“All right,” David said slowly, casting me a sidelong, semi-freaked out look. “We can go somewhere else.”
“Hang on, are you guys for real about this weekend?” I asked.
“Why not, baby?” David said.
“We’re supposed to have Thanksgiving dinner with your sister.”
He shrugged. “So we’ll leave Friday. Come on, it’ll be fun.”
Giddy was not a word I’d ever thought to describe David, but in that moment, that’s what he was. “Okay,” I agreed, a sucker for anything that made him smile that way. I turned back to Gretchen. “And Miami is a great idea. You can play nice for a few days.”
“He’s bringing someone anyway,” David added. “Just steer clear of each other.”
“Fine,” she relented. “I’ve pretty much learned to tune out his flapping anyway.”
David laughed in a loud burst. “He does flap. I’ll double-check with him and let you guys know.”
“We can work that out later,” I said, looking out the window. “We’re here.”
CHAPTER 21
JUST BEFORE I SHUT the car door, David stopped me. “Make it quick,” he ordered, his giddiness long gone, “or I’ll come up.”
“Don’t you dare.”
He only grunted.
Gretchen and I climbed the stairs of the complex, and I held my breath as I knocked. After an unusually long time, Bill opened the door and peered out. He looked at Gretchen and then back at me. “What’s she doing here?”
“She’s here to help,” I said. “Please, don’t take this out on her.”
“It’s fine, Liv,” Gretchen said. “Let’s just get your stuff.” She sounded irritated so I nodded.
We walked into the apartment to find some large and small boxes stacked by the door. I peeked into one to see my things carelessly thrown inside. I grabbed my razor from a pile of clothing and held it up. “Really, Bill?”
He shrugged. “Just trying to help.” He hopped onto the kitchen counter to watch.
We lifted one box together and carried it downstairs, where David took it from us.
“So far so good¸” Gretchen told him.
The next two were lighter so we each picked one up.
“Liv, can we talk alone a minute?” Bill asked.
Gretchen returned the glare he directed at her. “No,” she answered for me.
“It’s okay,” I told her. “Go ahead.”
“But . . .” She jerked her head toward the door. “You know.”
“I won’t be long.”
She left reluctantly, and I turned my attention to Bill. I set the box down again. “How are you?”
“All right,” he said. “Taking things day by day. You?”
“The same,” I lied. I was far better than all right, but he didn’t need to know that.
He dropped his gaze to the ground. “Is he treating you well?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I should’ve said this sooner, but I’m sorry he and I got into it.” He cleared his throat and glanced at my arm, even though clothing covered the fading bruises. “And I’m sorry if I . . . you know, hurt you.”
“I know you didn’t mean it.”
“I did. I wanted to hurt you the way you hurt me. I can’t though . . . I never could. Hurt you or get to you.” He sighed.
It was my turn to look at the floor. “It’s okay. It wasn’t too bad.”
His shoulders began to quake, and he wiped his eyes. “I still don’t get what I should’ve done differently.”
“Bill,” I said affectionately. “Don’t torture yourself. There’s a lot we both could’ve done differently. I know it hurts to hear it but believe me, this is for the best.”
He nodded, still fixating on the kitchen floor. “I wish I’d seen it coming, though.”
“That’s my fault, and I’m sorry.”
“I’m really angry with you, Liv, and I can’t help it. You know I love you, you know I’m a nice guy, but I feel like I’ve taken a lot of shit.”
“I know,” I said softly, touching my earlobe.
“So don’t expect me to lie back and let you walk all over me. If you want to proceed with this divorce, I’m going to treat you like I would anyone else in court. Especially if he’s going to stick his nose in it. And I’m a good lawyer, I think you know that.”
Loud banging on the door startled me. “Shit. Hang on,” I told him. I opened the door a sliver and stepped outside. “Everything’s good,” I told David. “We’re just talking.”
His face was drawn, but his jaw unclenched. “Fine. I’m waiting here, though.”
“Thank you,” I said, grabbing and squeezing his hand. I slipped back into the apartment and faced Bill. “Sorry.”
I stood by the last few boxes, waiting for him to speak. My eyes went to the nearest one, and my jaw dropped when I saw our wedding album. “Bill?” I asked, holding it up.
“I don’t want it.”
“But . . . you should keep it. I have the originals on my computer.” He shook his head, and I frowned. I set it on the counter next to him. “Keep it,” I insisted.
“Are you purposely trying to piss me off? First you give me back your ring and now this?”
“I made that especially for you. And I’m sorry about the ring. It was insensitive of me, but I know it’s a family heirloom.”
“So I’m supposed to give it to someone else?”
“I don’t know,” I admitted.
He jumped down from the counter, picked up the album and threw it in the trash. “Happy? Leave.”
“Bill, I really think we should talk. Whatever’s going on in your head, let’s get it all out there.”
“I can’t. Just go.” He turned away and pressed his palms into his eyes. “Please,” he added.
“Bill,” I said softly. I walked to him and put my hand on his shoulder.
“I said go!” He stalked over to the boxes, wrenched open the door and threw one into the hallway. He picked up the second one and froze as he went to toss it.
“Is that really fucking necessary?” David asked from the doorway.
I scurried over immediately and pushed David out into the hallway. “Don’t,” I warned.
He crossed his arms over his chest and glared over my head.
“Can’t go anywhere without your bodyguard, Liv?” Bill asked, completing his task of throwing my stuff out.
“Say another thing, and I will shatter your jaw too,” David said.
“Try me. You’re lucky I don’t press charges for my nose.”
David’s arm twitched as he stepped forward. “Do that. See what happens.”
I put myself in front of David, placing my hands on his forearm. “Don’t,” I whispered. “I’m asking you to walk away.”
“Yeah, walk away, you noble asshole. Is it noble to swipe another man’s wife from under his nose? Buy his future home?”
“I don’t expect you to understand,” David said. “Unlike you, I’d go to any lengths for her.”
Bill scoffed. “How sweet. I’ll be sure to remind you of that in three months when you’ve dumped her on the side of the road.”
David lunged forward, almost knocking me out of the way, and gripped Bill by his t-shirt. He slammed him against the wall and pinned him there. “I warned you once. If I have to ruin your jaw to get you to shut the fuck up, I will.”
Bill’s eyes dropped to David’s hands and then jumped back up. I expected to see anger in them, but there was only defeat. I knew David saw it too because he released him immediately and stepped back.
“Look, man,” David said, “fighting won’t get us anywhere. Just watch your mouth, and don’t ever put your hands on her again.”
Bill kicked a box and disappeared into the apartment, letting the door slam behind him. I stared at the closed door, trying to decide if I should go in and comfort him.
David cursed to himself and rubbed his forehead before looking at me. “Don’t,” he said. “You’ll just m
ake it harder for him.”
I nodded and picked up the lighter boxes as David hoisted the heavier one. We walked in silence to where Gretchen was leaning against the car, her ankles crossed in front of her. “I don’t see any blood on your knuckles,” she said to David. “I guess that’s a good sign.”
“It didn’t get that far, thankfully,” I said.
“Thankfully for him,” David muttered.
“Bill’s a real peach,” Gretchen said.
“I’m sorry he took it out on you,” I said, hugging her. “It means so much that you came today.”
“It means a lot that you asked,” she said softly, smiling. “But can we go? I’m over this place.”
I laughed. “Sure.”
~
I insisted on treating Gretchen to dinner. After finishing off my second frozen margarita, I slammed my empty glass on the table. Gretchen giggled as David eyed us suspiciously. He was in good spirits though, despite being the designated driver.
Gretchen started off on something about work, but I could see that David wasn’t listening. He was watching me amusedly. Earlier, with the city of Chicago at his back, he’d leaned over the desk and had his way with me. I’d gotten myself some businessman David, and all it did was fuel the ache. The more I got, the more I wanted. He smiled, so I eased my foot out of my shoe and ran it along the inside of his leg. I glanced over at Gretchen so as not to arouse suspicion. When she stopped to take a drink, I pulled out my phone.
Nov 19, 2012 8:38 PM
I have a confession to make
Nov 19, 2012 8:38 PM
I didn’t buy underwear today
I watched as David shifted to retrieve his phone from his back pocket. His eyes and then his fingers darted over the screen.
Nov 19, 2012 8:39 PM
I don’t believe you.
I arched an eyebrow at him. His gaze turned heated, immediately warming my body. Visions from earlier flashed through my mind. I was feeling just as aroused as I was then, despite having already had two orgasms. I exhaled audibly.
“Liv? Are you listening?” Gretchen asked.
“Yes,” I croaked.
“Right,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I’m going to the bathroom.”
David’s hooded eyes scrolled down my body with agonizing slowness and then flicked back up to my face. He scooted his chair closer to mine, wet his lips and rested his hand on my knee under the tablecloth. I glanced around the restaurant nervously as his palm rubbed back and forth over my skin. A dull hum overtook my body the instant his hand inched up my skirt. I inhaled a ragged breath. His face gave nothing away, unless you were staring into his eyes as I was. They were fiery with need, mirroring my own desire.
Now at the top of my thighs, his fingers slipped between them, finding me slick. “You’re soaked,” he said, nonchalance threading his tone.
I inhaled rapidly, reaching for breath as he felt me. “For you.”
His jaw tightened as he coated his fingers with my wetness but didn’t penetrate. He leaned in and murmured, “If you’re still this wet, my job’s not done. I’ll finish you tonight with a hard fuck.”
My breath caught as my face flushed. “Harder than this afternoon?”
“So hard you can’t walk tomorrow.”
The room was bright and loud, and I was slipping into his scent . . . . And then he withdrew before he’d even entered. He wiped his fingers down the inside of my thigh. His head tilted, and he kissed me seconds before I heard Gretchen’s voice.
“Look at you two,” she said. “So cute. Can’t keep your hands off each other.”
I laughed into his mouth, and he gave me a quick peck before returning to his position across the table.
“Brian e-mailed back,” David said. “Says this weekend’s a go. Have you heard from Greg?”
“Yep. He’s in.”
When the waiter dropped off the check, I snatched it immediately. “This is my treat.”
“I’ve got it,” David said, holding out his hand.
I grabbed my purse and ran away before David knew what was happening. I paid the waiter in cash and returned slowly to the table, smoothing my hands over my skirt as David sat rigid in his chair.
“Thanks,” Gretchen said nervously.
“No problem,” I responded, unsuccessfully avoiding David’s glare. “But I’m expecting one of you to put out.”
~
I was bent at the hip, my hands wrapped around my ankles. This was the position David wanted me in. After enlisting a couple bellhops to carry up my boxes, he’d left to return the rental car. On his way home, he’d texted me how he wanted to find me, and it was like this: my ass in the air, my hands at my ankles. I was dripping with anticipation, and I’d nearly bitten off my bottom lip by the time he’d come home.
Now, I looked anxiously through my legs at the bedroom door. I was positioned at the end of the bed, but I doubted we’d even make it there. I heard him toss his keys onto the table in the foyer and make his way to the bedroom. He entered and disappeared right into the closet. “You waiting, baby?” he called.
“Yes,” I said impatiently.
“I’m coming.”
“David,” I groaned. “I can’t wait any longer.”
I heard his chuckle. “So touch yourself.”
“No,” I squealed. “I want you to touch me.”
He exited the closet, taking his sweet time even though I was about to burst with desire. His feet were bare, but he was still in his suit pants. “I want to touch you, too,” he said, but he said it low and hoarse, and in a way that sounded like he’d been waiting to say it all day. I listened as he removed his watch, set it on the nightstand and came toward me. “Did you buy this earlier?”
“Yes.” I was wearing a tea rose pink satin bustier trimmed in black lace paired with a matching black lace thong.
He came up right behind me so I could feel his heat on the backs of my legs. “You told me you didn’t buy underwear today.”
“I lied,” I said through a smile.
He gasped. “You lied? What did I tell you about that?” As soon as the question left his mouth, his open palm landed on my ass cheek.
I groaned. “Honesty policy.”
“If I were a more patient man, I’d tie you to this bed as punishment.”
“You would?” I breathed.
“Instead, you hold onto your ankles like your life depends on it.”
“Okay,” I said. I was already doing that, taking my intense need out on them with an iron grip.
He slid my thong down over my ass so it fell to my ankles. “No,” he said when I tried to step out of it. With his foot, he nudged my legs apart as far as the underwear would allow. “All day I’ve been picturing you sprawled out on my desk, letting me have whatever I want.”
“I want you to have it all,” I said.
“All?” he asked.
“Everything. Take what you want.”
He took my ass cheek in one hand and massaged it, spreading me open as I heard his zipper. From between my legs, I watched his pants fall. My breathing was heavy, my grip tight, my vision blurry because he wasn’t even inside me and I could feel it already.
His fingers skimmed over my wet slit. “You have such a sweet ass,” he said. “Have I ever told you that?”
I whimpered softly and froze when I felt pressure on my anus. “David,” I breathed, a soft objection.
His finger, wet with my own juices, continued sliding over me tentatively. The pressure subsided, and I felt equally relieved and disappointed.
Tension returned when I heard him spit in his hand. His finger was back between my cheeks suddenly, teasing me with soft, measured circles. With his finger pressed against my anus, he pushed his cock into me, and I inhaled sharply.
“Made for me, baby,” he grated.
“Do it,” I exhaled.
He folded over my back, pushing so deeply that I thought I might rip apart at the seams. “You want it?”
&
nbsp; “Yes, do it.”
“I’ll get lube.”
“No,” I bit out, dizzy with aching. “Just do it now.”
He straightened up, and his finger immediately began to ring my asshole, which quivered at the new sensation. His other hand held my hips in place as his cock pulsed into me, gently at first and then faster.
“Hold on to the bed,” he instructed, so I let my ankles go and braced myself against the frame.
His plunges were deep but steady as he slipped the tip of his finger inside. It was wet, but not slick, so it throbbed slightly. But I wanted to do it for him, so I fisted my hands and said, “More.”
He grunted, and his finger went deeper. My face flushed; I exhaled loudly. He held it there for a moment and then pushed all the way in, burning painful and sweet. He kept it there as his thrusting increased and suddenly he was pounding against me inhumanly hard like he’d promised. I pushed off the bed to meet him; his one finger all the way up my ass and the other hand pulling my hips into each thrust.
Without warning or slowing down, he pushed a second finger in, and I suppressed a cry. My eyes watered as my insides molded around him. I was full, overwhelmingly full, and tempted to push his hand away, but I bit down on my lip instead.
I closed my eyes and focused on his animal growls and on the feeling of his perfect cock driving in and out. My underwear seared against my ankles, chafing as I tried to spread my legs further to ease the sting.
“Oh, God,” I moaned to myself. I was in another world, feeling him as deep as I could get him. I accepted him into my body, the only way I ever wanted him.
“Fuck,” he bit out, crushing my hip with his hand as he drove into me. “You’re wrapped so goddamn tight around me.” I yelped when he twisted his fingers in me, and he stilled instantly.
“Don’t stop,” I begged and found my bottom lip with my teeth again.
He picked up his pace quickly, shoving me into the bed with each thrust. “That’s it, baby, come hard with two fingers in your ass.”
A cry tore from my throat as I exploded with a forceful and sudden orgasm. It was so powerful that my insides cramped and then released and it was over before I knew it and he had withdrawn from me completely so I sank down to the floor, still clutching the lip of the bed. I broke into a cold sweat and set my forehead against the frame. My heart pounded everywhere: in my ears, against my ribcage, between my legs. I had no idea if David had even come.
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