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Silver

By: Pelaam



The large male naked body padded as silently through the deserted corridors of the spaceship as would have been achieved in the savannahs or jungles of his homeworld. Nudity wasn't an issue. All the crew were male and the naked being knew where each one of them was at that time. That included the location of the one he now stalked. The male caught a glimpse of himself in a polished surface; a little over six feet tall, solid, muscular, powerful chest, thighs and upper arms only hinting of the real strength and power of the male. A mix of dark and slightly lighter hair reached to their shoulders. The two-tone hair also dusted their arms and legs, but his chest was hair free to display the muscles to best advantage. He flexed his large hands and checked his retractable claws and gave his image a feral smile to see strong, somewhat sharp, healthy teeth. His bright blue eyes appeared amber in the ship's muted light. When stalking prey, bright lights could hinder rather than help. The muted lighting was to his advantage.

Whether his intended victim was prepared to be a willing participant didn't register in the big male's mind. He needed to mate, to sheath his body in hot tight heat. He glanced down at the furred pouch at his groin. The engorged head of his sex was beginning to emerge. The pouch protected his genitals; keeping them hidden when naked as well as immobile should speed be necessary. However, at the moment anticipation was fuelling arousal. He growled an order to the ship's Artificial Intelligence. Stealth mode ensured doors opened silently and the male wanted to be as close as possible to his intended when he made his move. Many of his species enjoyed the extra stimulus of a prolonged chase before subduing their prey and under the right circumstances; it was pleasurable for him, too. However it was neither the place nor the time for such extra activities. Here, now a swift attack from a camouflaged approach would work best.

****

The young man was alone on the bridge of the spaceship. As far as he was aware only he and the ship's AI were on duty. There had been a message earlier and he expected the return of the ship's commander. If not for that ... there were more pleasurable pursuits than sitting watching space no matter how beautiful the sight. He sighed pushing away such thoughts. He had agreed to watch and wait - his decision. He pushed a slender hand through a riot of auburn hair that hung to his shoulders. Oceanic blue eyes held a hint of loneliness and a pink tongue flickered out across sensual lips before retreating. He turned his attention to the long range scanners. He could just have AI notify him when anything came in distance, but this gave him a focus.

Bending over the scanners, the young man was unaware of the doors opening and the large male entering the bridge. The bigger man stared with appreciation at the way the smaller man's skin-tight suit moulded itself to the taut buttocks. Without hesitation he strode forward and had enfolded his strong arm around the slighter man's waist lifting him easily, covering the mouth to muffle the cry of alarm.

"Want you," he growled into the nearest ear. "Want you now."

With a flourish, he spun the slighter form and as the dazed young man tried to bring his senses under control, pressed their lips together. He pushed his tongue inside the young man's mouth as he gasped and mapped the inside with proprietary arrogance. He used one hand to yank down the bodysuit's fastener to hip level and pull the material to mid-elbow, trapping the slighter man's arms.

"Uist, no," came the panting pleas as strong teeth latched onto a small brown nub peeking through a covering a luxurious chest hair. "No," the sound was little more than a moan as the neglected twin nub was pinched in concert with the teeth that worked on its mate. As teeth switched between nipples, nipping them to an aching pebbled hardness, the throbbing matched another in the young man's groin.

"You would not mate with me?" the bigger male asked, stroking the harness he knew he would find between splayed legs.

"I'm...on...duty" the smaller man gasped as his flesh was skilfully caressed.

"AI," Uist commanded." Advise us immediately when a craft comes within range and increase bridge ambient temperature to 90F"

"Confirmed," came the low female voice of the ship's AI.

"Now your duty is to me, your mate," Uist whispered in the young man's ear. With what sounded like a purr he rubbed his head against the smaller man's body as he quickly divested him of the offending bodysuit. Licking and nipping indiscriminatingly at any flesh within reach, the bigger man backed the smaller to the command chair before spinning so that he was seated with the smaller man in his lap. He then kissed the unresisting form deeply before arranging the young man to sit straddling his powerful thighs.

"You're insatiable," the smaller man huffed affectionately kissing the tip of the bigger man's nose.

"It has been a whole day," the reply was little short of a whine. "You had left our bed this morning when I awoke and I had duties offship the rest of the day."

"I'm sorry, lover," the smaller man said kissing the almost pouting lips. 

"I would have you mate with me," Uist said, his voice dropping low and husky, the need and desire evident.

"I love you, Uist and I need for us to mate, too".

"Love you, Sholto, love you always. Share yourself with me. Let me make us one."

"Yes," Sholto breathed

In Uist's homeworld, a warrior like Uist was always the Alpha whether in a same or mixed sex marriage. The Warrior caste, like that of the Priest and Royal castes was a prestigious caste to be married into and carried ceremonial responsibilities. Uist never subjugated his young human spouse. Sholto's intelligence and individuality had been a major part of the attraction. That he was as beautiful outside as inside was a bonus for the cat-man. Some on his world preferred their mate to be displayed as little more than a trophy if marrying into an exalted caste. Uist liked to show that in many ways, Sholto was his equal. On those ceremonial occasions where it was necessary, however, Sholto behaved impeccably complying unhesitatingly with all that was required of him. PrideHome had therefore welcomed the young human. Sholto had assured his mate that he considered himself privileged to have Uist as his husband and to occasionally have to demonstrably be Uist's Beta was a small price to pay for the happiness they shared. Outside of PrideHome, however, whilst the two men regarded each other as equals, there was no doubting that Uist was sexually dominant and Sholto was more than happy with the that situation. He loved his mate's dominance in bed.

"Show me you love me with your body, Uist," he begged softly. Words fled the smaller man as large hands began to pump the needy flesh jutting upwards from his groin whilst sliding between the spread crevice of his cheeks and ghosting across puckered flesh.

With a feral growl, Uist suckled a nipple between his teeth and worried the flesh until reddened and achingly hard, then lavished the same attention to its mate. Sholto writhed on his lap under the tender assault. Uist flipped open the left compartment of the command chair and located a tube without taking his eyes off his beautiful young mate. He opened it adeptly and squeezed cool gel over his fingers before sliding a thick, slickened finger between Sholto's spread cheeks. He rubbed sensitive flesh before allowing the finger to slide into hot tight heat. Sholto moaned softly at the erotic intrusion and kissed his mate, letting their tongues dance as Uist carefully prepared the small portal that granted him access to Sholto's body.

Uist helped the smaller man position his hard shaft against the glistening entrance to Sholto's body and holding the younger man's hips to help support his weight, Uist groaned as he was enveloped in Sholto's molten depths. The velvet channel gripped his sensitive flesh tightly and the smaller man panted as he slowly accepted Uist's solid rod. As he finally sat flush with the bigger man's groin, Uist held himself still awaiting his mate's acceptance of the long thick shaft. Finally Sholto began to undulate, letting the head of Uist's arousal rub the special spot deep within and he threw his head back and he ground and gyrated his hips to pleasure them both. Using his powerful arms, Uist raised and lowered Sholto onto the flesh that impaled him, relishing the look and cries of pleasure from the man he loved.

The scent of Sholto's passion and arousal inflamed Uist and his nostrils flared as he scented the air. His movements became faster, one hand reaching between their bodies to swirl the precome over his fingers before sucking them clean. He then began to pump the slender shaft of his mate in time with the upthrust of his own hips. Four direct strokes were enough to tip Sholto over the edge and he cried Uist's name aloud as his seed fountained over Uist's hand and their chests. The scent of Sholto's release was the undoing of the bigger man and he threw back his head roaring his completion as his seed pulsed into the still rippling channel.

As his sated organ softened and slipped from Sholto's heated depths, the bigger male took the opportunity to lay the smaller man across his lap and cuddle him close. With a low purr of pleasure he licked his hand clean of his mate's release then kissed Sholto's eyes, nose and cheeks before mating their mouths. As the kiss ended, Sholto sighed in contentment and then scowled. The scowl was completely ineffectual given his post-orgasmic flushed appearance. His face radiated joy rather than censure.

"I should be really angry with you," he said tapping Uist's nose with a forefinger. "I'm meant to be on duty, not letting my husband ravish me on the command deck."

Uist's happy sky blue eyes locked with his lover's deeper oceanic orbs and his smiled shyly.

"I missed you," he offered quietly. "AI was more than capable of scanning for Tristam and I missed you."

"I missed you, too, love," Sholto hastened to assure his husband cuddling closer to the imposing bulk of the bigger man. "But Rayner needed us last night and I knew once we were finally sleeping you would stay awake to ensure Rayner stayed asleep until deeply sleeping. I thought I would let you sleep in."

"I would rather lose sleep than time with you, mine. Your presence is the first thing I seek on waking and the last thing I gaze upon before sleep."

"Love you so much, my husband" Sholto murmured as he sought out one of his mate's large nipples, suckling contentedly on the thick nub. With his left hand he sought out its twin and gently pinched the fleshy nub in harmony with the suckling of its twin.

Uist demonstrated his appreciation with a low rumbling purr. His hand slipped between Sholto's thighs gently caressing and fondling his spouse's lax genitals. He was content to allow arousal to build more slowly this time and to savour it as it grew between them. He knew Sholto would still be sensitive from his previous climax and he didn't want the younger man to experience any discomfort during their intimate times. Minutes passed and Sholto was soon arching into Uist's hand desperate for a harder touch.


"Need you, my own," Uist said roughly, the sight and scent of his aroused mate tearing at the fragile control he had.

"Take me," Sholto begged softly.

Moving swiftly, Uist lifted Sholto to lay him back on the command chair, flipping a switch that allowed the chair to recline almost flat. He hitched Sholto's thighs over the curved, cushioned arms and gazed with barely contained hunger at the smaller man to wantonly displayed to him. He ensured Sholto's hips were at the edge of the chair and pulled the taut buttocks apart and sheathed himself in the already slick passage. He balanced his upper weight on his arms either side of Sholto's head and began to pump the smaller man's erection in time with the pistoning of his hips. He nipped, licked and kissed Sholto's neck and throat as the slighter man bared his throat for his mate's teeth. As Sholto writhed beneath him, Uist bit down at the juncture of neck and shoulder to raise a mark of his passion and possession. Sholto moaned his approval and Uist felt the tightening of the beloved body that heralded his mate's imminent release. Uist pounded harder hitting Sholto's sweet spot repeatedly, his lover crying out with pleasure, hands fisted in Uist's hair rhythmically clenching and unclenching with Uist's thrusts. With a scream of Uist's name, Sholto arched as best he could under his bigger mate and a stream of pearlescent fluid hit their chests. Uist's roar was seconds later as he was milked by his mate's contracting channel, filling the smaller body once again with his seed.

As Uist tried to regulate his breath, he was aware that Sholto had passed out. He let himself slip from the haven of Sholto's body and proceeded to lick his mate clean. With a low growl of dark pleasure he lapped delicately at the stretched portal to taste the earthy musk of his mate overlaid with his own seed. Standing, he gazed with an indulgent smile at the boneless body and scooped the insensate form to cradle Sholto to his chest and await the smaller man's awakening. He was aware of the small movements as his mate began to awaken. Unconsciously Sholto pressed into the comfort and warmth of Uist's body. As he became more aware he gazed up at his husband. Sky and ocean met, bridged by love.

"Love you, mine," Uist rumbled possessively, tenderly stroking sweat-damp hair away from the beautiful face.

"Love you, my husband," Sholto replied, burying himself deeper into Uist's embrace.

The two men sat entwined, unconcerned about their nudity. The temperature was comfortable and after two explosive climaxes, Sholto was more asleep than awake held safe and content wrapped in his mates arms and love.

"Incoming message from Tristam to Silver Star," the voice of AI encroached into Sholto's drifting mind and unthinkingly, the young man started to his feet as the display screen shifted from star-dusted space to show the imposing figure of a strikingly handsome man. 

Dark blond hair reached to broad shoulders and his eyes were a blue-grey of stormy skies. There was a small cleft in his chin that added to rather than distracted from his appearance. Although only visible to just below his shoulders, he emanated physical power and presence.

"Tristam," Sholto cried aloud with delight. "You made it back early"

"Indeed," the older man agreed with a slight smile. "Did I arrive too early?" His smile widened into a full grin at the blank look from the nude young man. Sholto only understood the inference as Uist came to stand at his side, a large hand draping across his genitals, another pulling him to the bigger body. Sholto felt the blush start at his toes and suffuse his whole body, leaving his face a glowing pink.

"Uist, my friend, your mate glows with health."

"Indeed," Uist agreed with his own smile. "And it is always my pleasure to have him thus."

Sholto groaned and buried his face against Uist's bulk as the older man laughed easily.

"AI can see me safely docked..." Tristam began, unwilling to keep his friends and fellow crewmen from being together.

"We will wait till you are aboard. It is no hardship for us," Uist assured.

Tristam nodded, knowing he could rely on the cat-like male to speak truthfully to him.

"Rayner?" Tristam asked, his face turning anxious.

"He had a bad night last night, but stayed with us. He needed occasional soothing but then slept well. He has coped." Uist replied.

"Thank you, my friend," Tristam said, the sentiment heartfelt.

"I am the Protector of your mate as you are to mine. Even so, I would gladly guard his sleep as he is beloved to my mate and myself."

Tristam nodded, no words necessary.

"Just don't make a habit of leaving him," Sholto's muffled voice came from the vicinity of Uist's chest. "He does miss you terribly when he can't feel you."

"I miss him too," Tristam confirmed quietly. "You have my promise."

As Tristam made his way to the quarters he shared with his younger spouse, he thought of how their lives had started so badly and yet had led to their meeting. Tristam knew Rayner was the other part of his soul. Each man complimented and completed the other, to the point they shared a psychic bond that left Rayner distressed and himself desolate when they were apart and unable to 'feel' each other. In Tristam's case, his earliest memories were of a medical facility. His early memories wiped. He might have been intended as a sex slave, or a child for a childless couple. Instead his genes had been spliced. Some of the genetic material was that from PrideHome. He had been made to see and hear better than humans, better even than Uist. He was faster and stronger and was of above average intelligence, his mental abilities a par with his physical ones.

He had been rescued by Jameson Peters who at the time was the head of a special crime response team that covered not just earth, but allied worlds of the Planetary Federation. Something had 'clicked' when they had met and Jameson had used every ounce of his power, persuasion and that of his friends to ensure the seven year old Tristam was adopted into his family and not regarded as a freak to be exploited. Tristam had taken to both Jameson and his wife Aurora and had studied hard to repay their kindness and generosity. He watched as young children were often taken in on short term stays by the loving couple, but he was 'their' child.

When Tristam was fifteen, he had the single biggest life-changing event in his life. He had overheard Jameson talking to the chauffeur he used who was worried about a small boy that distant relatives of his wife had taken on. The boy had been orphaned and seemed to be having some problems dealing with the death and no-one wanted to give him the love and affection he would need. He was being passed around several, what the chauffeur considered, unsuitable couples and he feared for the boy. Smiling to himself, Tristam prepared himself to have another small child around. He wasn't prepared for the reaction on seeing that same small boy.

The boy was five or six at Tristam's evaluation as he saw the small bundle in his Papa's arms. Dark curly hair peeped out over the blanket in which he was wrapped. One arm was visible and Tristam felt anger welling up at the thinness of the limb. The skin looked dull, but Tristam was sure it would normally be a honey-tint. He felt a pull towards the child and found his arms reaching to take him from Papa's arms. At the same time the child turned and turned pain-filled sorrowful deep brown eyes upon the older boy. Tristam felt as though an empty part of his soul had been filled and tears sprang to his eyes as the boy reached for him. As he took the precious bundle, Tristam vowed he would die before he allowed harm to befall the child again. Extending his hearing as he spirited the boy away, he distantly heard Papa call him Rayner.

He washed the thin body and dressed Rayner in one of his own T-shirts. Mama had brought some milk and sandwiches and Tristam had sat with Rayner in his arms as the small child had eaten and drunk. Once the food had gone, Rayner had reached to hug Tristam and fallen asleep in the older boy's arms. He had taken Rayner to his bed and slept curled around the thin body. At some point he was aware of his parents entering the room. Recognising them, Tristam simply cuddled closer to Rayner and allowed sleep to claim him again as he heard Mama's voice.

"I think Tristam's found his soul-mate. It looks like we have two sons now."

Years had flown by and Tristam had never tried to lead his 'younger brother' into a relationship with him. They still shared a room together when Tristam was at home. It had been hard sometimes when he'd detected a quickening heartbeat or a surge of hormones scented with arousal from the younger boy when they were alone. But he determined that if their relationship were to deepen, Rayner needed to have made the decision for himself. 


Silver



It was the year before Rayner's majority that things finally changed. At the end of the night as the two young men sat in their room on the edge of their beds, facing each other, Tristam had thought back over the evening. Rayner had kissed many people of both sexes, but only Tristam's lips. He had danced with many, but had only melted into Tristam's arms, moulding his body to the older boy's during slow music. Tristam gazed into the deep brown eyes he knew so well and saw the love and desire he'd always sought gazing back at him. He'd slid to Rayner's bed and they had shred their first kiss of passion. Tristam's hand had unthinkingly sought the heat at Rayner's groin and as the kiss deepened, he had squeezed virgin flesh rhythmically until Rayner had shuddered his first release. Tristam had immediately tried to apologise, but Rayner had reassured the older boy. They did, however, determine that they would not go beyond mutual touching with their hands until Rayner was considered adult. They loved each other too much to risk any reprisals. Tristam had promised that if Rayner still felt the same way on his birthday, they would declare their relationship openly and perhaps a year later they could announce an engagement with a wedding after Rayner's graduation. However, life was to interfere with his perfect plans.

Tristam had become a member of their Papa's Elite team the year the two young men had declared their love for each other. There had been no problems as the year sped by and both were looking forward to Rayner's coming of age. However, three day's before Rayner's birthday, Tristam had disappeared. He had been betrayed by a contact in the case and now lay bruised and beaten in the hold of a ship. Rayner had become frantic, feeling Tristam's pain, but not able to locate the man he loved. From the day they had declared their love, a psychic link had embedded between them and Rayner had delighted in being able to 'feel' Tristam when he got closer to home and had been trying to extend the distance.

Rayner had refused to eat or drink trying to focus on finding Tristam. Their Mama had worried that if Tristam were lost to them, they would also lose their younger son. She had sat with Rayner trying to make sense of what he felt. When he had said that he felt their link was stretching upward, Aurora had gone to her husband with nothing more than Rayner's feeling and her own instincts and asked him to have all spaceships leaving the locality be checked. It turned out to be enough. The rest of Tristam's team had their suspicions about a freighter and had engaged it. Both ships had suffered heavy damage, including communications failure. However, after rescuing Tristam, they had continued with their mission, Tristam feeling something wrong with Rayner, but no knowing the younger's man's heath was deteriorating rapidly. At the successful conclusion of the mission, Tristam had hastened to get home having been gone five days.

He had contacted Papa at the first opportunity and had been told to come home without delay. Papa's voice sending chills down his spine. As he'd got closer to home, his link with Rayner hadn't strengthened. All he felt was desolation and pain and the knowledge that Rayner was slipping away, believing Tristam dead. He couldn't break through to reassure the younger man he was there. Words hadn't been needed as he had raced past his parents at the door of their room. He had been focused on the beloved heartbeat that sounded do weak and the scent that was tainted with sickness and near-death. He wailed his pain aloud at the sight of the pale, gaunt figure that lay in his bed. Dark shadows were beneath Rayner's eyes and his face was pinched in pain. Without hesitation he had thrown off his clothes and slid into bed to wrap himself around the fragile form as though he could imbue Rayner with his own strength. Their parents had left them alone knowing that if Tristam couldn't bring Rayner back then none could.

For hours Tristam had touched and kissed and talked to Rayner. He had managed to get the smaller man to drink by taking mouthfuls of water himself and pressing the liquid into Rayner's mouth in a parody of a kiss. The younger man seemed to be gaining some awareness and Tristam was prepared to talk himself hoarse if need be.

Finally Tristam had felt an almost hesitant squeeze to his hand and slowly two exhausted brown eyes had opened to peer at him.

>Dream?

>No dream

Tristam hadn't left Rayner's side whilst the younger man recovered. They had announced their engagement at Rayner's deferred party and one year later, they had married. Whilst Rayner had completed his University education, Tristam had taken up a teaching post and it was here they had met the other members of Tristam's personal elite. They had also enlisted the assistance of telepaths in regards their link. Now they could endure the separation but, for Rayner in particular, they were always distressing to a greater or lesser degree.

Tristam's reverie had taken him form the docking bay to the quarters he shared with the man he loved. He opened the door silently and gazed at the slumbering form in their bed.

Rayner was obviously restless, the thin sheet tangled around long, smooth limbs, leaving him naked to Tristam's gaze. If he had been considered beautiful as a child, in Tristam's eyes, Rayner as an adult was striking in his beauty. Dark hair fell in curls to his shoulders. The deep brown eyes that could be like pools of molten chocolate when filled with love or glitter like jet when aroused were closed. The Cupid 's bow lips were slightly parted and a pink tongue flickered out briefly to wet them. Rayner's skin had indeed been honey-toned and as Tristam's eyes raked across the naked form, the dark discs of Rayner's nipples beckoned. Then with a moan, the younger man spread his legs and Tristam stared hungrily at the dark hair at Rayner's groin and the smooth, slender flesh that lay flaccid.

With a feral smile, Tristam mounted the bed and settled between the outspread thighs, sucking the slender shaft into his mouth as he parted the smooth thighs further apart. He revelled in the unique flavour of his lover's musk as he released the thickening organ to lap at the hairless testicles. Taking the almost fully aroused shaft back into his mouth, Tristam began to apply more suction as Rayner began to unconsciously respond to the erotic assault.

Rayner's sleep had been troubled since his husband left "Silver Star". He understood and appreciated he couldn't accompany his mate and knew there was little likelihood of any danger to the man he loved, but when he couldn't feel Tristam, he felt desolate, cast adrift. He friends, his family on "Silver Star", and the men that were as close as and more beloved than if they were blood relatives helped as best they could. Without them he wasn't sure he could cope with the separations as well as he did, although even he had to admit he was improving.

His dreams had been strangely empty during Tristam's absence. He had even taken up Sholto's offer of sharing the room with him and Uist and had slept well that night, but dreamlessly. Now his dream was strangely erotic. He felt no fear or threat. Instead, he felt his shaft had been enveloped in warm, wet heat. He felt safe and loved and was becoming increasingly aroused. He breathed a soft moan of pleasure as he felt added suction and reached between his thighs to his dream lover. With a start he realised his lover was no dream. His eyes flew open. The sight of his mate between his spread legs, sucking on his aroused flesh was too much for the younger man and with a cry of Tristam's name he climaxed hard, his head falling back to his pillow as he rode out the waves of released passion.

As Rayner's orgasm ended, Tristam suckled the softening organ to ensure he had devoured all his spouse's sexual surrender before releasing it to climb astride the boneless body and share a Rayner-flavoured kiss with his much missed other half. He was pleased that Rayner responded so enthusiastically, wrapping arms and legs around the bigger man. He allowed his weight to settle carefully on the slender body beneath him. Trying to balance the need he knew Rayner had to feel his weight and yet not crush the smaller man. He settled joyfully between the parted thighs.

"I love..."

"...love you." The men spoke in concert and smiled at each other, revelling in the physical and mental bond. 

"I missed you," Rayner said softly as he tenderly caressed the cleft in his lover's chin.

"I missed you, Angel" Tristam affirmed.

"Will you love me?" Rayner asked anxiously. "I want to feel you inside me, making us one."

"Shh, love," Tristan soothed, feeling the younger man's need through their bond. "I want that, too. To not know where one of us ends and the other begins. I want to feel you when you contract around me in pleasure and I want to feel my seed filling you." The older male punctuated his words with passionate kisses as he retrieved the lube from their bedside locker. He kissed his way down Rayner's body to suck greedily at each of the dark brown discs in the centre of each sensitive breast. Rayner mewled in pleasure arching into his mate's touch. As Tristam sucked, he teased the sensitive flesh of Rayner's most intimate entrance before slowly sliding as well lubricated finger inside. As he pressed a second finger into the slender channel, Tristam nibbled around Rayner's navel, occasionally thrusting his tongue inside in imitation of another more intimate act to follow. Rayner moaned, reaching to stroke any part of his lover's skin he could reach. His touches ignited Tristam's passion and the bigger man's breathing became harsher as he struggled to ensure his lover was adequately stretched and slick before plunging into his heated depths. As his third finger slid inside, Rayner began thrusting his hips, impaling himself on his mate's fingers. Tristam sucked at the resurgent erection, ensuring Rayner was as close as he was and then guided the long, slender limbs around his waist.

"Need you inside me," Rayner begged. "Please."

Tristam lined up his impressive length to his mate's glistening portal.

"Love you, Angel," he groaned as he pressed forward into tight, slick heat. Rayner's slender channel clasped his length from root to tip and as he slid fully home both men moaned their joy.

Tristam waited for Rayner to indicate he was ready for the bigger man to move and then began a powerful rhythmic thrusting. He angled himself to brush Rayner's hidden jewel with every movement and the younger man cried out and writhed in ecstasy. Tristam stroked Rayner's erection, knowing they wouldn't last long having been away from each other. All too soon and not soon enough, Rayner arched crying Tristam's name as his seed flowed a second time. A second later, Tristam's voice joined his as he released his seed deep into the willing body. As their climaxes ended, Tristam heard Rayner's plea:

"Don't pull out yet."

"I won't sweetheart." Instead, the bigger man rolled them carefully to drape an exhausted but elated Rayner over his larger body whilst staying buried in the safe haven of Rayner's body. He smiled as Rayner nuzzled into the juncture of neck and shoulder, inhaling the scent of his bigger mate. Tristam began to massage the back of Rayner's head wanting his young lover to relax into the sleep he needed.

"Love you," Rayner whispered sleepily. Tristan kissed the curly-topped head and nuzzled at Rayner's temple, lapping at the dampness.

"Love you, baby. Sleep now, my love."

For a while Tristam was content to hold his precious lover and listen to the contented snuffling that came with Rayner's descent into sleep and then allowed himself to join him. 

The ship alerted the sleeping men that it was time to rise. Smiling, they tenderly kissed before moving to share a shower. As Tristam ran his soaped hands over Rayner's lithe form, another more basic need than cleansing came to the fore. Guiding the smaller man to brace his arms against the shower wall, Tristam used his soapy fingers to prepare the slender channel, proceeding cautiously in case his young lover was sore from their earlier love-making. Although still a little tender, Rayner wanted this and conveyed his need to the older male. Tristam finished his preparations and slowly entered the tight passage. For a few moments the two men simply relished the feeling of being as one in body as they were in mind and spirit. Slowly Tristam began to rock in and out of Rayner's heat. With one hand he teased Rayner's dark cinnamon buds, with the other, the slender shaft arching gracefully to the younger male's abdomen. Rayner's pleasured moans were music to Tristam's ears. With jubilant cries they found their simultaneous release. Tristam ensured all traces of soap were removed and they dressed amidst kisses and caresses designed to show the depth of their mutual love rather than re-arouse.

Four faces turned to meet them as they entered the dining area, Tristam's arm proprietarily around Rayner's waist.

"Welcome, Tristam," Uist smiled broadly. "It would seem that this morning it is your mate that glows with health."

At Rayner's puzzled look and Sholto's crimson blush, the two older males laughed aloud.

"It would seem the adults have been playing whilst we children were innocently sleeping," Theophilus' melodic voice said in an amused tone. The young-looking male stood at a little less than six feet tall, but the graceful antennae above blond, winged eyebrows added another six inches. Silver-blond hair cascaded to waist level and was secured behind elegantly pointed ears. He was slender, almost ethereal and fragile looking but had a strength that belied appearances. His eyes were golden, his skin pale. His antennae acted as a form of smell and his hearing was excellent. He was of a race blessed with longevity and although in the first third of his second century, was in effect the youngest member of the team in terms of maturity.

"As ship's physician, perhaps I should be concerned at the hot flushes that seem to be affecting Sholto," came from the last of the crew. 

Xavier was reptilian. He stood at over six and a half feet tall, with smooth, pale green skin. His snout extended by six inches and ended with thick, rubbery lips, hiding a set of strong, sharp teeth and a thick, forked tongue. A frill decorated his neck around the back, which could rise or fall and change colour depending on the reptilian's moods. His hands were long and slender, as were his fingers. His powerful thighs were bulky against the material that covered them and although not the fastest runner, was able to keep running beyond the abilities of his mammalian family. His long tail ended thinly and was useful as a weapon as well as having other uses. He slid his arm around Theophilus' waist and the younger male gazed adoringly at his life-mate. Xavier's species was also long-lived. He was just beginning the last third of his second century, but due to the fast mental and physical maturity of his race, was effectively the oldest of the team.

"It's nothing, guys," Sholto assured unsuccessfully as another round of gentle laughter came from the two older mammalian males.

Tristam came to stand by Uist, who was the second-in-command in his absence. As a PrideHome Warrior, that meant there were certain rituals to follow on Tristam's return. The two Alpha males gently bumped their foreheads together. Then Tristam rubbed his head against Uist and Uist tilted his neck, offering his throat as a submissive gesture to show acceptance of Tristam's standing as absolute Alpha on the ship. Tristam nuzzled the fragile flesh, but did not mark it. The two men then embraced and Tristam kissed Uist on each cheek before moving to Sholto. 

Tristam smiled gently as Sholto's submissive gesture of baring his throat mirrored his mate's perfectly. Again, Tristam simply nuzzled, then kissed Sholto gently, rubbing his knuckles over Sholto's cheek. Moving to Theophilus, the men embraced, their hands dancing gently up and down each other's backs before Tristam kissed the delicate blond beauty. Finally, he rubbed his face against Xavier's snout as the two males gripped each other's wrists. Once the formal greetings were concluded, Tristam then guided his own mate to the group. Reversing Tristam's order, Rayner kissed Xavier, Theophilus and Sholto before standing before Uist and tilting his head as Uist and Sholto had before Tristam. Uist nuzzled the honeyed skin before rubbing his knuckles against Rayner's cheek as they kissed in an identical gesture as Tristam had used to Uist's own mate. The group then began laughing and chatting as they moved around to begin their first meal of the day.

As the meal concluded, Uist noticed the increasing anxiety of his younger spouse. He knew it wouldn't be from the earlier teasing and was also aware that the other man had received a couple of communications from an old friend that seemed to have played on his mind. But before the bigger male could act, Sholto gave a nervous cough and, glancing nervously from his husband to his commander and Protector, asked:

"Do we have anything imminent or do we have some days of free time?"

"There is nothing awaiting our immediate attention," Tristam replied carefully. Although his sense of scent hadn't been recorded as enhanced, it was more acute than most human's and with Uist's tutelage was almost at PrideHome levels and he could scent Sholto's rising nervousness. He took in the flaring of Uist's nostrils and the immediate protective attitude of the cat-man. "Is there something you want to do?"

"I've had a couple of calls from Jonas. He's been settled for a while now and is always asking for not just me, but all of us to go visit. I haven't seen him since...since Uni when...when he was on secondment...when...when..."

Five concerned faces looked at the young man as he struggled and failed to maintain the façade of calm. Uist pulled him unresistingly onto his lap and no-one commented when his face buried itself into the bigger male's shoulder. Sholto was happy to let the scent and warmth keep him safe.

"If you would like to visit then I'm sure I speak for all of us that we would be happy to accompany you."

There was a general murmur of assent and a short silence as Sholto's answer was awaited.

"He says there'll be a lot of thick snow just now. Perfect for all kinds of Winter sports." The voice held a little more confidence for all it was slightly muffled from Uist's bulk.

"Then tell him the answer from all of us is 'yes'" Tristam said coming to stroke the smaller man's auburn curls. He dropped his head to kiss the top of Sholto's head and nodded towards the door at Uist. In response the other male swept Sholto into his arms and strode from the room, leaving four men to remember the events that had led to Uist and Sholto's marriage and the forming of the team and family they were today.

Sholto and Rayner were two years apart in age with Sholto the older. However, they had become instant friends and shared many classes and Rayner was advanced in his linguistics and they thought that with Sholto's own advanced positioning cultural anthropology, they would probably graduate together. Uist, like Tristam, was at the University as a teacher. He was teaching a year's course in military strategy and was a superb strategist and gave some self-defence classes privately. Rayner and Tristam had quickly noticed the attraction between the denizen of PrideHome and Sholto and had often arranged for the four of them to meet and give the other two men time to get to know each other. Occasionally leaving the two alone in their married quarters to give them somewhere safe and secure to develop their budding romance. Uist had confessed some concerns to Tristam regarding Sholto's youthfulness and virginity. In response, Tristam had told Uist of his and Rayner's relationship and how he had almost lost the younger man before they had even begun to live their lives. 




Silver



Tension was running high at the University. For the previous two months, two days before the full moon, a student had been kidnapped, beaten brutally and raped. Medical nanobot technology could quickly heal physical wounds, but mental trauma was something that could only be healed by time and love. There was nothing in common between the two students; male and female, different ages, classes appearances, personalities. The only factor they shared was their virginity, leading Tristam and Uist to consider the assailant to be a form of psychic. As a consequence, when the older men could not escort their younger partners, Sholto and Rayner were under strict instruction to be in groups or with each other.

In keeping with the instruction, the two younger males were making their way to the married quarters to await the older men. As there were two of them, they believed themselves safe just as Tristam and Uist assumed they would be. Sholto felt the sharp prick of a dart in his neck before the world began to tilt and his limbs go leaden. As he fell, unable to move, he saw a large, masked male figure attack Rayner. The slighter man had taken some defence classes, but was no match for their attacker. As a thick arm tried to encircle his throat, Rayner desperately bit hard at the forearm drawing blood and an enraged below from the assailant. In retaliation, Rayner was viciously punched to the floor and repeatedly kicked with large, heavy booted feet that easily broke ribs. Sholto's last vision was a limp Rayner being shaken like a rag doll.

Tristam had known immediately that his mate was being hurt and he had diverted only to get Uist to join them before they raced to the scene of the attack. On finding the limp body of Rayner, both bigger males had screamed their grief and anger. Allowing Tristam to carry Rayner's body, Uist had sped ahead to warn Xavier of the attack and the need for immediate medical attention. The two men were partially consoled to find Rayner was unconscious and, although badly beaten, Xavier was certain that with the prompt treatment and complete rest would heal fully.

Sholto had awoken as cruel, hard hands were stripping him. He had whimpered his distress, but the drug made the world seem fluid and waver in and out of focus, whilst leaving his limbs uncooperative. The rapist had conversationally informed Sholto that he had killed Rayner and that knew the young man to be virgin and described in detail how he intended to violate him. His hands roamed arrogantly over flesh that only Uist had previously touched and Sholto had been unable to stop the tears from falling. The man became bored with the psychological torture and, stripping a leather belt from his waist, methodically beat Sholto's bare thighs and buttocks. Before unconsciousness could reclaim the helpless young man, he felt another needle prick in his skin.

Theophilus wasn't idle during the initial hours following Rayner's attack and Sholto's abduction. He showed the other three males old schematics of the University and the unused, ancient sewer system that lay beneath. It was his belief that the attacker used this system to enter and leave the University with his victims, explaining why he hadn't been seen carrying the bodies out or back.

Xavier pointed out that with their individual abilities, dark tunnels would prove no hindrance for Uist, Tristam or Theophilus. Additionally, Tristam had Rayner's scent imprinted on him and since the attacker would have Rayner's blood he had a trail to follow. Uist could track Sholto in a similar manner and if necessary, Theophilus could track the attacker from the blood identified as not Rayner's. Xavier added that as Tristam had suggested that the six of them would make an unparalleled elite team, they now needed to be successful on their first mission.

They had indeed proved successful, rapidly tracking the sadist to his lair, the man arrogantly believing he needed nothing to hide him once he was in the tunnels. He had foolishly attacked the three males, believing the stolen virginity of his victims would invigorate him and give him super-human strength. Instead he had died from a twist of Tristam's strong hands and a broken neck. 

On awakening back at the University hospital, Sholto had broken down in tears begging Tristam to forgive him for Rayner's death and only calming after being taken to the other man's bedside to see he was alive and recovering. Uist had refused to leave the younger male and as soon as Sholto was fully recovered had proposed to him. The proposal had been accepted without hesitation. Sholto was given permission to complete his course on PrideHome and as soon as Rayner was able he and Tristam, accompanied by Theophilus and Xavier, had joined the other couple. The wedding had been just a few short months later and after the Honeymoon the six had become the Elite team they were today.

Now Uist held the naked body of his precious spouse tight to his body. He gently stroked the soft skin of the younger man's back as Sholto buried his face close to Uist's ear under which was one of the older male's scent glands. The scent of his mate so strong and close, combine with the warmth and solidness of his body had quickly calmed the younger man's fraught nerves. That the memories of his abduction and near-rape sometimes overwhelmed him was simply accepted with the same equanimity of Rayner's distress at any absence of Tristam. Uist wondered whether Sholto's recent worry for his brother of the heart had been the final straw. He didn't intend to question his spouse about it. He knew his presence, whether they made love or simply cuddled close, was the normal catharsis for Sholto's quick recovery.

Sholto rose from his comfortable bed of his mate's body and gazed into the concerned sky blue orbs.

"Love me, please" he husked.

Tenderly Uist rolled him onto his back without breaking eye contact. He quickly and thoroughly prepared the younger man as they continued to lock gazes. Only when Uist slid home and their mouths meet did Sholto's eyes finally close. Each man moaned their release into the others as bliss claimed them. 

"Love you, mine own," Uist said roughly as he rained kisses on the face of the smaller man.

"Love you. Yours always," Sholto sighed.

After more time simply cuddling together, they showered, dressed and took their places on the command deck.

Tristam and Rayner were on deck as they arrived and Uist gave a quick nod at Tristam's raised eyebrow. Sholto's voice was calm and confident as he contacted his friend and made the arrangements for their visit. They would arrive the next evening. Sholto and Rayner slapped their raised hands together with wide smiles as Tristam contacted the planet's equivalent of his father and both ensured it was understood they were holidaying, but retained their special Elite status. As such, instead of leaving their ship at the local spaceport, 'Silver Star' could be housed at a military base and the group would be transported to the spaceport to be collected by Jonas.

Jonas was delighted to see his friend again and Sholto embraced him as tightly as he was being hugged. Jonas also recognised Rayner, giving the younger man a brief hug. He knew of Xavier by reputation as he was a physician himself and was stunned to think he would have Xavier as a guest. He didn't particularly recognise the other three men, although from the way the two bigger and older males acted, it was obvious that there was closeness between them and Sholto and Rayner. The stunning blond stayed close to Xavier and Jonas' mind fluttered between wondering if he was a student, companion or servant. He shook his head in bemusement. He hoped Sholto felt up to staying awake for some time so he could understand the relationships so he didn't inadvertently insult or offend.

The swiftest mode of transport was electric sled. Jonas showed Tristam and Uist how to programme them to take them to his home. 

"You can either simply allow the machine to drive itself or stand watching. It's like automatic pilot but it recognises hazards and will take appropriate action."

"Sounds like fun," Tristam smiled.

Each sled was big enough to hold three people plus some luggage. As Xavier felt the cold most intently, Jonas watched as the big lizard was wrapped together with the ethereal blond and Uist volunteered to be their driver. Jonas then watched as Tristam fussed over two darker haired men, settling them on his sled, wrapped warmly. With a curt no he indicated he was ready to move. Jonas checked the cases on his sled were secure and led the way. He was disappointed that Sholto wasn't in his sled, but micro transmitters, in the form of bracelets, allowed conversations between the sleds, but no confidential discussions.

Jonas' house was a large building set in its own grounds a few miles outside of the city and the spaceport. There was a scattering of similar homes over the next several miles, but nothing too close. Jonas explained he had wanted to be close enough to the city to work easily, but far enough away for peace and quiet which made this home ideal. Within easy travelling distance were hills and lakes; perfect for sledding or skating. As he led the men from the garage to the door of his home, his wife came out to meet them.

Tara was just five feet tall and petite. She had coffee coloured skin teamed with hazel eyes and short cropped dark hair. She smiled her greeting.

"Welcome to our home. It's good you could finally visit. Please come inside. Martin tells me you're some form of diplomat or envoy?" She ushered the men in, taking blankets and coats as they were divested by the men.

"It's a pleasure to be here," Tristam spoke for the group. They never revealed their roles as an Elite squad. Their cover was they were a group of diplomats. He quickly introduced everyone. He could see the slight furrow to Tara's face.

"It may be a little crowded to accommodate you all," she explained. "We do have a second double bedroom on the first floor as well as a box room that hold one fairly comfortably. On the second floor are two double rooms separated by a box room and bathroom. If some don't mind sharing..."

"Sholto is my mate," Uist purred wrapping an arm around Sholto's shoulders.

"I did write," Sholto said at Jonas' raised eyebrow. "But I wrote from PrideHome to the Uni. You must never have received it."

"Rayner and I are also married," smiled Tristam. "We would prefer the top floor." He glanced between Uist and Xavier.

"Theophilus and I will take the first floor," he flicked his gaze from Jonas to Tara. "We are also wedded. However, as I find beds somewhat difficult, we would prefer a mattress on the floor and some pillows and cushions. If it isn't too much trouble."

"Not at all." Tara called for their maid. 

The maid had straight red hair and a pinched, freckled face and was very thin. She glared at the group of guests from beneath a long fringe, where she thought her own eyes would be hidden. She was unaware that Uist and Tristam could scent and see her obvious resentment.

"The first floor room is bigger," Tara smiled at Xavier ignorant of the undercurrent of her maid's dislike of the men. "We can dismantle the bed very quickly and your rooms will be ready in about half an hour or so. Take our guests to the living room and get them some drinks," she added to Jonas as she headed upstairs, followed by the maid.

Soon the couples were settled. Uist had scented the room he was to share with his mate, determining its safety. He had then moved the bed to lie along the wall between the windows and door and now Sholto slept with the wall to protect him one side and the solid bulk of his husband the other. Tristam had rearranged the bedroom he shared with Rayner in the same way. Both younger males now slept soundly in their mates' loving embraces.

In the first floor bedroom, Theophilus and Xavier were both very awake. Theophilus lay on his back amongst the nest of cushions and pillows carefully arranged by Xavier. The blond male's long, smooth legs were spread wide to accommodate the girth of his reptilian mate and slender feet were braced against the lizard's rump. Theophilus traced random patterns on Xavier's smooth pale green skin and the lavender colour of Xavier's frill indicated the pleasure being touched by and inside his mate engendered. He thrust a single hemipenis deep into the carefully stretched channel and ensured he rubbed repeatedly over Theophilus' hidden jewel to give the beautiful young male as much pleasure as he could. The reptilian's long tongue flickered over the pale, smooth chest occasionally pausing to tease the hard pink nubs. Supporting his considerable weight on his arms, he used the slim tip of his tail to alternate between stroking Theophilus' engorged penis and the smooth, hairless testicles. He revelled in the almost sub vocal cries of pleasure and the erotic writhing of the younger male, Theophilus' head thrashing helplessly from side to side as his body was brought to the brink of bliss. Xavier recognised the signs of imminent climax and his hemipenis formed a knot, plugging Theophilus' now spasming channel. As Theophilus climaxed, Xavier's knot expanded and the reptilian trilled in counterpoint to Theophilus' sweet cries of his mate's name. As Theophilus sagged sated, panting softly, Xavier began to lick the sweet crème of his release. The cleaning complete, Xavier shrank the knot and allowed his hemipenis to slip free. Moving slightly he nuzzled into blond tresses.

"Love you, beautiful," he whispered allowing his tongue to caress the elegantly pointed ear. 

"Love you more, beloved," Theophilus smiled, tilting his head to receive more of the tender caresses. In turn he ran his fingers over Xavier's aural depressions and the lavender frill. Xavier revelled in the attention. Theophilus then began to hitch his hips in a seductive manner. "I would have all your essence," he murmured shyly.

Xavier gazed down in adoration at the younger man. He knew how hard it was for his mate to speak his needs and wants.

"You're not to sore or sensitive?" Xavier asked.

"You touch me so gently," came the low melodic voice. "I would have you inside me again, if it pleases you."

"It pleases me, my love. Rise onto your hands and knees."

Theophilus obeyed kissing his mate as he moved gracefully to present the smooth, ivory globes of his taut bottom. At the sight, Xavier's trill became lower, almost a growl and he gave a mental smile at the shiver of anticipation and arousal that ran through Theophilus' body in response. He probed gently with his tongue between the gently spread nether cheeks relishing the taste of his mate overlaid with his own seed. Males of Theophilus' world produced their own natural lubrication, although Xavier sometimes additionally used oil he had created and which all the couples used. Slowly, lovingly, he used his tongue to caress Theophilus' sweet spot as extra sensitive surgeon's hands caressed Theophilus twitching shaft, coaxing it into hardening again. Theophilus was soon panting and thrusting back onto the moist muscle impaling him and Xavier was pleased that the slender shaft was hard and leaking in his hand. Xavier sheathed his second hemipenis, stimulating Theophilus' prostrate for a minute before forming his knot. As the knot stretched the slick channel, Theohilus began to shudder his release. As the final tremors ended, Xavier pulled the limp form onto his powerful thighs and licked the sweat damp neck as he release his seed to whimpers of pleasure from the younger male. 

Xavier waited a few moments before tenderly lowering the exhausted body in his arms onto their nest. Rolling Theophilus onto his back, he again licked his mate's release, cleaning the sated form, before gathering the young man into his arms and tucking Theophilus' head into the juncture of his neck and shoulder as a pillow. He kissed the top of Theophilus' head.

"Sleep, my beautiful one," he whispered. "Sleep safe in my arms."

"Love you," came the barely there reply.

"I love you too, my heart. Sleep."

As Theophilus' breaths evened into sleep, Xavier cradled the precious form and remembered how they came to meet.

They had spent nearly thirty years together and yet the spectre of Theophilus' father was still a part of their lives. However, Xavier knew just how far the young man in his arms had come and how much that spectre had receded. The first time Xavier had seen Theophilus, he was just approaching his majority and was in a class Xavier was teaching on Theophilus' homeworld. Although all the students were beautiful, whether dark or light haired, when Xavier's eyes had meet the golden orbs of Theophilus and seen the slight blush, his heart had been lost.

Xavier was unhappy with the patriarchal society whereby children were seen as commodities for families to 'sell', although the term dowry was used. All prospective suitors provided a dowry to the father of their intended, whether the union was same sex or for a male of female child. Children were often married soon after their majority, despite not reaching their full mental and physical maturity for another several decades. As the planet was becoming a part of the Planetary Federation, this practice was being stamped out. Unfortunately in the province Xavier was in, that was proving difficult. It saddened Xavier to think the beautiful children before him might not have a say in their futures and that eventually, in their turn, the gentle boys could become like their fathers before them: seeing any offspring as possessions to be profitably bartered. His eyes going back to the blond haired, gold-eyed angel, he sent a prayer that he might be one of the luckier ones.

Xavier was unable to get the image of the young male from his mind. He had never believed in love at first sight, but Theophilus seemed to have taken Xavier's heart with his shy glances and impeccable manners. The older reptilian hardly dared believe that one so beautiful might care for him, despite having had a variety of lovers of mixed species. It took another week before the lizard could engineer a meeting where just the two males were together. They had spoken quietly and Xavier had felt his heart soar at the hesitating confession from Theophilus that he could not get the teacher from his mind...or his heart. As though the younger male was made of crystal that could shatter, Xavier had allowed their lips to touch in what was one of the most intimate gestures one of his race could offer. Slowly and carefully his tongue had probed against pink, cupid's-bow lips until with a gasp Theophilus' mouth had opened and granted entry. As the kiss ended, Theophilus was panting and flushed and Xavier had quickly cradled the form to his chest realising suddenly that his kiss was the first the other male had ever experienced.

They courted carefully and secretly out of necessity. Marcellous, Theophilus' father already had several families lined up as potentials for his youngest son and was literally banking on Theophilus' beauty and virginity to be bankable assets. Theophilus was investigating the correct way in which to pay suit to Marcellous, whilst arranging testimonials as to his personal and familial status to include his wealth. They had seen each other whenever possible for almost a month and Xavier was virtually ready to approach Marcellous when Theophilus arrived very distressed. Marcellous was choosing between two prominent families for a spouse and was going to parade his son before both suitors, a man and a woman, who had already agreed to meet the basic price for Theophilus. Tears were falling from the golden eyes that radiated a mixture of fear and pain and Xavier had been both shocked and frightened. He wanted this beautiful boy. He knew that effectively Theophilus was still a child, but they were in love and with Theophilus having attained his majority, there were no reasons for their union to be prohibited: except Marcellous' refusal. Unthinkingly the two males had left the school in Xavier's car to sit together in a small secluded wood nearby. Xavier had asked Theophilus to marry him and sobbing his joy, the younger male had accepted. Xavier had then lay Theophilus down on the grass and brought the boy he loved to his first orgasm, becoming instantly addicted to the taste of Theophilus' seed. The had lost track of time as Theophilus had lain in Xavier's arms, feeling loved, safe and protected for the first time in his life.




Silver



It was the realisation that dusk had fallen that had roused the lovers and Xavier berated himself as he knew Theophilus' brothers brought and collected the younger man from school to ensure his purity. They had returned to the school and been met by a furious Marcellous as well as the agitated cultural liaison assistant assigned to Xavier. There was no evidence of Theophilus' ethereal beauty in the hard face and silver eyes of the man that stood before Xavier. Nothing the reptilian could say was heard by the older man. He ignored the lizard entirely, brutally back-handing Theophilus as he was escorted to his father's car by his brothers. Xavier had promised Theophilus that he would come for him as he watched the hurt and broken young man shoved into the car and driven away.

In the two days it took to get Marcellous to agree to a meeting, Xavier had the support of one of his older brothers and a diplomat from his world that was part of delegation investigating how far the planet had come in stopping the practice of selling children as well as a very prominent advocate from the province. He also had his various testimonials and had expressed his desire to marry Theophilus.

Theophilus was not present when the advocate eloquently spoke of Xavier's desire to marry the younger man. Xavier was agreeable to meeting Theophilus' dowry price and offered additional recompense to Marcellous as he would be taking the young man with him offworld. It was obvious that avarice held sway with the other man and the figures quoted by the advocate had Marcellous' eyes widening slightly before he could school his face into neutrality. He agreed the payment and Xavier felt a cold fear grip his stomach at the smirk that accompanied the nod that Theophilus may be courted by Xavier and seen before the lizard would have to leave.

Xavier had been devastated at the sight of his love. The young man had been beaten and his back was covered with welts and bruises. Xavier hadn't wanted to leave the younger man, but had no choice and the sight of the tears falling as Theophilus was held back from his older lover were as daggers in the reptilian's heart. There were also deep shadows under Theophilus' eyes showing the boy had slept little and he wore only thin leggings of a coarse weave that Theophilus had only seen on the planet's prisoners. The long blond tresses were lank and Xavier worried just where the younger man was being held as it was obvious he had been ostracised from the family.

Another two interminable days had passed whilst Xavier obtained the funds needed to provide Marcellous with dowry and compensation. The same men had accompanied him and Xavier had stood impatiently, his eyes roving over the fragile form of his love as he awaited the legal necessities to be completed and for Marcellous to formally agree their union. As his advocate had completed the formal speech, Marcellous had roughly shoved his son to his knees in front of Xavier effectively snarling that he was now Xavier's property and that when Xavier was finally bored, he would know no home with them.

Xavier had tenderly gathered the shaking young man into his arms and was grateful to his brother as the bigger lizard wrapped his own coat around the trembling form. The diplomat had pointed out that if the meeting was not one whereby a wedding was the discussion but in fact a sale, that he would ensure the planet would be sanctioned and would further ensure that Marcellous' name came to the fore as the reason. A quick conference between Marcellous and his own advocate had the man grudgingly affirm that he was agreeing to the marriage of his son to Xavier and that Theophilus was free to bind himself to the reptilian.

Xavier had immediately gone down on one knee and asked Theophilus in the presence of the gathered witnesses to agree to bind himself to Xavier. The younger man had enough strength to agree before swooning into Xavier's brother's protective embrace. Xavier took a measure of satisfaction in telling Marcellous that had he bothered to check he would have found that Phixians mated for life.

Xavier had taken Theophilus to Phixia for their wedding and had ensured that the young male was a virgin till his wedding in deference to his instilled beliefs. It had thrilled Xavier on the day of their first sexual joining to know that Theophilus had known joy from their union rather than an enforced experience. 

However, other things had come to light about Marcellous that still affected them to that day. As his thoughts dwelt on Theophilus' treatment, the reptilian's frill had turned from lavender to vermillion, indicating his anger and distress. As though aware of his mate's thoughts, Theophilus shifted restlessly and tried to caress the frill. It was enough to bring Xavier out of his reverie and the reptilian crooned a lullaby from Phixia into Theophilus' ear had cradled him closer. With a contended sigh, Theophilus slipped back into deeper sleep and this time Xavier joined him.

In their bedroom, Jonas was in bed with Tara. He lay between his wife's thighs, weight balance on one forearm as he alternated between kissing his wife's lush mouth and sucking each of her dark brown nipples in turn. He leant back a little to speak, his voice apologetic.

"I didn't realise they were all married," he said.

"No matter," Tara purred as Jonas' hand slid between her thighs, caressing her intimately. "Six beautiful and exotic men at the party will ensure its success. I'm sure they won't refuse to participate. Mmm, nice," she added as Jonas' tongue replaced his fingers. Jonas worked his tongue over and over his wife's intimate core. He felt the shallow breathing and tremors that heralded imminent climax and grasped Tara's hand as she fell into bliss. He rode out her orgasm, swiping his tongue until her sensitivity threatened to turn pleasure into pain and he withdrew.

Flowing up her body, Jonas kissed her as he pressed his eager flesh against her opening. He smiled down at her as she wrapped her legs around his waist and urged him inside. They fitted together perfectly and rocked together murmuring love and endearments as they strove for mutual pleasure. Finally Jonas climax and as his seed filled her willing body, Tara crooned:

"Love you, love you," into Jonas' ear. As Jonas slipped from her body, Tara cuddled up close. "I hope your friends are as happy as we are," she said.

"You only need look in their eyes," Jonas panted. Smiling at the tiny body pressed close he added: "Love you, too."

At breakfast, Tara gave the six the news of the Ball to be held that evening. It had been planned for some time and Tara turned her best pleading eyes to the six men as she asked them to participate. The six were more than happy to take part and Jonas suggested they follow him into the city and he would direct them to the outfitters they would need for party dress explaining it was a themed ball: full length and velvet; the women's gowns to be full length and both sexes to wear something velvet. It was also a masked ball and the outfitter had supplied the feathered masks for the other guests.

In the sleds, Jonas spoke to Xavier of the strange affliction that young people from the city had been suffering from to see if the more experienced physician may be able to shed light on the illness. On describing the anaemia and bruising to the throat, Jonas was shocked to have Xavier suggest that in fact they were dealing with a species of vampire rather than a disease. Xavier suggested that he would call back on Jonas after he had sorted out some samples from the victims and he would examine them and try and confirm his suspicions and that if another victim was to arrive to call him immediately.

After picking up their outfits, the six returned to Jonas' hospital. While Xavier examined the latest victim, Sholto explained the effects on mammalian systems. Although there were several parasitic life forms that came under the umbrella title of vampire, there was one common species. Their world was home to parasitic and non-parasitic forms and often they formed mutually happy existences. However, the 'vampires' also travelled beyond their homeworld. There was a convention that they could feed, but that feeding was supposed to be with consent. However, given the chemical make-up of the vampire's saliva and their pychic abilities, even those who consented rarely had any memory of a feeding. Glands in the vampire's tongue acted as an anaesthetic as the fangs penetrated. The saliva triggered almost instant release of endorphins making the victim aroused as well as stimulating pleasure centres of the brain. Memory was inhibited; at best there was an almost hazy recollection of an erotic dream. The throat wound on a first penetration was virtually invisible, only a repeated feeding left tell-tale bruising as the holes were closed by separate tongue glands that stimulated rapid cell regeneration. A victim, who was fed from almost to the brink of complete blood loss, received such a high dose of chemicals in their system that it triggered a need to feed directly from the vampire itself and led to an almost irreversible subservient mental state. Consensual pairings had no need to trigger such dependency. Vampires could command an almost overwhelming loyalty from the first feed due to chemical reaction as well as psychic charisma. They were also shape-shifters, able to appear as anyone they wished. As this world was not a major interplanetary player, local knowledge of such species would be almost non-existent and so Sholto believed the vampire was being careless as they had no fear that they would be uncovered. By breaking convention, the six could invoke instant deportation to the vampire's homeworld - once they had uncovered its true identity. 

Xavier confirmed that it was a vampire attack and Tristam made a discreet call to the planet's equivalent of his father to alert the planet's Elite squad of the situation. He was asked if direct intervention was needed. However, as he had no idea as to the vampire's identity, Tristam thought it would be better if they conducted more discreet enquiries to see if they could uncover the creature's identity.

Tara and Jonas were delighted with the turnout for their party. It was obvious the main attractions, however, were the exotic guests. Xavier's build had made it impossible to clothe his lower half without extensive alterations and so had opted for a dark green velvet waistcoat, left open. Theophilus had selected a tunic in the same colour and wore plain black pants. They had both opted for gold masks; Xavier's plain velvet and Theophilus gold feathers. Sholto and Uist had liked their dress and Sholto modelled his on Theophilus, choosing a deep blue for his tunic and feathered mask. Uist, mimicking Xavier's waistcoat and velvet mask. Tristam made the choice for himself and his spouse. He chose sinfully tight velvet pants for the smaller man with a white shirt open to a deep V and showing his mate's golden skin. His feathered mask was black and silver. For his own outfit, he selected a black and silver shirt that clung to the muscles of his upper body and had the shop customise a plain black eye mask with silver sequins. As a consequence, eyes followed them wherever they went and they were constantly approached for conversation or dancing.

Rayner found himself dancing once again with a woman in a midnight blue dress and matching eye mask. Her hair was pulled high on her head. There was something about her that both fascinated and repulsed Rayner and he was embarrassed and confused about the negative feeling. As they danced, Rayner began to feel light-headed but instead of stopping, the woman seemed possessed of incredible strength, spinning them away from the main body of guests. Rayner gasped as he was pushed into a niche in the wall and Tristam stood before him, eyes glittering. Rayner felt the same revulsion briefly before lips claimed his and a knowing hand cupped lax genitals. A tongue rasped against his throat and Rayner moaned softly as arousal spiralled through him. His head spun and he tried to get more friction on his excited flesh as Tristam's mouth worked at his throat. Then he was dancing again, his head spinning, his groin throbbing and he desperately glanced around for sight of his mate.

Tristam was in a group standing talking when he lifted his head and scented the air. There was a general scent of arousal from most at the party, but he had caught the scent of his mate's arousal as well as an ill-defined distress. He frowned and a low rumble of anger emanated from deep in his chest. As he pushed his way through the dancers he spotted his mate as Rayner simultaneously saw Tristam and began to push towards him. With his enhanced sight, Tristam focused in on a damp spot on the tight pants and the unmistakable bulge at Rayner's crotch. Before the bigger man could speak, Rayner spoke, his voice hoarse with need:

"No more teasing, please." The younger man pressed hard against his husband as he begged, "Take me. Take me now."

The content of Rayner's words made no sense to Tristam and the civilised portion of his mind knew he needed to talk to Rayner. However, the primitive and more dominant part focused only on Rayner's desperate need and that of his own to claim what was his. Uncaring of those around him, he swept Rayner into his arms, feeling the tremors of want and need and moved them swiftly to their bedroom. He stripped Rayner rapidly, throwing the clothes as far from them as possible. As he stripped himself, he growled loudly at the sight of Rayner on all fours presenting himself to be taken. Primal demands to take warred with the desire not to hurt and Tristam hastily coated fingers with oil taking little time to prepare Rayner as the younger man demanded to be taken.

Tristam controlled his entry into the hastily prepared channel, holding tightly enough to leave bruises on Rayner's hips, but refusing to allow the smaller man to hurt himself by trying to force Tristam deeper before his body was ready. Once Tristam was assured that Rayner's body was ready he set up a punishing rate of hard deep thrusts. The sight of his hard, red flesh disappearing between Rayner's creamy globes served to fuel the bigger man's desire. He slid his arms around Rayner's waist and pulled the younger man to straddle his thighs, ensuring he controlled the speed and depth of penetration. Rayner gave a muted whine as he found himself at the mercy of his bigger mate and then wailed his approval as Tristam pounded against the smaller man's sweet spot with every thrust. Tristam used one powerful arm to lift and lower Rayner to meet his feral thrusts and with the other pinched at taut nipples and fondles the sac, heavy with unspent seed. Rayner screamed his release as Tristam's hand move to stroke the angry red flesh that jutted from his groin. Rayner's contractions around his own engorged flesh were almost painful and as Rayner went limp, Tristam followed down to lie on top of Rayner and thrust hard and fast into the fully relaxed body, muffling his own roar of completion by biting hard enough on Rayner's shoulder to taste blood. Too exhausted for speech, Tristam simply curled protectively around his comatose mate and gave in to his satiated body's demand to sleep.

The kitchen was set at a lower level than that of the party and the housemaid paced impatiently. She began to turn as she heard a sound behind her, but was pushed face first up against the table.

"Brace yourself." A deep male voice ordered and she placed her hands against the table leaning forward. Large, sure hands unlaced her bodice and began to fondle the tiny breasts, pinching forcefully on the small pink nipples till she gasped and writhed against the body behind her.

"No sound." Was the next command as her skirts were lifted to reveal a naked body beneath. A hand slid between her nether lips and began to roughly caress her sex. The other hand slipped lower and penetrated her with two fingers. She bit her lip at the dual sensations. Hot breath caressed her throat and she bit her lip hard enough to draw blood to obey the order to remain silent. The fingers inside her were replaced by a hard, thick shaft and she was pounded into hard and fast. She could feel her climax building as heat pooled outwards from the fingers rubbing insistently between her lips. As she threw her head back a strong hand clamped over her mouth and her orgasmic scream was silenced. As she shuddered, she felt her lover release inside her and she smiled behind the hand. She fell forward onto the table gasping for breath as she pulled the bodice closed.

"I knew you'd come," she began turning to look at her lover, but she was alone. Frowning, she ran upstairs, her skirts falling into place. She peered around the corner and her face twisted furiously. Jonas danced with Tara, a satisfied smile on his face; whilst behind them danced Sholto with the woman in the midnight blue dress.

"You're mine," she hissed and turned back to the kitchen.

Uist paced restlessly. His sense of smell was more acute than Tristam's and the scent of multiple arousals was making the cat-man uneasy. There was something underlying the scent that he couldn't recognise. He recognised the lust that partnered the arousal, but there was an undefined something else. He had apologetically detangled himself from the attractive young woman who had been flirting lightly and now just wanted Sholto safe in his arms. He caught sight of his mate in the arms of a woman who looked vaguely familiar. As sky met ocean, their mutual need was instantly conveyed and Sholto moved towards his husband abandoning his dance partner. Uist moved as swiftly and crushed the smaller man possessively to his chest.

"I need you," Sholto whispered as he melted into his husband's embrace. "Please, Uist. Now." He trembled at the guttural growl from deep in his mate's chest and knew he was needed just as badly.

Keeping the smaller man tight to his side, Uist took them to their bedroom. He ripped Sholto's clothes from his body using his razor-sharp claws. He could scent others' arousals on them and Sholto would never be wearing them again. He scented the smaller man, his nostrils flared and Sholto moaned helplessly at the sight of his dominant mate; so powerful, so primal in the moonlight that streamed into their room.

"I can smell others on you," Uist snarled. "They wanted you."

A thrill of fear rippled through Sholto. He knew his bigger mate would never hurt him, but he had never heard the dangerous tone in Uist's voice directed at him before.

"Only you," he replied. "Only ever you." Sholto did the only thing he could think to appease his mate. He opened his legs wide and bared his throat. Offering his complete submission to his husband.

Uist loomed over the slighter man, fighting the primal desire to simply take, not wanting to hurt. The submissive display partly assuaged the primal fire in his blood and loins, but he knew it would burn till he had sated himself in Sholto's body. The sight made his heart constrict with love. Sholto's tiny portal was displayed to his sight; the younger man was pen and exposed and so fragile beneath his bigger body. He gripped his erection and Sholto watched wide-eyed as Uist pumped himself and cascaded his seed over Sholto's chest and groin.

"Mine," Uist's voice was gravely with restrained passion. "My mate, my scent. No other."

"Yours," Sholto affirmed. "Yours now. Please, Uist, please."

Uist's spent flesh was rapidly hardening. He leant down and bit the exposed throat, sucking hard to leave a vivid mark and he knew it would be just one of many. Rubbing his fingers in his come, Uist began to work them into Sholto's passage. He continued to suck and bite along Sholto's exposed throat and collarbone as his fingers coated and stretched. The fire in his blood would not let him remain outside his mate for long and with Sholto's cry of pleasure/pain ringing in his ears, he breached the guardian muscle, surging deep inside until his sac slapped against Sholto's flesh. He began an immediate thrusting to pound Sholto's pleasure spot and take away the memory of the pain from the hasty coupling.




Silver



Sholto climaxed hard and fast as Uist bit down again on his throat as the hard rod impaling him hit his prostrate. Sholto convulsed with the intensity of orgasm as Uist muffled his wail by covering his mouth with his own and thrusting his tongue in the younger man's mouth to the same rhythm as his thrusts. Uist's second climax was seconds behind Sholto's and Uist groaned loudly as his seed pulsed deep into the pliant body.

Sholto had passed out and Uist realised he was still uneasy. He sensed a threat to his mate even though he couldn't put name or form to it. Lifting Sholto in his arms, he carried his precious bundle to a chair. As Sholto shifted restlessly, Uist crooned softly in his ear for a moment before returning to the bed. He pulled the mattress to the floor with ease, positioning it in the corner of the room where he could see both door and window. He retrieved Sholto, and pushed the younger man closest to the wall, his own body wrapped around his mate unknowingly in an almost identical manner to that of Tristam earlier. Although Sholto slept, Uist remained a silent sentinel for a long time before finally allowing himself to sleep.

Although mammalian pheromones did not affect Xavier, he could taste them and recognise them for what they were. His tongue could 'taste' scents almost as acutely as Uist could smell them. He had noticed the other two couples had disappeared. He knew the two Alpha males would have felt the necessity to 'claim' their spouses, but that neither had sought him out before leaving was something unusual. The arousal tasted wrong. He had no other word for it.

He wondered whether Theophilus would be affected. When he had taken the young man to bind with him, it hadn't taken long to discover his father had beaten the young man regularly. What had enraged the reptilian was finding that Theophilus' 'punishments' were to be stripped naked in his father's bedroom, where the older man would use his bare hand on Theophilus naked buttocks as the innocent young man had lay across his lap. Xavier had mused over the irony that his first loathing of Marcellous had been for his avarice and treating Theophilus as a commodity. However, if his avarice hadn't been stronger, then Xavier's beloved boy may have been raped rather than assaulted. Now Xavier was grateful for Marcellous' avarice. However, Theophilus was often loathe to be open about his desires for fear he was forcing Xavier and being in some way like his father. It had taken many years and a lot of love and encouragement, but Theophilus was now much more active in their love-making.

"Please, beloved," a soft voice broke into his reverie. "I need you."

Knowing the effort those few word would have cost Theophilus; Xavier didn't hesitate to guide his young husband to their room. He had enough presence of mind to be concerned about his mate's obvious need and determined to speak to Tristam and Uist at the first opportunity. However, here, now, his spouse's needs came first.

Theophilus straddled the naked reptilian, whispering words of love and need as he stroked across the pale green expanse of smooth skin. Leaning forward he caressed Xavier's frill and aural depressions watching with delight as the frill changed colour as Xavier's arousal began to become apparent. In response, Xavier's tail slid between Theophilus' parted cheeks, the young man's natural lubricant easing the way for the organ as Xavier's hands pinched pink nipples and caressed the slender pink shaft that arched towards the younger male's belly. 

Theophilus reached back as Xavier released his twin hemipenes. Theophilus' eyes darkened with unspoken desire as he stroked the twin organs and Xavier thrust his tail deep into the intimate channel. He resisted flicking the hidden jewel, as Theophilus looked almost fully undone and now he was equally aroused, the reptilian wanted to be sheathed when they climaxed. Positioning himself, Theophilus threw his head back mewling pleasurably as he impaled himself on the two slender sex organs of his lizard-mate. Xavier ensured he now rubbed deliciously inside his lover and he could see Theophilus was on the edge. Xavier formed his knot holding Theophilus who convulsed as wave after wave of pleasure rolled over him. Trilling his own pleasure, Xavier released his seed as he caught Theophilus who slumped forward. He cradled the limp body whilst his knots slowly dissipated.

"Thank you, most beloved," Theophilus breathed softly.

"I love you, beautiful," Xavier whispered, holding the slighter body close. He could feel that the younger man was already asleep. 

The next morning, by the time Xavier and Theophilus awoke; Rayner and Sholto were already engaged in a snowball fight with Uist. Tristam watched with an indulgent smile. Xavier decided to wait to speak to him until he could get the other man with Uist and without their spouses. He wrapped an arm around Theophilus' waist and watched the three men battle in the snow.

Rayner and Sholto tried to pin Uist with a volley of snowballs intended to ensure the bigger man was unable to move as they crept closer to his bunker. However as they leapt over into his stronghold, the strategist had vanished. The two younger men stood confused over where their quarry could have gone. As they turned away from Uist's bunker, he appeared from the cocoon of snow he had buried himself in and pounced, knocking both young men to the ground and stretching over them to pin them in place. He aimed a few hard swats to unprotected rumps before the younger men managed to wriggle free. At this point the bigger male simply wrapped a long, strong arm around each of them, lifting them from the floor and spinning them around. As he stopped, Sholto dropped his head going pliant in his mate's arms. Rayner laughing conceded defeat and the Alpha male threw back his head and roared his victory. He gave Rayner a kiss to his cheek and another swat to his rump as he released him and then kissed his own mate deeply.

"I think that is your cue to offer your mate some tender loving care," Theophilus laughed musically.

As Tristam exited, Theophilus turned in his husband's arms. Xavier could see the blush that stained the pale cheeks and knew Theophilus wanted to say something but was struggling. Instead, the blond took one of Xavier's hands and ran it over his own taut buttocks before pulling it back into a half-hearted swat, immediately burying his face in his bigger mate's shoulder.

"Speak to me, precious," Xavier begged softly.

"I have watched our family play this way for years. Originally they were very careful to keep such play from my eyes, but they forget more often now. I do not want them to change what is affection between them because of my father's perversions. Nor do I want for us to have to restrict how we play together. I would have you touch me like this more. I may never enjoy ...spanking... as love-play, but I would like to try these touches."

Xavier crushed the smaller body to him. He knew he had often gone to playfully touch Theophilus this way and refrained at the last minute, afraid of his mate's reaction. However, he understood Theophilus' desire to break free of the ghost of his father.

"I promise I will not make any decisions that affect us both without consulting with you in future, my heart," Xavier vowed. He swatted the tight rear, receiving a muffled gasp and a gentle wriggle. "But if it is too much at any time, you must promise to tell me and not force yourself."

"Promise. I love you,"

Before either man could say more a cry of pain they recognised at Tristam's voice caused them to break apart and run for the stairs.

They followed footsteps round to the rear of the house. Rayner sat slumped; two puncture wounds leaking tears of blood marred the golden skin of his throat. Tristam reached carefully for him. They could hear rayner's mumbled words that made little sense.

"Not Tristam. Not Tristam."

"Rayner," Tristam spoke quietly not wanting to frighten his hurt spouse. "Rayner, it's Tristam, love. Let me help you."

"Tristam?" Rayner asked stretching out a shaking hand. As he touched his mate's face, Tristam bit back a groan of pain. The psychic bond sent lances of pain through his skull as well as feeling the hurt from the neck wounds.

"Let me," Uist scooped up an unresisting Rayner.

Rayner kept eye contact with his husband.

"It looked like you but it wasn't. I felt it this time. Tried to stop it. It hurts," he sobbed softly.

"I think he didn't immediately fall under the creature's psychic hypnotism and fought it off with his own psychic ability, but it's caused some kind of mental backlash. It also meant the creature hasn't dosed him with the chemicals to avoid pain." Sholto hypothesised from his vast store of cultural information.

Inside, Rayner was put back to bed and Xavier injected a small dose of nanobots to help heal and replace the lost blood. As Xavier tended to the hurt young man, Theophilus went to question the housemaid who was the only other person in the house. On his return he advised the anxious men that the only visitor to the house was Karalyn, wife of Tara and Jonas' nearest neighbour Rawson. She had apparently left her mask behind.

"I'm going to the house," growled Tristam. 

"No," Theophilus held his arm, speaking gently. "Stay here and comfort Rayner. He needs you. You can help him heal faster than the nanobots. Hold him, make him feel safe. Uist and I will go."

Tristam gazed at the golden orbs filled with love and concern and pulled the slender man to him rubbing their foreheads together before giving the blond beauty a kiss on the cheek.

"You're right, Theophilus. Uist?"

"I agree. Sholto and Xavier will look after you as you tend your mate. There is still no reason for this creature to believe we know who or what it is."

As Uist and Sholto drove away in the sled, no-one noticed their silent observer or the subsequent telephone call.

The men were greeted by Rawson. The man was spidery and thin. Thin, wispy grey hair dotted his skull, his skin was jaundiced and his eyes muddy grey pools. However, his wits seemed sharp enough. He gave them a shaky smile in greeting.

"You must be Jonas and Tara's guests. Karalyn told me about the party. Unfortunately I'm not well enough to gad about at the moment. An old recurring infection," he smiled ushering the two men into his house and the sitting room. "What can I do for you?"

"We were rather hoping to speak to your wife," replied Theophilus giving his best smile. He felt uneasy and he could see Uist felt the same, but this frail old man was hardly a threat.

"Karalyn was here," the older man nodded. "But she has work to do at the hospital and went in a couple of hours ago. Can I give her a message? Is everything alright?" The man was starting to shake and Theophilus laid a gentle hand on his arm to reassure him.

"We think she may be able to help us. One of our friends was hurt and she may have inadvertently seen something that may help us found out how. Are you well?" The blond was now very concerned at the man's tremors.

"Medicine," the man gasped pointing to some pills. "Kitchen downstairs. Need water." 

"I'll go," said Uist as Theophilus moved to hold the man and help get the tablets. When Uist returned, Rawson was still in Theophilus' arms. Uist's low warning growl seemed to snap Theophilus into awareness and he quickly helped Rawson with his water before moving to sit away from him, a tiny frown marring his smooth forehead.

"When your wife returns, perhaps she could contact us at Jonas' home," Uist said. The cat-man wanted them out of this house. Something about it made him uneasy in the way he had been at the party, but now his protective feelings were all directed towards Theophilus.

"Of course," Rawson agreed.

Back at Jonas' home Uist and Theophilus confirmed that Karalyn hadn't been at the home and Xavier put a call through to the hospital for Jonas to watch for her there. Xavier explained that Rayner was resting peacefully with Tristam. The four men resigned themselves to a waiting game over the vampire.

The next morning, a pale-faced Rayner and hovering Tristam joined the rest of their family for breakfast. Tristam was feeling frustrated that Karalyn seemed to be a step ahead of them and kept glancing with concern at his mate. The maid came in with the phone and passed it to Tristam.

"Mr Jonas for you," she said curtly.

"Tristam," Jonas' frantic voice came through. "Karalyn is here. She turned up with another girl who seems to obey her. She's taken two groups of children hostage. She wants to see you and your people. If she sees security or police, she'll kill the children. One group are downstairs in the basements, the other on the top floor."

"We're on our way," snarled Tristam. He quickly explained the situation to his family.

"Rayner should stay here," announced Theophilus. "And Sholto should stay with him."

Uist shot the blond beauty a strange look. To the cat-man's sensitive ears, Theophilus' voice seemed a little stilted, but no-one else seemed to notice and he let it pass.

"That's fine by me," agreed Sholto. Rayner nodded but looked unhappy.

"I'm not strong enough to be of help," he said morosely. Tristam enveloped him in a hug.

"Stay here and stay safe," he murmured.

At the hospital, Theophilus suggested he and Xavier take the upper level and Uist and Tristam the basement. The strategy decided, the four split up. As they came out of the elevator Xavier couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. As they entered the ward the children were being held in, the reptilian was surprised to see that they had simply been left inside a large decontamination unit that was double doored. Leaving Theophilus outside, Xavier cautiously entered the unit to check on the children. The look of fear on one young face at something behind him had the lizard turning.

Theophilus stood unmoving, his eyes vacant. Behind him stalked Karalyn. Xavier screamed his young husband's name, but the speakers to the outside had been disabled along with the controls to open the unit from inside. Xavier lashed his tail against the windows trying to break them, but despite his strength, only tiny cracks appeared in the resilient material. Xavier watched helplessly as Karalyn advanced on his unknowing lover, morphing into Rawson with a feral smile, before taking his own more bestial form. The vampire had thick leathery skin on his lower half, with a smooth hairless chest. His dark hair hung straight to his shoulders, from the back of which sprouted strong leathery wings. His face was thin and pale, his smile revealing the sharp canines.

Theophilus blinked and frowned at Xavier in the unit. Xavier realised his love had been under Rawson/Karalyn's hypnotic power, the man Uist and Theophilus had seen had been the vampire itself. As Theophilus began to move, the slender man was stopped by a long, strong arms wrapping around him, trapping his arms to his body. A large hand fisted in his hair, pulling his head sharply to the side and exposing the vulnerable throat. Theophilus struggled in vain as sharp teeth punctured fragile flesh. For a few seconds, the younger man met the distraught eyes of his older husband, trying desperately to convey his sorrow and love before he was overwhelmed by the chemical cocktail surging through his system. The creature ripped open Theophilus' shirt, pawing at the smooth expanse of chest, a hand cupping the involuntary bulge at Theophilus' groin.

Xavier felt tears slide down his face. The creature was going to violate and kill his young husband before his eyes and Xavier was helpless to stop it. He could see the vampire actively sucking Theophilus' lifeblood, swallowing rapidly and Xavier could also see Theophilus starting to sag from the blood loss. Suddenly the creature stopped feeding; licking closed the gaping wounds, leaving two badly bruised marks in their wake. He watched as the vampire turned the unconscious blond in his arms and let the slender body fall over a shoulder.

"You should have known better than to try to best a vampire," it said smirking at Xavier as the lizard threw himself repeatedly at the windows. "On my homeworld, I will have the envy of many when they see three such beautiful brides as I will bring."

Xavier stopped and stared. 'By all the gods, the creature intended to go after Sholto and Rayner.'

"They will all look more beautiful still when impregnated with my embryos. Three offspring every fertile cycle will ensure me a powerful dynasty."

Xavier silently screamed his rage and fear as he watched the creature caress the backs of Theophilus' legs to squeeze each buttock in turn, leaving no doubt as to its ultimate intentions.

"Say goodbye, lizard," the vampire added as it unfurled its wings and left.

Locked inside the decontamination unit, Xavier flung himself again and again at the window, uncaring of any hurt to himself.

Minutes seemed like hours before Tristam and Uist appeared, just as Xavier finally broke through the window.

"Theophilus?" Tristam asked succinctly.

"Taken. Still alive, as a breeder. It wants Sholto and Rayner, too."

"We can't contact them. Our communicators are down and the phone isn't working."

"Theophilus couldn't have interfered with them or the phone," said Xavier. "He was always with me when he returned."

"Then there is another," began Uist.

"The maid," groaned Tristam.

Sholto's head pounded and his arms were pinioned behind his back. He groaned as he tried to move. The sat up sharply, despite the pain and nausea. The vampire released its mouth from Rayner's throat and Sholto gazed with concern at the vacant look in his brother of the heart's eyes. He couldn't suppress a small whimper as he saw Theophilus stretched unconscious alongside Rayner.

"Take care of Theophilus, Rayner," the vampire instructed and Rayner began to caress Theophilus' hair and face. "Now you, my sweet morsel," it added turning to Sholto.

"Please, master," the maid's voice stopped the creature as it moved towards the young man. "I have done all your bidding. I have been faithful. Will you not reward me?"

"What would you have of me?" the creature asked moving to her side, his eyes raking lasciviously over Sholto.

"Take me with you. Make me a bride," the maid asked breathlessly.

The creature barked an unkind laugh. "You? Look at yourself and then at them. You cannot compare to any of them. They are true beauties, each different in looks, temperament and taste." The creature licked its lips at the last word. "Even their blood is sweeter than yours. Even so, I can only transport three with me and I will not exchange one of these beauties for one such as you."

The maid gave a screech of rage and lunged towards the prone form of Theophilus, a knife glittering in her hand. "Then I will replace one," she screamed.

Sholto watched numbly as the vampire was on the woman before she could harm his blond brother. The vampire shattered her arm and then fastened its teeth to her throat, savaging the flesh. The woman's scream turned into gurgles as her blood spurted her life away. Dropping her and ignoring her, the vampire wiped her blood from its face and strode to Sholto.

Sholto tried to buck the creature off him, but was unable to gain any leverage. He moaned softly as the creature's saliva entered his bloodstream. He hitched his hips in response to a caress at his groin, the events of the last few moments forgotten in a mix of arousal and euphoria. The creature fed until Sholto, as Theophilus, was unconscious.

"Bring our blond beauty, Rayner," the vampire instructed as it swept Sholto into its arms. "Have you ever sampled the pleasures of his body?" The creature smiled at the slow shake of Rayner's head. "Good," it said. "I will enjoy watching you take each other almost as much as I will enjoy taking you myself."




Silver & Gold



She looked tall and was dressed all in black ... some sort of a cape, fedora, leather gloves, stockings and spike heels. She was a strikingly handsome woman. Swirls of silver-gray hair peeked out from under the fedora, which was cocked jauntily to one side. She smiled and said," Hello, I'm Silver. Climb in." 

She handled the ubiquitous white Accord with easy grace as we moved into traffic. "Show me your dick,' she ordered. 

My friend Hanson had told me about this part of the deal but wouldn't give me any more details. He said I should contact Silver, the senior member of the team and be ready to part with a considerable amount of silver or gold to pay for the experience. 

I unzipped my fly, reached inside and presented my limp member. "Now I know you're not a cop 'cause undercover cops don't go around showing their cocks to ladies they never met before. Here, pick the outfit you want Gold to wear and then we'll go over the menu," she said as she handed me a small photo album. Inside were half a dozen Polaroids of a very pretty young blond. In each photo she was wearing a different outfit, every thing from black leather bra and miniskirt to a white negligee and a wedding veil. 

I picked the pinkish shorty nightgown because it showed off her cleavage nicely. "The menu is behind the pictures," Silver advised. I flipped to the printed pages. The left column listed each item or act and then there were two columns to the right, headed 'Silver' and 'Gold'. Prices for each were listed where the act intersected the 'me' and 'Gold' columns. I noted that the Gold prices were consistently twice the amount of the 'Silver' column. There were several pages of items. "You can mix multiples if you want, it's la carte," Silver advised as she steered the car to the curb. "Decided what you want?" she asked brightly. 

"Yeah," I replied, 

"A half and half and an enema for her. 

Silver added the price of the two items in her head and collected the cash from me. Then she dialed her cell phone and spoke several numbers to the person on the other end. She handed me a pair of safety glasses with side shields. They had been painted black on the inside. They served the same purpose as a blindfold but were much less obvious to anyone looking into the car at me. I put them on without being told as Silver put the car in motion. It made sense that she would make a lot of turns and do some doublebacks to disorient me. 

"You see anything on our menu that you aren't sure of or might like to try in the future?" she asked. 

It amused me that she was doing a sales job on me and at the same time distracting me from noting the direction of the turns and the distance between them. 

"Well, 'infusion' caught my eye and I know it's not the same as enema because that was listed too," I said. 

"Did you see the listing for catherization?" 

"Yes," I replied 

"You know what that is?" she asked. 

"Yes," I replied 

"Infusion is the opposite. Some guys come to us with a full bladder and want to start with a catherization as a tension release ... some want it put in and pinched off so they get a double sense of release and relief when they come," she said. 

"I didn't quite get that last one," I told her 

"Well, imagine yourself with a catheter in you that's pinched off so the urine doesn't flow. You have a very full bladder and you enjoy the discomfort because your hand job will be more intense. Then right after you ejaculate the catheter is opened and you get a second sense of relief as your bladder drains," she explained. I kinda got off the subject there, didn't I... any way, most of our infusions are part of a bondage and domination scenario. You interested in that kind of thing?" 

"Maybe," I said. 

I get much more involved in those kinds of things than what you ask for today. For today I am just the director and the one with the gun," she said. 

"One with the gun?" I echoed. 

"Yeah, you'll see in a few minutes," she said. 

Ten minutes later I felt the car stop and heard the garage door closing behind us. She told me to take the glasses off. I did and glanced over at her. She had puffed the cape open to her waist. The black, lace-trimmed foundation garment was well suited to her ample breasts. It was difficult for me to take my eyes off the deep cleavage formed by the taught cloth that encased her breasts. Her right hand was resting in her lap holding the cape in place. She bent her left leg and pulled the cape back even further with her left hand as she turned toward me. I could see bare thigh above the lacy top of thigh high stocking. And nestled against her ribs below her left armpit was a very large, chrome-plated semi-automatic pistol in a black leather shoulder holster. 

"You're going to get first class service from Gold and I" she said matter of factly. "A few years ago a man put me in the hospital for weeks because I wasn't doing it just exactly the way he thought I should. So now it's Silver and Gold. We look out for each other. What happened to me will never happen to either of us again, not ever. If you can't accept that I'll give you your money back and we'll call it even." I took a long breath and looked into her flashing brown eyes. I checked with my gut and it said go ahead. I hoped it wasn't my dick throwing its voice. 

"Let's see what happens," I told her 

"Good. I'll throw in a secret bonus since you decided to go ahead," she said with a smile. 

"What's that," I asked 

'I'll give you a hint in a few minutes," she responded 

We entered the house through the kitchen and stopped in the dining room. Silver instructed me to strip completely. Sitting on a straight back chair in the middle of the living room was the blond in the photos. She was actually posing more than sitting... she had one leg folded under her and the other straight toward me with her foot on the floor. Both hands were on her thighs just above her knees and she was smiling. She wore the semi-transparent babydoll outfit with a Grecian bodice that I had chosen earlier. She cocked her head to one side in a flirtatious gesture as I undressed. 

Silver stood in front of me and took my half-hard dick firmly in her black leather gloved hand. She pulled me with her as she moved into the living room area where the young blond woman was waiting. 

"This is Gold," Silver said. "She's here to take pain and humiliation, to provide you with pleasure. She does exactly what I tell her to do without protest, without ever uttering a word. Suck this cock," she said to the young blond woman as she positioned me in front of the chair, steering me with my own dick.

Gold was good. She stroked the insides of my thighs and pushed them apart until I was in a widelegged stance in front of her. Then she took me in her mouth and began to pleasure me. She knew how to build the pleasure slowly. I was near orgasm when I was suddenly pulled away from her by Silver who had slipped up behind me and grabbed me by the nuts. There I stood, breathing hard, my erection sticking straight out, wanting to be satisfied, aching for completion. "You get to turn her on," Silver advised as she pointed to the pinch clamp that was closed on a piece of clear plastic tubing coiled under the chair. "Bring him the clamp," she told Gold. 

She rose from the chair and reached behind her butt. When her hand came forward she was holding a portion of the plastic tubing. She moved closer to me pulling the tubing with her. She offered me the tubing where the clamp was holding it closed. The end of the tubing had been inside her anus since before we walked into the room. The other end of the 20-foot-long piece of tubing was connected to a gallon-size plastic pitcher sitting atop a plant stand in the middle of the coffee table. Gold's eyes were on mine as I released the clamp. She made no sound but I saw her eyes narrow and her shoulders dropped as the flow began. 

"Take her chair," Silver directed. I sat in the chair Gold had occupied. "Suck'em. and fuck'em," Silver commanded. Gold dropped to her knees, bent forward, and pulled my half-hard dick into her mouth. She sucked me hard in less than a minute and came up for air. Standing on her knees, she grabbed at her belly and groaned. I glanced at the gallon size reservoir and saw that it was half empty. 

Gold got to her feet, straddled my thighs and impaled herself on my hard dick. Her mouth opened against the pain in her gut and she moaned each time she came down on me.

"Get on the floor. Get on the floor," Silver ordered. Gold withdrew from me. The muscles in her thighs were quivering and her breath was fast and shallow. When I sank to the floor into a sitting position, Gold pushed me back so I was lying on my back and mounted me again. She set a steady and powerful rhythm with her hips, matching the booming beat of Eric Clapton playing and singing "Cocaine." 

Silver must have started the stereo before she moved back to us. She was standing over me straddling my chest, facing Gold. Her cape was gone and a flesh-colored dildo swayed from the crotch of her black foundation garment. "This cock can piss," she laughed hysterically. She did something to the dildo and a short stream of urine splashed onto Gold's face and ran down her chest making the bodice of her gown almost transparent. The wet cloth was pasted to her breasts; the darker pigmentation of her nipples was clearly visible. I can piss like a man 'cause my bladder is tapped and I can aim my cock," Silver screamed. 

"I can't take any more up my ass," Gold whined looking up at Silver. 

"Shut up and suck my cock," Silver yelled as she grabbed a handful of Gold's hair with one hand and pushed her faux cock into Gold's mouth with the other. "Suck and fuck," she growled at Gold. "When he comes I'm gonna piss down your throat!" 

Gold's eyes were closed and she was taking my dick up into her like a machine, relentlessly, waiting to feel me spew into her. The burning ache in the head of my dick turned to ecstatic pleasure and I rammed into her again and again as shivering spasms set my whole body to work thrusting, thirsting for every drop of her wet, warm juice. 

Golden urine was spilling from Gold's mouth. Silver's thumb and forefinger were wrenched tight against the base of the faux-cock. The yellow liquid coursed down Gold's neck and chest. The flow continued and wet me as well. Silver pulled on the handful of Gold's hair, forcing the dildo deep into Gold's throat. Gold became absolutely still for several moments. She was taking the flow of urine into her belly. Then she reared back, wretched, and vomited. In that moment Gold let go of everything. I could feel the warm liquid flowing from her rectum onto my thighs. 

Hanson was right ... it was an experience worth having ... just once. 

Copyright 1998 Del Edwards ( nom de plume)



Silver and Gold



Naruto whistled cheerfully as he walked through the village of Konoha. Things had certainly changed quite a bit ever since Pein's attack on the village. For one thing, he'd gotten a Chuunin rank for his heroic deeds (something he'd be sure to throw in Sasuke's face the nice time they met). But more importantly than that, people were treating him like a human instead of a monster. It was really refreshing to have people smile instead of scowl when he walked by...though a lot of the village girls tried to do more than that.

Now that Naruto was no longer "the monster child" several girls would constantly try to catch his attention so they could talk to him or ask him out to dinner, those that were too shy having their mothers proposition him in their place. Even Sakura's mother had suggested that he date her daughter, something that both ninja would still occasionally laugh about. It wasn't that Sakura wasn't his type, but it was a mutual agreement between the two of them that they were strictly friends. That and he was certain she'd clobber him if he tried going past first base.

Besides (much to several girls' disappointment) Naruto was happily spoken for. Ever since that day, Naruto had begun dating a certain heiress. It was later that day, after her confession, that he learned from Ino that Hinata had been crushing on him rather hard ever since their ninja academy days. It was a pretty big shock to hear the second time as it was the first. However, he'd talked to the Hyuuga girl and sorted the whole thing out over dinner; from that day forth they'd been an official couple.

Stopping outside of the Hyuuga compound, Naruto waited patiently for his girlfriend to arrive. Every day for the past few months they'd meet at the gates of her home, talk about their days, stop for dinner, and watch the stars atop the Fourth's head at the Hokage monument (with some making out interspersed here and there...though he wasn't going to tell her father that!). It wasn't long before he noticed Hinata approaching, her little sister Hanabi tagging along with her.

"Yo, Hinata-chan! Chibi-chan!" Naruto greeted.

Hanabi gave him an irritated look for the nickname, as her sister smiled warmly at Naruto.

"Good evening, Naruto-kun," Hinata greeted.

"How's it hanging?" he asked, grinning at her.

Hinata stopped in her tracks. Her smile evaporated as her eyes opened wide. Her face turned as red as a radish. "I-It?" She stared down at the ground as she pressed her index fingers together. "Um, I-I don't know what you're t-talking about, Naruto-kun."

Hanabi shot an evil glance at her elder sister. "You haven't told him yet?" She put her hands on her hips. "And when were you planning to hurl that grenade at him? On your wedding night?"

"Hanabi! Let me handle this. Please!"

Naruto scratched his head, clearly confused at the sudden shift in topic. "Handle what, Hinata-chan?"

"N-Nothing, N-Naruto-kun. It's, uh..."

Hanabi leaned in toward Naruto. She put her hands in front of her, holding them nearly a foot apart with the palms facing. "It's about how much she likes you. About this much, I'd say." She grinned salaciously as the gap between her palms increased.

Naruto stared at her hands with a confused look. "What the hell is that supposed to-"

"Hanabi! Please."

"Tonight, dearest sister," said Hanabi as she started to leave. "Tell him tonight. Or I will."

Hinata bit her lip. In a low voice, she said, "Okay."

Hanabi turned back and winked conspiratorially at her elder sister. "Have fun, sis!"

Naruto wasn't entirely sure why Hinata turned red at that. * * *

Hinata latched onto Naruto's arm as they walked, resting her head gently on his shoulder. Several nearby village girls shot envious looks her way.

"You really should watch your language around Hanabi-chan."

"What language? All I say is ass...and damn...I might've said shit once or twice...and maybe cock-su..."

"Naruto-kun."

"Hey, I'm a good role model!" Naruto said. "I taught her that cool jutsu."

"She burned half of our bonsai garden with it."

"Those plants were ugly anyway," he said. "Anyway, that's just one thing, and I've done more good than bad. I got her a boyfriend, didn't I?"

"Yes, but I think Konohamaru's been bringing...inappropriate magazines to Hanabi."

"They're growing kids; why wouldn't they be curious? Well, what about that new way I taught her to use her Byakugan?"

She frowned at him. "Because of your...'teaching'...she told everyone in her class that Tetsu's..." A light blush covered her face. "...p-p-penis...was extremely small."

Naruto laughed heartily. "Hey, that was really funny! That Tetsu kid is a real pri-"

He noticed that Hinata was giving him a particularly disapproving look. He sighed.

"You need to stop hanging around Sakura," Naruto said, defeated. "You're getting really mean, Hinata."

"Poor baby," she said, teasingly, and pecked him gently on the cheek.

As he watched her, he saw the nervous flicker of her eyes. She was clearly troubled about something. "What's wrong?" he said.

"Do you...like me?"

"Of course I do."

She stared down at the pavement. "A lot?"

He smiled. "Yeah. A lot." He held his hands on front of him, palms facing, as Hanabi had done earlier. "Just as much as you like me." His hands began to spread them far apart.

She grabbed his hand and pulled it down, embarrassed. Then she pulled herself into him, hugging him close, nearly causing him to fall backwards.

In a small, distant voice she said, "Come home with me after dinner. I need you to see me. All of me."

His heart pounded as the world began spinning around him. When he could manage it, he shoved his other hand into the pocket of his jumpsuit and shifted the growing hardness to an angle where it was not so obvious.

"O-Okay, Hinata-chan. I-I'll come home with you."

***

After their date, he escorted her back to the Hyuuga compound. He started getting nervous when she asked him to come inside.

"Don't worry," she said. "You won't get in trouble for being here. Not many will be home tonight due to the recent influx of missions." He nodded at that. Konoha would need a bit more income to restore its appearance to its former glory.

She took him through the quiet, dark house to her bedroom. Naruto noted that, unlike his place, her room was clean, simple, and elegant...and huge. This one room was bigger than his whole apartment. Her bed was just as huge. He smiled as he wondered how many people could fit under that huge purple comforter.

His smile evaporated when he saw her lavender-and-cream sweater land on top it. He turned to see her standing in front of him, facing away. The smooth skin of her bare back radiated like pale gold in the warm light of her bedroom lamp.

He swallowed, too overwhelmed to speak. The silence in the room was suffocating.

"I need to show you something," she said. "I need you to see me, Naruto-kun. As I really am." She slipped her thumbs into the waistband of her navy-blue pants.

His eyes followed her thumbs as they pushed the fabric to her ankles. She stepped out, leaving behind her trousers and her snow-white panties.

He had imagined this moment a thousand times, but he never dreamed that it would be as intense as this. The curve of her hips. Her sexy butt. Her long, dark, violet hair, splashing down her back. Her scent, clear and sultry and intoxicating, mixed with the aromas of lavender and lilac.

Naruto's eyes went wide as Hinata slowly turned. He gazed into her eyes and was surprised to find such an anxious, yet brave, expression. His eyes descended to her trembling lips, then down her slender neck to her full, firm breasts. He swallowed again as his heart rate doubled.

His eyes passed to her slim waist and then to her shapely hips. Between them, her lovely cock was already half-hard. Below, her pale pink testicles hung tantalizi -

Hold on. Wait a minute. Her lovely what?

His eyes opened wider. "Oh. My. God. You've got a-"

"It's a birth defect from my mother's side of the family," Hinata said, staring at the floor, unable to meet his gaze. "Hanabi-chan was born like this too."

Naruto's mind reeled at that. He recalled a particular time that Hanabi had hugged him from behind and he felt something poking into his leg. Teasingly, he'd asked her whether that was a kunai or if she was happy to see him. This is soooo NOT the answer I was looking for.

"B-but you're girls," he said. "How are you supposed to get pregnant if you have a penis?"

Without a word, Hinata sat on the bed and then leaned back. She lifted her testicles, exposing a familiar pink opening. "We both have a uterus," she said, "but it's not fully developed yet." Noting the confused look on Naruto's face, she continued. "Because the Hyuuga marry within their family, Hyuuga children traits are slightly different from a normal child's. Added to my mother's genes and our body didn't develop properly. In order to fix our bodies, the hospital gave us a chakra-based medication that promotes estrogen in our bodies. In another three years I should be a normal girl...with an extra appendage."

Naruto struggled to take all of this information in, his mind still stuck on the fact that the beautiful girl he was dating had an erection the size of his own. "So...who knows about...this...besides me?"

"Umm...my dad, my sister, and Neji-kun are a few of the people in my clan who know. Tenten-san also knows since she's around so often. S-Sakura-san probably knows since she has access to everyone's health record at the hospital," Hinata said, blushing slightly, "...and my team knows too."

"Huh?! How did your team find out?" he asked.

"W-well..." Hinata said, stuttering, her blush intensifying, "it was the day of the Chuunin Exam semi-finals. You came to see me, r-remember?"

Naruto nodded, recalling the inspiring words Hinata had shared with him.

"When you said that you liked girls like me, I was so happy. I couldn't get you off of my mind...s-so I..." Unable to finish her sentence, Hinata motioned her hand up-and-down, averting her eyes from the blonde.

Naruto felt his own cheeks grow hot. She got off just from me complementing her? Man...she really had it bad for me... "So they saw you?"

"S-sensei did... She came to make sure I was alright and...she said it was natural for someone my age to..." Hinata, if possible, became even redder. "She said she wouldn't tell anyone since she had her own childhood secrets..."

Probably not as big as this, Naruto thought, before realizing that he was still staring at Hinata's erection. "S-so how did Kiba and Shino find out?" he asked, forcing his gaze to meet hers.

"Shino-kun placed one of his kekkai bugs on each of us during the Forest of Death exercise to communicate with us. He collected it off of me after the exams were over. Since he can communicate with it, it probably told him about..." Hinata's voice trailed off uncomfortably. "He never said anything about it though..."

"So how are you sure he knows?"

"Kiba did say something," Hinata mumbled, her head drooping slightly, "He could smell...it...on me. He thought that someone had attacked me while I was by myself...and then he realized that the only scent on me was...my own."

Naruto empathized with her, knowing full well how awkward that conversation must have been. He sat on the bed beside her. "And now I know, too."

She looked away. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I didn't want you to think I was some kind of a...a freak."

"Why? Because you've got girly parts and some...other parts that are...you know...not so girly?"

"Naruto, I..."

He leapt off the bed and stood before her. "You wanna see some girly parts on me? Watch this." He formed a series of hand signs. In a flash, he had transformed himself into a curvaceous blond female, completely nude.

"Ta-daaa," he (she?) said, arms outspread. "I call her 'Naruko,' but I think her real name is 'Miss April.' At least that's what it said on the centerfold."

She sat up and stared at Naruko's body. "I remember. You did that in class once. But this time it looks so...real."

Naruko laughed. "Feels real too." She shimmied her torso, letting her big, bouncy breasts sway back and forth

Hinata blushed. She never had never felt much of an attraction to girls, but the fact that this was really her boyfriend made Naruko's body seem irresistibly sexy.

Naruko's eyes focused on Hinata's erection. If anything, it seemed even harder than before.

She threw herself onto the bed beside Hinata. For a moment, they laid together, facing each other, Naruko's eyes locked onto hers. "Hinata-chan. I want you inside me. While I'm like this.

Hinata's eyes opened wide when she felt Naruko's hand wrap around her erection. "N-Naruto. I don't ... I mean, I never...

"Let me do this for you," Naruko said, a Cheshire grin forming on her face, "Besides, do you know how many guys would kill to put their dick in a girl half as hot as me?"

"Na-naruto-kun!" Hinata exclaimed, unused to hearing things THAT vulgar from the boy's mouth.

"Sorry, sorry. It's just..." her hands found their way to the brunette's breasts, eliciting a gasp from the Hyuuga, "you really look like you could use a fuck." She bit playfully at Hinata's ear, stopping occasionally to place butterfly kisses down her neck. "And it's Naruko now, 'kay?"

She didn't reply. The pleasure of Naruko's touch was overwhelming. Soon, Hinata reached over and began massaging Naruko's breasts, copying her motions.

"It's really amazing," Hinata murmured, rubbing her fingers along the tender globes. "The boy I like has bigger breasts than me..."

"H-hey, don't call me a boy while I'm like this..." Naruko gasped, overwhelmed by the softness of Hinata's hands. Hinata's fingers made lazy circles around Naruko's nipples, teasing the rapidly hardening tips.

Suddenly, two fingers darted mischievously into Naruko's cunt, causing the blonde to shriek in unexpected pleasure.

"Is this really a Henge?" Hinata murmured in awe, fingering Naruko's dampening folds, "It feels so real."

Naruko groaned in inarticulate ecstasy as the Hyuuga girl's fingers worked her insides. Hinata quickly found the spots inside Naruko's wet cunt where the rubbing made her moan, as well as the spots where the intense pleasure made moaning impossible.

When Naruko's breaths came shorter and faster, Hinata slowly pulled her fingers out. "Did you like that?"

It took a moment before Naruko could finally say, "Yes."

Still coming down from her pleasure high, Naruko didn't notice the other girl's sudden movements. Naturally, it came as a shock when she felt something warm and wet wiggling its way into her entrance. "A-aah! Hinata..."

Hinata merely winked up at her transformed boyfriend before continuing to eat her out. The girl's tongue snaked around the blonde's mound, teasing her walls with slow, precise motions.

Naruko looked down at Hinata. Damn she's good at this. "I didn't know you liked girls, Hinata-chan."

She looked back at him and smiled. "I don't. I just like you."

She began licking Naruko's clit, which had begun to peek out from its hood, desperate for attention. Her tongue flicked left and right across its tip, then circled around the tiny shaft, and then made long strokes along the hairless slit.

Naruko slapped the comforter. "Shit! Ease up. That's too much."

She smiled and her evil tongue continued its cruelty. Naruko gritted her teeth as her knees began to quake.

Hinata's fingers entered Naruko again, seeking out her most sensitive spots. Naruko's hips bucked as wailing moans escaped her throat.

Naruko's body shook as the electric sensation of an orgasm washed over her. The blonde girl was able to do little more than moan as her innards exploded in a white hot star of pleasure. Clear fluid splattered forth from her nethers, quickly lapped up by the Hyuuga heiress' tongue.

"Oh, wow! Was that your first orgasm as a girl?" Hinata asked, a small blush creeping along her cheeks. "You're making a really cute face, Nar-" The brunette was cut off as Naruko smashed their lips together, her tongue fiercely wrestling with the other girl's. Hinata looked surprised for a moment, before returning the kiss with vigor. The two girls made out passionately, their hands rubbing along each other's breasts before the parted, a thin line of saliva stretching in between their lips. "Damn Hinata..." Naruko gasped, her face bright red, "you're really something else."

Hinata giggled softly, her pale eyes watching her boyfriend. Or should I call her my girlfriend, she wondered.

Naruko maneuvered herself between Hinata's legs and lifted her hairless balls, exposing her vagina. She licked along Hinata's wet slit and smiled when her beautiful victim sucked in her breath.

Naruko lowered Hinata's scrotum and moved up to kiss her stiff cock. Then Naruko's tongue lapped eagerly at Hinata's shaft, tickling her balls in the process. Without warning, the blonde girl's head began to bob up and down on the purple-haired girl's swelling shaft.

"Nnnh, Naruko..." Hinata moaned, "...how are you so good at this?"

Naruko paused, pulling the girl's member from her mouth. "Hehe...I might've used a couple...Oiroke Kage Bunshins on myself...every so often," she murmured, her cheeks flushed, "I'm just doing what feels good to me when they do it. Do you...like it?"

Hinata smiled, touched by her boyfriend's willingness to pleasure her, "It feels great."

"Then you'll love this," Naruko winked at Hinata, deep-throating her cock all the way to the base. The blond used her tongue to massage the underside of Hinata's eager penis, bringing her closer to the precipice of orgasm.

With a sudden gasp, Hinata arched her back and exploded down the other girl's throat. Naruko gagged around Hinata's dick, unable to keep up with the steady flow of her cum. She pulled back, the remaining load splattering over her face. The Hyuuga girl's screams slowly died down and she looked at her long-time friend. Jizz painted Naruko's pretty face, the blonde girl looking slightly disoriented.

"S-sorry, Naruko-chan," Hinata mumbled embarrassed.

"S'alright," the girl wheezed, "just let me know before you shoot off. I think I almost drowned."

The Hyuuga looked slightly mortified for a moment, before realizing that the other girl was just teasing her. "You must be fine if you can still make jokes," she laughed.

Naruko just grinned, before letting out a very un-lady like burp. "I think you shot too much into me, Hinata-chan."

Hinata smiled shyly, her cock twitching in excitement, "Let me make it up to you."

With a sudden flash of seals and a shout of "KAI!" Naruto was once again back to his male form. The blonde looked confused as Hinata crawled over to him.

"Most people probably would've been afraid to do that for...someone like me," she said, "So..." Naruto moaned as one of Hinata's hands wrapped around his own length. "...it's only fair I do it for you too, right?"

"You're going to show me your Gentle Fist?" he asked teasingly.

Hinata actually laughed at that (and he had to admit, it was a pretty cute sound), her shy demeanor lessening slightly. "Don't tease my clan, Naruto-kun," she tittered, squeezing his length tightly in her right hand, her left tracing circles idly around his testicles. "But you did give me an idea." A slight blue glow manifested around her hands as she massaged his manhood.

"Oh shiiiit," Naruto gasped.

"Language, Naruto-kun," Hinata purred, "You did ask for this after all."

Naruto sighed as the brunette's fingers danced along his shaft, the gentleness and teasing of Hinata's ministrations driving him mad with pleasure. Each touch sent several micro-jolts through his nerves, further amplifying the sensitivity of his cock. He gasped as Hinata suddenly licked him from the base up even as she continued to stroke him. There was no way he was going to last another second of this.




Silver and Gold



"Am I doing a good job, Naruto-kun?" she asked. Her question was answered as a burst of jizz splattered against her face. "Oh my! I guess that's a yes."

"Hinata..." Naruto panted, "...that was AWESOME."

The Hyuuga heiress said nothing as she began diligently licking his staff clean. After she had cleaned all of the spunk off of his rod, she scooped the remaining load off of her face and began licking it off of her fingers. "Do you want to try some?" she offered.

Naruto cringed back slightly; it was one thing to do it as a girl, but the idea of eating cum (even his own) as a boy was still an alien concept. "No thanks," he said awkwardly, "I already ate."

Hinata rolled her eyes, and finished sucking the juices off of her fingers. "Too bad. Your cum tastes better than ramen."

Naruto looked ready to protest, before he realized that it was now she who was teasing him. "Whatever you say, Hinata," he said with a smirk.

When her fingers were finally clean, Hinata was still for several moments. "Umm, Naruto-kun?" she said after a while. "I kind of want to try something."

"Hmm? What is it?"

She sucked in a deep breath and prayed that he wasn't offended by what she was about to suggest. If he agreed to this, it would really cement their relationship.

"I...I want to...I want to put it...in you," she said, looking down at the mattress, embarrassed.

"...Alright," Naruto said, readying the seals for his jutsu again, "I've never done...that...with an Oiroke before, but if you go slow..."

"No...I want to put it in while you're still a boy," she clarified, looking him in his eyes.

Naruto's hands fell to his lap as he stared at his girlfriend disbelievingly. "W-w-what?!"

"Please, Naruto-kun," she begged, her puppy-dog eyes widening. "I'll be really gentle with you."

"Geez, Hinata! That's really the kind of thing a boy should say..." he murmured.

The room was silent for a moment, and Hinata was afraid that she'd overstepped her boundaries.

"...you promise it won't hurt?"

Hinata grinned and pounced on him, pinning him to the bed, her face nose to nose with his. "I never go back on my word. You know. OUR nindo."

"Hey, hey," Naruto laughed, "When did you start to get so forceful?"

"When you said I could deflower you," Hinata replied evenly, giving a playful wink.

"Geez, Hinata," he repeated, his blush coming back full force.

The purple-haired girl pulled back and gripped her cock, giving it a few strokes for good measure, before positioning it right at the male nin's anus. Slowly, she began to force her length into him, the blonde boy rigid and wide-eyed underneath her. "You okay?" she asked worriedly.

"I'm fine...keep going."

Inch after inch sank deeper into the boy until finally the girl's shaft was all the way inside. Both ninja looked each other in the eyes as they took in the new sensations.

"You feel...so GOOD, Naruto-kun," Hinata gasped, "I can't believe you're so tight!"

"D-don't tell me that kind of thing," Naruto sputtered, embarrassed.

"But it's true," Hinata protested. "You don't know how long I've wanted to do this."

"Geez, Hinata," Naruto sighed, a small grin on his face, "You really are a perv."

Slowly, Hinata began to move her hips. "If I'm a perv..." she began, slowly pulling her length out, "...then what does that make you? You're hard again already," she smirked, watching his cock jut proudly from his hips.

The girl pushed deep into his ass, before pulling back out, and pushing back in again. Within time, Hinata began to find a rhythm to her motions and began to pick up her pace. At last, she truly began to fuck Naruto. The boy gasped as the Hyuuga girl began pounding into him, her eyes clouded with lust. She moaned unabashed, her hands pinning his arms to the bed as she began frantically humping him.

Both ninja panted with anticipation, the sensations of their love-making beginning to overtake them. Finally, the blonde nin let loose a primal howl and exploded across Hinata's stomach, earning an amused giggle from his partner.

"You came without me touching you," she said, a cute grin stretching across her face. "Sakura-san was right: you're a super pervert."

"Yeah," Naruto gasped, grinding back against Hinata, "I'm a super pervert. Just keep fucking me!" Any hesitation he had felt before was long gone.

Spurred on by Naruto's coaxing, the Hyuuga gripped Naruto's waist with both hands and began slamming harder into him. The girl panted, letting out groans of delight with shameless abandon. The blonde mewled, his face flushed with pleasure. The two continued their love-making, before Hinata suddenly pulled out of him. "I can get deeper if we do you from behind," she said with a smile. Flipping the blushing boy onto his stomach, Hinata pressed her cockhead at his anus again, before continuing her sodomy.

The blonde genin bit his lip as his girlfriend began plowing him roughly. He couldn't believe that the shy girl that he knew all these years now had him bent over a bed and was fucking him, like a boy.

But she wasn't a boy. She was Hinata. He felt her delicate skin, smooth against his backside and thighs. He smelled her scent, now strong and musky, overpowering the hints of lavender and lilac, and punctuated by the sharp aroma of her semen, and his. He heard her moans, high and loud, as she thrust into him, losing herself as she approached another powerful climax.

With a wail, Naruto orgasmed again; a stream of spunk shot from his tip, splattering wetly against the bed.

"Wow...I'm really doing it for you..." Hinata murmured, her balls slapping wetly against his own. She smiled and wrapped her arms around his chest, forcing herself deeper into him. "I'm glad I can make you feel good too, Naruto-kun."

He looked over at her vanity and at the enormous mirror above it. In its reflection, he saw the both of them, together. A boy and a girl. In bed. In love. Him with a shit-eating grin and a dripping hard-on. Her with eyes half-closed, her face contorted by delicious agony as she thrust into him, harder and faster. If I could choose my own Heaven it would be this. This moment. Forever and ever.

"Naruto-kun...I need to pull out..."

"N-no," he gasped, "Do it inside."

"B-but..."

The blonde ninja's voice dripped with fierce determination. "Do it inside."

Hinata smiled warmly, glad that her boyfriend finally accepted her. "I love you, Naruto-kun."

Her thrusting became more needful, an urgency filling her eyes. Both bodies shook as the sound of slapping flesh filled the air. Her hips pounded fiercely into his, both teens moaning in sheer ecstasy. The blonde braced himself when he felt her suddenly stiffen.

"Narut-OH!"

With one last thrust, she drove herself balls-deep inside of him and came, her mouth open in a soundless cry. Naruto moaned in bliss as the girl bucked wildly, shooting cum deep inside of his rectum. Finally, when she was spent, she collapsed atop him, still buried to the hilt inside of him. She held him tenderly, the two of them lying in silence. Unsurprisingly, it was Naruto who spoke first.

"Hey, Hinata-chan?"

"Yes, Naruto-kun?"

"...can I be on top next time?"

Hinata giggled and pecked the blonde softly on his lips. "We'll see."



Silver Angels



This is my winter holiday contest story. Partly inspired by true events. 

..................................................

My brother was dying.

Not in the abstract everybody is going to die someday way, but in the lying on a nursing home bed, every breath may be his last way.

Still, he had a good life. Living to be seventy six, married forty two years before his wife passed, three children, no druggies or miserable human beings in the bunch.

His oldest daughter was killed in an auto accident when he she was fifty one, his son was a middle manager living out West, his youngest daughter was in Alaska.

The only family he had left locally was me, his youngest brother, twelve years his junior.

I was an "oops" baby, surprising everyone. My dad passed when I was eight, and Don stepped in, becoming a surrogate father. Despite our ages we were as close as brothers could be.

I followed him around like a puppy. One of my finest memories is going out after church Sundays and helping clean his car, one of those hot rods from the sixties, and afterwards getting a pint of chocolate milk and a cake from the store.

I was five eight, slender, when I reached my adult size, he was six three and weighted about two fifty. I took after mom, he took after dad. He had his jet black hair, I had fine blond locks that I wore long, after the fashion of the time. He was 'big dude' and I was 'little hippie'. We argued over politics constantly, but in good fun.

It was lung cancer, a side effect of smoking two or more packs of unfiltered Lucky Strikes a day for over forty years. He blamed air pollution.

He lay there, rasping, as I went to check on him before going home for the night.

I was director of nursing at the rest home he was in. Usually I worked the day shift, but it was Christmas Eve, and I always worked the afternoon shift to give our younger nurses time with their families. I also worked Christmas, coming in at ten for the same reason. We had an empty nest, my wife and I, and she understood, God bless her.

I looked at the small, eighteen inch tree I had found at a discount store and put on his night stand. The small strand of lights gave off a feeble glow. Checking his chart, I glanced at the night nurse, she shook her head and patted my hand. I stepped out and called my wife.

Our daughter and her family had come in the day before, she and the three grandchildren were putting finishing touches on the holiday decorations.

"Hi honey, it's me. I may be a little late tonight."

The line was silent for a minute, before she said in a sad voice, "how long?" 

I knew she didn't mean how long before I came home, but how much longer did I think he was going to last.

"Not long."

"Call if you need me. Tell him I love him."

She had always liked my brother. I heard a small sob as she hung up.

................................................

I went back in the room and just sat quietly, watching him and remembering good times.

He woke slowly, looking around.

"Damn, I thought you were a vulture there for a minute. What the hell are you doing here this late? Go home. Be with your family."

I smiled.

"They're all asleep. I was running late."

I looked at my watch. Twenty minutes until Christmas.

"It's almost Christmas, thought I'd hang around with you, make sure I get my present. I saw you making eyes at your nurse, you'll probably give it to her if I'm not here."

He tried to laugh but it came out as a rasping cough. I gave him some ice water. When the coughing subsided he grinned.

"Why would I do that? It would make me look like a cheapskate."

There were two small packages under the miniature tree. We both knew what they were without looking.

It was a tradition going back to our youth. Money was often tight for a single mom. She made sure we got something, but there was often no money for the siblings to buy presents with. After a few years, Don and our oldest sister would slip us a few dollars to buy something for our mom and each other.

He used to go on and on about how much he loved chocolate covered cherries, but they had to be Queen Anne, nothing else would do. They happened to also be the cheapest. I think back then they were like fifty nine cents. My sister and I would always get him a box each, and he would make a production out of eating them, and pretending he didn't want to share. I loved Junior Mints, so every year he gave me a box.

As we got older and could afford things, the presents would be more expensive, but every year without fail we could each look forward to a box of our favorite candy. We had given each other a box for the last fifty five years.

So underneath that pitiful excuse of a tree were two brightly wrapped boxes, Queen Anne cherries and Junior Mints.

We opened them up, pretending to be surprised. He put them on his stand, sighing.

"Looks like I'm gonna check out on you, hippie."

I put my hand on his, probably the most intimate touch I had ever given him.

"Hold on a little longer, dude. Your kids will be here tomorrow."

"Tell them I love 'em, and I'm sorry I couldn't wait. I feel like the Silver Angel will be here soon. Reckon that nonsense is true?"

I laughed softly.

"If you can keep a secret, I'll tell you a story. I know the Silver Angel personally. So do you. It's somebody you already love."

I was hoping if I told the tale it would keep his interest, and maybe he would hold on for a bit longer.

I could see his interest.

"Huh?"

I fluffed up his pillow, had him sit up a little straighter.

"You remember when I got back from the service?"

................................................

It was 1970. 

I had just got back from a two year Southeast Asian vacation courtesy of my uncle. It sucked.

Two tours. I never got shot, never shot anybody. I was a medic. I spent my time holding scared and dying kids my age, and trying to keep them alive.

I got a unit citation, a Good Conduct Medal, and an honorable discharge.

I took the GI benefits and went back to nursing school. I had dropped out when I ran out of money, making me eligible for the draft. My lottery number was nineteen out of thirty. I was screwed. So I joined up, actually getting a recruiter with some sense. Seeing my year of nurse training, he actually got me assigned to the medical corp. I breezed through medic training, I had already covered most of it in nursing school.

As my schooling progressed, I qualified as a certified nursing assistant, then a practical nurse, before getting my degree and becoming a registered nurse.

I spent many years as an emergency room nurse. The pay was good, and no what matter came through those doors, I had already seen worse.

My mom was working at the rest home, she and the owner had been best friends in school.

................................................

"Remember the Queen family estate fight?"

My brother grunted .

"Yeah, one wife against the ex wife, right?"

"Exactly. Nobody could find his will, and then the ex came up with the old will, before he got remarried. It was turning into an ugly court battle. What you, and nobody else except me until now, knew was how it got resolved."

.................................................

"Eric Queen was successful farmer, owning over four hundred acres that had been in his family for generations."

"He had two families, the first with his ex wife, two boys. He had three with his second wife, two boys and a girl. Remember?"

"His first wife was very attractive. So attractive in fact, that she felt entitled. Secretly she felt like she was doing Eric a fa"

"But, he was a very successful farmer, and was richer than she knew. Even then, he was worth several million. Of course, it was tied up in maintaining the land and equipment, so very little of it was liquid.""They lived in the ancestral home, a huge, two story farmhouse. She hated it, telling him they needed a newer, modern home. He was stubborn, saying if it was good enough for his great grandfather, it was good enough for him. It was a constant bone of contention."

"In their second year, she had their first son, twenty months later she had their second. He wanted a large family, but she thought two was enough, and secretly had her tubes tied, telling him the last child had messed up her uterus and there would be no more. He knew nothing about female anatomy, and didn't think she would lie to him, so he accepted it."

"When the oldest was around ten, she embarked on an affair with her doctor. He was also married, with four children."

"They got careless, and his wife had him watched. Eric didn't know a thing about it until the divorce action, when she was named as the reason for the breakup."

"Edwina, Eric's wife, denied it right up until the photos came to light. Then it was all over but the name calling and custody fight. And there was a lot of name calling."

"Forty years ago infidelity was a much weightier factor in divorces, and she got very little. Child support, a small cash settlement, and alimony for a year. Many thought she got much more than she deserved."

"She begged him for another chance, but he was adamant. He no longer trusted her, so how could he love her. They may have had a chance at reconciliation until he found out she had her tubes tied."

""The doctor let the information slip out of spite.He didn't lose his medical license, but it was a close thing. The medical board let him keep his it, mostly so he could support his children. He got raped in the divorce."

"When Eric found out she had 'gotten fixed' without his knowledge, it killed what little chance she had of getting him back."

"It turned her into a bitter, hard woman. She played games with him, denying him the children as often as possible, asking for more money, saying the children needed things she couldn't provide. He tolerated it for a little before he got his lawyer to send her a letter. If she didn't stop, he would take her back to court and go for full custody, limiting her access to them severely. She smartened up and did her best to get along, even having him join her for childhood events like plays and sports activities."

"Her plan was to make him forget the past, to see she had changed and deserved another chance."

................................................

I paused in my narration, checking to see if he was still awake and with me.

He rasped, asked for more ice water.

"Damn, hippie, at the rate you're going, it'll be next Christmas before you get to the point. Step it up, I'm kind of on a schedule here."

I smiled for the first time. He was looking a little better. I had him hooked.

"Okay, okay. I have to tell it this way for you to get the full effect, but I'll move it along."

"As I said, Edwina, his first wife, was working on a reconciliation and it looked like it might be happening, when something unexpected occurred."

..............................................

"Eric fell in love with someone else. He wasn't looking for love, he was actually starting to forgive Edwina, when he met Sarah."

"She worked for the accountant who handled his farm business and her boss was getting on in years, so he started dividing up his most lucrative accounts to the employees he could trust. They did the actual work, he gave it an overview, asked questions, and generally rubber stamped their work."

"Sarah was sharp, she kept up with all tax changes and laws that could effect the businesses her clients had. She found several ways he could save a good bit of money, all legally, and recommended he make changes. He was very impressed."

"Sarah wasn't nearly as pretty as Edwina, but her personality and loving nature more than made up for looks. Eric slowly fell in love with her. Business lunches turned into dinner dates, they even started going to church together."

"Before Edwina had a chance to react, she was history. Again. When the engagement announcement came out in the paper, she screamed in rage and cried in pain. Her heart turned to stone and she vowed revenge against a woman she barely knew, if it took the rest of her life."

"Eric had three more children with Sarah, two more boys and a girl."

"Sarah tried over the years to forge a truce with Edwina for the sake of the families, but was rebuffed every time. After a while she gave up, concentrating on making his two older children part of their family when they had them. Edwina had tried for awhile to poison any type of relationship between the half siblings, but the kind nature of Sarah won out, and the children at least made peace and got along."

"Edwina once became enraged when her younger son told a friend that his "baby sister" had won the elementary school spelling bee, and he was proud of how smart she was. She tried to berate him afterwards, but her oldest defended him."

"By now the boys were in their late teens. The oldest told her even though she wasn't related by blood, they were, and it was through no fault of the children that things were like they were. They had accepted them, and though it wasn't cool for a teenage boy to say love, he let his mom know they cared for their half siblings."

"Edwina took it as another way Sarah was easing her out of the family."

"Then something extraordinary happened. Edwina fell in love and married. Older, she was still an attractive woman. He was handsome,kind to her kids, and was attentive to her needs."

"He sold real estate for his uncle. It was the biggest agency in the county. The economy was booming back then, so he made good money."

"She was very happy for awhile. She even made peace with Sarah, asking if since the boys were going to be groomsmen if she minded that their sister be the flower girl. Sarah actually hugged her and thanked her for her thoughtfulness."

"Eric and his family attended the wedding. She was touched when Eric and Sarah gave her the deed to two acres of some property he had on the other side of the county. It was a spot she had often admired. They built a nice house on the slight rise, with a well landscaped yard sloping down to the highway. She was finally happy again, for about five years."

"The economy slowed. Remember that? It was the early eighties. Her husband had to spend more time at work to make a good living. Edwina hated the time he spent away from her, but knew it was for the benefit of the family, so she dealt with it. Both her sons were gone by then, off to college. Eric paid most of the expenses, so she made sure their clothes, car insurance, and incidental financial needs were met. She had taken a job as a secretary for a local law firm, so the cost wouldn't hurt their lifestyle. The husband objected at first, but soon acknowledged the wisdom behind it. Besides, she was always home before he was, with dinner almost done."

"Sometimes when he worked on Saturdays, she would call his office for his location, cell phones were just becoming available then, and were very expensive. She would pack a picnic, wait outside the house he was showing, and surprise him. When he was done with the customer, they would eat together, and he would go on to another appointment with a kiss and a full stomach."

"That particular Saturday he was showing his most expensive listing. They needed the commission, things were a little tight. She waited about an hour before giving up and going in, she thought sure he had the sale. The door was unlocked, she was just going to stick her head in and let him know she had his lunch."

"In that house you could see straight through to the kitchen. The house had no furniture, so her husband was making do. He had the customer perched on the kitchen counter, his pants to the floor. Her panties were dangling off one ankle, and she was very vocal."

"It shattered her. She managed to hurl the picnic basket she still had in her hands at them, with great accuracy. The basket hit his shoulder, bounced into the client, and dumped potato salad and sweet tea all over her."

"He didn't make the sale. If his uncle hadn't owned the company he would have been out of a job. As it was, after it got out and he was going through his divorce, he had trouble showing houses to anyone but men or couples. No one would let him show a house to a woman alone."

"The customer was married, to a very well to do man. He destroyed her in his divorce, he even had Edwina as a witness. They had four children, and she got custody, barely, but their lifestyle was nowhere near what she had. The children resented it and her, and each moved in with their father as soon as they got old enough to make the decision. When the last left her, she moved out of state."

"Edwina got her house, but she also got most of the bills. She was in danger of foreclosure, when the bank offered to refinance the loan, lowering her payment. She didn't know it, but Eric had privately guaranteed the loan to make it happen. His reasoning was his sons had to have a home to come back to. Sarah approved."

"I stopped at a country store while the divorces were going on, and heard the old guys that always seemed to sit around places like that talking. It was odd to hear an old farmer use the word karma"

"Bad karma. She got done to her what she did to Eric. What goes around comes around. Always has, always will." 

.................................................

I stopped for a minute, thinking my brother had slipped off into sleep. He roused himself, asked for more ice water, and bitched at me before he put his oxygen mask back on.

"Is there a point to this shit? I have yet to hear about the Silver Angel. Remember her? The point of this story? Get on with it, hippie."

I smiled. It was now close to two. His oldest was getting in just before four, and I had left a text for my wife to collect him and bring him straight here.

He was going to get to see at least one of his children and some of his grandchildren, if I could get him to hold on for three more hours. 

.................................................

"Edwina turned her bitterness and rage back to Sarah. The guarded friendship was gone. Edwina fixated on the fact that if Sarah hadn't stolen Eric from her, she would have back with him and never married the jerk she wasted six years on."

"What really burned her up was the fact that even though she had asked Eric for years to get out of that creaky old farmhouse and build a new house, he wouldn't, then turned around and built one for Sarah just before her youngest went to college."

"Again, she had no knowledge that Sarah cried when they found out that it was so damaged by termites it was deemed unlivable. She loved the old house, full of history and memories. They built a nice four bedroom ranch, but she never really thought of it as her house."

"Years went by, like they have to. Edwina, Sarah, and Eric got older.Sarah was sixty seven, Edwina was seventy one, and Eric had just celebrated his seventy third birthday, when he had a stroke."

"It wasn't too bad, but it led to a couple more, and soon he was in a nursing home. This nursing home. Dad had been a close friend of Eric, having worked on the farm for him while in his teens and during college. Unfortunately, none of his children had inherited the farming gene, so our father got his wisdom and take on life imprinted on him. Mom often said if it hadn't been for Eric, he wouldn't have turned into half the man he became."

"So she had a soft spot for him, checking on him far beyond the call of duty. He was not having a peaceful twilight."

..................................................

"Remember when the courthouse burned down in sixty-eight? It happened right after I went into the service. Burnt to the ground, quick. They should have rebuilt years ago, but it was in the register of historic buildings, and they just couldn't make themselves do it."




Silver Angels



He nodded, mumbling through his mask. He lifted it up.

"Yeah, I remember. The insurance wouldn't pay for it because they didn't install the sprinkler system they were supposed to. The county sued, saying being a historic building they couldn't touch it, federal law. They ended up settling for half."

"Well. remember, that was BCE."

"Huh?"

Before Computer Era. Everything was still on paper and microfilm. It all burned up. It was a hell of a mess."

..................................................

"Luckily, most people still had their birth certificates, marriage licenses, deeds, and wills. The county rerecorded as many as possible, and used hospital records, lawyer records, even family bibles to try and complete the database."

"Eric figured out early on none of his kids wanted to be farmers. His oldest son became an accountant, which angered Edwina, especially when he had Sarah help him during tax season. The other became an engineer, specializing in bridges and roads. His work took him all over the world, and he took his family with him as often as he could."

"Of his three with Sarah, one opted for the military instead of college, but when his hitch was up, he used the GI bill to finance part of his education, with his parents furnishing the rest. He became a city manager for a small town not far away. The middle child, another boy, became a middle manager in a textile firm. This was before everything went to China. The daughter went to college, became a paralegal for a law firm in the same town her brother managed, and ended up marrying a lawyer."

"Before he went into the nursing home he sold off a hundred acres, including the old house, to a developer. They already had the lots and streets laid out and marked off."

"His children and Both Edwina and Sarah made sure someone visited him often. He was failing, everyone knew it wouldn't be long."

"Seeing Sarah holding Eric and crying brought back many of Edwina's bitter memories." 

"Then something happened that threw the whole family into turmoil."

"Eric wasn't a strictly religious man, but he went to church often, usually to please Sarah. Facing his own mortality, he started paying a little more attention to the sermons. The preacher would visit often, talking about the value of community and the good Samaritan. They were pretty good friends by then, so Eric told him if he had something to say, spit it out."

"He figured he wanted money, but instead he asked if he would set aside an acre for a community garden, to help the less fortunate of the congregation and the county raise their own food."

"He gave him five, and supervised the garden, giving advice and teaching. He said he would always be grateful for the opportunity to be useful again. He and the preacher got interviewed by the local paper, and it got picked up nationally, starting a movement."

"Eric wanted to amend his will, and donate the five acres to the church."

"The drawback to that plan was nobody could find the will. Sarah thought it was lost in the move from the old house to the new. His lawyer was long dead, and his records were gone. His new lawyer, his son, pushed him to rerecord the will, but he insisted it was lying around the house somewhere, they just needed to find it."

"Things got a little sticky. Eric was fading fast, and was no longer considered to be of sound mind."

"A new one couldn't be written. He was going to pass without a will."

"Bill, the son, talked to everyone of his kids. As well as Sarah could remember, she got the house and ten acres around it, the savings account, and most of the money from the sale of the hundred acres. There was also a two hundred thousand dollar life insurance policy she was the beneficiary to."

"Edwina got a lump sum, in memory of happier days."

"The rest of the land, and the farm machinery, was to be put up for auction, all five kids splitting equally the proceeds. If any of the children wanted a acre or two, they were to come to terms with the others."

"It got Edwina to thinking, and being a pack rat, she kept everything, including a copy of the will Eric made before he remarried. She told the lawyers she worked for about it."

"The newest associate was just a cut above being a shyster. He only got the job because he was a godson of one of the oldest partners. He asked to see it. Dollar signs got into his eyes."

"You know, if that's the only copy of the original will, then it most likely is still binding. You wouldn't be able to touch the insurance policy or her accounts, but everything else is up for grabs. Theoretically you could walk away with most all of the assets. You need to have it rerecorded at the courthouse. At the very least you could use it to leverage a bigger share for your kids. I could handle it for you, for the normal charge, of course. You don't have to pay me if you don't come out ahead."

"So, she took the will to the courthouse and had it done. Then she presented it to Bill, saying she was willing to negotiate, but she wanted the house Sarah lived in and most of the property for her sons."

"Everyone was stunned. Sarah and everyone of the kids held a council."

"I don't know what your mother expects, exactly. Normally, if you die intestate, the surviving spouse gets it all. That being said, this will appears to valid at the time it was registered. This could end up in court for years."

"He turned to the oldest two."

"Ask your mother what she is trying to prove. If this goes to court and gets ugly, your inheritance could be delayed by years. There might not be anything left when it's over. See if you can talk some sense into her."

..................................................

I paused for my own drink of water. He shifted his mask aside.

"I don't remember her getting everything. What happened?""

"This is the part where Mom and I come in. Now shut up and listen."

I looked at the time. Three forty. His son's plane should be on the ground. Another thirty minutes for exiting the plane and gathering luggage, forty minutes to get here. I had to keep him going for another ninety minutes. It was going to be close. His coughing jags were getting longer, and there was a lot of blood on his tissue.

...............................................

"The battle lines were drawn. Edwina secretly knew she couldn't win, and sometimes hated doing it. But every time she sat by his side and listened to him call out for Sarah, her heart became more hardened. Eric wasn't long for this world. In the few times he was lucid, he got one of the children to tell him what was going on. He wanted her lawyer, his lawyer, and the kids to gather so he could make his wishes known. Unfortunately, that night he slipped into a coma. It wouldn't be long now."

.................................................

I stopped the narrative, to check on him. His breathing was shallower, his pulse lighter. But he grabbed my sleeve. I leaned down as he moved his mask.

"Almost gone!" He gasped. "Finish it!"

It was four twenty five. Come on, honey, hurry.

"All right. Like I said, this is where Mom and I came in. You remember that coat we got momma that year?"

He nodded. Normally we weren't able to afford something like that, but dude had allowed a trapper to work the creek on the back of his property. He got several muskrats, and eight mink. He also got raccoon. On a trap farther back from the creek, he got three foxes, two red, one gray. The gray one must have been pretty old, the fur was almost silver. He gave that one to him, in gratitude.

I knew a leather worker, and we bought mom a long, bright white London Fog type coat, that went almost to her ankle. The leather worker carefully cut and sewed the fur. He trimmed the neck, the cuffs, and even had enough to go around the bottom.

Mom actually cried, saying it looked like something out of a Christmas story. She said later it was the most beautiful thing she had ever owned.

I looked at him. His chest was barely moving, but his eyes were sharp and focused.

"I know you remember how much I liked history. I've been a member of the County Historical Association for many years. When Mr. Queen sold the hundred acres, he put a flyer in saying the association could remove any historical buildings it wanted. You know back them we were trying to put together a working homestead on a few acres a member had deeded to us. There was a log corn crib on site, and we didn't have one for the homestead."

"I was still working as an ER nurse, and since weekends were the busiest time for us I got a weekdays off a lot. The president called me the day before I got off that Monday, and asked me to see if it was in shape to move."

"It was cold that day, but I had promised. I went out and checked it over. At first glance it looked pretty good, but on closer inspection it was dry rotted badly. If we tried to move it, it would crumble to dust. I was disappointed, and was about to leave, when I noticed an old wooden pitchfork stuck in the rafters. I nearly pulled the whole thing down on me getting it out. It would look good in our tool collection."

"As I walked back to my truck, a white car with the company logo of the development company that had bought the property pulled in. They had had a lot of trouble with vagrants and squatters in the old house, so when he saw me he wanted to investigate."

Once I told him who I was and what I was doing, he became friendly. He was disappointed that the crib couldn't be moved, but he was happy I found the pitchfork.

"We're pushing the old house down next week. If you want, you can go into it and if you find anything of historical significance, take it. Be careful though, it's pretty shaky in spots." He told me just before he left.

"Naturally I went in to look. It was in pretty bad shape, and had been vandalized pretty heavily. It was better upstairs, but not by much."

"I was about to go downstairs when I noticed the wall behind a ratty old sofa. The walls were pine board, and normally joined in a staggered pattern, to be pleasing to the eye and give the wall added reinforcement. This wall had all the boards cut evenly, then about three feet farther down the wall there was another straight joint. I had seen this once before, in a house that was part of the Underground Railroad. The joints were actually a hidden door, concealing a room escaped slaves could rest and sleep in before continuing their journey."

"I pushed the old high backed sofa aside, and there was a door there. It wasn't exactly hidden, the handle was broken off, but no one had noticed it. I managed to get it open."

"It was about six by twelve, and seemed to be a storeroom, filled with junk. It was getting dark by then, and I was a little afraid of what I was going to find, so I grabbed three wooden boxes that seemed to be filled with books and carried them out to the car."

"I set them out of the car in the garage, told Carrie where I had been, and called Jack, the president of the association, and told him what I had found. He promised to go the next day with several members and look it over."

"Carrie helped me. Two of the boxes were so old and damaged the contents were useless. The third was in good shape, and filled with old books. Nothing valuable except a couple of Zane Grey first editions from 1909 and 1911, still with the book jackets. They're in the bookshelf at the homestead now. But, at the very bottom, was the Queen family Bible, dating all the way back to the eighteen eighties. I would have loved to add it to the homestead collection, but it was just too personal, too important as a family heirloom."

"Remember when we would have our family gatherings on Christmas night because Mom always worked Christmas morning to let a young nurse off? She always worked the night shift on Christmas Eve too. I had given her the bible the week before to give to Mr. Queen."

"You know how hectic it always is right before Christmas, so mom forgot to give it to him before he slipped into his coma. Remember how long she kept her hair? Nobody at work could tell because she always kept it up in a bun. She had attended a little gathering of staff that evening, and they coaxed her into letting down her hair."

"When she started to leave that night she saw the Bible and remembered. It was almost midnight on Christmas Eve, The home was down to a skeleton staff, so no one was out and about. She didn't bother to remove her coat because she was only going to be a minute."

"Mr. Queen had come out of his coma, and was sitting up, disoriented. Mom helped him lie back down, and gave him the Bible."

"I was sent to give this to you Mr. Queen", she said, "I hope it gives you comfort."

"He clutched her hand as if he were afraid to let go."

" Lie down, Mr. Queen, I'll be seeing you soon" she told him, "you rest now." 

"The next day, Christmas, found him lucid. He asked for all his family, especially his son. Amazed that he was awake, they were all there, even Edwina. His lawyer son in law was holding a copy of his will, the correct one."

"Everyone clamored to know where it came from. He held up the Bible."

"It was in this", he said. "An Angel of God appeared before me, and gave it to me. I'm not going to be with you much longer, she said she would see me soon. She gave me a chance to say goodbye, and this."

"He opened up his hand. It was a silver angel. Mom had it on that charm bracelet she always wore, and it must have come off when he held on to her."

"Everybody cried. Edwina and Sarah had a long talk, and it all came out. Edwina had hated Sarah for taking Eric away from her, she loved him more now than she did when she was younger. Sarah got her to understand she didn't take him away, they had both moved on. Peace was achieved, they actually became friends."

...............................................

"Mom heard the story and never said a word. But after that, every so often, if she felt they were a good enough person, she would slip into somebody's room and give them comfort, slipping a little silver angel into their hand."

"So there, now you know. Our mother was the Silver Angel."

..............................................

He said "Momma?" and seemed to be looking behind him.

"Yes dude, it was momma."

It was five fifteen. His son and daughter burst into the room, trailed by my wife. I hugged her and watched as they got to say goodbye. I saw him grip his son firmly, speaking urgently into his ear. He held out his other hand to his daughter, looked past them to me, mouthed 'thank you', and passed.

................................................

The legend of the Silver Angel didn't pass into obscurity. Working in the ER got less and less attractive as the years went by. People got more violent, blood got more dangerous. My mother retired and I was offered her position at the nursing home so I took it.

Mom stayed independent right up until she was seventy, and then she surprised us all by moving in to the rest home. She had anticipated this and put ten percent of her salary up over the years to pay for it. For the two years she was there, she was treated like a queen, with a private room and privileges far beyond that of a patient. She even volunteered the first year. Towards the end, she told me the story.

That's why, when we divided keepsakes of my mother, I took the coat. I was almost exactly the same size as her, and it fit. I had always worn my hair long, and by now it was silver.

So, every once in a great while, if I think the person deserves it, I comb out my hair, put on the coat, and walk the halls in the middle of the night. Sometimes If they're asleep I don't even wake them, just place a small silver angel onto their palm.

Technology almost did me in. One of the patients was awake one night, saw me, and managed to snap a picture on her cell phone. It was from behind, and blurred. The coat went almost to my feet. I had on white sneakers, and it looked like I was floating. The legend grew.

I finally got caught. Not by a person, but a security camera. The owner now is the granddaughter of my mom's best friend. She called me into the office and showed me the tape. Then she surprised me by kissing my cheek.

"It had to be you that gave gram that silver angel. Did you know she insisted it be in her hand when she was laid to rest? I'm not gonna comment on what I saw, it harms no one and gives many comfort."

What I never told anyone was that after my brother passed, I stepped out to give his kids time to mourn. There were arrangements to be made, even if it was Christmas. I called the funeral home to pick up the body, the doctor on call to issue the death certificate.

After doing what was necessary, I stepped back into the room. Carrie was sitting outside, holding her niece. His son was still by his side.

"They'll be here shortly" I told him. He left to get a drink of water. Acting quickly, I reached down for my brothers hand. It was closed into a fist. I was going to slip a small silver angel into his hand as tribute.

There was already one there.

.................................................

I asked my nephew later if anyone besides family was in the room and he said no.

Two weeks later for reasons I couldn't explain even to myself, I stopped by the Queen family graveyard. I spent about an hour telling him the story. Sarah was buried on his right, Edwina on his left. They had matching inscriptions, beloved wife and mother. 

Then I stopped by to see my brother and make sure the new inscription was added. It was.

He lay beside his wife. On his side, a small inscription had been added.

"Mourn not for me, for I am borne home on the wings of an angel."

His son said it was his last request.

I scraped a little mud back and buried a small silver angel to match the one in his hand. I put my hand on the stone.

"See you soon, big dude. Tell momma I said hi."

I walked back to my car. It was getting colder, and I needed to go home to Carrie. She had a nice beef stew waiting for me.

.................................................

The man was in a rest home, and I actually found his bible pretty much as described. My mom did work in the rest home, and she did give it to him. She said it gave him great joy. The rest is just pure fiction.

Happy Holidays. Hug your family for me. In the end, they're all you have. QHML1



Silver Anniversary



Thanks to angel-love for her editing and support. Thanks also to The Wanderer for all of his support and suggestions. Remember this is only a story so enjoy.

* 

Prolog

I sat on the lanai of my villa in the Colony Cove Resorts on the island of St. Croix and watched Bitsy say goodbye to her husband. She waved as he walked to the waiting golf cart sitting on the path, and with his three golf partners, drove off. He would be gone for the rest of the day and part of the evening as well. I hoped that today might be the day Bitsy and I shared more than each other's company. Bitsy was about 40 or so and was probably a trophy wife. She was a beautiful, petite blonde with 36 DD breasts probably bought by her husband, and lips so full you had erotic daydreams just thinking about what they could do. Phil was older than me and was fat and out of shape. It had to be his money that kept Bitsy happy.

I had been here at the Colony for just over a week. I rented this villa when I arrived in Christiansted and Bitsy and her husband Phillip had moved into the one next to me three days later. We met and shared the obligatory information and then Phil asked me if I would like to join him in a round of golf. I declined since I had never played the game. That was fortunate since I got to know his wife Bitsy. 

He left her alone every day to play golf and often spent the rest of the evenings on the 19th hole. She and I had hit it off and spent some of our days together shopping and touring the French perfume shops and the batik clothing boutiques in Christiansted where she spent a great deal of old Phil's money. She had accompanied me yesterday in my rented Jag as we drove down to a port about 15 miles away where we rented a boat and spent the day scuba diving off Buck Island. She wore a very tiny bikini and I had trouble watching anything else as I kept glancing at her wonderful legs and tits. Once when I was helping her into the scuba tanks, she had asked about my wedding ring, which I still wore. I promised her the story later. 

We spent a wonderful day together, diving and exploring and sharing some incredible experiences. It was a great day and we were both happily exhausted when we returned to the villas. We shared a bottle of wine when we returned and I told her my story. She was very sympathetic and made little comment until I was finished.

To better understand why I was here and why I was alone, this is my story as I told it to Bitsy.

My Story

My name is John Parsons and I am 52 years of age. My wife's name is Serena who is 47 but looks much younger. She's a beautiful woman, tall at 5'7" to go with my 6' 2" frame. She has long black hair, pale skin and a great body. She maintains her looks by working out and eating well. We've been married 24 years with our 25th anniversary coming up in a month. We have two boys, Michael and Ben, both married and just starting families of their own. Both have remained geographically close to us and we see them often.

I work for a drug manufacturer in New Jersey that produces some ethical drugs, but we also make generics and we are one of the largest manufacturers on the east coast. The FDA closely monitored us and it was critical that all drugs were accounted for at all times. 

Recently, our FDA inspector found some discrepancies in our paperwork and our audits were more frequent now and would continue that way until he decided we had our house in order. Because of my position as VP of Compliance, I'd been working very long hours and traveling twice a month for the past 8 months to our warehouse 110 miles away to show a presence when he inspected our drug inventory. It was difficult work but I was training three additional compliance techs to take over the load. It was starting to cause problems in my personal life but we were very close to recertification and I had started to back down on my workload. I had decided that I was going to retire just as soon as I had the new techs up and running and our recertification was either complete or in the works. I wanted to do that by our anniversary. I hadn't told Serena, as I wanted it to be a surprise.

I was able to find some time at work for myself one day, so I was downtown trying to find a jeweler to do a special job for me. It was for our silver anniversary and I was going to do something special for Serena.

I found the little jewelry shop I was looking for across from the downtown Hilton, down an alley, off to the side. A friend that used them for a special locket he had made for his wife recommended them to me. I had something similar in mind for Serena as my anniversary present to her. 

I talked with the owner, a Pakistani who had immigrated to this country over 15 years ago. His English was perfect and I told him what I wanted. I had a 1.15 caret diamond ring that I no longer wore and the stone was a perfect clear white. I wanted to have it reset into a necklace for Serena because she had always loved the diamond. He looked at the stone, made appreciative noises and pulled out some white gold and sterling silver settings for my choice. I picked one that had three small diamonds surrounding the large stone that would go in the center. It was magnificent. We agreed on a price and I gave him the ring. He took a picture of it on his scope and made a copy for me for security. It would be ready in about two weeks. Perfect.

As I walked back out to the main street, I glanced over to my right and saw Serena coming out of the hotel lobby. Afraid that if she saw me she would ask what I was doing, I ducked back into the alley and watched as she hailed a cab. I was surprised since I knew of no plans on her part to come down town and certainly no plans that involved the hotel. As I watched, I saw Bill Collins exit the hotel and come up to her side. He said something to her and she laughed. She got into the cab and left as Bill walked away.

Bill Collins was my best friend. He and I had met when I first joined the company and he was our realtor. We became friends and he and his wife Sally were frequent visitors to our home. We had known them for just over 10 years and we'd taken a few trips with them before things got a little hectic with my job.

As the cab pulled away, I wondered about what I'd just seen but decided that maybe she was planning something for me on our anniversary and Bill was helping her. While I had no idea of what they could be doing at the hotel, I decided to wait and see how it played out. I would raise some questions at home tonight and see what she said. 

Serena and I lived in a large two-story colonial in a very nice part of town. I had done quite well in my job and had a comfortable salary. I had also inherited almost three million dollars from my parents who had both died in a car accident 12 years ago. With good advice from my investment counselor, it had grown to almost twice that amount. Serena and I had decided that we would not touch it until I decided to retire. I wanted to do that now and the time looked right. Since our two children had graduated from college and moved on to their own lives, the house was way too big for us but we loved it and continued to live there. I loved coming home to it and to Serena. She always had a drink ready and waiting and we had a routine that included just talking about our day. I thought tonight might be very interesting.

I walked into the kitchen from the garage and put down my briefcase. I shed my jacket and tie and put them on the hanger in the hall as I made my way into the room we called the library even though it had few books. It was dark, paneled and comfortably small. I found Serena waiting as usual.

"Hi, darling. How was your day?" Serena's typical opening.

"My day was very productive. I was able to take care of some things I wanted to get done. I finished all of my work for the trip to Johnsonville next week." Johnsonville was where the warehouse was located.

"That's great honey. I was here at home all day and just did some cleaning and straightening up. I need to run some errands but I guess I'll have to do it tomorrow or Friday." She leaned over to pour a martini for me and refill hers.

I was immediately alerted to her comment about staying home all day. Why would she say that when she was downtown just about lunchtime? I hadn't called her today but she didn't know that so it gave me an idea.

"I called here at home just about noon and there was no answer. I thought you were here." 

She started a little but then said, "I was here but I didn't hear the phone. Did you leave a message?"

"No. I just let it go and decided to wait till I got home. I forget what it was about now. It must not have been important."

Serena was not very good about lying so I decided to push it and see her reaction. 

"Have you seen Bill lately? I need to tell him something about a question he asked me on some drugs. I thought he was coming by. Have you seen him today?" 

I watched her face as I said that. I saw the sudden flush on her face and the grimace she made as I mentioned Bill's name. Her reaction was a guilty one, not innocent planning for an anniversary gift. I wondered what was going on.  

"I haven't seen Bill since we went to their place. I guess it was about a week ago? I don't think he has called either. Why don't you call him tonight?" 

Now the lies were beginning to compound. At this rate, she was going to make a mistake if I pushed it. I decided not to. I was far too concerned at what I began to suspect was happening.

Serena and I had not made love for over six months. I tried to initiate it several times lately and each time she had quietly turned me down with some excuse that meant she didn't want to have sex. The last time was Sunday evening and she pleaded a headache that came up suddenly at bedtime. I hadn't discussed it with her for fear of making her angry. Now, I thought maybe there was another reason.

"Maybe I will. I think we should have them over for dinner this week. Maybe Friday night would be good. Can you have something for a dinner by then?"

"I don't think I want to have a dinner party this week. Maybe we can plan it for next week?" She knew I had to go to Johnsonville and I hated to plan anything for one of those weeks.

"I have to travel next week so I would rather do it this week. Why, is that a problem? Don't you want to see Bill, and Sally of course? I thought you liked Bill?"

Again she flushed. There was something going on between her and Bill and I thought I knew what it was. One more question.

"Have you had a disagreement with Bill over something that I don't know about? You seem to be uneasy when I mention his name." 

Now she was really uncomfortable. Her face was red and her breathing was becoming ragged. She stood up and left the room, saying something about the bathroom. I considered her reactions and answers to my questions and I knew without a doubt that she was guilty and that Bill was involved. I decided not to push her again when she came back into the room.

As she sat back down, looking a little more under control, I asked,

"Have you thought about what you want to do on our anniversary next month? I thought a party here at the house with our friends: Bill and Sally, Justin and Phyllis and maybe the kids and their wives. What do you think? We could have it catered so it would be no strain on us."

"I haven't even thought of it yet so I don't know. Is that what you want to do?" She seemed preoccupied and wouldn't meet my eyes.

"I think that might be a good idea and it might be fun. You and I haven't been having much fun lately. I don't know why, do you?" I wasn't planning on this but what the hell. I was becoming angry and I wanted to jab her to see her flinch.

"What does that mean? What kind of fun? You've been working so hard and we don't have a lot of time to do much what with your trips every other week or so." Her response was too quick and too heated: guilt again.

"How does that affect our love life, or what used to be our love life? I haven't been too tired for that but you've not been 'in the mood' for the last six months. I don't know what's going on but you seem to have no interest in me anymore."

"How dare you! I have not been feeling well and you know that. I have not been 'in the mood' as you say because of that and you shouldn't treat me that way. Anyway, it was you that wasn't 'in the mood' not too long ago." 

She was angry and not because of my attack. She was angry because I was right and she wasn't going to tell me why. I now almost knew for sure. 

"I'm sorry and I'll back off. I guess you have your reasons, even though I don't know what they are. I'll make all of the plans for the dinner next month and you can just relax and let me do the worrying. I'm sorry about the crack about our sex life. I'll just wait till you tell me you're feeling better."

With that, I got up and left the room. I went into my study and turned on the TV. There was nothing on I wanted to watch but I needed the time to decide what to do. I decided that my trip next week was the key. She and Bill would be too cautious to do anything while I was home since Serena was now alert to my awakened suspicions. She certainly didn't think I knew anything but she couldn't be 100% sure. They would be careful.

The next day was Thursday and I went in to work to make a phone call to a friend of mine in the electronics industry. He and I had worked together on some projects and I knew him well enough to confide in him. I told him what I needed and he told me what to buy. I called a supply store he recommended and gave them the order. It was delivered to my office that afternoon. It helps to have friends in the right places.

My plan was simple. I had ten voice activated bugs, all small and innocent looking and easy to plant. I also had two receivers, one single channel, battery operated that had a range of up to a mile and one with a range of just fewer than 300 feet. The short range one would go into the house to monitor all of the bugs but one, one in each room. The other bug would go into her purse and the receiver would be in her car. That way, if she went anywhere in her car, the bug would pick up her conversations in the car and anywhere she carried her purse, and the receiver in the trunk would record up to 5 hours at up to a mile away. 

I placed all of the bugs that evening while she went to the drugstore and set the recorder up in the workshop in the basement. I turned on the radio in the spare bedroom and went down to the shop to listen. Perfect! I thought that I would have to wait until she went to bed to plant the one in her car and her purse. Fortunately, she fell asleep early on the couch in the living room so I glued the bug in her purse right then and there and took the recorder to her car. I set it up in the trunk and again did a test. All worked perfectly. Now I was ready.

Friday went by at a snail's pace. I wanted so desperately to listen to what was happening in the house but knew I would have to wait until after dinner to check. I was divided about what I expected to hear. On one hand, I wanted nothing to be on the tape. I wanted my world to remain just as it was: dull, boring, but safe and with a wife who was still true to me and our marriage. On the other hand, I expected to find that was not the case and that she was cheating on me.  

That got me to thinking. Why would she cheat? Why had she suddenly stopped our love life? What was the problem and why wouldn't she come to me to see if we could solve our problems? We had been married 25 years and as far as I knew, the first 24 had been wonderful years for both of us. We were very much in love and we had a great life. What had changed? Maybe nothing had changed and I had simply been unaware of her actions? I thought about it all afternoon but found no answers.

That night, our dinner conversation was non-existent and we missed our 'how was your day' conversation earlier. Serena was very moody and seemed to be in another world. I was keyed up and nervous about what I was going to find later. We passed the evening without any more than the mandatory exchanges.

Serena finally said she was going to bed early and went up the stairs to our bedroom. I waited for about an hour and walked up the stairs to look in on her. Her breathing indicated sleep and I went downstairs to the shop. I looked at the recorder and noted it had recorded something. I rewound it with a touch and pushed play.

At first, I heard the sounds of the phone ringing. It was very clear and I knew the recorder was working perfectly. I heard Serena answer. From then on, I only had her side of the conversation but I could read between the lines.

"Hello? This is Serena."

"Why are you calling me now Bill? What do you want?"

"No! You know I won't meet you today or tomorrow. Yesterday was a mistake and I won't do it again. I won't do anything now until he goes out of town next week. He leaves on Wednesday, as always."

"Yes, I want to be with you too, but not till then."

"No, we haven't made love for the last six months. You know that; I told you. I can't make love to him while I am cheating on him with you. No, I will not do that to him! I love him and I always will love him. You're just a distraction now and I think we need to end it soon. I think he's beginning to suspect something."

"It was you who badgered me into this suggesting that he was ignoring me too much."

"I'm not going to compare you with him. I have never wanted anyone else but him until you seduced me." 

"I know I went along with it. I have enjoyed it but I think it's time to end it."

"Yes, I'll meet you one more time next week, same time and place. No, I won't give you a blowjob then."

"Yes, you do know."

"Goodbye."

After that there was nothing else except a call from one of our kids that she took later that morning. There were no further calls that afternoon and she didn't leave the house so I didn't need to check the car recorder. I didn't need to check anything else period.

Serena

For her part, Serena was confused. John was acting very strange tonight and he had mentioned Bill several times. Since she had been with Bill that very afternoon, she was immediately on the defensive and she wasn't sure how to relax and not appear guilty. She finally got up and went to the bathroom to give herself time to calm down and convince herself that John knew nothing. How could he? 

Why had she agreed to meet Bill today of all days. They had been very careful, meeting only when John had to go to Johnsonville, but today Bill had been very persuasive. They had met for lunch and he had already booked a room in the hotel and he convinced her that a quickie would be OK. She went but hated herself afterwards. She knew that what she was doing was now just a cheap affair. It was never supposed to be like this.

It had all started out about 4 months ago, innocently enough, as lunch with a friend. Bill had discovered that she went to a health club downtown twice a week and that John scheduled his trips to Johnsonville on one of those days. He began to show up every Wednesday at about the time she and some of her friends went to lunch and she soon found herself waiting for him so they could lunch together. Bill was very handsome and he was very appreciative of how she looked just after her exercise program. He made her feel attractive and sexy. 

They had been meeting for lunch once a week for a couple of months and for some reason she had never mentioned it to John. Bill had not told his wife either. There was nothing to it at that time and they just enjoyed each other's company. Truth was that Serena enjoyed it much more than she should since she and John had not been together for some time. He was always tired and he ignored her appearance and her needs. She suggested on several occasions that they needed time together without work interfering but he was not receptive to either that or her complaints about ignoring her. He just kept saying that things would get better. They weren't! She didn't know why she had just let it drop. She should have confronted him and made him listen.




Silver Anniversary



As our 25th wedding anniversary approached, my wife Linda and I decided that we wanted to do something more-than-nominally special in celebration. A quarter-century of wedded bliss (and, when we stopped to ponder, we had to admit that, taken as a whole, 'bliss' was exactly the right word) had brought us four delightful children, and many good friends (although, to be perfectly candid, at least where the children were concerned, their 'delightful-ness' was not always right out front where it could be easily seen; but then, neither is mine, so fair's fair, I guess). As we approached the 25-year milestone, we had an increasing sense of having put in the necessary work to have a strong marriage and solid kids who were on their way to becoming solid adults. We'd put in the work, and sweated the sweat, and now we were starting to see the reward of it; and that was worth a little bit of celebration.

I floated the idea of a 'second honeymoon' to Linda, and she loved the idea. We'd spent a memorable portion of our original honeymoon at a cabin up north in the woods, on the shores of Lake Michigan. The cabin belonged to some friends of my parents, and they gave us use of it for a week, as a wedding gift. The cabin itself was lovely, and beautifully situated. Not that it had mattered all that much for a couple of honeymooning newlyweds. My own memories of our honeymoon were mostly of the joys of three-and-four-a-day sex; we didn't spend a whole ton of time out of bed. Sweet memories, those. . .

We still saw, from time to time, the folks who'd let us use their cabin all those years ago. They were still around, and still owned the same cabin. One time, in the course of saying 'hello' to them, I mentioned that Linda and I were trying to arrange a second honeymoon for our Silver Anniversary.

"Has it really been 25 years?" Jim asked. "I'm sure I'm not nearly old enough for the two of you to have been married for 25 years."

"Well," I replied with a chuckle, "my kids are certainly old enough."

"Well listen -- if you like, I'd love for you to use the cabin again."

"Wow, Jim - we'd be honored! It's such a lovely place, and we had such a wonderful time there before. It would just be fitting to go back to the place where it all began."

Linda was delighted when I told her about the cabin, and relieved to have settled on a place. We planned a four-day weekend around the actual day of our anniversary. All that remained was to schedule the specific activities for the four days. And honestly, I pretty much only had one 'activity' in mind, anyway. . .

Whenever Linda and I talked about our vacation, the conversation was thick with anticipation of romance and sex. We would reminisce fondly about our first honeymoon, and spending days in bed, naked together, making love whenever the mood struck us. Sex was so new and exciting for us in those days, and we couldn't get enough of it, or of each other. Even in our first year of marriage, it was common for Linda and me to call each other at work in the morning, and meet back home to make love on our lunch break.

Of course, once the kids started arriving, and the daily responsibilities of life kicked into high gear, romance and sex seemed to slide down the priority list. It was never awful -- our sex has always been good, and solid, and life-giving. But there rarely seemed to be time anymore to just relax and enjoy each other in a carefree manner. We aimed to fix some of that on our second honeymoon.

One day, I was surfing the internet, and I came across an ad for a lovely little filmy negligee. It seemed just perfect for Linda -- I could easily imagine what she would look like in it, and how it would show her body to its maximum advantage, so I ordered it; it arrived the week before we were leaving. I wanted to start 'priming the romantic pump', so to speak, so I didn't wait; I gave it to her as soon as it arrived. She took it, and held it up to herself in front of the mirror, imagining how it would look with nothing else underneath it. She grinned.

"I can't wait to wear it," she purred. "But not until we get there. Don't want to spoil all the anticipation." I groaned in mock-frustration.

*****

At last the day came. We packed our gear in the car -- including two magnums of champagne -- and headed north. With each passing mile, our day-to-day responsibilities retreated into the rear-view, and we could practically feel the weight lifting off our shoulders. Linda leaned over and snuggled into me as we drove. We reminisced about our first honeymoon, and how Linda spent most of our drive-time playing with her new toy between my legs. I told her that I wouldn't mind at all if she wanted to do that again, so she did. But now, after 25 years, it was less urgent than it had been on that drive long ago, and more relaxed. And just as incredible.

We finally arrived at the cabin. We unpacked the car and got ourselves situated in the cabin. Then I poured two glasses of champagne and lit a ginseng candle in the living room. I flopped down relievedly onto the couch and beckoned Linda to join me, but she excused herself to 'change into something more comfortable'.

When she returned, she was wearing the filmy negligee, and a pair of lacy panties that I didn't remember seeing before. She straddled my lap and began unbuttoning my shirt with slow and sultry movements. When she had removed my shirt, she began running her hands across my chest and shoulders, and her fingers through my chest hair, purring happily as she did. "So strong, so masculine," she breathed, "and so mine." I felt like the manliest man alive; my man-part was also responding to the encouragement.

I reached for the glasses of champagne, handing one to Linda. "To us," I said. "To the good life we've built. To 25 years. To 25 more."

"Hear, hear!" she answered, and, intertwining our arms, we drank a toast to our marriage, and our family.

Perhaps we were tired; perhaps we hadn't eaten in awhile. But the bubbly wine went directly to both our heads, and seemed to urge us in an erotic direction. I paused to look my wife over, gazing up and down her body in the filmy negligee. It was even more erotically appealing on Linda than it had been in the photo of the online model. The gauzy fabric made her breasts even more beautiful, more mysterious, as the dark circles of her nipples showed through. I stroked her body through the fabric, and it was so soft, so smooth, so sensuous, that it almost seemed that she was more naked than when she was naked. "You are the most beautiful woman in the world," I said, almost singing the words to her, as she purred happily.

Linda stood up off my lap long enough to unbuckle my belt and start to peel my pants down my legs. When I was left wearing nothing but my briefs, my erection stood straight up from my loins, making a tent in the stretchy fabric, with a damp spot of pre-cum spreading out from the tip. Linda peeled those off me, as well, and I was sitting on the couch completely naked, gazing at my wife in her filmy, lacy, erotic honeymoon outfit.

She straddled me again, and began grinding against the length of my erect manhood, stroking and caressing it with her lace-clad vaginal lips. My penis strained at her sexy stimulation, ready to burst with excitement. I groaned, and longed to enter her, to be inside the warmth of her wondrous womanhood. But she was still wearing her panties. I slipped my thumbs inside the elastic of the waistband, and started to slide them down over her hips, but before I could. . .

With a twist of her hips, I was suddenly inside her. The lacy panties were crotchless. My wife had been doing a bit of erotic shopping of her own; no wonder I hadn't seen them before. I looked at Linda, and a huge grin broke out on both our faces. I couldn't help getting a chuckle at the thought of my wife -- who is no prude, and an eager lover, but also very modest and demure -- picking out a pair of crotchless panties for herself to wear on our honeymoon.

She knew why I was laughing, and as she slowly ground the full length of my erection into herself, she grinned and said, "Well, you don't want me to be too predictable, do you?"

"Heaven forbid," I replied.

I savored every sensation of making love to my wife -- the velvety smooth warmth of her vagina sliding sensuously up and down the stiff shaft of my penis. My cockhead probing to the deepest corners of her. The sultry squeezes of her vaginal muscles, with which she embraced my manhood within herself. At last, we could simply relax and focus on each other, and our lovemaking. As I slid sensuously in and out of her, I gazed deeply into her eyes, and she gazed back at me, forming another erotic connection between us -- virtually 'completing the erotic circuit'. It was like we were connected at both ends -- our eyes and our genitals, both fully engaged, the love cycling through our eyes and down to our loins, then cycling back around again, in an incredible erotic feedback loop.

I don't know how long we mated like that, but we were in no hurry, and we both wanted to savor every second, every millimeter, of our union. I slid my hands under the filmy garment, and stroked her bare back, and her bare breasts, as we continued to undulate our bodies together. Linda leaned forward, and rubbed her breasts against my chest, through the gauzy cloth, which caused her to emit an involuntary groan at the silky sensuousness of it.

At last, I could feel my orgasm beginning to arise deep within me, and I hungered to release myself into her. But I didn't want to climax before she was ready, so I slowly increased the tempo and the force of my thrusts, driving my hips up into her, reaching for the deepest recesses of her vagina. She responded to my exertions with gasps and moans of pleasure, and soon her head was rolling from side to side, as she gave herself over to a really massive orgasm. So I abandoned all restraint and drove myself up into her, grunting loudly with every stroke, until she began quivering and sobbing in the throes of her climax. That was more than sufficient to push me over the orgasmic edge, and so, with a roar, I released myself into my wife, sending torrents of my fluid essence rushing into her. Spasm after orgasmic spasm wracked both our bodies for a long time -- it was one of the most intense climaxes I have ever known. Just when one of us would seem to be finished, the other one would shudder once more, and the cycle would continue.

At last, our mutual orgasms were spent, and Linda collapsed on top of me. For a long time, we simply embraced, trying to recover our breath, and lovingly stroking each other, savoring the afterglow of one of our very best, most intense and unifying couplings.

"You, my dear, are an amazing lover," I breathed. "Even more amazing now than when we were first married, and making love three times a day. It has been a privilege to be married to you these past 25 years."

"Mmmmmm," she purred. "Thank you, my love; likewise, I'm sure."

When we finally came back to earth, I stripped the filmy negligee off over Linda's head, and my now-limp penis lazily slipped out of her, allowing me to strip the lacy crotchless panties off her as well, so were both completely naked. It was dark out now, and when Linda suggested that we head to bed, I was happy to agree with her.

We drifted off into a happily contented sleep. But when I rolled over in the wee hours, finding my beloved wife lying naked in the bed next to me, I couldn't resist fondling her breasts, and poking a finger between her labia, recalling our wedding night, and the way we eagerly made love again in the middle of the night, after consummating our marriage a few hours before. Linda was just as eager this time, notwithstanding the intervening 25 years. Or perhaps, the passage of a quarter-century had taught us things about each other, and bound us together more tightly, even more tightly than we could have envisioned in the beginning.

Once again, we mated slowly, intensely, savoring every sensation as my renewed erection plunged to the limit of Linda's silken depths, while she squeezed my shaft tightly with her vaginal muscles, driving me to ever-higher planes of erotic bliss. Finally, I couldn't hold my orgasm at bay any longer, and my body twitched and jerked as I sent my sperm pulsing into my wife's womb a second time.

"Oh, yes, baby," she purred, "come inside me. Give me all of your cum."

We quickly fell back asleep, awaking with the sun already up, to make love again. When we finally did get out of bed, Linda made as if to get dressed, but I had a better idea.

"It's our honeymoon," I said. "Why put clothes on at all? What if we just go naked all weekend?"

She found the idea as appealing as I did, and so we spent the rest of the weekend in a state of Nature with each other. It was delightfully free and erotic to be so open to each other. Her beautiful breasts, virtually as firm as when we were first married, were in plain sight, and readily accessible to my eager, groping hands, as was my penis (and whatever else she took a fancy to groping) to her. And the rich aroma of her arousal emanated from her loins, giving the air inside the cabin a delightful erotic fragrance. It had been a long time since we had made love three times and more in a day, but our delightful naked availability to each other kept our erotic furnaces stoked. The times during the weekend when I wasn't at least semi-hard were few, and far between.

*****

On our last night in the cabin, we decided to go skinny-dipping and make love on the beach. The cabin had a few neighbors, so we waited until after midnight, when most of our neighbors had turned off their lights. We wandered down to the beach, spreading a sleeping bag open on the beach, and then we waded out into the lake.

The night was warm, and borderline humid, but the lake water was bracingly refreshing. We jumped and splashed in the moonlit waves, savoring the sensation of our naked genitals open to the water. And the water itself made for a wonderfully erotic sensation as it flowed over and around our naked bodies, while we played in it. Playfully, we dunked each other, and groped each other under the waves, while the whitecaps crashed over us.

Finally, when we'd had enough of the lake, at least for the time being, we waded ashore and dried each other, tending lovingly to each other's 'sexy parts'. Reclining on the open sleeping bag, we began kissing and stroking each other. The sultry night air flowed over and around our bodies, and added to the erotic atmosphere. Linda eagerly stroked my penis into erection, while I fingered her vagina into eager receptiveness. Very quickly, she was wet and slippery with arousal, and she pulled me on top of herself. She gripped my penis, bringing it to the lips of her opening. For a few seconds, she rubbed my cockhead against her opening, wetting it with her own lubricating juices, and then she slowly fed me into herself.

Slowly, I slid in and out of her. Making love out in the open like that was incredibly, sensually arousing -- feeling the breeze blowing over my balls and the cheeks of my ass, as I plunged in and out of my wife, was simply amazing. Linda wrapped her legs around my waist, holding me deep inside herself, as we made love by the light of the moon and the stars.

I was still moving slowly, aiming to prolong our lovemaking as long as possible, when Linda suddenly became very excited, crying out, "Oh! Oh! Oh!" again and again. I took it to be her orgasm, so I quickly increased my tempo, while she wrapped her arms tightly around my neck. I groaned as I reached my own climax, and sent jets of my seed pumping into her once again.

I collapsed on top of her, gasping for breath, when she rolled me off herself and pointed to the sky. "Look!"

There, above our heads, the blue-green waves of the Northern Lights danced their wondrous, stately dance across the night sky. We both became silent and watched the celestial light show in utter awe. Even the heavens were joining us in celebration of our marriage. I struggled to wrap my mind around the significance that, while Linda and I made love on the beach, the Aurora Borealis was shining its blessing down upon us.

After a half-hour or so, the aurora began to fade away, and Linda and I, with a greater sense of awe and privilege to be able to share such a mind-boggling experience virtually with the Universe itself, turned again to each other and recommenced our mating, under the awesome sky. When at last we finished, and I had sent the last drops of my semen into my wife, we rolled over again, just in time to see the last flickers of the aurora, before gathering up our stuff and heading to bed.

We awoke in the morning, and I struggled to achieve one final orgasm in our anniversary weekend -- Linda had simply wrung out of me every drop that I had to give her. Which was a bit awesome in its own right, and probably a fitting signal that it was time to head back home, to our children and our family, having been refreshed and reinvigorated. And humbled by the Universe. . .



Silver Anniversary: Epilogue



My apologies for the error in the lead figures name. It was from another story that I was working on at the same time. If you save the story, please replace with this one. Thanks for your understanding. 

While I was pleased that most readers accepted my rather novel way of shocking them out of their complacency, many were disturbed by John's failure to learn a lesson and to use that lesson compassionately when meeting another man's wife. How could he do to another what had been done so painfully to him? Read on dear reader.

Silver Anniversary – Epilog

Well, I see Bitsy turning my way. She removes her bulky robe and places it on the chair as she comes toward my lanai. Under the robe, she has on only that wonderful little bikini that she wore when we went diving. I was looking forward to peeling what little there was off. Today was the day, I was sure of it.

You will remember no doubt, that I was waiting for Bitsy to come over once her husband Phil had gone off to play his daily 18 holes. I had designs on Bitsy and once Phil was out of the way, I intended to put those designs in play. It would be salve to my hurting ego and it would be a wake up call to dear old Phil. It was criminal to treat a beautiful creature like Bitsy the way he did. He deserved to be taught a lesson and I was willing to be the teacher. It was a lesson I had learned all too well.

"Hi, big guy. Are you ready for little ol' Bitsy to make you feel better?" With hips swaying and boobs bouncing, Bitsy came around the low wall between our lanais and approached me. I watched in rapt attention as she moved toward me. I wasn't really sure how she did what she did with her body, but she did it very well. I was almost hypnotized by the swing in her hips and the bounce of her tits and the smile on her face. This was a vision that most men would die for. 

"I was born ready. Would you like to come in for a drink or something?" I stood up, trying to hide my erection by tying a towel around my waist, even though I hadn't been swimming. She laughed and walked past me, in through the sliding glass doors to my condo. 

I followed her inside as she looked around my place. It was no doubt a duplicate of her place but she looked as if it were all new. I just watched her from behind, admiring an ass that was perfect in every detail. She was perfect in every detail: I don't know if I mentioned that before. She moved toward the bedroom and I hastened to follow her. I wasn't going to be left behind. She turned to be sure I was following and moved over to the bed. She bent over and pushed on the mattress, expecting I don't know what. It bounced, just like I expected it would. She seemed satisfied and turned to me.

"Are you ready to be happy, John? Are you ready to begin your single life with me?"

I was taken aback by her comments. What did she mean, begin my single life? I was beginning to worry. What I thought was just a quick roll in the hay may not be what she had in mind. I was going to do to old Phil just what was done to me by my best friend Bill. Bitsy had to know what my plans were since I had told her my story, leaving nothing out. She knew I was cuckolded and she knew I divorced my wife because of it. She also knew that I intended to do the same thing to her husband but it didn't seem to bother her one bit. It was her own statement of making me feel better tomorrow that had me here in my bedroom with a hard on waiting for this beautiful creature to take off her bikini so I could take off on her. I was surprised that I could feel this way. I felt no guilt; no doubt that this was wrong. Even though the pain of my wife's betrayal was still strong in my mind, I felt no hesitation to do it to another man. The only thing I kept telling myself over and over was that while I hadn't deserved what happened to me, Phil certainly did. 

"What do you mean by that? You know that I want to make love to you right here and now. You offered to make me feel better about living and I thought you meant this." 

With that I waved my arm around the room, stopping at the bed. I looked at her standing there and I saw a smile on her face that made me uncomfortable. It was a devious smile and not a seductive smile, hiding something. 

"Come here John. Let Bitsy make you more comfortable. You don't need to worry about anything. I said I wanted to make you feel better and that's exactly what I am going to do. I know the thought of my husband worries you but don't let it. I'm not. He doesn't care what I do and he wouldn't get mad about it even if he knew. You aren't doing anything behind his back. You can trust me on that." 

Her words seemed to remove all of my doubts. Maybe I was just looking for something to hold onto. She moved toward me, took my hand and pulled me to the bed. She sat down, facing me with my now bulgeless crotch in front of her. She looked at it for a minute and then slid her hand under the bottom of the leg of my shorts and moved up to find me wearing no underwear. She smiled hugely at that and took my limp cock in her hand. At her touch, it twitched and began to resume its anticipatory size. She continued to minister to it until she was satisfied that it was worth seeing.

She undid my shorts and pulled them down to the floor. She looked at my manhood in appreciation and began to minister to it again. I never mentioned that I am about average in size and girth and I have never considered myself a stud, but I had confidence after 25 years of marriage that I could deliver pleasure. I knew I could hold my own. She seemed to like what she saw and she leaned forward. I held my breath as she did what I hoped she was going to do: she took me in her mouth. I was in heaven.

In spite of what I just said, I behaved like a teenaged boy and came almost immediately. I yelled to warn her and she moved back just in time. I was surprised that she simply held her hand over the head and allowed the semen to collect in her tiny hand. I expected it to fly everywhere but she caught all of it. She looked at it and stood, moving over to the bathroom where she got a washcloth and cleaned herself of my shame. 

I was humiliated and sat on the bed with my face red and my cock limp. What a way to impress this woman. I was afraid to look at her as she came back out of the bathroom. She sat down next to me and put her hand under my chin. She lifted my face and turned me toward her. I looked into her smiling face and saw only kindness and understanding, not contempt. 

"John don't feel bad. I am flattered that I could do that to you. Don't you know that a woman feels that way when a man can't help feeling the way you did? She is happy that she can still make a man react sexually the way you did. I was worried that I could please you and it appears that I certainly did." She laughed, but kindly. She moved her hand back to my limp cock and began to move along its length. "I don't think that will happen again, do you?"

"I can't promise anything with someone like you. You are one of the sexiest women I have ever met. You could do that to most men, I bet." I turned toward her, giving her more room to stroke me. I began to kiss her and I put my hand on her breast. She gave a little gasp when I did and that encouraged me to do more.

As she stroked my cock, I slid the straps of her tiny bikini top off her shoulders and pushed her top down, freeing those marvelous 36 DDs. I moved back to look at her and the sight was enough to make my limp dick spring proudly erect again. She grinned in pleasure as she saw my face and again reached for my cock. I pulled her to me to feel those globes pressing against my bare chest. This was what I had been waiting for. I pushed her back on the bed and lay down beside her as I slid my hand down under the tiny piece of fabric that covered her sex. I found her to be already wet and I slid two fingers between the folds of her labia and began to move them farther into her depth. She began to pant as I fingered her and her eyes closed in pleasure. This was what I had anticipated, not that embarrassing premature ejaculation. This was more like me. 

I fingered her, slipping another finger in and watched the pleasure show on her face. She seemed to be happy with my actions so I intensified my motions, sliding into and out of her faster and faster. When I saw that she was beginning to lose control, I bent down and put my mouth over her swollen clit and sucked, using my tongue to manipulate the little nub. This was more than she could stand and she grabbed my head in her hands and pressed me tightly to her, sounds coming out in gasps. I continued, although I was afraid I would suffocate but she finally released me and began to buck and twist under me as she came with a crashing orgasm. I heard her cry my name and then her body just sagged. She fell limply back to the bed. 

I watched her beautiful face relax as she came back down to earth. Her eyes fluttered open and she focused on me, watching her. She smiled that wonderful smile and reached for me. I bent to kiss her and she wrapped her arms around my neck.

"That was very nice, John. I truly enjoyed that and you were very attentive to my needs. See? I told you that it was OK. We both needed that and we both came very quickly. Thank you."

"I loved watching you. You are the most exotic creature I have ever known and I could stare at you forever." I meant it. She was really beautiful, even close up. 

"I don't want you to stare at me. I want you inside me and I want your body on top of me. Right now, Tomas! I want you inside me right now."

She spread her legs apart and pulled me over on top of her. She reached down between us to find my cock and put it at the entrance to her pussy. It was warm and wet from her orgasm and I slid in easily. I pushed all the way in and she took me without a problem. I stopped when I was fully in and waited until I had control. I began to move slowly in and out and she sighed contentedly. I reached down to her thighs and lifted her legs to place them inside mine. I then spread my own legs apart, opening her up even more. She got the idea and lifted her legs above my waist. The feeling was incredible and I was able to penetrate her even more. I began to rock her with the force of my strokes and she was pulling me deeper into her on each stroke. I was prone on top of her, she bearing all of my weight, and I could hear her whispering in my ear.

"Fuck me John. Fill me up with your beautiful cock. Come for me baby. Come for Bitsy. That's it. Fuck me hard and fast. Make me your slut, your bitch. Fuck me John."

After having cum once, I was able to keep going for some time and it was after about 10 minutes of vigorous fucking that I was ready to pump my sperm into her. I finally decided 'what the hell' and let it go. I pumped her as hard and fast as I could and the sperm spilled out into her waiting warmth. I was surprised to feel the walls of her pussy squeezing my cock as she came with a climax at the same time. She gripped my body with her legs as she experienced the pleasure that we shared. That made it all the better. We remained together like that for the longest time and I didn't want to let her go. But she relaxed her legs and I had to release her.

"God, that was great. I have never cum like that before. Twice in less than an hour and all because of you. You are incredible do you know that?" I felt absolutely drained. I wondered if I could find some viagra on this island. With Bitsy, I was going to need it.

"You were incredible yourself. I can't remember when I have felt like that. You have marvelous fingers and a tongue that I could grow to love. Your cock isn't half bad either." She was glowing and I was the reason. I was proud of myself.

She got up and went into the bathroom. I could hear water running and the sound lulled me to into a doze. As I drifted, I began to think of what I had just done. I had fucked another man's wife and now that it was done, I felt a growing sick feeling in my stomach. I couldn't help but remember the feeling I had when I discovered Bill and Serena's affair. I was deep into remembering my pain when she came out. She walked over to the bed and looked down at me.

"It's time for me to go John. I have to get ready and pack. We are leaving tonight for South America. Phil will be back any time now." She watched me as she delivered this shock. 

I sat up in dismay. I didn't want to hear what I thought I had heard. 

"What do you mean you're leaving? You can't leave now. I just found you." I was panicked. I really wanted to get to know this woman more. I was devastated.

"John, I want to tell you something: something that you need to hear and understand. You assumed that Phil was my husband and I never stopped you, but he's not. He's my brother. My divorce was final just a month ago and I had my last name changed back to my maiden name: the same as my brother's. When I told you that my husband wouldn't mind what we did, it was true. There is no husband. I wear my rings for protection and to ward off the more adventurous suitors. Phil brought me along on this trip to help me get over my divorce. We have been traveling for several weeks, he on business and me as a tag along." 

She watched me as I digested this. As what she said sank in, I began to smile. Suddenly I felt a whole lot better about what happened. I hadn't caused her any problem and I hadn't hurt another man or a marriage. I was amazed that this was so important. I honestly thought I could do to someone else what they had done to me. I did, but I had begun to feel the pain of betrayal and I was not looking forward to seeing Phil. Now, it was over and I felt wonderful.

"I have to thank you for so much. I wish you were staying so I could properly thank you. You understood me better than I understood myself. You knew what I was going through didn't you? You knew I was going to be hurting for betraying your marriage?" 

"I knew since I had gone through pretty much the same thing. I knew you were a decent man and I was sure you would need some assurance. I gave you that assurance and then we both had some pleasure. Now you have nothing to feel guilty about, and neither do I." 

She laughed, pulled me in for a wet kiss, and then she was gone. When she left, she took my sadness, my quilt and my anger with her. I felt light and happy and ready for a new beginning, just as she said. 

I pulled out my PDA. There was a phone number I wanted in there. I was sure I did. 

The end. 



Silver Anniversary



She could remember having made love only once in the past six months. She had tried on two occasions to interest him but he only shrugged and rolled over. She was devastated and instead of confronting him, she turned outward into her exercise and her friends. 

It was after one of their Wednesday lunches that it happened. Bill and she were just finishing lunch when he casually mentioned that today was the day John was traveling. When she said yes, Bill made the first tentative move.

"Serena, I have a room here in the hotel. I would love it if you would spend the afternoon with me and let me make love to you. I have thought of nothing else for the past month and you are so beautiful that it makes me crazy." Bill reached over and took her hand in his and held it to his lips.

Serena sat there in shock. How was this happening? She was a married woman and Bill was her husband's best friend! This was insane, but more importantly, she was flattered and was actually considering it. 

She just looked at Bill, her mind spinning, and finally said, "Yes, Bill. I'll spend the afternoon with you."

The look on his face was not what she expected. For a brief second, she saw lust and satisfaction and maybe a little smirk just before he smiled and said, "That's wonderful Serena. I know we can make each other happy and I'll do nothing that you don't want me to do. Let's go now. I can't wait to love you." 

With that he got up and took her by the hand to lead her to the elevators. Once in the room, Bill quickly took her into his arms and kissed her with an urgency that took her breath away. He pulled her tightly to him and forced his tongue between her lips and entered her mouth. She felt his erection pressing against her stomach and the blood rose to her face. She felt on fire! She responded to his probing and they dueled with their tongues while he moved his hands under her blouse to cup her breasts. She moaned a little with the pleasure of it as he pushed her bra up over her tits to her chest, freeing them to his hands. He rolled her nipples between thumb and forefingers, causing them to harden and jut out. He reached behind her to free the bra and removed both her blouse and bra in one swift motion. 

While she stood there, naked from the waist up, he removed his shirt and pants and let them fall to the floor. He stood back and looked at her. 

"You are as beautiful as I thought you would be. You are incredible, Serena. I want to take you and make you mine." 

With that he pulled her to him again and slid his hands under the waistband of her skirt and shoved it down with urgency. He now had her down to only her panties and he was completely naked. Somehow he had shed his boxers and his erection stood straight out in front of him. She looked down at it and took it in her hands as if she had never seen a cock before. She began to stroke its length while she continued to stare at it. It was only the second erect cock she had ever seen. She was a virgin when she married John.

Bill led her to the bed and had her sit down on the edge. He moved toward her with his cock at the level of her face. He stood there expectantly, wanting her to suck him off but she was not going to do that; certainly not yet. She looked up at him and just shook her head no. He tried to pull her face to his crotch but she resisted.

"I will make love with you but I won't do that to you; at least not now. If that isn't acceptable to you, we can just forget this ever happened." 

She watched his face go through several different expressions including anger but finally settle into one of contrition. 

"I'm sorry, Serena. Of course I won't ask you to do something you are not comfortable with. I promised and I meant it."

With that, he moved to sit beside her and again began to massage her tits and kiss her with that wonderful mouth of his. That she enjoyed and she let him move his hand down between her legs to her pussy. It was not yet wet and she would need some stimulation. He noticed this and began to rub her clit and run his finger between her swollen lips. As he continued this with the kisses, she began to become wetter. 

Soon she was dripping and Bill determined that this was the time. He pushed her back to lie on the bed and moved between her spread legs. He took his cock in hand and moved it to her slit and pushed only the head in to allow her to feel the size and to wet his cock for lubrication. Since this was the first time for them, Bill tried to be careful and take it slow.

As he penetrated her, Serena tensed up. This was not right! This was wrong for her to cheat on John! What was she doing? As these thoughts swirled in her mind, she made an attempt to push him away but Bill finally pushed all the way in with one hard push. She exploded in pleasure as she felt him fill her as she hadn't been filled in some time. She forgot all except the feeling of him inside her. She raised her legs and wrapped them around his waist. She held him to her as he began to pump his cock in and out. She was now completely wet and the lubrication allowed her to enjoy him. 

As Bill felt her relax, he increased his pace and was now fucking her hard and fast. He pushed himself up on his arms to look down at this gorgeous thing beneath him. He saw her face scrunched up with pleasure and her eyes closed in delight and he watched her through narrowed eyes as he fucked her.

It didn't last long enough as both of them felt the overwhelming pleasure rise to a crescendo. They exploded in climax together and the feeling was incredible. Bill continued to move in her and she pulled him to her body so tightly that he could hardly breathe. He emptied his sperm inside her and he thought he would never stop. She released him from her grip and he fell spent to lie on top of her. She made no complaint and he finally rose up to look at her beautiful face.

"That was incredible Serena. I have never cum like that before. I thought I had died and gone to heaven." He smiled down at her sweat covered face and dropped down to kiss her lips. 

Serena was still lost in her feelings and she never even noticed Bill as he kissed her and began to stroke her breasts and thighs. She allowed him to take those liberties as she slowly awoke to the reality of what she had just done.

Serena opened her eyes to see Bill looking down at her. The only thing she could see at that point was his eyes, glinting with satisfaction. There was no love reflected there, as there was when the face looking down at her was her husband's face. She felt a sudden urge to throw up and she pushed against Bill's arms and chest to make him move off of her. He moved away and she ran to the bathroom and slammed and locked the door.

"Serena? Are you all right? Is something the matter? Talk to me Serena." Bill knocked on the door and jiggled the knob.

"Just leave me alone for a moment. I'll be fine. Please, just let me be." Serena's voice sounded as though she were crying. 

Bill went to the bed and dressed. He knew what Serena was going through. It had been the same for him the first time he was unfaithful to Sally. But it passed. He knew that for a fact. She would be fine: he just had to be careful so that this could happen again.

Serena came out of the bathroom 10 minutes later, face washed and makeup gone. She looked terrible but still lovely. Bill waited to let her talk. 

She finally looked at him and said, "I'm sorry. I don't know what happened. I guess it was the sudden realization that I just cheated on my husband of 25 years. I had no idea of the guilt and sadness I would feel. I'm not blaming you Bill; I just was unprepared for what I did. I never thought I was capable of this kind of betrayal."

"Don't think of it that way Serena. It was just two people enjoying each other. We're friends and we love each other as friends and we shared some pleasure. I don't want you to feel you're betraying John. I know you love him and not me. I love Sally but I can still feel love for you. Not the same love but different. We can continue to enjoy each other as long as we're careful not to let them know. They might be hurt and that's not necessary. We can keep this as our secret." Bill was very careful not to push her too far. 

"I don't know how I feel right now. I just know I have to go home now. I want to be home by myself. I want my clothes now and I want to get dressed. Please leave now and I'll be fine." Serena looked at Bill finally and he could see the pain in her eyes. He thought it best if he did leave and let her work this out.

"I agree. I'll go and call you tomorrow. Just don't worry so much about something that was just an afternoon's pleasure. I would love to do this again when you are more comfortable with it. Goodbye Serena."

Bill left and Serena dressed. She put on some lipstick and tried to make herself presentable. She looked in the mirror but saw only guilt on her face. She knew everyone would see it and know what she had done. She decided to leave by the back stairs and not chance the elevator. 

That afternoon at home she kept herself busy, knowing that she would have to face John when he came home later. She didn't know what she would do or say and she was certain that he would read the guilt on her face. By the time he arrived, she was a wreck. She tried to behave normally but was sure he saw something. Amazingly he was his usual self and asked her about her day. She mumbled something about typical and dull and that she thought she was coming down with something and turned it around to him as soon as she could. 

Somehow she got through the evening and they finally went to bed. John was so tired that he just turned over and went to sleep. She said a prayer that she could live with herself and finally fell asleep. John was gone the next morning when she woke up and she was angry with herself for not making his breakfast as she did every other morning. He must have assumed that she still wasn't feeling well since he let her sleep. She cheated on him and he let her sleep thinking she was not feeling well. 

The days went past and her guilt slowly disappeared. John suspected nothing and he continued in his way to ignore her and concentrate on his job and its pressing responsibilities. Friday of the following week, Bill called during the day and asked her if they could get together again the following Wednesday when John traveled. She initially said no, but he called several more times and she finally agreed just to get him to stop calling. She thought they could talk and she could break it off with Bill.

When she got to the room number that Bill had given her she stopped just outside the door. She hadn't decided what she was going to do but she knew she had to talk to Bill face to face. She knocked and he threw open the door. He smiled at her and pulled her into the room. She looked at his face and forgot all her planned words. She knew that she was going to do it again.

That time was similar to the first except that this time she enjoyed it more and stayed for an encore. Bill fucked her missionary style and then took her from behind. He had her lay down on her stomach and put a pillow under her hips. He then mounted her from behind and pushed into her. It felt wonderful and Bill maintained a good pace until she began to raise her ass up on each stroke. As she began to push back, he drove into her harder and harder. As he reached his climax, he was fucking her so hard she had to put out her hands to avoid having her head slam into the headboard. She loved it and came just as he stiffened inside her. When he was finished, he rolled over to her side, breathing so hard she was afraid he was going to have a heart attack but he just smiled. He again wanted her to give him a blowjob but she refused. He just looked disappointed but then he began to stroke his own cock as she rolled onto her side and watched. He finally told her to lie down on her back. As she settled back, thinking he would mount her again, he surprised her by straddling her at chest level and placing his erect cock between her tits. 

He took her hands and put them on either side of her breasts and squeezed them over his cock. She immediately got the idea and let a man titty fuck her for the first time. She actually enjoyed it and watched Bill's face as he began to pick up the pace. She looked down at his cock sliding between her tits and wondered if she could put her mouth around the head as it moved up her chest. She raised her head and tried and was able to get her tongue on the head but that was all. It seemed to be enough for Bill as he groaned and shot a load of cum right at her face. She was caught by surprise and some got into her mouth. It was not very much and she swallowed by reflex, almost gagging. She had never swallowed John's cum and she had no intention of doing it for Bill. Bill hadn't noticed so she said nothing. 

That night at home, she was able to act normally and she felt much better about what she had done. John still was paying no attention to her so she felt that she wasn't leaving him out. It was his choice, wasn't it? She still felt some guilt but she could live with it. John knew nothing and he would know nothing. She would see to it that he wasn't hurt while she simply took care of her needs. She never thought of confronting John about ignoring her needs. She simply thought it was easier looking elsewhere. This was his fault wasn't it? 

They had continued with this routine for the next two months and she saw Bill five times all together. Each time they tried something new but, other than the one time, never anything she hadn't done with John. She still refused blowjobs but promised Bill that maybe the next time. He seemed content with that and she had to admit that he was a good lover. Not better than John and certainly not as big as John but good nevertheless. She never told him anything about her and John in bed even though he continued to ask her for comparisons. 

Thus it was until today. She had broken the pattern by agreeing to meet Bill today at the hotel. He was going to be gone this Wednesday when John was scheduled to travel so he wanted to have 'make up sex' as he called it. He continued to harass her until she finally agreed to meet him at the usual time. John never came home for lunch and he rarely called when he was at work so she knew it would be safe. It was good as usual and she had sucked him off until he was hard but stopped. He complained but she just grabbed him and jacked him off while he watched. This always pleased him and this time was no exception. They had fucked twice afterwards and she was feeling pretty good when she got home. 

At home that evening however, John's questions raised her alert warnings and she tried to maintain a calm exterior as he questioned her but she finally had to run to the bathroom. She finally got herself under control telling herself that he knew nothing and went back to finish the evening. When he began talking about their non-existant love life, she almost burst out with the truth. She stopped herself and decided to attack instead. She was angry, more at herself than at him but he couldn't tell the difference. She yelled at him and he finally backed down. He apologized and she felt less threatened. The evening was strained but they survived it.

The next morning John left without breakfast again; only the second time in their marriage. She was disturbed more by that than anything else. She had been making breakfast for John every morning for 25 years, even after they had been fighting. It was one constant in their marriage that they both took for granted. It was becoming apparent that they needed to do something about their relationship. She determined that she would end everything with Bill next week when they met. She couldn't do this anymore and she and John needed to talk about getting some counseling for their marriage. They had 25 years invested and she wanted to stay with him despite all that had happened. She truly loved John and she knew he loved her. They could survive this if he didn't know about her and Bill and if she could keep the secret. She knew she would because she had no choice. She knew her husband and she knew in her heart that John would never forgive her if he found out.

John

I stayed away from Serena as much as possible that weekend. I was so angry deep in my soul that I knew I had to avoid her. I knew that she and Bill would meet again and in spite of the pain I needed to convince myself that I should confirm what I already knew and not stop them. I had enough to know for sure what they had done but I needed more to convince a lawyer. I wanted to wait until after our anniversary party to tell her what I knew and I had a plan that would make this anniversary very special. 

That Wednesday morning I told Serena that I was traveling to Johnsonville next week as usual but that it would be a short trip. I wouldn't leave until late morning and would be back by dinner. I told her I wanted to do some things to get ready for the party. I watched her pretty face smile at me and say something about looking forward to the party. She mumbled something about me finding someone else to make that trip to give me more time. She waited for another hour before she finally went to the phone to call Bill. I didn't bother to listen since it was being recorded. I'm sure they made plans for a different time. I was not looking forward to listening to their Wednesday afternoon get together but I knew it had to be done.

The day went very well since I was in a great mood and I found myself singing. I rarely had felt so good and it caught me by surprise to find that. This was likely the end of my marriage and why did I feel so good about that? That thought cooled me down and the pain returned with a vengeance. I wondered what I was going to do next. Why not listen to what Serena told Bill about today? Good thought!

I went to the basement shop and rewound the tape for today and pressed play. I heard Serena's voice as she called her lover, Bill.

"Hello, Bill. John just told me that he would be changing his schedule for next Wednesday. He's leaving later and he'll be home earlier. We can still meet at lunchtime but I have to be home by 2:00 in case he's home earlier than planned."

"I don't know why he changed plans. He didn't say, other than to do some things for the anniversary party. I don't know."

"I don't think he knows anything. He would certainly tell me if he did. He wouldn't keep it to himself."

"I don't know, but I meant it when I said that we have to end this. He may not have to travel much anymore. We will have to talk later. John's lurking around here somewhere."

The rest of the conversation was just like this with nothing worth keeping on the tape. I erased it and reset it to zero. So Serena was going to end it: but it was already too late. I was hurting again as I walked back upstairs. I would keep listening and go from there.

For the next two weeks, I kept to my plan. Serena and Bill kept their meeting for that following Wednesday. I couldn't wait when I came home and went out to her car while she was setting the table for dinner. I got the recorder out of the trunk and took it downstairs to my shop. I checked the counter and noted that there was 2 hours of tape used. I was sure that it would be very interesting. I couldn't wait till I could listen to it.

After dinner, I told Serena that I was working on some things downstairs and would only be about an hour. She just nodded since I usually spent very little time there anyway. She was just setting down for her usual evening knitting. 

I listened to the tape and was rewarded with an hour of them fucking each other and her doing some things that I considered to be low key but he apparently enjoyed it. It seemed that Bill was as unimaginative as he was stupid. I listened to the first part closely and then let the rest of it go as more of the same. What I heard was actually rather dull:




Silver Anniversary



"Serena, get in here. God, I've been thinking of you all week. Hurry up and get your clothes off. I want to fuck you right now. I'm so hot I'm about to bust!"

"Give me a minute Bill. Jesus! What's gotten into you? Just because we have to hurry, I would think that would suit you just fine. You always want to get to it with no foreplay. I feel like a piece of meat; just a quick fuck for you."

"Serena, you know that's not true. You're just so sexy that I can't keep myself from wanting to take you hard and not wait for romance. I just want to put my cock into that sweet pussy of yours and dump my load. I know you love it when I talk that way to you so you can't pretend you don't like it."

"No, I do love it when you talk to me like I'm a slut. Come on and put it in me, right now. I want you to fuck me hard and fast. Treat me like your whore. This is going to be the last time. I mean it; so make it good."  

For the next few minutes, all I could hear was some grunting and groaning and the bed squeaking as they went at it. I listened as my heart grew heavier and I listened to the sound of my marriage going down the drain. I could never forgive this from either of them.

The tape continued for another hour and a half as they continued in the same vein. I couldn't understand what Serena was getting out of this. Our sex life was far more interesting than what I heard that day. At times she actually sounded like she didn't even want to be there with Bill. I shut off the recorder and rewound the tape. To be safe, I duped it and kept one copy in my safe downstairs and the other copy in my briefcase. I thought I would extract some excerpts from some of the phone calls and that meeting and make a demonstration tape for later.

I went back upstairs and tried to go on with the evening as usual. I felt pain just being in the same room with her. I looked at Serena several times but she looked perfectly normal. I guess she was now so used to cheating on me that she felt nothing when we were together. 

There was one surprising thing that happened just three days before the party. As I listened to the tapes that evening as usual, I heard the sound of the doorbell ring. Bill came to the house but I only heard some of the conversation since Serena kept him at the door. 

She was yelling at him and kept saying, "No, not here. Not in my home! Never! Anyway, I told you we were through!" 

This continued for a few minutes and I finally heard the sound of the door slamming and Serena storming back into the house, cursing out loud. Sounded like Bill was wanting more and more and Serena didn't agree. 

During those weeks, I maintained my silence to Serena. I spoke only when I had to and tried to avoid any time alone with her. She finally noticed my reticence and commented on it a week before the party.

"You haven't said much to me lately. Is something bothering you? Did I do something wrong that made you mad at me?"

"I don't know. Have you done something that would make me mad?" I wanted to avoid any direct confrontation until next week but why not a little push?

Serena had the good grace to blush before striking back, "Of course not! Why would you think that?" She was trying for anger but it came off as desperation.

"I told you some time ago that we had some problems, but you wouldn't talk about them. You just got angry and yelled at me. That's been your answer for everything. Yelling! I just hope you haven't done something stupid to get back at me or to try to hurt me in some way." That was the closest I had come to saying anything directly to her.

Once again, the blood left her face and her eyes grew wide. She started to respond but couldn't get the words out. She finally broke down and started to cry.

"I'm sorry if I made you cry. I was just letting off steam. I know that you wouldn't do anything like that and I trust you with all of my heart and soul. I love you too much to ever hurt you. I hope you believe that." I needed to bring her back without raising her suspicions. 

She just wiped her eyes and looked at me sadly. She didn't say anything to answer me and remained quiet. She finally went to the kitchen and the subject was forgotten. We spoke little after that and things remained tense between us. 

The Anniversary Party

The party was planned for Friday night, a day before our actual anniversary. Friday was best for most of our friends and for our children. It was catered so we had little to do other than dress for the party. We were together in our master bedroom about an hour before the party. I had decided to end my avoidance this morning in anticipation of this day.

"Are you going to wear that beautiful blue dress I bought you last year? I love you in that dress. It shows off all of your charms both in front and in back." 

I did love her in that dress. I bought it for her when she saw it in a window and commented on it. I bought it the next day and she was thrilled. The back was cut down almost to the waist and the front was deeply cut as well. One side of the bottom was slit up to her thigh and she filled it out marvelously.

"I plan to. I love it too although I don't look as nice in it as you say I do. But you bought it for me and this is our anniversary so I think it's appropriate. What about you? What are you wearing?" 

"Just a shirt and tie with a sports jacket. I don't want to distract anyone's attention from you." 

Serena blushed with pleasure and she smiled for the first time in a long time. I wanted her to smile and be happy for the anniversary party. I wanted this anniversary to be remembered long afterwards.

"We have an hour before we have to get ready. I want to use that time more productively."

With that, I moved over to her and took her by the shoulders. I looked into her eyes and said, "I love you Serena. I always have and I always will. Happy Anniversary!" 

The very sad truth of it was that I did indeed love her and I probably always would. That made what I was doing hard, but the pain I felt as I looked at her knowing what she had done was something that I couldn't live with. 

With that, I pushed her backward to the bed and pushed her down onto its edge. She looked up at me in surprise as I knelt down in front of her and pushed aside her robe. She smelled wonderful and underneath she was naked and I moved to her pussy and began to use my tongue on her. She was caught by surprise but she made no move to stop me until I began to finger her. Her only move then was to take my head in her hands and pull me tighter against her pussy. She spread her legs apart to make access easier and I increased my actions. Using my tongue and fingers, it didn't take long before I quickly brought her to a climax. She held my head while she came and she made a whimpering sound as she came. I watched her face as she climaxed, wondering again how this woman that I loved so could do what she had done.

As she relaxed she looked down at me and started to say something. I stopped her with a motion of my hand and went back to work on her with my mouth. She tried to push me away but I continued to stimulate her until she stopped struggling. I inserted two and then three fingers into her wet cunt and finger fucked her until she began to hump my hand and face. I then nibbled on her engorged clit until she was almost screaming her pleasure. I continued until I felt the familiar climax coming again. I brought her to a second, shattering climax and held on until she came back down. That was twice within 20 minutes. 

Again she tried to say something but I put a hand to her lips and silenced her. I pushed her back on the bed and opened her robe completely. She lay there naked in front of me while I knelt beside her as I took off my shorts, joining her. I straddled her body and moved up to put my cock in front of her face. She looked up at me and took me into her mouth without hesitation. As I straddled her, I took her head in my hands and began to fuck her mouth, something I had never done before. She didn't protest or draw back so I continued until I could feel the familiar tightening of my balls signaling a climax. I didn't even bother to warn her as I let it come. She widened her eyes as she felt my sperm hit the inside of her mouth but she didn't stop sucking. I continued to pump her mouth until I had no fluids left. She took it all and swallowed. That was a first but so was what I did to her. Seems she had become more liberal since Bill.

Since I had taken one of those magical blue pills, I wasn't soft yet. I withdrew my cock from her mouth and slid down her body until I was positioned ready to enter her. As she watched me with eyes wide open, I used my fingers to see if she was wet and found her dripping. I slid down and then moved back up with my cock at her entrance. I looked in her eyes and pushed into her in one swift stroke. I watched her eyes widen and heard her intake of breath as I took her. She flung her head back and arched her body under me as I pushed into her to my full length. There was nothing loving about this. It was straight, hard fucking. Our earlier foreplay was not gentle or loving either; it was sex, pure and simple. I didn't think she realized it yet, but she would later.

I pushed into her as far as I could go and then pulled back out almost withdrawing completely. I watched her face as it showed first disappointment when I withdrew and then pleasure as I pushed back in. I repeated this and got a good rhythm going; she helped by rising up to meet me on the in stroke. I began to increase my pace and I pushed in as far as I could on each stroke. She was panting and humping with abandon as I fucked her hard and fast. I was like a madman, stroking as fast as I could. Through all of this, I had not said a word. I knew from the tapes that she liked crude talk, but not from me and not tonight!

She began to scream my name over and over as I fucked her with everything I had. I felt my climax building but held it as long as I could, waiting for her to join me. When I felt her vaginal walls begin to squeeze my cock, I let go and shot another huge load into her. She came at the same time and we froze together, locked in an embrace. It was the best sex of our 25 years together, even though there was no love involved. I knew why, but she didn't.

We were laying side by side, exhausted by our session. "My God, John; where did that come from? You have never done that to me before. Where did you learn all that? Do you have someone on the side that I don't know about?"

Funny. Since she trusted me she could say something like that in jest. 

"No one but you babe. How about you? You didn't seem to be fazed by anything I did."

"That's because I just followed your lead. You used me and abused me and I loved it! I love you!" She said it but I had trouble believing it.

"And I love you. Come on, it's time to get dressed for dinner. You look magnificent just as you are, face flushed from fucking, but I don't want any one else to see you that way. That's for me only. Right?"

"Of course silly." She went in to get dressed for the party. 

The first guests were to arrive at 7:00 and we were dressed and ready by 6:45. I looked at her in that blue dress and I choked up. Tears came to my eyes as I looked at her. I had loved this woman for almost all of my adult life. She had been my life. And I was about to lose her. The pain was so intense that I had to sit down for a minute before my legs collapsed. I wanted to give her my gift now to add to what I had already done to her earlier. The more wonderful things she had to remember from this day, the better! 

"Serena, before we go down to our guests, I want to give you my present now. I want you to have it for the party tonight." She smiled at me and watched me in anticipation.

"You have already given me a gift that I'll remember for a long time. I don't need anything else from you but your love." 

She was radiant. I believed for the first time that she really did love me. It caused me a moment's doubt and then I remembered her words from her last meeting at the Hilton with Bill.

I went to the dresser and pulled out the gold box the jeweler had given me. I walked over to her and held out the diamond necklace I had made for her.

She saw what was in the box and her face showed her surprise and pleasure. She knew what it was as soon as she saw it. She looked up at me with tears in her eyes.

"Happy anniversary my darling." 

I took the necklace and moved behind her to fasten it about her neck. I looked at her pale slim neck and felt a pang of tenderness. She moved to the mirror to see herself with this magnificent stone and was moved to tears again.

"It's absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much John. I love it and will treasure it forever." 

She turned to show me and moved to give me a kiss of thanks. We shared the moment and moved to go downstairs.

As I followed her down the stairs I thought of what I had told her and the way I had made love to her. It was true that I did love her. That was the sad truth and one that I had the most trouble with over the past weeks. I knew that while I loved her, I couldn't forgive her betrayal and her failure to confide in me and try to save our marriage. 

She turned her back on our marriage vows and on me and turned to another man; a man that I trusted and respected and who I would have done almost anything for. That betrayal from two of the people that I trusted most in this world was so great that I found myself struggling for breath each time I thought of it. The pain was such that I found it almost too much to bear. But when I thought that, I listened again to the tape of their afternoon together and found the strength to do what I planned on doing.

Everything seemed to be in place and the caterer was ready. There were two extra people I had hired acting as hosts and they would answer the door and take the coats as people entered. We expected 8 others including our two children as well as Bill and his wife and another couple we spent time with.

As the doorbell rang for the first visitors, I moved up to Serena and put my hands on her shoulders. I was rewarded with a smile as she looked back at me. I moved to her side and took her hand waiting to see who entered first. 

As luck would have it, Bill and Sally were the first couple to arrive. The hosts took their coats and they moved toward us, all smiles as we stood in the doorway to the large family room set up for this event.

I shook hands with Bill as Sally went to Serena and embraced her. These were two of our oldest friends and this evening should be a time of celebration. I just didn't feel that much like celebrating but I had no choice.

"Congratulations to both of you, John. You have the best of everything: a beautiful home, wonderful children and a beautiful wife. What more could any of us ask for?" 

Bill was his own self as usual, verbose and loud. The reasons why we ever became friends escaped me at that moment. I now saw him for what he was: a low life, cheating bastard that would stab his best friend in the back at the first chance.

"Thanks Bill. Serena and I have been very happy for the last 25 years. But things are not always what they seem. You know what I mean?" I gave him a look that should have alerted him and I was rewarded with a sudden widening of his eyes and a quick step back. 

With that, I turned to Sally and held out my hands for a hug. Sally was cute but had grown heavy with the years. She once was a beauty but now was simply a typical dowdy housewife: overweight and plain. 

"Congratulations John. I love both of you and wish you both more years of happiness." 

She looked at me and smiled. Her smile was warm and genuine. I wondered how I could hurt this woman but knew that I would have to eventually. I released the hug. 

"Thanks Sal. I wish I could count on more years together but that may not be in the cards." 

I said this to her quietly so that only she could hear me. She looked at me in surprise but I just shook my head to let her know that now wasn't the time. She turned away with a pained look on her face.

She took Bill by the hand and led him away to the bar for drinks. I watched them go and turned to look at Serena. She just stood there looking at me with a question in her eyes. 

"What did you say to Sally to make her react like that?" 

"Serena, just enjoy the party. We'll have time to talk later. Tonight I just want to enjoy our friends and our children. This is our 25th anniversary and we have had 24 wonderful years together. 

At that minute, the doorbell rang and we were ready for the next guests. Our son, Michael and his wife Julie came in, followed by Justin and Phyllis and our other son Ben and his wife Carrie. We quickly became immersed in the congratulations of our friends and children. Things soon became chaotic and Serena and I were separated to mingle with groups of people waiting to talk to us about our party, our house, and our anniversary. The evening went quickly and we had a wonderful dinner planned, catered and served by experts. Everything was perfect, except for three of us.

During the evening I watched Bill and Serena. They circled each other several times but were unable to find a minute alone to talk. I saw her finally grab his elbow and draw him into a corner. I watched as she spoke earnestly to him for a minute. He had a huge smile on his face that quickly began to fade. He listened and quickly glanced up to see me watching them. I looked at him for a second and turned away. I don't know what happened after that as my son Michael accosted me to talk about our plans. I was vague and told him we hadn't really made any. 

I kept myself occupied with Justin and Phyllis and my sons and their wives as long as I could until it was time for dinner. It was announced and we all filed in. I held back until Bill and Serena had both entered. Seating arrangements had already been made and my daughters flanked me on both sides, while our sons surrounded Serena. It was a wonderful dinner. 

After dinner was finished, I stood up to give a toast to friends and family. I had planned my speech carefully for this occasion. I tapped my knife against my crystal wine glass for attention. Once all faces were looking toward me I began. 

"I want to take this time to thank all of you for attending this very special occasion. My beautiful bride Serena and I have been married 25 years tomorrow. During that time, we have raised two wonderful sons and are fortunate to have enjoyed all the benefits that life has to offer."

"I want to take this opportunity to raise a toast to our wonderful children and their new wives. To Michael and Ben and to Julie and Carrie." I raised my glass and took a sip, looking at Michael and Ben and their wives. They smiled back at me and raised their glasses in thanks.

"I want to raise a toast to good friends." As everyone looked at Bill and Sally and Justin and Phyllis, I looked only at Justin and Phyllis and took a sip. Bill noticed, as did Sally.

"Finally, I want to raise a toast to my beautiful wife, Serena." Everyone looked toward Serena, so all backs were toward me as I deliberately set my glass down without sipping. Only Serena could see me.

After the dinner was complete and people were sitting around in the family room talking with coffee and dessert, Bill came over to me. He looked concerned.

"John, I don't know what's got you upset but Sally and Serena have both asked me what's up with you. What's the problem, buddy?" He didn't know what I knew and he was trying to appear innocent while quizzing me.

"Nothing is bothering me Bill. Why do you and the ladies think something is wrong? What have I done to make you think that?"

"I don't know what they think but you have been kind of out of sorts with me this evening. You and I have been friends for a long time and if something is bothering you I would like to talk to you about it and maybe try to help you."




Silver Anniversary



I had to cool it till tomorrow. This might be the best time to prepare for then.

"Well, there is something that I could use your help and advice with so if you and Sally are free tomorrow morning about 8:30, why don't you come over for some breakfast and we'll talk. I could use Sally's input as well. I know it's early, but it's really important and I would really like your help" 

"Sure we can come but can you give me a hint? I can keep a secret if that's it."

"No, no, it's job related but it is a surprise and I would like to tell all of you at the same time. I'm not even going to tell Serena tonight." 

Bill finally agreed, accepting that he was going to get nothing more out of me tonight. I clapped him on the back and moved away to speak with Ben.

I watched Bill talk first to Sally and then to Serena. They seemed to think that I had a surprise concerning my job that I was keeping and Serena seemed to relax considerably. That was good.

The party was winding down and the guests were all preparing to leave. I circulated the room and spoke with all but Bill, saying goodnight and thanks. I was anxious for the evening to end since it had been painful to me from the beginning. It represented a life that no longer existed.

Bill and Sally were the first to leave, followed by Justin and Phyllis and then Michael and Julie. My youngest son Ben and his wife Carrie were the last to leave and they spoke with Serena and then left. 

Just before Bill and Sally left, she came over to me and spoke quietly: "If you want to talk before tomorrow John, please call me. You know I love both of you and if there is a problem I want to help." She gave me a hug while Bill looked on, saying nothing.

Her simple statement of caring caused me more pain than anything Bill and Serena had done. The problem with all affairs is that innocent people are always the ones to feel the pain first.

"Thanks Sally. I certainly will let you know if I need someone to talk to. I'll see you both tomorrow. OK?" She nodded and left.

I had made arrangements with the caterers to take away any perishables and come back about 10 the next morning to clean up. They were just finishing up when I walked into the kitchen. I looked around for Serena but didn't see her. I asked after her and was told that she had said goodnight and gone upstairs. I waited a few more minutes till they left and then turned out the lights. I had a few things to do in the den and then I went upstairs.

I walked into our bedroom and saw Serena, still dressed, setting in one of the two chairs that comprised our sitting area. It was a nice area that contained two soft chairs, a table with a desk chair and a TV. We used it often and I did most of my late night reading there, while Serena often watched Jay Leno before going to bed.

I walked over to the other chair and sank down heavily. I looked at Serena and felt nothing but pain. No anger, no desire for revenge, just deep crushing pain. With difficulty, I smiled at her and said that I thought the evening had gone well. She returned the smile but I could see the concern on her face.

"John, can I ask you something? It concerns the party." She was looking down at the handkerchief she had in her hands.

"Of course Serena; you can ask me anything. You're my wife after all. If I have secrets from you, it would mean that we have a poor excuse for a marriage, wouldn't you say? A husband and wife should never keep secrets from each other." 

Serena paused, twisting her handkerchief and trying very hard not to cry.

"Why did you set your drink down when you toasted me? Why did you do that John?" Now she looked up at me with eyes wet with tears.

"Why do you think, Serena?"

"I don't know John. I really don't know. You haven't said anything to me about doing something wrong. Have I displeased you in some way? Have I done or said something that made you mad at me? Do you think I have done something wrong?" 

She was looking at me with a strange look on her face. I think it was fear and anxiety but I wasn't sure. If she could cheat on me and keep it to herself, she could certainly try to fake it. It did seem like she was waiting to see if I did know something. I could swear she looked like she almost hoped I did.

"I don't know Serena. Is there something you have done that would make me angry with you?

"No, and I have tried to think of what it could be. I just don't know what's wrong." She was twisting her hands and her shoulders were hunched over. She was close to breaking down. I didn't want that tonight.

"I'm sorry, Serena. I don't quite believe you. I think there are some very serious problems in our marriage but I am too tired to talk with you about them tonight. I'm going to sleep in the guest room and we can talk tomorrow."

With that I rose and walked down the hall to the guest room before I lost my own composure. I had earlier moved some things in there so I went in and closed and locked the door. I had never slept in the guest room in all the years we had owned this house, nor had I ever locked my loving wife out of my bed. The pain of doing that was almost more than I could stand.

I checked my briefcase for the things I would need tomorrow and found them all present. I undressed, turned out the lights and lay down on the bed, knowing I wouldn't sleep much this night.

About an hour later, I heard a small knock on the door and Serena's voice asking me if she could come in. She knocked again but I didn't answer her and she eventually stopped and went back to our bedroom. I lay there with tears finally coming and I fell asleep dreaming bad dreams.

I awoke at my usual time of 6:45, but decided to stay in bed a while longer. I usually got up and was downstairs by 7:15 for breakfast but I wasn't hungry this morning. I had no appetite. I remained in the room until I heard Serena go downstairs and then went into the bathroom. I went back to the room and remained there until almost 8:15 and then went down with a heavy heart to face Serena.

When I walked into the kitchen, Serena was sitting at the kitchen table. My empty place had a plate of cold eggs and bacon with a side of toast and a glass of orange juice. It looked sad setting there. The butter had coagulated and it looked very unappetizing. Serena was just staring at the plate, not moving or looking up as I entered.

With false bravado, I said, "Good morning. Is there any coffee? I could really use a cup." With that, I walked over to the machine and poured a cup of coffee that had already become rather thick. It had been made hours ago and was now bitter. I drank it anyway since it seemed appropriate with my mood.

Serena still hadn't said anything so I walked to my seat across from her with the morning paper and my cup of bitter coffee and waited for Bill and Sally to arrive. I didn't tell Serena they were coming so it would be a surprise to her when they showed up. 

As I folded my paper ready to read, Serena looked up at me and said in a very quiet voice.

"Do you suspect me of something John? Is that what this is about?" When I didn't come down for breakfast, she must have figured it out.

I saw now that she had been crying. Her eyes were red and dull and her makeup had run from the tears. She had obviously made herself up before coming down this morning. I now noticed that she had on a silk blouse and tailored skirt, a combination that I always loved on her. 

I really didn't want to get into it until her lover was here but if they weren't on time, I couldn't avoid it. I was just about to say something when the doorbell rang.

When the doorbell rang, Serena looked up in surprise and wiped her face before going to the door. She opened it to see Bill and Sally standing there.

"What in the world are you two doing here at this time of morning? My God, it's not even 8:30." Serena was looking back and forth between the two of them.

"John asked us to come over last night. Didn't he tell you?" Bill showed surprise that Serena wasn't expecting them. Sally noticed Serena's obvious pain with concern. She moved to Serena and put her arm around her waist. 

"Are you alright dear? You look like you have been crying." Sally held her close, trying to sooth her.

"No, I'm fine. And no, he never said a word. Please, come in." Serena came to find me to see what I had done. 

"Did you invite Bill and Sally this morning? What is going on John? Why are you doing this?" She was obviously distraught and frightened.

Without answering her I walked into the hallway to see Bill and Sally and welcomed them in a booming voice.

"Come in, come in, my best friends in the whole world. Come in and sit down and have some of this wonderful coffee. I think it may be a little strong but that's OK. I think you all will be needing it very soon." 

I took Sally by the arm and led her into the den where I had everything set up. I had done this last night before I went upstairs. 

Once everyone was seated, Bill and Sally sitting side by side on the couch and Serena sitting in her favorite chair looking frightened, I walked over to my briefcase and pulled out two 8x 10 manila envelopes. I moved with them to the center of the room and faced all three of them.

"I have given this a lot of thought and I have some surprises for each of you. First though, let me tell you why I arrived at this place in time that I find myself."

"I have been working some very long hours and traveling more than I should have but I felt it was necessary. There were a lot of people depending on me and I couldn't let them down. But, I hired three new guys and they are finally able to handle the job by themselves. It has been my plan to retire just as soon as I felt I could leave. That time is now. A week ago, I quit my job and told my boss to go to Hell."

I watched the look of surprise, and some relief replace the fear on Serena's face. Bill and Sally were just confused. I did see a glimmer of discomfort on Bill's face, but it was fleeting.

Serena spoke first. "Why didn't you say anything John? I would have supported your decision. You know that. I knew that job was getting you down, and you should quit!"

Bill chimed in as well. "Hell yes buddy. You don't have to work for a company that doesn't care about what's best for you. Let them try to do without you for awhile." 

"I'm glad to see that you both support my decision. I was planning on taking my wonderful wife on a trip around the world, beginning today on our 25th anniversary. I had booked a flight to Miami and from there we would pick up a sea cruise ending in St. Croix. I had us booked into the King Christian Hotel for two weeks."

Serena jumped up, looking pleased and excited and then suddenly her forehead wrinkled and she looked at me with puzzled eyes. 

"What do you mean you were planning on taking me?" Serena was looking at me with confusion and some of her fear was back.

I paused a moment. This was it. There would be no turning back once I did this. 

"Why, I just thought that it would put a strain on your meetings with Bill at the Hilton downtown on Wednesday afternoons if you weren't going to be here." 

All three faces were riveted on me now and this was the moment of truth. Now it was out in the open. I walked over to the table and pushed the play button on the recorder sitting there. I had made a tape with excerpts of their conversations. I thought the first few words of their last Wednesday meeting would be most appropriate.

From the small speakers we heard, "Serena, get in here. God, I've been thinking of you all week. Hurry up and get your clothes off. I want to fuck you right now. I am so hot I'm about to bust!"

"Give me a minute Bill. Jesus! What's gotten into you? Just because we have to hurry, I would think that would suit you just fine. You always want to get to it with no foreplay. I feel like a piece of meat; just a quick fuck for you."

I turned the tape off and watched the faces of the three people staring at me.

Serena was first. She looked like I had just slapped her across the face. She went still, her face frozen in shock and her eyes wide open. I had never seen her as pale as I did then. She fell down into the chair with her hands over her face.

I heard her say in a soft voice: "Oh please God, no!" 

I looked to Bill and saw a look of shock on his face as well but more interesting was the look on Sally's face. She was furious!

Serena was now sobbing openly and she was looking at me with eyes filled with fear. 

"Oh God, no! You did know? How long have you known? Oh, please John, please don't do this. Let me talk to you, please." 

Sally jumped up from the couch with a look of anger and fury on her face. Bill also stood and turned to Sally just as she let him have it. She slapped him with her open hand as hard as she could and just glared at him as he staggered back. The smack sounded like a crack of thunder. 

"You rotten son of a bitch! How could you, you and that slut? How long has this been going on? You and I are through! I'll take you for everything you have!" Sally was on a roll and Bill looked as though he had just swallowed something rotten. She turned on Serena with real venom.

"As for you, you filthy slut, I hope you're happy. You have just ruined two marriages and for what. Bill is a lousy lover anyway. I'm surprised you even let him touch you a second time. I guess sluts aren't very choosy." Sally gave Serena a look that would have curdled milk.

I decided I had better get back into the conversation before Sally killed somebody.

"Bill, I want you to get out of my house right now and I never want to see or speak to you again. You were supposed to be my friend and you stabbed me in the back. I despise you and everything you stand for. Get out, now!"

"Sally, I have something for you that you will want to take. It is a complete record of phone calls between the two of them and it is very graphic in some spots. It should help you if you intend to divorce him." I handed her a bulky 8 x 11 manila envelope.

Sally took the envelope and stormed out of the house with Bill trailing along behind her. He seemed completely confused and lost. I hoped Sally would make his life a living hell from this point on. 

I turned to Serena who had been standing still sobbing and watching the whole sorry thing between Bill and Sally. She must know by now that she had destroyed Bill and Sally's marriage. 

"Congratulations Serena. Bill and Sally were two of our oldest friends and you have succeeded in destroying both of their lives. I hope to hell it was worth it. Sally was a wonderful, kind woman. She didn't deserve what you and Bill did to her."

She looked at me with tears running down her face and I could see the beginnings of understanding the truth of her actions in her eyes. They were haunted and full of pain. I expected it would get worse for her in the next few minutes.

"I am so sorry John, I am so sorry. I never thought of it hurting you or Sally. You were never supposed to know. I never wanted to hurt either of you. It was just lonely for me and Bill was there and I just needed someone to hold me and make me feel like a woman. I'm sorry!"

I waited patiently till she finished. It was no more than I expected from her.

"I found out about your activities one day when I was downtown planning your anniversary present. Our silver anniversary. I thought it was special and wanted to do something special for you. I watched you and Bill come out of the hotel. That got me to thinking and after some questions that you had trouble answering I planted some bugs in the house and in your purse. I taped your phone conversations with Bill and your meeting at the hotel last Wednesday."

"John, you have to let me explain. You have been so busy and I was so alone and Bill was only trying to be a good friend. We just took it too far. It meant nothing and it won't happen again. You have to forgive me and let me make it up to you. Please John?" 

Serena was really hurting now. It was clear that she finally saw the wrong in what she had done and she was frightened of what I might do. I wouldn't keep her in suspense much longer.

"After I discovered your affair, I did a lot of thinking. I went through days of pain because of your betrayal. I wondered what you were capable of and whether you had done this before, with others. I wondered whether I could live without you if I were to leave you. I wondered about the boys and what they would think." 

Serena was sobbing almost out of control. She looked like hell and she was almost incoherent. 

"Please John. We don't have to tell the boys, and I have never done anything like this before with anybody else. Honest, never before. You were my first and only until Bill. He and I only met a few times and only the last two months or so. You have to believe me when I say that I love you and want to be with you and only you. Please John, you have to forgive me!"

"As I was saying, I wondered about a lot of things, like could I live without you? And then I finally realized that I was asking the wrong questions. Remember when my parents died so suddenly? I kept saying I couldn't live without them? Well, I found out that I could. It just took time.

So, I knew that I could live without you. The question I really needed to answer was 'could I live with you after what you did'. The answer to that question was much simpler and the answer was 'no'."

"John, you have to listen to me. I love you and have loved only you for 25 years. Bill was just there when you were gone and he complimented me, and the way I looked, and he was so friendly. I just was so lonely and he was there..."  

"I understand what you did. But not why you thought it was acceptable to do it. I think I could have forgiven you if you had come to me and insisted that we try to find out what was wrong in our marriage. I could have accepted it if you had confronted me and insisted that we go for counseling. You never bothered. You never tried to fight for our marriage even when I asked you about it. You just turned to another man and gave him everything that you promised only to me. I can't forgive that, now or ever."

With that I handed her the second of the two envelopes. 

"These are divorce papers. I had them made out last week after I quit my job. You'll be well taken care of. I want this divorce to be simple and quick. If you don't contest it, I'll leave you the house and one million dollars. If you contest it, I'll use everything I have from your affair in court and I will fight to take everything and leave you with nothing! I'll destroy Bill Collins and I'll leave you with nothing. The choice is yours."

Serena fell to her knees with her head down and tears coursing down her face. She was screaming. "Please John. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. Please, please don't do this to me. I'm sorry. Let me try to make it up to you. You have to give me a chance to make it right!" 

Sobbing, shoulders shaking and face twisted in panic and grief.

"I am leaving today for what was to have been our anniversary trip. I left instructions with my attorney on how to reach me and how to handle the divorce. I do not intend to ever see you or speak to you again. I will call the boys and let them know how to reach me."

"Finally, I have written a letter to each of our sons. I have told them exactly what happened and how you betrayed me. If you fight this divorce I will send those letters. If you accept my terms, they will never see them. In the meantime I will tell the boys that you and I have some problems and that our marriage is over. I will tell them that we have grown apart and decided to separate. I will trust that they won't think too badly of me."

Serena was now completely shattered. She had dropped to the floor and lay there sobbing with her arms over her head. I looked at her but couldn't feel anything. I could only remember her words to Bill as they betrayed me in that hotel room. That memory was enough to give me the strength to turn away and walk out of the house. I could still hear her sobbing as I walked out the door of the house we had raised a family in for the last time.




Silver Anniversary



I had the tickets to Miami, the cruise ship booked and reservations at a first class hotel in St. Croix, and enough money to last me in style for the rest of my life. I intended to make the most of it. I wanted a new beginning and I hoped with time I could get back what I had lost: my innocence and my trusting nature. I was so very tired.

I was tired of people who claimed to be my friend and then fucked me behind my back. I was tired of trying to maintain a broken marriage when my wife couldn't even tell me that there was a problem or let me know that we were in trouble. She put her own pleasure and needs ahead of mine. She fucked another man for reasons only she knew. 

I was tired of expecting trust from those I loved. None of them had been honest and none deserved my trust. I had treasured my friendship with Bill Collins and he betrayed me without a thought. 

I had always thought that my love for Serena was unconditional but I found out differently. You can't love unconditionally when the other person changes the rules.

I shut the door on 25 years of my life and walked out to my car and drove off to begin the second half of my life. The first half had not been all bad but it had ended badly. Maybe this time would be different. I had no idea of what I would be doing in the future but I would certainly be a different person. I had learned some valuable lessons. No longer trusting. No longer taking things for granted. No longer working for someone else's benefit. I would take care of myself from now on and let others take care of themselves. 

As I pulled out of my drive for the last time, I looked back through the rear view mirror to see Serena run out of the house, look at my departing car and then collapse in the driveway. I slowed the car to watch as I felt some sense of pleasure: maybe she had really cared. Maybe she cared enough to feel the pain that I had been living with since I found her out. 

I took my foot from the brake pedal and pushed on the gas. My future was waiting.

Epilog

That was my story and it made Bitsy feel sorry for me. Yesterday, after hearing it she said she wanted to show me that life was still worth living but Phil came home just about that time so she left with a wink and, "See you tomorrow"!

Well, I see Bitsy turning my way. She removes her bulky robe and places it on the chair as she comes toward my lanai. Under the robe, she has on only that wonderful little bikini that she wore when we went diving. I was looking forward to peeling what little there was off. Today was the day, I was sure of it.

The end.



Silver Belle



My name is Belle and I have lived a pretty boring life up into recently. My father still calls me Silver Belle, he loved that stupid Christmas song as a kid, and named me after the song when I was born on December 24th, Christmas Eve. I love my father but the guy has to get a life.

My life has been so boring partly because I was raised to live a boring life, but mostly because I went a long with living the life styles of bored and helpless. My parents believed in a discipline and education. I've been getting straight As for as long as I can remember, I've been polite to the rudest people on earth, and I haven't experienced anything. I was an eighteen year old virgin living in the same pink painted room, with the same lame Barbie dolls, with the same pink carpet and no hope of ever escaping.

On May 15th I noticed my senior year in high school was absolutely flying by. Daddy's Silver Belle was on the honor roll, Student Council president and head cheerleader. I hated all of it, but my life was dedicated to my parents. I felt trapped and worst of all, I didn't know who I was. I desperately needed a change from all the things that were the same. So on that day in May, I took small steps to a change. Instead of three meals, I ate four. Instead of doing all my homework, I did most of it. When it came right down to it, I was taking the smallest damn steps a person could take and I was frightened by every moment of it. I was pathetic.

The nest day I decided I was going to do the best worst thing I could come up with. I asked my good friend Meagon, she's my best friend, ten times smarter then me, just as pretty and a total slut, if I could have a cigarette.

"For what?" she laughed at me. "You don't even know how to smoke."

"So," I said. I wanted to tell her the truth. "I want to make a change. I'm bored with this life."

"So you've decided to commit suicide by use of cigarettes." She smiled at me. "Welcome to society little one." She quickly passed the cigarette to me.

"Now what?" I asked a little confused.

She laughed again. "Eat it. What do you think?"

"I need a liter." She gave me a liter and began to walk away. She turned around five feet away from me.

"I started smoking when I was ten. When it was still dangerous, illegal to a mere kid. There was a rebellion in my smoking. What away to rebel, Belle. Belle the Rebel, smoking at the legal age of eighteen."

With that she was gone. The halls were flustering with activity this morning and I felt out of place with a cigarette and a liter in my hand, so I shoved both in my pocket and headed to class. Half way there I decided to live real dangerous. And I don't mean a fifth meal kind of dangerous either. I was going to cut class. For the first time in thirteen years I was going to miss a class. God I was pathetic.

I lit the cigarette in the bathroom, and puffed for the first time. Never had I experienced an event so tragic. I coughed for a full minute and tossed the cigarette in the toilet. I was in the process of the flushing the toilet when I heard the familiar voice of Mr. Smith from behind me.

"What exactly are you doing, young lady?"

I turned around to greet the principal. I came to two conclusions staring into the black principal's dark eyes. One was smart people were not made to rebel. And two, Mr. Smith was pissed off. So I did accomplish something. I just wasn't ready for any kind of punishment.

"Smoking, you," he said back at his office. He was six foot three and physically imposing. "What the hell happened. You normally one of our best. You never get in any trouble."

"That's the problem," I admitted in the midst of tears. "I'm perfect. Nobody ever thinks anything rotten about me."

"Nobody's perfect young lady. And right now I'm thinking some pretty rotten things about you. Do you know smoking in the bathroom is a one week suspension."

I shook my head.

"Of course not. Your record is clear. And it will remain so. I'm giving you a second chance and you will only miss one day of school to think about your new rebellious lifestyle. But I am calling your father."

I gulped real loud. I was scared and happy all at the same time. I couldn't believe my luck. It had always been there for me, to drive me lower. I did not even get in any trouble. I would hear it from my father, but still, that was nothing. Walking home later that day, I knew I had to do something. Belle the Rebel would strike harder and get in some real trouble. Whether it scared the life out of me or not.

I got a three hour lecture about how cigarettes could kill me when my father came home. He told me about every chemical and every stat there was to know about. He got all of his information off the Internet and read to me off the papers he printed. He lied them on the bed next to me when he was done and told me to read through them if I didn't believe him. 

"Don't think you're sitting in the house all day tomorrow either," he told me. "I got you a baby- sitting job. You're watching the Abbott baby in the morning, so get plenty of rest."

Being the sport my father raised me to be, I did not object to a single word he said. I was going to listen to him, and do something real naughty behind his back. Revenge was a dish best served when your father didn't no about it, at least that was the way I felt.

I got up at six in the morning without the help of the alarm clock or my father nerve bending, angry in the morning voice. I took a shower and stared at myself in the mirror. Closely examining my nice firm breasts and my perfect tanned skin. My eyes were baby blue and gorgeous and my teeth were naturally white. My hair was blonde and hung down to my bony ass. I gently caressed my naked body with my hands, letting roam down to my vagina and my ass. I felt disgusted touching my blonde pubic hairs. They felt nasty to me. So I did the first unthinkable of May 17th. I shaved my pussy. And I was thinking nasty.

At the Abbott household I waited and watched Mr. and Mrs. Abbott fumble into each other repeatedly as they made their ways off to work. My freshly shaved vagina felt good underneath my tight black jeans and silk panties. I felt like a new woman. That's when I first realized I was a woman. Let freedom ring. Belle the Rebel. A girl I was no longer. Quoth the Rebel, "Nevermore!"

I watched the Abbott smelly little one year old, Jimmy for eight long hours. I changed his diaper, gave him milk, fed the little bastard, then he had the nerve to spit the Fruity Pebbles all over my shirt. I never wanted kids. Yuck. At one in the afternoon I put him to sleep. I couldn't believe I had watched every PBS kid show there was to watch. If God was punishing me for smoking, then he had my full attention. Smoking I will easily give up, just as long as I never have to watch that stupid yellow bird and that damn animated aardvark ever again. Bless you Lord.

At two Mr. Abbott came home. This surprised me because he wasn't due back until six. If he was home early I lose out on four hours of pay.

"Watchya doin home so early?" I asked cautiously.

"Go out earlier than I thought," he said. He looked a little under the weather. Nervous, even.

"Baby's sleeping."

"Good. Well, here's your money. I'll pay you for the last four hours too. It's all there. One hundred smackers." He laughed at himself. He was talking fast. No, he was talking while staring at me. He was looking at my breasts. I was a little flattered. I was little embarassed.

"Thank you mista Abbott," I said. I turned away from him and walked in the kitchen. I went to the sink for a glass of water. I watched from the corner of my eye to see if he was checking out my ass. He was.

I must have stopped paying attention after a while because the next thing I knew, I was feeling his hands on my waist. 

I jumped and turned around quickly. I was so damn startled I thought I was having a heart attack.

"I'm sorry," he said. "Listen, I just go some extra money, my boss gave me it for something I did for him, and I don't want the wife to know about it. I want to spend it quickly." He was talking real nervously. "I want to give it to you under one condition."

I smiled, holding the cup in my hand. "How much you have?"

"Three hundred for you."

"For what?" I asked.

"I have to fuck your teenie pussy." The words came out so fast I barely understood him.

For a long time I thought about it, but what it came down to was the revenge. Daddy, your screwed now. Correction, I'm screwed.

"Okay," I said. My voice was shakier than his.

I blushed when he pulled his half erect cock out of his business pants. I got on my knees behind the sink and looked up into his eyes while he wagged his cock in my pretty little face.

I licked shaft side to side until he was fully erect. His cock was about seven inches. I kissed the head of his cock before I slowly worked into my small mouth. When I got half his cock into my mouth I began moving head back and forth. I did all this without using my hands. After sucking his cock with no hands, like an old bike trick, look no hands, ha, ha, he took hold of the back my head and fucked my mouth for a good three minutes. His hard cock was pumping to the back of my throat, slapping my tonsils like a disobedient whore. My lips were slightly burning from the friction, my lips were wrapped around his shaft pretty tight.

When he pulled out he slapped my face with his drooled cock. He giggled at the sight of his pre-cum and my face locking together.

"Take off them jeans," he told me.

So I took them off. "Our you going to fuck me now you cool bastard," I teased him. I was acting like a real bad girl. Belle the Rebel in full force. I had an extra meal daddy. I smoked a cigarette in the bathroom daddy. I gave the neighbor a blow job in his kitchen then he fucked my mouth, what do you think of that, daddy? "Fuck me good you mista. Fuck me like I've never been fucked before." I pulled off my panties. "It shouldn't be to hard, I am a virgin."

The words were music to Mr. Abbott's ears. He tore off his pants and his underwear and came to me very quickly. He kissed my lips, my breasts, my nipples, my belly, then he was down my shaved vagina. When he kissed it I felt a small shock, when his began swirling around down there, I had the biggest damn shock ever. I was shivering like a fucking vibrator, screaming like a sexually fustrated wife after find her husband fucking the mailman. I was out of control. Counting my orgasms was harder math than any Algebra I remembered. I was cumming everywhere and Mr. Abbott was sucking it all up.

Next his cock found my virgin. He lifted my legs high in the air and spread. My right foot was so high it was touching the edge of the sink.

"Fuck me Mista Abbott." I was out of control. So, I liked this time.

He slowly plunged his cock into my pussy. He was moving slow for the first two minutes, then as my pussy gave in to his cock, he sped along. His strong hands were gripping my ankles in a hard lock. He was thrusting in and out like a mad man.

He called me his "naughty lolita."

I called him "my old prick."

He fucked me with his tuxedo on. His tie was moving back and forth the same way my breasts were and I thought it was funny. I licked my lips and fingered my pussy while he fucked me. I moaned and screamed for him. I came on his floor and covered his cock.

"Fuck me you old prick," I called.

Like all stories this one has a conclusion. His forehead was dripping sweat. He pounded my pussy like I never thought he could. He told he hadn't fucked in three years. He told me his wife never gave him a blow job. He told me he was going to cum. I thought about the baby upstairs.

"Being a virgin I'm not on birth control," I warned him. "You're going to half to take that thing else where."

He laughed. "I have just the place. Close your eyes. I see this in pornos all the time. It's where they dump it." He pulled out of my pussy and already I wanted his cock. My eyes were shut and felt unwelcome to this world of darkness.

I heard him panting and raving above. "OH, OH, God, OH God..." He moaned loud. "Here it, here it, OOOOOOOOH, I'm Cummmmming." His words were thrown off by a powerful passion. 

The next thing I remember was feeling hot globs of liquid hitting my faces. There must have been fourteen or fifteen hits in a span of thirty seconds. I thought it was snowing. Hot snow. A word feeling. I realized he had cum on my face seconds later. His cum smeared my face from my forehead to my chin. I felt his cock in my mouth seconds later, I sucked him dry and got a small sample of cum.

When he was done he helped me up. He said he was not going to kiss me under the circumstances. Cum was dripping off my chin and on my nipples. In a small mirror I saw what was left of my face and almost fainted. Thick layers of cum had took away my facial features. My eyes were the only parts not covered. There were a few thick strands of cum in my hair, along my ear lobes, the stuff was everywhere.

"Sorry about that," he said. "I haven't came in long time either." He tossed my towel. "Money is on the table. Get dressed and please go before I get in trouble."

"You got it, mista," I said through my cummy face and then wiped my face back to normal.

"I am Rebel," I told myself going home. A rebel with the a new cause.

I want more good fucking. Belle the Rebel was on the fast track to becoming a new woman.

What do you think of that daddy? Silver Belle lost her virginity and received a face covering facial that blew her mind. 

Quoth the Rebel, "Gimme more."



Silver Blood



Eden Winthrop sat trembling in her chair, the weight of his penetrating gaze a constant sensation upon her person. Doing everything she could to avoid looking at him directly, she tried to pay attention to the conversation happening around her, joining in when everyone else around the table began to laugh.

She had no idea what was just said, but she remembered reading somewhere that laughter sometimes helped to relieve stress, so she went for it. This turned out to be a mistake, because her date for the night, Tad, turned to her with a mock scowl upon his handsome, bearded face. 

"Oh, so you think that's funny Eden? Good to know you have my back."

Eden felt alarmed. She had no idea that the joke had been directed at Tad and now felt like a total fool in front of everyone. She began to blush, looking down at her plate of mostly untouched food, thankful her skin was dark enough to hide it.

She was out with some co-workers and some of their friends. Tad had invited her out for the evening. She had felt lucky because he was sought after by a lot of the women at the office, but for some reason he had chosen her. Of course, she felt giddy with excitement. Tad Reynolds was the best looking brother she had come across in a while, with his smooth, cinnamon colored skin and goatee that fit his face perfectly. Not to mention he had a nice set of lips that were perfectly plump.

The night had been going pretty well. Everyone seemed to be getting along great and there was no shortage of laughter as the group ate and conversed about anything they fancied to. Eden had been enjoying herself immensely before he had arrived. He had come with Jenny, a co-worker, and everyone had greeted them with great enthusiasm. 

Jenny was the female version of Tad at the office and everyone loved her. She was an outgoing, beautiful blonde bombshell that was as tall as an Amazonian. The kicker was that she was genuinely nice so no one could actually hate her. Eden was always in awe of Jenny. She just couldn't understand how someone could look so perfect all of the time.

As Jenny greeted everyone with hugs and jokes, Eden's attention was drawn to the figure standing behind Jenny. She had been taking a sip of water, but choked in the middle of swallowing. The most handsome man she had ever seen in real life stood there, his hands in his jean pockets as he smiled and laughed with some of her co-workers.

He had long, thick black hair that was pulled back from his face in a man bun. His facial features were strong and bold, with a square jaw covered by 5'oclock shadow and a set of full pink lips. When he smiled, his straight white teeth stood out in stark contrast to his swarthy skin and black beard. 

As she coughed and Tad pounded her back asking if she was okay, she nodded absently, unable to tear her eyes from mystery man's face. As if he could sense her gaze, he looked away from the person he was talking with and stared directly at her, their gazes connecting and locking as the smile slowly left his face while his nostrils flared slightly.

Her body began trembling as she stared into his eyes, which were a light color she couldn't discern from the distance that was between them. It was if the noise and people faded into nothing as their gazes held, neither blinking nor moving to break eye contact. Eden felt her heart pounding in her chest as her breathing once again increased, this time from some emotion she couldn't discern.

"Eden! Tad! It's so good to see you guys!"

Eden jolted, breaking the eye lock to look over at Jenny, who had seemed to appear from nowhere. She could've sworn she had just been beside mystery man. Shaking her head to focus, Eden smiled warmly and stood to greet Jenny, who pulled her into a hug. Eden felt like a little kid, her head only reached to Jenny's generous chest. 

Pulling back from the hug, Eden was once again shocked to see mystery man now standing behind Jenny and greeting Tad, though he only looked at him long enough to shake his hand before he turned his gaze onto her. Eden gulped. Up close, he was even more beautiful. His eyes were a mixture of blue and gray with some green flecks thrown in. He was taller than Jenny, which meant she was face to abdomen with the tall giant.

"Eden, let me introduce you to my cousin Carter Marron. Carter, this is Eden Winthrop."

As Jenny introduced them, time once again seemed to slow down as Eden felt like everything was in slow motion. Their gazes once again meshed and Eden felt like she was moving underwater as she reached her hand out to shake his outstretched one. 

As their hands touched, Eden felt an inexplicable warmth start from her hand, then shoot up her arm, across her chest causing her nipples to pucker, down her stomach and straight to between her legs, causing a slight throb to begin.

Eden gasped out loud, startled by her body's unbelievable response. Carter's plump lips pulled up in a knowing smirk and he gave her a slow wink, making her pussy clench in reaction. 

"Nice to meet you, Eden."

His deep, smooth voice seemed to roll across every nerve ending in her body, causing her to shudder just from the decadent feel of it caressing her ears. 

"Ni..Nice to meet you as well, Carter." Eden managed to mutter out; her voice containing a huskier quality to it than usual.

"Ehm! Well, now that introductions are over, why don't we all have a seat."

Eden broke away from Carter's gaze and looked over at Tad in confusion, following his pointed gaze at her and Carter's hands. They were still holding onto each other. Startled, Eden pulled her hand from Carter's, who seemed reluctant to let her go. 

Feeling embarrassed and wondering how long they had been standing like that, Eden laughed awkwardly to break the tension and took her seat. Jenny and Carter made their way over to the other side of the table to the empty chairs across from them; Carter took the one directly across from hers.

Throughout the rest of the night, Eden's and Carter's gazes would meet and lock and she would forget herself for a minute until Tad would break in and ask her a question. She had to keep reminding herself she was on a date with someone else and so she began trying to avoid Carter's gaze, which didn't help because she could feel it like a physical caress over her skin.

All of it made her nervous. She had never had a physical reaction like that before to anybody. Shit, she had never even known it was possible. And yet, here she was, practically sweating and lusting after a guy she just met. Eden shook her head wryly, thinking to herself that she knew she would go crazy one day, holding off on sex until she found the "right" one.

She had never thought waiting until marriage was feasible, since she liked the feeling of orgasm too much. She had just wanted to find the guy who made her feel as though he would be able to take her like she wanted to be taken. Unfortunately, here she was, 26 and still a virgin, holding out for a guy that didn't seem to exist. 

Eden broke out of her thoughts as everyone began gathering their things, deciding to end the dinner and head home. It was a Friday and since there was no work tomorrow, everyone wanted to do their own thing. Gathering up her coat and gloves, Eden made her goodbyes to her colleagues alongside Tad. 

As the last few trickled out, Jenny and Carter approached them.

"Hey guys, it's still a bit early so Carter and I were just going to head to his place for some drinks and dessert. You guys care to join us?"

Jenny asked with her usual upbeat, open enthusiasm. She didn't know what it was about the lady, but every suggestion she made sounded like the best idea. It obviously worked on Tad, who immediately agreed. Eden felt like she couldn't really disagree since Tad was her ride, so she did as well, smiling nervously while looking at the floor.

Following Jenny and Carter in Tad's car, they made small talk. Eden liked Tad. He was very straightforward and had very formed opinions on an array of topics. She liked that he was able to hold up a conversation and make her feel comfortable. They had a few things in common, such as their taste in music and movies. They chatted about these as they pulled up a long driveway behind Jenny and Carter. 

They instantly became silent at the sight before them.

"Holy shit." Tad muttered out in awe, gazing through the windshield in disbelief.

Eden had to agree. They were parked in front of one of the biggest houses she had ever seen up close and personal. Judging from how long they had been driving, she estimated they were about thirty minutes outside of town. The mansion, because there really was no other word for it, was surrounded by forest on all sides. 

It had one of those entrances she'd only seen on television, with a huge staircase leading up to huge white beams that supported the open porch. The moon was full and bright tonight, highlighting the magnificence of the house and darkening even more the parts that were in shadow.

"This dude is totally loaded." Tad shook his head, getting out of the car.

Eden followed suit, immediately shivering in the crisp night air. Meeting Tad in front of the car, she wrapped her arm around his for warmth as they walked to where Jenny and Carter waited for them at the bottom of the stairs. As they approached, she could see Carter staring at the arm that wrapped around Tad's. His face was hard as granite; his nostrils flared and a muscle ticked in his jaw.

Without thinking, she quickly pulled her arm from Tad's and tucked her hands into her coat pockets. His eyes had seemed to glow in the moonlight, giving them an unnatural sheen, making his severe expression almost menacing. Tad didn't seem to notice and greeted the cousins enthusiastically, already demanding Carter to tell him what he did for a living and asking for a hook up. 

As Jenny laughed boisterously and Carter's body became less tense and his expression eased, Eden felt relief wash over her as Jenny grabbed onto Tad's arm and turned, walking him up the steps while she explained that the mansion was a family estate. The relief she had felt quickly turned into anxiety as she realized she was left alone to be escorted by Carter.

Finally gathering her courage, she looked him in the face and quickly wished she hadn't. He was staring at her; the intensity was almost too much to bear. She felt her heartbeat quicken and balled her hands into fists in her pockets; her nails biting into her palms as she fought not to tremble. She didn't know what it was about him that put her on edge so much.

"Eden."

Eden couldn't stop the shiver as his velvet voice washed over her. He held out his hand for her to take. Hesitantly she took it and was amazed at how hot it was despite the freezing temperature outside. Suddenly glad she forgot her gloves in the car, Eden looked up from their joined hands to his face, which now held a soft smile; his eyes glowed with a soft unnatural blue tint in the moonlight.

Eden gasped, closing her eyes and shaking her head to clear her mind. When she opened them, Carter's eyes were their usual light shade and he was smiling a bit wider.

"Ready to go in?"

Eden nodded, convinced she had been seeing things and turned towards the manse, holding Carter's hand as they ascended the steps. He began talking to her in a low voice, asking her if she would like to know more about him. She shyly agreed and listened intently as he told her about himself. 

It turned out he was only thirty years old and worked in architecture. He didn't have any siblings and both of his parents were currently down south for the winter. He and Jenny were like brother and sister since they were raised together.

Eden was enthralled. Even though he shared the most basic facts about himself she couldn't help but soak it all in. She wanted to know every single detail about him. They finally reached the entrance and entered the house; the warmth inside immediately evident though Eden realized that for some reason she wasn't cold anymore. 

Thinking nothing of it, she shrugged out of her coat and took off her hat, handing them over to Carter, who hung them in the closet next to the front door.

Looking into the mirror hanging on the wall next to the entrance, Eden was horrified at her appearance. Her curly hair was in a black poof around her head, no doubt the frizz being a reaction to the hat and the cold outside. Quickly, she pulled the mass of frizzy curls back from her face, tying it and holding it in place with the hair tie she kept around her wrist just for this reason.

Thankfully, the small amount of makeup she had on; eyeliner and some gloss, was still in place. Her milk chocolate skin still looked great and she was so happy she was having a good skin day. Noticing Carter standing behind her watching her watch herself she turned and jerked back, not realizing he was so close. His smell, irish spring and something spicy that was all him, seemed to wrap around her and she breathed in deeply, letting out a soft sigh.

Carter moved in closer, crowding her up against the wall next to the mirror and bent down, subtly taking in her scent as he rested his big hands around her hips. Eden felt her heartbeat increase as her breathing turned into short choppy breaths; standing still as he nuzzled his way from the top of her head down to the side of her neck, his 5'oclock shadow rasping against her soft, delicate skin before he flicked out his tongue, tasting her flesh.

Eden let out a broken moan, her eyes closing to slits; unseeing as she felt Carter begin to suckle at the spot he just licked. Her hands reached up to hold his head in place as she titled her head to the side, giving him greater access. She let out a small cry when he suddenly nipped her, sending a flash of heat down to her core.

Suddenly he pulled back and stepped away from her. Startled, she blinked questionably up at him before she jumped, startled by the sudden appearance of Tad around the corner.

"Hey, what's taking you guys so long? We're waiting in the living room with drinks and snacks."

Tad looked back and forth between them, waiting for a response. They both looked weird; Carter was staring down at the floor with his fists clenched at his sides and Eden stood, staring at him with a dazed expression. Tad cleared his throat uncomfortably, not sure if he had interrupted an important conversation or something.

His throat clearing seemed to snap Eden out of it and she turned towards Tad, quickly walking over to him.

"Sorry Tad. Carter was just helping me put away my coat and things. Let's go."

Eden quickly ushered Tad forward and Tad allowed himself to be hurried forward, leading Eden to the living room where Jenny waited with wine. She wanted to put as much distance as she could between herself and Carter. He had a very strange effect on her.

The wine was a very dark red. Eden wasn't a big drinker, but commented aloud that she had never before seen such a deep red wine before. Jenny explained that their family dabbled in wine making and often liked to treat their visitors to their special collection.

Eden was impressed. Obviously their family could afford to have their own winery, judging from the splendor that was just their home. Carter entered the room and took a seat across from the couch where Tad and Eden sat. 

Jenny filled a wine glass for him and began a conversation about the wine, explaining that the grape they used to make the wine was rare and infused with a secret ingredient their family discovered that gave the wine a little extra something.

"We call it Silver Blood."

Both Tad and Eden were intrigued, taking a sip to see if they could taste that extra something as Jenny drank from her own glass. She watched from over the rim as both Tad and Eden took a first sip, paused and then began to drink deeply from their glasses. Jenny smiled secretively and downed her own glass; the familiar rush flowing through her body as the liquid increased her already heighted senses.

Eden remarked out loud how delicious the wine was, wiping off the little that had dribbled onto her chin when she had downed the whole glass. She apologized at her bad manners, slightly embarrassed by her greedy display. Jenny laughed it off and thanked her, telling her it was the highest compliment when people loved her wine and reassured her that everyone had the same reaction the first time they tasted it.

She accepted a second full glass along with Tad and looked over to see Carter gazing her as he slowly sipped from his glass, his stare unblinking as he watched her drink more of the wine. With the second glass she managed to hold off on downing it, but all the same in no time it was empty. Her body started to feel hot and tingly, but she just assumed it was from her inexperience with alcohol. 

She didn't refuse as Jenny leaned over and refilled her glass. They had been talking about something basic; Eden couldn't remember what anymore when abruptly the topic changed.

"So, how many lovers have you guys had?"

Jenny said this with a conversational flare, as if this is what passed as everyday conversation. Eden blinked slowly, feeling lightheaded as she drank a little bit more wine.

Without hesitation, Tad answered Jenny almost immediately. He'd had at least five glasses by now and he swayed a bit in his seat, loosening the first couple buttons of his shirt and rolling up his sleeves. He broke out into a light sweat.

"I've had at least eighteen in my lifetime; three of them men."

Tad said this very casually, like he was used to airing out his dirty laundry to just anyone all the time. Eden was shocked and hiccupped, covering her mouth as the room swayed a bit.

Jenny let out a cute giggle, though to Eden's intoxicated mind, it sounded more sinister than cute.

"Well, well. I never would've guessed Mr. Pussyhound went both ways."

Tad chuckled as well, as if it was normal to be called out on his sexual exploits.

"Hey, what can I say? You only live once, may as well try everything."

"Mmm. I like that; openness in a man. Tell me. Were you the receiver or the giver?"

Jenny also asked this nonchalantly, finishing her second glass of wine and setting the empty glass on the table. Noticing Eden's discombobulated state, she subtly tilted her head, eyeing Carter to be sure he saw what she did. Assured he had it under control, she tuned back into Tad, angling him so she could get the real party started.

The room had started to spin now and Eden felt nauseous. Closing her eyes, she let her empty glass roll off her lap as she leaned back against the couch to rest her eyes, but then all she knew was darkness.

Eden woke up groggily, confused about her surroundings. She was in a dark bedroom, the only light source a sliver of moonlight seeping through a part in the pulled drapes. Slowly sitting up, Eden groaned and held her head, a slight pounding making her want to lie back down.

After a few minutes of sitting still, the pounding became a slight throbbing and looking over to her left; she pulled herself from the middle of the huge bed to the edge and reached out to turn on the lamp that sat on the bedside table. Sitting beside the lamp was what looked like aspirin and a glass of water. 

Still wincing from the sudden brightness of the lamp, Eden took the aspirin and then washed it down with the water.

Looking around as she drank, she noticed how lavishly decorated the room was. Everything was a deep burgundy and cream; complimenting the dark wood of the furniture. The whole look of the room screamed money and interior decorator. 

Noticing a door to the left, she got up gingerly from the bed and opened it, glad to find that it was a bathroom.

Noticing a slight chill, she looked down and realized she was wearing silky red shorts and a tank top, not what she was wearing before. Figuring Jenny had lent her the clothes, she shrugged and then turned on the light to the bathroom. Looking at herself in the mirror, Eden shook her head and sighed. Her hair tie had fallen off and her unruly curls were a poofy mess all over her head.




Silver Blood



After using the bathroom and washing her face and taming her hair a bit with some water, Eden felt a bit more refreshed and decided to try and find Tad or Jenny. She hoped she hadn't seemed rude by passing out like that in front of everyone. 

She didn't know what had gotten into her, but she was hoping to apologize and put the embarrassing experience behind her. She had never drunk to the point of passing out before and she decided she never would again.

Making her way across the plush carpet and to the door, she slowly opened it, revealing a dark hallway lined with framed portraits. It was really dark and she couldn't make out any features too well; she just assumed it was old family pictures. Feeling her way slowly against the wall, she turned left and began walking down the hall, finally making it to the end. 

She had a choice to go either left or right again. She looked right, but it was very dark and then left, which seemed to be a dead end, but there was a door at the end with a light coming out from underneath. Deciding to go left in hope of finding someone else, she slowly made her way down the new hall, her hand trailing on the wall again for support.

As she approached, her bare feet silent on the carpeted floor, she heard faint sounds that increased in volume the closer she got to the door. Tilting her head in confusion she wasn't sure what she was hearing until she was right in front of the door. The sound was a mixture of moans, pants, groans, cries and this weird, gurgling low keening noise.

Noticing the door hadn't been shut all of the way, Eden debated with herself, not sure if she really wanted to find out what was happening or not. Reaching a hand up to rest against the door, she was about to open it more to peek in, but at the last second changed her mind. 

Dropping her hand from the door, she turned, about to make her way back down the dark hall when she heard a familiar voice rise above the chorus of sounds.

"Pl..plleeaaassee!" the word was a wail and a cry, it's deepness now a thin reedy sound of need and fear.

"You're too big! It can't!"

Stopping in her tracks, Eden turned back to the door, her head tilted as she heard a new raspy voice she didn't recognize reply inaudibly.

Reaching out slowly as if she were in a dream, Eden stepped back up to the door and slowly pushed it open wider, it's movement soundless on its hinges. The scene she saw seemed to be ripped right out of the pages of a seedy fiction novel.

The room was bathed in candle light and fabric draped from the ceiling and walls, casting the corners in shadow while the middle of the room was brightly bathed in light. There were at least eight people writhing in a pile atop giant pillows placed on the floor; their bodies and limbs entwined to the point where it was hard to discern what belonged to whom. 

The only body that stood out was of a dark dusky hue; its cinnamon tone glistened from the candlelight hitting its sweat covered surface.

That familiar but now thin reedy voice emerged from red-stained lips that were surrounded by a dark goatee, a cry of fear and pleasure escaping before being cut off by an ivory white thick cock. It was almost obscene; the way his lips were split open wide from the girth of the dick being force fed down his throat. 

Tad's eyes rolled back, his body jerking in odd movements and that low keening gurgling noise turned out to be him getting throat fucked. Not only that, Eden could make out that he was on his hands and knees, smack in the middle of the writhing group, his dick being sucked down by a brown haired woman lying between his widely spread legs.

Behind him, on his knees, was a hugely muscled long haired blonde man, his ass a masterpiece of muscled flesh as it flexed with every thrust; his impressively thick and long dick sliding with ease between Tad's fleshy ass cheeks. His legs were also spread so the woman could lie comfortably while she sucked on Tad.

As if from a distance, Eden thought of how beautiful the scene was; different shades of skin together from the palest to Tad's darker hue. Her train of thought was broken by a change in Tad's keening. Through the rest of the moans and groans and cries in the room, his voice rose in a continued muffled cry, his eyes bulging and sweat poured down his face as his movements seized. 

The man that was mouth fucking him continued; grabbing Tad's head and letting out a cry of pleasure as, with Tad's shock, his throat opened up and he was able to get his entire length down Tad's throat. Tad's sounds only heightened his pleasure and with three throat tearing thrusts, emptied his load down Tads throat. 

Tad swallowed instinctually, his lips working around the man's pole, while his cry was cut off by the deposit he'd just received.

The reason he began screaming in the first place was because the man behind him had decided it was time and while Tad was distracted by the dick in his throat and his own dick being swallowed by the woman beneath them, the man pulled apart Tad's ass cheeks, used his thumbs to pull apart his already lubed asshole and fed his dick in. 

It was slow moving of course, considering poor Tad had never received, but the man knew once he experienced this pleasure, he'd never forget it.

Eden found herself breathing rapidly; in shudders as she watched the taking of Tad, sweat gathering on her upper lip and forehead. Her nipples were puckered and she felt hot; her sex throbbed as a gush of wetness seeped from between her legs to gather in her panties. 

She found she couldn't look away as inch by inch, the huge man entered Tad's protesting hole, the strain of holding back evident in the way veins stood out from the man's neck as he clenched his teeth and sweat poured down his face onto Tad's ass and back.

Instead of trying to escape, Tad had bent forward onto his elbows once the other man had pulled from his throat, his hands clenching tight onto the spread underneath him, his face buried in the covers to muffle his cries as he kept his posture; his ass up in the air and his knees spread wide. 

The woman underneath him had become occupied herself; screaming in ecstasy as she was eaten out by Jenny. She kept one hand on Tad's dick, which had somehow remained hard throughout his taking. She would jack Tad off while keeping the other hand buried in Jenny's hair as she thrust her hips into her face.

Keeping Tad's cheeks spread wide, the man grunted and cursed out; loving the sight of Tad's small hole clenching around his thick meat for dear life. With one last forceful flick of his hips, he was buried balls deep into Tad's tight ass.

"Fuuuckk! MMMMowwwww" Tad huffed out into the covers, his body soaked and dripping with sweat as he trembled, his asshole desperately trying to adjust to its invasion. The man was nice enough to wait, reaching down to replace the woman's hand with his own and whisper reassuring words in Tad's ear. After a few minutes, the man pulled back and thrust forward, testing to see how Tad took it.

When Tad didn't scream out but just clenched tighter onto the sheets, the man continued slowly thrusting while slowly pulling Tad's dick. After a few more minutes, Tad began to respond. His back arched and his head was thrown back, a look of ecstasy on his face and a grunt leaving his lips every time the giant man thrust back in.

Eden was positively soaked by now. Without realizing it, she had reached into her shorts and underwear, her hand playing with her throbbing clit as she watched Tad get into his fucking. 

"You like that, do you?"

A deep, velvety smooth voice came from directly behind Eden, making her jump and cry out in surprise. 

No one even noticed; they were all too occupied with their own fun.

Before she could turn around, she was pulled back into a hard, bare chiseled chest; her lower back pressing firmly against what felt like a huge cloth covered cock. His big left hand pressed against her belly, keeping her pinned against him as his other hand pulled hers from her shorts and took it's place.

Eden arched back against him, her eyes fluttering closed as she grabbed onto his thick forearm with her right hand; her left she used to clutch onto the side of the door frame for support when he touched her already sensitive clit. Using his thumb, he began rubbing her clit in slow circles while he used his long middle finger to rub at her slick opening.

"Keep your eyes open Eden." His voice was a low command in her ear.

Eden's eyes opened slowly, doing as she was told.

"Do you like what you see? A man being fucked by another man?" he asked in a curious voice; no hint of judgment evident in his tone.

Eden slowly nodded, her shame overridden by the pleasure flashing through her body at his dirty words and the sight before her eyes. Tad had been turned to his back, his legs spread and pushed back almost to his head as the giant blonde man pounded his ass with no mercy, keeping Tad pinned with brute strength.

Tad was once again screaming, this time in hoarse cries of pleasure, his hands clutching the covers underneath him as his cock spouted copious amount of precum all over his chest and stomach.

Eden jerked and clutched onto Carter's forearm tighter, her body having a mini orgasm. She could still feel herself on the edge though. That was nothing compared to what she felt was coming. She heard Carter take in a deep breath as he ground his erection against her back; his thumb still slowly circling her clit and finger still rubbing her opening, which was much slicker now from her mini orgasm.

"Tell me why you like it." He demanded, his voice soft in her ear, his hips never stopping their motion against her.

"Uh..um." Eden stuttered out, trying to think through the pleasure and what she was seeing. Tad was now sandwiched between the giant man still pounding his ass and Jenny, who had Tad's face buried between her legs. Another man hovered over Jenny, slowly thrusting into her mouth while playing with her breasts.

"I..I think it's the raw power and domination between them." Eden finally strung together, her eyes glued to Tad's ass being filled the stranger's thick meat. She really didn't understand herself why she was so turned on and fascinated, but the act was so carnal and hot that she couldn't help it.

"And what else?" Carter asked, his breath coming out faster than before and his hip movement against her a little more hard. As a reward for her answer, he finally slid his long, thick middle finger into her quivering body; feeling her walls greedily suck at his invading digit. His jaw clenched at her tightness.

"I..umm.." Eden lost her train of thought as the giant man suddenly pulled from Tad's body; his asshole had suctioned around his dick so tight she could hear a faint popping noise as he left it. The man grabbed Tad up by his arm, literally picking him up so that they were face to face; Tad's face glistening from Jenny's pussy juice. 

Carrying Tad over and using the wall as leverage, the man leaned him against it, wrapped Tad's legs around his waist, and entered his tight hole once again. Tad's hands clutched onto the man's shoulders as his legs tightened around his waist in reaction to the first thrust; Tad's eyes rolled back as a deep, broken moan escaped his slackened mouth. 

The man's answering groan sounded throughout the room as he began to jackhammer into Tad's tight warmth, his thick length disappearing completely into his body every time he entered him. Tad's body was pushed up and down the wall with every thrust. As if it weren't enough, the man grabbed onto Tad's ass cheeks to spread him wider and pulled him up and down onto his meat harder.

"Hmm. That's Jace's finishing move." Carter's voice was no longer even, but strained, slight pants escaping him to caress her ear as his hips now flat out humped against Eden's back. He added a second finger to Eden's tight body, moaning at the feel of her slick warmth clutching onto his fingers as his thumb began to rub her button more firmly and quickly.

Eden cried out; clutching the door in a death grip as, standing on her tip toes, she felt the heat building deep in her pussy as she watched Tad's eyes widen and his mouth grow slack and his muscles tense up; his body basically a rag doll as his cock began spewing copious amounts of cum all over himself and the man she now knew was called Jace's chest. 

Jace roared out, giving Tad two more brutal thrusts before powering one last time deep into Tad's bowels to unleash what had to be the motherload of all orgasms; keeping himself buried to the hilt so that Tad had to take it all. White liquid slowly began to squeeze out from Tad's ravaged hole, dripping to the floor at their feet.

Eden felt her own body begin to shake as her eyes slammed closed, her hips bucking wildly against Carter's plunging fingers as her own orgasm began to take over. The first wave hit her like a freight train; her body jerked like she'd been electrocuted and she lost her grip on the door frame, leaving Carter to support her body weight.

Acting quickly, Carter tightened the arm that was around her waist and lifted her up so that she basically draped across him; her feet no longer touching the floor as her head rested back against his shoulder and his fingers continued to plunge into her spasming pussy. Every contraction had a gush of wetness covering his hand; and Carter groaned out in frustration, desperately needing to be deep inside her creamy haven in another way.

Turning to face the wall right outside the door, Carter pressed Eden against it firmly, holding tight onto her shaking body as he pulled his fingers from the death grip of her milking pussy. Taking a moment to smell his fingers, he quickly sucked her juices off before reaching down and ripping her flimsy shorts and underwear down her legs.

He hurriedly did the same for his own boxers, which were damp with his precum and sticking to his skin. Kicking them off his legs, he quickly turned Eden to face him, her expression still a mask of pleasure as her orgasm finally began to wane. 

Picking up her pliant body so that her back pressed against the wall, he wrapped both her legs around his waist, making sure she crossed them behind him before he bent his knees, lined himself up to her slick opening and began to push home. Despite the fact that she was dripping wet, there was some resistance as his fat, mushroomed head squeezed its way into her tiny hole.

This caused discomfort to Eden and pulled her out of her post-orgasm haze. In reflex to the pain, her legs tightened around his waist, inadvertently pulling him deeper into her body. Carter took advantage and thrust half- way in; the vise-like grip her slick walls had on his throbbing dick almost too much to take.

Panting at the feeling of being stretched to the point of feeling like she may tear, it was now Eden's turn to get a small taste of what it was like to be impaled on a big pole. And that she was. Even as she felt her body working to adjust to Carter's insanely thick girth, she felt her pussy lips quivering from the strain of being wrapped around something so thick.

Feeling how much her body was struggling to adjust to him, Carter leaned down and took Eden's lips in a deep kiss, massaging her tongue with his own to try and relax her enough so that he'd fit. Though he had intended for the kiss to be a distraction, Carter soon found himself in a heated embrace, Eden's fingers clutched tightly in his hair as they made out furiously; their bodies rolling against each other's. 

Of course this helped move the process along and soon he was buried deep within Eden's tight pussy as they tongue fucked like their lives depended on it. Ripping his mouth from hers at last, Carter panted for breath, his chest heaving against hers as they stared deep into each other's' eyes.

Dazedly, Eden reached up and touched his cheek.

"Your eyes." She said in awe, pretty sure this time she wasn't seeing things. Carter eyes were that same light unnatural blue they had been when they were out on the steps earlier. They seemed to glow in the darkness that surrounded them. Instead of feeling afraid, Eden was intrigued.

Not bothering to respond, Carter just smirked and then, reaching up, he pulled her tank top over her head and threw it somewhere into the dark behind them.

Wishing there were more light out here so he could see all of her better than he already did, which, as an afterthought, was a strange thing to even cross his mind for him, Carter bent his head down and took her dark berry nipple into his mouth as he began thrusting deep into her warm depths.

Eden held his head to her chest, her fingers buried deep in his long, silky ink black hair; his hair tie having fallen out from her rough grips earlier while they made out. She could feel how tender the skin around her mouth was from his beard rubbing against it so much.

No doubt she'd have beard burn later on. She winced in pleasure pain as his beard rubbed against her sensitive breast. Yup. She'd have some there as well.

Carter began thrusting at a different angle; both hands clutched a handful of her ass to assist in bringing her down to meet his punishing cock every time he pushed into her. His thick cock rubbed against an area that sent bolts of pleasure shooting throughout her core. Instantly forgetting her worries about her sensitive flesh, Eden threw her head back against the wall, taking each deep thrust like a champ.

Their combined moans and grunts echoed in the silent hall; a wet slapping sound could be heard as Carter increased the pace of their fucking. Feeling the familiar warmth begin to spread in her belly and down her thighs, Eden's moans turned into low cries as her body began to buck against Carter's, her hands now clutching his shoulders; digging her nails deep into his supple flesh as the orgasm built deep in her pussy.

"That's it baby. Cum all over this thick dick. Just like your little friend did in there." Carter panted out as he watched her struggle to orgasm, leaning down to bite onto the sensitive flesh where her neck met her shoulder.

Two more deep thrusts and Eden flew over the edge, her loud cries of pleasure suddenly cut off by Carter's lips covering hers. Her orgasm seemed to rip through her body; her hips mindlessly thrusting against Carter as her legs clenched tight around his waist and her arms pulled him in as close as she could get him.

As their tongues tangled in a wet messy kiss, Carter felt the familiar tingle down his spine as his balls drew up; his cock continuously being milked by Eden's constricting walls was doing him in. Realizing he wasn't going to last much longer, Carter thrust four more times into Eden's sucking pussy; keeping his length buried deep on the last thrust as cum erupted from his pulsing cock.

Ripping his mouth from hers, Carter let out a deep bellow that echoed down the hall. It felt like his dick would burst from the force from which his cum had left his body to enter hers. All he could do was stand there and clutch onto Eden for support as he emptied himself into her; his trembling body soaked in their combined sweat as he leaned them against the wall.

Eden shuddered as she felt the warm rush of Carter filling her, clutching his shaking sweaty body to her own as they both gasped for breath, his head resting against her shoulder. She slowly began to smile as she came down from her orgasm. That had been better than she had ever imagined it being. 

Her basking was cut short by a sudden clearing of the throat. Carter's body tensed at the sound and his arms tightened around her body.

"Well well. Looks like you guys had your own little party without us."

Jenny stood behind the embracing couple in a flimsy robe; her arms crossed over her chest as the light from the room washed over her features. She was not pleased.



Silver, Blue & Gold



© 2009 All rights reserved

*

Jacob Scott stared at his desk. Not so much at it as through it. He couldn't believe she was gone. It had been a week and he still couldn't wrap his mind around it. Chelsea had left him.

"I'm sorry, Jacob," she had said, standing by the door with the last of her belongings in a small bag. He had come home to find she'd moved nearly all of her things out while he was at work. As he stood there, dumbfounded, she'd continued. "It just isn't working. I want different things than you do, and it's ridiculous to stay here and pretend otherwise." Then she had left.

Two years, he thought. It took her two years to decide it wasn't working? What the hell does that mean anyway? He had been taken completely by surprise. He had loved her, and thought she loved him. They had been living together in his place for several months. They had even started talking marriage a couple of months ago.

Now she was gone and his world was in shreds. What did I do wrong? he wondered. How could she just walk away? On top of that, someone had snuck into his apartment and taken out some of the treasures he had from his father. Military medals, an old pocket watch, and a few other things simply turned up missing, and he had no idea who could have done it. He'd reported the theft to both the police and the landlord, but nothing had turned up.

"Hey, you." Jake turned at the voice. A wad of paper flew at him and he wasn't quick enough to dodge it. It hit him dead center in the forehead and bounced onto his desk. "Come on, man, wake up." 

"Leave me alone, Cam," said Jake. He threw the ball of paper into the trash can next to his desk.

"I've left you alone for a week," Cam told him from the doorway. Cameron Riverton was Jake's best friend. They'd gone into business together and somehow managed to keep the friendship, for which Jake was usually glad. In his current mood, he wasn't sure.

"Then you're getting good at it," said Jake. "Just keep practicing." He resumed staring moodily at his desk, as though if he stared at the papers on it long enough, they'd go away. Perhaps by bursting into flames.

"Look," said Cam, coming over to stand in front of Jake's desk, "I'm really sorry, man. What she did, it sucks. But you have to snap out of it. I know it hurts, but life goes on."

"I don't feel like snapping out of it," Jake grumbled. It was true. In a strange way, it felt good to feel so sorry for himself.

Cameron rolled his eyes. "Of course you don't. No one ever does. Wallow, wallow, wallow. That's all we want to do when someone throws us a curve. So, I've given you a week to do it. Now knock it off."

"I loved her, Cam," Jake said. There was a little heat in his voice, a little anger.

"I know," said Cameron. "And again, I'm sorry. It didn't work. Sometimes it doesn't."

"It was---" Jake began, but Cam cut him off.

"I know, I know. It was two years of your life. You thought you'd marry her. How could she do this? Why didn't she say something sooner?" He shook his head and brown locks fell in his face. He brushed them back. "You've said something like that every day for the past five days, and the answers -- or lack of them -- haven't changed." He cocked his head at Jake, wondering if he was pushing too hard, but continuing anyway. "Frankly, man, it's getting tiresome."

"Tiresome?" Now Jake was angry, and his green eyes flashed. He got up and stalked out to their small lobby to get a drink of water from the cooler. "What the hell do you know anyway? It's easy for you. You get to go home to Madeleine every night, don't you? You don't worry about her leaving, do you?"

"No, I don't," said Cameron evenly. He followed Jake out. His back was starting to get up, too, but he kept his temper in check. Jake might want a fight, but it wouldn't help anything. "But I've been where you are, you know that. When I was with Beth, I thought she was the one. Then she dumped me. I hurt, but I got over it. Then, I admit, I got lucky and met Maddy."

"You can't expect me to act like two years of my life didn't happen," Jake said. He wanted to be angry at Cameron, if only because he was the closest person, but Cam's level tone made it difficult.

"I never said I did," Cameron pointed out. "But you can't sit here every day reviewing the past two years and trying to figure out what you did wrong. Because that's what you're doing, I know it is. You'll drive yourself crazy until you realize the answer: you didn't do anything wrong."

Jake was about to reply when a burst of color whooshed through the door. The burst resolved itself into a woman, probably his age give or take a couple of years. She had golden blonde hair, deep blue eyes, and a metallic silver jacket that nearly hurt his eyes because of the way it reflected the sunlight. She also talked rapidly, like she couldn't get the words out quickly enough.

"Hi. Sorry to bother you. I'm Molly, Molly Sugden. Haven't been here long and I'm just looking for the library. Do you know where it is? Have to check email and all that, you know? Gosh, this is a nice place. You must be really busy. I'm sorry to interrupt." The words tumbled out and Jake and Cameron could only gape. Then Cameron got a curious look in his eye.

"Wait, did you say your name was Molly?" he asked her.

"Yes, that's it, Molly Sugden," she said with a nod. "Well, actually it's Mallory but I never really liked that or being called Mal, so Molly it is. Sorry, do I know you?"

"Don't tell me you've forgotten Sister Laura's U.S. History class already," Cameron said with a grin.

Molly's eyes brightened and a smile grew on her face. Jake thought it was the loveliest smile he'd ever seen. Then he tamped the thought down. I'm depressed, he reminded himself, my girlfriend of two years just broke up with me a week ago.

"Cameron? Oh, my gosh, Cameron Riverton?" Cam nodded. "Oh, wow!" said Molly. "I just got here and I can't believe I ran into someone from high school! How're your Mom and Dad? And your sister? Oh, she must be all grown up now and running her own business or something! And you, this is your place?"

"You bet." Cam came over and gave her a hug which she enthusiastically returned, bouncing all the while. Jake was unexpectedly jealous. "Molly, this is my friend, Jacob Scott. We're in this together."

"Hi, Jacob!" She held out a hand and he took it. 

"Hi," he said. He wanted to say more but he'd never met anyone like her, and it was hard to keep up. She seemed to be in constant motion. 

"Well, look, you must be really busy and I didn't want to interrupt so if you can just tell me where the library is I'll let you get back to everything." Jake almost laughed; it didn't seem she needed to take a breath.

"Just down the street and left at the light," Cameron told her. "Stop back when you're done, if you'd like. We can catch up. Maybe dinner?"

"Maybe," said Molly. "I'm not sure what I'm doing. I never am. You remember. Thanks, Cam. Bye, Jacob." As quickly as she had burst in through the door, she burst out.

"Wow," said Jake. "She's... something." He half-expected to see papers floating through the air in her wake.

"She's always been like that," Cam told him. "Always with the nervous energy. She used to run, sometimes even before school, just to calm down." He paused, remembering. "She was on the track team. Distance runner."

"Before the days of Ritalin," Jake observed.

"No," said Cam with a considered shake of his head. "I don't think it was anything like that. She just had a lot of energy. Good student, it wasn't like she couldn't concentrate. I think her parents made her nervous, and that's how she dealt with it."

"I just used to go to my room and put on headphones," Jake said.

"So, come to dinner tonight," Cam said. 

"What?" Jake was generally used to his friend's abrupt changes of subject, but occasionally they caught him off guard. "Dinner? Why?"

"Why not?" Cameron shrugged. "Beats going home and eating cold pizza and staring at ESPN, which I know is what you're going to do. It's what you always do when you're depressed. You've probably raised your cholesterol ten points in the last week. So come and be social for a while. It won't kill you."

"It would be hot pizza," Jake stalled, "I ate the last piece yesterday." Cam simply stared at him. "All right, all right." Jake gave in. Cam would only badger him for the rest of the day if he said no. "But no talking about Chelsea."

"Deal," said Cam with a nod, and went back to his office. 

Jake suddenly realized he hadn't thought about Chelsea since Molly had come in.

x-x-x-x

Molly put her hands in her lap, willing herself to stop wringing them together. She was actually having a lovely time, but she just couldn't sit still. Her mother had always complained about that. "For heaven's sake, Mallory Ann," she would say while her father looked on in his vaguely disapproving way, "it won't kill you to sit quietly like a lady for a few minutes." Maybe, thought Molly, I would have if she hadn't made me so nervous.

She had stopped by Cameron's office on her way back from the library, and he'd invited her to dinner. Since it had been such a nice surprise to find a friend from high school in a town where she knew no one else, she had taken him up on it. Cameron was as friendly as she remembered, and his wife, Madeleine, was wonderfully pleasant.

His friend Jake was there, too, and Molly wasn't sure what to make of him. He was cute, she wouldn't deny that. He was close to six feet, maybe slightly over, and had dark hair and green eyes. Those eyes, Molly noted, were not happy. She could imagine them lighting up when he smiled or made a joke, but for now, they seemed dark and a little sad. She wondered what had happened.

Jake was making an effort not to think about Chelsea or the breakup and hence could think of little else. Come on, he told himself, shake it off, just for a couple of hours. The one thing that did distract him, at least a little, was Molly.

He got the impression she was nervous, and figured it was only natural. She was among strangers, despite knowing Cameron from high school. He'd be nervous in that situation, too. He had seen her put her hands under the table and had to stifle a smile, sure that she was trying to hide her fidgeting. Jake tried to distract her by asking for stories of Cam in high school. Molly had a few, and Cam blushed more than once.

After they'd chatted for a while, Molly found she couldn't sit any more, and began to help clear the table. She hoped it wasn't gauche, but she had to do something. Her father's voice rattled in the back of her mind, reminding her that guests should always be helpful. He never cleared his own plate, she thought idly. Carefully, she carried the dishes into the kitchen and laid them on the counter by the sink. She didn't want to go so far as to wash the dishes; that, she was sure, would just seem weird.

Why can't I just be normal? she wondered futilely, pressing her hands to her eyes. Why can't I just stay focused on one thing? Sit quietly while someone else talks? Surely other people in the world go to dinner with people they don't know well, and it all works out.

"Feeling okay?" Jake's voice nearly made her jump.

"What?" she asked. Her mind was blank.

"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you," he said, feeling slightly guilty. "You were just standing there with your hands and... I just wondered if you felt all right." Way to go, he thought irritably. Try complete sentences next time.

"I'm fine, thanks," she said. "Just... a little overwhelmed, I guess." Molly smiled a little and he felt better. 

"That's a pretty necklace," he said. "It really catches the light." Molly's fingers went self-consciously to the chain around her neck. It was silver with small topaz and sapphire stones woven in.

"Thanks," she said. "I actually... I made it myself." She blushed.

"Really?" Jake asked, surprised. "It's great."

"It's a hobby," she said, willing herself not to babble. "A friend of mine got me into it and I like to do it when I'm off work. It relaxes me and I can even give the odd gift and I'm sorry, I'm babbling and I'll stop now." She smiled nervously and her eyes darted around the kitchen.

Jake laughed. "You weren't babbling, honestly. It sounds interesting. Do you have anything else with blue stones? They're my sister's favorite."

"I have a bracelet," Molly said. "I don't usually wear them and I was just trying to use up some chains and stones and that's what I had lying around and..." She stopped, took a deep breath, and mentally kicked herself. She was nervous, but she could at least try not to sound like a basket case.

"I'd like to see it sometime, if I could," Jake told her. He surprised himself by saying it and realized again that for the time he'd been talking to Molly, Chelsea had never once entered his thoughts. He wasn't sure he was ready to draw any conclusions from that.

"Oh." Molly was taken back. She told few people about her hobby, and showed the results to fewer still. But Jake seemed sincere, she thought. "Okay. Maybe I could bring it by your office one day."

"That'd be fine," he said. There was a short, slightly awkward silence for a moment and then Molly spoke.

"I, um, I'd really better be going," she said. "I start my job in a couple of days and need to get organized. Which means I'll never get organized but I'll pretend I will." Molly turned but then suddenly stopped and put her hands over her face again. "Oh, no," she groaned.

"What?" asked Jake, concerned. "What's wrong?"

Molly sighed. "I have a necklace for Cam's wife and of course I forgot to give it to her. It's in my bag but now I feel ridiculous and... I'm doing it again." She cursed herself for being an idiot and went to get her purse. Curious, Jake followed her. 

Molly found her bag, brought it back into the kitchen and sat it on the table. Jake was wary of such a large purse and stood what he thought was a safe distance away. His brother had always said he wouldn't go into his wife's purse for fear of losing an arm, and Jake had similar fears watching Molly dig through hers. His fears dwindled and a smile played over his face as he watched her empty the bag, muttering all the while.

Out came a hair brush, a wallet, a cell phone and an MP3 player. So far, Jake considered, so normal. Then there were a few brochures, for the library and other buildings. All right, he thought. She's new in town and needs information. Hasn't had time to sort them out yet. His eyes widened as more items landed on the table. Chapstick, a small tube of something, a stuffed... octopus? A small bottle that might have been makeup. He finally had to laugh out loud when she pulled a rather thick book out. 

"A History of the Vikings?" he asked, still laughing. "Do you always carry that around?"

Molly turned, startled, and blinked. "Not always. Last month it was a book on Cleopatra." She went back to rifling through her purse. Jake stared and couldn't help laughing again. The earnest way she'd responded to him cracked him up.

"Ah ha!" Molly said triumphantly. From the recesses of the purse, she held up a small, gaily colored bag. "I knew it was here."

"That's not a purse," Jake said, eyeing it carefully. "That's a TARDIS."

"My parents always said I must be from another planet," she said absently. "And the TARDIS was supposed to have a chameleon circuit. A purse would have been a great disguise." She took the little bag into the other room. Madeleine was delighted with the necklace, and Molly felt much better. 

Jake was a bit nonplussed that Molly had understood the Dr. Who reference. Cam always rolled his eyes when Jake said such things. He said he could tell when Jake made a reference to the show because he had no idea what Jake was talking about. Chelsea wouldn't even watch with him. That hadn't been fair at all, he thought, after he had made himself sit through Desperate Housewives. 

"Listen, I've had a great time, but I've got to be going," said Molly. "It was great to see you, Cam, and to meet you, Maddy."

"Come back anytime," Maddy said, standing and giving her a hug. "The necklace really is lovely."

"Oh, you're welcome," Molly said as she blushed slightly. "I could show you how to make them some time, if you'd like." She hadn't meant to say it; it just popped out.

"That'd be great!" said Maddy. "I have other friends who'd love it, too. We'll make it a party."

"I'm busy that night," Cam said automatically. "Jake is, too."

"Oh, never mind," Maddy laughed. "You weren't invited anyway."

"Molly, do you need a ride home?" Cam asked her.

"No, thanks," she said. "It's not that far and it's a nice night, so I thought I'd walk."

"I'll walk with you, if that's all right," Jake said. Molly had moved into an apartment complex just about smack in the middle between his place and Cam's. He didn't like the idea of her walking alone at night.

Molly smiled, a little shyly. "That would be nice, thanks."

x-x-x-x

"So, what do you do?" Jake asked as they walked. It was a nice late summer night. The temperature had dropped slightly and the humidity was low. A slight breeze fanned through Molly's hair.

"Me?" Molly asked. "I'm, um, I'm a nurse." She managed not to say that it was a choice her family had not supported. It didn't seem fair to lay that on him when they'd only just met.

"No kidding?" Jake asked. "In a doctor's office or at the hospital?"

"The hospital," she said. "I'm scheduled to start in a couple of days. I've met everyone and they seem really nice but it's always weird when you start a new job and don't know many people and..." she sighed. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to go on like that."

"It's all right," he assured her. Barely realizing he was doing it, he rubbed her shoulder in reassurance. Molly hid a gasp at the touch. "I think that's great," he continued. "I don't think I could ever make it as a doctor or nurse. It takes a lot of dedication. You should be proud of yourself."

"Thanks." Molly felt warm inside and it was all she could do not to hug him. Those were the words she had wanted to hear from her parents and doubted she ever would.

They walked in silence for a little while. Jake pondered his own reaction to touching Molly. It had felt very natural, like a reflex when he touched her shoulder. He wanted to take her hand but wasn't sure if he should. It was confusing. He was on the rebound; he shouldn't be considering other women in any capacity other than friends, if only for their sakes. 

Molly, though... something about her was getting to him. Molly was colorful, he thought. That had been his very first impression when she had spun through the office door. It wasn't that her clothes clashed, or that she wore garish colors or patterns. At dinner she'd worn a pair of dark purple slacks -- Maddy would have called them "plum," he was sure -- a blouse with a small print, and that pretty necklace.

I could use some color, he thought ruefully. Chelsea, he recalled, had usually dressed in dark, neutral colors. She had even started redecorating his apartment a little, adding lots of what he considered "blah spots." Tan throw pillows. Beige throw rugs. Nothing terrible, but then again, nothing special. His apartment, he realized, had begun to look like an Ikea display; attractive but devoid of personality.

Molly, on the other hand, was like a walking rainbow. Since Chelsea had left, he had let everything else fade while he concentrated on his feelings of betrayal. Maybe Cam was right. Maybe he needed to let it go and let things get brighter again.

"If you don't mind me asking," Molly said, "is something bothering you?" Jake looked at her blankly, still wrapped up in his own thoughts.




Silver, Blue & Gold



"What? Me?" he asked. "Sorry?"

Molly couldn't help but laugh gently at the confusion on his face. "I didn't mean to be nosy. It just looked like something was on your mind while we were at Cameron's. Even though I talk pretty fast, I'm a decent listener, if you ever want to talk about it."

"Thanks," he said. Then, out of nowhere, he found himself telling her everything about the breakup. He told her how Chelsea had started pulling away not long after they moved in together, and he'd put it up to the stress of the change. She insisted on only the toniest restaurants and kept saying that he needed to "dress the part" if he wanted to succeed. How she called him Jacob all the time, instead of Jake, as though even his name was too informal. At first he hadn't minded, but after a while it had made him feel like the butler.

Then he'd come home to find her waiting on him only to tell him good-bye. "But it was so weird," he said. Molly listened to it all intently, saying nothing, waiting for him to get it all out. "In between all that, she would say she thought about getting married. Things would be different, she loved me, and all the problems would go away. Then all of a sudden, she decides it's not going to work. And she leaves. Just like that."

Jake took a deep breath, stunned that he'd poured everything out to Molly. God, she must think I'm a complete nut, he thought. He was almost out of breath from having said it all and it took a minute to get his bearings. When he dared look at Molly, he found her staring at him with a hint of sadness, but no pity, in her blue eyes. That was good, he didn't need pity. He'd managed to find an endless source within himself.

Cameron was right. It was tiresome.

"I am so sorry," he said, running a hand through his hair. "I didn't mean... I had no intention of saying all of that. You didn't need me to lay all that on you. I'm really sorry."

"It's all right," she said. "You needed to say it, and I didn't mind listening." He noticed that any nervousness seemed to have left her. She was calm and her words weren't tumbling out on top of each other.

"Okay, then," he said as they resumed walking. "Hopefully, the next time I see you, I'll make a better impression." He gave a short laugh. "Honestly, I don't usually regale pretty girls with a sob story like that."

Molly blushed when he called her pretty. "You made a fine impression," she assured him as he walked her to the door of her apartment building. 

"I did?" He grinned. "Well, that's a load off my mind."

Molly laughed. "Glad to help." She bounced on her feet for a minute, then impulsively reached up and kissed his cheek. "Thanks for the walk, Jake. I appreciate it."

"You're very welcome," he said. Part of his brain was stuck, repeating Hey, she kissed me in a loop. He tried to work past it. "Stop in the office anytime. Cam and I are always looking for an excuse to procrastinate."

"Yep, that sounds like Cam," Molly agreed. Jake smiled and watched as she went inside.

Things seemed just a little bit brighter as he walked back to his place.

x-x-x-x

Molly found herself regularly stopping by Cam and Jake's office on her way to or from work, depending on the shift. If she had a morning start, she'd often bring them coffee. In the evenings, they'd return the favor.

Much to her relief, she stopped talking to them as though she was under deadline to use up a certain number of words. It bothered her, and she had tried many times to change it, but it was an uphill battle. Eventually she gave up. It would have been easier to stop talking all together, she had thought despairingly. She still had her moments, but less so in front of Cam and Jake as they got to know each other.

It had been a stroke of luck, running into Cam. She had taken the job at the hospital with no hesitation, but when the reality of moving to a town where she knew no one finally hit, she had been apprehensive. She and Cam had been good, but not close, friends in high school. They got along better now, she thought. She considered that at certain points in life, people just wouldn't mesh, or not mesh all the way. Give them some time and some seasoning, and that could change.

How much time would Jake need to get over his break up? That thought occurred to her with distressing frequency. Maybe I should talk about it with Maddy, she thought. They'd become fast friends, much to Molly's delight. Maddy was a petite, red-haired firecracker with dancing blue eyes and a ready sense of humor. Molly thought she matched up well with Cameron, who was taller and calmer, although he couldn't quite hide the mischief in his eyes.

What would she tell Maddy, though? She wondered with a sigh. Maddy, I've got a crush on Cam's best friend. Help me out, here. She smiled wryly to herself. That would certainly be direct, and it had the added advantage of being true.

Since that first dinner at Cam and Maddy's, she and Jake had become friends in their own right. They went out to dinner occasionally, usually if she had a shift ending around that time and stopped by the office. He had never really made any moves or done anything Molly could interpret as wanting more than friendship, no matter how she tried to. You're just scared, she admonished herself. That was true, too.

You should just take the chance, she thought. You took a chance on your career, and that worked out. Well, yes, she answered herself, but that was different. If a faceless admissions board rejects you, it's not quite the same as having the guy you like turn you down.

Going in circles with those thoughts, she walked to work, sipping her coffee. Then she shook her head and tried to focus. She went over her day, trying to lay things out as best she could, given the uncertainty of her schedule. After her shift, she was going to Cam and Maddy's for the jewelry demonstration Maddy had suggested. That would be fun, she decided. She had picked up a lot of different colored beads and various chains to put them on. There should be plenty to play with, and she was looking forward to meeting Maddy's friends.

Focusing on work and the evening, she managed to push her feelings for Jake to the back of her mind. That, she noted grimly, was getting to be a habit.

x-x-x-x

"Cam, you free for a ball game on Saturday?" Jake asked. "A client had tickets he couldn't use and gave them to me. Cardinals and Phillies, should be fun."

"Sorry," said Cam with genuine regret. Cam loved baseball and went to games every chance he got. "We have to go visit Maddy's parents this weekend. I'll have to settle for watching it on TV."

"Okay," said Jake. "I can go myself and leave the extra ticket at the box office, I guess. Or find someone who needs one."

"No scalping," warned Cam. "We're lawyers, you know. It wouldn't look good if you got busted for illegal ticket sales."

Jake laughed. "No worries. I'm not even sure where the seats are. I wouldn't know what to charge." He looked up at the clock when the hourly chime sounded. "Four already?" He gave a low whistle. "Time flies when you're buried in motions."

"Sure does," Cam agreed. He stood and stretched. "I've been sitting in that damn chair all day trying to answer emails and contact people. I would have been better to go knocking on doors."

"Think Molly will stop by today?" Jake asked. If she had come by in the morning, he missed her, having gone to the court house to sort out some of the never-ending paper work.

"I don't know," said Cam. "She didn't stop this morning, must have started early." Then he narrowed his eyes at Jake. "Why?"

"I thought maybe she'd like to go to the game," Jake said warily. "That okay with you?"

Cam sat back down and tapped a pen on his desk. "Depends," he said. Jake raised an eyebrow inquiringly. "I think she really likes you, Jake. If you don't like her that way, you should let her know."

"Oh." Jake blinked. He didn't know quite what to say. He liked Molly a lot. He also knew he was making an effort to keep things light, to hold her a little bit away. It had been nearly a month since Chelsea had left, and although the hurt was fading, Jake still wasn't sure how he felt. He told himself that he was protecting Molly by taking things slow, keeping everything platonic. But now he wondered if he was protecting himself instead.

"I don't know," he admitted. It was Cam's turn to give him a questioning look. Jake sighed. "I do like her, I do. I just don't know if I should do anything about it. I'm not dumb enough to ignore the fact that I recently had a bad end to a long relationship. That probably has me messed up."

"You were always messed up," Cam said helpfully.

"Thanks," said Jake wryly. He became serious again. "I mean it, though, Cam. I'm sure my perspective is skewed. Molly is great, she really is. She's sweet and funny and I'd hate to hurt her."

Cam was silent for a moment. Then he said, "Hurt is always a risk. Maybe you should let her take it if she wants to."

Jake was about to reply when, just like the first time he'd seen her, Molly whirled in through the door. She was wearing her nursing scrubs, but they were just as colorful as anything else she wore. Her pants were plain blue but her top had stars and teddy bears on it. She was also carrying her TARDIS purse, as Jake now thought of it. He continued to be leery of it, sure that if he reached in he would come out lacking fingers.

"Hi, guys," Molly said with a smile. 

"Hey, Molly," they both said. Jake saw that despite the smile, she was tired. She hid it well, but he noticed the slight dark circles under her eyes, and the way she didn't talk quite so much. Even her smile seemed a little dimmer, which tugged at him a bit.

"Long shift?" Jake asked, and she nodded, rubbing a hand over her eyes. She looks adorable, Jake thought. With her teddy bear top and her hair in a pony tail held by a silver scrunchie, she looked like she was ready to curl up with a blanket and drop off to sleep. How nice it would be, Jake mused, if she was curled up next to him. That thought brought him up short and he was grateful that Cam continued the conversation.

"Are you sure you're up for the jewelry thing?" Cam asked her. "I'm sure Maddy would understand. She and the others wouldn't mind at all."

"No, thanks," said Molly, dropping into one of their chairs. "It was hectic, but I'm better since getting out. Besides, it'll be nice to see some people. I feel like all I do is work, go home, eat frozen dinners, and go to work again."

"I know those days," Cam agreed.

"Absolutely," Jake said, able to focus once again. "I think you just described my entire last year of law school. Except we alternated between pizza and subs." Molly chuckled at that.

"It's a wonder you graduated at all, with a diet like that," she teased. Then she sighed and stood. "Well, I'd better go. I need to go get the beads and all for tonight. See you."

"Molly, wait," said Jake. He ignored the look Cam was giving him and walked over to the door. "I'll walk a little with you, okay?"

"Sure," she said, nodding. What is this? She wondered, and refused to let herself hope Jake was finally going to ask her out. You're pathetic, she thought. You could just ask him yourself. Women's lib and all that. They stepped outside and started towards Molly's building.

"Are you busy Saturday?" Jake asked.

Molly's heart tripped a little but she kept her voice steady. "No, actually. The scheduling gods smiled and gave me Saturday and Sunday off. I'll have to pay for it with tons of double shifts, I'm sure, but I'll take it when I can."

"Do you like baseball?" he asked. Molly nodded. "I have tickets to the game on Saturday afternoon. Would you like to come with me?"

Molly wanted to say, "Would this be a date?" Instead she said, "That would be fun. I haven't been to a baseball game in ages."

"Great." Jake was more relieved than he expected to be. "The game's at one, maybe we could do lunch before or dinner after?"

"Sure," said Molly. Her heart had settled down, but now her stomach was fluttering. Stop it! She ordered herself. It's just a game, not a date. "It might have to be dinner," she said and felt the words building up to come rushing out. "I'm not sure how late I'll be on Friday because a lot of times I end up working extra hours with no notice so I may end up sleeping pretty late to make up for it and..." she sighed and dropped her head.

"Molly," Jake said gently, putting a hand on her arm. She looked up at him and he was lost, for just a moment, in her deep blue eyes. "I didn't mean to make you nervous. Dinner on Saturday would be fine. I know you work hard, and your hours change. Don't worry, we'll work around it."

"Thanks," Molly said softly. This time, she indulged her urge to hug him. He was so understanding of her work and schedule. Her family had never even tried. Her mother would go on for days when Molly had to beg off an event because of her shift. She had no concept of Molly's job or of the idea that there was a nursing shortage. Molly's hospital was luckier than most, but even so wasn't carrying a full compliment of nurses.

Jake, she realized, had never been upset when she'd had to cancel dinner at the last minute because of an emergency. She hugged him tighter for it.

When Molly's arms went around him, Jake instinctively brought his own up and wrapped them around her. He wondered why it had taken him so long. Well, if I'd known how good she'd feel, I would have, he thought. He had a feeling things had taken a turn, and found he wasn't as worried as he thought he would be.

x-x-x-x

Molly had a great time with Maddy and her friends, Ginger and Sharon. She hadn't had a girl's night of any kind in forever, and they all got along famously. Not a lot of jewelry got made, but they had a blast anyway, and made tentative plans to do it again.

"Oh, that was fun," Molly said with a happy sigh as she helped Maddy clear away some wine glasses. "I haven't done anything like that in so long."

"Really?" said Maddy. "That's too bad." She picked up a tray with the decimated remains of a cheese selection. Cracker crumbs were left like rubble between the chunks of cheese. "It seems like the kind of thing I'd do with my sisters."

"My sister thinks it's a waste of time," Molly said as they walked into the kitchen. "She told me she doesn't know why I bother. Other people make it better, and with more expensive materials, and what was it? Oh, yes. There was no need to go around looking like I shop in a thrift store."

"No offense," said Maddy, "but I don't think I'd like your sister very much."

"None taken." Molly put the glasses down carefully. "I don't like her much, myself, a lot of the time. I think it's pretty mutual."

"I know someone who likes you," Maddy teased in a sing-song voice.

"Who?" Molly looked at her with genuine curiosity.

Maddy laughed. "Jake, silly."

"No," said Molly, disbelieving. Then, with a hopeful note, "Really?"

Maddy laughed again, a clear, pleasant sound. "Absolutely."

Molly sighed and leaned against the counter. "I like him," she admitted. "But... well, I think it's obvious he's not quite ready to jump back in the dating pool. That was a tough break up."

"He told you about Chelsea?" Maddy asked, surprised. Molly nodded.

"It was the first night you had me over for dinner," Molly said. "When he walked me back, I offered to listen if he ever wanted to talk about whatever was bothering him. Then all of a sudden, he told me everything. I don't know why, and we haven't talked about it since."

"I can't imagine why," Maddy said dryly. "Geez, what a conversation to have on the first date."

It was Molly's turn to laugh. "It was hardly a date, just a walk home."

"You have to start somewhere," Maddy said.

"Well, maybe Saturday," Molly said.

"Do tell," Maddy encouraged with a wide smile.

"Jake invited me to a ball game," Molly told her.

"Oh, no," Maddy groaned and closed her eyes. "Cam drags me to those. It's like watching paint dry only less exciting."

"I like baseball," Molly said hastily. "That's not the problem. I just don't know if it's a game or a date. I think it's just a game." She waited a moment, then confessed, "I wish it was a date."

Maddy came over and squeezed her hand. Molly was so... open. She shouldn't ever play poker, Maddy thought. Out loud, she said, "Well, some people say dating is a game. Maybe you can make a date out of it."

"I'm not that clever," Molly admitted. She sighed and looked away. "I'll probably end up saying that to Jake, that I wish we were on a date. Then he'll go to get a drink during the seventh inning stretch and I won't realize until the ninth inning that he never came back and I'll feel like a complete idiot and probably sit in my seat until the ushers throw me out."

Maddy couldn't hide a smile as the words flew out of her friend's mouth. Molly had actually gotten much more comfortable recently and wasn't usually nervous around Maddy or Cameron. But when the conversation turned to Jake, Molly's speech tended to approach mach one.

"I hardly think Jake will abandon you at a baseball game, no matter what you say," Maddy told her. "It's really not his style."

"I guess you're right," said Molly, brushing her hair back. "I'm just such a flake and I know it. Jake seems so together. It hardly seems right that he'd be interested in me."

Maddy laughed loudly this time. "Jake could use a little flakiness in his life, not that you're a flake," she said. She patted Molly's hand. "Just go and enjoy it. And if anything slips out," she shrugged, "sometimes Jake needs a push."

x-x-x-x

Jake knocked on Molly's door, irritated that he was nervous. It's just a baseball game, he reminded himself. With a friend. A very cute, fun, female friend. He sighed.

"Hi," said Molly. Jake couldn't help but smile as he stepped inside. 

"I think we may have a problem," he said, gesturing at her shirt.

"What? Why?" Molly looked down at her top, then back at Jake.

"It says 'Phillies,'" he observed. It looked cute on her, though, he had to admit. It was white with red lettering, and she wore it over a blue t-shirt sprinkled with silver stars. She'd left her hair down, and it caught him by surprise. It looked like a golden waterfall. He was so used to seeing it up in a pony tail -- her usual style for work -- that he'd forgotten what it looked like loose.

"Well, yes," she said, and could feel the words queuing up. "I'm from Philadelphia, so I'm a Phillies fan but if you think it would cause a problem I can go and change and..." To the surprise of both of them, Jake shushed her by placing a finger on her lips. Molly swallowed; it seemed more intimate than a kiss.

"No," he said, stepping back, "that's not it." He held up a shirt, and taking it in both hands, let it unfurl like a flag. Molly laughed as she read 'Cardinals' and saw the logo.

"We'll have to sit in different sections," she teased. 

"Oh, I guess we'll manage," Jake said. "We Cardinals' fans aren't like you hooligans in Philly." He smirked. "No one throws snowballs at Santa Claus here."

"You don't have the guts," Molly said. She narrowed her eyes and put her hands on her hips. "Besides, need I remind you who won the last World Series?"

"True," Jake agreed, then grinned slyly. "Nice of them to win two titles within a person's lifespan."

"Being a Phillies' fan builds character," Molly sniffed. "We have personality."

"You have a court in the stadium for drunks!" Jake protested.

"That's the Eagles," Molly corrected. "And I don't know if they still have that."

"Sobered right up for the new stadium, eh?" Jake asked dryly.

Molly arched an eyebrow. "You know, I don't have to put up with this kind of disrespect." Even as she said it, he could see her fighting to hide a grin.




Silver, Blue & Gold



Jake took her in as she stood in front of him. She was beautiful. Maybe not in a model-perfect way, but her face was so open, so friendly; and her eyes were such a clear blue. Ever since she had surprised him with that hug, he'd been more than a little anxious to try it again. The chance just hadn't presented itself. Until now.

"You're right," he said. "Let me make up for it." He took a step forward and pulled her to him, finding her lips with no trouble at all. When she gave a startled gasp, he took advantage and gently slipped his tongue against hers. Champagne, he thought, she tastes like champagne. With one hand at her waist, he slid his other around her neck and pressed her close.

Molly wrapped her arms around him almost involuntarily, then held tightly, afraid he would let go. She'd wished for so long now that he would do exactly this that she wanted it to last as long as possible. She ran the fingers of one hand through his hair and smiled to herself when he gave a small mmmmm of pleasure. Then his hand threaded into her hair and tugged gently so that she tilted her head back. It was her turn to sigh when he gently kissed her neck.

He found her lips again and slowly, reluctantly pulled away. He stepped back slightly but kept his arms around her. They stared at each other for a few moments, not sure what to say. Molly was afraid if she spoke she wouldn't stop and bit her lip to keep quiet. Jake thought that was somewhere between adorable and really sexy.

"I hope that wasn't, um, out of line," he said.

"Maybe a little out of left field," Molly said, almost shyly. He laughed and the tension dissolved. They stepped apart and after Molly found her keys, they left.

"I've wanted to do that for a while," Jake said as he started the car. "I just wasn't sure if I should."

"Why would you think you shouldn't?" Molly asked. 

Jake shrugged. "I don't know where I am quite yet," he said. Molly felt her heart sink a little. "The whole thing with Chelsea really messed me up and I don't want to mess anyone else up."

"I can understand that," said Molly. "But... messing up is part of the risk of any relationship, isn't it?" She didn't want to pressure him, but she did hope to find out what he thought of her. Of them, maybe, if there was a them. There ought to be after that kiss, she thought to herself.

"Sure." Jake nodded. "It just seems like you should try to keep it to a minimum if you can. I feel like I'm in the maximum risk zone."

"I work in a hospital," Molly reminded him. "I see risk all the time."

"You do, don't you?" he mused. 

She nodded. "It's never easy, but a lot of times it's worth it."

Jake was quiet for a bit as he drove. "I don't know if I'm worth any risk for you, Molly," he said seriously.

It was her turn to ponder an answer. "I think it's up to the person taking the risk to decide that, don't you?"

x-x-x-x

The game had all-star pitchers, amazing plays in the field, and several crowd-pleasing home runs. Jake barely noticed. Instead, he found himself concentrating on Molly. They teased each other as the teams traded the lead, made jibes when the managers brought in new pitchers. Jake was surprised to find out how much baseball trivia Molly knew. The few times he'd gotten Chelsea to a game, she'd made an effort to understand the rules, but not much more.

Molly was fun to watch, he decided. She tensed when the count was full, cheered for the acrobatic catches, and poked him when the Phillies scored their runs. Not just fun to watch, he thought, fun to be with. Being this close to Molly also had one unintended effect -- he kept looking for excuses to touch her. Nothing major, just a tap on the knee or shoulder to point something out. At one point he used a lame excuse about one of the outfield billboards as a reason to put an arm around her shoulder.

He wasn't sure he'd ever had quite these same feelings with Chelsea. 

Had he enjoyed his time with Chelsea? He pondered that as he went to the concourse for some snacks between innings. He must have, he reasoned, or he wouldn't have stayed with her so long. They had had some enjoyable times -- he remembered movies they saw, parties with friends, and a few times they'd gone away for weekends.

Waiting for the pretzels and sodas, he gave it more thought. The movies, more often than not, he realized, had been Chelsea's choices. He hadn't minded, so he'd gone along. Rarely had Chelsea agreed with one of his suggestions. The parties had been mostly her friends -- Chelsea had never liked Cameron, which had always surprised Jake. Everyone liked Cam. Even the weekend trips had been at her convenience.

How had he let that happen? He shook his head at himself as he walked back to his seat. Why had he let everything he wanted be overruled by what she wanted so often? Surely, that wasn't healthy. Was he so afraid to be alone? Was she?

Molly's laugh drew his attention as he waited for a break in the action to return to his seat. She was chatting with another Phillies fan behind her. She's so friendly, Jake thought. He loved to see her smile, hear her laugh. He sighed and walked to his seat while the next batter stepped into the box. He knew what Cam would say if Jake brought it up. First, Cam would smack him on the back of the head, then point out the obvious -- Molly was sweet, she liked Jake, and Jake should get his head out of his ass and start dating her.

Thanks, Cam, Jake thought. You always did know the best way to phrase things.

"Oh, my brother cried for days when Schmidt retired," Molly was saying to her new friend. "My father finally told him, 'For God's sake, the man's retired, not dead.'" The man behind her roared with laughter. She turned her attention to Jake as he sat down.

"Hey, you're back!" She beamed and reached to take the drinks before they could spill. "You have good timing. Nothing happened on the last at bat, so you didn't miss anything." 

"Cool," said Jake. "They must have been waiting for me so they can pull out the dramatic, come-from-behind win."

Molly laughed. "There's still an inning and a half left, and is it that dramatic when you're only one run behind?" 

"I'll take what I can get," Jake said with a wink. He took his drink from her, letting his fingers brush over hers.

Molly felt herself blushing and bent her head, ostensibly to set a napkin on her lap so she could lay her soft pretzel on it. Jake was driving her crazy with all of his little touches. She didn't know what to think. Were they accidental? Was he just that kind of person, like Shirley at work? Shirley was always patting a shoulder or squeezing a hand. Or, Molly almost dared to hope, did it mean he wanted to touch her? Because she was sure she wanted him to.

x-x-x-x

"I think you should buy dinner," Jake said. "Your team won, after all."

"Loser buys," Molly said. "Remember, that was your idea." Just as they had entered the stadium, Jake had proposed a bet with dinner as the prize.

"It shouldn't count," he said with a grin. "I still had hope at that point. The game hadn't started. I was overwhelmed with the possibilities."

"Don't try to wiggle out of this one, Counselor," she said. "You won't find a technicality here."

"Don't be so sure," said Jake. "I'm a pretty good lawyer."

"Tell you what," said Molly. "How about we compromise? You pay, but we'll go to McDonald's or something."

Jake laughed, but part of him was touched. When had Chelsea ever compromised, even on something as silly as this? When had he tried for one, instead of simply going along with her?

"I can do better than Mickey D's," he said.

"Chipotle?" Molly suggested.

"No," said Jake, "I think I can afford a place with chairs that don't swivel."

"Good," said Molly with a relieved sigh. "Those kind of seats always make me feel queasy." Jake laughed again and found a diner called Spooner's that he and Cam had been to a few times. They had good food and quick service, and Molly was delighted with the 1940s theme.

"I love film noir," she said, looking at the pictures on the walls. "I have a bunch of DVDs but never have time to watch them."

"My aunt watched so many of those she got depressed," Jake said. "She switched over to romantic comedies for a while."

"I used to watch them with my grandmother," said Molly. "My mom has a list of about ten movies that she'll watch, and six of them need subtitles. My sister won't watch anything that doesn't involve Meg Ryan or Sandra Bullock."

"I've got a soft spot for old movies," Jake said. The server dropped off their orders and he picked up some ketchup for his fries. "I watched a lot school. Thank God for TCM. There isn't much on at three in the morning."

"I did the same thing in nursing school," Molly said with a smile. "After I was brain dead from studying, I'd find something to watch. Then I'd pull out my laptop and find out the title, since I was almost always in the middle of something."

"What's your favorite?" Jake asked.

"I really like Out of the Past, with Kirk Douglas and Robert Mitchum," Molly said, sliding the pickles off her sandwich. "Almost anything with Kirk Douglas, really."

"Can't go wrong there," Jake agreed. "I've never seen that one, though."

"Oh, you should come over sometime," Molly said reflexively. "We could watch it together." 

"How about tonight?" he asked. "Unless you're too tired?"

"Oh." Molly stared at him in surprise. She'd never expected him take her up on it, at least not so quickly. Lost for a reply, she could only say, "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely," Jake said, and Molly felt herself melt a little at the warmth in his voice.

"That'd be fine," she said. Then her nerves kicked in. "I don't have to work tomorrow so that should work, but I don't have much in the way of snacks or anything unless you want to stop by the store on the way back and --" Jake leaned over and gave her a quick kiss.

"We'll be fine," he assured her.

x-x-x-x

Now this is the way to watch a movie, Jake thought. He sat on Molly's couch and she was curled up next to him. His arm was around her shoulders, and if he just leaned his head down a little, he could smell the light, airy scent of her shampoo. The lights were dimmed to make it easier to see the screen.

He hadn't really cared about the movie, he realized. He just didn't want to stop being with Molly. Everything about the day had just been so much better than he'd expected, he couldn't bear to see it end. It would have to, but he delayed it as much as he could.

Molly's apartment was much nicer than his, he had decided instantly. The furniture wasn't a matched set, but it went together nicely. It was comfortable, like Molly herself. Not like my apartment, he noted. Mine's like stepping into the model house in a new development. His apartment was cold, and he loved the warmth in Molly's.

The difference again between Molly and Chelsea, he observed to himself wryly. Molly had pictures of friends and family scattered throughout the living room in colorful, decorative frames. Chelsea had swept all of Jake's pictures away and into his extra bedroom, saying they cluttered up the space and collected dust.

There's just so much color here, he thought. Little throw pillows and blankets and knick-knacks made it almost festive. There was no beige, no neutral browns or grays. Just lots of little spots of color that lifted a person's spirits. He vowed right then to clean up and fix up his own place as soon as he could. Maybe Molly would even help... 

She stirred and stretched. "Sorry," she said, looking up with sleepy eyes. "I guess I was a little more tired than I thought."

"That's okay." Jake stared down at her. Light from the TV shimmered over her, putting silver specks in her blue eyes. He ran one hand through her hair, watching the gold strands drift through his fingers. Then he kissed her.

He couldn't help it. Her lips looked so soft he had to feel them for himself. He slid his lips against hers gently, taking advantage of her small sigh to slip his tongue between her lips. She still tasted like champagne. Shifting on the couch, he pulled her up against him, moaning softly as her body pressed against his. Suddenly it was urgent that he discover exactly what her body felt like, to find out if it was as warm and responsive as he hoped it would be.

Molly was surprised by the kiss, but wasn't going to let the opportunity go. She hadn't realized just how much those little touches at the game had gotten to her until now. She let Jake pull her to him, almost sighing at the feel of his body against hers. One of her arms rested against Jake's chest, but the other was free and she laid it against his cheek, feeling the light stubble. 

She stiffened in surprise as Jake pulled her shirt out of her waistband and slowly slid his hand under her shirt. He felt her tense and stopped, keeping his hand low on her back and gently stroking. His lips left hers, tracing a line of kisses to her ear. 

"Is this all right?" he whispered, gently rubbing his cheek against hers. Molly shivered as his whiskers tickled her neck.

"It's wonderful," she said when she had her voice again. She moved so she could meet his eyes. "Please, touch me, Jake. Please."

He found her lips again and kissed her deeply, more insistently, and she responded in kind. Jake let the hand on her back move up slowly but was frustrated when he tried to slide his other hand down from her hair. The couch was too restrictive, unless he wanted to tumble them both onto the floor. Although that had its own appeal, he wanted more than that for Molly.

"Can we take this elsewhere?" he asked, reluctantly pulling his lips from hers. 

Molly nodded as his green eyes blazed down at her. She didn't trust herself to talk, afraid she would spoil the mood if she did. This was one time she thought non-verbal communication might be her best option. She took Jake's hand to lead him to the bedroom.

Before they'd gone more than a few steps down the short hallway, Jake spun her back to him and took her lips once more, pressing her against the wall. Molly made no protest, only wrapped her arms more tightly around him as her tongue and body danced with his.

"You," said Jake as he nibbled at her neck, "are a siren. You're going to drive me crazy."

"You started it," Molly said weakly, and Jake gave a sly grin at the challenge.

"Guess I'd better finish it, then," he said, and pulled her into the bedroom.

Molly felt herself quickly losing control. All she wanted was for Jake to kiss her, to touch her. She wasn't sure she liked being so in thrall to the demands of her body, but neither did she want to fight it. When Jake's hands slid under her shirt again, this time with the intention of removing it, she knew she couldn't resist anyway.

As soon as Jake had Molly's shirt off, he stripped off his own and crushed her to him, dying to feel her skin against his. She felt cool and sleek and he loved the contrast with his body, which felt like it was on fire. He ran his lips over her skin hungrily, nipping at her neck and shoulder, and smiling to himself at the sounds she made.

Molly felt almost drunk, light-headed with the sensations Jake caused. She didn't think she'd ever been wanted or desired as much as she was at this moment. She ran her hands over his shoulders and back, exploring his body and wanting to touch more of it. 

"You still have too many clothes on," Jake murmured. Before Molly could react, he unhooked her bra and slid it off, drinking in the sight of her body as he revealed it. He ran his hands over her pale skin, savoring the silky feeling. He raised his eyes to her face and found her biting her bottom lip again and blushing slightly. Smiling, he cupped her face. "You're beautiful," he said before kissing her again.

The compliment gave Molly new confidence, and she slowly lowered her own hands down his back and sides, running her fingers just inside the waist band of his jeans, teasing him. He growled slightly and Molly smiled against his lips. She gasped when he mirrored her movements, making her jump slightly. Jake pulled back slightly and gazed at her, green eyes dark with desire.

"That's enough teasing," he said in a rough voice. In what seemed like a blink, Molly found herself on the bed next to him and the rest of their clothes had disappeared. She stretched out next to him, trying to touch as much of him as she could. Jake wrapped one arm around her waist and tangled his other hand in her hair, pulling her as close as he could while his tongue explored her mouth. He couldn't get enough of that slightly sweet taste.

He rolled to his back and Molly took advantage to begin a more thorough exploration of his body. He groaned as she teased him with her fingers and lips; it felt like she left streaks of ice along his burning skin. When she rubbed her body against his, he dug his fingers into her hips to keep her close. She wriggled out of his grasp and kissed lower and lower until she had him, hard and hot, in her mouth.

Molly couldn't help smiling to herself as she felt him losing control too. His hands moved from her shoulders to her hair and back as though he couldn't decide where to put them. Then he surprised her by grabbing her arms and pulling her back up where he could kiss her. "Too much," was all he said before rolling so that she was underneath him.

"My turn," he told her. Jake felt like a starving man who had come upon a feast. He brushed his lips along her neck, down her chest, finally teasing a nipple with her tongue. Molly arched up against him as though offering more. He took it. His hand moved to her other breast, gently massaging until she was breathless. Before she could regain her breath, he slid his hand down slowly, teasing her. Then he found the warmth and wetness between her legs and it was such a contrast to the coolness of her body that he couldn't resist tasting her.

This time when Molly arched off the bed, she shook and let out a soft cry that might have been his name. He thought it was, and wanting to hear it again, he continued to use his tongue and drove her to another climax. Finally he heard her soft whispers asking him to stop. Resting his head on her stomach, he stroked her sides gently while she came back to herself.

"Do you want this?" he asked as he moved over her, resting on his arms. "Tell me now and I'll stop. I won't do anything you don't want, Molly."

She reached up and ran her fingers through his dark hair. He closed his eyes and bent his head closer so she could continue. She put a hand under his chin to make him look at her. "I want this, Jake," she said softly. "I want you." She rubbed her leg against his.

"God, I want you, too," he said. Then he slid inside and kissed her hard, his tongue mimicking the rhythm of his hips.

Molly let her head fall back and her eyes closed, floating on the sensations running through her body. Their bodies were perfectly matched, she thought distantly as she met each thrust. She hadn't had many lovers, but she knew it couldn't be better than this.

Jake whispered to her, not even sure what he was saying. He wanted to tell her how lovely she was, how amazing she felt, and hoped some of that came through. Not long enough, he thought as he fought back his climax. It was no use. Molly trembled around him, her body gripping his tightly as she came again in his arms. Jake lowered his head to her shoulder and gave in, groaning softly as the orgasm washed through him.

They said nothing, comfortable in the dark, in the silence. Jake pressed his lips gently to her forehead, stroking her arm. Molly drifted and drifted until she fell asleep.

Jake didn't think he'd ever had a night quite like this one. They would sleep, or at least doze, and then one of them would touch the other, softly at first. Then the desire would build and they'd make love again. Finally, a bit before dawn, they fell asleep and didn't wake until mid-morning.




Silver, Blue & Gold



x-x-x-x

"So, are you and Jake official yet?" Maddy asked. She and Molly were once again cleaning the debris from another jewelry night. 

"I guess," said Molly, setting down a glass. "I haven't really asked. It seems kind of... needy."

"Just because you want to know something, doesn't mean it's needy," Maddy said. She ran a hand through her curly red hair as she surveyed the mess. It was amazing, she thought, the chaos four women could create with a little wine and some colored beads.

"I don't want to mess anything up," Molly confessed with a sigh. "It's all going so well. We're having fun. He's so understanding about my schedule and shifts. I feel like if I say something wrong it'll... it'll break."

"You're not asking him to marry you," Maddy pointed out. Then she paused. "Are you?"

Molly laughed and so did Maddy. "No, no, I don't think either of us is ready for that yet," Molly said. 

"So just ask him," Maddy said. "It's no crime to want to know where you stand."

"The problem," Molly began, and then stopped. Maddy waited expectantly. "Never mind," said Molly, picking up another glass.

Maddy placed a hand on her arm. "Oh, no, you don't. You don't say something like that and think I'll let you off that easy. What's the problem?"

Molly put the glass down and paced the living room. "I love him, Maddy. I know it hasn't been long, but I do. I'm afraid if I say something, he'll get scared and run in the other direction. It hasn't been that long since his break-up."

"That was two months ago or better," Maddy said. "He wouldn't be with you if he wasn't over that, Molly. Jake isn't the type to take anyone on the rebound."

"I know," Molly sighed. "I know. I still... I just... I don't feel like he's ready to hear it. Maybe I'm not ready to say it, either."

"Well, then," said Maddy, "you'll find a time. Just don't look for the right time so hard that you miss it."

x-x-x-x

"Things going well with Molly, then?" Cam asked while he and Jake had lunch.

"Yeah," said Jake. "Yeah, they are." Just thinking about her made him smile.

"So are you going steady?" Cam teased. "Going to give her your ring? Your letter jacket?"

Jake threw a rolled up napkin at him. "No, sorry. I got past high school. Unlike you, apparently."

"But you are dating, right?" Cam asked, munching a french fry. "You're an item, aren't you? A couple?"

"I guess so," Jake poked at his cole slaw. "We've never really discussed it. I mean, I certainly don't want to date anyone else or anything."

"You aren't still letting the whole Chelsea thing hold you back, are you?" Cam asked, his voice laced with suspicion. "That was ages ago."

"I don't know if two months qualifies as 'ages,' but no," said Jake. "I don't think so."

"Figure it out," directed Cam. "Molly deserves better than 'I don't think so.' So do you."

x-x-x-x

Exhausted, Molly opened the outer door to Jake's apartment building. She called up on the intercom.

"Hi, Jake, it's me," she said.

"Hey, Molly," he said. She frowned at the black box. There was something odd in his voice.

"Can I come up?" she asked. "I brought a few things for you."

"Oh, sure, sure," he said. "Sorry." There was a buzz and click, and she opened the inner door and went to the elevator.

As it slowly climbed to his floor, Molly tried to organize her thoughts. She'd worked a double shift at the hospital and her brain was toast. It seemed like every possible thing had gone wrong and at the worst time. Murphy's law had been operating with a vengeance. On the plus side, being so busy had kept her from worry about talking to Jake tonight. She had decided to tell him she loved him and let the chips fall where they may. It was harder and harder not to tell him. It would be better, she felt, to tell him and see what he said, than to keep holding it in out of fear.

Of course, she thought dryly, she'd be more confident if she didn't feel like she'd been through the proverbial wringer. If she wasn't wearing scrubs and tennis shoes. She sighed. There hadn't been time to change, but at least she'd managed to run a brush through her hair. Well, Jake had seen her in worse shape than this.

She knocked on his door, shifting her purse a bit and moving the extra bag she carried to the other hand. Jake had been talking about brightening his place up, and she'd found a few colorful -- but in a masculine way -- throw pillows for him.

"Hi," he said when he opened the door. When he didn't open it to let her in, she got nervous.

"Sorry," she said. "Is this a bad time? I'm sorry if I should have called first, but work was so crazy and..."

"It's okay," he said, and she felt a little better when he smiled at her. 

"I brought you these," Molly began, holding out the bag. She was about to continue when someone behind Jake spoke up.

"Jacob, who is it?" The door swung open further and a woman appeared next to Jake.

"Come on in, Molly," Jake said. She did, although her feet felt like blocks of wood.

"Molly, this is Chelsea Lucas. Chelsea, this is Molly Sugden." Jake looked from one woman to the other, completely lost. He hadn't expected to even see Chelsea again, and then she'd suddenly appeared at his office around six and asked to talk. He decided to bring her to his place so they'd have privacy. He'd been so surprised that he'd forgotten that Molly was coming over.

"Nice to meet you," Chelsea said, holding out her hand. Molly took it automatically. She noticed the delicate, manicured fingers that contrasted against her own, dry from constant washing and wearing latex gloves. Molly felt like a servant meeting the lady of the house.

"And you," she said. Her heart was cracking and she wondered if the others could hear it. So this is Chelsea, she thought with a sinking feeling. Chelsea who'd been with Jake for two years, then left, and now was back.

"I'm sorry I didn't call, Molly," Jake said, torn at the look on her face. She was hurt and trying to hide it but as usual, her face was too expressive. "Chelsea showed up this afternoon kind of out of the blue."

"It's, um, it's all right," said Molly. "I have to go anyway. It was a long day." She turned to leave. For once, instead of battling back words, she didn't have any to let out.

"I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay?" Jake said, catching her arm as she reached for the doorknob.

"Sure," said Molly softly. 

She managed not to cry until she got home, then berated herself for doing so. She and Jake had never promised each other anything, she reminded herself. He had spent two years with Chelsea, after all. She couldn't expect that they would never talk or see each other.

Molly tried to be more optimistic, but knew she could never compete with a woman like that. Chelsea had been sleek and stylish. Her clothes had been tailored and fit like they'd been made just for her. Auburn hair had been caught up in a twist, and small emeralds had sparkled in her ears. Real emeralds, Molly was sure, not the rhinestones she sometimes bought for her jewelry. She was the type of woman a lawyer would want. 

She wiped away a stray tear when she realized Chelsea was precisely what her mother thought Molly should be like. I'll never be like that, Molly thought. I'll never be the right kind of woman for a man like Jake.

x-x-x-x

"Who was she?" Chelsea asked after Molly had gone.

"A friend," Jake said shortly. It was all he could do not to run after her. God, how could this have happened? He had no idea what to do. Well, he sighed, Molly was gone and probably needed time to calm down. So for now, he would deal with Chelsea.

"A good friend?" Chelsea raised an eyebrow.

"What did you want to talk about?" Jake asked, going into the kitchen.

"I wanted to talk about us, Jacob," Chelsea said. He pulled out a beer, offered her another. Frowning, she shook her head. I forgot, Jake thought idly, Chelsea doesn't drink anything as pedestrian as beer.

"What about us, Chelsea?" he asked after taking a long pull. "There isn't an 'us' anymore, remember? You were pretty clear about that."

"Yes," she said. "Yes, I was."

"And?" He stared at her, waiting.

She averted her eyes from his. "I thought about it. I was wrong. I want to try again."

"Try again," he repeated. "Try what again?"

"Us, Jacob," she said, coming over to him. "I shouldn't have left like that. I was just... pulled in so many directions. My priorities were wrong, and I did the wrong thing."

Jake pondered her words as he walked into the living room. Something didn't feel right about what she was saying, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Maybe there was nothing wrong; maybe he was just being overly suspicious. Maybe he was reading things into her words and voice that weren't there.

Chelsea came out and sat on the couch, waiting for him to say something.

"You said we had different priorities," Jake said, looking out the window. "Are they suddenly aligned?"

"I was kind of hoping so," she said. Then she took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant, Jake."

x-x-x-x

"That's what she said?" Cam demanded. "Just 'I'm pregnant,' nothing else?"

"What else is there to say?" Jake asked him. "It's pretty cut and dried." It had been a week since Chelsea had dropped the news. He had thought about it for days before finally telling Cameron. He'd been a little worried about Cam's reaction, but once Cam got past the initial sock, Jake was sure he'd be able to help.

"Don't take this the wrong way," said Cam, "but is it yours?"

Jake shrugged. "I don't know. I haven't asked her yet."

"What? Are you nuts?" Cam stared at him.

"There's something going on," Jake said, "and I'm not entirely sure what it is. But I can't just abandon her, Cam, even if it's not mine. Two years is a fair amount of history to have with a person. And I will find out," he assured his friend. "You and I have both seen too many cases like this. I'll definitely get a paternity test done."

"Well, that's something anyway," Cam said.

"How's Molly?" Jake asked quietly. He had called the next day, as he'd promised, but Molly hadn't answered. During the week, Jake debated calling again, but never did. But he so badly wanted to talk to her, to see her.

"She's all right, I guess," said Cam. "She won't really talk about it, not even to Maddy."

"I wish I knew what to say to her," Jake said. "This whole thing is just so screwed up."

"Do you love her?" Cam asked. Jake stared at him.

"What?"

"Do you love Molly?" Cam repeated. "Because I'm pretty damn sure she loves you."

"I think I do," Jake said, "but how could I tell her that now? What good would it do? I don't even know if she'd believe me, and I wouldn't blame her if she didn't."

"That would be up to you," said Cam. "But if I had a girl who loved me and a girl I wasn't sure about, I know who I'd pick."

x-x-x-x

Jake grabbed the mail and continued on to the elevator. Nothing had gotten any better in the last few days, and Cam had found out a few things about Chelsea. There was nothing illegal, and a lot was hearsay, but it appeared that Chelsea was running low on money. Extremely low.

He heard Chelsea come in, talking on her cell phone. He remained quiet, trying to analyze what he really knew. 

"Yes, I've told him," he heard Chelsea say. "It looks like he believes me." There was silence for a moment. "Well, I can't exactly prove it, can I?" Another pause. "We have a couple of months before anybody really asks questions. I can hold him off for that long."

Jake narrowed his eyes. He wondered who she was talking to, and what exactly it all meant. It didn't take a rocket scientist, however, to deduce that the whole pregnancy issue was some kind of ruse. A lie. He stood up and got a glass of water, mostly to make some noise.

"He's here. I have to go." He heard Chelsea end the conversation. "Hi, sweetie." Chelsea gave him a bright smile as she walked into the kitchen. "How was your day?"

"Busy." He shrugged. "Yours?"

"Same old," she said. "Hungry? I haven't eaten yet."

"Sure," he said. "Let's go out."

They sat at a table in a small Italian restaurant. It had been a favorite place when they'd dated before. It had been just unique enough for Chelsea to decide she liked it. It wasn't very pricey, but the atmosphere made it feel like something special, exclusive. Jake remembered coming for special occasions: an anniversary, celebrating Cam's wedding, toasting the opening of his and Cam's law office.

The server took their orders, stepped away, and quickly returned with two glasses of wine. As Chelsea started to sip, Jake asked, "Should you have that? Isn't it bad for the baby?"

She jerked, spilling a few drops. "Oh." Then she recovered, a little too quickly. "The doctor said a little wouldn't hurt, at least not right now." She brought the glass to her lips and drank some, almost defiantly.

"Who is your doctor?" Jake asked. "Or I could get the name of my sister's, she and my brother were really happy with hers when she was pregnant."

"I, um, I'll have to get the card," Chelsea said. She tapped her fingers nervously against the stem of her glass. "It's a new practice, I've only been there once before."

"Let me know when you make your appointment," said Jake. "I'll go with you."

"You don't have to do that," said Chelsea, clearly flustered. "I know how busy you are."

The conversation paused as the server brought their food. Chelsea took advantage to drink a little more wine. Jake watched her calmly, disappointed but not angry. She couldn't meet his eyes.

"You aren't pregnant, are you?" he asked.

"What do you mean?" she hedged.

"I mean you aren't pregnant," he said. "I don't know what you're playing at, but I know you're lying about this whole thing."

"No, Jacob, I--"

"I can tell, Chelsea," he cut her off, and now he was angry. "At first, I believed every word you said. But I'm not stupid, and you're lying. Now, what's going on?"

She took a deep breath to reassert herself, allowed a few tears to show. "I don't know why you'd say such a thing, Jacob. I assure you, I am pregnant."

"How far along?" he demanded.

"I... I... don't know exactly," she said defensively. "Less than two months, I guess."

"Convenient," he said. She started to answer, then closed her mouth. "So, how many months were you going to hold me off for?" Now she paled. "I heard you when you were on the phone," he told her. She was quiet for several minutes, glancing from her hands to the table to the walls, but never at him.

"It's all gone, Jake," she said finally. All pretenses gone, she took a deep drink of wine.

"What do you mean, 'all gone?'" he asked. "What's gone?"

"The money." Chelsea sat back and crossed her arms over her chest. "My family's broke, Jake. Dad's company went under, then Mom and Dad put all their money in some ridiculous scheme and now everything's gone."

"I'm sorry," he said. "But what does that have to do with you lying to me?"

"I wanted security," she said simply. "I always liked you, Jacob. Very much. I looked around, saw I didn't have many options, and came back to you. I thought if we got back together, perhaps things would work out and we'd get married."

"Are you serious?" he asked incredulously. Then he let out a short laugh. "There's irony -- you marrying me for money."

Chelsea shrugged and drank more wine. Then she tilted her head and looked at him. "Would it really be so bad, Jake? I mean, come on, we had good times. It might not be the most romantic reason for getting married, but not everyone finds their soul mate."  

Jake stared at the wine glass in his hand. Not everyone found a soul mate, that was true; but he might have been one of the lucky ones. He raised his eyes to Chelsea. "I will not marry you, Chelsea. I don't love you. We'd both be miserable. And I could never trust you." Such a life would be drab, he realized; colorless.

Now Chelsea looked angry. "I was never unfaithful to you, Jacob, never."

"I never said you were," he pointed out. "But you lied." He had a sudden inspiration. "You took my father's things, didn't you? My God, were you so hard up you had to steal from me?" His eyes blazed. 

"I had to pay some debts," she snapped. "I was embarrassed. I didn't want to tell you. So yes, I took those things, and I'm sorry."

"You could have asked me for money, Chelsea. I would have given it to you. I'm not heartless." The anger was rapidly fading, replaced by something like pity.

"I know," she said. "I know. In fact, I guess..." she looked away. "I guess that's what I was counting on, in a way. You're not heartless. I couldn't think of any other way to get you to even consider this... so I told you I was pregnant."

"And in what, two or three months, you were going to have a miscarriage?" he asked. "Christ, Chelsea, how could you do that to me? How could you do this at all?"

"Because I'm scared!" She looked at him with a mixture of defiance and anger. "I don't know how to do anything. I didn't go to college for a career, I went for a husband. I didn't find one there, obviously." She shrugged. "I need someone to take care of me."

"So you'd trick me into marriage? When I don't love you, and you don't love me?" He shook his head. "That's so twisted, I can't begin to tell you."

"I'm scared, Jacob," Chelsea said again. She met his eyes and he saw the truth of it.

"I'm sorry for that," he said, "I really am. But I can't help you. I don't love you and I won't marry you, Chelsea."

"I guess I knew it wouldn't work, really," she said. She seemed vaguely disappointed but not in the least sorry. "But I didn't know what else to do."

"I can't help you there," Jake said, but gently. "That's something you have to figure out for yourself. Now, I'm sorry, but I have to go."

x-x-x-x

Molly ran a hand through her hair, wondering who could be at the door. Maybe it was Maddy, she thought, and then felt badly. Maddy had been trying to get her over for dinner, to try to cheer her up, and Molly kept putting her off. Well, she'd call her tomorrow, Molly decided, and accept. It was ridiculous. She could be friends with Maddy and Cam, and even with Jake. But she hoped the first time they got together, Jake wouldn't be there.

"Coming, coming," she called as she pulled out of her thoughts and went to the door. That was bad, she decided, getting lost on the way to your own front door. From the inside of a two-bedroom apartment.

"Jake." She was so surprised to see him she couldn't think of anything else to say.

"Hi, Molly," he said. God, she looked beautiful, he thought. Blue barrettes with silver accents held her golden hair back from her face. The barrettes brought out her eyes. As soon as he saw her, things seemed brighter. 

"Come... come in," she said, stepping back. Don't hope, don't hope, she thought to herself. If he broke her heart again she wasn't sure she could take it.

"Thanks," he said softly. He waited while she closed the door, and followed her as she walked aimlessly to the living room. 

"I, um..." Molly tried to say something but there was nothing there. It was funny, she thought, how she used to ramble on in front him. Now she couldn't think of anything to say.

"I love you, Molly," Jake said, "and I'm sorry." She blinked.

"What?" she asked, afraid she hadn't heard him properly.

"I love you," he said again. He put his hands on her shoulders. "I'm sorry things happened the way they did. It was confusing all around, but I shouldn't have let you leave like that."

"But what about... what about Chelsea?" Molly asked. 

"It was all a lie," he said. "It's a long story that I'll tell you about later, if you want me to. But it's all done, it's all over."

"You know," she said, twisting her hands nervously, "that night, I came over... I wanted to tell you..."




Silver, Blue & Gold



"What?" he said gently. "What did you want to tell me?"

Molly took a deep breath and looked up at him. "That I love you."

"Say it again, please," he said, tightening his grip on her shoulders.

"I love you, Jake," she said. "I wanted to tell you but I was afraid, and then when I finally decided I would, I--"

Jake cut her off with a kiss, and Molly sank into it with no questions. "I'm sorry, Molly," he said when he at last broke the kiss. He rested his forehead against hers. "I'm sorry I was so scared. I kept telling myself I was afraid to hurt you, but I was really afraid I'd get hurt. I'm sorry."

"I won't hurt you," she said, brushing her lips against his. "I love you."

"Once more, just say it once more," he murmured, wrapping his arms around her. "Tell me again while I'm making love to you."

"I love you," she whispered, and the rest was lost as he crushed her to him. 

"Are you working tomorrow?" he asked as they tumbled onto the bed. He found the edge of her shirt and lifted it swiftly off.

"Not until the afternoon," she said as she unbuttoned his shirt, touching her lips to the exposed skin. He shuddered. "How about you?" she asked.

"I'm taking the morning off," he said. He kissed her again, but this time gently, as if he had all the time in the world. His hands weren't still, smoothly sliding the rest of her clothes and then his to the floor.

"Oh, God, Jake," she murmured. "I missed you so much." She glided her hands over his shoulders, then ran her fingers through his soft, dark hair.

"I missed you, too," he said, trailing kisses to her shoulder. She shivered as he nipped at the crook of her neck. "All the color drained away when you walked out the door," he told her, moving to look into her eyes. "I hated to see that."

"I hated to go," she said, blinking back tears. A few escaped, and Jake chased them with his lips. "I didn't know what else to do."

"Neither did I," he said, "but now I do." He bent his head to catch her mouth again, then used his hands and lips to make her gasp and arch against him. How he'd missed that. He'd missed everything about her body. Even before finding out about the lie, he'd had absolutely no desire to touch Chelsea. Now his hands itched to touch every part of Molly. 

His hands slid over her breasts, along her hips, and finally he found the slick warmth that made him groan with desire. "Tell me, Molly, please," he said, stroking her gently, watching her give in to the pleasure. She tensed and then quivered against him, and he laid gentle kisses along her cheek as she recovered.

"I love you, Jake," she said when she opened her eyes again. "So much."

"I love you, too," he said. He thrust gently inside her, relishing every sensation. He said it over and over, until they were too breathless to speak. He murmured her name once more as he held her tightly and came, distantly hearing her say his name as she clung to his shoulders.

He kept her close as they lay in bed, exchanging light kisses and gentle touches. 

"I'm so glad I found you," he said. 

"Me, too," she said, her voice tinged with sleep.

"Everything was so gray, before," he murmured. "I was overdue for a rainbow. Now I have you."

x-x-x-x

Notes on the story:

It's inspired by the song "Silver, Blue & Gold," by Bad Company; I tried to incorporate some ideas from the lyrics.

Many character names are taken from the British sitcom "Are You Being Served?" I have no idea why. Must have been a fit of whimsy. Molly Sugden is named for the actress -- Mollie Sugden --who played Mrs. Betty Slocombe, senior salesperson in the Women's department at Grace Brothers' department store. Shirley, one of Molly's coworkers, is named for Shirley Brahams, junior salesperson to Mrs. Slocombe. Lucas is the name of one of the Men's dept's junior salespersons, as is Spooner.

I really did carry a book in my purse called The History of the Vikings. Quite good, as I recall. My brother really did get very upset when Mike Schmidt retired from the Phillies in the mid 80s, and my dad really did finally break down and tell him Schmidt was retired from baseball, not life.

Thanks to Cristalball for the last minute editing help!

Please vote and/or send feedback! 



Silver Bows



Viv and Harv Robinson's anniversary fell on a Sunday. To celebrate the quarter-century of their legally coupling in the eyes of the state and God, Viv had the bright idea of spicing up their perfunctory conjugal interlude that she knew Harv would engage in only as a token courtesy to her (or else face the silent deep freeze for the next six months). She got the notion from a woman's magazine that dared to broach the kinkier side to human sexuality nestled between an article about organizing your bathroom sundries and another pertaining to expert nail care.

For his gift, Harv had bumped up their life insurance policies. He had set a dry kiss on her cheek with the trite explanation that neither of them were getting any younger and that they needed to prepare for the event that either of them could go at any time from heart attack or some other equally acute health problem. Viv had smiled to cover the hard swallow she took for the gruesome thought.

Viv knew Harv had long since lost interest in her sexually, beginning with the arrival of their first-born just six months beyond nuptials followed by their second two years later. Suffering the daily grind as a public accountant with a local tax firm to provide for his family didn't help raise the libido factor. Viv had tried enticing perfumes, naughty negligees, ersatz-Spanish Fly, sex toys, and Tantric techniques to get him aroused, but Harv remained perennially placid and flaccid. With their two sons grown and gone from the nest, Viv grew more desperate to fill the void. She craved the ravishing affection her husband managed to dole out over his shiny candy-apple red late-model Corvette but not on her. Since shiny red things seemed to turn Harv on, she'd give him something shiny and red to polish then bite into for their anniversary. 

Her project had been four months in the making. She swiped Harv's tape measure from his tool box to gauge how much space would be required to carry out her project. She shopped for her props, beginning with a beat-up 1950s steamer trunk, procured from a junk shop in Baltimore some fifteen minutes from her home in Glen Burnie. Later she came across a cane chair with heat-shaped back and tattered padded seat. A four-foot mirror left her by her grandmother would complete the assembly. 

The chair and mirror were easy for her to sneak into the house and hide away in a closet, but the trunk remained the unconcealed ugly white elephant. As soon as Harv saw the teal-and-terracotta tiled territory of his beloved gas grill and patio set irreverently infringed upon by a worthless piece of moldy junk, he pettifogged. Viv did her best to convince her husband that she had nowhere else to put it, that she planned to restore it and re-sell it -- a notion he dismissed with a grunt as he settled on the couch with his beer and pretzels to watch the Ravens v. Steelers game.

While Harv sated himself on beer and ball, Viv set to cleaning up the 56" x 30" x 30" upright 1933 cedar-lined trunk. On days when Harv was at the office, she applied layer after layer of bright red lacquer to its exterior shell. Once dry, she lined the inside walls with quilted pink satin padding. She used the same material to cover the torn seat of the chair with the heart-shaped back. 

The last addition was the mirror mounted inside the trunk's cover. She wedged it in at an angle from the lip of the lid's front to its top. This way, she could sit and observe herself without completely closing the cover. With the affects in order, she practiced sitting inside the upright trunk and pulled the lid partially closed. She would have to let her eyes adjust to the dimness, but her arrangement would suffice for her purposes. 

Two weeks before the big event, she purchased several silver satin sashes. She'd sit before the trunk's interior mirror and hold the long strands of fabric strategically over her body. She tested the fabric's thickness and tautness. Her final addition to the props was a set of fur-lined handcuffs.

On Saturday, she asked Harv to help her move the trunk to their bedroom. When he asked why, she explained she wanted to put it in a boudoir setting to take digital pictures before posting it on an online auction. When he commented how no one in their right mind would buy a furnishing so godawfully, glaringly red, she gave him that face she knew would made him cringe and do as she asked. He grumbled about his back then called up Jake to come by and help carry the ghastly trunk up the stairs of the split-level tract house and into their bedroom.

Jake Morgenstern was their tenant. To make a little extra on the side, Harv thought it would be a good idea to rent out the basement once the boys had moved out. The story of how Jake wound up being the likely candidate remained a jumble in Viv's mind. She heard Harv had met him in a bar somewhere, that Jake explained how he was an unemployed veteran living on disability for a war injury, and that Jake could certainly be useful doing odd jobs to keep up the place. He'd been living downstairs for six months and proved to be a pleasant, respectful young man. Forty-six year old Viv thought she heard him say he was in his thirties.

The trunk in place, Sunday began in the usual fashion. Harv got up and went for his five-minute jog to try and maintain the forty extra pounds he'd gained over the past two decades. He finished in time to snarf down Viv's breakfast of French roast coffee and oatmeal bars. Then he worked out on the weight machine in the rec room until he barely broke a second sweat. By ten a. m., he was out in the driveway lovingly lathering turtle wax over the sleek airfoil frame of his red Corvette. Like suburban clockwork, Jake popped out of the basement to split up a six-pack, talk sports and ogle the ritual. 

While doing the breakfast cleanup, Viv stared out the kitchen window and marveled at the two men sharing their common interests with enviable intimacy. Her bulging hubby with wisps of blonde thinly coating his pale pate had a good fifteen years on Jake, their swinging single, gym-trim tenant with his chiseled features and full head of lavish chestnut hair. Despite his superior youth, strength and attractiveness, Jake admired Harv for achieving the Dream by owning a home, putting kids through college, having a devoted wife and a bright red Corvette – everything a god-fearing, sports-loving, hard-working American guy wanted in life. By his third beer, Harv had set a soapy arm about Jake's pumped-up shoulders as though to take him under his plump wing as a lifestyle mentor. 

Viv wondered what the two men spent hours talking about. Harv could hardly entertain a two-minute conversation with her at any given time. Miffed, she turned away from the scene to raid a bottle of Vodka from the liquor cabinet. Using a store-bought mix, she brewed up and sucked down three Bloody Maries. When the buzz was just right, she penned a note on a tablet atop the kitchen table. It read: "Your Silver Anniversary gift awaits you in the bedroom, my love. Tell Jake to go then come and enjoy the surprise I have in store." She proceeded upstairs to the bedroom to set up the extravaganza. 

The cherry red trunk stood before her. She took the longest and widest of the silver sashes and draped it from the top of the trunk and down over the lid. In the center she fastened a large bow and pinned on a cardboard tag printed in computer-generated Edwardian Script: "For my One and true Love on Our Anniversary. Don't Wait to Open." Dangling from the end of the bow was a small key. She applied generous quantities of mascara and liner around her sea-green eyes then thickly lacquered her lips with shocking red smudge-free lipstick. She brushed and perfumed her auburn-hair-from-a-box before stripping naked but for a black thong and a pair of a pair of black stilettos. She made sure to empty her bladder before taking her place on the chair inside the trunk. Once settled. She pulled the lid to the angle whereby she could gather in enough light to see her reflection in the mirror.

In her hands she held the strips of satin along with the handcuffs. She set the items on her lap then bent down to wrap a satin band around her ankles. She looped it twice tightly and tied a large bow at the top of her feet. She did likewise around her knees, her pelvic area, and her breasts with large bows centered down her front. She took up another sash and drew it between her teeth. She wrapped it around her head and brought its ends back over her mouth where she tied a thick double knot and a large bow. She studied the reflection of her bright red lips pursed around the silver bow. She straightened the bows so they would line up evenly down the center of her body. The feel of the bands riding across her sensitive areas and the silken knot holding down her tongue filled her with tingling titillation. 

Heaving a sigh, she pulled the door of the steamer trunk closed but for a narrow slit to allow airflow. She tied a last piece of silk across her eyes and fastened it at the back of her head. She snapped one cuff to her left hand, drew her hands behind her back, and attached the other to her right hand. Sitting in the trunk's stuffy confines, she listened to her own breathing. The combination of the alcohol, sensory deprivation and limited air supply provoked a release of pleasurable sensations she had never known before. She became ultra-aware of the smooth satin clinging to her nipples. She squeezed her thighs together to stimulate the clitoris. The trunk resounded with muffled moans of pleasure.

Footsteps coming up the stairs interrupted her masturbation. "So soon?" she wondered. She thought he wouldn't come upstairs for at least an hour, maybe two, giving her enough time to work herself up into hot lather through sensual distress and raging fantasy. 

She had read about the pleasures and risks of self-bondage; she decided to give it a try and found it thrilling. She wasn't sure if it would entice or horrify Harv, but at least she'd get off on being bound up until he released her. If Harv failed to show before she had to break free due to muscle stress or mental fatigue, she could do so. She had practiced locking and unlocking the handcuffs; she had practiced sitting blindfolded and gagged for prolonged periods. She had strapped on crotch ropes and squirmed to heighten her sexual excitement. She had learned to enjoy being restrained and not to mind the wait. 

Her breathing picked up the pace in anticipation of her beloved's arrival. She imagined she could hear Harv's jaw gape upon seeing the tall red trunk gift-wrapped for him on their anniversary. She thought she heard the bedroom door close and lock. Sequence of sweat bejeweled her brow as the trunk lid opened.

Viv sighed to his labored breathing and imagined the sight he must be taking in of her. She let go a high-pitched grunt to the feel of his hands firmly grip her flesh. He pulled her from the wardrobe and made her stand on her high heels. He guided her to the bed and maneuvered her to lie prone on her back. 

Mute awe prefaced the unwrapping. He set about the task slowly and silently, relishing her subtle moves and stifled squeals at the touch of his hands working the bows free. One by one, the satin strips slithered softly from her feet, knees, and breasts. He pulled off the thong and performed cunnilingus 

Viv arched on her arms cuffed behind her and moaned in delight through a mouth stuffed with silky satin. She writhed beneath his tongue and teeth teasing her breasts. Heavy breathing through the gag proved challenging. She suddenly heaved and choked. Her lover responded by pulling her upright.

She heard sounds of undressing – the rustle of cloth, the unbuckling of a belt, the unzipping of jeans. Through the haze of hormones and vodka dawned a dim realization. She felt his arms pull her to her feet and spin her around. Her fingers found themselves cupped about his scrotum. Her buttocks rubbed against his muscular thighs. Her elbows nudged his taut abdomen. Her shoulders felt the soft fur of his chest as he wrapped a brawny arm across her shoulders to embrace her. She swallowed hard from the suction he committed on the soft tissue of her neck as he worked his other hand on her fingers to stroke his penis. Viv let go a shrill stifled shriek.

Harv didn't wear jeans. Moreover, he was hairless and flabby. So who --?

She furtively worked words around the knotted bow obstructing her mouth, but he gently hand-gagged her to discourage any attempt to communicate. The sound of plastic wrap crinkling suggested a condom was about to be slipped on.

He pushed her back down on the bed and planted kisses all up and down her body. He slipped his finger inside her and tickled her clit. When Viv oozed hot and wet, he mounted her and exploded in kinetic ejaculation. 

For the first time in her life, Viv climaxed. She lay beneath his sweaty sighing frame. Her mind whirled like a dervish with reverberations of blaring pleasure and tremulous guilt. She couldn't see him or explore his physique with her hands, yet she knew, the wondrous lover on top of her was not her mate until-death-do-us-part as sanctified by the act of holy matrimony twenty-five years ago. 

He pulled the silk from her mouth and smothered her with sumptuous kisses laced with the aroma of fermented hops and barley. 

Viv decided to remain speechless and receive his labial ministrations. 

The unseen lover peeled his lips from her mouth and gently turned her over onto her stomach. Viv heard him getting dressed. The small sound of a word welling up from her throat prompted him to set his fingers across her lips. A breezy "shush" blew across her face. She breathed into the bedspread and waited for his next move. 

He stepped over to the trunk, took the key pinned to the bow and unlocked the cuffs. He held her wrists so she wouldn't release immediately, leaned over, and kissed her rapturously on her neck and right ear while his free hand squeezed her right breast. Then he quickly bolted up and stole from the room before she could pull free and remove her blindfold.

Viv turned onto her back, stared at the beige ceiling, and basked in the afterglow. She eyed the digital alarm clock glaring 12:31 at her. She had entered the confines of the trunk a few minutes before noon.

Within the hour, Viv had showered and tossed on an unflattering navy blue sweat suit with white stripes along the seams. She removed all the ribbons and bows from the chest, along with the note, handcuffs, and key and stuffed them in a box inside another box that she tucked away deep in the back of the closet under a pile of still more boxes. She brushed her guilty pleasure from her hands and padded down the stairs to the kitchen where she found Harv rummaging through the cabinets.

"Viv, hon," he said with his butt crack facing her. "Didn't I have an extra case of beer hidden in here somewhere? I thought I bought some on sale last week."

Viv glanced at Jake who stood leaning against the counter next to her foraging husband. She shied away from his handsome knowing smile and replied, "I don't recall you bringing home an extra case --just what's in the fridge." She noted how the page bearing her invitation to her husband had vanished off the writing tablet. 

"I coulda sworn I bought that shit on sale." He stood up. "Oh well, guess I can run down to the market and pick us up some. The game's gonna start in an hour. Guess I can make it there and back in time." Harv listed ever so slightly. 

"I don't think you should drive given the state your in," she flatly opined as she poured herself another Bloody Mary. "Want one?" she offered with an eye cast in Jake's direction. She batted at the blush rushing her cheeks.

"Having one of those hot flashes again?" Harv accused as he pulled a set of car keys from the hook labeled "hers."

"Why are you taking my car, hon?" Viv demurely interrogated.

"I just waxed the Corvette, dear," was his only reason. He pushed through the screen door and ambled out to the garage. 

Viv sipped silently as Jake studied her. The sound of Viv's Volvo rolling down the driveway gave pause to the intensely awkward moment. They both watched through the kitchen window as Harv honked the horn and waved for Jake to join him in the hunt for brew. 

Jake and Viv turned to face one another. 

"Mrs. Robinson," he said in a low sultry tone.

"Yes?" Viv said.

He reached up, took her cocktail from her hand, and toasted, "Happy Anniversary. Hope you liked your present." He downed it in two bobs of his Adam's apple then licked away the thin red line of residue edging his upper lip. He set down the empty glass and set out the door.

Viv watched him hop into the Volvo to ride off down the block with Harv and pondered the disturbing implication of his celebratory remark. 



Silver Buckles



Jessica opened the door gingerly and looked into the dim interior. There was the sound of a small tinny bell as she stepped into the small store and she looked on a cornucopia of leather-work and other bric a brac.

"Can I help you?" a soft voice asked startling the young woman. 

Turning her body she found a man next to her, his slight, slim body was smaller than Jessicas and seemed older though his eyes seemed even in the dimness to sparkle with a mischievousness that his whole body expressed. His woolly grey hair seemed to clump near his brow and he had a goatee beard and thin moustache that he stroked into points. When he walked he seemed to move oddly as though he was walking on tiptoes like a ballet dancer, even so he moved with a sensual grace that seemed to strike the woman. 

"Can I help you?" he asked again as he touched her elbow and lightly licked his lips.

Jessica started and blurted out she was just looking. Smiling he retreated to the wooden counter hidden amongst his stock allowing Jessica to browse and rummage to her hearts content. Everything seemed to expensive and well made. She marvelled at French-polished furniture and exquisite dresses and clothes. However what attracted her most was a corner given over to rich leather-work, she was amazed to find rich red leather corsets and boots of all sizes and builds. Yet it was a pair of highly polished black boots that would reach up to her thighs that seemed to attract her eyes most. 

They had narrow heels that were almost five inches high creating a high arch, the toes were pointed and the leather seemed to gleam with a black light that seemed to make the silver buckles shine even more. The buckles seemed to burn with a pale green fire and they shone in the boots. Jessica almost at once thought of them by the common phrase fuck me boots. They would show off her shapely legs perfectly and she reached out to touch them and gasped at how soft and smooth they felt.

Jessica herself was a very attractive woman, she was about twenty five and she had lustrous blonde hair that she had tied back. Her eyes were a bright blue that were above a cute button nose and sensual lips. Her body was slim though her breasts were firm and thrust against her white shirt. Her body flared out a little as it reached her hips and pert ass that led to her shapely lightly muscled legs. She wore a calf length black skirt which made her look what she was a fashionable young woman who worked in an office. She felt a strange excitement as she touched and stroked the leather.

"They are lovely aren't they, proper Cordovan leather and hand made. Why don't you try them on?" the old man whispered to her as he took the boots from her touch.

"What? Yes I would love to try them though they are probably too expensive for me," Jessica said.

"You never know, oh no you never know," the man muttered as he led the woman to chair near them and sat on a stool as Jessica took off her shoes. 

Slowly the old man twisted the buckle and the leather split along the side allowing the woman to allow the man to slip the shoe over her stockinged feet. If he took his time over tightening the buckle and leather over her calf Jessica did not mind. The touch of the leather was mesmerising. Her body felt so alive, so excited and his eyes seemed to have a wicked gleam as he smoothed the leather of both the boots and tightened it so that it was almost a second skin on her legs. Sighing he stood and invited her to look at herself in the mirror near them.

Jessica stood carefully at first as she wondered if she would be able to walk on those high heels. Yet when she moved it was with an almost erotic grace. Again she thought fuck me boots as she felt the way her body seemed to slink and promenade. She drew a startled breath as she looked into the mirror and thought that she looked incredible. She seemed to be taller and her legs slimmer and sexier. In fact she felt sexier. God she felt horny and she wanted these boots. Twisting in a pirouette she gathered her skirt in her hands and she watched the boots that encased her legs almost to her thighs. With each turn she pulled more of her skirt into her hands and exposed more and more of her legs, thighs and stockings. 

It was with surprise that she suddenly realised that she had exposed her stocking tops and ass cheeks to the shop keeper behind her. She was only wearing a pale thong that seemed to stretch over her excited cunt. Gasping for breath she dropped her skirt.

"So do you like them," the man asked as she sat on the chair and twisted the buckle easily and drew the boots off her feet. Something in her whispered that she should keep them on and continue to look at them in the mirror and she kept them in her hands as she looked at the man who seemed almost threatening in some indefinable way. She did know that she would pay whatever was asked to have the boots.

"Yes but they must be so expensive...." Jessica squeaked much to her embarrassment.

Oh they are only twenty dollars," the man said nonchalantly.

Jessica could barely believe her ears and quickly bought the boots and hurried from the shop clutching the bag which held them. All the time through the remainder of the day she thought about the boots and planned on wearing them tonight since it was Friday. It was with an almost physical pleasure that she left work and rushed home to shower and change. It promised to be warm tonight and she decided that she would do without stockings allowing her tanned skin to be seen. Taking out satin burgundy underwear she fitted the bra to her chest. Then as she looked at the boots she decided that she wouldn't wear the thong but be naked beneath the soft black leather skirt she was to wear. 

It felt so strange to feel the cool leather caressing the skin of her naked belly and hips. Quickly she dressed in her white shirt and she slipped a black jacket over the top. Then she slipped the boots over her feet and tightened the leather over her calves until she felt it tight to her naked skin. Standing she looked at herself in the mirror and was stunned at the woman looking back at her, it seemed as though someone else was gazing at her completely.

The Jessica that looked back at her seemed to be wild and incredibly sexy. As she looked at the reflection in the mirror she became increasingly frustrated as she looked at the skirt, it didn't seem right. Though coming to the mid-thigh she suddenly felt that it was not short enough and began to fold the waistband of the skirt until she was satisfied that it was short enough and that her legs were shown to her satisfaction. Now it was barely two inches below her cunt and barely covering her naked ass. 

A glance to the mirror confirmed to her that she looked intensely hot and sexy and with that thought she left the flat. Each step seemed to excite her, she could feel men looking at her with lust in their eyes. Feeling adventurous sometimes when she passed in front of one of the men who wanted her in her her new fuck me boots she would hike up her skirt to flash her pantyless ass cheeks, each time she did this she felt an intense thrill pass through her body. Unlike her usual bar she decided on a whim to enter a pub that had a reputation at being rougher than usual.

As she entered she felt eyes bore into her body as she walked to the bar, as she passed them she felt an increasing excitement coursing through her body. Usually she was so prim and proper. There would have been no way that she would have come near this place and if she had she would have fled these rough men at the first chance she had. Yet the feel of their eyes excited her intensely, she felt her cunt growing wet and she desperately desired cock in her body.

Seeing a group of men at the pool table she took her drink to them and took up a pool stick.

"I've never tried this anyone want to teach me," Jessica purred to the men.

Smiling with a grin looking more at home on a feral animal a man stepped forward and said," I think I might be able to teach you a thing or two luv."

As he spoke he took the cue in his hands and pressed her body against the table so that she bent over the cushioned edge. Silence seemed to fill the air as the others watched the two of them. Jessica felt his greasy hands over her much smaller ones and his belly pressed hard against her back and ass. Her cheeks were half exposed the way her body was over the table and she rubbed them against the growing bulge in his jeans.

When he felt Jessica rub her naked ass across his cock the man growled in her ear," I've got another stick which needs a hole to have it stick in luv."

Jessica could barely believe her reply even though she said it,"Fuck you, stick that cock in my cunt and I want all your mates too."

He stopped in shock and then called to his friends as soon as he realised she was serious about being gang banged. His hands pulled up her skirt and he began to stroke his short finger across her ass and pulled upon the wet lips of her cunt. He was fumbling and her cunt felt pain as he pushed three fingers into it opening her up for his cock. Before he pushed his cock into her cunt Jessica's hair was pulled until she was in front of a cock that pushed between her lips and into her mouth. 

Unlike other times where the man would only thrust his cock to her cheek this man pushed his warm, hard meat down to her throat. At first she wanted to gag but she suppressed her desire smelling the intense mixture of smoke, stale beer and man scent as he thrust into her mouth. He was so fast and aggressive that she could not use her tongue to help his pleasure. Then she felt cock violently invade her cunt and pump in and out of the stretched wet hole quickly and brutally. Orgasm ripped through her body as she realised that she was being taken like the slut she felt she wanted to be.

Cum spilled into her mouth and instantly Jessica swallowed the bitter liquor. The cock now spent was replaced by another slimmer yet longer that pumped between her lips as it sought relief. There was a sharp grunt behind her as the man who had been pumping his cock into her cunt spilt his cum inside her and pulled out of her in a casually violent movement. All too quickly she felt another body pressed against hers and the rapid fumbling at her cunt as a cock was pushed into it. 

Her cum dripped from her as the man thrust into her hot cunt, as he took his pleasure from her another man fucked her mouth with sure fast strokes. Cum again flooded both her cunt and mouth after a short time. and she waited for others to replace the departing men. Jessica's body burnt with an unholy lust that overwhelmed her usual inhibitions and morals. She lusted for cock, she wanted her holes filled and used until she passed out. 

Pain flared in her ass as she felt a man's cock push at the muscular ring that closed the hole. Though tight and never been used before Jessica felt lust spread through her body and she passionately desired cock in her virgin asshole. Through the pain of the pushing cock Jessica willed her hole to open. She felt the seal loosen and then as it loosened she felt the cock push past the ring and then sink deeply into her nether passage. The pain slipped away from her body to be replaced by the warm pleasure that spread through her.

"Fuck she seems to really like it," she heard a hard masculine voice remark as he pumped his cock into her ass.

After that all Jessica felt was the orgasms ripping through her body as man after man pumped his cock into her willing body until sated and tired they released Jessica in the morning. Jessica staggered home clutching the remnants of her clothing to her body. Thoughts flashed across her mind. In the back of them she was sickened at the way she had acted but mostly she felt a deep happiness and satisfaction as she thought how truly fucked she felt. Yet with every moment the shame and guilt spread through her body and she wept as she threw away her ripped cum covered clothes onto the floor. Desperately she started the shower and stepped into the hot water and tried to scrub the scent of her sex from her body.

Suddenly she looked down and realised that she was still in her boots, her fuck me boots as she thought of them. Reaching for the silver buckles they refused to budge and she strained trying to open the buckle so that she could take them off. Frightened she stepped from the alcove and hurriedly dried herself. When she touched the boots with the towel they seemed to be dry and if it was even more possible they seemed more lustrous from before and the buckles seemed to shine with an almost light that pulsed. 

Jessica tried to open the buckles futilely with her fingers and then tried scissors only to have the blades shatter against the leather. The leather itself seemed to have fused to her skin and there was no gap between her skin and the leather. Scared she threw clothes on her body and fled her apartment and almost ran to the shop she had bought the boots from. Desperately she searched for the owner as the tinny bell seemed to echo in the dim shop.

"Can I help you?" the man asked slowly.

Twirling about Jessica found the man next to her.

"You must help me, the boots wont come off," Jessica screeched.

"The boots, oh your the lady who bought the boots. Good workmanship those," the man said with relish," What is this problem about getting them off?"

Jessica sobbed quietly as the man took her back to the chair that was next to the mirror she had used only yesterday. Looking again in it her eyes were again drawn to the boots and she found her thoughts filled with them. How the arch made her feet look so dainty and sexy, how the leather was a second skin about her muscular calves. She stood and looked at the reflection again and she felt her body begin to burn with desire. The boots looked so good she thought and she felt warmth spreading through her cunt. Again her hands lifted her skirt allowing her eyes to admire the tanned legs that were exposed by her actions.

"Glad to see you better my Dear," Jessica heard the old man say as he walked towards her, his steps sounding so strange.

"The boots look so good on you my Dear they would really be set off by this why don't you take off those silly clothes," the man said as he held up a crimson corset the silver buckles on it burning green as the light struck them. 

Jessica startled drew a quick breath as she heard the clip clopping of his steps as he stepped towards her. As she watched his body being exposed as he walked around the furniture that blocked her view her fumbling fingers undid her skirt and allowed it to slide to the floor exposing her excited cunt and lower body. Though half naked she did not care about that as he stood before her. Like before he wore a crushed black jacket over a tartan waistcoat and a red bow tie but he too was naked on his lower body though thick black hair that covered his legs like hairy trousers but it was his cock that made her lick her lips and open her legs more as she waited for him to thrust it into her.

It was huge, at least twelve inches and four inches in width. Her lust burnt fiercely as she looked at what was being offered and she felt her knees weaken. It was as she sank to her knees that she saw his feet or what was there instead of his feet. For he stood on two cloven hooves that shone black in the dim light.

"That's much better my Dear," he said as he stepped to her and she started to take off her shirt as the tip of his cock touched the lips of her mouth.