“I’m fine. This is my first time on a ship, so I was due to have a moment of illness,” I assured.
He watched me for a while, and called a crew member. He ordered me some tea and dry toast. I was grateful and a little miffed at having him take care of me like a child. I was prepared to block his seduction, not his nurturing.
‘One more day,’ I reminded myself. “So what is the plan for today?”
“We’re going back home,” he said casually. I cringed at his calling the main house as ‘home’, implying it was ours. Playa de Perlas was most certainly not my home. Boston was home. Matt was my home. “If you’re up to it and get your land legs, we can do another swim lesson? We’ll rest a bit and then head over to the resort, so I can give you a tour. We’ll eat dinner, go to the casino, dance . . . we’ll go home thereafter,” he rattled off.
“At some point will I speak to the police and give them my account of what happened?” I asked.
His eyes narrowed and the smile formed a frustrated line, “No.” He finally admitted.
“Why?” I asked in frustration.
“There is nothing more you need to add here in this country. You’ll be able to talk to the Feds back in Boston.”
“Feds?” I shook my head in query.
“She’s already back in Boston with a report of what she did to us. There’s no reason for you to talk to the authorities here.”
“Why didn’t you just say so?”
“Because I don’t want to keep talking about these things when I just want to talk to you about us,” he said. I went to stand, and he grabbed my wrist. “Sit. You’re mine until tomorrow, and I want you to eat your breakfast like a good little girl,” he snarled through clenched jaw. The shock of him speaking to me in that manner made me comply without hesitation. I was bound to him while we were in open water on this tropical paradise.
While we sailed back to port, Shay talked animatedly. I feigned interest, feeling uneasy. He showed me his true self and I didn’t like being silenced like a child, or controlled like one. I had every right to speak to the police, give my report, and find out where my wedding ring and purse were. However, Shay’s influence in the region should have given me every indication of his power over me.
The sickness didn’t subside even after we were in the car back to his home. I excused myself and went back to bed in the room I inhabited. When Shay tried to object, I stated, “If you want me feeling at my best tonight, then you’ll let me rest until it’s time to leave.” He nodded, giving me the permission to be alone.
I woke up a few hours later, feeling refreshed. I walked to the double doors, and without opening up the curtains, I slipped outside to the balcony. Shay exited the pool. Amaryllis was standing with an open towel to receive him. He turned his back to her and she towel dried him. I watched as her small hands gently patted his shoulders, back and down his waist in slow motion. It was highly irregular. He turned to face her where she proceeded to reciprocate on the front. It was deeply sensual as she followed the ripples of his chest, down his abdomen until she slowed to his obviously erect cock, which was shielded by the tight swim briefs. He grabbed her wrist. I thought he was refusing her touch, but he pressed her hand harder onto him, sliding it slowly up and down his length until she gripped his sack. She stepped closer and kissed his collarbone.
Aroused, he threw his head back and bit his lip. I knew she was giving him just what he needed to change his bad mood, which I wasn’t willing to give. It was obvious she had served him well during her employment. The way he let her touch him was the sign of a man who enjoyed a woman catering to his every whim and desire. Amaryllis was his perfect subservient match to his dominant personality. I would never be able to control him like I could with Matt.
I smiled wistfully to myself, and quietly stepped backwards to give them their privacy. Their interaction was just the permission I needed to keep Shay from invading my heart. I knew I wouldn’t be enough for him, and I would never believe in his fidelity. He didn’t give it to either Aida or Brigit. Despite his assurances I was the only woman he wanted, seeing him get felt up by the tall, slender, brunette with caramel colored skin who served as his maid indicated otherwise. I was in the home he built in my mother’s birthplace in a compound named after me, sleeping just steps away from him, and he couldn’t help but collect a feel from another woman. I decided to go downstairs and make an appearance.
As I walked toward them, I saw Shay’s nervous glance. He whispered something to Amaryllis, taking the towel from her hand. He wrapped it around himself, adjusting his cock. She turned and shielded his body from my vision. I smiled at her, and she nervously returned the smile. When she was close enough, I asked for a drink of water and lemonade. She nodded and rushed to retrieve my request.
“Hi,” I greeted. “Good time?” I asked. He looked at me nervously.
I truly loved fucking with people’s heads, and I hadn’t had the chance to do so in a while.
“Good time?” he asked uncertainly.
“Swimming, of course,” I pursed my lips and furrowed my brow. “What else could I have meant?” I asked.
“Yes. I always have a good time swimming,” he answered sheepishly. And I could sense he definitely meant a double entendre. I smiled. He stood firmly in place, not moving. I couldn’t help, but think the spectacular bulge under the towel prevented him from moving.
“I just want to know what time we’re leaving, so I can ensure I have plenty of time to doll up for you,” I said. He looked surprised and smiled a toothy grin.
“How about in two hours? We can have a tour first, so wear flats and bring heels for dinner and dancing,” he finished enthusiastically.
I smiled and nodded, turning to see Amaryllis with drinks. I walked toward her, and stopped in her track. I took the glass of water and drank it while looking intently at her. Her eyes shifted, looking all around, everywhere but directly into my eyes. I put the empty glass on the tray and grabbed the lemonade to take back to the room.
“Thank you. He’s all yours,” I said with a knowing gaze. I could hear the imperceptible gasp as I walked past her toward the house.”
*****
We were driven to the resort by Manuel in a white SUV. Shay indicated he didn’t want to chance drinking and driving in the rough terrain. The drive wasn’t long. In little time, we arrived at the front entrance of an amazingly appointed edifice. It was bustling with activity; guests and visitors coming and going. It was too early for dinner, so a staff member gave me the grand tour and allowed us access to everything at the resort.
“Do you have an interest in the resort?” I asked Shay.
“I gathered investors to bring this place to the prominence it holds. I’m really proud of what it has created within the local economy,”
“Did you invest?”
“A minor interest given in exchange for my expertise.”
“I thought you weren’t supposed to have any interests in competing ventures,” I asked.
“Well, Pentagon has no interests in the Dominican Republic. Pentagon isn’t missing out,” he dismissed in a voice and terse grin, which demanded an end to the conversation. I remained unsettled by the newfound knowledge.
We were guided to a beautiful restaurant with low lighting and piano music. It was definitely a romantic spot for fine dining. After our order was taken Shay asked, “Do you want to dance?”
“There was no one dancing on the open floor.” I said as I shook my head ‘no’. “We will look like fools,” I denied.
“Maybe we will get others to join us,” he said. I shook my head ‘no’, but something in his look made me change my mind.
It was no longer a plea, but a precursor to his imminent demand. He didn’t mean to give me the subtle look, but many days of trying to romance a woman would cause any man to start feeling anxious. I decided long ago to go back home to my family and friends without incident, I needed to comply. I forced myself to be his submissive house guest for the mo
ment. I had enough experience performing in front of strangers to summon up the courage to do the most uncomfortable things in front of an audience.
I smiled and extended my hand as I was taught early on. And he caught the bait, standing and pulling me towards him. I was led to the center of the dance floor. Brady led me in the first dance. Where he learned to dance was beyond me. He was a great dancer, commanding my body to the twists and turns he wanted. Sure enough, more people joined us on the dance floor. I smiled and laughed at his compliments and jokes.
“I’m going to miss this time with you,” he said with sincerity. I could feel his sadness envelope me as he pressed me tighter to his body.
“We should eat,” I stated, looking over at our table. He smiled and kissed my temple, grabbing my hand to lead the way. I saw him motion to the wait staff, which jumped to attention.
We ate our meals while Shay reminisced about our upbringing, our past interactions as children, his hopes for Pentagon, and desire to make me happy for the rest of our lives. After our meal, which I ate very little of, Shay insisted we dance some more because Matt wouldn’t allow him within one-hundred yards of me when we returned. I couldn’t disagree.
After sufficient time dancing, we headed to the casino on the far end of the resort. It was a hike. I would have preferred to go back to the house and sleep until the morning when I knew it was time to get ready to go back to Boston. I was eager to get back to normal. But I wasn’t sure if Matt was going to be my normal. Time away from him made me concerned with how we could return to what we had. We hadn’t established what our normal would be. I had started anew without him in my plans, living in a luxurious apartment, working an executive position; and spending my free time with volunteer work with Carson’s dance program. We had rushed into a marriage without much discussion as to where we would live. I refuse to live in his bachelor pad where he seduced me for profit. Living in the mansion would be too far for my wish to be close to work. I hadn’t met his parents and they were living there for the summer until the late Fall. I was nervous for us to finally meet because of our unconventional courtship and corporate-merger-marriage.
Shay gave me some gambling chips for the tables and a plastic card for the slots. He told me to stay with him at the blackjack table. He bet high with each wager. He was good, making amazing choices. After a while of standing behind him, I excused myself to look around. I felt exposed as I walked amongst the guests of the hotel and people who appeared to be locals playing on the slots and some of the gaming tables. I sat down at a slot machine and started playing, ignoring the sights and sounds.
“Hello, beautiful,” A male voice said in Spanish.
Instantly, I felt nervous. I looked over to see a mature man staring down at me. He was of average height and overweight; his belly jutted out toward my face. I smelled liquor oozing from his body. I felt it rude to ignore him and I gave him a simple, “hello,” returning to my slot. I was on high alert. Ignoring didn’t help because he plopped himself next to me at the slot.
“You’re going to bring me luck tonight,” he exclaimed.
Once I went to stand, his hand grabbed my wrist, pulling me down. I yelped and tried to pull my arm.
“Get off of me,” I demanded. He refused, holding me tighter. I felt his nails cutting into my skin. “Let go!” I yelled once more.
In an instant, I felt him yank harder as a body rushed both of us, pulling the man down to the floor. My arm was released, but not without immense pain. I watched Shay pummel the man with his fists. I heard screams and cries muffled by Shay’s grip on the man’s throat. Shay held him down with his knee to the sternum. The man yelled for help.
“¡Es mia!” Shay repeated. I blanched when I heard him say ‘she’s mine!’ I was frozen in place and couldn’t manage to stop him or get help in time.
Security came to assist, helping Shay up. In Spanish, Shay demanded the man be arrested, and banned from any of ‘his’ resorts. I watched the bloodied and bruised man be led away, and I didn’t think the ends justified the means.
Turning to me, “Are you okay sweetness?” He asked. I hated the term of endearment, but managed not to scowl.
I nodded, adding “You didn’t have to beat the shit out of him.” Once again flashing back to when he protected me in the streets when I was a little girl.
“He deserved more. He shouldn’t have touched you,” Shay countered. My arm was sore and I stroked my shoulder and elbow where I felt the most pain.
“You’re going to see the doctor,” he insisted, holding me by the waist and guiding me to the resort doctor.
The same doctor who arrived at Playa de Perlas attended to me. I had no broken bones or damage despite the redness, swelling and pain on my entire arm from the grip and pull. He gave me an over-the-counter painkiller.
“I think it’s time to call it a night,” Shay said definitively. “We have to get ready for tomorrow’s trip home,” he said, guiding me to the car. I agreed with him. He held my good hand as I braced my injured arm against my belly as we walked to his SUV. Manuel greeted us and frowned when he looked us over.
Behind us were voices calling out for Shay in the customary moniker of “Don Shay.” He asked Manuel to help me climb into the SUV. Being a man of little words, Manuel remained quiet in the front seat listening to boleros. All I could do was sit quietly and wait for Shay to travel with us back to his home. It was a long while before he returned and I had fallen asleep.
I woke up when Shay pulled me close to him, resting my head on his shoulder. He patted my arm and stroked my knee. It felt innocent at first, until he started gripping and stroking upwards. A kiss on my forehead was the move which prompted me to stop him.
“Why?” he asked.
“Because the challenge was you wouldn’t touch me. You’re touching me. You’re failing at keeping a physical distance,” I reprimanded.
“Can you blame me for trying? I have needs.”
“Why don’t you let Amaryllis fulfill them then?” I asked. His breath halted.
“You saw that?”
“Yes. You’re not my man, and I’m not your woman, so you can fuck whomever you want,” I said evenly. His mouth shut, forming a line.
“I’m not fucking my maid. It was the first time she’d ever done that. I found it odd. She’d only ever held out the towel, not dry me off.”
“But you didn’t stop her, especially when she grabbed your dick.” He looked at Manuel, whose eyes were clearly trained on the rugged road to the house.
“I have needs, Perla. Having you close . . . being unable to fulfill my urges . . . she was there, and it stopped when you came down,”
“Will it ever happen again?”
“No. She’s just the help,” he spewed.
I didn’t believe her social class mattered. If she had a pussy, I was sure he’d stick his cock in it. And by the sight of him receiving pleasure from Amaryllis, I was sure he didn’t care at the moment who she was.
“Will you ever fuck another woman, if you and I are exclusive?”
He grunted. “Can you please stop cursing? It’s unbecoming of you.”
“Hmmm, really? You truly don’t know me, Shay,” I sighed. “If you can’t take my cursing, then you won’t appreciate the type of woman I can be in the bedroom, or the type of girlfriend I can be socially, or the type of wife I can be publicly . . . We’re destined to be friends and that’s it,” I finalized. He didn’t answer.
“Answer me. Would you be faithful to me?”
“Of course! I’ve only ever given my heart to you. The rest is just carnal need,” he stated.
“And I don’t like games, Shay. I don’t want jealous mind games to test me. I don’t appreciate your assigning Andrea as my executive assistant to hurt me and make me feel insecure as a woman,” I accused.
“I’m sorry. She’s no match for you. I just wanted to get you to realize Matt wasn’t the partner he claimed to be,” he confirmed. His honesty was a start.
“Have you ever thought what would happen to us if we didn’t work out?” I asked.
“No, and I don’t care to,” he stated with certainty.
“We would have hurt so many people for no reason, just to see if there is something more between us. It’s not fair to all those people we care about.”
“I really don’t care,” he said matter-of-factly, and stared straight into my eyes.
“And therein lays the problem. I’m not willing to take the chance,” I warned.
“So you’ll be going back to Matt?” he asked with hurt eyes.
“I took a vow.”
“And I made one to your mother,” he countered. I turned away from him and looked out the window as we arrived at the house. I was ready for sleep and couldn’t wait to start the new day, traveling home to what I knew would be a firestorm.
*****
After Margarita came into my room to wake me up with breakfast, she took the liberty of packing the clothing. I didn’t have the heart to tell her I didn’t want a reminder of Aida’s sinister plot. I ate breakfast despite the momentary queasiness. I’d hoped they would subside seeing as I was going home. I chalked it up to being a nervous flyer. Margarita laid out a dress and shoes for my return flight. I was expecting to be giddy with anticipation, but my emotions were mixed. The biggest emotion was fear. I was terrified of what would happen upon our return.
Searching for Shay, I saw Amaryllis stop and consider whether she should turn back around. She was coming from Shay’s room. “Where is Shay?” I yelled out.
“He’s showering. I was just cleaning up his room when he returned from the pool. I’m sorry for what you saw, Doña. It wasn’t my intention to offend you and it will never happen again.”
“Was it the first time?” I asked. Since she took a long to respond, I continued. “I really don’t care what you do with him. He’s not my man. I have no interest in him, but woman to woman, don’t expect him to take you out of your situation and bring you to live here as the Doña of the house. Good luck to you,” I gave her a clipped smile and went down to the beach to sort out my jumbled thoughts and feelings.
Bound: The Pentagon Group, Book 3 Page 15
