3 comments/ 75072 views/ 16 favorites Felon Failing Fallen By: TMAJO Author's Note: The time has come to bring on the drama and shake things up a notch or two. You've been waiting patiently so here it is: Chapter four in my Wound in Time series. The story contains mainly F/F action as well as a plot. It's a lengthy piece that will most likely satisfy your search for instant gratification. Please check out the previous chapters if you want extra dirt on the characters. They're not listed in order but the titles are sequential as follows: (WIT)At First, Blind Borne, Escapade and Felon Failing Fallen. That said, read on and hopefully, enjoy the story. Please don't forget to vote and I would greatly appreciate your comments. TMAJO Previously... ********** "How do you feel about that, I mean, besides the shock?" Eva said as Mavin made her way back to the sofa. "The hell if I know. Don't get me wrong, I do care about her and I know she's not like the others..." "But?" "But I don't know." Mavin said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "There's so much shit that needs to be stripped off. And that's one of the things bugging me. I never cared about stripping anything." "Oh, you mean like the ethics of her, your boss-" "Former boss." "Okay, that's a start. She's not tied to your work. So what else is there?" Mavin stayed silent for a minute as she enjoyed the straight shot of bourbon. She set her glass down and laid her gaze on her best friend. "Me." *********** They remained quiet for a few moments and Eva moved closer to her friend. "You wanna hear what I think about all this?" She finally asked. Mavin looked at Eva and tried to gauge where this would go. "Look, I know this is a touchy subject..." Eva started again. "That's never stopped you before." "True...Okay, here's what I'm thinking." Eva said and breathed deeply to align her thoughts. "You're a good person. You have an interesting view on life and you thoroughly enjoy being in control." "Anyone could tell you that." Mavin interrupted. "Well, they wouldn't take it as fact and I like to see you happy. But you have to decide what makes you happy." "Aight, so where does that leave all this? I'm happy were I'm at. She wants change. Change I'm not willing to give...can't give." "Hold up, we talking commitment?" "Fuck yeah!" Mavin said as she exhaled. "Damn, now I'm sure that didn't go well." Eva smiled. "I don't know Eva. I explained the best I could to her but she has a problem with me and my ways and she thinks she's in love with me. I'm not responsible for how she feels. I mean, why should I be?" "You know women, Mavin. They want the emotions. They thrive on it. I know you're not built that way but-" "But nothing Eva. It's so fucked up. It's a DuPont repeat. I refuse to let myself get caught up in all that shit." Mavin sighed and eyed Eva again. "Look, this is too draining to talk about." "Aight, but you know it's good to talk sometimes." "Yeah, sometimes." Mavin said and closed her eyes. She pushed all her feelings into a vault somewhere in her mind and tried to relax. ********** It was pretty late when Eva decided she was ready for a hot bath and some good sleep. Mavin was dozing off on the sofa and Eva didn't have it in her to bother the tall woman. She went into her bathroom and ran the water at the right temperature. After adding the right oils and salts, Eva peeled off her clothes and marinaded herself for the next couple of hours. Mavin's eyes popped open and she realized where she was. She relaxed again but didn't go back to sleep. It was just after midnight and she wanted to beat herself up for sleeping so long and abandoning her schedule completely. She saw the blanket covering her and felt naked. Well, she had on her boxer-briefs and a tank top but she also wondered how Eva managed to get her undressed without her necessarily waking up. She shrugged and tried to relax again. Eva tossed and turned in her queen-sized bed. She felt bad about leaving Mavin on her sofa but didn't want to think too deeply about it. She felt good about being able to help Mavin with whatever she was feeling or didn't want to feel. She sighed and tried to picture Bellinda. This woman who seemed to have captured her friend's fragile, yet highly-guarded heart. She must be something for Mavin to be feeling this tied up in more ways than one. Mavin got up off the plush sofa and decided she needed to get her mind off Bellinda and her feelings. At least for the sake of her sanity, if there was any worth preserving. She made her way from the sofa into Eva's room. She didn't bother knocking and just walked in. She caught sight of Eva and then came the scent of Eva. As she was prone to do, Mavin felt her loins twitch. She wasn't planning on anything really but as she made her way to the bed, her body was already laying the groundwork for something. Eva felt the bed shift and knew immediately that Mavin had finally found her way in here. That wasn't unusual. The fact that Eva was naked however, was. Mavin lifted the covers to allow herself under them and an airy blast of warmth and Eva's charms slapped her senses. She fell under the covers, laying on her side and making no attempt to keep her large hands from wandering in search of the heat source. Mavin by now was well aware of Eva's nakedness but she didn't care. All she wanted was the warmth for herself. Her hand reached Eva and trailed over her lower back. She felt Eva's body shiver with her touch and smiled. Eva was fairly awake now and had little doubt in her mind about what Mavin was thinking. She stirred a bit and turned her body to face Mavin. The room was poorly lit by all the LED lights from various gadgets, so Eva could just make out the handsome shape of Mavin's face and the glint in her eyes. "Come here, I won't bite." Eva felt Mavin's deep voice rolling through her limbs. "Wouldn't stop you if you did." Eva said behind a smile Mavin knew was there. Eva moved closer to Mavin as the tall woman's arms wrapped around her. "You know Zeke and his wife are coming to visit." Mavin said, her rational mind's last attempt to distract her. "That'll be fun. Haven't seen them in a while." Eva just got the words out when she felt Mavin's body shift. It was a few seconds after she was on her back that she realized what Mavin did. She also knew what would happen. Mavin was feeling vulnerable and needed to escape, to control. Eva didn't mind being a puppet to Mavin's desire. In fact, she was on the verge of being thrilled about it. Mavin wasn't in the mood to be gentle. She wanted to drive hard and fast. Eva just happened to be parked under her and was a candidate as good as any. "Spread 'em." Mavin whispered just before she clamped her lips over Eva's. She didn't really wait for her friend to comply. Instead, she rolled her powerful hips between Eva's thighs and continued to chew Eva's soft lips. Mavin's hands roamed the curvaceous body squirming under her and quelled her throbbing fingertips in the valley between Eva's delightful breasts. She took hold of Eva's left breast and fondled it while Eva arched up into her for more. She licked Eva's bottom lip a bit more and then shoved her tongue down Eva's throat. Eva moaned around Mavin's tongue as it fucked her face. She slid her arms around Mavin's neck and pulled her friend closer. Mavin let her own hand move down the side of Eva's body, to the curve of her hips and behind her to get a hold of her heavy ass. Mavin withdrew her tongue as a loud groan of pure pleasure erupted from her. "Mmm...always knew you had a thing for my ass." Eva said in a hot breath. "Ahhh....fuck...I do." The tall woman groaned and pressed her hips down into the Eva's wetness. Mavin leaned down and took a nipple in her mouth, sucking greedily and biting a few times. Eva traced the swells and cuts of Mavin's muscled arms. She bit her lip as Mavin's hot mouth ravaged her breasts. Mavin reached down and pulled her boxer-briefs down to her knees. She moistened her cock in the slick pool of Eva's juices, rubbing the head between the swollen lips and dipping it a few times as Eva's moans held her on the brink. Had it been someone nameless, she wouldn't have cared at all. "Doooooc....that feels so good." Eva whimpered as her grip tightened on Mavin's arms. Mavin released the nub of flesh she'd been holding captive and focused on getting into Eva. When she was satisfied of her position between Eva's thighs, she drove herself in with a hard thrust that forced air out of Eva's lungs. Before Eva could catch her breath, Mavin pulled out and drove in again just as hard. Eva saw stars as the initial discomfort of being impaled by a huge dick subsided. Mavin felt Eva's body relax under her, so she pulled Eva's legs up and pinned her knees to her chest. Mavin motioned for Eva to hold her legs up while she adjusted her position a bit. When she was comfortable, Mavin resumed her motions, thrusting deeply into Eva and taking immense pleasure in what her nerves told her brain. Eva was very sure she'd be dissected before Mavin got done with her. But it felt too good to quit. She spurred Mavin on with her moans and breathy whispers. Soon however, she lost control of her own breathing as everything her body did fell in time to Mavin's rhythm. Eva's heart pounded just below her throat in time to Mavin's harsh breaths washing over her. Her breath came raggedly on the heels of Mavin's merciless thrusts. Mavin on the other hand, rode on her self-made wave of pleasure. Each journey into Eva's body treated her like royalty. The sound of Eva's slippery pussy convulsing madly around her, made sure she didn't stay out too long. Inviting her to come back in for more, were Eva's ass cheeks pressed into her thighs. Mavin's body thrummed with lust and she soon began to sweat. Somewhere in Mavin's mind she was glad that Eva couldn't see the manic grin on her face. Nobody deserved to feel this good but hell, she did and gorged herself on sensation. "OH GOD!!!" Eva didn't know it but she was singing to Mavin as a terrifying orgasm bulldozed her without warning. She felt her juices practically pouring out of her as the sound of Mavin's thrusts reached a fever pitch. "FUUUUCK......YEAH!!!" Eva screamed again as the violent wave of aftershocks beat her body to a blissful pulp. She felt her pussy squeezing down on Mavin, but the tall woman was not to be stopped. Mavin growled as a fresh batch of warmth flooded her thighs. She swam leisurely in Eva's juices as her own limit drew near. She'd been speeding towards it and was ready for a head-on collision when Eva's phone rang. They both ignored it, thinking it would go away but the damn thing kept up it's two-dollar jingle. "What the fuck!!!" Mavin nearly screamed as her reign of mind-blowing pleasure came to a screeching, back-crunching halt. "Sssh baby....calm down." Eva breathed and wiggled a bit to let Mavin know she was going to answer the phone. "Who the fuck calls at four in the goddamn morn?!" Mavin spat as Eva reached for the phone. "Be quiet.....Hello?" Eva said in a bittersweet tone. She was doubly happy that Mavin was still inside her and she'd have a chance to catch her breath. She was annoyed that Mavin was now agitated and very unlikely to drive her insane as planned. "Morning. Hope I'm not interrupting anything Ms. Wilson, you sound a little winded." "Kurt?! Do have any idea what time it is?" Eva felt Mavin's lips trailing over her breast. "Sorry, this can't wait for sunshine." "Well quit your...oh..." Eva felt Mavin thrust into her. "What was that?" "I said quit your sugar dancing and tell me why the hell you couldn't wait 4 more hours to call." Mavin rolled her hips in a circle, enjoying the sound of Eva's wet walls stretching. "Alright, don't get testy. Your contract's been finalized and all that's left is your signature." Eva struggled to keep quiet as Mavin picked up where she left off and sent another orgasm burning through her. "You have nothing to say?" "Y-yesss...I mean no...GOD...that's good..." Eva choked on her words. "I take it you'll sign?" "Okay Kurt, just send it down here." Eva said and hung up the line before any more damage could be done. "You're crazy, you that don't you?" "Who was it?" Mavin asked as she pulled out of Eva with a loud sloshing sound. "My soon-to-be boss, Kurt Pryce." Eva panted. "Pryce? He's related to that kid, whatshisname?" "Jason. Kurt's his father, that's how I know him." Eva said and it was her turn to clam up. "You okay baby?" "Good as I'm gonna be after that call." Mavin said as she lay on her back next to Eva. "Remind me to busy the phone when you're staying over." Eva smiled and snuggled into Mavin's side. "Don't worry 'bout it." Mavin chuckled and began to get out of Eva's bed. "I gotta get back to my crib. I'll pick you up on Friday." "You should bring your girlfriend too but here you go as usual." Eva said simply. She could see Mavin in the light of dawn. "What the fuck is that posed to mean?" "You know you don't have to run from me." "Eva, don't start with me right now." Mavin stood by the bed and rubbed her temples. "I'm busy as fuck and you know that. So don't trip." "Okay, luv Doc. Whatever you say." Eva teased. "I don't even know why I bother with your ass." "You luuuuv my ass and you can't get enough." Eva said with a ghetto tone. "Ha yeah, well I'm out." Mavin grinned as she made her way out of the room. "Call me." Eva said after her tall friend. Mavin went into the living room and got dressed. It was a little after five and she would be busy all day. She wanted to get an early start but at the same time she was still on edge. She got her boots on and went back into Eva's room. "Aight, catch you later." Mavin said and Eva gave her the finger. "Yeah." Eva nodded and stretched a little. "I'm gonna be so sore today." "That's the first lesson in Slut 101." Mavin smiled and left the room again. Eva sighed and relaxed to get some sleep. Her day included some work and a ton of shopping. ************** A pair of lustrous green eyes peered out of from under sweeping lashes. Their owner wanting them to retreat behind their lids at first, but upon awareness of the time and day, freeing them to do their jobs. It was just after eleven in the lazy Wednesday morning and Bellinda's brain greeted her with all that had happened the night before and even snippets of what could have happened. The lethargic feeling ebbed from her limbs as she dragged herself out of bed and into her bathroom. She brushed her teeth and rinsed her face with warm water. She padded into her living room and noticed a tightly huddled lump on her couch. At first she thought it was Joann, but Jo was in Queens with Brian or someone. She got closer and realized it was Adrian. "Ay dios mio..." Bellinda sighed and tapped lightly on Adrian's shoulder. "Adrian...." Adrian mumbled a bit and slowly unwound herself and then, not realizing she wasn't on a bed, she rolled off the couch and fell on the hardwood floor with a loud thud. That livened her senses immediately. "Oh....I'll be damned....uuuhhg." Adrian groaned into the cold floor. Bellinda stifled a giggle, "Come on, you have a flight to catch in like, three hours." "Uhn...glad to see you're feeling better." Adrian said as she rolled onto her back and got an upside-down view of Bellinda in her house robe. Adrian smiled and began to pat herself in search of something. "They're on the table." Bellinda said. "Well, of course." Adrian sighed and reached for her pack of cigarettes and lighter. She tapped out a stick and Zippoed it to life. After a good drag, she looked at Bellinda again. "You're good?" "Yeah, I'm feeling much better, thanks for staying with me." 'Wow, I never dreamed of saying that to her ever again,' Bellinda thought fleetingly. "Well, I thought you had an allergic reaction to something we had for dinner." "Probably." Bellinda lied. "I'm gonna head out." Adrian's smoky breath escorting the southern drawl out of her wide mouth. She got up, slipped her shoes on and wore her jacket. "Okay...thanks." Bellinda said and hugged the blonde butch. Adrian smiled and blew out a stream of smoke to dim the shine of Bellinda's eyes. "See ya later." She said and made for the door. Bellinda heard the door shut as she sank into the sofa. She was going to have a long day. *********** Meanwhile *********** "It never hurts to cross check your odd samples." Mavin instructed. "Wouldn't that detract focus from the objective?" "You should investigate for yourself. Find out which is better." The new guy, Wale Sogbasoke, who Mavin hired because every time she saw his face and heard his name, she couldn't help but think of his application drenched in Bellinda's sweet juices. Not to mention how it came to be drenched. Mavin chucked to herself as her vision clouded with Bellinda on her mahogany desk, her smooth legs hanging over Mavin's broad shoulders. Hips undulating to Mavin's tongue that was dancing at her entrance. Her moans filtering through the chilled air, the heat of her trembling thighs kissing Mavin's sensitive ears. Mavin shook her head clear. She cleared her throat and wrote something down in her pad. She almost gave Wale a pat on his back for the memory he induced but she caught herself. After all, he barely had his hands in the assignment. Mavin chuckled again and moved to another part of the lab. Wale sighed thankfully when he hadn't dropped the test tube he was tonging. He still couldn't get his head around the presence Mavin had. She was intimidating at first, second and umpteenth glance but she wasn't exactly mean. He was currently her lab partner for training purposes. It would be his option later on, whether or not he wanted to remain or move to another lab. Having her nearby, watching over his shoulder every now and then was still unnerving and yet, strangely...erotic. "I'll be in the Tech room, page me if you have any questions." Wale heard Mavin's very husky voice say and a few moments later, the hiss of the door signaling her exit. "Sure, boss." Wale said to no one. Why did he think Dr. Bright was erotic? And wasn't there a rumor that she played for a different team? Well, it wouldn't entirely be a shock if it were true, considering her demeanor. But still, erotic? "You must be going crazy." Wale said under his breath as he transferred another test tube into the centrifuge. ********** "....at this very moment. No, that's it....Thanks." Mavin hung up and leaned into her chair, throwing her head back as a smile crept into her expression. Mavin had spent her time alone thinking of what Eva said and on the same track, reconsidered what Bellinda had, or tried to say. In Mavin's mind, Bellinda wanted to feel special and not necessarily in a 'I wanna get hitched' way. Mavin had no problems with making Bellinda feel special as long as she wasn't required to specialize her own self in any way. She didn't feel like putting her heart, well...what was left of it, on the line for any reason, for anyone. She didn't like the vulnerability that came with emotional intimacy. When it was all physical, and perceivable with all five senses, she could throw herself into it and bask in the moment to the point of satisfaction. At least until the next piece of time. It certainly would be worse if she led Bellinda emotionally but Mavin really couldn't help how Bellinda felt. She couldn't be blamed for Bellinda's emotions. Or could she? "Fuck!" Mavin muttered as her head snapped back up. She decided to distract herself with some code debugging. She was about thirty minutes into the process when the buzz pager went off on her phone. "Mavin, Agent Turner's here for your 3pm." Her assistant, Zoë declared. Felon Failing Fallen The tall woman sighed deeply, "I'll be up in a bit, let her have a seat." *********** "And it's like I can never get through to her, you know?" "Yeah." "She's jumping to conclusions." "Well, you did tell her you were falling for her." "I was being honest! Oh god Adam, you should've seen the look on her face!" "What were you expecting, fanfare?" Adam flipped his newly cut and highlighted hair. "Oh come on, you know what I'm talking about. She looked so horrified, my own organs felt twisted." "Damn." "My point exactly." Bellinda sat with Adam in her office, chowing down with lunchtime Italian. "Bee, try to see this through her eyes for a second. Maybe she's not comfortable with commitment, or she could just be poly." "Pfft! I hope not." "What would you do if she turned out to be? She's already told you she's no good about keeping it in her pants." "I dunno. I mean, it's one thing to just fuck around and it's another thing to have multiple relationships with....feelings. And she's already said she's not capable of sustaining a relationship past a certain point." "And I'm guessing you want to be the one to break that mold?" Adam smiled and twirled his fork. "Well, that could be an underlying agenda, but I just want her. I don't even know what it is." "Oh, I see, it's the 'you can't have it so you want it twice as bad' syndrome." "Is that what you think?" Bellinda said with a slight flare in her tone. "Well, she is hunky." Adam grinned. "Mmmm...tall, with a super sexy voice that just makes my panties wet." "Wow, you really do have it bad." Adam made a disgusted face. "Well duh...how could I ever hope to resist that dark, hard body that just makes me want to submit to my master." "Girl, that's my department, stay the fuck away." Adam said playfully. "Oh really? I didn't think Jason was into that." "Well, he has a lot of things in his closet, he practically lives there." Adam rolled his eyes. "Starting to get to you huh?" "You wouldn't believe what happened at his mother's." Adam abandoned his shrimp Alfredo. "I thought that was this weekend?" "He wanted to cure me of my excitement." "Hmm...So she doesn't know he's gay?" "Even worse, she does. He just doesn't like to quote-unquote, 'rub it in'." "Oh poor baby." Bellinda said sympathetically. "You're telling me. It was pitiful. There I was, in my finest Eight Avenue outfit and he's introducing me as his art consultant." "What?!" "Believe it, girl. I was tongue-strangled. But I just smiled, 'cause his mother knew. The look in her eye told me she knew and she was very sweet about it." "Was that the only boo-boo?" "Oh no, plenty. The funny thing was, he was aware of what he was doing and just before I was about to rip his head off, he apologizes for being an ass." "And you accepted?" "Well, he looked too cute, I couldn't help it. You know as well as I do that make-up sex is the best." "Boy, as much as I'd like to smack some sense into you right now, I gotta say, you're right about the make-up sex." "Why, you got some with your choco-hunk?" "Oooh yeah." Bellinda grinned mischievously and high-fived Adam. "Alright, spill it! I want details, as disgusting as they may be." "Ha! You really are a sick fuck." Bellinda smiled. "Wouldn't you like to know." Adam giggled. "But, I wanna hear your story first." "Okay, Sunday night after you left, she pops over and well, she has a key to my place so she comes in while I'm in the shower." "Uh-oh." "Haha, yeah. So she's just standing there in all her glory and I'm breezing out the bathroom with my hair all wet, you know, drying it and she's there silent as a spy. When I finally open my eyes, I scream like crazy 'cause I'm not expecting her and she stands there taking pictures of me while I scream for about a full minute." "And I'm the sick fuck?" "Oh shut up, you are and you know it. So anyway, I remembered our chat and I got angry for a bit. I start pounding my fists on her but she's just there smiling and next thing I know, she's picking me up like I weigh nothing and boy, you can't imagine how fast I melted." "Jeez...and don't I know your temper." "Well, from what I've heard, it's nothing compared to hers. But, there I was, fresh and clean and about to get sooo dirty. I can't explain what it's like to be with her. It's just amazing." "That shouldn't surprise you. She's had tons of practice." "Even if that were true, it still doesn't explain how quickly she mastered my body." "Bee, that's her talent. She's all about manipulating your body so you won't have time to try to steal her heart." "Oh my gosh...t-that makes sense!" Bellinda's eyes went wide. "That's why I'm your second brain." Adam sighed. "So tell, me. Has she succeeded? Or does she have you wanting more." Adam asked and gazed at his friend. Adam and Bellinda eyed one another for a moment longer and as if on cue both chimed "More." ************ "It looks to me like y'all have the culprits." Mavin remarked as she scanned a file of documents. "They're just co-conspirators. We're after bigger fish." "Susan, I don't know what else you want from me." "We are investigating the committee and you're a member." "Yeah, it's my job and I've done it well." "There's no doubt about that but a few members report suspicious behavior between you and Albert J. Morris." Mavin scoffed, "Aight, I'm gonna be honest with you. A.J. has a habit of getting in my way when I'm working. He's a pompous pile of qualified shit and putting him in his place is hardly what I'd call suspicious." "I see." Susan couldn't keep her lips from curling into a smile. She secretly hated him too. Something about him just turned her off. "If anything, you need to be hassling him. I can't really claim anything as evidence but yeah, he's always tryna step on my toes, the short bastard." Mavin muttered and handed the file back to Susan. "I'll see to it that he's placed under extra scrutiny." Susan smiled. "Well that's your call Agent Turner. Listen, I've more important business to attend to and I'd appreciate it if y'all kept me out of this mess." Mavin said. "I understand that. But your involvement is in the background. Think of it as being a source of information." "Where I'm from, that's what you'd call a back-pocket snitch." Mavin chuckled. "You're not snitching on anything. Your info will just skip the committee's process and come directly to us." "And I'm not interested, find someone else." "But you're the best." "I know, but it still doesn't change the fact that this is all too fucked up and y'all are running crazy trying to cover your scorched asses." Susan had nothing to say because it was true. Mavin had reported all her findings in her analysis but it had been largely ignored beyond the committee. Questionable drugs were being approved left, right and center despite Mavin's and a few other analysts' disapproval. Oblivion3 had been caught a little too late and various forms of it where slipping past the lower committees. "Aight, we'll make a deal. If I notice anything out of the usual, I'll inform you ASAP. How 'bout that?" "Deal." Susan smiled and began to make her exit. Mavin leaned back into her chair and felt good about trimming Susan from her schedule. ********** "Well, well, well. If it isn't your chocolate goddess sending you sweets." Adam barged into Bellinda's office wielding a small, red box of something. "Give it here." Bellinda said just as Adam slipped the box on her desk. "Open, open, open!" He squealed. "There's a card..."Bellinda paused as she read the words, 'Unique beauty, delicious essence, what I crave at this very moment'. There was no name on the card but there was no doubt who it came from. Bellinda smiled and open the small box. She found a lone piece of chocolate. She lifted the papers and plastic that filled the rest of the box to make sure there wasn't anything else. "What, you got car keys in there?" Adam asked while Bellinda searched the box. "No, but there's only one." It wasn't until the words were off her lips that the meaning hit her. "There's only one." She said again and relished the meaning once more. She slowly lifted the simple piece of chocolate heaven and bit into it. A rush of flavor overwhelmed her tastebuds as she salivated like a wet dream. What was it? Strawberry, caramel and rich chocolate. Bellinda felt her body heating up, an orgasm happening in the moist confines of her mouth. Her tongue begged for another piece but alas, there was only one bite left. Bellinda suddenly had a feeling that she'd been craving something sweet all day. She was now split between saving the last bite for later and having it now. It would be too tempting to keep 'til later and if she ate it, what would she do afterwards? "This is so stupid!" Bellinda said when she realized she was trying to make a life or death decision about a piece of chocolate. "What is?" Adam didn't get an answer because Bellinda tucked the last bite in her mouth and licked her finger and thumb with a satisfied moan. Her mouth coming alive again. "It's THAT good, huh?" Adam rolled his eyes. "Mmmm." Bellinda sighed and enjoyed the flavorgasm in her mouth that now left her tongue twitching against her palate with aftershocks. "You sooo have it bad." Adam smiled as he went back out to his work. Bellinda grabbed her phone as soon as she regained her senses and dialed Mavin's office. She got Mavin's secretary. "I'm sorry, but Dr. Bright isn't accepting any calls right now." "Could you please just let her know Bellinda Ross is on the line?" "Not quite, but I could take a message." "Please Zoë, it's very important. Just let her know." Bellinda implored. Bellinda heard the voice sighing, "Alright, hold for a moment." "Sure, thank you." Zoë prayed she wouldn't lose her job. Mavin had made it clear she didn't want to be bothered for the next hour. Zoë buckled her courage and punched into Mavin's line. "Mavin, I know you didn't want to be bugged but Bellinda Ross is on hold for you and she says it's very important." Mavin's temper flared briefly and then cooled immediately she heard who was calling. "Yes, put her through." "I'm really sorry about this boss." "You're lucky it was her. She's the exception." Mavin caught herself saying. "Yes, I'll put her on." Zoë sighed with relief. Mavin clicked into her other line with a faint smile on her face. "Hey baby, did you get my treat?" "Yes, I did...and I loved it." "That's good, so how's your day so far?" Mavin said through a smile. "Long, but interesting. You know the New Year's show I'm planning? Well, a lot goes into stuff like that. It's gotta be different every year with new artists, new displays, new themes and just...new." Bellinda said. "Excellent. How's that coming along with your schedule on the other project?" "Oh, that's done. There's hardly anything left to do except wait out the construction and deal with design issues when actual practicality comes under question." "Good, I think I'd like to see the finished product." "Maybe, I haven't seen it either so, you know, legally bound." "Yeah. Listen, what do you think about going for a drive tomorrow morning?" "Mavin, it's winter." "Yes, I know." "And you suddenly want pneumonia?" "Ah, don't worry 'bout that. We'll be plenty warm." Bellinda's mind went in a million directions of what 'warm' meant in conjunction with Mavin. "Well, the roads will be clear so I guess it can work." "Aight then, I'll get you at seven." "Isn't that too early?" "Nah, it's best at that time and we could get some breakfast." Again, Bellinda's mind had a blast deciding whether 'it' meant the driving, or something else. "Okay baby, swing by and we'll go cruising. I wouldn't mind getting warm with you." Bellinda said through a smile. "Don't worry, I'll have you sweating." Mavin grinned. "Hmm okay, I'll talk to you later." "Yeah." Mavin said and clicked the line off even though she wanted to wait for Bellinda to hang up first. 'What the fuck is wrong with you?' ********* "Hey doc, don't turn around." "Why not?" José said, turning swiftly on his heels to face a masked gunman. "I said don't fucking turn around. Do you have a problem with fucking instructions?!" "No, but I got a problem with that gun you're waving around." José grinned. "You're not afraid?" The gunman asked in surprise. "I have lived and I'm happy. If you decide to kill me, I won't be the one living with guilt." The silencer-modified 45mm cocked, "Don't fucking assume anything about my conscience old man." "Calm down before you shoot your foot. Now tell me, is this a new drill Hairo's working on?" José turned around to key his SAAB, "I think I heard something in the works about this." "No but you're about to hear the me blow your brains out." "What are you waiting for?" José laughed again, "Would you like to see me run? I bet you'd get a good laugh. Tell Hairo the drill is fantastic." "Unbelievable!" The masked gunman shrieked. "It's not supposed to be a happy time for you." "I'm always happy. Life is too short and as you're in a good position to prove that right, I'll enjoy however much time I have left." José stood in the D-level parking lot of the research and test facility he'd helped to build, awaiting this game to end. José was scared shitless but he tried to relieve his own tension the best way he knew how, with laughter. So far, it was working for him but also against him because the gunman was becoming aggravated. Was it even real? "Listen pops, I don't know what the fuck you've been toking on in those labs, but I'm about to smoke you!" ********* Mavin sighed and considered how she was feeling. She had to determine what she really wanted. She didn't want a relationship but that was more out of fear than anything else. She'd never actually admit that to herself but she knew it. Somewhere in the crowded back of her mind, she knew. She'd been burnt too many times to count. But of course, she'd always toyed with fire. The last time she'd been scorched, though she'd stayed clear of the flames. Now she wasn't even sure of that anymore. It was all a blur. It all came down to whether or not she could tolerate herself with Bellinda. Bellinda was already having problems with things that hadn't even occurred yet. Okay, so she screwed around with Eva a few times but that didn't factor into anything. Eva was her close friend of many years and the sex was just that, sex. But how long could she deal with her insatiable urges? She could bury herself deeper in her work but that wouldn't be a perfect solution. She couldn't dream of Bellinda as an outlet, that would be unfair and thoroughly wrong. The only other option was to remain as she was. But Bellinda stood to get hurt and she didn't want that. Mavin wracked her brain for another hour or so. She planned on telling the redhead how she felt. She felt like her sanity depended on her being a selfish dog. Mavin chuckled to herself at the irony of it all. Would a relationship really be that bad? Getting to know Bellinda and her quirks and sharing herself with the green-eyed woman. But she didn't like the idea of being vulnerable. Monogamy was out of the equation. So she kept her defenses up and sealed up a few cracks that seemed to be showing up. "Paging Doctor Bright...Bright to D level." Mavin was snapped out of her reverie. "Yeah, yeah, what do you want?" She answered her set just as the alarms went off in the building. "Oh man, we need you down here boss." Hairo called in. "I'm on my way." Mavin said and slipped out of her office. She walked right into the commotion as people scrambled back and forth like derailed ants. Unsure of where to go with all the alarms ringing and flashing. Was there a fire? Well, the sprinklers weren't on, so that couldn't be it. Mavin widened her pace as she navigated the crowding hallways. She'd have to go the long route since the elevators couldn't be relied upon, especially if she didn't know what was going on. She remembered the radio that was clipped to her belt and shook her head in time to get another frantic page from Hairo. "Where are you Doc?" "What the hell is going on down there?" "He's been shot....lots of blood." Hairo babbled. "What?!" Mavin squeezed the radio as if it would somehow make more sense that way. "Who's been shot?" "Doctor Sanchez." "José?!" Mavin stopped walking and started running. Everything now became a blur. Are you sure? She wanted to ask but that would be stupid. Everyone in the building knew who José was. He'd made damn sure of that. Mavin tore through the halls and turned right into the next elevator shaft since she was sure that was safe. It was so fucking good to be sure. She relished the feeling as well as the guilt it brought on. José's been shot. She didn't want to believe it, but she was on her way alright. Mavin jumped off the elevator the minute she was sure her head could fit through the opening door. She flew down into the D level lot. The ambulance flashed in the distance. There was a stretcher with someone on it. Mavin got closer and felt someone grabbing at her coat. She spun around and saw Hairo. Hairo stood and saw the rage in Mavin's face. He quickly let go and pointed to the stretcher. "The cops wanna talk to you." Hairo said to the freezing air as Mavin was already by the gurney with a firm grip on José's coat. The words never came. Mavin stood blank minded, trembling in her rage and confusion. While her mentor and friend lay with his head a bloody mess, his face disfigured without his cheeky grin. His skin, a pallid shade of gray, cold and dead like the season permitted. Mavin felt herself being pushed and pulled, she couldn't tell but her feet were planted firmly. The feeling continued and she felt woozy. She hated the bile threatening to rise up so she pushed or pulled back and someone fell. ********** "It's all set, bastard practically killed himself laughing." "Excellent, your compensation awaits you." The now unmasked gunman flipped off the sleek cellphone and tossed it into the manicured bushes from gloved hands. Walking out of Lecter Corp., escaping casually. ********* At first, Mavin was just paralyzed by the endless train of thoughts zipping through her head but soon enough, her feelings became acute. She felt guilt like she'd never known and it didn't stop at José being shot under her watch. No, it spread out like a sticky web, grabbing her personal relationship to José as well as whatever seemed to growing between her and Bellinda. Oh fuck! She had to tell Bellinda. "Doctor Bright?" What would she say and how? She felt responsible for her friend's death. Hell, she might as well have pulled the trigger herself. How the fuck did it happen? Mavin choked on guilt and without stopping herself, channeled her confusion into anger. Medical officials scrambled to get José's body away from the scene but Mavin held her grip on José's coat. After a few minutes, she finally let go and watched as her friend's body was moved into the waiting ambulance. "A moment please Doctor Bright?" Mavin wheeled around just as the doors shut and glared at the man in front of her. She saw the badge hanging around his neck. "My mentor and best friend has been murdered and I don't think talking to me will help you catch the lowlife piece of frostbitten shit that did it." "That's a very good start and I apologize for your loss." He paused and studied Mavin's face for a few beats. "Name's Wagner, I'm the investigating Detective on this development." He said and extended his hand. Felon Failing Fallen 'Some development,' Mavin took it in a firm grip and kept her eyes on him. "I'm guessing this facility's under heavy surveillance." Wagner pointed. Mavin nodded without any patience and she bellowed for Hairo on her radio. He made his way toward Mavin and fell at ease when he saw her seemingly calm face. If only he knew. "Did you get it on tape?" "Carver is on it but judging from the scene, I doubt we did." Hairo said quietly. "There you have it, Detective. Do all the questioning you want, seal off the scene and follow your leads, that's all I can help you with now. Hairo, see to it that he gets all the co-op he needs and I want copies of all the tapes from the last twelve hours." Mavin said and made her way back into the main building. She walked briskly through the first lobby and made a sharp turn into the security department. She headed straight for the control station and motioned the officer on duty to switch into the main channel. She had an announcement to make. "Attention staff and personnel of Lecter Corp. As you all most likely know, a horrible tragedy has taken place and we lost the former director of this facility, Dr. José Sanchez. The NYPD is investigating the matter and as they do, I ask you all to be cooperative and honest with them. That's all for now." Mavin's voice wavered slightly as she steeped away from the mic. As she turned to leave the room, she saw about three vans with satellite dishes mounted on two of them. The press had been alerted. "Shit!" Mavin exploded out of the room. She had to get to Bellinda before the media did. Her day couldn't possibly get any worse. ********** Mavin didn't realize until she stopped that she'd arrived at her destination. Her mind was jumbled and raw with shock. She got out of her car and was slapped by the cold biting wind, causing her eyes to sting and tear up. She squinted and blinked a few times as she walked into Illusions. "Oh, hey there." Adam smiled. "Wassup Adam, is she in?" "Yeah, go right in." Mavin didn't wait for the words to leave his lips, she went for the door and found it slightly ajar. She walked in and her heart fell on the floor. She was too late and Bellinda was just catching the six o'clock news. Mavin took two giant steps and wrapped her arms around Bellinda who proceeded to burst into tears. The tall woman was secretly relieved that the bad news didn't come from her but that was soon replaced by guilt as she felt Bella's body quaking with tears. Bellinda cried for what seemed like forever, screaming heaven knows what in Spanish, cursing, pinching and at one point, biting into Mavin's chest. The dark butch couldn't stand to see her girlfriend in this much pain, or any at all. Wait...what? She held Bella in her strong arms, whispering into her ear, trying to soothe her. After another seemingly manic episode of heart-wrenching tears, Bellinda managed to pull herself together, barely. She leaned back but didn't leave Mavin's embrace. "I don't believe this." Bella whispered and threatened to burst again. "I'm sorry baby." Was all Mavin could say as she pulled Bellinda into a tighter hug. "How did it happen?" Bellinda sobbed, "Why would anyone want him d-dead?" "We'll figure it out, I promise." Mavin said as Bella leaned back, sobbing anew. Mavin's heart clutched again when she saw the tears shimmering on her flushed face. "Hey, hey, they won't get away with this." Mavin thumbed a fresh tear away. They stayed like that for about twenty minutes, just holding each other. Bellinda pressed her head into Mavin's chest, listening to the steady thump of the tall woman's heart. She inhaled Mavin's scent, a subtle hint of passionate cologne and warm flesh. "Stay with me tonight." She looked up into Mavin's eyes. "You're sure?" Mavin exhaled. "Yes. Besides, José wouldn't want it any different." Bellinda said with a sad smile. 'Neither would I' Mavin thought and sighed again. Despite the shock that still held her seized, Bellinda's voice was intoxicating. Having the redhead safe in her arms, felt good to Mavin. "I'd be-" Mavin started just as her cell rang. She scrambled for it and saw it was her brother. "Wassup Z." "Oh man, I just saw the news. Are you okay?" Zeke said with worry in his tone. "Hardly but yeah, I'm aight." "Oh good...Damn, I'm sorry about José. I know y'all were real close." "Thanks Bro. You're not in town are you?" "We're settling at the crib in Westbury." "Shit, why didn't you call me sooner?" Mavin said as Bellinda pulled away and sat on the edge of her desk, watching the dark woman. "There was no need. I know you hate being bothered." "Yeah, whatever man. Listen, I'm in the middle of something here, I'll call you later." "Alright Vin. Becca says hi." "Yeah, she's always tryna start something." Mavin humored her brother. "Don't even think about it." Zeke laughed. "Oh come on, what do you have to worry about? She's all straitlaced." "Well, you do have a history of undoing such laces." Zeke roared over the phone. "Haha! You know she's safe. Gotta go Zeke." Mavin laughed and ended the call. "My brother." Mavin said to Bellinda. "And he's here?" "Yeah, um...he's here with his family in Westbury." "I didn't know you had a brother." Bellinda said and moved to sit on the lounge chair. "I do." Mavin said and wasn't willing to say more. "How come you never told me?" "It never came up." Mavin tousled her hair, a gesture that always gave Bellinda visions of Mavin's freshly showered body, rippling under a tight shirt and satin boxers. "And what else hasn't come up?" Bellinda pulled Mavin into the chair and straddled her. "Bellinda come on, not now." Mavin breathed. "Why, is it so hard for you?" "What are you talking about?" "You, and why you're keeping a distance between us." "And what's the hard part?" "Well, you won't open up to me about anything. You know more about me than I do you." Bellinda said, her face was still flushed and her eyes, glassy. Mavin couldn't help but think she was about to start crying over this history quiz. "Baby, I don't think now's the right time to talk about this. I mean, José's body is still at the morgue for fuck's sake." "My uncle has nothing to do with what I wanna know about you." "Now, how can you say that. We're talking about José here." Mavin said, and sputtered as her temper flared. "I know. He raised me and I consider him to be my father. I love him just as much as you do. But I also know he was a cheerful man and wouldn't want anyone he loved to suffer." "Mourning is not suffering Bellinda." "Mavin, please don't change the subject." Bellinda said tiredly. "Fine but this interview is over." The tall woman responded and began to shutdown. "No Mavin, no." Bellinda slid her hands up Mavin's chest and into her collar, wrapping her palms around Mavin's neck and jaw. "I wanna talk." "You're free to talk." Mavin said quietly, as calmly as her aggravated mood allowed. "Why are you doing this?" "Doing what, Bellinda?" Mavin felt her temples throbbing. Not only did she have her temper to deal with, but the sight of Bellinda's creamy thighs having been abandoned by the skirt that was now bunched up at her hips. "What do you want? You want to get hurt, huh...Is that it?" Mavin said through clenched teeth. "I just want you, anyway I can have you." "You already have me, any more and you stand to get hurt." Mavin sighed, the heat of Bellinda's center on her abs was slowly driving her insane. "That's not want I want." "Have you fucked anyone else since we've...you know...been together?" Bellinda asked and caught Mavin completely off-guard. "What?!" "Have you fucked anybody else since you've known me?" Bellinda asked more pointedly. "Why do you want to know this?" Mavin threw her head back and stared at the ceiling. "So you have?" "I didn't say that." "So what are you saying, yes or no?" Bellinda pressed her body harder into Mavin's chest. "Yes." Mavin gulped as her head snapped back up and both women locked eyes. "How many times?" "Tread lightly babe. You're playing with fire." "I am fire." Bellinda hissed into Mavin's ear. "Answer my question." "I wasn't counting." Mavin mumbled. "Fine, pick a number." Bellinda traced her tongue up Mavin's neck. "Ohh...Four or five." Mavin groaned, she didn't know how the hell they got here but she wasn't about to lie. "Are you sure you're okay?" "And the number of women?" Bellinda prodded further. The answers were almost devastating but the logic was irresistible. "Two." Mavin was tripping on Bellinda's scent. So toxic, yet she wanted more. "So you've had repeats?" "If you wanna call it that." Mavin slid her hands over Bellinda's exposed thighs. "Did you enjoy it?" Bellinda pushed her near-spilling cleavage right under Mavin's chin. "Yes." Mavin's lips brushed the hot skin on Bella's chest. "What the fuck is this about?" "And you don't feel guilty at all?" Bellinda heard the sharp intake of air as she flicked her tongue over Mavin's fleshy lobe. "No, I didn't commit a crime." Mavin's hands wound up clasping Bellinda's ass. "You're surprisingly calm." "Hmm." Mavin responded, mostly because she was enjoying what Bella was doing at her ear. "What do you get out of it?" Bellinda struggled to keep control of the situation as Mavin's fingers played 'find the thong' between her ass cheeks. "Depends on what I want at the moment." "What do you want right now?" "I'm content." Mavin nuzzled her face in the supple breasts sitting under her nose, just as her fingers reached the thong and snapped it over Bellinda's ass. "Well what if-" It was Bella's turn to suck air when she felt Mavin's finger sliding between her wet lips and back up to nudge her pulsing asshole. Just then, Adam popped into the room. "Oh excuse me." Adam said and made no move to leave as fast as he came in. "Hey Agua Lad, you've met Mavin." Bellinda didn't get off Mavin since there was no point trying to hide anything now. "Why yes, under less heated conditions." Adam smiled at the two. "Adam, my uncle was shot and killed today and I still don't know what to make of it. I doubt I'll be able to get out of bed when it finally hits me." "Oh Bee, I'm so sorry." Adam went to hug his friend over Mavin. "Great way to provide comfort." Adam winked at the dark woman. "Um...this is a bit awkward." Mavin muttered to herself as she pulled her hands from Bella's ass. "Well, that explains it." Adam took a deep breath, "The press is out waiting to be fed." "What?!" Bellinda got up from Mavin and adjusted her skirt. "Yeah, they're camped outside. I didn't say anything to them but they're there. You know, at first I was about to invite them in, but there's no mention of them in the schedule so I didn't. They keep multiplying in number and I figured you should know." "This can't be about José, can it?" Bellinda turned to Mavin. Mavin clasped her hands behind her head and stretched. "Feel like closing early?" ************ "Miss Ross, how do you feel about your uncle's death?" "There're rumors that he was assassinated by the leaders of a rival company. Is this true?" "What will you do with his estate?" "Miss Ross, can we have a statement?" Reporters and various media personnel were camped outside Illusions, ready to pounce on anyone brave enough to step out of the building. They clamored with questions, shoved their equipments in Bellinda's face as she made her way out of the building with Mavin's arms around her. Mavin received her share of the frenzy as well, but the scowl on her face did the trick of keeping most of it at bay. Adam wasn't far behind. He lagged so he could lock up the gallery as his friends drew the media away. Once he was sure they'd gotten into Mavin's car, he zipped back indoors, to make sure everything was okay and then he slipped out to his car. He wondered what it would have been like if they'd actually used the main entrance. The press seemed to be able to predict their route and had already set up shop in the parking lot and side entrances. "Some holiday this is gonna be." Adam muttered as he peeled out and tried to catch up with Mavin. "Where're we going?" Bellinda asked when she realize they were taking a bridge. "I didn't think it would be a good idea to go to your place since we'd probably be followed and there's no way in hell I'm gonna tolerate the media at my place, so we'll head up to Westbury." Mavin said slowly. "Your brother's place?" "Well, kinda. It's more like a family home so it belongs to us." "You get along with your brother?" "No doubt." Mavin smiled, "And, today of all days, you'll get to meet him. He's a really genuine guy." "So he's there all by himself?" "Nah, Becca and the kids are with him. You'll see them soon. Just mind Becca, she seems to think I'm ready to settle down." "And you're not?" Bellinda poked Mavin's side. Mavin didn't respond, instead she swerved into her exit and prayed they wouldn't get caught in rush-hour traffic. "I don't see Adam." Mavin said after a while. "Call him, make sure he's in the zone." "I'm so excited to meet your family." Bellinda said as she dialed Adam. "I don't know what could be exciting about an army general and a fashion designer." "Really?!" Bellinda almost shrieked. "Wow, that's a weird combo." "Don't worry, we're almost there. You can test your theory." ********** They pulled into the driveway of a suburban mansion, the holiday home of the Bright family. Mavin had called ahead to announce her arrival and wasn't surprised to find Zeke and his family waiting outside for them. Bellinda thought it was incredibly sweet that the family had the biggest smiles on their faces which were illuminated by Mavin's headlights. "We're here." Mavin turned to Bellinda, "you ready?" "Yes." The latina smiled. With that, they both got out of the car and headed to the main door. Adam had broken off their route and headed back home because he had a date with Jason. "Well, well, if it ain't my twin musketeers." Mavin said just as she was almost bulldozed by her twin nieces, Louise and Sharon. The two girls were identical but Mavin never had any trouble telling them apart. She swept them up in her powerful arms as they showered her with hugs and kisses. "We missed you, Mavin." They said in unison. "And I missed you a ton." Mavin responded lovingly. "Guess what." Sharon whispered in to Mavin's right ear. "Daddy promised us a kitty for Christmas." "But mom said we can't have one." Louise, the wild one said. "He got us bikes for our birthday." "Yeah, they're so cool. You wanna see?" Sharon squealed. "I love your hair, Vin." Louise said and started toying with Mavin's dreaded locks. "Yeah it's longer now." Sharon said and joined her sister. "Alright, girls. Let 'em in." Zeke said as he and Becca approached them. "Who's that?" Louise asked of Bellinda, who stood behind Mavin, watching. "Yeah, she's pretty." Sharon added. "Oh, oh, my apple-jeez." Mavin grinned as she set her nieces down. "I can't believe you remember that." Sharon giggled. "Hey guys, there's someone I want you to meet." Mavin slipped her arm around Bellinda and pulled her forward. "Zeke, Becca, musketeers, this is Bellinda Ross." "Ah Bellinda Ross, of Senator Jack Ross?" Zeke flashed his perfect teeth. Bellinda couldn't see him too well in the shadows. "That's right." Bellinda felt warm all over. Probably because Mavin was holding her close. "You must be special." Becca's voice was melodic. She smiled and moved to kiss Bella's cheeks. "Welcome to our home, which you'll see in a minute." Becca said with good humor and began to pull Bellinda into the house with Louise and Sharon trailing behind, introducing themselves as only curious 7-year olds could. "When's the wedding?" Zeke asked just as he jabbed Mavin's shoulder. "Now why would you ask me that?" Mavin shoved her brother. "Well, of all the ones I've heard of, I can count how many you've actually brought home." "There's always a good reason, but yeah, she's special to me." Mavin smiled at her brother. "But no wedding?" "Z come on, we're taking it slow." "Aight, but she's fine though." Zeke said with an expression that made him look pained. "She's outta your league." Mavin smirked. "Aw, you had to do that." Zeke pouted and then both of them busted out laughing. "Yeah." Mavin said as they finally got through the door. "We're in here!" Becca called from the kitchen. "Okay honey!" Zeke called back, "Hey, you wanna see Becca's gift?" He whispered to Mavin. "You'll show it to me whether or not I do." Mavin grinned. "No, I really think I outdid myself." Zeke said excitedly. "Noo, that's impossible. After last year?" Mavin smiled as she followed her brother to another wing of the house. ********** Moments later ********** "Really? I've always wondered about that." Becca said, her accent, sensual and French. "And you've owned it for 5 years?" "Yeah, it's all about expression." Bellinda said as she sipped the vanilla tea she couldn't get enough of. "Interesting. So, how did you do it?" The robust woman said with an inflection Bella missed because she'd heard the sound of tea moving down her throat. "Well, a lot of hard work, study and natural talent, I suppose." "Oh my, her brother wasn't that difficult." "Uh, I'm sorry...Are you talking about Mavin?" Bellinda gagged on her tea when she realized she'd missed Becca's train. "Why yes dear. The one and only." Becca said with an endearing smile. "Oh, um...in that case, I don't think I've really cracked that code." "There's no need for cracking, just understanding and patience." Becca said with an air of maturity. "Could you explain that? I have a feeling it's not that simple." Bellinda chuckled and Becca joined her. "Well, I'll tell you a secret, Mavin and Zeke are very similar in their ways. It's uncanny, but you can't handle them like you would Joe Shmoe." "That's no secret, I've figured that one out." Bellinda laughed nervously. She couldn't help but think there was something about to be said that she wasn't supposed to know, but she wasn't about to stop Becca. Something about the full-figured woman held her captive. "That's where your calculations stop. Any further and you'll go crazy." Becca said with a knowing gaze. "Oh, I think I'm past that already." The redhead rehashed interest in the china she was drinking from. "Have there been others?" "What?" Bellinda's eyes widened. They seemed to be doing that a lot lately. "Other women, lovers." Becca stated more as fact than theory. "Well...yeah, and from what I hear, there could be more." Bellinda sighed as her heart beat faster at the thought of Mavin with someone else washed through her. "How do you feel about that?" "Under normal circumstances, I'd feel jealous, angry and inadequate." Bellinda said, and wondered for a second more why she felt so at ease with this woman whom she'd only just met a few minutes ago. "And now?" Becca asked as she filled Bellinda's cup with more French tea. "I honestly don't know how I feel. I mean, I'm supposed to understand that it has nothing to do with me and as a result I should feel indifferent." "Yes, I know it's absurd on many levels, but I can't help but see myself in you." "What did you do?" Bellinda asked, truly interested in whatever advice that would aid her with Mavin. "About what?" The two woman turned to see Mavin and Zeke entering the kitchen. "Are you tryna to corrupt my woman, Becca?" Mavin smiled as she hugged Becca and pecked her cheek. Bellinda remained silent. She was too awestruck to speak. She eyed Mavin and then Zeke. They looked so alike. They had the same stature, the same features and even the same dark complexion.