Chapter 6
Lying in bed Vera stretched, naked, kicking off the tangled sheets. She felt a little sore in a few places. She ran a finger over the tooth marks on her shoulder. They would be healed by the time the sun rose. It would be better if she slept. He body was exhausted but her mind was racing.
She felt like she was aware of Lucien even though she wasn't with him. His scent was all over her and she imagined him lying upstairs in his bed, thinking of her. It made Vera angry that she couldn't go up there and sleep beside him, nested into that warmth and scent and safety. She hated being told what to do but this time it was her own conscience doing the telling.
She must have drifted off at last because she woke when David climbed into bed, shifting the mattress. Seeing that she was awake David cuddled up to her, taking her naked body gently in his arms. He smelled like cigarette smoke and buttered popcorn. It made Vera smile and she squeezed him back.
Neither of them spoke but David caressed her, his soft hands smoothing themselves over his skin in lazy patterns. She turned sleepily onto her back and opened herself to him. He kissed her gently and thoroughly, as though her were tasting and appreciating her.
Vera moaned softly as David eased himself inside of her. They moved together, gently, like seaweed in a current. Sheathed tightly in her slick warmth David held her close until they came, gently, shaking against each other.
::
The next morning Vera didn't want to get up. She had never been one to lay about in bed; there was always something to do and she was usually eager to greet the day. Vera, who always seemed to know her own mind, was paralyzed by indecision. She wanted Lucien, needed him. But she had become very fond of David. She knew that it would bother her if she hurt him. And she didn't know how to leave without hurting him.
The day passed slowly. Lucien wasn't home. Vera watched TV with David and did some chores. She was restless and everything seemed to annoy her. She decided to make dinner to occupy her hands at least, and try to take her mind off things. The boys all came home and gathered in the kitchen, sniffing expectantly and wondering what was for dinner.
"Steak," she announced proudly, flipping a slab of meat in the skillet. "And potatoes."
They ate in front of the TV, plates balanced on their knees. Vera sat between David and Lucien on the couch, their legs touching her on either side. Vera relished the savory red meat. She sliced big chunks off her steak and chewed them with relish, eyes closed.
David cut into his meat and frowned at it. "That's little rare, isn't it, Honey?"
Vera and Lucien both looked up at him, mouths full. Vera swallowed. "We can put yours back in the pan for a minute if you want." She said
"Nah," David smiled. "It looks fine, actually."
Chris wolfed down his food and scooted out the door again. He had a date with the girl he'd met at the bar.
When David went to put his plate in the kitchen Lucien twined his fingers into Vera's hair, pulling her towards him and burying his face in her neck.
"When can we be alone?" he growled, his breath hot against her skin.
She was almost panting and felt herself growing damp between her legs. "Tonight," she whispered. "David's working." He placed his finger against the pulse in her wrist and she looked into his deep eyes and they both felt her heart beat fast. When they heard David walking back to the living room they broke apart.
