Excerpt III - Irreversible Choices

By the time they began reviewing their book choice, thoroughly ensconced in the family room, Carly was feeling no pain. In fact, she was wondering why she hadn't noticed before how wonderfully calming lots of drinks could be in social situations.

At one point, though, as if from outside her body, she heard her laughter sounding a bit too jovial, maybe even raucous. Or perhaps it was David's glance in her direction one time too often that tipped her off. She set down the wine glass abruptly and sat back. Forcing herself into a more docile mode, as if she still had some semblance of control.

But then she noticed that Phillip and Aileen were also imbibing more than usual. Aileen now sat on the wicker chair with her shoes off and her feet tucked up under her. Randolph was saying something -- What was it? -- "Aileen, your feet are dirty on the bottoms!" His laugh was loud.

"Well, I'll bet you wouldn't kick me out of bed." Her voice challenged, even as it titillated.

"No, I don't think anyone here would do that," he replied, ogling her cleavage, now quite noticeably on display. She had unbuttoned several buttons, exposing all but the nipples of her impressive breasts.

Carly suddenly realized that all of the men were staring at Aileen's display; David scarcely could take his eyes off of her.

Then Phillip, who had been quiet until now, jumped in. "Well, I see that some of you would love to partake of my wife's delights. In fact, I notice that most of you are probably ready for something interesting to punctuate this evening with a splash. Why don't we all toss our house keys into that porcelain bowl over there? Yeah, that one, Carly. Bring it over and we'll choose our partners for the evening."

And then before Carly could say or do anything, the bowl was on the coffee table. As the keys piled up and as the laughter filtered around her, Carly felt something -- exultation? Could she really take part in a game this decadent? She glanced over at David, taking her cue from him, but he seemed as into it as the others. God, I hope Randolph doesn't get my key! Her thoughts brought her crashing back to the reality of the situation.

And then as the guys stood with keys in hand, she noticed that Phillip was heading in her direction, a gleam in his eye. How could he possibly want her after feasting on Aileen? But she tried to remind herself of all the flirtatious remarks he'd tossed in her direction over the past few months, and focused on the way he was now looking at her -- she almost forgot to notice who David ended up with, Eve or Aileen -- but then followed Phillip slowly into one of the back bedrooms, now vacant. Thank goodness all the kids were at their sleepovers with friends.

Had she fantasized about such an ending to this evening? No, of course not, she thought with horror, even as she felt that little seductive pull created by that look Phillip continued to toss her way....

I need another drink, she thought desperately, as she stood alone in the bedroom facing Phillip.

And, as if by magic, Phillip produced a flask.

She gulped down half of it, feeling the wonderful burning sensation, even as she sank further into a state of total powerlessness. In just a second, she could feel Phillip's arms around her, and then his mouth came crashing down on hers, his tongue darting between her lips roughly. There was nothing even slightly sexy about the way he tore at her clothes and then grabbed her breast. She closed her eyes tightly, praying for it all to be over....
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