Contracts of the Heart

Chapter 1: Saturday Morning

The sun was bright after the rain stopped.

Zed cleared the plates from their meager meal. Betty watched him, eyes sparkling.

Alice leaned back, arms crossed, studying the room.

-So. What's the play today?

Betty perked up.

-Explore. The weather is beautiful. I heard there's a charming antique strip downtown.

Alice rolled her eyes.

-Antiques? Seriously?

-Fresh air, Al. Quality company.

Betty gestured between herself and Zed.

-Unless you have a better idea?

Alice tapped her chin. She stood up and walked over to Zed.

-I was thinking we could re-familiarize ourselves with the rest of the house. You haven't shown us the basement. Or the backyard.

Zed opened the back door. The air was crisp.

-Backyard's mostly for smoking.

Alice followed him out. She trailed a finger down his chest.

-We could change that. Put on a show for the neighbors, Alice said.

Betty blushed from the doorway.

-Alice!

Zed caught Alice's hand.

-I have a better idea. Downtown.

Alice raised an eyebrow.

-You're turning down a show?

-I'm postponing it. You don't have anything to model. We've got to go for a little bit of shopping.

Alice narrowed her eyes.

-Fine. But I pick it out.

-Wouldn't have it any other way. There's a cute boutique next to the antique store, we can do both, he said with a smile as he looked from Alice to Betty.

The little downtown are was a fifteen minute walk, uphill, and always felt longer than it seemed before the start.

Alice set a brisk pace, hands jammed in the pockets of Zed's borrowed jacket. Betty linked her arm with Zed's.

-It's a lot easier downhill, Zed promised.

They reached the strip. An antique store, a boutique, a cafe.

-Coffee first, Zed said.

The cafe was quiet. Early afternoon lull. They approached the counter.

The barista looked up. Nametag: Carla.

She was homely. A stark contrast to Alice's sharp angles.

-What can I get you?

Zed ordered black coffee. Betty pointed at the brownies.

-Those look divine.

Alice leaned on the counter.

-I need something substantial. Not dainty.

She looked at Zed. Then back at Carla.

-Got any meat pies? Turnovers?

Carla blinked.

-We have sandwiches. Ham and cheese?

-That'll do. Unless you were planning to feed me something more... substantial later?

Alice shot a look at Zed.

Carla's face went pink.

-The lady means lunch, Zed cut in.

He looked at Carla for the first time.

-When do you get off, Carla?

Carla nearly dropped the tongs.

-Um. Six.

-Do you like Italian?

Alice snorted. Betty fanned herself with a napkin.

-Oh my.

Zed didn't blink.

-We're making dinner. Spaghetti. Sausage.

He leaned closer.

-I sling a mean sausage.

Carla turned red. She looked at Zed, then at the two beautiful women flanking him.

-I... I'm actually a vegetarian.

Zed laughed. Easy. Charming.

-That's fine. We have plenty of pasta.

He wrote his address on a napkin. Slid it across the counter.

-Should I bring anything?, Carla asked.

-Surprise us. Seven o'clock.

Carla took the napkin. Her fingers brushed his. Trembling.

-Okay.

They sat by the window.

Alice took a bite of her sandwich. She stared at Zed.

-You work fast.

-I thought she was pretty. In a wholesome way.

Betty nibbled on her brownie.

-Like a modern-day milkmaid.

-Inviting a stranger to our dinner?

Alice shook her head. She was smiling?

-Our dinner?, Zed asked.

-Of course silly, Betty replied. You'd have to let me make dinner for you.

-So we'll have an extra, the more the merrier, Zed said as he finished his coffee. Now let's go get you girls something to wear.

Chapter 2: The Boutique

The boutique was next.

They walked in quietly.

Betty's eyes went wide. She touched a rack of silk.

-How cute.

Alice scanned the racks with a critical eye and her arms crossed.

-A lot of frills.

Zed leaned against the counter. He watched them move.

Betty pulled a ruffled sundress from the rack. She spun around.

-What do you think?

Zed nodded.

-Good color.

Alice flicked through a rack of florals. She made a face.

-Too much like grandma's curtains. Put it back.

Betty pouted but obeyed. She moved to the lingerie section. She stopped, hesitated.

Zed walked over. He pulled a provocative black lace set from the hanger.

-How about this?

Betty flushed. She pressed a hand to her chest.

-Zed, you shouldn't.

She glanced at her sister.

-What would Alice think?

Alice appeared behind them. She held up a pair of black panties with silver studs on the hips.

-I prefer my underwear to match my personality.

She looked at the lace in Zed's hand. She smirked at Betty.

-But by all means, Bet. Indulge your inner pinup girl. Knight in shining armor wants to buy you a treat.

-I bet you could rock a negligee, Zed said.

-If we do it tonight, Darla could be part of the audience.

Alice's eyebrows shot up.

-Planning to impress the barista with our assets now?

-For all of us.

Betty bit her lip.

-A private show?

Zed paid for everything while they weren't paying attention. He took the bags.

They walked out into the afternoon sun. A couple of rain-looking clouds dotted the sky. Betty linked her arm with his immediately.

-This is going to be fun. A private fashion show. Just for us and our guest.

-Now about dinner, Zed said. We need groceries.

-I can cook!

Betty clapped her hands.

-Mama taught me. It'll be a bonding experience.

She grinned.

-Plus, it gives me an excuse to wear my new apron. Which matches the lace, by the way.

Alice scoffed. She kicked a pebble on the sidewalk.

-Spare us the domestic bliss act.

-I noticed the apron, Zed said, looking into the bag.

He stopped walking. He took Alice's hands. She stiffened. He rubbed his thumbs over her knuckles.

-Not everything's an act, Alice. Have fun.

She looked at him.

-Fine.

Zed let go. He pulled out his phone.

-Easier to order the groceries on an app. Betty, you choose. Assume I have nothing.

Betty took the phone eagerly and started tapping

-Garlic, fresh pasta, she said out loud, and then kept tapping away.

She handed it back.

-Dinner for four. Coming right up.

They walked the rest of the way in comfortable silence, slowly, taking in all the scenery.

When they finally got back, Zed unlocked the door and set the bags on the coffee table.

There was a knock at the door.

-Grocery delivery.

Zed checked his watch.

-Look at that timing.

Chapter 3: Dinner

They piled the groceries out onto the kitchen island. Betty moved fast to put the first few things way and then set the first of the ingredients out.

-Assembly line commence, she said as she shut a cupboard.

Alice sighed. She picked up a knife and started chopping garlic.

Zed left them to it. He walked to the living room. The record player sat in the corner. He put Italian opera on. Cheesy.

He walked back to the kitchen. Alice narrowed her eyes.

-Now why am I not surprised you have a record collection hidden away?

-Thought it would add to the atmosphere.

-Cozy?

Alice looked around the dim corners of the room. She lowered her voice.

-More like a den of ill repute.

Zed started mixing drinks. He handed one to Betty.

She inhaled the scent.

-My, my. A man of many talents.

She took a sip.

-Delicious. Kamikazes are my favorite. Very sweet. Very simple.

Alice took her glass and took a big gulp.

-Sweet and simple, huh?

Someone knocked at the door.

Zed checked the clock. Five to seven.

-She's early.

Betty jumped. She set her drink down.

-That must be Carla. Do I look alright? I want to make a good impression, she said as she smoothed her dress.

Alice sighed and finished her drink.

-Relax. You look fine.

Zed opened the door.

Carla stood there. Tight sweater. Pencil skirt. Curves that the uniform had hidden.

-Hi.

She held up a bottle of wine.

-Welcome, Zed said.

He took the bottle.

-Come on in. I'm glad you brought this. I was afraid to admit to the ladies I was out.

Carla stepped inside. She saw Betty and waved shyly. Then she leaned in to Zed.

Betty beamed. She hooked her arm through Carla's.

-It's wonderful! So considerate of you to bring wine. Come meet my sister, Alice.

Alice was pouring the wine. She eyed Carla.

-Hi, she said curtly.

-Alice is a sweetheart when you get to know her, Zed chuckled.

Alice glared at him.

-Don't push it, sweetheart.

They moved to the table. Betty served. The smell of garlic and marinara filled the room.

-You made a meal fit for a king, Zaid said. Or queens, he added.

-Are you suggesting we're not royalty already?

Betty filled Carla's plate.

They ate. They drank.

Zed watched Alice. She was sucking up a long strand of spaghetti.

-Important to carbo load, Zed laughed.

Alice finished the strand. She licked a drop of sauce from her lip. She looked at him.

-Careful, Zed. Keep looking at me like that and people might get the wrong idea about what kind of loading is on the menu.

Zed leaned back.

-Speaking of which. What's for dessert?

Chapter 4: Dessert

Betty clapped her hands.

-I'm so glad you asked.

She stood up. She went to the counter and retrieved a tray covered with a cloth.

-I may have whipped up a little something. Just for occasions like these.

-How'd she hide that from us?

Zed looked at Alice. Alice swirled her wine.

-She's got more secrets than a soap opera villain.

-I can't wait to learn them.

Betty set the tray on the table. She pulled the cloth away.

-Voila.

Chocolate truffles. Dusted with cocoa. Gold leaf glinting in the dim light.

-Wow, Zed said.

-Grandmother's recipe. Taken me ages to perfect.

Betty picked one up. She held it to Zed's lips.

-Here. Hope it meets your approval.

Zed opened his mouth. She placed it on his tongue. Her fingers lingered, brushing his lip. Dark chocolate. Bitter.

Zed swallowed. He picked one up himself. He turned to Carla.

Carla watched him. He brought the truffle to her mouth. He traced her lips with it.

-Open.

Carla parted her lips. He pressed the chocolate inside. Her tongue caught a flake of gold leaf.

Alice laughed mockingly. She snatched a truffle from the tray. She popped it whole into her mouth and chewed aggressively.

-Chocolate. How predictable.

-Brown Betty might've been better, Zed laughed.

Betty giggled. She fanned herself.

-My, my. Aren't we feeling adventurous?

-Whipped cream would be fantastic, Zed said with an idea. Tell me you hid some of that away too.

Betty placed a finger against her nose, pretending to think.

-A lady always prepares for every eventuality.

She went to the fridge. She came back with a chilled canister.

Zed took it. He shook it. The metal ball rattled inside.

-Sharing is caring.

He turned to Betty.

-Come here.

Betty stepped close. She tilted her head back. Zed sprayed a dollop into her mouth.

He leaned in, kissing her, tasting the sweet cream on her tongue.

Betty moaned.

Zed pulled back. He turned to Carla.

-You too.

He sprayed a line of cream down her neck. Carla shivered. Zed bent down. He licked it off.

Alice watched from the table. She looked bored. Her foot was tapping against the table leg.

-Pathetic. Really.

Zed stood up. He looked at Alice. He shook the can again.

-Open wide?

Alice recoiled.

-Whoa. I haven't agreed to---

Zed sprayed.

A white splatter hit her face. Cheek. Lip. Chin.

Alice gasped. She wiped at her eye.

-What the fuck, Zed?

-Sorry, he said, stepping in closer and taking her chin in his hand. Let me get that for you.

Alice glared. Her chest heaved. She could see the dollop of cream on her nose.

-You... asshole, she said, letting Zed hold her chin.

-I can help, Carla piped up.

She reached out.

Alice slapped her hand away.

-Get off.

She looked back at Zed. Her eyes were dark.

-You made the mess. You clean it up.

Chapter 5: Venom

Ned smiled lewdly and unzipped.

Alice stared at the heavy ridge. Then she looked at the dollop on her nose.

-You're kidding.

Zed stepped closer. He pressed the head against her cheek. He swiped it slow. Down to her jaw.

Alice shivered.

-You... you absolute...

Zed pressed against her lips, getting the last bit of cream onto himself.

-Clean it up, Alice.

Alice gripped his hips. Her nails dug in.

-Fine.

She opened her mouth. She took him in. Hard.

Betty watched from the table. Carla sank to her knees beside Alice, as if snapping into her side.

Alice gagged. She pulled back. Eyes watering.

-Fuck...

She glared up at him.

-You think you can break me?

-I don't want to break you.

He brushed a stray hair from her forehead.

-We should have a safe word.

Alice laughed.

-A safe word? For me?

She licked her lips, tasting him.

-Venom.

-Venom?

-Because that's what I'm full of. And if I say it, you stop.

-Deal.

Zed grabbed her hair. Gently.

-Now show me.

Alice dove back in. Deeper. Competitively.

Zed groaned. He looked at Betty. At Carla. At the dishes on the table. The room spun.

-Let's take this upstairs.

He pulled away. Alice gasped for air. She looked disappointed. And relieved.

-Upstairs?

-Bedroom tour.

Zed took her hand. He took Betty's. Carla followed.

They climbed the stairs. Upstairs was dark. He opened the bedroom door.

Zed threw Carla onto the bed. She bounced. Giggled.

-Comfortable?

Betty wrapped her arms around Zed's neck.

-The grand tour is over, darling. Time for the main attraction.

She pulled him down into the bed with Carla.

Alice stood by the door. She watched the tangle of limbs. She shed the oversized shirt and crawled onto the mattress.

Zed reached for her.

-Careful, Alice warned.

Alice straddled his thigh. Betty and Carla embraced each other.

-Just because I let you do that downstairs doesn't mean we're cuddling.

-I'm focused, Zed murmured.

He guided her down. Alice took him. No hesitation this time. She rode the rhythm. Hard. Fast. She pulled away without warning.

-You just can't get enough, can you?

Her head fell back. Throat exposed.

Zed sat up. He grabbed her hips. He drove into her.

Alice screamed.

-Venom!

Zed stopped instantly, a chilling fear.

Betty and Carla pulled away from each other to look.

Alice took a jagged breath. She looked up at Zed.

-Just checking, she whispered.

She smirked.

-Don't stop.

Zed drove her into the mattress. Betty and Carla pressed in close to each other and them, a tangle of limbs and moans.

Chapter 6: Night Watch

At some point they drifted off to sleep. Zed was warm. Buried under limbs and sheets. Betty was curled against his left side, breathing soft and steady. Carla was a weight across his legs. Alice lay on the edge of the mattress, back turned.

The room was pitch black in the middle of the night, when something moved.

A soft touch. A hand searching in the dark.

Carla. She was moving down the bed. Silent. Determined.

She looked up at Zed, sleeping motionlessly. Then she ducked under the sheet.

From the edge of the bed, a rustle. A sharp intake of breath.

Alice.

She rolled over. Propped herself up on an elbow. Her hair was a mess. Her eyes squinted in the dark, focusing on the movement beneath the blanket.

-The hell?

Carla popped her head out. She looked at Alice.

-I hope you're not angry, she said innocently enough. I never got to try the sausage.

Alice scoffed.

-Fine. Have at it, cow.

She flopped back down. She watched. Zed's legs went prone, he tossed and turned but Carla held on. He finished and opened half an eye.

Alice was staring at the sheet. Her hand hovered near her own hip, fingers twitching.

-Welcome back to the land of the living, sleeping beauty, Alice growled. Seems you're having a vivid dream.

-It was a good time, Zed murmured, reaching under the sheets to stroke Carla's hair.

Alice narrowed her eyes.

-Caressing her hair after using her mouth? Real classy.

-I didn't use anything, Zed protested. She's enjoying herself.

Carla mumbled her agreement from beneath the cotton.

Alice rolled her eyes. She crossed her arms over her chest.

-Crawl on your knees, why don't you?

-Any of you can touch me, Zed whispered.

He reached a hand toward Alice.

Alice stared at his hand. Then at the sheet. Then at his face.

She snorted and turned her back to him.

-The hell we can. You just want a harem to worship you while you snore.

-A harem sounds nice.

Alice went quiet. She lay there, tense and awake.

Her hand drifted back to her hip. She rubbed the fabric of her panties.

Carla crawled out from under the sheets. She saw the movement.

She shifted across the mattress.

-May I?

Carla whispered it. She placed her hand over Alice's.

Alice froze. Then she glared down at Carla.

-What the hell do you think you're doing?

She yanked her hand away.

-I didn't ask for your help. Keep your hands to yourself.

Carla shrank back.

-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to---

-Just shut up, Alice said. Go back to sleep. I don't need your pity.

Carla nodded. She retreated to the center of the bed. She snuggled close to Zed, burying herself under the sheets.

Alice turned onto her back. She stared at the ceiling. Alone in the crowded bed.

.

Chapter 7: Leftovers

Morning came. Zed started to wake up, and hadn't remembered yet how full his bed had gotten.

Then he felt the weight shift. Carla was slipping out of bed.

She was trying to be quiet. Alice wasn't having it. She propped herself up. Hair a mess. Eyes sharp.

-Leaving so soon?

Carla clutched her clothes to her chest.

-I have to open the cafe. Sundays get busy.

-I didn't know you'd want me here when you got up, she added shyly.

Betty stirred. She sat up, rubbing sleep from her eyes. She smiled.

-We don't mind. But go conquer the Sunday rush.

Carla looked at Betty.

-I hope we can do it again.

-We'd love to.

Zed sat up. He rubbed his face.

-You've got time for a shower.

He got up. He opened the bathroom door for her.

Alice rolled her eyes. She flopped back against the pillows.

-How noble. Playing the hero for the damsel who needs to scrub off last night's regrets.

Carla stopped at the door. She blushed.

-I don't regret anything. Not with you.

She slipped inside. The water turned on.

Alice scoffed.

-Spare me the soap opera dialogue. I think I just got a cavity.

Zed walked over to the bed. He looked down at Alice.

-I don't think you've showered since you came with the rain.

He leaned in and sniffed her.

Alice recoiled.

-Get the hell away from me. I smell like sex and rain. Which is a damn sight more interesting than your cheap cologne.

-I don't wear cologne. It's au natural.

Alice leaned into his space.

-You mean stale. Like a wet dog. Don't flatter yourself.

Zed laughed. He grabbed a few things.

-I'll leave you girls to it. Use whatever soap you want.

He went downstairs. He started the coffee. He scavenged the fridge.

Carla came down ten minutes later. Dressed. Fresh.

-It's nothing like what you serve, Zed said.

He handed her a paper cup.

-But it's hot.

-That's lovely, she said, taking the cup. She walked to the door

-I'm glad I took you up on dinner, she said, looking back.

-I hope you come back. You've got my number.

Zed kissed her cheek.

-I'll text you later.

She left. Zed locked the door.

He turned around. Betty was coming down the stairs. Wrapped in a white towel.

-Is she gone?

Alice followed. She was wearing one of Zed's shirts. It hung loose on her frame. She dried her hair aggressively.