“Why, Marius? Is it that I am not enough for you?”
“No, Ros, it’s not like that. I just thought it might just be a bit of fun. Gerard from accounting is involved with a group. He told me it was the most incredible experience. He and his wife Barbara, both really enjoy it.”
I could do nothing but stare back at him, my mouth hanging open. Eventually, after what felt an age, I snapped, “I can’t believe it, Marius. We have been married nearly eighteen years. Now, out of the blue, you want to get involved with some sleazy wife-swapping club. I’m speechless. You never even said you were unhappy with our sex life.”
“Ros, please. Our sex life is so slow lately. You must feel like me. You must want more from life?”
Nodding my agreement. I replied, “I admit, that things have tapered off over the last couple of years. But that’s what happens. I assume every married couple goes through it. We can make love more often. I would like that.”I tried to keep it light, but my tummy was in knots.
He flopped down into his big La-Z-Boy chair, his head in his hands. “It’s not just the frequency, Ros.” He gave me a pleading look. “It’s the fire, the intensity and the passion; where has the passion gone? We need something to give us a kick in the pants.”
“And you think going to a party to have sex with other people is going to improve our sex life?”
He nodded. “It couldn’t hurt, could it? Christ, Ros, I just thought new experiences, new partners. Surely the thought of that must excite you?”
An icy cold shiver ran down my spine. The mere thought of it repulsed me. “I can’t think of anything worse. Some horrible old guy wanting to climb all over me is supposed to get me excited.” Giving him an angry glare I asked, “Tell me Marius, who exactly is involved in this club?”
He squirmed a little, hesitant to answer. “Just Gerard from work, Monty, a few others.”
“Gerard,” I spat out. “You think I want to have sex with him? He’s ten years older than us, he’s bald and at least twenty five pounds over weight.” My earlier shiver turned into a shudder.
“Come on, Ros, there will be other people there, as well.”
“I know how these things work, Marius. Everybody’s keys tossed into a bowl. I’ve seen the movies. If I pulled Gerard’s keys out of the bowl, I would be expected to sleep with him, right?”
Throwing his hands in the air in a huff, he muttered angrily, “Christ, I don’t know, Ros. I mean, what say we go and have a look, meet the people, see how it goes down. Even if we didn’t participate, it would be exciting wouldn’t it?”
“No, good lord, Marius. I can’t think of anything worse. I’m not interested.”
I stormed off to bed to have my cry in private. I admit things had slowed down in the bedroom for us. But, after eighteen years, that has to be expected. I glanced at myself in the mirror. Without sounding conceited, I still looked okay for a thirty eight year old woman. I took care of myself. I never smoked, my skin was still soft. I worked out at the gym. I went for a run most nights.
Giving my tummy a little squeeze, I sighed. “Okay, I could afford to lose a couple of pounds. But I dressed well, I worked hard. My job as assistant editor at Woman’s World magazine brought us in a reasonable income. Our house was almost paid off. If Marius hadn’t wanted this big monstrosity, we would already own our old home. But no, he wanted something that told the world how successful he was, how well he was doing.
Granted, he was doing well. He made partner five years before, and we were doing very well, thank you. His brand new Mercedes was another example of “suck that, world. Look at me.”
Our son Arthur was off at boarding school. Again, it just had to be the most prestigious school in the country. Life was going so well. Then he springs this shit on me.
I showered and climbed into bed. I rolled right to the edge of the bed. I wanted nothing to do with Marius that night. If he thought he could trade me off like a used car, he was mistaken.
He came in hours later, and I was just sliding into sleep when I felt him slide in under the covers, his naked body moving over towards me. I’m sure when his hands fell onto my flannelette PJ’s he knew there would be no intimacy that night.
Over the next month, that conversation played out time after time. Marius was adamant: we needed it.
He might, but I damned well didn’t. If he thought our sex life was bad before, he must now have wished he could turn back the clock, because it had been over a month since we last made love.
He tried, goodness me, he tried. I saw the frustration growing daily. I should have expected his next move, but I was totally naive and unaware of how determined he was.
He came home late from work, his breath smelling of bourbon. I saved his dinner, and it sat in the microwave waiting. When he strode purposefully into the lounge, I said, “Your dinner is in the microwave.”
He leaned down and kissed me, his alcohol laden breath almost intoxicating me with its strength. “No thanks, Ros. I want to talk.”
He sat down beside me, his hand picked up mine, making me put down my tablet to gaze back at him. “All right, Marius. What is this important bit of news? Share with me.”
“I have tried, Ros, I really have. You refused to even consider the wife swapping. Even my suggestions of us finding a couple that we both liked and trying that. Nothing, you froze me out. God knows how long it’s been since we made love.”
“Marius, I want to make love. I miss the lovemaking as much as you.”
“Then why for gods sake won’t you consider any of my suggestions?”
Confused by his continual onslaught, I replied, “Because I love you. We made promises, vows to each other at our wedding. I hold those dear to my heart. I don’t want other men. I just want you.”
He frowned deeply, his face a grim mask of despair. “Ros, I love you, as well. I want some heat back in our marriage bed. I want something more than making love once a week on Saturday night. I want passion, lust. I think we need something to drive it.”
Gripping his hand tightly with both mine, I whispered hoarsely, the words almost painful. “I would love that. I want to enjoy our lives together. We could go away for a romantic get away. Go to counselling or something. I hate the fact we argue all the time.”
He nodded, and I felt his grip tighten. “Yes, A holiday would be good. I do, however, have something I want you to consider.”
Anxious at his stark words, I replied, “Yes?”
Standing quickly, and dropping my hand, he paced around our coffee table, his hand rubbing his bristly chin with an anxious venom. He was looking for strength. “Ros, you didn’t like the idea of swinging, or swapping. I suggest we open our marriage. That way, you can select your own partners.”
I felt the blood drain from my face, my heart rate fell. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Open marriage…”
He nodded. “Yes, that way we don’t have to worry about finding a couple we both like. You would be free to do as you please. Find a lover, or lover’s you like.”
“But I don’t want lovers. All I want is my husband to love me. I don’t need anybody else.”
Unable to hold my gaze, he looked away. “Sorry, Ros, my mind is made up. I think it will work.”
“You already have somebody, don’t you?”
His face blushed bright red. “I knew it. You’re not interested in making our relationship better. You’ve found somebody else.”
“No, Ros, it’s not like that. I want us to grow together. Experience new things. Find some new joy in our lives. When we’re together, we can bring those new ideas and experiences.”
“No, Marius. I won’t have it. I am saying no.”
He nodded slowly as he continued to pace slowly. “Ros, I wasn’t actually asking permission. I was telling you what is going to happen. I will not cheat on you. I will be honest with you. When I am going on a date, I will tell you, and I expect the same from you.”
Shocked that he thought he could just dump it on me like that, I snapped. I stood, as well, and walked right up to him. “Marius. If you think I will sit by while you have sex with some classless bimbo, you’re mistaken. If you so much as look at another woman, we will be in a divorce so fast you will wonder what happened.”
“Ros, I hoped it wouldn’t come to that. But if that’s how you want it to go, then that’s what will happen. It’s not what I want, but if that’s all you’ve got, then so be it.”
“If that’s all I’ve got,” I snarled vociferously. “I never realised what a pig you were. I have given everything in this marriage. I have worked hard. Put up with all your childish demands, new house, new cars. You’re so tied up in your status, you’ve lost touch with reality.”
“Say what you will, Ros, I am drawing a line in the sand. I want us to enjoy the freedoms of an open marriage. I don’t want divorce. I don’t want to lose you. I do love you, always have. I think if you think this through, you will see there are advantages for us both.”
“Advantages. What damn advantages?”
“You’re a very beautiful woman, Ros; you won’t have trouble finding somebody. I would be surprised if you don’t get hit on every day.”
His statement shocked me. “Marius, I’m not interested in other men. How many times do I have to tell you?”
“It wouldn’t hurt if you dressed a little sexier, Ros. Make the most of your body.”
“Good god, listen to yourself. You actually want me to chase after men? Is that what you want?”
“Ros, I want us to have a completely open relationship, if chances arise that either of us like, then we would be free to explore them. There would have to be rules, of course. Like, no partners here in the house. Practising safe sex, and I think we should stay away from close acquaintances.”
Stunned, I wilted. Stumbling back to collapse on the settee, I murmured, “Rules, you want rules. You think you can just drop this on me and then you want rules.”
“Honey, I just want us to explore what’s available with an open mind. You must meet men in your role who attract you. Well, now you would be free to follow that up.”
With my mind in turmoil, I walked away. I couldn’t argue with this silly logic. I was now convinced he had a lover and was just looking for a way to make me accept it.
It brought into question my love for him. Over recent months, that love was pushed to the limit. No, I felt like I was in free fall. I closed and locked the bedroom door. There was no way he was sharing my bed. If divorce was really what he wanted, then by god, he would get it.”
Life, as they say goes on. It appeared we were on different roads. We passed in the hallway. We hardly talked. At work, I found it hard to concentrate. I was grumpy and upset. I was surprised when one of our new interns walked in. Kate was a gorgeous wee thing: the sort of girl everybody liked. She was cute as a button, smart, witty and as sharp as a tack.
Since starting with us, she had managed to work her way into all our hearts. Golly, I had never seen anybody work as hard.
She walked into my office carrying two cups of coffee, “Latte two sugars, right?”
I smiled warmly. “Perfect. Thanks, Kate.”
She sat opposite me and stared across the desk. “Rosalyn, can I help? I have watched you sinking over the last month or so. Something is bothering you, and it’s big. Is your health okay?”
Her concern and obvious kindness brought out the waterworks. I had been fighting for days to keep it under control. Now it all spilled out in a torrent of tears.
Seeing my distress, she jumped up quickly and rushed to close my office door. Grabbing and passing me some tissues, she walked around my desk and wrapped me in a tight loving embrace.
“Ros, it will be all right. Whatever it is, we will all help. We can get you through it.”
I pushed my face into her shoulder, enjoying the closeness. “Is it cancer?” she asked softly, hesitantly.
I lifted my head out of the comforting nook of her heck, wiped away some tears and sniffled. “No, it’s not illness. It’s my husband.”
She picked up a tissue and wiped away a tear. “Oh god, sorry, Ros. Do you want to talk about it?”
I did, I really did; maybe Kate was the perfect person. I was too embarrassed to talk to my really close friends, or family, for that matter. “He wants an open marriage. He wanted to do wife swapping, for heavens sake.”
She looked shocked. “What a dick. Has he already started seeing somebody?”
“No, I don’t think so. He said he would tell me if he was going to date somebody. But I don’t know what to believe any more.”
We hugged again, and I spilled out the whole story. She nodded along as I retold the story. She even took a few notes. When I finished, she asked, “Does he have an iPhone?”
“Yes,” I replied cautiously.
“Hon, it means we can track his whereabouts. We can find out where he is.”
“Wow, I never thought about that,” I mumbled, wondering where this was going.
She picked up on my concerns. “Ros, what do you want to do? Are you going to accept it and just take his shit, or are you going to fight?”
“Fight, I guess,” I replied.
“Good, and if he does cheat, what are you going to do?”
“I’m not living with a cheater. If he does, then I will be seeking a divorce.”
Kate gave me another hug. “I understand. Nobody should have to put up with that shit. Use the phone, track him. If he is being honest and tells you he is going to go on a date or whatever, then we can fight. Make it hard for him.”
“How? I asked. My nerves were already stretched.
“Ros, I want to help. The moment he gives you some indication of his intent, then call me straight away and we will burn his arse.”
Kate and I became closer than friends as the days ticked by. We worked closely on projects and she was such an incredible spirit. She gave me hope, and she raised my confidence.
It was a few days later when Marius dropped his news on me. “Ros, sorry to drop it on you like this. I tried to figure out an easier way to tell you. In the end, I think we just need to be honest with each other. I have a date tomorrow night.”
“I see,” I hissed. “What do you want me to do? Am I supposed to curl up and die?”
“Ros, you’re over-reacting. You are free to see somebody, as well, you know. We don’t have to fight.”
Frowning, I snipped caustically. “You know what, Marius? You’re right. I have had plenty of offers. I might just take the opportunity to go on my own date.”
I watched intently as his face twitched and his forced smile suddenly got harder to hold. “Good,” he mumbled. “Shall we discuss rules?”
“No, I don’t think so, Marius. You already mentioned them. Safe sex, no sex here in the house, no close friends. Any others?”
He flinched as I spat them all out. “Um, well. I think for the first few, perhaps there should be no overnight stays?”
I shrugged. “Fine, do you want to know who I am going to be with?”
He grimaced. “Do I know him?”
“No, he is a young intern from work. His name is Rupert.”
“An intern, huh? How old is he?”
“Twenty-two,” I replied haughtily.
“What? Holy shit, Ros. Wow, talk about cradle robbing.”
“Who are you seeing then?”
He swallowed a big lump of god knows what as he replied, “Her name is Angela. I met her through work.”
Nodding, I asked. “And how old is she?”
“Thirty-five or so. Not sure exactly.”
“Is she married?”
“Divorced.”
“Oh. Well, I hope you have a good night. I know I will.”
Those words made him grimace again. “Ros, can we try and put the anger away now? It would be nice to make love with my wife. It has been so long.”
I pretended to consider it. “No, I don’t think so, Marius. I think I would like to be fresh and clean for my new lover.”
“What? Good god. The dates aren’t until tomorrow night. Why can’t we make love?”
“I need a good nights rest. You can sleep in the spare room as usual. I am enjoying having the bed to myself, and not listening to you snore is heaven.”
“Ros, how the hell are we meant to fix things between us if you won’t sleep with me? If you keep putting up barriers?”
“I don’t know. All I know is, this is your idea, not mine. I want you to remember this conversation in the future. I don’t want to do it. I would much rather find a good counsellor, and try to work it out.”
He lifted himself up to his full height, stared down at me and muttered angrily, “Ros, you do things your way. I hope after tomorrow night, you will see that this has been a big misunderstanding, and you are overreacting.”
After locking the bedroom door I tearfully called Kate. She listened without interruption as I relayed the story. “All right, Ros, tomorrow, we will organise a plan. I’m sorry, doll. I’m sorry I can’t give you a hug. We’ll sort it tomorrow. Make the bastard pay.”
Her reassuring words gave me a warm feeling. Okay, maybe I couldn’t stop him carrying out his lascivious proposal. I could; however, make him pay, just like Kate said.
The morning was cold and business like. “Are you coming home before you go out?” I asked.
“No, I don’t think so. I don’t want to make this harder than it has to be. I’ll be home about eleven thirty. What about you?”
“Not sure, are there rules about this as well?”
With a determined set of his jaw he snapped. “Yes, I suppose we should both be home before midnight.” It was all so cold, so matter of fact. There was no passion in his voice, no hint of excitement or anger, just, ‘oh well.’
God, the fact he thought he could handle this like it was a business deal annoyed me greatly.
He was gone quickly. I grabbed some clothes as Kate asked and headed for work. Kate was waiting with croissants, coffee and a hug. Her hug was the closest I had come to intimacy in so long it hurt.
The fact she was so cute didn’t hurt, the heat from her body radiating through the polyester blend blouse.
As we sat at my desk nibbling croissants and drinking our coffee, she asked, “Do you know where he is going tonight?”
“No, he didn’t say. You said we could use my phone to track him.”
Nodding slowly, her mouth full of croissant, she said, “I thought about that, but thought perhaps it would be best to have your phone turned off. That way he couldn’t track you. He might be cleverer than we have given him credit for.”
As I sipped my coffee, she suggested, “What say you call him now. Say you want to know where he’s going so you don’t both end up at the same place?”
I nodded. “Golly, you are a very clever. Have you done this before?”
“No, but I watch a lot of crime shows on TV. Too many, probably.”
I rang Marius and used Kate’s words. He sounded convinced. “Good idea, Ros. We’re going to La’Rochelle. The French place down by the waterfront.”
I was shocked, that was more thought than he had put into a date with me for years. Trying to sound unemotional, I replied, “Oh, that sounds nice.”
I think he realised, he had made a mistake, because he added quickly, “You and I should try it one night. I’ll let you know what it’s like.”
I hung up and Kate gave me a hug. “It’ll be okay, Ros. I know this is hard, but believe me, he is not getting lucky tonight.”
“How can you be so sure?” I moaned.
“Trust me, I have a plan. Can you afford $100 dollars?”
Curious, I asked, “Do you mean cash?”
“Yes, we may need to bribe the waiter. I hope it will be a woman, but if not, we may need cash.”
I nodded. “I will stop at a machine.” Kate was quickly on the phone, booking a table for two at La’ Rochelle.
The night arrived so fast. We stayed at work until everybody else had left. We dressed and prepared ourselves for battle. I couldn’t believe how gorgeous Kate looked. She looked devastatingly beautiful. I felt old in her company. She allayed my fears. “Ros, oh my god. You look sensational. That man of yours is an idiot.”
Her words made me glow. She had a way of lifting my spirits, even in the most dire circumstances.
We walked into La’ Rochelle a few minutes early. It was a small restaurant, the entranceway quite long, and it swept around to the right in an L shape. We took a seat at the bar, where we could look through into the back section.
There he was, tucked away into a little table for two. Damn, she looked very pretty. The pangs of jealousy dug deep and I felt a wave of nausea flood over me. Kate grabbed my arm. “Are you all right, Ros?”
I nodded, determined to see it through. “Yeah, I’ll be all right, Kate, what’s the plan?”
Kate checked out the male waiter who attended Marius’s table. “We’re going to need that hundred bucks.”
I dug into my purse and handed over two hundred. She gave me a quizzical look.. “Just in case,” I mumbled in response.
She grabbed the money and wandered in to intercept the waiter. As he walked back to the kitchen, I watched as Kate tackled him. They stood talking for a few minutes. He looked horrified, he was only young, obviously a student. There were some words exchanged and he dragged her away to the side, where they would have some privacy. Kate returned ten minutes later with a huge smile on her face.
The Maître D arrived and guided us to our table, which was away from Marius. I sat with my back to him, Kate on duty.
I was confused, although after a few glasses of wine, the anxiety and anger quietened. “What happens now Kate? What exactly is your plan?”
She smiled sweetly, patted my hand. “The plan is already in action. All we have to do is sit back, have a nice meal, chat and wait for the action to start.”
None of it made sense, but she, as she always did, dragged me into conversation. Work, friends, life. She was one of those people who have the gift. She was impossible to ignore, irrepressible. Our meals arrived and we tucked in. The food was delicious. We were nearing the end of our main course when I heard Marius cry out, “Oh my god.” I turned to see him scurrying frantically towards the men’s loo.
Turning back to Kate I didn’t even have to ask. Her giggle was irresistible. “Laxatives,” She whispered through her mirth. I couldn’t help it. I burst into laughter. “You mean, you got the waiter to…”
“Yep.” She sniggered. “Four very strong laxatives. I think he might be in there for a while. I promise you, Ros. He is not going to be having sex tonight.”
We left soon after. Marius still hadn’t emerged. As we drove away, Kate said, “There are a couple of things we need to organise.”
“Like what?” She just smiled and laughed.
“Did you see the look on his face? He was so embarrassed. I don’t think he made it to the loo.”
As we pulled up outside her place. I turned the engine off. Before I could say anything, she wrapped her arms around me and kissed me. It wasn’t a friendly, thanks for the night, kiss. It was a full on passionate KISS. My mind in turmoil, tried to function, but with her lips glued to mine all I could do was hold on. A burning yearning need growing quickly in the pit of my tummy.
As she broke the kiss, her mouth changed course and like a ravenous starving vampire, she sucked wantonly on my neck, leaving huge love bites all over me.
With my body burning, my face blushing, she sat back. “There, that should make him wonder.” Her smile was devilish. I was left stunned.
I quickly pulled the mirror down to check my appearance. When I glanced at her, she giggled again. “You definitely look like a woman who has been ravished.”
She climbed out and walked around to my side of the car. She leaned in my window and gave me a kiss goodnight. “Ros, you really have to lay it on thick tonight. He is going to ask how your date went. You have to say it was incredible. Rupert is the best lover you have ever had, and he is hung like a stallion. Got it?”
“Golly, that’s a bit extreme isn’t it? That will break his heart. It wouldn’t be fair to humiliate him like that.”
Her gaze hardened. “Do you think what he is doing is fair? Did you feel ashamed and belittled when he told you he was going to be having sex with another woman?”
I nodded, resignation inundating me. “You are right. Thank you, Kate, you have been incredible.”
“Hey, that’s what friends are for. Thanks for a fun night. The kiss was great. Now remember, don’t clean up your makeup. He needs to see you just the way you are.”
At home, I had barely turned the lights on, and flicked on the kettle when Marius walked in. He looked terrible. His face was pale, his expression haggard. “Good lord, Marius. Are you all right?”
“Food poisoning,” he mumbled. The words had only just slid out of his mouth before he had to run, using very short steps. I made tea for both of us. He appeared ten minutes later, in fresh clothes.
As he sat down, he said, “That was the most embarrassing night of my life.”
“Oh, darling, I am so sorry.”
He sighed as he stared back at me. His eyes got big and he looked shocked. “Good lord. Well, it looks like your night was better than mine.”
Time for the show. I sucked in a deep breath to build courage. “Yes, my night was wonderful. Rupert was amazing.”
“I see,” he mumbled grumpily, his attempt at trying to sound disinterested lost. “You had sex then?”
Putting on my cheeriest voice, and with a big smile, I said, “Oh heavens, did we ever! Oh my god, he was insatiable. I forgot how lusty young men can be. He just wanted to keep going.” I leaned over towards Marius and whispered, “Just between you and me my love, I’m a bit sore, actually. He was rather large, if you know what I mean, and very forceful. I don’t think I will be able to walk straight in the morning.”
I kissed him, a sweet kiss. His pallid cheeks, quivering. “Good night, Marius. Thank you for tonight. It was a wonderful idea.”
I shuffled off, for effect. Throughout the night I heard him scampering back and forth to the loo.
On the way to work, I stopped of at a bakery and purchased some cup cakes, croissants and doughnuts. Creamy ones, with lashings of yummy icing.
Kate looked surprised, but happy. The whole office got on board. They didn’t know what the celebration was for, but they enjoyed it nonetheless.
Kate was her effervescent self. She kept me going through the day. Every time I fell a little flat, she lifted me back up. She was a darling.
It was Saturday morning when Marius dropped his second bomb. “If you have nothing planned for tonight, I might take Angela out.”
His words stung. “Very well,” I snapped. “Do what you want.”
I turned and left him staring after me. In the bedroom, tears flowing, I rang Kate. When she heard me crying, she added her comforting voice. “Calm down, babe. We will fix it. Don’t worry. Come over about six. Dress sexy, and when I say sexy, I mean slutty: like a woman wanting to get fucked.”
Her down to earth language shocked me. “Kate, don’t be so naughty.”
She just giggled. “Six O’clock, here at my place, and look slutty.”
Later as Marius headed off to get ready, I started preparing myself. I found the sexiest dress in my wardrobe. Stockings, suspenders, high heels I could barely walk in completed my outfit. I spent an age on my makeup. By the time six thirty rolled around. I thought I looked pretty good. Much prettier than Angela.
When I walked out, Marius looked stunned. “Are you going out, too?”
I smiled. “Yes, I thought if you weren’t going to be here, I may as well. Rupert has been hounding me for days for another date. You don’t mind, do you?”
He looked as if he did mind, but replied, “No, that was our deal. God, you look beautiful, Ros. So damn gorgeous.”
I blushed and reconsidered my plans. “We could always go out together, forget about our dates?”
He smiled thinly. “I would love that, but I, I mean, we have made commitments haven’t we.” He didn’t sound totally convinced, but he wasn’t changing his mind, either.
Hoping upon hope, I suggested pleadingly. “Perhaps we could forget our commitments, I mean we have commitments to ourselves, as well, to consider.”
The confusion and unease in his expression made me wonder if he was going to say yes, let’s do it. Sadly, he said, “No, We shouldn’t let people down. It wouldn’t be right. You obviously had fun last time. I want to experience that, myself.”
“Oh, well, see you about midnight,” I said curtly.
Kate was waiting for me when I got to her place. We went in for a drink and to chat. She was dressed in casual clothes: nothing sexy or even good enough to go out in. “Why did you have me dress like this?” I asked, confused.
“That was for Marius. Right about now, I’m guessing he is wondering whether he has done the right thing. Ros, you look incredible. I have said it before. The man is an idiot.”
We hugged, and I whispered, “Thank you.”
We had another couple of glasses of wine. By then, it was after seven-thirty. “Okay, babe, turn on your phone and let’s see where he’s going. Bet it’s not back to LaRochelle.” We both laughed at her joke.
Using my phone app, we traced him to the Bull’s Head, a small bar and restaurant in the City centre.
We followed in Kate’s car, although she made me drive. Pulling into the Bulls Head car park, we found his car parked right up the back. He always parked away from other cars; he was so proud of his brand new Mercedes he hated the thought that some negligent driver would scratch his paint.
We sat in the car for what seemed like an age. Then Kate said, “All right, looks like this is it. Let’s go back out on the street, away from the cameras.”
She pointed up on the wall to the cameras aimed down into the car park.
I pulled over, parking by the curb. She pulled her hoodie up over her head, donned her over-sized sunnies and said with determination, “Pop the boot.”
I watched as she climbed out, and carrying something I didn’t recognise, she sneaked through the gardens back into the carpark. My pulse raced as I wondered what she was going to do. Seconds later, it was blatantly obvious. I heard the four pops, they were as loud as gunshots. I saw the swinging axe as she chopped away at the windscreen. The alarm started flashing, the siren wailing as she brutalised his beloved Mercedes. The headlights, the doors, the bonnet. She hacked and smashed away before rushing back through the gardens. She jumped in, throwing the axe in the back seat, screaming. “Drive.”
I floored it and we zoomed up the road. “Turn your phone off, Ros,” she said breathlessly. Her breath was coming in pants as she tried to regather her senses. She smiled at me. “Guess what, he won’t be getting sex tonight either.”
Her laughter was evil. It would have scared me, but I started to laugh with her, as well.
Back at her house, we went inside and collapsed on her settee. “Wow, that was fun,” she said excitedly.
“He is going to assume I did it,” I mumbled anxiously.
She grinned as she patted my hand. “I left a note on his windscreen. It said. ‘This’ll teach you to fuck with my wife, arsehole.”
“But she’s divorced.”
“Doesn’t matter, but I hope her ex has a good alibi.”
“Oh my god, Kate. You are so wicked, and devious. Remind me not to make you angry.”
She pulled me into a hug and she gave me a little kiss. “You couldn’t make me angry, Ros. You’re wonderful. He is a bastard. I can’t believe he wants that tramp over you. He needs to get his mind checked out.”
We had another couple of drinks and she made us a light snack. It was then she pulled a pair of scissors and a razor out of a bag and handed them to me.
“What are they for?”
She grinned that evil grin. “You are going to shave your pussy for Rupert.”
I almost died of embarrassment. “What? I can’t do that.”
“Oh yes you can. If you don’t, I will.”
The look of determination on her face made me a believer. “Kate, I see what you’re trying to achieve, but really? That would break his heart.”
She grabbed me by the shoulders and stared into my eyes. Her fingers digging deep into my shoulder blades. “Ros, if you want to make him think he has fucked up, then this is one way of doing it. You want him to think twice. He’s getting nothing, and yet Rupert is having the time of his life.”
“Do you really think so?” I whimpered, totally unconvinced.
“Ros, that man is acting like a real bastard. If it was me, I would just dump the cheating prick. This way, he might come to his senses. Then you will be in the box seat.”
She saw the fight seeping out of me. Her grim glare turned to a sexy evil one. “Do you want me to help?”
Shocked. I shook my head vehemently. “No, I can do it.”
She pouted sulkily. “I’m here if you need me.”
Sitting on the edge of her bath, I trimmed away the last of my little bush, and for the first time in my life, shaved of every single pubic hair. I was smooth. Finished, I ran my hands over the silky soft flesh. Oooh it did feel nice, very nice, actually. My finger easily slid inside my lubricated labia. “Oh god.” I shivered.
Walking back out to the living room, I sighed. “All done.”
She grinned conspiratorially back. “How does it feel?”
With blushing cheeks, I replied, “Nice, actually.”
She nodded. “I know right? Sexy and soft. I hope you didn’t put panties on.”
I snipped back quickly, “Of course I did, I’m not a floozy.”
“Oh, but tonight you are. Ros, tonight you are a sexy slutty wife, who has just been fucked to within an inch of her life. Now get those damn panties off.”
Shocked by her commanding tone. I slithered out of my panties. She nodded, smiling. “Good, much better.”
“Kate, he will never see me, though. We sleep in separate rooms.”
“Not tonight, my love. Tonight, you’re taking him to bed. You will undress in front of him. Make sure he sees everything. Do a striptease for him. Make it obvious.”
“But I don’t want to have sex with him at the moment. He may have had sex with her.”
“Oh, believe me. He did not have sex tonight. I don’t expect you to have sex with him, either.
“You get into bed with him, and when he goes to touch you, that’s when you jump at his touch and say, “Sorry darling. I want to have sex, but I’m just too sore. Rupert is so damn big.”
I shook my head. “God, that’s awful. So malicious.”
She threw her arms in the air. “No more than he deserves. Now, lets have a drink to celebrate, the death of his car.”
We had so much to drink I had to organise a cab. As we waited, Kate pounced, and just like last time, her kiss was passionate and demanding, her tongue slithering around my open mouth. Tonight, I wasn’t taken by surprise. I expected it. This time, I was drunk and returned her kiss with fervour. I had never enjoyed a kiss more in my life. My lipstick smeared all over my face as she snogged me like a slut.
The honking horn of the taxi ended our kiss. She looked as worked up as I felt.
Walking in at home. I found Marius pacing around the lounge like a caged lion. When he saw me he glanced at his watch accusingly. “Sorry,” I mumbled. “We got carried away. How was your evening?”
“Not as good as yours, obviously. My bloody car got wrecked by some crazy bastard at the hotel. It’s ruined. Smashed every god damned panel.”
“Oh, darling, I am so sorry.” I cooed drunkenly. As I staggered over towards him, he gasped. “Are you drunk?”
Giggling stupidly. I spluttered. “Yes, a little. Oh darling, I have had such a wonderful night. Would you like to come to bed. Perhaps you could reclaim me as your own?” Where the hell that came from, I have no idea.
He perked up a little. I sidled up to him and kissed him. My mind was full of images, and memories of Kate’s kiss, but it did the trick.
In the bedroom, he quickly stripped off and jumped into bed. As Kate suggested, I did a little striptease. Thank god for alcohol.
As I lifted up my dress, he exclaimed, “Where are your panties?”
Smiling in what I hoped was a teasing manner, I answered breathlessly, “Rupert wanted to keep them as a memento.”
It was then he saw my bare pussy. “Jesus Christ, Rosalyn. Have you shaved your beaver?”
With my arms up over my head, and my legs spread a little I cried out, “Ta Dah. Yes, Rupert asked me to do it.”
Marius’s lecherous smile evaporated. I could see him seething, his lip quivering like he was going to explode.
I climbed into bed and he dived on me. His force took me by surprise. I struggled to get him off me. “Marius, slow down. We have all night.”
“Yes, sorry, Ros, I’m a bit worked up.”
We kissed a little, but as he reached his hand between my legs, I jumped as if startled. He sat up. “What’s the matter?”
I feigned sorrow. “I’m afraid I am a bit sore. I’m sorry, Marius, I don’t think I’m going to be able to do this. Rupert, he is just so big, and he gets a bit carried away. I’m sorry, darling. We can still cuddle though.”
“What about a blow job?”
“Sorry, darling, but sucking Rupert’s cock is painful, as well. It’s so big it hardly fits in my mouth. My jaw is still aching. I suppose I could give you a hand job.”
He threw the blankets back viciously and jumped out of bed. “Don’t fucking bother.” He stormed off to his own bed.
I lay back, resting my spinning head on the pillow. I should have easily gone off to sleep, but the memories of Kate’s kiss kept coming back to haunt me. Was she doing it just for effect, or was she doing it from desire? All I knew was the effect it had on me. My pussy had never been as inflamed. I masturbated, I couldn’t help it. I tried to quell the thirst, but it was all to no avail.
My fingers plunged into my open pouting pussy and I frigged myself to a tumultuous orgasm, Kate’s name sliding off my lips.
Things were cold between Marius and me. We went about our day-to-day business, but the intimacy was gone. We were like friends, flat mates.
It was the next weekend when he said he was again taking Angela out for the evening.
I suppose I was becoming inured to his declarations of intent. When I rang Kate, she suggested we do the same as last time. I dressed sluttier than ever. I knew I looked like a slut, but I didn’t care.
Marius was in shock as I walked in. “Rosalyn, please tell me you aren’t going out dressed like that?”
“What’s the matter, Marius? Rupert likes it. We are going out to a dance club, and he likes it when I get all sexy. Remember when you told me, ‘It wouldn’t hurt if you dressed a little sexier, Ros. Make the most of your body?’ I’m just doing what you told me to do.” His mouth was still open when I left.
Like last time, I drove to Kate’s house and we had drinks. She laughed at my attire. “Wow, you certainly have nailed the slutty look. I love it.”
“Marius hated it. I thought he was going to have a fit.”
“That’s because he thinks Rupert is getting all this. He is starting to feel jealousy. I think tonight should do it. If he doesn’t want to stop after tonight, then there’s no hope.”
We had a few drinks and she said, “Lets go out for dinner. We don’t have to rush. They’re probably doing the same thing.”
We turned on the phone and sure enough, they were at a small restaurant downtown. We found a nice place, also, although I got some funny glares. Dinner was nice. I loved spending time with Kate. She was so smart and funny. She was good fun. After we finished up our meal, she said whimsically, “I have a little surprise for you?”
“Oh really?”
“Yes, we are going to make a little stop on our way to blowing up their evening.”
“Okay,” I spluttered hesitantly. The mischievous expression on her face worried me. Not the least of my worries was the use of the words “Blow up.”
We tracked Marius, and they were still at the restaurant. We pulled up outside a tattoo parlour. I glared worriedly at Kate. “Oh, hell no. No way.”
She smiled reassuringly. “Relax, it’s not a tattoo.”
“What then?”
“You’ll see.”
What it turned out to be was a tummy-button piercing. The thought of it scared me. Kate lifted her top to show me the one she had. It did look delightful, but she was young. I was old, and feeling older by the second.
Still, she convinced me, and I got the piercing. I also brought a new one for her as a gift for all her help. It was the cutest little diamond-encrusted devil. She loved it and as we drove off she gave me a kiss. Suddenly, my night was transformed. A kiss from Kate was like receiving gifts from heaven.
Marius was on the move, also. We tracked them to the Kinsgate Hotel.
We arrived just after them. Kate surprised me by sprinting out of the car and rushing into the lobby.
I sat in the car waiting.
She finally came back. “They’re on the fourth floor. You wait here. I got this.”
“What are you doing, Kate? Please don’t do anything silly.”
She grinned that evil grin. “Don’t panic, babe. I’m on it.”
She grabbed some things from the boot and disappeared up the service stairs.
I waited and waited, my anxiety growing by the second.
Suddenly, the world went crazy. Sirens went off like mad. Emergency lights came on, the service doors flew open and Kate came running out at full speed.
“Drive!” she cried as she jumped in. I sped off as fast as I could without attracting attention.
As we sped away, I asked, “What happened?”
There was that evil grin. “I set off the sprinklers. They’re evacuating the building.”
It was then I saw how wet she was. “How did you do it?”
She grinned wickedly as she wiped her dripping fringe. “The sprinklers are set of by little glass bulbs that burst under high temperatures. I broke one on the same floor your husband was on.”
She started laughing hysterically. “Guarantee they aren’t having sex tonight, either.”
That made me laugh as well. We went back to her place and she opened a bottle of wine. We drank it, and then another. We laughed and talked. God she was so much fun.
As midnight drew closer, she got a little excited. She wasn’t the only one. The kiss was scintillating. Our mouths collided in a passionate burst, her juicy succulent lips sliding sensuously over mine, our tongues dancing, her hands caressing my breasts.
I should have been shocked, but the sensations, oh god, I was in bliss. Her biting mouth sucked wantonly on my neck, my breasts, anywhere she could reach.
When her hand slid up my leg, over my stocking covered thighs, that’s when I jumped. It changed from desire to fright. It became real. “Kate, stop. I can’t do that.”
She sat back, sighing. “I’m sorry, Ros. I got carried away. You are such a beautiful sexy woman. I know I shouldn’t say this, but God I am attracted to you. I want you.”
Her words amazed me. “Kate, I didn’t know.”
“I guess the secret’s out now. I’m gay, a lesbian. I keep it to myself. I didn’t want the girls at work to know. Sometimes they get all weird. Treat me differently. I wasn’t going to say anything. But holy shit, Ros. I’m super attracted to you. You may not know it. I think you are totally unaware of the affect you have on people. You’re fucking gorgeous.”
I sat back in the settee, my pulse racing, my breasts heaving as I tried to breathe. Her words, flattering as they were, aroused fear as well as excitement. “Kate, I don’t know what to say. I am attracted to you, as well. I have been having dreams.”
“Good.” She giggled. “I hope they were good. Did you come?”
“Kate, I have to go. I’m married.”
She sighed. “I know. I’m sorry if I shocked you.”
As I was at the door and she said goodnight, she said, “If you want to nail it tonight. Walk funny, and tell him it’s because Rupert wanted anal.”
“What?” I screeched. “I can’t do that. Oh god, the thought of it makes me want to puke.”
She laughed. “You’re not doing it. You’re just telling him you did.”
“But then he will want to do it.”
“It’s your body, Ros. You’re allowed to say no.”
On the taxi drive home, I thought about not only what she said, but what happened. That kiss. The feel of her hands. I had never felt anything like it. The damp dewy patch on my panties was proof that I wanted it. No, I’m married. I set out on this to prove to Marius what a stupid idea the open marriage was. Hopefully, this would be the clincher.
I walked in and Marius was in a rage. He was furious. Freshly showered and in casual clothes he snarled, “What fucking time do you call this? Jesus, Ros, you come home like you just climbed out of bed. Hickey’s all over your throat. Jesus Christ, you look like a fucking whore.”
His words hurt. “This was your idea, Marius. This is what you wanted. I never wanted any of this.”
“Like fuck you didn’t. Yeah, you put up the pretence of a fight, but look at you. Christ, you’re a fucking tramp.”
“The tramp is the slut you’ve been fucking. She knows you’re married, but she doesn’t care. You have the cheek to call me names? Have a look in the mirror, Marius. This is what you wanted.”
“Bitch,” he snarled and grabbed my blouse, ripping it open. The buttons went flying everywhere as he ripped it wide open. I stumbled away from him and tried to pull it closed. Now he was incensed. “What the fuck is that?”
He grabbed my blouse pulling it wide open. “Oh Jesus, Ros. Was that for him?”
Snatching my blouse from his hands and stepping out of his reach. I snapped back, “Yes, it was. What’s more, he loved it.”
“Slut!” he screamed. “I can’t get you to open your legs, but you gave him all that. Fuck you, Ros. I hope you rot in hell.”
I stumbled away, teetering on my heels. I was going to bed. “What’s the matter, pussy sore is it, slut?” he screamed at my back.
“No, actually, it’s my bum. Rupert wanted it, and I gave it to him.”
I left him staring at my back. I knew my marriage was over right then, and I didn’t care. This was his idea. All of this was for him. Well, fuck him.
The house was cold all week. He refused to even acknowledge my presence. Every day I expected to see divorce papers slammed on the table.
At work Monday morning, I got in early, with Kate’s favourite croissants and coffee. She looked surprised. “I thought you might be angry at me,” she said softly.
“How could I be angry with you, Kate? You held my hand through this horrible saga. Without your friendship, I would have been lost.”
She walked into my open arms and we hugged. “So what happened. Did he wake up?”
Grimacing, I muttered. “No, he’s worse than ever. I think this sham of a marriage is over.”
She hugged me again, tighter than ever. “I’m sorry, Ros, you deserve better than that arsehole.”
I nodded. “Kate, I wanted to say. Your secret is safe with me. I will never tell. That will be your secret to tell when you’re ready.
We ate our croissants and drank our coffee. She asked what happened when I got home. I relayed the story, adding, “You should have seen his face when I said Rupert and I had anal sex. He was so shocked.”
As the week drifted by, Kate and I grew even closer. Marius and I, on the other hand, grew further apart. He strutted around the house like an angry peacock, never bothering to talk to me, never asking about anything. Friday night, he stated rather proudly, “I am going to take Angela out tonight. I will be late home. Don’t wait up.”
When I rang Kate she said, “Come on over. We can talk.”
As we worked our way through a bottle of wine, she started going over methods of stuffing up his night one more time.
“No, Kate, I don’t care about him. He can do whatever the hell he wants. I should have said that at the start. If he wants her, he can have her. I’m filing for divorce on Monday.”
She held me in her arms. “Hey, if you had just given in, we would have missed out on all that fun: him shitting his pants in the restaurant, smashing his car. No, I’m glad it happened. Not glad that your marriage is over. Just glad he got what he deserves.”
I nodded, my head resting on her glorious sexy boobs. On a whim, I kissed her heaving boobs, my tongue leaving sexy sticky trails all over as she sighed.
We kissed, our lips slowly sliding together, our tongues dancing, playing.
My hands found her nipples and her hands found mine. Clothes went flying, legs opening. It was passionate and fiery, our orgasms strong. We slept wrapped together in each others arms.
Walking in at home on Sunday morning, Marius was in a real huff. “Oh, you finally came home then?”
“Yes, it is still my home.”
He walked slowly up to me and with a quavery shaking voice, he said, “Ros, we need to talk.”
I agreed and we sat at the table. We stared across the extensive walnut top. He surprised me. Caught me completely of guard. “Ros, this is silly. I don’t like the way things are at the moment. I want to call a halt to this stupid open marriage concept.”
I nodded as I chewed my lip. “What happened? Are things not good with you and Angela?”
“It’s not that, Ros. I just realised I was looking for something, and it was staring me in the face the whole time. I forgot how sexy and attractive you are. I want our marriage back.”
“I’m sorry, Marius. It’s too late. You wanted it, not me. I wanted nothing to do with the stupid idea. However. I saw a different side of you, and I have to say. I didn’t like it. I am filing for divorce Monday morning.”
He looked shell-shocked. His face took on an evil snarl. “You may not have wanted it, but you sure as hell enjoyed it, didn’t you?”
“Marius, don’t be a fool. There was no Rupert. There was no other man. I spent those nights with Kate, a girl from work.”
“Liar, what about all those love bites? The shaved pussy. Don’t fuck with me, Ros. I’m not a complete fool.”
“Yeah, you kind of are, Marius. Kate gave me the love bites to make it look like I was with somebody. It was her idea to shave.”
Shaking his head, he sneered. “You must think I’m a complete idiot. You want a divorce, then let’s do it. I have had enough of this shit. You can run off with your big-dicked lover. Good riddance to you.”
The divorce went easily enough. We split everything down the middle, sold the house and most of the fancy shitty furniture he wanted. The good thing was, we got good money for it.
We walked away unhappily. Eighteen years of marriage, all because he got itchy feet.
Kate and I see each other occasionally. She finally came out to all the girls at work. I don’t know what she was afraid of. Everybody loved her; she could have been an axe-murderer and still been popular.
We both realised the age difference was too great. We enjoyed each others company, and we’re still best friends. She did introduce me to this wonderful woman, though, and we are now six months into a very loving caring relationship.
Marius. He is still struggling. He broke down after the divorce. He begged me to come back, but I couldn’t, not after seeing that side of him. He was an arsehole, I just never realised it. He took great delight in telling our son that I was a lesbian, outing me to my family. Strangely, I was scared at first, but after thinking about it, I decided to own it. I am now proudly out. My son, rather than being disgusted, was proud. He thought it was cool. I think seeing my son’s attitude shocked Marius. When I told him I was living with a woman, I thought he was going to die. He just stared at me, open mouthed.
Life couldn’t be better for me. Marius, I know, has struggled. Seeing me and Toby, my new partner, at family events doesn’t sit well with him. He tried to rally the family against me, called me horrible names. Unfortunately for him, my family, including our son, love Toby. Marius, however, has become very unpopular.
I am thankful to Marius. Without his push. I would never have found out who I really was.
The end.