5 comments/ 16893 views/ 0 favorites Challenging Deirdre Pt. 01 By: wildfern CHAPTER 1: HANDS OF FATE I stretched, cat-like, my arms pushed out above my head and my back bowed. Umm… I was wonderfully exhausted! I looked over at the giant of a man sleeping next to me. I'd never made a habit of picking up stray men. But this one… this one was different. He was my cousin's, husband's fraternity brother and best friend and had been best-man at her wedding. That made it sticky. I'd made it a policy not to date or sleep with friends of relatives. The fall out was just too much to deal with. I propped my head on my hand and gently slid the sheet back to get a better look. He had that wonderful, all-over, golden sort of tan that reminds you of butter toffee. He was over six feet tall and well-muscled--not like a body builder, though. I don't go for bulk. He had thick, blonde hair on his head and fine, golden hairs scattered across the rest of him. He rolled onto his back, stretching out one long leg and folding up the other. Hmm… I could look at that all day! One blue eye opened lazily and he smiled. "Hey, Red." "Hey yourself, handsome." I let him pull me close for a cuddle, relaxing into his embrace. He ran a hand over my back. "You get any sleep?" I shrugged. I don't require much sleep. I spider-walked my fingers up his breast bone. God, this man had gorgeous pectoral muscless. "I'll have to leave pretty soon." He nudged his pelvis up against me, letting me feel the hard length of his cock. A golden eyebrow winged skyward. "What's the rush?" I shifted to look him in the eyes. "Gabriel, tonight was great, but..." His arms tightened around me. "We could have a lot of fun together, Red." I shook my head. "This was a once in a lifetime deal, lover." I kissed him softly and pulled away. He slipped from the bed and pulled on a robe. His expression was so serious. I could almost see the wheels in his head turning. "Doesn't mean we have to limit ourselves to just one night, babe." His deep blue eyes followed me as I moved around gathering my clothes. "Hmm…" I grabbed my dress from the floor and stuffed my bare feet into my shoes. The rest of my things I stuffed into my handbag. I yanked my hair into a loose knot at the back of my head. Without glancing in the mirror, I decided I'd do and headed for the door. He grabbed my arm as I passed. "Hey." He pulled me into his arms, sliding his hands around my back to hold me to him. His lips pressed warmly into my neck. "How about a phone number?" I tilted my head to the side, giving him better access to my shoulder. "Gabe…" He nipped my collarbone. "Fax number?" His tongue traced its way back up to my jaw. "E-mail address?" He was persistent. And so delicious. "Hmm.. I really don't think…" He shoved me up against the wall and leaned his hard body against mine. I could feel every inch of his erection as it strained against me. "Don't think, baby. Just feel." I shuddered as his hand stroked up my leg, hmm… the man had a way with words. I supposed it couldn't do any harm. I dropped my bag and stepped out of my shoes. "Alright…" Hours later I made my escape. Taking one last, long glance at the Viking sleeping peacefully in the bed, I opened the door and disappeared into the dawn. *** "Sweet Jesus, man! You're in a foul mood. What's up with you?" Gabriel Jarmon was not only in a foul mood, he was pissed! He sighed. "Sorry Tuck." He rubbed a hand across his neck. He'd had one hell of a week and was taking it out on his best friend. "Maybe today's not a good day for this." Pierce Tucker grabbed a towel from his bag, wiping the sweat from his brow. He was out of breath from the beating Gabe had given him on the racquetball court. "You've been weird ever since the wedding." He slugged back a bottle of water. "You don't see me trying to take my frustrations out on you. And I'm the one who didn't get a honeymoon, ya know." Gabe rolled his eyes. "I know, I know." He'd heard the same complaint every day for a week. He'd be glad when Pierce and Denny did finally take off on their cruise--too bad that wouldn't be for another twelve days. "Why'd you guys wait, anyway?" Pierce shook his head. "Denny had some loose ends to tie up. We'd hoped she'd have everything done before the wedding, but it didn't work out that way." "That sucks, man." Gabe took a pull on his water. "Hey, I've been meaning to ask you. That redhead at your wedding? You know her?" Pierce blinked. Shit. Gabe didn't mean Deirdre… Nah… Surely not. "Uh, which redhead?" "The only one at the wedding, butthead. The one with legs to here," he held a hand at his waist, "and tits out to here." He curved his hands a half foot in front of him. "C'mon, man. The one in that slinky black dress and four inch heels." Crap! He did mean Deirdre. "Ahh, yeah. Sort of. She's Denny's cousin." Pierce put the cap on his water bottle. "You wanna play another set?" Gabe shook his head. "Nah, man. Cousin? She and Denny close? " "Umm…" How was he going to get out of this one? "You'd really have to ask Denny, man. A lot of her family only flew in long enough for the wedding, ya know? It's not like I really know them." Pierce leaned down to grab his bag. "I'd better get going. Denny wants me to stop by the cleaners and pick up my tux." He grimaced. "Apparently I'll need it on the cruise." "Hey, wait a minute." Gabe stuffed everything into his own bag before picking it up. "Maybe I could take you and Denny to dinner tonight? Give you guys a change of scenery?" "Uh, you know Gabe, I think maybe we've got something going on at her parents' tonight." Luckily, they'd reached the cars. Pierce hurriedly unlocked the trunk on his 'Vette and tossed the bag in. "Some other time, right?" He slid into the driver's seat. "Maybe after we get back from the cruise, huh?" Gabe narrowed his eyes. Pierce sure was acting strange. "Yeah, sure. Later." He watched Pierce drive off, wondering what the heck was going on. CHAPTER 2: CHANCE MEETINGS I dropped my head back against the edge of the giant, claw-footed tub. I'd had a hard week and was bone tired. The phone rang softly near her ear. I opened one eye, staring at the device malevolently. Slipping one hand free of the bubbles, she snagged the receiver. "Bennett residence." "Dee! What in Hades' name is going on?" Denny's voice rolled over the lines smoothly. "Gabriel Jarmon's been hounding my doorstep night and day for the last week asking all kinds of questions about you." Jarmon? Who the hell was Jarmon? "Denny, have you been drinking?" A loud snort echoed across the lines. "No! I haven't been drinking. Jarmon. Gabriel Jarmon? Tall, blond? He was at my wedding?" Ohhh. Right. The Viking. "Gabe. Yeah. What about him?" Denny sighed deeply. "Why do I get the feeling you're not listening to me? Gabe… asking questions about you… all week… really anxious… Are you getting the picture?" I pulled the stopper out of the tub and reached for the bath sheet I'd laid on the warmer earlier. "I get the picture, Denny." "Did something happen between you two at the wedding? Oh, lord. Please tell me you didn't sleep with him." I reached up and pulled my hair up into a pony tail before rubbing moisturizer into my face and neck. "If I told you that, I'd be lying." I slathered scented cream into my arms and legs. "Terrific." She sounded glum. "I don't suppose you want me to give him your number or anything?" "You know me better than that! I don't do relationships." I pulled a copper colored sheath from her wardrobe. "Too bad you had to 'do' one of Pierce's friends." Denny gnashed her teeth. "Fine, I'll do my best to get rid of him." I finished my makeup and slid into the dress. The rich copper color set off my light skin and red-hair quite nicely. "You going to be home for a while this evening? I have a dinner date, but I could swing by after. I've got some things to drop off for you." "Oh?" I could hear the curiosity in Denny's voice. "Mmm…" I ran a fingertip across my plump lower lip, smoothing the line of my lipstick. I grabbed my keys and headed for the door. "I'll call you when I'm ready to head your way." *** Ugh! Dinner had been torture--Cole Harper may have looked like a god, but Einstein he wasn't. I turned the nose of the car west and hit speed dial on my cell phone. Thankfully, Denny picked up on the first ring. "Hey, it's me. I should be there in five minutes or so." "Oh. Great. Okay. We'll see you in a bit, then." Denny had sounded a bit weird. I shrugged and dropped the phone into my bag. Married life must be getting to her. Pierce and Denny lived in the top half of a quaint Victorian home that had recently been converted into a duplex. Parking was scarce and I had to settle for a spot on the street in front of the house. I grabbed my bag and headed for the door. A flutter at an upper window caught my eye. I smiled as the door swung open, expecting to see Denny on the other side. My smile slipped when I saw the man standing in the doorway. "Gabriel. How… delightful to see you again.". "Really?" He grabbed my hand, pulling me over the threshold and through the doorway. "So glad I could make your day." Gabe shoved me up against the wall. "Why did you leave like that? No goodbye, no phone number. Nothing!" His large hands gripped my shoulders roughly and he gave me a slight shake. "Umm, maybe we'd better…" Denny started. "Leave you two alone." Pierce started pulling Denny towards the stairs. "Don't mind us. You two take all the time you need. Guest bedroom on the first floor's free, if you want privacy." My jaw dropped. Well, hell. I looked to Denny for answers and found none. She simply shrugged her shoulders, shook her head and followed meekly after Pierce. "Some help you are," I muttered. "Hey! Put me down, Gabe." He swung me into his arms and headed down the hall. "No way. Last time I let you go, you disappeared without a trace." He used his elbow to push open the door to the guest room, stepped through, shoved it closed with his foot and dropped me unceremoniously on the bed. I sat up, swinging my feet to the floor. "Oh, for God's sake! It was a one-night stand, Gabe. People have them all the time. It didn't mean anything." I found my forward progress halted by two jean-clad legs. "Is that a fact? I happen to think you're wrong." He unbuttoned his shirt. "You didn't just pull a 'love him and leave him' routine. You spent the afternoon, evening and all night long in my bed, sugar." He shrugged out of the shirt and reached for the buckle on his pants. "Now, I don't know about you, but in my world, spending the night in a man's bed means something." I rolled my eyes. The man was obviously delusional. "Look, Gabe. I told you, I don't do relationships. Personal attachments just aren't worth the time and emotional effort needed to sustain them." I lost my train of thought momentarily as the waist of his pants headed south. Oh, my. He may have been angry with me, but certain portions of his anatomy were certainly happy to see me. I gulped for air and tried again. "Besides, one night of great sex doesn't give you the right to…" He stepped out of his jeans and placed his knee on the edge of my bed, just between my thighs. "One night of great sex, huh? Try fourteen hours and at least that many orgasms, baby. The wedding was at 11:00 and I had you for lunch." He slid a warm palm up my thigh. "And dinner." His other hand shifted to my breast, stroking my nipple firmly through the thin silk of my dress. He leaned into me, forcing me back and down towards the mattress. "I would have had you for breakfast, too, but you'd disappeared by the time the sun came up." I put my hands on his chest, intent on pushing him away. "Gabe, I…" His slipped his fingers underneath the lace edge of my panties, deftly stroking the tips across my nether lips. I sucked in a deep breath. "I don't think that…" "I think we've had this conversation before, sweets." He flicked a finger across my clitoris, making me jump. "Sometimes it's just better…" The tip of one finger gently penetrated my vagina. "Not to think about these things." I shuddered. "Oh!" I was already wet. Soon, a second finger joined the first and he pushed hard--all the way into me. His mouth closed, hot and moist, on my neck. "I can feel how ready you are for me, babe." He slid his fingers back and forth within me. "How hot you are." Gabe nibbled his way up my neck to my ear. "Two feels good, doesn't it Red? Wouldn't three be better?" He inserted a third finger, stretching me. My eyes drifted shut and I gasped. I wanted to come. I needed to come. My hips pumped in time to his rhythm. "Gabe…" He increased the tempo and pressure of his hand as he worked my cunt. His thumb stroked my clitoris. Once, twice, three times. And I came with a soft keening wail. I heard the rip of fabric and knew he'd torn away the scrap of silk covering my crotch. I opened my eyes long enough to watch him slip a condom over the head of his shaft. I reached for him, only to have him grab my hands and force them down above my head. "Gabriel?" I pushed my hips upward, trying to force him inside me. He pulled back slightly, not letting me have control. "Please, Gabriel." I'd never begged for anything before as I begged him now to fuck me. "Hush, baby." He rubbed the purple tip of his cock across me, spreading my dew. "This is my game and we'll play it by my rules." He forced my hands upward. "Hold onto the headboard and don't let go." Then he slid his arms underneath my thighs, forcing my knees up and out--opening me wide for his invasion. I whimpered as he inched forward slowly, oh so slowly. "Unh… Please, please, please!" Sweat popped out on his forehead. "Shh, baby. Easy. I don't want to hurt you." I didn't want easy. I wanted it hard… and fast. "Do it, Gabe! God, just do it!" I squeezed my PC muscles, urging him on. He lifted his head to look into my eyes. I watched his pupils widen and his eyes grow dark. "I can't… be gentle…" He shook slightly. "If you do that…" "I don't want gentle, Gabe. Fuck me!" I pleaded. "You want me to fuck you, huh?" He pulled out and I screamed in frustration. "On your knees, Red." He flipped me onto my stomach and I rushed to comply, pulling the skirt of my dress up high out of his way. He shoved pillows under my stomach and pushed my head down to the bed. His hand dropped to my buttocks, caressing the cleft between my cheeks. He spread my cheeks. I jumped when I felt his thumb probe my ass. "Oh, God!" I loved it this way. He leaned forward, grabbing my breast and pinching me roughly. This is what you want, isn't it?" His thumb pushed higher and he stretched his fingers towards my cunt. "You want it rough." He let go of my breast and I felt a stinging slap on my butt. "You want it hard." God, help me. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" I bit my lip to keep from screaming. His hands left me momentarily, coming back only long enough to massage something cool and thick into my rear. Then I felt the head of his cock against my ass, seeking entry. I took a deep breath, trying to relax. But it was too much. I was like a bitch dog in heat, pushing backwards into him and forcing his thick shaft inside me. "Damn, you're tight!" He pulled back slightly, then shoved forward. He did this again and again until the muscles of my ass relaxed enough to let him in. He paused, letting me feel the full length of him inside me. He was a big man and I'd felt full to bursting before, but in this position the fine line between pleasure and pain blurred. I whimpered and pulled forward a little, seeking relief. His hands clamped down tight on my waist, letting me know there would be no escaping him. I cried out as he pulled almost completely out and lunged forward, pressing into me so hard I could feel his balls against the cheeks of my ass. "Aah!" The bed rocked with us, intensifying the strength and tempo of his moves. I could feel pleasure building inside me again, even as I felt twinges of pain. Each thrust of his cock brought me closer and closer to the edge of fulfillment. A voice I didn't recognize, even though I knew it to be mine, called out "More! Harder!" Then I screamed as the world around me shattered into a million pieces. He pulled out of me, rolling onto his side and easing off the bed. I heard running water and moments later he returned. I flinched but didn't pull away when he ran a warm, wet cloth across my cheeks and ass. Dropping the cloth on the floor, he slid onto the bed next to me and gathered me into his arms. "Care to discuss 'rights' now, Red?" I rolled onto my back to stare at the ceiling. "Dammit, Gabriel…" "All I want, sweet thing, is a chance." He shoved a strand of hair behind my ear. "A chance to have some fun and maybe get to know you better." I looked into his Azure-blue eyes. He was fucking serious. For the first time in a long time, I agreed with Denny. Of all the single men that had been at her wedding, why the hell did I pick this man to sleep with? I shook my head, pushing him away from me and sitting up all in one smooth motion. "Whatever, Gabe." I smoothed down the skirt of my dress. Leaning over, I grabbed my ruined panties from the floor. I'd have to do without, they were toast. I drew a deep breath. "You want to date me, fine. We'll date." I walked to the door, pausing to look over my shoulder before exiting. "But don't get any ideas about ownership or permanence." The door to the bedroom slammed satisfactorily behind me as I exited. 'Nyah! So there!' I ran a hand through my hair. God, what was I going to do now? *** Denny and Pierce were cuddled together in the living room watching some grade B science-fiction movie on TV. Newlyweds, ugh! "Denny, can I have a word with you?" She jumped, startled. "Dee, hey." She looked guiltily at Pierce. "Umm, yeah. Sure thing. Let's go into the kitchen, okay?" I grabbed my purse off the couch, aiming a look at Pierce. "He's your friend, Pierce. You deal with him!" He paled. "Hey, I didn't know he'd…" I held up a hand. "Later!" I could hear a door slam somewhere behind me, but didn't even turn to look. I just pushed Denny towards the kitchen. "Keep him out, Pierce. I mean it." Denny settled onto a stool at the small island while I grabbed a wine cooler from the fridge. "Make yourself at home, Dee." I glared at her over the rim of the bottle. "Shut up, Denny. I'm not talking to you right now." Silently, I polished off the bottle. I reached for my bag. "You asked me for a favor." I pulled out a sheaf of papers. "Take a look, see what you think." Denny took the papers from me. The grin on her face broadened as she sifted through them. "You did it! This is so great!" I nodded. "Your records been expunged. You'll need to sign and have that top page notarized. Then file everything with the district clerk's office. After that, you're good to go." "God! This is so great. I can't thank you enough, Dee." Her expressive eyes lit up with joy. "Sure you can, Dennny. Get him," I pointed back towards the doorway, "off my back." "Hmm… I dunno, Dee." She tilted her head and grinned. "From the sound of things, I didn't think you really wanted him off your back." The muscles in my jaw tightened. "Denny…" She rolled her eyes at me. "Alright, alright. I'll try." Denny tapped a finger on the papers I'd given her. "I guess it's the least I can do, considering. It's just… he's such a nice guy, Dee. Would it really hurt to date him for a while? I mean, what harm could it do?" I rubbed a hand across my head. My temples were starting to throb. "Ask me that in three months, Denny. When he starts screaming about my traveling on short notice, the number of business dinners I go to, or the men I 'hang out' with at the club. Or maybe when he comes crying to you and Pierce because I've been called out on yet another page in the middle of the night and haven't put in an appearance at home for two days." "Ahh, Dee…" Challenging Deirdre Pt. 01 "You know how my life is, Denny. You better than anybody know what a pain it is to keep up with me, to count on me for anything. Geez, the only reason I was able to attend your wedding was because of an airline strike." "And you think that'll be a problem for me because…?" Gabe's voice rolled over me moments before his hands settled on my hips. I pulled out of his grasp, moving towards the refrigerator again. "Because you're human, Gabe. And you're male." I pulled out another wine cooler. I glanced back at Denny. "You have anything stronger than this?" Gabe's eyebrow rose. "Planning on getting drunk?" I shrugged, popping the top on the cooler. "My life's a mess, Gabe. I'm here for two more days, then off to Europe for a week on business." I pulled out my PDA. "I'll be back at the end of the month for a conference, but only for an overnighter. The three weeks after that are a night-mare. I'll barely be in one spot long enough to sleep and eat." I shook my head. "I live and die by my PDA. Still want to date?" He crossed his arms over his chest, his expression deadly serious. "I was serious earlier, Deirdre. I want you and I'll take you however I can get you." Denny glanced back and forth between us. "Umm, maybe I should…" "Sit right there, Denny." I pointed my finger at her. "You're not abandoning me this time." I pulled an embossed card from my bag, flipped it over and scrawled a series of numbers on the back. "It's your life Gabe." I handed him the card. "Don't say I didn't warn you, though." I slugged back my drink, grabbed my purse and keys and headed out the door before anyone else could get another word in edgewise. My cell phone rang just as I pulled out of the driveway. I knew it was Gabe, so I ignored it. When it kept ringing, I turned it off. I'd had enough for one day. What a mess. But damn, the man was good in the sack! CHAPTER 3: THE DATING GAME "Tess, the contracts for Billingsley are done. See that all parties get a copy, will you?" I clicked the portable phone I carried with me in the office. "Yeah, Jace. I know the GVP project's out for bid. I advised them to put it there. No, I'm not interested in bidding on it. I'm buried in it up to my chin now." I signed several letters and handed them off to my assistant. "Thanks, Tess. No, not you Jace." I crossed my eyes. Jace was a good friend, but he was a pain in the ass to work with. "I don't think Tess is interested in you Jace, or she'd have said yes the last time you asked her out." Tess shook her head at me and tapped her watch. I nodded and was wrapping up my conversation when she pointed to the door. "What?" I looked around, only to find myself staring at the largest bouquet of fresh cut flowers I'd ever seen outside of a funeral parlor. "What the hell?" A voice from behind the flowers announced a "Delivery for Ms. Bennett?" "I'm Deirdre Bennett." The delivery man sounded relieved. "Great. Ma'am, can I set these down somewhere? They're really heavy and the teddy bear is getting squashed." "Teddy bear?" I looked over at Tess. She had a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing. "Come on, you can put them in the conference room." "Uh, ma'am? If you wouldn't mind, could I just set them down here? I can't really see through the ferns. The security guard helped me into the elevator and the secretary outside guided me in here." "Of, for God's sake!" I took one side of the basket handle. "Here, let me help." The damn thing weighed a ton. With a little jiggling, we managed to wrangle the basket into the conference room and set it by the windows. "If you'll just sign here, ma'am?" The delivery man held out a pad. I pointed to the basket. "Is there a card in there someplace?" "Umm, no. But the bear on the left is one of those 'Message Bears.' You just push the button in his ear to hear the recording." "Terrific." I handed the man a $20 for his troubles. "Thanks, ma'am." He tipped his hat. "You have a nice day now!" "Nice day my ass. What am I supposed to do with this?" I sighed deeply. One thing at a time. I reached my hand out to the button on the bear. A tinny version of 'Let Me Call You Sweetheart' floated into the room. Then Gabe's voice boomed from the bear, "Hey there, darlin.' Didn't know what kind of flowers you liked, so I got a little bit of everything. Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you. Hoped maybe you'd have dinner with me tonight. Call me, Gabe." The tinny recording ended. I laughed out load. I should have known. I pulled the phone from my belt, sped through the call list, found Gabe's number and hit dial. "Gabriel's Bar and Grill, Gabe speaking." "Gabe… babe… this has got to be the ugliest conglomeration of flora I've ever seen." "I take it you got the flowers, huh?" I could almost here him smile through the phone. "What did you think of the bear? Was that cute, or what?" I laughed. "You're an idiot, you know that? Yeah, okay. The bear was cute. A little corny, but cute nonetheless." "So… will you have dinner with me tonight? I can make reservations at La Frontera." I checked my PDA. I had a gallery opening to attend at 6:00. My firm was sponsoring the exhibit and it would look bad if I missed it. "Hmm… I suppose so. Can you get a table for 9:00?" "Can't squeeze me in any earlier, hmm? That's okay. I'll take what I can get." I knew it. He was already making notes about my availability. "Fine. I'll meet you at La Frontera at 9:00." I checked my watch. "Listen, I've got to run. I'll call you if I have any problems, okay?" He was quiet for a minute. "Sure. See you then." I disconnected without saying goodbye. *** I stepped into the foyer at La Frontera. It was crowded tonight. "Evening, Ms. Bennett. It's been a while since we've seen you." "Good evening, Robert." I smiled. La Frontera was one of my favorite spots in the city. "I'm meeting Mr. Jarmon this evening. Has he arrived?" "Jarmon? One moment." He slid a finger down his reservations book. "Ah, yes. He's on the verandah." He tapped his book. "Had I known you were coming I would have assigned him to your usual table. It's open… I could…" "No, thank you Robert. The verandah's fine." I let him lead me to the table. Gabriel stood as I approached. "Hello, gorgeous!" He leaned in to kiss my neck as I slid into my seat. His fingertips brushed the material on my shoulder. "This is nice." I smiled up at him. "Thank you." "Ahem…" Robert's lips quirked upwards in a grin. "Would madam care for anything to drink this evening?" "Just my usual, Robert. Thanks." I glanced around. "The renovations are beautiful. It's gorgeous out here." Robert simply smiled. "Many thanks, Ms. Bennet. I'll send Paul out with your order." He bowed slightly. "Enjoy your evening." Gabe leaned back in his chair casually. "I take it you come here often?" "Mmm… It's one of my favorite spots." I glanced at the menu laying face down on the table. "Have you ordered yet?" I glanced up briefly as Paul set a glass of Chardonnay at my elbow. "Thank you, Paul." He winked. "Would you like a moment to look at the menu? Or, are you ready to order?" "I'm fine, Paul. Tonight's specialty is Shrimp Diablo, right? I'll have that." The waiter nodded. "Very good. And you, sir?" Gabe handed the menu over. "I'll have the Enchiladas Verdes." "Can I interest you in an order of Sopas to start?" Gabe looked at Paul inquiringly. "Sopas?" "It's an appetizer of sorts, Gabe. Very good." I was addicted to La Frontera's Sopas and Paul knew it. "Please, Paul." I smiled my thanks. Gabe's eyes roved over me. "You're beautiful tonight. Did you dress for me?" As if! I ran a hand over the bowl of my wineglass, catching the drops of dew gathered at the base. "No." I sipped my wine. "What made you choose La Frontera?" "Hmm…" He took a pull on his beer. "Denny recommended it. Were you working late this evening?" I glanced at him casually. "No. Denny knows I have a weakness for Mexican food. Did she and Pierce get off on their cruise okay? I didn't get a chance to call and check on them today." "They're fine." Gabe leaned forward casually, dropping a hand beneath the table. "I have a feeling you're taking a stand here." His fingers traced across my knee to slide beneath the hem of my dress. "It's only natural, after what we've shared together, that I would wonder where you've been and what you've been doing." His hand brushed the top of my hose, lingering to play with the strap to my garter belt. "This…" He stroked my inner thigh. "This intrigues me no end." I raised an eyebrow his direction. "Feeling possessive, are we?" "Little miss independence." His eyes darkened momentarily. "I'm enjoying this game so far, my love. But, be careful you don't push me." I shivered at the hint of danger in his tone and shifted my thighs to give him better access. "Hmm… too bad we can't play this out now, darling. But, Paul's on his way over with our food." Gabe took every opportunity to touch, fondle and stroke all through dinner. By the time we were ready to leave, my body was humming with need. Outside the restaurant, he drew me into his arms. "Come home with me tonight, Red." My lazy smile gave him all the answer he needed. *** The minute we entered his apartment, he had me shoved up against the wall. His mouth moved over me hungrily while his hands pulled at my clothes. "God, Red. Help me get this off!" "Wait… just wait…" I pushed him away, unzipped my dress and let it slide to the floor. I reached back to unhook my bra, freeing my breasts. "Hmm…" His leaned forward swiftly, his mouth enveloping the nipple on my left breast. His tongue swirled against me; then, growling, he took me between his teeth. "Jesus, Gabe…" His hands reached down to my panties. "I've waited all evening for this. I can't wait anymore, Red." He pulled roughly at the silk, tearing the fabric in two. I heard the metallic rip of his zipper, then he was pulling my leg up and over his hip. He growled, rubbing the tip of his cock back and forth between my legs. "God you're wet." "I want you inside me, Gabriel." I grasped him firmly in my hand, positioning the head just where I wanted him. "Now, Gabe! Please, now!" He pushed his hips forward swiftly. "Ahh, babe…" His hands on my ass tightened, pulling me up hard against him. I gasped as I felt him hit my cervix. "Ungh… Gabe…" Some women don't like having their cervix bumped, but damn he felt good. He slid his hands beneath me, cupping me to him. I threw my arms around his neck to keep my balance as he picked me up completely off the floor. "That's it, baby. Wrap around me… hold me… ugh! Lock your heels behind my back and hang on!" He pounded into me, each stroke increasing the friction and pushing me higher and higher towards climax. "Ahhhh….. Ungh…… Har… Harder, Gabe…. Ohhh… I'm gonna… I'm…" He lifted his head to look into my eyes. "Cum for me, baby. Let go. Let go and fly!" I stared into his eyes, frightened for a moment. "I…" "Cum!" He commanded, pushing hard into me and pressing the tip of his cock right up onto my cervix. I came hard, screaming his name as the room around me exploded into a fusion of colors. Still buried deep inside me, he dropped to his knees and eased me back onto the floor. "Again, baby." He set up a fast rhythm. "Cum for me again." My hands dug into his shoulders. "Shit… ugh!" I moved my hips to match him stroke for stroke. His jaw tightened. I could feel the muscles in his shoulders bunch as he fought for control. "Now, baby… now!" I dropped my head to the carpet and let out a keening cry. "Ga-bri-el!" I could feel his arms shook from the effort it took not to cum. "I want it all, Red." He slipped out of me and rolled me to my stomach. "On your knees, baby. Show me your pretty ass." I scrambled to pull my knees underneath me. I knew what he wanted. I wanted it to. I started panting in anticipation as I dropped my cheek to the floor. "Oh, yes!" I begged him. I shivered as I felt one hand grasp my hip. His other hand reached down to gather the dew from my cunt. I whimpered softly when he reached his fingers deep inside me, wetting them. His fingers now dripping with my cum, he slid his hand up my ass and rimmed me. "So tight. Relax for me baby. Relax and open up for me." I took a deep breath and blew out, trying to relax enough to let him in. "Ungh!" He slipped first one and then two fingers into me up to the knuckle. "Ungh! Uhh.! Ohh!" I cried out as he pumped his fingers into me. Quickly, he withdrew his hand and I could feel the engorged tip of his penis against me. I blew out a breath and pushed back against him, fighting the urge to pull away from the pain. "God!" Gabe pushed forward slowly, inch by hard inch. Forcing the muscles of my ass to stretch to accommodate his length and width. "Easy, baby." He paused, letting me get used to him. "Okay?" I pushed back hard against him. "Fuck me, Gabriel. Oh, God. Please fuck me!" "Oh, shit yeah!" He cried, pulling out and slamming back into me. My eyes crossed. One… two… three strokes and I came screaming. "Yeah! Ungh… Oh, God yeah!" He pounded me relentlessly. "I'm going to cum, baby… I'm going to cum inside you… Ugh! Uhh! I'm going to cream you… I'm… Shit… Ahhh!" He slammed into me one last time. I could feel his balls against the cheek of my ass, his cock throbbing inside me, hot spurts of cum shooting into me. "Ohh!" Life was good. *** Sometime later, I came to in his bed. I was still wearing my garter belt and hose, but at least I'd managed to lose the shoes. "You're awake." He grinned down at me. "Umm…" I stretched and winced. His hand rested on my stomach. "Sore?" "A little." He slid a hand between my legs and stroked his middle finger across my still wet nether lips. "Too sore?" I drew in a deep breath. Geez, what kind of vitamins was this man on? "Ah, Gabe. I…" He slipped over me, settling his body comfortably between my knees. He dipped his head downwards. "Maybe you'd like a bath?" His tongue stroked across me. I shuddered violently. My skin broke out in goose bumps. I loved having a man go down on me. "Oh, yes. Eat me, Gabe!" Obviously, this man didn't need a great deal of recovery time. Grinning wickedly, he bent to his task with a great deal of enthusiasm. "Mmm… salty." His tongue licked every inch of me. His teeth teased lightly, nibbling and pulling at my folds. "Hmm.." He hummed against my still sensitive clit. "Oh!" My hips jerked. I reached down to slide my hands into his hair. He grasped my wrists and pushed them upwards. "No, baby. Hold onto the headboard for me, hmm? And don't let go." I blinked up at him. Surprised but more than willing to let him do whatever he wanted to me. "Okay." He dropped back to his position between my knees. "So pretty… so pink and wet…" He petted me softly. "So soft here." He stroked my labia. "So tight here." He inserted a finger into my vagina. I jerked again. I'd already cum three times tonight. God, I was so sensitive right now I was likely to cum just from thinking about what he was going to do to me. "Gabriel, please. I…" He flicked my clit with his tongue. "Shh, baby. No talking." He pulled his finger back slowly, making my hips rise to follow his movements. "You like that, hmm? How about this?" He inserted another finger, twisting his hand slightly as he pushed them into me. I bit my lip to keep from crying out. Beads of sweat broke out on my forehead. "How about if I suck your clit and finger-fuck you all at the same time, hmm?" He dropped his head and took my clit between his teeth. "Mmm-mmm-mmm.." My hands tightened on the headboard. I panted and moaned. Pushing against his hand, writhing against his mouth. I couldn't take it any longer and leaped off the edge of the cliff he'd built. "Aaargh!" He dropped his chin to my belly. Popping his fingers into his mouth, he sucked them clean. "Umm… I could eat you all day." I closed my eyes and groaned. I'd surely die if he tried. "So… tell me… where were you and your little black dress this evening?" He rubbed his chin back and forth softly. "Before you met me for dinner?" I opened an eye and looked at him. Damn sneaky man. Trying to get to me while my defenses were down. I sighed. "Is it really that important to you?" "Yep." I reached down and stroked his golden head. "I had to attend a gallery opening at the Blue Skye downtown." His blue eyes stared into mine. "Next time, take me with you." I blinked. "Sure." *** The trip to Europe had been hell. I never made it back home. The Lear needed to go into the shop for some engine work and I'd had to extend my stay in Paris. It wasn't an unusual occurrence, really. Except that Tess called me twice a day to tell me the messages from Gabe were really piling up. Id managed to catch his answering machine once or twice while I was. On the flight from Paris to Belize, I finally gave up and sent him an e-mail. "Hey, Gabe. I'm not going to make it back stateside for another three weeks. Quit bugging Tess, okay? She's drowning in work as it is." His reply was almost instantaneous. "Darlin' Dee. Meet me online tonight and we'll chat. Take care, Gabe… aka AngelGabriel." "Okay. Just call me 'FireBird.'" Little did I know what he had in store for me. CHAPTER 4: ONLINE ADVENTURES (in progress…) The first words glittered across the screen. Evening, darlin.' Welcome to my virtual home. Hi, lover. The cursor flickered a moment as he typed. Missed you. It was funny, but I'd actually missed him too. I wasn't going to admit that, though. Is that a fact? His response was swift. You betcha, sweetcakes! What are you wearing? Well, if he wanted cyber nookie, I could certainly oblige him! A sleep-shirt and some freckles, lover man. Care to count them? Another short pause. God, I remember those freckles baby. Each and every one of them! Are you comfy? The masseuse had just left. I was relaxed and my muscles were liquid. Umm… Very… What are you wearing? Again, a quick response. A smile… Are you tucked up in bed yet? I sighed and snagged a sip of wine before responding. Lazing around… trying to catch up on life. (to be continued…) Challenging Deirdre Pt. 02 CHAPTER 4: ONLINE ADVENTURES The first words glittered across the screen. Evening, darlin.' Welcome to my virtual home. Hi, lover. The cursor flickered a moment as he typed. Missed you. It was funny, but I'd actually missed him too. I wasn't going to admit that, though. Is that a fact? His response was swift. You betcha, sweetcakes! What are you wearing? Well, if he wanted cyber nookie, I could certainly oblige him! A sleep-shirt and some freckles, lover man. Care to count them? Another short pause. God, I remember those freckles baby. Each and every one of them! Are you comfy? The masseuse had just left. I was relaxed and my muscles were liquid. Umm... Very... What are you wearing? Again, a quick response. A smile... Are you tucked up in bed yet? I snagged a sip of wine before responding. Not yet... just lazing about... The cursor blinked a moment. I'd give anything to see you. Don't suppose you have a web cam on your end? I smiled. Little did he know, but I had all kinds of goodies in my bag of tricks. Just a minute... brb... I quickly set up my web cam and positioned my laptop on top of the table in front of me. Grinning ear to ear, I shucked my clothes, struck a pose and hit the enter key. "Hot damn, babe!" Gabe's husky voice emanated from my speakers. I leaned over so the mic would catch my voice. I knew my full breasts were clearly on display. "You like?" "Oh, yeah. I like. Give me a minute here..." I could here scuffling in the background on his end, then suddenly my screen was flooded with color images of his rangy body in all its naked glory. I dropped my right hand to my lap, drawing his attention to my body. I'd spent the entire morning at the hotel's spa and was sporting a new 'look.' "Notice anything different?" I watched Gabe scoot closer to his screen. "What'd you do, darlin'?" I spread my knees, exposing the smooth, clean surface of my pussy. "I tried something a little different." I stroked a finger across my labia. "It's called the Brazillian look." I tilted my head and blinked innocent eyes up at him. "What do you think?" Gabe swallowed and his penis, already semi-hard, twitched upwards. "Ahh, damn..." I leaned slightly backwards into the overstuffed chair, bringing my heels up to rest on the edge of the cushion and splaying my knees even further apart. My foraging fingers delved between my lips, stroking. "Of course, that's not the only new thing. I had this little item done right after I left." My fingers spread wide, exposing my clitoris--and the small gold ring I'd had inserted there. I glanced toward the screen, noticing that Gabe's eyes had turned molten and he now had his left hand wrapped tightly around the base of his penis. Teasingly, I flicked a fingernail against the ring and made it quiver. I shivered and my eyelids half-closed. Once the pain had worn off, I'd had a hard time keeping my hands off of it. It was absolutely amazing what the little piece of jewelry could do for me. "God, babe. I wish I was there with you. Or you were here with me." He stroked his hand upwards, caressing himself. "Touch yourself, Dee. Let me watch you find your pleasure." "Hmm..." It was a little strange. I'd done many things, but I'd never masturbated in front of an audience. I'd only done it solo. My lips quirked as I thought of the things I could do in front of the camera. Slowly, I slid my left upwards to caress a breast. I let my mind wander, imagining Gabe's large hands stroking, pinching, pulling. "Mmm..." My right hand caressed my labia. I could see movement on the screen. Gabe had shifted on the bed to lay on his side. He'd tucked one hand under his head and was using the other to stroke his engorged member. "You look so hot, babe. Are you thinking of me? Thinking about my touching you, tasting you?" "Yes, Gabe." I rubbed the tip of my finger across my clit. I pushed a finger into my vagina, burying the digit as deep as I could. I groaned softly. I was wet and oh, so hungry. "God..." Gabe licked his lips. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes glittered. "Talk to me, Red. Tell me what you want, what you feel." I blinked. "Umm... ah, Gabe." I pushed another finger into my sopping cunt. "Unh... I want you to bite me." I pinched my nipple hard, surprising even myself how effectively simply saying the words brought about a reaction in me. Goose bumps spread across my skin. I shifted my hips a little, trying for a better angle. "I need your hands on me." I stroked my palm downwards, across my belly. "I need your length deep and hard inside me." I began pulling and pushing my fingers in and out in a slow, steady rhythm. "I'm with you, babe. Can you feel my teeth against you, grazing across your nipples? Can you feel my hot breath across your neck and shoulder?" He paused, drawing a deep breath. "I'm so hard, babe, I could pound nails. Aah..." He shuddered. "I can see how wet you are, how ready you are for me." I whimpered. "Oh!" "It wouldn't be gentle, Red. It would be hard and it would be fast. But you're so ready, you could take me." The speed of the strokes over his penis increased. "Can you see it, baby? Can you see me mounting you, taking you. God, pounding deep, deep inside of you?" My lids flickered. I could see a glistening sheen forming on the end of his shaft. I stroked my fingers harder, faster, lifting my hips in rhythm to the thrusts of my virtual lover. I cried out, "Aah!" "I'd have your knees hooked over my elbows, spreading you wide. Your dainty feet would bounce against my back as I pounded into you." I could almost feel the way his balls would slap against the cheeks of my ass as he rode me. I slid my other hand downward, pressing my index finger hard against my clit. "Yes, oh yes. Ahh, Gabe. I can feel you... feel you inside me." His hips jerked spasmodically. "Hurry, baby. I don't want to cum without you." I opened my eyes wide and stared at the screen. I watched his hips move, matching my rhythm. I pushed my fingers harder, faster. My finger flicked rapidly across my clit. My cheeks flushed. My lips fell open softly. My breathing and heart rate increased. I was so close... so close. My head dropped back and I groaned. "Ohhhh! Oh-oh-oh... oh, my God." There was some furious grunting from the computer in front of me. Then I could hear Gabe's answering groans. "Ahh! Oh, yeah... that's it.... unh... uh-huh! Shit!" The room grew quiet. My breathing calmed as I came back to myself. I brought my hands up, resting them on the swell of my stomach. I brought my knees together and dropped my feet to the floor. My eyes flickered open and I saw Gabe sprawled across his bed, his stomach and legs covered in cum. He was beautiful. My lips tipped up in a satisfied smile. I'd been right earlier. Oh, the things I could do in front of a camera. CHAPTER 5: HOMECOMING I had a devil of a time concentrating on business later. I had come to Belize to negotiate a purchase of real estate for a U.S. based manufacturing company. Thankfully, my staff was quite capable as I'd spent most of the last couple of days wearing this huge, goofy smile and staring blindly out the window. I'm certain they thought I'd lost my mind. Two days and a solidly negotiated contract later, I turned the entire project over to Jace, called it quits and headed for home. I'd called and left a message for Gabe providing my arrival information. I didn't really expect him to meet me at the gate, but thought he might like to know when I was due back. I was extremely surprised when I stepped off the plane to find a limo waiting for me. I occasionally used a car service, but couldn't think of a single reason why anyone would send a limo for me today. The driver tipped his hat as I approached. "Ms. Bennett?" I smiled and nodded. "Yes, I'm Deirdre Bennett. Were you waiting for me?" He nodded. "Yes, ma'am. Are these your bags?" He pointed towards the curb. "Oh. Yes, they are." I was still recovering from my initial surprise. "Did Tess, er I mean Ms. Klein, arrange for this?" I was certain that after talking to Jace, Tess and the rest of my staff were fully convinced I was in need of a little pampering, and quite possibly an extended vacation. The driver shook his head, opening the door to the rear compartment for me. "I'm sorry, miss. I'm not privy to the details of the arrangement. My supervisor simply told me when, where and whom to pick up. Perhaps the gentleman can tell you?" Gentleman? I popped my head through the door. "Gabriel!" My face broke into a smile. Gabe reached out a hand, pulling me into the car. "Hello darlin' girl." He slipped me onto his lap and wrapped his arms tightly around me. "Welcome home, Red." I dropped my bag on the seat next to me and completely melted into his embrace. I was home. *** An hour later, I was comfortably ensconced in the large garden tub in Gabe's apartment. I tilted the glass of champagne up to take a drink. Gabe leaned over the edge and tapped a strawberry against my lips. "Open up." He instructed. I did as I was told, biting into the firm, sweet flesh of the tender fruit. The flavors of the berry and the wine combined on my tongue were wonderful. "Mmm... you're spoiling me." A hand grazed lightly across my shoulder. "I think you need a little spoiling, Red. All work and no play leads to burnout." I rested my head against the edge of the tub. "Hmm..." Maybe, but the 'all work' bit had been a habit for so long I wasn't really sure I knew how to do anything else. He dropped his lips to mine, kissing me softly. "I'm thinking I'd like to take a little vacation. Maybe a week or two. It's a slow time of year and I could probably get away with it on short notice." He tilted my head upwards to look into my eyes. "Don't suppose you'd be interested in keeping me company, would you?" Dating and sleeping together were one thing, taking a vacation together was something else entirely. I searched Gabe's eyes. I think he knew he was pushing the envelope of our 'relationship,' but I could see this was important to him. I sighed. "Gabe, I..." "Think about it, okay? That's all I'm asking." I closed my eyes. There really wasn't anything preventing me from taking a vacation right now. I owned the firm and made my own schedule. I had a responsible, capable staff. It's not like I couldn't delegate the projects I was currently working on. I drummed my fingers against the bowl of my wine glass. "Alright." He went still for a moment, then leaned in to kiss me again. "Thank you." *** I was mellow from the wine, warm and relaxed from the bath and cozily comfortable wrapped in his oversize terry cloth robe. I sat on a barstool, my bare feet dangling from beneath the hem of the robe, watching Gabe as he prepared and cooked our evening meal. It was odd. Gabe had touched and held me almost continuously ever since picking me up from the airport. Though, he hadn't once pushed for sex. I dropped my gaze to the front of his jeans. He wanted me, that was more than obvious. But he was holding his needs in check, concentrating instead on mine. 'Why?' "Do you like mushrooms, Dee?" Gabe asked as he stirred something that smelled absolutely wonderful. I brought my thoughts back to the present. "Umm... I love mushrooms." He pulled a tray from the oven, removed a mushroom, dipped it into the sauce he'd just finished stirring and handed it to me. "Here, try this." My eyes closed. "God, that's good!" "Stuffed mushrooms and marinara sauce." He dropped several onto a plate along with crisp slices of pan fried bread and a small bowl of marinara. "Here, Red. This'll tide you over for a bit." "Mmm..." Maybe he figured he'd pushed too hard earlier and had decided to back off and give me some breathing room. I tilted my head. 'Could be.' Somehow, though, I thought Gabe was more direct than that. "Gabe?" He pushed the plate closer to my elbow and smiled at me. "Eat, baby." I glanced at him thoughtfully as I chewed. "Gabe, you've been every inch the gentleman today." I sipped my champagne. "Why?" He leaned over the counter to drop a quick kiss on my lips. "I'm courting you." My eyes widened and my jaw dropped. "What?" He smiled and his eyes twinkled. "Shh, darlin'. No pressures, okay?" He wiped his hands off and came around the counter. "C'mon. Let's take our nibbles into the living room. It'll be a while before dinner's ready." I slid off the stool, gathering the hem of the robe up so I could walk without tripping. "Gabriel, I really think we should talk about this." He'd walked off without paying me any attention. I stomped my foot. "Oooh! That man!" I hurried after him. "Okay, fine. We won't talk about it. But you are not courting me Gabriel Jarmon!" He set the plate and our drinks on the coffee table. Turning, he swept me up into his arms and plopped onto the couch. "Whatever you say, darlin'." He latched his lips onto mine and deftly slid his hand up under my robe all in one motion. His fingers found the smooth skin at the juncture of my thighs. "Ahh, it feels like I've been waiting eons to touch this. You're so smooth here, so soft." "Mmm..." God, I'd wanted this from the moment I got off the plane. Hell, I'd wanted this ever since our night of virtual nookie three days ago. "Please..." He sought out my piercing, deftly finding the head of the stud I'd put in this morning. "Hmm... not a ring today..." He rolled it back and forth, making me groan. "What's this?" He loosened the belt of the robe and dropped me backwards onto the couch. He tapped my knee lightly. "Open for me, baby. I want to see my present up close." I smiled broadly, opening my thighs. He'd gotten a peep when I'd disrobed to step into the bath, but not much more than that. I watched his eyes darken in pleasure. "Ahh... Red." His hands reached down to me, stroking and massaging. His left hand spread my labia. "God." The right hand went to the stud. "That is so very, very sexy love." I bit my lip, shifting my hips, trying to get closer to those fingers. "Gabriel..." He pushed a finger up against the stud, making it rub across my clit. "I've read about these." He glanced upwards, watching my reactions as he played with the stud. "But I've never known a woman who actually had one." His flicked the jewel with the end of his finger, making it vibrate against me. "Tell me." He turned his gaze away from my cunt. "Does it make you feel good when I do this?" "Yes." I panted. Oh, God yes it felt good. He slipped two fingers inside of me, stretching me. "You're already wet." His tongue licked sensually across his lower lip. I arched my back off the sofa. Damn, I'd had enough. I didn't want foreplay. The whole evening had been foreplay. "I want you. Inside me. Now! Please, Gabriel. Please come inside me." He grasped my wrist, bringing my hand to his zipper. "I'm hard, Red. Rock hard. It's going to hurt if you're not ready." I reached frantically for his button and zipper, nearly ripping his pants off him in my haste. He could rip me in two and I'd let him do it, if only he'd come inside me. He shifted my hands. "Easy, honey." "No!" I shoved him backwards, hard. I didn't want easy and I didn't want slow. Standing, I reached down, grabbed his pants and pulled. "Oh, yes!" Finally, the man was naked! I dropped onto my knees beside him and swung a leg up and over his lap. He shivered when I rubbed against him. "Ahhh, baby girl..." His hands settled on my hips. "Slow down just a little, darlin.' Just a little." I looked into his eyes as I reached my hand down between us. "No." I grasped the head of his penis and positioned it right where I wanted him. I kept my eyes wide open and focused on his face as I slid downwards along his silky shaft. Hot color slashed his cheeks and his lips parted. "You're so tight." His hands tightened on my hips, forcing me downwards, making me take all of him at one time. My eyes watered. Ahh, shit. It hurt! "Mmm... don't move... please... Just... give me a minute." I took a deep breath and shifted my hips. Gabe shifted his hands, cupping my breasts. Dipping his head, he sucked my nipple into his mouth. The hard, pulling, moist suction sent a shaft of pleasure straight to my loins. "Mmm..." I began to move, slowly, rocking my hips against him. I liked this position. I could take as much or as little of him as I wanted or needed. Using his hard body for leverage, I pushed upwards--lifting until only the head of his shaft was still in me--then slid back hard. He grunted, turning his head slightly so he could take the other breast. I wrapped my arms around his neck and increased the tempo of my hips. Harder and faster I rode. I was starting to pant. God, I couldn't get enough of him! His hands fisted in my hair, pulling my head back. He buried his lips in my neck, biting and sucking. I knew there'd be marks there tomorrow, but I didn't care. I could feel his thigh muscles tighten. Once again his hands dropped to cup my hips, trying to tame me, to control the speed and depth of my thrusts. "No!" I grabbed his hands, pulling them upwards. I held his hands tight in mine and pressed them against the couch behind his head. I was in control tonight. This was my game and we'd play by my rules. "Dee... Baby... Please, I..." His eyes were wild. He was helpless in the throws of passion. Now he knew how I felt every time he took me. I looked deep into his eyes. "Let go, Gabe. Let go and fly for me." I whimpered softly as I continued to thrust. I was so close... so close to heaven. But, I needed to wait for him. I wouldn't fly alone tonight. He shifted slightly, moving deeper into the couch. The new angle increased the friction inside of me. Beneath me, I could feel his balls tighten and his penis lengthen just a bit. "Ah, damn.... Babe, I'm gonna... Ungh!" As soon as I felt the first hot jets of cum begin to spurt deep inside me, I relaxed and let myself go. Together, Gabe and I soared. *** I could hear a faint beeping coming from somewhere on my right. I raised my head from Gabe's shoulder, confused for a moment. He reached up and kissed me. "Dinner's done." Ah. I snuggled back down and let the world melt away once again. *** Thursday was awful. I worked like a dog to clear my schedule. Tess was in absolute shock. I think in the five years she'd worked with me, I'd taken only a handful of days off--and that included holidays. I spent a hurried fifty minutes on the phone with Jace, wrapping up the details on the Belize contracts. Jace was worried that I was taking two full weeks out in the middle of negotiations. I told him I was fully confident he could handle it. He was very good, just hadn't had enough time in the trenches to establish a solid sense of what he could do. And, of course, I'd leave information with Tess so she could reach me if there was an emergency. Noon came and went without my ever leaving my desk. Tess took pity on me and ordered Chinese. I'd really have to give her a raise... again. Freedom came around 7:30 that evening, after all calls had been returned and the staff had gathered for a quick booster session. I was tired, but pleased with my progress. I had just picked up the phone to make a quick call to Denny when I heard the outer door open. I'd sent Tess home to her family and was basically alone in the office. I stood, keeping the phone in my hand in case I needed to make a call to security. "Hello? Can I help you?" Much to my surprise, it was my own personal Viking . He was grinning ear to ear as he turned to lock the outer door and then pushed his way into my office, carrying a blanket and a large picnic basket. "Hey there, darlin'. I talked to Tess a couple of hours ago. She said you'd probably be here 'till 9:00 or 10:00 tonight wrapping things up, unless I decided to come down and drag you out forcibly." He chuckled and the sound poured over me like warm whiskey. Challenging Deirdre Pt. 02 I walked over to take the basket from him. "Actually, I'm pretty much done." I stood on tip-toe to kiss his smooth lips. "I was going to call Denny, but you distracted me." I took a peek under the lid. "What's all this?" Gabe winked at me, his blue eyes twinkling. "Bribery." He spread the blanket out, gesturing for me to take a seat. I kicked off my shoes and sank gracefully onto the blanket. "Food! I haven't eaten since..." I paused. "Umm, I think Tess had lunch brought in about 2:00. But I didn't really get a chance to eat much of it." I shrugged. "It's hard to work and eat at the same time." He shook his head and started pulling plates and cutlery from the basket. "You just don't take care of yourself the way you should, sweet-cakes." Sweet-cakes? That was new. "Is that crystal, Gabe?" I picked up one of the goblets. "It's a little much for a picnic, don't you think?" He dished out thin-cut smoked salmon, sliced tomatoes and onion and a wonderfully aromatic German potato salad. "No. In fact, I think it's just right." He poured Chardonnay into my glass. "This is bribery, remember?" He forked up a bit of salad and held it to my lips. "Here, try this." "Umm..." Mustardy. Just the way I liked it. I took the plate from him and tucked in. Gabe settled onto his side, head on hand, watching me as I ate. "There. Now that the food issues are taken care of, let's talk about our vacation. I have a few rules." I raised a carefully manicured eyebrow at him, unable to say anything with food in my mouth. He smiled. "Silence. Good! Rule 1-no telephones, pages or PDAs." I set my fork down. "Now wait a minute!" No way in hell would I go anywhere without my phone. The PDA didn't matter so much. Hell, I could download most of the stuff in my PDA straight into my phone. I'd just never done it because the screen on the phone was so much smaller. "Uh-uh. You left it to me to do the planning, remember? Rule 2-Only Denny and Pierce will know where you are. You can't tell Tess and you can't leave a contact number with your service." My jaw dropped. "But..." What if there was an emergency??? He raised my hand to his lips and kissed it. "Eat your dinner. We'll need to leave soon. Rule 3-You're spending the full two weeks relaxing. If we decide, together, to go do something, that's okay. But, no pre-planning. This is a true vacation and I refuse to schedule my fun." I rolled my eyes. The man was delusional. "Finally." He rose with a flourish and started packing items back into the picnic basket. "You're only to bring the essentials--no more than one suitcase and one carryon--and that doesn't include your laptop." "Oh, bah-humbug! Fine. I'll agree to the no computer, no PDA, no pager. But I have to have my phone. I'm not negotiating on that." I had this childish urge to stomp my feet and scream. "I'll keep it turned off and I'll fight the urge to check messages, okay?" Gabe took my now empty plate. "Very well. And the rest?" I sighed. "I can live with not asking you questions." It would be difficult, but I was sure I could do it. I wasn't 12 after all. "And, the suitcase thing isn't a big deal. I'm used to packing light. I do need to know what sort of climate to pack for, though." He dropped a kiss on my lips. "Think sunny and tropical. Now, gather your things, Dee. It's time to lock up." I shut down my PC, picked up my briefcase and laptop, set the alarm and locked the door. CHAPTER 6: THE ROAD TO PARADISE I grinned ruefully to myself as I sat in the window seat. The blindfold I'd worn since leaving the house was resting in my lap. I knew which airline we were on thanks to the ads in the seat pocket in front of me, but I had no idea where we were going. I hadn't even heard the pre-flight announcements as Gabe had slapped a headset over my ears to drown out the noise. Sneaky bastard! Gabe stroked a hand over my knee, quickly bringing me out of my reverie. "Would you like a drink, Red?" I settled back in my seat and yawned. "Umm... Hmm... No. I think I'm okay." His hand inched higher on my thigh. "I don't suppose you need to use the ladies' room, or anything, do you?" Hmm, apparently the man had it in his mind to join the mile-high club. I cocked my head at him and smiled. "You know, I'm really not feeling well. I think maybe I ought to visit the ladies' room. You know, just in case?" He slid a hand behind my neck, drawing me forward for a kiss. "You do that, babe." He swung out of his seat to give me easy access to the aisle. Loudly he asked, "You sure you're okay, sweetheart? You look a little green." Ahhh. I put a hand on my stomach for effect. "Ohhh, my. I think it was the salmon." Our steward came up to check on us. "Everything alright, sir?" Gabe frowned. "I'm afraid my wife's not feeling well." He gestured to the rear of the compartment. "I don't suppose you could...?" The steward's face paled. "Oh. Oh, no. I'll tell you what, you go ahead and go with her. I'll keep an eye on the door for you." Gabe took my elbow, leading me down the aisle. "Thank you... Janie." He flashed a smile in her direction. "I'll let you know if we need anything." The cabin steward gulped, turning slightly green. "Right." Gabe pushed me into the small bathroom, quickly locking the door behind us. He pushed my skirt up and over my hips. His hands clasped my buttocks. "Dear God, you're not wearing any underwear!" I pulled his head down to mine, latching my lips onto his. My hands fell to his waist, jerking rapidly at his belt and buttons. "Damn. Whoever made button fly jeans should be shot!" "Easy, baby." He pushed my hands away, finishing the task himself. He lifted me up onto the sink, spreading my knees and slipping a hand down to fondle my hairless mound. I curled my fingers into his chest. "Mmm..." He slid the first two fingers of his left hand inside me, making me shudder. I almost lost my balance on the sink. "Careful, Red." His thumb stroked across my clitoris making me whimper. "Shh, honey." "Can't." Ahhh, damn. He made me hot so quickly. "I want you, Gabe. God, it's only been twenty-four hours, but I feel like its been weeks... months..." He mouthed my nipple and I arched my back to give him better access. "I know, babe. I know." He nuzzled his face against my stomach. I wanted him to eat me. I really did. But I knew if I let him, I'd end up screaming. "No, Gabe. I can't be quiet when you do that." He laughed softly and pulled me into his arms. "How about we try it this way?" He spun me so that I faced away from him. I placed my hands on the sink's edge to catch my balance. I looked up into the mirror and caught the glint in his eye. "Oh, yes. Please Gabriel." His hand dropped to my rear, stroking downwards. His fingers pushed into my vagina and I rocked back against his hand, seeking the touch I wanted most desperately. "Spread your legs for me." He whispered hotly in my ear. I could feel his thumb brush across my anus, promising something more if I obeyed. I spread my feet further apart, bending forward slightly as I did to keep my footing. Wobbling only slightly in the heels I was wearing. My hips pressed backwards urgently. "Ahh, Gabe. Please. Please fuck me!" He dipped his thumb downwards, gathering the moisture from my nether lips, rubbing it gently round and round the rosy entrance to my ass. "Whatever you do, babe..." He whispered to me. "Don't..." He placed the head of his shaft against my hole. "Even..." My arms shook. I took a deep breath, letting out in a rush, willing myself to relax. The broad head of his penis pushed into me. "Think about screaming." He pushed fully into me, making me moan in pleasure. "Oh, God! I'm so full. Oh. Oh-oh-oh." I panted, trying desperately to keep a hold on my rising passions. "Nnnnngh." Gabe flexed his hips gently. "That's it, baby. That's it." His hands snaked up my front, reaching for my breasts, stroking, pulling, kneading. He pulled back slightly, changed the angle of his hips and thrust up into me. I closed my eyes and dropped my chin to my chest. "God, Gabriel. I..." I could feel the tension building, the need to scream increasing. "Help me... please... Ahhh...." His fingers pinched and rolled my nipples. "Mmmm... ahhh, yeah... You feel so hot, so tight, so good. Ungh..." He pressed harder, deeper. It felt like he was trying to force his way out the other side. "Damn, baby... Fuck!" I wanted to scream. I needed to scream. I leaned forward as far as I could. "Ohhhh-oh-oh-oh.... Harder, Gabe. Ohhhh, fuck me harder." He growled softly. His strokes changed, becoming more urgent. The pleasure was so intense, I thought he'd tear me in two. "Cum for me, baby. Cum for me!" I made desperate little squeaking sounds in the back of my throat. "Mmmmm-hmmm-hmmm... Ohhhhhhh... Shit! Hah... ahh... ah..." He slipped a hand underneath me, using a long finger to stroke my clit. "I can feel you pulsing around me, darlin.' I can feel how you want this." I could feel his penis lengthen, his balls tighten against my ass. "Can you feel me? How close I am?" He panted in my ear. I started to wail and he quickly put a hand to my mouth. "Shhh-shhh-shhh..." He pushed into me forcefully, slamming my hips against the edge of the sink. His hand muffled my screams as I came. The muscles of my ass flexed, holding him, forcing him to remain buried deeply inside me as I rolled through my climax. "Jesus, Red. Awww, fuck!" He pulled out, slamming into me twice more before finding his own release. I dropped forward limply, whimpering. I could feel him filling me with his hot cum, shooting me full of his creamy jism. He slid his arms around me, pulling me back against him, resting his chin in the curve of my neck. "Ahh, baby..." He chuckled. "The things you do to me." I laughed softly. "Guess we're now officially members of the 'Mile-High Club.'" He pulled out gently, then set about helping me clean up and straighten my clothes. "Oh, yeah." He winked at me before turning to open the door. "Maybe we can try this again on the way home." Flashing him a grin, I quickly splashed water on my face and straightened my hair. "Maybe." We exited the small bathroom and together headed slowly back to our seats. "Everything okay now, sir?" Our steward asked. He looked at me and winked. I flushed slightly. "Oh, I think she'll be fine now. Just fine." CHAPTER 7: PARADISE FOUND (in progress...) I looked out through the open French doors, gazing in wonder at the rows and rows of flowers and potted plants framing the pathway down to the beach. "This is wonderful, Gabe! How did you find this place?" He wrapped his arms around me, snugging me tightly in his warm embrace. "I take it you like it?" I turned in his arms, reaching up to clasp my hands behind his neck. "Like it? I love it!" I pulled his head down for a kiss. "Who wouldn't love staying in a private villa on the Cote d'Azure?" I waved my hand at the room around me. "But how did you manage this? It must be costing you a fortune!" His eyes twinkled. "I have my ways, darlin.' Now, why don't we see if we can figure out a way for you to tell me just how happy you are to be here, hmm?" I fused my mouth to his. Oh, yes. That was something I could definitely do. (to be continued)