Imperfect Consequences

by Piper Stone

  “Thank… thank… thank you, sir.” Sniveling, she wept quietly for a few seconds before all sounds stopped. Her back moved up and down as she continued to breathe heavily.

  David allowed her time to ease down before gathering her into his arms, cradling her against his chest. “That’s a very good girl. I think you truly understand what you did was wrong and I apologize for ever allowing you to think that woman means a thing to me. Only you do. You’re my wife and I love you. I adore you and that’s why sharing this together is so important. Never forget that.”

  “Yes, sir. I won’t.”

  There was a catch in her voice, a quiet telling and he knew she wasn’t certain of anything between them and that moment just about broke his heart.

  Shannon fingered the lovely necklace surrounding her neck. The beautiful piece she hadn’t taken off since he’d given it to her after the dinner and after the two hard spankings. She smiled, but her heart was heavy. The necklace actually reminded her of a collar a submissive would wear. Was that what he was wanting? No, they’d never talked about anything remotely close, but her instinct told her this is something he wanted. Sighing, she looked out the window contemplating the thought. Just trying to figure out the complexity of domestic discipline was enough to deal with.

  What if they tried this? Would his being in total control help? Then again, could she submit to this kind of level? Could she give over complete reign to him in every aspect of her life? She’d even written a blog recently about the lifestyle. Maybe David had read the piece she’d written and thought this is what she wanted. The blog site she had begun right after they began their journey had been something to help her work through all her angst and she’d been surprised, at first, when she had so many followers instantly. Seems many women needed a voice when trying to navigate the lifestyle. She’d stopped adding blogs a few weeks ago, using work as an excuse. But she honestly had stopped because she didn’t know what to say and every time she wrote something else, she felt so inadequate.

  Well, maybe she’d write something tonight. Or tomorrow night. Shannon rolled her eyes and glanced at her messy desk. If only she had more time to commit to things she wanted to do, like fixing her marriage. Like developing a new contract. David had told her the necklace was another beginning and they’d put something back on paper if she wanted. Right now? The answer was no. Or maybe she didn’t know. Well, she had work to do. She could tell he sensed she was no longer certain. They were cold to each other again, walking on eggshells.

  Nearly a full week had passed and tension remained between them. Shannon had spent more time at the office, working on finishing the discrimination case and had barely passed David in the bathroom. Usually, when he got home she was already in bed. Exhausted, she walked to the coffee maker and growled seeing it empty. She’d already had at least four today and while she was jittery, extra energy was needed. The Miller case was coming in front of the judge on Monday and she had to be on her game.

  She was shocked the judge had allowed some of the bullshit the man had spouted off. To honestly think Board members had point blank told him to his face he and his nigger kind weren’t allowed at the pool was blasphemous. She’d interviewed every current and past Board member living in the association and had garnered testimonials from several homeowners. There were no other claims that racism had been used to determine any aspect of association business. Shannon sighed and walked to the window. This case was more challenging than she had originally thought. Even the Press were starting to sniff around, given the fact discrimination was the buzz word.

  She had a terrible feeling they’d be on national news before the judge had come down with a decision. Well, Monday would make or break the case. If the jerk-off didn’t try and push back the entire case with some new allegation monsters were invading his private space or creatures from another world were monitoring his every move. Mr. Miller’s constant grandstanding was getting out of hand. Closing her eyes, she leaned her head against the window, longing to be able to take a vacation with David.

  After the spanking at dinner the prior week, he’d spanked her again that night and rather severely, then refused to talk about the incident. She could swear David was hiding something about the woman, Anastasia. Whatever, but she hadn’t been able to find anything even though she’d searched his private drawers, looked at the credit card statements and even sniffed his clothes. Groaning, she realized she was jealous. Over a blonde bimbo type? Visions of their naked bodies intertwined and fucking in his office was something that had become a mainstay as of late.

  “You look tired. Beat. How about I buy lunch?”

  Shuddering, Shannon pushed back the sinful teleplay and plastered on a smile. Tipping her head toward Zach, she couldn’t get over the fact he always managed to look good. Good? Hell, the man was hot as shit. He never looked tired. There were no lines around his eyes, no frown marks demurring his beautiful smile. He was simply gorgeous. “Thanks. I so needed to be reminded how horrible I look.”

  “You don’t look horrible. I didn’t say that at all,” Zach said under his breath as he walked further into her office. “I said you looked tired. You could wear a burlap sack, a lovely dress or nothing at all and you’d still be stunning.” His eyes opened wide as if he realized he’d crossed the line. “I’m sorry.”

  “No need to be sorry. I needed a nice comment, in truth.” The words made her tingle all over, her pussy clench. Hungering for a man a bazillion years her junior, as well as an employee was out of character.

  “Good then. I mean every word. You’re incredibly beautiful.” Smiling brightly, he raked his hand through his hair and moved toward her desk. “Seriously. Let’s go have some lunch. I know a really hot café within walking distance. The place is very new, serves some of the best food in town and they have a stellar wine menu.”

  “We’re not drinking at lunch.”

  “But you’ll have lunch with me?”

  “I didn’t say that. We have too much work to do,” Shannon heard the slip in her voice. Lunch or a wicked tryst in a hotel room? My God. She’d actually thought the words, craved the actions. Needed the moment of intimacy. With another man? No freaking way.

  Placing both hands on her desk, Zach cocked his head. “It’s just lunch and we can go over the interrogatories one more time before I finish the final report. Deal?”

  She weighed the options. Eating a cardboard granola bar at her desk while going over the same details for the case she’d just gone over or lunch with a stud. Decisions. Decisions. “I guess lunch wouldn’t hurt.”

  “Excellent. I’ll grab my notebook and we can go.” Zach nodded before turning on his heel and walking quickly out her door.

  “Whew.” The single word meant so many things. No matter her school girl desire, Zach had turned out to be an amazing investigative attorney, rivaling anyone she’d worked with in her entire career. Assuming he passed the bar, she had a feeling the firm would be offering him a job. Yes, lunch out might lift her spirits. Then they could tackle the last of what they needed to do and they had one more day to finalize everything. Hell, she’d work over the weekend if she had to. One way or the other, they’d be very prepared for the snakes come Monday.

  Shannon grabbed her purse and notebook, shoving the three-inch case file into her briefcase. Mr. Miller was a pain in the ass.

  “You ready?”

  The second Zach strode back into the room, her cell phone rang. “Just a second.” She eyed the screen. David. Hmm. That probably meant he was working late. “Hi ya, sexy. How’s your day?”

  “Sexy, eh? Did you wreck the car or get fired?” David chortled.

  “Very funny. I can’t call my husband sexy?” Maybe he was calling to ask her out for dinner. They had discussed going out on a date night.

  “Of course, you can and I’ve missed hearing that.”

  Shannon bit her lip trying to remember when the last time had been she’d said any endearing words. And sir wasn’t endearing. The
word was one of honor. Respect. “Well, you are very sexy.” Subconscious about the words, she turned her back until she was no longer able to see Zach.

  “Mmm. We’ll have to discuss that in more detail,” David replied.

  “How about tonight over dinner?”

  “I… That’s why I’m calling.”

  The hesitation spoke volumes. “You have to work. Again.”

  “Yeah, just getting a new client started and one who’s leaving very soon on a trip to Switzerland, or St. Martin, or somewhere.” Laughing, David’s baritone voice pulsed into the phone.

  “New client?”

  “Yeah. Don’t start with me as I’m going to be buried in the office with zero chance of any reprieve today. I doubt I’ll even be able to eat. Bruce already laid me out given the backload we have, but this one should be quick and dirty. A drawing and helping find a general contractor and we’re good to go. The money is insanely good too. I might even be done with it by tomorrow afternoon, just in time for the weekend. Maybe we could do something together.”

  Shannon had no idea what to say. She wanted to ask if the new client was the fucking bitch, but knew better. Starting a fight right now would prove useless. Why did she have the feeling Zach was homing in on every word too? “I might have to work.” She couldn’t help but question the work.

  David cleared his throat. “Oh, yeah, the case. Okay. Um, I thought after this, perhaps in a couple weeks we could fly down to St. Bart’s and get a place for a few days. Make love in the surf? A little private house on the beach?”

  Hearing the sexy and oh-so desirable tone in his voice gave her a series of shivers. How she longed for spending uninterrupted days. Shannon swallowed and clenched her fist. This sounded more like a guilty payoff than a husband asking his wife to go on an awesome vacation. “Are you serious? I thought you had a lot of work to do.”

  “I’m very. I long to get away with my best gal. In two weeks Bruce can handle everything. Okay?”

  Snorting, Shannon stole a glance at Zach who was indeed studying her intently. She turned all the way toward the window, but the streaming sun allowed her to see Zach’s form. She was trembling, but because of which man? “All right. I would love that. Either the Miller case is going to be done on Monday or delayed for God knows how long. Either way, I’ll need a break.” Somehow, she didn’t sound enthusiastic.

  “Hmm, okay. Fantastic. Don’t wait up, honey. I’ll be very late and you need your sleep, so obey me.”

  “I…”

  Click!

  She pulled out the phone, staring at the ended call, and frowned. Was he serious or just trying to appease her? And who the hell was this new client?

  “Everything okay?” Zach asked quietly.

  “Peachy. Just peachy.” Nasty thoughts remained in the back of her mind, but she was determined to go on that trip with her husband. And without blondie, too. She smiled brightly and eased from around the desk. “I’m just fine. Let’s go get lunch and a glass of wine might just be in order. I’m feeling feisty.”

  “Even better. I like when you’re feisty.”

  Shannon walked past him, resisting giving him any acknowledgment. She made it to the door, then stopped short. “Are you coming?”

  “Oh, yes, ma’am.”

  She bit back a smile hearing the inflection in his voice and took long strides as she walked down the hallway. Passing Wendy’s office, she peeked her head in and winked. “Going to lunch for a change. We’re going to work on the interrogatories, so we’ll be a little while.”

  “Don’t forget about your four o’clock conference call,” Wendy said as she raised her eyebrows and scanned Zach up and down.

  Zach held up his hands and chuckled. “A growing boy’s got to eat.”

  “Uh-huh.” Wendy shook her head.

  “So, you’re married?”

  The question came out of the blue. Shannon jerked her head up. They’d already had lunch and a glass of wine and spent a solid hour and a half on the case. Her eyes were watering from looking over the paperwork and she wanted nothing more than to have another glass of wine and forget she was an attorney for a little bit. “Yes, Zach. I’m married. Why do you ask?”

  “Just curious.”

  There was something about the way he asked the question that bothered her. “Why did you ask at this particular moment?”

  Zach sniffed and picked up his wine glass, swirling the last of his wine. “We never talk about anything but work. I thought it would be nice to get to know a few things more personal. I mean, we are working closely together, so…”

  She was about ready to become angry when she noticed a slight blush creeping up his neck. “You’re right. I’ve never asked you anything about you. I am married and have been for over ten years. David is an architect and has a new firm with his partner and we barely see each other.”

  “Two high-powered types. Must be hard to find time for each other.” Grinning, Zach finished the last sip.

  “You have no idea.” She debated ordering another glass. Two wasn’t going to hurt anything. A quick glance at her watch told her there was plenty of time before the conference call. Debating, Shannon fingered the rim of the crystal stem over and over again until a musical sound emitted from her actions.

  He smiled and leaned over the table. “Sensuous. My bet is you can make beautiful music.”

  “No,” she laughed. “You do not want to hear me sing and I can’t play anything musical.” Why was she lying to him? What would be so wrong about Zach knowing she’d been a musician before choosing the law? No, the wine was a bad idea.

  “Well, I love playing with a band. Found one I think I’m going to jam with this weekend. There’s a little place called Dazzle not too far from here. If you’re free on Saturday night maybe you and your husband can come.”

  “That’s right, you’re a musician. I completely forgot. Amazing. I’d love to hear you play.”

  “It’s eclectic,” Zach mused. “But the guys in the band are hot and very talented, so who knows. I might have a second career.”

  “Just don’t be late for work.” Pointing her finger, she laughed, then a familiar face caught her attention. Hair stood up on the back of her neck. There was no way he’d lied to her. Not this blatantly. She could see David out of the corner of her eye and he wasn’t alone.

  “Of course not. I heard my boss is a mean woman who wields a harsh whip when she needs to.” Zach grinned.

  Anger rushed through every cell in her body. Was he really going to do this to her? Was David merely lying to…? No. This was ridiculous. He was out with a client. She craned her neck to see who he was talking to. “Oh, you have no idea how mean I can be.”

  “Controlling. Dominating?” Zach leaned in.

  “Mmm. More.” Shannon glanced at David, a tic appearing in the corner of her mouth.

  David stopped and was very animated with his hands, the conversation obviously lively. She was able to make out a few words.

  “Well, there are times I do need harsh discipline and…” David’s voice trailed off.

  Shannon still couldn’t see who David was talking to, but the conversation seemed to be boisterous. “We all do. Trust me. We all do.” She was almost on her feet when she sat back down with a hard thud. You are not doing this.

  “Everything okay?” Zach asked as he followed her line of sight.

  “Fine. Just think I see someone I know.” Stop now. Let it go. No matter who it is, he’s allowed to have clients and go out to lunch. Even if he said he couldn’t.

  “Okay. Do you want to order another glass of wine and finish here or continue at the office?”

  She knew what he was asking, but the words seemed to be sucked into a vacuum the moment David shifted, allowing her to see who his companion was. The arm candy was none other than the bitch from the restaurant, the one who had her tongue planted inside David’s mouth. Furious, she seethed inside, but was determined to contain her composure. “I don’t think we should ha
ve another glass.” No, she wanted the damn bottle.

  “I am certain you are right, but…”

  For a few seconds, she debated racing outside. Nope. Not gonna fall into this trap. Don’t do it. Just enjoy the lunch and the company. “But?” She licked her lips and tried to figure out why David wouldn’t tell her. Well, if this was the client who had a lot of money to spend, she’d suck up the flirting crap the woman was giving and take the money and run. Hell, yeah, she would.

  “But then again, we deserve it, don’t we?”

  Shannon was just about ready to look the other way, not caring what was happening outside, then the bitch laid her hand on David’s shoulder. Even from her distance, she could see the squeeze and could hear the coo coming from the slut’s mouth. She hadn’t realized she rose from her seat and moved toward the window until she was standing barely three feet from them, mere glass the only thing separating them. There wasn’t any doubt Anastasia was out for more than some well-done set of architectural drawings. From the tight spaghetti strap dress, hugging every curve and nearly exposing the woman’s nipples to the bleach blonde hair and ruby red lipstick, the look screamed seduction. Shannon bristled, her heart racing. David wouldn’t fall for the woman’s bullshit. Would he?

  Sucking in her breath, she moved closer to the window and to the side, the location allowing her to see both his and the bitch’s expressions. He was as animated as she’d ever seen him, a dreamy look on his face and she was… Oh, the fucking look was priceless. The little laughs and the flutter of her hand. Who did she think she was, some flaming hot model? No fucking way. David didn’t seem to be responding to her touch, the little brushes of her fingers, the closeness of her body.

  David loved to tell a story and this afternoon was no exception. He was on his game, his hands moving in overtime as if drawing a picture. The woman was indeed his client. Breathing a sigh of relief, she was just about to turn away when Anastasia moved closer, placing both hands on his shoulders. And David stopped talking, the look on his face changing. “Fuck.”