Chapter 4

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the plantation, John found himself sitting on the porch of the main house, sipping a glass of sweet tea. The air was heavy with the scent of magnolias and honeysuckle, and the sounds of insects filled the night. As the sky turned a dusty purple and the first stars began to appear, wisps of smoke rose lazily from the chimney of the main house.

From his vantage point, John could see the sprawling fields as they slowly faded in the coming night. Just a little earlier Richard had ordered the slaves back to their quarters after a long day of work. He now made his way to the plantation house, his boots crunching on the gravel road. John, who had been lost in thought on the porch, turned to greet him.

Richard mounted the steps, wearily wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. He accepted the glass of sweet tea John offered without a second thought, gulping it down gratefully.

Richard settled into a nearby rocking chair, heaving a sigh before he began, “Mr. Berrien, there’s something I want to show you, an integral part of the plantation work. It may be a bit unsettling at first, but it is an essential practice for any prosperous plantation.”

John was intrigued, alert to the gravity in Richard’s voice. “Please, do tell. I wish to learn every aspect of this new life of mine,” said John, setting his glass down on the small table beside him.

Richard regarded him for a moment, nodding, before replying, “Very well, come with me then.” John rose from his seat and followed Richard off the porch and around the side of the house.

John noted that Richard led him to the slave quarters. He had been there once before when he first arrived at the plantation. He remembered how Richard had introduced the slaves to him, without mentioning their names or speaking of their personal lives. It was the first time he had experienced first hand what it meant to consider people as property.

As they approached, the sounds of laughter, shouting and song began to filter through the slight gaps in the wooden structures. Through this cacophony, there was an undeniable somber undercurrent.

They passed a few huts, blending together in a cascade of semi-privacy until Richard stopped in front of a particular door. “In here, Mr. Berrien,” he announced and stepped aside to let John enter first. Blinking to adjust to the dimly lit interior, John saw a few wooden crates used as seats and two small straw mats serving as beds.

He made out two figures, their faces partially illuminated by a single flickering candle placed on a makeshift shelf.

John took a step closer and his heart skipped a beat as he recognized one of the slaves. It was Isaac, the slave he had bought in the auction just two days ago!

Isaac’s dark eyes looked up and met John’s gaze. There was no mistaking the wariness that lurked just beneath the surface. Isaac quickly averted his gaze, seemingly uncomfortable with the unwanted attention.

John looked past Isaac and recognized William, the other slave in the cabin. Though younger, he too exuded a guardedness that spoke volumes about their life under slavery’s unwavering grip.

The overseer, Richard, seemed to be unfazed by their expressions. He cleared his throat, commanding William, “Fetch Bonnie for me.”

William quickly got up and disappeared into the darkness outside the cabin. Richard turned his attention back to John.

“Let me explain,” Richard began, his tone suddenly all business. “it is my duty to ensure that we make the most of our resources. Our slaves are more than just workers - they are an investment, and any investment should be profitable. What you see here tonight is an essential aspect of preserving our productivity.”

Shortly after, William returned, with Bonny following close behind him. She was a striking figure, her skin the same deep ebony as the men. Bonnie looked to be in her mid-twenties, built with the sort of lithe athleticism that came from working in the fields since her earliest days. Her shoulder-length hair was pulled back in a practical braid, and her dark eyes stayed downcast and wary as William brought her in.

Richard looked pleased as he took in her form, his gaze lingering on her figure. “Bonnie,” he addressed her, “I have a job for you and Isaac tonight.” He let that hang in the air for a moment before continuing, “Mr. Berrien and I have come to observe. I want you both to undress, fully,” Richard commanded.

John’s eyes widened in shock as he stared at the overseer. He glanced over to Isaac and Bonnie, whose expressions remained stony and resigned, as if they had grown used to these kinds of demeaning orders.

“Wait, Richard, what?”

“Mr. Berrien, what you’re about to witness is a crucial element in maximizing our profits. These two will mate, and Bonny will bear a child for us to add to our labor force.”

John stared at Richard, utterly taken aback.

“You want them to what?”

Richard’s tone was calm, detached even. “They’ll breed, Mr. Berrien. It’s the most efficient way to grow our slave population, and it ensures that we have robust and healthy laborers.”

As the reality of Richard’s words sank in, John found himself unable to tear his gaze away from Bonnie and Isaac. He could hardly believe what was happening, yet a strange fascination tugged at him, urging him to stay.

Richard seemed to sense this internal struggle and assured John, “I understand this is unusual for you, Mr. Berrien, but trust me, this is a fundamental aspect of maintaining a successful plantation.”

Richard turned back to Isaac and Bonnie, his voice unyielding. “Take off your clothes, both of you.

Isaac and Bonnie exchanged quick, wary glances, but neither protested. They both started to remove their clothing, kicking off worn work boots and peeling away sweat-stained cotton garments. Within moments, both of them stood completely naked. Their muscular bodies exuded raw power, their skin glistened under the flickering candlelight.

Her body was lithe and toned, with hard-earned muscles from years of labor in the fields. Her breasts were not very large but firm, with dark, erect nipples that seemed to beg for his touch. His gaze wandered lower, taking in her flat stomach, and further down to the patch of curly hair that shielded her sex. Bonnie’s hands went to her hips, her fingers digging into the flesh there as if to hide herself from his eyes.

Meanwhile, Isaac stood tall and muscular. John couldn’t help but gaze at Isaac’s stunning physique, at the tight chest and powerful arms that glistened with sweat. With an almost defiant look, he proudly displayed his manhood. His shaft was thick and long, hanging heavily between muscled thighs.

Richard was unfazed and leaned back in his wooden chair, silently waiting for the slaves to proceed.

Isaac and Bonnie locked eyes, as if seeking silent permission from one another. Slowly, the black slave reached out a hand and caressed the side of Bonnie’s breast. She shuddered under his touch, a shiver running down her spine. Isaac gently fondled her naked flesh like it was a delicate piece of silk, tantalizing her sensitive nipple before pinching it between his thumb and index finger. Bonnie’s eyes fluttered shut, and she released a low moan of pleasure, fueling Isaac’s desire. He continued stroking her breasts, gently kneading them before sliding his hands down to grasp her waist. With a firm grip, he pulled her close and captured her lips in a passionate kiss.