Fanchon's Book(56)

"I'm tired of her right now, darling. And I really don't see why you're so keen on her staying. She does most of the housework for you, I'll admit, but is that the only reason? You're not in love with her, are you?"

"In love with Rosalba? Don't be ridiculous. Fanchon, how could you even think it? You're the one I care for! That's why I want to keep Rosalba around, actually-because of my love for you. I can't be nasty to you the way I can to her. And sometimes I just get that nasty urge; it's a kind of compulsion, you might say."

"A compulsion to be nasty? What do you mean?"

"Oh, you know. That night in the cellar-remember what I did to you? That was nasty. And you didn't like it. So it won't happen again-not to you, anyway. But just the same, I still get the urge now and then."

"You-you do that to Rosalba?"

"Uh-huh. Only I don't have to force her. She loves it. She opens her mouth and swallows what I give her-and worships me all the more for it. But you should have figured it out for yourself by this time, Fanchon. Haven't you heard us making all that noise in the hall bathroom?"

"N-no. I-I just didn't realize… "

"Well, you realize it now. And I'm glad, frankly, I'm glad it's out in the open. I hate that little two-by-four toilet, it's so shabby and uncomfortable. Now maybe I can use yours, huh? You won't mind if I take Rosalba into your bathroom once in a while, will you?"

What could I say? I looked at the glittering green eyes, the determined face, the chin tilted at such an obstinate angle-and all I could do was bite my tongue and let it pass and hope the whole mess would soon blow over. Certainly I couldn't see myself offering to take Rosalba's place. Ugh!

After all, well, somehow everything got pretty chaotic-and just a bit weird, too. Kristi still slept with me, but now she contrived to spend more time with Rosalba, gravitating between us and yet avoiding any overlapping of the two pursuits. As if each was a separate sphere of activity. Except that she led Rosalba into my bathroom every so often, and I had to turn my head and act as though I didn't notice. But I did notice, oh yes, and I listened to the strange sounds and shuddered and knew that it wasn't any innocent "mistress and maid" charade going on in there behind the closed door.

I stood it as stoically as I Could. But I soon recognized the ugly fact that I was involved in an invidious competition. Kristi loved me, but that didn't constrain her from conferring a portion of herself upon my rival. And measured in minutes, the portion seemed to be increasing with exasperatingly conspicuous regularity. Until at last my heart shriveled and I went to my beloved and got down on my knees and pleaded with her to send the girl away.

"Poor unhappy Fanchon. So you're jealous, hmm? But if Rosalba goes, who'll be my toilet slave?"

"Is it-is it so necessary to you? That sort of thing?"

"No, not exactly. But there's something exciting about it. I guess I've just got a dirty mind, huh? Anyway, I don't want to give it up-and I'd be angry if you forced me to."

"What if I let you… uh… you know… "

"Do it to you?" She snorted in wry reproof. "Fanchon, you can't even say it; even the words are disgusting to you. You'd only get sick to your stomach again-and that's no fun for me. I need someone who feels a sexy thrill when it happens."

"Sexy… no… I could never feel-"

"Rosalba does. It makes her so hot she begs for more. Shall I prove it to you? She's always ready for me, always thirsty; I'll call her in and drop a little hint, that's all it takes. I'll have her begging for it right here m front of you."