“I know. I live with you. Remember?” I say in agreement as I check my phone.
“Anyhow. I just… I’m forty. And I’m beyond ready to settle down. I’m not sure if Milton wants the same type of relationship,” she sighs deeply then checks her phone.
“Have you guys addressed the future? If you want answers, maybe you should use your notorious candor,” I offer with a wide-eyed glare.
“I just… I’m scared to push him away by pushing him into something he’s not ready for,” she responds weakly as a half wry smile forms.
“What if he feels the same way? What if he also fears pushing you away?” I offer then allow Violet a moment to process.
“He’s a guy. I’m sure…” she replies then stops and averts her attention to her hands. She’s not looking at me, but I can see that her eyes are misting.
“Violet, he’s forty-five. Men, well…some men think about their future as much as women do. I’m sure he sees you in his future, but is unsure how to approach you,” I start then smile as our eyes meet.
“I just don’t want to be hurt again.” She swallows deeply, and then clears her throat as she pats the area around her eyes.
“I believe David mentioned wearing a suit and avoiding a tuxedo, so I’ll just wear a cocktail dress,” I offer in an attempt to change the mood. Tonight was too important for us to dwell on Peter’s infidelity.
“I think I might wear my Talbot Runhof, long-sleeve, ruched cocktail dress, with my Giuseppe Zanotti, black suede, sling-backs. Maybe some modest jewelry and makeup with a loose up-do?” she proclaims with a radiant smile and wide-eyed stare.
“You’ll look wonderful and maybe cheer yourself up in the process. I believe it’ll be a great night to wear my Marchesa Couture, lace bodice, peplum cocktail dress with my Giuseppe Zanotti, peep-toe, sparkle platform pumps. I’m thinking natural makeup and my cultured freshwater pearls with diamond earrings that Benjamin gave me for my birthday. And maybe my freshwater pearl bracelet that Elizabeth gave me for Christmas last year.” Violet nods with approval.
“We’re going to steal David’s spotlight,” she affirms as she grins then shimmies.
Violet and I wrap up our fashion conversation with a brisk discussion of what evening clutch we would be using. DKNY, black, quilted nappa for Violet and a Michael Kors, slona, patent python clutch for me. She leaves as quickly as she waltzed into my office. So much dress-up talk left me in a buzzing mood, and I almost forget to check in with the caterers.
“Good afternoon. Thank you for calling Bon Appetite catering, this is Trish speaking. How may I help you?” Trish declares in a cheerful tone. I was impressed by her high recommendations and sought out her services. She is as youthful and happy in person as she in on the phone.
“Good afternoon, Trish. Scarlet Rodrick calling from Belka Design and Realty. I’m calling to confirm the schedule for Jensen and Associates OBGYN Center opening tonight.” I tap a pen on the desk as I wait for her response.
Usually BDR doesn’t handle catering for project openings, but David has had an exceptionally busy week, jam-packed with deliveries. He didn’t want to bother me with the task, but I offered anyhow.
David was so grateful that he showed me his gratitude for over an hour. I limped on my way to my room that night and had to confabulate that I tripped on my shoes and fell into the corner of my work desk.
“All is on schedule, Miss Rodrick. Is there anything else I can assist you with?” Trish inquires.
“No, that’s all. Thank you, Trish,” I reply. Trish wishes me a fabulous day, but before I can wish Trish the same the call is disconnected.
It’s barely four and I’m anxious to leave work early so that I can maybe see David before his opening. However, I start to doubt that will happen, especially since I hadn’t heard from him today. We spoke last night when he let me know he had two to three possible deliveries scheduled. He laughed and questioned if he would make it to his center’s opening.
After encountering strange Kate, we experienced several unfortunate incidents. David’s car was keyed, my tires were slashed, and then the side wall of BDR was vandalized with, “DIE, SLUT!” in large red letters. I hoped all the incidents were not related, and that bored teenagers were the culprits, but then David mentioned that Kate had anger management issues and would often lose her decision-making ability when she skipped her mood-stabilizing medication. We tried to keep David’s OBGYN center opening out of the media, but Violet reminded us that BDR and David’s center would need the publicity to entice new clients.
By 5:15,Violet and I are headed home on I-75, breezing through traffic in my GT-86. Violet shrieks with joy when she notices Milton’s car waiting in our driveway.
“Were you expecting Milton here or at David’s opening?” I question.
“There was almost a chance he wouldn’t be coming, but here he is!” she exclaims then grabs her DKNY tote and sashays towards Milton.
“Hey, hot momma!” Milton exclaims until he notices my wide-eyed reaction that causes him to blush.
“Did you bring your suit?” Violet questions as she peeks into his white BMW 6 series convertible. Her shoulders relax when she spots Milton’s overnight bag and recently dry-cleaned suit.
“I have my Hugo suit right here, babe, settle down now. Maybe we should go inside and calm you…” A naughty smirk spreads across his face as he gazes into Violet’s eyes.
“Milton!” Violet bellows in embarrassment. I’m unable to control myself and giggle at her embarrassment.
“I’m leaving to doll myself up. You kids want to carpool?” I inquire.
“Hmm… We have plans for after.” Milton doesn’t share any further and Violet’s eyes widen following the revelation.
“Oh. Honestly now that I think about it, I’ll probably have plans too,” I disclose.
We make our way into the kitchen to share a quick snack of popcorn and soda. Then we go our separate ways to our primping areas. I pay special attention to my skin and hair as I shower. I even remember to shave. Once I’m dry, I moisturize and mist myself in the hopes that my night will lead to some pleasure. I prepare my face and apply my makeup, toss my hair into a loose up-do and dress myself. As I stare at my full-length mirror, I’m impressed with the finished product. I emerge from my bathroom at 7:15. I fear that I’ll be late due to missing several texts from David. His last text let me know he was leaving his home.
The facility is due to open at eight. I remember I need an overnight bag, so I gather some items. Violet suggested we close BDR on Tuesday since David’s opening would probably become a late night celebration. After telling our families about each other, David and I agreed to leave the celebration early.
Jensen and Associates OBGYN Center’s parking area is busy with vehicles, and I immediately regret not carpooling with David. Miraculously, David’s car is in a vacant corner, so I park on his right side. I check my hair and makeup then step out and lock my car. Jensen and Associates OBGYN Center is in a plot of land that consists of the facility and the parking lot, and an entrance equipped to accommodate city ambulances.
Once inside the building, clients and visitors are greeted by a friendly three-person in-take/reception desk. To the right of the front desk is a guest cafeteria next to restrooms, followed by a specimen collection area and processing laboratory. Next to the lab are three ultrasound rooms. The left side of the first floor is divided into an ample waiting area and administration offices.
The second floor consists of client appointment rooms on one end and birthing rooms on the other. The rear of the building holds the reception area providing ease to the stairwell and elevators. We suggested this placement to use a one-sided, three-story glass wall that would allow a view of the area without onlookers being able to look into the building. The third floor has a café for the staff, as well staff offices. David insisted there be a security office built close to the stairwell in order to protect the staff and patients. “I want to ensure that I can provide as m
any available jobs as possible,” David declared as his lips lifted into a soft smile. His ambitions to provide equal OBGYN health care intensified my admiration.
At 7:55, I excuse myself through the congested foyer of the bottom floor. It’s the only available area for the opening’s guest. I see Elizabeth and Benjamin near the guest cafeteria, so I join them. As usual, Elizabeth is remarkably dressed in a black, long-sleeved, Versace dress with metallic, leather, platform Yves Saint Laurent sandals that we bought together a month ago. Benjamin’s dressed classically in a black Burberry suit—the only suit designer he wears. He paired his suit with the Prada loafers that were a gift from Violet. It’s a fall Monday, therefore, all of my nieces and nephews are busy with homework. Reluctantly, Jade, Adrian, and their families are unable to attend.
As I affectionately greet Elizabeth and Benjamin, I’m interrupted by David calling my name. I turn to see him dressed in a stunning, black, Armani suit with a navy striped shirt and scarlet red tie. I beam at him as he greets me with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Belka. It’s a delight to meet you in person. Scarlet speaks so fondly of you two,” David declares as he shakes Elizabeth’s then Benjamin’s hand.
“How nice of her. And who do we have the pleasure of speaking with?” Elizabeth questions, glancing at me with a delighted smile on her face. I blush then bite my bottom lip.
“Where are my manners? Mom, Dad, this is Dr. David Jensen, the owner of this facility. David, meet my parents,” I declare as I lean into David and take his hand.
“Looks as if our daughters have developed relationships thanks to developmental projects,” Benjamin affirms. Elizabeth grins as she hugs me then David.
“I am so happy for you two,” she exclaims.
“David! David! We have searched the entire first floor, and here you are with this lovely young lady. Hello there. I’m Martha, and this is my husband, Jackson Jensen,” Martha announces.
Martha and Jackson Jensen are as opposite as apples and bananas. Jackson is shorter than Martha with a round belly, blonde hair, and piercing blue eyes. He’s dressed fantastically in a fitted black suit. Martha is at least a foot taller than Jackson. She’s lean, has long wavy black hair, and warm, welcoming blue eyes. Martha’s dressed fabulously in a burgundy, long-sleeved, cocktail dress with black sling-backs. David’s a reflection of Martha with his father’s eyes. I close the distance and hug Martha and Jackson as I introduce myself.
“Dr. Jensen,” a short, plump, tan blonde interrupts our family introductions. She informs David that the ribbon-cutting is soon.
“Yes, Lisa. Please lead the way. We’ll commence the opening now,” David instructs as he follows Lisa.
The Jensen and Belka families find a location near the ribbon-cutting. The crowd grows silent as David begins to speak. He gives a tear-jerking recollection of his cousin Lilliana’s birth and how she positively influenced his career. As a reflection of David’s personality, his speech commences on a serious tone, then ends with David jokingly explaining that Naples was close to home, but not too close. Even his mother laughs.
After several congratulatory handshakes, the crowd returns to an evening of classical band music and Bon Appetit’s excellent catering. Around nine, David is freed from a never-ending trail of investors and media reporters. I enjoy my time waiting patiently for him with Violet and Milton, along with the Belka and Jensen families.
It took forty-five minutes for the Jensen and Belka parents to become acquainted—they shared childhood stories of David and me. Violet and Milton are locked in an intimate conversation. I laugh hysterically at David’s mischievous toddler years, and then redden during Elizabeth’s recollection of my adolescent years. She’s a humorous storyteller.
My heart skips a beat when I notice David detach himself from his last conversation. He makes a beeline to me—I visualize him in his red tie and nothing else.
Since starting our relationship four months ago, I’ve changed from a sexually-inexperienced workaholic to a sex-driven David groupie. My lust for him has transformed me into a relentless vixen. And I’m proud of my ability to seduce David into ravaging me.
He approaches our family group then tells a witty joke. We excuse ourselves from the group to walk to the catering table.
“Hurry, grab a plate of crab cakes and some champagne,” he requests with a sly smile on his face. My hands are full, so David guides me out of the room.
“Where are we going?” I inquire feebly.
“I want you,” he declares with a seductive grin. Without protesting, I follow him. As we step into the elevator, David gazes deeply into my eyes then draws me closer to him. He passionately kisses me. Once the elevator closes, our lips never part as he manually explores my body. My hands are full so I’m at his whim.
The elevator stops. He walks briskly, but my peep-toe platform pumps and our catering goods are slowing me down. David stops midway to his office to give me another intense kiss. We sip our champagne as he opens the door. Several apple cinnamon Yankee Candles greet my senses. I place our catering goodies on a surface nearby then take in the ambiance of his office.
A plethora of lit candles cover his desk, bookcase, and file drawer. There is a trail of white and red rose petals leading past his desk to his lounge sofa that is up against a window wall. I notice a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket then return my gaze to his grinning face.
“I thought I’d give you a special thank you. Flora mentioned you…” Before he can finish his thought, I attack his lips with my desire.
“Let’s move to the sofa…” I mumble in between kisses. We stumble, making sure not to separate as we somehow make it to the sofa. He unzips, then shoves my dress up. He’s visibly impressed by the bottom half of my Ariel briefs, garters, and black stockings.
After removing my dress, he’s greeted by my lace bra matching the rest of my lingerie. He snaps out of his admiration of my undergarments and abruptly lays me down to face him. He remembers not to wrinkle his Armani suit, shirt, and tie and quickly undresses to reveal his black, cotton briefs. He’s so damn sexy, and I’m burning up with desire. My face and chest become flushed. My nipples harden to the level of pain. I shift to stop myself from drooling. I sit up to remove my platform pumps, but David grabs my arm, shakes his head, and demands, “Keep those on.”
He slowly moves his hand from my leg to my chest and cups my breasts as he uses his left hand to open my thighs. I swoon under his touch. I lie on my back and become moist by David’s tongue on me. He seductively detaches my garter to remove my panties then leaves them undone. I stare into his eyes as his oral stimulation causes me to thrust against his face.
After some time, a luscious pressure begins to build—I’m left limp after achieving my release. I lower myself to please David, but he grabs me and says, “You can thank me later. I want to feel your warmth all around me.” I lie back on his office sofa with my platform pumps in the air. His movements are slow but engaged as I become breathless. He begins to speed up. We’re moaning and grunting louder and louder until we surrender to our bodies’ response and achieve orgasmic relief.
“What’s with the pout? Did I not please you?” David questions as his lips form a frown.
“Of course I’m pleased. I just would have preferred to continue, instead of returning to the crowd,” I divulge as I cross my arms across my chest. As David walks toward the sofa, our cell phones ring. We search and retrieve our phones. David says, “It’s my mom.”
I look at my cell and respond, “It’s Violet.” I let the call go to voicemail.
“Hey, Mom. Yeah, I’m with Scarlet. I haven’t had an opportunity to spend much time with her… Oh. OK. We’ll be there soon.” He ends the call then returns his cell to his desk before saying, “She was worried we left without saying goodbye.” I nod in acknowledgment, and I conclude my text to Violet.
“Hurry up and get dressed before someone comes looking for us,” David urges with a twinkle
in his eyes. He blows out the candles then turns on a small lamp. I’m dressed before he completes his task. I evaluate my hair and makeup before we exit his office and walk hand-in-hand to the elevators. I realize I forgot my Michael Kors clutch, so David accompanies me to his office.
POW! I’m startled by a scream then a pain strikes my arm. I begin to sway and feel another sharp pain in my thigh. David’s cursing like a madman. A security officer joins us. I hear Kate’s voice close the space between us.
“She’ll die, and now we can be together, David. I love you!” she yells. I feel my warm blood seep down my arm and thigh. I’m on the ground in shock and somehow falling asleep while hearing a zapping noise. Kate continues to yell and curse. My eyes are heavy, and I hear handcuffs closing. Somehow I can no longer stay awake. I feel the shock of being shot take over.
I painfully open my eyes. An overpowering disinfectant smell is upsetting my sinuses, I feel the uncomfortable pinch of a catheter, and my arm and thigh are on fire. I’m unsure how long I’ve been in this unfamiliar bed. I hear the beeping of a heart monitor and notice that I’m in a hospital room.
“She’s awake,” Elizabeth announces in a tired, weak tone. I try to move, but my injuries stop me. My body and hair reveal that I’ve skipped a few showers. My mouth tastes like sandpaper.
“How long have I been here?” I question to the air because I cannot position myself to get a better view of the room; it’s dark, and I’m in need of a thicker blanket.
“It’s Wednesday, October 3rd. You have two gunshot wounds that caused severe tearing. You suffered complications on the OR table,” David states in a slow and steady tone. He’s a blur as my eyes are still adjusting.
“David, don’t overwhelm her!” Martha shrieks.
“How are you, dear? How dreadful of Kate to take her rage out on you. What a shame she managed to escape. She has truly lost her mind,” Martha reveals as she pats my arm.
“Let’s go, Mom. Let Scarlet have a moment with the doctor,” David says before squeezing my hand, but I barely feel it. Now they’re out of my line of vision. A tall, dark, older gentleman in a white coat grows close.
Scarlet's Torment (1) Page 7
