The Fourth Finger

The Fourth Finger #13

 

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It was hard to stop thinking about him. Harder to admit that he had such a severe effect on her. The last time she felt this way about a man was with Mark. She had almost forgotten how restless she could become when she was crazy over someone.

It was hard to concentrate on her dissertation. Most of her weekend had been spent on television with Leticia, cooking, doing her laundry and fighting the desire to visit Andre. The little time she kept for her studies ended up being used to fantasize over him and the short but steamy weekend they shared.

She had slept with him under the premise that sex was going to kill whatever control he apparently had on her emotions. But it had turned out quite the opposite. Presently, she felt helpless without him and yet like a blockhead, she desired more of his attention.

β€œAndre is going to be the death of me, Tish. He has my mumu button glued to his hand. I’m so scared.”

β€œToni, you’re the only person I know who gets scared of falling in love.”

β€œWhy did I ever meet him sef? I just wish there was some way I could escape.”

β€œAnd yet you’re bugging my sleep around 6am on a Sunday morning, all dressed to see him.”

β€œPlease, stop me. Lock the door and throw the key. Tie me down. Do something, Tish.”

β€œYou’re talking to the wrong person. Go and meet your man, Toni, and allow me sleep before morning sickness will start knocking on my door.”

β€œYou’re no help at all.”

β€œTry liquid courage then.”

β€œAlcohol is not the answer to the world’s problems.”

β€œThen leave me alone.”

Toni walked out of Leticia’s room and stood outside the door. She dialed Mark’s number. He alone could save her from following her urges; but his phone rang unanswered. When she tried the second time, Nkechi picked the call. Toni hung up.

And thus, she left the house, got into her car and drove all the way to Bode Thomas to see Andre.

He came to the door with sleepy eyes and a bed sheet around his waist, held loosely in his hand. She didn’t know what she looked like, standing outside his door with mooning eyes. She suspected she looked stupid because she felt that way, yet she couldn’t help herself. She struck a serious pose.

toni36

β€œIt took one week for you to realize you were wrong, Antonia. One week. I hope your apology is good enough to let you into this house.”

Toni tried to force down a growing knob in her throat. β€œI’m not here to apologize.”

β€œThen why are you here?”

β€œTo ask if you have space for me on your bed.”

Andre stared down at her. β€œWhat’s the color of your underwear?”

β€œI’m not wearing any.”

He stepped back and let her in. When the door shut, he pushed her against it.

β€œYou do realize that the more you sleep with me, the harder it is for you to let go. I’d advise that you stop this right now by turning around and going back home.”

She said nothing.

β€œSay you want me.”

β€œAndre…”

β€œSay, β€˜I want you so badly Andre, I can think of nothing else’. Say it.”

Toni’s response came as an attack on his lips. The moment she tasted him, she stopped for a breath. It was like having a taste of her favorite ice cream after a long time. She wanted to savor it.

β€œI missed you,” he whispered, turning the kiss into a hug.

She felt him grow hard against her and prepared herself for what was to follow but Andre pulled back.

β€œLet’s make breakfast and talk business,” he said, turning away. β€œI need Covet to handle some ad ideas I have for my company.”

Toni couldn’t believe him. She wanted to scream that the only thing she was hungry for was his body. She had come provocatively-dressed and oozing of sex and all he wanted to do was talk. Even when his body desired hers!

Was there an end to this man’s pigheadedness?

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

β€œLade your husband is here.”

Lulu was looking at Lade with hostile eyes. Lade was dressed for church, sporting a simple Ankara dress Lulu had given her. Lulu was also almost set to leave for church but a knock on the door a minute earlier had interrupted her from her makeup session.

β€œIf I had known it was him, I wouldn’t have gone for the door. I told you not to give him this address.”

β€œHe’s my husband.”

β€œYour husband abi your killer. Wait for him to put you six feet under before your eyes open.”

β€œI’m sorry but he’s been bugging me.”

β€œI don’t just want drama in my house. You know I can’t stand brutes. Mo binu o.”

β€œMa binu.”

Lade hurried out to meet Tayo. She found him outside, seated in his car with his younger brother, Dapo, whom she hadn’t seen in ages.

Lade liked Dapo a lot. He was poles apart from Tayo. Always smiling and full of jokes.

β€œIf it’s not the beautifulest woman on earth!” Dapo exclaimed as Lade approached the car. He came out and gave her a hug, lifting her off her feet.

β€œMy African queen, how are you, madam?”

Lade laughed. β€œI’m fine, Daps. Na wa for you. You just abandoned us.”

β€œNo be like dat. Ife’s passing shook me up real bad. I’m still recovering.”

Lade’s smile mellowed. Mentions of Ife still put her in a bad place.

β€œBut how are you?”

β€œI’m good,” she replied.

β€œI see that. I want to say that Tayo is taking good care of you but after what he told me he did to you, I’ll just keep shut.”

At this point Tayo left the car and stood by the driver’s door, staring at Lade. She wanted to forget all he had done and run to his arms but her reasoning prevailed.

β€œHi Lade,” he muttered. She gave no reply.

β€œPlease, let’s sit in the car,” Dapo suggested. β€œThe sun is looking for the mumu person that it will kill this morning.”

Taking Lade’s hand he opened the backdoor and they sat. Tayo took the other end, sandwiching her in.

β€œI know you don’t want to see your husband’s face,” Dapo began. β€œWhat he did is unforgivable and you’d be justified if you stayed away from him. In short, if you were my sister, I’d tell you to stay far away from him. But Lade, Tayo is no brute. You know that. I don’t know what happened but I know my mom is responsible…”

β€œShe is not, Dapo. Mommy is not responsible for what Tayo did to me.”

β€œShe rubs him off in a wrong way.”

β€œHow? That woman is a good woman. She loves you guys. Yes, she made mistakes but she is your mother.”

Dapo let out a silent sigh. β€œTalking about her will lead us to a place we don’t want to be right now. Let’s concentrate on you and Tayo. As I was saying, he made a mistake and he’s come to terms with it. He is utterly sorry.”

β€œThen let him say it himself.”

Dapo directed his eyes at Tayo who was staring contritely at Lade.

β€œI’m sorry, baby.”

β€œI doubt that you are.”

β€œI could use all the clichΓ© lines like β€˜I don’t know what came over me’ or β€˜I didn’t meant to’ or β€˜it was the devil’ but none of them would erase that I hurt you. I can’t take back what I’ve done but I can make up for it. I can show you that I really love you and didn’t mean to harm you in any way. I am so sorry, Lade. Please forgive me.”

Lade looked at Dapo. β€œDapo, can you give us a minute?”

β€œSure.”

Dapo allowed them some privacy and Lade accosted her husband with an angry expression.

β€œOnce a brute, always a brute, Tayo.”

β€œIt’s not true. I’m not like that.”

β€œYou are. It started with you abusing me verbally and emotionally.”

He took her hand and kissed it. β€œI’ll never touch you again, baby.”

β€œI don’t trust you and I’m scared to follow you home.”

β€œBaby, please…”

β€œI have my own life to live. I’m tired of taking orders from you on how to exist. I have dreams I want to pursue and I know that when I start going after them, you’ll stop me.”

β€œI won’t. Dapo has spoken to me and I’ve come to realize my mistakes. I promise to let you do your thing and be the woman you want to be. Omolade, you have no idea how much you mean to me. Losing you these nine days has been hell. I am extremely sorry.”

He drew closer, his scent filling her with nostalgia. She longed to be held by him but she remembered Manny’s words to her, on the need to stay strong against his manipulations.

β€œHe will kiss you and touch you in ways only he can. He will tell you he’ll never hit you again. He’ll buy you gifts and let you do anything you want. But all of that has a short lifespan. The moment you do or say anything that threatens his control over you, you’ll find yourself on a hospital bed again. Don’t get carried away. You’re mine now.”

β€œHome is not the same without you,” Tayo said. He was leaning in too close for comfort but Lade didn’t mind. Manny’s warning still rang clear in her head. She left it there as a chaperon, in case she found herself weakening to Tayo’s devices.

β€œIs there any way I can show you how sorry I am, baby?”

He kissed her head as she considered his question. It was a good opportunity to tell him that she needed his blessing to launch her acting career. She was already signed under Manny’s production enterprise to feature in five movies over the next four years. The news would not go down well with Tayo and looking into his face at the moment, she chickened out.

β€œWhat do you want?”

β€œI…want…you to reconcile with your mom.”

Tayo’s body stiffened beside her. His face turned stony.

β€œLade…”

β€œThat’s the only way I’ll know you’re sorry.”

β€œYou’re taking advantage.”

β€œI’m not.”

β€œYou are. I tell you to ask for anything and you go and pick the one thing you know I cannot do.”

β€œTayo, she gave birth to you, for heaven’s sake.”

β€œLade, please let’s not get into this fight again.”

β€œFine.” Lade went for the door but he grasped her hand.

β€œLeave me, Tayo. A man who finds it easy hating his mother will have no qualms doing the same to his wife.”

β€œOkay, fine. I’ll…call her.”

Lade looked at him.

β€œYou’re lying.”

β€œThis evening, together, we will call and talk to her.”

β€œYou’re sure?”

β€œAs long as you come home with me.”

β€œTayo, you’re sure?”

β€œI just gave you my word, didn’t I?”

Lade released her grip on the door.

β€œYou drive a hard bargain, wifey.”

β€œYou don’t make things easy yourself.”

β€œI know.” He enveloped her in a cuddle. β€œI’ve missed you.”

β€œKiss me.”

Their lips touched and when they separated, Lade straightened up and saw Lulu gawking at them from her front porch. She marched to the car and tossed in Lade’s phone.

β€œI’m off to church. I’ll call you later.”

Tayo didn’t let Lulu’s actions have a hold on Lade as he crushed her lips with an ensuing kiss.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

the fourth fingerThere was something incredibly sexy about him in the mornings, especially when he was buried beneath the sheets.

Christie was headed to the bathroom to take a shower but she stopped for a moment to stare at her husband. Her conscience stabbed her from many angles as she fed her eyes with his form. Just yesterday Raji had asked her if she still loved Folarin the way she did when they were newly wedded and she had answered emphatically that she did. And then she went ahead to explain that the only reason why she was having an affair with him was because he fulfilled a need that Folarin had long stopped fulfilling.

β€œDon’t think for once that I will leave Folarin for you. What we’re doing is just temporal; it will fizzle out like all relationships.”

Christie was sure Raji was heartbroken by her words. She didn’t know why she had gone off on him but something had left her feeling uneasy about their relationship and she didn’t know what it was. She had sought to soften the weight of her hurtful utterances but Raji told her he had some things to attend to at the office. He left her in the cold hotel room feeling awful for upsetting him.

But whatever she sensed the day before, it was nothing compared to what she felt now. The journey of her guilt from the onset of her illicit relationship with Raji could best be described as unstable. It weighed heavy in the early stages, then mellowed and disappeared completely. Now, it came back in full force, without warning.

Perhaps it had something to do with Folarin telling her the morning before that he was quitting his job and starting a new business. She was genuinely happy for him, throwing in ideas and offering help which he graciously declined. He told her he had all the help he needed with his new partner. When she asked to know who the person was, Folarin told her she would be introduced to β€˜her’ in due time.

β€œHer?” Christie had questioned.

β€œAre you jealous?” Folarin caught her in his arms. β€œDon’t worry, boo. She won’t take your place. You’ll still be number one.”

He bit her ear and sent tickles down her sides. When she giggled in response, he lifted her up her feet and placed her on his reading table where he kissed her until she was breathless. He made love to her in that position, the table squeaking and hitting the wall while she fought hard to keep from screaming.

The encounter brought the old Folarin back. That was the man she missed. The same man she was longing for now, even though she knew she ought to be getting ready for church.

β€œHappy anniversary, Daddy Tife,” she whispered in his ear, rousing him up.

Folarin turned. β€œIt’s today?”

β€œYep. It’s the third of April. And we’ve been married eleven years.”

Saying the words hurt her. It brought tears to her eyes. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t stayed faithful to him. Her guilt drove her into his arms where she expended herself in tears.

β€œIs there a particular reason why we’re crying, Chris?”

His words plunged her into further despair. He was talking in the manner that used to annoy her back in the day, using β€˜we’ where he should be using β€˜you’ or β€˜me’. The nostalgia in the air was overwhelming.

β€œI’m just so happy we’re still together,” she told him.

Folarin picked up his laptop and opened it.

β€œI didn’t forget our anniversary, sweetie. I was working on this video which I wanted to show you at the anniversary dinner.”

β€œDinner?” Christie sniffed.

β€œYes. But it can’t be today. It’s in two weeks.”

β€œTwo weeks? Why that far?”

β€œIt’s not a private dinner. I’m inviting the Asepitas and the Uchendus.”

β€œYeah… Berna’s coming back next week. She’s having her baby in a month’s time.”

β€œSuch a strange couple, those two. They’re the only ones who leave quality healthcare abroad to come back to Nigeria to have their kids.”

β€œI’ve stopped trying to understand the dynamics that exist between Berna and Izu.”

β€œAnyways, that aside, I have this special anniversary gift for you but you’ll have to wait until the dinner.”

Christie pouted.

β€œBut watch this video.”

Hurdling close to him, she watched a short video that was a collection of photos commemorating their years together. She was all out of tears and so she held him, squeezing tightly and refusing to let go even when the recording ran its course.

β€œYou have to go to church, Chris.”

β€œI’d rather stay home today.”

β€œI wish I could too but I’m traveling to Port Harcourt.”

β€œFor what?”

β€œBusiness-related. I’m going with my partner but I’m coming back today.”

β€œNow, I’m jealous.”

Folarin took her lips in a sudden kiss. β€œLike I said, you’ll always be number one.”

β€œCan I have more of those lips, husband?”

β€œBy all means.”

He went up on his knees, put his laptop away and towed her by her legs. She yelped. His lips touched her ankle and traveled up slowly, alternating from one leg to the other and leaving her in feverish anticipation. When his mouth finally touched the warmth between her legs, she was throbbing with excitement. Folarin made a feast out of her with his tongue, releasing her only when she came to a climax; and while she tried to still the waves that shook her body, he gently pushed into her.

For a second or two, they both didn’t move.

β€œI love you, Christie. I’m happy to spend these eleven amazing years with you, despite the ups and downs.”

β€œMe too,” she croaked.

β€œAnd no matter what comes in the future, I’ll never leave you.”

Not trusting her emotions to keep her secrets hidden, she wrapped her legs around him.

β€œJust fuck me already.”

β€œOops. Someone’s becoming a bad girl. Cussing on a Sabbath day.”

β€œI’m sorry,” she squeaked. β€œYou’re torturing me here.”

Folarin filled her completely and began an easy movement that built up gradually into a sizzling business. It got wild after a while and Christie couldn’t stop from moaning out with each thrust. It lasted longer than they both thought it would, eating into Christie’s prep time for church and culminating in an emotional end.

β€œChris, you’re crying again.”

She covered her face with both hands.

β€œIs there something you want to tell me?”

She shook her head as he pushed back wandering strands of her hair off her face.

β€œTalk to me, sweetie.”

β€œIt’s nothing. I’m just… It’s nothing.”

β€œAre you sure, Christina?”

β€œI am.”

She put a pillow over her face.

β€œI can take anything. Just spit it out.”

She lifted the pillow. β€œIt’s nothing.”

Her lips puckered for a kiss and he took them.

β€œI should shower. I’ll miss my flight,” he said, leaving the bed.

Christie dumped the pillow aside and went for his shirt and shorts. She slipped into them. On her way out she popped a contraceptive pill from a sachet of pills which she took daily.

Loud music reverberated from Cyrus’ bedroom, causing her an instant headache.

β€œCJ, turn down the volume of that music and start getting ready for church! Nessa, you too! We can’t be late today!”

She turned in the direction of the kitchen and upon entrance, bumped into an unwelcome presence.

Christie stepped back, gasping as she clutched her chest. The man that stood before her held a smile on his face that made her skin crawl.

β€œLong time, no see, sis.”

He carried eyes that looked like Christie’s but possessed a darker skin tone. He was long-bearded like an ancient king.

β€œSolomon, how on earth did you get into my house?”

β€œI rang the doorbell and my sweet, little niece opened it for me. She wanted to call you but I told her not to bother.”

Christie moved towards him and snatched a purple mug he had in his hand. β€œThat’s my husband’s.”

She dumped the mug and beverage it contained in the sink. When she turned around, her brother forced her into a hug. His familiar hands, wet and cold like things fished out of a pond, clasped her.

β€œMmmm…that’s more like it.”

She struggled against his hold.

β€œI miss holding you like this.”

She pushed him off forcefully and stepped away.

β€œWhy are you here, Solomon?” she asked

β€œTo see my baby sister and her family.”

β€œYou could have called. That’s what phones are for.”

β€œYou won’t pick my calls, remember?”

β€œWhat do you want?”

He grinned, taking a carrot from a bowl of vegetables on the kitchen counter. Christie watched as he slowly put the carrot to his lips and bit on it, hating every movement he made.

Hate was a mild word. If there was something stronger, it was what she felt for Solomon. But it hadn’t always been that way. She had loved him a long time ago when she knew nothing about love or the appropriate manner in which it was to be expressed.

Solomon, to her then, was the only one who truly loved her. It was what he told her each time he entered her room at night and touched her in places she didn’t even know existed on her body. He made her feel special in a world she knew nothing of. Her entire childhood had been lived in the confines of her house. She only saw the world when she went to church or school to write exams. The other kids always looked at her weird. She would return home in tears, haunted by the taunts she faced from her peers.

But Solomon would soothe her pain with kisses, calling her his special love. The seven-year gap between them often made him seem like a god in her eyes. Their parents had been less severe with him in his upbringing because he was a boy. He had also been locked in most of his life but gained some sort of freedom the moment he got into senior secondary school. Hence he had this store of knowledge that awed Christie. He constantly brought home X-Rated comics and adult magazines of nude women. He would show them all to her and feed her mind with raw desire for what she saw, erasing every knowledge she was taught in church about sexuality.

He would use the old line, told from the beginning of time. β€œThey don’t want our eyes to be open and know the truth, Christie. They don’t want us to know that sex is sweet.”

And Solomon finally taught her this truth one night, taking her virginity while their parents slept just two rooms away. It hadn’t been a pleasant night for Christie but she discovered that afterwards, she wanted more of him. When she overheard the other girls in school talking about their boyfriends and what they did to them in dark places, Christie thought about Solomon.

But there was Cyrus on the side. Boisterous, cute, intelligent Cyrus whom all the girls were crazy for. He was also from a Christian home, having both parents as clergy. His family had just moved into town and his father was made the senior pastor of the same church Christie’s family attended. But Cyrus was allowed to live his life the way he desired and this made Christie fancy him – albeit cautiously. She didn’t think it was right to give her affection to anyone else but Solomon. So she would steal glances at Cyrus and smile back shyly if he looked her way. Soon the relationship between their families grew and Christie became friends with his sisters. She was allowed to visit their home on certain Saturdays after her house chores. Being that they also lived in the same estate with them, she would walk down to their house and walk back after her time with them, which was spent mostly with Cyrus. It was during those visits she realized that her connection with Solomon was forbidden; but she was too scared to tell anyone because Solomon had given her a picture of the untold shame that would be heaped on her if she did.

The sex between them didn’t stop but she began to open her heart to Cyrus who gradually got physical with her. Cyrus was probably almost as experienced with the ways of the world as Solomon but he didn’t push her. Rather he goaded her gently as one would a virgin. Finally, she gave into him one Saturday afternoon when the sun burned hot and the smell of oranges and rotting leaves pervaded the air from a small garden just outside Cyrus’ window. The moment he went into Christie, he stopped and looked at her in surprise.

β€œChristina, you’re not a virgin.”

Shame had instantly engulfed her and she tried to struggle away from him but he held her bound.

β€œI don’t care. I even like it like this.”

But Christie didn’t. He had looked at her like she was dirty, not the way Solomon adored her with his eyes each night. This made it hard for her to continue with the copulation. She endured it for a couple of minutes but ultimately pushed Cyrus off her, wore her underwear and ran home.

She stayed away from him and kept on with Solomon. However, things got out of hand when her mother fell into suspicions that she was pregnant. It hadn’t been hard to diagnose. Christie usually went to her for her monthly supply of sanitary towels but when she missed a month and began to go about the house in a ghostly manner, throwing up at every chance she got, her mother took her to the family doctor. It was then discovered that she was pregnant. Upon interrogation, she called out the only name that was on everybody’s mind.

Cyrus, being brought up to be proper and gentlemanly, didn’t expose the fact that he had met Christie’s cherry already popped or that the sex they had wasn’t exactly consummated. He accepted responsibility and plans were put in place for both of them to share their future with each other.

First, Christie was to have the baby and after that, continue her higher education while her mother nursed the child. Everything went as planned and in Christie’s second year in the university, she married Cyrus in a loud wedding ceremony. Solomon had been there, watching her with quiet eyes, his power on her still potent. He hadn’t touched her since the pregnancy but it didn’t stop him from making advances. They now had a bigger secret between them – the child who was named Cyrus Junior. Through the years Solomon used the boy to get whatever he wanted from Christie, which consisted basically of money.

He had squandered his inheritance after the demise of their parents, bringing everything they toiled for to nothing. This included the family business, real estate and finances. Christie, conversely, made good use of what was bequeathed to her. She bought shares, invested in the stock market and started off Covet Advertising Agency with Raji. Every now and then, Solomon would show up at her door and ask for some ridiculous amount of cash. If she refused, he would threaten to expose their little secret. Christie would give in and part away with hard earned cash.

He always came twice a year. And keeping to his tradition, he had come for his first visit of the year, asking Christie for five million naira, the most he had ever demanded of her.

She stood frozen, staring at him with intent to kill.

β€œWhy are you doing this, Solomon?”

β€œYou have the money to give me or not?” he asked indifferently, eating the last bit of the carrot in his hand.

β€œI don’t have the money. You know that.”

β€œAnd yet your company intends to go public soon. Look, the economy is hard and I’ve fallen on difficult times. I really need this money, Christie. Let’s not get to the part of this argument where I threaten to expose you. It’s tiring the way you always lead me down that track. Just transfer the cash into my account, let’s end the long talk.”

Christie heard her bedroom door close.

β€œDon’t say anything about the money,” she whispered.

Solomon made a gesture of zipping his lips just as Folarin came in.

β€œOh! Big Solo, you’re here.”

β€œMorning, in-law.”

Both men managed through a handshake. They had never really liked each other.

β€œHow is that boring work of yours treating you?” Solomon asked.

β€œWe thank God. Things are looking up.”

β€œI do hope so. You’ve been there for too long with nothing to show for it.”

β€œMm.”

Christie sent a silent apology Folarin’s way.

β€œAre you planning on staying?” Folarin asked Solomon.

β€œNo. Just passing by. I’ve missed my darling, little sister.”

Solomon tugged Christie to his side and kissed her cheek.

β€œWell, you’re welcome.” Folarin faced Christie. β€œSweetie, aren’t you late for church?”

β€œYeah. I’ll have my bath soon.”

β€œOkay.”

Folarin returned to the room.

β€œI see he’s still living off of you,” Solomon commented. β€œWhen will he start wearing the pants around here?”

β€œHe’s more of a man than you’ll ever be, Solo.”

β€œPlease!”

Solomon took another carrot but Christie slapped it off his hand. β€œIt’s time for you to leave. I’ll send the money tomorrow.”

β€œYou’re sure?”

β€œYes. And next time, don’t come here without calling first.”

β€œI’ll try. A hug for the road?”

β€œI’d rather hug the devil.”

Solomon laughed, snatched back the carrot and left the house through the backdoor. The moment he stepped out, the dogs began to bark. Christie wished she had told the gateman to let them out of their kennel.

She hurried to the bathroom, locked herself in and wept under the shower.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Dear high mistress,

I’m afraid I’ve turned into a brute. I hit my wife on Good Friday over something very trivial and now she’s in the hospital. I’m too much of a coward to go see her. I’m scared of what I’ll see. I can’t even look at myself in the mirror. I feel like shit, haven’t eaten since that day. I know you don’t like to help men but please, I need to be told I’m an asshole. I need to be scolded. I have a terrible temper and I generally do not trust women due to issues in my past. But my wife does not deserve this. Please, tell me what I can do to make it up to her. She’s a beautiful person but I’ve brought out the worst in her, having emotionally abused her for years. I’m afraid I’ll lose her.

Please, HM, help me be a better man.

T.OΒ 

β€œAwww.” Toni made a sad face as she came to the end of the email. It was her last for the day, having replied all others. She had been too busy through the Easter break and the ensuing week to answer her fans.

She went through the last lines of the email again. β€œI would usually be mad after reading this but there’s something genuine about this email that makes me want to reach out to the baby in this man.”

β€œBaby?” Andre asked with a grunt. β€œThat’s a brute. You abuse your wife for years and then you hit her and you’re looking for some form of understanding? I hate men like that.”

Toni watched Andre’s taut muscles flex as he worked parts of his generator she couldn’t name. The machine had died on them while they were working out details of ad ideas for his company. It took only a matter of minutes for the cool air in his sitting room to disappear. A few more minutes and their bodies glistened in perspiration.

β€œHave you ever tried sweaty sex before?” Andre had asked.

β€œNo.”

β€œIt’s not fun on the sheets, though. It’s better on the wall and best when you finish up in the shower. Want to try?”

β€œI don’t see why not.”

the fourth fingerAndre dragged her off the couch and had her on the nearest wall with his lips between hers. The slippery feel of his body on hers instantly drove her wild. After a long, intoxicating kiss, his mouth went for her nipple. He pinched the hard tip with his teeth and whisked it with his tongue, sending fire to her nerves.

β€œMmmm…” she murmured.

β€œWhy are you moaning?”

It took more than a second for Toni to realize she was reminiscing out loud. She was not backed up on the wall of his sitting room with his lips on her nipple; she was outside, observing him fix his generator while the sun burned over them. It revived annoyance over how she felt after he stirred her lust and left her wanting him.

And even now, the sight of him dripping in sweat was too much to handle.

β€œSo what’s your advice for the wife-beater?” she asked him to divert her mind from wantonness.

β€œHe should go and apologize to her, first. Secondly, he should stay away from her until he deals with the issues of his past because there’s no guarantee that he won’t hit her again. Given his anger, she could tick him off easily and he’ll be back to the place where he would be pushed to hit her. Either that or you could invite him over so I can set his brain right with a few upper cuts. You have his email address, right? We can trace him. I detest abusive men.”

β€œHe used a fake email address and even if he did use a real one, it is none of my business.”

β€œSo, supposing one of your readers says he killed his wife, you would ignore him?”

β€œFor all I know, he could be lying.”

“Not really. You don’t care.”

Toni detected irritationΒ in his tone. “Andre, if you must know…I care. I…have a heart. And I did care about Anouk.”

“I am not talking about her…”

“Please, let me finish. I cared about your wife. I worried about her that she’d do something silly. That was why my later emails to her warned her to be careful…”

“Careful?” He snorted. “After the damage was already done.”

“Andre, I’m sorry. I didn’t know what was really going on. I acted based on what she told me.”

“Then maybe you should stop advising people.”

Toni didn’t take kindly to men speaking to her in that manner but as regards Anouk, she knew she was at fault and owed Andre a huge one.

“I’m really sorry, Andre. I wish IΒ could take back everything.”

He looked up at her with a smile. “Actually,Β I’m proud of you,” he said.

β€œWhy?”

β€œYou’ve mellowed down on your blog, and you seem to give wholesome advice these days. I wonder what is responsible.”

“I’m losing my followers, though.”

“You’ll be fine.”

Toni typed out a lengthy reply to her fan, adding most of what Andre advised.

β€œI’m done.” He straightened up and wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. β€œI think you should go in and shower while I turn this on.”

β€œI thought we’d shower together,” she replied suggestively.

β€œI have to buy fuel down the street. Go and shower and wait for me.”

Toni smiled her way into the house, head filled with thoughts on what he would do to her. She basked in the feel of the cold water on her skin as she imagined his hands on her body. He had tormented her twice already; she couldn’t take any more of the teasing. She had never yearned for a man in such a manner before.

She stepped out of the shower and heard him in the sitting room. The power was back on and he was playing Les Nubians. Toni made her way to him with nothing on and was surprised to find him all clean and dressed up.

She stopped by the door. β€œWhen did you have your bath?”

β€œJust now. I used the other bathroom.”

β€œWhy didn’t you join me?”

β€œI figured you were already done.”

Unease crept into Toni. β€œAndre, why do I feel like you’re avoiding sex with me?”

β€œWhy would you think that?”

β€œYou showered alone, you teased me twice and left me hanging and now you’re looking at me as if I’m some man standing before you. Dude, I’m naked. Doesn’t this move you?”

β€œToni…” Andre sighed. β€œI don’t want to be your booty call whenever you feel like. I don’t share my woman.”

Toni crossed her arms. β€œI am not your woman.”

β€œOkay. Paraphrased: I don’t share ma chatte. If you have to have me, you have to be mine. The fact that Mark or some other nameless guy out there is intimate with you gives me the creeps. I just can’t. So until I have you all to myself, we’ll stay platonic.”

β€œIs this because of how I ended things with us at my place?”

β€œNo. Like I said, I can’t sleep with a woman who sleeps with other men. I’m sorry.”

Toni suddenly felt like a whore. She retreated back into his bedroom and wore her clothes. When she came out, she announced that she was leaving.

β€œYou’re upset.”

β€œI’m embarrassed. I took off my clothes for you and you ignored me. That has never happened to me before.”

Andre was in front of her in an instant. He took her hand and placed it on his penis. She felt his hardness.

β€œThat’s what you do to me. I can’t get it down.” Andre laughed but Toni didn’t think anything was funny.

β€œI desperately want you, Antonia. You have no idea…”

Toni pulled her hand away. β€œBye, Andre.”

β€œTone…”

She opened the door and sped out. Angry tears were threatening to fill her eyes and she didn’t want Andre to see that he had the power to make her cry. She entered her car and let out steam through deep sighs. When she didn’t feel any better, she lit a cigarette and found brief respite with her first couple of drags. As she blew out inhaled smoke, the bullying tears came down.

She was mad at him. No man treated her this way. Not ever. She was so done with him.

She picked her phone and dialed Mark who had already called more than six times.

β€œCuddle bear, I’m sorry I missed your calls.”

β€œMeet me at Intercontinental in the next hour. Book an expensive room; I won’t have less. Order food, wine and strip naked.”

β€œDid you miss me that much?”

β€œNo, I just want to screw your brains out.”

She clicked off and from the corner of her eyes she saw Andre standing outside his gate, watching her. She started the car and drove away. The tears wouldn’t stop.

Β©Sally@moskedapages

Translation:

Ma bi nu – I am sorry

Mo binu – I am angry, upset

To continue reading click HERE

Sally

Author. Screenwriter. Blogger

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34 Comments

  1. Akan says:

    Folarin is really something else. Unexpected episodes are the best. Thank you for this

  2. Dotun says:

    Poor Christie… abeg find a way to kill Solomon off joor. no mercy for a blackmailer.
    Lade needs to be extra strong if she wants to stay with tayo o
    Toni should make up her mind joor, finally found a make with huge self control and she is messing up.

  3. Mariam says:

    Toni!!!!!!!! You better not sleep with that creep Mark. My heart goes out to Christie, I wish she told Folarin the truth about her childhood and also about Raji.

  4. First timer says:

    Oh shoot!
    Cyrus junior is a child borne from Incest?
    Poor Christie. That’s why she likes men who are in authority of some sort
    Sally, I was vexing that you didn’t use #Anton in your last episode but this… More than made up for it. Chai, Christie’s story touched me. Sad???
    Toni, Andre get got you bad. Mark will hear it in that hotel room

  5. Faithzy says:

    Noooooo toni dont take that dark path again….. -? i feel so sad for christie such horrible intro to sex ….. Thumbs up sally cant wait for the next episode

  6. Sallyyyyyyyyy, when last did I tell u I love u???? Jeezzz u r d rocket, jet join sef, Spaciba Muchos!!!!
    Folarin My guy *grins*

  7. wumi says:

    Madam the Sally! Thank you for this. Getting to know Folarin. Christie has got a lot of ghost in her cupboard. This life is so twisted, don’t wish to be another person cause you don’t know what baggage they are carrying. Toni should stop being babyish jare. If she wants to stay with Andre, let her and if not Sally please separate them.

  8. Adeola gem says:

    Awww! So short of words. This episode thought me dat…we are all human after all. And books should not be judged by their cover. What a pity chris. Folarin is trying everything possible to forgive chris. I wish she comes to her senses soonest. I don’t care if Raji loose out, goodluck with comfort. Salma deserves better. Thanks Ms Sally.

  9. Toni pls don’t make me dislike u o…Exactly what do u want??? U r too indecisive jare, mchewwwwwww
    Feel bad for christie’s early years. I guess tayo sent in that Email to High Mistress for advice. Lade is such a gentle soul!!!!
    Folarin the bad sharp Nigga (in a gud way) *grins*

  10. Neymar says:

    Please don’t separate Toni and Andrre oo! This is ma best gift for a wed. Love u Sally.

  11. Nykky says:

    Hmmmmnmmm Sally thanks for the surprise episode. Toni you’ve got to make up your mind. Andre ! I like men that are in control of their extra leg and are principled about sex Christie sorry about your background but you need to come clean with your spouse otherwise it’s from one mistake to the other and so people can hardly right their wrong instead they will be committing the more even send assassin to kill d blackmailer. Only one way out TRUTH good luck

  12. Tolu says:

    Madam Sally,if only you would agree to writing some of my textbooks, am sure reading would have been whole lot of fun
    Nice work of creativity☺ owo meji loke fun mama ?

  13. ola says:

    Thing are rili heating up

  14. Dayo says:

    Toni better give yourself sense o, dont lose Andre .. Christie is going thru alot , i feel for her, that her brother is such an animal..thanks for the update Sally…xxx

  15. Tosin says:

    Whao, so Christie is nursing such a big secret. I hope she comes clean to her husband because I am suspecting Folarin is coming for her in a big way. I hope Tayo takes High mistress’ advice sha ( and they are even siblings). This life……so many mysteries and baggage . Thanks a lot Sally for this surprise episode.

  16. gbemmy says:

    Awesome! Thanks for this unexpected β€œjara”

  17. Toyenlon says:

    Hmmm, i think Folarin is planning for Christie and Raji in that anniversary dinner, only if Christie can come clean but it’s easier said than done sha. Thanks Sally

  18. modupe says:

    I had to stop reading after Chistie and Solo part….gosshhhhh, what kind of crazy family secret is this ehn….kilode…its like the craziest thing i have heard of…But the cyrus guy na man oooo…Sally, this is damn deep. lemme go and continue

  19. Anthony says:

    At some point i thought Tomi had finally given those tutorials.. Sigh??
    Its difficult to understand people that remain in abusive relationships, very difficult. Especially when they return to it after physical abuse??.The draw is uncanny. Lade doesn’t pity herself sha, she’s thinking with her heart and not her head. I’m just here waiting for her to meet Antonia?.
    And Antonia sef, she wants to eat her cake? and have it too. In this world?? Odiegwu.
    Andre be dishing out alpha male goals every episode???
    Ok there’s abuse and there’s ABUSE! Chi’m! Incest??? Thats like the worst kind. For me her parents take the whole blame. Locking a kid up in the house, no TV?, no radio?, no communication? with her peers except Sunday service; who knows what they filled her head with there, no nothing. How would she have known what a normal sibling? relationship is supposed to be like? One can argue that it was their own way of protecting her from the harsh truths of this sublunary existence, but see where it landed their kids – one a complete ass hole?, and the other, sigh, she’s just a victim?. Sadly this is the reality of a lot of kids today, being holed up at home; disasters waiting to happen. Lemme stop my rant biko, sun is too much?.
    Good luck with your program on Saturday Ma’am?

  20. Olamide says:

    Awww Sally. Thanks so much. This means a lot. Toni needs to let love win… I hope Lade knows what she is doing. Folarin is a dangerous guy.

  21. Seye says:

    Self control earns one respect. Men like Andre got my respect, always. They may not be popular with other guys, but they’re just great guys. Andre will steadily win Toni over. Forget the booty call that Mark is, she’ll always value, respect and want to be around Andre because she’ll want to demystify him.
    Tayo’s tryna right his wrongs but won’t he lose it if Lade summons the courage to tell him her new acting path? I see Lade settling down to work already.
    So sad Christie went through that abuse early in life. Everyone has a story and her’s shouldn’t be the basis for her dishonesty. Won’t be bad if she can retrace her steps and sort her issues. Folarin, I dunno whaat to say. He wants to deal with Christie but still makes sweet love to her like nothing is wrong. He obviously loves her because all this prodding for her to confess or say something…
    Thanks for this Sally, I look forward to Saturday

  22. omotola says:

    Thanks a bunch sally…this bonus episode was intriguing, I enjoyed every bit of it. Now I really can’t blame Christie, I hope folarin forgives her eventually nd help her get out of her messy past cuz it’s got a very strong grip on her. As for Toni,’ no words for her yet ‘.very stubborn somebody. I luv u sally, u write so effortlessly that ur readers keep thirsting for more. God bless u ma’am…xoxo

  23. anita says:

    Sallyyyyy. Tnks u ve given me a little insight to Fola nd Christie now i get d feelin. Toni nids to b taught love nd committment ns Andre ll sure do dat

  24. Adeleke Julianah says:

    I just hope Christie will do the right thing.
    I’m so sad she is in this place.
    Well done lady Sally. Thanks for the bonus.

  25. modupe says:

    Sally, so i had to go back in time, i went to episode 4, just to read about Cyrus Snr and the child with Christie,..ok, that done, sis sally, its time to talk about Dapo too, is he as messed up as his bro Tayo when it comes to women cuz i know he too is messed up with the way he spoke of their mother.
    So sally, let the righteous man, cyrus talk too…he knows he isnt the father of Junior, so why isnt he comfronting christie about that, he is just forming baba junior… that said
    Need i remind you i respect you a lot, my office pipus will see me reading and they will go “you and this website sef, u no dey tire” i just give them the “yimu face”, they still dont wanna read after all my preaching, mbok, leave me and my sally of moskedapages ooooo

  26. Amina says:

    It’s sad that majority of parents make the mistake Christe’s parents made. A couple of days ago I said something about not sending any child of mine to a private university that will be unnecessarily restricted because they miss out on the exposure needed for that age and maximise little opportunities which is usually more dangerous one. It’s a child’s right to be exposed to the good, the bad and the ugly..its the obligation of the parents to advice accordingly and teach them how to make good decisions. My problem is not the adults involved but how their decisions has and will still affect Cyprus Jr. Thank you for always Sal.

  27. This is one episode that got me feeling melancholic and another nameless emotion.
    But I picked up a lesson from it: there once was a story, before the one everyone now sees.
    There is just no way the past fades away; its experiences may, but never it’s lessons.
    Just as something from Christie’s past killed her on the inside, Andre’s thoughts of a woman he lost,
    something in Toni’s philophobia, probably from a past experience other than the one with Mark.

    Keep writing Sally πŸ™‚

  28. DoubleDee says:

    Phew..Christie has been through so much in her life. I just wish she would come clean with Folarin… Sadly she’s used to hiding things all her life, she can’t be any better i guess. Please can u make Folarin forgive her after everything? So sad… And please kill that Solomon sharp sharp. No wonder Cj is a pain in the arse, it’s cause he’s a product of incest.

  29. I feel really bad for Christie. I was on the Christie is such a cheating bitch bandwagon, and now, I don’t know. She’s cheating, but after this revelation, I feel really, really sorry for her. If Folarin finds out, he’ll kill Solomon.

    Andre, Andre. You be my guy, man. Don’t let pussy conquer you. You conquer pussy. That’s the way God made it.

    And Toni, I still have high hopes for you. But if you sleep with Mark, i’m done making excuses for you. My homeboy Andre deserves better. How can you possibly expect him to share you with multiple men? What the fuck is wrong with you?

    Honestly, I feel like Andre should take a step back from Toni and just see other people. So because the guy she loved married someone else, now she wants to prove that her pussy is golden and is meant to be used to punish all men? Bitch, please.

  30. Ope Olubode says:

    Thanks Sally for the jara. I think the best idea is for Christie to come clean with Folarin, honestly. I don’t think any literate responsible man, would blame a woman for being sexually abused.

    Toni should not sleep with Mark ohh, she better turn back to that house

  31. 1k97 says:

    Bless U sally and yh Shut down dE critics… They are not spiritual rather religious punks who believe they know it all… Middle finger to solo…. christie hmm mhmm …

  32. imotolab2014 says:

    I’m beginning to feel for Christie. her love for folarin is so strong, gosh I pray Folarin doesn’t do something terrible.

  33. My heart goes out to Christie and other people with such huge past, its not easy o… I hope she find the courage to disclose everthing to Folarin soon, he looks like he can handle them. Weldone my sugar mummy, hope you know I love you… Yeah I do

  34. AOS says:

    Hmmmmmm I feel for Christie oh, the earlier she opens up about her bro n cheating, the better for her. Toni needs serious cane. I just hope Lade won’t be hurt again.
    Sally The Great….xoxo.

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