Opal rested her head against the pillow and waited. She didn’t want to make Tony relive something that hurt him.
After awhile he began stroking her stomach. Usually, she’d be upset with him messing with a large part of her. But she liked the feel of his arms around her and wouldn’t dream of making him stop.
“When I was growing up my dad use to hit me,” he said. Opal froze as everything she’d learnt about the man she was married to hit her square in the face. Charles had made a reference to him being like his father. “No one would believe good old Mr. Hunt would even dream of hurting his wife and kid. Whenever he had a bad day at work with no one to take the blame, me and my mum would take the pounding he couldn’t dish out to anyone else.”
She remained silent. Tears blurred her vision as she looked out at her side of the bed. She’d seen his father. He seemed like a kind man, but then her parents didn’t look the type to sell their daughter off to the highest bidder.
“At first it started with a couple of slaps here and there. My toys were lying around, so I got a slap to make sure I sorted my mess out. My mum cooked a bad dinner, so a slap to teach her to the follow the recipe.”
He stopped, and she couldn’t control the flow of tears. In her mind she saw a young boy cowering in a corner, terrified of when a parent came home.
“After a while he chose to use his belt. The leather ones with a metal buckle. When he couldn’t control his aim he moved to his fists and then a few kicks. My mum wouldn’t leave him. She thought his hits were a sign of love. He loved us so much he had to hurt us.”
“But you got out?” she said.
“Don’t cry for me, baby. As soon as I could, I was gone. My mum wouldn’t go. She didn’t see anything wrong in what was happening. I know Wayne and Richard had their faults with their parents, but they thought mine were amazing. I never had the heart to tell them how bad it was at home.”
“They don’t know?”
“No. You won’t tell anyone else this?” he asked.
“Of course not.”
“I’m surprised you’ll still let me hold you,” he said.
Opal turned to try to see him. “Why wouldn’t I want you to hold me?”
“Because of what I’m capable of.”
She sat up and turned the light back on.
“You’re not capable of raising your fist to anyone. I know you wouldn’t dream of hurting me. You’ve done nothing but protect me.” She held his face between her hands. “I trust you, Tony.” She kissed his lips before turning the light out and settling back down. The rest of the night he slept in peace.
Opal wondered why he’d never told any of his friends about the treatment he’d gotten as a child. She closed her eyes as sleep claimed her. The love she felt for Tony meant more to her than his fear about being like his father.
Chapter Ten
The first few days passed with them growing more comfortable together. They took long walks on the beach, shared meals and laughed at old television shows. Opal relished every little touch and kiss he gave her, but she wanted more. The longer he held back, the more she wanted him.
On their third night at the resort, she’d had enough. The honeymoon and sex were taking too long. She was twenty years old. A virgin and she wanted to give herself to Tony. To show him that it didn’t matter about his parents. She still loved him regardless of what he’d been through.
He sent her upstairs to get ready for dinner. She’d put some chicken br**sts with peppers, garlic, onions and tomatoes in the oven to roast with a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper. He promised to keep an eye on it while she changed. She went into the bedroom, looking for the sexiest dress she could find. The only one she owned that didn’t make her look like an escaped whale was a pastel green summer dress which ended at her knee and exposed most of her cle**age. Grabbing some make-up, a hairbrush and other items, she went to the bathroom.
The time it would take to have a bath could spoil the mood she intended to set. She quickly showered, wiping away all the day’s sweat and grime. Once she’d done she got out and dried every inch of her body. She used some moisturiser to keep her skin soft. She chose simple, plain white underwear to go under her dress.
She put on the dress and some make-up. She brushed her hair and winced whenever she caught a knot.
Thirty minutes later, the food smelt heavenly, and she was ready to leave the bathroom. He sat on the sofa watching a football game. Placing a hand on her hip with one against the door she tried her best not to look like she was in seduction mood.
“What are you watching?” she asked.
She didn’t dare look at him in case she crumpled and ruined the mood.
“A football game,” he said.
“Enjoy. Dinner will be in two minutes. Do you want to eat here or at the table?”
“The table will be fine.” She nodded her head, and she set the table to make sure she could be seated right next to him.
The chicken was cooked through and still juicy, along with all the vegetables. She served it up on two plates with a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Tony was already sat at the table as she brought the food in.
“You’re hungry, huh?” she asked.
“What are you up to?”
Ignoring his question, she placed his plate in front of him. “I don’t have much for dessert, so eat up and enjoy.”
She took a swig of her water and wished she’d tried some of the wine she’d seen in the fridge.
They ate in silence. Every once in a while, she’d stroke her foot along his leg, or touch his arm. The only seduction she’d ever heard about had been in the books she read. The women knew what they were doing, or at least the men ravished them before they had to make the first move.
Come on, Tony. I’m ready to explode over here. Give me something.
She jumped as his hand landed on her thigh. He didn’t speak or even look at her as he worked his hand underneath her dress. She waited with bated breath, but after a few minutes passed he hadn’t moved his hand past her knee. Biting her lip in disappointment she speared a piece of chicken and took a bite.
His hand moved up to mid-thigh making her drop her fork. The clatter as it hit the plate made her jump. In that time his hand went directly over her panties. She noticed he wasn’t eating anymore, and his body was turned toward her.
“I know what you’re trying to do,” he said.
“What am I trying to do?”