Dark Paradise, Chapter Three
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Verena stood in front of the small bathroom mirror as she looked over her reflection. She settled for a simple lilac dress for the day of packing and moving, there was no need for stockings and garters as she wouldn’t be out much. She walked back to her room and lifted Violeta from her bed. The baby grasped and buried her face into Verena’s swollen breasts.
“You’re a hungry one today!” Verena chirped out. She unbuttoned her dress and brought her breast out enough for Violeta to latch on. Verena smiled and stroked the baby’s soft cheek. A knock on the door brought Verena out of her trance, she quickly covered herself with a small towel before heading downstairs.
Verena made her way to the door and opened it to reveal Brutal. The strong man held unassembled cardboard boxes, he sent Verena a smile before speaking.
“Hope I’m not too early,” He said in that deep southern drawl that made Verena’s heart flutter a bit.
“Oh no you’re right on time!” Verena answered, “Come on in, sugar!”
Brutal made his way into the small home, having to duck through the doorway. Verena led him up to her room to start the packing there.
“We can start in here, seeing as this is where most everything is.” Verena said with a smile.
“I’ll get these boxes goin’ if ya want to start foldin’ everything up?” Brutal asked gently, Verena simply nodded. She turned away to remove the now sleeping baby from her breast, she placed Violeta back into her crib before buttoning her dress back up.
Packing took much longer than either of them thought. Both were a sweaty mess as they brought the final item out to Brutal’s truck, Violeta’s crib. They had already brought out Verena’s wardrobe, clothing, and the rest of her belongings. The pair collapsed onto the couch to catch their breath.
“Well,” Brutal huffed, “You sure got a lot of things, darlin’!” Verena laughed at his obvious observation. “We should get headed to my place if we want to unpack before the sun sets.”
“Alright, I’ll meet you out front.” Verena said, Brutal gave her shoulder a reassuring pat before heading out the door. Verena stood from the couch and gathered her purse and the basket which held Violeta. She paced the house one last time before saying goodbye and heading out the door.
Brutal stood leaning against his truck as Verena walked down the porch steps. She walked up to him and said,
“Alright, jus’ follow me,” Brutal started, “My place is ‘bout an hour out from here. Verena nodded before turning to her own truck. She opened the passenger door and placed the basket and her purse on the seat before shutting the door.
“Y’know,” Brutal called out to her, Verena turned to look at him, “It’s nice seein’ ya in somethin’ other than prison blues!” Brutal beamed, Verena threw her head back as she laughed loudly, “Same goes for you, sugar!” She called back to him.
Both trucks pulled up to Brutals one story home around 6:30. The home had a screened in porch which Verena was immediately drawn to. She could already picture herself sitting in the cool night air unbothered by insects. Verena and Brutal exited their trucks, the former following the latter up through the screened in porch and into the home.
“You have a lovely home.” Verena praised.
“Why thank ya,” Brutal started, “Although I’ve been told I could decorate better.”
“Well I can help with that!” Verena laughed.
The sun had set by the time the duo got everything moved into the home. Verena had finished organizing her clothes into the wardrobe and Violeta’s clothes into the small dresser. Said infant lay in her crib, which was rather easy to move considering the wheels on each leg. Verena gently picked up Violeta and carried her out of the room to where Brutal sat in his recliner reading some sort of science fiction novel. He looked to Verena with a small smile as she approached him.
“Do you mind watching her while I have a shower?”
Brutal closed his book and set it on the side table before taking the baby in his arms, the back of his hand lightly grazing across Verena’s chest. The brunette gave the girl a small kiss before making her way to her room. She opened her wardrobe and pulled out a peachy nightie with lace cups and a matching robe. She shuffled through one of her many boxes and pulled out her plush pink towels and her bathing essentials.
Once in the bathroom, Verena turned the faucet handle and let the water heat up. She stripped off her clothes and placed them on the counter before stepping into the shower. The warm water embraced her body as a lover would. She made quick work of washing her body, her hair could wait a few more days. She shut the water off, grabbing her towel and drying off before stepping out from the tub. Her hands found their way to her nightie and slipped it on over herself, her robe followed next which she took the time to secure tightly. Making sure to hang her towel on one of the hooks on the door, she grabbed her clothes and made for her room. She tossed the clothes in her hamper before leaving for the living room. The sight that fell upon her eyes caused a bright smile to spread across her face.
Brutal stood at the stove preparing supper, Violeta in one hand and a wooden spoon in the other. Verena walked up behind him and placed her hands on his broad shoulders.
“Whatcha making?” She inquired with a smile. Brutal peered over his shoulder at the girl before answering, “I had some chili froze over so I figured we might as well have that for supper.” Verena laid her head on his back before answering, “A splendid idea!”
The two talked over supper, well more like Verena asked every possible question about the prison to which Brutal answered patiently. There was one more question which Verena needed the answer to.
“What do you know about Percy?” She asked shyly, a complete turnaround from her eager attitude from before.
“Other than the fact he’s a spoiled rich boy,” Brutal started with a grimace, “Not much, he keeps to himself.”
Verena nodded, she could feel the tension in his words.
“Why’re ya askin’ ‘bout him?” The dreaded question.
“Just thought he was rather handsome and he’s been kind to me.” Verena blushed. Brutal snorted before saying, “Jus’ be careful with him, he ain’t the nicest boy.”
Verena gave an obedient nod even though she wasn’t going to listen to him.
“Paul invited all of us guards over to his house for lunch tomorrow,” Brutal said after a short moment, Verena’s ears perked up at this, “Seein’ as we all have Sunday off.” Verena nodded with a smile.
“Does this mean I get to get all dolled up?”
“Of course.” Brutal chuckled.
Verena helped Brutal out with the dishes after supper was finished, he was adamant that he could do it himself but Verena insisted, multiple times. Verena clapped her hands together as they finished the last dish.
“Well,” She chirped out, “Goodnight Brutal.” She cupped the man's face and brought him down to her level before giving him a kiss on the cheek.
“Night, darlin’” Brutal said with a smile.
Verena awoke to a sharp pain in her lower stomach before a wave of nausea washed over her. She rushed to the bathroom, collapsing to her knees in front of the toilet. The woman began to wretch over the toilet as the contents of her stomach emptied. Thudding footsteps could be heard as Brutal rounded into the bathroom.
“Hey now darlin’,” Brutal kneeled down and brought Verena’s hair from her face, holding it at the base of her neck, “What’s goin’ on?” Verena shook her head and said, “Nothing, I’m fine.” Her body betrayed her words as she slumped down even more so against the cold porcelain.
“Don’t seem like nothin’ to me,” Brutal chided, “What’s wrong, hon?” He stood from his spot next to her to wet a rag to dab her heated face. Brutal looked to the girl as if asking the question again.
“It’s my period coming on!” Verena blurted out, tears fell from her eyes at the embarrassment of the situation.
“Alright, darlin’” Brutal sighed, “Do ya need anythin’?”
“Just help me back to my room, please?”
Brutal gently lifted Verena from the floor and brought her to her bedroom. He placed her on the bed before turning to leave the room.
“Will you stay with me?” Verena squeaked out, she really couldn’t stand to be alone right now. Brutal cleared his throat before answering, “Course.” He was glad she couldn’t see the blush on his face. The giant man slowly made his way under the covers and laid stiff as a board trying his best not to get too close but that was in vain. Verena snuggled up to his large frame, laying her head in the crook of his neck and draping an arm around his broad chest.
“Goodnight, Brutus.” Verena whispered, placing a peck to his jaw.
“Night, darlin’” He said returning the gesture, turning his neck and placing a kiss to her forehead.
Brutal’s mind raced all night about what the fuck he was doing. A forty-five year old man in bed with an eighteen year old girl is borderline criminal. But it was perfectly innocent, he told himself. He was just a man comforting a distressed young woman. He continued to rationalize with himself as he fell into a restless sleep.
Violeta’s wails awoke the pair that morning. Brutal was the first to stir into consciousness. He felt a weight on top of him and opened his eyes to see Verena had moved on top of him. Her head now lay just below his chin while her legs and arms wrapped tightly around him. Brutal gently shook the woman awake. Verena let a high pitch whine escape her throat.
“Come on, darlin’” Brutal said, “Time to wake up.”
Verena slowly rolled over so that her feet rested on the carpeted floor and her head on Brutal’s stomach. He stretched before standing, pulling Verena up with him. He took one large step over to the crib and pulled the infant to his chest.
“Mornin’ lil’ darlin’” He gave the baby girl a gentle kiss before handing her over to Verena. The brunette sat back down on the bed and began to nurse the tiny mousy haired girl.
“I’ll get breakfast started.” Brutal called out as he left for his own room to get dressed.
Violeta finished nursing around fifteen minutes later, Verena placed the girl back into her crib before heading for her wardrobe. She pulled out a white dress with bright florals and lace, a skirt slip, and her undergarments. She opened her nightstand and pulled out the most important invention known to womankind. A tampon. She marched to the bathroom to get dressed for the day. She quickly pulled on her undergarments and slip before pulling her dress down over her head. She secured the side button before stepping out of the bathroom.
Her feet padded out to the kitchen where Brutal stood setting their plates. Eggs on toast, her favorite. The two sat at the small table and talked about the book Brutal was currently reading, something about little green men.
A few hours had passed and the time came for the trio to head to Paul’s for lunch. Verena slipped on her white heels and dressed Violeta in a frilly pale purple dress. She slung her satchel over her shoulder before gliding toward the living room, baby in hand. Violeta’s basket sat on the couch, Verena placed the girl in and gave her a little kiss to which the baby smiled. Brutal walked over and lifted the basket with one strong arm before leading the way out of the home. He opened the passenger door of his truck for Verena. Once settled, he handed over the basket which Verena graciously took.
Paul’s home was about forty minutes away, the long car ride filled with Verena’s ramblings about nothing in particular. The three made their way up to the beautiful home. The white house was far out from any neighbors and had a spacious yard from what Verena could tell.
Brutal led the way around the side of the house to the backyard, Verena laughed to Brutal as she noticed they were the last to arrive.
“Well look who showed up!” Harry called out. Everyone turned to look in their direction, Verena blushed as a certain brunette's eyes fell on her form. Brutal placed the basket on the long table.
“Oh how precious!” An older woman gasped at the sight of Violeta, the baby girl sat gently smiling in her basket.
“Verena,” Paul made his way over, “This is my wife, Janice.” Paul introduced the women.
“It’s nice to meet you Janice!” Verena beamed, it was nice to be around another woman.
“Just call me Jan, honey,” Jan started, “Sorry for being so forward but may I hold her?” The blonde woman shrugged towards the baby girl.
“Of course!” Verena smiled, she made way as Jan tenderly lifted Violeta.
“Do ya mind if I show her off to the other wives?” Verena couldn’t help but say yes to the woman.
Brutal went to help Paul with the grill leaving Verena by her lonesome. She jumped as a hand came to rest on the small of her back.
“Woah now girl,” Percy grinned, “S’just me!”
“Oh Percy,” Verena gave his chest a gentle push, “Don’t you know to ask before putting your hands on a lady?”
“Jus’ figured our closeness in the locker room meant I was welcome to.” He said with a pout.
“You wish.” Verena quipped.
She watched as Percy’s eyes traveled up and down her body, she shifted under his gaze.
“You’re a mighty fine woman,” He chuckled, “Do ya know that?” Verena couldn’t help but smile to herself.
“And ya sure got a beautiful smile.” He continued, leaning into her side, his hand coming back up to rest on her hip.
“Why thank you, sugar.” Verena said in a hushed tone. She studied his face for a moment before saying, “I didn’t know you wore glasses.” Percy looked down shyly.
“I don’ like wearin’ ‘em but my aunt wouldn’t let me out the house today without puttin’ them on.”
“Well I like them,” Verena smiled, “They make you even more handsome.” Percy laughed and gave her a genuine smile, he gave her plump hip a light squeeze. The two were interrupted by Jan’s cheerful voice.
“Verena, come meet the other wives honey!”
Verena sent a small smile to Percy before walking away, she made sure to wiggle her hips a little as she did so. Percy watched as she left before making his way over to Dean and Harry.
Jan brought Verena up to the back porch to where two women sat, one a heavily pregnant redhead and the other a silver haired older woman.
“Girls,” Jan announced, “This here is Verena.”
“Pleasure to meet you, hon,” The silver haired woman spoke, “I’m Madeleine, Harry’s my husband.”
“And I’m Bonnie,” The cheerful redhead beamed, “Dean’s my fella!”
“It’s nice to meet you both!” Verena smiled, taking a seat next to Jan. Just then Violeta began to wail and smack her lips together, the girl was hungry.
“Sorry,” Verena shied away a bit, “Is there somewhere I can feed her?”
“Oh you’re fine right here!” Jan said warmly, the other two women nodding in agreement.
Verena took the baby girl from Jan and undid the button on her dress. She unwrapped the crossover of her dress and brought the baby to her swollen nipple. The three women watched on, causing Verena’s face to heat up.
“Pardon us but your daughter is just so beautiful!” Bonnie piped up. Verena didn’t correct her on the relationship, she didn’t want to bring up any negative feelings.
“What was the little angel’s name again?” Madeleine asked in her husky voice.
“Violeta.” Verena smiled.
“How stunning!” Jan grinned, Bonnie and Madeleine nodded in agreement.
“Where do your names come from, I don’t believe I’ve ever heard anythin’ like ‘em?” Bonnie inquired.
“Romania,” Verena answered, “My mama moved my sister and I here when we were young.” The three women nodded in understanding.
“How come you don’t have no wedding ring, Verena?” Madeleine and Jan shot the redhead an incredulous look.
“I’m sorry,” Bonnie spewed, “I don’t mean to be rude!”
“It’s alright,” Verena said, she hadn’t prepared for this conversation to happen, “I’m not married, Violeta’s daddy left me.” Verena quickly lied. The women shook their heads, a look of disgust on Madeleine's face.
“How terrible,” Madeleine gasped, “Men who don’t stay with the family they created should be punished.” Her voice was firm and her eyes steely. Nothing prepared Verena for the next question.
“Are ya with Brutus?” Jan and Madeleine gasped at Bonnie's question, “I was just thinkin’ cause you came in with him an’ all!”
“It’s alright,” Verena assured the woman, “My house was taken by the bank so I moved in with him.” The three women made noises of adornment.
“Such a kind man taking in a young mother and her daughter!” Madeleine praised. Bonnie and Jan agreed, Verena smiled at their kindness.
“Speaking of men,” Jan started with a sly smile turned towards Verena, “Are there any ya have your eye on, I know that prison is full of bachelors?”
“Janice!” Madeleine gasped as Bonnie giggled. The older woman was astonished by the question.
“As it just so happens,” All eyes flicked to Verena, “There is one who’s rather sweet on me.”
“Who?” All three women asked in unison before laughing at the fact.
“Percy.” Verena said blushing.
The women sat in silence as they looked at each other.
“Well that’s quite the opposite of what we’ve heard of him.” Jan said quietly as if Percy were listening.
“I know I know,” Verena said with a wave of her hand, “But he really is kind with me and he’s rather handsome, not to mention he has money.” Verena said the last part more to herself.
“He may be,” Madeline started, “But that Brutus is a kind, gentle man. I see him much more fit to be a husband and father.” Verena pondered her words before speaking.
“He’s old enough to be my own father!” The women broke into a fit of laughter.
“Sorry to interrupt ladies but lunch is ready.” Percy said as he rounded the porch. The young man immediately turned around at seeing Verena’s nursing state. The four women broke into an even more boisterous fit of laughter. Verena gently released Violeta from her breast before handing her off to an expectant Madeleine. The three wives made their way to the table as Verena waited behind. She crept her way up behind Percy as he walked and placed her hands on his shoulders.
“Thank you for not trying to take a peek at me.” She placed a kiss to his cheek before letting go. Percy chuckled before saying, “‘Course.” Verena laughed and said, “Maybe you can take a peek some time?”
Verena quickly walked away leaving Percy a blushing mess behind her.
Verena took her place next to Brutal giving him a kind smile, which didn’t go unnoticed by Madeleine across from them. She looked to see a sleeping Violeta in her basket. Her attention shifted to her right as Percy sat beside her.
As lunch ended, the group sat chatting at the table. The more time that passed, the more prominent the cramping in Verena’s belly became. She whispered to Brutal her situation to which he nodded understandably and stood to walk her into the house. Verena linked her arm with his for a little more stability, Percy watched in envy. The pair made their way into the house finding Janice in the kitchen preparing more iced tea.
“Hey there Jan,” Brutal spoke, “There anywhere Verena can rest for a moment?”
“Is everything alright?” Jan asked, her eyes and voice laced with concern. Verena gave her a knowing look to which Jan nodded in understanding.
“Jus’ follow me, honey.” Jan spoke softly. Verena went to move before turning around and pecking Brutal on the cheek. The two of them could hear an airy laugh come from behind Verena.
Jan led Verena to one of the extra bedrooms and instructed the girl to get comfortable on the bed. Verena complied and laid her head on the soft pillow.
“Do ya need anythin’?” Jan asked brushing the girl's hair from her face, “I have a hot water bottle lyin’ ‘round here somewhere.”
“That would be nice, thank you.” Verena smiled up at her, Jan returned the gesture before making her way out of the room.
Footsteps could be heard entering the room a few minutes later. Verena lifted her aching head to see none other than Percy holding the hot water bottle and a glass of water. The boy sauntered over before taking a seat next to Verena. He motioned for her to sit up, which she reluctantly did.
“Jan said for ya to take this.” Percy spoke, handing Verena an aspirin and the cup of water. She graciously took the pill and set the cup on the nightstand before laying back down at Percy’s command.
Percy placed the hot water bottle on the lower half of Verena’s belly. He moved his hand to brush her curls from her pale face, Verena took it in hers before bringing his knuckles to her lips and placing a tender kiss. A smile graced his lips before a slightly puzzled look came over his face.
“What’s the matter, sugar?” Verena asked, still holding onto his delicate hand. Percy sighed trying to find the right words. After a moment his face settled.
“How come ya told everyone your Violeta’s mama?” His question shocked Verena, “Ya told me she was your niece.” Verena sighed and released his hand, placing her own on the hot water bottle.
“It’s just easier this way,” Verena gave a half smile, “I don’t like to talk about my sister.” Tears left her eyes at the mention of Visilica. At this Percy brought himself to lay down next to the girl and wrap his arms around her. Verena turned into his chest as more tears left her eyes.
Percy whispered sweet words to her as he stroked her face. Verena’s tears had stopped flowing when she craned her neck up to look at Percy. He peered down into her glassy emerald eyes. Verena brought her hand to his face and gently stroked his now loose curls from his forehead. Her hands snaked around to the back of his head before bringing him down so that their foreheads rested against each other, she giggled at his glasses bumping her nose. She placed a light kiss to his nose, which he returned by placing one to her cheek. The two lay intertwined for what felt like hours before either spoke again.
“Can I ask you a question, sugar?” Verena whispered.
“‘Course.” Percy said, focused on a ringlet held in between his thumb and index finger.
“How old are you?” Percy was a little taken aback by the odd question.
“Jus’ turned twenty-one last month,” He said, his focus falling back on her face, “What ‘bout ya?”
“Eighteen.” Verena said, her eyes bore into him. He hadn’t expected her to be so young. Sure she looked it but she was just barely an adult.
“Can I ask ya a question?” Percy asked.
“You just did,” Verena giggled at him, Percy let out a small chuckle at her quirky attitude, “Shoot.”
“What was your sister’s name?” His question caught her off guard, she had to fight the tears welling in her eyes.
“Visilica.” Verena whispered against his neck.
“Sure is pretty.” He stroked her hair as they continued to lay in each other's embrace.
The boy and girl had fallen asleep in the hour they sat in the bedroom. Verena awoke to the sound of the door creaking open. She looked up to see Brutal standing in the doorway, carrying Violeta and her satchel.
“Time to go, darlin’” He used the sweet nickname but his eyes held disdain for the man she was saddled up with.
Verena gently shook Percy awake as she sat up, he adjusted his glasses as he rose from his position. He looked over to Brutal, his eyes flashed with fear as he saw the larger man. This didn’t go unnoticed by Verena. The party made their way downstairs and bid their goodbyes to Paul and Janice, they were the last to leave. Jan gave Verena a knowing look as she gave a slight nod in Percy’s direction. Verena just gave her a shy smile.
The walk to their cars was a silent one. Brutal opened Verena’s door for her expecting her to get in but she quickly rushed over to Percy. He was halfway in his cherry red Cadillac as Verena placed a kiss to the corner of his lips. She hurriedly jumped into Brutal’s truck, taking Violeta’s basket onto her lap. She missed the glare that Brutal sent to an awestruck Percy, the latter unfortunately catching it.
Brutal slid into the truck and backed out of the driveway. It was quiet for the first few minutes as Verena flushed thinking back to Percy.
“So,” Brutal spoke up, “What was that all ‘bout?” He kept his eyes on the road as he spoke, anger nearly dripping from his words.
“We were just talking and then fell asleep.” Verena whispered, she could feel the tension in the air.
“Thought I told ya to be careful ‘round him.”
“I know it’s just he’s really sweet on me, and young and handsome.” Verena stammered. Brutal sighed.
“I jus’ don’t want ya gettin’ hurt, darlin’”
The rest of the day had been uneventful. The three arrived back at home and listened to the radio and ate supper before it was time for Violeta’s bath. Verena plugged the bathroom sink and ran water warm enough for the baby girl. She undressed the girl and gently held her head as she rested in the sink. Verena made quick work with the baby soap and warm rag on the infant’s delicate skin. Once finished, Verena dressed the girl in her night clothes and brought the baby to Brutal so she herself could bathe.
Verena’s damp hair clung to her as she made her way to the screened in porch. She sat on the bench swing as she watched Brutal slowly rock Violeta in his chair. After, a quiet while her pent up emotions caught up to her. Verena stood from the swing and sulked over to Brutal, timidly sitting in the older man’s lap. He froze for a second before wrapping one arm around her waist, the other still holding the baby girl. Verena laid her head into his neck as tears spilled from her eyes.
It was hard not to think of her family, especially Visilica. Her older sister had always been there for her through thick and thin. Without her there was a void in Verena’s heart, a deep ache within her soul for someone she thought would always be with her. She missed the late nights where the two of them would lay awake in their mothers bed, Viorica’s hands gently stroking both of their heads. Verena felt alone, the rest of her family still being in Romania. Her aunt Ecaterina would often visit but she hadn’t been able to make it to America for Visilica’s funeral. Verena thought back to a letter she wrote saying she’d be visiting by the end of the month, she had already sent her a return letter stating the change of address. But she didn’t tell Aunt Ecaterina about Brutal.
“What’s wrong, darlin’?” Brutal asked after a minute.
“Hormones.” Verena lied, keeping her eyes down. She felt Brutal nod as he hummed in understanding. They sat there for a while just listening to the sound of the crickets and cicadas in the night air. Coyotes could be heard crying in the distance. Verena had fallen into a deep slumber against Brutal’s chest. The man carried both girls to bed, placing Violeta in her crib and tucking Verena under her covers. He placed a kiss to both their heads before leaving the room and going to bed himself.
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