He pulled her closer, pressing himself against her. She lowered her lids and willingly consented. Parting their lips, their tongues engaged. The passion ignited Claire in ways she’d forgotten. In ways she’d safely compartmentalized away. Even with Harry.

None of it made sense. Claire wanted Tony to pay for his sins. She wanted to bring him down. And, and ... and she wanted what they had, but more... better. She wanted what seemed to be staring her in the face.

Tony -- his magnetism, his control, his dominance -- was erotic. Claire also wanted freedoms and liberties. She wanted a non-monitored telephone, the ability to come and go, and freedoms... and him.

Didn’t their child deserve to know his or her father? Could Tony ever be a man to swing his small child into his arms with a laugh? Claire told herself, she was consenting for their child, but currently her needs wholly dominated her thoughts.

As Claire’s arms encircled his neck, her breasts tingled against his solid muscular chest. Everything she did or said was brought on by deep suppressed carnal desire. She’d spent too much time during the past three years thinking. Today she wanted to respond and react... she wanted her screaming consciousness to take a much needed break. Claire wanted Tony.

When he bent down with his nose touching hers and asked, “Are you sure?”

Claire didn’t hesitate. “Yes. I’m sure.”

Tony didn’t ask again. Instead he bent slightly and scooped Claire into his arms. They did not stay in the regal office; instead, Tony carried her away from the grand staircase, down the corridor to his room, laying Claire on the large regal bed.

Today she wore pink underwear, matching the color of her top. Once again his skilled fingers played with the bow directly below her bellybutton. After removing the lace bra, he caressed her growing breasts. Their tenderness intensified his manipulation, rousing stimulation and bringing Claire unknown ecstasy. His prowess within the defined skill set was unequaled. Multiple times Claire gripped Tony’s shoulders or the satin sheets trying desperately to remain earth bound as her body surged toward heaven.

When they were both satisfied, she laid within the crook of his arm enjoying the feel of her head on his shoulder and his intoxicating scent. Claire thought about what she’d done. Unashamedly, she didn’t regret her decisions. His steady breathing was an aphrodisiac, electrifying her already taut body. Was this insatiable need, too, a result of the pregnancy? The more he gave, the more she wanted.

The draperies of his large windows were open. The midday sunshine illuminated his suite. Seeing past the glass, the crystal blue sky reminded her of the pool. “Do you think we could have lunch at the pool and enjoy some of this day outside?”

He turned to her with a grin that matched his sultry stare, “I would like to stay here forever, but I like the idea of getting you more sun.”

Her lips found his neck and began to roam, between suckles she said, “At this second, I wouldn’t argue, with staying here.” The low growl elicited by her actions was enough to split her body wide open. “But, I’m hungry, and that sky, looks beautiful.”

He rolled her onto her back as her long brown hair fanned the pillow behind her glowing face. “Not as beautiful as you look this moment.”

Claire felt her cheeks blush. Her eyes went to the grand ceiling above as she felt his lips nuzzle her collar bone and move south. “Mr. Rawlings, I believe we were discussing lunch?”

His smile filled her as much as his actions. Claire didn’t want to enjoy it or him. But she did. When she sat to get out of his bed, her vision turned toward his grand fireplace. There were so many good memories associated with that hearth and the warmth radiating from it. What caught her attention causing the air to leave her lungs was above the fireplace.

“Tony,” she stammered, “how long have you had that there?”

His expression changed. Had he forgotten her wedding portrait was hanging above his fireplace? “Ever since you left.”

Perhaps it is impossible to wear an identity
without becoming what you pretend to be.
– Orson Scott Card

Chapter 48

Pictures of Tony and Claire flooded the internet. Someone at Brent and Courtney’s house made good use of their cellphone. There were even pictures of Claire with Sue in Iowa City. Claire wondered, isn’t there any real news happening in the world right now?

As she viewed each picture, Claire questioned her expressions. How long could she continue to argue her facade? Was she truly that accomplished at lying, or had Tony’s bold move and forced togetherness induced his desired outcome? Could Claire possibly be enjoying herself with him?

As she completed the final touches of her wedding attire, Claire thought about their afternoon. From his office, to his suite, and the pool deck with the warm sultry water...his expressions and touches kept her body on high alert. Even while napping under the shade of a large umbrella, Claire remembered the feel of his large strong hands caressing her skin with sunscreen. It wasn’t the first time her body rebelled against her better judgment. Claire reasoned, tomorrow I will fight. Today I want to enjoy.

Radiant was the word in Tony’s mind as he watched Claire descend the grand staircase. With the blush of afternoon sun on her cheeks, her hair and makeup done to perfection, and the light green Herve Leger dress she’d found in the closet, Claire looked radiant.

As the Gucci, strappy, five inch heeled sandals clicked across the marble floor, the adoration she saw in his eyes made her cheeks redden.