Imperfect Consequences

by Piper Stone

  “Because you were drunk or because of the shirt?” Bruce asked as he narrowed his eyes.

  David shook his head, glanced toward the door then lifted his shirt. “Since the flashlight was out on the kitchen counter, I’m certain it’s because of these.”

  “Holy fuck, those are some deep scratches. Our, no, your new client and the heated tryst from yesterday?”

  “Yeah, but it wasn’t a tryst.” But, of course, he wouldn’t be able to convince Shannon of that fact.

  “You’re firing her this morning. Right? We don’t need that crap and she isn’t going to take no for an answer. I’ve seen her type before. They think they can have anything they want.”

  Sniffing, David took a gulp of his drink. “The money is good.”

  Bruce took two long strides and jerked David’s arm, yanking him forward. “You are out of your fucking mind if you don’t can the bitch. We don’t need the money and you’re doing nothing but destroying your marriage. You know that.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Yeah nothing. You’re playing with fire. Right now, you need to do something nice for your wife, like beg for forgiveness. If she found the shirt, then saw this, why do you think she’s not coming home?”

  “Well, there’s some press on one of her cases, so she mentioned she’s getting a hotel room. Something about getting to see a judge. I don’t know.”

  “You mean she’s staying away from your sorry ass. Hell, I would,” Bruce hissed, then walked away. “I’m your partner and if you don’t fire the wench, I will.”

  “I was going to use some of the money to take Shannon away for a little while, maybe regroup.”

  Bruce laughed. “And if you don’t have a wife to take on this trip? Then are you taking the bimbo?”

  Groaning, David knew he was right of course. “You’re right. I just…”

  “There is no just anything. Come on. You’re a smart guy.”

  “Not today.” Not for the last few weeks. He thought about the necklace and cringed. End this before Shannon does. “You are very right. I’m going into my office and cancelling the contract.”

  “Did you even sign the contract or deposit the check?”

  David eased the payment out of his pocket. For a minute, he looked at the numbers, knowing the money would keep them in the black. But at what price? “Nope.”

  “Then it’s easy. End it on the phone so she can’t give you any lip,” Bruce suggested.

  “Stellar idea.”

  “Good. Then we get to work and finish out this day, so I can go home and crawl into bed.” Bruce shook his head. “Getting old is a bitch.”

  “You’re getting old. Not me, buddy.” Grinning, David winked before tossing the empty can into the trash and heading for his office. He found her number buried in the file and the second he hit dial he could hear his left foot tapping hard against the desk. Adrenaline was flowing, giving him heart palpitations. “Ms. Baroque?”

  “Yes?”

  “David Parker.”

  “Oh, yes, David. Do you have my plans for me? Perfect timing. You can bring them to my condo. I won’t be leaving for at least another two hours. We have plenty of time to go over them.”

  Hearing the command in her voice filled him with anger. She just expected he was going to succumb to her demands. “Not going to happen.”

  “And why is that? Are you not finished? I had every confidence in you that you could actually meet my expectations in every manner. Do you understand?”

  “Very much so and that’s why I’m going to have to decline the contract.” David heard her growl.

  “Decline? No one declines me. I told you before, I get what I want and I already paid for you handsomely. I suggest you perform like the good little man you are and we’ll consider this merely a misunderstanding,” Anastasia cooed.

  David rolled his eyes. “Ms. Baroque. I didn’t sign the contract, nor did I deposit your check. While the money is fabulous, the fringe benefits just might kill me and or my marriage. I can’t have that. I am certain you understand.”

  There was a long pause before she spoke and when she did, her words were laced with venom. “Ah yes, your wife. Of course. While I think you are making a huge mistake, I’ll allow you out of your contract. Bring the check to me and I’ll even give you a fee for your time.”

  “I’ll just rip the check up, Ms. Baroque.”

  “No! You will bring me my check. Now, be a good little boy and do as you’re told.”

  The second the phone call ended, he burst into laughter. “What a bitch.” Grabbing his keys, he headed for the door. Ending a business relationship was never going to taste so sweet.

  “Where are you going?” Bruce asked just as David reached the outer door.

  “To give her back her check.”

  “Do you think that’s wise?”

  David stopped and gave Bruce a look. “It’s what I have to do. Then I’m going to plan a trip, one that will save my marriage. No matter what I have to do.”

  Bruce grinned. “There’s the buddy I know and love.”

  Nearly thirty minutes later, he stood outside Anastasia’s door. She lived in a high-rise in the heart of downtown, the building very secure and extremely posh. The first four floors housed several businesses. The area was conveniently located next to the new courthouse, as well as the Interstate. This was the location to be. He took the elevator to the fifth floor, where he was going to have to take another set to the residences. He was surprised when he was met by security. The guard grilled him before calling Ms. Baroque, then proceeded to give him instructions. As if he was a moron. By the time he knocked on the door, he had the check in his hand, more than ready to toss it in hers.

  Anastasia jerked the door open. She smiled and lifted her sunglasses before easing out into the hall. “You’re late.” Pursing her lips, she gave him a heated look that screamed desire.

  “Traffic,” David said casually, his body tingling uncomfortably. He couldn’t help but notice her skintight dress and stiletto heels. She was certainly pulling out the stops. “Here’s your check.”

  She lowered her gaze after a few seconds and took a long stride around him, heading for the elevator. “Walk with me and tell me why you don’t want my business.” She pushed the button and immediately the doors opened, revealing an empty elevator.

  David growled and shook his head. He detested game players. Hesitating, he finally walked inside just as the doors were closing,

  Immediately, she moved in, placing one hand firmly on his crotch. “You don’t like the goodies on the side?”

  “I’m married. I told you that already. I do not cheat on my wife and given the fact we are already working on our marriage, I feel it would be in the best interest not to continue with our business relationship. I’m certain you can understand that.” David pushed her away and moved to the other side.

  “Hmm. The little wife again. I did some checking up on your wife. She’s a fairly high-powered attorney with a potentially damaging case for her career. I happen to know a few people involved. I could either help her or…”

  David was shocked. “Or? Are you threatening her?” Hissing, he held out his finger. “How fucking dare you.”

  “How dare I? I told you, David. I get what I want. I don’t mind paying for it, but I never lose. If you leave me no choice, I’ll have to make certain your wife has to spend a lot more time on this case. I may even have to tell her about our affair.” Cooing, she took a single finger and traced a circle around his mouth.

  Coming unglued, he grabbed her fingers and crunched them together. He wanted to hurt her. In truth, he wanted to punch her, but he could feel he was being set up to some degree. What the hell did this woman want from him? Sex? Really? She was going to do this to have his cock buried inside of her. This was nuts. “You listen to me, you bitch.” The amount of venom in his words surprised even him.

  “Ouch. I suggest you take your hand off me. And I suggest you lower your tone. I have plen
ty of connections in this town. You messed with the wrong woman.”

  Ping!

  As the elevator doors opened, she moved closer. “I’ll allow you time to think about it.”

  David huffed and stormed around her, balling up and tossing the check. “We’re done and if you try to do anything to my wife, I will hunt you down.” Stepping off the elevator backwards, his face was twisted from anger and he was determined to call Shannon and come clean. They had to talk and he was going to make certain she understood what was going on. Then he was going to make sure the bitch never got near his wife.

  Anastasia smiled and inched closer, darting a look over his shoulder. “I think the odds are in my favor.”

  Shannon was over every aspect of the law. Between the nasty phone calls and the fact she’d had to track the judge down at his house first, then follow him downtown where he promptly made her wait for a full hour before seeing her in his chambers didn’t sit well with her. It was almost five in the afternoon on a Friday. The entire city seemed to have shut down already, every man and woman hungry to party for the weekend. She had no doubt she’d be working into the late hours. When she’d texted David that she was considering a hotel for the weekend she’d simply wanted to send him a message.

  Now the idea seemed reasonable. She walked out of Judge Master’s office pissed off as hell. He refused to stay the case. They were scheduled for nine in the morning on Monday. She scurried to contact Mr. Miller’s attorney via phone. Leaving a detailed but rambling message, she held the phone to her head and hissed. This case was going to hell in a hand basket in a heartbeat. She punched the elevator again and stared at her phone. She longed to talk with David. Just talk. She wanted so much to make things right.

  She’d spent some time that morning going over the website of the therapist. Stephen Robbins was indeed highly acclaimed and was well known for working in the DD and D/s environment. The testimonials from his clients were impressive and she’d been surprised how open they were talking about their problems. What struck her the most was that so many of the couples had gone through exactly what she and David were going through.

  After looking at everything, including the cost of the stay, she’d sent Stephen an email asking some questions. They included finding out when his next class was and where. Now she hoped she could garner the courage to talk to David. Maybe this would work. Please God, it has to. Well, she was going to give it a try anyway.

  The damn elevator rattled to the first floor and she’d already punched in his number by the time she walked into the lobby. As his phone rang, she smiled. She’d go home tonight and fix things. It might be late, but she was going home to her bed and to her husband. They would work through this and no case was going to take away her life and her love.

  Shannon walked onto the marble floor and homed in on the way the slick marble sounded under her heels. The building was gorgeous. She also heard something else, a ring that was very unique. The song was the one she and David had danced to on their first date and he’d purposely taken it as his ringtone for her. For her. The Lady in Red was clearly being played from a cell phone. Was he here? Why? Was he looking for her?

  The moment she turned around she almost fell down, her suspicions solidified by the passionate kiss near the other bank of elevators. Even seeing the man’s back, she had no doubt it was her husband in the arms of another woman. The fucking bimbo had him. Somehow, she found herself walking closer as the phone continued to ring. Finally, David stepped away from the embrace and answered the phone.

  “Hello.”

  “You mother fucking asshole.”

  The sound echoed and caused him to turn and look up, his eyes glistening from guilt and remorse. “Shannon. It’s… it’s not….”

  The blonde laughed and wrapped her arm around his waist. “Time for her to find out about our affair anyway, honey.”

  Shocked, Shannon’s eyes brimmed with tears. She hung up the phone and in a second, reached out, slapping him hard across the face. “We are through. Go be with your whore.” Turning sharply, the sound of her clicking heels matched the ragged beating of her heart and it took all she had to make it outside before bursting into tears.

  Chapter 8

  Oddly enough, it was easier than Shannon had thought to almost forget about the incident and about David. Almost. She found a hotel room near the club district, a funky little place that allowed her to be completely anonymous, had gone to Macy’s and purchased a few items and sequestered herself inside working late into the night on the case. She’d called Tina and told her, but no one else. This wasn’t something she was ready to announce to the world just yet. The bottle of wine and the amount of work needing to be done kept the tears at bay. Other than talking with Zach a couple of times on the phone, she’d turned the blessed thing off. The voicemails continued to pile up and sometime around two in the morning she was resigned she’d get no sleep.

  By late Saturday morning, she was almost ready for the case. A few more details from the opposing counsel and she was ready. She was also hung over. Drinking the entire bottle of red wine hadn’t been her best decision. She stripped off her clothes and nearly stumbled her way into the bathroom. The mirror told no lies. She looked like death warmed over. Her skin was sallow, her eyes haunted and her hair stringy. She looked every bit her age. And then some.

  Turning on the water, she rubbed her hands down her sides to her legs. She still looked good, kept in shape. She didn’t have the same big tits blondie had, but David had never complained. Cupping both, she glanced into the mirror and nodded. They were firm since they’d never had any children, her nipples usually stayed a deep rosy color, her aureoles were pluckable. Giggling, she squeezed. Instantly, her pussy clenched. Shannon bit her lip and pinched both nipples, relishing in the pain. For a few seconds, she kept her fingers twisting and pulling both and she could hear David’s husky voice encouraging her.

  David. This wasn’t something she could just let go. If he wanted something else so badly, then she was going to let him leave. She was a raw ball of emotions and couldn’t even feel anger, merely quiet despair. He’d been her everything and they’d both fucked it up. Tears slipped past her lashes and she sniffed. First the trial. Then the divorce.

  The single word left her flat, unemotional. That told the story. They were through. She’d have more feelings if she still cared. Right? Stepping into the shower, she shook her head and thought about Zach. He’d known something was very wrong, but instead of pressuring her or peppering her with questions, he’d merely been supportive. The young man had grown into quite a friend. Shannon smiled as she thought about him, his eyes and his smile. She liked the way he joked all the time and could find such joy in the smallest of things.

  Zach loved the law and enjoyed digging into the case. He’d uncovered many an interesting detail about Mr. Miller in the last few days and the tidbits were something she was keeping until court. Good or bad, she was going to play hardball if she had to. Her intern had been tenacious as hell and was right there when she needed him. Need. Easing her back against the shower, she panted and rubbed the flat of her hand down from her breasts to her stomach. She was hot and horny and didn’t feel any guilt this time thinking about fucking a younger man.

  Another giggle surfaced and she closed her eyes as she twirled her finger around her clit. Her legs trembled and she lifted her head, allowing the water to cascade down the front of her face. Opening her legs wide, Shannon took one hand and pinched her nipple until the pain turned into near anguish. She continued teasing her clit until the tissue became ultra-sensitive.

  Zach had told her she was beautiful, very desirable. He’d told her he would be honored to have a woman like her on his arm. He’d also said he was rock hard with longing. She could only imagine what his cock looked like. Long and thick. “Mmm.” She eased three fingers inside her pussy and gulped. Every part of her tingled. Shannon breathed out as she thrust in and out, rocking her hips forward. She wanted nothing more
than to feel Zach’s mouth on hers, kissing her roughly, forcing his tongue inside.

  She could almost taste him as the kiss became a deep moment of heated passion between them. Their tongues entwining, their fingers touching, their breath lost. “Yes.” As her fingers became slick with her cunt juice, she arched her back, longing for a thick dick thrusting inside. Would he savagely take her, thrusting his cock in her pussy or take her in the ass? The thought alone almost brought a raging climax. There was nothing she enjoyed more than anal sex, a man taking and claiming, carnal needs being fulfilled.

  Her heart raced as she continued masturbating and for a few seconds, she could envision Zach’s hand wrapping around her throat as he drove harder and faster into her ass. She could see herself on all fours, her ass in the air as he pounded into her in an unforgiving manner. She lowered her head and watched her actions as sweat dripped down from her forehead. “Mmm… oh…” She wanted the fantasy to go on forever, the utter breathless moment of need filling her, but she was unable to stop the orgasm. Roaring up from her toes, the climax sent jolts of electricity through her. She moaned, the sound strangled, and pinched her nipple harder, the fresh flash of pain washing through every cell.

  “Fuck! Oh… oh oh oh…”

  The climax sent a series of tingles down her back. Alive and on fire, her breath sounds were scattered. This was incredible. This was… “Ah…” Another wave swept through her and she closed her eyes, letting go completely.

  When she finally stopped shaking, she opened her eyes and even as tears rolled down her cheeks, she knew she was going to seduce Zach tonight after his stint with the band. And there was nothing and no one that was going to stop her.

  After getting out of the shower and slipping into something, she noticed new emails. The first was a response from Stephen Robbins. She sat down and read the entire long email. She’d asked him if all DD couples went through even more strife and his answer was frank that there was strain and that most couples had new difficulties, as well as the same ones they’d had before. And the next event was in two weeks. “Very interesting.” But no longer feasible. He ended the email with a phone number to call if she wanted to discuss it further. “Not at this time.”