Tainted Black

by Shanora Williams

  “Just the summer,” I told him, smiling. “I think you’re worth the risk, Theo.” Then I kissed his cheek, and he nodded with a smug smile, following me out of the neighborhood park.

  We were hand-in-hand until we reached the exit, then we went our separate ways, never losing sight of each other, even as we walked on opposite sides of the street. Not even as cars passed by us, quick blurs that meant nothing right now.

  When we made it to our houses, entering our front doors, we took one final glance and finally lost sight of one another. Even while he was gone, I knew he still thought of me. Probably just as much as I thought of him.

  Knowing it thrilled every single part of me.

  Later that afternoon, after hitting the shower and helping Margie clean up the kitchen, I was at the diner on the pier of Bristle Wave with Theo. Like most men would, he ordered a double cheeseburger with extra bacon and cheese and a side order of fries. I helped myself to the honey-glazed salmon, a side of broccoli, and a sweet potato.

  “You eat like a girl,” he teased, poking at my fish with his unused fork.

  I gave him the evil eye, chewing thoroughly before speaking. “I’m sorry I’m not a brute like you, ordering extra meat and fries.”

  “Yeah… I’m pretty sure I’m going to end up on the toilet later on tonight.”

  “Oh my gosh!” I gasped. “I’m trying to eat here!”

  He busted out in a laugh. “See. Like a true little girl.”

  “Whatever.” I sipped my sweet tea. As I placed my glass down, I felt a pair of eyes on me. I’d felt the heavy gaze on me ever since we entered the diner. It was really starting to bug me. I couldn’t not look anymore.

  Turning my head a fraction, I spotted a woman sitting in the corner, magazine in hand, and a half-eaten slice of cherry pie on the plate in front of her. She caught me watching her stare at Theo. She looked at me for a brief second before rapidly snatching her gaze away, focusing on her magazine again.

  “Do you know her?” I asked. I gestured to my left, and Theo glanced over.

  “Not at all.”

  “She’s been staring at us since we walked through the doors.”

  “She’s most likely curious…”

  I thinned my eyes at him. “About what?”

  “Us.”

  I frowned. “What do you mean?”

  Theo’s eyes bounced from mine to the woman again. She was pretending we didn’t exist now, scanning her magazine with swift eyes. “Well, look at us, Chloe. We don’t exactly look like we belong together. I’m much older than you are, and she isn’t going to assume we’re related with how much I’ve been absentmindedly touching you.” He flashed a smile. “I bet she’s been wondering why we’ve been playing footsies for the past thirty minutes.” With quirked eyebrows, Theo’s leg brushed mine, and goosebumps crawled along my skin. Reaching across the table, Theo picked up my free hand, curled it into a fist, and then brought my knuckles to his lips.

  A hot flood ran down my throat, sinking deep and pooling in my panties. I blushed ridiculously as he kissed each knuckle while his eyes moved to his right, staring right at the woman that was watching us again.

  As if she were shocked, she gathered her wallet, tossed a few bills on the table, and then rushed out of the restaurant, taking one more glance at us before slipping out of the door.

  Theo and I laughed out loud, catching the attention of a few guests in the restaurant. Fortunately, they disregarded our silliness, returning to their meals and small chats.

  “So, I’ve been meaning to tell you.” Theo straightened up in his seat, his face getting serious.

  “What is it?” I aligned my back as well.

  He capped one of his fists, his elbows on the table, and hands now on his chin. “I’ve been thinking about putting the house up for sale.”

  Shocked, my eyes widened, and I dropped my fork. “For sale? Wow… are you sure?”

  “I think it’s time. I mean, I’m hardly ever home, but there’s a reason behind that.”

  “And what is it?”

  His brows drew together, lips twitching. “It… reminds me too much of Janet.” The sentence came out rushed. His voice was strained, eyes no longer on mine as he scratched his head.

  “Oh.” I focused on the wooden tabletop.

  “Not that I want to forget about her or anything, it’s just when I go there, I always end up thinking about her. Standing or sitting in certain places, putting on makeup in the mirror in the bathroom, or even cooking her disgusting ravioli in the kitchen.” His laugh seemed to cause him pain. “I thought getting the kitchen upgraded and remodeled, rearranging the bedroom, and even changing the paint in the house would help, but it didn’t. I still feel her. I still think of her. I know you don’t want to hear all of this but—”

  “No. Stop. It’s okay,” I assured him. “You can talk about her with me. I cared for Mrs. Black, too.”

  He was relieved. It showed all over his face, his eyes sparking.

  “You want my honest opinion?” I asked.

  “Please?”

  “I don’t think you are ever going to be able to stop thinking about her, no matter where you live or how hard you’re trying to move forward in life. It’s natural. I mean, I still think of my Granny Joan sometimes. She was the fun grandma.”

  “That’s true, but at least I’ll know that the place I move to wasn’t shared with her. Sort of like starting fresh.” He hesitated for a moment, dropping his hands and running his palms across his jeans. “I know you don’t want to hear it, but we shared a lot of good times in that house, and I hate that I used to have Trixie walking back and forth in there. I feel guilty in there—like I shouldn’t be living freely. Like I still owe a debt to someone that isn’t even alive.” He sighed. “I see her red recliner in the corner of the living room, and I can’t seem to get rid of it. Isabelle doesn’t want it, and I refuse to just throw it out. Janet loved that chair. She’d flip in her grave if she saw it was in a dumpster somewhere.”

  “I understand,” I murmured. I looked towards the ocean, allowing an idea to sink in. “Hmm… maybe I can take it off your hands. I could use a chair for my dorm at school.”

  His eyes lit up. “You’d do that?”

  “Sure.” I waved a hand. “Why not?”

  Appreciative, he grabbed my hand again. “You know, you don’t have to do stuff just to please me. You don’t have to always be so generous.”

  “I don’t mine, Theo. I swear.”

  His head shook, not negatively, but more in a she-is-too-good-to-me kind of shake. “Thank you, Little Knight.” He smiled. I returned one. “So… you think I should move out?”

  “I think if that’s what you think will make you happy, then go for it.” I squeezed his hand. “But I will miss not seeing you across the street whenever I happen to be in Primrose.”

  His smile was sweet and innocent. “You can always come visit me.”

  “Yeah…” My lips twisted. “That all depends on when you plan on moving.”

  “Well, see, that’s the thing.” He smirked. “I already found a place. I can move into it in two weeks.”

  “Two weeks?!”

  One of his cheeks quirked up as he played innocent “Yeah… crazy, huh?”

  “So why’d you ask for my opinion if you’d already made a choice?” I laughed.

  “Just wanted to see what you’d think. I needed someone to talk to… hear me out and maybe back me up if Izzy throws a fit about me moving to a smaller place.”

  “Wait—you haven’t told her yet?”

  “Nope. You’re the first person I’ve told.”

  “Really?” I lit up inside, grinning like a giddy idiot.

  “Yes. I’ll let her know when I’m all moved in…”

  “Where is the apartment?”

  He pointed somewhere behind me. I looked out of the window, spotting a small tower in the corner. “The condos right over there. They were just built right in front of the coast. It’s conve
nient. Close to my job. Right down the street from the market and only a short walk to my boat… speaking of…” he smirked.

  I laughed. “What?”

  “You still haven’t answered me about the boat thing?”

  “What exactly will we be doing on this boat?”

  His eyes focused on mine. “Do you really care for the answer to that question?” His leg brushed my calf, but something else was there—his hand. It ran up my thighs, nearing my heat. I clenched as he got closer but purposely kept his hand in the center, feeling weak as I helplessly let my legs fall apart.

  “I don’t,” I breathed. “I’m just curious.”

  “So many questions, huh?”

  “Tons…”

  “Let me answer them out there,” he pointed towards the water. “Out at sea where no one can watch us. No one can hear us. No one will matter outside of us.” I watched as his tongue ran over his lips, his hand moving higher.

  He was right there, provoking me, expecting an answer. “You think we should jump right into this?”

  He shrugged. “I told you, Chloe. Don’t think. Don’t wonder too much. Just let it be.”

  I inhaled and then exhaled deeply, reaching under the table and holding his hand. His brown irises sparked from the sunset, shimmering as he looked me over. The sun made them appear to be an amber color, as clear as whiskey.

  He looked at me as if he wanted to take me right there on that table. But he knew better. He was a wise man with a lot of self-control. That came in handy when it came to my desires.

  “Okay,” I finally responded. “Fine. I won’t think. I won’t wonder.” I leaned over the table, and he did the same. Our lips touched, but instead of kissing him, I sank my teeth into his bottom lip and sucked.

  “Fuck,” he groaned, eyes hooded, fixated on my mouth as I pulled away.

  “I’ll just let it be.” My voice was breathy, full of seduction.

  “Damn right,” he groaned. He tossed some money on the table and grabbed my hand. Within seconds we were out of the restaurant, me with my heart racing and him with a hard cock that he tried so hard to conceal. I couldn’t believe I had this effect on him. I mean it was Mr. Black. We knew each other well, but who would have thought we’d be where we were now?

  Kissing.

  Grinding.

  Holding.

  Hugging.

  Touching.

  Caressing like lovers, right before fucking like wild animals.

  God, this man did so much to me. To my body and mind and even my spirit. But it wasn’t bad. It was good. Theo allowed me to forget reality, which was what I needed that summer.

  I needed to forget.

  To let go.

  To get exactly what I’d been dying for all those years.

  Him all over again.

  Thirteen

  She didn’t want to go home yet, which was more than okay with me. She’d complained about her dad causing her stress and said something about a caregiver that she knew would actually look out for him.

  Instead of driving back to Primrose, I took her to the beach, hoping it would clear her mind. We walked the shore, her arm linked through mine, a soft smile touching her lips.

  “What are you smiling at?” I asked, glancing down at her.

  She peered up at me before pointing her gaze to the ocean. The waves clashed with gentle force, the sun causing the blue water to shimmer. “I’m just thinking…”

  “About what?”

  “Well, tomorrow, on your boat.” She looked up at me again, stopping mid-step as her lips twisted. The face she made was cute. Confused and childlike. “Is it an all afternoon thing or…?”

  “Ahh.” I smiled as she did, knowing exactly what she was getting at. Turning in her direction and placing my hands on her waist, I stepped in closer, my mouth pressing on her forehead. “Do you want it to be an all-day thing?”

  “I think at least four hours would work best. Food, music, and drinks included of course. Does the boat have a deck?”

  “A pretty big one,” I assured her.

  She clapped her hands ecstatically, bouncing on top of the sand. “Good! Maybe I’ll bring my bathing suit to tan a little. I haven’t been able to all summer.”

  “You kidding? You don’t need a tan.” I tugged her slim body into mine again, and she blushed as my nose skimmed her jawline. When my lips found the shell of her ear, I murmured, “You’re perfect, baby.”

  I felt goose bumps crawl along her skin, her lips parting as she slightly gawked.

  I couldn’t help my laugh. This girl had no clue what I was capable. She was accustomed to young men, boys that were impatient and too eager to bust a quick nut. But for me, I was patient. I wanted my lover to achieve ultimate bliss and satisfaction, and then I’d go for the kill.

  Drilling.

  Pounding.

  Screwing.

  Grinding.

  Even licking.

  The pussy would surely be mine. I’d leave her thinking for days, wondering what more I could do to make her mind and body feel truly amazing.

  “What are you thinking?” Chloe questioned, brows piqued.

  I fought a grin, shaking my head and grabbing her hand, continuing our walk. “Oh, nothing, Little Knight.”

  We stopped and faced the ocean. Chloe released a long sigh, as if she’d been in need of a relaxing moment like this for a long time. I drew her in tighter, and her hand pressed on my chest as she leaned into me.

  “So, no more Trixie?” she asked.

  “Nope. No more.”

  “Was she upset about you breaking it off with her?”

  “Not too much. I mean, we weren’t exactly dating. I’d set the rules a long time ago.”

  “Just sex,” she whispered, voice defeated as she dropped her head.

  I turned, cradling her face in my hands. “That’s all it was. Nothing more. I swear.” I struggled with what to say next. I didn’t know if I wanted to share deeper feelings, but when her hazel eyes connected with mine, I had no choice. She expected answers, expected to know why I’d replaced Trixie with her again. “She… didn’t exactly fill the hole I felt inside. It was kind of pointless, to be honest.”

  Her frown was faint. “Is that how you feel about me?”

  I stepped back, folding my arms. “Did you really just ask me that question?”

  “Yes, I did.” She stepped forward, limiting the gap between us. “I want to know, Theo.” Her hand ran down my arm, her finger tracing the outline of the lion tattoo I got when I was thirty-two. “Do you consider me someone like Trixie? A quick fix? Someone you know won’t deny you?”

  Her hand continued traveling down, meeting at my belt buckle. She tugged on the metal that secured it, vaguely running her tongue across her lips as the buckle clinked. Then her hand dropped, and she softly ran it across the bulge in my pants, the bulge that was now hard as a rock.

  My breathing stifled, my hormones getting the best of me. Reeling her in, I listened to the soft gasp that soared with the salty breeze, and when my fingers slid through her shorts and beneath her panties, she panted, but her hand still remained on my cock. “You know damn well you aren’t just a quick fix to me. We have history. Chemistry. You think I had this with Trixie?” I looked between us, my fingers delving deeper. When she didn’t respond, I said, “Answer me, Chloe. Talk to me.”

  “No,” she whispered, pressing her forehead against my arm. “No, I’m sure you didn’t.”

  “No is correct. I know you can deny me. You’ve done it before. I also know I can trust you, which says a lot because I don’t trust just anyone.” My mouth hovered above hers. She wanted a taste, just a small one if nothing at all, but I held back, listening to her breath hitch and then return to normal, feeling as she tried hard not to make her knees buckle.

  Her eyes sealed tight as I circled her clit in slow, torturous circles. “Oh, God. Theo… you have to… stop.” Her voice broke each time my finger sank deep, returning to normal when it was shallow.
“I’m going to cum if you keep doing that.”

  I leaned forward, whispering in her ear. “That’s the plan, baby. I want you to cum. No one’s around. No one will hear you. Just think of me. Just feel me. You don’t have to rush it. Trust me, I can do this all fucking night.”

  I suppose it was the sound of my voice, how it hummed in her ear, shooting straight to her core. Or maybe I’d just hit the trigger spot. Whatever it was, it came quickly. Her fingernails sank into the flesh on my arm, her mouth parting as she moaned. She hung onto me as if her life depended on it, and I studied every reaction—the flutter of her eyes, the whimper that caught in the middle her throat—my cock throbbing as her other hand now gripped my crotch.

  “So fucking beautiful, Chloe,” I murmured as her body finally settled. I tipped her chin, my mouth coming down on hers, our tongues colliding. She clung to me, her body unbalanced from the aftermath. “You know that?” She blushed, but she didn’t look away. She stared back into my eyes, bashful. Gorgeous. “So, so beautiful.”

  Her grin was contagious. I picked her up in my arms, placing her back on the soft sand and centering my lower between her legs. As badly as I wanted to take her, and as much as she wanted me to dive deep and fuck her on that beach, I didn’t.

  I was eager, but I could wait. I needed to wait because I had big plans for the next evening. I had so much to teach my Little Knight. My young queen. There were things she needed to experience, and I wanted to be the one she shared all those things with.

  Now that I had her back, I wasn’t letting go. Not until this summer was over. And even when it was over, I was sure I’d still think of her, hoping we could do the same thing the following summer.

  So, on Palm Beach, I only kissed her ‘til the sun sank. I grinded my hard cock between her legs and fingered her mercilessly until her body wracked beneath me, shuddering, shaking, quaking. Trust me, it was hard keeping myself in check, but the bigger picture would happen tomorrow.