Velvet III

-“Sorry, I can’t get a signal on my cell phone.

Please calm down; it will only be a little while before the doors are opened. My name is George by the way, what is yours?” He says in an attempt to distract her from her rising panic.

In response Beatriz then sliders to the floor with her back against the wall. Folding into a fetus position she bursts out crying inconsolably.

George gathers Beatriz’ discarded blouse and coat, and squatting close to her improvises a pillow and coverlet for her.

This close proximity creates a sense of instant intimacy. His kindness, emanating strength, and scent, send her senses reeling. Without analyzing her actions, inhibitions or repercussions Beatriz pulls on George’s tie, and kisses him.

Losing his balance to topple over Beatriz, George responds to the kiss, if only to placate her fear.

The initially sweet, panic-laced kiss morphed into a passion fest. This passion is fueled by her acute need for comfort, and also because as she keeps her eyes closed, she imagines in the dark of her mind that the lips and hands roaming freely inside of her bra belong to another.

These warm and inquisitive hands emit a similar electrical current, creating goose bumps down her arms.
Her body and mind respond in kind, creating urgency for release and obliterating the panic of her enclosed space for the time being as she focuses solely on the sensual tide.

Eventually breaking their kiss, to travel lower to kiss down her neck and yet lower still to bathe her erect nipples with his gyrating tongue, George speaks: -“We should get up off the floor. I don’t want to crush you.”

-“Don’t say anything! I don’t want to move, just please don’t say another word, I have a big headache, and you brake up my concentration.” Beatriz reacted.

Instead of waiting for a reply, Beatriz kisses him once more and losses herself in the sensual fantasy she weaves as she goes along.

Taking hold of George’s right hand, she guides it to rest between her legs.

Releasing his hand, she uses her fingernails to rip her pantyhose at the juncture of her open thighs.

In reciprocal gesture of courtesy, Beatriz rubs him through his trousers, but does not dare to release him, as she focuses selfishly on her own pleasure.

His dexterous fingers find her sticky wet, warm, and velvety, as those quickly bring her over the edge.

Inserting his index finger into his mouth, George tastes her essence. Without saying a word he stands up, and then pulls her up by the arms and slams her against the wall on the corner of the elevator.

They initiate their passionate kissing once more, this time there is a subtle musky flavor savored in the saliva mix. George’s hand squeezes her right breast, as his right hand drapes her left leg to rest on the hand bar of the elevator.

Collecting her discarded coat and blouse off the floor, he drops those in front of Beatriz. He kisses her once more passionately and with uncommon force rips her minute panties at the crotch.

Paying passing homage to her breasts he suckles those as he kneels down to the floor where there is not a shred of modesty nor barrier.

The titillating shock of his pliant tongue on her core sends Beatriz over the edge almost immediately. George’s head covered by the umbrella of her skirt emits guttural, primate sounds as he laps with rabid hunger, as avidly as a canine.

Beatriz’ third climax was on the cusp, when the elevator doors are suddenly opened.

Beatriz bit her hand to avoid emitting any sounds. Although the flush that crept on her face and tremors that shook her frame, was evidence enough to the maintenance crew that she had arrived at her destination.



-“By the way, my name is Beatriz.” She said as she kissed George on the cheek and slipped him her number and walked away.




To be continued…

Velvet II

With an expression of dawning understanding, Beatriz ceases her flow of tears.

-“Oh yeah, I’ve heard about that.

It is common knowledge that Alberto Fujimori consulted a cadre of witch doctors, and that’s how he ruled the country both terms -- under the influence of them.

He frequently traveled to the Amazon jungle for counsel and protection.
But look how sick he is now; they say that there can be terrible consequences for dealing with that stuff.” Beatriz said with note of alarm.

-“There is white and there is black magic. And there are prospective governing armies of spirits for those.

When you deal with magic, you open a door, and something that is given, must be taken elsewhere. Would you dare to play with magic to get him back?” Carmen asked with mild curiosity.

-“I don’t know.

And besides, if I were to get him back, it would really not he him, you know. It would be a mirage, just a shell of the man and a diluted essence of who he is.

His strength and character which is what I am mainly drawn to, would be somehow usurped in the process by a caricature of his self.

I …I really don’t know, but I think that I am under a spell myself that must be broken. He’s in my thoughts constantly and in my blood which pumps in a never-ending cycle and burns for him.

Life has ceased to be a simple joy Carmen.

Sometimes I wish that my exit would be expedited. At least that’s what I requested to Santa Claus.” Beatriz said looking utterly dejected.

-“What the heart feels, is what your lips speak. Look at you; you have the saddest eyes. You need to start healing soon.
While you’re thinking about it, have you considered the healing power of touch?

From ancient times there have been temples worshipping the Goddesses of love, Ishtar and Aphrodite just to name a few.

In those temples, highly skilled priestesses called on the Divine Feminine to transmit with intent the healing energy of sexuality to heal and also to alleviate male aggression.

When one has sexual intercourse -- provided the energy is positive, one does not only connect with bodily parts, but also with that person’s soul.
That is why one must discriminate with whom to engage in such play.

But on the same token, engaging with someone who is generous and wants to help you heal soon, will in fact have a positive effect on you.

Just food for thought.” Carmen offered as an alternative.

-“Thanks Carmen, but where do I find a male version of those healing priestesses'? Post on Craig’s List under casual, yet healing encounters?

By the way, how would I go about putting a spell on this guy if I have nothing of his? Not even a picture. I purposely got rid of every reminder of him – literally.” Beatriz said with a frown.

-“Hmm... that is a tough one. You would have to ingeniate how to acquire something of his, even if it's just one strand of hair.
Do you think that you can do that?” Carmen asks.

-“If I really wanted to, I think that I could create an encounter.
But I’m not ready to; I don’t know how I would react in his presence. Yet, would pulling a hair strand from his scalp, not seem a bit odd?

Or perhaps I can contrive to be in such a situation that I perform oral sex on him, and in the moment of climax, pluck out a pubic hair!” Beatriz says with mock resolution followed by synchronized laughter.





Beatriz ran as fast as her high heeled shoes would permit her.
This made her look comical as her movements were economical, yet loud as she sprinted while tapping the marble flooring with a Morse code.

-“HOLD THE ELEVATOR!” Beatriz requested as she barely made it in. –“Thank you very much, I am running late.” She offered a smile of gratitude to the man sharing the elevator ride.

-“You’re most welcome, which floor would you like?” The man wearing a smart business suit cordially asks.

He seems very nice, and kind, and look at his hands! And he smells oh, so very, very nice.

Indicating the floor number, Beatriz maneuvers to stand just behind him and inhales discreetly a big whiff of his cologne which she absolutely adores instantly. His scent makes her weak on the knees.

If only I dared to ask for his number. But how? Using which excuse? Think damn it! There’s so little time left!

-“Do you work in this old building? I love old art deco buildings.”

-“No, I am just visiting a client. This is a lovely old building though. They don’t make them like this anymore.” The man in the smart suit politely answers.

You certified moron. Think fast!

Her idyllic appreciation of her elevator companion is suddenly paused by a jolt of the creaking old elevator which has stopped.

-“Don’t worry miss; I’m sure this will be taken care of promptly.” The man in the smart business suit offers as he plays with the emergency buttons.

Almost instantaneously the dreaded feeling of claustrophobia insidiously creeps upon Beatriz.
She starts to feel an abnormally accelerated heart beat, and chills run down her spine, even though she is starting to perspire simultaneously.

With every second ticking at a crawling pace, Beatriz feels herself start to panic and her air passages seem to contract. She paces the minuscule space back and forth like a caged wild animal and then starts taking off her shoes and coat.

-I can’t breath! I have to get out of here! Please call someone!” Beatriz labors to breathe and resorts to taking off her blouse to ventilate.
This exposes the expanse of her velvety breasts.



To be continued….

Velvet

-‘The finest steel has to go through the hottest fire.’ I heard someone once say.

It simply means that pain is a right of passage, to help one grow and mold you, and to help you find out who you really are – and the stuff you’re made of.

It’s okay to be sad for a while, but then you’ve got to snap out of it girl!” Carmen counseled energetically.

Beatriz wipes her eyes and blows her nose, closing the flow of tap water running down her cheekbones and irrigating her blouse.

-“Perhaps you’re right Carmen, but I still feel like shit. This is not me; I am not weak. Except where I am most vulnerable I guess.

I do feel myself transforming though. I feel as if I’m hardening and like….I feel like almost using men now. Does that make sense?” Beatriz inquires her eyes puffy as olives.

-“Ultimately, we all need each other – that’s the nature of things.

Of course there are women who will use men to make their life easier – some men being very easy to manipulate. Yet, you must find out which type of woman you really are.

Will you be okay with yourself afterwards? Or will repressing your loving nature lead to emptiness and self-loathing? Speaking of repression, have you sought a replacement?” Carmen suggested.

Galvanized into action by excessive energy, Beatriz jumps off the chair and starts pacing the room.

-“You have no idea Carmen. It is so difficult! It’s all in the voice and personality you see. I…I have not found someone with the same tone of voice, and personality, that I now know, that I will respond to.
It's like my psych is hardwired for that. Sadly, to the detriment of my will, pride, and all sense of propiety.

The one that makes me melt like butter on a sizzling summer day, and slow drip like a melting ice cream cone.

-“Girl, I think that it’s time that you get some sort of battery operated toy.” Carmen joked.

Raucous laughter is emitted.-“How can you tell that I’m practically going insane?

I really am!

Like I have this notion to buy shinny red pumps and wear those with a willowy skirt that flirts with the wind, and reaches just above my knees. Underneath I would wear nothing else, except that I’d be velvety smooth.”

-“Now, that is crazy! I don’t see why some women like to mess with nature and shave and wax. That is there for a reason. And besides, it’s too frigging cold right now!” Carmen protested.

-“Oh no, I like it. I like to touch it when it’s velvety smooth, and I even slather green apple scented lotion on it too.

But what is truly disturbing to his notion that I have is… that I’d like to let a large dog sniff and nuzzle my crotch. And even let it use its wet pink tongue – underneath my willowy skirt.

Dogs are mans’ best friend after all, and it’s a fact they’re more faithful then men."


-“Oh no girl! Before animal protection services process you, you’d better go buy one of them plastic, battery operated members. Those offer guaranteed satisfaction without messing with no dogs! Carmen said truly appalled.

Laughing heartedly again, Beatriz says, “I was just messing with you that I’d actually do it you know. Although not that I’m really fantasizing about it.

Anyways, thanks but no toys for me. I dislike big things stuffed inside – those hurt more than promote pleasure. Besides, no battery operated toy would ever replace the scent, taste and feel of a real man. Or replace his magical hands and tongue.

You know, I think that I will look for the right candidate for there is a saying that one nail pushes out another nail.

I need to push out the nail cleaving my heart.” The leaking faucet runs again.

-“Girl you stop that crying right now. Do you know in Haiti where I’m from there are witch doctors to cure all? You can bring him back you know. Make him unable to stop thinking about you, even subconsciously in his sleep.

It works too, why my aunt was beaten almost daily by my uncle when they were newly married. He was a mean son of a bitch with her. Suddenly one day, he was as docile as a lamb, and catered to her every whim. Of course now he suffers chronically from stomach problems.

I know some powerful people near Mc Arthur Park if you’re interested.” Carmen said with a wink of an eye.



To be continued…

Modern Scrooge VIII

-“There’s not much time to waste. You’re either in or out. I must leave soon and go about my regular routine for this to work out.” Mike said invigorated now that he had a plan.

-“Where is this pot of gold Michael, and how can we get to it?” Boris inquired.

-“What time is it now?”

-“It’s 8:10 AM. Get to the point.” Boris insisted.

-“I must hurry! I usually pick up my kids from where they live at 9:30 AM sharp. I need to go home and shower and be presentable and to pick them up as usual.”

-“What’s the urgency?” Boris inquired suspiciously.

-“Just so that nothing seems amiss. I will pick up my kids, and say hello to my ex-wife as usual. I know for a fact that she and her current boyfriend are leaving for a big party in San Diego and will stay the night in a fancy hotel for the weekend.
The housekeeper has been given time off since last Wednesday for the holidays.

Today I will take my kids to the matinee movies at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. While my eldest is engrossed in the film, I will then steal the house keys which she carries in her purse, as she is dropped off the school bus just a block away from that house.

I will then slip out to make a copy, and then meet one of you there to give you those, along with a detailed map, and a list of what you need to gather so that you don’t take any junk.”

-“Then what -– what’s so valuable in that house?” Boris inquired with barely contained avarice.

-“I will be honest and tell you that perhaps you won’t find a lot of cash, unless one of you is an expert at breaking into safe deposit boxes.

I will map the location of her boyfriend’s study. The safe deposit would be either behind one of his valuable paintings, or in the bookshelves. Although, you can get a lot of loot without attempting to brake into it.

However, just the jewelry alone that my ex-wife owns is worth over $100,000.

They're both avid art collectors. Nothing in that house is worth less then $15,000, and as high as – well, let’s just say that he owns a Renoir that may not seem like much of a little oil painting, but it’s worth a staggering amount that would fuck your mind – and that’s an understatement.

He also fancies guns. He has an extensive display worth – I’m guessing – about $70,000.
The jewelery, gun collection, and some of the less notorious art can be coverted easily into cash to amount 250 grand.
With the Renoir we must be extremely meticulous as to whom we contact as a potential buyer, but therein lies the real pot of gold!

They are leaving early to San Diego, about 10:00 AM.

You can go this afternoon if you can get a hold of a utility van advertising carpet cleaning or plumbing services or the like.
Be sure to borrow a set of plates from any vehicle on the street.
Or you can go in the night, but then, you would have to turn on the light, and frankly there are too many glass windows in this two-story house.

Let’s hurry so that I can clean up, and give you the $20,000 cash!” Mike finished up his presentation.

-“Hmm…so there’s really not that much cash involved. What do you guys think?” Boris asked with a pensive look.

-“Don’t be lazy! Once we broker the Renoir everyone will get a very handsome cut -- including me! Take worthwhile risks in life Boris if you want to reach the summit. You could retire from a life of crime; you want to see your little girl grow up no?” Mike persuaded.

-“YOU want a cut? You are in no position to negotiate my friend. Why do you think that you are entitled to a cut?”

-“Trust me there will be more than enough for everyone to be happy.
You said so yourself Boris, that when necessity demands, ‘anarchy flourishes like rosebuds bloom in spring.’

I got to where I am by being a ruthless son of a bitch, and right now I am holding on to the edge of a precipice just by my fingernails.

What do you say, do we have a deal?” Mike asks as he extends his hand to Boris.

-“Okay, we have a deal.” Boris seals the pact.

-“Raul, do we have a deal and forget the past?” Mike asks as he extends his hand in a gesture symbolizing healing.



.

Modern Scrooge VII

-“You don’t want to do this Raul.

You would go to prison for many, many years. You would deprive two precious little girls of their loving father.

I may not be your favorite person, but I swear to you, it was due to bad lower management decision what happened to Telsa.
Had they been aware that she was pregnant at the time, surely she would have been immediately accommodated.
It is fairly common for women in the first trimester to miscarry you know.

Please…don’t even think of doing it. Do it for Telsa, do you plan to leave her alone for many years while you are sent to prison?” Mike tried to reason.

-“There comes a breaking point Mike where nothing matters anymore. I’ve been laid off from my job, and due to circumstances that’s how I approached these guys with the idea.

I can’t tell you exactly why.

It’s a mixture of rage, fear, impotence, and I guess deep depression that when mixed creates a cocktail conductive to insanity.
Frankly I don’t give a shit Mike. I need the money, and I want revenge – I am that angry all the time.” Raul acknowledged.

-“Listen to me Raul. If it’s money you need, I can give you more than these guys are willing to share with you.
How much do you expect to get? Ten grand?
Take me home right now; I have in my safe deposit twenty grand.

You can have it all!

I swear to you on what is most sacred to me – my kids – That I will not report you to the authorities.
You know where to find me anyway, why would I do that for money that my insurance company will replace?
Let’s get out of here now before the others come back!” Mike pleaded with heartfelt sincerity.

-“Look I don’t trust you, or that I can shake off my back these monkeys. I can’t take that chance. It really comes down to me or you.” Raul said with finality.

Just then they hear the automatic doors open and Boris’ car drive in.

-“Good morning gentlemen, I trust that you slept well Michael. Have you meditated on how best to resolve your problem?” Boris said fresh as daisy, as Mike is returned to the wooden chair.

Taking a few minutes to answer, Mike circles his neck to relax the tension created by sleeping while leaning on one arm.

-“I am willing to go to the bank with you this morning and withdraw fifty thousand, but I would suggest that you take me home first to shower, shave, change clothes, and to get something decent to eat.” Mike said cautiously.

-“Hmm…I see, but it would not be done today, since first we need to acquire further collateral.” Turning around he inquired, “Dmitri, do we have the physical address belonging to that number?”

-“Yeah, I got it.” Dmitri answered.

-“Well, I was getting to that.” Mike answered. – “You see, that would be a traumatic and a messy deal for all. I would rather avoid it altogether and offer you the pot of gold.

After all what is fifty thousand nowadays? It’s chimp change. Yet, frankly to me it is vital to keep my business afloat. In fact, if you can hook me up with a lender, I would mightily appreciate it."

-“We have a long day ahead, get to the point of this pot of gold.” Boris asked intrigued.

-“Why settle for $50,000, when you can take with you about a quarter of a million dollars up for grabs? On top of $20,000 cash I have in the safe deposit in my home.
Instead you’d split amongst you $270,000! You could take a vacation from crime for a several weeks!” Mike sold his package deal.

-“Why would you be willing to do that Michael?” Boris asked suspiciously.

-“Because I’d be okay with parting with those $20,000 which my insurance would reimburse anyway, as well as to avoid getting anyone else involved as collateral.

And also because I’d be your accomplice Boris. I could not turn you guys in to the police because I’d be an accomplice too – do you see?” Mike said as he turned to look at Raul.



To be continued….

Modern Scrooge VI

As a form of entertainment to pass the time, Mike posed to project his urine into the toilet bowl. This required the flexibility of a contortionist, as Mike twisted, squatted and aimed to reach the designated target.

With only his left hand available, he composed his vestment, and reached up to the sink to wash his hand. Thank goodness he had been able to wash himself here after that horrible ordeal which he refused to rewind. Some things just had better be blocked, for no human being should have to endure.

Mike had never felt so humiliated, humbled, or scared shitless.
He had also felt vulnerable as he realized that not his money or possessions could alter the fact that he too would one day die.

He was not the invincible rockstar that he perceived himself to be which gave him license to step on the little people. Mike believed that one had to be a ruthless son of a bitch to achieve and maintain success.

It was me or them he rationalized.

Now shaken to the core, something had shifted inside.
He now realized how he had callously treated most people, uncaring about their feelings or plight, and of the repercussions of such acts.

Reaching to the adjacent paper towel dispenser, Mike collected all the towels and formed an improvised pillow to rest his weary head on, as he sat embraced by the tile wall.

Mike prided himself in being a resourceful guy. After all, he had built with his own hands, and his cunning and frugality what he had. Yet, perhaps that was his undoing as well he reflected.


It would be New Years Eve soon he realized.

The one day when one perceives time inexorably slipping away, like sand sifting through our fingers. Yet, this also represents a new cycle in our life chart.
A blank slate to pencil in too many agendas, demands, and resolutions to be broken on this pristine new calendar.

-“WHAT A FUCKING YEAR 2008 HAS BEEN!” Mike yelled at the top of his lungs, this followed by hysterical laughter, preceded by tears. “GOODBYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE!”

Suddenly the door is unlocked and Raul comes in a rush. –“Shut the fuck up, or I will insert my stinky socks into your mouth if you yell again!”

-“It won’t taste worst than shit, of that I can assure you!” Mike said while shrugging his shoulders.

-“Look at you now big shot, do you still think that the pen is mightier than brawn?” Raul asked.

-“Run that by me again please? Who has a pen here?” Mike said without care.

-“It’s very simple. With the flick of a pen, powerful men control the world. Yet, ultimately who has the upperhand and the power when two unarmed, naked men are thrown into the ring to fight? The soft-assed or the brawny?

WHO ARE YOU – without your money? Can you lure women into bed without it?” Raul taunted.

-“You don’t know this, but I built what I have with my own hands. If I were to lose it all, I would eventually get it back. Using my intelligence, I can create wealth, and lure a woman into my bed -- with or without money.” Mike said as he pointed to his brain.

-“That is if…if you have more days left. Because I can assure you that when you depart this earth, you are going straight to hell. And I won’t mind joining you there as well...You’ve seen me, and know where to reach me.

I can’t take that chance.” Raul said menacingly.

-“I’m very sorry for Telsa’s loss and yours of course. Please believe me that I am very sorry. This episode has shaken me to the core. I am a changed man, and I will strive to do better – I promise. Please don’t hurt me, I have two young daughters and they need me!” Mike implored.

-“It’s me or you man.” Raul returned the ball to Mike's court.



To be continued…

Modern Scrooge V

-“Don’t hit him on the face too hard! He needs to look decent when he goes to the bank to make the withdrawal.
Michael what have you decided? You know that it’s up to you how early you leave all this behind you.” Boris inquired.

-“Look, I told you that I’m not rich. Even what I do have left apart from the losses in the markets, those assets are frozen in real estate, and invested in my company.

It takes a lot of money to keep it running every month and the orders have fallen drastically, and new credit lines are hard to come by – it’s almost in the red.

I don’t have that kind of money to spare; it would mean that I would not make payroll or overhead for a month. There are lots of families who depend on me for support.
Please ask for a reasonable amount like five thousand.” Mike said attempting to negotiate.

-“Now you care about the welfare of your employees Mike? You do remember me now don’t you?

You’re such a slave driver, that Telsa is not the only one who miscarried while working there. You cut your workforce to the bone, and no one could relieve her of her post and she was prohibited from leaving.

Telsa found out later that other women have miscarried too in the past due to how you abuse your employees, yet she refused to sue you as she wanted to keep her job.

Then even after all the years that Telsa worked for you and even after her loss – OUR LOSS, you still fired her. Now you will pay you putrid son of a bitch!” Raul said with vehemence as he kicked Mike again in the groin.


Boris looks at his watch. It is 8:24 PM.

Standing in front of Mike, Boris retrieves Mike’s cell phone from his coat pocket and scans the contacts list. Seeing too many numbers listed, he proceeds to the speed dial contacts and dials from another phone the first number on that list.

-“Hello?” The juvenile voice of a female answers the phone, this within earshot of Mike.

-“Hi, is Michael there please? I am a friend of his.” Boris says most cordially.

-“Hmm no, my dad is not here. I will see him tomorrow though. Do you want to leave your number and I will give him your message?” The melodious voice asks.

-“Oh, I’m sorry I missed him. Tell you what, why don’t we surprise him! Can you please tell me where you will meet him tomorrow and I will join you there and we will surprise him! We are long time dear friends you know.” Boris said persuasively.

With hot tears running down Mike’s reddened face, Mike gathers momentum and topples his chair lading on top of Boris after taking him down.

-“YOU SON OF A BITCH!” Mikes yells as he bites like a rabid dog any part accessible of Boris in an attempt to cut short the conversation.

Boris immediately drops the phone conversation and straightens the crease of his impeccable slacks.

-“Business is business Michael -- and I do mean business. The only problem is that you are getting to be a nuisance, therefore after we add another element to this equation, the donation of fifty thousand, will simply not be enough!
It will then be eighty thousand for the risk and all the effort involved.

Dmitri please call our friend to trace this number to find the address. We will deal with this tomorrow. Now I really have to get home or my girlfriend will kill me.
Shit! I forgot to get diapers!” Boris said as he gathered his keys.

“Goodnight Michael, I hope that you think about your dilemma and how best to fix it. You will sleep on that cold chair all night, and you will jeopardize those you love – for the love of money.
Think about that through the night Michael. Goodnight.” Boris said while parting.

-“Do we just leave him out here all night? I am going into the office to get some heat, it’s too fucking cold.” Dmitri asks.

-“Okay, I am a nice guy. Just handcuff him to the sink pipe of the employee’s bathroom and lock the door from the outside with the external lock.

Oh, by the way, Michael refused our dinner invitation. He must be famished. Why don’t you force feed him your dog’s shit -- and do use the cleaning gloves.

Goodnight everyone.” Boris said as he drove off.



To be continued…