Erika

Fern and I fall into a routine after our first week together. We spend the weekends at my place‚ where he gets up sometime around 10am to make breakfast before we spend the rest of the day in bed‚ making up for lost time.

Then Sunday night I pack a bag for the week at his place. I have a feeling he’s slowly moving me in because my clothes and shoes go in but they don’t come out.

I hadn’t seen his new house since the framing stage so I didn’t know what to expect. To be honest‚ I forgot he was building a house since he never talked or complained about it. He didn’t even mention it when he asked me where I wanted to live.

What was the point of asking me where I wanted to live if he’d just finished building a house? Not just any house. No‚ not Fernando Vega. A house he personally designed to be our dream home based on all the things we’ve talked about over the years.

The five bedroom‚ seven and a half bath house exceeds every one of my criteria including being in a gated community with sidewalks and great schools. Fern also put in lots of luxuries and details I didn’t know I wanted like 8′ x 3′ doors‚ heated floors‚ motorized window treatments and two master suites featuring dual closets and separate his and her bathrooms. One master suite is upstairs and the other is downstairs so we can age in place.

To say the house is perfect would be a gross understatement. It was finished a few months ago but he left it up to me to put in the finishing touches.

Twin custom built a house too. Where? Next door‚ of course. It’s about the same size but has a completely different layout. Now Twin's kids and our kids will grow up together like Fern and Twin did. There’s nothing like growing up knowing someone has your back.

Twin was trying to harass me into decorating his house when I finish ours. I was going to do it until he mentioned wanting it done based on the principles of feni shui. He’ll never accuse me of messing up his chi. I gave him Tia’s number.

I’m surprised Fern and Twin didn’t build one huge house that we all lived in together. Don’t tell either one of them I said that! I don’t want them getting ideas.

But the location of our 20 house community is perfect for all of us to have easy 30 minute commutes to work. Who could ask for more than that nowadays?

And‚ as Reese predicted‚ Fernando convinced me to marry him in two months. Caught up in the mind-blowing pleasure only Fern can give‚ I didn’t consider the fact that I couldn’t create an ‘utterly fabulous’ (Reese’s term‚ not mine) wedding for 100 people in two months.

As panic sets in‚ I realize I can put our moms in charge of the wedding. During my three-way conversation with them‚ I’m informed they began selecting vendors the day we told them we were engaged. They merely need a date.

We decide to have the wedding at the church his parents were married in. And have the reception at our place since anywhere decent wouldn’t be available on such short notice. That was two weeks ago.

While our parents run around seeing to the wedding details‚ I work on getting the house decorated. It took two years to find the perfect accessories for my 1‚800 sq. ft. condo. Unfortunately‚ I have to do the same thing for a 6‚200 sq. ft. house in a month and a half.

Fernando‚ in his usual way of satisfying my every need‚ hired an interior decorator to work with me exclusively for the next six weeks to reduce the stress. Talk about a wedding gift. I know I keep saying it but I really love that man.

Fern says Tia is one of the most sought after interior decorators in the country. And her work has been featured in books‚ high-end magazines and trade publications. He claims she owes him a favor but I’m sure Tia is costing him an arm and a leg even with a discount. Regardless‚ I’m not about to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Even so‚ I googled her to make sure she isn’t one of those ‘hundred different colors’ decorators. You know the ones that leave their client’s finished home looking like a box of crayons exploded in it. And you frown at the picture‚ thinking someone paid to have that done to their house?

I’ve thought those words more times than I care to admit. Thank goodness‚ Tia isn’t one of those interior designers. Her classic modern style meshes well with mine‚ which means we should make a great team.

When I ask Fern what kind of feeling he wants the house to have? He shrugs‚ saying something about wanting to put his feet on the furniture without getting yelled at. Only a man would say that. No one will be wearing shoes past the front door so it shouldn’t be a problem.

The morning I’m supposed to meet Tia for the first time‚ I’m more than halfway dressed when Fern comes up behind me and begins undressing me.

“You stop it.” My tone is the opposite of firm as I wonder what he has in mind. “I’m supposed to meet Tia in an hour.” I semi-complain.

“Por favor‚ a little taste?”

He does that thing to my neck and ears causing my panties to become instantly wet. How could I resist? I take what little remains of my clothes off so they won’t get sweaty.

“You have 30 minutes‚” I say‚ jumping in the bed.

His face is between my legs before my head hits the pillow. The moment he has my body coiled so tight it’s about to snap‚ he stops.

In my passion-crazed state of mind‚ it takes me a moment to realize he’s stopped. I look at him‚ confused. He smirks and gets out the bed like nothing was going on two seconds ago. Apparently our 30 minutes are up.

Leaving when I was so close…that’s not right. He has my heart racing. My skin pulsing. And I’m all tingly inside. He could‚ at least‚ finish what he started. I know how to fix this.

I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to present itself. I open my nightstand‚ grabbing my handcuffs. I attach one cuff to one of the many metal rings integrated into our custom headboard‚ another wedding gift. The other end goes under my pillow.

I jump up and corner him in his walk-in closet. Two can play this game. Dropping to my knees in front of him‚ I suck on his semi-hard arousal with absolute abandon.

Not expecting any of this‚ Fern’s arms flail as he loses his mind. Clothes and shoes hit the floor around me. I’m getting good at oral. I can almost deep throat him without choking. Almost. Baby steps.

When his body trembles‚ I stop‚ jump up and run towards the bed without saying a word. It takes him a second but he’s on me right away. I tumble face first onto the bed.

“You know I’m going to get you‚ right?”

“Your three minutes were up.”

I smile showing no shame.

“Oh‚ I’ve got your three minutes‚ chica.”

As he reaches above my head to grab the headboard‚ I snap the handcuff on his right wrist and roll away from him. I run to the other side of the bed picking up the silk brocade Ferragamo tie he’s laid out to wear today.

Fern flips onto his back in an effort to reach for me. I grab his left wrist and tie it to the bed. For a split second‚ he looks confused then his face changes to acceptance and curiosity.

He lays there quietly‚ super hard‚ waiting to see what will happen next. The sight of Fern tied and handcuffed to the bed is the sexiest thing I’ve seen in my life.

I call Tia to ask if I can reschedule our appointment until tomorrow because something has come up. She laughs‚ says she understands and will see me at the same time tomorrow. I can tell I’m going to like her.

Then I call Fern’s secretary and I tell her he’s sick and won’t be in today. His eyes are as big as saucers when I hang up.

“So much for 30 minutes‚ huh?” he asks.

“Yup‚ that was thrown out the window 50 minutes ago. You have to be properly punished for leaving your chica high and dry.”

“¿Sí? How?”

“You’ll see.”

I lick his lips then let my tongue explore the recesses of his mouth. He loves when I kiss him like this. Not only does it make the lust in his eyes deepen but Fern becomes even more sexually aggressive. And this time is no different.

He desperately wants to grab me but of course‚ he can’t. Sucks to be him. I walk out the room‚ hips swaying‚ butt naked without saying another word. I’m going to make breakfast. He’ll need all the energy he can get today.

I deliberately take my time making breakfast. I also put a load of clothes in the washer and yesterday’s dishes in the dishwasher.

An hour later‚ I feed him without untying him. I tell him he’ll be my sex slave for the day. Slaves don’t speak unless spoken to. They don’t come without permission. And if he earns it‚ I’ll eventually untie him so he can love me anyway he wants. He nods.

After returning the breakfast tray to the kitchen‚ I suck him a little more but stop when he gets too close to the edge. I know he’s dying to come but I’m making him wait. That’ll teach him.

I hope he’s learned his lesson because he’s in for a helluva ride. I touch‚ kiss and lick him all over‚ exploring his body like I did his mouth. I ask if he wants to come. He whispers‚ “Sí‚ por favor.” Since he’s being good‚ I give him permission to come with me but not before me. He’ll be punished otherwise.

Straddling him‚ I slowly slide his wet thickness into me without using my hands. Yup‚ a hands-free entry. That’s a talent not just a skill. Fern looks impressed.

I enjoy the feeling of being filled to the brim a few minutes before I ride him like I just chased a Mountain Dew with a 5-Hour Energy‚ pretending I’m the first Black cowgirl. My vigorous bouncing and gyrating causes something to pop in my hip but there’s no pain so I keep going.

I’m sweating. He’s sweating. Our bed’s protesting. He’s close and I’m practically there. Behind half-closed lids‚ I watch him shut his eyes‚ arch his back and force himself deeper. Doing his utmost to shove me over the edge.

From the way he’s gritting his teeth and murmuring curses‚ he’s struggling to hold on. Especially since I sucked him so close before. I’m constantly testing him but his staying power is phenomenal. No wonder there is so little divorce in the Hispanic community.

I scream his name when my orgasm overpowers my effort to suppress it. Two hard cervix-tapping thrusts later‚ Fern comes inside me. Did he just call for the Lord in Spanish?

I lean forward‚ lick his nipples and tell him he’s a good slave. He has earned his reward. I kiss his palm‚ unlock him and leave the handcuff attached to the bed to see what will happen.

I love when the table is flipped. He can easily free himself if he wants to. I straddle him again‚ pulling the covers over us. I need a nap. I’ve worn myself out. Fern must be worn out too because he immediately wraps his free arm around me and nods off.

I wake up to him squeezing my butt and rubbing my back with his unbound arm. I’m all smiles because he’s enjoying this as much as I am.

“Are you about to be bad?”

“No‚ I intend to be very good even with one arm.”

He flips me on my back. I slide up to make things easier for him. He suckles my breasts like a hungry baby. The sensation triggers me to wrap my legs around his waist.

“Señorita‚ how would you like me to service you?”

“Bang me.”

He raises an eyebrow. I smile‚ hoping it passes for sexy instead of wary.

“I don’t want to hurt you‚ chica.”

His eyes darken. I reach over and untie his wrist.

“Don’t worry about hurting me. I need this; I need to feel your power‚ papi.”

A look of confusion crosses his face as I wiggle underneath him.

“¿Por qué?” He raises my arms over my head. Metal tightens around one wrist and cool silk wraps around the other. He’s flipping the table. “¿Por qué‚ chica?”

His accent is thicker than it was two seconds ago. He squeezes and twists both my nipples.

“Because I want it. Don’t forget you are my slave.”

He hovers over me‚ scanning my eyes for something. Doubt maybe?

I asked for this once before in a round-about way but he held back. I hope this time since I asked for it‚ he’ll let go. I need to know what he’ll be like and how bad I’ll hurt afterwards.

His tender kisses quickly became demanding as he roughly squeezes my breasts like they’re made of Play-Doh. There are no more teasing caresses or lingering licks. Those are replaced by rough grabs and borderline painful bites.

Whatever happens I will not cry. I will not cry. I will do what I have to do in order to not go into our marriage not knowing Fern’s flip side. If I have to make him mad‚ I will. I’m semi-ready to handle it now but later?

§§§

Fernando

Look at Erika playing at being brave. She wants me to bang her but she’s scared to death. Why would she ask for something she’s afraid of? Why does she want me to hurt her? Duh…because that’s what she was used to with Donte.

He’d hurt her to punish her. Does she need to be punished? Maybe she wants to know how it’ll be if I decide to punish her the same way. I bet that’s it.

She’s trying to figure out how bad things can get but she’ll never know until she pushes me too far. I’ll go ahead and fuck her hard enough for her to have some issues walking the next few days. But this is exactly what I told her I wouldn’t do. Why force the issue?

The trivial shit Donte used to do is nothing compared to what I’m capable of. There’s a whole playroom set up in the basement in case I ever need to show her the true meaning of discipline.

§§§

Erika

Why isn’t Fern banging me? He’s fucking me hard but he’s holding back. How do I know? Because I can still keep up with him. If he was banging me‚ all I’d be able to do is absorb the blows.

This does feel incredible although he’s seems determined not to hurt me. I wouldn’t have to force the issue if he’d never said he hurt women before. Do I have to make him mad? Maybe I’ll get him a little upset and hope I don’t say anything that’ll come back to bite me.

“Por favor‚ papi. Give it to me.”

“I am giving it to you or haven’t you noticed?”

There’s a hint of something different in his voice plus his accent is growing thicker by the minute.

“No‚ you’re fucking me. I asked to be banged. Stop holding back.”

“¿Por qué‚ Erika?” he growls as he slams into me.

“I’ve already told you. Now fuck me like you hate me.”

He’s still holding back. I have to force his hand no matter what it takes.

“Why?” Something has changed and it’s not the fact that he’s finally banging me. I close my eyes‚ trying to arch my body away from his. Suddenly there’s a sharp pain in my scalp. He has a fist full of my hair. “Look at me.”

His thrusts are bordering on violent now. My eyes pop open. I wasn’t quite expecting this. Donte didn’t pound me this hard when he was really angry. I try to move up to put some distance between us but Fern isn’t having it. His other arm holds me firmly in place.

“Tell. Me. Why?” Each dangerously whispered word is punctuated with the ramming of his hips.

A line has definitely been crossed. No matter what‚ I’m not going to cry! Even if Fern succeeds where Donte couldn’t and splits me in two.

His eyes are darker than I’ve ever seen them before. His facial expression would be sexy‚ if it wasn’t a little scary. It’s as if he doesn’t feel anything for me or about the situation. I’m simply…prey. Is this the side of Fern Reese warned me about? If I tell him why‚ will he stop?

“I…I need…to know‚” I can barely get out.

My breasts are bouncing all over the place. And to add insult to injury‚ my head is tapping the headboard. I hate that. Now I’m going to have a headache on top of everything else!

“Know. What?”

I have to choose my words carefully but his plowing is so brutal and fast I can’t think straight. The hand holding my hair tugs harder.

“Tell me now‚ Erika or this will get worse.”

His voice is deadly calm but his accent is so thick‚ I can barely understand what he’s saying. Nevertheless‚ I know a threat when I hear one and I definitely heard the word worse. Can it really get worse than this? Seriously? I’m so not going to make it through ‘worse’. Time to confess.

“How bad it will b…be—Ahh…” Each word gets progressively louder because he’s angled my left leg out allowing him to literally pile drive himself even deeper into me. “if you…you get…AHHH…MAD…AT ME!”

Pain radiates from my very being. My cervix is not a happy camper. Yeah‚ I definitely couldn’t handle ‘worse’. I struggle to hold back my tears.

“Did you see what you wanted to see‚ pequeño?”

His voice is emotionless though heavily accented. And the look on his face is still predatory. Thankfully‚ he’s easing up on me.

“¡Sí‚ papi…sí!”

I beg him to stop with my eyes. I can’t ask him verbally. A high-pitched shriek is all I can manage.

“Do you need to know anything else while I’m here‚ pequeño?”

“No.”

A single tear escapes to run down my face. I tried.

He lets my leg and hair go then jumps out the bed like I’ve burned him. He throws the covers over me and goes to the bathroom‚ rattling the door frame as he slams the door shut.

What’s this sticky stuff on my thighs? Oh my god‚ is that blood? Donte never made me bleed. Donte’s worst wasn’t half as bad as Fern’s could be worse. Where did all that power come from? I have a headache‚ my nipples are tender and my whole lower body hurts. Screaming in agony is a better description.

He officially succeeded in knocking the bottom out of my pussy. I probably won’t be able to walk tomorrow. Or the next day for that matter. My damage assessment is cut short when the front door slams and a car engine roars away. He must be really upset. What am I going to do?

I’m physically and emotionally drained but the flood gates open. I can’t stop crying. Did I push him too far by making him bang me even though he said he’d try not to do that?

Try being the keyword. Try is not a guarantee‚ it’s a hope. One that can be easily dismissed if he’s angry enough. Can’t he understand my need to prepare myself for the worst-case scenario?

I must have cried myself to sleep because the next thing I know Reese is asking me where the key is to the handcuffs.

“On my night stand.” She grabs it and unlocks me. She’s already untied my other wrist. “Reese‚ where’s Fern?”

“I don’t know‚ hon. His text said‚ ‘My house ASAP’.”

“He didn’t say why?”

“No but he rarely texts so I knew it was important. I told our secretary I had a family emergency and came right over. What happened?”

No need to beat around the bush.

“I forced him to bang me so I’d know what I was getting into. He said he’d try to stop himself before it got to that point but I kept pushing and he did it. I really needed to know‚ Reese. And I’m bleeding.”

Without saying a word‚ Reese gets up and heads to the bathroom. I hear the bathtub filling. Thank goodness Fern had the plumber put in plumbing and fixtures that fill the 7′ chromatherapy whirlpool tub in six minutes. Reese comes back out and pulls the covers off me.

She still doesn’t say anything as she helps me hobble to the bathroom. I don’t think I’ll be able to walk right for a week. As soon as my lower half hits the hot water‚ I open my mouth to scream but it comes out a gurgle. Well‚ I can’t say he didn’t give me what I asked for.

On the bright side‚ I know what I’m walking—or should I say hobbling—into. I force myself to relax as doors open and close in our bedroom. The sound of sheets being opened brings a smile to my face. I love the smell of fresh sheets.

Another upside is Fern sent my best friend to hold my hand as my past bleeds into our present. I’ll have to thank him. But now what do I do? Do I stay here? Or do I go home and wait for him to come over? Maybe Reese will know.

“Reese‚ do you think I should stay here or go to my place?”

“First‚ what was the last thing he said? Second‚ since today is Friday‚ what do you normally do?”

“I don’t remember and normally he brings a bag to my place for the weekend.”

“Think‚ Erika. Did he say anything before he left?”

“He asked me if I saw what I wanted to see. I told him yes. Then he asked if I needed to know anything else while he was there. And I said no.”

“That’s all he said? No‚ I’ll be back or anything?”

“Nope. He got up‚ went to the bathroom and left.”

Reese sits on the edge of the tub‚ thinking for what seems like forever.

“OK…” she finally says. “Here’s the plan. You’re going to pretend this never happened. We’re going to clean up here and leave him a note saying you’ll see him later at your place.

“I’ll follow you over there to get you settled in. If he wants to have sex‚ tell him your period started. That should give you a chance to heal some. Don’t say anything unless he says something first!”

“My period. Reese‚ you’re a genius. It really could be my period. I was thinking it’d come in a few days but maybe it decided to come early.”

“Good. I’m glad you don’t have to lie to Fern because he hates dishonesty. If he acts differently toward you the next few days‚ he could be feeling guilty so ignore it and act normal. He really does love you.”

I leave the note Reese tells me to write signing it‚ Luv you‚ Chica. She follows me home and gets me settled in. The pain is…unbelievable. I wash down two 800mg ibuprofen pills with a few huge swigs of Grey Goose Le Citron while I wait for Fern.

The vodka’s burn blends perfectly with the rest of my pain. Under normal circumstances‚ I wouldn’t combine medicine and alcohol but desperate times… Needless to say‚ I’m using all my pain-killing resources tonight.

I decide to watch a home makeover show on HGTV while I pass the time. That is‚ until the home show is watching me drool on my favorite throw pillow. So sexy. I know.

OK‚ I’m not going to make it but I do feel better. Half asleep‚ I get up and go to bed. It’s funny how the bed feels different without him in it.

I wake up Saturday morning to no Fern. Reese didn’t say whether or not I could call him. I left a note‚ why didn’t he come? One of the last things Reese said was to pretend like it never happened so that’s what I’m going to do.

Which means I can call and see why he isn’t in the kitchen making breakfast. I’ll give him until I get back. I pop two more pain pills‚ preparing for my meeting with Tia.

Following a leisurely soak in an epsom salt and extra-virgin olive oil bath‚ I decide to go with a sexy look today. Besides I’m pretty sure I’ll see Fern later. After standing naked for 15 minutes in a closet only half-filled with clothes‚ I settle on an apple green‚ straight-legged linen pant suit.

No top underneath just ample cleavage complemented by my favorite gold Cartier necklace and gold Monolo sandals. I’m sure Tia’s beautiful. Every woman Fern knows is beautiful. And since I don’t know how well she knows him‚ I need to show her there are no sideline positions available.

Tia and I arrive at the same time to our meeting spot—a fashionable French bistro. Over lunch‚ we discuss her way of decorating. She’s as beautiful as I suspected.

Flawless makeup‚ razor-sharp chin-length bob‚ expertly arched eye brows‚ hazel eyes and perfect white teeth. Seeing her face to face makes me wonder what she is‚ scratch that‚ was to Fernando?

She seems nice so I can’t automatically hate her. As she admires my engagement ring‚ she asks if I was able to get everything squared away yesterday. To give her a glance of the woman I am I say‚ “Yes‚ I did. Couldn’t you tell by the way I was walking?”

We both burst out laughing.

She admitted to doing the same thing a couple of weeks ago. She had to cancel all of her appointments the next day. Apparently‚ she’s been with her man almost two years. But she’s not sure if she’s the only woman in his life‚ let alone if he’s close to making a lifelong commitment.

Tia’s an intelligent woman so I wonder how long she’ll wait before she moves on? Especially if she isn’t sure she’s the only one. I feel bad for her. She could be keeping Mr. Right from coming into her life by holding on to Mr. Wrong. The words are out before I can stop them.

“How much longer are you willing to put into the relationship‚ if you aren’t the only one?”

“Since I’m two years in‚ I have to be close to something‚ right? Besides‚ he’s a wealthy businessman with lots of connections and I don’t want to give up two seconds before the miracle happens.”

“I can identify. I had a similar experience in college. It’s hard work securing the number one spot but totally worth it once you do.”

I don’t go into detail. Talking about Donte tends to make me angry. I’ll always be grateful to Fern for saving me from making the biggest mistake of my life. Eventually I would have given into Donte’s charm‚ his orgasmic scent and the electricity that flows so freely between us.

I steer the conversation back to decorating before the meeting turns into a sista session.

“Fernando wants the house to feel like my condo. My style is modern yet eclectic. Maybe East meets West. Is that a style? I like classic‚ solid-color furniture with clean lines. I collect artifacts and art from various cultures. And I change my accessories seasonally.”

“Why don’t we head over to your place so I can see what you have to work with?”

“That’s a great idea.”

Did I make my bed? Mom would die from embarrassment if a stranger saw her bed unmade. Why? I have no clue. Hey‚ at least the sheets are clean.

It’s a 25-minute drive to my place. Seeing Fern’s car in one of my two parking spaces makes my day. The smell of wonderful food greets us at the door. I love the fact that he can throw down in the kitchen.

Please don’t let him be naked with my‚ now his‚ Kiss the Cook apron on. I yell out‚ “Fern‚ I brought Tia home with me so she can see the place.”

I tell Tia to excuse the mess‚ make herself at home and feel free to look around while I see what’s cooking. Of course‚ my condo is spotless‚ except for my unmade bed. But you have to say ‘excuse the mess’ just in case. In case of what? Don’t ask me. Ask my mom.

I absently scan the mail Fern brought in as I mentally prepare myself to see him. What am I going to say? Do I mention I’m not bleeding because of him? Reese said to act normal. I can do this.

He hears me coming so he angles himself to watch me walk—more like waddle—the last eight feet. I force my hips as best I can to have their usual carefree sway. His eyes narrow at my attempt. So much for that.

I beam at him‚ run the last four feet and leap on him‚ almost knocking us both down. I kiss him everywhere I can reach before he can say anything.

“Erika‚ stop.”

He attempts to loosen my arms from around his neck but I tighten my hold.

“Fern‚” I whisper in his ear. “It’s my period. You didn’t hurt me yesterday.”

“That doesn’t explain why you insisted I do that to you after I specifically told you I wouldn’t hurt you like that.”

That didn’t go quite as well as I had hoped. He’s still a smidge angry. I should have taken Reese’s advice and waited to see how he acted first. But no‚ I had to open my big mouth. Now there’s no telling what I’ve stepped into.

I’m saved from saying anything when Tia yells out‚ “Will you be taking any of these things with you when you move?”

I untangle myself from Fern‚ smooth the wrinkles from my outfit and walk out the kitchen.

In the short walk back to the living room‚ I put on my ‘everything is lovely’ face and proceed to show Tia the pieces I plan to take to the house. After two hours‚ we have gone through every room. She knows what she has to work with and what holes need to be filled.

I’m only working one more week with the exception of handling necessary business for Sensual You since it’s my largest account. My other three accounts are good for now. Tia and I make plans to get together Monday to look at some preliminary sketches. I see her out and attempt once again to prepare myself to handle Fern.

Facing an upset Gemini is new territory for me. Normally‚ I’m the upset Gemini and as long as I’ve known Fern‚ I’ve never seen him angry. Is this what Reese was warning me about? No‚ I think yesterday’s predatory‚ borderline emotionless Fern was what she was warning me about.

Today’s Fern isn’t as scary. Maybe he’s not angry‚ just disappointed. He doesn’t look dangerous but I’m probably seeing only the tip of a huge iceberg. I wish I had a corset on. And the pain meds are wearing off. That’s not a good thing. Corset or meds? I won’t have time for both.

Did I mention geminis don’t like to be kept waiting? I decide on medicine because regardless Fern can’t know how much I’m hurting. I grab two more pills from my purse and head for the kitchen.

He’s finishing the dishes. I squeeze his butt as I walk past him to the fridge for some water. No response. I turn away from him to quickly throw the pills in my mouth before I drink half the water‚ pretending to search for something in the junk drawer.

I pull out a couple of take-out menus‚ in case he decides to stay. Fern nor Twin like to eat leftovers but they cook like they’re feeding eight people instead of two or three. I‚ generally‚ take the leftovers for lunch to share with Reese or freeze them.

I turn around to put the menus on the fridge and he’s right there staring at me. OK‚ so it’s about to go down right here in the kitchen.

“Why are you stalling?”

“Stalling? I’m getting menus for later.” I say‚ nervously looking down at them.

He snatches the menus out of my hand and throws them on the counter behind me. OK‚ maybe he’s a tad bit more than disappointed. Perhaps more like upset. And his eyes are changing color again. That’s probably not great either.

“Answer the question‚ Erika.”

His accent gets thicker with each word. Definitely not a good sign. I can’t deal with Predatory Fern right now.

I can’t get over how different he sounds. There are no loving undertones‚ just a hard coldness that’d be scary if it wasn’t oozing Alpha male sexiness. I have to make him understand without making the situation worse.

Should I tell the truth and hope for the best? He did say never lie but can he handle the truth? Now I know how a deer caught in headlights feels.

“I…well see…OK. If you promise not to get mad‚ I’ll tell you.”

His face tightens. A muscle jumps in his jaw as he steps closer to me. He looks so sexy right now. And he smells so yummy‚ he’s making my nipples hard.

“Too late. Tienes dos segundos para contestar a mi pregunta.”

“Fine. I wouldn’t know when Donte was mad at me or had had a bad day until we were in bed. Donte never made love to me like you do. Anyway‚ when he was annoyed…let’s just say I felt his frustration then the next day he’d lace me into my corset so tight I could barely breathe.

“Even though you said you’d try to stop before that happened‚ there’s no guarantee. I needed to know how bad things would be if you couldn’t stop. I couldn’t go into our marriage not knowing‚ especially since you said you…you hurt women before.” The last part is said barely above a whisper while looking at his chest.

“Erika‚ do you not trust me enough to know I’ll do my damnedest not to hurt you? I’ve proven that several times already.”

He’s right but how was I to know he’d pay that much attention to me? Donte never knew when my mind wandered. I’d have whole conservations in my head. He never had a clue.

“Yes‚ Fern‚ you did. And I appreciate that but you know I’m a planner. It’s essential I understand the worst-case scenario of all things at all times. I needed to know how badly you would hurt me.”

Oh shit! I wasn’t supposed to say hurt. Maybe he didn’t notice.

“So you are hurt? You said you weren’t!”

Damn‚ I ran right into that one. The tension in my kitchen can be cut with a dull plastic knife. Damage control! Quick‚ Erika‚ quick!

“Papi‚ I meant you didn’t cause me to bleed‚ not that I wasn’t hurt. Donte didn’t have the kind of power you demonstrated yesterday so I wasn’t quite as prepared for you as I thought I was.” I smile‚ trying to lighten the mood.

“Erika‚ don’t ever push me like that again‚ comprende? I could permanently damage you. Damage you to the point where you can’t have children. I have other ways…”

The way he leaves the sentence hanging says everything. I avoid eye contact. I’m afraid of what I’ll see but I notice a muscle jump in his jaw again. And he isn’t smiling. He continues.

“Would you like me to introduce you to those ways?”

His tone warns of unspeakable pain. So much for lightening the mood. Shaking my head no‚ several tears roll down my face. Fern wipes them away with his thumb.

“Don’t cry. I love you‚ chica but never test me. You’re not going to like the price you have to pay if you do.”

There’s only a hint of anger in his voice now. He kisses me gently‚ testing my responsiveness with his tongue.

I kiss him back‚ eagerly pushing my whole body against him to beg for forgiveness. His response is a deep groan as he pulls me closer. He’s growing. I’m tingling with need too but not only am I bleeding‚ I’m so sore we’d need a cold-pak between us.

He plays with my nipples while doing that thing to my neck and ears. Before my last bit of sanity leaves me‚ I manage to say‚ “I can’t‚ papi.”

“Yes‚ you can. What’s a little blood between husband and wife?” he murmurs in my hair.

“Are you sure?”

I should be grossed out but surprisingly‚ I’m not.

“Yeah‚ can you handle some tender loving?”

I notice how he stresses the word tender. He’s going to be gentle but I’m glad I took the pills. I nod yes‚ still a little stunned at what we’re about to do.

“Clothes off. Shoes on. You have five minutes.”

Giggling‚ I run toward my bedroom.

My medicine has kicked in by the time I emerge from the bathroom with nothing on but my Monolos. He’s lying on top of several fluffy white towels in the center of the bed.

“Come here‚ chica‚ let me love you.”

His eye color has changed again but this time it’s a good thing. A very good thing. He loves me gently and slowly. My mouth is open but no sound escapes. My orgasm is so intense I’m left speechless‚ breathless‚ boneless and any other ‘less’ word you’d like to add.

When I stop shaking‚ Fern smirks‚ saying‚ “Ahora esa es la manera que me gusta que te ame.”

He continues leisurely sliding in and out as I enjoy multiple aftershocks.

His staying power is unbelievable. If I didn’t know better‚ I’d swear he was taking one of those performance-enhancement drugs. We eventually come together in an all-consuming orgasm then take a soothing lavendar bubble bath‚ where we take turns sponge washing each other.

§§§

Fernando

I’m glad that’s done. I had a feeling she was going to force me to bang her. But I assumed it’d be later rather than sooner. Erika had no clue how different my version would be. She’s lucky she was tied to the bed. I would have banged the hell out of her cute little ass for real if I could have flipped her over.

Shit‚ my dad taught me from a young age the fine art of taming and punishing women. He hand-selected women for me to practice on. I’ll have to thank him for those lessons.

She’ll never know how close she came to getting seriously hurt. She took it like a pro though I saw her fear. I loved the look on her face. The look that said she wishes she could take her words back.

She didn’t know I could have fucked her for another hour or so from the adrenaline rush that look alone gave me. Pulling back was tough but since it wasn’t my intention to really hurt her‚ after 20 minutes I decided she’d learned her lesson.

Between enjoying the overwhelmed look on her face and watching the pulse jump on her neck‚ I don’t know which was the bigger turn on. I felt myself sliding toward the darker side of my personality. The side reserved for handling business.

That’s why I left the house when I did and texted Renee. I knew Erika would be scared by the blood. Shit‚ I’ve been making love to her daily without any kind of protection for damn near four weeks. Either she was going to be pregnant or start her cycle this week.

Another thing my father taught me-know your woman’s body better than you know your own. I’ll probably know before she does when she’s pregnant.

§§§