Imperfect Consequences

by Piper Stone

  Mortified, David was absolutely put in his place. What a fucking idiot he’d been. Shoving the check into his pocket he shoved his shirt into his pants and attempted to button a single one. She’d done a damn good job of shredding his fucking clothing. Snarling, he brushed his hands through his disheveled hair and grabbed his keys. He made it to the door and heard Bruce’s slight chuckle. Stopping short, he closed his eyes. “For the record, I didn’t instigate what happened. I don’t want her. I want my wife.”

  A few seconds passed.

  “Then I suggest you suck it up and be the man she needs for once, before you lose her forever.”

  Determined to figure this out, David slammed the front door and headed for the elevator. Maybe one drink would help him garner the courage to tell her what had happened. Confess. The word seemed to reverberate in the back of his mind like a sharp sword ready to gut him. Or her. What the hell was wrong with him? He stopped and groaned.

  “Do you need to talk?” Bruce asked.

  “Goddamn, I need something.”

  “Yeah, like a slap upside the head.”

  “You’re one hot woman. You do know that, don’t you?”

  “I’m not that hot,” Shannon countered as she darted a quick glance at Zach. After three glasses of wine she was feeling particularly uninhibited.

  “Trust me. You’re one fine looking lady. Any man would be so proud to have you on his arm,” Zach purred as he inched closer, placing his hand on the back of her chair.

  The scent of his cologne, all masculine and very exotic was driving her wild. “Not all men. My husband seems to prefer spazzy blondes.”

  “Your husband is an idiot. If I had a fine-looking woman, such as you, I’d keep her happy in every way I could. In and out of bed.”

  The words titillated her, her pussy clenching, her nipples scraping against her lacy bra until she was panting. “I… I don’t know.”

  Touching the side of her face, he traced a series of patterns on her cheek and down to her lips. “Trust me, I know. I know very well what kind of an incredible beauty you are.” Keeping his eyes locked on her, he lowered his head very slowly until his lips were a mere inch from hers.

  Shannon lifted her head and the movement forced their lips together. Instantly, she shivered as jolts of current rushed through her. “I…”

  “I know. We shouldn’t.”

  “No. We…” But she so longed to. For a few seconds, she debated giving in, allowing this handsome young man to fuck her hard. As David’s face flashed in front of her eyes, she bit her lip and pushed him back gently, “I can’t. I just…”

  Shivering, Shannon rolled over and punched the pillow before lifting her head and studying the digital clock. The warm red glow seemed to be pulsing the time. Almost two in the morning. Of course. She sniffed and lowered her head, thoughts and visions of a tryst at a hotel room involving several rounds of wicked sex, filtered into her mind. Clenching her eyes shut, tears managed to slip from her eyes and they weren’t entirely all about David and the buxom blonde. What had almost happened was never going to happen again.

  Shannon lay still for a few seconds, then shifted on her back, staring at the ceiling. This had to stop. The moment she closed her eyes again, she was taken back to another time, one she’d done everything to forget.

  You’re a whore. You’ll never be anything but a whore.

  Shivering, she pulled the covers up to her neck in an effort to get away from the echoes. But she knew she was exactly that. A whore.

  Yeah, you, you ugly bitch. You’re not worth my time. You’ll never be worth my time, fucking… scummy… slut…

  The words had been slurred. They were always slurred and they were always vile. Shannon shoved the covers down. No one was going to best her ever again. She glanced back at the clock and sighed. He wasn’t coming home. The one man she’d been able to love and she’d fucked it up. Was he with the blonde? Could she blame him if he was? After all the bitching she’d been doing, she wouldn’t blame him in the least. Wait. What was she thinking? “Oh.” She kicked her legs, throwing the covers half off the bed. This was stupid.

  She’d never felt so guilty. No matter what was going on with David, to almost seduce a younger man, and her employee, was just about the worst thing she’d ever done in her life. This was outrageous. She beat her hands against the pillow and groaned. What were they going to do?

  A flash of Zach’s smile appeared in her mind’s eye and her pussy immediately clenched. The way he’d touched her, breathed across her neck, had left her wet all over. The stolen glances at his crotch, the bulge swollen and throbbing, had kept her nipples aching all throughout the last hour of lunch. Lunch? The darn near make-out session in the hallway had been telling. They were hot for each other. “Fuck.”

  How many times had they looked at each other after lunch, wanting and wishing? Even during the meeting, they hadn’t been able to keep their eyes off each other. This was dangerous behavior. She’d purposely tried to keep everything totally professional, but the air between them had been electric. Even now, she was hot and wet all over, her nipples hard as pebbles.

  Nauseous, she curled into a ball. The sad truth was, she couldn’t blame being inebriated. The wine might have allowed her to loosen up, but thoughts of touching and tasting had been just below the surface. Well, the case would hopefully come to some conclusion on Monday, unless the judge was a complete moron. Then she’d ship the sexy intern off to another department. That was a good plan. Either that or she could fess up to her indiscretions, lose her job, as well as her husband, in the process. What a damn quagmire. Secrets. That’s what she was going to have to do, keep secrets and lie her ass off. But you know what happened before. No, this wasn’t like before and David wasn’t at all like her ex. The intern would be shipped out of her life.

  Satisfied, she wiped her eyes and was determined to get at least a few more hours sleep. The moment she closed her eyes, she heard a noise. Then a thump. She sat up, concerned someone was breaking in. After several clanging noises, she realized David was home and from the sounds, drunk. Vile thoughts continued to ravage her mind. He was drunk. It was late, fucking late. He’d been seen with the bitch and he told her there was nothing going on.

  Shannon homed in on the sounds and was certain he was drunk, very drunk. The sounds became louder. David was coming down the hallway. She closed her eyes and turned over, pretending to be asleep.

  David grunted. “Soon of a… a beech.”

  The thud was loud and she jumped involuntarily. He must have slammed into the dresser.

  “Sssshh…” Laughing softly, he continued to curse under his breath as he walked further inside.

  Maybe he’d just been out with Bruce, celebrating all the new business. And maybe pigs fly in big purple tutus. As the light went on in the bathroom, she was able to catch a quick glimpse of him.

  David looked over, his body swaying back and forth. He took a step toward her, then brushed his hand through his hair. “No. No.”

  There was so much agony in the way his voice sounded, as if guilt was racking him completely. She resisted calling out or moving, determined to just stay away tonight. They both needed to sleep off the ugliness. The second the door closed, shutting down the light, she breathed a sigh of relief. Getting away would do them both so much good. Maybe they could have a second honeymoon. Not that they really had one the first time. An ugly hurricane had shut them in and nearly annihilated the island paradise. Some paradise. They’d survived on bottled water, wine and assorted snack food for three full days.

  Shannon smiled and floated her finger back and forth across her lips. And they’d made love in the water, on the sand, in the hut and all over again, several times. The trip had certainly been an adventure. They’d been beautiful moments shared. Then real life, jobs, and insecurity had taken over.

  A few seconds later, the door opened, a single thud was heard and one grunt. She thought for certain he’d manage to find his way to their be
d. When she heard nothing, she peeked. He was hovering near, but completely in the shadows of the stream of moonlight. She heard him sigh before walking out. Shifting, she sat up and eased her legs on the floor. No matter how drunk he was, David had no desire to share the bed with her. She waited for a full minute before reacting, knowing he would pass out quickly.

  A single tear rolled down her cheek. She brushed it away in a fury before getting out of bed and heading for the bathroom. Of course, she had to know. She stopped in the doorway and listened for any sounds. Light snoring filtered into the room. Nodding, she turned on the bathroom light and scanned the room. There was nothing but a crumpled towel by the sink and splashes all over the counter.

  She walked closer. The second she picked up the towel, she could see blood. “What the hell?” Pressing the towel to her face, she didn’t gather any particular scent other than fabric softener. This was odd. Had he fallen down, perhaps in his inebriated state? Another quick look around the room didn’t suggest there was anything odd. She was about ready to walk out of the room when the sight of the trashcan shoved into the opposite corner of where it normally sat caught her attention.

  Taking short steps, she swallowed hard as she stood over the can. Piles of tissue were on top, a few lengths sliding over the side. There appeared to be more blood, as if he’d tried to wipe away the mess with tissue first, then resorted to the towel. “Interesting.” Tentatively, she reached down and grabbed a handful of tissues. The second she pulled them out of the metal can her eyes were drawn to the blob underneath.

  Exhaling slowly, she stared at what she knew was the shirt he’d left wearing that very morning. It took her a full two minutes or longer to lean down and gingerly grip the shirt. While there were a few specs of reddish brown spattered on the front, the sight of dried blood didn’t bother her. The realization there were no buttons on the shirt did. The bitch had ripped the shirt off of her husband. “Slut. Whore.”

  Echoes of her own words bounced in her ears as she slid against the wall. The fact David had tried to hide the evidence, even in the state of being he was in, meant one thing. He was having an affair. For a few seconds, she was left gasping for breath, her heart racing. This couldn’t be happening to them. There was no way. There had to be some odd explanation. Maybe David had been hurt by something. Some piece of machinery or something. Maybe…

  There was one way to find out. Tossing the shirt back in the trashcan, she huffed and tried to remember where there was a flashlight in the damn house. There had to be one. Yep. There had to be. She stalked out of the bathroom and out the door. The kitchen. Everyone had a flashlight in the kitchen.

  Shannon didn’t care if the drunk asshole woke up during her tirade as she opened and slammed shut drawer after drawer. The one by the refrigerator proved fruitful. Holding up the silver flashlight and flipping on the switch, she sniffed as the light came on, then immediately clicked off. “Son of a bitch.” After beating the head in the palm of her hand, she tried again. The light was merely a warm glow, but should be just enough.

  She made her way into the living room and stood over the sleeping man. For a second, she tried to tell herself to turn around and walk back to the bedroom, get some sleep and ask him about the entire shit in the morning. Then her rational side took over. Holding her breath, Shannon lifted the light and allowed the beam to cross his eyes. There was nothing unusual.

  David snorted and opened his eyes briefly. She cut the beam toward the ceiling until the ragged sounds became almost even. Lowering the light to his neck, a mere glimpse of his lip made her lift the beam. His lip was definitely swollen. As if he’d been bitten. Son of a bitch. The mother fucking son of a bitch. Steeling her nerves, she continued her path. The scratches on his chest were clear. The story was told in blazing detail. Something made her lower down and take a deep whiff.

  Perfume mixed with his scent of testosterone and there wasn’t any doubt the two had consummated the affair. Shannon rose to her full height and wanted to cry. She wanted to be furious. Instead, she was relieved. Now, she knew for certain her husband couldn’t stop cheating. Now, she knew in her heart why they were having such difficulties. Now, she understood that she wasn’t the bad guy.

  Instead of feeling sad, she experienced the need for something else—revenge.

  And a moment all her own.

  Chapter 7

  “Oh, look how ugly this damn color is.” Shannon knew her voice was way too loud, but she was tired of trying to find the perfect sexy baby doll or God forbid a corset. Victoria’s Secret was definitely pissing her off today. She fingered her neck, longing to feel the cool silver and the dangling ruby. Instead, her neck was naked, just like her heart was hollow. Removing the necklace had given her a fit of tears. Leaving it on his side of the bed, in the middle of his pillow, had felt right. And so very wrong. Now, she was a bundle of nerves and sadness.

  “I think we might need to get that glass of wine. You are way out of sorts today.”

  She glanced at Tina and huffed. For no particular reason, she hadn’t talked to her friend since the woman had introduced her to the domestic discipline lifestyle. Shannon was embarrassed by how far downhill her relationship had gone, but had nowhere else to turn. The situation with David was to the point she had no idea if their marriage could survive. Anger and being overworked was one thing. Infidelity, completely another. “We will. Trust me, we’ll have more than one. I just need to find something very sexy. You know, something that sizzles on me.”

  “Honey, everything sizzles on you. You look great, albeit a little tired around the eyes.”

  “I’m exhausted.”

  Tina nodded. “I heard about the Miller case. It’s getting some press time.”

  Shannon had seen the morning paper and the ridiculous accusations had been printed in black and white for the entire city to see. She half expected her cell phone to ring at any point with one or more reporters vying for fifteen minutes. That’s one reason she was AWOL right now. One. “I guess that story is perfectly juicy for them.”

  “Racism cases usually are. Any merit?”

  “Zero. The Board is acting in the best interest of their association members. He’s just a whiny baby who needs a harsh slap and some time in the corner. And that’s just for starters. Personally, I’d like to kick him in the teeth for costing the association almost a cool hundred grand.”

  Bursting into laughter, Tina fingered a lacy bra. “Ouch. Wish I could fit into one of these and you are on fire today.”

  “Just over being bullied.” Jerking out a flaming pink bustier, she eyed the hefty price tag and honestly didn’t give a shit how much the dazzling lingerie cost. This time, purchasing something sexy was all about her. “Perfect.”

  “My bet is David will love you in that,” Tina said as she tugged out a red teddy. “Now this is hot, too. Red is oh, so your color and I highly doubt anyone is bullying the great defender. Don’t claws come out with every case?”

  “Not that David would know. And very funny. I’m diligent.”

  Tina slowly turned her head. “I’ve heard you’re a wolf in sheep’s clothing in the courtroom and what is going on now? You’re nervous and antsy. And you’re surly as hell. Spill it.”

  Shannon was instantly self-conscious. “Surly?”

  “You heard me. My guess is you could rip a client’s head off with your teeth.”

  “Sorry. He just wouldn’t and doesn’t give a shit what I’m in or not in. I’m buying all this for me.”

  “Uh huh. You want to talk about it?”

  “Not right now. I’m going to buy a couple hundred dollars’ worth of sensuous things. Then we’ll go to lunch and drink copious amounts of alcohol and I’ll tell you a sizzling story.” Shannon moved away, grabbing an electric blue silky robe along the way. She was going to purchase at least five sexy thongs and a damn push-up bra. No. She didn’t need any padding. A perfectly lacy underwire bra was more in order. Red. Flaming red in color was the ticket. Goddamn m
other fucking asshole.

  She’d left early on purpose, having been determined not to run into him that morning. What the hell was she supposed to say? After working a few hours and avoiding the phone, she’d called Tina, grateful her buddy was ready for a long lunch and girl talk. Not that she had any idea how to talk about what the hell was going on. She could tell Tina was watching her, studying her reactions. She grabbed two different nighties, both gorgeous and sheer as they could be, and held them up. “Purple passion or scarlet whore?” The slinky little dress had been the first purchase. Wicked thoughts of going to a hot music club, perhaps watching a particular performer tomorrow night fueled the very bad girl side that continued to grow in her.

  “Scarlet whore is so much more you,” Tina said as she laughed. “Red is your color, girl. Now, what the hell is going on?”

  “Just shop with me. Then we drink and play.” Whore. The word lingered in the back of her mind. Cougar was the second one. Betrayal the third. But what was good for the goose. Right?

  “And we’re not playing here?”

  Shannon gave her a look and smiled. “No cabana boys around.”

  “We could change that.”

  “Then, by all means, do. I need something sexy around me for a change.” Shannon laughed genuinely. This had been a good decision. “More shopping.”

  “Good God, woman.” Tina opened her eyes wide. “Shopping it is.”

  After picking out several things and checking out, Shannon eyed the stuffed bags and couldn’t help but wonder if any man would enjoy seeing her in something sexy ever again. Oh, great. Now she was feeling sorry for herself.

  “You spent exactly how much again?” Tina asked as she held up her small red and pink striped bag, her eyes twinkling.

  “I have coupons.” Tugging the bags toward her chest, Shannon shoved the black credit card back into her purse. “Several, in fact.”

  “Uh-huh. How much did you spend?”