6
They didn't talk much at breakfast, each of them lost in their own thoughts. Several times Eric tried to start a conversation, to approach the subject of last days happenings but couldn't form his words properly, he even didn't know what to think of all of that. He felt he should address it, but was afraid to talk to Betty about this, afraid of what she might say and even more afraid of what she might do.
He felt hurt when she hit him in the face, he felt humiliated when she made him apologize and kiss her hand, he felt used when she fucked him. He knew she was drunk after the party, but that was no excuse. It was almost a rape - she forced him to have sex with her, or rather she fucked him like a piece of meat. He couldn't stop her, he remember being frightened of her again that night. As if something changed within him and he couldn't stand up to her anymore. When he saw her face as she rode him that night he felt afraid to object. She was so determined, so confident in her actions as if the mere thought of him resisting her was out of the question, unnatural. Yet that fear was also very arousing. He felt raped and that was very arousing. Even now thinking of it made him hard again. Was he one of those people that had rape fantasies? Wasn't it primarily women's fantasy? The one when lonely woman dreams of some rough stranger breaking into her house and forcefully taking her? He's never had any thoughts of forced sex or being raped before, but now realized it turned him on immensely. Not of being raped, but of being raped by HER.
All those thoughts went through Eric's head but he decided he wasn't ready to talk this with Betty yet. It was Saturday morning and they had all weekend ahead of them - plenty of time to talk things through. Or was it his new meek nature that cowered from difficult subject - was he subconsciously waiting for Betty to act, again giving her reigns to their marriage, waiting for her to lead again? This thought sparked some anger within Eric, he would not let that happen again. He will show her she can't treat him like this way, that he's not afraid to face her.
"Don't you thing you went too far last night? You hit me again during sex and..."
"Careful Eric," he was stopped mid-sentence by Betty's calm voice. "You'd better not spoil my breakfast. I'll talk to you about it later. Right now let's just enjoy this lovely morning," and with that she got back to newspaper she read.
Eric stared at her dumb folded, so swiftly dismissed. He wanted to argue, but something in her voice or in the manner she spoke made him decide against it. The way she put him down so easily angered and aroused him. Confused with his feelings he finished his breakfast in silence.
The day was indeed nice, a warm late spring sunny Saturday, and with Betty not ready to talk things through with him yet Eric went for a morning jog. Exercises always calmed him down, he loved his morning runs. It was one of those things that changed with time as Eric used to despise cardio in his college days, bulking up with free weights. Nowadays he opted for more lean, sculpted frame and changed his workout routine. Almost no heavy lifting, but lots of running or working heavy boxing bag. He still was far from his target look, but he was undoubtedly leaner and lighter, his abs showing up again. Betty on the other hand went the opposite way. When they were in college she did lots of cardio - the women's way of working out those days. Now she switched almost exclusively to weight training claiming that straining muscles also burn fat. This hasn't changed her toned body too much, but her arms and legs felt a lot firmer and stronger now, her shoulders seemed a bit wider which added her more confidence, kind of aura of strength and authority she so much projected these days. Eric wondered if this was another sign of changes between the two of them, or maybe broader in the society: men often afraid of bulking up too much and women boldly taking up heavy weights. Whatever it was, Eric liked his new physique, felt healthier and fitter and sure as hell Betty's firm body turned him on more than ever.
When he finished his run Betty was in their living room already dressed up working on her laptop.
"Good you're back. Go hit the shower and then come down here to me. It's high time we've had a serious talk, love."
7
When Eric came back to their family room he felt a tad nervous. After the shower he changed to jeans and t-shit and again felt a bit awkward when he saw how elegant Betty looked compared to him. Sitting on a sofa, she wore a dark silk buttoned short sleeved shirt, white pencil skirt that went below the knees and black leather boots that went up under the skirt. Eric didn't recognize those boots which was weird as he's had a bit of boot fetish and new all Betty's boots. These ones were obviously new, high heeled and shiny -probably she planned them as a surprise for him. She looked classy and feminine, light make up and dark red painted nails only added to her elegance. It was unusual for Betty to wear such clothes on Saturday mornings, wearing boots at home was even more unlike her, Eric suddenly felt out of her league, barefoot without socks in his worn out jeans. The serious look on Betty's face only added to his uneasiness.
"Are you going out honey?" he asked nervously.
"I plan to, but after we've had this conversation. Sit down and listen to me very carefully." Betty was speaking in a calm, low voice but with purpose and strength to it.
"I've done some thinking and decided to change the way this marriage works, Eric. You lost your way, you clearly need direction. You don't have a job, you practically stopped writing, you waste your time and your life. You need my authority to get back on track, and I'll provide it." Eric took a breath to say something, but Elisabeth raised her hand slightly, indicating she wasn't finished.
"I'll give you new goals in your life. I'll be firm, but loving with you. I'll be directing your life from now on. I'll support our family as I have for a few last years, I'll provide us security and direction, you will not need to worry about money. I'll buy you nice things, take you on vacations and protect you. It has been like this for quite some time, hasn't it?"