by Stacy-Deanne
“Fuck.” Osana punched the pillow. “I gotta sleep,” she shouted, sitting straight.
“Max,” Karen screeched. “I can’t take it! Ah!”
“Damn him.” Osana turned on the television.
“Max!”
“Karen!”
“Oh, Max!”
“Son of a...” Osana chewed the end of the remote.
“Osana?” Leslie stuck her head in the doorway.
“Come in.” Osana sunk into the pillows.
“Can you believe this?” She rushed inside. “He’s fucking like this every damn night.”
“I can’t take this.” Osana rubbed her temples. “I haven’t gotten an entire night’s sleep since he’s been here.”
“Oh, Karen,” Max roared. “Who taught you how to do these things?”
“Gross.” Leslie touched her chest.
“Wonder what she’s doing?” Osana lowered the television to hear.
Leslie pulled at her robe. “How can they be so loud you can hear them all over the house?”
“How the hell does he go so long without a break?”
Glass broke amongst the moaning.
“Did something break?” Leslie grimaced.
“Probably breaking everything in the damn room with all this shaking.” Osana set down the remote. “Is this what we have to deal with for a whole year?”
“The other night he had three in there,” Leslie whispered as if she found it too appalling to say it loud. “Three women at one time.” She sat on the bed. “Every time it’s a different woman.”
“I gotta get his ass out.” Osana studied her manicured fingernails. “What’s the going rate for a hit man these days?”
“Osana.” Leslie hit her foot. “That’s not funny.”
“Ah.” She grabbed her glass of water off the end table. “You assume I’m kidding.”
“Osana.”
“All right, all right.” Osana sipped the lukewarm liquid. “But, man if I had the nerve.”
“Right there, Max,” Karen demanded. “Right there!”
Groaning, Leslie and Osana covered their ears.
****
Max stopped at Osana’s bedroom doorway the next morning. “Morning.” He grabbed her orange blazer off the bed as she reached for it.
“What are you doing?”
He stood behind her, holding her blazer.
She slipped her arms inside and closed the middle button. “I can do this myself.”
“Just trying to be a gentleman.” He leaned against the dresser. “You look nice.”
She wrapped her hair into a tight bun with Max staring the entire time. “Is there something you wanted?” She stuck a bobby pin in her mouth.
“Why are you always so mean to me?”
She laughed, securing the last pin in her hair. “If you don’t know why, then I’m sure as hell not gonna tell you.”
“I’m serious.” He scratched over his tattoo. “Is it so bad being my wife?”
“Is that a trick question?” She checked her eye makeup in the mirror then picked out lipstick that flattered it.
“Osana, there’s more to me than this.”
“What?” she mumbled, applying lipstick.
“I don’t want you to see me as just the blackmailer.” He picked up a bottle of perfume. “I’m not the horrible person you think I am.”
“Max, you murdered a man.”
“A man who tried to rape you.” He squinted. “A man who was embezzling money from his company. Preston wasn’t innocent.”
“Neither are you.” She straightened her collar. “You forced me into this but you expect me to like you too?” She put on her bracelet. “I’ve never hated anyone more than you.”
“Not even your biological father? He left when you were a baby, right?”
She looked into the mirror, avoiding his gaze. “We are not doing this.”
“I bet that hurt, huh? My dad walked out too. I understand how it—”
“You don’t understand shit.”
“We’re not so different.”
“Ha.” She stuck the tiny, gold studs into her ears. “I gotta go to work. Leave me alone and get out of my room.”
“Is all you do, work?” He stood from the dresser. “You work at the company then you come home and you’re in your office all night.”
“Some of us have to work.” She faked a smile. “It’s what adults are supposed to do.”
“You don’t have to work. You’re richer than Bill Gates.”
“I like working.” She exhaled, tiring of the conversation. “It gives me a purpose.”
“You’re one of those overachievers.” He clasped his hands, squinting. “Are you like that because your father left?”
“My father is none of your business.”
“I wanna know more about you.”
She checked the back of her head to make sure her hair was on point. “Why?”
“You interest me.”
“I’m not the only one easy to read. What about you? And that woman who hurt you?”
“What woman?”
“Oh, there’s always a woman,” she teased. “Someone hurt you so you don’t give a damn about even yourself anymore.” She moved closer to him. “When I tried to appeal to you the day you told me to marry you, I saw it in your eyes. What did she do to you, Max?”
He closed his eyes.
“You were in love with her, weren’t you?” She patted his head in a mocking manner. “Would’ve given her the world, and she dumped you like a hot potato. Is that what happened? Or did she not love you in the first place?”
“Nice try, Princess.” That sneaky smile returned. “This psychological crap won’t work on me.”
“Everyone cares about something, Max. Even you.”
“All I care about is money and getting all I can.”
She shook her head. “That’s a smokescreen. Not even money can replace what you really want.”
“And what is that, Miss Know-it-all?”
“Love.”
He stammered on his way to the door. “Mind your own business.”
“I hit a nerve.” She clapped her hands, laughing. “Aw, can’t you tell me her name?”
“I’m warning you.” His face came alive with fury. “Don’t play with me and stay out of my business.”
“You stay out of mine.” She got her purse from the dresser. “And while you’re at it, get that tramp from last night out of my house. I don’t want you bringing women here anymore.”
“I’ll do whatever I damn well please, and you’re gonna accept it.” He blocked her when she tried to pass.
“Get out of my way.”
“I’m in control, Princess.” He glided his finger over her cheek. “Don’t make me prove it.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
“Shad?” Osana waltzed past Abby and through Shad’s entrance hall that night. “Shad!”
“Ms. Royal, please.” Abby tottered behind her. “Is something wrong?”
“You damn right it is.” She swung around, almost hitting Abby in the face. “Where is he?”
Abby pointed a shaky finger down the hall. “He’s on the patio having dinner.”
Osana got to the patio and slung open the double doors.
Shad sat in a lounge chair eating noodles and chicken out a Chinese takeout carton. “What do you want?” He groaned, wrestling with getting the chicken to stay between the chopsticks.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were buying Kinard’s company?”
He slurped noodles. “Since when do I have to run my business dealings by you?”
“Why would you buy Kinard’s company?” She stood in front of him, tapping her foot. “Why?”
“Because they approached me and it’ll make me a lot of money.”
“So of course you’d run to do it with your greedy behind.”
“Excuse me?” He chuckled between chewing. “What does this have to do with you?”
“It
makes no sense.”
“It makes perfect sense.” He ate a chunk of chicken. “His company is successful and it would benefit me to have a stake in it. Besides, I haven’t bought anything yet.” He swallowed. “I’m still thinking about it.”
“Did Gloria put you up to this?”
“No.” He stirred the food. “She didn’t know about it until I told her. Unlike you, she thinks it’s a good idea.”
“Why am I not surprised?” She laughed. “She thinks you walk on water.”
“What’s it to you what she thinks of me?” He crossed his feet at the ankles. “You’re married, right? Speaking of which, how are you and Max doing?” He wrinkled his nose as if he smelled shit. “Sparks still flying?”
“Go to hell, Shad.” She marched to the double doors.
“I’ve been up almost every night since you married him.”
She stopped in place, dropping her head.
“I know he’s blackmailing you. That’s the only explanation for this foolishness. I’m gonna find out why.”
She inched toward his chair. “Shad—”
“I hired an investigator.”
“You did what?”
“I’m confident she’ll tell me all I need to know about Max in due time.”
She grabbed the carton from his hands. “Stop it. This is none of your business.”
“Yes it is.” He took the container back. “You’re my business.”
“You had no right hiring an investigator. Stay out of this.”
“What does he have over you?” He stood, setting the container on the table. “Tell me.”
“You’re not gonna bully me into doing what you want.” She walked toward the immaculate bushes. “You’re the one who always wants to be in control not me.”
“It’s done.” He shrugged. “Since you don’t trust me enough to tell me, then I took action.”
“I don’t need you to take action concerning my life. Who do you think you are?” She turned her back to him.
“I did this for you.” He stood behind her, grasping her arms. “I love you so much.”
“Get off me.” She poked him with her elbow. “Call off that investigator or—”
“Or what?” He bucked up to her, chest heaving.
“Or you’ll become my enemy.” She matched his stance with her own. “Honey, you don’t want that.”
“Is that so?” He faked a yawn. “If I’m supposed to be afraid then try again.”
“Shad, I care about you more than I have any man who’s shared my bed, but if you don’t back off, I’ll make you regret you ever loved me.”
He stood back, batting his eyes. “Whoa.”
“I don’t want you snooping around my marriage.”
“I don’t give a shit.” He grabbed his food and sat. “You can rant and throw tantrums all you want but you’re not getting your way this time.” He sucked in noodles. “I’d rather you hate me for the rest of your life than for you to be in trouble. See, that’s the true definition of love, Osana.”
“I hate you.” She stomped in place. “I hate you!”
“Then hate me, damn it.” He threw the food across the patio, panting. “Hate me.”
Osana huffed and puffed as her nipples hardened against the confines of her bra.
He sat forward, widening his legs. “Are you wet?”
She touched the back of her neck, feeling dots of sweat. “Like fuckin’ Niagara Falls.”
“Then why the hell are you all the way over there?”
“I don’t have a fuckin’ clue.” She threw her purse on the pavement and ran to him.
They exchanged hungry kisses while pulling each other to the ground.
“Wait.” She gasped. “I thought you said you wanted nothing to do with me unless I told you why I married Max.”
The black hairs of his Van Dyke beard glistened. “Fuck it.” He pulled her head back and thrust his lips onto her mouth.
“You mad, huh?” She caught his lips between hers.
“Yeah.” He kissed her, smacking afterwards. “I’m steaming.”
“Show me then.” She pushed on his chest. “Show me!”
“I’ll show you.” He flipped her around, forcing her face into the pavement. “You got nerve you know that?” He ripped off her white, satin panties. “All I wanna do is help you but you always gotta be in control.”
“Yes,” she shouted, rising on her knees. “I am in control.”
He got his pants and underwear down. “Not tonight.” He pushed his cock inside her as he pulled her hair.
“Yes, damn it!” Osana gyrated as his dick flexed against her walls. “Fuck me, Shad. Come on.”
He gripped her waist, panting and pumping.
“That’s it.” She rocked on her knees. “Thought you were mad. Is this all you got?”
“You want mad, huh?” He locked his arm around her neck, fucking the life out of her. “Is this mad enough for you?”
“Give it to me, Shad,” she grunted with sweat dripping from her face. “Be mad with this pussy. Take it out on this pussy!”
Their skin clapped as he sped up the pace.
“Oh, yes,” Osana howled. “God, your dick feels so good. Come on, shit. Harder!” She bounced her ass against him.
“Ooh, yes.” He grabbed her titty. “Bounce like that baby. Oh, Osana.”
“God, I love that dick.” Her knees throbbed from rubbing the grueling cement. “Fuck the shit out of me, Shad. You’re the only man I want.”
“Ah!”
“Fuck me!” Osana’s legs trembled as she climaxed. “I’m coming, baby.”
“It’s mine, isn’t it?” He yanked her hair. “This pussy is mine.”
“Yes.” She panted, stooping. “It’s always gonna be yours.”
“Oh,” he roared, erupting inside her. “Osana!”
“Yes.” Her knees quaked as her pussy digested his thrashing orgasm.
“Woo.” He rolled off her with his sweaty face red as a tomato.
Osana rested with her back on the cement, surprised at how comfortable it felt. “You fucked the hell out of me.” She laughed, looking at the dots of stars in the night sky.
He flashed a confident smile. “Don’t I always?” He grabbed her hand and kissed it. “Stay the night.”
She wiggled against the cement. “You know I can’t.”
“Why not?” He panted. “Fuck Max.”
“He’ll be mad.”
“Let him be mad.” He sat up and ran the tip of his index finger across her lips. “Let me in—”
“Sh.” She kissed his finger. “We just had a wonderful moment. Don’t spoil it, okay?” She sat up. “Pass me my panties.”
“Why?” He grabbed them. “They’re ripped, anyway.”
“Keep ‘em then.” She stood, straightening her clothes. “I gotta go.”
He rose with her panties in hand. “I want you.”
She smiled. “When you go to bed put my panties on the pillow next to you.” She kissed him. “Think of me.”
****
Max busted into Osana’s bedroom right as she’d taken off her blouse to change into her nightgown. “Where have you been?”
“Max?” She crossed her arms over her bra. “Get out of here.”
“I’m not going any damn where until you tell me where you were.” He tottered closer, his breath reeking of whiskey.
“God.” She scrunched her nose. “You’ve been drinking.”
“This ain’t about me!” He swung his arm, eyes red. “Tell me where you were.”
“It’s none of your damn business where I was.” She put back on her top. “Get out of my room or I’ll call the police.”
He rocked like a crazed animal. “You were with Shad weren’t you?”
“Get out of my face—”
“Answer me.” He grabbed her with such force he almost yanked her from the floor.
“What’s wrong with you?” She pushed him off, heart pounding. “Why are you
acting like a jealous boyfriend?”
“I demand the truth.” He pointed to the carpet. “I’m your husband, and I deserve respect.”
“Okay, you must be drunk because you’re being a bigger asshole than usual. Where do you get off talking like this?”
“You’re acting like a slut.”
“Am I?” She laughed. “You can fuck every woman in Santa Barbara but I can’t see Shad?”
“Bingo, Princess.” He wobbled. “If you keep seeing Shad then folks will get suspicious and they’ll find out what’s going on.”
“That’s not it.” She chuckled. “Are you jealous, Max?”
“No,” he whispered through clenched teeth. “You could ruin everything if you’re not careful.”
“Let’s get something straight.” She stuck her finger in his face. “You can make me marry you and give you money, but, you can’t make me respect you. You sure as hell can’t tell me what to do in my personal life. Who I see is none of your damn business.”
“I’m serious, Osana.” An eerie shadow corroded his eyes. “If you don’t stop seeing him you’re gonna regret it. Maybe he will too.”
“You’re just bravado, and I’m bored with it.” She pointed to the door. “Get your ass out my room and stay in your place.”
“My place?”
“Get this through your head, Max. You’re my blackmailer not my husband. You have no right to be jealous…”
He gripped her head and forced his slimy, whiskey-coated lips on hers.
“Mm!” She shoved him and slapped him so hard the sound echoed into the hall. “Max?” She covered her mouth, gaping.
He frowned, shifting his gaze everywhere but on her.
“How dare you?” she yelled. “Don’t you ever do that again.” She wiped the kiss from her lips. “Do you hear me?”
He looked at her. “I’m…I’m sorry.”
“You better be.” She huffed and puffed. “I don’t know what’s going on in your head but you better remember the nature of our relationship. Don’t ever touch me.”
He nodded, batting as if his eyelids weighed a hundred pounds.
“You get that, Max?” Her lips shivered. “Ever.”
“I didn’t mean it.” He lay his hand to his head. “It was an accident.”
“I don’t care what it was.” She swallowed. “It better not happen again or I’ll kill you.”
