The Cost of Silence

She stared at me, but her stern look gave way to a cheeky smile.

"I'm sorry if I overstepped the line," I added. "I'm not used to..."

I left the unfinished sentence hanging.

The air between us crackled with delicate electricity, and I could tell she felt it, too. But before we could explore further, Andy called out from the backyard, oblivious to the undercurrents swirling in his kitchen. "Hey, you two! How's it coming along in there?"

"We're almost done!" Sarah called back, her voice steady, but her eyes still locked with mine, a silent acknowledgment of the moment we had shared.

We carried the salads out to the table. The atmosphere was relaxed, but I could feel the undercurrent of our interaction. By the time dinner was ready, the three of us settled by the pool, the aroma of grilled steaks filling the air. We dug into our meal, the salad crisp and fresh against the savory meat. Andy, ever the host, brought out a bottle of Jack Daniels. "How about some JD and coke to cap off the day?" he suggested.

"Now we're talking," I said.

"So, Mike," Sarah asked, her voice soft but carrying a weighty curiosity, "Why did you get sent to prison?"

Andy shot her a warning look, his hand tightening around his glass. "Sarah, come on, don't—"

But I raised a hand, stopping him. "No, Andy, it's okay. She has a right to know, considering I'm staying under her roof." I turned to Sarah, her eyes wide with curiosity. "I did something stupid, robbed a pawn shop. I was armed, too, not that I was ever going to use it. Shit, I didn't even know if it worked! I figured you might've looked it up already."

I could tell from her expression that she had looked it up. Was she testing me, I thought?

I took a sip of my drink, letting the harsh liquid burn down my throat. "Prison gave me a lot of time to think about where I went wrong. It was tough... scarily tough at first, but it taught me a lot. Made me rethink my choices, my life. The Mike who walked into that place isn't the one who came out."

"I didn't want you to come here," she said.

"I can understand that, Sarah. I did a bad thing... heck, I used to do plenty of bad things, but look where they got me."

"But Andy persuaded me that we could help you get back on your feet," she said, smiling at Andy.

"He's a good... and honest man, your Andy. A man who is good for his word... and who honors his commitments."

Sarah's eyes softened, and she reached out, her hand clasping mine. "I'm glad you're here with us now," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think you have changed. This isn't the Mike that was a school bully."

The moment was ripe with unspoken words, and I seized it. "Speaking of change, or maybe a lack of, how have you two managed to stay together since high school? That's got to be rare."

Andy, perhaps eager to move past the discomfort, boasted with a hint of pride. "We've always been perfect for each other. True love from the start."

Sarah nodded along, but her eyes flickered to me, a silent confession that maybe perfection wasn't as fulfilling as it seemed. I held her gaze until she coquettishly looked away.

Andy cleared his throat, a pointed reminder of his presence. "Yeah, well, let's just enjoy the evening."

I decided to change the subject to something lighter, recounting a particularly hilarious incident from our high school days involving a mischievous prank and a school assembly gone awry. Sarah laughed, her hand occasionally touching my arm for emphasis, each contact sending a jolt through me.

The night progressed, and the playful banter between me and Sarah intensified, our dialogue brimming with suggestive remarks and prolonged glances. Andy's unease was plain to see, his reactions to my anecdotes and humor marked by contrived joviality. He was aware of my aims and disapproved of the attention Sarah was giving me, and with every minute that slipped by, the strain among us became more noticeable.

The evening wore on, the tension between Andy and me simmering beneath the surface. Every time Sarah's gaze lingered on me a second too long, or her laughter chimed with my jokes, I could feel Andy's disapproval. But the game was on, and I was nothing if not a patient man.

*****

I watched as Sarah's silhouette disappeared up the staircase, her goodnight wish lingering in the air, the soft padding of her footsteps fading away. Andy turned to me with an urgency that had been absent earlier in the evening. He gestured for me to follow him, and we moved together towards the far end of the pool, the house casting long shadows over the water.

In the dim light, Andy's face was taut, his eyes scanning mine. "Mike, I'm willing to give you all the money from the robbery," he began, his voice a low, strained whisper. "I'll even raise another fifty grand. Trey will do the same."

I leaned against the cool tiles, the gravity of his offer sinking in. Two hundred thousand dollars was a substantial sum, a life-changing amount. "What do you want in return?" I asked, my mind racing with the possibilities that kind of money could afford.

Andy's jaw clenched, and he took a step closer. "I want you to leave my wife alone. She's innocent in all of this. Completely innocent."

"But you're not," I pointed out, the words hanging between us heavy with implication.

He nodded a pained acknowledgment. "I know. Just take the money, please, Mike. Don't destroy my marriage."

"Who said anything about destroying your marriage?" I asked, a smirk playing on my lips.

Andy looked at me, his expression a mix of stunned and confused. "I just want to have some fun with Sarah. You won't be here. She won't tell you. You won't know what actually happened. Your mind might play tricks on you for a few days until I'm just a memory and your beautiful wife is still beside you. You guys carry on living a happy life," I said, my words laced with a deceptive casualness.

"Just take the offer, Mike!" Andy snarled, his composure slipping.

"I'll sleep on it," I said, my mind already turning over the angles. "I need a key," I added, almost as an afterthought.

"A key?" Andy echoed, baffled.

"Yeah, a house key. So I can get in and out," I explained as if it were the most natural request in the world.

"You don't need a key. Sarah or I can let you in," he countered quickly, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice.

"You promised to make yourself scarce," I reminded him, locking eyes with him to drive the point home.

Andy's shoulders slumped slightly. "I'm going to work this week. I'm not fucking happy about it either, Mike," he admitted, the frustration evident in his tone.

"Well done. Being scarce is all I ask. Just make sure you don't whisper a word to Sarah, or you'll have a tough few years inside," I said playfully, my hand coming up to slap the side of his face lightly. "What happens to Sarah for a couple of days this week will be nothing to what dozens of men will do to a pussy like you for eight years."

We turned in for the night, but I just lay in my soft bed and waited. Avoiding sleep and sleeping lightly is a skill you develop inside if you want to stay in one piece. I could hear the muffled conversation between Andy and Sarah, their voices a low hum through the walls. The sound of the bed squeaking followed, and I knew Andy was taking her. I wondered if she had started thinking of me yet.

Lying there, I allowed myself to indulge in the moment, imagining me pounding sweet Sarah. My hand moved over the length of my cock, which had responded to the thought of Sarah beneath me. It was always my best asset, but after eight years behind bars, I'd missed being enveloped inside the warmth of a woman.

The sounds from the next room ceased abruptly after about four minutes. "Jesus. Poor woman," I muttered under my breath.

Phase one of my plan, making a good impression on Sarah, had gone better than expected. Now, for phase two. I intended to ensure she saw me in my full glory. I knew once she'd seen what I had to offer, it would make everything else fall into place.

I waited, listening intently for any sign of movement. As soon as I heard the bathroom door, I was out of my bed, crossing the room silently, and opening my door just a crack. The landing was bathed in moonlight. I didn't know who was in the bathroom. It was 50/50. I hoped for Sarah, but I wasn't unaccustomed to men seeing me naked. Besides, if it's Andy, he'll see what his pretty wife will be getting.

I timed it perfectly, stepping out onto the landing just as Sarah emerged from the bathroom. She was wearing a barely there silk baby doll. Her huge tits swayed as she moved. Fuck, she looked better every time I saw more of her.

She saw movement. Her hand flew to her mouth in shock, but her eyes darted down, taking in the sight of my limp cock. Still seven inches in length, I'd never seen one bigger, and from the way her eyes flared like a frightened mare, I knew she hadn't either.

There was a moment where everything seemed to freeze, Sarah's eyes wide as she processed the sight before her. I made no move to cover myself.

"Sorry, Sarah," I said with a feigned embarrassment. "I'm not used to company."

Still, she didn't move. I stepped closer, ensuring she could see me clearly in the darkness. I towered over her.

Her nerves suddenly took control, and she tried looking everywhere but at me.

She giggled, a soft, flirty sound that sent a thrill through me. "I understand," she whispered back. "Go ahead." She gestured towards the bathroom before slipping back into her bedroom.

I returned to my bed, a satisfied grin spreading across my face. Phase two was a resounding success.

*****

I slept lightly that night, my mind too wired with the thoughts of the day ahead. Despite the lack of rest, I woke up early before any stirrings came from Andy or Sarah's room. I dressed in silence, the fabric of my clothes whispering in the morning air. Creeping downstairs, I was adrift in time, the house still cloaked in the pre-dawn gloom.

I needed a key. Sarah had mentioned nothing about going out today, and I intended to take advantage of her plans. The kitchen was quiet as I rifled through drawers, the soft clinks of utensils my only company, but no keys revealed themselves.

My search led me to a coat rack brimming with jackets. Pocket by pocket, I searched, finding nothing more than spare change and old receipts. "Shit, they must be here somewhere," I muttered under my breath.

Room by room, I scoured downstairs, frustration mounting with every empty search. Finally, I resigned myself to the fact that I'd have to leave without the keys. The most important thing was to be out of the house before they woke up, to keep up the facade that I'd be gone all day.

A glance at the microwave clock told me it was just after 7am. Perfect. I tiptoed to the front door, and that's when I saw them—keys hanging on the back of the door. "Idiot," I chided myself.

I sorted through the bunches, my fingers brushing over a keychain adorned with a flower and a star with an 'S' etched into it. Sarah's, no doubt. I found what looked like the front door key, slipped it into the lock, and turned. It clicked open smoothly. Swiftly, I removed the key from the ring, pocketed it, and replaced the keys as if untouched.

The walk to the mall was familiar, the streets had not much changed. It took about an hour, but it was worth it when I found myself in a coffee shop, savoring the best coffee and pastry I'd ever tasted, but the competition hadn't been the strongest. Across the way, a small shop offered shoe repairs and key cutting. Perfect.

By mid-morning, I'd managed to buy some new clothes, and I held a fresh copy of Sarah's key in my hand, the metal still warm from being cut. It was time to head back.

*****

The sun was at its peak when I returned to Andy and Sarah's house. Andy's car was nowhere to be seen, but Sarah's was still parked in the driveway. Just as I had planned. I cautiously approached the front door, keeping an eye out for any nosy neighbors, but the street remained quiet. My heart raced as I leaned in to listen at the door, but there was only silence on the other side.

Taking a deep breath, I slid the new key into the lock, turning it with a satisfying click. The door swung open, and I slipped inside, quickly securing Sarah's key back onto her keyring. It felt like a victory, a small step towards something more.

I tiptoed through the house, noting the stillness until I reached the back, where the large folding glass doors stood wide open. There she was, Sarah, sunning by the pool. My view was limited, but the glimpse was enough to spike my pulse.

Shaking off the distraction, I made my way upstairs. The shower's hiss drowned out the world as I let the water cleanse away the morning. Freshly dressed in the new shorts and T-shirt that clung to my frame a little too eagerly, I felt like a new man.

From my room at the front, I crossed the landing to Andy and Sarah's bedroom. I couldn't help myself; I peeked out of their window down at Sarah. "Holy shit," I murmured under my breath. The red bikini she wore was a tease of fabric, her curves spilling out as if challenging the sun itself.

I had to remind myself to breathe. It was time to make a move, but as I turned to leave their room, a piece of lace caught my eye. Sarah's bra hung on the wardrobe door. A sudden urge, like a primitive instinct, urged me to touch it. My fingers tingled with the tantalizing thought of cupping her voluptuous tits. I pulled back the label. "Fuck... me," I murmured before putting it back.

Boldly stepping outside into the sunlit afternoon, I caught sight of Sarah — an irresistible temptation lying there. Her headphones plugged in, eyes peacefully shut, she was a painting of sensual tranquility. My eyes devoured the sight of her—her skin, kissed by golden sunlight, held an inviting glow.

I took my place next to her on the lounger, extending my hand toward her phone, I paused the seductive melody that flowed from her headphones and disrupted her tranquility. Her eyelashes fluttered open in surprise as she bolted upright with a gasp before pulling her knees defensively towards her chest."

"Mike?" she yelped, her voice laced with surprise.

"Hey, it's only me. Sorry to creep up on you like that, but you had your music on, and eyes closed. I tried calling out."

"I... I thought... I thought you would be out all day," she stammered, her eyes wide and leery.

"Not today. I'm lining up some job interviews. This morning I went to the mall to get some new clothes. Do you like them?" I asked, standing to show off the new gear, knowing full well the T-shirt hugged my muscles just right.

Her eyes lingered on the fabric stretched over my chest. "I'm married," she said, her voice almost apologetic.

I chuckled playfully. "Relax, Sarah. I'm not going to hurt you. Shit, I'm sorry, I should leave," I said, injecting a hint of sadness into my tone. I needed her to see me as harmless, misunderstood. A new man.

"No!" she blurted out. "No, Mike. I am being stupid. It's me that should be sorry."

I sat back down, keeping my eyes locked with hers. "Look, I know I did a terrible thing," I confessed. "I was twenty and stupid. You can probably remember what a dick I used to be."

She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yeah."

I laughed, lightening the mood. "Okay... That's the bit where you're meant to say, 'No way, you weren't a dick'."

Sarah laughed, the sound musical, and she seemed to relax a little. "Sarah, I can go," I offered. "It will make you more comfortable."

"No, you don't have to do that. I just... I just wasn't expecting company. And... you know, Andy is not here," she said, her voice trailing off.

"Hey, Sarah. We're all friends here, right?" I said, trying to sound casual.

She nodded, "Yes. You're right. Are you going to sit outside?"

"Yes, if you don't mind. I might join you. I've not seen too much sun for the past few years," I lied, knowing full well my body was honed from daily weight training in the prison yard.

Without another word, I peeled off my T-shirt, feeling her gaze on my body. Her mouth hung slightly open, and I knew I had her attention. Not only was she taking in my ripped abs, but her eyes seemed stuck on my tight shorts, which clearly molded around my cock. The game was on, and I was playing to win. Andy would have hated this; the tension in him would have been unbearable, but right now, all I could think about was Sarah.

She seemed to completely relax and lay back as she had been.

*****

I perched comfortably on the lounger, my gaze lingering on Sarah just long enough to see a flicker of unease cross her face. It wasn't my intention to intimidate; I simply couldn't help but appreciate the view.

"Andy's wrong, you know," I broke the silence, my voice smooth as the breeze. "You definitely could be a model. Trust me."

A giggle escaped her lips, and I watched, almost in slow motion, as her chest gave a slight wobble. "Thanks, Mike. But it's a life in finance for me."

I pushed up from my seat, feeling the pull of the afternoon sun on my skin as I headed back inside. The bottle of Jack Daniels I'd snagged from the mall earlier seemed to call my name. I grabbed it along with a couple of glasses and set to work crafting two strong Jack Daniels and Cokes, the ice clinking like a cheerful toast to the day.

"Drink?" I offered, stepping back outside, the glasses rattling in my hand.

"Yes, I'd love one," Sarah said, her posture straightening up on the lounger.

She took a sip and immediately spluttered, a laugh bubbling up. "A bit early for alcohol, isn't it?" she teased.

"Damn, Sarah. I've gone eight years missing this stuff every day. At least have a drink with me."

I pouted, "Come on, Sarah, I'm an old friend. Don't make a friend drink alone."

"Okay, just one," Sarah relented with a laugh. "But only one. I don't handle alcohol well."

I playfully winked at her. "Damn, I should have made it a double."

We settled into our drinks, the alcohol working its magic on Sarah, loosening her up as we reminisced about our old school days. Her laughter became more frequent, her stories more animated.

"I need the bathroom," she announced suddenly, standing up with a slight sway.

As she walked away, I couldn't help but watch the rhythmic sway of her hips and ass, barely covered by her bikini. I took a moment to appreciate the view before gathering our glasses and heading inside for a refill.

When Sarah returned, her steps were less sure, her cheeks flushed with the telltale signs of early inebriation.

"Have you refilled this?" she asked with a sideways glance at her glass.

"What?" I feigned ignorance, but the smirk on my face betrayed me.

She giggled, a sound that sent a wave of excitement through me. "I know you finished yours, and I think I'd had most of mine, and now it's full."

"Okay, I may have added more coke," I admitted with a chuckle. "Come on, Sarah. You're on vacation. Live a little."

"Okay, just one... more," she relented again, her voice light and airy. "First, I need to cool off."

She put her drink down and sauntered over to the pool, her movements fluid and inviting. Without hesitation, she dove in, her body cutting through the water with practiced ease. I watched, transfixed, as she swam laps, her form perfect in the glistening water.

Sarah eventually swam to the edge near where I was sitting. "Coming in?" she asked with a playful challenge in her eyes.

"Got no swimsuit," I shrugged, the corner of my mouth lifting in a half-smile.

"I doubt you'd fit in Andy's," she said, and I raised an eyebrow suggestively.

She blushed, a giggle escaping her as she covered her eyes with a hand. "I didn't mean that," she laughed, the alcohol clearly reducing her filters.