Tags: (Check AO3 for the full list!) BDSM, Dominance and Submission, Kink Negotiation, Polyamory, Subdrop, Hurt/Comfort, Asexual Submissive, Aftercare, Impact Play, Roleplay, Past Child Abuse, High Protocol, Spanking, Dubious Consent.
Summary: Arden suggests Efnisien deepens his BDSM relationship with Kadek, while he’s away on rope and shibari workshops overseas for 5 weeks. Both Efnisien and Kadek are surprised at how quickly and deeply they fall into a challenging, intimate bond together.
–
Second Star to the Right - 13 - Mean Pain on AO3
In which Kadek shows the breadth of his sadism with Efnisien in a truly intense scene, making sure Efnisien never gets a chance to forget he’s enduring this not because he’s failing, but because he’s doing everything Kadek wanted.
–
EARLY ACCESS: Second Star to the Right - 16 - What If It's True?, on Patreon and Ream:
Second Star to the Right 16 on Patreon
Second Star to the Right 16 on Ream
In which Kadek and Efnisien decompress after the scene and have open, honest conversations about Efnisien’s feelings for Kadek, Kadek being afraid of losing Efnisien, and Efnisien’s feelings about impact play. Progress is made.
– Thanks to all the Patreon and Ream supporters for making this (and my other writing) possible!
In a nearly-steampunk 18th-century America one step to the left, an intelligent but poor girl is the first person to find and bond to a native dragon in generations. Forced to go to a dragon-training school for rich foreigners, she's thrown into a world set against her and has to balance her fight against society with her desperation for knowledge. Almost despite herself she becomes close friends with some of the people around her - a damaged fellow student and kind servant in particular.
And, bonus, the author is a verified tumblrina
Available here
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BOOK STATS
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Page range: 500-550
Age range: YA, New Adult, Adult
Sugar: Sweet
Spice: None
Main romance: Polyamorous
Polyamory: Main romance; atypical but not unheard of in the worldbuilding
Gender: Binary cis
Fiction or non-fiction: Fiction
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In this time of COVID-19, I present to you a little bit of fluffy smut to maybe make your day a little better.
___________
Susan’s lips were soft against Anthony’s. What was it about men and their lips never being this soft? It felt so odd kissing her like this. But so very good.
She wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him closer. He wasn’t hard, but that wasn’t entirely necessary at the moment. She was kissing him and she didn’t seem to care to be doing anything more than that.
Anthony cupped her cheek and Susan smiled against his lips. He smiled back.
“Are you sure you want me to stay?” He asked softly.
“I am. I’ll have them set up your room. And then you can come to me.”
He giggled. “Come, eh?”
“That is the idea.” She kissed him again and then moved away to ring the bell. “How much time do you need?”
Anthony looked down and sighed. “It could take a while.”
“We have plenty of time.” Susan pushed up on her toes to kiss him, but the door opened before she could.
The footman who answered the bell gave a slight bow. “Ma’am?”
“Please have a room prepared for Lord Anthony for the night.” Susan said.
“Of course, ma’am.” He bowed again and left the room.
“Wait here. I’ll have them send someone for you when your room is ready.” She completed the kiss she’d tried before and then left.
****
Susan was shaking when her maid finally left her. She wrapped her dressing gown tightly around herself as she paced the floor of her room. She wasn’t sure how the rest of this night would go. But if he kissed her some more, she was sure it would go well.
The knock made Susan jump. She tried to say, “Enter.” She tried to say, “Come in.” She even opened her mouth to say, “Yes?”
But nothing came out. She cleared her throat and walked slowly toward the door.
Anthony stood there wrapped in a dark dressing gown. “There is a crate of your grandfather’s things, apparently.” He smoothed his hands over the robe. “I’m also wearing his nightshirt. But I don’t think it will be on for long.”
“How presumptuous of you.” Susan took hold of the front of the dressing gown and pulled him into her room.
He kicked the door closed. “I merely meant that the shirt is very itchy and I don’t generally wear anything to bed when I am alone.”
“And do you plan on being alone?” She pushed the dressing gown away.
“If you decide this isn’t what you want.”
“You could decide that too, you know.” She kissed him softly as she removed her robe and dropped it on top of his.
He took her hand and led her toward the bed. Moving the blanket aside, he sat down and pulled her along with him. “Do you know I love you?”
“Do you know I love you too?” Susan cupped Anthony’s cheek and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Is this odd for you?”
“So very odd.” He kissed her. “But I think I like it.”
She slid her fingers up into his hair as she moved to straddle his hips. Her lips were insistent as she tugged at his hair. She pressed her tongue between his lips.
He moaned and allowed her entrance. He slowly reclined on the bed.
She took hold of his wrist and placed it on her thigh, but he pulled it away. “I don’t want to touch you there yet.”
Susan got a very lascivious look in her eye and took hold of both his wrists. “In that case,” she lifted them above his head, “you’re not allowed to touch me at all.”
Anthony laughed. “You are controlling me.”
“Do you mind?”
“I don’t.” He lifted his head for a kiss and she move away.
“No, my lord.” She stood and gathered their robes from the floor. “Move up on the bed.” She waited for him to do as she asked and then she wrapped his dressing gown around his wrists and then around the intricate carving of her headboard. “Is that all right?”
“It’s fine.” And it really was. Something about the way she was handling him was new and exciting. He could feel himself growing hard. “It’s more than fine.”
Susan sat beside Anthony’s prone form on the bed and trailed her fingers down his cheek. They continued down his chest and over his stomach. She moved her hand to the side down his hip and squeezed his thigh before she leaned over and pressed her lips to his.
“You can tell me to stop at any time.”
He was only able to let out a small sound of understanding.
Susan wasn’t entirely sure where the idea to tie Anthony up came from, but she loved it. And she loved that he was playing along so easily.
She unbuttoned his nightshirt to his waist and pushed it to the side. Her fingers played across his chest. She marveled at the amount of hair he had. She rather liked it and started to think about how it would feel for his bare chest to rub against hers.
“You like what you see?” He managed to ask.
“I do. I very much do.” She spread her palm over the center of his chest and felt his racing heartbeat. She smiled. “Do you want me? Or should we stop?”
“What if the children hear?”
“You weren’t loud last night.”
“I can never make a guarantee.”
“I am always quiet.” Her hand moved down his stomach and stopped just shy of where his erection pressed his nightshirt up.
He panted and pressed his hips up so her fingers brushed against him. “What a shame.”
She trailed a slow finger up his length as she leaned down to kiss him softly. “If you can make me give up all my discretion, then I will never take another woman again.”
He laughed. “That will be a lie.”
“It will be a lie. But don’t you want a challenge?” She wrapped her hand around him and started stroking him. His skin was soft in her hand. “How is this?”
“Just a little tighter, please.” He was panting even more now.
She tightened her grip around him. “Better?”
“Shit!” His eyes fell closed and his hips thrust up into her touch. “I don’t know. I don’t know.” His head moved from side to side.
“Don’t know what, darling?”
“I don’t know what I want.” His voice was full of anguish.
“Do you want me to stop?”
He hesitated and then nodded. “Please. I’m sorry.”
She saw tears in his eyes. Her hands made quick work of the cloth tying his hands. He sat up and turned away, wiping at his eyes.
“I’m sorry.” He said again.
“Don’t apologize to me for this.” Susan reached her hand out, but stopped herself. “What can I do?”
Anthony stood and buttoned his nightshirt. “I need a few minutes.”
She watched him walk through the door that led through her dressing room and into the bedroom he was going to occupy for the night. She waited a few minutes before she followed.
She looked through the open door and saw Anthony pacing the floor muttering to himself.
“This is a normal thing a body does. You aren’t lying to yourself. This is okay. Men and women do this all the time.”
Susan started to back away, but he caught sight of the movement.
“I don’t know what was different last night.” He admitted softly.
“It’s fine.” She assured him.
“It’s not. You wanted this.”
She walked in and took his hands in hers. “I just love you, Anthony. I want to do whatever I can to show you that I love you. And it doesn’t mean we have to join together. We can share a bed fully clothed. Or just hold hands. Or share an embrace and retire to our separate beds.” She kissed his hands. “You can come to bed with me if you want. But you don’t have to. You never have to.”
“I was overwhelmed.” His voice was timid. “You were touching me and my hands were tied and I couldn’t touch you back. And I’m so scared of all I’m feeling. I’ve never wanted something like this. I never wanted a lover more. No one has ever made me feel like this inside. I want you. I want you so badly.”
She pushed herself up on her toes and kissed him hard on the mouth. “Take me, Anthony. I’m all yours.”
“Are you, um, ready?”
“I am very wet.” She tugged at the hem of his nightshirt.
“That is very disgusting to hear.” He walked backward toward the bed.
“It is very disgusting to feel, but it makes the loving so much better.” She pushed him onto the bed and straddled him.
“Please don’t tie me up this time.” He rolled her underneath him and kissed her hard.
“It felt good to do it.” She pulled and pushed at her clothes and his until they were finally connected.
“It did for me, too. At first.”
Anthony started moving slowly and the sensation nearly drove Susan to madness. “Oh, fuck, that feels good!” She pulled him in for a deep kiss.
“It does.” He leaned on his elbows and wrapped his hands around her shoulders.
“Tell me something.” She kissed him again. “Or do you need to focus on the act?”
“Talk to me, I’m fine.” He rested his forehead against hers. “Are you fine?”
“I am.”
“So talk to me.”
They continued to move together at a slow, steady pace.
Susan’s hands gripped the back of Anthony’s shirt as a wave of pleasure shot through her. She cursed again and shut her eyes.
“No, please, don’t shut your eyes.” Anthony begged. “I love looking into your eyes. I need them.”
It took her a moment before she was able to lift her eyes to his again.
“Now, what did you want to ask me?”
She smiled. “I honestly don’t remember.” Her head dropped back and her eyes closed again. “I’m close.”
“Thank god! I’ve been holding back.” He pushed up on his hands again and moved faster. “Now, tell me, what was that about not being quiet?”
She shook her head and bit her lip.
“Come along, love. Moan at least.”
She let out a long groan and gripped the back of his shirt again. “Fuck. Oh, fuck, fuck, fuck.” She rocked against him as her body pulsed through the orgasm. She eventually grew limp.
“Are you done?” He asked softly.
“Yes.”
“Fantastic.” He slid out of her and sat on the edge of the bed.
Susan rested her hand on Anthony’s back as he finished himself off. She sat up and rested her head on his shoulder, her arms wrapped around his chest. “All right?”
He nodded and patted her hand. “Yes. You?”
“Yes.”
They sat that way for several silent moments.
Eventually Susan said, “The maids will be extremely angry if they have to clean up that mess.”
Anthony snorted. “I will get to it in a moment. Lie back and I will get the basin.”
“You don’t have to clean me every time.”
“I want to. Lie back.” He walked across the room to his water basin and poured water in from the pitcher. He walked back over and sat on the side of the bed. “Pull up your nightgown.”
“You don’t have to.” She said, even as she followed his directions. The water was cold on her thighs. “You’re far too kind.”
“You can do me next if you want.” He assured her. He paused.
“What is it?”
“I’ve not given you a proper look.”
She grinned and spread her legs wide. “Come have a look then.”
He laughed and pushed on her knee. “Not tonight.” He handed her the rag. “My turn.”
“Ah, so I get to see all of you and you won’t give me more than a cursory glance?” She took the rag from him. “I see how it goes. Mine is beautiful.”
“So is mine.” Anthony pulled at his nightshirt to expose his cock. “I am quite long compared to some men.”
“I don’t see where that will ever matter to me.” Susan quipped as she dipped the rag into the basin. “The water is cold. Thank you for giving me a warning.”
“Sorry.” As soon as the cloth touched him, he gasped. “Holy shit, that’s cold!”
“I told you it was.” She made quick work on him and then dropped down to the floor to wipe up his emission. “Do you want to come sleep in the other room with me?”
“I would very much like that.” He blew out his lamp and then slid his hand into her waiting one and followed her through to her bedroom. “What about the morning?”
She smiled over her shoulder. “We can always move up the wedding.”
“I wouldn’t mind it, but I don’t want us to generate rumors.” He climbed into the bed after her. “How do you want to do this? I don’t sleep with other people.”
“Can I hold you from behind?”
“All right.” He faced away and she moved in behind him.
Susan draped an arm across Anthony’s side and pressed her nose into his hair. “Do you know I love you?”
Want to win signed paperbacks of The Lost Princess of Howling Sky? Taken by Werewolves, Saving the Werewolves, and Queen of Werewolves are ready to go. Well, almost.
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For all you lovely people in this hard time, here’s another sweet chapter. Tagging: @ldyglfr62, @jroseley, @norbertsmom, @b-boop5. If you would like to be tagged on future chapters, please let me know!
The Osbornes were always loud. It was mostly because there were so many of them and they were always multiplying one way or another.
Naomi’s wedding was everything it was expected to be. And by the time they made it to the Osborne Mansion, Teddy was very cranky and tired. He whined about being hungry.
“We have to greet your aunt.” Susan scolded. “Please just wait.”
“I want to eat, Susan. I want to eat now!” Teddy’s voice was causing people to look their direction. Susan felt very uncomfortable.
She took him by the hand. “Come along, dear.” She started walking toward the stairs.
“You said food before nap.” Teddy whined.
“Theodore, I swear on all that I am…” Susan spoke under her breath, but Teddy still heard.
“Theodore is only for when I’m in trouble.”
His protests caught Alec’s attention and he gave Susan a comforting smile. “Need some assistance, Susan?”
“No, thank you, my lord.” Susan shuffled Teddy up the stairs as quickly as possible.
Once in the nursery, Susan greeted the Osborne’s nanny Cara.
“Good morning, ma’am.” Cara stooped down. “And how are you, Master Theodore?”
“Theodore’s only when I’m in trouble.” Teddy pouted.
Susan smoothed a hand over his hair. “He’s tired.”
Cara nodded. “I have a place for you to lay your head, dear boy.” She held out her hand.
Teddy held tight to Susan’s hand. “Don’t want to go with her. I’m hungry, Suzie.”
Susan sighed and knelt in front of him. “Darling, I promise you that I will have someone bring you something to eat. But I need you to go with Cara and get some sleep. You were up half the night and then we had to get up early. Please, my love.”
Teddy huffed. “Yes, ma’am.” He turned to Cara. “Where do I go?”
“Be kind, my darling.” Susan kissed the top of Teddy’s head.
Cara took Teddy’s hand. “Will you wait just a moment, ma’am?”
Susan nodded, but looked toward the door. She really needed to rejoin the wedding festivities. She watched anxiously as Cara helped Teddy remove his shoes and coat before getting into a waiting bed. She came over to Susan as soon as Teddy was settled.
Cara pulled her away a few feet. “I don’t mean to overstep, Miss Wright, but if you are in need of a nanny, I can compile a list for you.”
Susan smiled and felt her chest lighten. “I would very much appreciate that. Thank you.” She looked over to Teddy and saw he was already fast asleep. “Bartholomew and Olivia should be up with the rest of the children soon. Thank you so much for all you do.”
“It is my job, ma’am.” Cara smiled and went to attend to Alec’s baby across the room.
Susan encountered Anthony on the steps escorting the rest of the children.
He grabbed her hand. “Wait for me here.”
She squeezed his hand and nodded. She watched Anthony step into the nursery and nodded at his siblings as they brought their children in after him.
Anthony stepped back out and came up close to Susan. He took her face between his hands and kissed her forehead.
She smiled. “I would prefer a proper kiss.”
He kissed the tip of her nose.
She giggled. “A little lower and you’ll have it right.”
His lips met hers briefly. “I had to go in search of your oldest just now. He snuck a book into his coat and found a very secluded spot to read. Missed seeing Naomi and Reginald’s entrance.” His hands dropped down to her shoulders and slid down the length of her arms.
“I checked him over before we left, but he must have picked it up when I was distracted by the other two.” She kissed his hands and let them go. “Teddy was giving me a very hard time.”
“I saw.” He held out his arm for her to take and started for the stairs. “It was a beautiful service, was it not?”
“Gorgeous. Will ours be the same?”
“Do you want it that lavish? I personally would prefer to make it a little more subdued.”
“I still haven’t decided.”
Anthony laughed. “We only have a few more months.”
“Yes, I know. But with you, I think anything is possible.” She looked up at him. “You want it lavish, just like your sister’s.”
“I do. Jess and Alec married quickly. Athena had a big wedding and then her first husband died, so she didn’t want another large wedding. I’m the fourth to get married. I think my parents are expecting a big to-do.”
“I don’t think my inheritance will allow for anything too large.”
They stopped at the first landing. There were so many people. Susan didn’t recognize more than Anthony’s family.
“That is a lot of people.” Anthony observed.
“Too many people.” Susan looked up at him. “I want just your family. We can still do it up big with fewer guests.”
He smiled and leaned close. “My siblings will be teasing me relentlessly if there is no one else around.”
“I know you dislike it, but I have never had that experience and I love seeing it.”
He brought her hand to his lips. “Then just my family and I will endure the jabs from my brothers and sisters for you.”
****
Zoe stood alone off to the side. The party was starting to wind down. She was ready to go up to her room, take off the dress and sleep for three or four days.
Susan was across the room dancing with Alec. He was making her laugh. Zoe loved Susan’s laugh. It was such a shame that there were too many people between them for her to hear it clearly. Still, she could hear the last musical notes of it.
When the song was over, Wulfric stepped up onto the dais. “I want to thank you all for coming today to celebrate my beautiful daughter and her new husband. We have one more set. Please, find your desired partner and enjoy.” He stepped down and took Sarah’s hand to pull her into the next dance.
It was a waltz. Zoe loved a waltz. She looked around, but no one seemed to be available to dance with her. She crossed her arms and leaned back against the wall as the music started.
Anthony pulled Susan into the floor and Zoe was awash with jealousy. She would never be able to hold Susan like that in a crowd. She would never be able to lean in and whisper in her ear the way Anthony was doing now. And she knew he had been staying with her at least one night a week, sometimes more.
There was a tap on her shoulder and she turned to see a young man standing there. She recognized him as Reginald’s younger brother. What was his name again?
“Lady Zoe, might I have the pleasure of your company on the dance floor?” He asked. He had a kind smile at least.
She considered refusing, but she really did like to dance the waltz. She nodded and placed her hand in his outstretched one.
He twirled her out onto the dance floor. He was very confident and competent in his steps. He didn’t speak to her. Not a single word.
And then the song was over. He bowed over her hand. It was then she remembered his name.
“Thank you very much, Lord Nigel.” Zoe smiled when he kissed her hand.
“Might I pay you a call sometime?” Nigel asked.
“Yes, that would be lovely.” He kissed her hand again and he walked away.
She flexed her hand. She would not like to have a man paying a call. But she needed to. She needed to keep up appearances.
Susan came over and looped her arm through Zoe’s. “Who was that handsome gentleman?”
Zoe rolled her eyes. “Reginald’s brother. He wants to call on me. I suppose it won’t hurt.”
“No, I don’t suppose it will.” Susan leaned close. “As it is so late and the children are all sleeping, your parents have offered me a room for the night.”
Zoe grinned. “That’s very kind of them.” She pulled Susan into a dark corner and leaned close to her ear to whisper, “Would you like me to come to your room?”
“If you wish it.”
They had done nothing more than steal a few short kisses in secret. Zoe had been craving more, but there was no way for her to get it just yet. And Susan had told her on many occasions that she wanted to take that bit very slow the first time.
“Then I will see you later.” Zoe gave Susan a swift kiss on the cheek before she skipped away.
Zoe bid everyone goodnight and headed toward her room. Anthony stopped her at the foot of the stairs.
He stood close and spoke softly. “Mama is putting Susan in the room beside yours. Be careful. Be quiet. And don’t fall asleep in there.” He walked around her up the stairs to his own room.
Zoe looked after him. Was that jealousy in his voice? Anger? Was he just tired? Anthony pretended to like crowds and attention, but she noticed he usually spent a lot of time alone the day following any gathering of more than half a dozen people.
She ran up the stairs after him. “Hey!”
He stopped and turned to wait for her to meet him on the stairs.
“If you want to go to her room—”
Anthony held up his hand and looked around. “I’ve had her enough for now. When you live with us, if this business is still going on, we’ll have to figure something else out.”
“Had her enough? That’s not a very kind way of putting it.” Zoe crossed her arms.
Anthony sighed and leaned against the rail. “I didn’t mean it to sound that way.” He looked over his shoulder. Susan was still talking with their parents in the drawing room. He could just barely see them from the angle. “All of this is different and new for the three of us.” He looked up. “You’re my sister. She’s my very good friend. And I am a man who has been hiding my true self from everyone. I don’t want any of us to get hurt. I’ve gone through enough. And so has she. So, we will just go along as best we can.” He reached out and squeezed Zoe’s shoulder. “Be careful.”
He walked away again.
Zoe wasn’t sure what it all meant. She knew Susan’s maid had been her lover and decided to stay behind after the inheritance. And Anthony never had admitted to her aloud before, only alluded. It’s why Zoe felt comfortable enough to tell him about her feelings for Susan.
Zoe rang for her maid and changed for bed. And then she waited. She listened as the rest of her family made their way to their rooms.
She heard Susan, Alec, and Jess walk past talking about their children.
“This one will be yours,” she heard Alec say. “Jess can help you find your way back once we’ve finished in the nursery.”
Zoe walked over to the door and listened. She didn’t hear anyone else in the hall. She opened the door and peered out into the darkness. No one was in sight.
It only took her a moment to decide to sneak into the room Susan would be occupying for the night. She waited for what felt like an hour. Eventually she heard soft voices again outside the door. This time it was Jess and Susan.
Jess was speaking, “Sarah says she asked they assign a maid to help you. A nightgown will be found for your use. Just ring the bell.”
“Thank you, Jess.” There was a pause. “I appreciate everything.”
“We take care of every member of this family no matter what.”
“It will take some getting used to for me. I don’t know how to rely on other people.” Susan bid one more goodnight and then stepped into the room. And jumped as soon as she saw Zoe standing in front of her. She covered her mouth to muffle the scream that escaped.
“Sorry.” Zoe laughed. “I couldn’t stand to be in my room waiting on you another moment.”
Susan put her hand to her heart and sat on the side of the bed. “Teddy woke from a nightmare and was a struggle to get him back to sleep.”
“Does he often have nightmares?” Zoe sat beside her.
“At least once a week. I think the loss of so many of his relatives leaves a mark internally.” Susan wrapped an arm around Zoe’s waist. “I would love for you to stay, but I have to ring for a maid.”
“I can hide under the bed while you change.” Zoe offered.
Susan snorted. “Whatever you wish.” She pressed a kiss to Zoe’s cheek. She pulled away and then gave another series of kisses across Zoe’s jaw and down her neck. Susan’s lips made the journey backward and paused just before Zoe’s lips.
“Please take my mouth.” Zoe breathed.
“Not yet.” Susan stood and rang the bell. “If you’re hiding, you better do it. I do most of my changing on my own, so this will be quick.”
Zoe made her way to the toilet across the room and shut the door most of the way. She stared out though the cracked door as a maid arrived. It was her maid. That infuriating French accent floated over Zoe’s ears and sent heat through her body. She wondered if it did the same thing to Susan.
The pair stood talking for a moment after Susan was changed. Zoe had to stifle a groan as the conversation continued. Susan looked in her direction and seemed to sense it. She escorted the maid to the door and bid her a goodnight.
Zoe threw the door open. “About damn time.”
Susan chuckled. “I apologize. I couldn’t get enough of hearing her talk.”
“Oh, believe me, I completely understand.” Zoe moved forward. “She’s my maid.”
Susan met her the rest of the way. “I wager you go about your day in a state of frustration after she dresses you in the morning.” Her fingers tangled in Zoe’s hair and imitated the maid’s accent as she spoke the next words. “That throaty voice tinged with the sweet accent chattering on about your hair and dress.”
Zoe groaned and tried to move forward for a kiss, but Susan stopped her.
“Not yet. Tell me what you want from me tonight.”
“What I want?”
“If you just want me to hold you and kiss you, I will. But if you want more, then we can do that too. You have to tell me. I don’t want to take more than you’re comfortable with.”
Zoe bit her lip a moment. “Take me to bed. Just kiss me for now.”
Susan kissed Zoe’s lips softly and then took her hand to lead her to the bed. She pulled back the blanket and motioned for Zoe to get in before her. Susan followed and wrapped her arms around Zoe and pulled her close.
Zoe whispered, “I think I love you.”
Susan smiled and gathered a handful of Zoe’s nightgown and yanked it up. “Don’t say that yet. I haven’t even pleasured you yet.”
“Do it so I can know.” Zoe leaned forward and tried to kiss Susan again.
Susan dodged away and moved her lips close to Zoe’s ear. “Have you ever pleasured yourself?”
“Yes.” Zoe swallowed hard. She felt the pressure building between her legs and desperately wanted to reach down and relieve it.
“Good. You know a little of what to expect.” Susan pulled at the nightgown some more. “You can tell me to stop at any time and I will not be hurt.”
“I won’t want you to stop. I’ve wanted you to touch me since I first met you.” Zoe took hold of Susan’s wrist and removed it from the fabric of her nightgown to reach between her thighs.
Susan took control of Zoe’s mouth as her hand made that final blessed contact. Zoe kept her grip on Susan’s wrist as her hand moved. She tangled her fingers in Susan’s hair and moaned into the older woman’s mouth.
Zoe moved her hips in rhythm to Susan’s fingers. She finally loosened her grip on Susan’s wrist and groped for her hip. “Want to touch you.” Zoe mumbled as she pulled at Susan’s clothes.
“Not yet.” Susan moved Zoe underneath her. “Would you mind if I put my mouth here?” She indicated where her fingers still moved against Zoe’s hard clit.
“You can put your mouth there?” Zoe panted.
Susan smirked. “If you want me to.”
Zoe nodded. “Yes. Yes, please.”
Susan lowered herself down Zoe’s body, pausing to kiss a line down Zoe’s body. With each press of her lips, Zoe felt herself growing closer to her climax. It was frightening and exhilarating. She combed her fingers through Susan’s hair and spread her legs wide.
And then Susan’s mouth was there. “Holy fuck!” She gasped and then immediately covered her mouth.
Susan looked up and smiled. “Shh. Everyone is sleeping.”
“I know, but Christ, Susan!” Zoe pulled a pillow over and covered her face.
Susan’s tongue was lapping and she was moaning like she was eating the most delicious meal ever. Zoe cried out into the pillow. She reached down and tangled her fingers in Susan’s hair. She was so close, but she didn’t want to come. Not yet. It felt so nice. So perfect. Would it ever feel this good again?
“Zoe?” Susan whispered, her breath doing nothing to help the heat Zoe felt.
She couldn’t manage words. She raised the pillow and looked down. “Hm?”
Susan had a cheeky grin. “Do you like it?”
“Hell yes.” Zoe pulled Susan’s head back in. “Keep going.”
Susan chuckled and returned to sucking and licking. Zoe writhed against Susan’s mouth. She was so very close. She cursed into the pillow and bit it hard as she finally let herself go. She cried out as she rocked against Susan’s mouth, the other woman holding her steady.
When her tremors finally stopped, she threw the pillow off to the side and melted into the mattress. “Holy fuck.”
****
Susan rested her head on Zoe’s hip. Zoe lay limply for several minutes. Susan thought about her first time. She had been much more subdued. It had been a very frightening experience, but she’s adored every moment.
Zoe started combing her fingers through Susan’s hair. “Is it always like that?”
“Not always. Sometimes it won’t be as explosive. Sometimes it’s like the slight chill up your spine. Most of it is the in between.”
“Can I do it to you now?” Zoe’s voice was soft and timid.
“I don’t need your mouth if you’re not ready for that.” Susan moved up the bed and leaned close. “You don’t have to do any of it.”
“How do I taste?”
Susan grinned. “You could come and see.”
Zoe bit her lip a moment and then leaned in for a soft kiss. “Is that how everyone tastes?”
“With slight variation, yes.” They kissed again, a little longer.
Zoe reached down and groped until she found the hem of Susan’s nightgown. “Do you think I woke anyone?”
“I doubt it.” Susan groaned at the tentative touch. “That is so lovely.”
“Do you want my mouth?”
“Only on mine for now.” Susan moved to her back, pulling Zoe on top of her. She took hold of Zoe’s face and kissed her hard. Susan’s tongue probed deep into Zoe’s mouth. She moved her hips in time to Zoe’s fingers.
She had been so ready from the moment Zoe pulled her into that dark corner. Hearing Zoe’s sweet cries muffled in the pillow had driven her to near-madness. So it didn’t take long for her to come. She held off as long as she could. She groaned into Zoe’s mouth and then sighed.
“Was that okay?” Zoe asked softly, still hovering.
“It was great. Thank you.”
“Could I do better?”
Susan smiled and stroked Zoe’s face. “You made me come. There is no better than that.”
Zoe kissed her softly and then moved to the side. She slipped her hand into Susan’s. “Tell me about your first time.”
Susan was quiet for a moment. She went back to that musty old house. The windows that overlooked a private lake. The cat scratching at the door.
“It was an older woman. She’d come to the shop and there was something…” Susan brought her hand under her head and looked up to the ceiling. “She invited me for tea. And I went there every day for weeks just for tea and conversation. Then one day I went and all the servants were out. She asked me upstairs. She touched me. And I’d never felt so alive.”
“How old were you?”
Susan smiled. “Fifteen. She was near fifty. Neither of us should have done it. But I didn’t know what else to do. I wanted to be with women and she was offering. She died suddenly the following year.”
“And then your maid became your lover?” Zoe asked.
“Not until much later. There was no one for six years.” Susan sighed and turned to look at Zoe. “You should go to your bed.”
Zoe nodded and kissed Susan. “I love you.”
Susan smiled. “You’re sweet, Zo.”
Zoe stood and walked backward toward the door. “In three months I can be with you whenever you want.”
Hey, it’s me! Back with a new chapter! Hope you enjoy this one!
Tagging: @ldyglfr62, @jroseley, @norbertsmom, @doevell, and @b-boop5. If anyone else wants to be tagged for updates, please let me know!
Zoe grumbled as she took out her third dress. “What about this one?”
“It’s pretty.” Naomi said.
“You aren’t even looking.” Zoe held the dress up to herself and looked in the mirror. “I suppose it will do.”
“Why are you even worried? It’s just Anthony and Miss Wright.”
“It is. But she’s marrying our brother. I want her to think I’m respectable.”
Naomi gave her a calculating look before she finally said, “Then you need to wear the pink one. The green one shows off too much of your bosom for this time of day.”
Zoe considered wearing the green dress anyway, but she went with her sister’s suggestion. As her maid helped her dress, Zoe asked, “Why won’t you come with us, Nome? Anthony said we’re going to the ruins of that old abbey. You love it there.”
“My dresses are complete for my wedding journey. I have to try them on so the alterations can start.” Naomi heaved a sigh. “Never marry, Zo. There’s so much to do.”
“Well, the good thing is, when I do get married you can tell me everything you know.” Zoe smiled up at her maid in the mirror and thanked her. She walked over to Naomi and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I am going to miss you today.”
“And I will miss you.” Naomi kissed her back.
Anthony was in the foyer talking with their father, hat and walking stick in hand. “Do you think the children will like it?” He asked as Zoe made it to the bottom of the stairs.
“You always did.” Wulfric laughed. “You would read under that oak tree.”
Zoe grinned and nudged Anthony’s arm. “And never wanted to play with me.” She accepted her favorite parasol and the bonnet that matched her dress from her maid. “Thank you, Joyce.”
The young woman dipped a curtsy and hurried away. Zoe watched her discreetly as she pulled on her gloves. She had quite a nice figure.
Wulfric laughed again. “All the crying I had to endure from you…” He shook his head. “I know you will all have fun today.”
“Thank you, Papa.” Anthony said.
A footman came in, “Your carriage is ready, Lord Anthony.”
“Thank you, Collins.”
****
Teddy and Livvie were jumping off the furniture when Anthony and Zoe arrived. Susan stood in the middle of the room, catching them and begging them not to do it again. But they continued.
She looked up at Anthony and said, “I don’t know what to do.”
Anthony gathered Livvie and pointed to Teddy. “You get him.” Once Susan had him, Anthony gave them both a stern look and summoned the voice his father always used on them when they were misbehaving. “When you are told to stop, you stop. Am I understood?”
Teddy continued to laugh and wiggle in Susan’s arms, but Livvie burst into tears and nodded.
“Apologize this instant.” Anthony instructed.
“I’m sorry, Susan.” Livvie wailed.
“It’s all right, dear.” Susan sat Teddy down.
He ran right back to the sofa.
Anthony grabbed him up. “Theodore, you will no longer jump off the furniture.”
Teddy looked at him as though he’d just been smacked across the face. “Okay.” He sat down on the floor and didn’t move again. His lower lip stuck out in a pout.
“You’ll be fine, I’m sure.” Susan told him. She sighed and then looked over and smiled. “And how was your morning?”
“About to get much better.” Anthony grinned.
Susan giggled and then put her hand over her mouth. “If you can get these two gathered, I’ll find Bartholomew.” She scurried away.
They were out the door a few minutes later. The children chattered excitedly the whole journey. Anthony watched Susan. Images of the previous night’s events played in his mind. Should he say something to her about it? Should he pretend it didn’t happen?
Susan caught him watching and he quickly looked away. Anthony’s stomach did a flip. He’d not felt this way since his first time with a man. He was excited and anxious and curious to do it again. Would she let him?
The carriage came to a stop and the children all jumped out. Susan called after them to stop, but they continued on.
“Let them, Suzie.” Anthony said before climbing out to help Zoe and Susan out. He took the picnic basket out and sent the driver off to take care of the horses. “I’ll let you know when we’re ready to leave, Roberts.”
“Of course, my lord.” Roberts pulled the horses down the road and began to remove them from the carriage.
Susan slipped her arm though Zoe’s and walked toward ruins where the children were now climbing. Anthony sat the basket down beside a tree and slipped his arm though Susan’s other one. She stiffened and he let go.
“You are both acting a little odd today.” Zoe commented.
“Odd?” Susan asked.
Anthony shook his head. “I don’t know at all what you mean.” He wandered away before Zoe could say more.
Anthony loved chasing the children from one rock wall to the next. He showed them the steps that led to the old basement. It was dark down there and Teddy and Livvie held tight to Anthony’s hands. Bartholomew ventured slowly through the space as far as the sunlight touched.
He had just convinced the younger two to move further into the room when someone grabbed Anthony’s shoulders, causing him to scream high and loud.
Susan and Zoe dashed back up the stairs laughing their heads off.
“Come on,” Anthony called, “We have to get them back.”
The four of them ran up the stairs after the women.
“Come and find us.” Susan called.
Anthony saw the bit of her dress disappear behind a tree. He couldn’t see any sign of Zoe, but he was certain she was near Susan. He leaned down to the children. He pointed to Teddy and Bartholomew. “You two go find Zoe and Livvie and I will find Susan.” He pointed toward where he was Susan’s dress. “I think they’re over there. So on three, we will go.”
He counted and they all took off. The children screamed their heads off. Susan darted from behind her tree and Anthony easily caught her around the waist.
She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Sorry to scare you down there.”
He sat her down. “I doubt it was your idea anyway.” He kissed her nose and stepped away.
The children were now chasing Zoe around the meadow. All of them laughed and screamed and squealed as they just barely missed getting each other.
Susan said softly, “Should we talk about last night?”
Anthony swallowed hard. “If you want.”
She reached up and squeezed his arms. “I wouldn’t mind doing it again. If you want to. Perhaps I’ll enjoy it more.”
“You didn’t enjoy it?”
“I most definitely didn’t say that.” She pushed up on her toes and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Stay tonight.”
“Are you certain you want me to?”
She nodded. “I want to explore all I can with you. And we’re to be married anyway. So will you stay?”
“I will.”
They shared another kiss.
Anthony smiled. “I’m nervous.”
Susan giggled. “So am I. But I’m excited.”
“As am I.” Anthony jogged away to join the play.
****
Susan retrieved her book from the picnic basket and leaned against the tree to read for a while. Bartholomew joined her later.
Soon it was time to eat. Zoe took over setting out the blanket and all the food options. The children ate and then Bartholomew went back to his book. Livvie got up to run around some more. Teddy curled into Susan’s side and promptly fell asleep.
Anthony reclined close to Susan and threw his arm over his eyes. “I think Teddy has the right idea.”
“He probably does.” Susan reached out and combed her fingers through Anthony’s hair. “Sleep well, darling.”
Livvie came over after a while and leaned against Susan’s other side. “Will you tell a story?”
Susan started the story of Rapunzel, but Livvie was asleep before she got very far. She reached over and combed her fingers through Anthony’s hair some more, pausing to stroke Teddy and Livvie’s hair and faces.
Zoe sat down close to Susan and rested her cheek on Susan’s shoulder. “They all really like you,” she said softly.
Susan smiled. “I really like them too.” She reached up and touched her hand to Zoe’s head. “And you.”
Zoe whispered, “Care to extract yourself and take a walk with me?”
“Help me,” Susan whispered back.
Between the pair of them, they were able to reposition the children on the blanket. After casting a glance at Bartholomew—he was still engrossed in his book—they headed in the opposite direction.
Susan looked over her shoulder periodically as they walked until she couldn’t see Bartholomew anymore. She slipped her hand into Zoe’s and squeezed it gently.
“Anthony and I…” Susan started. “He came to my home late last night. And I… I asked him to go to bed with me.”
“And he did?” Zoe’s hand fell from Susan’s.
“He did. We did.” Susan leaned against a tree and crossed her arms. “I have never wanted a man. I have never even been curious. But he was there and I was suddenly filled with…” She looked up and saw the expression of hurt on Zoe’s face. “I apologize. I’ve hurt your feelings.”
“No. I mean, yes, I am hurt.” Zoe dropped down to the ground and pulled her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. “I shouldn’t be. You have every right to sleep with him. You are marrying him, after all. And the family will expect children.” She pressed her forehead to her knees and let out a little sob.
Susan said a curse under her breath and sat down beside her. She wrapped her arms around Zoe. “This doesn’t take away what we have discussed. It just changes it a little.”
Zoe lifted her head and turned to Susan. In the next moment Zoe’s lips were pressed to Susan’s. Susan lifted a hand to steady her head and deepened the kiss. Zoe’s arms came around Susan and she leaned closer, letting out a soft moan.
Anthony cleared his throat a few feet away. “Careful there. Children are present.” He walked away without another word.
Zoe bit her lip and Susan giggled.
Susan stood and held her hand out to help Zoe up. “Come, let’s walk back.”
Zoe slipped her fingers between Susan’s. “Just a moment more.”
Susan gave a look around to make certain they weren’t seen and then brought Zoe’s hand to her lips. “I’ll give you all I can.”
Then look below the cut to read the first chapter of a story that will contain all of those things.
Anthony stood outside the bookshop watching Susan pacing back and forth. She looked troubled. He walked into the building, smiling at the familiar sound of the bell ringing upon entry.
And then he paused when he saw the very official older man sitting in his favorite wingback chair.
“Hello?” Anthony said glancing between the man and his friend.
Susan paused. She gasped. “You should marry me!”
“I beg your pardon?” Now Anthony was confused.
Susan looked to the man in the chair. “Please excuse us, Mr. Black.” She took hold of Anthony’s elbow and pulled him to the other end of the room. “I’ve just inherited a home, enough money to salvage my business as well as live comfortably for the rest of my days, and a set of siblings—ages four, six, and nine.” She started pacing again, her hands twisting together. “I haven’t been around children for any significant amount of time since I was a child. But you,” she rounded and pointed, “have so many siblings you know far more than I ever will. So the most logical solution is for you to marry me and help me.”
Anthony could feel his heart beating hard against his rib cage. He’d had this dream recently, while lying in his lover’s arms. He’d been the one to propose, though. And she’d laughed in his face.
“You could always hire a nanny or governess and never have to worry about caring for them. My parents liked to be with us a lot more than some parents.”
Susan took hold of his hands. “These children just lost their primary caregiver. Their mother died when the youngest was a baby. Their father not long after. They need someone to give them attention.” She squeezed his fingers. “I want to do this. And I would appreciate if you at least consider it.”
Anthony looked down at their joined hands. “It would be unseemly if you and I agreed to marry after such a proposal without you ever speaking to my father.”
Susan snorted. “You are my closest friend, Anthony. My only friend, really. I know I don’t have to marry, but I barely make it as it is considering…” She gestured to her face, slightly darker than the average woman of her station.
Anthony kissed her knuckles. “I will marry you. With the Osborne name on top of it all, you will be mixing with the best of the best in no time.”
“I don’t need the best of the best. I just need your support.” She took hold of his face and brought his head down to kiss Anthony on the forehead.
He watched Susan walk back to her meeting with the lawyer. Anthony made his way to the back of the shop, through the door, and into the little kitchen.
“Oh, hello.” Mabel said from the stove. Her tone, as always, wasn’t the least bit inviting.
“What do you know about the lawyer?” Anthony asked, leaning against the counter.
“What lawyer?”
Anthony gave Mabel a hard glare. “I know you’re even more nosey than me.”
Mabel shrugged. “Haven’t been listening. But he’s been eyeing Susan in a way I don’t particularly care for.”
The door opened and Susan came in, slumping against the counter beside Anthony. She rested her head on his shoulder. “Start packing, Mabel. We’re moving to London.”
Mabel sat the spoon down she was using to stir the pot. “And what is in London?”
“Children I’m to take over care of. And a home. And more money than I ever could fathom.” She slipped her hand into Anthony’s and squeezed. “You don’t have to marry me, Anthony. Mabel and I will be fine.”
“I will not be going.” Mabel said suddenly.
Susan straightened. “Not going? Why? You told me—”
“Doesn’t matter what I told you, Sue. My family is here. I will not be moving somewhere I can’t see my family whenever I want.”
“But you could—”
“And children? I don’t take care of children. Or clean after them. And I definitely don’t fuck women with children.” Mabel untied her apron and draped it over the back of the chair. “I will start clearing out my things.”
“Have you wanted to leave, then?” Susan asked, grabbing Mabel’s wrist to stop her from leaving the room.
Anthony stuck his hands in his pockets and tried to disappear into the cabinets as the pair started arguing.
“All you really care about is him anyway.” Mabel pointed to Anthony.
“No, Mabel, I care about you.” Susan reached for Mabel, but she slapped her hands away. “I love you.”
“Well, I never loved you.”
Anthony gasped and watched at his best friend’s world started to crumble.
Mabel left the room as Susan dropped to the floor.
Anthony wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “I will help you with all the necessities of the move.”
“Thank you.” Her voice was muffled in his shoulder.
There was a loud banging from the other side of the building.
Susan flinched.
“She was never good for you.” Anthony smoothed his hand over Susan’s hair. He’d never admitted it fully, but he loved her dearly. More than as a friend. And it frightened him.
