AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Nope.”
“I’m shocked.”
She laughed. I loved her laugh, it was so full of joy, so warm and effervescent. “For all the outrageous things Reggie orchestrates, all the little dramas, he’s really quite stodgy. He got her pregnant when she was still a teenager, married her, but she had a miscarriage and the marriage was quickly annulled.”
Ann let this little gem sink in for a moment. I could scarcely believe what I was hearing.
“The truth is, Heidi has wanted Reggie back ever since. He’s always doted on her, taken care of her, encouraged her sexuality—all part of his strange sense of chivalry. Bottom line, he felt guilty for getting her pregnant. I think he was privately happy for them both when things didn’t work out—since he really didn’t see much happiness with her. And a child? Neither could have handled that. It may be speculation, but I think I’m right on this one.”
I shook my head in wonder.
“Heidi has competed with every woman Reggie has ever had, at least the ones that she’s known about, like you. But the fact is, he doesn’t love her and he never has. He treats her more like a sister than a wife or lover. She feels cursed, and is determined to be miserable about it. It drives her crazy, this trying to win him back.”
I didn’t mask my astonishment. I felt suddenly thrown into a strange love triangle. How odd. I understood her jealousy. “It seems such a waste,” I finally said.
“That’s exactly the nature of most of my conversations with her.”
“And are you her…her lover, or just a friend?”
“Both.”
“So where does this leave you?”
“Periodically returning here in order to see her hurt again. I think she’s accepted that things won’t change, but she’s still letting it control her life.”
“Then, just now, it was just her jealously talking, right?”
“Yes, but there’s a bit of truth about his affection for you.”
“You really think so?”
“I can’t say anymore, Alex, I’ve probably said too much already. But I think you should be careful with your knowledge.”
Ann had to leave before I could question her further. I doubt that I would have really listened to her elaborate on what ‘being careful’ meant. My course was set before that conversation, and I was barreling down a path that my inner heart would relentlessly pursue.
Now days later in my room, as I gazed at the skimpy green dress, I knew I’d be grabbing his attention that evening. He had unusual tastes, preferring my dress erotic and sensual to strictly lewd and bitchy when he was hosting dinner for a full table of guests. We saved ‘slutty’ for the deliberate sexual dramas, but this night was my drama and I was walking into it eyes wide open – or so I thought.
Reggie had told me to be downstairs at 6:15. He’d meet me there that night rather than drop by my room on his way. That was perfect, the perfect occasion to plan my tardiness. And feeling totally giddy, I blew into the library at 6:30 like a fresh breeze, my attitude more cheerful than it had been my whole stay. I was not the wary and demure submissive this night.
The room was filled with guests, and it was my stage; the entrance was my cue, and I performed like the most accomplished actress with poise and charisma that had everyone doting on me, and, so I quickly noticed, Reggie shooting icy arrows in my direction.
I cringed at his cold glance, but turned around to pour all my charm on our guests as I led them to the dining room as the master’s hostess for the night. He held back, watching me cautiously. Heidi laughed at my flippancy. Ann was frightened – I saw her worried expression, but it only affected me briefly. I was as ruthless in my defiance of Reggie’s mastery as he was ruthless in his mastery. I sensed we were running full speed, on a collision course with each other, and I couldn’t wait for the confrontation to commence. I was certain of myself and that triumph would follow.
I credit Reggie for his restraint; of course, he wouldn’t put our battle on the dinner table for all to behold. Not if he could avoid it – especially when it wasn’t his creation. Still, I made certain that I remained in control. I dominated the chatter at the table, and the eyes of the guests were constantly focused on me. A lot of it must have been the dress; after all, my breasts were practically exposed as they were pushed up by the tight-fitting bodice. I even allowed dear little Jonathan sitting next to me to reach under the table and fondle my thigh.
“My god! You’re bare under this dress!” he exclaimed not too quietly.
“Jonathan,” I giggled in mock horror. I leaned over the table and spoke to him in a seductive whisper that half the table was certain to hear. “Why don’t you play with me more; maybe I can come for you right here?”
Reggie responded just as I hoped, though his reaction did frighten me a little. Perhaps I was going too far? It wasn’t long before he gracefully rose from his seat and came to me. That act in itself was a blow to his control.
“Alexandra, what the hell are you doing?” he whispered.
The question had me all charged up, exactly what I was waiting for and I couldn’t stop myself. “Reggie wants to know what the hell I’m doing,” I said loud enough for all his guests to hear. “I thought I was being charming, perhaps Reggie’s the one who’s being stuffy. What do you think, Jonathan?” I laughed, and had the whole table chuckling.
“I think you’re wonderful,” Jonathan replied, enjoying the game.
I never thought about having to watch my backside, but I doubt it would have altered things one bit.
