Without Protection

The first restaurant franchise was going to be in Atlanta. Not that far off, driving distance, but it made for some lonely nights and days, especially being three months along with her and Antoine's first son.

Elizabeth was putting her groceries in the car, when a hand came up behind her, pinning both her wrists behind her back. A second hand grabbed Elizabeth's throat. It was LaDonna.

"No Antoine to protect you this time. I saw you drop him off this morning at the airport," LaDonna hissed. "Lucky for you, I ain't out for blood today. I just want to talk. I'm going to let you throat go, but no screaming, you hear me? Or I'll bitch slap you into next week." Elizabeth nodded frantically, and LaDonna released her throat.

"What do you want?" Elizabeth said, eyes welling with tears.

"Like I said, to talk. I promise, no ****. Let's go to your place."

***

Reluctantly, Elizabeth took LaDonna to her home. They looked at Elizabeth's daughter, Tonya, and her last child with Douglas, Katie.

"Cute kids," LaDonna said, reluctantly. She took out her phone, showing pictures of her children with Antoine. Elizabeth wondered where this was all going.

"You ever been with a woman, Elizabeth?" LaDonna asked. Elizabeth shook her head. "I did way back in the day, before Antoine. You know, we've both been with Antoine. I was frustrated with him a lot, when he was away, leaving me alone with five goddamn kids. And I didn't have an outlet. And I'd hate to see the same thing happen to you." Elizabeth stayed quiet.

"You know, I looked you up after we met that first time. Saw your modeling pics. Bikinis. Lingerie. Nice stuff, real nice. And I know you don't have an outlet, Antoine being gone so much ..." LaDonna took a step forward, brashly kissing Elizabeth. LaDonna wasn't attractive. She was in her mid-40s and stout, with short, natural dark hair currently in cornrows. But Elizabeth, lonely as she felt, still melted into the kiss.

"Let's go check out your bedroom," LaDonna commanded simply, and Elizabeth followed the order.