by Tiana Laveen
Before she could finish, his soft lips were pressed against hers and her feet lifted off the ground as he plucked her from the earth like a black rose from his concrete heart. He was so strong, his touch so commanding and unyielding. When she broke free, all she could see was her reflection in his eyes. He smiled at her, and she smiled back.
“We’re a good match, baby. I just messed up is all. I’m human.” He placed a delicate kiss against her forehead. “I hurt you, and that wasn’t right. I told you when we met I’m just real honest, but what I did just now was uncalled for. I want answers from you, but I went about it all wrong.”
She looked at him for a spell, loving the vulnerability he suddenly possessed.
“I still think you’re a jerk, Tristan.”
“But what about my kissing? It’s good, right?” He pulled her closer.
“You’re a good kisser, a damn good land architect, but a jerk nevertheless.”
“Let me make it up to you.”
“How?” She wiggled from his embrace and crossed her arms over her chest.
“First, let’s take a walk to my car and then go out for drinks, anywhere you want.”
She cocked her head to the side and laughed.
“You think you’re so slick!” She cackled. “That would be your dream.”
“What?” He smiled, but his ‘I’m innocent’ grin did nothing to stomp out her suspicions.
“Get me drunk, then we end up back at your place, right?” She leaned to the side as her lips twisted up, her trust in him going from 0 to -10 in a matter of seconds.
“Nope. Two drink maximum, okay? Scout’s honor.” He put up his hand, as if pledging to honor his promise.
“Hmmmm, I don’t know, Tristan.”
Her heart beat a bit faster when he snatched her once more, pulling her to him.
“Come on. Seriously, I honestly didn’t mean anything by what I said.” He hung his head. “All right, that’s a lie. I did mean what I said but here’s the bottom line. I’m curious about you, Carmen. You intrigue me. I find you to be beautiful, intelligent, and interesting. Those are all the things that get my attention in a woman.”
“What about what gets my attention in a man?”
He looked at her with a curious expression, then his mouth upturned in a smile.
“I already know the answer to that. It’s me…I’m that man…”
CHAPTER SEVEN
The Elegant Brute and the Reluctant Submissive
It was 11:11 P.M. Tristan made a wish and it was granted. Carmen had given him a chance to prove his worth, and he was determined to ensure she didn’t regret it. He had so many plans for her… getting to know her, and fucking her, too.
With his arms on the tavern table at Tamarack Tap Room Bar and his chin resting on the back of his hand, he studied the gorgeous woman as she broke out in lazy laughter, her eyes appearing small as she tried in vain to squelch it. They’d been talking for hours, both overdressed like some prom king and queen, getting to know one another in deeper ways, engaged in meaningful explorations. He listened to her talk about her brother and sister and how they were a dynamic triple threat. She offered her stance on marriage, discussed how it wasn’t necessary, something devised by the government, but then she admitted being confused by the whole notion, especially after speaking to a few close friends who were living a happy lives with their mates. She also talked about her addiction to learning about the latest sociological studies, as well as the pressure from her mother to settle down.
Tristan listened all right, and he cared more about what she hadn’t said, versus what she’d stated.
He didn’t say much as she went on and on, revealing herself like an open book. One thing was for certain: she proved more and more that she was the woman he’d been seeking. She believed that if two people were committed to one another, that should be taken seriously. Family and close friendships were important. She had a soft spot for children… babies made her weak at the knees.
How did all this add up? This woman was a puzzle, a world of conflicts mingling together. This fascination with her … would it ever end? He kept his mouth shut, although he had a lot to say. Interrupting her was the last thing on his mind, and he needed time to mull her words.
She still liked playing jump rope, completing 500-piece puzzles, braiding hair, reading about astrology and watching the History channel. She hated corn. She was beautifully odd, feminine to her core. His head began to swim and it wasn’t the alcohol; they’d each only had one beer, one of the best brews in town.
“Damn, I’m so glad my sister slacked on her responsibilities and left me holding the bag. It was well worth it. Regardless of my having walked in on an accidental clam sighting. I blinked so much while I was seeing that, I’m surprised I have any eyelashes left.”
“You’re funny.”
Her eyes sparkled as she rested her chin in the palm of her hand. He reached towards her, brushing a few wayward strands of hair away from her face. That diamond nose ring sparkled under the ceiling lights. He sat up and pressed his lips against hers, then reluctantly pulled away.
“And you’re the prettiest and smartest lady I’ve ever met.”
They stared at one another for a while. She scooted closer to him, almost falling off her bar chair, which led to another eruption of guffaws. Placing his hand against her jaw, he ushered her closer for another kiss.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked flirtatiously.
“I think you know why.” He picked up his mug of beer, chugged it, then set it down. “I want to take you home, Carmen. Let me make love to you…”
After parking their cars side by side, the motion detector lights from Tristan’s estate came on, setting his property aglow. Carmen was now able to take in the house and land around it, to see the literal forest for the trees. She realized she’d been correct in her assessment of his tastes, but she’d not had a full grasp of his need for opulence until now.
The man fiddled about in his car as she took a few steps forward, looking here and there. The night breeze caught her dress and blew it to and fro. Tristan’s front lawn looked much like a golf course. Carmen was rendered almost breathless as she took note of carefully laid white stones and rocks that were piled in perfectly formed circles, framed by cleanly cut bright green grass that didn’t even appear real.
Four trees, all the same size, their trunks skinny and long, branched out into perfectly cut dome-shaped tops. The house behind them sported glass walls and an asymmetrical roof. A water well stood on the side of the property, perhaps there just for appearance’s sake, though it was gorgeous and attention-drawing with its light-colored stones and sparkling lights around the base.
She glanced back at his car, where the man still sat. Was he stalling on purpose, or was he looking for something he needed? She used each gifted second to swallow her near disbelief at the sight around her.
Tristan’s home was magnificent, over the top yet understated, using the bare minimum to make a huge statement. She longed for more complex textures though, perhaps bursts of colors with bits of gold, copper, and silver. She dabbled in the whimsical, and her tastes would likely cost far less to accommodate than her suitor’s. How could one man want so much? He certainly could afford it, and so could she if she so wished, but she preferred to place her money in other ventures.
Wow, though…
This house is big enough for five families. Why does he have all of this? I mean, yes, it’s breathtaking, but my goodness…
After all, the man was single, and according to him, he’d never married. He had no children from prior relationships, and he didn’t even have a pet… so why such luxuries?
She jumped when she heard his car door slam.
“Ready?” he asked as he slid his phone in his pants pocket.
“Uh, yes.”
Taking her hand, he walked her up the cobblestone steps. His front porch immediately lit up once they hit the last step. A set of white
double doors flanked by huge stone goddesses greeted them. They reminded her of renditions of Aquarius. Bright brass knobs with roaring lion heads decorated the doors. He’d perfectly blended masculine and feminine energies. At this realization, she smiled.
“I had dropped my phone on the car floor, and then my wallet, too. All my credit cards and money fell out. Sorry about having you wait,” he explained before pulling his phone back out of his pocket and hitting an app which immediately unlocked his front door.
“No problem.” She stood behind him and inhaled the air hard as the scent of him intoxicated her further.
“Damn it… sometimes this thing has a delay. Just hold on for a second.”
The man started messing with his phone, and she grew antsy. A part of her wanted to race inside, strip down, and feel how deep this motherfucker could go inside of her, while another part was fearful she was making a mistake. Tristan spared no feelings. He was not hurting for female attention, either. He always came around dressed to impress, hair combed to perfection, smelling like liquid black diamonds, and there was no doubt that he had one of the best dentists in town. The man was truly attuned to aesthetics, and his tall stature, deep voice, and ‘go get ’em’ persona made many a woman weak at the knees.
I’m his latest victim… How pathetic.
He was still the latest buzz in her office; she’d heard enough saucy talk about what a stud he was to last her a lifetime. Her brain continued to shoot out various scenarios. What if he said something to upset her again or worse yet, she told him just how much she liked him and his response wasn’t what she desired?
But there isn’t any guessing with him. If I have a question, I’m sure he’ll answer, I presume truthfully… I hate that I like him so much.
Perhaps she was worrying for no reason at all. It could be the champagne at the museum taking effect, along with the beer she’d downed at the tavern.
I talked too much tonight… told this man all of my business. Oh well, too late now…
His alarm began to blare and within seconds, the thing was silenced. When she stepped inside, the sounds of their footsteps echoed on the glossy marble floor. Soft white light filled the foyer. “Alexa, play Carmen playlist.”
She looked at the back of the man, more perplexed than ever.
Carmen playlist? This slick motherfucker…
She took a gander at his digs. An open, expansive layout, without boundaries. The modern, sleek black and white kitchen boasted state of the art appliances, which included a double oven, a massive stainless steel refrigerator with all sorts of cool buttons, and a microwave large enough to cook Thanksgiving dinner in.
“Why does this place look as if it has never been touched before? Do you even prepare meals in your kitchen, Tristan?”
“I cook.” He smirked as he undid the buttons of his jacket, removed it, and slung it over a barstool chair. “Sometimes…” He tossed a sexy wink in her direction.
Suddenly, Pentagon’s “Shine” began to play. She laughed lightly, pep in her step as she caught up with him. Slinging her purse onto the white kitchen counter, she kicked her shoes off. He opened the refrigerator and looked inside.
“I have some iced tea, orange juice, wine, bottles of Fiji water and—”
“The water is fine, thank you.” She slid onto one of the barstools, her bare feet hitting the cool, steel foot bar. “Slave to Love” by Bryan Ferry started to play. Tristan swayed back and forth to the music, a bottle of water in each hand. She chuckled at the sight.
He’s got pretty good rhythm….
She bit into her lower lip as he pirouetted towards her, handed her a bottle, and landed a fast kiss on her lips. He turned away and broke the seal of his bottle, while she followed suit. After taking several gulps, he faced her once again. Placing the water down on the counter, he got to work unbuttoning his shirt, his gaze never leaving hers, making her body heat up with desire.
“So, let’s get this out of the way.” He tossed his shirt aside, revealing a masterpiece.
Mother Nature didn’t mess around when she made Tristan! Good Lord! It should’ve been against the law to look so fucking delicious. She glided her tongue across her upper teeth, then swallowed. The man was speaking, but all she could see were his unbelievable ab muscles, a lovely V that dipped low beneath his pants, the broadness of his chest, and the span of his wide shoulders.
“I get checked regularly for STIs and HIV. I have the records upstairs in my bedroom. Back in my junior year in college, I did get something from a girl I had sex with but that was taken care of and cured a week later. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”
“Um, Tristan.” She grinned, averting her gaze for the briefest of moments before setting eyes on him once again. “I don’t need to know about your entire sexual history from way back when. What’s going on currently is fine. No need to humiliate yourself.”
“No.” He shook his head and lifted his hands as if she’d misunderstood. “I’m not humiliated in the least. I fucked a lot and I still have an active sex life. Most of the time even back then, I used protection but I’m sure you already know that doesn’t always happen, especially when we’re young.”
“True.”
“I mean, it happens. I’m not ashamed but I did learn my lesson. I never had unprotected sex again unless it was with someone I was dating exclusively. So yeah, there was that one instance but other than that, I’ve not had any issues. You? Do you have anything I need to know about?”
“Sharing the Night” by Dr. Hook began to play at that moment.
“I am disease free,” she said. “I’ve been, for the most part, fairly responsible about my sexual choices. Needless to say, due to my line of work, I sometimes see first-hand what can happen when things don’t go as planned. Tristan, let me ask you something.”
“Yeah?” He ran his hand through his hair before bending low and wiggling out of his shoes and socks. When he stood erect, she also took note that his fly was down.
That bulge is to die for…
“Did you plan to get me in the sack tonight?”
“Yes. Of course I did.”
At this, she burst out laughing and slapped the counter. Looking about the place, she was once again brought to silence by the beauty of his abode.
“Your house is beautiful. I can’t stop staring. Just wow.”
“I’m glad you like it, thank you. I need to explain something to you.” The man’s tone turned suddenly harsh, contrasting with the sexy music.
“Okay. Is there a problem?”
“Not in the least, but here’s the deal, baby.” He walked up to her. Standing over her as he was, he looked larger than life. He seemed to be trying to find the right words. At last, he took a seat right next to her. “I really like you, Carmen.”
“I like you, too.”
“Tonight is important to me. This isn’t a joke. It means something. Also, I’m very good in bed. You will like what happens and you might get attached to me after I’m finished. That’s because I take control and I pay attention.”
“Oh, really?” She laughed lightly and took another taste of her water.
This fucker is something else…
“Yes, really.” He didn’t smile… “And I don’t stop until I make my woman cum. Let’s go.”
He took her hand and helped her out of her chair. As they walked, she took notice of more interesting architectural design. Despite the place looking like one large showroom, she could feel a rhythm to his almost maddening order. She understood the man better.
He likes clean lines, a tidy place, but all that food in the refrigerator showed me that he likes a good meal. Food is important to him. He’s in great shape, so he doesn’t go overboard or perhaps he just has a good metabolism.
The large abstract paintings filled the walls with vibrant colors, so different from his furniture.
That’s what he wants to be, at least on the inside… colorful, spastic, bursting free… like me…
&nbs
p; At last, they arrived at two large black double doors. He released her hand and pushed them open. Immediately, music began to play. She stepped in behind him, over the threshold.
“Make yourself comfortable.” He walked briskly across the room and slapped his wallet on a dresser. “I have my status in here.” Reaching into a drawer, he pulled out a paper and handed it to her. She read it, noting he came up clean for everything. Handing it back to him, she looked around the place. It was jaw dropping… Thick dark curtains hung from the floor to ceiling window, giving onto a large backyard that featured a gazebo and rows of trees. The massive bed was all decked out in rich vanilla cream sheets.
“Tristan, where’s your bathroom?”
“Right there, baby,” he said, pointing her in the right direction.
Inside the restroom, she was surprised to see that one wall was nothing but frosted glass. A shower waterfall was installed on another wall. The pedestal sink and separate Jacuzzi bathtub were a jade green color. She looked up at the ceiling and took note of speakers where music pumped through.
“It’s so pretty in here.” She ran her hand along a thick white hand towel, its plushness divine. Various soaps shaped like leaves sat on small white ceramic coasters next to the sink. Undoing her hair, she let it fall free against her shoulders. Fluffing it out, she checked herself in the mirror. Moments later she’d undressed and freshened up, hoping and praying no one called her for an emergency C-section, of all things.
I need tonight! I haven’t had any dick in months!
When she returned to the bedroom, the scene she’d left had changed. Several white and red heavenly scented candles had been lit around the room, the volume of the music was turned on low, and he’d finished disrobing. His long, muscular limbs seemed to glow as he passed the small flames that jumped about in the space. He turned and faced her, as if he’d sensed her presence. Her eyes dropped down to his dick, and her pussy drooled with joy at the sight of his lengthy manhood, already partially erect.
“I want to touch you. Bring your ass over here.” He curled his finger in her direction, beckoning her over.
