Introduction
This is a work in progress. It begins with how Jenny met and enjoyed some passionate sex with the General, telling herself that it was just some exotic interlude to entertain her while she was overseas, only to find out it was a lot more! Because of the nature of the story the first half may not interest some readers, while the second half may not appeal to others. Those who prefer to ignore how Jenny played the General can cut straight to the chase can find "The General: Part Two" on the Non-consent/Reluctance story list. Those who want to enjoy the entire thing, read on.
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It was flattering to be asked to be a key note speaker this early in my career as a researcher, but everyone warned me that this remote African country was not safe for a white man to visit, let alone a single white woman. In some ways it was those comments that decided me. You'd think that now I had the title of doctor before my name I'd be less irresponsible but I still had that rebellious and defiant attitude. Still, I did think long and hard before accepting the invitation to present at the plenary session of the conference.
The country was beautiful, but right from the beginning I knew I had to take care. The looks I got from the locals were more than curious. Some of them were openly hostile and the men looked me up and down with obvious interest, both because I was white and an attractive woman. The hotel staff warned me not to go outside the hotel grounds without an escort, and even then preferably in a large group. It was a simple fact that this country was in a state of flux, with law and order low on the list of the new priorities. The hotel was full of uniformed men because the conference organisers had asked the army to act as security.
Even the General of the Defence Force was there. One of my fellow researchers snorted when he told me about it and remarked that "The General" couldn't resist the public relations opportunity to join the international group that was attending. It was still a surprise on that first evening, as I sat at the hotel bar for a pre-dinner drink, when Alex, the conference administrator, brought "The General" over and introduced him. "Jenny, this is General Jxxxx. He demanded that I introduce you as soon as he saw you walk in. You have obviously won a heart. Be careful." His voice was light hearted, but the last part held a hint of concern. I stood and turned from the small group of fellow researchers I was talking with to see just who I had managed to attract and who the all important "The General" really was.
It was still novel for me to be a land where almost everyone was black and I found myself checking him out before meeting his eyes. The General was in his late forties, hard bodied and not handsome, but certainly compelling. A typical soldier, I thought a little cynically. At almost six feet he was big compared to my small five foot three frame and solid without being fat. The civilian clothes he was wearing did nothing to hide the muscles in his thighs or his broad shoulders. When my eyes finally returned to his face it was to meet eyes so dark they were definitely black. In fact they were a little angry by the time I met his look. He was obviously not used to having anyone look him up and down so curiously, but then, probably everyone in this country knew him. For a brief moment I felt sorry for any private who upset this soldier if my momentary lapse of manners had roused that flash of anger.
"Hiya, I'm Jenny." I stuck my hand out for him to shake. His posture relaxed slightly and a glint of amusement buried the heat in those black eyes.
"Doctor," was the formal reply. "I would be honoured if you would join my friends and I for dinner. It will give us a chance to get to know each other."
I was amused β his manners were very direct and just what I was in the mood for: a man to flatter me and some company for dinner other than the usual folk and the usual talk about research and funding bodies. It would even be a chance to get a feel for the way the country was going, straight from the horse's mouth, as it were.
"Sure, I'd love to."
Silly, silly me, but that was how it began.
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The General stayed close to me while we ate. I could feel his body heat as we sat at the table with local politicians and upper echelon officers. If I turned my head I could see he was looking at me the same way I often studied a problem in my research. It was obvious he wanted more than to just look. Despite heading towards my mid-thirties I knew I was attractive -- not beautiful, but memorable. Green eyes, red hair, perhaps lacking a little in the curve department, but fit and lithe. It was a combination that actually made me more desirable now I was mature and not a gangling, shy teenager. Plus, I also knew I was successful in my own sphere β a career woman with a big future, so confident of myself. However, it was still arousing to know that this man, also important and influential in his own country, was so obviously interested in me.
It also became obvious that the General was skilled in his strategy. As the night progressed my wine glass was never empty. This was caution enough and I left the glass full and switched to water β it would not do to get drunk. In some ways, I was already. The exotic surroundings and the powerful men around the table were exciting. The General was getting under my skin, stirring my senses. His hand rested gently on my arm as we chatted and I was acutely aware of when he moved it to sip from his own glass. I found myself missing its heat and leaning closer and closer towards him.