Cassy gave Zee the puppy-eyed look and it was perfect on her snotty face. “But why?” She asked innocently. Zee wasn’t moved. All she could think about was Michael’s reaction. She didn’t even want to imagine it “I don’t like it, so we just can’t.” she clarified. She knew she did not have to mention Michael. “Oh, come on, Zee. I thought you were open-minded. I secretly admired that about you. We did this for you in advance, in case we got you and Inara’s forgiveness. We spent cool cash on this because we wanted to contribute to a fun-filled time at your bridal shower. This kind of event does not come every day.” That was a mouthful, Zee thought, even as she opened her mouth to refuse their gift. “Thanks for your effort but I…” “I understand.” Cassy interrupted smoothly, “but I think you should chill a little.” She raised her voice and addressed the room. “Hey, beautiful ladies and friends of Zee, don’t you fancy some stripper fun? Please, give me a yes,

ZEE WAS STILL unsure of how to begin, so she just decided to say it as it came to her. “Someone is going to send you pictures of the event.” “That's interesting. And I think it would make for some good entertainment, so I look forward to that.” “No,” Zee said in a rush. She could not help her anxiety. “No?” “I mean, there will be strippers in the pictures.” A pregnant silence passed between them. “I’m sorry, I didn’t get that. Strip what?” Zee found herself swallowing hard with rising tension. “Strippers.” She said quickly. “But I didn’t bring them. It was a setup and…” “Hold on. You mean to tell me that you had strippers at that party.”

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE wedding rehearsal, Michael would not let Zee out of his sight. He held her hand, which created the impression that they were enamored with each other. She maintained a happy demeanor but deep inside, she was praying for a miracle. She barely prayed on a normal day. Her family believed in God but they just were not as dedicated as Inara’s family. Michael kept her close beside him somewhere near the altar and kept talking to her softly. To others around, he was saying something loving to her, because the expression on the handsome features of his face was generally pleasant.  It gave off a relaxed air around him but in reality, he was making subtle threats, telling her how he could not wait to properly address her latest episodes of misbehavior, as he put it. Few seconds after her desperate silent prayer, she saw her father excuse himself from the company of her mother and Reverend Anthony. Then he started advancing t

SOME MOMENTS LATER   The choir sang the song from the wedding rehearsal about God blessing their union, as a flawless-looking Zee walked down the aisle in her father’s arm, her train, behind her. Beneath the veil, her eyes were on Michael who was standing gallantly before the altar with his men by his side. With Lemuel’s promise to help her, she was feeling way better but she was still scared. Still, it was inevitable that she become Michael’s wife. Michael watched his bride approach. She looked astonishing, pure, and untainted. This was the final step and she would be his. He was overwhelmed with feelings of pride that intensified more than they did during the wedding rehearsal. He could not wait for the ceremony to be over so he would take her home. Then the games would truly begin.

Michael helped her to fix her clothing. Then he let his gaze arrest hers. “Tell me how much you enjoyed that.” At his words, shame overwhelmed her. They both knew that her body had said it all but she managed to hold onto some of her pride. She didn’t want her response to give him complete satisfaction. “I had no choice.” She responded, realizing that she sounded a bit breathless. She blamed it on the intense orgasm she had received at his hands. He tilted his head to the side and a sneer appeared across his lips. “Hmm. Forced pleasure, huh? I see it’s good for you then. Shall we go again?” He watched her blue eyes widen with panic. “No, please.” “No?” he questioned. It hinted at his warning against refusing his advances.