A Mistress, A Wife

By Arline Miller

What more can Dave desire after reaching the top of the world? Is
there more than success, family, and wealth? Enter in sultry Rachelle
and nothing else compares. Maybe the wife will want to have a word
or two in A Mistress and A Wife.

Feeling she had finally found an escape from her past, a young struggling woman is pulled into a web of love only to find a new form of imprisonment. Dare she tread when her heart tells her to run like the wind?

The many twists and turns surround a beautiful seductress who has to learn that love in a gilded cage has rusted hinges when she becomes forced into seclusion by a wife who is determined to stop the lovers. Rachelle sees firsthand how the heart can be shattered into many pieces.

Rachelle is forever linked to Dave and in a passionate interlude; she is oblivious of any danger to her life. She is expected to blindly trust him, but can she? Dave will do everything in his power to save her life. He makes deals with his nemesis, but while saving her, can he save himself?

Nightmares are engulfed with intense passion where taboos become a normal sequence of events. Swirls of moral compasses become obsolete to Rachelle and Dave. Soon, the past catches up with both of them. The mirror of love cracks from revenge of the broken glass hearts of others.

Arline Miller, the author has created for the reader a voyeuristic adventure through the listener Destaina, a young lady who becomes personally intrigued by Rachelle’s story. Who is Destaina and why must Rachelle feel compelled to warn her of the dangers lurking?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arline Miller
• Release date: Jun 14, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311040206

Arline Miller

Being from the small town of Douglas, Georgia and living in many locations both big and small, I found out how to learn flexibility and adaptability in all states of living and working. My writing has been my escape from everyday stress. Since 2012, I found solace in writing my inspirational blog. This adventure has taught me the power of words as a single word can encourage the weakest and destroy the strongest. We, who write, must know the difference. I am proud to have my first novel published so you can share my love.

Book preview

CHAPTER I

Yes, I understand you love him, but do you love him enough to die for him?

Destaina, you feel like you have the world at your feet; you are a princess with your prince. Am I right? What I have to ask, Have you met the wicked witch in your fairy tale world?

The once soft-eyed Rachelle looked at Destaina and waited for the answer. The café had emptied except for a few stragglers. It still held all of the warm memories of where it all began with Dave. It also held the pain, the suffering and the alluring imprisonment of many years spent loving a married man.

Before you answer, Destaina, may I tell you how I wished someone had asked me the same question? Rachelle sat back in the white painted café chair. If a passerby taking a look at the small framed woman of early fifties, he would have thought she was a business woman, with the poker face of years' experience in a man’s world. He could not guessed she had spent the last twenty years giving of herself, being there when Dave needed her, only knowing the loneliness of a mistress. Her short-cropped hair gave no appearance of the sultry temptress hidden within her.

What does a young lady of thirty-one know about seduction? In Rachelle’s mind, the word seduce did not come into play when she first met Dave. Rachelle, having been in New York for only a few years before they met; survival was her only priority. Moving from upstate Pennsylvania to get away from her strict family, Rachelle had reality staring at her with its harsh ugly face. Having moved into a small one room flat with the accommodations far from being adequate, she decided this was not exactly what she had in mind for the rest of her life.

The afternoon, which changed her life, started out as any afternoon with Rachelle working. That particular day happened to be the fashion show where Macy’s had their new spring line of hats and dresses to be introduced to the public. Rachelle had the small framed face and soft shiny blond hair, the basic ingredients for a model. To her, however, it was the paycheck she was after, not fame or exposure. Eating tonight was more important than having the world recognize her beauty. Fourteen hats later, fourteen walks down the runway; eating was becoming a priority in Rachelle’s mind.

At first, she did not notice Dave watching her. His face was only one in many. On the last walk and hat to be modeled; Rachelle could not help but notice the deep blue eyes on the man in the front row. His eyes were fixed on her face and she suspected that the hats, elegant as they were, had gone unnoticed. A model is not supposed to smile unless directed but it appeared out of nowhere. Immediately it was returned and Rachelle was captured for life. She did remember to collect her money but nothing else. She looked over the crowd for those blue eyes; she finally gave up looking and remembered the other priority which was eating.

Walking down 34th Street, she spotted the café and hurriedly entered. The table that was empty was the one in the corner. Rachelle pulled out the white painted chair. Looking over the menu for something filling and affordable; Rachelle felt a presence nearby. She felt that she knew whose face she would see. There was a strange churning in her stomach, but it was not food causing the excitement. Should she look up or just continue looking at the menu? A voice spoke to her; there was no decision to make.

Standing in front of her was the body containing those blue eyes which had given her more excitement in a few seconds that anything in all of Rachelle’s young life. Dave was smiling down at her and she was overwhelmed by his open smile. She could not speak and he finally asked, Could he join her? Years later, Rachelle would try to recall the first words that Dave had said to her but they would never come to her mind.

Dave sat down and Rachelle quivered. What was so powerfully overwhelming about him? Rachelle determined it was his eyes, but after looking at the firm square jaw, the mouth encircling the white teeth, the tanned but smoothly lined skin, she knew it was the captivating combination of everything. Rachelle became very self-conscious about herself. Always having to be prim and proper; Rachelle was not aware that her captor had become captured himself.

Would you allow an admirer to buy the prettiest girl in New York anything she desires to eat? Rachelle only nodded in fear her voice was not ever going to work again.

After the waiter had given Dave a secret smile, the kind only men understand, Dave took the liberty of ordering for both of them. Rachelle could not regain her composure. She questioned how she had allowed a total stranger to take control of her and even make decisions for her. Little did Rachelle know then the ordering of dinner was only the first of a lifetime of Dave making all of her decisions, even her own breath would become his breath with Dave giving her permission to breathe. No prison had ever looked as enticing as the bars in the form of the best looking man she had ever seen.

Dinner came and the exquisitely prepared cuisine filled Rachelle’s nostrils. Natural priorities returned and she ate with such passion that Dave hardly touched his lobster. He fixed his gaze on the beautiful young lady in front of him. His stares at the moment were going unnoticed by the famished Rachelle. It gave him time to go over every feature on her face and body. Dave could feel something different about this one. She was not like the rest of the women who already filled the temporary voids in his life. She seemed innocent instead of experienced. Either it was innocence or she was the best actress who knew how to perform to an audience. The soft blue eyes smiled when she smiled. Looking at her now, Dave decided it was true innocence on her face and this would be a new adventure to mold her into whatever he chose. Dave studied Rachelle’s body movements while she ate. It was noticeable she had been taught proper etiquette and felt comfortable in a crowd. This was an asset since Dave had a plan in mind; it required some sophistication.

However, this was not the only thing he noticed. The slow way the food was taken off the fork by sensual lips gave the observer the implication the user had an underlying sensuality. This made Dave smile at the future prospect of bringing this sensuality to the surface. At the reception of his smile, Rachelle stopped eating and looked apprehensively at Dave.

Did I do something wrong? Rachelle asked timidly.

Wrong? I think not Dave quickly interjected. I was only enjoying the pleasure of someone as charming as you. You are like a breath of fresh country air in the midst of all the smog and pollution. No, my dear, I think not.

Over drinks, the two got acquainted limited by Dave and how much he would allow Rachelle to know about him. He told her he was successful in the insurance world. He further told her that for his age, which he used generalities never letting his exact age hit the conversational airway; he was well respected and was known for his ability to overcome any objection. He spoke very little about his personal life except for the fact he kept a suite at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. He very hesitantly told her he owned a home in Hunters Point but stopped without further explanation.

Rachelle gave a brief description of her childhood leaving out all the bitter details of the overbearing father and unresponsive mother. She mentioned she was an only child but still withheld the fact her dad had wished for a son and constantly reminded her mother he had been cheated because she owed him a son. The pain of the constant reminder of being unwanted also brought forth to Rachelle the reality of being resented because of her gender. The early years of growing up had taken their toll on her. Rachelle had become withdrawn from both of her parents. Later all the painful memories would be shared with him, but at this point he was still a stranger to Rachelle. No stranger had been allowed in the dark corners of her memories.

Dave looked into Rachelle’s eyes as she avoided the details of her past giving the expected facts. The pale blue darkened as it became obvious to his trained eyes a lot of pain existed in the soul below. He knew not to press his newly found toy. He would win her trust and then she would keep nothing from him. Dave reached across the table to Rachelle and softly touched her small hands. He could not believe the almost child sized fingers and fragility. Her countenance changed immediately due to the passion building in her body by his touch and she blushed.

Looking at the pink in the cheeks on Rachelle, Dave could no longer hide the passion building in him. He moved in his seat to conceal the excitement growing below the table. He knew if he moved too fast it would jeopardize his final plan; but the thought of seducing this one was so overpowering. He wanted to grab Rachelle and make passionate love to her right there in the café. Quickly, his mind took over and made the concessions for his throbbing body. Not now, not now, but later; yes, the mind convinced Dave. She will be yours forever, if you play the cards right.

Rachelle was looking at Dave’s change of countenance and wondered about the mysterious stranger in front of her. She began to relax in the warmth of him and found a trust she had never experienced with a man. Looking into his eyes, she saw past the smile. The hunger which encompassed the eyes and nostrils was not going to be denied for long. Rachelle knew that look and immediately began to withdraw from Dave.

Thank you kindly for dinner but I really must leave now. Rachelle was standing at this time hoping for a graceful exit.

Thinking this was going to be difficult, she was astonished when Dave merely stood up and asked could he call her sometime? This was too good to be true. Rachelle’s mind started going in mad circles. He was backing out graciously. This did not coincide with those hungry eyes. Startled by the question, Rachelle agreed without acting on instinct.

Yes, I would like a call, came from the trembling lips of the confused young lady.

Dave called a taxi and opened the door for Rachelle. He advanced the cab driver the fare. Leaning over, he brushed Rachelle’s cheek with what would look to any observer a friendly kiss but Rachelle felt his hot tongue penetrate the soft skin all over her body even though it only slightly flicked her skin on her cheek.

I will call you lovely lady, were the words to make Rachelle a prisoner for life. If he had never called, she would have died by the phone waiting. The taxi ride to her apartment was blurry since her head was spinning. Rachelle convinced herself it was because she had eaten entirely too fast and not the fascinating stranger who had promised her he would call.

Getting out of the taxi, Rachelle tried to keep the smile off her face. Even the old neighborhood looked more pleasant. The littered sidewalk, and the people who for some reason always occupied the same spot day after day, could not change the euphoria that encompassed the air around Rachelle. The dismal surroundings turned into a magical place where the characters seemed straight out of Alice in Wonderland. Speaking to everyone who, before tonight, Rachelle would have cringed at the sight of those same people, she made it to her door.

Once inside however, the fantasy seemed to fade. A dark look came over Rachelle and she knew she was kidding herself. He’d never call. If he did, how would she overcome the hidden fears inside of her? A cold sweat came over her and her heart pounded at the remembrance of the past, and she became increasingly nauseated. No, no, she pleaded with her inner being, don’t spoil this day. Let me have one moment to enjoy, let me savor the eyes, the touch. Please, please not again. At once the bathroom seemed the only place to run. Rachelle’s much needed dinner left her small body and Rachelle felt helpless to stop the gripping darkness which surrounded her as she gave way and slumped to the floor.

CHAPTER II

At the moment she touched the cold floor upon awakening, Rachelle had to convince herself of her exact location. Why had she slept on the floor? Why did the room seem so differently from this angle? Still dazed, Rachelle’s lithe body slowly approached a vertical position. A cup of tea would fix this temporary state of mind. The small flat had a makeshift kitchen. The kitchen contained one hot plate as the means of gourmet preparation, a small refrigerator which was too small to accommodate any leftovers, as if there were ever any, and a small wood table large enough to seat one comfortably. Rachelle pulled down the tea bags and put the water on the hot plate. For some unknown reason, she smiled. Her memory was not in full play in retrospect of yesterday’s happenings. But subconsciously, the memories were blazing.

After a few minutes of walking around the kitchen, the cup of tea invited her to sit down. The steam from the cup felt remarkably warm and comfortable. The sun outside the dismal room become a reality and the world finally became focused.

Oh my God, Rachelle gasped. Dave, she muttered to herself. The room became increasingly hot at the thought. You need to calm down, not again, Rachelle reminded herself. How could the mere thought of a stranger bring forth this passion? His tongue, she remembered. She realized she wanted him and she was his for the taking. As she slowly sipped the warm tea, she recounted every feature on Dave’s face. The broad shoulders and the posture had been almost too correct as if there were no allowances for slouching or any other imperfections. Why would such a man pay any attention to her? What could she offer him? These questions rolled over in her mind. Why worry about it, was the next question that came to mind. He'll never call anyway.

Rachelle finished her tea and started to feel better. Sitting down on the sagging sofa, she closed her eyes and began to breathe calmer. She would not have to overcome any fears from the past. She would keep them in that safe place; in the very dark space that she had grown to hate but also recognize that she needed it to survive. The stranger could not force those memories; she would not let him get that close. Feeling confident she would not be tempted to desire the phone call, the touch, and his smile; Rachelle smiled.

With too much to do rather than to sit and let the day pass, she quickly opened her eyes and stood up. Her mind hastened to the immediate need of shopping for food. She had earned enough money for staples and for part of the rent. Turning to the makeshift closet, she looked over her sparse wardrobe. Some model, she thought. She wondered what the people in the audience would think of the latest creations in her closet. Pulling out a white cotton dress, she slipped over her head and then thought of the absence of a bath. What had he done? Always, without fail, Rachelle had been the picture of cleanliness, scrubbing every inch of her tiny body. Well, no one is going to change her. With that thought, she turned and entered the small bathroom.

As she felt the warm water slide over her body, Rachelle could not help but think about the stranger's warmth. She closed her eyes and went over his strong features. In the remembrance of Dave, Rachelle wondered if he was thinking of her. Had their touch meant anything to him, did their kiss excite him; had he allowed himself to think of what her body looked like as she was seeing it now? Bathing herself, she found herself spending more time touching, rubbing, and more time letting the warm water spray over her breasts. How could he be overriding all of her protective barriers she had spent years building and maintaining? Feeling the vulnerability from her touches, Rachelle turned off the water immediately and stepped out of the shower, dripping wet. Forget it, she reminded herself. You would never be able to be a whole woman with natural feelings, not after what had happened.

The towel felt like a security blanket as she wrapped her wet body, not even taking the time to dry off first. She sat down on the edge of the tub and began to tremble. She was better off in her cocoon than trying to take on the past. One more time, one of a thousand before, Rachelle withdrew from all the excitement, that burning feeling that would go away after a while, and became very still and rigid.

When she felt it was safe to come out again, Rachelle stood up and let the towel fall to the floor. Food came to mind; she needed to go now and do the shopping. See, she said to herself, you can handle anything. Again, the white cotton dress served its purpose going on quickly. Rachelle spent very little time with her hair and of course, no makeup. She saved all of the glamour techniques, and saved the costly make up for work. Her skin glistened from the long shower and Rachelle was even surprised at the blue in her eyes as she caught a quick glimpse in the mirror.

Rachelle picked up her bag and walked toward the door. Remembering she needed her list of bare minimums; she turned to look for the list. At the same moment, the knocking at the door startled her and she let out a small gasp. I never have guests and it can’t be the landlord, it’s not time for the rent.

Hesitantly, she opened the door just far enough to see who it was, but certainly not wide open. She could not believe what she saw. The hall was entirely covered in roses. The man standing in the middle of such an alluring backdrop was Dave. Oh, my God, what do I do now? He had that same collected smile, those shoulders still squared and the only thing that seemed to be different were his clothes.

CHAPTER III

I thought you said you were going to call Rachelle inquired, even though she was more exceedingly pleased that he was standing only two feet from her.

Before Dave could answer, a question arose in Rachelle's mind. How did he know where she lived? This seemed to drain her excitement and Dave read her fragile face immediately.

Yes I did, but I wanted to cut the odds of you not talking to me. The taxi driver, after being given a big incentive, coughed up your destination.

Dave halted, took in the expression on Rachelle's face, and then followed with, Did I calculate wrong, or are you as pleased to see me as I am to see you?

Rachelle took a deep breath, tried to muster enough control, and replied, Certainly I am pleased to see you but I think there should be some ground rules if we are going to see each other.

Where did this boldness come from? Rachelle even shocked herself. That's not what she wanted to say. Take Me her body and mind were screaming simultaneously. How would she control her passion and be able to talk sensibly to Dave?

This would not be a decision for Rachelle to make as Dave was about to take control of the situation as well as Rachelle's life.

Rachelle, come with me and have lunch and we will discuss the possibility of us seeing each other, as you so plainly stated. With this said he extended his hand and clasped Rachelle's palm. He gently but firmly gripped the soft skin. Tugging her forward, Rachelle felt both ecstasy and fear.

Down the stairs and out the door, Dave was determined he had to take the reins quickly before Rachelle had time to back out. He had sensed a deep set fear yesterday and would take no chances. He had to move swiftly and not allow any time to pass before he had set the hook.

Opening the door, he guided the quiet young lady into the highly polished and impeccably clean Jaguar. The black leather seats mellowed with Rachelle's weight and seemed to wrap around her small hips. Dave slid under the wheel.

Rachelle glanced at Dave as he turned the key in the ignition. No, it had not been a fantasy as he was just as handsome as the first time she had spotted him in the crowd. She also glanced down at her hands in her lap and tried to conceal the trembling.

Dave did not immediately speak to Rachelle allowing her imagination to grow vividly as to what the afternoon was going to bring. They rode with some soft music playing, the air conditioner blowing softly and the sun had started to bring warmth into the car. Even though the temperature was comfortable, she sensed a warming inside the car.

Realizing the warmth was from Dave's hand which had encompassed hers, Rachelle wanted to withdraw quickly but her hand would not move from Dave's grip.

Rachelle, relax and leave the driving to me was his reaction to her attempt of escapement.

You are completely safe with me and I intend to make every moment of your life, from this point forward, one that you will not only remember but you will cherish each one of them.

The hand gripped firmer and Rachelle felt a quiver in her stomach with Dave's promises.

Rachelle could not respond to his remarks but everything in her body was jumping from the aspect of just being in Dave's company for more than just this afternoon.

Lean back and take a few good breaths. It will be a short ride before we get to the little inn for lunch. We will have plenty of time to get to know each other and there will be more than ample time for all questions we will need to ask each other. With that comment, Dave allowed Rachelle's hand to lie freely on her lap and he seemed to withdraw into another dimension, leaving Rachelle alone in the car.

Riding first through the streets, the suburbs, and eventually the countryside began to creep into view. The view became more impressionable, which enabled Rachelle to concentrate on the view's beauty. She changed her position in the seat several times but finally found refuge in a certain position. The foliage on the trees seemed to be dancing in the soft breeze and she became mesmerized at their dance. She and Dave had not spoken since his statement and somehow, instead of making the situation awkward, it had somehow relaxed her and she realized that this felt good.

In about an hour, the car slowed and Dave turned down a country lane which a small hand painted sign pointed the way to the Inn at Twisted Groves. The lane was bordered by large knarred elms with a white painted fence. On a foggy morning, this would be a photographer's dream shot with the fence and trees disappearing in the backdrop. Rachelle felt as if she was being transported into a different realm with time having stopped somewhere in history.

Dave parked the car and came around to Rachelle's side and graciously opened her door. Offering his hand, Rachelle accepted it with a thank you. This was as appealing as the good ole days of the gentleman which seemed to be gone forever. They walked slowly to the Inn's entrance as if they were stepping through a time portal.

Walking onto the antebellum porch of the Inn, Rachelle felt as if she should be dressed in a flowing gown with the bodice hugging her tiny frame to blend into the elegant surroundings. When the magnificent doors opened, Rachelle was surprised to see it had been restored to its original condition and vintage décor.

Once seated by the maître de, Dave and Rachelle both seemed to take a very deep breath at the same time, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful atmosphere.

How did you ever find this place? When he answered, he sat up erect as if striking a pose matching a wall portrait of a gentleman who might have owned the estate.

I understand that feeling of déjà vu as I feel quite at peace here and unusual for me to feel comfortable in any new place. A sweet flow of air swept across Rachelle’s face and she sighed.

The waiter, in his starched white shirt and crisp black pants, approached the couple with the smile of a professional server, with the engraved menus in hand.

Good day, I am William and I am honored to serve you today. The young man, tall in stature, moved with the grace of a debutante, while at the same time, projected an air of masculinity. He made eye contact but sustained his gaze for only a few seconds. He recited the daily specials from memory and offered some advice to the couple.

Dave turned to Rachelle and started to ask if she would like to order, but as he looked into her eyes, he took the initiative and once again ordered the selections he thought she would love. He ordered the wine and asked William to bring the bottle for a taste first. Tasting the wine, Dave ordered a 1935 Lambrusco Grasparossa, a dry red sparkling wine from Emilia Romagna, Italy. The wine steward poured the wine slowly allowing it to breathe. Dave asked Rachelle to taste her wine to make sure that she was pleased, even though he was convinced this wine was the perfect match