CHAPTER 4

Lisa stood in the doorway, making an attractive picture in a white, see-through negligee. Her black, glossy hair had fallen back to her shoulders, framing her beautiful face. Her blue eyes, which stared hard at him, were alive and glittering. Jake swallowed hard. She looks so beautiful and desirable.

" You are drunk! " She said in a voice scarcely above a whisper.

Jake, lulled by the power of the drink, grinned ruefully.

" Of course, I am," he said. " Why won't I? Fiery won today, so Mike and I thought having a few drinks won't be a bad idea."

" Fiery won? " Lisa said, there was an undertone of excitement in her voice.

" Yeah, she did. " Jake said, smiling. " You should. I've seen her today, Lisa. That gal’s got a tough power steam in her "

" Oh, my, " She exclaimed, her shining with tears of happiness. " I'm so happy. This is good news. I never knew Fiery had so much potential in her " then the happy look disappeared, only to be replaced with a dark look. " I should have been there today. I should have watched her perform " she was looking at Jake accusingly. " It's your fault; It's all your fault. You spoiled my moods today, Jake! "

Jake made an impatient gesture with his hands.

" I know, right! " he said blandly and grinned. " But there's nothing I can do about it, alright. I didn't ask you not to come. You decided not to come yourself. So, don't blame me."

Her eyes glittered at him reproachingly.

" You pissed me off this morning, Jake. I should be there to see her win. It was because of you I didn't go to the horse racetrack today. So, sit this out," she spat at him.

Jake shrugged indifferently.

" Whether you were there or not, it doesn't matter," he jeered at her. " Fiery won, and that's what we should be more concerned about."

Lisa's face lost color.

“ I guess you are really drunk. That's why you are spewing this trash from your mouth! " She said curtly. " Go to bed, Jake, and sleep! If you are not aware, you've been tossing out nonsense from your mouth " she glowered at him.

Jake grinned, and he rested his big hands against the door panel. He bent his head so that their faces were only mere inches apart.

" Fiery won, and I got hammered at the bar! " He said casually. " Are you saying a man shouldn't have a few drinks to celebrate his victory? "

Lisa shrugged.

" That's your problem, Jake. If you like buy out the whole bar to celebrate, I don’t care," she seethed. " I want to sleep. Thanks for telling me about Fiery; good night," and as she was about to slam the door in his face, Jake stretched out his leg. His feet wedged between the door and her.

Lisa's face twisted with anger.

" What the hell is wrong with you? " She said sharply. " I've you gone crazy? " Her blue eyes were glittering like wet pebbles.

" Yes, I'm crazy," he slurred, "I am crazy about you! " And his eyes rested on the swell of her breasts, straining hard at him under the negligee " Those beauties need some loving," he leered, his dark eyes alight.

Lisa, following his gaze, flushed scarlet red.

" You pervert! You are really crazy, you know," she said tightly. " You should be ashamed of yourself, Jake Courtland. "

He laughed at her.

"That's the problem! I've got no shame," and he raised his hands, pushed the door opened, and riding her back into the room, he kicked the door shut with his booted heel. Lisa moved away from him and went to lean against the vast dressing table. The overhead light fell directly on her. Jake, staring hard at her, caught a glimpse of her shape under the lacy fold of the negligee. A shape that sent blood racing through his veins.

" What's the meaning of all this, Jake? " She said, her hands resting on her hips, her eyes confronting him. " Forcing yourself into a woman's room? This is unbelievable! You've lost it! "

Jake shook his head.

" Nope! " He said huskily, his eyes feasting hard on her. " I'm just a man who got tired of waiting," and slowly but purposely, he began to move towards her. His movements were like that of a jungle cat.

Seeing the glaring intent on his face, she pointed a finger at him.

" Don't come near me, Jake! I know what you wanna do! And I don't want any of it! " She seethed.

Jake did not stop in his tracks. He crossed the room to her, grabbed her arms, but she flung his hands off her and moved away from him to stand beside the bed, her arms akimbo.

" Don't you dare touch me, Jake! " She said sharply. I don't want your hands on me! "

Spurred by the effect of the drink, Jake felt anger surged through him, and it made blood rush into his head. Maybe it was how she had said the words; perhaps it was the way she had been telling him she was not ready for the past few days, he wasn't sure. But hearing her say those words to him unlocked a kind of rage in him.

" You don't want my hands on you? " He said furiously. " Are you calling me a kind of leper or something? "

She shook her head vehemently.

" That's not what I meant! " She said breathlessly.

Jake crossed the room to where she stood, his dark eyes glaring hard at her. Standing alone in the room with him, with his massive built and tall frame, she cursed herself for been so stupid to have been careless to have pissed him off. The savage, mad look on his face was terrifying, and she shivered. He had never looked like this before, even when she had provoked him terribly.

" Then what the hell is that supposed to mean? " he barked.

" All of saying is……." She began, her voice shaking. " Whenever you touch me………I feel…..I feel " she was stuttering, her breasts rising and falling.

" Damn you! will you talk? " He snarled at her, his eyes scorching into hers.

" Don't talk to me like that! " Her eyes filled with tears of rage, her voice trembling with fury. " No man as ever talked to me that way! Ever! "

" I will talk to you as I well damned fit! " He snarled. " Who the hell do you think are? Queen Elizabeth? " His hands shot out and grabbed her arms. " To me, you are just a terrified, beautiful coward who has no guts to go ahead with her words! "

She only stood there, staring at him, lines of tears sliding down her face.

They stood like that for a long moment, heaving heavily, the exertion of anger and fear sliding out of their body. Jake saw the tears on her face, and he cursed under his breath. Mollified, he took her in his arms, and she buried her face against his chest. He had expected her to push him away, but she did not. To her horror, she began to cry. Great sobs that wrenched her body. Jake held her in his arms, his hands stroking her hair and back soothingly.

" I'm sorry, baby," he whispered. " I shouldn't have said those words. I don't know what got into him " there was a pleading, remorseful expression on his face.

" Your words hurt," she murmured. " Your words hurt me, Jake. "

" I know, and I'm sorry," he said. They were like that for some time. Then he put his hand under her chin and tilted her head up. He bent his head and crushed his lips against her. For a moment or so, she tried to pull free from him, but he won't let her. Then he felt her relax, and her arms came around his neck.

" I want to make love to you," he said huskily.

" I'm…..I'm not ready," she babbled.

" I am! " He said evenly. His mouth covered hers, and he kissed her hard and fast. Then he bent down, picked her up, and flung her hard on the bed. Lisa shrieked out. She lay on the bed, looking up at him, her blue eyes blazing with uncertainty.

He started to strip off his jackets, his hands working feverishly, and she watched him, her heart thumping hard in her chest. In a moment, he was free of his suits, and he stood naked before her, tall and massive.

He had the most impressive and splendid physique she had ever seen. Her eyes went to his penis, and she gasped. It was huge and rock hard. She had never seen anything like it in her young, inexperienced life. Jake moved up the bed and pulled her to him.

" I'm gonna fuck you so hard, you gonna beg me to stop," he said breathlessly.

" Please, Jake……..can't you give me a little time " she pleaded. She could feel the heat from his body, and she could hear his breath coming out raspy.

" No time! It's now or never " there was a wild look in his eyes now.

As he held her, he grabbed hold of her negligee and savagely ripped the flimsy dress off her. He stared at her, his eyes regarding her naked body. Feeling his eyes on her, Lisa turned red, then white under his gaze. His hands went to her big breasts, and he grabbed one of the luscious mounds. Her mouth opened slightly, and she gave a little moan. He kneaded the hard nipple in his hands, enjoying the way her half-closed, desire flushed eyes gaze at him. He kneaded the nipples for some time then his hands slid down to her area between her thighs. His finger slid into her panties, and he felt her shuddered. He found her vagina soaking wet. He began to thrust in and out into her, his finger fast and hard.

" Oh, God," Lisa moaned. " Please, oh please."

" You like it? " He said breathlessly. " I know you like it! Do you want me to stop? "

" No! Don't stop! " Her eyes were fluttering in ecstasy, and her legs were thrashing hard on the bed.

Jake still held her in his arms while his finger continues to work on her. He took out his finger and slipped it into her mouth. She suckled on it, her mouth sucking hard on it. He kissed her again on her lips, holding her, and she could scarcely breathe. Then he raised himself on the bed, placed his hand behind her head, and guide her gently to take his throbbing penis into her mouth. She hesitated briefly, her eyes uncertain. He nodded his head, giving her the go-ahead. She sighed heavily and opened her mouth. Jake groaned aloud as her mouth closed around his penis. Her mouth was hot and pulsating.

He began to thrust his hips, groaning and moaning as his penis slid in and out of her mouth. He had to steel himself so as not to come too soon.

" Oh, Lisa," he moaned. " You are so good, so good. Just take it easy " he stroked the side of her face, smoothing back her hair and watching her with a deeply satisfying pleasure as she worked on his penis.

After a while, he pulled his penis out of her mouth and gently pushed her to the bed so that her back was lying flat on the back. Deftly, he slid her panties off and buried his mouth in her vagina. His tongue worked on her, flipping in and out of her wet crevice. Lisa felt as if he had set her body on fire.

" Jake! Oh, Jake. " She cried out in ecstasy. "It feels so good! So damn good, Jake. I didn't know it was gonna be like this. Don't stop, please. Oh God, don't stop! "

He held her legs tightly as he continued to devour her vagina. He sucked her vagina hard, his tongue thrusting in and out, sucking and lapping the juices. After some time, he took his face away and kissed her on the lips. She held onto him, their perspiring body clinging to each other, as they kissed. Then he pushed away from her and spread her legs apart. She was staring at him, now the uncertainty returning to her eyes. His eyes stared directly into hers.

" Don't worry! It will be painless," he said in a gentle voice.

At that moment, she wanted to ask if he loved her or cared about her, but he had spread her legs apart, and she felt him entering her, forcing his way in, hard and pulsing. Her fingers dug hard into his massive back as she felt an instant of sharp, unexpected pain. She opened her mouth to scream, but he had swiftly covered her mouth with his. Then she felt him sliding in her. He plunges deep into her. Deftly, he raised her legs and wrapped her legs around his lean waist, then he began to pound into her, very slowly at first, then faster and faster.

As she lay under him, she felt an exquisite and tremendous happiness as she began to experience and feel what a man's penis could do to a woman. He inside her felt so good.

Jake continued to thrust into her, his rhythm growing and growing more frantic. Lisa began to match his rhythm and allowed Jake to bring them both to an earth-shattering explosion that rocked the room and make them trembled violently in delirious sexual ecstasy.

Afterward, Lisa lay in his arms, spent and numb, holding his massive body, never wanting to let go of him and never wanting him to leave, and never wanting this undefinable feeling of pleasure to stop. She lay there; her eyes were staring hard into his sweats glistening face, finding it hard to believe that sex could be as pleasurable as this. They both lay there, staring into each other's eyes, enjoying the feeling of being in each other's arms, and they were like that until the power of sleep claimed them.

**************

The early morning sunshine rays came in through the blinds of the window and made a ring of light on the big bed. Jake opened his eyes. He yawned as his eyes scanned around the bedroom. Where the hell are my? he thought. Then he heard movements beside him and dragged his eyes to the bed. He turned hot, then cold when he saw Lisa. Her beautiful body stretched out on the bed. Her tan skin made a pleasant contrast against the bedsheets. That was when the memory of the previous night came rushing back into his head. He swallowed hard. Just then, her eyes flickered open, and she turned her head and looked at him.

" Morning, " she cooed. There was a kind of contented expression on her face.

Jake hesitated at first, not knowing how to reply in a way he wouldn't sound stupid. He could see there was a puzzled expression on her face when he did not answer her. He pulled himself together and said, "Good morning, Lisa," he replied, grinning. The smile did not reach his eyes.

She stared at him for a long moment.

" For a moment there, I thought you didn't want to greet me," she said lazily and stretched a beautiful arm above her head, and she sighed contentedly.

Jake's grinned slipped.

" What do you mean by that? " He asked.

Lisa shrugged indifferently.

" You should see your face in the mirror. You like you've just seen a ghost " her eyes were glittering at him now as if telling him to call her bluffs.

" You've got a wild imagination, baby, " Jake said. Baby? He thought to himself. When did all this start? He asked himself.

Lisa was looking at him now, her eyes seeing the conflicts of thoughts on his face.

" Any disappointment? " She said.

Jake narrowed his eyes at her.

" What do you mean? "

" I mean do you regret what happened between us yesterday? " She asked, lifting her head from the pillow. She sat up on the bed now, her eyes on him.

Jake shook his head. Regrets? He asked himself. The only regrets he could ever have were the effects of the drink he had drunk the previous day that had spurred him enough for him to enter her room and take her against her will.

" The only regrets I had yesterday was that I was a little bit tight," he mumbled. " I wish I hadn't had any drink last night."

Seeing the dark look on his face, Lisa laughed at him.

" Little tight, you say? " She mocked. " Jake, you were higher than kites yesterday night. " Then a curious look appeared on her face. " Wait a minute, are you saying you did not remember everything that happened yesterday? "

Jake was about to fire an answer back to her, but seeing the trap too quickly, he kept quiet and thought about the question for some seconds.

" I remembered everything that happened alright," he said, and he heard her drew in a long, ecstatic breath. " I'm just a sad because I would have love to come as I am and take you without being under the influence of alcohol. More so, I believed I took you against your will. I don’t like that. " he confessed.

A thoughtful expression appeared on her face.

" You don't have to be worried, Jake," she said casually.

Then she did something which shocked him. She moved closer to him on the bed and wrapped her arms around his massive frame. Jake was astonished. Never in his life would he have believed Lisa was capable of doing something like this. Her eyes, glazing with satisfaction, were staring hard into his. There was something in her eyes as she stared at him. Something like contentment and gratitude, but he couldn't really put his hands on what it was.

" Jake, what matters most is that you remembered everything that had taken place that night. " She went on. " Because for me, it was a very special night. I can never forget everything that happened " her hands were on his chest now, her fingers making small circles. " It was a special night for you too, right? "

Jake swallowed hard. Her hands felt hot against his chest, and it was driving him crazy.

" Yes, " he said huskily. " It was! " He could feel his blood rushing into his loins now.

" Good! " She said, her fingers still caressing his chest. " Good! Because It would make me feel bad if it wasn't! " Her hands were moving lower down now to his navel and groin areas. "After all, you forced your way in here and took me. Isn't that what you did? " she said purred.

" I didn't really force you," Jake said through locked teeth. " Even if I had, you allowed it. You could have resisted, but you allowed it " He saw her face turned a shade of scarlet, and she turned her head away " you don't have to be shy about it, Lisa. " He went on. " You wanted it, just like I wanted it to. More so, you enjoyed it, just the way I enjoyed it! So, what's there to be worried about? "

" You should have been patient," she said in a cold tone, but she did not take her hands away. " A woman got her rights over things like that, you, know " her hands had reached his groin areas now, and her fingers were making small circles around the area above his penis. Instantly, Jake's penis became hard and erect.

" I couldn't wait anymore," Jake replied, the words tumbling out of his mouth. Her hands were sending a tingling feeling of sensations through him. " I had to take what's mine! " he felt her hands closed around his penis, and he gasped.

" Take what's yours? " She said, her voice scarcely above a whisper. " It was mine to give and not yours to take " her hands grabbed his penis, and she began to tug the hot, throbbing flesh in her hands. " You are so fucking huge! " she muttered, caressing the soft flesh." Like a goddamn horse. "

" You bad girl! " Jake moaned. " What the hell are you doing to me, Lisa? " He said through clenched teeth. "

" Taking what's mine," she said, tugging his penis hard now. " Just like you took yours! " She was jerking his penis hard now and looking up at him, enjoying the way his face congested with sexual desire.

" Oh, my God! " Jake moaned. " Take it easy! " His massive chest was rising and falling.

" No! " She said, her hands rubbing and tugging the hard flesh. " It's mine! It belongs to me now," and while still working on him, she crushed her lips against his mouth.

They are both like that for some time, kissing and straining against each other. Then Lisa pulled away from him.

" Make love to me! " Her eyes blazing with desire. " Fuck me, Jake! I want you inside me! "

Jake, spurred by the moment, pushed her back against the bed, spread her legs apart, and slid his tumescent penis into her wet crevice. He pounded and pounded into her, his hips moving back and forth powerfully, loving the way Lisa was twisting and writhing under him. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and he thrust and thrust into her, going deeper and deeper, until he felt himself coming.

" Oh, God! I'm so fucking coming," he moaned." I'm so coming, " and suddenly he cried, " Oh, Lisa! " His body shuddered violently as he spurted his hot fluid into her. Then he gave one final thrust and collapsed onto the bed.

**************

It was during the mid-day that Jake finally woke up. He opened his eyes and found Lisa still sleeping. He watched her for a long moment, loving the way she lay on her back, stretched out like a beautiful cat, her hands covering her big breasts. Gently, he took her hands off her chest, bent his head, and took a rosy nipple into his mouth. She moaned, stirred, opened her eyes, and looked up at him. Jake lifted his head.

" Wakey, Wakey," he said, grinning. " You've been sleeping all day."

" Hey, " she said lazily. She stretched and stifled a yawn.

" How do you feel?" He said.

" I feel great. Just great! " she said evenly.

Jake regarded her. The demure expression was back again. What happened to the Lisa that had seduced him a few hours ago? He asked himself.

" Are you alright? " He asked, his eyes looking at her searchingly. " I feel something is wrong."

" I'm really fine, Jake. You don't have to be worried," she laughed, but he could feel the uneasiness in it.

" Look, " Jake began. " With everything that has happened now, I don't want any secret to be between us. If there's anything I should know, please tell me."

Lisa shook her head.

" Everything is fine, Jake. You don't have to be worried," she replied.

Jake stared at her for a long moment.

" Alright, if you say so," he said.

" Yes, I say so " she laughed again, and he could feel that uneasiness he had felt earlier there. She got up from the bed and reached for the flimsy negligee that lay on the floor. Watching her, as she stood in the middle of the room, wearing the negligee, Jake thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She turned and found his eyes on her.

" What are you looking at? " She said.

" You! " He answered.

She made a little face.

" Me? What about me? " she said as she slips on the negligee.

Jake shrugged.

" I was thinking you are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen," he said evenly.

Lisa paused and stared directly into his eyes.

" Do you really mean that? " She whispered.

" Of course! " Jake said, easily.

" I don't remember when I heard someone tell me that, " she said solemnly. There was a serious expression on her face now.

" You should be told more often," Jake said. He swung his legs off the bed and came over to where she stood. He put his big hands on her arms and turned her around so that she was facing him.

" You are a beautiful woman, Lisa Wolfe, and no one can say otherwise " His dark eyes bored into her.

She smiled, and he could see she was thrilled by what he had said.

" I know I am beautiful, Jake. But well, it's just that no man has actually told me that. " She paused and went on. " You see, I don't get along with men easily. I remembered so many men coming to my ranch, asking my father for my hand in marriage when he was still alive. I never liked any of them."

" Why? " He asked.

She shrugged indifferently.

" I don't know. Let's just say I got irritated seeing them, trooping in into our ranch house, some coming with their big, flashy cars, all in the name of wooing me. Well, I got sick of all of it," she answered.

" What about your father? Did he like it? " He asked.

" Of course! My father was pleased seeing those handsome, rich men coming over to our ranch. The only thing that got him worried was me. He found out I was not having any of it. He got so scared when he found out I wasn't even interested in anything about marriage. " She shrugged indifferently. " I hated the thought of marriage then. I couldn't even understand why people get married in the first place."

" And now? " Jake said.

" What do you mean by that? " She asked.

" I mean, do you still hate the idea of marriage? "

Her blue eyes regarded him for a long moment.

" I don't know, " she finally said.

Jake lifted his eyebrows.

" You don't know? " He said. " Why don't you know? "

She hunched her shoulders.

" Because I don't know," and she gave that uneasy laugh again.

Jake had a feeling that something was bothering her. He had a feeling she was hiding something from him. And that moment, he wished he knew what it was.

" Lisa," he began. " I know what I want to say now may not really be necessary, but I will still say it all the same. " He paused, and when he saw she was listening to him intently, he went on. " I want you to be happy, alright. I want you to be happy for the whole time you are going to spend here with me. If there's anything that is bothering you, please let me know. If there's anything you want to ask me or say to me, feel free. Don't hide anything from me, alright. "

" Why would I hide anything from you? " She said in a shaky voice.

" I'm not saying you are! " Jake said evenly. " But I'm just telling you all the same "

" If there's anything I want to tell you, I will say it without hesitation," she said evenly.

" Good! " Jake said. " That's what I want. " His eyes slid down from her face to the front of her negligee, and his gaze darkened as his eyes settled on her breasts, which pushed against the white negligee. " These two cuties are always staring up at him as if they wanna say hello," he was grinning devilishly.

He saw her face turned a rosy scarlet.

" You are so crude, Jake," she said, her eyes glittering at him.

" I'm afraid I am," he said casually. And he lifted his hands and grabbed one of the breasts. He felt her shivered, and he grinned. " You like it, don't you? " He felt her nipples hardened as he began to knead them between his fingers. " You like the way I touch you, don't you? "

" I don't know," she said breathlessly.

" Be honest for once. " He said. " It's the least you could do for me " he bent his head, burrowed his face into the nape of her neck, kissed her gently, and began to suck on the soft flesh. She shivered violently and grabbed hold of him. " Do you like it? " he moaned.

" Yes, fuck yes," she said, her breasts rising and falling. " I love it."

" Good girl! " He said, still sucking on the soft flesh" From now on, always tell me the truth, alright? "

" It can't…….be that easy," she stuttered, trembling in his arms.

" It is! " Jake said, letting his hand slid into her negligee. He slid his hands into her vagina and found her wet. " He smiled. " You drip so much! ". He began to thrust in and out of her. She was quivering in his arms now, her eyes half-closed, her face dazed with desire. After a while, he took his fingers out, staring hard into her eyes. " You are so fucking sweet."

" Take me, Jake," she said, gripping his big arms. " Take me, please."

Jake laughed at her.

" You've suddenly become a sex maniac, sweetie. I would have loved to oblige you, but I gotta go. Fiery is having another race today."

" Is she? You didn't tell me," She said in a small voice.

" You didn't ask, " Jake said casually. He pulled away from her. " She's going to race again today. I gotta prepare "

" Can I……..I come with you. I'll love to watch her, please " Lisa's voice was shaky.

" Of course, sweetie. I can deny that from you. We'll go together," he said.

She beamed at him, and he could see she was genuinely happy.

" Then I've got to prepare. What time are we going? " She asked.

" The race is starting by two in the afternoon. I don't know what time it is, but I think we still got enough time to prepare."

" Then I've got to prepare all the same. " She said.

" Alright! Go freshen up " He dragged his face away from her face and looked towards the bed. She followed his gaze. On the bed was a red, glaring patch of a red stain. Jake felt her stiffened in his arms and heard her gasped.

" Christ! Is this how it usually looks like? " She whispered.

" Yes, Lisa. It shows you have been transformed to a real woman who has been welcomed into the world of womanhood and sexual experiences," Jake said. Then he gestured towards the bed. " Do you want me to take care of the sheets for you? "

She shook her head vehemently.

" No! I'll handle it myself," she said, looking up into his face. " Leave it to me! "

Jake regarded her face for a long moment.

" Alright," he said. He bent his head and kissed her softly on her lips. They were like that for some time; then, he pulled away. " Are you sure you are going to be okay? "

She nodded.

" Yes, " she replied.

Jake nodded then he moved away from her. He bent down and picked up his clothes which lay scattered on the white rug. Her eyes were on him as he wore his briefs and slacks. Then he walked to the door and turned to look at her. " If you need anything, let me know, alright? " And he opened the door, strolled out of the room, gently closing the door behind him. He walked into his bedroom, tossed the clothes into a clothes bin, and flopped hard on the bed. His big over his head, his hands behind his head, he closed his eyes, lost in thought. He was like that for a long moment, his mind busy with thoughts. Just then, he heard a gentle knock on his door. He opened his eyes.

" Who is it? " He said.

" Carl, sir! " His valet said behind the door.

" Come in."

The door swung opened, and Carl walked into his room. His black face was pale. He looked worried.

Jake narrowed his eyes at him.

" Anything the matter, Carl? "

" Not really, sir. " Carl began. " You see, I didn't see you here when I came to knock on your door this morning. Remembering the state you came in yesterday, I got worried. I thought something bad had happened. I'm happy to see you, sir."

Jake smile as understanding crept up his face.

" I'm alright, Carl. You don't have to be worried. " He assured.

" That's good to know, sir," Carl beamed. " Sir, the horse trainer asked of you this morning. "

" Any problem? " He asked.

" Not at all, sir. " Carl replied. " He told me to tell you Willie Shepherd, and He will be at the horse track in case you need them."

" Alright," Jake said. " What's the time, Carl? " He asked.

Carl checked his Rolex gold watch, which Jake had given to him as a birthday present.

" It's past time twelve, sir," he said evenly.

I've got to start preparing, Jake mentally told himself.

" Carl, I'm going out today to the horse track. Please get the Rolls ready. Have you prepared any food? " When the valet shook his head. " Good! I'll like to eat something quite heavy cause I'm really hungry. "

" What about Miss Wolfe? Carl asked.

Jake thought about the question for a moment.

" I believe she would also like to eat what I'll be having. But you can go ask her all the same," he said finally.

" Alright, sir! I'll get right to it, " Carl left the room.

Jake watched him go, then he got to his feet and walked into the bathroom. He brushed his teeth, shaved, and turned on the shower. He stood massive and thick under the cold spray. Then he turned off the shower and dried himself. He walked into the room and to his closet. He selected a light blue shirt, chinos, and boots. He slid into the shirt and struggled into the chinos.

He picked up his wristwatch and wore it around his wrist. Then he checked the time. It was almost one. Carl should be ready by now, he thought, knowing how efficient the valet was.

He moved to his dresser and picked up his cellphone. He turned it on. He could see five missed calls from Gableton. I'll call him when I'm done eating, Jake thought as he walked out of the room. He entered the living room, walked to the dining room, and found the table well laid. There was a big roasted chicken, bread, butter, French fries, meatloaf, jam, and tomato sauce. Jake's mouth watered. As he picked up his fork to eat, the smell of a woman's perfume hit his nose, and he swung around in his chair.

Lisa was coming towards the table. She wore a simple lemon dress. Her black glossy hair was taken back by a narrow ribbon. Her lips were glistening red. She looked so breathtaking. There was a hidden sensuality coming from her like a radio wave as she walked up to him. Jake ran his tongue all over his lips. This woman is a real dynamite, he thought.

" Like what you see? " She smiled, her teeth big, white, and beautiful, flashing at him.

" Definitely! " He said evenly. " You look so ravishing."

" Thank you," she beamed at him. She dropped into a chair opposite him. " This sure looks good! " She said, her eyes regarding the food on the table.

" I'm glad you like it," he said. They both descended on the food. Jake ate hungrily; at one point or another, he would take a glance at her face. She ate silently, and not once did she look up at him. Jake concentrated on his food. When he had finished, he sat back, wiping his mouth with the paper serviette Carl had provided. Lisa also finished her food. Jake rang for Carl. He appeared at once. He cleared the plates and disappeared into the kitchen. Jake checked his time. It was one on the dot. Gableton should be here any moment from now, he thought. He looked up and found Lisa's eyes on him.

" Hey, anything wrong? " He said.

She stared at him for a long moment. Then she drew in a long, slow breath.

" I've been thinking, Jake," she finally said, her voice was shaky.

In those few minutes, she had hesitated; Jake knew he had been right along. Something was really bothering her.

" What is it, Lisa? You can tell me anything, " Jake said.

Just then, the front door swung opened, and Gableton strolled in. He was dressed in a fawn suit, and he had a gay expression plastered on his face.

" Howdy, folks! Are you ready for more winnings today? " he beamed.

Jake looked at Lisa's face. The aloof expression he saw there now told him she would never be able to bring herself to say to him what was on her mind again. That moment had gone.

He cursed under his breath, pushed back his chair, stood up to greet Mike. They shook both shook hands. Lisa also stood up and came over to greet Mike. Then Jake called Carl, gave instructions for him to prepare a late dinner, and they all went out. Jake led them to his Rolls. They all slid in. Jake was behind the wheel. Mike sat beside him while Lisa sat in the back seat. He fired the engine and drove out of the ranch.

As he drove, he took a glance at the rearview mirror to look at Lisa. The forlorn expression on her face bothered him. What the hell is bothering her? He asked himself. Is she having any regrets about what had happened between them the other night? He shook his head. That can't be! She had enjoyed the sex as much as he did. Or maybe she was angry that he had forced himself on her? He tossed that thought out of his mind. If she were mad because of that, her reaction to him wouldn't have been pleasant when they had woken up. No! It was something else. Something he couldn't fathom.

Gableton was talking excitedly now, telling Jake how he couldn't wait to watch Fiery perform. The lawyer had turned around in his seat to start a conversation with Lisa. She had only responded with a smile and a brief nod. Seeing he was not getting the energy he wanted from her, he had turned his attention back to Jake and continued his chatter.

When they got to the horse track, Jake found a vacant space and parked his Rolls among the cars that filled the car lot. They all stepped out of the car. He looked around. The crowds were arriving now, their faces glistening with sweats and excitement. Jake guided them through the crowds and into the bleachers. They took their seat. Jake looked around the bleachers to see if Old Bill was there. But he didn't see the old man today. Maybe his horse is not performing today, he thought, telling himself, as if I care.

Mike had brought the binoculars along. Jake took one from him and focused the lenses on the starting gate. The race was about to begin now. He turned to look at Lisa. She was straining her eyes to see the far distance. The look on her face told him she had never been to a horse race event before.

" Here, " he said, thrusting the binoculars to her. " Take a look."

A smile of gratitude touched her lips. She took the binoculars from his hand, got to her feet, and looked into it.

" Where's fiery? I can't find her," She said whispered.

Jake holding her shoulders, directed her focus to the starting gate and pointed towards it.

" She should be right there! " He said to her. " Don't worry; you will see her when she comes out. "

Lisa took the binoculars off her face and looked up at him.

" I pray she wins, Jake! " She said in a small voice. " I really want her to win."

" Don't worry, I know she will win alright," Jake said. " She really did good yesterday. " He paused and went on. " I don't know much about horses, but I know a horse champ when I see one " his smile was reassuring.

Just then, they heard the announcer say that the race was about to begin.

" It's about to start, Lisa," he said breathlessly.

" Oh, Jake," she cried. He felt her shiver slightly, and he held her close to him tightly.

They heard a loud bang, and the stall gate broke open. The horse spilled out. Jake heard Lisa caught in her breath as she held the binoculars to her face, and he knew she must have recognized Willie Shepherd astride fiery.

" Oh, Jake! She's so beautiful! " She cried.

" Yes, she is! " Jake said, his heart was beating wildly in his chest now.

All eyes were on the horses as they all raced towards the finishing line. Fiery had already overtaken three of the competing horses and was right in the middle of two other horses. The rest of the horses trudged on, their breath coming out fast from their nostrils. One of the horses tripped and fell. Two horses collided with the fallen horse, and they all went down, sputtering up clouds of dust.

There was a terrific cry of disappointment from the spectators. Some howled, some cheered. He heard Gableton swore loudly.

" Damn! Those horses are write-offs," he shouted.

Jake did not say anything. Streaks of sweats slid down his face. His eyes were on the racing horses. He could feel Lisa quivering with excitement. But at that moment, he couldn't even bring himself to look at her. He heard her yelling now.

"Oh, my God! Those other horses are trying to squeeze her! They are gonna slow her down! Blasted bastards! Damn! I hate them! Oh, Jake! She's broken free! She's leading now! Oh, Jake! Isn't this wonderful! "

" Yes, sweet yes! " Jake. shouted. " She's gonna win! She's gonna win, Lisa." There was a wild expression on his face now.

The finishing line was near. Only Fiery was in the lead now. Another horse stomped hard behind her, but the other horse could not keep up with her.

" Go, girl! Go, girl! You can win this! " Lisa was screaming.

Jake held his breath as he watched Fiery surged forward and crossed the finishing line. A roar of cheering rolled around the Bleachers. Lisa flew into his arms. Gableton was screaming and laughing hysterically. The spectators were all screaming Fiery's name. At that moment, as he held Lisa in his arms, hearing the way the crowd chanted Fiery's name, Jake could have wept. She held him tightly until he was afraid she was going to break his bones. After a while, he pulled away from her and stared into her blue eyes, which were glittering with tears.

" She won, Lisa! Are you happy? " He said breathlessly.

" Happy? I'm fucking overwhelmed! " She cried. " Oh, God! You don't know how happy I am. Thank you so much, Jake. You made this happened! How could I have known Fiery got potentials in her. She's born to be a champ! "

" I know, right! " He said. " Fiery made us proud! " And he bent his head and crushed his lips against her. They were like that for some time; then, he broke away from her. " Let's go say hi to Fiery, " and he slung his big arms around her small shoulders, and together, they all left the Bleachers.

*****************

The grey light of dawn came through the big window and shrouded the room with a bright, beautiful light. Lisa opened her eyes. The room felt a little hot and trifled. She yawned and looked at Jake, who was sleeping beside her.

It was now a week after the day Jake and she had gone to the horse track watch Fiery perform that Lisa discovered that she was pregnant. When they had left the horse track together, they had gone out to celebrate along with Jake's lawyer. Then they had both returned home and had made wild, sweet love.

The horse race committee had issued an indefinite break from the horse race when four of the founding members had died in an airplane crash on their way to watch a horse racing event in Paris, France. The whole town had been devastated by the news, and they had organized a candle night for the dead members. So, Lisa and Jake had no choice but to stay at home. Most of the time, they were always indoors, in the bedroom, talking about the horse race, watching movies, reading, and afterward making wild, passionate love. Funnily, they never brought up any discussion concerning the agreement they had made or discuss anything about the future. It was as if both of them were afraid to bring up anything that would distort the relationship they had formed between them.

She had also called Sally too, asking how she was doing and how she was coping with running the ranch. The old maid had Lisa she had missed her ( Lisa ) so much, and she couldn't wait to see her.

It was during those times that Lisa had had the feeling she was pregnant.

It all started with her not seeing her periods, having dizzy spells, nausea, and sudden tiredness. Sometimes, when she goes out of the house to check on Fiery in the stable, she feels her legs heavy as lead as she walks. Sometimes, when she eats, she suddenly loses her appetite, and sometimes she wouldn't have an appetite. At first, all these signs puzzled her. She had complained to Jake. But he, who was also inexperienced about pregnancy in women, had advised her that what she needs was to eat more food and have a good rest.

Then one day, she picked up her phone and googled about the signs and symptoms she had been experiencing. By the time she was done, she knew she was pregnant. She read about the tests women use to know whether they were actually pregnant or not. That was how she found out about the PT test strips.

So, she got into Jake's car and given him the excuse that she wanted to check on Sally, she drove into town. She went into a small pharmacy and bought a PT test strips. She had never done this kind of thing before. Following the pharmacist's instructions, she had entered the ladies' room and conducted the test. It turned out positive. A feeling of unbearable happiness surged through her. She didn't know how long she had been pregnant, but she was glad she had found out. Then she entered a store which sells magazines concerning pregnant women's wellbeing and bought some magazines. Then she had got back into the car and painstakingly read the whole content in the magazines. By the time she was through, she had already known how to handle herself doing her pregnancy periods.

What worried her was that she didn't know whether the child is a boy or a girl. Though she had told Jake that a child is a child, but inwardly she preferred a boy. From the information she had gathered from the magazine, she knew she had to wait until the child inside her developed before the sex of the child can be confirmed. She had then hidden the magazines inside a secluded part of her closet, knowing Jake would get curious if he saw them.

Another thing that worried her was that she couldn't bring herself to tell Jake she was pregnant. A part of her wanted to tell him, but another part brushed off the idea. Now that they were spending more time together, she noticed Jake looked happier and more relaxed. She believed that it was because of Fiery's winning streak at the horse race and not because of her being with him.

Jake was not interested in babies, she reasoned with herself. He was only interested in winning the horse race and keeping the name of his family. So why should she tell him anything about the pregnancy, she reasoned with herself. And yet, inwardly, she knew Jake deserved to know the truth. That day, before they had both gone to the horse track to watch Fiery; while they had both sat at the dining table, eating, she had nearly wanted to ask him how he felt about her. To know whether he has feelings for her. But she found out she could not bring herself to ask him.

Lisa had been sleeping in Jake's big bed after that day that they both went to the horse track. It felt so naturally sleeping beside him. It had started out awkward between them at first, but she got used to it with time. Inconspicuously, she had managed to keep all the pregnancy symptoms she was experiencing from him. But sometimes, when she was in bed with him, and when he thought she wasn't looking, she would feel his eyes on her, scrutinizing her, as if he was trying to understand something about her. She had a feeling he had fallen in love with her, but she was not really sure.

After spending many days with him, she got to know that Jake was a man who was an expert in hiding his feelings, especially when it concerns things of the heart. And it made it difficult for her to know what he really thought of her. It was while she had begun to sleep beside him on his bed that she discovered she was in love with him. The realization had shocked her so much she had cried. Falling in love with him was not part of the agreement they had made. More so, the thought of being in love with a man like Jake scared her. What if he didn't love her back? Lisa was afraid of rejection. The thought of Jake rejecting her made her shiver with fear. And yet still, she knew she was in love with him. He was her first love. The first man to make love to her. The first man to let her know what it means for a woman to enjoy the undefinable pleasure of sex. Falling in love with him had been inevitable.

Another thing that made her worried about falling in love with Jake was that what if after the whole deal between them, the memories of everything they had done together keep flooding her mind, and Jake, on the other hand, wiped out everything they had had together from his mind? Whey if he totally forgets about the things they had done together? If that truly happens, she knew the effect would be devastating on her. There were so many things that had happened between them that she could never forget.

The only thing she could do was to keep things from him for as long as she can, she told herself. Then, when she got gripped by her feelings, she would tell him everything, leaving nothing. Though it sounds unreasonable to her, she believed that's the only thing that would help her handle a man like Jake.

. As she lay on the big bed that morning, she watched Jake as he slept on, his chest rising and falling. She propped her head upon her elbow and continued to watch him, marveling that he could look so young and so vulnerable. Sleep had made him look less menacing and more child-like. Lisa chuckled. The thought that a man like Jake could manage to look like a child sounded ridiculous to her. She sighed. Ever since the day they had been having sex, their lovemaking had always been hot and intense. Inexplicably, she had found out that after they had continued to make love, she could not get enough of him. She always wanted him to have sex with her. Sometimes, she made her demands openly or covertly. Jake knew all the signs. And he always indulged her.

It was as if she had turned her into a kind of sex maniac or something. At first, she was afraid that she was becoming a sex addict. But Jake had assured her that what she was feeling was completely normal. She was only behaving like that because she had never had any sexual experience before, not until now, and with time, she would be able to control herself.

Lisa stretched out her hand and brushed a lock of hair from his face. He sighed and sighed heavily, and reaching out, he slid his arms around her and pulled her tightly to him.

" Hmmm…….you smell so good this morning," he murmured. " Lavender kind of shit! "

Clasped in his warm embrace, Lisa felt warm and comfortable. Her head was on his powerful shoulder and her mouth against his throat. She snuggled closer, and kissed him gently on his throat, and felt him shivered. She raised her hands and began to make gentle circles on his chest with her fingertips. She heard him moaned, and her eyes widen when she felt his huge penis touching the areas between her thighs.

" Even in your sleep, you are a sex maniac, Jake Courtland," she said, smiling, her eyes looking up to his face.

" Dirty liar! " Jake said, his eyes still closed. " Both of us know who the real sex maniac is "

Knowing he was right, she flushed scarlet, and she thumped on his big chest with her fist.

" But you want it that way, don't you? " She pouted, making a little face.

Jake's eyes flickered open. He sat up on the bed, grinned at her, and flopped his head back on the pillow.

" Who told you I want it that way? " He said, his dark eyes teasing.

Lisa made a face at him.

" Jake! Are you trying to say I'm the only one enjoying our lovemaking? " she wailed.

He laughed at her.

" Lisa, I really enjoy making love to you. Alright? "

She lifted her eyebrows.

" Do you mean that? " She asked.

" Of course! " And he lifted the bed wrap. He was completely naked under the sheets, and she saw his penis, hard and erect. " Do you doubt me now? "

Lisa's cheeks turned a rosy scarlet.

" I…….I don't," she said, staring at the throbbing, soft flesh.

." Good! " He covered his naked body with the wrap and stretched luxuriously on the bed. Lisa looked away, disappointment written all over her face. She had thought he would have wanted to make love to her. I've got to find a way to control myself when I'm with him, she told herself. I can go on like this. I'll go crazy.

" Are you alright? " He said, watching her.

Lisa turned her mind away from her thoughts.

" What do you say? " She said.

" I said, are you alright! " He said. " For a moment there, I thought you look angry or something."

" Me? Angry? Why should I? " She laughed uneasily. " Your thoughts are running wild, Jake. "

He stared at her for a long moment, then shrugged.

" Alright! Lisa! " He began. " What do you think about us going for a little vacation? "

She narrowed her eyes at him.

" What? Vacation? " She said anxiously. " Are you serious? "

" Damned right I am, " Jake said evenly. " I've been thinking about it for some time now. We could take a few days off. We could go somewhere around here. But a very nice place that is. Just me and you. You could cook some good food, and I'll assist. We'll do so many things together. I think it's a good idea. Don't you think? "

" Of course! " Lisa beamed. " Funnily enough, I've never had any vacation before. I don't always get the chance to take one. " She paused and went on. " Oh, Jake….what about the race? What about fiery? " she babbled.

Jake grinned at her.

" That would be no problem. We'll be back before the horse race resumes that’s if the break is called off. the vacation would be a short one, but I promise you, a memorable one " he was smiling at her now, his dark eyes alight with promising secrets.

" When do we start preparing? " Lisa said excitedly.

" We could start preparing today," He replied. " In fact, we could leave today. Nothing is stopping us. "

" Today? " She said, surprised plastered on her face. " Are you serious? "

"That's what the man says! " He answered.

" But where would we go? " She wailed.

" I've got a nice place in mind. You'll love it " his eyes were twinkling with merriment.

" Fantastic! " Lisa cried. " Oh my God, I can't wait."

Jake opened his arms wide, and she flew into it. She held him for a long moment, loving the feel of his masculine body around her. After a while, he broke away from her and stared into her eyes.

" Are you happy with me, Lisa? " His eyes had darkened, and it was staring at her intently. " Are you really happy with me? " he emphasized on the words.

Lisa bobbled her head.

" Yes, Jake Courtland," she said simply.

" Good! Then never hide anything from me, alright," he said to her.

Lisa swallowed hard.

" What do you mean, Jake? " She whispered.

Jake sighed heavily.

" I don't know, Lisa. But sometimes, when I'm with you, I get this feeling you are hiding something from me. I get this feeling that there are some things you wish to say, but something is holding you back."

Lisa's mouth went dry. A heart was beating violently inside her chest. He is beginning to know! She thought. Sooner or later, if she was not careful enough, she had a feeling he was going to find out. Unless she bluffed him, she turned her mind away from her thoughts and looked at him.

" Jake! " She began. " I'm not hiding anything from you. I can't even do that," she lied easily.

He studied her face for a long moment.

" Okay, I'll believe you. " He said finally. He touched her face with his fingers. " I don't want any secrets between us, Lisa. It will hurt me if I ever find out you keep things from me."

Lisa bit hard on her bottom lips. Oh, God! I wish I could bring myself to tell him everything, she thought.

" You don't have to be worried, Jake. " She said in a shaky voice. " I would never hide anything from you. "

He grinned at her.

" I'm happy to hear that," he said. He put his hand behind her head and draw her to him. She rested her head on his big shoulders and sigh. " Holding you feel so good, Lisa," he said.

" Thanks," she replied, holding him close.

" I'm so hungry, " he said.

" Should I ring for Carl? " she said.

" Don't be silly. I mean, I'm hungry for other things," he said.

" Huh? " She looked up at his face, puzzled. She saw his eyes teasing her. Then understanding crept up her face. " You bad boy! " She muttered.

Jake grinned at her. He bent his head and kissed her hard on her lips. They were like that for some time, straining against each other, then he broke away. She felt moistness between her legs, and she ran her lips over her tongue.

He picked her up and turned her over so that her back was facing him. Then she felt his strong hands pulling her up on her knees. She wondered what he wanted to do.

" Ever heard of a doggy style? " He said.

Lisa shook her head.

" I don't know. " She said. " What's does it mean? "

" I'll explain……sexually! " He said breathlessly. He slid the negligee off her. She was naked now, her back bent, knee dipped into the bed. He pressed his body against hers and held her hips tightly. Then she gasped as he slid deep into her. He began to plunge deep into her, slowly at first, then as she began to scream out in a wild frenzy, he increased his pace, plunging and plunging, holding her hips tightly, his breath coming out raspy.

" Do you like it? " He growled. " Do you fucking enjoy it? "

" Oh, yes, Jake. Yes, please, " She moaned. " Don't stop, Jake! Just keep on fucking me. "

He plunges and plunges into her, moving deeper and deeper, and when he was about to come, he quickly slid out of her, turned her over so that she was facing him, then a wild groan came from him as he spurted his hot liquid onto her face and chest, his chest rising and falling. They both collapsed on the bed.

" Oh, Jake," she moaned. " I wanted to taste it."

He laughed at her.

" You are so naughty," and he kissed her gently on her lips. " Let's go get you all cleaned up " He picked her up and carried her into the vast bathroom. Jake shaved while Lisa shampooed her hair. Then they both took a quick bath and dressed up.

A few minutes later, they both stepped out of the room, fully dressed. Hand in hand, they walk into the living room and found Carl doing the house chores.

" Good morning, Mr. Courtland! " He said to Jake. Then he turned to Lisa. " Morning, ma'am."

Jake and Lisa greeted him in unison.

" Carl, I and Miss Wolfe are going for a vacation. Immediately after breakfast, we'll be leaving. But I can assure you we'll be back before the horse race resumes. "

Carl grinned.

" That would be splendid, sir. Can I come with you? "

Jake grinned.

" No, you can't! " He said affectionately.

Carl's face creased up into a frown.

" But sir, who will do all the cooking and laundry for you when you get there? " he asked.

" You are looking at them! " Jake beamed. " Don't worry, yourself, about it. We'll take care of ourselves alright."

Carl nodded his head.

" Alright, sir. Do you want me to pack your bags? "

" Please do! " Jake replied. " But before that, Miss Wolfe and I are hungry. I'll like you to serve us now. Immediately after breakfast, we'll be leaving. Then don't forget to get the Aston Martin ready. We'll be taking her with us. "

" No problem, sir," Carl said, and he ran into the kitchen.

Jake and Lisa walked to the dining room and settled into the chairs. Carl appeared with a tray. He laid the food on the table and went up the stairs. By the time Jake and Lisa had finished, Carl had also finished packing their luggage. He came into the living room, his hands filled with luggage. Jake and Lisa joined him.

" Thanks, Carl, " Jake said. He turned to Lisa. " Let me say hello to Henry and Willie before we leave," and he kissed her lightly on her cheek and strolled out of the house. They both watch him go.

" I've never seen him like that, " Carl said.

Lisa turned her head to look at him.

" What do you mean? " Her eyes regarded the black valet.

Carl shrugged.

" I've never seen look like that at any woman. The way he looks at you. Most especially showing his affections openly. " he shook his head. " It's unbelievable."

" Why are you saying all these, Carl? " Lisa said her interests piqued.

Carl stared at her for a long moment.

" I think Mr. Courtland is in love with you, ma'am."

His words hit Lisa in the pit of her belly like a violent kick.

" You don't really mean that, do you, Carl? " She said breathlessly.

Carl gave her a bright smile.

" I've never been surer about anything in my life, ma'am. " He shrugged again. " The only problem is that Mr. Courtland does not know it. "

" I…. don't know what to say, Carl," she babbled.

" You don't have to say anything, ma'am. " He said. " But I'll tell you this. Mr. Courtland is the kind of man that does not love easily. Many women have tried to make him fall in love with them, but he wasn't having any of it. Not until now, I might say. " He paused and went. " if you'll excuse me, I've got to go warm up the Aston Martin," and he left the room.

Lisa watched him go, a thoughtful expression on her face. Her mind was darting here and there like a trapped rat. Was Jake really in love with her? She asked herself. Or was he just doing all these to make her happy? She drew in a long, slow breath and grimaced. She wished what the valet had told her was true. If it was, then she could easily tell Jake everything she had been hiding from him for the past few months. But what if Carl was wrong? Then that means she would have to face rejection from Jake. She shook her head. She would rather keep the secrets from him than face rejection. Just then, the front door swung opened, and Jake strolled in, a warm smile on his handsome face.

" I've talked to Henry and Willie. They'll take care of Fiery alright. " He said to her. " So, I think we are free to go now. "

" What about your Mike? " She said.

" I'll call him when we get there or maybe not " Jake grinned mischievously. " I would like to see the expression on that little rat face when he gets here, and he couldn't find me."

" You are a bully, Jake," Lisa said, smiling at him.

" Yeah, I know," he said, smiling at her. He put his arms around her and kissed her on her lips. His kiss was hard and demanding. She held him tightly, kissing back. Carl came into the room. They broke away.

" The car is ready, sir," Carl announced.

" Miss Wolfe! " Jake said to her. " The vacation is on! "

And together, they all walked out of the house.

**************

To Lisa's surprise, Jake had planned for them to have a yacht cruise for the vacation. He had driven them to one of the small ports around the city. Then he had given his car keys to one of the guides who guarded the port areas. Then together, they had gone in into the yacht. While he was giving instructions to the sailor, she found out that the yacht belonged to him. When they were alone, she had asked him why he didn't tell her the cruiser belonged to him.

" It's a surprise, Lisa," he said. " I wanted to surprise you." And he had laughed and kissed her affectionately.

The yacht was a four-hundred-ton job, glittering white, fitted with beautiful sun awnings and mouth-watering luxury. It comprised a big bedroom, a big bed, a vast bathroom with a closet, and a dresser.

The yacht set off at once for the sea. Except for the sailor who drove the yacht, Lisa and Jake were the only ones on the yacht. They ate, swam in the blue sea, talked, and made love. Most of the cooking were done by Lisa. But sometimes, Jake assisted her. He had been surprised when she prepared him his favorites delicacies perfectly well. Jake had admitted to her that he was not good at cooking. And she had laughed at him when he prepared a meal that tasted rather too salty.

" Well, I might not be good in the kitchen, but the bedroom………" he laughed easily. " Now that's a different story entirely," and she had shrieked out as he picked her up and carried her into the bedroom.

Later on, they stepped out of the room, and went up the deck, and went on to swim in the sea. When it was in the night, and after a quick dinner, they went up the deck and sat in the basket chairs. It was a beautiful night. The stars glittered like diamonds in the dark sky, and a cool breeze from the sea blew on them. Jake fixed them a Don Perignon champagne drink. He offered her a cigar, but she declined. They both sat down in the basket chairs, drinking, each busy with his thoughts as they stared out into the darkness of the night. Lisa watched Jake as he sat there, drinking and smoking, at peace with himself. And love for him swelled up in her. Just then, she remembered something. Something that has been bothering her for a long time.

" Jake, " she said.

" What' is it, Lisa? "

" Why is it that the thought of riding a horse scares you? " she said. " I've wanted to ask you that, but it keeps eluding my mind."

Jake stared at her for a long moment. Then he looked away. He dragged hard on the cigar and sipped the champagne. Lisa watched him, not saying a word. After a while, he looked at her.

" I fell from a horse when I was five years old," he said finally. " I hit my head on a stone and almost had a cracked skull. "

Lisa's face became pale.

" Oh, Jake," she wailed. " I'm so sorry….I didn't know."

Jake smiled at her. But the smile did not reach his eyes.

" I pressurized my old man about wanting to learn how to ride a horse, so he got tired of my whining and bought me a pony then so I could learn how to ride. He somehow thought using a pony to ride would make me a slowpoke, so he kept the pony and gave me a big stallion for practicing. Though he was always around to teach me, one day, he got overconfident and left me to ride on my own. While I was riding her, the horse tripped over a big stick, and I fell. It was a freak accident. No one expected it. " He paused and went on. " I hit my head on the stone and passed out. My folks thought I had died. My mom was alive then. She died from the shock. " His voice was trembling now. " I was in a coma. I came around ten days later. It was my old man who broke the news about my mom's death to me. My old man, amidst tears, told me he had shot the horse " he clenched and unclenched his hands." But I didn't blame him. I blamed myself. Maybe if I hadn't wanted to learn how to ride a horse, my ma would still be alive..…..just maybe," his voice shook violently.

" But you couldn't have known, Jake," Lisa said, looking into his eyes. " For Christ's sake, you were just a kid. More so, a son of a wealthy rancher. No one could blame you for wanting a horse or wanting to learn how to ride."

" I know, " Jake answered her in a small voice. " But at the same time, my mother died because of me wishing for a horse," he said in a shaky voice.

" Don't blame yourself, Jake…..don't……it wasn't your fault."

Jake nodded but said nothing.

They didn't say anything for a long moment. Then finally, she said to him, " Jake!"

" What's, is it, baby? " He said, looking at her.

" I want to ask you something. It has been bothering my mind for a long time now. I don't want you to be angry. " She said. " Promise me you won't get mad? "

A serious expression came over his face.

" Lisa, what is it? You can tell me anything. Remember I told you that. "

" I know! " She said in a shaky voice. " But do you promise me you won't be angry with me?"

He stared at her for a long moment.

" Alright! I promise! " He said evenly.

" Jake," she began. " Why do you hate Old Bill Roswell so much? "

A dark look came over his face, and he suddenly looked sinister. Looking at him in the darkness of the night, she shivered. She saw him clenched his fist and swore under his breath.

" Lisa! " He said tightly. " Could we not talk about that old man! "

" But……but I want to know, " She replied.

He stared at her with painful intensity.

" Why? " He said through locked teeth. " What's your business with that punk ass anyways? Just stay out of it! "

As she stared at him, she could feel him battling with the rage inside of him. Bracing herself, Lisa stood up from her chair and came over to where he sat. His dark eyes glared at her, but she did not care. She stood in his front, bent down so that their faces were mere inches from each other, then she frames his face in her hands.

" You promise, Jake. You promised! " She whispered.

" If I had known that is what all this is all about, I won't I have made that promise," he gritted out, but he did not push her hands away. He regarded her for a long moment. " Okay, okay. I guess one day you'll have to find out anyway, "he said helplessly

Lisa smiled and kissed him on his lips. He crushed out the cigar, picked her up, and cradled her in his arms.

" You sure have a way of getting things the way you want it, right? " He teased her.

She nodded but said nothing.

" You see, Old Bill Roswell is a greedy man. " He began. " A real greedy sonofabitch. I've known Old Bill since when I was a kid. This man was a thorn in my father's flesh. You see, my father came here as a prospector, but he was a poor man. Old Bill was the rich man around here at that time. He had lots of horses and cattle and more lands than any rancher. My father came to him for help, but Old Bill threw him out. " He paused and went on. " Old Bill had a common practice then. Once he heard you are a prospector, and you are looking for land to buy. He's going to wait patiently for you. Immediately you find the land you want to buy; he's going to meet the landowner, offer him or her more money, and buy you out. That was his practice then. Most folks around here do that kind of thing, too, but Old Bill reigned supreme. He had more lands and more horses than any rancher I've ever known, yet he still wanted more. " He paused to light another cigar, then went on. " You see, Old Bill was afraid of competitors. People like Old Bill don't want anyone to be rich like them. He must have sensed the potentials in my father to be a rich man. Whenever he heard my old man had gotten a land to buy, he quickly goes to the owner, pays double for the land, and buys my old man out. That old bastard nearly sends my father to an early grave. Five times my father tried to buy a land for himself, and during those five times, Old Bill was the one who usually buys him out. There was one time my old man had a heart attack. It nearly killed him. But he survived it. The old son of a gun! " he said proudly. " But I guess my father was built just like a bull. He never backed down. Never surrendered. Well, my old man got lucky when Old Bill left the town for some business in a faraway city. It was during that time that my old man got a land. Horses and cows were quite cheap then, so my old man borrowed money from the few friends he had and bought some horses and cows. He was a good businessman, and he prospered. By the time Old Bill had returned, my old man had struck it rich. I heard Old Bill nearly killed himself when he heard about my father. " He said, smiling scornfully. " But there was nothing he could do again. My old man became a wealthy and respected member of the town and that time and men like Old Bill couldn't do nothing but give him the respect he deserved " He finished, heaving heavily.

" Was your mother alive during all those times? " Lisa said in a small voice.

Jake shook his head.

" Nope, she was dead then. It was my old man and me. Though I was still small, I knew so many things about the world that boys of my age don't. " He said proudly. " My old man taught me a lot of things. He taught me how to drive, how to swim, gave me so many insights about businesses. I could do so many things then. The only thing I steered clear of was a horse! " He shrugged indifferently. " Ever since that day I fell, I couldn't bring myself to walk into the stable. Even the mere thought of sitting on a horse scares the shit out of me. I only developed a passion for horse races because of my father. He was crazy about the horse races. I'm a coward! It's only a coward that would love a horse race, but the idea of riding one could make him shit his pants. " He said tightly. " Am a coward, right? " He was looking at her now, his face downcast.

" No, Jake," she whispered. " You are not a coward. Everything that happened shaped you. Molded you to be who you are today. No! You are not a coward. Don't ever say that, " and she touched his face tenderly and kissed him. " Jake, I want to tell you something," She continued.

" Say it, baby," he said.

" Jake, " she began, her voice shaky. " I want you to forgive old Bill."

The muscles in Jake's tightened.

" Forgive that old sod! Never! " He said tightly.

" Jake," Lisa cried. " You can't be keeping on hating him forever. Please, just let it go. You can't keep on bottling that rage and hatred inside you forever. What old Bill did is totally unforgivable; I know that. But the old man is remorseful now. I'm sure he must have learned his lessons. " she held her hands, her eyes imploring him. " Please, Jake. For my sake. Just let it go."

He stared at her for a long moment, his face hard as a rock, his mouth set tightly. Then she saw tightness on his face disappeared, and she felt him relax.

" Alright, " I'll settle things with him when I see him," he said evenly.

" Oh, Jake," Lisa gasped. She flung her arms around him and crushed her mouth against his. Then she pulled away. " I'm so happy, Jake. Thank you. I'm so glad! " she was

" Yeah, yeah, you sure know how to get things from me anyway," he admitted, shrugging. " I'm only doing this because of you, alright," he said, smiling.

" I know, Jake. And thank you so much," she beamed at him.

Jake drew in a long, slow breath.

" you don’t have to thank me, Lisa," and he kissed her palm, then her throat, and then her lips. " I want to make love to you, Lisa," he said breathlessly.

" Oh, Jake! I want that, " she purred.

And he felt her shiver.

He picked her up and carried her across the deck and down into the bedroom.