Chapter 16

At some point my legs refused to work. Not that my brain was commanding them otherwise. My brain was relentless in asking them to move and stop embarrassing us but my legs had a mind of their own.

My legs were projecting my feelings and emotions at the time. My body felt heavier than normal, that my legs were having a had time carrying my body forward. I dragged forward causing a squeak on the floor as my legs moved reluctantly.

" Are you okay miss?" Venna asked when she noticed jagged movements .

I was falling behind. My heart was beating fast and my palms sweating. I had no desire to be here. Every step I took felt like I was saying a fuck you to my parents, the church and my ancestors.

The words ancestors increased my panic. I needed a few minutes to compose myself before I go.

" Which way is the bathroom? " I asked " I need to relieve myself"

" Go straight, on your left . You can't miss it" she answered with a tiny smile.

I basically ran to the confines of the bathroom. A loud sigh escaped my mouth before I could control it but what the hell, I was alone. Using the bathroom was a ruse but I actually felt like peeing. I used the bathroom quickly ,washed my hands and looked at my appearance in the mirror.

I know some people may not understand but adultery is frowned upon in our culture. The punishments have been less severe with the changing of times but that doesn't make it less scary. In the olden times adultery was punished by a series of torture before death.

What happened was, if you suspected your wife or husband of adultery ,you would present your case to the council of elders. We had a chief as the sovereign leader but the council of elders were there to assist him or her in decision making.

The council of elders would conduct an investigation. At this point no one knows about the allegations except for the complainant ,the elders and the chief. Once the investigation came to an end ,the perpetrators were brought before the whole village. The perpetrators were the person cheating and the person they were cheating with.

All the evidence was presented and witnesses brought forward. If found guilty the two people would be tied on individual poles or posts. The convicted fellows husband or wife was given the first arrow . This was like a compensation for the hurt and humiliation they went through.

The first shot could be anywhere, the complainants choice. After the first shot everyone else was given a chance. Most times the perpetrators were not be dead by then as most shots are not deadly but merely to increase there suffering.

After everyone in the village has had a turn they were both left there for days ,no food or water until they die. Barbaric I know but it got the job done. It served as a warning to anyone who wanted to try ,so they were aware of their fate if they chose that path.

There were less adulterers in that time and no divorces. You had to make it work whether you wanted to kill each other.

That was then but this is now. It doesn't mean that people are okay with cheating, it was still frowned upon but the penalty if caught was not death. At least I could rest easy knowing that no one will kill me but that doesn't lessen the anxiety I felt.

I finished checking my appearance, took two deep breaths and walked out confidently. I found Venna waiting for me. She didn't move an inch. She still had that smile on her face that made me feel calmer and confident than I actually was.

We proceeded to take a private elevator. She punched in the numbers and it took us directly to the penthouse. The elevator opened up to a huge sitting. I peeked inside not wanting to leave the safety of the elevator. She placed her small hand on my shoulder and urged me to take a step forward.

I took a hesitant step forward, out of the elevator staring ahead in fascination. By the time I turned around to check if she was with me, the elevator closed and started going down. I panicked when I found myself alone and rushed to press the buttons on the elevator.

" Don't look so panicked, no one is going to kill you" stated a familiar voice.

I turned around slowly to find Marcus dressed in a blue suit, his hands in his pocket as he observed me.

" That remains to be seen"

" Why would I want you dead Zee?" He asked.

I didn't believe he wanted me dead. If he did I would be dead a long time ago.

" Hivo ndivo wauwaji husema" ( That is what killers say)

" What did you say ?" he asked not well conversant with our language.

" I said I don't know "

" You see, no cause for alarm" he said softly.

He tried to ease my nervosity. He stretched out his hand and I took it. I had no where to run so I might as well give in. We walked through the spacious sitting room which had white couches, a glass table, a large flat screen tv and a beautiful white rug. Whoever kept this place clean was doing a great job.

One of the walls was turned into a library with book shelves stacked with so many books from floor to ceiling. We entered the dinning room which had a long table with eight black seats. A sink was at the far end with a water dispenser close to it.

We walked to the balcony of the dinning room, where a beautiful table was set for two. A candle lit dinner, who would have thought. I appreciated that he was trying to make me as comfortable as possible even though he was the cause of my discomfort.

Two plates were placed on either sides covered with a shinny plate. A bottle of wine was chilled on the left ready for consumption. He moved to his side of the table and pulled a bouquet of red roses, which he handed over to me. I didn't understand his actions but at the same time I didn't question them.

I had decided to go with the flow . I didn't want to create unnecessary drama for myself. I wanted this interaction to go smoothly without any of us being hurt. He pushed my seat for me and uncovered my plate.

The food looked delicious, and based on the steam evaporating ,it was still hot. He went to his side and did the same. We started eating in silence as we both concentrated on the task. I pushed my food around my plate not having much of an appetite.

My nerves already filled my stomach with water, I didn't have more space. Besides I felt like I could puke at any moment. I pushed my plate aside and poured myself a glass of water. I drank too fast, it went to the wrong pipe and I ended up coughing.

Marcus chuckled at the scene and reached for the wine. He went ahead to pour two glasses and handed one to me. I took a sip of the red wine and I found myself liking it. I have never been a fan of wine, especially the splitting headache I get in the morning.

" You need to relax" he stated his observation.

How could I relax when the whole situation was nerve-racking? I didn't get him and he didn't understand me.

" Do you think this is easy for me?" I asked annoyed by his chill behavior.

Why was he so calm and composed while I couldn't sit still? This whole thing was driving me nuts.

" No I don't, but I thought it would be easier"

" How?" I enquired

" We are not strangers to each other Zawadi. Besides I fucked you at the baby shower and I didn't hear you asking me to stop" he grinned

" You didn't give me a chance" I argued

" I am glad we still have this attraction between us, otherwise this would have be so awkward"

" Don't you feel an ounce of shame blackmailing me?"

" No. I am getting what am owed. "

" I don't owe you anything" I hissed

" If you didn't owe me anything you wouldn't be here" he stated

Aargh! How do I say anything after that when I was reminded why I was here.

" I have an activity we can do today"

" What is that?"

" We will watch a movie. You used to love those."

" Okay" I was relived.

" And I almost forgot to tell you about the rules "

" Rules!" My eyes widened.

" First rule, you do everything I say without complaining. Ah-ah not a word"

" Seriously you don't expect me to not raise my displeasure"

" I don't care. No ,going against my will"

He waited for my opposing statement but I said nothing.

" Good, you are a fast learner. Second rule, we will not talk about our significant others here. This is our space not there's"

I was perfectly fine with that rule. He didn't want to be reminded that he was doing the wrong thing and neither did I . Besides why should I feel guilty if he doesn't.

*' because you are a nice person' stated my subconscious.*

Damn me and my good heart. We watched two movies that night before we retired to bed. I expected him to initiate sex but all he wanted to do was cuddle. I released a breath I didn't realize I was holding ,before I allowed his warmth to cocoon me . I slept peacefully in his arms.



***Author's note:

Hello everyone, first I want to thank you all for reading this book and the kind comments. This is the last update for this week. Unfortunately next week there will be less updates as I will be tied up by some things. I will try to update as much as I can. Have a nice weekend. Bye.***