Cynthia slammed her apartment door shut, leaning against it with a long sigh. She dropped her bag onto the worn-out couch and peeled off her heels, wincing at the ache in her feet.
Her body felt sticky and without thinking, she walked straight to the bathroom, turning on the shower and letting the steam fill the space.
Slowly she pulled off her blouse and skirt, letting them fall on the floor. Unclasping her bra, she freed her full, round breast, feeling the cool air against her skin.
She entered the warm cascade of water, scrubbing her skin with a force that bordered on desperation, trying to erase the memory of Mike's dark, predatory gaze.
As the water flowed down her, she leaned against the cold tiles…her thoughts were cut short by the sharp ring of her phone. Wrapping a towel around herself, she rushed to pick it up. It was Ava.
“Hey girl”. Cynthia said in a tired voice.
“Oh my God, Cynthia! You were supposed to call me hours ago! What happened? “ Ava's concerned voice crackles through the line.
Cynthia exhaled walking to her standing mirror to pick up her anti-pespirant.”Sorry, Ava. It's been…a day”
“Well? Did You see him? What happened?”
Cynthia hesitated, gripping the towel tighter. “I saw him, alright” She said slowly. “And…I walked in on something”
“What do you mean?” Ava demanded.
“Ava could you believe I caught him making out with a white in his office…they were having a missionary!”
There was a long pause before Ava gasped.” Cynthia! You're kidding me! You saw Mike Richard…doing it?”
“Yeah,” Cynthia muttered, running a hand through her damp hair. “it was…intense.”
Aha groaned .”God…Cyn, I told you that man is bad news. I can't believe you actually went there without an appointment! Do you even know who Mike Richard is? You've read about him, right? The guy's a total…”
“I don't need to read about him. I saw enough today,” Cynthia cut in. “But I had no choice. The lawyer said I have two months to pay off my dad's debt or I'll be jailed. I can't make that money working normal jobs…not even in 2 years.”
Aha sighed. “I get it Cynthia…what's your brother saying about all of these?
“I can't afford to worry about him now, Ava. I just need to survive”.
“It’s fine but I'm so scared for you, Cyn. He's ruthless, Women are nothing but a game to him.” Ava was quiet for a moment before whispering. “Just…be careful, okay?
“I will,” Cynthia murmured.
But deep down she wasn't so sure.
She hung up, staring at her reflection. Droplets slid down her skin, disappearing into the towel wrapped around her.
No amount of drubbing could wash away the unease curling inside her.
A sharp knock interrupted her thoughts as she stepped and wrapped her towel around her body.
She checked the time. It was already 9:30 pm, and her heart jumped.
Only one person would show up at this hour.
Collins!!
She stood and padded barefoot to the door. As she opened it, he stepped inside without waiting for an invite.
“Heyy lovee” Cynthia murmured, with her toes…tipping as she tried to stand up to his height and give him a hug.
“Hey, babe”, he murmured, his eyes lurking over her damp skin. He smelled of cologne and whiskey, the same intoxicating blend that used to make her weak in the knees.
“You came so late…hun,” she said softly, pulling her towel tighter around her body.
He ignored her words, closing the door behind him and pulling her into a firm embrace. “I missed you” he whispered, his lips grazing her neck. “You've been so distant lately. Talk to me, baby”.
Cynthia swallowed hard, the familiar warmth of his touch stirring something inside her. “I've just been busy”, she said trying to pull away, but he held her tighter, his hands wandering lower.
“You stress too much…Cyn” he murmured against her skin, his fingers slipping beneath the edge of her towel. “Let me take care of you tonight”.
She stiffened.”Collins, I…”
He puked back slowly, cupping her face with both hands, his brown eyes locking into hers. “Come on, baby. You know I love you, right?
Cynthia nodded slowly; Collins had been there for 2 years now, through everything–--her bills, her sleepless nights, her fears. He made her feel safe, even when things were falling apart. But she wasn't sure if she was resting for what he wanted now.
“Then let me show you,” he whispered, kissing her lips gently, his tongue slipping into her mouth. “You trust me, don't you?”
She hesitated, her heart pounding. “I do, but…”
“No buts, baby,” he whispered against her lips, pushing her gently back towards her bed..”I've been patient, babe, but I need you tonight.”
Cynthia’s head was spinning, torn between hesitation and the way his hands were making her body betray her thoughts. She gasped softly as he tugged her towel away, leaving her completely bare under his heated gaze.
“God, you're so beautiful” he groaned, pushing her into the bed, his lips trailing down her collarbone to her breasts, sucking a nipple into his mouth.
Cynthia's breath hitched, her fingers tangling in his hair as heat pooled between her thighs.
“Collins…I--I've not done this before,” she admitted, her voice trembling.
He smirked, kissing his way down her stomach. “I know baby. And I will be gentle. Just trust me. Okay?”
She nodded hesitantly, her body shivering with anticipation and fear.
He guided her to the bed, pushing her down gently, spreading her legs apart as his eyes drilled in the sight of her untouched pussy.
His fingers slid lower, parting her swollen folds, stroking her gently.” You are so wet already” he murmured.
Cynthia gasped, arching slightly against his touch.
His lips followed his hands, kissing down her stomach until he touched her most sensitive spot; his tongue flicked over her clit, sensitive shockwave passed through her.
“Oh…Collins” She whimpered, clutching the sheets.