Chapter 37: Her Lovers' Touch, Part 19, Trust

JAMES

I think on that day, remembering the first day Charlotte met Richard, when I miscalculated so badly; when I reacted so badly.

I punished her, betrayed her trust.

And in doing so, I almost destroyed everything we had; everything that lay between us.

Never again....

.... I let her have other men.

What's different about this one?

When it comes down to it, nothing, except that it is her choice rather than mine.

Michael put a stop to sharing her....

But that was to stop her getting hurt....

Richard would never hurt her.

He respects her.

And she, him.

I watch him, red-faced, sweating, watching Michael slow-fucking Beth, then turning to watch me fingering Charlotte.

Poor bastard....

.... He thinks he's the only one that's not going to get laid tonight....

Hardly fair....

*****

RICHARD