by Lauren Wood
She bit her lip and then twirled a bit of long hair in between her thumb and forefinger. She did that when she was nervous, and I could tell that Deirdre was nervous.
“Come on, it will be fine.”
Deirdre grabbed my offered hand as I opened the door and she scooted out to get out of the vehicle next to me. The bulbs of the camera flashed, and we walked quickly through the firing squad. Deirdre did not like to be in the spotlight at all. Most women said that, but I was starting to realize that she actually meant it.
“We’re safe and away from them.”
Her eyes widened at the ballroom.
“Maybe I should have worn one of those dresses.”
“You look great Deirdre, honest. You’re the most beautiful woman here.”
She waved me off like I was lying and even told me so.
“You don’t have to butter me up Danny. I’m already here. Let’s get this over with.”
Chapter 76
Deirdre
While I had felt good about what I was wearing, I was starting to think otherwise. The little slip dresses that he had brought me to wear were all that I could see. Since I was wearing was a thirty dollar off the rack on clearance, I felt like I was sticking out like a sore thumb. It was nice that the man next to me seemed to only see me, but I was comparing myself to every single other woman that was there. It was not an easy feeling at all.
As we walked into the ballroom, there were at least a hundred chairs around about thirty tables. The tables were small and intimate, and we had a number when we first got in. I wanted to sit down and collect myself, but Danny was convinced that it was time to dance.
I tried to enjoy the moment, but the whole time all I could think about was doing bad things with Danny because his hands were on me. I tried to block out the rest of the room and I was successful for a while. We danced for several songs and then it finally stopped. It was time for the benefit to start and we had to find our table. We were there with another couple and before things got too complicated, I was introduced, and we sat down together.
Danny knew one of the guys from somewhere and they talked for a while. Colt’s spouse, Candy was really nice, and it was good to talk to somebody that was down to earth. In a room full of people made of money, I didn't think I would find anyone to really talk to, but I had. The couple was refreshing. She was into art and we talked about it until the announcer came up and started to speak.
There was about thirty minutes where they talked about what the benefit was for and who it was helping. It seemed kind of strange to me that people were paying a lot of money to eat very expensive food, while trying to raise money to feed starving people in another nation. It seemed like all the money that was spent to rent the hall and decorate everything, could have easily put more food in other people’s mouths. But Danny was quick to point out that this was how the rich did it. They didn't mind giving their money away, but they wanted to have a good party while they did it.
The food was brought out and there was a little bit of time for everyone to speak. The benefit was winding down and I was thankful for our table guests. Because once I started to become comfortable with the situation, I started to realize other things that should have been plain as day before.
While Colt and Candy were rather pleasant to speak, to the other women in the room were staring our way. At first, I thought it was because of what I was wearing. I was sure that they were going to sniff me out because I didn't belong there. I stuck out like a sore thumb in my dress that was less than a fifty. But that wasn't it at all. Instead, they were paying way too much attention to my husband. It was the first time that I felt jealousy and it came on very strong.
While Danny excused himself to use the restroom, I watched a woman follow him with her eyes, all the way to the back of the room. And then she got up when he disappeared and started to walk his way.
“I am sorry, but I'm going to go powder my nose really quick.”
I excuse myself and I knew exactly where I was going. I had no desire to powder anything because I didn't even have any make up on. I wanted to see what was going on with my husband and the woman that was following him. Who was she and what did she want with him?
By the time I got down the hallway where the bathrooms were, I stopped in my tracks because I could hear voices. Very quickly I realized that one of them was Danny’s.
“We can't do this here Elaine.”
“We used to do it everywhere Danny. What has changed?”
“I'm married now Elaine. That's what's changed.”
“Come on, I've heard the rumors. You didn't really get married Danny. This is all just some farce. Or some way for you to get some more media before the new launch of that product you and Tommy have been working on. I see right through you.”
The brunette was leaning very close to him when I went around the corner. I should have come out and made myself known to stop the situation, but I didn't. I was almost transfixed by the way that she touched his shoulder and he didn't pull away. They had been very intimate, that was clear. Another woman who was touching my husband and instead of doing anything about it, I just walked away. I ignored the lump in my throat that was impossible to swallow and the fiery burning that lined my eyes.
I sat back down at the table and Anna asked me if I was okay.
“Yeah it is just a really good cause. I am glad that I came tonight.”
She leaned in and ask me if I was really fine.
“Yeah, I am, why?”
“I saw Elaine going back there with Danny. Just know that it has been over between them for a long time. She has been chasing him ever since.”
There was nothing to say to that, so I just kind of smiled and shook my head like I agreed with her. I didn't know who Elaine was, not really and quite frankly, I didn't want to know. From what I had just seen, it wasn’t over between them at all. Because of the way she was touching Danny, she was more familiar with him then I was.
When Danny got back to the table, I could barely look at him. I couldn't imagine how off I would be and even the idea of somebody else was sending me into a rage. I couldn’t help it.
“What did I miss?”
“Nothing.”
I didn’t really talk much the rest of the night and I was thankful when it was finally over. The fakeness and smiles that were plastered on faces was not as easy to navigate as I would have thought, neither was the attention that my husband got. So many women were checking him out and many had familiar looks in their eyes.
“Are you going to tell me what is going on Deirdre?”
“What do you mean?”
I pulled my earrings off and still wouldn’t look at him. I was just so mad and humiliated and hurt. It was far too many emotions running through me right now.
“I mean I went to the bathroom and I came back to everything had changed. What changed while I was gone?”
I tried to pretend like I didn’t know what he meant.
“I just noticed that there were a lot of women there checking you out, like they knew you rather well.”
He was quiet for a moment and I was thankful that he didn’t try to tell me that I was just being crazy. I don’t know if I would have been able to handle that sort of deceit.
“I have dated many women that were in that room tonight, though dated is a loose word.”
“How many?”
“What?”
“How many of the women in that room had you ‘dated’.”
“With air quotes?”
“Yep.”
He shook his head and I could tell that it was something he didn’t want to talk about. I didn’t care though. We were going to talk about it and that was that.
“Quite a few Deirdre. I didn’t think that I was going to have to explain this to my wife one day. Do an internet search if you want to know. I have dated many women, but I never wanted to marry any of them.”
“We’re not really married Danny.”
“Yes, we are. In almost ever
y way.”
“Not in every way Danny.”
“Soon Deirdre. I’m a patient man.”
The way he smiled had me looking away quickly. He had to know what he did to me. He had to. I was trying to be mad at him, but it was almost impossible when he looked at me with those eyes of his. I was lost and sinking, all at the same time, with no help in sight.
Chapter 77
Danny
When we got back to the house, she was quiet. She didn't say much on the way home, which was rather unlike my usually chatty wife. I wanted to ask her about it, but I had a feeling that it was better not to. I didn't want to tell her about my past life before her, but I knew that it was going to come out eventually. How could it not? I had to dated half of the city, or at least the ones that were beautiful. I didn’t have much discretion and I certainly didn't think that I would ever be married, so I never thought I would have to explain myself. I never liked to have to do such a thing.
Deirdre went to the bathroom as soon as we got home and locked the door. I heard the shower starting and I wanted to follow her in there. While she was thinking about my past discretions, all I could think about was how she looked in that damn dress. Not just that dress, but the little show she had done for me while she was trying the dresses on. My mind was on the same thing that it had been on since we got married. New reminders that there was still a part of our marriage that wasn't consummated bothered me. I really wanted tonight to be the night.
She got out of the shower and came to bed. I was already waiting for her. I wasn't tired, not in the least bit, but I wanted to put ideas on the table.
“You're going to bed already?”
She still had a towel wrapped around her and I agreed that I was. I watched her dry her off and even though I knew it was hard for her to be around me like this, I didn't plan to go anywhere. This was what I wanted, and it was time for her to see that this was how it was supposed to be. We were supposed to be together. I was sure of that.
She turned to me and let go of her towel. She dropped it on the floor in front of the bed and then smiled at me in the wicked way that she had. I knew that she was just messing with my head. My balls had been blue for weeks now and there wasn't much hope that it was going to get any better.
“Now you're sleeping in the nude?”
“You seem to find it relaxing, so I thought I'd give it a try. It feels weird, but the sheets feel amazing on my legs.”
The sheets were a soft satin and I could see everything that was underneath them. All it did was wrapped her body up like it was a present that I wanted to open immediately. I hated the fact that the bed was so big, because now she was so far away. Too far away for my liking him. I imagine then that I would be buying a new mattress soon enough. One that was a little more restricting and would bring my wife closer to me.
“You look amazing. You always do.”
“I think you're just saying that because you turned on Danny.”
I didn't have to look down to see that I was hard and ready for her. I was pretty much always in a state of readiness when it came to Deirdre. She just did something to me.
“So, I heard the conversation between you and that brunette at the benefit tonight. What was her name, Elaine? Did you get what you were looking for?”
“What?”
It took me a minute for her words to actually hit me and I shook my head. “Got what I needed? What are you talking about?”
I was going to the restroom and I heard the two of you talking. She was one of the women that you were with before, right?”
“Yes, we were together a long time ago. And I wouldn't even say together. I had relations with her on several occasions.”
“So, what happened?”
“What do you mean, what happened?”
“I mean you said you guys were together and then you weren’t. So what happened? Did you guys break up or what?”
“We never really even dated. We just saw each other for little bit and then I got bored. I told you before that I never thought about marriage or anything close to it. You are the only woman that I ever would have done this for. You are the one that I want. Not Elaine.”
It didn't seem to settle her nerves all that well. Deirdre looked like she was deep in thought.
“She was very pretty.”
I wasn't going to agree or disagree because it seemed like a trap. She was not acting like herself and I wanted to tell her that it wasn't like it seemed at all. Nothing that I had with any other woman was compared to what I had with her. It was just a simple. I didn't understand it and I don't know what the difference was, I just knew that things felt different with her.
“You are the only one that I can see you tonight Deirdre. One day you’ll understand that.”
As we had been talking, she was slowly pulling the sheets down more and more nonchalantly. I don't know what she was doing, but she was showing too much at this point. I couldn't take my eyes off of her and her slim thighs started to move apart, so that I could see even more of her. Mainly I was most interested in the part of her that I was trying to get into. I could see now that she was as ready for me as I was her, the light reflecting off of moisture gathered there.
“What do you see now Danny?”
“I see a woman that is severely fucking with my head.”
Deirdre snickered and tried to play the innocent card, but we both knew that she was way off. I had no idea what was going on in her mind, but I wanted it to end well. Her legs opening and closed in front of me, and then the hand that slid in between them was the last straw.
I started to move towards her and she stopped me.
“No Danny. You told me before that you just wanted to watch.”
“That was said as a last resort. I think you will remember that I am much more adept at participating. I’m your husband and you should let me help you.”
She shook her head and told me no. I didn’t like that answer one bit. Never had. I always got what I wanted.
“Why do you tease us both? I know you’re just as ready as I am. Why not give us both what we want?”
“I don’t want to feel everything for you.”
I didn’t know what that meant, but it didn’t matter now. Her eyes were closed, and she made a small whimpering sound as she played faster with herself. I had to watch her please herself, taking longer than it had to. All I would have had to do was lick her once or twice and I could have thrown her over so much sooner and longer.
When she finally came, I growled at her and her eyes opened.
“Thank you, Danny. It was hot to know that you were watching me. I haven’t been able to get off in a while.”
She crawled over to me and gave me a peck on the lips. When she started to move back, I stopped her with my hand on her arm.
“After that, can you at least just lay with me? We are going to end up that way anyways.”
It all seemed innocent, but she knew better. She knew what I wanted and she agreed, most likely because she felt guilty about the blue balls I was going to have all night.
“Fine Danny, but nothing more than sleep.”
Chapter 78
Deirdre
Nothing more than sleep. That is what I had told him and now I was regretting it more than any other words that I'd spoken out of my mouth before. I don't know why I was making myself crazy. I don't know who I was trying to prove all this too, but it was driving me mad. I wanted to be with him. He was right there. His arms were around me and if I move back just a little bit, I could feel the part of him that I was craving the most. So, what was holding me back?
Going out to dinner with him tonight had been an eye-opening experience. I mean, I kind of knew that he was a playboy. It was kind of hard not to see that happening because of how he looked. He was gorgeous, and he had a lot of money. It would have made less sense for him to have not been that way. I don't know why, but I was rather surprised to find out that he had dated so many women. Well it wasn't even dat
ing, he’d been clear about that as well.
The women that were at the benefit were beautiful. They were the type of women that he should be with. Not me. I was still confused about what he was even here for. He said he was here for me, but that didn't make sense. Why would a man like Danny do this? Maybe it was just one of those things that is eccentric wealthy people did. They were able to do all kinds of crazy things and people never called them out on it. Instead, they just called them a nicer term like driven and looked the other way.
The longer I sat there, laying there in his arms, the harder it was to ignore the tension in the room. I wanted to believe that I could keep this platonic, but it was getting harder and harder. I wasn’t making it any easier on myself trying to mess with him, because in the end, I was the one that was in a right state as well.
“You're going to have to stop squirming around Deedra, we’re not going to get any sleep this way.”
I start moving and I tried to stay still, but it was really hard to. I wanted to move around and more than that, I wanted him to feel me as I was feeling him.
Finally, I was able to push everything out of my mind and forget about what was going on between the two of us. I had to, if not, I was going to drive myself crazy. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that there was a part of me that knew how this was all going to end. I could prolong it as much as I wanted to, but it was going to happen sooner or later. We were only a couple of weeks into the marriage and if I was going to go through with this, like I told myself I was going to, we still had quite a bit of time ahead of us. And that's to say if he didn't back out. He could back out anytime and there was nothing I could do about it. It's not like he was too worried about the end prize like I was.
The next morning, it was a little tense between us and I was sure that it was because of last night. I really needed to stop messing with him so much. It just made it even more complicated.
