Unlike Gordon, I felt little remorse from our deception. After all, I’d purposely set out to seduce my father-in-law. But even as our relationship steered into deeper, more treacherous waters, shame eluded me.
I figured that prior to our affair, Gordon had considered himself an honorable man, and a good husband and father. But me? I’d never made much effort to convince myself of my own decency. Maybe a flawed character was in my blood. My parents had made it easy for me to carve them out of my life entirely once I turned eighteen.
Soon after Julian and I were engaged, Kelly questioned me about my familial estrangement. Of course, I knew better than to trust her, and she stopped digging for dirt the moment I allowed her to plan every detail of the wedding. Still, she lamented the fact that my father wouldn’t be present to walk me down the aisle.
It was Gordon who fulfilled that role. At his side, I lacked all the jitters of a normal bride. His calm, quiet presence soothed me then, just as it did now. But hindsight made me wonder how difficult it had been for him to give me away to his son.
As I now stripped the guest room bed, I noticed cum stains on the sheets. Earlier that day, Gordon and I had lain together, satisfied and drowsy after such intense lovemaking. As the light faded in the winter sky outside the window, I offered to make dinner. My hope was that he wouldn’t leave for a few hours yet.
But he had plans with Kelly he couldn’t break. That evening, they’d be meeting friends for dinner at a popular restaurant.
Resentment toward my mother-in-law ignited within me, its destructive flame licking at my insides. Yet I smiled and nodded while telling Gordon I hoped he had a nice time.
“I wish I could stay,” he whispered before giving me a sweet, lingering kiss.
Without him, the house seemed oppressively quiet in a way it never did when Julian was gone. Briefly, I thought of my husband. God only knew what he was doing at his friend’s bachelor party. Years ago, I might have been worried about a potential indiscretion on his part. Now, I couldn’t bring myself to care.
Yet I paused on my way to the laundry room. Backtracking to the master bedroom, I retrieved my rings and slid them on my finger. The circles of gold felt like tethers.
For the rest of the weekend, I kept myself busy with chores, and with reading. I took a long walk in the park, then returned home to prepare for upcoming tutoring sessions. The winter break at the local university had ended, so my part-time work had resumed.
I also quickly responded to every message Gordon sent. Late Saturday night, when I was naked in the bed I usually shared with Julian, horniness drove me to snap a photo of my pussy. It was strange, seeing the image on my phone’s screen. Julian had often begged me to send him an X-rated pic, but I always refused. “Too risky,” I would insist.
Now, I studied the details of my cunt. My plump outer labia framed fleshy inner lips. Simply posing for the photo had aroused me, and I’d already played with myself a little beforehand. As a result, my pussy glistened, and my clit peeked out from its hood. It was incredible how such a tiny bud could bring such massive pleasure.
I sent the picture to Gordon before deleting it from my phone.
When ten minutes passed and I didn’t get a reply, I wondered if he’d already gone to bed. It was a quarter till midnight, but he hadn’t yet wished me sweet dreams. Maybe he and Kelly were out with friends again.
Just a little after twelve, I received his message: You have me starving for a late-night snack. My God, I’d give anything for a taste of that pussy.
I giggled while reading his words. Before I could respond, he sent a photo of his own.
I moaned at the sight of Gordon’s hard cock. His left hand lingered at the base, and I was able to see his wedding ring.
Though Julian had sent me dozens of dick pics over the years, none had ever affected me like this. Shaking with need, I tapped out: I need that inside me.
Soon, baby, he promised. Hope you have sweet dreams.
*****
Julian returned home well before dark on Sunday. His early arrival surprised me; I figured he’d stay away as long as possible. When he breezed through the door, I rose from the chair where I’d been reading.
“I wasn’t expecting you so soon,” I said.
He looked a little tired, but his smile was relaxed. Closing the distance between us, he leaned forward to give me a kiss. I kept my lips pursed in a tight line.
“Are you hungry?” I asked. “I can get started on dinner.”
Dropping his bag next to the couch, he said, “We’ll order in. What are you in the mood for?”
“You choose.” Though I was still wary following our fight, I couldn’t help but be relieved that my husband seemed willing to put the nasty episode behind us.
It wasn’t that I’d stopped considering a divorce. But over the weekend, I’d had plenty of time to think, and I was clearheaded enough to understand that a separation would make it all the more difficult for me to see Gordon. Without Julian linking us, my father-in-law and I would have no plausible explanation if we were ever spotted together.
A little later, my husband and I sat at the table. He’d opted for Italian, and between bites of pasta al pomodoro, I asked if he’d enjoyed the bachelor party.
“It was fun,” he replied, his tone casual. “Nothing too wild. Drinks at the strip club…”
“So you didn’t fuck anyone?”
Julian almost spat out his wine. “Are you serious?”
I wasn’t asking out of jealousy. But if he’d stuck his dick in someone else, I needed to know he was safe while doing it. The possibility of contracting an STI from Julian, and then passing it to his father, struck me as both surreal and horrifying.
With a shrug, I said, “You and I weren’t on the best of terms when you left. I’d forgive you if you slipped up.”
I wouldn’t forgive him, yet I knew he’d withhold the truth unless I lied.
Julian just gaped at me in disbelief. “I got a lap dance, Clara. That’s it. I didn’t fucking cheat on you!”
Searching his face, I failed to detect even a hint of deception. He’d remained faithful this weekend.
Unlike me.
Maybe I wasn’t entirely wicked, for I felt a sharp twinge of guilt in my chest. I recovered quickly, flashing a smile as I asked, “Were her tits as nice as mine?”
“Not even close,” Julian immediately responded.
We stood at the same time, and he rushed toward me. Neither of us suggested going to the bedroom. Instead, I let him pull down my jeans and underwear. Wearing nothing but a sweatshirt and socks, I hopped up on the table.
Julian moved between my spread legs. His mouth was hard and hungry on mine while he worked to free his dick from his pants. Despite the fact that we’d been married for years, he could get hard for me in record time.
For once, I didn’t mind his near-brutal thrusts. I welcomed the bite he gave my lower lip. If anyone deserved punishment, it was me.
I took a perverse pleasure in that raw fuck. My orgasm felt cathartic. While slamming into me, Julian’s eyes grew heavy-lidded.
“I’ve missed this,” he groaned. “I’ve missed you.”
I released encouraging whimpers. Knowing how much he loved dirty talk, I begged him to wreck my pussy.
He came with a roar, his semen filling me in forceful spurts.
As I circled my arms around his neck and held him close, I knew we could skip the serious talk he had planned. We wouldn’t rehash our previous argument, and most importantly, we wouldn’t discuss the future.
With a surprisingly gentle kiss, Julian made it clear all was forgiven.
But it was Gordon’s forgiveness I craved. It was him I felt I’d betrayed.
*****
Though I’d smoothed things over with Julian, my anxiety only increased as February approached. At the beginning of the month, Kelly would have a birthday. Unlike most women, she didn’t mind growing a year older. Not as long as Gordon threw a lavish party in her honor and allowed her to be the center of attention for an entire evening.
Of course, my presence was mandatory for the dreadful event. In years past, I’d done my best to be the sweet, bubbly daughter-in-law. I’d fawned over Kelly along with her friends. We all swore she didn’t look a day over forty.
This year? I didn’t know how I’d bear the sight of her.
The night before the party, I lay next to Julian in bed. Looking over at him, I saw his brow was furrowed in concentration while he read something on his phone.
“What are we getting Kelly for her birthday?” I asked.
Julian had told me once, but I’d already forgotten. He always chose the gift, something obscenely expensive, and presented it to his mother from both of us.
Still focused on his phone, he murmured, “That antique vase she’s been wanting, remember?”
I made a noncommittal sound. “And what do you think Gordon will give her?”
“Jewelry. It’s always jewelry.”
I had no idea how Gordon and I would revert to our previous roles. How could I pretend he was nothing more than my father-in-law?
I took comfort in being a good actress. After all, I had Julian fooled. And Kelly would be too distracted at the party to pay me much mind.
The following evening, I spent extra time getting ready. Julian insisted on choosing my outfit. “You don’t want to upstage Mom,” he said while selecting a knee-length navy blue dress with three-quarter sleeves. Taupe heels did nothing to enhance the getup.
Yet I complied without argument. The last thing I wanted was to draw attention to myself. When Julian suggested I wear my hair in a chignon, I readily agreed. Though he usually enjoyed showing me off at parties, he wanted me in the background tonight.
The party would be held at my in-laws’ house. Even now, the place intimidated me. I felt as though I left a dirty smudge on every surface I touched: all that teak and marble, the copper and quartz.
Before Julian and I left that night, I helped myself to a glass of wine. With any luck, it would take the edge off.
Julian retrieved Kelly’s gift and held it out to me. Alarmed, I shook my head.
“I don’t want to be responsible for that thing. What if I drop it?”
He flashed a crooked grin. “Just be really careful. You’ll do fine.”
I cradled the gorgeously wrapped present in both arms. Outside, the night was unseasonably warm, but I still shivered from nervousness.
Julian was in a good mood during the drive. At a red light, he reached for my hand and said, “You look beautiful.”
“Not too beautiful, I hope. I’m playing second fiddle to Kelly.”
“You’ll do fine,” he repeated.
Though we arrived right on time, numerous vehicles already lined the street and long driveway. With a hand on the small of my back, Julian guided me to the front door. He ushered me inside, as if he lived there. Of course, he once had.
My pulse thrummed inside my skull, and also between my thighs, the instant my father-in-law stepped into the foyer to greet us. Like Julian, he was wearing an elegant suit, and I didn’t think I’d ever seen him look so striking.
I had to admit, I was impressed by the way his gaze swiftly swept over me before settling on Julian. Apparently, I wasn’t the only talented actor here. No one would have ever guessed this man had eaten my pussy and fucked me to tears.
“So glad you two could make it!” he said.
Father and son hugged briefly, and Gordon gave Julian a clap on the back. Then he turned to me, and it was all I could do not to duck my head. When he leaned close to kiss my cheek, I inhaled the scent of that cologne I loved.
“It’s wonderful to see you, Clara.” His voice was soft as a caress.
Smiling brightly, I thrust the gift toward him. “This is for Kelly.”
A second ticked by, and then another, as we adapted to the pretense required of us.
“Dad?” Julian said quietly.
Gordon shook himself from his reverie. Avoiding my eyes, he took the present I offered.
“I know she’ll love it,” he said. “Now, come join us. Everyone’s in the great room.”
As Julian and I followed along, I fixed my stare on Gordon’s back. I’d rested my hands on that expanse of skin while he fucked me. I’d willed myself not to scratch when my pleasure grew excruciating.
The party was far more agonizing than I’d anticipated. With Julian, I wished Kelly a happy birthday. She and I hadn’t spoken since Christmas, but she now put on a show for her guests. Any of them would have believed she was Mother-in-Law of the Year.
“Clara!” she exclaimed. “You look absolutely beautiful!” After giving me an air kiss on each cheek, she whispered, “Have you lost weight?”
I recoiled so abruptly that Julian shot me a questioning look. I managed a weak smile before slinking into the background where I belonged.
Throughout the evening, I tried not to ogle Gordon while I politely chatted with other guests. These were Julian’s people, not mine, and my husband was soon drawn across the room, where he immersed himself in boisterous conversation.
Though Gordon was often at Kelly’s side, he occasionally made his rounds as host. By the time he reached me, I’d had a few Cosmos and none of the hors d’oeuvres, so my face was flushed and my muscles were no longer rigid with tension.
“Having a good time?” he asked. One would have thought we’d just met that night.
“Mmm-hmm!” I took an unladylike swig from my glass.
Extending his hand, Gordon brushed the backs of his fingers along my bare forearm. It was a simple touch, but more intimate than he should have dared.
Then again, I was his daughter-in-law. Wasn’t it natural for him to show me a trace of fatherly affection?
“I’m glad you’re here,” he said in a voice audible only to me.
And for the first time that night, my smile was genuine.
Of course, he couldn’t linger, and I was soon on my own again. When a cake plate was finally offered, I took it and devoured the frosting-coated sweetness in just a few bites. I could only hope it would help absorb some of the liquor sloshing around in my otherwise empty stomach.
As the night stretched on, even the alcohol failed to ease my agitation. Julian was now in deep discussion with one of Gordon’s colleagues; as was so often the case, my husband seemed to have forgotten my existence.
Standing near the window, I watched as Kelly slipped an arm around Gordon. It pained me to admit how gorgeous she was. And the two of them had clearly made up, for she regarded him with an adoring expression.
I had to subdue a whimper when he lowered his lips to hers. It felt as if that kiss lasted an eternity, though it must have been just a few seconds.
Once it was over, Gordon looked my way. I wanted to believe his gaze held a silent apology.
I turned from him, unable to witness any more. Doing my best not to attract attention, I slipped through the crowd and out of the room.
I had no idea where I could retreat. Caterers made a constant trek in and out of the kitchen. Their curious glances made me even more anxious. Did I appear devastated? Or worse, heartbroken?
The winding staircase provided the only path to safety. None of the other guests would dare to venture into such a private area, but I could.
Because I was the goddamn daughter-in-law.
I’d almost reached the landing when I heard footsteps behind me. Glancing over my shoulder, I expected to see Julian.
Instead, I discovered Gordon was following close behind.
When I opened my mouth to speak, he gestured me forward. I darted up the last few stairs and then waited for him.
He was quick to usher me down the hall and out of sight. At some point in the evening, he’d taken off his suit coat and tie. I expected us to end up in a guest room, but he stopped at the doorway to the master bedroom. After flipping on the light, he drew me inside with him.
We couldn’t close the door. That would look far too suspicious if Julian or Kelly wandered up here. But for now, we were alone, and sounds from the party below barely reached us.
Gordon took both my hands in his. His expression was solemn as he said, “I’m sorry, Clara.”
My bottom lip started to quiver. Seizing it between my teeth, I gave my skin a punishing bite. All the while, I nodded in a pathetic effort to pretend I was okay.
He did his best to soothe me. Cupping my face, he planted a tender kiss on my mouth.
“I hadn’t expected it to be this difficult,” I finally trusted myself to whisper.
“I know.” He stroked my cheek, his touch comforting. “It’s the same for me. So many times tonight, I’ve started to approach you. It kills me to stay away.” Leaning closer, he brought his lips to my ear. “And I’ve been wanting to tell you just how beautiful you look.”
I giggled in spite of myself. “Julian picked the most unimpressive outfit in my closet. But it’s Kelly’s night, after all.”
His fingers drifted to my modest neckline. “You could show up wearing a burlap sack and still be the most gorgeous woman in the room.”
It was another dangerous comparison. Just as I often considered the ways Julian didn’t measure up to…
