| My Stories |
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"Whew," I said, flopping onto my back. I got goose pimples from the change in temperature. The steam that cloaked us in the bathroom didn't reach into this room. Howard settled on top of me. I enjoyed the warmth and security he represented. He genuinely gave me pleasure; there was no faking it. I was elated to be in his arms. "That was nice." "Mmmmmm," I purred in agreement. "You're wearing me out. I always thought it was a woman's job, but you've changed that. I never met anyone with such staying power." "Maybe it's because you're too damn sexy. I can't seem to keep my hands off you. That body continues to give me ideas." "And I just thought you were a horny kind of guy." "I've had my eye on you for a long time. I used to wonder what it was like having a woman like you." He sighed, hugging me closer to his body. "I never imagined how satisfying it would be." It made me feel good, knowing he was equally attracted. I guess we'd had the hots foe each other all along, although neither of us revealed it. "This has been a very enlightening experience. Good thing we have this place to explore the various possibilities. By the way, where are we? I know this isn't your place." "Let's just say I borrowed it from a friend out of the country for an extended period." "Oh. In that case, we'd better change these sheets before we leave." Howard chuckled lightly. "It must have been difficult for you in prison." "What do you mean?" "Not having a woman. Spending time in confinement. Aching for female companionship." I thought my reflection had bothered Howie, but he proved to be candid. "It was hell, but I went through it. I made that choice when I refused to pay the taxes I couldn't afford. My father left me incredibly in debt. He was never prudent with his money. My mother always lectured him about his spendthrift tendencies, not to mention his wanderlust." "Did he abandon your family?" "For a brief period. The crowds with which he associated always roused my suspicion. I couldn't understand his attraction to those people. He must have envied their lifestyle. He was mesmerized by glitz and power. It wasn't as though we didn't have money. My mother was affluent, as was my father. Their collective sum failed to be enough." I recognized the bitterness in his voice. I imagine it must have been difficult to accept a reversal in fortune. Not wishing to irritate him, I merely listened. "When the casino came into my father's possession, I couldn't understand where he had gotten the money. Most of his investments weren't liquid. He certainly hadn't cashed any of them in; the penalties would have been devastating. That's about the time Alexander McLean entered our lives." I flinched. Speaking of Alex was a sharp reminder of why I was here. The animosity running deep was observable in his features. I could see how his expression darkened as Alex became the topic of discussion. The man I had shared a night of ecstasy with retreated into a smoky haze, only to be replaced by the barbarian who took me prisoner. "My family hasn't spoken to me since I got out of prison," he went on. "My mother feels I brought shame on the family. My relatives happen to share her opinion. They can't understand why I've continued not to pay my taxes, how I'm unable to recover the money that's simply slipped through our fingers." My lips were set in a heavy line. "Alex mismanaged my family's money. He suggested speculatory ventures that rarely panned out. He expedited my father's demise. I'll never forgive him for that. As God as my witness, I will reclaim what was mine." I caressed his upper arm. "Howard, please, there's nothing to be gained by getting surly over it. I'm sure Alex is aware of your discontent, and he will make amends." "Is he going to pay me back?" he snarled. "I don't know," I bit my lip. "I wish I did." He gritted his teeth. "I've tried so many times in the past to shake it off, but the anger keeps returning stronger than ever. There's only one way of settling the score. One way of putting things right." I didn't like the direction this conversation was taking. Howard's scorn emerged in its entire ugly spectacle. It was time to relax him, set his mind free. I had to cool him off, the best way I knew. I put my hand on his thigh and affected a soft caress. "You will settle things with Alex. There's no reason you can't. Alex will have to listen to you. After all, you have me, don't you?" He nodded. I wasn't positive whether it was because I was stroking him, or placating his sense of justice. My lips curved as he closed his eyes and groaned. He was going to enjoy every second of my tension relieving therapy.
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