Shadows

by Amber Lacie

  All of the accounting clerks are already in attendance, sans Kayla. I wish she was here. I shoot Ben a dirty look. Who the hell does he think he is? I take a seat closest to the door. I want to be able to escape, if need be. Anne shuffles in and she looks ragged. Her hair is a mess and she's struggling with her papers. If I had to guess, I'd say something bad is about to happen. Sharon walks in followed by the blonde. Shit. Today is not my day. My stomach drops. I stop chewing my cheek and straighten my shoulders.

  "Thank you all for being on time for this meeting. I have a couple of important issues to address today, and I need to make sure we are all on the same page." Sharon sweeps her eyes across the room, holding my gaze for just a couple seconds. "I'm going to make this quick. As some of you know, we are a smaller enterprise but have been acquiring more clients as of late. The main office has noticed our hard work as well as some other small offices. The company will be merging with Highton Associates at the end of the month. There will be some minor changes to staff, and the programming. Please be patient while all the kinks are worked out." Minor changes to staff? I really hope nobody is let go. "At this time I would like to introduce you to Ms. Bridgette Clarks." Sharon gestures to the blonde. "She will be running this office, while I'm in training at the main Highton office in New York."

  "Right. I will only do a small introduction, since I know there are a few of you who are trying to finish up this week’s accounts." Bridgette looks right at me and raises one eyebrow. I know I have accounts to finish. I don’t need a reminder. It's not as though this happens often with me. "Please take a few notes, if you do not have a good memory. First of all you will address me as Ms. Clarks unless otherwise told. Second, I will expect all account logs to be completed by three o'clock on Fridays. Thirdly, there will be some changes in staff, mainly with relocating to different branches. From now on, you will treat this business with respect and a competitive attitude. Those that work hard will be kept, those who do not…Well, let's just say you want to be one that works hard." She gives a sharp look to Sharon and walks out of the room.

  I wait for everyone else to slowly trickle out. Ben is already kissing up to Ms. Clarks, I can hear him offering to get her coffee. I spy Anne across the table, slumped in her chair. "Hey, Anne, you okay?"

  Shaking her head, she wipes her cheek. "Not really. That was supposed to be my position. Sharon was to be promoted and then I would be head branch manager. Two days ago, we got a notice of another company being interested in us. Then, as of nine this morning, National Clerk Accounts was bought. What I can’t understand is how the purchase was made so quickly. This had to been in the works for them to have someone available to replace Sharon. I mean they couldn't have just decided that yesterday, could they of?”

  "I don't know, Anne. I'm sorry they passed over you." Reaching over, I pat her hand. I don't know what to say to her. Anne looks up and smiles at me, but it's forced. "Will you be okay? I should probably get back to work. I don't think the blonde, I mean Ms. Clarks will be pleased if I don’t."

  "I'm fine. You should go."

  I look back at Anne as I leave the room. She's always been excellent at her job. Pulling out my chair, I make myself comfortable at my desk. I'm almost caught up with my work from this week. I just have two more accounts for today, and then tomorrow's schedule. I check the time and I notice it's a little past five o'clock. I log off and start collecting my things.

  "Are you headed out for today, Miss...I'm sorry I didn't catch your name." Ms. Clarks is standing next to my desk. She gives me a genuine smile, maybe she's not so bad.

  "Yes, I'm sorry. I didn’t notice the time."

  "Perhaps, you should take your logs with you then. I noticed you didn't finish today's schedule."

  "I guess I can. I actually accomplished a lot today. I was out most of the week. There was a death in my family." I'm hoping for some sympathy points, but she only looks annoyed.

  "Yes, I looked into that. A friend isn’t really family, is it?"

  "I'm sorry?" I swallow hard. Who is she to say who my family is? "He was like a brother to me, he was my roommate."

  "Tonight after you finish today's schedule, I want you to google the word friend. Perhaps you can enlighten me tomorrow on how friend equals blood relative."

  If looks could kill, she would be dead from the look I'm giving her as she walks away. This day has been absolute shit. I regret not staying home with Theron. I grab my purse and jacket. I send Kayla another text as I head towards the parking lot. Benzilla is nothing compared to Ms. I have a rod up my ass Clarks. Opening the door, I slide into the car. The leather seats hug me, offering me comfort. I almost breakdown in the car, but I take a steadying breath and head for home.

  * * * *

  Theron has made spaghetti with a Pork Bolognese for dinner. It's amazing. I'm completely famished and it doesn't take me long to clear my plate.

  "Is it that good? I don't think I've ever seen anyone eat my spaghetti so fast."

  "Oh, my God. It's so delicious. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I started eating." I take a sip of my Zinfandel. "So, what did you do today, while I was out working with the masses?"

  "I worked from home. I may not have an office, but I do run a business. You didn't think I was jobless did you?"

  "I just assumed you were taking care of your gram." I shrug my shoulders while taking another sip of my wine.

  "That is what I do. She has her finger in a couple pots, and I'm in charge to make sure they don't boil over. She's even made me Vice President of her company."

  "Oh? What's the name of the company she owns?"

  "You won’t believe me if I tell you."

  "Why not? I'm reasonable."

  Theron shakes his head, but I can tell with the drop of his shoulders he's given up. "Gilf Mergers Incorporated." He bites his lip and looks at me expectantly, but I don't understand.

  "Gilf? Is that an abbreviation for something?"

  "Oh, no. I'm not telling you. You can ask her when she comes over for dessert in a bit."

  I try my best pout, but he doesn't give in. "Fine, I will just ask her when she gets here." I stand to clear off the table. Theron is sitting in his chair, his arms firmly crossed, and with a smirk on his face. I'm determined to find out what it stands for. I'm starting the dishes as his gram walks in wearing a Pink Floyd shirt, skinny jeans, and a pair of pink chucks. Her taste in clothes astounds me.

  "Eve, my beautiful girl. Look at you! You're dressed and moving around. This is wonderful!" Placing her hands on my shoulders, she kisses each of my cheeks.

  "Hello, Isa. Can you believe I even made it to the office today? I refuse to be a zombie any longer."

  "Wonderful news! Now, what are we up to this evening? Poker? Pool? A horror flick?"

  This woman makes me smile. "I don't know. I'm not in charge. You will have to ask him." I motion with my head over to Theron, who is now sitting comfortably on the couch.

  "Gram, I love you, but how about we just start with cheesecake? Okay?"

  "Sure, fine, be boring." Isa rolls her eyes.

  I laugh as I start the dishwasher. I refill my glass of wine and set it down on the island along with plates for the cheesecake. I hope I'm this outgoing when I'm her age.

  "Well, Eve, since we are only allowed to have cheesecake tonight, how about we enjoy a little conversation."

  "Gram, your little conversations make me nervous."

  "Theron, shut your damn mouth. I am not speaking to you as of present."

  I spit my wine out across the island. Isa starts patting my back, but it really isn't necessary. "Oh, my. Theron, what did you feed this poor girl? She must be choking on some vile poison."

  "I'm pretty sure your vocabulary stunned her. I'd bet all my money on that's the reason she choked."

  Isa rolls her eyes at Theron. "What does he know anyways? Come sit with me. I'm tired." We sit for a while and talk about our likes and dislikes with books. Her library is very impressive, and I can tel
l she's definitely put it to good use. I'm not sure how long we are talking, before Theron takes a seat next to me. Sliding my stool over to be closer to him, I lay my on his shoulder and he wraps his arm around me. I try my best to stifle a yawn.

  "Tired?" His fingers run up and down my back. I could easily fall asleep on this barstool.

  "Mmhmm." I nod my head.

  "Are we back to not being able to speak, already? We really must look into the cause of this."

  Bushing, I look up at him. His beautiful swirling eyes are staring straight into me. The way eyes are different colors entrances me. My heart starts beating faster, and butterflies flutter in my stomach.

  "I can talk, I just don't want to" I notice his gram has grabbed her jacket and is getting ready to leave, but I have forgot to ask her what Gilf stood for. "Isa, wait."

  "Yes, darling?"

  "What does Gilf stand for? Theron said the name of your business is short for something." I hear Theron sigh. I look up at him, and he rolls his eyes.

  "Oh honey, I thought you would've figured that out. It stands for Grandma I'd Like To Fuck." She blows me a kiss goodnight and heads out the door. I'm rooted to my seat with my mouth hanging open. She has left me once again, completely flabbergasted.

  "Eventually you will learn to quit asking her questions. Very rarely are her answers ever normal." Theron kisses my forehead and takes my hand leading me to our bedroom. I quickly change into a nightshirt and slip under the sheets. Since I didn't finish the work I brought home, I set my alarm extra early. I switch off my lights and curl my body into his.

  "Hey, I forgot to ask you how your day went today."

  Watching his firm chest rise up and down with his breaths, I trace his tattoo with my fingers. "It was horrible."

  "Why? What happened?"

  "Ben was a bigger jerk than normal. Kayla picked up her work for the week and wasn't in. I found out this afternoon that our company has merged with some Highton corporation. Sharon is leaving to train in New York. Plus this snobby blonde, who hates me, is now my boss."

  "That sounds like a shit day. You should have stayed home with me."

  "I should have. As a bonus to my crappy day, Ms. I have a rod up my ass blonde wasn't pleased with my work today. I have to get up really early to finish my account logs from today. They need to be completed before I get into work. They are talking about rearranging staff and I don't want to be let go."

  Theron is quite for a few minutes. He's running his fingers through my hair. I feel so relaxed and comforted by him. Everything is better when I'm in his arms.

  "What did you say the name of the company was?"

  "Highton Corporation, or something like that, why?"

  "Just curious. I'll ask Gram about it and see if she's heard of it before." He looks over at me. I think I see a glint of fear in his eyes, but it quickly fades away. "My beautiful, Eve, what am I going to do with you? You are consuming me."

  "Is that bad?"

  "No, but I'm definitely addicted to you now. I can never quit. You are the best habit I've ever had. The feel of your soft skin, burns me." He runs his fingers under my shirt and up to my breasts, cupping them, twisting my nipples between his fingers. I gasp. "The taste of your sweet mouth, is sweet like sugar." He softly kisses the corner of my mouth, working his way across. His tongue sweeps out to licking my bottom lip. I open to him and his tongue claims mine. Desire consumes me. I try to pull him closer to me, but he breaks the kiss leaving me panting, wanting for more. "The feel of your body underneath me, my cock sliding in and out of your wet cunt is sinful." Holy Shit. "I need you. I want you. I am keeping you."

  "Yes." My voice is low and husky. He pulls my shirt over my head, tossing it to the floor. My nipples are hard peaks, my breathing is heavy. Hovering over me, he pins my arms above my head. Soft kisses besiege my neck and work their way down my body. I know what he's going to do, but I want to taste him. "Stop." He looks up at me and pulls his lip through his teeth questioning me with his eyes. My mouth is suddenly dry so I lick my lips. "I want to taste you."

  "Fuck, beautiful. That's the sexiest thing I've ever heard."

  He grabs my waist and flips onto his back taking me with him. I straddle his hips. I can feel his hard erection under me. Grinding onto him, I swirl my hips. My panties are soaked with my wetness for him. Sliding my body back down his legs, I pull the waistband of his boxers down. I've noticed how big he was before, but this view is incredible. Firmly gripping him, I slowly move my hand up and down his hard cock.

  "Mouth, beautiful."

  I do as I'm told. I lick the tip of his cock and slide my mouth down around him, circling him with my tongue. He's so hard. His hands find the back of my head as I find my rhythm. Pulling my lips back, I gently scrape him with my teeth and swirl my tongue around his tip. I feel him jerk in mouth. It only encourages me more. I firmly grab onto his balls gently tugging them as I take him all the way into the back of my throat. I almost gag, but I breathe through it. Tears sting my eyes, and I do it again. His hips raise up and he pulls my head back with my hair.

  "Fuck. I'm going to come if you don’t stop."

  I moan around his hard cock. I'm incredibly turned on, but this is all for him. I want him. I need to taste him. I pick up my rhythm and grab the base of his cock with my other hand sliding it up and down. Gripping his balls with my hand, I tug them as my tongue swirls around him. I feel his body go rigid beneath me. I take him all the way in the back of my throat, and I feel his release shoot down my throat.

  "Oh, God! Yes, baby take all of me."

  I lick and suck every last drop of his salty release. That was unbelievably empowering. I crawl my way back up his long torso, eyeing him as I go. He's so incredibly perfect. He pulls me to him and I fall to his chest.

  "Beautiful. That was incredible, but now we have a slight problem."

  I look at him confused. What problem could we possibly have?

  "You didn't get yours."

  "Oh. Are you going to remedy that? I think you should" I wiggle my body on top of his.

  "Are you going to start making demands?"

  "Maybe. A woman has needs that need to be filled you know. I could get them filled elsewhere." As soon as I say I regret it. Fear and anger take possession of his face. Smack! His hand sharply meets my ass. "Ouch!"

  "Eve, that was not funny or cute. Never, ever joke about being with someone else or leaving me."

  I look into his eyes and see the hurt that I have put there. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it. I need you. You consume me, too."

  "Is that so?" He tucks a strand of hair behind my ears and I softly nod my head while chewing the inside of my cheek. I feel awful. "Lucky for you, I'm addicted. Sit up." My body automatically complies with his demands. I sit up my legs resting against his sides. I can feel him hardening beneath me. My relaxed breaths turning ragged. My thoughts are all over the place wondering what he's going to do to me. I know it's going to be amazing, it always is.

  "First things first. Your panties, although they are incredibly sexy, must go." He pulls at the bows on my hips, gently undoing them. "Lift." I do as I'm told and lift my hips up. Sliding my panties out from underneath me, he tosses them to the floor. "Condom." I reach over and pull open the nightstand drawer. I grab one condom and close the drawer. Ripping it open with my teeth, I look directly into his eyes. They are swirling with approval. "Put it on me. Make sure to pinch the tip." Once again, I immediately do what I am told. I pinch the tip of the condom and roll it down his erection. I run my hands back over his thighs slightly grazing him with my nails.

  "Like this?" My voice is a soft whisper. He answers me by lifting me by my waist and slides me down his hard cock. I have never been so completely filled in my life. My breath escapes me. My nerves are electrified. I can feel every inch of him. I place my palms on his chest and slowly lift myself. Grinding back down, I clench my muscles around him.

  "Yes, just like that. Do it again."

  I do, b
ut this time I slam back down on him hard. I gasp. Every nerve ending is screaming out in pleasure. I won't be able to handle much more of this. Theron takes control and grasps on to my hips holding me in place. He drives his cock into me pulling out slowly and crashing back into me over and over again. I'm moaning and writhing on top of him. I'm on the brink of an orgasm and he knows it.

  "Are you ready?"

  I fervently nod my head. Once again he has made me speechless. Slam! "Ahh!" Slam! "Fuck. Theron!"

  "Scream my name, baby." He drives his hard cock into me hitting every single nerve as I come undone above him. My climax is intense and unending. My legs are shaking as my muscles spasm around his cock. "Hold on, beautiful, I'm not done."

  I'm not sure that I can, but I don't have a choice. Theron's hand dig into my hips as he pounds into me. I feel his grip tighten and he comes, bellowing out inaudible words. He releases his grip and I crash onto his chest. We are both breathless and sweaty. I can't move and he doesn't. His fingers run softly up and down by back. I shiver. "Are you cold, baby?"

  I make no movement or sound in response to his question. Softly he rolls me to the side and grabs the duvet to cover us. Burying my head in his neck, I place a soft kiss on this throat. His arms wrap around me cocooning me in his grasp, and I don't plan on leaving it anytime soon. I drift off to sleep with a smile on my lips.

  * * * *

  I'm walking along the beach with Kayla. We must be around eleven years old or so. I can see Matt playing with some boy in the distance. The boy turns his head to me and smiles. I'm not sure why, but my stomach always seems to drop when I see his smile. I look at Kayla and she nudges me. She thinks it's funny that I have a crush on him. I can't help it. He's exciting and we only see him at the beach. Kayla stops and grabs my shoulder. "Why do you think he always wears his sunglasses?"

  "I don't know. Maybe he's cooler than you. “I go to shove Kayla, but she dodges me and I almost fall into waves. I’m able to stop myself, and I fall backwards but my feet still hit the water. Kayla is hysterically laughing as I try to stand the waves lapping around my feet.