by Kiru Taye
Ofonna had been the favored son and the better-looking one. She couldn't help being suspicious that Edozie had had a hand in Ofonna's death. His death had been mysterious enough, going to sleep at night and not waking the next morning. The last person to see him had been Edozie. Anyway, she couldn't go around accusing him. She didn't have any proof. If he had had a hand in Ofonna's death, she prayed the gods would punish him in their time.
When Nneka didn't reply to her taunt, Mgbeke huffed, "You better hurry up. You know it's your turn to cook dinner for everyone tonight."
Nneka looked up with a knowing smile at the woman. "Are you sure you want me to cook for your husband?"
Mgbeke blanched at Nneka's insinuation, harrumphed, and walked off, muttering angrily to herself. Nneka couldn't help smiling. The sly retort should keep the woman off her back for a little while.
When the dubious image of Edozie came into her head, she lost her smile and a sickening feeling twisted in her belly. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to tease Mgbeke. She had no intentions of making a pass at Edozie anyway.
***
The next day Nneka didn't go to the rendezvous as Ikem commanded. Instead she went to the stream first thing in the morning to avoid encountering him on the footpath that evening. Later that afternoon, she went to see her father-in-law. She'd seen him return from an outing and decided to seek an audience with him.
He sat under the palm tree. It was his favorite seating spot, especially on a hot day like today. It also provided a vantage position to see the activities going on in the courtyard.
"Our father, there is something I wish to discuss with you," she started tentatively when she'd pulled up the low table he usually ate from and placed his food on it. She stood there uneasily. She was a confident girl, but she knew she had to broach the subject softly so as not to cause offense.
"My daughter, sit down and tell me what's on your mind. I hope nothing is wrong," the old man replied as he dipped into the earthenware bowl of beans and maize casserole. It was one of his favorite meals and she'd prepared it with lots of smoked fish fillets and spices.
She pulled out a low stool from the hut and sat next to him.
"I was just wondering when I'd be released to return to my people now that I've completed my mourning. I'm currently in limbo, as I've heard nothing from you about your plan for me."
He paused from his meal briefly before looking at her. In his eyes, she could see his sorrow. Her heart went out to him He has lost a beloved son and has grieved deeply for that loss.
"Are you in such a hurry to rid yourself of us?"
"No. No. No. That's not what I meant, our father. I'm sorry. I did not mean to offend you." She cowered. The old man was like a father to her. More of a father than her biological father ever was. He had always been nice to her. Nice was not a trait she could use to describe her own father.
"Fear not. I understand your restlessness to move on with your life. I've only been reluctant to make a decision as I'm in no hurry to lose a daughter as well as a son. Let me think on it for a few days. I'll let you know soon."
Nneka felt remorseful. She'd been so engrossed in her own quest for freedom, she hadn't considered the impact on Ofonna's father. He'd lost his son. She was happy that he considered her a daughter, truly, and didn't want to lose her as well. She would have to be patient and think of his needs. Moreover, when she moved on, he would be left with a malevolent son and a vicious daughter-in-law. It wasn't a good thing.
When she stood to go back to her hut, he told her to stay and keep him company. She did, obliging him.
Chapter Three
When Nneka didn't show up at the agreed time and place, Ikem was neither angry nor happy. In his life, very few things amazed him. He'd learned to deal with whatever life threw at him as it came. As a young boy trying to find his way among peers who considered him less than their equal, adapting quickly to situations had become a survival method. He'd fought to be respected and had eventually gained that respect during intense training sessions. It was an area he excelled in and had no equal.
So while Nneka's behavior caught him unawares, he wasn't totally astonished. He'd simply underestimated her. Beneath the deceptive gray cloak of grief-induced demureness was an obstinate and courageous woman. He knew about her past, the tragedy that meant at the age of twelve, she'd lost not just one parent but two in the space of a few days. Unable to have any close contact with her, he'd watched her grow into a beautiful young maiden. The only interactions he'd had with her had been vicariously through Obinna, his close friend, whose family was also close to Nneka's.
As he finished up his work at the farm that day, he considered that Nneka's childish impetuousness had developed into outright fearlessness. Despite her initial show of aloofness, he'd experienced her fiery nature in their kiss. So he'd expected her to acquiesce to him. No other woman had ever disobeyed his command before. Instead of discouraging him, it fed his determination to have her. While his patience was quickly running out, he wasn't averse to teaching his fiery quarry the pleasure of submission. In disobeying him, she'd also underestimated him.
He returned home and waited for the sun to start its descent. Then he went to Nneka's hut. While he wanted her to understand he kept his word, he would not put her in danger by blatantly displaying his attention toward her. Not yet. That time would come soon enough. Certain rules and traditions prevailed in their society. He still had to be seen to play by them for her sake. He didn't want her being punished on his account.
When he arrived at her compound he stayed hidden until activity quieted and the residents retired for the night. Then he went to her hut, knocking softly. He heard rustling inside before the door opened.
Nneka stood before him, her smooth brown skin glowing in the lamplight in her hands, her dark eyes and mouth wide open, shocked. Dressed in light nightwear, she looked ready for sleep. His gaze was drawn to the way her dress was wrapped around her body, accentuating her curves. It drew his attention to the swell of her breasts in the dimness of the light.
"W-what are you doing here?" He noticed the slight quake in her subdued voice. Its tremulous tone resonated in the pit of his stomach. His body's response was primal. To stop himself from reaching for her, he folded his arms across his chest. His body filled her doorway.
"I told you I'd come here if you didn't meet me today. I keep my word."
With a dismissive shrug, she lifted an eyebrow. The self-assured gleam back in her eyes. "Well, I never said I was going to meet you. You assumed. Your mistake."
He'd give her that. She hadn't verbally agreed to meet him. He'd assumed she'd agreed after she succumbed to his kiss. "A mistake I won't be making again." He frowned to show his displeasure.
"You shouldn't be here. Go home. Someone might see you."
She moved to close the door, but he put his foot out to stop her. "You’d better let me in then, unless you want your in-laws to know I'm here. I don't mind, either way." Flexing his fingers, he kept his arms folded. He yearned to run his hands down her smooth, pliant skin.
Her eyes held a furious glare for a while, but she opened the door wider, moving out of the way. Stooping to avoid hitting his head on the low door frame, he walked in. She shut the door behind him and placed the lamp in the wall sconce.
"You need to be quick about your visit. It's been a long day, and I need my sleep."
She remained standing near the door as he surveyed the room. It was of modest size with a long table and bench. In the corner, she stored her cooking wares. A door led off the room to what he assumed was the sleeping chamber. The air was scented with orange zest. He'd smelled it on her the other day. Realizing it was Nneka's scent, he turned to find her with her arms folded across her chest. It lifted her breasts into prominence. The twin peaks of her nipples pouted in his direction. The smoldering embers of his desire crackled to life again. His manhood swelled.
"The night is still young, Nneka. There'll be plenty of time to sleep yet."
Advancing in her direction, he smiled at her the way a hungry lion smiles at its prey. In response to his insinuation, her eyes widened in astonishment, and her small nose flared. She backed up to the wall, and he followed her there. He leaned one hand against the wall beside her head, the other touching her face. His finger traced a line down to her neck. She gasped softly. The pulse at the base of her neck beat a fast rhythm. He leaned forward and inhaled deeply, her scent of arousal overtaking the zesty fragrance.
"Why did you not come to see me when you want me so?" He cocked his eyebrow cynically.
Her mouth formed an O. "I-I don't want you," she replied in a petulant fashion, shaking her head vigorously. But her eyes told him another story. They were a warm brown and stared at his lips as if expecting him to kiss her.
Maybe I should oblige her.
He chuckled. "Liar," he whispered before he lowered his lips to her. But he didn't claim her lips immediately. Instead he feathered her face and neck with kisses, alternating between nipping and licking her sweet-salty skin. Her breathing increased rapidly. When he looked up, he noticed that her eyes were closed. He licked the pulse at her neck before he trailed his lips back up and hovered above her lips. She opened her eyes and moaned softly.
"Say it, Nneka. You want me to kiss you."
"Never!" Her voice, as well as her body, trembled as she spoke.
"Why do you have a tough time admitting what you want? Your eyes and body betray you easily." He laughed as he pushed his thigh between her legs, parting them. He felt the heat and dampness of her hooded pearl against his bare skin.
"You are such a boastful man. Do you think every woman in this land clamors for your attention? I have no wish for you or any other man." Nneka said, her voice sounding breathless.
How could she admit that the mere presence of this man caused her body to behave outrageously? That all he had to do was look at her, and her pulse rate increased. That each time he touched her, he branded her skin like a torch. Still, she fought that feeling because she didn't want to acquiesce to another man. She didn't want to get married again. Not so soon after Ofonna. It was what Ikem wanted, and what she wasn't ready for. Another man in charge of her life. Telling her what to do.
No!
"The women come to me because they are guaranteed to receive pleasure. You simply tell me you want the same, and I'll happily oblige you."
She stiffened at his mocking words. How she wanted to wipe the smirk off his face. When his teeth grazed her earlobe, sending waves of heat straight to her core, her body melted. She could feel her wetness seeping through her nightdress down her thighs. Her tight restraint was gradually being worn down. He continued his assault on her earlobe, the pain-pleasure bouncing though her body with need until she could no longer control her body's tremors.
"On the other hand, I have no problem telling you what I'd like to do to this delightful body of yours." As he spoke, he slid his hand down her neck in a slow, lazy motion as if he had all the time in the world. Her skin came alive. As much as she hated to admit her lack of restraint for him, her body leaned into his touch.
He caressed her breasts gently through her clothes, holding them delicately like they were prized possessions.
"I intend to suckle your ripe breasts until you beg me for more," he whispered softly against her ear, his voice coated with a husky tinge. "I'll touch and taste every part of your body till I stamp my brand on you. You'll crave no other man but me."
She held her breath in anticipation as his hand traveled down her body, stopping just above the apex between her legs.
"And when I get to your honey pot, I'll dip my tongue as well as my fingers in there and drive you crazy until you scream for me to take you any which way I choose. Shall I show you?"
"No," she protested, but it came out as a needy whimper. Her body was already wound tight, aching for him to do all he'd promised.
"You're already hot and dripping wet, and I've barely touched you." He shifted his thigh, rubbing her already throbbing nub. She rode him involuntarily, seeking some relief. Moving his thigh out, he pushed off the wall. She moaned in protest at the loss of his touch. He laughed softly and went down on his knees.
"I can smell your sweet essence. Stop protesting, and let me show you what you've been denying yourself." His voice had an entrancing quality, soft and filled with desire. When he looked up at her, his golden gaze was heated and filled with intoxicating promise.
What harm could his touch do, except fulfill my deep-seated fantasy? It is just one night, not a lifelong betrothal.
She couldn't afford to give up the independence she craved much more than the gratifying touch of a man. She could succumb for tonight. Experience what it felt like to be satisfied by a man for once. Ikem's touch promised a bountiful reward.
Gasping, she nodded, unsure she could use her voice as her body coiled with lust. She watched him with trembling anticipation as he lifted her loose nightdress, bunching it at her waist with one hand. With the other, he parted her hooded flesh and smiled before looking back up at her face.
Then he leaned into her and licked her, swirling his tongue around her.
Oh gods!
"Sweet and beautiful."
Panting hard, she trembled as sensation thrilled through her body. His tongue on her flesh was a pure wicked delight. She'd heard about such an act. Her friend had whispered conspiratorially about how her husband loved to eat her up. But she'd never experienced it.
His tongue tunneled into her, then came out tracing every inch of her sensitive flesh. He nipped, sucked, lapped, and nibbled until she trembled and her knees gave way. She gripped his shoulders, and in the process, let go of her already loose wrap, which went falling to the floor.
Ikem stood up. In one movement, he scooped her up and laid her on the long table.
"Place your hands on the edge and keep them there," he instructed as he pulled up a stool and sat between her legs dangling off the edge of the table.
Excited, she did as he directed, unsure of his intention. When his fingers slid into her wet heat and his mouth descended on her flesh once more, all sane thought ran away from her.
She was simply aware of the pure rippling sensations that built within her in tidal waves. As she came close to her zenith, he would withdraw, only to start building her up again. He repeated this ritual until she was mindless and whimpering for him to give her some release. In all of her life, never had she been this stupefied with lust.
"Remember, all you have to do is tell me what you want and it's yours," he murmured against her flesh, his voice vibrating through her. She lifted her hips, trying to get more of his tongue into her core, but it didn't help. She needed release now or she would surely die from the pent-up tension. She no longer cared what he did to her as long as he gave her some relief.
"I want—I want release. Please."
His large fingers resumed their motion within her. There must have been three of them, for they filled her as they pumped into her. As he continued, the sensation built to such an extent that when he blew against her and growled, "Let go," she exploded into pieces in a fever of ecstasy. The intensity put her in a daze. When she opened her eyes she was no longer on the table but in Ikem's arms. He took her into her sleeping chamber, placing her on the pallet.
He kissed her lips briefly. She tasted her own essence on his tongue. "Next time I'll be inside you and the pleasure will be so much more intense. Sleep well, Nneka."
She didn't have time to respond because he turned and walked out. Still in a daze, her legs barely keeping her up, she stood, walked to the door, and hooked the latch. She managed to get back to her bedchamber before collapsing back on her pallet. When sleep claimed her, the only image in her mind was of Ikem kneeling before her, devouring her.
Chapter Four
The next few days passed in a haze of frustration and anticipation. Nneka woke the morning after Ikem was in her hut with a smile permanently on her face. Not even the bo
ssiness of her sister-in-law could spoil her mood. As she did her chores around the house, the images and sensations from the previous night remained in her mind.
She'd had her first taste of ecstasy. Nothing in the past had prepared her for the intensity. Any relief she'd had from her hands paled in comparison.
It left her with a deep craving to be joined with Ikem. She was now certain it would be nothing like the awkward fumbling she'd been accustomed to with her late husband. Ikem's touches had been masterful and purposeful. He was a man sure of his abilities and not afraid to use them.
She wanted him.
Yes, but as a man whose company she could enjoy, not as a potential husband. Her encounter with him still hadn't convinced her to give up her quest for independence. She'd already planned out what she would do once her father-in-law released her. She didn't need another husband in her life, and she would resist it for as long as possible.
That evening she went to the stream at her usual time, but she didn't see Ikem by the cashew tree. She assumed he would show up at her hut later. So she waited up. But he didn't show that night. When she eventually slept, her dreams were of him, looming over her, touching her. She woke early before dawn, hot and slick with sweat. Her body wound so tight, even touching herself brought her no relief.
She wanted Ikem deep between her legs, pleasuring her like he'd promised. Throughout the day, a restless energy flowed through her. The elation was still there, but her body was coiled tight with need and anticipation. She hoped he would come to her that night and complete what he'd started.
The irony was that when her husband was still alive, she'd spent each night wishing he'd be more passionate and spark a desire in her. After he passed away, she accepted she was never going to get that wish. Now that she'd prepared herself for a life without a man in it, Ikem had awakened those desires within her.
Later that night, when she heard footsteps approaching her door, she was already trembling with anticipation to see Ikem again. Even when the knock on the door sounded heavier—unlike during Ikem's visit—she paid it no heed. Taking deep breaths to calm herself, she walked to the door and opened it.