by JC Szot
Chapter 19
Allie reclined in bed and watched Dan pack, a familiar routine of filling garment bags and repacking his shaving kit. He sat down on the edge of the bed, partially dressed, shirttails untucked, his tie slung over his shoulder.
“I want you to contact your boss.” He stroked her cheek. “Make arrangements to take some time off for our trip. By the end of September, I’ll be done with this mess…” His voice trailed off.
“What’s wrong?” Allie noted the discouragement in his voice.
“We need to spend more time together.” He kissed her fingers. “Let Vicky know now so we can make plans.” His eyes rested on hers. Allie tried to swallow past the burn in her throat.
“Okay, I’ll email her.” Allie sat up and kissed him. Dan pulled her into his arms, his hand smoothing down her back. His arms tightened around her. Allie felt the heavy sigh escape, his chest sinking against hers.
“I’ll call you.” He pulled back, gripping her arms.
His eyes were a mirror of pain. Was it her pain his eyes were holding? Or did he have a pain of his own? There was something unsettled in them, something she’d never seen before. The panic rose. Maybe he knew. Allie’s insides cramped. Dan stood and zipped up all his bags. She followed him downstairs.
They stood in the driveway saying goodbye. Marty was up on a ladder cleaning his gutters. He waved to them, but his stare was pressing, a hawk stalking its prey, observing the behavior between them.
Tess seemed to be missing. Allie found herself concerned about her. The last she’d seen of her was when she came to ask Marty to talk with the concrete contractor.
With Dan now gone again, the house had turned back into a quiet structure, housing her, her pain, and her guilt. She was tormented. A part of her wanted Dan to stay, to reel her back into their relationship, where deep down Allie thought she belonged, but Marty? He tugged at her heart, her thirst for him relentless. Was it lust or love, and with which one? She spent the day in her studio. She sent an email to Vicky, making a request to use her vacation time in the fall.
Later that evening raised voices lured her to the window. Allie saw that Tess had returned. The racket was coming from Marty’s yard. She snuck out back onto the deck. Tess was in Marty’s workshop. She couldn’t hear his voice, but Tess’s was shrilling across the yard, cracking through the night air like a thrashing whip.
Allie could see Tess’s hands through the window, waving through the air in anger right in front of Marty’s face. The door flung open. The force behind it sent it slamming back against the outside of the building. The crunch of Tess’s heels digging into the graveled driveway receded. Allie watched her dark figure stomp across the street, get in her car, and careen out of her driveway, the engine winding out in rebellion.
Allie had known this night would come. Marty had said no to Tess, and just as she’d predicted, Tess didn’t take it well. Allie waited about twenty minutes, grabbed a bottle of wine and a beer, and crept across the yard.
Marty had the lantern lit on the workbench. A small flame danced on the wall. Allie knocked lightly. She stepped back in case he thought Tess had returned for a second round. The door opened, Marty almost ducking to avoid a physical blow.
“Hey,” Allie said, her voice a hushed whisper.
“Hey, Allie.” He started laughing. “Get the hell in here, before we both get beat up.”
She slipped through the door, which Marty closed, then quickly locked.
“She wanted you to go out, didn’t she?” Allie handed him the cold beer, condensation dripping from her hand.
“She wanted me to go out with her and those two guys we’d seen over at her place last week.” He popped the cap off the beer, taking a long pull from the bottle.
“Where did she want you to go?” Allie sipped her wine right from the bottle.
“Some party.” Marty raked his hand through his hair, his face tense. “One of them is a movie producer.” His eyes darkened, his tone seething.
“What sort of movies?” Allie gulped the wine.
“I don’t know,” he barked at her. “I want nothing to do with her. She’s a pig.” He drew off his cigar. The ash glowed, a heated red to match his tempered state. He faced her. His eyes melted her, his pupils large and dark.
“She called me an old fart.” Marty laughed, his mood lifting with the help of humor.
“I don’t like the sound of this movie guy.” Allie leaned into him, eager to feel him, his heat and hands. She’d missed his kiss, his touch, among other things.
“Tess is a big girl, Allie. Come here.” He steered her closer. Allie buried her face in his hair, breathing in his woodsy sweetness. “You looked absolutely beautiful last night.” He twisted a few strands of her hair around his finger. “That dress you wore made me want to strip you and fuck you senseless.” He cradled the back of her head. His thick fingers slid down, clenching her ass. His hands roamed, reacquainting himself with all the parts of her he’d missed.
Allie woke up to his touch. Desperation surged. She pulled the T-shirt over his head, feeling his lightly furred chest. She licked the tangy, gritty sweat off his skin. Her teeth scored over the skin of his shoulder. She plucked each nipple, delighting in the way his breath caught. His chest rose, his heart thundering under her tongue. The thirst they both craved, and had gone without, had them both dehydrated. The last few days had been hard for Marty, his needs more vocal than they’d ever been.
“I gotta have your mouth on me, sugar, please, I’m begging,” he said, his breaths a thermal wind in her hair. Allie lowered to her knees. Marty’s thick cock leapt out at her, the head crying with need. She leaned forward on her hands, taking him into her mouth. She drew him in. His cock was hot, damp, smelling of forbidden places. Her lips worked over him, her tongue lashing under the shaft. Marty’s hips bucked, the reflexes of his hard body firing. He took her head in his hands, his words a panted rush.
“Christ almighty, Allie.” His thighs flexed against her face. She felt his cock harden more. Marty released a choking gasp. Allie glanced up at him, his face contorted. He moaned through clenched teeth.
“Oh God.” His body shuddered. “So good, baby.” Allie felt her lips curve around him, pleased that she’d provided him such intense pleasure. Her mouth flooded with him, his taste becoming her.
* * * *
As Allie got dressed, shaking the fine wood shavings from her clothes, they noticed a car pulling into Tess’s driveway. Moving beams of the headlights soared across the wall of the workshop. Marty bolted to the window, his pants unzipped, clinging to his hips.
“Is she home?” Allie struggled back into her clothes, panic crushing her chest.
“Oh yeah, she’s home. Come check this out.” Marty waved at her frantically to come to the window.
It was the two men with the black Mercedes. They were unloading the trunk as Tess pulled in behind them. She parked her car alongside the Mercedes then got out. Marty and Allie stood at the window, peering out into the darkness, trying to see them under the glowing circle of Tess’s outdoor floodlight. The two men were pulling black cases out of the trunk, along with large lights and rods with tripods on the bottom.
“I don’t like this.” Allie’s anxiety mounting, she faced Marty, his profile a stunned silhouette in the dark.
“They’re gonna make a film over there. That’s what they’re doing.” His brows rose.
“Marty, I really don’t like this.” Allie felt antsy. Her skin crawled, a mixture of uncertainty and fear.
“Our girl Tess is doing porno, I bet,” Marty said grimly.
“Marty, we have to do something.” Allie gripped his shoulder.
“Do what?” His face stiffened. “Just like I said, she’s a big girl. They probably needed another guy. That’s why she came over here, trying to recruit me into her dirty operation.” Marty shook his head and stepped away from the window, disgust coating his face.
“Oh, my God.” Allie kneaded her eyes. “I
don’t believe this is happening.”
“Man, this is some neighborhood I moved into.” He chuckled. “No wonder this house was empty for so long.” He grabbed the wine, draining the bottle of its warm, sour liquid.
Allie’s face was glued to the window, her eyes fixed on the two men. Tess had gone inside, leaving them to their equipment. The last item to come out of the trunk was the most incriminating. A camera. A very large camera.
Chapter 20
Allie spent the next few days watching Tess’s house. From the way things looked through the binoculars, the blond man was definitely gay, she just knew it. The dark-haired man appeared to be your average business type wearing an expensive suit. The blond was spending a lot of time sunning himself by the pool in his skimpy, red Speedo.
The dark-haired man was coming and going much of the time. Allie assumed he had a primary job that he worked during the day. After three days of spying on them, Allie toyed with the idea of paying Tess a visit. Allie drew the conclusion that Tess thought she was just plain stupid. Didn’t she think that Allie would notice this activity going on?
* * * *
“She doesn’t think you’ll go over there, that’s what it is.” Marty sipped his coffee, checking her expression, his tone cranky. Allie had his mural just about done. She was rinsing her brushes in the sink. “She doesn’t think you’re stupid,” Marty debated. “She just thinks you’re too timid, that’s all.” Marty closed the space between them, pressing his pelvis into her from behind, grinding her body into the counter. “Hey, it works for us, let it be.” He spun her around, gripping her chin. His lips mashed into hers, his kiss hard and hot. It shattered her into a million pieces, pieces she wasn’t sure she’d be able to put back together.
Marty eased off from the kiss. Allie spoke through his parted lips. “You don’t think I should go check on her?”
Marty shook his head. “You need to come and check on me.” He moaned, rubbing his cheek against hers. A warm breeze blew through the kitchen. The wind chimes out on the porch brushed together, releasing a deep baritone clamor. He pulled her closer. Allie gazed through the window over at Tess’s house. Part of her was scared for Tess. Allie had a nagging feeling that this time she was in way over her head.
“Well, I should go.” Allie turned and laid the brushes in the drainboard. “I need to do some work at home.”
Marty’s eyes widened suggestively. “I’ll see you later.”
“What does that mean?” Allie wiped her hands on the dish towel.
Marty had a seductive look, one that told her that he was in the mood to break the rules.
“Nothing.” He shrugged. The corners of his mouth curved into a subtle grin, brushing off their exchange.
* * * *
Allie walked back home carrying her paints, her mission looking legitimate. After lunch she went up to the studio. She looked out the window at Tess’s one more time. The reality of what was going on moved through her body like a virus. All Tess’s blinds were pulled down, the pool area barren. The black Mercedes had returned.
Allie collapsed on the love seat, easing into a restful sleep. Her body jolted, awakening to the cushions sagging beneath her. She opened her eyes, glancing around quickly, her eyes trying to focus at a moment’s notice. Marty was sitting on the edge of the love seat, smiling.
“What are you doing here!” Her eyes flew open as she struggled to sit up.
“Shhh.” He placed his fingers over her lips.
Allie looked toward the door and noticed he had removed his boots, leaving them near the threshold.
“This is not good. It’s too risky.” Allie fought to get up.
“Oh no, you’re gonna stay right there.” He began to work the buttons on her blouse. “I’m going to undress you in this beautiful ray of sunlight.” He gestured to the window. “And admire your immaculate body in the glow of the afternoon sun.”
The idea of her sneaking behind Dan’s back in her own home had Allie’s guilt swelling, but the look on Marty’s face had her entranced. His round eyes pleaded, his voice slurred with seduction. She felt herself falling, drowning in the spell.
She ached for the weight of him. He eased the fabric of her blouse away. She wasn’t wearing a bra. Her breasts were revealed to his hungry gaze. Her body reached for him, wanting to absorb him.
“You’re magnificent,” he spoke softly. “Fuck,” he growled. “I have to have you. You’ve got me all hot and crazy.” He tugged at her shorts. “Stretch out for me, doll. Let me do wicked things to you.”
Material slipped from their bodies. Allie waited for him, her legs splayed apart like a tired worker who’s been on her feet all day. The sun poured through the skylight, warming her body. Marty gently tugged her hand, motioning her to the rocking chair.
“Sit here, baby, and I’ll make it worth your while.”
Allie sat in the chair. Marty gently spread her legs, draping them over each arm. Allie allowed him to move her limbs, her body drugged with desire. The cool slats of the chair adhered to her heated skin. She was open and vulnerable to him. She reached for him, stroking along his jaw to his strong neck. Marty dropped to his knees and leaned into her, his kiss firm. His mouth slipped over her neck, lowering to her breast. His mouth latched onto her nipple, pulling and tugging.
He possessed her with affectionate pain, his hands gripping her hips, his thumbs digging into her flesh. She felt the air move around them. Her pussy burned, needing his tongue and touch. Marty lifted her arms, wrapping her fingers around the top of the chair. His wiry cheeks scraped over her skin, his mouth hovering over her pussy. The knitted bones of Allie’s spine ground into the slats of the chair. Marty’s body pressed into hers, a chaos of desire. Marty lifted his gaze. Lust lit his features. His dark eyes glowed like a ravenous animal.
“This is all I’ve been thinking about,” he said, his voice raspy. He kissed her pussy. His tongue feathered through her.
“Jesus,” Allie gasped. Her hips thrust forward, meeting his eager mouth. Her body ascended. She was floating, drifting into another place. Her legs twitched with every rhythmic stroke of his tongue.
“Allie.” A voice rang out, soaring through the air. Her ears rang with familiarity. The front door slammed, yanking Allie out the quicksand that was pulling her under, an erotic escape that had blacked out the rest of the world.
“Allie, you up there?” Tess’s intrusion reverberated up the stairwell.
Allie catapulted off the chair, pushing Marty away. His jaw hung in shock, his naked body paralyzed. Allie frantically waved him into the bathroom, scooping up his clothes, pushing him through the door. She heard Tess’s slingbacks clank against the stairs. Thank God she was wearing shoes so Allie could pace her steps. Allie fought with her blouse, feeding her feet through her shorts in a panicked frenzy. Right when Allie thought she’d pulled it off, she saw Marty’s work boots near the doorway. She darted to the door, kicking the boots into the corner under her drafting table.
She could see the top of Tess’s head as she ascended the stairs. Allie tried to slow her breathing, sounding like a marathon runner who’d just made it to the finish line.
“Hey, I didn’t hear you come in.” Allie ambled out into the hallway to intercept her. “What’s up?” Allie reached back, feeling that her hair was a tangled mess.
“Are you all right?” Tess’s dark eyes roamed over her in question.
“Yeah, I was just snoozing. That time of the month, you know. Feeling a bit tired is all.” Allie folded her arms across her chest, digging her nails into her own skin. Tess had on a dark-green minidress. She was more dressed than usual for just hanging out at home.
“Well, I’m sorry you’re not on the up and up. I don’t want to keep you, but do you think I could borrow some paint?” Tess set her hand on her hip, her full lips formed in a desirable pout.
“Sure, what kind and color do you need?” Allie turned to walk back into the studio. Her eyes lunged toward the bathroom door, knowing
Marty was in there. Her head throbbed. A light, dewy sweat formed over her brow.
“I know it should be oil based and I was interested in red and white, if that’s possible,” Tess said, following Allie to her work table.
Rattled nerves short-circuited all through her body, making her limbs twitch. Allie’s fingers were wired and shaking as she sifted through her paint rack, handing Tess two bottles of each, wanting to ensure she had an ample supply to avoid any possible return visit.
“Thanks, Al.” Tess grabbed the paints and headed toward the door.
“How’ve you been?” Allie was unsure if she should inquire about Mr. Mercedes.
“Great, things are great.” Tess smiled. Her white teeth sparkled against her deeply tanned face. Allie noticed her eyes were heavily made up. It looked like things were cooking with the camera. Questions raged in Allie’s head, but she figured the less she knew, the better.
“Hope you feel better, Al.” Tess bolted down the stairs, her hair swinging across her back.
Allie stood at the landing until she heard the door close behind her. She ran down the hall into her bedroom and watched Tess cross the street. As she headed back into the studio, her carelessness stopped her dead in her tracks. Marty’s work boots under her work table jumped out at her like an assailant would from a dark alley. The bathroom door opened slowly, Marty’s neck craning around into the room. His pants were back on, his shirt draped over his shoulder.
“So what d’you think they’re going to do with that paint? Smear it all over her body?”
“Who the fuck cares.” Allie dropped down into the love seat. Her head sank into her hands. Her stomach was churning, its acid inching its way up her throat. Its burn would be brutal, her palate numb to flavors.
“We’re okay. You did a great job.” Marty crept across the floor like a cautious cat.
