Blackmail

Titus packed his gym clothes and headed downstairs, hoping to sneak out while Trixie was still asleep.

But as he neared the kitchen, the scent of coffee and something burning hit him. He rushed in to find her sitting at the table, sipping coffee. “What’s burning?” he asked, a bit too harshly.

“Good morning to you too. I tried making toast, but your toaster seems to have a mind of its own. Every slice I put in comes out charred.”

He walked over to the counter littered with burnt toast, inspected the toaster, then turned to her. “Have you never made toast before? You’ve got the setting on high. No wonder the bread keeps burning.”

“Excuse me, Mr. Grumpy, but no, I haven’t. I thought I’d try to make you breakfast.”

He took a deep breath, wanting to appreciate her effort. “At least you made coffee,” he said, pouring himself a cup and taking a sip. “It’s not bad.”

“Watch out, hubby, you’re starting to sound a bit nicer than usual. I take it you’re still heading to the gym?”

“Yes, I am,” he confirmed, pouring coffee into a thermal cup. “What are your plans for the day?”

“I’m not sure, maybe lounge by the pool or go shopping. But you need to give me some money.”

“Not happening. I already told you, I’m not giving you any money. Maybe next month, when you get your allowance, you’ll budget it better. I’m off, so try to stay out of trouble.”

Titus was eager to escape to the gym, especially when he noticed the sexy nightgown she was wearing.

It was different from the one she’d worn the night before, but it still showcased her stunning figure.

He definitely needed to work out and burn off some of his pent-up sexual frustration.

Before leaving, he turned to her. “Listen, I want to apologize for the awful things I said to you last night. I shouldn’t have said them and I didn’t mean them. I’m really sorry.”

She smiled back at him. “Don’t worry about it, I’ve already forgotten. Have a great workout.”

***

Once he arrived at the gym, Titus changed into his workout clothes. He started his routine, and after thirty minutes, he was sweating so much that he took off his shirt and moved on to another machine.

“Slow down, Titus. You’re going to give yourself a heart attack,” Todd warned, taking a seat at the machine next to him.

Titus glanced at Todd, his friend and coworker at the law firm. “There’s nothing wrong with my heart.”

“What’s got you so wound up?”

“What makes you think I’m wound up?” he shot back, grunting as he pushed harder on his machine.

“We’ve been friends for a long time. I can tell when something’s bothering you. Hey, is that a wedding ring on your finger?”

Damn. He’d meant to take off the ring before coming to the gym. “It’s nothing.”

Todd stood up to get a closer look. “That’s a wedding ring. What the hell? Did you get married?”

Titus stopped his workout and grabbed a towel to wipe the sweat from his face. “It’s not what you think.”

Todd sat back down, resting his hands on his knees. “Then what is it?”

“Okay, I got married yesterday.”

“Damn, why didn’t you tell me? I didn’t even know you were dating. Do I know her?”

“I wasn’t dating anyone, and no, you don’t know her. It’s not a real marriage, it’s just a temporary arrangement.”

“What does that mean?” Todd asked, handing Titus a bottle of water.

“This woman I met a year ago found me and asked for a favor. Her grandfather died, and to inherit, she has to be married for a year.”

“So, why is that your problem?”

“I agreed to do it, and when the year is up, she’s going to give me two million dollars.”

Todd nearly choked on his water. “You’re kidding?

“Two million dollars just to stay married for a year. I know it’s a lot of money, but why would you agree to that? What does she have on you?”

Titus had made the mistake of telling Trixie too much, so he wasn’t about to do the same with Todd. “Nothing, I’m just doing her a favor. Plus, the money will be useful.”

“Just wait until everyone at work finds out.”

“Todd, I’d prefer to keep this quiet. I especially don’t want you telling people why I got married.”

“They’re going to find out eventually. Someone will see you two together or notice that ring. You might as well face the music and tell them.”

Titus ran his hand over his face. “I guess you’re right. I’ll have to come up with a story that will satisfy their curiosity.”

Todd grinned. “Who is she, and what does she look like?”

“Her name is Trixie Brown.”

“Wait, was her grandfather Joseph Brown, the billionaire?”

“Yeah, that’s him.”

“So, is she a knockout or a dog?”

“Todd, it’s not nice to call a woman a dog. She’s beautiful, but she’s a spoiled brat who expects everyone to cater to her every whim. I think I’ve made a mistake by marrying her.”

“I can’t wait to meet her,” Todd said, returning to his machine. “After we’re done here, do you have to rush home to the little wifey or do you want to grab a bite to eat?”

“Don’t be a smart-ass. I’ve already told her that we won’t be spending any time together.”

“Are you sleeping with her?”

“Damn it, Todd, do you have to ask so many personal questions? For your information, no, I’m not, and I never will.”

“Maybe you should.”

“Why should I sleep with her?”

“You’re in a dry spell, man. You’re getting all pent up. Plus, how long can you live with a gorgeous woman and not make a move?”

“You’ll get it when you meet her.”

***

After a solid workout, Titus and Todd hit the showers, changed, and made their way to a local eatery.

“Any news on the partnership at the firm?”

Titus shook his head, taking a bite of his sandwich. “Nothing yet. But I heard there’s a third contender. You wouldn’t know who that is, would you?”

Todd took a long sip of his drink, avoiding eye contact. “I was trying to figure out how to break it to you.”

“Please don’t tell me it’s Frederick. That guy’s a total jerk.”

“No, it’s actually me.”

Titus was taken aback. “No offense, buddy, but you haven’t been at the firm as long as Frederick or me.”

“I know, but the boss seems to like me, especially after the last case I handled. Titus, I know how much you want this and how hard you’ve worked. If you want, I’ll step aside.”

“No, don’t do that.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want this to ruin our friendship.”

“It won’t.”

But deep down, Titus knew he’d be upset if Todd got the partnership. Despite their friendship, he didn’t think Todd was the right fit for the role.

“I’m glad to hear that, Titus. Let’s hit that new bar and grab a few drinks.”

Not really in the mood to head home, Titus agreed. “Sure, let’s do it. I could use a few drinks before heading back.”

At the bar, they found a booth and ordered a couple of beers.

After a few rounds, two women approached their table. Todd invited them to join, and they accepted.

The petite brunette sat next to Titus, and the blonde next to Todd. Todd ordered tequila shots and more beer.

“So, you guys are lawyers? That must be interesting,” the brunette said, inching closer to Titus.

“It’s alright,” Titus replied. When she placed her hand on his thigh, he looked down, then back at her. “I’m sorry, but I’m married,” he said, gently removing her hand.

“Then why are you here without her?”

“Guys can go out without their wives. It doesn’t mean they’re free to mess around,” he retorted.

Todd leaned over and whispered in Titus’s ear. “Man, you said yourself, you don’t plan on sleeping with your wife. What’s the harm in having a little fun with this girl? She’s clearly into you.”

“I might not be in a real marriage, but I’m still married. And as long as I am, I’ll stay faithful to Trixie.”

When the blonde suggested they all head back to her place for a nightcap, Titus decided it was time to head home.

“I’m sorry, ladies, it’s getting late. But I’m sure Todd would love to join you.” He knew one of Todd’s fantasies was a threesome, and this was his chance.

“You’re not driving home, are you?”

“No, Todd, I’ll grab a cab. I’ll need a ride tomorrow to pick up my car. Good night, ladies,” Titus said, standing up and heading for the door.

Outside, the cool air hit him hard, and he realized just how drunk he was.

He didn’t remember calling a cab, but he must have because one showed up. How he managed to get inside his house and up to his bedroom was a blur.

***

Trixie was about to head upstairs to bed when she heard a noise at the door. It sounded like someone fumbling with keys.

She was scared, being alone in the house. She tiptoed towards the door and peeked out the window.

A wave of relief washed over her when she saw it was Titus. He looked drunk.

She opened the door just in time to catch him before he fell. She wrapped her arm around his waist and helped him inside.

“Good lord, Titus, you’re wasted. Let’s get you upstairs and into bed.”

Getting Titus upstairs was a challenge—he kept stumbling and mumbling—but once they were in his bedroom, she made him sit on the bed.

Trixie was taken aback when he put his hands on her hips and pulled her closer.

“You smell so good. I bet you taste even better.”

She gasped when he buried his face in her stomach. Then, when he moved his hands around her and grabbed her ass, she felt a tingle between her legs.

With her core throbbing, she could feel the wetness pooling between her legs. If he wasn’t so drunk, she wouldn’t have hesitated to let him do whatever he was thinking.

Instead, Trixie pulled away from him and told him to lift his arms. She pulled his shirt over his head and gently pushed him back onto the bed.

She half expected him to protest, but when she looked at him, his eyes were closed, and he was softly snoring.

Trixie removed Titus’s shoes and socks, then unbuckled his belt and unzipped his pants. She was about to remove his briefs but decided against it.

It was a struggle to get him situated on the bed, but once she had him in the right position, she stood over him, admiring his body.

Oh, how she wanted to strip down and climb into bed with him.

But he was drunk and passed out. What would have been the point? Even if he did wake up, he probably wouldn’t have been able to do anything.

Still, it might have been fun to see his reaction when he woke up to find her in bed with him, naked, her head on his chest and her arm around his waist.

She pulled the comforter up over his body, then sat next to him, reaching out to stroke his cheek with her fingertips.

“You’re so good-looking. I can’t help but think, if I’d just given in to you a year ago, things could be so different between us now.

“I know you’re mad at me for the whole blackmail thing, and I’m really sorry about that. I hope, one day, you can find it in your heart to forgive me. Sleep well, my good-looking husband.”

With that, Trixie leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips before she left the room.

Just before she closed the door behind her, she turned back for one last look at him. She would have given anything to be lying next to him, wrapped in his arms.

Sometimes, all a person really needs is someone to hold them, to reassure them that everything’s going to be okay.