Fifty Shades Of Black: An Erotic Romance

by Darcey, Sierra

  In the silence that followed, it was obvious they both knew that wasn’t ever going to happen. The thought of it made Cherry sad, and she turned away, staring out at the water. Realizing they couldn’t really go out, not easily anyway, not without a great deal of planning and secrecy. It was just too risky and if they continued trying to have any kind of relationship, both of them were in danger of losing their jobs. The awkwardness became palpable and she knew they would probably never try going out again.

  When the trip ended, they parted without kissing or saying goodbye, each returning to their own car separately. It put a depressing end on the evening. Cherry never felt more alone or lonely in her life. Sad as it was, she decided she would have to break things off with Marcus, there was just no point in continuing on in this way.

  CHAPTER NINE

  On the following Thursday Daycroft Industries hosted a networking cocktail party at an elegant downtown Pittsburgh hotel. All the managers were expected to attend for the purpose of promoting working relationships with the executives from the several area businesses that had been invited to attend.

  Cherilyn was excited to go, her first time as a manager at such sophisticated and important affair. She wore a shimmery, dark purple dress, a little above the knee but since it had long sleeves and no cleavage, Cherry thought it would be appropriate. The shoes she wore were stylish, black high heels that cost her almost an entire week’s pay.

  Unfortunately, a few minutes after arriving at the event she was mortified to find there were only a few woman there, and all of them were dressed in dowdy, drab business suits. She felt she stuck out, looking inappropriate and foolish.

  Marcus walked over reading the distress on her face. The past few days had been strained between them. Cherilyn had been avoiding him and seemed to think breaking up was the best thing for both of them, but refused to see him to talk about it. Despite all that, right at this moment he wanted to take her in his arms and console her. With so many people around that was impossible, still he stood close to her and in a low voice said, “Calm down. Everything is fine, you don’t have to impress anyone except Mr. Daycroft and he knows what a good worker you are. Didn’t he just promote you?”

  Tears started to form in her eyes, she blinked them back. “I don’t want to be an embarrassment to the company.”

  “Cherry, you could never be an embarrassment.”

  She looked around, her discomfort evident. “Maybe I should go home.”

  “You can’t do that, it would be noticed. Change the way you feel about this. C’mon, shake it off.”

  “How do I do that?”

  “Imagine if Edna Daines was here with a lampshade on her head, swilling a martini.”

  Cherry smiled.

  “Speaking of martinis. Wait here, I‘ll be right back.” Marcus went to the bar to get her a drink.

  William Daycroft, nephew of the CEO, walked up to Cherilyn, leering at her in a way that made her feel as if she were already undressed.

  “Cherry, I wanted to congratulate you on your promotion I‘m sure we’ll be working very closely together.”

  He ran a hand up and down her arm giving her the creepiest feeling. If she weren’t in a business situation she’d tell him off, but knew it would ruin her standing in the company if she were to say anything now.

  “It’s great to see so much of you outside of the work place,” he said smiling down at her legs, then he leaned in, “maybe I could see even more of you sometime?”

  Cherry stared at the floor, cursing herself for being so inept. She wanted to slap him and tell him never in a million years will that ever happen you toad-faced baboon.

  Marcus returned handing Cherilyn her drink with barely contained fury in his eyes.

  William leaned against the wall, “Cherry and I were having a private conversation, Marcus, I’m certain you have somewhere else to be?”

  “I’m certain I don’t. In fact Miss Johnson and I were just going to speak with your uncle wasn’t that right Miss Johnson?

  “Yes, I’m sorry to leave but we have important business to discuss with him.” Cherry and Marcus walked quickly away.

  “What did he say to you?” Marcus spoke through gritted teeth.

  “Nothing.”

  Marcus grabbed her arm tightly and Cherry whirled around her eyes flashing anger. A deflated Marcus held up his hands in front of his chest. “I’m sorry.”

  Cherilyn took in a deep breath, “I’m sorry, too.”

  Marcus moved her into the coat room for a moment of privacy. “What did he say? I can see how upset you are, it’s killing me.”

  “He’s an idiot. You know he’s not worth getting upset over.”

  “Cherry, tell me.”

  She sighed, “He looked at my legs. He said he wanted to see more of me outside of work.”

  Marcus turned to leave, “I’m gonna kill that stupid son of a bitch.” Cherilyn held him back as he clenched and unclenched his fists.

  Stroking his face and kissing him, attempting to calm she said, “I appreciate you wanting to uphold my honor, but really, he’s not worth any of our time or thought or energy. Besides you’d lose your job for sure.”

  “It’d be worth it to wipe that smug smile off his face.” Marcus exhaled a deep breath put his arms around her and rested his head in the curve of her neck. To embrace her was a comfort to him. As he relaxed into her, he kissed her neck then moved up to her face and lips.

  Cherry tried to speak, “Marcus, I don’t think - ”

  “I don’t want you to think.” His lips came crushing down on hers. He had missed this so much the past few days. His hands spread out over her body exploring, seeking, he couldn’t stop kissing her. A passionate urgency overtook both of them. She removed his jacket as he reached up under her skirt and pulled down her panties. She kicked off her shoes and grabbed for his belt. Looking into her face, Marcus wanted to say ‘I love you,’ but thought the timing inappropriate, so he was determined to show her instead.

  Cherry leaned back against the wall as Marcus lifted her up, wrapping her legs around him as he drove himself into her. Marcus loved to watch her face as he made love to her, moving steadily in and out and unable to hold back, his pace quickened. She bit her lip to keep quiet. He felt an overwhelming need to possess her, to make her his own. She grabbed his hips frantically pulling him into her. Bracing himself against the wall and one arm holding onto her bottom, he continued thrusting and was praying no one walked in, but not really caring at this point if they did. It felt so good to be in her, he never wanted to leave this moment, but with each increasing stroke his desperate need for release intensified. When he heard Cherry cry out he couldn’t contain himself and gripping her tightly plunged himself deeply within her, letting his body give way the culmination of pleasure.

  Marcus left the coatroom first, Cherry left a few minutes later. Eventually they both went back to party pretending nothing had happened. Cherilyn did her best to appear professional and get through the evening. From the occasional smile she got from Marcus she guessed he thought things were good between them. Men often thought that way, that sex fixed everything. But this evening to her had the opposite effect. It showed her how inappropriate they were both behaving. It wasn’t just losing a job here at Daycroft anymore, if word got around to other companies no one would hire either of them anywhere.

  This relationship wasn’t working for her on a professional or personal level and she couldn’t afford to continue.

  CHAPTER TEN

  The next morning, Tash walked into Cherilyn’s office and slumped into a chair. “I don’t want to sound jealous or petty, but I miss us hanging out, you know, two single girls. Melanie is married. Keke is paired off in her relationship. Now you’ve got somebody, even if you won’t tell me who it is. I’m all on my own here.”

  “Well, if it makes you feel any better I think my relationship might be on its way out.”

  “Want to tell me about it?”

  “I ca
n’t really. But, let’s go to lunch. Have a little girl talk, my treat.”

  Tash brightened, “Where should we go?”

  “Your choice.”

  “Can you afford someplace expensive now that you got this fancy office?”

  Cherilyn laughed, “For you I can.”

  They spent an enjoyable lunch together. Cherilyn felt bad about neglecting her since she had been spending so much time with Marcus.

  When she returned to the office Marcus appeared distracted. “What’s going on?” She asked him.

  “They’re sending me to Myrtle Beach.”

  “South Carolina?” Her heart did a little flip, so far away.

  He nodded.

  “What’s in Myrtle Beach?”

  “Hotness.”

  She wanted to say wherever you are would be hot but never got the chance. Edna Daines knocked, opened the door and leaned in. “Miss Johnson, you’re wanted in the conference room.”

  There was only Mr. Daycroft and one other manager there. They gestured her to sit.

  “We’ve decided to offer you a temporary position, Miss Johnson, in our southern division.” Mr. Daycroft continued, “It will require relocation, as we are opening a new branch in Myrtle Beach. Marcus will be going, he will be responsible for setting up and manning our new office. We’d like to offer you the opportunity to go along and assist him in this endeavor. You will, of course, be provided with a furnished condo, a leased car and an expense account.”

  Although she had been unsure about continuing a relationship with Marcus, this opportunity could solve a lot of problems for them. It might be the perfect way to find out if they could make things work, down there they’d be far away from prying eyes.

  To accept the job or not? This was not a hard decision for her.

  Three days later Cherilyn was in a cab on her way to the airport. Once she arrived and saw Marcus a familiar thrill ran through her that caused her body to sizzle whenever she got near him. Still, while in the airport they had to behave as colleagues and it hurt her feelings a bit. But once on the flight sitting side by side and holding hands, it was as if they’d left all their worries behind. Cherilyn felt like she was starting a new and exciting chapter of her life.

  After a short flight to Myrtle Beach and retrieving their luggage they both stepped outside to get a cab. The first thing that hit Cherry was the muggy heat. They took a taxi to the automotive dealership for the leased car the firm was providing for each of them with and then went on to the furnished condos. Cherilyn was surprised at how flat the land was here, no hills or bridges, nothing like the ‘burgh.

  Marcus and Cherry quickly acclimated to South Carolina, both really loved the weather and the area. Being the only Daycroft employees in Myrtle Beach they were able to be themselves, display affection whenever they felt like it and spend all their free time together as a couple. They tried all sorts of touristy things, like the sky wheel and parasailing. But mostly they just enjoyed spending their time going out for romantic dinners and walking hand in hand on the boardwalk.

  Conveniently the condos the company provided were side by side, but the two of them ended up staying together in Marcus’. Technically it was not living together she still had her own place, but going to sleep each night in his arms and waking up with him each morning, felt a lot like it to Cherilyn.

  Since arriving in Myrtle Beach, she had noticed Marcus texting several times and he would never say who it was to or from. She didn’t want to pry, but found his behavior odd. Also, he took some of his cell phone calls in private. She got calls from her girlfriends but never felt the need to leave the room and if she got a text would always say who it was from. Marcus was a little less open than her and she wondered if she should be worried. They had never actually ‘defined the relationship’ nor agreed to exclusivity, yet to her it was understood. She was in love and though neither of them had said that to each other she wouldn’t even think of dating anyone else.

  Didn’t Marcus feel the same?

  Not wanting to come off like a shrew, she decided it was best not to be invasive and questioning, if he wanted a little privacy, so what? Tonight Marcus was taking her to a local restaurant he attractively described as ‘a little hole in the wall’.

  When they arrived at the restaurant and got out of the car, it looked like such a rundown place Cherilyn thought Marcus was crazy. But once inside, the atmosphere, the people, the music, everything about the place charmed her.

  A blues band was playing a jazz tune and the waitress who took their order was funny and friendly. Marcus and Cherry sat near the dance floor, and with Marcus tapping his feet and playing imaginary instruments, it was obvious he really loved the music. Glancing about she noticed throughout the place the tables and chairs were all of varying sizes and shapes and nothing seemed to match, but none of that mattered.

  Once the food arrived Cherry really understood why Marcus liked this place. They shared an appetizer of crab cakes. “Mmm, this is great.”

  “None finer.” Marcus agreed. “But my mother also makes great crab cakes.”

  The waitress brought out the rest of their food. Cherry had the Hoppin’ John and cornbread while Marcus had the macaroni and cheese with okra and tomatoes.

  Marcus paused and took a deep breath, “Man, I could get used to this.”

  When they finished eating Cherilyn felt full but Marcus talked her into sharing a piece of peach cobbler, which she was glad she did. It was delicious.

  Cherilyn leaned back and smiled. “We’re going to need to work off these calories.”

  “I know a few ways. C’mon.” Marcus pulled her to the dance floor. Cherry slipped off her shoes and danced barefoot. She held her body tight against Marcus, but with the dance floor was so crowded she didn’t think anyone would even take notice of them. Swaying in time with the music, their movements were slow and sexy, still Cherry didn’t feel at all embarrassed. The room was hot and sweaty, but she loved being this close to Marcus and the earthy scent of him.

  Marcus smiled at her. “Woman, you could make a man leave everything behind and go halfway around the world just to be with you.”

  Cherry smirked, “Only halfway?”

  Marcus laughed, “Anywhere for you, baby.”

  Their bodies pressed tightly together shifting to the rhythm of the music, Marcus felt Cherry grinding her pelvis against him. “Keep that up and we’ll have to leave in a hurry.”

  When they got back to the condo, Cherilyn suggested they take a shower together. But Marcus grabbed her by the hips and pulled her in close, “I don’t think I can wait.”

  “But we’re all sweaty.”

  He kissed her, “I like you all sweaty.” She still seemed unconvinced so Marcus said, “Make you a deal first time we do it my way, then second time is your choice.”

  “You got two times in you?”

  “Definitely.”

  Cherry laughed. “Promises, promises.”

  He got naked and Cherry could see why he didn’t want to wait. The time spent at the restaurant, the food and drink and especially the dancing, had provided all the foreplay he needed. Marcus sat on the bed up against the head board with a few pillows propped behind him and positioned Cherry to be on top. This way they were face to face. “I love your body, Cherilyn,” he said, as she moved up and down. “And I love making love with you.”

  It was almost saying ‘I love you’ but not quite. His hands molded to her breasts, kneading them, making her gasp, then he moved his palms to her hips helping her move up and down faster and faster. Bringing her up and over the edge, it didn’t take long for both of them to be fully satisfied.

  “I’ll do better next time.” Marcus said, out of breath.

  “You did good this time.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Yeah, but don’t go to sleep, we’re hitting the shower.” She ran the water warm, it felt good to get clean and they luxuriated in soaping each other’s bodies. When they rinsed off, Cherry used her ha
nds and her mouth to get Marcus to the state she needed him to be in. Once he was ready, she placed one foot on side of tub and held onto him, he smiled as he entered her. Holding her tight, his slow, lazy thrusting quickly increased to moving ever faster. But being it was the second time tonight he was able to last longer and sustain the arousal she felt. Leaning into her, holding her tight, his face to her neck, she held onto his back as the hot water rushed over them. He continued on, moving in and out, over and over rapidly until both of them again reached the heights of pleasure in simultaneous climax.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Saturdays were the best days, Cherilyn thought. And in Marcus’ condo, more specifically his bed, was the best place to be. And although she could choose to do many things outside of the bedroom today, right now spending the whole day in bed with Marcus was by far the most appealing idea.

  Curled up in the nook of his arm, she luxuriated in having his warm body against hers, with her hand caressing his chest.

  That was until his phone rang.

  Marcus frowned when he glanced at the phone registering who was calling. “Hello,” he said, putting a really upbeat tone in his voice. Within seconds he sighed and swung his legs over the bed, “Yes, yes, but, but, but-” he said and walked out of the room.

  All the good feelings she had just felt evaporated, just like the bed cooled with his absence. She wondered what was going on, could it be another woman? She thought they’d grown close, why didn’t he feel he could speak freely in front of her? What did he have to hide? An ex?

  Cherry was devastated when she heard him whisper, “I love you too.”

  Words he had never uttered to her. She wanted to be angry and not even wait for his explanation, but when he returned to the bedroom with a guilty look on his face, panic spread throughout her body. She was certain her worst fears were confirmed.