Authors: Vera Roberts
“Are you done, little girl?” Christine rolled her eyes.
“Yes, I am,” Mariana got up and retrieved her plate and coffee. “I’m going to rejoin your mother,
a real woman
, in the living room.” She walked over to Christine and whispered in her ear. “And thank you for a
very
pleasant conversation. You made me all warm and tingly inside. Your brother will certainly appreciate the affection later.”
****
“Man, you are one brave soul,” Hassan lit cigars for him and Scott, “very brave. I mean, I served two tours in Iraq but the shit you pulled tonight bringing Mariana here? Very brave, dude.”
Scott conceded. It was already a rough trip and it was just the first night. “It’ll get better. It has to.”
“Let me ask you, man.” Hassan took a puff of his cigar. “How serious are you and Mari?”
“I’m going to marry her,” Scott replied.
“All right, all right,” Hassan nodded, “and you’re sure this time around?”
“No doubt,” Scott was comfortable talking about his relationship with Mariana for once. Little by little, she was softening him. “The buck stops here.”
“I hear that, man,” Hassan took a puff of his cigar. “Do Chris and Deborah know?”
“They’ll find out, eventually,” Scott said nonchalantly. He didn’t care what his mother and sister thought.
“Look, man. I know you love this girl, and I know the grief your sister and mom still give you from the last one. But hey, if you love Mariana, that’s all that matters.”
“And that is the reason right there why I like you.” Scott grinned.
“I hate to interrupt this brofest here,” Christine barged in the conversation, “but Scott, you and I need to talk about your little girlfriend.”
Scott took a puff of his cigar and admired it. “About my little girlfriend?” He repeated. “This should be entertaining. Hassan, you should leave.”
“No, he can stay to hear this,” Christine folded her arms, “you need to hear this.”
“Oh,” Scott swirled his liquor in his glass, “do tell.”
“You walk in here after being gone for years and you bring
another one
, Scott. You fucking bring
another one.
After all we have been through, after everything, you fucking bring
another one
here.” Christine yelled.
Love the sinner, hate the sin.
“Would it have been better if Mariana was White?”
“Yes,” Christine nodded, “anything but
Black.
”
Scott sighed as he quieted his anger. If his sister were a man, he would’ve knocked her out already. “Chrissy, I don’t have time for this.”
“You have destroyed this family, Scott!” Christine yelled.
The revelation made Scott shot up from his chair. “I’ve destroyed this family?” He walked closer to Christine and stood nose to nose with her. “I’ve destroyed this family? That’s interesting. I always thought it was Father with his numerous affairs that destroyed this family. I always thought it was Mother with her depression that destroyed this family, Chrissy. Oh, and let’s not forget the abortions that occurred somewhere between. You honestly think Mother’s June Cleaver act is truly her? That has
never
been her, and it never will be. She feels if she puts on enough makeup to transform herself back to 1955, then we both will forget how fucked up our family truly is.
“The worst thing that has ever happened to me…
me…
and I destroyed this family?” Scott was incredulous. His eyes were stinging with tears and the pain in his heart seeped through to his words. “And you and Mother both wonder why you never see me?”
“She humiliated you, Scott! She humiliated all of us! Mother and I had to fend off reporters and paparazzi for weeks while you were hiding in Europe! That Black bitch did interviews, press conferences, and was on every single magazine cover for months complaining about her broken heart when she was the one that destroyed yours!” Christine was crying. “She made it seem like you were the bad guy: you were emotionless, emotionally abusive, and not good for her. And where were you, Scott? Where in the
fuck
were you? Not here!”
“I know what Caprina did to me, and trust me when I say I have never forgotten it, neither.” His eyes were cold and his cheeks were stained with dried tears. “But Mari is not Caprina.”
“And how do you know that?” Christine challenged.
“Because I do,” Scott didn’t feel she had to justify anything to her or anyone else. Scott put out his cigar and began to walk back inside the house. “We’re done here.”
“I hope you never forget what Caprina has done to you, Scott!” Christine shouted after him.
Scott stopped walking and turned around. “And you want to know why I will never forget? It’s because you and Mother won’t let me.”
Scott walked into the living room and grabbed his keys. Deborah and Mariana heard the commotion and went to see what was going on. “Scott, what’s wrong?” Deborah asked.
“I need to get away from her for a while, Mother. I’ll be back.” He left the house.
Christine walked into the room shortly afterward. Tears streamed down her face and she was red like her hair. Deborah approached her daughter. “What did you say to him?”
“He ruined this family, Mother!” Christine cried.
“Not this again,” Deborah shook her head.
“Sure! Take his side like you always do! Hassan, let’s go! We’re leaving.” Christine picked up her coat and keys. “Good-bye, Mother!” She stormed out of the home and Hassan followed her.
Mariana stayed in a corner as she witnessed the family argument. She didn’t have any words to say, but she kept a safe distance. Deborah turned around and addressed her. “Don’t you dare think you’re the cause of what happened between those two, you hear me?” She sternly warned. “Don’t you dare think that!”
Mariana nodded. Even though she knew the argument between Scott and Christine wasn’t her fault, it didn’t stop feeling she had something to do with it.
E
IGHT
“I’m sorry you had to witness that,” Scott began on the drive back to the hotel, “we normally get along with each other.”
“Are you okay?” Mariana asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” Scott sighed, “I’m fine.”
“Did you want to talk…?” Scott shook his head before Mariana could finish. “Okay, I understand.”
The pair was in complete silence for the rest of the drive. Mariana could feel the sadness and tension from Scott and she rested her hand on his thigh in hopes she could somehow relieve him of those feelings. She had never seen Scott upset to the point of crying, and it disturbed her.
They went back to their hotel room, and Scott dropped the keys at the table. He went straight to the window and stared out into the night sky. Although he had adapted to L.A. life, Scott was still a Southern boy at heart. No fancy meals at an expensive restaurant could replace the taste of his mother’s famous baked macaroni and cheese and fried chicken. If he needed a suit tailored, all Scott would have to do is drop it off at his mother’s and she’d have it done by the end of the day.
He could go jogging at four in the morning and he wouldn’t have to worry about getting mugged. He wouldn’t have to fight traffic every morning or get in line for Starbucks. He missed Decatur.
The argument with Christine, however, reminded him why he would never come back. Truth was Christine wasn’t the only racist in town; she was just more vocal than others.
“My dad cheated on my mom a lot when they were married. It was an open secret. Some of the women my dad happened to cheat with were Black,” Scott clarified, “it’s part of a reason why Chrissy hates Black women. That’s in addition to what she personally experienced.”
“And your mother?”
“She was bitter for a long time. I still think Christine speaks for her on occasion, though they both deny it.” Scott felt his blood boil and released his tightly-clenched fists. “Just to be clear, I don’t have a preference for Black women. Your race had no factor in why I wanted to be with you. I’ve dated many women of different ethnicities and cultures. I don’t have a preference as long as the woman doesn’t get on my damn nerves.”
“I understand,” Mariana said softly.
“What my ex did to me was beyond fucked up and I will never forgive that cunt until the day I die,” Scott’s voice was still and quiet, “but you shouldn’t be punished for what that bitch did. It’s not your fault and it will
never
be your fault.”
Mariana wrapped her arms around Scott’s waist and pressed her body against his. “Scott, you don’t have to explain anything to me. I don’t care about your past and honestly, I don’t want to know. You’re with me now and that’s all that matters.”
“I need to tell you the story about her. I need to explain to you what happened,” he spoke softly.
“No, you don’t,” Mariana turned Scott to face her. “You don’t have to at all, honey.”
Scott smiled. Mariana was truly his angel. “Thank you for understanding me.”
“You’re not easy at times,” Mariana chuckled, “but you’re worth it.” She grabbed his hand and led him to the bed. “I think it’s time for you to release some frustration out on me. I know you’re tensed up.”
“I am,” Scott took off his shirt and climbed on top of his girlfriend. “And I’m going to take my frustration out on you
all night.
”
“Are you going to restrain me…
Master?
” Mariana’s lips curved up into a sensual smile.
Scott trailed his hands all over Mariana’s body and felt her heat rise. He rested his hands in between her heat and she was on fire. “Yes, My pet.”
Mariana wanted to ask what her Master had in mind since He hadn’t packed any restraints in his luggage. But she knew Scott always had a plan.
He soon got off the bed and walked over to His suitcase. “Get undressed,” He ordered her.
Mariana quickly undressed and stood behind her Master, waiting for His next command. She noticed He was shuffling things around in His suitcase until He found what He was looking for. He turned around and was carrying her purple rabbit vibrator and blindfold in one hand. He carried two pairs of panties in the other.
Mariana immediately had a nervous feeling in her body. A previous boyfriend tried to use a toy on her and she didn’t enjoy the experience at all. He was too rough and treated her pussy like it was a piece of machinery. Mariana had to quickly remember whom she was with. She began to silently chant the mantra in her head.
To my Master, I give my submission. To my Master, I give my devotion. To my Master, I give my sex. To my Master, I give my fears. To my Master, I give my trust. To my Master, I give my happiness. To my Master, I give my everything. My Master loves me and I love my Master.
Scott noticed the nervousness in Mariana’s eyes. She was unsure as to what He was going to do with her and He understood. “I won’t harm you, My pet,” He whispered to her.
Mariana swallowed and nodded silently. “Yes, Master.”
“Get on the bed and bend over,” He pointed and Mariana followed direction.
Scott took off His belt and stood behind her. He smoothed His hands over her ass, feeling how soft and supple it was. “I’m going to give you a few lashings of the belt. It’ll be a new feeling from the paddle and My hand. You know the safety words, so tell Me when to stop.”
Mariana nodded. She only hoped the belt didn’t hurt too much. “Yes, Master.”
Scott stood back a short distance and cracked the belt against Mariana’s ass. Mariana immediately gasped and her eyes widened. The sting of the belt was both arousing and shocking at the same time.
Scott studied her reaction. “Where are you, My pet?”
It hurt, but once again it was a good pain. Mariana wanted more. “Green.”
“Very well,” Scott lashed His belt against her ass again and quickly again. Mariana remained still and calm. She was very obedient.
After a few lashings, Scott tossed the belt to the side and dragged a finger against Mariana’s slit. She was soaking wet. She was ready and eager for Him. “Stay still,” Scott ordered. He retrieved a bottle of aloe vera and smoothed some in His hands. He massaged Mariana’s ass with the salve. “To take the edge off,” He whispered.
Mariana was in another world. Her ass was still stinging from the lashings but all she felt was pleasure. All she craved was for Scott to be inside her.
Scott once again played with Mariana’s swollen clit. He was eager to fuck her but it was not time yet. He had to prepare her more. He dragged His finger to her asshole and inserted it. Mariana tensed upon the invasion and Scott rubbed her back. “I’ll be gentle, My pet,” He cooed. He coaxed His finger in and out, carefully not to cause too much pain. His remaining hand played with her swollen nub and Mariana found it difficult to keep still. “I won’t fuck your ass tonight,” He started, “I want you to be ready for it. You’re not ready yet.”
Mariana begged to differ. She was ready for it. She wanted it. But she trusted her Master. He knew what she wanted before she did at times.
“Lay on your back in the middle of the bed,” He ordered and Mariana obeyed. Scott took Mariana’s left arm and tied a pair of panties around her wrist and to the bedpost. He repeated the same motion to her right wrist. He sat back and looked back at His beautiful creation. “Can you move?”
Mariana tried to lean forward but couldn’t. She was firmly stuck. “No, Master.”
“Good,” Scott revealed a smile. He slid the blindfold over Mariana’s eyes. He bent his head down and whispered in her ear. “Do you trust Me, My pet?”
“Yes, Master,” Mariana nodded.
“Say it,” He demanded.
“I trust You, Master,” Mariana said.
“Good girl. I’ll be right back.” Scott got off the bed and headed out the hotel room.
Mariana heard the door close. Did Scott just tie her up and leave? She waited for Him to come back. A minute passed. Then another. Then another. Mariana felt anger slowly arise in her body. She was pissed. “This is
last
fucking
time I’m going to let that asshole tie me up,” she silently swore to herself.
She heard the door click and then opened. There were footsteps and something was placed on the end table beside her. She heard the shuffling of clothes being taken off. The bed slightly shifted and Mariana knew her Master once again joined her. “Are you ready, My pet?” Scott whispered.