  Little by little, I squeezed tighter and tighter, all the while driving my dick harder into her until her eyes widened. But it wasn’t panic that I saw there.

  Excitement.

  And that was only confirmed by how she started gushing as I squeezed her neck tighter, as she gasped for air. Hips jerking up, pussy muscles clenching all around me, she urged me on.

  My dick grew harder, and my balls ached as I fought to maintain my restraint.

  Finally, I released her as she coughed and gasped for air, but we kept right on fucking.

  I was in no rush to bring this to an end, but I knew that eventually, this night would end. And she would return to her world. So, I intended to make sure that she never forgot a moment of this night.

  I switched positions often, as well as my speed and our location. Taking turns being gentle and loving with her one moment and then exacting punishment from her body the next, I drew her down a path that neither of us wanted to return from.

  Xiomara would feel my loving the next couple of days to come, of that I was certain. And I intended that she would remember what no other lover would ever give to her.

  Bruises would surely pop up over the next couple of days from the bite marks I’d left or the places I’d spanked.

  Sitting on a chair in the corner with Xiomara riding me, I knew that I couldn’t hold my orgasm any longer. And the way that she was twerking up and down my shit let me know that she knew it, too.

  Xiomara bent forward, shoving her tongue into my mouth as she squeezed her pussy tightly around me. And with three powerful thrusts, I finally released what I’d been fighting to hold on to all night.

  Everything I’d set out to prove tonight had been trumped by a very important factor.

  I loved this woman. There was no way that I could let her go.

  CHAPTER 11 – XIOMARA

  “HOW DID THE FAIR GO?” I asked Ariel Brown, the director of the group home I was volunteering at.

  I’d gone to school with Ariel, and when she learned that I was returning to town, she called me and invited me to come and volunteer at the children’s group home in Durham.

  It was difficult to resist her plea. After all, my mother had brought me here throughout my teen years to volunteer. I’d grown a special fondness for the children during those times.

  I’d been back several times and already found it a struggle not to become attached to the kids I worked with.

  “It went pretty well. Six children found a home with two of them going to the same home. There are a few couples that want to return to meet with the children again. It’s always so difficult on the other side, though, because those that aren’t adopted or fostered are down for days and sometimes weeks afterward. It’s hard getting them encouraged once again when they realize someone has left, and yet, again, it’s not them.”

  “I know, Ariel. I can’t imagine how hard that has to be on the little ones. But the beauty of it is, there’s always next time. Are they ready?” I asked, standing up and eager to get to the class that I taught.

  “Of course, they are. They look forward to your visits,” she said, beaming at me as she walked from around her desk.

  As Ariel led me to the arts center, I admired the crafts hanging on the wall that the children had created. They were so proud of their artwork.

  “Miss Sheffield!” the kids squealed when I stepped into the room.

  They were so adorable dressed in their blue, white, and red smocks. Children of varying ages from ten to fourteen waited for me in front of their easels.

  “Are we ready to paint today, guys?”

  There were varying shouts and declarations around the room as I made my way to the head of the room.

  Ariel waved at me and said, “Have fun, guys!” she called out.

  “All right, today we’re painting an autumn scene. You guys have two options. You can paint a pre-drawn scene, or you can free-hand sketch and paint it yourself. Remember, today we have an hour and a half, so I want you to take your time and don’t feel rushed. Who wants to paint one of the scenes already drawn?” I asked, grabbing a few sheets and holding them in the air.

  “Meee!” about two or three voices called out.

  There were a few other children whose hands lifted in the air.

  Making my way around the room, I passed sheets out to those who wanted one before returning to the front of the room.

  “Now, for those of you who want to create your design, create whatever scene you want as long as it’s a picture of the fall. And for those of you who would like to free-hand, I’ll hang this picture riiiight...here! And you can look up here as needed for inspiration,” I shared.

  For the next hour and a half, I assisted, encouraged, applauded, and guided twelve brilliant and wonderful minds who simply wanted to belong. To be loved.

  “Hey there, the kids did an outstanding job today,” Ariel said, walking into the room after it had emptied and the kids had gone to the next activity.

  I’d finished cleaning up the room, wiping off the easels, placing the paintbrushes back into their holders, rinsing out paint containers, tossing scraps of paper into the trash, and sweeping the floor.

  She walked around the room looking at each work of art, making brief comments along the way.

  “They had so much fun. I love working with them. It’s funny what you can learn from kids and how their innocence inspires you if you let it.”

  “Yes, they’re so full of love and boundless joy. I love what I do here, Xiomara. It’s so fulfilling and rewarding. The expression in your eyes right now is what I have in my eyes every day. Are there hard days and times? Absolutely there are, but the benefits outweigh the cons.”

  I smiled, thinking about her words and how I wanted fulfillment in my life, beyond working for my parents and looking forward to a fruitless marriage to Russell.

  I hated that my traitorous heart was not happy, that it was yearning for more. Why couldn’t I be satisfied with the way things were going? I had known this was my future for most of my life, and it never bothered me.

  Until I’d run into Lake aga
in.

  Until I’d fucked Lake again.

  “You know, I think you missed your calling. You should come to work for us here at the orphanage,” Ariel offered.

  I smiled and shook my head. “No, my life plans are mapped out for me. My family needs me.”

  “And what do you need, Xiomara?”

  I looked away from the knowing look in her eyes, my heart aching for what she had. That true happiness. I thought about the picture of her husband on her desk. It was a picture of her and her husband and their three-year-old son at the beach. There was genuine happiness in all of their eyes.

  Why couldn’t I have the career I wanted and the man of my dreams?

  “I need...I need to head back into town,” I said with a smile.

  Walking up to me, she grabbed my hands into her own. “I sure hope that we don’t lose you when you get married. And if you have second thoughts about coming to work for us, please know that I have a place for you here.”

  “Thank you, Ariel,” I said, accepting the hug she offered.

  “Okay, well, let me get back. I’d just finished a meeting with the board of directors and stepped out briefly while they voted on an important matter. But I’m pretty sure they’re finished now,” she said, rushing out of the room.

  “All right. See you next week,” I called after her.

  I barely heard her mumbled reply before I turned off the lights and headed to the parking lot. The half-hour trip back to Sunset Harbor would give me plenty of time to think.

  “Come on!” I cried out, banging my hand on the steering wheel when the engine wouldn’t turn over.

  Unfortunately, I hadn’t taken as good care of my 2011 BMW 740i as I should have. It had seen me through some of the best and worst of times. It looked as if now was one of the worst times. I just needed it to get me home. If it could do that much, then I would go shopping for another vehicle tomorrow.

  My mom had been all over me about buying a new car. I knew my parents would purchase a new one, and all I needed to do was say the word.

  But I was determined to be as financially independent as I could be. It was bad enough that I was still living with them and paying no expenses. My parents expected my sister and me to remain home, as they ensured that we remained virtuous.

  That was a joke.

  We could have moved out on our own if we wanted, but they were happier this way.

  Unfortunately, I’d inherited my father’s miserly ways. So, I’d put off several things that should have been important. This was also why I didn’t want to call a cab, and Uber didn’t run to the little town of Sunset Harbor.

  Turning the ignition again, I bit on my bottom lip, sending up a whispered prayer that it would start.

  Nothing.

  Popping the hood, I got out of the car with my phone and looked underneath. I had no idea what I was doing or looking at. But somehow, looking under the hood made me feel accomplished.

  I dialed my father first because I knew that he was in Durham earlier handling business, but I received his voicemail. Glancing at the time on my phone, I realized he was probably in a meeting or a business lunch. Not that a call from me would warrant an emergency in his book.

  I opted to call my mother next.

  “Hello?”

  “Mom, my car broke down.”

  “Oh, no, honey. I’ve told you you needed a new one. But you wouldn’t listen.”

  I rolled my eyes. I knew she meant well, but now was not the time for a lecture.

  “Where are you?” she asked as if she suddenly remembered my predicament.

  “In Durham.”

  “Have you tried calling your father?”

  “Yes, and I got the voicemail.”

  “Oh, darling, Senait and I are in New York,” she said, reminding me she was attending a fashion show there.

  I’d forgotten my mother and sister had left early for the airport this morning.

  “Ohhh, what am I going to do,” I groaned.

  “Have you tried calling Russell?”

  Rolling my eyes, I bit my bottom lip. “I hadn’t.”

  “You should get used to it. He will soon be your husband.”

  “All right. I will,” I muttered, rolling my eyes.

  “Call me back and let me know what he says.”

  I dialed Russell next.

  “Hello?”

  “Russell, it’s me, Xiomara. My car broke down in Durham. Is there a way that you can come and get me?”

  “Um...I can’t right now. My father just called an important business meeting, and I don’t know when I’ll be free again. Have you tried your parents?”

  “Yes, I did, and they can’t come.”

  “Is there someone else who could be there for you?”

  Damn, it should’ve been you, I thought but didn’t say. We’d never relied on each other before.

  “Um, sure. I’ll figure something out.”

  “Okay, well, just let me know when you get back safely, all right?”

  Rolling my eyes, I inhaled deeply and forced a smile into my voice when I said, “Sure.”

  It took everything in my power not to disconnect the call on him.

  “All right, I’ll talk to you this evening.”

  “Okay, goodbye.”

  “Goodbye,” he said, ending the call.

  Tears stung the backs of my eyes as my frustration pooled inside of me. Slamming the hood down, I headed back to the driver’s side. Pulling the door open, I tossed my phone to the passenger seat as I tried to think of options.

  “Z?”

  I looked behind me in surprise.

  “Lake.”

  A warm smile popped on his lips as he stepped off the curb, walking in my direction.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked.

  “I should ask you the same thing. We had a meeting here today, and I’m on the board.”

  “Here?”

  Shock settled inside me, and I wasn’t sure why, but I hadn’t seen this coming. I’d forgotten that he used to volunteer here as a teen, too. It was just a natural progression as the businessman he had become that he would hold a seat on the board.

  “Yes. But what are you doing here?”

  “I just started back volunteering again.”

  “Volunteer.”

  I couldn’t decipher what that smirk turning into a full-fledged smile meant, nor the sparkle in his eyes. I hoped it wasn’t anything bad.

  “How long have you been on the board?”

  “The last four years. I didn’t know you were volunteering again.”

  “Yeah, it’s something that I’ve missed since being gone.”

  Hunching his shoulders and dropping them, Lake turned his lips down before he asked, “Didn’t they have one in New York that you could volunteer at?”

  “Not enough time. There was so much required of me in New York that I barely had time to breathe.”

  Rather than respond, Lake frowned and gave a brief but firm nod of his head.

  “How did you get involved again?”

  “Ariel,” I said in response to Lake’s question.

  Laughing, he shook his head and pulled a finger down the side of his nose, “Yeah, she can be very persuasive.”

  Instantly, the thought popped into my mind that he’d been involved with her. The streak of jealousy that flashed through me like a lightning strike surprised me.

  “Ariel’s husband is a good friend of mine, and he works for my organization,” he said as if I had voiced my concern aloud. “That’s how I met Ariel.”

  “I didn’t ask,” I said, shaking my head and shrugging my shoulders.

  “You wanted to,” he challenged, his eyes flashing with humor.

  “No, I didn’t. Um, I’d better get going. I’m already running late.”

  “Or running from me?” he asked.

  “No, just late.”

  “For what?”

  “I’ve got a thing.”

  “What kind of thing?�
�

  “A thing,” I persisted.

  “You’re lying, Z. Your eyes always go wide when you’re lying,” he said, stepping closer to me.

  I hated that he was so confident that he still knew me and was determined to prove me wrong. Ever since our night at the ball, I’d been trying to avoid him. No matter how much I’d pretended that I wouldn’t, he’d pulled me into him again. Caught up in my feelings, I knew that I had to space things out with us.

  Getting my sexual needs met had to be with someone I didn’t have these types of feelings for, but someone I had sexual chemistry with. The problem was...that was an impossibility in Sunset Harbor.

  “I have an appointment that I have to be at, Lake.”

  “Hm.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Just wondering how you’re going to get there when your vehicle doesn’t start,” he said, pointing at the hood of my car.

  “How did you know that?” I asked scowling.

  “I witnessed your frustration from just inside the building. I was on a call when I noticed you arguing with your car or someone,” he said, pointing back to the tinted glass windows before turning back to me.

  “I’ll be fine. Someone’s on the way.”

  “That wonderful fiancé of yours?”

  Crossing my arms over my chest, I asked, “What business is it of yours if he is?”

  Lake’s hand reached out and caressed the side of my face. “The way your body responds to mine makes it my business, Z.”

  “It was just sex,” I said, glancing at the pavement and shaking my head.

  “I think you’re lying again.”

  Lake took a step closer to me, and I felt my heartbeat increasing, banging around in my chest like it was trying to get out.

  “I think the feelings that always existed between us are waiting for us to explore them on a deeper level, Xiomara.”

  “I think you’re crazy, Lake.”

  He tugged the ends of my scarf. “I think you want to know why your heart speeds up when I come around. You want to know why you’re always defensive in my presence. You want to know why I make you question everything that you’ve always taken for granted. We never had that between us, Z.”