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Vanessa Mae Brooks was born into a family of one percenters. It was old money. Her grandfather, Thomas B. Brooks, had discovered oil on his farm in Oklahoma in the 1930’s. He developed the Brooks Oil Depository, and through sweat and guts made it a thriving business even in the middle of the Great Depression. Vanessa’s father, Thomas, Jr., continued to grow the company after Thomas, Sr. retired. His successful leadership and political connections turned the business into the billion-dollar corporation it is today.
After her grandmother died too soon in her mid-forties, her grandfather moved the family to Shumard Hill just outside of Oklahoma City. Here they lived in a two-story mansion surrounded by beautiful Shumard Oak trees. It provided privacy but was close enough to the city and airports to make it practical for business. The depository’s headquarters was built a mile away.
Her brother, Thomas, III, was the designated heir to take over the company, and this was fine with Vanessa. As much interest in the company, he showed to have, she showed just as much interest in having nothing to do with it. Her desires led her in opposite directions. With a seemingly unlimited flow of cash, the world became hers for the taking, especially the men.
She was just as ambitious as her brother, and even her father. Power was their drug of choice. It came from owning and operating the oil company with all its negotiations, dealings, threats, lawsuits, and the envy that other company executives had for them, as well as the god-like status they achieved among their faithful employees. Her power came from more carnal sources.
Vanessa was known by her family and friends as Ness. Some of her school mates tried to call her Van, but she would always correct them. It was “Vanessa” to all but the ones closest to her.
When she was eight years old, her mother, Mae Cornish Brooks, divorced her father, and for all practical purposes, abandoned her and her brother. Mae announced to the world that living with Thomas Brooks was the equivalent to living in a Southern Baptist preacher’s hell. Vanessa loved her father and didn’t see what her mother claimed him to be. Years later, after four more failed marriages, she wonder if her mother’s behavior was because she was attracted to the wrong type of man, or if, it was simply her mother. A person can leave their problems behind, so long as they’re not the problem. It didn’t matter much to her as she rarely saw Mae, and when she did spend time with her, all she could think of was how she wished she was home.
Her father remarried when she was ten, and her new stepmother was Amelia Riley. She treated Vanessa and her brother well but insisted on hiring a nanny for them. Amelia was too occupied with the duties of a rich man’s wife to be burdened with the care of children, especially since they weren’t hers.
Through a reference from a business associate of her father, Vanessa and Tom were introduced to Brian Rufner. He was from the United Kingdom, namely Bolton in the Greater Manchester area. Vanessa immediately liked him as he was only twenty-six years old. She knew he was young enough to like many of the things she and her brother did.
For his part, Brian had just finished a tour of duty in the British Army. He was well disciplined but not too rigid. Standing six feet tall with black hair, his looks were rugged but distinguished.
His laughter was contagious, and he loved to have a good time as much as the children did. They bonded and he became an integral part of the family.
Being kids, it wasn’t long before they asked him how many people he had killed while in the Army. Taking a serious tone, he declared, “Killing your enemy is never pleasant. It may become your only choice, but you never enjoy it.” Then, with a smile he said, “Besides there’s too many good things in this world, and you children should be thankful for all your father has provided for you. Who wants ice cream?”
The years went by, and Vanessa grew into a fine young lady. Brian continued to watch over her and Tom as their father was usually out of town on business and always seemed distracted when home. He constantly maintained an emotional distance. Their stepmother was too busy making busy time to be interested in their lives. No longer needing a nanny, Brian became their personal assistant. He was there for them.
Tom and Vanessa’s bond was it was them against everyone else. Eventually, he started showing interest in the family business. His father took him under his wing to teach his heir the ins and outs of Brooks Oil Depository. This left Vanessa alone with plenty of time on her hands. With Tom submerged in company business, he had all secretaries and all the assistance he could ask for. So, for all practical purposes, Brian became Venassa’s personal assistant.
She had all the money she would ever need, all the material things and toys she ever wanted, and a family life where she could do what she wanted. Her prized possession was an Ocean Wave Green Metallic Mini Cooper S two-door. It was her “Coop.” The rest of the family wanted their Porsche and Cadillac. To her, riding in luxury was as boring as it could get. Money and the constant need for bigger thrills has led many young rich folks to turn to drugs. She never developed an interest in pharmaceuticals and was actually afraid of using them. So, she turned her attention to other ways of “getting her fix.”
Boys fascinated her but proved to be a mystery. She had just turned eighteen when she decided to learn all she could about them by losing her virginity. It wasn’t difficult to find a guy willing to deflower her, as the ones she knew were horny all the time. The act itself was interesting and educational but provided no thrills. After a couple more experimentations, she reached the conclusion boys could be manipulated in so many ways simply by holding out the possibility of having sex. Her grandmother always said, “men think with their little head more than their big one.” The sex didn’t matter much to her but the idea of being able to control another person intrigued and excited her. It was the thrill she had been looking for.
Vanessa knew not all men would be as easy as the first boys she gave herself to and she didn’t want them to be. The wealthy and famous ones were not for her. They could have any woman they wanted and were not easily controlled. If you tried they simply moved on to someone else. What she wanted were men who believed they were untouchable but still fragile enough to exploit their weaknesses. The more self-righteous and self-assured the better. She knew the bigger the challenge the bigger the reward. Power would be her orgasm.
Although she was a nice-looking lady, she realized she was far from being a beauty queen. It didn’t matter. She had all the money and time she needed to make herself as attractive as she could be. With that in mind, she hired Andre to be her personal beauty consultant. He helped her transform into a woman of elegance. Starting with her hair, he demanded, “Let it grow out three more inches.” He turned her brunette locks into lovely caramel highlights. The silky look was hard to ignore, especially when matched with her baby blue eyes. Admiring his work, he looked her over and declared, “You are looking fine, but girl, we’ve got to do something with those eyebrows!”
Andre didn’t believe in drowning in makeup. He was a master at blending the foundation and colors with a soft touch. To him, he was painting a picture, and with Vanessa, he wanted it to be a masterpiece. With his skill, her natural beauty from her round face came to the forefront without the appearance of wearing any makeup at all. He taught her how to apply it on her own so she would only need to see him every two weeks or so.
Then came her clothes. Andre’s assistant, Irene, studied her, measured her body, took notes, and produced an array of outfits that were modest but deceptively seductive. She introduced her to pushup bras. Vanessa fell in love with lace, Irene agreed it was an excellent choice. With her size B breasts, the lace bras would encourage a man to believe he was seeing more than he was.
After two days of putting everything together, Andre paused to survey the finished product. Rubbing his chin, he slowly walked around her muttering “Hmm” every so often. Finally, he said, “Now, let me see you smile. Let’s not hide that gorgeous smile of yours.”
Vanessa obliged and gave her best. “That’s it, that’s it,” he declared with excitement. “You see, you smile with your eyes and your lips. That’s a knockout punch.”
She laughed and asked, “Do you really think I’m sexy enough?”
“Oh, honey, you are sexy,” he grinned. “If I was straight I’d be banging you right now.”
They both laughed. “Now, I’m going to set you up with a personal trainer I know,” he offered. “It’s time you put to use all that gym equipment your brother has at your house.”
Vanessa was bewildered at this and shyly asked, “You think I need to lose weight?”
“Oh no, sweetheart, not at all,” he quickly answered. “You’re almost perfect, not too much, but just enough for a man to grab and hold onto when you’re doing the ‘nasty.’ Sugar, you’re still young. You won’t be that way all your life, so let’s get you started on a good routine that will do wonders for you down the road.”
For the first time in memory, Vanessa felt truly alive. She embarked on a journey of enticing almost every man she met. Even some women were attracted to her. Her quest was for men; those that were committed to someone else and thought they could never succumb to temptation, or who felt their moral integrity was too strong to be seduced and fall victim to illicit desire and lust. She conquered all she chose. When she turned her attention to a man, plotted an action plan and worked her charm, his defenses melted to where he was willing to do whatever she wanted just for a chance of getting between her legs. She was the master. Men were her servants.
At first, Brian was not fully aware of what she was doing. He thought she was simply being like most young women exploring the world around her and looking for love. Reality smacked him in the face one day when he had a conversation with Heather, one of the cooks working for the Brooks family. As they were talking, they saw out the kitchen window Vanessa pulling into the driveway. He had no clue where she had been and really wasn’t interested. She was an adult, and it was not his responsibility to monitor her actions. He was her assistant, there to help her when needed.
Heather shook her head and mutter, “Umm…umm.”
Surprised at such a reaction, he asked, “You have a problem with Ness?”
Trying to be careful in her response to avoid jeopardizing her employment, she replied, “Oh, I don’t want to say anything. I’m not going to bite the hand that feeds me.”
“Oh, please you’re talking to me,” he insisted. “I’ve told you enough to be fired five times over. Spill the beans.”
She crossed her arms and looked at him with a slight hint of indignation. “You’re really that blind to what Miss Vanessa is doing?”
“Such as.”
“She’s a vixen. She’s a home wrecker,” she blurted out.
“What?”
“It’s true,” she asserted. “That girl has left more men in her wake than should be humanly possible. She’ll chew them up and spit them out.”
This revelation rattled Brian, but as he thought about it, he could see the possibility of what she was saying. He was aware of how she had changed her appearance to highlight her assets. She was smart and knew how to flirt as good as anyone. But, he had to ask, “How do you know about this?”
“People talk,” she answered. “They especially talk when they’ve been hurt. She gets what she wants and walks away. All she leaves behind is suffering.”
“Our Ness is doing that?” he questioned with skepticism. “I find it hard to believe.”
“Believe it or not. I’m telling you how it is,” she said with a huff. “She’s done that to many, but the worst has to be what she did to Randy.”
“The stable boy?”
“That’s him. He was only eighteen when he started working here,” she continued. “Such a sweet boy. He came from a poor family in south Texas and just wanted a chance at a better life. That boy had no interest in Miss Vanessa. I think that’s why she turned her attention toward him. He ignored her a little too much, and she can’t stand to be ignored.”
“What did she do?”
“Word is she got him in her sights and went to work,” she explained. “I don’t know all the dirty details, but she had him believing they had a future together. He was thrilled beyond belief that someone of her looks and stature was interested in him. It was love to him and he thought she loved him, too. She would tease him even in front of the other stable hands, rubbing up against him for all to see. He was at her mercy and would do anything she asked.”
“I didn’t know,” Brian quietly declared.
“According to one of the hands, he told him this went on for almost two weeks,” she continued. “He was in pitiful shape. Her teasing and flirting kept on with no relief. It affected his work as all he could think about was Miss Vanessa and his hope of being with her. Then, when he thought he was going to lose his mind, she called for him to come up to the big house to see her. He did and she took him to her bed.”
“Then what?”
“He felt on top of the world,” she answered. “Why wouldn’t he? A poor homely naïve young man having a woman like Miss Vanessa all over him. He was in heaven. The next day, she had Tom fire him and security remove him from the grounds so she would never have to see him again.”
All Brian could do was hang his head. Heather teared up as she revealed, “A month later, his brother shows up here looking for him. No one knew where he was. Later, he found Randy living on the streets in Tulsa. He was hearing voices and would talk back to them. The voice was Vanessa’s. His brother said he was as thin as a rail and in really bad shape. I mean, Brian, Randy was eighteen! He had his whole life ahead of him and he was working hard to make something of himself. But, Miss Vanessa had to get her thrills, and she destroyed him.”
Brian took her in his arms to comfort her. “I’m so sorry, Heather. If I had known, I would’ve tried to stop her. I might not have been able to, but I would’ve tried.”
As he walked up the stairs toward Vanessa’s room, he fought his emotions. He now realized he had continued to view her and Tom as the children they were when he first came to work for them. They were so innocent then, and he assumed they would continue to be so as they matured into adults. How blind could he be? He was mad at himself, and he was angry at her.
She wasn’t in her room, so he went looking for her and found her in the gym. Without hesitation, he barked, “Young lady, we need to talk.”
“That sounds serious,” she said with a smile as she dabbed her face with a towel.
“Well, I’m just worried about you, that’s all,” he revealed as his anger subsided in her presence.
“How so?”
“Are you aware of the reputation you’re developing?” he inquired. “People are saying awful things about you.”
“I don’t pay any attention to that,” she asserted. His tone was starting to annoy her.
“I would hope you would. Not only do your actions reflect on you, but they put this family in a bad light,” he declared. “In turn, that affects all of us who work here.”
She burst out laughing. “Oh, Brian, this family’s reputation was ruined when grandfather struck oil. There’s nothing I can do that would make a difference one way or the other.”
“I think you’re wrong,” he suggested. “Don’t you know people are saying you’re a sexual predator? You prey on men like they’re toys and then throw them away when you’ve had your fun.”
“What’s wrong with that?” she defensively asked. “I give them some of the best times of their lives and they give me what I need. Once we’re both satisfied there’s nothing more to reach for.”
“What is it they give you that’s so important to act the way you do?” he asked with more self-righteousness than he meant.
His tone was pissing her off, but he was a true friend, so she overlooked his insolence, and replied, “They give me control over them. That’s a power that has a feeling like nothing else.”
He was shocked at her admission and could only stare at her. So, she continued, “My whole life has been around powerful men like my father and grandfather. Now, Tom’s that way. They use our money to gain influence, which gives them the power to do almost anything they want, and believe me, they do. They’re smart and cunning enough to avoid any trouble, or at least, so far. The power trip it puts them on is addictive and keeps them wanting more. I’m not in their business. I have no interest in oil, but I am interested in men, certain men who can give me the same power the men in my family have. I crave that power rush, too.”
“So, the emotional toil you leave behind doesn’t matter?” he asked with a hint of loathing.
“Yeah, I guess it does. It’s collateral damage. It’s no worse than the Brooks men do,” she objected. “What? Am I supposed to force myself to stay in a relationship that’s a dead end? That’s not fair to me nor the other person.”
“It’s more complex than that,” he asserted. “I mean just look at Randy, a sweet young man with a bright future ahead of him. So, what do you do? You flirt, you tease, and then you finally fuck him right before you throw him out in the street. How could you?”
“I don’t like that word.”
“Well, I don’t think you can call it ‘making love’ with him,” he said in disgust. “Love was nowhere in the picture.”
“I agree. It was all lust and opportunity,” she stated. “I did nothing to make him think anything else.”
“I thought you were a better person than that,” he almost yelled.
“Oh, Brian, you don’t know how good I am,” she teased with a smile. He didn’t respond but simply stared at her. “It appears you’ve been talking to Heather.”
“Well, I can’t say…”
“Well, I can,” she interrupted. “She’s a fine one to talk. I lost count of how many times I saw her sneaking in and out of Tom’s bedroom at night when he was only nineteen.” Then with a laugh she declared, “I’m sure she was taking him something to snack on.”
“I don’t find this amusing at all,” he asserted.
“Oh, Brian, why is it okay when the men in this house do what I do?” she asked with a hint of anger. “I mean, look at Tom. Not only with Heather, but how many other women has he had and then abandoned? There’s been dozen where you see them one time and then never again because he got what he wanted. What about my dad? My grandfather? You and I both know they have the power and money to bed as many different women as they want. They did it, too. So, you want me to accept that it’s fine and dandy for them to be that way. That’s what boys do. But, when a little old girl like me acts the same way, it’s awful, it’s disgusting. I should be ashamed of myself. The way I see it is I have every right to be the same as them. Or, would you prefer I not be this way, and instead, be one of those anonymous women slipping in and out of rich men’s beds and disappearing when they’ve had their fill of me?”
She understood there was a fine line between seduction and rape. It was always her intention to seduce and never force. Her actions were questionable sometimes, and she never denied they weren’t. The thrill was having a man confront his vulnerabilities, be offered a way out of his predicament that would reward him immense sexual pleasure and give her what she craved: Power and control. Sex was a tool and never her final destination. It meant very little to her. She easily walked away if he wasn’t willing to submit to what she wanted.
Brian was at a loss for words. He had to admit there was a double standard. Something he thought was simple and straightforward proved to be complicated and complex. But, two wrongs don’t make a right. The simple answer was such conduct was inappropriate for both sexes. He knew the Brooks family was far from simple.
He stared at her as he gathered his thoughts. She stared back and with a twinkle in her eye, asked, “Brian, do you want to fuck me?”
The question startled him. He stammered, “I do, but I won’t. It’s not what I’m looking for.”
“What is it you’re wanting?”
He paused for moment and then revealed, “I’m looking for that one woman who recognizes what I am, my strengths, my flaws. She knows all about me, and yet, she still chooses to be with me. We make love because she wants me and not because it’s expected of her or because of some hidden agenda. I want to love, cherish, maybe raise a family, and grow old with a person like that. Nothing less will do.” After a pause, he declared, “Ness, that’s not you.”
She nodded her head. Approaching him, she reached up and kissed him on the cheek. “She’s out there somewhere. Keep looking.” He smiled, turned and left her as she climbed onto the treadmill.
It wasn’t long after this that tragedy struck the Brooks family. Grandfather Thomas, Sr. died in his sleep. He had lived a long life and had a great influence on his family and community. It was he who had started everything that resulted in the life they enjoyed. Vanessa cried until she had no more tears to shed.
Then came the day of the funeral. Grandfather was to be buried on the Shumard Hill family cemetery beside his wife who had passed ten years earlier. Bishop Quinn directed the services with Tom giving the eulogy. Over the previous few days, Vanessa began accepting the fact her grandfather was gone, but the funeral brought the sadness back and she broke down again.
At the gravesite, it wasn’t the Bishop who spoke the last words. It was another priest who Vanessa didn’t recognize. He was much younger, appearing to be in his late twenties. She liked the way he looked with what appeared to be a muscular frame. His facial features weren’t bad either. She wondered what his story was.
When the service was completed, the Bishop and the priest came over to greet the family. They expressed their condolences and shook everyone’s hand. When it came her turn, Vanessa took the priest’s hand and thanked him for his kind words about her grandfather. She couldn’t help but notice the firm and confident grip he had.
“I’m sorry, Father, but I don’t think we’ve met before. I’m Vanessa Brooks,” she declared with her signature smile.
“Oh, it’s an honor to finally meet you, Miss Brooks. Your brother has told me many nice things about you,” he revealed. “I’m Rob Brandt. Please call me Father Rob.”
“Thank you, Father Rob.”
“If I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out,” he offered.
“Thank you. I might take you up on that one day,” she said with a smile again.
Once the Bishop and Father were out of hearing range Tom turned to his sister. “Don’t go licking your chops over him.”
She feigned innocence and declared, “I don’t know what you mean.”
Tom laughed and revealed, “You don’t get it, do you. He’s a priest. He’s celibate.”
“So, he’s not married. That’s no big deal,” she said with a smirk.
“You don’t know what ‘celibate’ means, do you?” chuckled Tom. “It also means he doesn’t have sex. You really need to go to church more.”
“Doesn’t have sex? You’re kidding me.” She was astonished. “Never? Why?”
“No, never, or at least, not since he accepted the priesthood,” he replied. “He may have before he devoted his life to Christ, I don’t know. As far as ‘why,’ you’ll have to ask him. I don’t have a clue why someone would do that.”
Over the next two weeks she couldn’t get Father Rob off her mind. During the day the thought of him was never far away, and at night he was in her dreams. It was if everything she knew about him was burned into her brain. What intrigued her the most was the idea a man would have enough willpower to avoid sex all his life. It was unheard of with the guys she knew. This could be a formidable challenge for her if she wanted to put forth the effort. After thinking about it for a couple days, she decided the reward would be well worth it. It would be the only way to get him off her mind. Just imagining the possibility of success tantalized her whole body. With as much determination as she had ever shown, she plotted out a course of action.
First, she placed a call to the church and asked to speak with the Father. It wasn’t long before she heard his voice on the other end.
“This is a pleasant surprise, Miss Brooks,” he remarked.
“Oh, thank you for taking my call,” she gushed. “I’m afraid I need to take you up on the offer you made at my grandfather’s funeral.”
“Yes, I remember. I take it you need my help,” he surmised.
“I do, and I hate to even ask, but our plans are falling apart,” she explained. “If you can help, you’ll be a hero to twelve ten-year old boys, and you’ll be my hero, too.”
“What do you need?”
“We have scheduled a weekend retreat for these boys this Saturday and Sunday,” she offered. “They are such fine young men, but they struggle making social connections. We thought we could get them together for a weekend of fun out in the wilderness, and it could be the spark they need for their social skills.”
“I see.”
“Well, we had Rev. Samuels lined up to help oversee them, but his wife has taken ill. In fact, she’s in the hospital. She’s going to make a full recovery, but it’s going to take some time. Of course, Rev. Samuels is not going to leave her side,” she said.
“He shouldn’t.”
“No, I wouldn’t want him to,” she offered. “Now, a nurse is bringing the boys in a van, and she’ll be there if, heaven forbid, they need medical help. What we need is a strong male presence to help her.”
“Where are they going?”
“It’s about two hours from here, between Elk City and Sweetwater,” she answered. “I can send you the information and directions. Can you help us this weekend?”
He was silent for a moment and then replied, “Yes, I’ll be glad to help.”
“Oh, that is wonderful,” she breathed a sigh of relief. “Now, I must warn you, there’s no cell coverage there, and there’s no landline. That was part of what we wanted; to keep the boys off the grid so they would have to interact with each other.”
“Sounds smart to me,” he offered.
She continued, “There’s a nice cabin there with a shower, a kitchen, and a bedroom with a giant king size bed in it. Oh, that’s probably too much information, but you’ll have the bed. The boys and nurse are going to pitch tents and sleep under the stars.”
“That sounds good,” he mused. “I might join them.”
“Oh, and one more thing,” she injected. “Would you be able to drive yourself there? With the nurse and the boys there’s not any room left in the van. They plan on being there Friday evening before sunset.”
“That will be no problem, Miss Brooks,” he assured her.
“Oh, thank you, Father. Thank you so much,” she gushed. “And Father, please call me Vanessa. We’re in this together, so there’s no need to be formal.”
“You’re certainly welcome, Vanessa,” he said. “I look forward to you sending the directions.”
After disconnecting the call, she leaned back in her chair. A smile spread across her face as she reflected on what she had set in motion. Most of what she had told the Father was a lie, but it didn’t matter to her. It was a means to an end.
Friday came, and after taking a shower, she picked out her Sky-Blue Cami mini dress with a ruffled hem. It had a summer feel to it with its two thin straps and a low cut in both front and back. The front revealed just enough cleavage to catch your eye but not enough to be immodest. It completely covered her lace bra she wore underneath but still allowed her curvature to be prominently displayed. Around five, she climbed into her “Coop” and drove out to the highway heading west. It would take a couple hours to drive to the cabin.
She arrived at a little after seven and parked directly behind the Father’s Honda. By the time she crawled out of her car he was standing on the front porch.
“I heard someone drive up and thought it was the nurse and kids,” he explained as she walked over to him. “I wasn’t expecting you, Vanessa.”
“Oh, Father, it’s awful,” she declared as she pouted her lips. “The children can’t come.”
“What happened?”
“The nurse called me about three hours ago and said one of the boys was running a fever,” she explained. “Evidently, he’s been exposed to the measles. They just can’t take the chance of putting them all together with the possibility of it spreading amongst them.”
“Oh, I understand. That would be terrible,” he exclaimed.
“I knew you were here waiting on them with no cellular service, so I jumped in my Coop and came out here to let you know,” she continued with a smile. “It’s the least I could do since I’m the one responsible for you being here.”
“Well, thank you, Vanessa. That was very thoughtful of you,” he said as he smiled back at her. “I must admit, I was starting to wonder where they were.”
“I feel so bad to put you through all this,” she pouted with as much sincerity as she could muster. “You’re such a busy man and I’ve wasted your valuable time.”
“Oh, don’t be that way. Life throws us curves, and this one is really not that big,” he declared. “Let me grab my bag and I’ll follow behind you until we get to the highway.”
She bowed and shook her head. “I’m sorry, Father, but my Coop started sputtering coming down the dirt road getting here,” she revealed. “I don’t think I should try to drive it, especially with it getting dark soon.”
“You probably shouldn’t,” he agreed.
“This has turned out to be a crazy day. It’s no telling what else could happen,” she said with a hint of exasperation.
“Oh, Vanessa, it’s fine. The Lord has given us this day of life, and no matter what is thrown our way, we will make it. He always opens opportunities for us to succeed,” he sermonized.
“There’s always hope,” she offered. “Father, you are so wise.”
After reflecting for a moment, he declared, “I’d normally offer to take a look at your car, but I’ve got to be the worst mechanic in the state. If I tried to fix it, I’m sure I’d only make it worse.”
She laughed before saying, “Oh, that’s fine. I’m sure you excel at so many other things. I’ll just pop the hood and see if there’s anything I can do.”
As she turned to walk toward the car, he cried out, “Oh, please don’t, Vanessa. You don’t want to dirty that beautiful dress you’re wearing.”
She stopped, turned back to him and asked, “You really like what I’m wearing?”
“Absolutely. It fits you to a tee. You look stunning in it,” he declared.
“Oh, Father, you’re going to make me blush.”
“Look, I’ll get my things, and I’ll drive you back home or to the nearest town. That way we can hire someone to come and tow your car to a garage,” he offered.
“That is so kind of you,” she said with the sweetest grin. “But did you see the warning signs on the dirt road coming in here? They said wild animals roam this area and to be careful driving at night. That would top this day off for us to hit one and get stranded in the middle of the desert.”
He laughed with her at the thought of two city dwellers trying to survive a night in the wilderness. She smiled at him with an innocent look and declared, “It appears we’re going to have to spend the night in the cabin, and then you can take me to get help in the morning.”
It amused her to see the look on his face as he dealt with the quandary fate had presented. He had never faced this much temptation in such a restrictive environment. It was the circumstance he had avoided all his life. She knew he’d been successful each and every time. Her hope was such confidence would lead him to make a decision that would be bad for his celibate life and good for her.
His eyes told her he was summoning all his defensive weapons to combat any chance of slipping and violating his oath of loyalty to the Lord. Without him realizing it, she had led him to a forbidden path. She doubted he had ever been this close to it before. At the end of the path awaited pleasure a celibate virgin could only imagine. It came with a cost. He would have to sacrifice a sacred vow he had made to the Lord. For her to find the pleasure she craved, it would be necessary for her to be his guide as they made the journey together.
“I don’t think that’s a wise thing for us to do,” he protested.
With a shocked look on her face, she declared, “Oh, Father, please! I have no interest in any of that, and I know you don’t either. It’s simple. You take the bedroom, and I’ll crash on the sofa. We’ll be nowhere near each other. Then, in the morning, we’ll be refreshed, and you can drive us out of here.”
“Well, I guess that could work,” he pondered. “But I’ll take the sofa, and you can have the bed.”
“You will not!” she protested. “I’ve put you through enough today and you will take the comfortable bed. After the day I’ve had it doesn’t matter where I sleep. I’m going to be out as soon as my head hits the pillow.”
He could see it was no use arguing with her. She was a very determined young lady. “Well, okay then,” he stated. “I noticed the refrigerator is well stocked. So, I insist on frying us some hamburgers for dinner. That’s one skill I know I’m good at.”
She laughed and followed him into the cabin. Behind his back, she beamed with satisfaction. At this moment she had him exactly where she wanted him at this time. He was confident and clueless. She had led him to the forbidden path, and he willingly joined her on it.
It wasn’t long until they were dining at the table on some of the best hamburgers. “Father, this burger is fabulous,” she declared. “It’s heavenly.”
He laughed and said, “Thank you.”
They dined in silence. Vanessa knew it was time to lay the foundation for a future conversation that would pave the way to attaining her goal. “Father, may I ask you a personal question?”
“Of course. My life is an open book,” he responded.
She put her hands together as if she was about to pray, brought them to her lips, looked up at him and offered, “It’s my understanding that priest, such as you, lead a celibate life. Is that true?”
“Yes, that’s true,” he answered. “To enter the priesthood, we take a vow of celibacy.”
“Why? I mean, doesn’t this go contrary to what God intended for men and women?” she pondered.
“Well, you are correct that God created man and woman and commanded them to be fruitful and fill the earth. Of course, that meant they needed to have sex with each other,” he replied in his preachy voice. It was evident he had answered this question many times. “That is fine and proper for most everyone. But, when our Lord Jesus came to earth, he chose a celibate life. His whole purpose was to be mankind’s Savior and serve the Father. He concentrated on that and kept all distractions to a minimum including never marrying nor being with a woman. We priests choose to follow his example, live a life as close as possible to his. So, we make a vow of celibacy.”
“Isn’t that hard to do? I mean, everything and everywhere in this world promotes sex,” she offered. “I know I see it everywhere.”
He smiled and replied, “Yes, sometimes the temptation can be intense. The Devil would love for us to give in to the ways of the flesh and displease our Savior. But, with prayer, training, and the power of the Holy Ghost, we succeed. The power of the Lord makes all things possible.”
“Oh, Father, I love that phrase,” she enthused. “You said ‘the power of the Lord makes all things possible.’ That is definitely something to live by.” She didn’t know about taking power from the Holy Ghost, but she was gaining confidence in her ability to take it from Father Rob.
“It has worked for me all these years. Praise God,” he declared.
“Yes, Praise God,” she offered. “Does this mean you’ve been celibate all your life?”
“For me, yes it does,” he replied. “I heard God’s calling in my early teens. So, I started early and avoided the ways of the flesh. Not everyone does that. Some are called later in life after living what the world would call ‘a normal life.’ But once a commitment is made to our Lord, it’s a celibate life from then on.”
“That is so interesting,” she declared with the biggest smile. Now, she knew. He was a virgin. She recognized he was more clueless than she first thought. Knowledge is power, and the power scale had definitely tipped in her direction.
To help move things along, she closed her eyes, covered her mouth, and yawned as big as she could. “Oh, I’m sorry. I must be more tired than I realized,” she stated.
He laughed and said, “That’s fine. It’s been a long day and it’s getting late. I’ll clean all this up if you want to take a shower.”
“Oh, no,” she protested. “I’m so tired I’ll probably wait until the morning to shower. You go ahead and I’ll wash the dishes and put everything away. Then, I’m hitting the sofa. I’ll be asleep before you finish.”
He nodded his head and said, “Okay, then I bid you a goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
She watched him as he walked down the hallway and entered the bathroom. Once he was out of sight, she found her purse and opened a bottle of mouthwash. After swishing, she spit into the sink and dried her mouth on the hand towel. By this time, she could hear the water running from the shower. She kicked off her shoes and tiptoed down the hall as quietly as she could. As carefully as possible, she pushed the bathroom door open without making a sound. She stepped inside and paused to watch the Father’s silhouette on the shower curtain. It made her smile. Without further hesitation, she pulled down the straps of her dress and wiggled out of it. In one continuous move she released her bra and slid her panties off. They fell to the floor on top of her dress.
Father Rob was busy washing his face when he heard the curtain push forward. He turned around and behind him was Vanessa smiling at him. She was naked, and as much as he wanted to look at her, he quickly spun back around so his back would be toward her. “Vanessa! This is not proper at all. Leave this instant!” he almost shouted at her.
“Oh, Father, relax. I told you I’m not interested in doing anything with you, and I know you’re not going to take an advantage of me,” she said as earnestly as she could.
“Then what are you doing in here?”
“I was going to wait and take a shower in the morning, but then I remembered the brochure for this cabin cautioned about using too much water. I guess with the drought they have to be careful,” she explained. “I figured we both could wash off together and save water.”
“I don’t know,” he protested.
As innocent as she could, she offered, “You know the old saying: ‘Cleanliness is next to godliness.’”
At this point, with most men, she would touch their back and start caressing them. It would be enough to cause them to melt in her hands. The Father was not most men. She knew if she touched him, it would destroy everything she had accomplished to that point. His defenses were still too strong. So, she stood behind him and patiently waited her turn.
Her actions worked. He calmed down and resumed washing himself. He tried to ignore the temptation standing behind him, but having her there with no clothes rattled him. This distracted his attention enough to keep him from closely examining her explanation and realizing she had lied about going to sleep on the sofa.
When he was almost finished, she offered, “I can wash your back for you if you trust me.”
He pondered her suggestion and decided no harm would come if he kept his back on her. So far, he thought her behavior had been careless but not intentional. Her projected innocence compelled him to believe her when she insisted her motives were pure. “Okay, but just my back,” he said.
Taking the washcloth, she soaped it and started lathering his back. She knew she needed to take her time as she was now touching what up to then had been the untouchable. As she continued, she eventually placed her left hand gently on his shoulder while her right was busy washing him. It was a bold move, and she was pleased he didn’t object. Every touch where flesh is on flesh, can be erotic under the right circumstances. A naked man and woman together in a shower was an ideal situation. These were big steps he had taken down the forbidden path.
“Okay, you can rinse, now,” she finally declared. He ducked under the shower head and finished as quickly as he could. She turned her back on him so he could step out without facing her. It appeared to be a discreet move, and was intended to reinforce the idea her actions, though ill advised, had no ulterior motive. She felt confident he had taken notice. After closing the curtain behind him, she waited until he had left before turning the water off. Drying off as fast as she could, she marched down the hall and into the bedroom. He sat on the edge of the bed in his underwear briefs. She was pleasantly surprised at how perfect her timing had been.
“I’m sorry, Father. I never meant to make you uncomfortable,” she declared with tears welling up in her eyes. “My brother keeps telling me I’m too naïve. He’s probably right. Sometimes, I just don’t think. I’m so sorry!”
He smiled at her and said, “You’re still naked.”
“Oh, man,” she declared as she rolled her eyes in disbelief at what she had done. She blubbered, “You see, I just don’t think. All I thought was how I needed to apologize to you. I’d be crushed if I did something that would cause you to hate me.”
“I don’t hate you, Vanessa,” he declared with a soft voice.
She grabbed her face with both hands and said, “Oh, thank God. I’m so sorry, and I’m going to go sleep on the sofa now.”
As she turned to leave, he asked, “Don’t you have a nightgown or something?”
She turned back toward him and replied, “No, I didn’t plan on spending the night here, so I didn’t bring anything. Besides, at home, I always sleep in the buff.” She knew her bold action had created a conflict in him. He needed her to leave and take temptation with her, but part of him now wanted her to stay. Unconsciously, this forced him to make small talk to keep her there; to keep a naked woman in view. Another step taken.
The information surprised him. “You do? I’ve heard of people doing that, but I’ve always at least had my briefs on.”
“Well, I used wear pajamas all the time until Dr. Fields told me about how much healthier it is to sleep with nothing on,” she revealed. “He said your body cools faster, you sleep deeper, it helps to reduce stress and anxiety, and for us women, it reduces the chance of getting yeast infections. It keeps our vaginas cooler where yeast need a warm moist place to grow. Oh, I’m sorry. That was way too much information.” Of course, she didn’t mention that the good doctor was telling her this as they were crawling in bed together. She quickly saw where his gaze went when she used the word ‘vagina.’ It was more than a glance.
He laughed again and said, “No problem. That is quite informative.”
“Well, all I’m saying is you ought to try it. You may not like it, but I think it’s fantastic,” she declared. She rolled her eyes and offered, “Here I go on blubbering again. I’m going to go get some sleep now. Goodnight, Father.”
“Goodnight, Vanessa.”
She sat on the sofa for a few minutes. It gave her a few moments to gather her thoughts and wait for the Father to get settled in bed. She was pleased with how events had progressed. A day ago, he would have never imagined he would’ve been naked with a woman in the shower. He never dreamed he would ever have a conversation in a bedroom with only his briefs on and a woman in the buff standing in front of him. Before, even the thought of such things would’ve had him fighting tooth and nail to flee the scene as fast as he could. Now, nudity wasn’t bad at all. It had become natural. His defense against it had been eliminated. She knew a part of him deep inside now enjoyed seeing her naked and would like to see it again. Most importantly, he trusted her. He believed her to be an innocent young lady with no hidden agenda. She was making considerable progress guiding him down the forbidden path.
Next, was touch. This was the home stretch as sex needed touching. She learned long ago that every touch, no matter how small, was another step toward the ultimate touching, flesh pressed against flesh in the heat of passion. In the Father’s bedroom, nighttime had eliminated sight. Sound and touch were left. Without sight, every brush of the hand or finger would be intensified to compensate for the absence of sight. Sound could be more soothing than usual, and a trusting voice easier to believe.
Vanessa tiptoed into the dark bedroom and watched the shadowy figure lying on his left side in the bed. On the floor she barely could make out his briefs. He had taken her advice. She smiled. He had trusted her to try something he never had before. Another step. With her knee, she bumped into the side of the bed.
It startled him and he flipped over to see what was happening. “I’m sorry, Father. I really am,” she declared.
“What’s wrong?”
“That sofa is really doing a job on my back,” she explained. “If I sleep there, then I’m not going to be able to walk tomorrow.”
“Okay, then you can have the bed, and I’ll take the sofa,” he offered.
“No, no,” she quickly objected. “It’ll ruin your back, too. Believe me, it’s awful. I hate to be so needy, but I think the only way we’re going to get any rest is in this bed.”
“Well, I’m not sure that’s a good solution,” he protested. “Vanessa, I can’t throw caution to the wind. We two in bed together would be totally inappropriate.”
“Yes, Father. I can only imagine how you feel about this, but, please believe me, sleep is all I want,” she lied. “This is a huge king size bed. I mean it’s humongous. There’s plenty of room for us both, probably even more people if needed. If you stay over on the left side, I promise you I’ll be here on the right. We won’t touch. We’ll be too far away from each other. There’ll be nothing going on. We’ll simply get a good night’s sleep.”
He didn’t say anything as he weighed the risk. The bed was big, and what she said was true, there was plenty of room to keep them separate. For him, it came down to whether he could trust her or not. He was confident in his own ability to control his body. After all, he had a lifetime of being able to do so. The big question was: Could he trust her. What she was saying was believable. There was no need to ruin either of their backs. Yes, she had done some boneheaded stunts, but no harm had come. He made a quick silent prayer to God for guidance. Finally, he said, “Okay, but I’m going to stay way over here.”
“Father, you’re the greatest. Thank you,” she gushed. Without hesitation, she jumped into the bed and turned on her right side with her back facing him. He watched her and then slid on his back. There was something about her. He admired how free and open she was. There seemed to be a godlike innocence that was rare to find. That thought caused a stirring in his groin. He was embarrassed about it and was thankful it was dark, and no one could see, especially Vanessa. Silently, he started praying for forgiveness and help in removing any temptations. His prayer was interrupted when she said, “Father.”
“Yes?”
“You stay on your side now.”
He laughed and so did she. Her voice was soothing, and he found comfort in her humor. He firmly believed he had judged her correctly as an innocent, good-natured, but somewhat scatter-brained young lady. He was pleased he could trust her.
She lay in the dark hardly believing how well events were progressing. There was a way to go, but they were half way down the forbidden path and still walking. Now was the time to bring sound to the forefront. It could be a needed distraction which would keep his defenses off balance. She needed to carry on a conversation to keep him engaged, thinking about her, and breed familiarity. He needed to hear the voice he had come to trust. The talking must be erotic. Not too much. Not dirty, but thoughtful and enticing. She wanted his focus on sexual matters so he would be willing to ignore any warning signs her actions might create.
“Father, are you asleep?”
“No.”
“May I ask you another personal question? I don’t mean to pry, but I’m just fascinated with your way of life,” she stated.
“Ask away. I have nothing to hide,” he replied.
“I know you’re celibate, and boy do I admire the willpower needed to stay that way. But, what about masturbation? Have you ever done that?” she asked as sweetly as she could.
He had to cough at the question as it caught him completely off guard. “Well, my goal is to avoid it, but I can’t say I always have,” he confessed.
She thought for a moment and then declared, “So you’ve kind of had sex with yourself.”
“I wouldn’t put it that extreme,” he objected. “It’s a powerful burden I have to carry.”
“Oh, don’t be too hard on yourself,” she offered. “My grandmother used to say if a man has at least one hand, he’s going to jerk off.”
He chuckled and said, “That’s funny. I guess your grandmother knew men.”
“Then, is it possible that Jesus masturbated? I mean, he did have two hands, didn’t he?” she inquired in her most innocent voice.
“Wow, you come up with some of the weirdest ideas,” he laughed. “I don’t know the answer. I hope I’ve been unable to entirely avoid it due to my weakness of the flesh. Our Lord was stronger and had no weakness. I strive to follow his lead.”
She was on a roll. Not only was he enjoying talking to her, but the conversation was pivoting around sex. He didn’t know, but he had taken a few more steps down the forbidden path. She didn’t let up, and continued, “And what about Adam, the first man? I mean, what about when he was alone, before Eve was created for him.”
“Well, I don’t know,” he answered. “The only thing I know is he had two hands.”
They both laughed and she declared, “Oh, Father, you can be funny, too.” When the laughter had subsided, she turned to another subject, “What about wet dreams? Dr. Fields told me one time that wet dreams was natural. It’s the body’s way of releasing sperm when the man’s asleep and his sack gets too full.”
“Well, yes, I understand that’s true,” he agreed.
“So, what about priest? You don’t have sex, so I would think a priest’s sack stays pretty full,” she surmised. “Have you ever had one?”
“Wow, well, I probably have,” he admitted. “I’ve seen a stain on my briefs in the morning when I wake up. I guess that’s what it was. It’s a normal bodily function. I can’t control whether I do it.”
“Oh, I believe you,” she asserted. “There’s no shame there, but Dr. Fields said when men do have them they’ll have erotic dreams that causes the release. That’s why it’s called ‘wet dreams.’ I guess it’s dreamy sex. Do you remember ever having one?”
“No, I have no memory of one,” he declared. “Now, spare us both and don’t ask me about Jesus.”
Again, that brought laughter. They were having a good time together. A few more steps had been taken down the forbidden path, and he was enjoying every step of the way. She wasn’t about to quit, “Okay, I won’t talk about Jesus. But, what about Adam? I mean, there again, before Eve was created, did he have wet dreams?”
“I suppose so, after all, he was human, and it’s a natural thing to do,” he replied.
“Okay, then here comes the big question,” she excitedly said. “Eve wasn’t there. No woman was. He had no idea what a woman would look like. So, when Adam had one he couldn’t be dreaming about a woman. So, who was in his exotic dream?”
“I have no clue,” he answered with another laugh.
“Could it have been a chimp?” she snorted between the laughter.
“I hope it wasn’t a lizard,” he added.
They laughed and laughed. She took the opportunity to gently swat him on the arm. Now it had come the time for touching. The Father didn’t realize the forbidden path was about to become slippery and downhill. She continued, “Thinking about Adam and Eve, I wonder what it was like when they first met?” He was enjoying the conversation and hadn’t noticed Vanessa’s butt was resting against his right hip. Then, it dawned on him. At first, it annoyed him as it was a violation of what they had agreed. Part of him didn’t mind at all.
He shook his head to clear his thoughts and said, “I’m sure it was a beautiful moment. Vanessa, you’re pressed up against me. Please remember to stay on your side.”
“Oh, I’m terribly sorry, Father,” she cried in mock horror as she moved over. She stayed close, but they were no longer touching. “You made me laugh so hard I slid over without realizing it.”
“That’s okay. No harm,” he offered.
She was relentless and observed, “You know, Adam and Eve were naked and alone together just like we are. That must have been something to behold. Of course, I’m sure they didn’t have this big old bed we’ve got.” He didn’t respond. She didn’t mind as it was the thought she wanted him to dwell on. Then, excitedly she proclaimed, “Oh, and they hadn’t had sex yet! Wow, can you imagine that? Well, I guess you can, but I’ve never really thought about it before.” Before he could say anything, she flipped to her left side and moved up against him. It appeared to be a natural reaction to her enthusiasm. She threw her right leg over his with her knee resting on his groin. “What do you think it was like when they did have sex for the first time?” she continued with excitement. “I mean, they had never done it before, so how did they know what to do? They must have figured it out. Wow, I’ve never thought of this before.”
He took a deep breath and said, “Vanessa please move your knee.”
She gasped and declared, “Oh, I’m so sorry. There I go again. But, I just trying to understand this, and you know far more about Adam and Eve than I do.” She moved her knee down a few inches but stayed snuggled up to him. Excitedly, she proclaimed, “I mean they surely had watched the animals mate. That must be how they learned what to do. I hadn’t thought about it, but it makes perfect sense.”
Her plan was for him to concentrate on her knee against his penis, be shocked, repulsed by it, and ignore the other things she was doing to him. With most men, she could grab their dick, and it would be what they wanted. Once she had it in her hand, she was in control. They were hers to do as she saw fit. Now, with virgins, she had to be more careful. She could grab theirs, and control them, but it didn’t take much movement, and they were going to unload right there in her hand. Once that happened, it was over, and her control was lost. With the Father, it was totally different. His defenses were so strong, a bold move like grabbing his dick would immediately end everything. All trust in her would be destroyed.
She knew with him it wasn’t the bold and aggressive moves that would produce the desired results. His defenses were set to recognize and defend off any aggression. It would take subtle touching, the continuous bombarding from different areas to where his brain would overload and fail to register the touching at all, but his body would know. This would cause a constant chipping away of his will to resist without him knowing it. Eventually, his willpower would evaporate, but his body would crave more. It would no longer be content with the light touch, but want, even demand, touching that would bring greater and greater pleasure. Such pressure and desire would build and concentrate in the genitals, where the only thing that could satisfy would be the ultimate touching, sexual coupling.
So, the knee to the groin was her diversion tactic. It was so obvious and bold that it was the only thing he saw and recognized. His confidence in her was shaken but was mostly restored when she was willing to move her knee and make an apology. The Father’s well-trained conscience had done its job and registered the threat of her knee, but it failed to react to her subtle touching. It didn’t register that her right leg was wrapped around his with her groin pressed against his right leg. She positioned it to where his skin would feel its warmth and moistness and his body would realize how inviting it was. His conscience didn’t see it, but his body sure did. The seed of craving had been planted. Another step taken.
The conscience failed to notice how her chest was resting against his right side with her right breast lying on his chest. His body took notice. He couldn’t help but glance at it. Now, not only was he enjoying being touched, but the desire to touch her was beginning. One more step.
The conscience failed to realize how animated her gestures were and how her right hand would touch his chest, come to rest on his breast, slide gently across the nipple, and even twirl his chest hair as they talked. His body noticed. It became slightly disappointing if she hesitated at all. Every touch, every wiggle, every move was chipping away at his defenses. They were still there, but they were being blasted from so many areas they couldn’t combat the assault. They were greatly weakened. This caused his body to refuse to listen to his conscience anymore. It was concentrating on his desires, clouding his judgment, and pushing him to accept anything she offered so long as it moved him closer to the destination at the end of the forbidden path.
She observed and knew very well what was happening to the Father. Her animated style of talking caused her body to move against his, and he did not object. “I mean, if you think about it,” she continued. “if they were watching the animals have sex, they saw some violent actions. Have you ever seen a video of lions mating? Wow, it looks like they’re going to tear each other apart.”
His mind had grown foggy, his powers of reasoning diminished. All he could muster was a weak smile and a soft reply, “No, I’ve never seen that.”
She refused to stop and asked, “Who do you think made the first move, Adam or Eve?” Her knee inched back up to where it was barely touching his penis. Another touch. Another step.
“My guess would be Adam,” he replied with little interest as his thoughts were drawn elsewhere. He made no mention of her knee. Will power was requiring him to reject her advances, but his body wouldn’t allow him. She was chipping away, and he was powerless to stop the onslaught.
“I don’t know,” she pondered. “That Eve had to be a go getter, and I bet she was out to get Adam.”
He managed a slight chuckle while she gave a hearty laugh. More movement. More touching. The destination on the forbidden path was now in plain view and he was rushing toward it.
She pushed up with her left arm and sat beside him. In the move, her knee gently brushed by his dick. A quick glance told her it had the effect she wanted. It was sticking straight up in the air. Laughing she said, “I bet Eve snuck up on Adam like a stalking lioness.” She gave a funny growl and raked her fingers across his chest. He tried to hide how good it felt, but she knew. With a wild-eyed look and a big grin, she almost yelled, “Then, she pounced!”
She bolted up, pushed his legs apart, and fell with a thud on top of him. He grunted from the impact, which diverted his attention, and he never noticed how she had expertly reached and moved his penis up to where it was lying flat against his stomach. Now, she was on top of him, belly against belly, with his dick lodged between them. She laughed and declared, “Look at us. I bet thousands of years ago Adam and Eve were in a position just like we are.”
His defensive mechanisms were greatly reduced, but they were still there. Weakly he said, “Vanessa, I shouldn’t do this.”
“Oh God, I’m sorry,” she said. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I got so wrapped up in talking about Adam and Eve, I forgot the boundaries. I get so animated at times.” Once again, touching and movement, this time her belly against his dick as she talked. His body was begging for relief. Their journey together on the forbidden path had come to the last step. All that lie ahead was the reward. It was drawing him to it with an unstoppable force. She was willing to help him over the threshold, but she needed him to tell her he wanted her help.
She moved down to inches from his face and softly offered, “What Adam and Eve had at that moment was one of the most beautiful things in human history. Father, what you and I have here is just as special. I think we both want this. Don’t you?”
He was helpless. Not all of his defenses had been destroyed, but what was left was basically useless. His body screamed at him to say “Yes,” but he couldn’t speak. A feeble voice spoke for his conscience and begged him to say “No.” His body forced his head to give a slight nod, and his conscience couldn’t stop it.
He hadn’t given a resounding “Yes,” and she became concerned any separation of their bodies might break the spell and bring enough clarity to him to restore his defense. That could be enough to destroy all she had worked so hard to accomplish. She refused to let that happen. They had come too far. So, she decided it was time for her to perform the special technique she had perfected months before. It required precise movement and timing and a full erection on the part of the man. She could feel that the Father was rock-hard. His reward was only seconds away.
She smiled as sweetly as she could. Victory was hers for the taking. She pushed up with both hands, moved upward a few inches, and then fell back down on him. The angle was perfect, the timing just right, and he slid into her without her needing to touch him and guide him in. It happened in one swift and smooth motion to prevent him from detecting the brief moment they were separated.
He gasped, and mutter, “Oh God!”
“Oh wow, you just slid right into me. How did you do that? Father, you’re awesome!” she gushed. At the same time, she pressed down with as much weight as she could to keep him pinned under her. He was going nowhere, and she had him believing he was the one who forced his way into her.
The euphoria to the Father was almost mind blowing. Nothing ever prepared him for the sensations he was feeling. His penis was buried in moistness, engulfed by softness and warmth. It was made to be there. He was confused, disappointed in himself, but his body didn’t care. It wanted more.
She gazed into his eyes and saw there was still a small amount of resistance. As gently as she could, she whispered, “This is only the beginning.” She flexed her vagina muscles. “Do you feel that? It’s just a sample of what’s to come. I’ll take you there if you let me.”
He couldn’t speak and could only stare at her. His body was begging and pleading with him to complete the journey. He wanted to. He needed to. If only his conscience, as faint as it was, would shut up.
She saw in his eyes the inner conflict he was having. To reach complete control over him, she needed to end his struggle. So, she started to slowly raise herself as if she was going to dismount but stopped short to where only the head of his penis was still in her. Then, she moved back down on him tightening her vagina muscles to enhance the feeling. He was in a daze as the movement massaged his penis and made him whimper.
She looked him in the eyes again and smiled. He still wasn’t quite there. She knew he was so close to abandoning everything but not quite yet. So, once again, she raised herself, slowly withdrawing from him, but stopping short of actually doing so. Then, closely watching his face, moved back down, once again tightening her muscles.
As she was lowering herself, this time she felt him push up toward her. This told her he had lost control of his body. It reacted to her movements and ignored everything else. His eyes told her his self-control was on the edge. She only needed to push it over the cliff. With another smile, she softly said, “There’s no better feeling than this. We’re one flesh now. Father, your vow has ended.” Only a few minutes earlier and those words would have caused him to panic. Now, it didn’t matter as his whole being was concentrated on only one area, only on one thing. She was the Great Conqueror. In that moment, she was his god.
She moved slightly so he could continue to feel what his body wanted. Suddenly, with a jerk, he tried to push her off. She knew he wasn’t trying to stop her, but passion was driving him to flip her so he could be on top and quickly gain the release he desperately needed. That was so typical of a virgin. Resisting him, she grabbed his shoulders and pushed him back down on the bed. Getting in his face, she sternly declared, “I’m on top!”
His eyes told her this had been the final assault. All his defenses had been destroyed. He was hers. It was an unconditional surrender. He lay there waiting for her to do whatever she pleased. It was as if he was a piece of clay waiting for her to mold him into anything she wanted. Once again, she gave a slight thrust. His eyes fluttered from the feeling. That was his reward. It was his treat for being a good boy. She knew it was driving him wild. Still watching him, she demanded, “Kiss me.” He didn’t move. Once more, with force, she ordered, “Kiss me!”
He leaned up to meet her and they kissed. When he started to pull away she bent down with him so they would continue kissing. She thought it was the kind of kiss one would expect from a virgin. At least he had tried. So, she gave another slight thrust as a reward. Then, she demanded, “Again.”
This time he was more eager and kissed her long and hard. It was a nice improvement, so she gave him another couple of thrusts. She had to be careful. He might not be able to hold out as long as an experienced lover could. There was no way she was going to allow him to finish before she got what she wanted. Being as still as she could, she ordered, “Now, kiss me with your mouth open.”
He hesitated, more from trying to decide how to do it than anything else. She moved down to him, kissed him and moved her tongue to the inside of his mouth. One more thrust while kissing. When finished, she pushed herself back up on her hands, and said, “Now, suck on my left breast and caress the other one with your hand.”
He raised up and obliged. The only thing she corrected was, “Suck harder and use your tongue.” After a couple of minutes, she pushed him back down to stop him. He hadn’t wanted to quit. Once again, she gazed into his eyes and smiled. It was time. Closing her eyes, she started rocking and thrusting, gentle and steady. She did glance at him to see his reaction. His eyes were closed as his body relished every thrust as she slid up and down on his shaft.
She continued slow and deliberate. With her eyes closed, she thought of the power she had gained over him. It had taken a great deal of planning and effort, but the feeling she was having now made it all worth it. He was so confident he would never give in to fleshly desires. And why not? He had been successful all those years. Then he met her. She took charge, seduced him to the point he couldn’t resist and took complete control over him. Such power was addictive. This was the feeling she craved and now she felt it surge through her body. It was pure ecstasy for her. She wished it could go on forever. It was almost an out-of-body experience as she felt she was floating among the clouds, powerful enough to make heaven and earth bend to her will. Moaning with delight, she started pounding harder and faster. She realized she would never have this feeling again with him. Her quest to reach this high would have to start over with the pursuit of someone else. Hopefully, they would be able to match what she was feeling with Father Rob.
She felt his body under her move as it prepared to reach its climax. The pleasure of power had encased her, and she no longer cared about what happened. Thrusting even harder it wasn’t long until she felt his explosion inside her and he cried out from the intense release. With a sigh she stopped her movements but didn’t unmount. She was still in control. With her eyes still closed, she slowly descended back down to reality. When she looked down at him, she smiled again. With dreamy eyes he smiled back at her. His forbidden journey was complete.
Afterwards, they cuddled for a while, making small talk, caressing each other, until she reached between his legs. There was no resistance this time, and it wasn’t long before she was on top of him again. She didn’t have to give him orders this time as he was eager to explore her body as much as she allowed. It was satisfying to her, as he was still under her control. He made no effort to try anything without her permission.
They both were exhausted and fell into a deep sleep. Sometime in the middle of the night, he woke her. He pressed his hard penis against her, and she knew what he wanted. She really didn’t want to go again, but he had brought her such pleasure, she figured she’d help him out. This time, he mounted her. She knew it was over. He had gained a measure of control back and would never surrender to her again. It made her a little sad, but she was thrilled with what she had accomplished.
The next morning, after dressing, she left the bathroom and walked toward the front door. He had dressed and was sitting on the sofa. Glancing at him she declared, “Well, goodbye, Father.”
This caught him by surprise, and he quickly asked, “We’re leaving now? Let me grab my things.”
He stood, but she turned toward him and offered, “That won’t be necessary. I can drive myself.”
It took him a second to register what she was saying. He was confused and blurted out, “I thought your car was broke.”
She simply shrugged at him. The blood started draining from his face as the implications of this soaked in. “Wait a minute, now. You told me it was sputtering, and you were afraid to drive it.”
Nodding her head she said, “Yes, I did.”
He couldn’t believe it. With a surge of clarity, he asked, “Was there ever a nurse and boys coming here?”
She shook her head no.
He slowly sank down on the sofa. In disbelief, he muttered, “You set me up. This was a trap, and I fell for it.”
“I guess that’s one way to look at it,” she softly said.
“How could you do this to me?” he bellowed.
“I don’t think I was alone in this. That would be masturbation,” she smirked.
Emotional distress took over and he cried, “Oh God! Oh God! What have I done?”
Crossing her arms and placing her right hand on her chin, she said, “I see your predicament.”
He started crying and blubbered, “I’ve lost it all. I don’t know where to go. I don’t know what to do!”
“Surely your church leaders will be sympathetic,” she quietly said. “You’re not the first, and I’m certain you won’t be the last.”
“But what about God? I promised him I would never be with a woman,” he wailed. “I broke my promise!”
“Okay, so I lied to you. You lied to Him. I don’t know what to tell you,” she said as she opened the door. Without looking at him, she offered, “Pray to Him. He’ll probably forgive your transgression.” Then glancing back at him, she smirked, “I would expect him to forgive one time. But, three times, Father?”
Leaving him behind, she drove down the dirt road and onto the highway. This had to be one of her biggest accomplishments and thrills. The high she had experienced was still fresh and she re-lived it over and over in her mind. About an hour later, for some reason, she thought of Bishop Quinn. Another man living a life of celibacy. This had possibilities.
Instead of driving home, she drove to the church and asked for an audience with the Bishop. She was immediately ushered into his office. She knew the only reason he was willing to see her that quick was because her name was “Brooks.” It had opened many doors for her.
They were alone in his office, so she deployed some flirting tactics to gauge his interest. It didn’t take much, and before she could react, he had grabbed her and was trying to kiss her. This wasn’t what she wanted. He was too eager.
She pushed back, smiled and said, “I need to use the toilet. How about you go get in your bed, and I’ll be there just as soon as I freshen up.” When he was out of sight, she was out the door and driving away. The Bishop knew too many moves to be a man who was living a celibate life. It would be sex for him and nothing for her. As far as she was concerned, the nuns could have him.
The next week was a normal week with Vanessa still basking in the glow she had created over the weekend. Friday came and she received a message asking her to come to Tom’s office. She realized it must be serious if he wanted to talk in private on company grounds. She wasn’t normally involved in anything business related.
Going into company headquarters, she greeted security and walked right by them. On the eighth floor, she entered Tom’s office, greeted his personal assistant, and strolled right through the doors into his office. Everyone knew not to stop her or even try.
“Hello, brother dear. Did you summon me?” she teased.
“No, I asked you to come,” he grinned back at her. She plopped down in a chair at the front of his desk and asked, “What’s going on?”
He took his seat and answered, “Well, I’ve got a big ask of you. You’re not going to like it.”
“Ask away.”
Heaving a deep sigh, he said, “I need you to cool it for a while.”
“What do you mean, ‘cool it’?”
“Oh, come on, don’t act stupid,” he said with some irritation. “We both know your life is going from fucking one guy to fucking another one.”
She pouted, “I don’t like that word.”
“Yeah, but you sure like doing it,” he smirked. “Look, Bishop Quinn called me, and he was upset.”
“I bet he was,” she offered. “The old goat tried to have sex with me, and I wouldn’t let him.”
“Really? I wondered what ever gave him the idea that you might,” he declared.
“Ah, a little flirting never hurts,” she professed.
He leaned back in his chair, shook his head and asked, “Ness, how do you do it? Aren’t you afraid of getting pregnant, or catching a STD?”
“Oh, I have my IUD, and I’ve got my own little way of screening guys to make sure they’re clean,” she asserted. “If I miss one, then I’ve got Dr. Fields to take care of it. I don’t have to tell you how good he’s at it.”
“That’s fair,” he declared. “The Bishop didn’t say anything about what happened between you two. He did tell me about Father Rob.”
“Oh, he did, huh. Tom, I want to tell you that was the best. My God was it good. I may never experience something like that again,” she gushed.
“Okay, spare me the details,” he declared. “I don’t even want to know how you pulled it off, but I must admit, I’m somewhat impressed.”
She smiled and offered, “It’s simple. Your big sister is good.”
“Yeah? Now I want you to be just as good at some restraint,” he demanded. “We’ve got to give the Bishop time to calm down.”
“Restraint? Are you kidding me?” she angrily replied. “How much restraint have you had, Tom? You want me to name names?”
“Look, I’m telling you how it’s going to be. I don’t expect you to like it, but you’re going to do it,” he commanded.
She glared at him and yelled, “Well, now, haven’t we become the high and mighty one. You’re getting all pious on me?”
“No.”
“Oh, I remember when I was fifteen being awakened in the middle of the night by my thirteen-year-old brother sneaking into my room,” she angrily declared. “I saw your eyes. You were horny and you wanted me to give you relief!”
He chuckled and offered, “Yeah, I did. You wouldn’t do it.”
That made her anger subside. She laughed and said, “I wasn’t going to go there. I yelled at you to get out.”
“That’s right. But, you did raise your top and flash your boobs at me,” he laughed.
“I wanted to give you a memory you could use when you got back to your room and started jerking off,” she grinned. “Did it work?”
He rolled his eyes and changed the subject. “Look, Bishop Quinn is a very important man in this part of the state. He’s very influential with people who are important to our company. We’ve got to keep him liking us or he could ruin us.”
“So, do you want me to fuck him?”
“I didn’t think you liked that word, oh, never mind. No, what I want is for you to lay low for a few months. Don’t stir up any more trouble. I’ll work on the Bishop and make sure he does no harm,” he explained. “Ness, your actions are gonna cost this company a lot of money. You can’t keep doing this.”
She felt anger rising again. “So, dear brother, how many abortions have you had this company pay for you? How much hush money?”
He glared back at her and declared, “Say what you want, but that’s the way it’s going to be. Dad’s put me in charge of the company’s finances, and he’s given me free rein to do as I see fit. If you don’t go along with me on this, then I’m going to cut off your access to any company funds, including your monthly allowance. You won’t last long if I do that.”
“You do and I’ll just go see dad,” she asserted.
“Do that. I can go see dad, too,” he shot back at her. “I can tell him what you’ve done and how much it’s costing the company. I can show him the numbers. The man knows his numbers. I bet he would go with the numbers no matter how much sweet talking you do.”
She didn’t like it, but she knew Tom was right. Their father loved them, but he loved the company more. “Okay, so what exactly do you want me to do? I can’t just sit around the house all day and do nothing,” she said.
“No, you can’t,” he agreed. “There’s a group of ladies at the church that meet twice a week.”
“Oh God, you’re going to make me go to therapy,” she cried.
“No, no, not at all, even though you could probably use it,” he explained. “As I understand it, they do sit around and talk, but they take up tasks to help the neighborhood, the homeless, and who knows what else. I’m not saying you have to like it but give it a shot. It’ll do you good. Before you know it, I’ll have the Bishop calmed down, and you can go back to being you. That’s all I’m asking.”
She stared at him and weighed her options. There weren’t any. “All right. I’ll do it.” Then under her breath, she muttered, “Like I’ve got a choice.”
“Good,” he said as he handed her a card. “Here’s how to contact Grace Rushing. She’s the group leader and she’s expecting to hear from you.”
“Wow, her name’s ‘Grace’ and she works at the church,” she laughed. “Man, you can’t make this stuff up.”
He smiled but immediately turned serious. With determination, he said, “The Bishop told me Father Rob confessed to what happened between you two. He worked to straighten up the mess on his end by reassigning the Father to a remote town in Alaska. He’s supposed to do penance there and get his life back in order.”
“I wish him well.”
Tom continued, “Ness, don’t let me down. I’ve worked too long and too hard to lose this company. Grandfather did, and dad has too. I love you, but I won’t allow anyone, or anything ruin what we’ve built here, not even you. Do as I’ve instructed you and don’t try to play with me. Do you understand me?”
She crossed her arms and nodded her head.
Over the weekend, she stayed around the house and didn’t venture out. She had decided to do as her brother had asked and was determined to behave. It gave her time to hang out with one of her favorite people, Brian. Since she had grown up, they didn’t spend as much time together, but she always enjoyed it when they did. Sunday afternoon she was sunning by the pool when he came out to see her.
He rushed over to her and exclaimed, “Ness, I’ve got some exciting news, well exciting for me.”
She sat up in her chair and said, “Well, then, it’s going to be exciting for me, too.”
“I haven’t told you, in fact, I haven’t told anyone. I didn’t want to jinx it, but I’ve been talking with a woman who lives in Bolton, my hometown. We went to university together before I dropped out and joined the army,” he explained. “Now, I’m not saying she’s the one, there again, I don’t want to jinx it, but Ness, this is really good.”
His excitement was contagious, and she jumped out of her chair to give him a big hug. “Gosh, Brian, that’s the best news I’ve heard all week. What’s her name? Show me a picture.”
He pulled out his cell from his pocket and pulled one up. “Ness, meet Miss Julietta Grogger.” Vanessa looked at the picture and gushed, “Wow, she’s gorgeous. She looks too good for an old man like you.”
They both laughed, then he continued, “I tell you, Ness, I’ve been walking in the clouds the last few days. She wants to see me. I told her I’d fly over there next month. I’m as nervous as a school kid.
She smiled and offered, “It’s sounds to me somebody is falling in lo-ove.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” he asserted. “I do know we like the same things, hate the same things, we both love Cricket, Football. It’s unreal. And guess what. She loves Cottage Pie.”
“Oh my God. Your favorite!”
“I know. It’s like we both came from the same die mold,” he exclaimed. “I’m getting hot just thinking about her.”
“Don’t make me throw you in the pool to cool you off,” she laughed. Then she grabbed him by the arms, looked him directly in the face, and said, “Brian, don’t you let this woman slip through your fingers. If it’s as good as it sounds, you do everything in your power to make it work. If you need any help, me, and the rest of the family will see you get it.”
They hugged again and then sat down by the pool to talk more. Later that night, as she lay in her bed, she reflected on the weekend. She was thrilled for Brian. He deserved every bit of happiness he could find. They had been friends for a long time, yes, they would get angry at each other from time to time, but she was convinced, nothing could destroy their friendship. It wouldn’t matter if they were in different parts of the world, they would still be friends. Suddenly, it dawned on her, this weekend hanging with Brian had been a normal weekend. None of the sexual pursuits, with plotting and planning, bed hopping that had occupied her time for the past few years. It actually felt nice. She hadn’t had one in a long time. Of course, it was nowhere near as exciting and thrilling, but it was nice. She enjoyed it.
Tuesday came, and it was the first day of her becoming a member of United Holy Gospel’s Ladies of Salvation club. They met most Tuesdays and Fridays. She wanted to wait until Friday to join, but Tom yelled at her. As she walked into the community building, the look on her face resembled a puppy who had been punished by being locked in his cage for peeing on the carpet.
She approached the woman in front of the room. “Hi, I’m Vanessa.”
The lady looked at her, and said, “Oh, I recognize you. I’m Grace. Welcome! Give me a hug.”
Before Vanessa could react, Grace had wrapped her arms around her and was squeezing. “We’re absolutely thrilled to have you as our newest member,” she enthused.
“Thank you.”
It wasn’t long until they were joined by ten other women. They were of all different shades, shapes, and attitudes. Everyone took a seat as Grace and Vanessa stood before them.
“Ladies, I want to introduce to you the newest member of our LOS club,” Grace beamed with excitement. “This is Vanessa!” They all applauded as Grace whispered, “We only use first names here.”
She continued, “Now, let me introduce everyone. Of course, I’m Grace. And to the left there we have Charlotte, Emma, Aisha, Gloria, Rosa, and Ava. Behind them are Jane, Margie, Harriet, and Lucy. Now, Vanessa, no one expects you to remember everyone’s name today.” The ladies laughed. “But, we’re going to have so much fun together, you’ll know us all before long. We’ll be like sisters!”
The rest of the meeting they discussed the upcoming cookie sale to happen on Friday. It was to raise money for a new playground on the church’s back lot. Of course, none of these ladies were going to bake cookies. They were either going to have their personal chefs make them or buy them for the sale. If Vanessa had her way, she’d just give the church the money for the playground if it would let her stay home and avoid all the rigmarole. But, she had committed to playing the game.
When all the plans had been laid out, Grace dismissed the meeting and insisted everyone go outside for stretching exercises. Vanessa had already been to the gym at her home that morning but trudged outside to join. She made small talk with Rosa and Margie. They were more to her liking as they appeared to be genuine and spoke their minds. Margie could curse enough to make a sailor blush but kept it low to where the other women wouldn’t hear. Vanessa was beside her when they were performing bending exercises. Someone in the group ripped off a big loud fart. Without missing a beat, Margie whispered out of the side of her mouth, “Shit! Grab a gas mask.” Vanessa turned her head and pursed her lips to keep from laughing, but Rosa fell apart. Grace looked at her, shook her head, and then quickly turned her attention back to the routine.
As things were winding down outside, Vanessa asked the two women how the cookie sell would take place.
Rosa explained, “Grace assigns us in teams of two. They’ll put up stands for us in the parking lot around the church.”
“Then, we stand there looking pretty and try to sweet talk a dick head into buying a box,” Margie interjected.
“You can’t get away from it cause Grace is watching every move,” Rosa added. “She wants it done her way, and you’d better listen.”
“And, oh girl, pray you’re not put with Gloria,” added Margie. “That bitch will drive you up a wall and strip you naked.”
“What’s wrong with her?” Vanessa asked.
Rosa answered, “All us women here are rich and arrogant, but she takes it to another level.”
Margie jumped in, “Talk about self-righteous, she’d have you believe she’s an angel walking among us sinners.”
Rosa declared, “If she tells me one more time of how after ‘fifteen years of marriage they have never cheated on each other,’ I think I’ll puke my guts out.”
“Oh, she’ll be quick to tell you they were chaste when they married, and they have never strayed,” Margie offered with a gagging sound.
“Wow, is her husband an ugly dog or something?” Vanessa wondered.
Rosa gushed, “Girl, Pete’s a fine chunk of meat, with his wavy blond hair and sexy deep voice.”
Margie agreed, “He is fine. I don’t know how he’s kept it in his pants all these years. I’d sure give him a tumble in the sheets.”
Rosa added, “I know, especially being married to her. What a prude!”
Margie laughed, “I bet she’s as stiff as a board in bed, a chunk of ice.”
“Sounds like the perfect couple,” Vanessa offered. The two women looked at her, and then they all burst out laughing.
When she got home she immediately hit the shower. Grace and what she was put through was so sickly sweet it almost made her ill. If it hadn’t been for Rosa and Margie she probably would’ve fallen into a diabetic coma. She scrubbed as hard as she could, as if that could remove all the sweetness. It did make her feel better. At least, she had two days before she had to go there again.
Friday came faster than she thought possible. The LOS club was meeting in the church’s parking lot. Climbing out of “Coop,” she saw Grace waving at her to join them. She was the last one to arrive. When she walked up to them, Grace said, “Okay, everyone’s here. Here are your team member assignments.” She started handing out pieces of paper with the names of who would be working together. “Gloria, will you be kind enough to take Vanessa under your wing, and show her how we do this?”
“I’d be delighted,” Gloria replied in a squeaky high voice. Vanessa just stared at them. If what Rosa and Margie told her had a grain of truth to it, then hell had found a new home in the parking lot of United Holy Gospel Church. She glanced at the two and they were grinning ear to ear at her.
They were stationed in the northeast corner of the lot under a small tent. Boxes of cookies were stacked high. “Are we supposed to sell all these?” Vanessa mused.
“Absolutely, even if it takes all day,” Gloria beamed. “Now, let me show you what we do. May I call you Van?”
“No, you may not.” No one called her Van, and especially a snoot like Gloria. Not only did she have an irritating way of talking, but she also tilted her head back which gave the appearance of talking down her nose at you. Combined with her better-than-you attitude and her stern way of talking projected a condescending attitude. It was the way her stepmother spoke to people. Vanessa hated it.
Her answer startled Gloria, and to recover, she looked Vanessa up and down to size her up. Finally, she sneered, “Vanessa Brooks, I’ve heard so much about you.”
“I hope nothing that can be used in court,” Vanessa smiled.
Her stern look didn’t crack as she stated, “Oh, I would think man’s court would be the least of your worries. There’s a higher power that will make sure certain people receive the damnation they deserve.”
Working hard to keep her anger in check, Vanessa offered, “I believe a higher power recognizes human frailty, and is willing to overlook sins.”
She raised an eyebrow and declared, “Oh, I’m sure He does. But, when one avoids sin one doesn’t have to worry about whether the Lord will forgive or not.”
“So, Gloria, you don’t have any flaws?” Vanessa asked as now their conversation was becoming so ridiculous it was amusing.
“Oh, child, I have many,” she replied in her sanctimonious voice. “I just don’t sin.” Clasping her hands in a prayerful manner she continued, “My husband and I stay pure in the glorious light of the Lord. Every fiber of our being is dedicated to pleasing Him. Sin, you have been conquered. Hallelujah!”
All Vanessa could do was stare in disbelief. Finally, she realized her mouth was wide open. So, she decided to change topics and make small talk. “So, who’s your husband? Does he work with oil?”
With indignation, she replied, “I’d rather not talk about my husband with someone like you. He’s of no concern to you.”
Now, Vanessa was annoyed again and blurted out, “Well, if you’re keeping him satisfied, what’s the worry?”
She balked at the question, and with a huff, answered, “Oh, he’s satisfied. We have a schedule we stick to that makes that true. Every Friday night we have ‘date night.’ We don’t miss unless I have my special monthly visitor at that time.”
“Wow, so you’re having sex basically three times a month,” Vanessa observed. “Is he okay with that?”
“Of course,” she bristled. “Why wouldn’t he? He knew this from the very start. We were virgins when we married, and I set this standard to keep our fleshly desires satisfied. It’s worked for fifteen years, and I see no reason it won’t until the day we die.”
“Well, Gloria, I’m happy for the two of you,” Vanessa said with a smile. “Now, my grandmother used to say: ‘If you want to keep your man at home, then keep his belly full and his sack empty.’” Of course, that didn’t keep her grandfather from sleeping around, but he always came home.
“Eww, that’s gross,” she declared. “I could never do that. Peter is happy with our weekly ‘date night,’ and he’s been faithful to me for fifteen years. I’m sorry your grandmother wasn’t blessed as I am.”
Vanessa smiled and said, “So, his name is Peter.”
Her face turned colder, if that was possible, and between gritted teeth, declared, “We’d better get busy. Here’s what we do…”
They talked only when necessary for the rest of the day. It was a good day for selling cookies, as they were able to move every box. When Vanessa reached her car, Rosa and Margie were waiting for her.
“How did your day go?” Rosa asked in a singsong voice.
“You know very well how it went. Did you two set that up?” Vanessa laughed.
“No, that was all Grace,” Margie replied. “She’s sweet, but she’s got a devious side.”
“Yeah, and she didn’t want to hear all the griping if she tried to put Gloria with anyone else,” added Rosa.
“Oh, it was fine,” offered Venessa. “You two gave me a heads up, so I knew what to expect. But, I’ve got to tell you: If what she says is true about how their sex is scheduled out to three times a month, then Peter has to be the world record holder for the times a man’s jerked off.” The three women laughed so hard that Rosa snorted snot out her nose. That just led to more laughter.
Tuesday’s LOS meeting was the normal ho-hum of more gossip than work. Gloria didn’t speak or even acknowledge Vanessa. She was fine with that as Friday had given her more than enough of her.
Later that night, Vanessa woke with a start in the middle of the night. She was sweating and sat up to cool down. As her mind cleared, she realized she had been dreaming. There had been a man with no face, taking her hand, walking toward a bed. He was begging, “Please.” They kept walking and walking but could never reach the bed.
She fell back on her pillow and tried to understand the dream. Suddenly, she thought of Peter. It caused a stirring in her even though she’d never met the man. Here was a man who had ever enjoyed only one woman and then been severely restricted in how much sex he was allowed to have. Maybe he wasn’t sexually starved, but he was definitely malnourished. What she could do with a man like that. He was primed for her to take control and lead them both to that glorious reward at the end of a forbidden journey. The possibility of such power caused a stirring in her. It was risky as she had promised Tom to lie low, but he was her brother. He’d forgive her.
The next morning, she called Grace.
“Hi, Grace. It’s Vanessa,” she said. “Look, can you tell me how to get in touch with Gloria? I need to ask her about something.”
Grace was surprised and pleased that someone in the group wanted to contact Gloria, so she suspected nothing. “Oh, the best way is to go to Start’s Nursery over on highway 255. She and her husband own the nursery.”
Vanessa knew the area as it was about forty-five minutes away. She was pleased with this, as it gave her the opportunity to observe Peter in a public space, and calculate if they had a future together. She went to her closet to see what outfit she needed to wear. It had to be modest to avoid arousing suspicion but daring enough to be arousing. She chose her apricot top and shorts. The top was sleeveless, but well covered, with a small V-neck. It ended at her waist. The shorts were loose fitting, but not baggy, and ended half way to her knees. With her lace pushup bra on, she knew she’d get plenty of looks. She hoped it enticed the one look she wanted.
Within the hour, her “Coop” was parking at Start’s Nursery. It was larger than she had imagined. She marched inside and started browsing the house plant section. She had no interest in plants, but it gave her the opportunity to scan the shop for what she did want. It wasn’t long until a young man approached her and asked if she needed help.
She gave him the sweetest smile and replied, “Oh no thank you, I’m just looking around. But, hey, this is a bigger nursery that I thought it was. What company owns it?”
“Oh, no, Mr. and Mrs. Start owns this store,” he answered.
“Well, it’s so organized and so well stocked,” she gushed.
“That’s because Mr. Start is working in here all the time,” he offered. “We don’t see Mrs. Start as much. That’s him over there at the Hibiscus.”
“I see him,” she said. “Well, I’m just going to keep browsing. Thank you.”
“If you need help, just ask.”
She took her time making her way to him, pretending to check a plant or two on her way. It gave the illusion of a random meeting. Also, it gave her a chance to take a long look at him. Rosa and Margie were correct, he was a handsome man. It didn’t thrill her as much as it did them. Looks had never been the strong attraction for her. She was excited by the man who was so confident in his willpower he couldn’t imagine what she could do to him.
When she reached him, she stood with her back to him. As innocent as possible, she bent over to look at a plant. She was close enough to where she didn’t have to stretch much to cause her butt to hit his leg. With a yelp she jumped erect and spun around to face him.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I wasn’t watching what I was doing,” she declared as she touched his arm in the appearance of steadying herself.
“It’s fine,” he smiled. “Is there anything I can help you with?” She thought if only he knew. Rosa and Margie had been right again, he did have a smooth deep voice.
“I was just looking at this plant. It’s beautiful. But, I don’t know a thing about them,” she declared in her trademark animated style. Of course, there was a well-placed touch here and there, innocent until they weren’t. “I’m trying to get something for my home, but I don’t know where to start. It’s so complicated.”
He laughed and she smiled. “That’s a Snake Plant. It’s very good for beginners.”
“Snakes aren’t attracted to it, are they?” she asked in mock horror.
“No,” he smiled. “It’s just a name.”
“Oh, thank God,” she exclaimed with relief. Another touch on his arm.
He continued, “Now, I think a Peace lily is a beautiful plant. It’s easy to maintain. There’s some right here.”
“Oh, it is beautiful,” she exclaimed. “Do you have one I can purchase?”
“Of course, that’s what we do here. You can buy that one,” he offered.
“Thank you, thank you. Please tell me your name. I want to tell the manager how helpful you’ve been with a newbie like me,” she said.
“That’s not necessary. I’m the owner,” he revealed.
Her mouth dropped opened and then she declared, “Who would’ve known. No wonder you’re good at this job.”
“Thank you. We strive to give good service here,” he said.
“I’m sure you do. My name’s Vanessa,” she stated as she held out her hand.
Taking her hand, he said, “I’m Pete.” Another touch accomplished.
“Thank you so much, Pete. So, that would be Pete Start. Right?” she asked as if it had just dawned on her.
“It is.”
“Pete, this is such a big nursery. Evidently, you’ve been very successful. I bet Mrs. Start is so proud of what you’ve done,” she stated as she looked around the building. She knew to keep talking, keep the conversation going. It was important for him to get used to her voice, like it, learn to trust it.
“Yes, I think she is,” he offered. “We’ve been married for fifteen years, and we’ve built this life together.”
“That’s amazing! Fifteen years. Why most couples around her are lucky if they make five. I don’t know how you do it,” she said with amazement.
“It takes work and trust,” he declared.
“Yes, trust. I’m afraid that’s a rare commodity in this day and time,” she said. “I’m still single, but I hope to marry one day. Is there a trick you can share that I can steal to use when that day comes? I want a marriage that will last.”
“Oh, I believe the important part is we have always been faithful to each other,” he stated.
“That is admirable,” she marveled. “Fifteen years in a monogamous relationship. That is awesome! But, be honest, Pete, we all get tempted sometimes.”
“Yes, that’s true. But you avoid situations that would lead you to temptation,” he asserted.
“How so?”
“The main way is I’m never alone with a member of the opposite sex other than my wife,” he explained. “That way I don’t face temptation.”
“Wow, I can see how that would work. You don’t know how much I admire you and your wife,” she declared. It seemed to her it was a well-rehearsed speech. She wondered if he was trying to convince her or himself. Her continual chatter had paid dividends. He may avoid being alone with another woman, but her voice, tone, and mannerisms made him drop his guard enough to reveal details he never would if asked directly. Once again, knowledge was giving her power.
She noticed he would glance at her breast off and on. Evidently, he was a “boobs man.” It made her wonder if Gloria even allowed him to see hers much less fondle them. She wanted him to get a good look at what awaited him if he was willing. So, she gave a slight grunt, pushed her shoulders and arms back which thrust her bosom forward a short two feet from him. There was no doubt it had an effect on him, as she was convinced he quickly examined every inch of her protruding breast. He had to like what he saw. It doesn’t take much with a “boobs man.” With the type of bra she wore, he might have even caught a glimpse of a nipple pushing forward under her shirt. A little extra was always a nice touch. “Oh, my back!” she exclaimed. “I’ve been on my feet too much today, and it’s acting up. I’m going to have to go home and take my medicine. Can someone carry this plant for me, please?”
“Of course.”
He carried it to the checkout for her, and then the young helper carried it to her car and placed it in the trunk. She sat in her car for a few minutes to gather her thoughts. Now, she knew what she was up against and could develop a path for him to take to reach the goal she would set for him. She saw the hurdles they would have to jump to stay on the path. With this knowledge, she could plot her course of actions to maneuver over the obstacles and make him desire what she offered him. Another man unwittingly led to a path that was forbidden to him. The journey was about to begin.
On her way home, she swung her car into a Wal-Mart parking lot. She cruised up to a man and woman coming out of the store. Stopping, she pressed the release to her trunk.
“Excuse me,” she shouted. “Do you like Peace lilies? I bought one but decided I don’t want it. It’s yours for free if you want.” They took it.
The next day, Thursday, she was on her way back to Start’s Nursery. This time, she dressed to show more flesh, but not too much. She put on a solid white top with thinner straps. It had a lower cut than the day before but covered everything. He wouldn’t be able to see anything, but it sure would make him want to. Her white shorts were loose, but not baggy. They were a little shorter than the others, and they had a white string belt that she tied in a way where some of the string bounced below her navel. They acted almost like an arrow pointing toward what could be his if he gave her what she wanted. It would be hard to ignore their bouncing when she moved.
She pranced right into the nursery, scanned the area, found Pete, and marched over to him. He saw her coming and turned to greet her.
“Good morning, Vanessa.” He remembered her name.
“Hello, Pete. I’m sorry to bother you, but I totally forgot that I needed to know how to take care of my Peace Lily. Is there a special soil, or food I need? How much water do I give it?” she blabbered on. She could tell he was amused.
“No problem. I’ve got a brochure here that will tell you all you need,” he offered as he reached for it.
“Thank you. You’re the best!” she gushed at him. He almost blushed. Her actions had become normal to him. They appeared to be innocent and posed no threat to his fidelity. He was trusting her. Now, it was time to see if he was willing to step onto the forbidden path.
She took the brochure, turned away but quickly turned back and stumbled onto him. Her arms flew over his shoulders and her breast pressed against him as he caught her to keep her from falling. She wiggled against him before she found her footing. “Oh my God! I’m so sorry Pete. I am so clumsy sometimes. I don’t mean to be. I think it’s my weak back. Please forgive me,” she cried.
“It’s okay, Vanessa. Accidents happen. No foul, no harm,” he said as soothingly as he could. His mind believed her and reacted in a gentlemanly way. But, his body had felt something it had yearned for almost all his life. Yes, he was used to a woman’s body, Gloria’s, but she limited his access and regulated what he could do with it. Vanessa was such a free spirit, full of life, and though somewhat unorthodox, not afraid or embarrassed to be herself. She was a breath of fresh air that attracted him.
“I hope I didn’t hurt you,” she declared as her eyes welled with tears. “That’s the last thing I’d ever want to do to you.”
“Oh no, I’m fine,” he insisted.
“I’m so relieved.”
They shared a little more-small talk and then she headed out of the store. She did manage one more gentle touch on his arm. They had happened so often they had become natural to him. He hardly noticed them, but his body did. His defenses were already being chipped away.
Now, she knew for a certainty he liked what he saw, heard, and felt that she threw his way. When he held her up to prevent her from falling she was in his arms. With her arms thrown around his neck, her breasts rested firmly against his chest. His eyes told her it thrilled him. It was a “boobs man” dream come true. In fact, the way he tried to catch her caused his right hand to grasp the side of her left breast. She knew how much it meant to him as he dropped his left hand before he let her breast go. Afterwards, as they were talking, she noticed him glancing at her short’s tie string as it dangled near her groin. Once, she grabbed the bow with her right hand. Her little finger was extended straight out pointing his attention to what was below. She was pleased with the results, because although he was still strong in fighting off any direct attack, her gentle assault was winning the small battles. It was no doubt; he had stepped onto his forbidden path. She would be his tour guide. Since he was an experienced lover, they could skip down the path instead of going step-by-step. Today, not only had he stepped onto the path, but they had moved a considerable way down it.
She was lost in those thoughts as she walked out of the store. Her concentration was interrupted when she heard, “Vanessa?”
It was Gloria walking into the nursery. “Hello Gloria.”
In her snooty manner, she asked, “What are you doing here?”
“Oh, I bought a Peace lily here yesterday and needed some more information,” Vanessa explained. “I tell you, that Pete that works here sure knows his stuff. He’s the most helpful person.”
“You’ve talked to Peter,” Gloria said with as much disdain as she could muster.
“Yes, he’s the one…wait a minute…Pete is your Peter,” gasped Vanessa. “I didn’t know.”
Gloria suspected she was being lied to, and sternly demanded, “I don’t want a woman like you around him.”
Vanessa knew she had put the wheels in motion, and if she knocked the shit out of Gloria, it would ruin it all. So, with restraint, she asked, “A woman like me? Why Gloria, are you threaten by little old me?”
“No, not at all,” she replied. “Someone like you can’t hold a candle to a God-fearing Christian woman like me. Besides, I trust Peter. He would never betray me.”
“Then, I don’t see a problem. Do you?” Vanessa asked with a smile.
“No, I don’t. There won’t be one unless you come back on this property again,” she threatened. “I’ll have you arrested for trespassing.”
Vanessa nodded at her, turned and walked to her car. She took deep breaths to calm down as she drove away. Single men, like Father Rob, were always easier. They didn’t have a wife she had to maneuver around. Of course, most single men were anxious to jump in bed with her. That wasn’t what she needed, so she dealt with the obstacle married men had.
As she drove away, she notice a house that appeared to be connected to the nursery. No doubt, Pete and Gloria lived there. This presented an opportunity to quickly move things along. It was a good time to strike, as Pete was enjoying her. She smiled thinking he may even have a wet dream tonight about her.
She deviated from her trip home and drove to the church. It wasn’t long before she had found Grace and sat down to talk to her.
“Grace, I have the biggest favor to ask,” she said in a pleading voice. “I hate I have to ask.”
“Oh, what is it? You know I’ll help you if I can,” Grace offered.
“It’s about tomorrow’s LOS meeting. Is there any way we can cancel it? I know I said I’d lead the group in our activities, but my dad has asked me to help him with a project that’s got to be completed by the weekend. You know my father, don’t you?”
“Oh, yes. Everybody knows him. He’s one of the finest men you could ever know,” Grace enthused. Her reaction made Vanessa wonder if her old man had banged her. If he hadn’t, then it was a missed opportunity.
“Well, he never asks me to help with the business,” she continued. “So, that tells you how important it is to him.”
“This is last minute, and we’ve already purchased the food for tomorrow. It’s quite a bit, and it won’t last until Tuesday,” surmised Grace.
“Look, if you help me out with this, I’ll reimburse you for the food and any other cost,” offered Vanessa. “I’ll add another hundred on top of it to make amends. Helping dad is that important to me.”
“Well, there’s nothing like helping family,” Grace asserted. “Okay, we’ll cancel tomorrow.”
“Oh, thank you, thank you,” Vanessa said as she grabbed her and gave her a hug. “You’re the best! Look, I’ll get my assistant, Brian, to send the email out to the ladies about the cancellation. That way everybody will know not to come.”
“That’s so nice of you,” Grace declared with a sniff. “Vanessa, you’re such a blessing.”
Vanessa smiled her sweetest smile, and said, “Well, I’ve got to get going. Dad is waiting for me. Thank you, Grace. Thank you so much.”
On her way home, she called Brian and asked him to send the cancellation email out. She instructed him to send individual emails and not one group message. Then she gave him ten women names to send it to. One name was missing.
The next morning, Vanessa woke early and dressed for the day. She chose a white top with small straps. It was low cut with a small amount of cleavage in view, and it was cutoff in the midsection to expose an inch or two. She slipped into a pair of black sports shorts. They were tight, but not skin tight, allowed plenty of legs to show, and covered her navel. Since Pete was a “boobs man,” she decided to leave her bra home. It was Friday, his and Gloria’s date night. That meant he hadn’t had sex in a week. Even that worked to her advantage. His defenses were going to be attacked with everything she had.
She drove to Start Nursery and parked up the street, out of sight. Watching the house, she saw Gloria in her Buick back out of the house’s driveway and head toward the highway. It would take her a good forty-five minutes to drive to the church. Vanessa hoped she wasn’t late for the meeting. Now, for Pete. It would be another two hours before the nursery opened, so she knew he was home alone. She knew it was time.
Parking her car in the house’s driveway, she got out, walked to the front door, and rang the bell. It wasn’t long until it opened and there he was, in his house coat. She could see his pajama legs and knew he hadn’t got dress for work yet. He was bewildered, “Uh, hello, Vanessa.”
“Oh, Pete, I’m sorry to be such a bother, but I desperately need to see Gloria,” she lied. “We were to work on a project together for the meeting, but I can’t go. I’ve got all this paperwork she needs, and I’ve got to get it to her.”
“I’m afraid you’ve missed her,” he said. “She’s already on the way to the church.”
“Darn! What a bonehead I am,” she almost cried. “If you don’t mind, I’ll get the papers out of my car and put them in her room for her. At least, she’ll have what’s needed for Tuesday’s meeting.”
“I’m sorry, but like I explained to you the other day, I don’t allow myself to be alone with a woman other than Gloria,” he said. She noticed it didn’t prevent him from scanning her outfit and gazing at the revealing outline of her braless breasts. “I just can’t do it.”
“Oh, I understand,” she said in a disappointing but sweet tone. “I just feel awful.”
He smiled at her and said, “It’s okay. Have a great day.”
“I’m trying.”
The last thing he saw while closing the door was Vanessa turning to walk back to her car. As soon as the door was shut, she twirled back around, and fell against the doorbell, holding it down. Pete opened the door to find her grasping to hold onto the wall and gasping for air.
“What’s wrong?” he asked as he put his arms around to help steady her.
“Seizure, I’m having a seizure,” she muttered as she rolled her eyes up.
“What do I do? I’ll call 911,” he almost shouted.
“No, I’ve got my pills in my pocket,” she muttered as she turned to wrap her arms around him. She leaned heavy on him, and mumbled, “If I can get to your kitchen and get some water.”
“Okay,” he agreed. “I’ll help you.” He placed her left arm over his neck, wrapped his right arm around her waist, and helped her move slowly to the sofa. She swayed as they walked, but they made it. He lowered her onto the sofa and on her back. “You just sit there, and I’ll get you some water.” She looked at him with weak eyes and nodded her head.
After he left the room, she sat up on the edge of the sofa. His defenses were being shattered, and he didn’t realize it. She was alone with him in his house, in the same room. Acting as a Good Samaritan, he had compromised his greatest defense, not being alone with a woman who wasn’t his wife. Not only that, but he had betrayed her, as he had promised long ago to avoid such a situation. Now, betrayal was no longer foreign to his conscience. In addition, as he helped her to the sofa, she made sure there was plenty of touching going on between them. His senses were being blasted by the contact as their bodies were rubbed against each other, touching in so many ways. She made sure of that. His right arm around her back caused his hand to rest directly under her right breast, her braless breast. One time in her flailing, her left hand gently brushed against his groin. When he was helping her down on the sofa, she held his left hand and made sure it briefly brushed between her legs. He would still resist her, but without recognizing what was happening, his body had received so many pleasure touches, it was stirred to crave more. They were skipping along at a steady pace down the forbidden path. The pace was about to increase.
He came back into the room with a glass of water. She took it from him, and taking a pill out of her pocket, she swallowed it. The sugar pill had no taste to it. “Thank you,” she weakly mumbled. “I’m sorry to put you through this.”
Expressing his concern, he declared, “I think you need to go to the hospital. I’ll call 911.”
Looking at him with weak eyes, she asked, “Can you drive me there. It’d be faster.”
“Sure, but I’ll need to put some clothes on,” he said.
“Thank you. I’ll just rest here.”
She watched him closely as he made his way down the hall and entered the bedroom. A smile spread across her lips as she knew their trip on the forbidden path had come to a downward slide. She waited just a minute, rose from the sofa, and walked to the bedroom. Peeking around the door, she saw him sitting on the edge of the bed. She could hardly believe it, but he was naked and holding the pants he was planning to wear. Once again, her timing was impeccable. Now, not only was he in a house with a woman other than his wife, but he was naked.
Not hesitating she marched right into the bedroom. It startled him, and he almost shouted, “Vanessa, I don’t have any clothes on!” He quickly laid the pants over his lap.
“I’m sorry, Pete, but I just wanted to tell you the pill worked, and I don’t need to go to the hospital,” she lied. “I didn’t mean to walk in here on you, but man, this is a beautiful bedroom. Look at the color scheme. Did you pick that out yourself?”
“You need to leave,” he ordered with his voice shaking.
She lowered her head, raised it back up and said with a firm voice, “Oh, Pete, if I wanted you, you wouldn’t be able to resist. You could try but you wouldn’t be able to.” She knew a firm voice from Gloria was what he was used to hearing. It’s the tone of voice he was used to obeying. Hers was firm, but pleasant.
Her statement threw him, as he’d never been faced with a woman with such conviction in such an atmosphere. All he could say was, “I’d like to think I’d try.”
She gave a slight smile and responded, “I know you believe that, but you couldn’t.”
He had no answer. He’d been trained over the last fifteen years not to argue. She thought, “That’s marriage life for you.”
Vanessa turned as if she was leaving but shut the door instead before turning back toward him. All his attention was now limited to only the events in the room. She was in the inner sanctum. This was a sacred place. Pete and Gloria had created it as a shrine to their fidelity. No one else was invited to enter. Now, it had been invaded.
The door was closed. They were alone. He was naked with an alluring woman dressed in a provocative manner only a few feet away. It was his worst nightmare. Being this was his first time in a situation he never imagined, he had no plan on how to escape. His body had recorded all the touches, the beautiful smile, the soothing and pleasant voice, the sight of a beautiful young woman flirting with him. It was having an astounding effect on him. They had come to the end of the forbidden path. Straight ahead was the reward.
With a blank expression, she pulled her top up over her head and let it fall to the floor. She stood for a moment to allow him to get a full view of her bare breasts. His breathing through his mouth told her he loved what he was seeing. She kicked off her shoes, and in one swift movement lowered her shorts and panties and placed them beside her top. Standing again, she paused, so he could see what she was offering him. His eyes told her he was frozen like a deer in the headlights.
Taking a few steps forward, she stopped right in front of him. He was directly below her, eye level with her breasts. What any “boobs man” would want. They kept him so focused he couldn’t think. He couldn’t react. His defense finally did force him to mumble, “This is not right.”
She bent down and took his head between her hands. Moving her face to inches away from his, she sweetly said, “It’s always been when a naked woman and a naked man find themselves in a situation like this, they take advantage of the opportunity.”
Removing her hands, and standing up, she said, “Here, let me show you something.” She grabbed his right hand and placed it between her legs. Still holding his hand, she gently moved it back and forth. “Can you feel how warm that is? Do you feel how moist? It’s so inviting.” With him concentrating on the prize awaiting him, she took advantage of the distraction and slid his pants off his lap and let them fall to the floor. She was pleased to see his penis was erect and sticking straight up.
Suddenly, he jerked his hand away, pushed himself up on the bed and backed up against the headboard. She could see the panic in his eyes. He was shaking. The great conflict had gripped him. He wanted her more than ever, but he was afraid. She gave a warm smile and declared, “I think you need a hug.” Hopping on the bed, she crawled up and snuggled against him. She wrapped her left arm around him and held him close. Her knee was resting on his groin and her breasts squeezed against him. She started stroking his hair, and whispered, “It’s okay. It’s okay.”
Her actions had a calming effect. She doubted he’d ever been cuddled this way before especially by a naked woman. He liked it. The touching of their bodies was having an effect, too. She could feel him responding to her. He was still resisting, but it was quickly fading. Finally, she let go of him, slid down on the bed beside him. “Slip down here beside me,” she softly demanded.
He hesitated at first, but his body was eager to do what she wanted. It knew she had what it urgently wanted and was eager to have her be the guide. It wouldn’t allow him to do anything else. So, he moved down to join her. They lay on their sides facing each other and wrapped themselves in each other’s arms. She made sure his dick was resting between her legs, nestled against what it desperately sought.
She smiled with satisfaction, and commanded, “Rub my breast.” She could see in his eyes he couldn’t believe a woman wanted him to do that. For a “boobs man” it was a dream come true. With enthusiasm he played with them, massaged, and nibbled. She finally stopped him and pressed harder against him. They had travelled a long distance together on his forbidden path and had done so in a remarkably fast time. The speed of her success was raising her excitement level quicker than ever before.
Her breasts had been ecstasy for him, but now guilt was raising its ugly head, even starting to override what he was feeling in his groin. He almost started crying, “I love my wife.”
She started stroking his hair again. “Oh honey, I know you do. This won’t change that a bit. This is not about love. This is sex.”
“Will she still love me?”
“I don’t know. I hope so.” He nodded his head slightly. She continued, “Just know I want you.” To refocus his attention, she gently squeezed her legs together for a second. His eyes fluttered, telling her it worked. He asked with a hint of astonishment, “You really want me?” It made her wonder if Gloria had ever told him how much she needed him. Probably not. With a smile, she whispered, “I do.”
Passion swelled in his eyes. She knew this was it. He was hers. All his defenses were demolished. Surrender had become his only option, and he accepted it. His life; his very being was under her control. She kissed him. He kissed her back and pushed his tongue between her lips. It caused her to squirm causing him to feel the brushing against his shaft. She knew they were there. It was time to step off the forbidden path and claim the reward.
She rolled to her back, pulling him with her. “Come on.” He knew what to do and followed her until he was mounted on top between her legs. They kissed again. She took his hand and guided it down between their legs to his penis. It was up to him from there. Taking his dick, he placed it against her, gently pushed in until he was fully inside her. She wrapped her legs around his, holding him tighter against her. This was added protection to keep him from having a sudden burst of conscience and trying to escape. She felt confident he was going nowhere. With a moan, he started rocking and thrusting. He started gently and slow. She understood this was from years of experience learning how not to rush but have sex last as long as possible. He kissed her. She kissed him.
He had been so confident all those years that he could withstand any temptations that came his way. Gloria was convinced, too. They had developed defenses to combat any temptations. It had served them well in maintaining their monogamous marriage for fifteen years. In three days, she had proven them wrong. The feeling of power was intoxicating. Not only was it control over him, but in a way, she had controlled Gloria. She smiled as the euphoria encased her. He was thrusting harder, faster, and deeper.
To save a shred of decency, he held back all he could with the intent of pulling out at the last moment. In a warped way, this would ease his conscience as his wife would still be the only one he had ever “gone all the way with.” But when that time came, Vanessa tightened her vagina muscles. The sensation was increased enough to push him to the point of no return. For the first time in his life, his seed rushed into a woman other than his wife. Closing her eyes, she felt his release and savored the culmination of her complete control over him. She moaned with gratification as the resulting “power rush” spread through her body.
His ejaculation forced a satisfied grunt out of him, and he collapsed onto her. He thrust a couple more times and then lay still. She was lost in her own world of passion, cherishing the power she accumulated and used. With reality settling back down on him, he pulled out of her, unmounted, and lay with his back to her. Still on her back, looking up at the ceiling, she thought she could hear him quietly sobbing. She asked, “Are you okay?” He blubbered, “What have I done? Oh, God, what have I done?”
With a sigh, she slid down off the bed and stood up. Without looking his way, she grabbed her clothes and dressed. Before leaving, she glanced at him. He was curled in a fetal position and crying like a baby.
Closing the front door behind her, she strolled over to her car, got inside and waited. In less than ten minutes, Gloria drove up. Vanessa jumped out of her car and met Gloria as she exited hers. Vanessa thought the shock look on Gloria’s face was priceless. It was almost as good as what she had just experienced with Pete.
“What? What are you doing here?” she asked in astonishment.
“How was the meeting?” Vanessa shot back at her. The blood drained from Gloria’s face. “What have you done? Grace said you were supposed to have sent me a message about it being cancelled.”
“Sorry about that. I must have forgot,” Vanessa smirked. She could see the wheels turning in Gloria’s head as she processed this suspicious information. “Where’s Peter?”
Vanessa smiled, and replied, “He’s in the house.”
Panic swelled in Gloria’s eyes. The unthinkable was staring at her in the face. “You didn’t force your way in there, did you?”
“Force? No,” she answered. Now, Gloria’s eyes burned with hate. Vanessa scoffed, “I know tonight is your date night, but you may want to give him a day or two to recover. His sack is pretty drained right now.” She patted her stomach to drive the point home.
Gloria lost it, and started shouting, “You whore! You Jezebel! God damn you to hell, you devil, you! Hell will burn you to the end of time…”
Vanessa yelled over her, “Shut up, Gloria! For once in your life, shut the fuck up!”
The two women stood toe to toe, glaring as much hatred as they could at each other. Vanessa finally offered, “This is your chance to do what Jesus told you to do, ‘turn the other cheek.’ Be a good little Christian and do that for me. Will you?” With that she spun around and climbed into her car.
She started her car but waited as she watched Gloria march into her house. It wasn’t long before she could hear screaming and yelling. She shrugged, put the car in gear, and drove away.
It was almost noon, and she was still in bed. Yesterday had brought so much excitement and pleasure she was now recovering from the high. She was staring at the ceiling when Brian barged through her door.
“What are you doing?” she yelled. It was easy to see he was upset.
“You’re a piece of cake,” he shouted back. “I’ve watched you ruin a lot of lives and kept my mouth shut, but this? How could you do this?”
“Maybe you ought to keep your mouth shut now,” she angrily replied.
“I mean, Randy, yeah, I can cut you some slack on that one, but Peter Start?” he bellowed. “Come on!”
“So, you’ve heard about that,” she said with a roll of her eyes.
“Everybody’s heard about it,” he continued yelling. “Gloria’s telling everyone at the church about it. Grace called me all upset. My God, Ness, Peter and Gloria are stalwarts of this community. They’re good Christian people. They’re good people.”
“Gloria, I should’ve known, she smirked. “She’s not a good person, she’s awful. I got tired of her rubbing in my face how ‘her Peter’ would never cheat on her. Fifteen years and he would never even be in a room alone with another woman. Really? It made me gag. She wouldn’t shut up about it with her ‘more righteous than thou’ attitude. So, I proved her wrong. She deserved it.”
Brian tried hard to control his frustration, and he did a little by lowering his voice, “Ness, she left him. I think their marriage is over. I hear he’s devastated. How could you?”
“Hey, it was the best sex he ever had,” she asserted.
“Do you have no shame?” he asked as his anger returned. “I thought I knew you. I thought I liked you.”
“Get the hell out of here!”
He glared at her but turned and left the room. She was so mad at him. Who did he think he was talking to her that way? Then, it dawned on her the news he had shared. Pete and Gloria had split. That meant he was alone, vulnerable, grieving, and needing comfort. She smiled at the opportunity this presented. Time was wasting. She jumped out of bed and quickly grabbed the same Sky-Blue Cami mini dress she had worn to meet Father Rob at the cabin. After sprucing up in the bathroom, she dressed and headed out.
When she walked out the front door onto the porch, there was Brian leaning against the wall. It was evident he was waiting for her. “Ness don’t do this,” he quietly said.
“Why not?” she smirked. “Every man in my family would do it. They see an opportunity and they take advantage of it. Why can’t I?”
“That doesn’t make it right. It doesn’t matter who it is, it’s not right,” he declared. “You know very well, that just because you can do something it doesn’t mean you should. Give Peter and Gloria time to find each other again. I think they can.”
“Why do you care so much?” she asked.
He threw his hands up and declared, “You know how special you are to me. I want to keep feeling that way about you, but this…I don’t know. I’m leaving for Bolton tonight, and I hoped, well, I just had hope.”
For the first time, she sensed her and Brian’s friendship would not last forever as she always believed it would. They had grown apart and no longer understood each other. She knew what she liked, the thrills she sought. If she had to sacrifice their friendship to continue what she was doing, then she would have to think long and hard about it. She would need something to replace the ecstasy she was anticipating with Pete this afternoon.
With a sly grin, she offered, “Well, if you feel that strong about it, why don’t you take me to your bedroom and keep me occupied so I won’t have time for Pete?”
The cold look from him shook her. It angered her. With as much spite as she could muster, she barked, “I guess not. Just go to England, then. Julietta can have you! Do us both a favor and never come back.” She turned and bounded down the steps to her car.
Leaving “Coop” behind in Pete’s driveway, she hurried to the front door and rang the bell. He opened the door and stared at her. “Oh, Pete, I just heard what happened, and I’m so sorry for you,” she exclaimed as she pushed past him into the house.
“Vanessa, I really want to be alone,” he asserted.
“I know, and that’s not really good for you at a time like this,” she declared. “Come over here and sit on the sofa and tell me about it.”
He obeyed and sat down beside her. This told her that she still exercised quite some control over him. Of course, she suspected Gloria had much to do with training him to be obedient.
“I thought for sure Gloria would be more understanding,” she said in a soothing voice. “Things happen, and if you truly love someone, you find a way to get beyond it.”
“She’s always been that way,” he sadly revealed. “It’s always been her up there and me down here.”
“Pete, that’s awful,” she sympathized. “I think a loving person would come in, see how distressed you were, and at least, give you a big hug. I know I would.”
“A hug? Gloria? Oh, that would never happen,” he smirked. “Everything would have to be planned. You’d have to put ‘a hug’ on the calendar, and if she agreed, you’d get one on the scheduled date and time.”
“Wow. Wait a second, is that why you two have a ‘date night’?” she asked.
“Yeah, every Friday night, if she wasn’t on her period,” he stated. “If I tried to make a move earlier in the week, then she’d get mad, and punish me by cancelling that Friday’s date.”
“I never realized,” she offered as she put an arm around him. He leaned into her for comfort. She knew he was still firmly under her control. Now, to see if his willpower posed a problem.
“Well, at least the sex was good. I mean it had to be for you two to last fifteen years,” she said as comforting as she could.
“I don’t know,” he reflected. “I thought it was, but I’ve never had anything to compare it to it until yesterday with you.”
“So, how did it compare?”
“Oh, no comparison,” he sighed. “I wish she would take some lessons from you.”
“But, Pete, that was just normal everyday sex,” she offered. “People have that all the time.”
“Not us, not Gloria,” he revealed. “Everything is mapped out, and you better not try to deviate.”
“You never mix it up?”
“Never. It’s got to be missionary position, and only that,” he explained. “I can touch her breasts up to two minutes, and not a second more. No sucking, no licking. No touching in the groins. One minute kissing. Then I have ninety seconds to get on top of her and finish off. Several times I went too long, and she pushed me off.”
“You thought that was normal?” Vanessa asked in disbelief. No wonder it had taken only three days to seduce him. Gloria had browbeat him for fifteen years. It wasn’t a true seduction as much as it was trading one master for another. Transferred power was still power. She’d take it.
“Yeah, I thought so,” he said.
Vanessa did feel sympathy toward him. They looked and acted like the perfect couple, and he was miserable. He didn’t know as he believed it to be normal. As much as she sympathized with him, this was her opportunity to continue her control and feel the ecstasy of power again.
She stood, look down at him and offered, “See the normal way for couples, is for both to equally enjoy. Stand up.”
He obeyed. “Move my left shoulder strap down.” He obeyed. “Now, the right.” He did. She slid her dress off and left it on the floor. Turning her back to him, she ordered, “Unhook my bra.” He did. It fell to the floor. When she turned around, his eyes filled with anticipation. She smiled and slid out of her panties. “See anything you like?” she teased. He nodded his head. “Your turn.”
He looked confused at first, but then quickly removed his clothes. They stood face-to-face but not touching each other. She commanded, “Now, lay on your back on the sofa.” Her control was complete, and he did exactly what she told him to.
She gazed down on him and saw he was getting erect. “Now, don’t move,” she ordered. She fell to her knees beside the sofa. Looking him in the eyes again, she grabbed his dick. It was a first for him, and it caught him by surprise. She bent her head down, stuck her tongue out, and started licking the head of his penis. He grunted at the sensation and grabbed hold of the side of the sofa when she started licking the opening at the end. When he thought he’d experience it all, she brought him into her mouth. She moved up and down with her tongue working on the head, and her hand stroking the shaft. He tightened his grip on the sofa. Never in his life had he imagined what it was like to have a woman do this to him. He was in sexual heaven and knew he couldn’t last much longer when she stopped.
She completely let go of him and asked, “How was that?” He replied, “Wow.” With a grin she stated, “I’ll get on top of you in a minute and finish you off. You’re going see what it’s like to have a cowgirl ride you like a bucking bronco.”
He nodded in anticipation.
She continued, “First, I want you to do something for me.”
No willpower. Complete control.
“Get off the sofa,” she demanded. He obeyed. She lay down on it and spread her legs. “I want you to do the same for me,” she ordered. He was confused. “I don’t know what to do.”
“I’ll talk you through it. It’s time you learned,” she quietly said. His eyes were wide open.
“Get on your knees.” He did and she turned to him and put her legs across his shoulders. “Stick your tongue gently into me.” He hesitated but did it. “Move it slowly up and down.” He did. “Oh, that’s it. Now side to side. Gentle now.” He did. “Move in a circular motion.” He did.
At that moment, the front door flung open, and Gloria stepped in. She yelled, “Peter, I’ve come back to you. What’s that woman’s car doing in…” She stopped in horror. There in front of her, Pete was on his knees with Vanessa’s legs over his shoulders, and his face buried between them.
Vanessa raised up and said, “Hi Gloria. You want to come join us?” When Pete realized what had happened, he push Vanessa away and grabbed his pants.
Gloria shrieked, turned, and rushed outside. With pants, no shirt, no shoes, Pete ran after her. Vanessa looked around, shrugged, put her clothes on and headed for her car. She could see Pete and Gloria up the driveway arguing, well it was mostly him begging and her yelling at him. Vanessa shook her head and got in the driver’s seat. She hadn’t accomplished all she had planned, but there were no regrets. Starting “Coop,” she put the gear in drive, and the bomb ignited. It wasn’t as much an explosion as it was a ball of fire engulfing the car.
Pete and Gloria heard the explosion, heard Vanessa scream, and turned to see the flames shooting skyward. He yelled, “Call 911” as he ran to the garage and grabbed a fire extinguisher. He was able to put the fire out fairly quickly. The door was too hot to open. He shouted, “Vanessa!” She was unconscious.
Brian pushed open the swinging doors to the waiting area at the Cathy Mellon’s Burn Center. Thomas, Jr., Amelia, and Tom were sitting there. He approached and told them he’d come as soon as he heard. Tom stood and motioned for them to step to the side.
“I wanted to talk to you, but not around dad,” he told Brian. “I’ve never seen him this way, even when grandfather died. I’m worried about what this will do to him.”
Brian could easily see the distress on his face, no doubt he’d been crying as his eyes were swollen. He asked, “How are you holding up?”
After a deep sigh, he answered, “I think I’m numb. This is terrible. She’s burnt so bad, with second degree burns over almost her entire body. The worst is third degree over thirty percent.”
“Oh, my God,” Brian said as his eyes welled up.
“Her hair is gone,” he blubbered. “The right side of her face is all swollen. They say it’s bad. Her doctor told me privately they don’t expect her to make it through the night.”
“Can they do anything?”
“They’re going to try. I think more for dad than any other reason,” he explained. “Look, you can go see her, but you need to do it now. They’re going to put her in a coma and try to work some magic.”
“Do you think I should?”
“Yes. We’ve all been back there. We’ve said our goodbyes,” he declared as he bit his lip while tears rolled down his cheeks. “She’s highly sedated, but I know she would want to see you.”
A nurse helped him put on a gown and mask and then walked him to Vanessa’s room. She was attached to all kinds of machines and tubes. Her face and head were red as if she had suffered a severe sunburn. He moved to her bedside and gently whispered, “Hi Ness.”
She looked at him with groggy eyes and mumbled, “Is that B-Brian? You look funny.”
With the swollen face, missing hair, and black spots, she didn’t look like the Ness he was used to, but he knew it was her, and his heart sank. She was in bad shape.
“Are you in pain?” he gingerly asked.
“I feel goo-ood,” she answered. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine.”
“They burned me, B-Brian,” she blurted out. “I don’t have any hair.”
“I know.”
“You come to have s-sex with me?”
She couldn’t see behind his mask, but he smiled. The same old Ness. “No, I didn’t,” he replied. “I came to see my friend in need.”
“I’m ugly now,” she slurred. “I’m gonna st-stay ugly.”
“Oh, Ness.”
“When I get b-better, will you have s-sex with ugly me?” she struggled to ask.
“Ness, it would be an honor to have sex with you,” he gently declared.
“P-Promise.”
“I promise.”
“Wow, I’m so slee-eepy,” she said barely holding her eyes open.
“Goodbye, Ness.”
“B-Bye B-Brian.”
In the hall, he jerked his mask off, fell to the floor against the wall, and cried his heart out.
As evening approached, he was in his room finishing his packing when there was a knock on his door. When he opened it, the man said, “Brian Rufner, I’m Lawrence Franks, a detective with the Sheriff’s department. I have a few questions. May I come in?”
Brian motioned for him to enter, and asked, “How may I help, detective?”
“It’s my understanding you know Vanessa Brooks quite well, maybe better than anyone,” he observed.
“Well, I’ve known her since she was almost twelve,” Brian offered. “I was her and Tom’s nanny until they got older. Then, I’ve been her personal assistant since. But, we’re more than that. She’s one of my closest friends.”
“Mr. Rufner, do you know anyone who want to harm Miss Brooks?” he asked as he peered at Brian to detect his reaction.
“Hmm, I’d say there’s probably many who have thought about it, and I’m sure there’s a lot who are pleased this happened to her, but I don’t know anyone who would actually try,” Brian declared.
“I see,” he mused. “Are you happy she’s hurt?”
Anger rushed to Brian’s face, and he sternly answered, “How dare you insinuate I would want this to happen!”
“Just doing my job,” the detective protested. “We’ve got to look at every angle to get to the truth. You see, some of the staff told me you and Miss Brooks had a heated argument this afternoon. They say it got pretty intense. Would you like to tell me about it?”
“No, I would not,” Brian bristled. “Look, we’ve had plenty of disagreements over the years. I’ve never laid a hand on her, and I’ve never wished her harm. I hope you find the person who did this and give me ten minutes alone with them.”
“Okay, thank you for your thoughts,” he said. “There is one more thing: You were in the Royal Army, correct?”
“Evidently, you already know the answer,” Brian smirked. “Yes, I was.”
The detective smiled, and then continued, “From what I read, you were assigned to the special forces, the Explosive Order to be exact. So, you have the skill to make and detonate a car bomb if needed.”
With a cold stare, Brian replied, “Yes, I know how to do that. So, you do think it was me.”
“Oh, we still have a few things to look at, like the material used, the timer, and such,” he offered. “Let me say you’re a person of interest. We’d be negligent to act otherwise.”
Brian continued staring and didn’t reply. The detective continued, “I see you’re pack and ready for your flight to England. I can accept the coincidence, but the timing does make me think. Besides, if you’re as good of friends with Miss Brooks as you say you are, why are you leaving town when she’s in such critical condition? Is that what friends do?”
Brian had had enough of his smug attitude and insinuations, and angrily yelled, “She’s dying! Goddamn you, she’s dying! Her brother said he doubts she’ll live through the night.” Tears started flowing as he continued, “I can’t stay here and watch her die. She’s in a coma that she’ll never wake up from, and I just can’t do it. If you can’t understand that, then you can go to hell.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you,” the detective apologized. “There again, I’m simply crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s.”
Calming down some, Brian inquired, “So, may I go to the airport, or are you going to stop me from leaving the country?”
“You can leave,” he answered. “We know how to reach you if needed. Have a good flight, Mr. Rufner.” He turned to leave when Brian reflected for a moment, and then asked, “Detective, do you believe in monsters? I don’t mean the ones in movies, but ones that can live amongst us, wears provocative clothing, can charm any man she chooses, and ruin lives without thinking twice about it.”
The detective turn back to face him and replied, “I know they’re among us. I’ve seen plenty.”
Brian nodded his head, and then continued, “It’s not wrong in the movies when a monster is destroyed. In fact, everyone is thankful. So, why can’t it be that way in real life?”
Raising an eyebrow, the detective answered, “In real life monsters are destroyed. The law and society sees to that. But, if one human violates the law and takes it upon themselves to harm or kill a human monster, then society dictates they be punished. We have to be that way, otherwise, we have only eliminated one monster by replacing them with another.”
Brian didn’t respond. The detective offered, “You know, I pray Miss Brooks lives. If she doesn’t, then I’ll have a murder investigation on my hands. Once again, Mr. Rufner, have a pleasant flight.” Brian glared at him as the detective closed the door behind him.
To the astonishment and gratitude of all Vanessa did survive. The doctors, nurses, and everyone in the hospital told her and her family what a miracle it was. Doctors from around the world contacted her doctors to find out what they could learn from her miracle so they could add it to their treatment plans. Some even traveled to meet her and her doctors for a personal interview. Recovery would take years, tremendous effort on her part, endure painful strenuous physical therapy, multiple surgeries, and more pain and agony than a person deserved.
After months in the hospital, she was moved to a physical therapy facility where she spent the next ten months in rehab. Though her body had been ravaged by fire, her charm was still intact, and it was in full force. Without her scheming and destructive ways, she became the favorite and the darling of everyone in the facility. She would sit with and comfort other patients. As her health improved, she would teach new patients techniques on how to endure the pain physical therapy brought, help the nurses when they were shorthanded or pitch in if too many patients needed assistance at the same time. If someone in the facility needed something they couldn’t afford, it was miraculously delivered to them. She never took credit, but everyone knew she had taken care of it.
Anything they asked her to do; she did her best to do it and never complained. One nurse told her she worked harder than most of the nurses. She endured much, the trauma, the skin grafts, the painful daily routine of stretching her shriveled muscles, the challenge of keeping her body cool as sweat glands had been destroyed, infections, surgeries, and the emotional scars which were at times worse than the physical ones. None of that prevented her from giving all she could to help others.
On the day of her release, doctors, nurses, staff, and other patients lined up the hallway, out the front door and halfway to the parking lot as Tom pushed her wheelchair. Her father walked beside them holding her hand as they made their way to the ambulance which would take her home. They all applauded, many of them blew kisses, and she gave a high-five to the doctors and nurses as she rolled by.
Recovery continued at home and in the gym with home care providers coming to assist. After a year and a half, she was able to carry on with her daily routine without someone watching over her. One day, Tom stop by to see her at her request.
“Howdy, Ness,” he said as he joined her in the kitchen. “They told me you wanted to see me.”
“You didn’t have to rush over here. I told them when you have the time,” she offered.
“Hey, my staff, dad’s, and everybody in the company and this house knows that when Ness calls we stop what we’re doing and take care of her,” he declared. “You make it easy. You don’t call much.”
“Well, I wanted to run something by you and see if it was possible for me to do,” she explained.
“Let’s hear it.”
“I’d like to go to Paris for a while, possibly four months or a little longer. There’s a Dr. Deveaux there who has developed some unique treatments for burn victims,” she offered. “I asked some to research him and see how legit it is. They tell me he has had considerable success with restoring tissue and reducing the leathery look.”
“I think you should go,” he declared.
“Well, it’s going to be expensive. I know crude is down right now,” she said.
“Yeah, but that doesn’t matter. I want you to get any treatment you need,” he stated. “Look, you haven’t asked for much since this happened. We had a family meeting the other day without you and dad told us he’d sell part of the company if needed to care for you. I agreed. In fact, I told him to sell it all if needed.”
She took a deep sigh, and offered, “I always thought the company came first.”
“You’re right. It did, especially to dad,” he agreed. “Things changed. Dad told us he’s come to realize the company we’ve built is there to support our family. If it can’t do that then he doesn’t want it anymore. So, don’t worry about the company and money. You go to Paris.”
“Thank you.”
“Anything else you need?”
“Yes. After Paris, I want to go to England,” she revealed.
He had to think for a moment and then it dawned on him what she was saying. “Oh, you want to look up an old friend.”
“Yes, I want to see Brian,” she agreed.
“Man, I haven’t heard a word from him since he left,” he mused. “So, what’s your plan for him? I think he’s the only man whoever walked away from you. You going to make him beg?”
“No,” she answered. “I don’t want that. Besides, what man is attracted to a walking scar tissue?”
“Oh, don’t sell yourself short,” he laughed. “The hair you have on is really hot. Of course, I’m family so I’m prejudiced.”
“Thanks. I’ve got four others in my room, but this is my favorite,” she offered.
He smiled and said, “Well, unless you’ve got something else I’m going back to the office. Don’t leave until you come and tell me bye.”
“I will. Thank you, Tom.”
Five months later a taxi pulled up the driveway of a villa near Bolton in the Greater Manchester area of England. Vanessa emerged from the cab and bid the driver farewell. She surveyed the area. It was lovely, small but adequate. She thought how well if fit Brian. A lady was sweeping the sidewalk, so she approached her.
“Excuse me, are you Julietta Grogger?” she asked.
The lady turned and raised an eyebrow, and replied, “No, I don’t know anyone by that name.”
“I’m sorry, but I thought she might live here with Brian Rufner,” Vanessa offered.
“Oh, Mr. B. I know him,” the lady smiled. “I’ve been working here for six months, and I’ve never heard of a Julietta Grogger. She must’ve been before my time. My name’s Martha. I clean for Mr. B. I only come by once a week. He’s a neat bloke and he doesn’t even need me that much.”
Vanessa shook her outstretched hand, and said, “Nice to meet you Martha. I’m Vanessa Brooks.”
Martha jerked her hand back, stepped back, and held her heart. “You’re Vanessa! Don’t tell me you’re the ‘Ness’ Mr. B talks about all the time.”
“That’s me.”
“Oh, my Lord! Give me a hug,” she said as she grabbed Vanessa and caused her to grunt. “The tales that man has told me about you. It’s like I already know you; he’s told me so much. I didn’t think I’d ever get to meet you. Oh, my heart’s racing. He’s gonna be absolutely bonkers when he sees you.”
“Well, some of my stories are not pretty,” Vanessa asserted.
“You couldn’t prove it by me, lassie. I’ve never heard him say anything but good about you,” she revealed. “If you’d believe him, I’d think you were a goddess walking among us mortals.”
“I can assure you he’s made me look better than I am,” Vanessa guaranteed her. “Would Brian be home?”
“Yes, he’s in the back in his favorite spot, his little apple grove,” she replied. “It’s not big, but he grows some delicious apples. The man has a green thumb.”
“Which way do I go to find him?”
“Oh, it’s easy. You see that path there? You just follow it and when you get to the end, he’ll be there,” she explained.
Vanessa gave a weak grin, and muttered, “A path with Brian at the end. I should’ve known.”
“Come again, darling?”
“Oh, nothing,” Vanessa quickly said. “Martha, it’s been a pleasure meeting you. Thank you for your kindness.”
“It’s been my great pleasure. Meeting you is the highlight of my week, if not the entire month,” she gushed. “I hope you stick around so I can see you next week.”
It was a pleasant walk down the path through the trees and flowers. When she turned a corner, there he was, sniffing an apple hanging on a tree.
“Hello, Brian.”
He turned and for a moment, didn’t recognize her. When he did, he almost jumped with excitement and ran over to her. He wanted to grab and hug her, but he stopped short, as he didn’t want to hurt her if she was sensitive to being touched. So, they stood a couple feet apart staring at each other.
“Ness, that is you! I can’t believe it. You’re here,” he exclaimed.
“I am.”
“Why? I mean, how are you? You look great. How do you feel?” he asked. “Wait a minute, let me slow down. Okay, how are you feeling? My God, it’s been almost two years.”
“I feel fine. It’s been a long and hard journey, but I’m alive and still healing,” she replied. “The staff at the burn center worked miracles, and I’ve spent the last few months in Paris receiving some extraordinary treatment. There’s more to be done, but they’ve done all they can for now.”
“They told me before I left that you wouldn’t make it through the night,” he offered. “After I talked to you, I couldn’t take it. I left. I couldn’t watch you die.”
“I know,” she offered. “So, how’s your life? How’s Julietta?”
“My life is simple, but good,” he revealed. “As for Julietta, that didn’t last.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Yeah, when I first got here I wasn’t in the best of moods. I thought you were dead, and I was a mess. We weren’t together too long before I realized she was only wanting me as a ticket to the states,” he explained. “When she found out I had no interest in going there, she walked out. I hear she found a man who took her to Seattle. I don’t know if she dumped him once she got there or not. I don’t care. I hope one of those Seattle clouds hangs over her head and follows her around dumping rain on her all the time until she turns into walking fungi.”
She grinned and said, “Wow! Look I’m laughing, but my muscles haven’t fully recovered, so it may not look like.”
He smiled at her and declared, “Oh, I’m such an idiot. I got so excited seeing you, I forgot to offer you a chair. We can sit at the table over there.”
“No, thank you,” she said. “I sat on the plane from Paris and then in the taxi. I need to stand as much as I can as it’s good therapy.”
“Okay, then, how is everyone back home?” he inquired.
“They’re good. Tom, dad, everybody,” she answered. “You might be interested to know that Pete and Gloria Start reunited and seem to be doing quite well.”
“That’s fantastic,” he declared.
“You know, they saved my life. After what I did to them, they didn’t hesitate to help me,” she stated. “It changed Gloria. She’s humbler now, and her and Pete act like newlyweds, even in public. I know their antics embarrassed Grace one day. It was funny.”
“That is funny.”
“They’d bring me flowers every week when I was in the hospital,” she revealed. “Gloria was even okay with Pete coming by himself sometimes when she was busy in the nursery. You were right. They are good people. I’m happy for them.”
“Me, too.”
She took a deep breath, and then added, “You might like to know I’ve tried to make it right with Randy, too.”
“Wow, I don't know what to say,” he stated as she rolled her eyes at him.
“I wasn’t in rehab long before I had Tom find him and rehire him,” she explained. “We’ve talked, and now he’s progressed to be our stable manager. He’s married and is doing really well.”
“Ness, you’ve done a good thing,” he exclaimed. “I’m proud of you.”
She nodded her head. Then, out of the blue, she asked, “Brian, did you make and setoff the bomb in my car?”
He was shocked by the question. “Ness, why would you even think something like that?” he shot back at her.
“Detective Franks thinks you could’ve been the one,” she revealed. “He told me the army trained you to be an expert with explosives. I want you to tell me whether it’s true or not.”
“I have the skill, that’s true,” he responded. “I must admit, from what I know about it, it would’ve been an easy device to make. But I didn’t do it. I couldn’t ever do that to you. Yeah, you can make me so angry, and you did that day. I was livid. But that’s only because you mean so much to me, and I guess, I still acted like your nanny trying to protect you. No, Ness, it wasn’t me. I wish I knew who did.”
“Oh, I know who ordered it,” she offered. “It was Tom. I just don’t know who he used. He won’t tell me.”
“Tom? No, it can’t be,” he said in utter disbelief.
“Yes, it was him,” she asserted. “You know he warned me to not cause any more trouble after Father Rob until he could make it right with the bishop. I listened but not long enough.”
“Well, Peter and Gloria are right there in the church with Bishop Quinn,” he declared. “It might not have been the smartest decision you’ve ever made.”
“I know.”
“But still, Tom ordering a hit on you is a tough sell,” he said.
“He didn’t want me to get hurt,” she explained. “The hit was on ‘Coop.’ He knew I loved that car, so he was going to fire bomb it to make me behave. I wasn’t supposed to be in it, and I wouldn’t have if Gloria hadn’t come back home and interrupted Pete and me. That made me leave earlier than they had planned. So, as it happened, I got in the car right before the timer expired.”
“Oh, my god,” he exclaimed. “Are you and Tom okay?”
“You never forgive family. We’ve lived through so much with each other, we’re numb to the pain. You tuck your chin in and move on. We’ve talked a lot. More than we ever have before, and resolved everything between us,” she revealed. “We’re really close. He took his revenge out on the bishop. The newspaper reported some anonymous sources with accusations from some nuns, and from some underage girls. I think his trial is coming up soon.”
“I don’t feel sorry for him,” he offered.
“Dad and Tom are very supportive,” she revealed. “They want me to do whatever I want to get better and be happy. They are really different now. My close call has changed all of us.”
“That is awesome,” he gushed.
“There’s a lot in those first days I don’t remember,” she declared. “I do remember the flames and how it hurt, bits and pieces in the emergency room. Nothing in the ambulance. Some things were in a fog. They had me doped up. I do remember seeing and talking to you.”
“Are you kidding? Why, you could hardly talk,” he smiled.
“I know, but I remember,” she asserted. “You told me it would ‘be an honor’ to have sex with me no matter how I look.”
“Of all things to remember. Ness don’t tell me you came all the way here to make me keep that promise,” he stated.
“No, that’s not it. I want to know if you meant it or if it was just a promise you’d tell a dying person knowing you’d never have to keep it,” she said.
“Of course I meant it. I must admit though, it probably was easier saying it to someone who could never cash in on it,” he admitted.
“So, is it possible that we could be together?” she inquired.
“Well, if it’s sex you’re wanting, then why not? I’m game,” he declared.
“You’re just saying that because Julietta dumped you and you’re horny,” she smirked.
“Point taken,” he laughed. “Look you’re special to me, but you play games with men and I’m not into that. Hey, it works and I’m happy for you. I don’t crave the thrill of power, of dominating a person and making them bend to my will. That’s not me. You know, I want someone to love me, because I’m me. Someone to share interests and adventures with for a lifetime. Neither one of us being interested in dominating the other, but equal in knowing we don’t want to live without the other one. That’s what I want. You want something different.”
“Brian, when I was in the different hospitals and clinics I learned so many things,” she declared. “The things about my body and what fire can do to them, how to be scared, truly scared, how to struggle to live, and accept that I will always be a walking skin graft. Those were important things to learn. But, with lots of time on my hands, I was able to observe people and learn from them.”
“You’ve always had the uncanny ability to read people better than they know themselves,” he added.
“I used that, and it helped me see things I refused to see in the past,” she continued. “In those hallways and rooms, I saw a few patients left alone. No one ever came to see them. It made me thankful for my family and friends. They always found time to spend with me. Most patients were fortunate like me, family and friends coming and going. It took me some time, but I saw how they treated each other. When someone needed or wanted something, they would do their best to get it for them. There were no power plays, no ‘well, I’ll do this for you if you do this for me.’ They saw a need a patient had and took action. No questions asked. No expectations of repayment. I saw it in husbands, wives, children, friends, neighbors, and I saw it in my family and friends. At first, I couldn’t figure out what caused this, why they acted that way. What was the motivation? Then, I realized it was because they loved each other. Love gave them the power to be unselfish, the power to see what was best for someone else, the power to willingly go above and beyond what was necessary to help another person. They were all on a power trip, one fueled by love. So, it dawned on me, yes, bending someone to my will brought me extreme pleasure with the power I felt, but I saw the pleasure of power they felt by giving themselves to someone who may give them nothing in return. Brian, I want that feeling. I want to be the person who gives and expects nothing in return. I don’t want the old me. That person died in the flames.”
“Ness, I’m speechless.”
She continued, “I’ve come to the conclusion that even in sex, true power comes from what you can give more than what you are receiving.”
He grinned, “Receiving is pretty good, too.”
She rolled her eyes at him and stated, “Brian, you’ve always been that type of person. I didn’t see it and took it for granted. Yes, we paid you to look after us, but you always went above and beyond. You could’ve clocked out at the end of the day and that would’ve been enough to earn a paycheck. No, if you saw a person who had a want or need, you worked to see it taken care of. Tom and I wanted nothing, thanks to you. I’m not perfect, you know that better than anyone, but I want to be that way with you. I want to do things you want to do, be with you, share your life. Can you give me a chance?”
He blinked his eyes trying to hold the tears back. “Ness, I never dreamed I’d ever hear those words from you,” he blubbered. “There’s only one thing; it can’t be all about what I want. It’s got to be for both of us. We have to find time to do the things you want, too. I won’t have it any other way.”
“So, you’re willing to give me a chance?” she asked with a quivering voice.
“Are you willing to give me a chance?” he shot back at her.
“I’m crying right now. You can’t see it cause my tear ducts don’t work sometimes,” she declared.
“That’s okay. I’m got enough tears going for the both of us,” he sniffled as he wiped his cheeks. “Is it okay if I hug you, or would that hurt you?”
“I can hug, but there’s two things you need to know before we start down that path together,” she asserted.
“Okay, what are they?”
She took a deep breath and said, “First, I don’t like Cottage Pie. I hate it. I know it’s your favorite, but I can’t eat it.”
“Well, that’s definitely a deal breaker,” he laughed. “Wait a minute. You never told me this when I used to cook it for you and Tom.”
“Tom thought it was okay, and he’d eat it. When you weren’t looking, I’d give mine to the dog. He liked it,” she revealed.
“No wonder that dog was always fat,” he chuckled. “Ness, if you don’t want to eat Cottage Pie, then I don’t want you to eat it.”
“If you want to eat it, then I want you to eat it,” she responded.
“Oh, you know I’ll eat it,” he said. “What’s the second thing you want to tell me?”
“Fire took an awful toll on my body,” she explained. “Much of my skin feels like leather. I have trouble controlling my muscles sometimes. Facial expressions are hard and don’t work most of the time. Some days I get tired easily. It’s all a work in progress. New treatments come out and sometimes they help and sometimes they don’t.”
“Okay, I understand.”
“Brian, I want you to see the real me,” she declared. “I don’t want to keep any secrets from you.”
“Okay.”
She hesitated for a moment, then reached up to her head, unhooked her wig, and removed it. The left side of her head was grafted skin with no hair. Her right side had blotches of thin hair.
She was rapidly blinking her eyes as if she was crying, and with a cough said, “Ta-da.”
He smiled, moved forward and took her in his arms. She muttered, “I’m crying again.” He kissed her on her head and whispered, “Me, too.”
“I understand if this is too much for you,” she blubbered. “I wouldn’t blame you if you walked away.”
“Ness, quit being silly.”
With that, he backed away from her and paused. Then, he dropped to one knee and looked up at her.
She didn’t know what to think and stuttered, “What’s going on here?”
He continued, “Ness…I mean, Vanessa Mae Brooks, will you do me the great honor of having dinner with me?”
She rolled her eyes, grinned and said, “Oh, my God. I’d forgot how you can be.”
He rose to his feet and gathered her in his arms again. She pressed against him and asked, “So, does this mean we’re going to have sex?”
“My God, woman how horny can you be?”
“It’s been two years.”
“Yeah, that’s pretty horny,” he offered. “But, I’m hungry, so let’s eat first. My favorite café is right around the corner. We can walk there. They have the best Cottage Pie in the city.”
“I’m happy for you,” she smirked.
“Don’t worry, they serve the chicken you like,” he offered. “I believe you’ll love it. We can sip some wine, talk about what we want to do, where to live.”
“I like it here for now. But if you want somewhere else, I’m open to it,” she quickly added.
“That’s a conversation for dinner,” he asserted. “First let me show you the lay of the land of this mansion I own.”
“Then, after dinner we can have sex,” she declared.
“Well, maybe if you get me drunk enough.”
She reached up, pulled him down to her and kissed him long and hard. Looking him in the eyes, she managed a small smile, and said, “Believe me, you’ll want to be sober for what I plan on doing.”
He laughed as they held each other, and slyly observed, “Ah, there’s the old Ness I’ve always loved. Wait a minute, I thought you’ve changed.”
With a grin, she teased, “Some things are better left the same.”
THE END
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