Imperfect Consequences

by Piper Stone

  Strolling toward the entrance, she tried to remember the figure on the credit card slip. “Not nearly enough.”

  “Oh boy, this must be bad.”

  “You have no idea.” Strolling through the mall with long strides, she knew Tina was trying to figure out what was going on. She didn’t even know. The entire morning had been all about final preparations for the damn case from Hell. Seeing Zach had given her sinful thoughts, ones that had to be pushed away. But damn it, she was turned on by the sexy guy now more than ever. You can’t. You’ll lose everything. The words were true enough.

  Now, she just wanted a drink and the company of a good friend. One who knew what she was going through. She found herself inside the restaurant barely a minute later.

  “Slow down.” Tina laughed as she wrapped her hand around Shannon’s arm. “We have plenty of time.”

  Shannon checked her watch. She’d told both Jennifer and Wendy she might not be back and even Zach hadn’t asked a single question. Good. Or maybe, thank God. She was in no mood for bullshit or to answer questions. Her phone was off and she was determined to merely have an afternoon of some level of debauchery. Sexy things and a stiff margarita was a good start. “This fine establishment looks good enough.” The Italian restaurant had a cozy little bar nestled in the front, allowing them to see the comings and goings, hopefully of sexy men. She didn’t wait for Tina’s reply or even her acknowledgement. Plopping down at a bar table smack in front of the window, she huffed and immediately glanced for the wait staff.

  “All right. I’m going to assume that what is really going on here is that you and David no longer see eye to eye about DD?” Tina asked quietly as she slipped onto the barstool.

  “We’re not seeing eye to eye about much of anything. Period. He’s working all the damn time anyway. Working, yeah right,” she snorted and waved her hand.

  “Honey, what’s going on?”

  There was no sugar coating this. Shannon glanced up at one of several televisions located throughout the restaurant, trying to get away from the question. There was no way she could, but just saying the words were more painful than she could have imagined. “David’s having an affair with a client. I caught him red handed.”

  “What? Not this again.”

  “It’s much worse. This time I think he likes her, as in divorce me likes her.” Shannon pushed her bags onto the floor and tried to act nonchalant.

  “Oh, shit. Are you certain? I mean, did you see them together?”

  Shannon snorted. “The ripped to shreds shirt, the exotic perfume and the scratches down his chest indicate a pretty raucous event.”

  “Oh, crap. I’m so sorry. I really thought the lifestyle change was going to do you some good.” Tina nodded as the waiter approached.

  After ordering drinks, Shannon nibbled on her lip and exhaled slowly as she studied her wedding ring. She absently rubbed the tip of her finger back and forth across her neck, longing for so many things to change.

  “You’ve been doing that a lot today.”

  “Doing what?’ Shannon asked.

  “Rubbing your neck. Are you hurt? Did you two get physical or something? I mean, he didn’t hurt you. Right?”

  “No. Nothing like that. He was drunk off his ass, so nothing happened. I just took off a necklace David gave me for our anniversary. He’s lucky I didn’t shove the damn thing down his throat.” The look of concern on Tina’s face dragged her back to their first meetings. Thank God, Tina had been there with her and for her.

  “Necklace?” Tina leaned over the table. “You mean choker style?”

  “Yeah. How did you know?”

  “I read your blog about domination and submission you posted the other day and don’t look so surprised. I do follow you. I have to admit, I was a little taken aback. Does this mean you guys pushed your lifestyle?”

  Shannon blushed. “No, it was just some ramblings after a book I read and I was wondering, so I did a little exploring. If you read the article, you know I have no idea what I’m talking about. Neither does David.”

  “It’s not something you jump into. I told you, domestic discipline takes time and a lot of communication. Couples take years figuring out what’s right for them. I’ll strongly recommend you don’t add anything else to the mix. Not right now.”

  “I don’t think we’re going to have to worry about it anyway. He tore up the DD contract, threw it in my face and now I know why.”

  “Jesus. What the hell happened? You seemed so happy at first,” Tina breathed as she touched Shannon’s arm.

  For some reason, Shannon flinched. “We were, but we stopped doing and started performing. I think that’s really what happened. Where the hell are the drinks?” She fidgeted in her seat, trying desperately to find any comfort.

  “Performing?”

  “Yeah, you know, like going through the motions, thinking that spanking or other forms of discipline were going to fix what was wrong with us.”

  “Ah.” The single word reverberated as Tina sat back on the stool.

  “Ah? What does that mean?”

  “That means you both should have known better.”

  Shannon opened her mouth to retort when she noticed the waiter approaching. She certainly didn’t need anyone else knowing about her disastrous and odd life.

  “Here you are, ladies. Would you like me to start a tab?” he asked, giving Shannon a once over.

  “You bet.” Shannon was quick to answer. The truth was, she didn’t want to go home and wasn’t certain what else to do. Sitting and drinking seemed like a plan.

  Tina raised her eyebrow as she grabbed her purse. “I should have mentioned this before to you, but in truth, I wasn’t certain you and David would commit to trying the DD lifestyle so quickly.” Fumbling through the contents, she darted a glance at Shannon and smiled. “Question for you. Did you see David in the arms of another woman?”

  “Well no, but…”

  “No buts. You need to sit down with him and ask what the hell is going on.”

  “I know what’s going on.” Shannon grabbed her margarita and licked salt off the rim, the act reminiscent of salt in a wound. Maybe she should have covered David’s chest in rock salt.

  “No, you don’t. You’re assuming. What you both need is better communication. Damn it. Where is the freaking thing?” Jerking out several things from her purse, Tina dropped them on the table, growling under her breath.

  “Well, the evidence was pretty damning and that’s the point. We don’t know how to talk to each other any longer. We talk at each other. We argue. We sulk. We push back. I get a spanking, then everything is quiet for a few days before it starts all over again. I have no idea what I was thinking.”

  Tina grimaced as she pulled out a business card. “Here it is.”

  “I don’t need a marriage counselor. I need a divorce attorney of my own and…”

  “Will you stop for one minute? You jump to conclusions about everything and always have. That’s part of the issue here. You aren’t giving David the benefit of the doubt. You aren’t allowing him to take control. From what I can tell and from what you’ve told me, you aren’t giving him the power. You’re usurping power from underneath. This is similar to a sub topping from the bottom. In this situation, it can’t happen. You have to turn over the reins to him or this won’t work. My guess is, David is reeling from not knowing what to do and you’re pushing him. If you don’t stop, you’re going to push him completely out of your life.” Tina shoved the contents back in her purse and dropped it on the floor. “Read it.”

  The look on Tina’s face stopped her from saying anything. Shannon thought about the words and the meaning and knew that’s exactly what she’d been doing all along. She’d been the one in charge still, acting like nothing had changed.

  “I know you’re going to retort and I know you well enough to know exactly what you’re going to say.”

  “You’re right.”

  Tina coughed, then reached for her d
rink, taking an exaggerated gulp. “You’re kidding me.”

  “Stop. No, you’re right. I didn’t even give him a chance to be the one in charge, the Head of Household. I remained me, the take over, bitchy woman pretty much, maybe worse. I guess I thought the spankings were going to fix things and make us all better. I guess I’m just scared.”

  “Of course, you are given your past and spankings are just a byproduct and a small part of the lifestyle. They aren’t at all what’s important. Talking, opening up, communicating about everything, no matter how difficult, is vital. That’s what makes this work. Do you understand?”

  “Yeah. I do, but I think I pushed too hard. I don’t think we can fix this.” Shannon fought back tears.

  “Do you love him?”

  She nodded and wiped her eyes. “Very much. The day he ripped up that contract was horrible. The pain was like a knife sticking right through me. I couldn’t even breathe.”

  “Nothing has changed from the original conversation we had before, other than you know this isn’t easy. There isn’t a perfect fix. You both have to be fully committed to this or it’s not going to work at all. This might help you both, if… if you’re willing to really work and take time for both of you.” Tina held out the card and smiled. “It’s not easy, honey, but you have to believe in both your husband, as well as your instincts, and let down your guard. This man is pretty incredible.”

  “What is it?” She studied the card and the website. The picture of the rather kind looking older gentleman wasn’t what was perplexing. The tag line was. Learning the Art of TPE – Total Power Exchange. High intensity training for couples in DD and D/s relationships. “This really exists?”

  Tina took a sip of her drink. “I haven’t gone through it, but I’ve talked to many couples and he has a huge following. Stephen Robbins teaches courses at Yale.”

  “Yale? Really?”

  “He’s a professor of sexuality and well respected. He’s written several doctoral articles on the domestic discipline lifestyle and professes the practice highly.”

  Shannon fingered the card, her nerves kicking in. She cleared her throat and realized trickles of perspiration were sliding down her neck and face. Why did this make her so nervous? Because you’ll have to face all the demons completely and then David will know you aren’t the best person in the world. The truth scared her as much as opening up. “And just for the sake of asking. How is this going to help David and me exactly?”

  Tina leaned further over the table and gave Shannon a calculating look. “He runs a class of sorts, all consuming.”

  “A class?”

  “Yep. He teaches couples about opening up to the lifestyle through classes and intense training.” Smiling, Tina took a sip of her drink. “You live the lifestyle absorbed for a full week.” A few seconds ticked by.

  “Wait a minute. I’ve heard of this. A DD boot camp?”

  “Hold on. This isn’t what’s gotten such bad press. This isn’t some emersion into being spanked several times a day. The getaway is more about encouraging you to talk and be together. What you do around it is entirely up to the individual couple. The posh resort is merely a camp where you are allowed to be yourselves and share. Nothing more. You could enjoy and talk and merely lie on the beach if you want to. The difference is, you have others around you who are going through what you both are. Confusion. Concern. Fear. You can talk.”

  Shannon took a deep breath. “I don’t think David would go for it.”

  “Keep the card and talk to him about it. You might be surprised.”

  “Okay. Maybe.” Looking away, Shannon could swear she caught a glimpse of Zach. What was he doing out of work? She couldn’t help but crane her neck, trying to figure out if she was right.

  “Now, why are you buying all the lingerie if not for David? And don’t tell me for yourself. What are you up to?”

  Shannon shook her head. It was Zach. What the hell was he doing in the mall? Looking for her? No. Of course not. Well, it was lunchtime, albeit late, but still. “Nothing.”

  “I know you too well. You’re hurting and you need attention. Who is he?”

  “He?” Tina knew her well enough. Zach suddenly turned and looked at her, recognizing her instantly. No. No. No, he couldn’t come in here right now. This wasn’t good. She swallowed and attempted to move into the shadow. Nope. He was coming right for her. Had she told either Wendy or Jennifer where she was going? Even if she had…

  “Earth to Shannon. What are you doing?” Tina followed her gaze. “Now, he’s hot.” Looking back at Shannon, she cleared her throat. “And he seems to be mighty interested in you. Is there something you need to tell me?”

  “He’s my intern,” Shannon barely managed.

  “Intern? Now this just gets better and better. You’re having a fling with him. Aren’t you?”

  “I am not!” But Shannon knew the words were said too quickly and with too much emphasis. “I…”

  Tina held up her hand. “Girl, you’re playing with fire here. Look. It’s none of my business, but do you really want to do this? Do you really want to make whatever mess you and David are in any worse?”

  Zach rushed into the restaurant. “Jesus Christ, you’re one difficult woman to find when you want to disappear.”

  “That’s exactly what I wanted, an afternoon to myself,” Shannon retorted and could tell Tina was hanging on to every word.

  “Well, sorry to interrupt, but I had to find you and your phone is off.” Zach moved closer. “Sorry to interrupt ladies. Really.”

  “That’s okay,” Tina said as she smiled.

  “All right. What’s going on?” Shannon knew by the look on his face this wasn’t a personal visit.

  Zach glanced at the televisions and strode to the bar.

  “What’s going on?” Tina asked.

  “I have no idea.” Shannon watched as Zach got the attention of the bartender and pointed to the screen. After a few seconds of conversation, the channel was switched. Instantly, her blood chilled. “What the fuck?” Rising to her feet, she walked over to the bar. The vision on the television set was probably something that would haunt her for quite a while. National ABC News was talking with Mr. Miller right in front of the Season’s Landing entrance sign.

  “Yeah. We had about a fifteen-minute warning from Miller’s attorney. It’s on the radio too. His claims are growing. Says he has the kind of proof about racism that will take the association, the management company and several individuals down. And the damn news is eating this up. Had five calls from various NAACP agencies before I left. Had to get another attorney to field the calls.”

  Shannon shivered. What a ridiculous time for her to pick to be MIA. “It’s a goddamn Friday afternoon. We need to get a court injunction to keep this from airing. If we can.”

  “That’s what I hoped you’d say,” Zach said as he placed his hand on the small of her back.

  She turned her head slowly, giving him a look that stated in no uncertain terms he wasn’t allowed to touch her in this manner. “Let’s get to work. It’s going to be a long night and there isn’t any doubt we’re going to need to work tomorrow.”

  “You got it. I’ll stay by your side. I’ll wait for you outside.” Zach nodded and walked out of the restaurant.

  For so many reasons, Shannon shivered. “Sorry to have to cut this short.”

  “I understand. Let me know if you need anyone to help wrangle the press. I have a few friends at the local station that might be able to help,” Tina said as she stood. “I got this. You go on.”

  “Thanks. I owe you.” As she reached over to gather her bags the words she heard reminded her how very much of a whore she truly was.

  “I can tell you two are already close. I’m going to give you a piece of advice. Don’t do it. You’ll regret the moment of passion for the rest of your life and knowing you and your past, this will end the marriage.”

  Shannon looked out the window at his face, his beautiful face, one that c
ould turn heads anywhere and sighed. She wanted him. She wanted to feel alive again. Dangerous. This was dangerous.

  Honor and obey.

  That she couldn’t do any longer.

  “Well, you look like hell, but you’re functioning, so I guess that’s good,” Bruce said as he walked into the break room. “I told you not to drink those last five shots.”

  David gave him the finger. “Yeah, I was an idiot and I’ve been staring at the same computer screen for a solid two hours so I don’t know how well I’m functioning.”

  “What did Shannon say last night?”

  “Nothing. She was asleep, I think, when I came home. Now, she’s gone.”

  “What do you mean gone? She didn’t…” Bruce’s face paled.

  “No, I meant she was gone when I managed to wake up and roll off the couch this morning. I found an empty bed after retching for five full minutes.”

  Bruce ambled toward the coffee maker. “I didn’t puke, but I did almost eat an entire bottle of aspirin. What in the hell were we thinking?”

  “It’s all a bit fuzzy. As in, I remember coming in last night, sort of. I know I made it to the bathroom and I thought I got into bed, but…”

  “But?” Bruce poured a cup of coffee and grimaced as he took a sip. “Ugh. This tastes worse than I expected.”

  “That’s because it’s been on for five hours.”

  “You been here that long?”

  Nodding, David grabbed a coke out of the refrigerator. He knew Shannon was pissed by the fact she sent him a text saying she was working late. The sad truth was, he wasn’t certain he had the guts to face her right now.

  “You recover quicker than I do, buddy. My old system doesn’t take getting hammered well any longer. So, what happened?”

  “I don’t know, other than I was stupid and threw the damn shirt away in the trashcan. There isn’t any doubt she found it. In case you didn’t notice, Ms. Baroque did a nice job of ripping it to shreds.”

  “There was no way not to notice and are you sure?”

  “I’m sure. Shannon nearly ripped the necklace off I got her for our anniversary, left it on my pillow to find when I woke from my drunken stupor.”