5 comments/ 6574 views/ 3 favorites F3 For Her By: xelliebabex (Author's Note: This story is a submission to the third Friendly Anonymous Writing Challenge (FAWC). The true author of this story is kept anonymous, but will be revealed on November 20th, 2013, in the comments section following this story. There are no prizes given in this challenge; this is simply a friendly competition.) (Inspiration for this and all FAWC 3 stories was taken from a single picture, which can be found here) (The tags for this story are FAWC, Asher, Lily, money, island, Talia, Ruby, bikini, love) * * * * Asher Grant sat back and took in what his money had bought him. It was the epitome of what summer excess looked like in the fantasy pages of a novel or a men's magazine. He scanned the crystal clear waters and a nubile young nymph swimming towards him. "What more could a man want? What more indeed?" he thought bitterly. He had built this tropical paradise with his long-time lover, Lilly, in mind to surprise her with a Christmas gift that would boggle her mind, but it had all been too late, and as if to prove to him she wanted just him not his money, his notoriety or his social standing she had walked out without a backward glance. When he had threatened her that she would receive nothing from him if she left, the woman had laughed heartily as if his words were intended as a joke. "I never wanted any of it, I only wanted you." Her words echoed in his brain with the derision she had delivered them. He had expected to hear from her lawyer, but nothing was forthcoming. He had expected to hear from her family, not only did her not hear from them but it seemed, a stone wall had been put up to protect her when he had tried to find her. He realised that, for the first time in his life, he had underestimated someone in the worst way and in the process, the only person he had hurt was himself. She had loved him. She hadn't fallen in love with his money, his power or his status but rather him. He had not considered himself lovable as such. He knew his wealth was what he brought to the table in any negotiation. He had truly not considered that anyone would see past that to the real him. He lay back on the cushion covered deck and watched the girl swim towards him. "Shit," he thought to himself considering the girl in front of him, "I can't even remember her name." The young woman arose from the water onto the cushioned mat he lay on and sensuously moved up his body to place wet kisses upon his chest and shoulders before moving up to his neck. He tilted his head back wondering why he couldn't remember her name. She was amazing. She was so hot, so sexy, so..." he paused in his thoughts, "So not Lilly." He had built this place for her as a gift after she had complained that their relationship was nothing was like it was when they had first met. They had met on an idyllic island at the wedding of mutual friends. It was a small affair as few could afford the airfare and hotel fees involved. They had instantly been attracted to each other, and he admitted that the fact that she did know who he was a bonus. She had treated him like any other man who vied for her company and attention. If anything, she had made him work harder than the others as she has known many of the other guests through her acquaintance with the bride and groom. Lilly was a free spirit. She couldn't be held down or held back if she decided she wanted something badly enough. She also didn't like to be tied down or beholden to another person for any reason. She was just herself, pure and simple. Asher had fallen for her almost instantly. He loved the way she embraced every opportunity life gave her. He loved the way she took on challenges irrespective of the innate danger and took every dare offered like a quest for glory. He loved that she didn't care if she fell over and came up muddy; she just dusted herself off and continued on. It shouldn't have surprised him then that she didn't care about his business or the money it brought them. He should have known that he needed to be present more in her life rather than sending gifts and apologies. He should have known a woman like Lilly would not settle for any mistress, including his work, but he let himself believe that she would understand. "What would you like to do this afternoon?" He asked the girl kissing his neck already knowing her response. "Anything you like," she replied making him grimace. Lilly would have given him several alternatives and let him know which she preferred. Asher closed his eyes and reminded himself that there was no going backwards only forwards. That was how he had made his mark in the business world. Unapologetic, swift and precise moves, it was how he lived his life, and he could not allow even a woman as wonderful as Lilly to dictate how he should act or what he should do. It was over, he reminded himself sadly and finally gave into the insistent girl nibbling at his neck, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her up to sit astride his hips. The decision had been made about how they would spend the afternoon. His kiss was as gentle as a butterfly at first. The next kiss brought a little more pressure to her lips and at the feel of his tongue gently teasing the tender flesh of her lower lip, she responded instantly. A soft moan escaped her lips. His fingers tightened around the back of her neck, and he pulled her body closer to his, deepening the kiss, leaving no doubt what he intended for the afternoon. He wrapped his arms tightly around her; one across her shoulders and the other under the curve of her bottom. Her bright eyes widened as he positioned her over him; her thighs splayed on either side of his hips. Rolling her hips she could feel the hard ridge of him pressed into the soft flesh of her pussy. Bracing her hands on either side of his head, she pushed herself up. Her hair wet and tousled from her swim, fell in a curtain across her face to tickle at his chest and a wicked grin spread across her lips as she lifted her hips a fraction of an inch and arched her back, rolling her hips again and pressing down onto his hard cock. She heard his breath hiss in through his clenched teeth, and she peeked at him through her lashes, and wiggled a little more, setting him more firmly into her moist folds. Talia couldn't believe her luck at being at this magnificent resort with Asher Grant and grinning at having affected him enough to hear a muffled groan and feel his hands reach for her hips to still her movements, Talia stilled her movements. Having kept her still for several moments Asher relaxed back and gazed up at her, a sinful smile on his face as one hand quickly left her hip and smacked her ass. As she yelped in surprise he quickly pulled her back down on top of him and smacked her ass again. The palm prints heating her ass created a subtle warmth in her belly that turned to licking flames, traveling down her inner thighs to her core. She gazed at him with an undisguised need and rolled her hips again enjoying the feel of the friction between them. His smile faded as she began to rotate her hips pressing down onto him again. Her eyes closed, and small white teeth glinted behind warm pink lips as she bent to nibble his neck, paying particular attention to the tender spot just below his ear. She distantly registered his hands gliding over the hot flesh to cup her bottom, lifting her slightly away from him so that she could feel his cock glide between the hot wet folds of her pussy. In her heat and eagerness she sunk her teeth into his neck eliciting a growl from him, but rather than stop what she was doing she instead ran a soft pink tongue over the mark and began kissing her way down his body. Her tongue flicked out and gently teased his nipple knowing this would excite him, his hips insistently pushing up into her proving that she knew how to please a man like this, rich, powerful and for at least this weekend, hers. She slid down the length of his body, pausing to nip the flat belly with her teeth. She was on her knees between his legs, running her hands up his thighs. Looking up at him, she lowered her head, taking his hardness into her mouth, never breaking eye contact. His legs tensed, and his fingers twined into her hair, she smiled around him, running her tongue up the underside of his shaft. She felt his little shiver and slid her mouth back down on him, taking all of him and feeling him press into the back of her throat. Her left hand curved under his balls and cupped him, stroking with soft gentle fingers. She felt him pulsing on her lips, and she moved down onto him. His fingers twined to the point of pain in her hair, his hips thrusting up forcing more into her mouth, making her gag slightly, but she loved the taste of him and kept her head low devouring him. She distantly heard him moan, and she gave a small whimper in response. She felt herself clench and knew she wanted him inside her. She lifted her head and looked up to see his lust filled gaze on her. Asher decided she had had her own way long enough and pulling her hair that was wrapped around his fingers he lead her back up his body smiling at her small whimpers of pain and disappointment. With the grace of an athlete, he changed their positions pushing her down onto the cushioned platform and rearing up above her. It was his turn to taste the sweetness of her skin, his tongue running down a similar path to the one Talia had travelled down his body. He liked her breasts; the small pale pink nipples were short and puckered sweetly between his lips making her breasts rise up into pointed mounds of flesh. His hands rested over her breasts as he kissed his way down her body nipping the soft skin below her navel and rolling over her flat belly. His hands spread her thighs wide and his nipped at the soft white flesh listening to her sigh in pleasure. He placed extra pressure on her thighs watching the lips of her pussy part and leaned forward to flick his tongue over the centre of her being at that point in time. The sinful grin curled his lips again, and she felt the shock of pleasure ripple through her making her thighs tremble and his cock harden impossibly more so. His lips closed over the tiny bud, and he began to whip it gently with his tongue. Her fingers threaded into his hair, pulling his mouth closer to her as her hips came off the bed to meet him. Her lips parted with soft whimpering pants and gasps. He ran his hand up her thigh and slowly let his fingers enter her, first one then two marvelling at how tight she always felt. She moaned, thrusting her hips upward once again onto the fingers and into his mouth. His tongue began to work at her faster, and he could feel her wetness begin to coat his hand. Her muscles tightened around his fingers, and he knew she was close to the edge of that abyss of pleasure that would wrack her body and leave her weak and trembling in his arms. Pulling free of her grappling hands Asher rose above Talia again guiding his throbbing cock into her. She was so tight he slid in only a frustrating fraction at a time, and the excruciating slowness of his movements nearly sent him over the edge. Finally embedded in her to the hilt he felt her muscles grip him and a deep groan of pleasure rumbled from his throat as he began to fuck her hard and deep. He guided her legs up the length of his body from where they had wrapped around his hips essentially doubling her in half and watching her breath shorten even more as she cried out her need. Talia dragged her fingernails down Asher's back enjoying the added grunts of pleasure he issued. He stiffened moaning her name and unable to hold back the tide began arching harder into her wanting her to come with him. He looked at the glazed eyes on wide panting mouth of the amazing girl he closed his eyes trying to block out the thoughts of how good this had been with Lilly and groaned deeply as he came. She matched him completely, and he felt the muscles around his cock pulse with it, milking the cum from him to mix with her own. Asher collapsed beside her allowing Talia to unfurl her legs, and they both lay breathing raggedly for long minutes. Asher stood pulling her with him and after pushing the surprised girl into the shallow lagoon, dived in after her surfacing some meters way and shaking the water from his hair. He knew he had to do something to get her out of his head. He had thought that bringing this beautiful woman with him to the island he had created with Lilly in mind he could possibly exorcize her from his mind. He had been here three days, and Lilly still remained in all his thoughts. "No taking backwards steps," he growled at himself startling Talia, who had swum closer to him when he had surfaced from the water. Smiling lightly, Asher looked at the girl; she was beautiful, smart, entertaining and willing to do anything her asked. How could it not be extraordinary to be here with her? How could he still be thinking of Lilly? He knew it wasn't fair to Talia, and decided to cut the week-long stay he had planned short. Preparing for her disappointment and perhaps recriminations Asher swam back to the pontoon and climbed from the pool. * * * * Asher paced around his office. He had been back in the city for several days, and though he had tried to find Lilly there was no sign of her. It seemed as though when they had broken up she had just disappeared. He was feeling like a stalker as he considered contacting her friends or family or even creepier yet a private detective to track her whereabouts and make sure she was okay. He had visions of her lying in the road after a crash or something equally disastrous. He straightened his tie as he looked into the mirror. He had wangled an invitation to a charity ball tonight that was in aid of a foundation that was close to Lilly's heart, and he hoped to run into her there, if for no other reason than to make sure she was all right, safe and unharmed, then he could go about the business of exorcizing her from his thoughts. His personal assistant, Ruby, came in and raised an eyebrow, "All dress up, very nice, indeed," she smiled easily. "Does this mean I get to leave early?" She was still quite miffed that he had returned from this island holiday early and had launched himself into his work with renewed frenzy causing his assistant many late nights stuck in the office with him when she would rather be at home curled on the sofa with her girlfriend. "Sure leave now," he laughed and swept his hand out expansively. "I know I have been demanding lately. Tell you what... find a replacement who can do your job as well as you do, and I will pay for a two week vacation at a new luxury resort for you and your girlfriend." "You're on," she laughed. "My job isn't that hard, but I am irreplaceable, so if it's just a job we have to cover, no sweat. Should I pack my bikini or skis?" Asher chuckled with her, "Definitely bikini." "Awesome, do you want to throw in a spray tan before I go seeing as you haven't let me see the light of day recently?" Ruby pushed her luck but continued to laugh. They had a real friendship, rather than just boss and employee, but she still knew enough not to push too far on certain issues. She had worried about him since his break up with Lilly. On the surface, he seemed his usual smooth, charming confidence self but his eyes held that faraway look all too often these days. Ruby considered telling him where Lilly had gone but stopped not wanting to step over one of those unspoken lines and interfere in a touchy area of his personal life. If he came to her; however, that was a completely different ball game, then she would tell him everything she knew and thought, but he hadn't done that yet. He probably didn't realise that she and Lilly had become close friends over the last few years of their relationship. Ruby took his coat from where he had placed it over the back of a nearby chair and helped him on with it. "Where are you off to tonight? I don't remember accepting any engagements or putting them on your calendar." "Oh, just one of those charity balls I decided to give in to a mate who has been asking and go. No big deal," Asher tried to shrug it off. "You're going to the Starlight foundation ball?" Ruby asked with an edge of incredulity on her voice. After watching him nod and the lost look return to his eyes, she blurted, "Lilly won't be there you know. She isn't even in the country at the moment." Asher's head snapped up, and he turned around and stared at her with a stunned expression. "How do you know where she is?" "We were friends, I spoke to her more often that you did towards the end, why wouldn't we be friends?" Ruby asked plaintively. It hadn't even occurred to him that Ruby of course would have looked after Lilly as well as she did him. "So, where is she?" Asher asked quietly, "If she isn't even in the country where is she?" "Well," Ruby hedged suddenly unsure of whether she should tell him and realising it was possibly too late to stop and refuse to answer him. Asher continued to look at her with that lost expression and she gave in. he was a good man at heart, it was just that when working on a big project he often became obsessive to the detriment of everything else in his life. "She is on a cruise," Ruby finally gave him half of the truth. "A cruise? For how long?" Asher had tilted his head wonderingly. He had not been able to find any sign of her in weeks surely cruises didn't last that long. "About three months I think maybe a bit longer," Ruby shrugged. "People don't take cruises for that long, people sail around the world in that sort of time frame they don't go on a cruise," he shook his head thinking that Ruby knew less about Lilly than she thought. "True but I think because she went on the boat dropping off scientists in Antarctica it has to take that long. Her brother is going down to join the Australian contingent at Mawson's retreat for the next year," Ruby explained. "It was the perfect opportunity for Lilly to get away from it all and spend some time with her nerdy brother that she rarely gets to see." "Oh, I see," Asher was crestfallen. He had been looking forward to tonight and the possibility of seeing Lilly, now he was unsure of what to do. Watching him carefully, Ruby could see his change in body language and tried to steer the conversation onto other topics. "It's good that you are supporting a charity that was so close to her heart," she spoke up again, "You will have a great time if you let yourself." "I guess," Asher conceded. It was a great charity to support, but he had only organised himself an invitation because he had convinced himself Lilly would be there. He guessed he should still go now that the organisers were expecting him. He grabbed his keys and phone and moved to leave. "Leave whenever you're ready, and you can have tomorrow off if you like," he smiled acknowledging the fact that this wonderful woman bore the brunt of all his moods when he was obsessively working on projects or when he was between projects and grumpy and fidgety looking for the next big thing he could take on. "You do a great job Ruby, I don't tell you that enough," Asher put an arm around her shoulder, and they walked from his office. "Thanks boss," Ruby beamed up at him and said, "Wait for me. I will travel down in the lift with you." He turned to the window that covered the whole of the west wall of the outer office and watched the city lights twinkle as the people of the city drove home to their loved ones down brightly lit motorways and roads. That was him once, racing home to see Lilly. He had not seen that he was losing her, he had not realised that the very project she had inspired and was building for her was the very thing that would finally, inevitably pull them apart. As she had left him her last words to him were delivered with sadness not accusation, "I never needed stuff, mansions, cars, holidays, Asher. I needed you." F3 For Her Asher remembered the look on her face, the tone of her voice, the defeated body language and each time it made him cringe that he had done that to her, the woman he loved, still loved if he was honest with himself. At the time, he could not beg her to stay or promise to be better, try harder. He was Asher Grant, and he did things his way; he was strong and passionate and unshakable in his belief that his way was the right way to live. It was after all, at the core of his success. He regretted that now, not in so much that he would beg her to give him another chance if he saw her again but he regretted that he didn't fight for her to stay, pursue her , show her he how much he cared even when he was working long hours on a project. His thoughts haunted him as he headed toward the Starlight Foundation Ball. Greeted by friends and enemies alike, Asher had to admit that he had a good time at the charity event he spent way too much money on a small prize he would probably give to Ruby, but it was all for a good cause he reminded himself. During the evening, the thought that Lilly was somewhere in the Antarctic waters with icebergs that obviously did not like ships, the prime example the Titanic. He began to worry about her in earnest and realised that he needed to know what ship where it was and when it would return before his head exploded with unpleasant thoughts about not being able to see her ever again. He needed to talk with Ruby but not only had he promised her a night off but also the day off tomorrow. He relived the short conversation they had had. Lilly had gone down with her brother, a research scientist, to Mawson's retreat, well he shouldn't be so hard to track. He knew the brother's name and which university he was attached to for his research. Feeling more confident that he had in some time he turned towards the young lady standing opposite him and tilted his head trying to pick up the thread of what she was saying as he had been thinking of other things. At the tilt of his head, she beamed a smile at him, "You don't want to hear about that though, let's talk about you." "Oh no, even I am sick of hearing about me, tell me again what it is you do?" he inquired politely believing that was not what she was just explaining to him in great length. The girl began to prattle on again, and Asher realised why he had zoned out in the first place. Mercifully he was saved by an acquaintance whom he had met through Lilly. The older woman excused herself as she interrupted the bubbly young woman saying, "I hate to interrupt darling, but I just must talk to Asher for a few minutes." "How are you holding up Asher?" Patricia asked. "Holding up?" he asked confused by her patronising tone. "Oh, I saw Lilly before she left. She was quite distraught over the breakup, poor love. I am glad you have chosen to continue patronising our fund raising events even without her by your side," Patricia explained further. "Of course," Asher replied wondering why he had thought himself saved when this woman appeared at his side. "Well now you must just be beside yourself, she was supposed to be back in time for this event but a message reached me yesterday that the ship was ice bound, and they were sending an ice breaker in to free it. It must a dreadful for the people on the ship, not just Lilly," Patricia had a concerned look on her face as she spoke. "What!" Asher half yelled before realising his reaction has caused people to turn and stare at him in wonder at what they could possibly be talking about. "Oh dear," Patricia said softly, "I thought you knew, or would have been one of the first to know that they were marooned in a sea of ice. I am so sorry to have said it this way Asher." She considered for a moment, perhaps there is something you could do to expedite her return we need her for a 'Lady's Day at the Races' event we are holding in two weeks as a follow on from this. She has done all the planning, and it just wouldn't be right to hold it, no one else could host it the way she could." "You better believe it," Asher said, "Do you have details of which ship she is on and what company is funding the research in Antarctica." "Of course," Patricia replied loftily, "Come with me and I will get it for you right now." Beside himself with worry now Asher followed Patricia to the other end of the great hall and a man who sat at a very large round table. "This is Graeme Fox, he is the Dean of Redgum University. They are funding the research team that Andy is with. He would appreciate your help in freeing the vessel and ensuring everyone's safety." Patricia said dramatically as if there was new crew near by and she would be in the six o'clock news. Graeme stood and held out his hand, "Nice to meet you, Sir. How is it you can help me?" "I am wealthy and have planes helicopters at my disposal," Asher said simply. "Good man," Graeme said, "The coast guards won't even consider going out to assist the ship. Apparently the weather down there is downright mucky right now." "I have a few friends who a little reckless in their flying and enjoy the challenge to sharpen their skills on. I will need all the details. Exact location, if they were on their way down or back, how many passengers will need to be lifted out and how many do you need to remain on the boat. Will they need supplies dropped..." Asher's mind was working quickly, and Graeme held up his hand in mock surrender. "One thing at a time. This shindig is winding down how about we head over to my office, and I will get you all the information you need," Graeme stood and gathered his coat while turning to the man beside him, "Take Melanie home will you." "Sure Dad, I'll get mum home safely," The younger man spoke as if this was a regular occurrence. "Great, I'll slip out before she can catch me then. Tell her..." He started to say. "Yes, yes, it's an emergency," his son said in a bored tone. "She's going to kill you when you get home anyway, so it better be a good one." The two men left in haste without waiting to farewell the organisers or friends. They made their way to the university and let themselves into the main administration wing of the science department. The men went over details most of the night and as dawn broke the sky Asher began making calls to everyone he knew that could possibly fly or sail close enough to mount a rescue mission. He found he had to call in large favours and make compromises that he normally wouldn't consider but in the end he had come up with a workable plan. As he returned home his mind lingered on the image, he had of Lilly when they last saw each other the sadness in her eyes pulling at him. "Hang on Lilly, I am coming to get you," he said to himself out loud. * * * * Asher had arrived at the small airport in the south of the suburban sprawl of his home town to meet his friend they would then fly south to Invercargill New Zealand and the port town of Bluff that was used as the last stop for ships heading down into the Antarctic wasteland. The flight seemed to take forever, and Asher paced around the richly appointed cabin. He was antsy and no matter what his friend, Roo said, nothing could ease the sense of apprehension he felt. The three hour flight to Invercargill seemed to be interminable. Once they landed they were picked up and taken to Southern Islands flight centre where a business associate was waiting with a route mapped out and flight plan for reaching the stricken vessel in sea hawk helicopters. An icebreaker had attempted to get through to the ship but had to turn back due to high wind speeds and sheets of ice several feet high closing in as they attempted to lead the ship to a safer part of the Bay of Musketbugka. The latest reports put the timing of an eventual rescue another month away and that several agencies were attempting to drop more supplies. The warming weather opened several possibilities for a would-be rescue attempt. "Steve!" Asher exclaimed in frustration, "Just tell me what the best plan is. If Jen was out there on that rusting tub what would you do?" "Fuckin' save the day of course. Which is what I am trying to help you do if you will just listen to me," Steve shot back equally frustrated with his friends short temper. There was little discussion at that point as Asher let Steve do his job and plan the best and safest route for everyone. No matter how they did it would involve some risk. The sub-Antarctic regions were experiencing temperatures over and around one hundred below freezing which would make flying anywhere into the territory hazardous but Steve knew more about flying in this dangerous region than anyone Asher knew. They would need to take extra fuel as the stations on the main ice sheet would be low on supplies after a particularly harsh winter. He had recently acquired a second ex-military sea hawk which offered better stability than the smaller helicopters of his fleet. If they were lucky they should be able to fly over the ice-bound ship and land near-by on the mainland such as it was. It was the best chance they had to rescue all but a skeleton crew if the icebreakers could not get close enough for another month and drop off some much needed supplies. It was decided to make the attempt with the two helicopters one full of extra fuel canisters the other full of the much needed supplies. It was also decided that it would be best to take off at dawn the following day allowing them to land in the middle of the day when hopefully with the sun at its zenith the weather would not be as severe. The wait for action was difficult for Asher as he worried about Lilly and as Steve saw him begin to pace again called him back into the office where he had been talking with Roo. "Let's see if we can get hold of the ship again, the wind may have died down a little by now," Steve said calmly, "You can see if she is close enough to tell you she is alright." There was a brief flicker of hope that ran across Asher's face briefly before it clouded again, he didn't know how she would react to knowing he was here and trying to rescue her. She had walked out on him not so long and he had done nothing to stop her much to his own regret. He took a deep breath and nodded. He just wanted to hear her voice again even if she was mad or sad or juts in all honesty uncaring that he was there. He listened carefully as Roo sat down and placed the headset over his ears and began repeating numbers over and over listening for a response. Asher craned his head trying to hear the whispered conversation through the headphones in response to the radio alerts trying to contact the ship that held his love, Lilly. When Roo finally flicked on the speakers rather than earphone he looked up at Asher and smiled, "She is there." He mouthed the words and Asher found himself frozen and shook his head deep worry entering his heart. What could he possibly say to convey all he felt? Roo jumped in and filled the silence. "Lilly is that you?" he asked. "Yes, who is this?" she asked clearly confused. "My name is Andrew, Roo for short, we met a couple of times with Asher," he explained. "Oh Roo, hi," she laughed uneasily and continued, "Don't tell Asher about this little problem with the ice will you, he already thinks I do too many reckless things, and he would probably come down here and try to save me." Asher's face fell but once again Roo saved him, "Might be a bit late for that, although I think that the last comment just crushed him like a bug. I guess you couldn't have known he was hanging about trying to be the strong silent type and swoop in to save the damsel in distress." "Asher? He is there?" There was incredulity in her voice. "Yes I am here," Asher finally spoke. "I couldn't just leave you here to freeze in the ice pack without doing anything at all," he stopped himself from admitting he still loved her in front of the audience here and on the ship. There was silence on the other end of the line, and Asher looked at Roo, who scanned the screen before him and shrugged in an effort to show he didn't know what had happened. "Yeah, he's being a regular superhero, saving the fuckin' day and all that, but if he thinks I am his side kick he has another thing comin'" Steve chimed in and Asher could hear the familiar laugh of Lilly surrounded by a couple of masculine guffaws in the background through the speaker system. "Shit man I got you a costume with tights and everything. Ah well, Roo can wear it," Asher said warming up to the jovial moment. "Fuck no," Roo spluttered to more laughter from the ship. The static started to become louder, but he heard Lilly say quietly, "I am glad you're here Ash." Then the line went dead, and Asher swore moving closer to Roo in case there was more that he could do. "Get them back! Get them back!" he almost yelled at Roo. "I would if I could, but the wind must have come up again, sorry, mate." Roo looked at his friend, sincerity showing in his eyes. The men went to their rooms to sleep early, and Asher lay down even though he knew he wouldn't sleep that night. His mind replayed the last words Lilly had said, "I am glad you are here, Ash." She was glad to see him or at least hear him. That was a good sign he hoped it was a sign of being able to somehow reconcile with her and get her back without the begging or pleading he just couldn't bring himself to do. If she was truly unhappy, then he wouldn't want her to be with him but if it was something he could fix, repair, change, then he would do his best to make her happy. He knew deep inside that she had said she only wanted him not the house, the car, the resort he had built and not opened to the public yet. How could he? He had built it with her in mind, for her fantasies. He wanted so desperately to take her there especially after being bound in the snow. His thoughts circled around all that had happened all that he had done wrong in the last year, missed dates, anniversaries, events that she had to attend alone because his obsessive focus on work and the projects he undertook excluded everything else in his life for a time. There was nothing he could do really but apologise and try to bring her closer get her involved in his projects maybe do one that she instigated so they could share the adrenaline and buzz he got from creating something truly magical. He must have drifted off to sleep at some stage because the next thing he knew Steve was standing in the doorway to his room flicking the light on and off and making siren noises. He woke and sat bolt upright in a state of panic as Roo and Steve laughed at him. Together the men ate breakfast and discussed the plan for the day and then went to change into all the gear they would need to be safe in the white wilderness of Antarctica. They had mostly loaded the helicopters the day before, but the few things they added would be the most important, their own survival packs. The wind was cruelly wild down there, and they were not sure how the new Sea Hawk would reach their destination if the winds got going or if it snowed heavily. They had all signed on to go, knowing the danger, as had the pilot and crew of the second chopper. They would land at the German base camp and fly out to the ship from there to drop supplies and attempt the rescue of several of the non-essential crew and passengers leaving only a skeleton crew on the boat to make sure it reached safety when the ice finally thawed after the extended winter weather. The trip didn't take as long as expect with a strong tailwind prevailing during their flight and pushing them further south towards their destination. When they landed, the German crews manning the station ran out to greet them and offer them shelter from the storm, but the men wanted to continue working through the plan, refuelling the helicopters and making a run out to the boat to drop their rescue crews and start picking up a few of the passengers. It was from the body of the helicopter that Asher watched the experts lower down onto the deck of the snow laden, icebound ship and people slowly began to emerge into the ice cold air from within the steel structure. One of the first out was Lilly, and he watched every movement as she was strapped into the harness and winched up into the helicopter. He rushed to remove the harness and hold her close, "Don't leave me," he said desperately, "Don't leave me again." For all his inner turmoil about not begging or pleading with her, it was all he could do now that he held her in his arms again. "Please," he whispered, "Just stay with me, and I will always keep you safe." Surprising even herself, Lilly hugged Asher fiercely, "I was stupid to have left the way I did without telling you how terribly unhappy I was. I should have told you and given you another chance to make it right." "You gave me so many chances. You were right to go when you did. I needed a wake-up call," Asher spoke over the top of her. The trip back to the base was one of reconciliation for the pair. They each had never stopped loving each other it was just that they needed more. They stayed the night at the German base camp. The winds had picked up again and even though the light seemed to be a constant outside, the watch on Asher's wrist told him it was it was early evening. The accommodation was small and cramped. Though warm and welcoming, the German base camp was strictly utilitarian with no modern comforts. Asher and Lilly talked through the unusually bright night time hours about what had been happening over the last months since they had parted. It was with relief and eagerness that they boarded the helicopter in the morning as the wind gave them an ideal opportunity for escape form the unseasonably late winter storm and still holding on to each other as if not believing that the other was truly there with them. Not even stopping for much of a breath when they landed back in Invercargill, Roo, Asher and Lilly filed a flight plan and boarded the private jet that would take them home. Roo joined the pilot and gave them the much needed space they needed in the luxurious cabin of the plane. They sat arm in arm on the sofa talking in whispered voices, they had said all they needed to the night before, apologies and forgiveness freely given for a multitude of faults they both felt they had, rather than blame each other for the breakdown in their communication. As it was Asher wanted nothing more than to reacquaint himself with her on a more physical level, and he stood picking her up and walked with her back to the rear of the plane. Lilly realised at that moment that she was just as eager to reacquaint herself with the physical side of their relationship as he did and berated herself for being caught up in the image he portrayed instead of the guy she had gotten to know and love. Lilly took a step towards him and kissed him allowing the kiss to deepen, a smile crept over Asher's lips and she let a small purring moan escape her lips. Stepping back, she let him lead her into the cabin. Stepping into the small bedroom, she turned, placing her hands on his chest and tilted her head up to him. He had a great body, and she wanted to explore it all over again now that she had made the decision to stay with him. Her hands ran over his well-muscled torso; so many years working in construction had been good to him, and her lips locked to his as she finally felt his hands on her exploring her curves in the same way. Asher was breathing heavily, eager to have this woman in the most intimate way but refusing to rush the moment. She was gorgeous, and he wanted to savour peeling away the layers of clothing as they kissed and slowly undressed each other without any further concern for their future. They would move back into the same home once again, and he knew this was the woman he would be with forever. Finally naked he stepped back to drink her in. She neither blushed nor flaunted her body, but merely stood, studying him in the same way. F3 For Her Lilly was naturally slim, not skinny, but there was little fat on her curves so when Asher stood back rather than being concerned about what he saw she overtly eyed his chest, abs and the hard package between his legs. The room was dark, but the light streamed through the edges of the small shuttered windows, their eyes having adjusted long ago as they shed their clothes. She smiled cheekily at him as her eyes travelled back to his face. The cheeky grin on this sexy girl's face undid all Asher's resolve to take it slowly and savour each moment. He closed the distance and wrapped his arms around her tightly kissing her deeply and passionately as he ground against her, "You are so fucking beautiful," he murmured into the kisses. "You're pretty much an Adonis yourself," she grinned letting her hand snake down between them wrapping around his cock squeezing it tightly before gently moving it up and down his shaft. "Mm," Asher moaned picking her up and laying her back onto the bed. Climbing up onto the bed and kneeling beside her where she could still reach him with her hands, he began to explore every inch of her with his mouth starting with her lips as his head moved down kissing and nibbling at her neck, his hands worked at her breasts as he sucked and bit lightly as her nipples letting his teeth scrape over them, groaning as he felt her hand once again wrap around his cock. Lilly moved her body around until she lay with her head between his knees. She tugged on his cock until he lowered it enough for her to lick around the fleshy head. Her body was quivering in pleasure as his mouth continued to travel over it, his hands kneading at her breasts as his tongue teased and tickled its way down her body. She squeaked and widened her legs as she felt him nip at her inner thighs. His first tongue swipe across the lips of her pussy made her body writhe in expectation, and her legs widen further. She felt her lips pulling part with her legs; his fingers pull them further apart, and his tongue tantalizingly flutter over her clit and inner core. Asher wrapped his hands around her hips and held her tightly to him as he tongue explored her wet pussy, her squeaks and whimpers sounding out her pleasure. His long legs made the position difficult, so he rolled holding her lower torso in place allowing her to set her own pace as she sucked his cock slowly, her tongue fluttering under the mushroom head driving him wild. Lilly's thighs began to shake as he pushed a thick finger into her while flickering his tongue over her clit, lifting her head from his cock she groaned and began rolling her hips. She tried to brace her knees on the bed to slow the shaking that had gripped her legs. She found she was barely able to control them, and she whimpered loudly around his cock, her head spinning as his pumped his fingers in and out of her and sucked on her clit until she howled out her orgasm. Moving quickly, he rolled her off him and climbed on top her. He lifted her legs high and rammed his rock like cock into her wanting to feel the last ripples of her orgasm around him. He leaned down to kiss her open, gasping mouth; his cock buried deeply within her before rising up to begin a slow sensual fuck wanting to make the moments last. Letting her legs go to wrap around his hips, he leaned in to kiss her deeply sharing the same breath as their bodies moved together. He could feel her thighs begin to shake again as they gripped his hips, and his pace quickened, kissing her deeply again he broke the kiss to rise on his arms and begin to pound into her hard and fast. Lilly felt as if her first orgasm had never left her but rather simmered on a low point just below her skin keeping her tingling and on the edge. As he rolled her and began to fuck hard into her, she thought she could almost cum again, when he stopped and started a slower, more sensual pace. She wrapped her legs around his hips and reached up to stroke the hair at the nape of his neck as the moved together in unison her hips rocking to meet his every thrust. The sensations built slowly again as he fucked her until, once again, her legs began to shake, and her body quivered in pleasure. She saw him rise above her and increase his pace and force sending her quickly to the edge she tried to hold back, but her head exploded as she came hard, her inner muscles gripping his cock. Asher was in heaven as the body beneath him shook and writhed, the pressure on his cock milking his own orgasm from him. He growled low in contrast to her howl as they both came, and he collapsed on top of her, trying not to crush her as he held her close and kissed her again. After a few minutes, he rolled off her but unwilling to break the contact they shared, he pulled her with him to half lay on top of him and wrapped his arms around her. Neither of them spoke while their breathing slowly returning to normal. Lilly wanted a drink but like Asher was loathe to break the connection she felt with him at that particular moment as she listened to his heartbeat her head resting against his chest. Reluctantly she lifted her head and went to wiggle free of his arms only to find them wrap tighter around her. "Where are you going?" he whispered. "We will be landing soon," she laughed lightly, "And I need a drink." "I don't care about landing; it's not like have to get off immediately but I will let you go get a drink if you need it so desperately," he smirked. Once again they made love in the small cabin of the plane and sipped on small bottles of ice water before finally redressing to return home. He had no interesting in going to pick up her belongings right away but rather just wanted her home with him. They stayed locked inside the house for two blissful days reacquainting themselves with each other. It was Lilly rather than Asher who rang his assistant, Ruby, and gave her the following day off. The company could and would run itself without them for two days, and Asher knew he needed to start to delegate more or risk losing the woman he loved once again. On the third day, Asher went back into work and left her instructions to be ready to go out for dinner that evening. He was determined to show her he had changed not just this one time but for the long term. He left reluctantly and went into the office in a happier mood than he had been in for the longest time. At work he sat staring at his computer screen for the longest time his mind on Lilly and the incredible resort he had built for her that she still had not seen. An idea hit him like a bolt out of the blue and leaping up from his desk he called Ruby in and outlined his plan. If he was going to pull this off, he was going to need help. After an hour later with Ruby, Asher was confident about putting his plans in place and he left the office to head downtown and make plans of his own. He was like an excited schoolboy, and he felt all the same adrenaline and nervous excitement envelop him as it did when he began a big project for work, except this time it was personal. * * * * That evening he picked Lilly up for dinner, and she looked amazing. She had truly taken him at his word and dressed in his favourite colour and had her hair up showing her long and slender neck. Even though in a suit and tie he felt underdressed beside her but they had reservations so he got out and opened the car door for her presenting her with a small bunch of peach coloured roses and kissing her cheek, "You look amazing, darling." He had made reservations at Dockside; it wasn't the flashiest or most expensive place around but it held warm memories for them both. She was thrilled with his choice she had never liked the flashier harder to get into restaurants and dockside was such a pretty place. The food was wonderful, and service seemed superb as if they too were aware of the distance that had occurred between the couple. All night Asher seemed nervous; it was as if he wanted to say something, but not able to get it out and speak to her properly. "You know," Lilly said reaching across the table, "We really should just get married and surprise everyone." Asher pulled back his hand as if he had been stung and stared at her open mouthed. "How did you know?" "Know what?" she looked confused. From his pocket, he pulled a small red velvet box he had brought earlier in the day and presented it to her. "I guess you better ask me properly then seeing as you beat me to it. Down on one knee. I want the whole shebang!" a grin split his face from ear to ear. Taking the box in awe and opening it she gasped, he had brought them both engagement rings, hers a solitaire princess cut diamond and his was a square cut onyx set in a heavy gold setting with a small diamond chip glinting in the corner. She laughed at his request and with as much grace as she could muster got down on one knee and held his hand. "Asher, I realised over the last months when we were apart just how truly lucky I am to have you in my life. I truly love you and would like to make an honest man of you, will you marry me please?" People from the other tables near them had turned to look in their direction, with grins as the reversal of tradition played out before them. Asher gasped and clutched his chest in mock surprise letting his voice crack and become high pitched as he answered, "Oh, my god, Yes! Yes I will be your, bride! I mean groom." There were titters of appreciative laughter from those watching as Lilly took the ring meant for him from the box and placed it on his finger. Chuckling Asher drew her to his lap, and as she sat with her arms about his neck he took her ring from the box and slipped it on her finger. Looking into her eyes, he kissed her deeply wrapping his arms about her and whispering in her ear, "I won't ever let you go again." * * * * It was six weeks later that they flew in a private seaplane to the opening celebrations for the new resort he had built for her. Lilly still had not seen its elegance as it almost hovered over the crystal clear waters of the reef. The seaplane, landed spraying up the white foam of the water and Lilly looked out at the magical design that made the buildings seem like they floated upon the softly lapping waters. It was as she had always dreamed. Looking past the main hub, she could see small huts that fanned out over the sandy land-bridge linking this smaller island to the larger more serviceable island of St Helena. She was so excited all she wanted to do was explore everything she could barely wait for the plane to arrive at the pier. The pier had been especially designed for the new sea plane that came with their own private resort. There was space for a small amount of guests both within the hub and the small shacks here on the shores of the small island but as she turned toward the inland part of the island she saw the outline of the most perfect house she could have ever imagined. Within the old trees was the perfect replica of the house that the Swiss Family Robinson, one of her parents favourite movies and one she was subjected to often as a child, created when marooned on an island by pirates. Lilly raced ahead of Asher to the trees ignoring the actual resort buildings for the time being, eager to see what they truly looked like inside. What she found was a world of luxury and decadence. The outer facade appeared old, almost derelict as if hanging together with just vines and nails created by moulding wooden pegs. But inside was the truth of how expertly crafted the space was. She looked out of the window back down at the beach and the huge resort hub including the small huts there and smiled. They could have family Christmas gatherings here and be able to house everyone, without any of the usual bickering over who was going to host the day and who would have to refrain from Christmas toasts because someone would have to drive. She would by next Christmas be a married woman after all and it would be her turn to host the event for everyone anyway. She saw movement down in the hub and she strained her eyes to see who it was as Asher appeared behind her wrapping his arms around her waist. "I saw someone down there!" she said. "I swear there are people down in the hub!" "Of course there are," he replied, "There is a maintenance staff here that does all the upkeep and when we are in residence they will cook and clean. There will always be someone around unless we expressly ask for privacy," he grinned. "Oh," she said turning to face him, and wrapping her arms around him. "Just as well we have this space up here all to ourselves. She leaned forward to kiss him. "Come down and look at the rest of the place," Asher insisted breaking the kiss. All of this running around up here you barely gave the resort part a second glance and it's so nice down there in the hub." "Oh okay," she pouted but you will have to make it up to me later. "I wouldn't have it any other way," he laughed and took her hand leading her back down to the beach. It wasn't until they got closer to the hub that she could hear the noise. "There are people here. I can hear them. That is not just a few staff." She looked up at him curiously and continued walking wondering what the hell was going on. She was almost at the hub when she saw her mother emerge from the closest hut. "My god mum! What are you doing here? And Dad?" Lilly was truly stunned. She turned to Asher, "What are they doing here?" "Well you could hardly get married without your family here!" Asher laughed. "What?" she whispered. "Surprise!" Asher replied sweeping his hand toward the hub she had ignored in favour of the tree house. All of their closest friends and family were smiling at her from within the hub. "Now go with your mother and get dressed, it's all organised you don't have to do a thing!" She started to protest but he held up his hand. "Before you complain about wanting to plan it yourself we can have another five weddings if it makes you happy but this one will be the one that binds us together." She kissed him then and went to greet the guests before following her mother into one of the smaller shacks on the small sand bridge and preparing to marry the man she knew truly loved her for who she was. It took her a long time to realise that he showed it in his own way not in traditional romantic gestures but she finally got it, and she finally got him. They were married at sunset in a small simple ceremony, the family and friends had been on the island for several days enjoying the amazing place that Asher and his team had created and by general consensus would leave the following day to allow the newly-weds their honeymoon. The party following the wedding went on all night and the guests slowly left the island the follow day either in yachts or via the sea plane. Once they had all gone, Lilly took Asher hand and headed toward their own tree house and said, "Now about the making up you promised me yesterday." "You mean I didn't do enough last night?" Asher said in mock hurt. "Nowhere near enough," Lilly grinned. "It may just take you another fifty years to make it up to me." "I can live with that," Asher put his arm around her waist as they walked up to the tree house together.