#perfection carpet cleaners

[thevoidstaredback]

How To Balance Your Daytime and Nighttime Activities So That You Don't Burn Yourself Out More Than You Already Have

Dick had to give it to the kid, he'd somehow thought of everything. It was a little concerning, actually, but the kid had brushed off every attempt had probing for answers. Who trained him? If he was trained at all. ...had the kid gone into vigilantism alone? Oh, dear. THat's not good fro Dick's current worries.

Reading the file Danny had handed him, Dick had to wonder how long it had taken him to put together this cover story. Also, where he'd managed to get the equipment to do it. At a glance, the kid didn't seem to have much on him. Not even a phone!

He closed the folder and set it back down on the table. "Really?" he asked, "'Congratulations, it's a boy'?"

Danny's cheeks turned a bit red as his gaze shifted to the folder. "Well, yeah. You're stuck with me now until I can get you into good habits and a healthier schedule."

"That implies that you're planning on leaving."

Danny shrugged, all his confidence now fading away. Is this what he's really like? "Well, I mean, I'm sure you don't want me sticking around at all, let alone for a while."

Dick frowned and looked back at the black folder and the binder sitting on his coffee table. God, his apartment's a mess! He smiled at Danny. "My name's Richard, but everyone calls me 'Dick'. You can stay in the guest room."

Danny lit up like a fucking Christmas tree. "Really?"

"Yep. You went to all this work, it'd be a shame if it all went to waste."

The grin on Danny's face was more than worth the security risk that he now posed. "You won't regret it, Mr. Dick!"

Dick smiled back at him, "Please, drop the formalities. We're cousins, apparently."

Was he attached? No. He wouldn't allow himself to get attached. Sure, maybe he was letting this kid - he really needs to start calling him Danny - stay with him for a while, but he wasn't going to get attached. Getting attached meant losing him. Dick wasn't sure he'd be able to survive if he lost someone again.

...damn it.

***

First order of business, now that Danny was officially Dick's - why would he willingly go by that nickname? - ward/cousin, Danny was going to make sure he got some sleep. Today was Dick's day off, so Danny had sent him to his room to take a much needed nap. The man was basically dead on his feet and Danny would be damned if he let him wander around this mess of an apartment with blurry vision.

The second thing he did, once he was sure Dick was asleep, was start to clean up. The place was a stereotypical bachelor's pad, complete with questionable stains in the carpet, rips in the cushions, dishes piled up in the sink, and old take-out on every table and counter. Gross.

He made quick work of the old take-out by throwing it all away and hitting it with a very small and controlled ectoblast. He was so glad Dick had disposable gloves on hand.

The dishes were the next thing he handed. The water was cleaner than in Gotham, so he didn't worry about washing the dishes by hand when they all didn't fit in the dishwasher. He dried the ones he'd hand washed before putting them away. Dick had no organisation in his cupboards, so Danny fixed that, too.

The fridge and freezer weren't too bad. Sure, the dairy products had all expired and most of the food was freezer bitten, but none of it was moldy yet and the appliance itself was in perfect working order. He'd have to go shopping later.

Danny had never liked cleaning, but he'd had to when his parents refused to follow any OSHA laws or Lab Safety courses. So, when he found the cleaning supplies, he took a deep breath and began scrubbing the bathroom. It wasn't too bad, thank god, and was already fairly clean. It was quick and he was able to move on very quickly.

The counters, tables, walls, and tile and wooden floors were all easy to clean with a wet rag and a broom. He wasn't going to even try saving the rug because it looked well beyond the point of no return. The couch and chair cushions could be sticked up, but he didn't have a sewing needle and thread with him.

The last thing he did before taking his backpack into the room he'd been given was to write down a shopping list and leave it on the counter. It wasn't a lot, just food and some dishes and toiletries. He'd have to figure out with Dick a way to pay rent, too, but that was a later Danny problem. He'd tired himself out and was still running on pretty much empty. So, he allowed himself to fall asleep. He'd check on Dick when he woke up.

Part 4 Part 6

Tag List:

@flame-343 @ghestie93 @anarinette @aglmry @peachtreewriter @evix-syne666 @loudlypanickinginvenezolano @lumosfeather18581

[moonchildstyles]

rosemary

rosemary part one: harry has a lot of secrets and has perfected the art of being alone. y/n likes to wear bows in her hair and tries harder than anyone harry has ever known.

wordcount: 14.5k+

—————

The sound of the lock clicking in place as Harry twisted the deadbolt on his front door had his shoulders relaxing. The kind of comfort a locked door brought was something he'd never take for granted. 

He kicked off his shoes beside the door, the dingy carpet making his beaten Vans look a lot cleaner than they really were. His keys clamoring atop the rickety side table he had set up next to the door had him wincing at the volume. He didn't like loud noises much anyway, but especially not after one of his longer shifts. Harry bypassed the single curtained window in his apartment, leaving the drapes heavily closed despite the morning light crawling over the horizon. 

First order of business was changing out of his work uniform. He hated nothing more than relaxing in the same pants he had worked all night in, even if the dress code of the grocery store was on the lax side. He flung the maroon collared shirt into his hamper, followed by the set of stiff, dark pants he wouldn't wear ever in his daily life. He could have melted as soon as he threw on a heather grey t-shirt and tattered sweats. 

The second he sunk into his bed, springs creaking under his weight, he felt the knots in his muscles begin to loosen. He'd never worked over nights before at any of his previous jobs, and he hadn't anticipated how hard it would be to adjust to falling asleep when the sun came up and the challenge his body would pose over working when he should be resting. At least, he was home. 

His studio apartment wasn't heavily furnished—or even lightly furnished, if he was being honest. This was his seventh home in the last handful of years, and after a while the idea of lugging furniture around and anything other than the essentials made him just as exhausted as the actual process of moving. It was easier to pack up and leave when there wasn't much for him to miss. Instead, he often bought secondhand, or anything cheap whenever he settled in a place that seemed good enough for the time being.

This particular move left him with a plain bed frame, the legs uneven but fixed with the help of a couple of old books. His pillows were thin, matching the frayed sheets he had stretched across his mattress and the threadbare comforter topping the whole thing. Like with most of his past apartments, the carpets held stains from before he moved in, walls yellowed from cigarettes he didn't smoke, and the kitchen appliances worked at their convenience. The only things that were truly his, that he never parted with in any of his moves and made this place less of a crash pad, were the few well-loved books under his bed that weren't being used to prop up the frame, and the small photo of his mother and sister sitting on a shelf he was lucky enough to have found at a garage sale when he moved in. 

Despite it all, Harry liked this place. 

The town he'd landed in was on the quieter side, too small for much trouble to rise up. He hoped that would make it an easy place to stick around for a while.

His body felt heavy when he forced himself to stand from his bed and pad over to the tiny kitchen tucked in the corner of the space. As exhausted as his body was, his brain was still very much awake and urging him to eat something before he settled any.

His kitchen was made up of limited cabinet space, a trio of stubborn appliances, and a square of loosely-laid tiles marking the confines of the space. The flimsy cabinets were barely hanging onto their hinges, from before even Harry moved in. The shelves were sparsely dotted with canned food and boxed snacks. They were the easiest and cheapest things to grab, even if they weren't necessarily bites that he liked. Plus, they were easy to travel with if he needed to leave in a split. 

The stubby refrigerator manning one of the walls held only the bare essentials, leaving the shelves and door more bare than not. The appliance mostly held the frozen meals he was able to get a discount on through his job. The microwave embedded in the wall stunk like burnt hair every time he ran it for longer than ten seconds. The stove was the most reasonable method of heating up food in this apartment, Harry had found, even if only two out of the four burners operated on more than a simmer. He had never used the oven in the three months since he made this his home, despite the fact it had been cleared by his landlord on move in day. The exposed wiring sticking out of the back looked like it would cause a house fire instead of just heating a lasagna. 

Harry bypassed it all as he rifled through his near-empty cabinets. To be fair, this wasn't the worst place he'd ever lived, so he'd take it if things were on the rundown side and carried an odd smell if he paid close enough attention. It was a routine the way he pulled out a can from his cupboard, a Spaghettio's label wrapped around the tin, before reaching for the misshapen pot he kept in a lower cabinet. His movements felt robotic as he went along, forming his meal out of habit more than any conscious thought. His brain happily turned onto autopilot as he stirred the runny tomato sauce, noodles floating through, until boiling bubbles broke through the surface. 

Taking it off the heat, Harry scooped it into a bowl. This was good enough for him. 

With the pot in the sink to be washed and the can in the trash, he moved on tired feet back to his bed. He didn't have a dining table to eat at, and he didn't really care if he was honest. It wasn't as if he was hosting dinner parties or entertaining guests. He was happy enough with nestling into his blankets and eating on his bed. 

Tucked underneath his pillow, Harry pulled out a well-worn book. A dog-eared page marked his place in the oil-softened pages. The spine no longer cracked when he folded open the pages, the stiff set in the glue having settled somewhere after his fiftieth read. The bent and frayed cover no longer phased him anymore, nor did the name inscribed in the inside cover that wasn't his. No matter the state, this book followed him through every move, every change, and every sleepless night.

He knew this love story like the back of his hand; the pages one of the only constants in his life of transiency. 

Harry wasn't even that much of a reader the first time he had picked up the volume. He had only been looking for something to escape into when he first started going on jobs, the stress and guilt beginning to warp his mind. These pages still hadn't lost their shine in his eyes, this story having been one of the only bright points when he swore he was digging himself to rock bottom. 

Absentmindedly spooning bites of his meal into his mouth, Harry slipped into the familiar story. The comfort was almost enough to have him lulled into something safe enough that he could have fallen asleep where he was sitting, memories of every sleepless night when he had turned to this book hitting his system. It was a feat little else had been able to achieve, and Harry was grateful for that. He couldn't keep staying up at all hours now that he had the challenge of flipping his days with this new job. 

Sitting on his well-loved bed, a well-loved copy of his favorite book in hand, and something that could pass as breakfast if he squinted hard enough, Harry felt at peace for a moment. 

He didn't mind being alone, not when it was like this anyway. He hoped he wouldn't have to move on from this place for a while. 

—————

Cardboard scraped against Harry's forearm as he reached into his box, digging through the packages of cookies and crackers that filled this specific shipment. The fluorescent lights above him felt especially fried now that the sun had gone down, washing out his skin and paling the ink of his tattoos. 

While the rest of the night crew were paired off and working together to stock the shelves, Harry was commissioned alone. He worked better by himself, he knew that, and it was nice to have his boss know that now too. It only took almost two months into his employment until everyone realized he wasn't the kind of person that enjoyed idle chatter or wanted to get close to any of these people around him. Now, he was able to enjoy his music in peace, the white wire connecting the buds hitting his chest as he moved. 

Harry had a system with the way he worked. He wanted to finish as fast as possible, and not waste any more energy than he had to. He tried to organize his boxes as much as he could on the cart before he was stocking each line of product as quickly as he could, extras being cast aside until he could make a trip to the back room. It was all a system, something he planned out without even thinking. If not for the fading ache in his shoulders and knees he would feel at the end of his shift, he wouldn't even really remember his movements. 

Given this focus, there wasn't much that could distract Harry as he worked. His goal was to finish as fast as possible and move onto something else to fill his mundane nights, not to linger on the guests of the grocery store or fill the silence with small talk he didn't care about. There was a reason he gravitated towards the operations side of this job and not the customer service aspects.

That's why he didn't give it much of a thought when he saw a pastel streak flash in the corner of his eye. He continued doing his job, organizing his box some, as he filtered through the packages of biscuits and sweet crackers, soft sleeves of cookies, and bags of other products. It wasn't until the pastel streak drew closer did he instinctively glance in its direction. 

Her back was to him as she held her gaze upwards. She was scanning the shelves, this woman, complete with an overlarge cream sweater and a peach colored bow in her hair that shone in the light like the velvet fuzz of the color's namesake. One of the grocery store's signature maroon baskets was at her side, the handles tucked in her elbow. There was barely anything in her basket, but that isn't what had Harry's brows knitting in the middle by the time he stitched his attention back on his work. 

It was way too late for anyone to be doing any menial shopping in his opinion, especially not a girl who looked as if she might deem throwing flower petals in the face of an attacker to be sufficient self-defense. But, that wasn't his business, he reminded himself. It didn't help soothe the tears in his mental health to imagine the worst possible scenarios starring those around him. 

A centering breath was sucked in through his nose as he flicked the switch in his brain that had him thinking only of his body's movements. He curled around himself, stepping out of the way as much as possible so the pastel-peach girl could go about her business and disturb Harry as little as possible. The less approachable he looked, the less he'd be approached. 

He didn't know if she wandered that aisle for the next couple of minutes or traced down the shelves on the other side before coming back, but that telltale shift in the air around him told him she was now behind him. The static told him she was right there, at his back. 

Harry didn't acknowledge her presence, instead making it clear he was working and didn't want to be disturbed. He hoped she could see the wire of his headphones that much clearer against his dark shirt. He wasn't inviting her presence; if she needed help, Brett and Fawn were just a couple of aisles down and much more friendly. 

As with some attempts at camouflage, it didn't work in Harry's favor. Some people didn't always see what was clearly in front of them, he knew that. 

A small hand, complete with pearl polished nails and skin smelling of something sweet like honey and the savory bite of herbs, landed on the crook of his elbow. "Excuse me?" her voice leaked through his headphones. 

With a tick appearing in his jaw and a pace of breathing he was sure looked just as forced as it was, Harry halted his work with a sleeve of graham crackers in his hand. His features felt stiff when he turned towards this girl. 

He spoke as he twisted in his spot with a hand yanking his headphones out of his ears, her touch falling from his arm just as quickly. "What?"

When Harry's gaze brushed over her, cataloguing details to add to the pastel streak he had thought her to be before, the same attention that went into his work was now employed in keeping his features stoic and muscles hard. This woman... was very pretty. 

Her cream sweater he had seen from behind was actually a cardigan, buttoned loosely over her torso with a pale peach top underneath. The buttons were pearls, matching the shifting light that characterized the varnish on her nails. Her jeans were high waisted, ripped in places that lead to a pair of pristine white tennis shoes, complete with a set of pink laces threaded over the tongue. The bow held back pieces of hair that would have normally fallen around her face, leaving small strands fluttered as if matching the tendrils of her bow that drifted down her back. 

In the time he was trying to figure out who was standing right in front of him, she blinked at his harsh tone, almost recoiling as if she'd been struck. Her hands became a bundle at her middle as he squirmed under his gaze. Harry swallowed harshly. 

"Sorry to bother you," she started, recovering some with a short smile on her lips, "I was just wondering... God, this sounds so much more dumb out loud than I thought it would." She cut herself off with a soft laugh, dropping her gaze from his to settle on the cardboard box on his cart. "Do you have any of those white chocolate raspberry cookies that come in the bag in your box? The soft ones?" she tired again, shuffling her toes against the linoleum, "I didn't see any on the shelf, so I was hoping you might have some in one of your boxes. They're my favorite so..." 

Harry wanted to be annoyed, he really did. There were hundreds of less offensive situations he'd been in that bothered him more than he knew his mother would be proud of him for, but this just couldn't be added to the list. And that annoyed him. Though, there was something in him that felt a bit contented knowing that there was still a heart buried somewhere inside of him that wouldn't allow him to get upset at someone like her. 

"Let me look." His voice was gruff as he brushed a knuckle under his nose. 

He knew exactly what she was looking for, the packaging coming to mind. He liked this brand too, though he rarely ever felt as if he could spare the cash to indulge. He'd never tried the raspberry variation, though. 

Working stiffly, he rifled through the box until he found the bottom layer of product. A white, rustic looking bag was tucked in a corner. The brand name stylized as if it were embedded on a wooden board was printed on the white bag, with the name of the cookies and the variation underneath. 

White chocolate chunks with bites of real raspberry in a soft cookie. 

That's the one. 

Fishing it out, Harry unceremoniously presented it to her. He made a point to keep his eyes from lingering on her for too long. He needed to keep his clear head. 

"This one?" 

She lit up in a way Harry couldn't ignore. Her eyes had to have been holding glitter behind her irises the way the color brightened, matching her smile. Creases appeared around the corners of her eyes, soft lips stretched and complemented with laugh lines. 

"Yes, yes, those ones!" she chattered off, reaching out to take the bag from him. 

Harry shoved the crinkling bag into her grasp, watching as she stumbled back some before placing it in her basket among what he could now see was a bundle of rosemary and a package of noodles. Nonetheless, her smile didn't falter as she turned towards him again.

"Thank you..." she trailed off, her gaze dropping to his chest where a name tag was pinned to the breast, "Harry." 

There was a lag in between the second he heard her voice wrap around his name and the beats of Harry's heart resuming at a rapid pace. His throat went dry for a moment, something he couldn't believe was happening to him over something like this. When was the last time someone learned his name just because they wanted to know him? 

He swallowed that line of questioning down as soon as it popped up. "Um, yeah," he told her, turning back to his box as soon as he had the words out. 

His headphones he had dangling in his grasp were replaced in his ears, his music still playing on, a different song now filtering than the one that had been when he ripped them out. Harry pushed his objective to the forefront of his mind, leaving little space to keep up with the way his stomach tightened hearing this girl's voice saying his name. He didn't want to focus on the fact he could still feel her presence for a moment after he had dismissed her. He wasn't going to let any of this fluster him—or whatever it was that could happen to a person who barely had any feelings left. 

Calculating his movements was the only viable distraction until he could feel that static of her presence flitter away. It was only then that he dared to indulge himself in a short glance aimed in her direction. He caught the barest view of her wobbly bow and the edge of her loose cardigan before she disappeared around the corner, leaving him alone once more. 

He was going to forget her, Harry decided. Whatever reaction he just had, wasn't going to happen again. 

—————

Gazing down at his hands, Harry only saw red. It wasn't his blood that tainted his skin, but there was a pain in his body that made him want to argue that there was no way he wasn't injured. From somewhere far—but not far enough—away, a crashing sound rumbled through the warehouse. He felt his bones vibrate and his head go fuzzy. More blood dripped from his skin. 

Another crash sounded, this time much closer to where Harry couldn't move his feet. It was as if he were bolted to the spot. More blood, more scars. 

From the corner of his eye, he saw someone. They were walking with a purpose, heavy on their feet. 

His hands still shook even when he took his eyes off of the thick crimson dripping from his fingers. The person coming towards him looked familiar. Too familiar. 

The second they were close enough, Harry recognized that it was himself. There was a gun in the clone's hand, the barrel pointed right at his head. 

Another loud crash.

Harry woke with a start, rocketing up in bed. His breathing was heavy, thick and humid, with his hands shaking where they were clutching the thin bedding askew over his form. There was a sheen of cold sweat covering his body, his hair clinging to the back of his neck.

Looking at his hands, untangling from the bedding, Harry felt his heart rate go down a notch when he no longer saw blood coating the appendages. His vision still blurred at the edges as he came down, his lips mouthing a mantra he wanted so badly to believe: 

It's not real, it's just a dream. It's not real, it's just a dream. It's not real, it's just a dream.

He didn't live that life anymore, he reminded himself. That was a part of his past, but it's all over now. Those scars would never reopen and his hands would never be stained that way again. He would make sure of that. 

As he talked himself down, the rest of his apartment came back into view. The edges of his vision sharpened, showing him the rest of his full bed, rumpled sheets, and the book he had dropped when he finally managed to fall asleep in the middle of a passage. He busied his hands as fixed his book, righting the bent cover and smoothing back the crease that folded into the page he left on. With that sweat on his bare chest and thin comforter falling to his lap, he realized just how cold his apartment was.

Taking a deep breath, his lungs shuddering as he fought to regulate the pacing he lost in his sleep, he swung his legs over the side of his bed. He worked slowly as he replaced his book back to his rightful slot underneath his bed. Lethargy weighed down his limbs as he searched for his phone somewhere on the floor as he sat with his legs crossed underneath his bottom, the scratch of the carpet dragging across his ankles from where his pants rode up grounding him. 

The screen of his phone was far too bright when he powered it up, the time being of no surprise to him even if he was disappointed. He only got a few hours of sleep before that dream woke him up into the real world, plenty of time left before he should begin getting ready to go to work. 

This was how it always was for the past handful of years. Harry was lucky to have slept at all really, as some days he wasn't that fortunate, but there was no way he was going to be able to drift off again. But, he'd gotten rather good at finding ways to fill his time. 

Standing on wobbly legs, Harry took his time stripping his bed. There was time to get through some laundry, he figured, hauling both his bedding as well as his full hamper to the rickety washer and dryer stationed in the hall closet. 

Every movement was a distraction: separating the colors of his clothing, the measuring of the detergent, and the three times he had to set the cycle before the machine finally came to life all did their part to keep him from obsessively staring at his hands as if they would do something bad if he wasn't watching. It was routine the way he didn't allow himself to dwell on the dreams he could no longer forget like he could when they first started sporadically. 

Harry felt like a shadow as the hours passed, even after a cold shower shocked his nerves and a bland meal had warmed his stomach. But, at least he was awake. 

—————

Watching his hands as he stocked and stocked the shelves in front of him, more and more of himself came back to Harry. This was the perk of the more manual of jobs he had. He could use his body and keep track of every movement he made, every stretch of his muscles coming from his own volition. 

It felt like a ritual the way a pastel flash struck the corner of his vision. 

It'd been almost a month since the first time he'd seen her, and she made more trips with a basket tucked into the crook of her elbow than he had seen most other patrons. Maybe he only noticed her now that he recognized her and the phantom ache that touched the muscles of his stomach every time he saw her wander close to him. Nonetheless, he saw her more often than not, barely anything in her basket but small items and snacks, never once with a full shopping cart or a list in hand. 

In an odd way, he'd almost begun to expect her—look for her. It was a part of his shift to see her drifting through the aisles in something comfortable, a ribbon in her hair, and that ever-present smile on her face. He'd never admit that though, even to himself. 

Instead, when he saw her drift into his aisle—the frozen meal section tonight—he kept to himself. Harry didn't even bother to look up at her for more than a glance, even when he paused his music as he listened to her footsteps padding over the floor. Just like she always did since the first night she went out of her way to read his name tag, she offered him a soft smile of recognition as she passed by. Even though Harry hadn't reciprocated a single one. 

Just like that, she kept moving, Harry's ear trained to hear her pad off until he couldn't distinguish her footsteps against any of the other noises filtering through the grocery store. He played his music again then, allowing something else to fill his head before she could wiggle her way inside. 

Though he would rather not acknowledge it, there was something about the fact that the haunted feeling that had clung to him since his nightmare earlier in the day, finally began to dissolve. That turning in his stomach every time he saw one of the thin scars of his hands turned into the residual flaps of a butterfly's wings, even if he didn't dare give the feeling a name or even think of the cause. 

Despite the fact there was something loose in his muscles now as he worked, his head a little bit more clear with that dream tied up in a peachy bow in the back of his mind, Harry was going to ignore it all just as he had every time he saw that girl. 

—————

"Thank you, Harry!" 

The bow girl's chirping gratitude only had Harry looking at her stiffly with a grumbled Yeah falling from his lips. Just as she had done the last couple of months since she made herself a presence during his shifts, she simply gave him a smile before bouncing away with her basket only containing a carton of banana milk and her favorite cookies. She was no longer perturbed by the standoffish responses he gave her. Harry couldn't decide if he liked that or not. 

It was like this at least a couple of times a week. She never did a big shop, only stopping by at later times to pick up individual ingredients for a dinner she had chatted to him about, or little snacks she couldn't seem to go a day without. During at least one of her trips, she found an excuse to talk to Harry; she asked him about his day if she was close enough to feel comfortable starting a question (Harry never gave her a good answer, honestly), she told him about her own day and what she was shopping for if there was anything specific she had in mind. She almost always had a bow pinned to her hair, fluttering behind her and matching whatever soft piece of clothing she had cinched around her form. Harry had even begun fishing out a pack of her favorite cookies from his boxes if he was stocking that aisle, just to make it easy if she came in and asked him for assistance. It made the interactions quicker and less bothersome—at least that's what he told himself. 

He knew more about her and her routines than he had any of the hundreds of people he'd met in the last handful of years since he started moving around. Even if that did make him feel a bit guilty knowing that she didn't have a clue about who exactly she was sharing these parts of herself with; she didn't know the mess she was tiptoeing around every time she interacted with him. 

Tonight was no different, her leaving a rattling in Harry's bones that he wanted nothing more than to ignore like every other part of his life. If he was superstitious, he would think she could have cast some kind of spell on him with the way she and her little bows lingered in his brain long after she had checked out and gone on her way home. 

That rattling followed him as he made his way into the backroom, his empty box needing to be replaced. An exasperated sigh fought to leave his chest when he saw almost half of the overnight team huddled in the area, puttering about as they chattered and pretended to work. He didn't like being roped into their conversations, and that almost always happened when he ran into more than two of them at once. 

Harry didn't say a word as he broke down the cardboard box on his cart, pushing it off to the pile of the other flattened boxes before he reached for another. The conversations had quieted some when he walked in, but he could still hear what sounded like Brett and Fawn flirting in the back corner with a cart of refrigerated items that needed to go on the opposite end of the store, and Theo talking to two of the other guys that Harry hadn't bothered to remember the names of. 

"Busy night, huh, Harry?" Theo started, dropping whatever topic he had been rambling to his friends about just a moment before. 

"Yeah," Harry answered, voice stiff. It wasn't any more busy than any other night as far as he was concerned. Besides, he had other things he needed to worry about than to be making conversation with a coworker he barely knew. There was still a peach colored ribbon tying his stomach in tiny knots that he needed to fix. 

Soon enough, a silence fell through the backroom when the others made their way out. Only Harry and Theo were left, Harry doing his part to semi-organize his chosen box before heading out on the floor again. 

Maybe it was the rattling in his bones, or the vision of a peach colored bow that he saw every time he blinked, but something in Harry felt a little reckless when he peeked over at Theo focusing on his own box. 

"That girl," Harry rumbled, feeling odd in his skin as he spoke, "The one with the bows in her hair... She comes in a lot." 

Theo looked taken aback for a moment, his eyes wide with furrowed brows as he looked in Harry's direction. He even glanced over his shoulder as if there were anyone else there for the conversation to be aimed at. Harry had to keep from scoffing, dropping his gaze back to his working hands. 

Floundering over his words, Theo tried to catch up once he realized Harry was voluntarily talking. "Um, the—uh—the one with bows in her hair?" 

Harry hummed in response. "She's in a couple of times a week." 

"Ohhh," Theo sounded, familiarity touching his tone, "You mean (Y/N)?" 

Harry swallowed at the sound of her name. He'd never asked for it himself. "If that's her name." 

From the corner of his eye, Harry could see Theo nodding his head. "She comes in a lot, yeah. She's not good at keeping a list and always forgets stuff if she tries to do big shops, so she just comes in when she wants something or runs out." 

Though he didn't want this information to mean something to him, Harry felt a part of himself slowly being fulfilled the more details he learned. She didn't tell him these kinds of things when she rambled about her dinner choice for the night. 

Keeping his gaze tacked to his hands, Harry kept his words measured and calculated. "Oh," he started, "Is she from here?" 

"She's lived here forever, yeah. Why?" 

A beat passed as Harry opted to ignore the second part of Theo's response. He didn't need to have any details as to why Harry was asking after someone after working together for five months with only a handful of interactions. Even if he did want to share that, Harry didn't have any real answers to that why, anyway. 

"Does she... What does she do?" Harry asked, the phrasing of his words feeling awkward falling out of his mouth. He was lucky he was so used to shielding his emotions and staying stoic, otherwise he would have cringed where he stood. 

"Like for work?" Theo asked, his eyes warm on Harry's profile. 

Lifting his shoulders, Harry only shrugged in response. It was probably a good idea to keep his mouth shut. 

"She—uh—she works at the bakery over on Windsor. She and my sister work there together," Theo told him, acting as if Harry was supposed to know what bakery he was talking about and who his sister was. "(Y/N)'s pretty nice, though." 

"Right," was all Harry offered by the time he finished organizing his box. He didn't bother to give anything more in response or wait for Theo to elaborate before he was walking out on the floor again. Even when he could feel Theo's eyes stuck to his back.

No doubt would this interaction make its way to the rest of the team before the end of the shift. 

It was harmless curiosity, Harry argued. He just had to believe the harmless part. 

—————

It's funny the kinds of things that happened in the day that then were transported and highlighted in a dream. Stranger's faces, odd conversations, a passing thought, things that normally wouldn't have been catalogued at all by a waking brain but were held tightly in the middle of sleep. 

Despite the fact Harry made it home from work at three in the morning, he still ended up waking in the early morning after a lingering dream. He didn't remember much about the scene the longer he was awake, but he knew there were swaying bows in pretty hair. A soft voice could have been there too, along with a subtle smile, but he couldn't remember. All because he had seen those ribbons and heard that voice the night before. 

For a split second, when he was surfacing from sleep, he wanted so badly to just roll over and continue whatever play was running in the back of his mind. But, sleep didn't come easy for him; he'd have to take whatever small amount of hours his body allowed him and be grateful. 

That left Harry to lay in his bed and stare at the ceiling above him, peeks of sunshine beginning to filter through the heavy drapes on his single window. He pretended as if he wasn't waiting for flashes of the dream to come back to him, even as he reluctantly found his footing in the real world. 

He was off work for the next two days. Forty-eight hours he would have to fill with the kinds of tasks he dreaded almost as much as actually reporting in for a shift. 

Grocery shopping was at the top of the to-do list as well as the hated tasks list. He hated going into his work on his day off just so he could shop the canned food aisles and dodge small talk from the dayshift coworkers that pretended as if they had met him more than once during his training shifts. A trip to the library was due as well, his borrowed books packed away under his bed and read from cover to cover in the week since he'd last visited the building. There was also always cleaning and laundry to be done, more things to keep him busy before he would undoubtedly retire to his bed for the rest of the day and read as much as he could to keep his brain from going to mush. 

Harry sighed at the day's agenda. This was the life he wanted, though, so he was going to appreciate every day of the boring tasks and the mundane dredge. 

By the time he had a load of laundry running in his machine and his hands buried in the sink, doing dishes he put off until his weekend, Harry's mind was already wandering somewhere outside of his apartment. 

Theo had been complaining last night towards the end of the shift about how his sister needed him to pick her up from work today. She was opening and had stayed the night at her boyfriend's before, but he wouldn't be able to drop her off and pick her up. That left Theo to take up the job in exchange for gas money and whatever treats his sister could sneak from the bakery. Theo kept droning on about how since it was Sunday, the bakery opened up early, leaving him to have to fight to stay awake after going home so he wouldn't miss picking up his sister. 

Throughout all of the petty complaining and meaningless rambling, the only thing that stuck out to Harry was the hours of this bakery being narrowed down. He didn't mean to pay attention, not now after knowing who else worked there, but it was just another one of those things that stuck in his brain like a dreamy detail. 

An early opening could mean that his bow girl—(Y/N)—might be there as well. 

Harry's hands flexed under the soapy water. It wouldn't be such a bad thing to go to a bakery on a Sunday morning. No one would think anything of it—and neither should he. He liked pastries as much as the next person. Even if trying out one of the town's baked goods wasn't necessarily his goal for the outing didn't mean that it would be a bad idea. He had more self-control than most people—a bit of indulgence wouldn't break him. 

Before he could get too far ahead of himself, Harry focused on washing the dishes in the sink. He laid each piece gently out on the tea towel flattened out beside the sink, taking extra care as if his slow pace could prove that he still had all that control he was boasting about. If he was really on the edge of breaking—about to make a bad decision—he wouldn't be so in control, he argued. He even waited for the load of laundry to make that erratic beeping noise that notified him that he could trade into the dryer. 

Still clad in only a pair of sweats that acted as his pajamas, Harry lazily reached for his phone before looking at the time. Just before nine a.m. According the Theo, the bakery opened at eight in the morning today, right when he was picking up his sister after her early morning shift. Harry held onto that air of nonchalance as he looked up the open confectionaries around him, finding a link at the top of the page for The Flour Pot. 

They were marked as open, hours laid out on the same popup. Only a handful of miles away from the grocery store and on the same block as his library. It wouldn't take him longer than fifteen minutes to get there. He could even stop by the library on his way back or do his grocery shopping. 

There, he cemented. That just proved this whole thing wasn't just to see a fluttering bow or hear a soft voice. He had other things he needed to do, and after hearing so much about this bakery, he could try it out while he was in town. 

With his laundry rumbling in the dryer and his dishes laid out to dry on the counter, Harry changed out of his sweats and threw on a hoodie to keep him warm against the chill in the morning air. He tucked his library books under his arm and started out the door, locking up behind him just like any other day. 

Just as he figured, he was back in town in less than twenty-minutes, the directions on his phone taking him just a few buildings down from the library. With the early hour, he couldn't see the bakery being especially busy, but when he found a parking spot across the street from the building, his hands clenched around the steering wheel. 

Through the lit windows, he saw a line inside. Morning sunshine kept the glass especially translucent, even through the decals pasted to the panes boasting the bakery's name and pots of leafy plants to play on the pun of the title. He could spot glimpses of patrons lounging in the few tables provided while others were waiting in line, the queue long enough to have others shuffling aside when the door behind them swung open. 

Harry's heartbeat quickened at the sight. He never liked being where so many people were crowded. It was hard to keep track of so many and what they were doing and saying when they were packed in a tight space. He thought—hoped—that with the early time he'd be beating out the crowds. 

Taking a deep breath, Harry reminded himself that there was no harm in having more than ten people in one space. This was something he needed to work on anyway—something he was working on. There was no point to becoming so nervous over something like this. The odds of someone recognizing him or something out of his control happening were slim to none. 

The whole point in leaving those years ago was to have a normal life. This was part of that. 

Before he could dwell on the sound of his heartbeat in his ears, Harry swung open his door. He planted his feet on the solid ground, stuffed his hands in the pocket of his hoodie, and trekked on. 

Keeping his eyes on his feet as he walked, Harry didn't look up until the entrance to the bakery was right in front of him. He had his phone gripped in one hand, prepared to pull it out and fiddle with it in an attempt to sate his nerves, while the other reached out for the golden handle embedded in the glass and wood door. 

One peek through the crystal had his hand falling from the handle. 

Behind the counter was (Y/N). 

She had her back to the door, but he knew that bow. She'd worn it before. He knew that silken pearl color, the slightly lopsided loops, the fabric nestled in with the mess of hair on the top of her head. He knew that if she turned around, even spared a glance over her shoulder, what kind of smile would be painted over her features and the soft set of her features that was practically her trademark. He wanted her to turn around just so he could compare that smile to the ghost of the one in his dreams

It's the fluttering in his stomach and the pacing of his heart behind the cage of his ribs that had Harry turning around. He didn't care if anyone saw his reaction, if anyone noted just how weird the whole moment was. He wasn't able to make those extra steps to go inside. 

He shouldn't be that happy to see her. That wasn't the kind of reaction someone in control would have. That only showed him the kind of weaknesses the walls around him had, the bits of crumbling stone that he was going to have to solidify before he could boast about all of his self-control. 

This was the reason he never allowed himself to grow attached to anyone. The fact that she was the only person in five years to even bother attempting to penetrate those stone walls should have no bearing on how he conducted himself. He knew better than to let her soft smiles and fluttering bows and gentle conversations get to him. He was the one who knew better in this situation; (Y/N) didn't know what kind of person she was offering those niceties to, and it would be wrong of him to accept and even seek them out. 

She didn't deserve what could happen if he let this loss of control continue. 

Slamming his car door shut behind him with a reverberating rattle of the frame, Harry vowed that whatever had caused that flutter in his stomach and the clench of his heart would stop now. He can't feel that way about anyone or anything. He was taking back control now. 

With his hands tight around the steering wheel and the thought of the bakery wiped from his mind, Harry hoped he never dreamt of bows again. 

—————

Harry pretended as if he couldn't hear the conversation happening at the end of the aisle from him, a couple loudly wondering where they could find the artisanal bread. He didn't want to help them. 

This was why he hated coming in any earlier than the call time for his overnight shifts. Even with the fact he was only covering a couple of extra hours—coming in at six instead of eight—the difference in clientele was too stark for his comfort. It was too early in the night even to justify sticking in his headphones and drowning out the noise of others. 

Instead, he hoped that the slight frown on his features and the furrow in his brows would be enough to warn people away from him as he continued his stocking of the soup and other canned goods he was tasked with for the time being. The outfacing shelf gave him the advantage of leaving his back facing most of the customers that walked through, though he made a point to drift away whenever a patron stalked a little too close to his personal space. 

Despite it all, a part of Harry was grateful for the distraction of work and the extra people around him. That was why he had been picking up hours here and there throughout the week. Anything to keep his brain busy since he had recoiled from the bakery a week ago. 

He'd done a good job in his opinion, of keeping (Y/N) and all of the bows in her hair off of his mind. His resolve was being rebuilt brick by brick, reminders swirling in his brain of why he's never experienced those kinds of butterflies and the anticipation in his heart before. He wasn't the kind of person that needed that kind of feeling—deserved that overflowing of joy in his veins. He kept himself tucked away for a reason, and he needed to remember that. 

His shifts no longer held a current of anticipation, waiting to see if this would be the night she would wander on by, sparing him a smile and a breath of her attention. Her place in his brain had been corralled to a back corner that he was adamant on keeping the barriers to steady and clean. 

That was why when he saw a pair of white sneakers with pink shoelaces threaded through, he pretended as if his brain didn't go to one person immediately. It could be anyone in the world—should be anyone else. He shouldn't be able to recognize her from such a minute detail, but there was already that beat against the ladder of his ribs that told him everything he needed to know about how poorly he had maintained that corral in the back of his mind. 

With a tick in his jaw, Harry reminded himself of his resolve. He kept his focus on his cart, taking more time to dig around while he waited for those shoes to disappear from the corner of his eye. 

Of course, he couldn't be so lucky. 

"Harry?" that soft voice asked him. 

A slow breath was sucked in through his nose as he stood to the full of his height. He turned to find her looking at him with those eyes he could only remember glimpses of from the haze of his dream. Her face was clean from makeup, hair twisted back into a clip as she had forgone a bow for the day. Comfortable clothes adorned her body, slouching and stretching with pastel hues stitched through her top and flowers adorning her leggings. In her hands, nails sparkling with a pearly white polish, she had a solid block of cheese. 

Harry didn't bother to offer a response. (Y/N) was used to it by this point, though. 

"Do you know if this is any good?" she started, emphasizing the cheese with a flick of her wrist, "I googled a recipe for a grilled cheese today, and it wants this kind of cheese, but... I don't know. I just want to make sure I'll like it before I buy it, and all. Have you tried it before?" 

If Harry could draw his eyes away from the dewy planes of her face and the glimmering sheen of her eyes, he might have been able to read the label on the block she had in her hand, but that didn't seem to be an option his body was willing to follow. 

He knew he had been following the line of her nose and pillows of her cupid's bow for a beat too long when she tipped her head, a crease appearing in-between her brows. Clearing his throat, he dropped his gaze from her eyes to fall in the neckline of her top. He schooled his features, keeping himself in line as he brushed the tip of his nose with the knuckle of his index finger. 

Skimming his gaze over the white cheese in her hand, he shrugged some. "Um, probably," he mumbled, voice a rumble.

That glimmer in her eyes flashed to amusement. "You've probably tried it before?" 

Under layers of the stoic front he put up, Harry could feel himself cringe. He knew he wasn't giving her a smart answer, but he didn't anticipate sounding that stupid. 

Again, he shrugged. That was as much of an answer as he could formulate at the moment. 

That same part of him that cringed at the lame answer he gave her, curled in on itself when he saw for the first time, (Y/N) grow crestfallen. She had always been very stubborn in her sunny disposition, only having been taken aback the first time they had met. Other than that, no matter how much of a downer he acted, there seemed to be a smile on her face she didn't mind offering to him, even if he didn't deserve it. 

This time, he watched her brows pinch in the middle, her smile falling some to leave a barely there, lopsided curl that didn't reach her eyes. She dropped her gaze down to the block in her hand. Even her body seemed to shrink under his gaze, drawing her limbs close to her body in a recoil. 

"Well, thanks anyway," she got out, the tone the same chirping pitch as usual, but there was no current. Nothing authentic sat beneath. 

He watched as she lingered for a moment longer, her eyes attached to the label pasted to the cling wrap fitted around the cheese, before she began to head in the other direction. He'd never seen her so dejected before, even if she was only matching the energy he constantly gave her. 

Guilt pooled in his stomach. It wasn't a nice feeling to see a light like her's becoming extinguished, especially from his own hand. 

Before she could trail too far away, he peered over her hand and read over the label attached to her cheese. He recognized the French name from when he would help his mother in the kitchen. He knew this as one of the ingredients she would use for her macaroni and cheese; shredded and added to a pot to melt before being added to the spirals of noodles. He remembered how his main job when he was too young to properly help was to stir the cheese sauce, his eyes following the swirls and strings tracing through the cream. 

Harry wasn't even aware he was taking a step to follow after her until he felt his toe push against the linoleum. "Actually—um," he started, watching as she turned to face him, features lightening, "That's a good cheese. Melts really nice. It'll probably be good for whatever recipe you found." 

Instinctively, he wanted to curl back into his work, give himself a distraction and soothe some of that rattle in his bones. Instead, he forced himself to stay firm in his spot as she made those few short steps back to him. 

(He couldn't help but to feel a bit silly, if he was being honest. All of this over a conversation about cheese. It verged into the territory of ridiculous if he wasn't actually experiencing it). 

"Really? Thank you!" That genuine contentedness he had missed from her voice before was back, lilting and molding her words. "I read that it was good for melting, I just wasn't sure if I should slice it or shred it. The page didn't really tell me much on that." 

Shrugging, Harry pretended to care about the box left on his cart he still needed to sort through and stock. "Shredding is good," he offered, "It melts easier that way, I think." 

(He actually knew that, but he didn't really want to get into the story of the time he had tried to make his comfort meal shortly after he was separated from his mom. He had gone about it all wrong, having sliced it without thinking only to have to go through the too-long process of watching it melt in a puddle of milk. He would have attempted it again after that, but money was especially tight right after he left home and the ingredients for a single meal were too expensive. Besides, it would never taste as good as the one his mother made, and he didn't need to break his heart any more with the attempts).

Decidedly, (Y/N) dropped the block in her sparse basket. "I'll try that tonight and I'll let you know," she told him, the stray tangles of her hair swaying as she spoke, "Thank you, Harry." 

Harry nodded his head, reaching into the cardboard box piled with different soups. "Yeah." 

It was hard to breathe when she heard him say his name with that smile on her face. 

But, (Y/N) didn't leave right away. She lingered for a moment, a step between leaving him behind and staying right there with him. He couldn't decide which outcome he was hoping for. 

A beat later, she swung back to face him. "Have you ever been by the bakery a few blocks over on Windsor Ave?" 

He swallowed. The vision of The Flour Pot immediately came to mind. 

"No, I don't think so." 

(Y/N) looked at him with a smile with shy edges, rocking on the balls of her feet. "Well, we have these cheesy breakfast soufflés that we only make on Friday mornings, that are really good. I bet you'd really like them if you like cheese and stuff." There was a slight wince and a huff of a laugh falling from her lips as (Y/N) finished. 

She must also realize how silly they both sounded, too. Breakfast and cheese, the great unifiers, Harry supposed. 

With the faint amusement bubbling in the back off his mind, Harry still felt something in him catch. Her recommendation felt something like an invitation. An invitation to go somewhere she would assumedly be. 

Harry checked his expectations as he dropped his gaze to his hands, rolling a can of loaded potato soup so the barcode faced him. "I usually work all night Thursdays, so Friday mornings can be a little hard to make when 'm tired." 

That nervous rocking continued even with the bright smile molding (Y/N)'s features. "I work there, so you can let me know when you have time to stop by and I can make sure we have an extra one for you," she told him, hands bundling together at her middle, "Or, just pop by whenever. Everything we have is really good, so." 

Around him, Harry could still hear the annoying couple from before complaining about the layout of the grocery store. The overhead lights were mismatched on this section of the store, leaving some amber spots to combat against the stark fluorescents. There was a buzzing to the left where the refrigerators were keeping the cheese section where she had shopped from cool. But all of his attention was placed a few paces before him. 

Harry spent years pushing people away. Not once had anyone ever been able to wiggle through even one layer of the protective walls he had around him. He made a point of that; it was the way it was supposed to be for everyone's safety. He didn't invite anyone into his life, and no one invited him into theirs. 

Of course the first person to do so would be someone like (Y/N). She would be the one to dare to cross that line, offer a hand out to someone so adamant about not wanting anything of the sort. He knew those butterflies in his stomach were a warning; they were creatures to be heeded, not cradled. 

Despite it all, Harry nodded. He looked at her, leaving his idling hands to play around without him. "I'll see what I can do." 

It was the smile that bloomed across her lips that had Harry remembering that there were flowers that were meant to unfurl in the night. 

"Cool," she said, something giddy replacing that authenticity, "Have a nice night, Harry."

"Have a nice night," he got out before he turned on his heel, pinning his attention straight on the box awaiting him. It was an abrupt ending to the conversation, but he couldn't look at her any longer if he wanted to keep some of his head. She was driving him mad again already. 

When Harry looked up, he found her turning the corner of the aisle. Their eyes matched for a moment when she looked back at him too, a ghost of a smile stretching her cheeks before she was gone. 

Taking in a deep breath, he centered himself. 

Harry can not go to that bakery. 

——————

As much as Harry loved his comfort reads, the volumes that became like classics to him, he couldn't read them all the time. Besides, he liked libraries. 

While every building was different, the librarians with their own rules and nuances that ran the shelves, the spirit was always the same. Even the smallest of towns he travelled to had their own shelves to peruse. The crackle of the covered spines, some old enough to still be sporting checkout cards in the front cover, with pages loved by others, made him feel less alone. The library in this town was no different. 

A quiet librarian manned the front desk or puttered through the shelves, offering Harry a quiet kindness he appreciated more than if she had given attempts to get to know him any more outside of the process of getting his library card. All she wanted to know was what kind of genres he liked so she could recommend books when he came in the more regular he became. He was left to ghost through the shelves, fostering books as he went before returning them home once their time was up. He was able to be comfortable there. 

But, this town had to be mocking him at this point. 

While he's been making a point to keep his head down and focusing on only himself and definitely not (Y/N), old habits die hard. A hefty portion of his life was spent with his eyes sharpened, taking in every detail and every person and every place around him. Even with years away from the circumstances that had him looking over his shoulder with every step he made, he couldn't shake every habit. But those habits made it way too hard to ignore what was going on just down the street from the library. 

The Flour Pot was busy as usual when he stepped out of his car, library books held at his side with his fingers flexing around the plastic covering. A line was trailing out the door with as many people walking out with the brown paper bags or cake boxes as patrons were walking in with hunger in their eyes. Harry could almost hear the bell chiming above the door every time it opened, just like he swore if he listened close enough, he could hear a familiar laugh. 

It took effort for him to keep his eyes ahead of himself, fingers tight around his books. He didn't allow himself to linger on the sidewalk or his gaze to stray, heading directly into the library. 

Harry could feel his features twisted into frustration even as he stepped in the substantially quieter building. But even with his furrowed brow and the tight line of his mouth, Ms. Klarke didn't bat an eye. She had to be used to it at this point. 

A lined smile had her lips stretched, showing off white teeth. "Done with this week's, Mr. Styles?" 

He only nodded with a hum as he approached the desk, dropping the trio of volumes on the glossy wood. It was instinct the way he worked, pulling out his green library card. 

Ms. Klarke worked with familiarity, scanning the code on his card before clicking through his profile. Her eyes didn't move from the computer screen as she spoke, "We got some new books in yesterday. I saved a few that I thought you'd like in the back." 

Perking up at the prospect of the new arrivals, Harry felt his features smoothen out, a light falling into the usual rumble of his voice. "Really?" 

She looked at him from the corner of her eye, a short smile tugging at the corner of her lips as she slid his card back. "Mhm. I'll be right back." 

Taking his returns with her, she stepped into the backroom positioned just behind the front desk only to come back a moment later with another set of books. The volumes were freshly wrapped in the crinkling plastic, the covers still vibrant underneath without any smudging or scratching marring the art. 

"I've heard good things about these," Ms. Klarke said, spreading out the trio on the wood for him to look at. "The descriptions sound like something you would like." 

They were romances—the genre he had divulged to Ms. Klarke all that time ago. He recognized the covers and the authors, having read his own reviews and takes on the literature. Bright colors were splashed across, with the hallmarks of the genre coming in depictions of flowers or the minimalistic art that was becoming the norm. A twitch itched the corner of his lips seeing the pages she saved for him to have first. 

"Thank you," he told her, looking at her through the lashes as he kept his hands at his sides, "I've seen a lot about these, too." 

Ms. Klarke's lined features brightened at his words. "Gonna take them home with you this week?" 

"Yes, please," he answered in a rush, "If that's alright." 

Her brows pinched in the middle, already grabbing the books to scan them onto his profile for the week. "Of course it's alright. I saved them for you for a reason." 

Harry was struck then. He stood, listening to the sounds of her hands clicking the keys on her computer and the beep of the scanner reading the barcodes, his hands shoved deep in his pockets with his fingers clenched in tight curls. 

While Ms. Klarke didn't know really anything about him, she still had him in mind when she read these titles and made a point to save them off for him. She only knew him as far as the kind of literature he liked to spend his time with and the kind of care he treated each book with, but she knew him enough to trust him with these new reads. 

She knew him enough. 

He forgot what it felt like to be known. He missed the feeling of being known. Even if it was his fault that he was pushed into that forgotten corner in the first place. His impact wasn't supposed to be felt, even if he still felt the absence of the familiarity he had in a past life. 

Two people now, in this town, had given Harry more than a passing thought. 

The feeling was overwhelming. 

"Thank you," he repeated when Ms. Klarke passed back his books for the week, a ghost of a smile on his lips. 

With his books in hand, he exited out onto the sidewalk. Down the block he could still hear the faint commotion from the bakery, but his stomach didn't sour like it had only ten minutes prior. In that kitschy shop was the one other person who was trying to know him, even when he insisted on being alone. 

The thought of walking in didn't sound so bad, even if he still kept on his path to his car. 

—————

Harry had a plan. 

Days after visiting the library, he had been tucked away in bed reading one of his new books when he couldn't get his mind off of (Y/N). The main female character was a baker with a softened heart, a bubbly demeanor shining through. Given the nature of the book, every peek into her heart was romanticized, especially in the first handful of chapters he was still working through. He couldn't help but to picture (Y/N) the more he read, disregarding whatever physical description the character was given. 

She hadn't left his mind since. 

Maybe it was the fact there was a scene written where the lead male character visited the pseudo-(Y/N) at the patisserie she worked at, but there was a niggling thought in the back of his mind that it might not be such a bad thing to take up her invitation from the week prior. While he was nothing like male lead—not in demeanor nor backstory—, he couldn't ignore the want he had for a moment like the one inked across the page. 

It felt entirely reckless to give into that want, the kind of idea that would come to him after too many hours spent awake and too many romance cliches floating through his thoughts, but he'd done worse. Indulging in the pattering butterflies and bruising beats of his heart would land at the bottom of the list of the most dastardly things he'd ever done.

Besides, if this Sunday morning was anything like the last, it wasn't like there would even be enough time for his defenses to weaken enough for an impact to be made. If anything, he would see her in passing, the flutter of the bow in her hair as she bustled through the shop, and that would be it. Maybe a smile in his direction, but he couldn't imagine any more being spared for him. 

He didn't need anything more than that, anyway. 

Harry would be careful. Butterflies weren't strong enough to break stone.

—————

His hands were clenched into fists in the pockets of his coat, the sign to The Flour Pot gleaming on the glass window from the corner of his eye. Though he knew well that there were just enough patrons inside to create a hustle within the shop, Harry kept his resolve strong as he stepped over the pavement. He didn't skip sleep for the last handful of hours since his shift ended just to run home without even taking a single step inside. 

Slipping inside, Harry forced his gaze to lift from his feet, a deep breath filling his lungs. Those small tables he had spotted from the windows were twisted wrought iron, the backs outlined with intricate shapes of flowers, hummingbirds, and shining suns. Cushions padded the seats of the chairs, a charming combination of mismatched patterns that all seemed to work together to make the space that much cozier. Customers Harry could recognize as some of the people he saw at the grocery store were littered about, though they looked decidedly much cheerier in this environment. Even with the chill in the air, hints of spring lingered within the confines of the shop. 

Butter and sugar kissed the air, twining with notes of lingering herbs and spices, different ingredients that made up the confections filling the display case up front. Tiny lights were embedded in the trim, shining right on the flaky crusts of croissants, glimmering glazes on sticky buns, and the golden skin of homemade baguettes. More intricate cakes and laborious treats were held in glass cabinets behind the desk. Warm wood made up the front cash register area, the grains twisting and curving in the way only real wood could. Hanging from the ceiling behind the desk was the menu with every treat laid out and priced, twirling descriptions following just underneath with every add-on available. A note on the bottom recommended talking to the bakers about seasonal specials and their favorite combinations. 

Everything looked new but second-hand at the same time. Harry didn't know what to compare the space to other than a home opened up for visitors. The treats in the case were just a bonus of being invited into such a home. 

The flapping of the cafe doors leading to the back caught his attention, pulling his gaze from tracing over the space that felt as if it lived within candlelight. (Y/N) emerged from what he assumed to be the kitchen, a pan in hand full of something golden brown and filled with herbs. She dropped that pan onto the back counter before disappearing again, a pearly gold bow pulling her hair back. Her uniform consisted of a long sleeved brown top with The Flour Pot printed in yellow lettering as if the words were dripping in honey. He felt like a moth the way his eyes followed each of her moves, her being the flame he didn't want to lose track of. 

That smile he pretended to not care about had her lips stretched with smile lines bracketing the curl. He watched on as she spoke to the dark-haired girl and the shorter boy working behind the counter, nodding her head with the tendrils of her bow going flying before she seemed to count out certain items in the case all before leaving to the back once more. In her hands, another pan reemerged with her.

As his eyes followed her, he was grateful for the first time for the amount of patrons occupying the building. The line in front of him gave him enough time to watch her—to get his fill to quell the battering ram made of butterflies in his stomach. Even if he wanted to keep his eyes to himself, drop them to his feet or find a blank spot to fix his eyes too, he didn't think he had it in himself. 

With the line moving, Harry shuffled forward a pair of spots. At that same moment, the cafe doors swung open once more, (Y/N)'s arms empty as her eyes scanned across the guests in her shop. She found Harry in an instant, her eyes brightening and smile blooming. She brought her gloved hand up to wiggle her fingers in a quick wave for only him. 

Before he could even lift his hand to wave back, she had sidestepped behind the desk and whispered something to the dark haired woman working the register. A quick conversation played out while Harry watched, (Y/N) whispering while the other woman gave small reactions. The conversation lasted only a couple of beats with the line still waiting before them, (Y/N) disappearing into the back after shooting Harry a look with bright eyes and a wide smile. 

In (Y/N)'s wake, the cashier gave Harry her own look. It was something quiet and knowing, a short curl only on the corner of her lips before she slid her gaze back to the patron waiting in front of her. 

(Y/N) and her bow didn't return again as the line slowly moved forward. Only the dark haired cashier and a shorter boy were working the counter, working as a team with the boy picking the pastries with gloved hands and the woman taking orders and collecting payments. The line dwindled as they worked, guests leaving with small paper bags and smiles wider than the giant muffins that took over the bottom shelf of the case. 

While Harry felt like he could breathe better with every person that exited, it all moved too fast. By the time he reached the counter, Harry's brain was filled with nothing more than a buzz. In all his distractions of watching (Y/N) and being a little too aware of the others around him, not once did he really examine the menu. He didn't have a plan of what he wanted to order, every quick glance at the menu hanging above was more panicked than the last, nothing being absorbed. 

The last patron in front of him worked quickly. The chatter of her voice was almost drowned out by the blood rushing through his ears, her order being rattled off in an instant out of practice before she was stepping off to the side to await her own brown bag of treats. 

Stepping forward to the counter, Harry couldn't help but feel a little silly. The amount of high stress situations he's been in in his life, the kind that warranted the kind of panic and fight-or-flight reaction he could feel himself building to was more than any person should ever go through. But in all of those moments, he remembered moving through them like an expert, not thinking before doing. 

This—ordering from a bakery—was going to be the one thing that broke his brain, it seemed. Figures. 

The dark-haired girl behind the counter held that same guest service smile on her face when Harry approached, only the ends curled that much more when she saw it was him. "Good morning! What can I get you today?" 

Harry's mouth dropped open, words intending to come out before nothing actually did. He barely recovered in the way he instead said, "Ummm." 

From the corner of his eye, the cafe doors to the kitchen swung open. A pan full of stacked baguettes were in (Y/N)'s arms, eyes trained on the pyramid before she chanced a glance up. That same wide grin pulled at her lips the second recognition filled her eyes. 

"Hi, Harry!" she chirped out over her shoulder as she deposited the pan onto the back counter, "How are you?" 

His dry throat finally began to work again when he swallowed, his nervous hands beginning to pluck at his cuticles in the pocket of his hoodie. "'M good, thank you," he mumbled, "You?" 

"I'm doing good, thanks!" She spun on her heel to take over the spot by the register. For a second, he saw the dark-haired girl bump (Y/N)'s hip with her own, before taking over the second station just to the left and tending to the line from there. It was a move that had to have come with a plan. "I wish I knew you were coming in today, I would have made you one of those soufflés I was telling you about." 

"Oh, sorry," he told her, shuffling on his feet as the rest of the line behind him meandered around him to the available register. 

The tail of hair she had pinned back with her bow bounced as she shook her head. "No worries at all! What did you come in for?" 

For the first time since she stepped out, he pulled his eyes from hers to the sign above her head.

Maybe it was the noise around him, the chatter of other guests, the way he was hyperaware of every inch of space around him and how close others were getting to him before hiking left to the other register, or the fact he knew (Y/N) had her eyes on him, but the letters didn't make any sense when he tried to take them in. He knew the words, could associate them with different treats, but there was nothing that connected his thoughts. 

Silence fell from his floundering mouth, the kind that felt too loud in a busy place like this. 

In a second, (Y/N) sidestepped to the case at her right, her eyes bright and still on Harry as she nudged the sliding door to open for her. "My favorite at the moment are the raspberry and almond scones," she bubbled off, using her gloved hand to grab the pastry from the tray, "I just finished a batch, too. They also come with this lemon cream kind of glaze, if you wanted to try it that way." 

Her energy didn't deplete as she spoke, showcasing the scone for him to see. She saved him from the way his throat was beginning to tighten the longer it took for him to come up with an answer. 

Chunks of raspberries were visible in the pale base of the scone, sprinkled with almond slivers. It reminded him of the cookies she so favored at his own place of work. 

"I'll try that," he told her, the even pacing of his breathing returning, "Thank you." 

"Perfect!" she chirped, looking genuinely pleased at his response. Nothing inauthentic touched at her features as she gazed at him. "Do you want the glaze and everything?" 

"Um, sure," he said, a nod of his head throwing a curl over his forehead. 

He saw as (Y/N)'s gaze tripped upwards, trailing along the length of that stray hair brushing the bridge of his nose. A glittering sparkled in her irises. 

The rest of the transaction went quickly, (Y/N) shedding her gloves and taking his cash as she asked about his work. Noncommittal answers were shared from Harry (he barely remembered the shift if he was being honest. His brain had been too fixed on this morning's plan). 

"I'll have that ready for you in a second," she told him, toothy smile and all, "You can wait over there in the meantime." 

A mumbled, kay... fell from his lips as he exhaled a deep breath. He nodded his head before he followed her direction and stepped off to the side. He half expected her to continue helping the line that had dwindled behind him, instead watching as she stepped off the side with his treats in hand. 

Dropping his gaze from her, Harry pulled his hands out of his hoodie to inspect the sore cuticles he could feel beginning to sting with every touch. Spots of blood had spread to the plate of his nails, skin frayed and irritated at all the picking. 

Harry expected to hear his name called when his bag was placed on the pick-up counter just as it had been for every other patron, only to have (Y/N) bounce around the entire case when she had finished puttering behind. The tendrils of her bow flowed behind her, skimming the length of her hair before she stopped in front of him.

For someone who didn't like mornings that much, she smiled a lot. 

"Here you go," she beamed at him, offering him the small paper bag with the business's logo inked on the front. Beside the picture was his own name written in looping script, a smiling heart printed beside it. "You have to tell me what you think the next time I see you, okay? These really are my favorites, so if you don't like them I don't know if we'll be able to be friends anymore." 

A breath of air caught in Harry's throat, his Adam's apple bobbing as he tried to swallow it down. Anymore, she had said.

"Got it," he forced out, taking the bag from her hand with their fingers barely brushing as he slipped his own under the handles, "Thank you, (Y/N)." 

At the sound of his voice wrapped around her name, her smile only widened. "Of course. I'll see you around, Harry." 

Before he could get too far ahead of himself, the indulgent butterflies in his stomach urging him to linger longer than he knew would be good for him, Harry spun on his heel and moved to the exit. He swore he could feel (Y/N)'s eyes on him up until he disappeared through the doors. 

There wasn't a thought in his head other than getting back to the safety of his car as he rushed over the pavement, loose rocks in the old concrete kicking up in his wake. The slam of his car door behind him left the cab going still. The air was silent finally, leaving him sealed away with the ticking of his heart evening out. 

Instinctively he locked his doors before reaching for his seatbelt. In that split second he seemed to forget the bag in his hand until he felt the warmth of the pastry in his lap. 

He hesitated. 

It would probably be best to eat it now while it was still warm, he decided. 

In his parked car across from the rush of The Flour Pot, Harry carefully extracted his treat. His fingers brushed a slip of paper clinging to the side of the bag, the end trapped under the cup containing the lemon cream she boasted to him about. Laying the boxed treat on the center console, Harry plucked out the slip of paper. 

It was a length of blank receipt paper, only to turn the page around and find that same looping writing that printed his name on the bag. 

Come by next Sunday and I'll have a souffle for you :) 

(Y/N)'s name was signed at the bottom, another smiling heart drawn beside the final letter. Another invitation.

Harry didn't need to take a bite of the scone to know that it was going to be his favorite too.

—————

Maybe he had been too giddy to see her again after those moments at the bakery, but Harry couldn't help but notice her the second (Y/N) walked through the glass doors. 

It was as if he had it all planned the way he had been stationed in the herb and spices section of the store tonight, an aisle that was conveniently situated by the entrance. He had a bundle of basil in his grip when he saw her walk in, a clip dripping with crystal flowers holding her hair back with a The Flour Pot crewneck on. Fatigue coated her movements as she reached for one of the maroon baskets stacked by the door, the handles tucked into her elbow before she started towards whatever aisle she was shooting for. 

There was a moment of her slowing on the front mat, eyes scanning through the shelves until she saw him, cart and all, and her expression changed. Her features softened and rounded, creases appearing by her eyes while her lips stretched into a smile. Her lips were soft and chapped, hair a bit messy, and sleeves dulled by a dusting of what had to be flour, but Harry still felt that knot in his stomach he did the first time he saw her all those months ago. Even more so, when his heart got carried away thinking that she may have been looking for him, too. 

Harry dropped his gaze when he saw her begin her way over to him. He didn't want to look too eager to speak to her again, especially not when he couldn't even admit to himself that he was looking forward to see her. 

"Hi, stranger," she greeted, voice lilting as the toes of her white shoes came into view of his downturned gaze. 

Swallowing around his dry throat, he slowed his work and looked up at her again, features schooled into something stoic. "Hi." 

Ever-pleasant and unperturbed by his attitude, she only looked to him with raised brows and expectant eyes. "So?" 

A pinch drew Harry's brows together as he looked at her. So what? 

When the beat of silence lasted too long for her liking, a teasing huff fell from (Y/N)'s lips. "What did you think of the scone?! You promised you'd tell me about it, remember?" 

For the first time in a long time, Harry could feel one corner of his lips twitch, the beginning of a titled smile. He thought of the length of receipt paper he still had folded away in his wallet. 

"It was really good," he started, shifting his weight on his feet, "The—uh—the lemon cream was really nice. Thank you." 

The look on her face at his compliments could rival that of the waning sunshine outside the windows. She was bright and shining, warm like the sunset colored sky. 

"I'm so happy you liked it!" she beamed, her shopping put to the back of her mind as she gave every bit of attention to him, "There's this recipe for a lavender version of the scone I've been wanting to try, but every time I tell the other girls they don't look as excited. They said it sounds like I'm trying to make soap." 

Harry didn't even realize what he was saying before the words were falling from his lips: "I'd try it." 

As much as he wouldn't—couldn't—say it out loud, he's sure he'd try anything she made. He wasn't lying about the raspberry scone.

Something sheepish touched at the corners of her smile as she dipped her gaze down to where he was now fumbling with a shaker of dried oregano on his cart. "Okay," she started, nodding her head, "I'll make some, and next time I see you, you can try them." 

His throat bobbed as he swallowed around the dryness coating his tongue. "Thank you." 

Under her attention, gaze peering through the fan of her lashes, those butterflies in his stomach and the beating of his heart traveled down to his palms, making them restless and the skin go clammy. 

All of this over another invitation.

—————

rosemary represents remembrance; looking back on the past with the future right in front of you

ahhhhh!!! hes finally here!!! im so excited to be sharing this story w you guys and letting you meet one of my kings thats sooooo in my heart!! def a little different of a story for me so I really hope you enjoy it!!!! thank u sm for reading, sorry for any mistakes, and please lmk if you have any ideas or requests or just thoughts about this story !

[l3irdl3rain]

Hi there! I just want you to know that your posts have always been endlessly inspiring to me through the years! A question, I'm also interested in providing hospice care to senior cats however I live in a carpeted house, do you have any recommendations on how to deal with potential accidents that may occur? Eg: cat pee stink

You’re not going to like my answer, but I pulled up all my carpets. If this is something you really want to do I recommend getting some sort of good carpet cleaner and accept the fact that you may not get all of your security deposit back.

There’s bound to be more accidents with senior cats. Even when they are litter box trained. Chloe used to hang her butt over the edge of the box. Also many chronic illnesses can cause more frequent vomiting.

That being said, Arthur is a special case. Out of the 19 cats I’ve owned I think I only had 2 that had actual, chronic behavioral urination problems. (Not counting Valentine). Everyone else pretty much tried their best, even if they weren’t perfect

[pendarling]

Icecream

Henchman looked around the tall home, a chandelier staring down from the ceiling and a line of windows overlooking the city below as the night rolled in. Its appearance was an over-glorified perception of Villain's work as one of Supervillain's favourite criminals. Then again, Villain had done a lot of heists and had an intangible thirst for money; their home, if they could even call it that, was simply a reflection of their work. Other than giving the same energy as any classic magazine cover home, it was generally welcoming.

Their eyes scanned the marble tables as their shoes clicked softly against the delicately tiled floors set in perfect wax, offering a clean shine that didn't surprise Henchman one bit.

Impressed, their cool gaze returned its focus to Villain, who leaned against a pillar, fanning themselves with a piece of paper and occasionally taking a sip from the can of beer in their hand. Everything was too fancy for someone so evil as them. Then again, it was a nice contrast.

"You want one? It's awfully hot during this time of year."

"I don't drink." They replied.

Villain nodded, "Oh, I get it, you like to eat cold things. Something shitty like ice cream, right?"

They sighed; idle talking wasn't what they came here for. "You're tasks haven't been challenging enough." Henchman began, searching for the smirk that often riddled Villain's face when they were confident in themselves. However, instead Villain gave them a calm look of boredom, and a small shrug.

"Maybe I'm just too competent for you. Supervillain would know."

Henchman gathered their hands together and walked slowly; the wide room void of any life presented an odd sense of eerieness that wasn't often felt. They tentatively sat on the pale couch; its decorative pillows stayed stiffly on either side. "You're surprisingly cleaner than I expected." They murmured.

Even the glass coffee table had remained nearly untouched, offering a crystal clear view of the soft white carpet with only a small pot of randomly assorted plastic plants posing inside resting atop the table.

Villain took a deep breath and nodded slowly, "I try not to mix my personal life with my work life." They circled from behind the couch and sat on the armrest, "So what're you doing seeing me at such a late hour? I hope you're not here for just a talk, I'm not a very good listener."

Henchman should've laughed, but it wasn't funny, was it? After all, they didn't just come here for simple chatter. If they could, they'd wait until tomorrow, and besides, Henchman didn't know Villain well like they did with most other villains working under their boss. "It's something urgent."

"If it was urgent, why wasn't it the first thing you said as soon as you entered?"

Henchman could feel it without even glancing beside them. That awful smirk Villain did when something had piqued their interest. "I lost track of thought… I guess being in such a large mansion startled me at first."

Villain remained silent as they leaned back.

"Anyway, one of our compounds had been raided by the heroes about an hour ago."

"Which one?' Villain said, their back straightened.

"Don't worry, it's not one of yours, but it's the one on 78th street. Supervillain knew your followers like to hang around on the 81st and I just wanted to tell you to tell your goons it isn't safe around that entire district anymore."

"Fuck."

Villain stood, breathing in heavily with a frustrated expression Henchman had only seen when Villain was off fighting. They reached for their phone and dialled a number.

"Are you calling them?"

"Of course I'm fucking calling them!" They angrily flailed an arm and turned around, waiting impatiently for the other line to pick up. "I can't have my men getting arrested for getting drunk."

Henchman stood up as Villain took the call, barking orders at his underlings on the other side to get going.

They stared at the empty walls, clean of any sign of aging; the generic photographs of colourful shapes and some of nature did little to offer hope to the room. Henchman slowly made their way into the kitchen; clean whites clashed with soft greys and sharp blacks. In the sink, a single spoon, they tilted their head curiously. It looked like Villain could get a little messy sometimes, though this was very minuscule. Henchman turned their attention to the cabinets. They wondered if Villain had even organized each plate from biggest to smallest or categorized them by material.

They laughed softly and opened it; their eyes widened with an unforeseen turn of events. Not one plate was symmetrically aligned nor was it in order of colour or whatever they had wanted to see. It seemed like Villain's perfectionist image only existed from the outside.

Their hands wander to the fridge, stuffed stock full of foods they weren't even sure if one person could finish. Perhaps spending money was just easier than saving it all. Henchman opened the freezer, Villain's voice abruptly becoming louder as they continued switching from demanding to concerned.

"Ice cream?"

Henchman reached in. Its red and pink colour pulled them in closer.

"I thought…" They turned the pint of cream in their hands; the ice on the surface of its plastic exterior melted in the palms of their hands into cold drops of water. Henchman frowned. Either Villain was secretly a fan of ice cream, or this was all an elaborate joke.

"Henchman!" Villain shouted from the other room. They struggled to shove the pint back into the fridge and rub their hands free of the cold liquid.

They hurried back into the living room, fixing their uniform along the way. They had to be grateful the long corridors offered Henchman enough time to calm themselves. "Yes?"

"Stop snooping around and get the fuck outta my house."

Henchman waited for the words to settle in and nodded absently, their mind still wondering about the pint of ice cream sitting in their freezer. It didn't seem all too big of a deal, but it wasn't until Henchman gathered the morning newspaper for Supervillain that something had caught their eyes.

An advertisement bright and bolded around the front page of a news article in its designated corner alongside other words scattered around the page.

Strawberry cheesecake icecream, a personal favourite of Hero's.

~~~

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[sex-storytime]

Our Arrangement

It was already late in the afternoon when I arrived home, relieved to have a break from the algorithms and variables that filled my typical work day. Even more, I was looking forward to my homemade lunch and the company it provided which was what made the whole fifteen-minute drive home from the office worthwhile. "Hayley... are you there?"

Climbing the stairs up from the two-car garage below, I noticed the living room off to my right was perfectly set. The sofa's pillows were recently fluffed, the carpet vacuumed and every surface was dust-free. Even the air smelled cleaner in the room than when I left that morning; just a hint of vanilla and a dash of her perfume. I breathed in deep, intoxicated by just the smell of her.

I peeked into the dining room and kitchen area to see if I could find Hayley before heading down the hallway toward the bedrooms. Her meticulous hand had perfectly placed every object and cleaned every speck of dust along the way. I nearly felt guilty just walking on the floor as everything was so perfect.

"Hay-" the sudden roar of the vacuum cut me off as I peered into the master bedroom, freezing completely still. My jaw dropped as I caught my breath; my eyes widened and nature took over my lower body at the sight of my young housekeeper. She was down on her hands and knees, her gorgeous round derriere pointing directly at me as her head squeezed under my queen-size bed while she vacuumed with the hose. Long waves of her pink dyed hair slowly slid off her slender form. Her ass, painted with soft blue yoga pants, wiggled enticingly in the awkward position with each jarring motion of her arm. I nearly lost all self control right then and there.

I'm really not sure just how long I stood there, leaning against the open doorway, thoroughly enjoying the view of her as she moved. It could have been hours though more likely just a few minutes. I knew the decent thing would be to get her attention or just leave but part of me truly wanted to believe she knew I was there, gyrating her sexy hips on purpose to catch my eye.

She pulled her head back out from under the bed, pulling my focus from her bottom to her upper half. Her hair was a sexy mess, strands flying every which way with electrostatic frizz as she set the vacuum's hose down and smoothed the waves back into place. Unsatisfied still, she pulled a scrunchie from her wrist and raised her arms, calling my attention to her modest feminine curves. Her tee hugged her bra tightly, the very contours of the bra's design evident in the shirt's material as it raised just enough for a peek at her pale midriff. With a few jiggles of her, she began to tie her hair back into a ponytail. 

My eyes scanned followed the curve of her perfect body, slowly, savoring the narrowness at her waistline, the way she rounded out the backside of her yoga pants and, yes, the more-than-handful globes in her blouse, much of which appeared in the loose fitting, deep vee cut of her blouse. The material set off her pale and lightly freckled skin of her boobs very well.

I looked up as she stretched her hands above her head, her blouse riding up a little, and my heart-rate quickly doubled. She was gorgeous. She had magnificent blue eyes, her dyed pink hair, cut very attractively so that it just broke in curls on her shoulders, was now tied back revealing her face. Her makeup was impeccably done, in either perfect lines or smoothly fading changes as the case might be. Her skin was as smooth as silk with no visible blemishes. I moved toward her slowly so as not to startle her, savoring her loveliness. I could have stood there and just watched her forever.

Finishing with the ponytail, she finally looked my way a bit surprised, suddenly realising that I was standing there. By the embarrassed smile that came over her, she must have guessed that I had been there for quite some time. "Jeff," she shut off the vacuum, "I am so sorry. I didn't hear you come in."

"That's quite alright Hayley," I instinctively offered her a hand as she pushed herself up off the floor. Her fingers were so delicate and soft in mine, I didn't really want to let go. "I hate to interrupt... but I was kind of hoping there might be one of your delicious lunches today."

Her beautiful smile beamed, compliments on her cooking always well taken. "Of course, Sir." Though I stood a full head over her in height, she shooed me through the door like a mother to a small child. "To the kitchen. I made your favourite today."

Back in the kitchen, she sat me down at the dining table and donned an apron, moving about the kitchen with expertise as if she were the owner of the house instead of me. As I watched her, the idea came over me of what it might be like to have her living there permanently like a steady girlfriend instead of just coming by four days a week. It was a perfectly good arrangement but in all honesty, I probably didn't need the extra help. Hayley was just too good to turn down. Given my extremely limited history of live-in girlfriends, just the thought of having her here everyday put a smirk on my face. Having a young, pink haired lover would certainly set the neighbours tongues wagging.

"You look very happy today, Jeff?" Hayley sat a steaming bowl of my favourite soup in front of me, a specialty that she often prepared.

"I'm always happy when you're around, Hayley." I couldn't help but smile at her, my glasses sliding down my scrunched nose. Typically I was too shy to even talk around beautiful young women, much less someone so clearly out of my league. Her genuine friendliness had recently been pulling me out of my shell though. Increasingly I found myself able to open up with her, even flirt a bit and I think, though maybe it was just my wishful thinking, that sometimes she returned them in kind.

She smiled back at me from the kitchen as she spooned some rice onto a plate. "You are so sweet for me, Jeff." I chuckled at the irony of her mis-speech; she had no clue just how 'sweet for her' I was becoming over the passing weeks. My whole life was beginning to center around those half-hour lunches that I spent with her; she was the reason I'd started driving all the way home for lunch after all. I just couldn't bring myself to do more than talk with her though; there's no way she was as attracted to me as I was to her. I knew instinctively that if I ever crossed that line, she would hate me and most likely leave my life forever. I couldn't risk it. Life was just too good with her in it, even if only as my maid.

"I am..." she paused for a moment next to me at the table, holding my plate in her hand as she contemplated what to say next. She was an intelligent woman, approaching twenty, and I knew she was destined for better things. Her ability to express herself was improving with leaps and bounds since I had first hired her. I needed some much needed assistance with my 'bachelor pad' and she needed a way of making some cash to ease her way through education. "I am very happy... when you are around too, Sir." Her blue eyes sparkled as she laid the plate before me, taking a seat across the table for herself.

"Please Hayley," I grabbed my nearby fork hungrily, "it's just Jeff. You don't have to say Sir." I shrugged my shoulders and started to dig into my meal. "I mean, I know I'm older than you… and... well 'Sir' just sounds like I'm an old man. I'm not your superior, you're more than just a maid..." I couldn't stop from chuckling at that point. "I'm just Jeff."

Hayley was suppressing a grin as she ate her own meal. "Okay, Sir... old man Jeff," she broke down into that beautiful laugh of hers. Taking a moment to calm herself, she wiped a tear from the side of her eye. "Honestly, Jeff," her deep blue eyes locked directly onto mine, "Please, forgive me. I just mean to show you some respect. You've been very good to me… I like you… and I want us to be friends."

"Wow, thank you, Hayley," sure I knew she meant it purely platonically, if even that, but my insides were still bursting. Outwardly, I nodded while chewing a mouthful of the most delicious chicken I'd eaten since... well, the last time she had made chicken. I was thankful for the moment to think of what to say without overstepping my boundaries.

"I really like you too," I looked around the room purposefully trying to give an impression that it was her work as much as her that I was talking about. Then I couldn't help myself and looked right at her, deep into her eyes and lost myself for half a moment before I recovered. "I'd be completely lost without your beautiful smile around here." Though I had tried to hide it, I had the impression that she knew exactly what I was really thinking, the very smile I spoke of spreading on her lips. "And might I add," I had to add something before it turned awkward, "your cooking is awesome. Great job."

Once more she blushed looking down at her dish. "Like I say, Jeff... you are so sweet for me," she giggled while taking another bite of her food. Only the sounds of clinking silverware on ceramic plates were heard for the next few minutes as we ate together in a strangely serene silence. We didn't need to speak. It was as if each other's company made the lunch perfect; at least it did for me.

Finishing her own lunch first, Hayley watched me enjoy the rest of the meal she had prepared with pride. Then looking over at the clock, she suddenly jumped into action. "Jeff, you are going to be late for work again." I also looked up at the clock and jumped from my chair, fiddling with my now empty dishes. "No, don't worry, Jeff," she waved me on. "I will clean everything up, you just go."

"Thanks, Hayley," I tucked in my shirt that had come undone over my lunch hour as I looked longingly at my housekeeper. It would be two full days before I'd see her again and that time without her was getting more difficult to bear with each passing day. "Thanks for everything. You're the greatest."

She turned me toward her to help fix my collar so it wasn't sticking up in the back and then to my utter delight, she leaned up on her tiptoes and gave me one of those friendly cheek-kiss things. I nearly had an accident in my pants right there.

"I'll be back on Wednesday... Jeff."

________

"How was college?" Hayley greeted her younger sister, Ellen as the latter came into their small shared living room. She dropped her books on the end table with a sigh, plopping onto the couch next to her. "So... I take it you had a rough day?"

"How in the world..." Ellen replied, turning to look at her sister. "did you ever learn this shit?" She threw her hands in the air as if pleading to the heavens. "It... it doesn't make any sense. I'll never be able to get a decent job and pay my way..." she looked back over at her smiling sister, "...I'm not good enough."

Hayley put her arm around her sister, hugging her close, holding back the laugh as she remembered her own early struggles. "Just give it time, Ellen; it'll come to you." With a gentle squeeze, she added, "Before you know it, you'll be in Uni with me. Don't give up; you'll see."

"But..." Ellen buried her face in her hands, rubbing away the stress from her tired eyes. "Hayley... you don't seem to have the problems like I do though. You're able to talk with people... you have instagram and tick-tock followers. People love you and you take to things so easily. You even have a handsome, self sufficient man to look after. How do you do it?"

At the mention of her boss, Hayley just couldn't hold back the grin from her lips. "Well now, there's the secret. You just have to find someone really patient and understanding to talk with every day... like Jeff. He's been amazing with me, honestly; my biggest help." She shook her head with a sigh, memories of their recent conversations in mind.

"Jeff?" Ellen raised her eyebrows. "So now you're on a first name basis with this rich old man whose house you clean?" Her eyes narrowed in on her sister like a detective trying to figure out her suspect. "Is something going on there that you haven't told me about, Hayley?"

Rolling her eyes, Hayley couldn't help but laugh out loud. "It's all quite innocent... and he's sweet," she shrugged. Ellen raised her eyebrows once more, awaiting the rest. Hayley tried her hardest to suppress the grin that would give her secret away. "Oh, alright... I admit it," she threw her hands up in surrender. "He's cute... I suppose. Okay?"

Understanding dawning, Ellen nodded slowly. "So," she drew out the word teasingly, "what you're saying is that he's a tall, socially awkward yet romantic nerd and he managed to make you fall madly in love with him? Is he a pilot?"

Hayley couldn't stop laughing at her sister's description. "Well, Jeff's not a pilot, thank God... but he is a computer programmer so I guess..." she shrugged, still laughing, "you would probably call him a nerd." She suddenly started to blush just thinking about her boss. "It's not like I'm in love with him or anything... but I admit he's very attractive. If he ever asked me out... I wouldn't think twice in accepting," she sighed, shaking her head, "but I'm just the maid."

Ellen laughed, "You always did go for the nerdy ones." She shook her head as if bewildered. "What is UP with that?"

"Funny. I seem to recall that someone was so jealous of my last boyfriend that she stole him away from me!"

Ellen started blushing, "Yes well, I'll admit that your ex wasn't exactly a typical nerd." The room started to get a little tense as Hayley recalled the New Year's Eve party when the sisters ended up fighting over her man. They had moved beyond it; Ellen was a different person now, but the images were still there in her mind.

"So uh... about this university interview on Thursday," Ellen sighed, purposefully changing the subject. "I'm really nervous about it. It just doesn't seem like I have much of a chance." Ellen brought her index finger to her lips, chewing on the tip of the nail. "You have all the brains in the family..." she shook her head, "I am always living in your shadow."

The previous tension quickly melted away to a new, stronger version that both women shared equally. "You have to try..." Hayley shook her head defiantly. "I won't let you undersell yourself," she put her hand on her sister's arm. "...I promise if this doesn't work, then we'll find something else for you that will." Hayley pulled her sister close, wishing she felt as confident as she tried to sound. "I want you enrolled here, Ellen. I don’t want to lose you."

"I just wish..." Ellen hugged her sister in return, "you know, that I had a better idea what to expect."

"Don't worry. We'll find a way." The two sisters embraced for several minutes, each one to her own thoughts. "How about I ask Jeff if I can borrow the computer to do some research before your appointment," Hayley pulled back from the hug. "That way you'll be more prepared."

Ellen perked up, a bit of hope growing in her eyes. "Do you think he'll let you? You don't think he'd mind?"

Hayley shook her head confidently. "If I know anything about Jeff, it's that he's too sweet to say no."

________

I hated Tuesdays. While I'll admit that Thursdays were nearly just as bad, at least there were two days of Hayley coming over to my house to look forward to as well as having the weekend off from work. Tuesdays were just rough though. Still more than half the week to go and her perfume had already dissipated from the house, in its place the smell of cheap Chinese take-out. To make matters worse, the whole house just felt so empty. It was like the house missed her as much as I did.

The thing about lonely Tuesday nights is that bedtime tends to come early. The problem was I couldn't get her out of my head enough to fall asleep. Images of Hayley danced and played in my mind; her exotic pale skin, her gorgeous smile, her bouncy pink hair, her beautiful laugh, the feel of her fingers on mine as I helped her off the floor... the shape of her succulent lips as she spoke my name with her sexy accent.

Thoughts of adoration were slowly invaded by more lustful images of her jiggling breasts and that gorgeous ass sticking up at me, wiggling enticingly from the bedside. Damn, why didn't I have a camera with me to capture that moment forever.

My watch beeped that it was ten o'clock, pulling me abruptly from my fantastic visions. It was then that I realised my soldier was standing at full attention, throbbing in agreement to my longing desires. I tried to just ignore it and fall asleep but the more I tried to make him stand down, the more stubborn he was about being attended to.

Entering incognito mode on my Google Chrome browser, I first searched if I could find her on social media. I knew she had instagram but was scared she would be offended if I followed her, I wasn't looking to stalk her or anything. I just really... really wanted to see a picture of that gorgeous smile. She produced a lot of online content and the desire to see her became too great. I found her account, her striking pink hair and cute looks helped her accumulate quite a following… but I closed the app. It felt wrong… watching her… as I gripped my manhood. It wasn’t healthy and I still needed to get along with her in the real world without turning her into a masturbation fantasy.

Resigning myself to the inevitable need for porn to find sexual relief, I typed the first thing that came to mind. "Sexy nude maids pink hair," I read out loud as my fingers flowed over the keyboard. As expected there were a million plus responses and most of the first page were all sites with 5-minute porn star trailers trying to convince consumers to subscribe in order to see the grand finale. I didn't even bother with them; they never had what I was looking for. Near the bottom of the page though, I found one that held some promise “Maid Service”.

The girls in the ads were promisingly gorgeous and the movie trailers definitely seemed to be right up my alley. Of course the best part was that every single girl seemed to become Hayley as I watched.

Over the course of ten minutes, my heartbeat throbbed in my manhood pinned down within my pajama pants. There wasn't even a need to touch it. In great anticipation, I dropped my pants and boxers to the floor, getting ready for the relief I knew would come quickly once I found the right girl.

A quarter of the way through the list, I found one that looked close enough like Hayley that she could easily pass for a cousin. She had a similar complexion but her face wasn't quite as pretty. Too much makeup in my opinion. Her breasts were a bit large for my tastes too, sagging by the weight and most likely silicone. She did have a perfect ass though and her long pink hair was close enough in length and style to feed right into my desperate illicit fantasy.

The movie definitely didn't go as I suspected, my erect member held in the palm of my right hand while I controlled the movie with my left. Instead of some absurd story-line that lasted all of two minutes before they dropped the pretense and just began fucking, amazingly this porn movie actually held some degree of promise; at least for my tastes.

A presumed employer behind the camera invited my Hayley look-alike into his house and filmed her as she cleaned, making excuses that he wanted to remember the maid whose work he liked best so as to hire her again. She went about her job while the employer zoomed in on her ass as it wiggled and her tits as they swayed from her efforts. As long as he kept the camera on her lower-half, I could easily believe I was ogling Hayley herself and she looked fucking fantastic without even taking any clothes off yet!

Soon the guy was flirting her up though, tapping her shoulder to stop her in her work. He offered her a few compliments and finally a very generous tip if she'd agree to take her pants off while she kept cleaning. I figured that was the end of the story-line right there; typical porn movies had such poor acting that I was convinced they would jump leaps and bounds, skipping the rest of the build-up that made the scenario so believable.

I couldn't have been more mistaken. The maid was genuinely nervous about the proposal; she didn't even seem like she was acting at all. It was so real I was honestly starting to believe they had sprung this on her completely ad-lib. She was obviously tempted by the money, staring at it in his hand and then back at the camera, her nerves betraying her. With a little prodding and a promise to keep his distance while she worked, the sexy maid accepted his offer. Immediately whatever slack I had in my erection from the menial work in searching for this gem was gone. My soldier again straightened right up as she slid off her pants, showing off her gorgeous round ass.

She continued simply cleaning the house, the cameraman making her bend over into every possible nook and cranny he could invent, honing the camera on her thong-covered ass nearly the whole time. At one point he even knocked over a can of soda, calling her attention to it. While she bent over cleaning up the mess, his camera zoomed in on her crotch, the lips of her pussy indenting the thin material between her legs, hinting at treasures I was now dying to see. "Oh baby..." I scooted my chair a little closer, my hand picking up speed in its rhythmic motion. "Can't wait to see that delicious pussy of yours Hayley. Ahhhh…Mmmmmmm…"

A few more dollars in hand bought her shirt and then her bra for her employer. Her dark brown areolas, a characteristic that surprised me, were wide on her large breasts. I was already going wild with my fist pumping and here the hardcore action hadn't even started yet! The cameraman had her bent over his kitchen table, scrubbing a stain with all her strength while her breasts bounced and jiggled freely for my delight. The tip of my rod started oozing out clear liquid as I pictured those gorgeous brown tips on smaller, perkier breasts like what I imagined Hayley's to be.

They were finally in the bathroom when he offered to buy her thong as well. The girl looked both horrified and turned on at the idea, staring again at the money he waved before her. Her hands visibly trembling, she removed her last article, standing naked before her employer and letting his eyes and camera devour a close up of her smooth and sexy shaved snatch.

Amazingly, even then they didn't switch into porn mode. Instead he asked her to clean the bathtub, insisting she put a lot of elbow grease into her work. Of course, as he well knew, she had to spread her legs wide and tight against the tub's side to get good traction in the scrubbing, the succulent meaty lips of her full glory spread open for the camera's view, revealing just a hint of the pink flesh within.

It was at that moment I paused the movie, having nearly a constant stream flowing down my knuckles, my mind flying somewhere outside my body from being so worked up. Focused on the closeup of her spread gash I jerked my rod with fury. "Oh... Hayley," I moaned, leaning just a little closer, wishing those wet succulent lips were real so I could run my tongue along their length; the boiling rage of eruption quickly building.

"Oh yes... you're so beautiful, Hayley," I growled at the screen, my stomach muscles jerking every few seconds as my orgasm drove nearer. "Show me your pussy... Spread it wide for me." My left hand grabbed the desk for better leverage, inadvertently pressing the spacebar to make the movie play once more. Though unintentional, it was even better; her gorgeous ass and visible lips shaking back and forth as she put all her might into her work.

"Oh my God... Hayley!" I whimpered, the muscles in my stomach instinctively crunching down one last time. My chin squeezed to my chest, my eyes rolled back fluttering as I lunged my hips forward bursting streams of relief from the swollen head of my manhood. It landed everywhere; my hand, the desk, the chair but mostly on the floor all around me.

When at last the final drops oozed from my quickly softening member, my muscles finally loosened from the built up tension and I leaned my head back completely exhausted. "Damn!" my wits slipping away like I was about to pass out.

It took all the inner force I could muster just to get up and shut down the website. I carefully cleaned every speck of evidence that I could possibly find knowing Hayley was thorough and I'd be very embarrassed the next day if she happened to find any of it. By the time I was done, I was more than ready for bed taking only a few moments to fall asleep. In my dreams, I was met by a sexy nude maid with the face of an angel teaching me to dance with her.

________

"Jeff, it's good to hear from you," Hayley's sweet accent answered the phone as my eyes roamed over the horrid email on my screen. I just couldn't believe my dumb luck. It couldn't have been worse if I had tried.

"Hi, Hayley. I’m afraid I won't be able to make it home for lunch today. They're calling a mandatory lunch meeting I can't get out of." The agonising feeling of dreadful longing I had endured all of Monday night and Tuesday returned with each word. It would now be two whole days more before I would see her again. I was going to go insane.

"Oh, Okay. Don’t worry," she didn't take the news as hard as I did but, then again, why would she. Having me come home at lunchtime was just an extra burden she put up with because I paid her decently well. It wasn't like she really enjoyed my company; it was just her job after all. "I have to go shopping for some groceries, so I’ll do that instead." Listening to the soft sing-song of her voice, I was tempted to ask her to repeat it. I just loved hearing her melodic tones.

"Alright, well I guess..." my words laid heavily on my lips.

"You’ll be home at five thirty, yes?" She cut me off before I could finish speaking. "I will have dinner ready for you. It sounds like you’re going to have a long day."

"Just leave it in the microwave like normal," I probably sounded like I'd just learned a family member had died. "I'll get it when I get home."

There was a muffled giggle on her end before she came back. "If it’s okay with you, I will wait for you. I actually have a favour to ask..." her voice trailed off as a few soft spoken words emerged, "I uhm... can use your computer while I wait? My sister needs to do some research and print off some paperwork… and we only have our phones and don’t have a computer with a printer at home."

A moment of absolute delight suddenly mixed with sheer panic as I mentally went over the prior evening's activities on that machine in my head. Had I shut down the website? Yes. Had I cleared out the history? Well, I had used incognito mode so I was safe there too. There was nothing I could think of where she could possibly suspect a thing. Besides, I really... really wanted her to stay.

"Of course!" My coworker in the neighboring office looked over at me with annoyance as I shouted with renewed vigour. "I'd love to see you at dinner time and definitely... feel free to use the computer... or the TV or anything whenever you want."

"Okay, thank you Sir... uhm, Jeff, yes. Thank you very much. Is there something special you want for dinner tonight?"

That was a loaded question, at least the way I looked at it. It seemed like all I wanted for dinner was actually going to be there, so I was feeling on top of the world as it was. I could do anything at that moment. "Just having you with me for dinner makes it perfect, Hayley. Whatever you'd like to make, I'll be happy."

"Awww," she sounded like a schoolgirl going gooey-eyed for a puppy dog. "Okay, Jeff. I promise I’ll make the dinner extra special for you tonight. Thank you for letting me use your computer. See you after work."

"Bye Hayley," my head was soaring through the clouds as I hung up with her. Not only was I going to see her but I might have the chance to actually enjoy her company for a short while. Just the thought of it put an extra bounce to my step as I left my cubicle, heading for the mandatory lunch meeting. As it turned out... things couldn't have been more perfect if I had tried.

________

"Maid Service?" Hayley was confused, reading the sender of the recently opened email. She had finished the research for her sister's assignment, jotting down a few notes and important facts while printing off a couple of articles. Closing down the windows in preparation to return to work, she ran across Jeff's email still open in the background. While not meaning to be nosy, she noticed the one email that made her heart skip a beat.

'Is Jeff looking for another house keeper?' A million ideas ran through her mind of why her boss might be signing up for what she assumed to be a maid recruitment website; the thought of being replaced stinging to her core and bringing a tear to the corner of her eye. "Did I do something wrong?" she asked the computer as if it held all the answers. "I thought we were becoming friends. I thought he liked me."

Her mind was racing, subconsciously chewing on her bottom lip, looking at the email in question and then around the room and half expecting someone to sneak up behind her. 'What could I be doing so wrong?' she shook her head, going over the past few days in her mind. She had never left a room untouched, was never late for work or in preparing his lunches. Exasperated, she slammed her hand down on the desk, grabbing the mouse.

"Let's just see what you're asking for, Jeff," extra emphasis was put on his name as she refused to acknowledge the tears that were sliding down her cheeks. "I can't believe Jeff would do..." she clicked the link to the website.

When the site served up the home page, her eyes went wide in utter disbelief, her previous thoughts completely cut short. "Fuck me!" she covered her mouth with both hands, once more looking around her as if Jeff were about to appear out of the woodwork to catch her. Looking back at the page, she started squealing into her hands in embarrassment and then finally breaking down into a hearty laugh.

"Well, at least I know he's not looking to replace me now," she whispered to nobody, completely embarrassed, her cheeks blushing as she watched one trailer where a young woman was mopping the floor in just her underwear while her boss obviously enjoyed her natural beauty. Hayley stopped short of grabbing the mouse to close the window, contemplating the movie clip as the employer offered the girl a very generous amount of money to continue working fully nude. The clip froze there, leaving the question in the air and it was a curious question indeed... would she be willing to do her job in the nude if he offered her twice the normal pay... three times the pay?

"No way... that's disgusting," she shook her head defiantly to the question directed at the girl on the screen. Her mind immediately pictured Jeff in front of her though; his intelligent golden eyes piercing hers through his glasses, his soft yet masculine features towering over her, his words commanding, yet endearing and sweet. She bit her bottom lip imagining the scene as he made the request... her heart raced at the thought of it... that he would be so caught up by her as to be so bold... so confident. That he wanted to see her; that he desired her.

No, the idea of Jeff asking her to do something like that wasn't disgusting; it was hot. She inhaled deep, imagining his eyes on her flesh as she accepted his offer, his longing for her nude body as she showed him her feminine treasures. She squeezed her legs together, her hand slowly finding its way between her thighs. It had been too long... way too long since a man had made her feel that way.

"This is crazy," she shook off the sensation, closing the website down and standing up with determination to leave it all behind her. Jeff was her boss and she truly enjoyed her job. Those people were just actors, playing on the fetishes of their targeted audience, nothing more. So what if Jeff watched porn. He was single and probably lonely... she couldn't exactly blame him. There were nights she had found solace and relief in a vivid fantasy too; one that may have centered around her boss if she actually admitted to it.

She looked back at the computer from the doorway. It wasn't real. People just don't do that in real life and she didn't have time for that nonsense. Convincing herself, she walked away from the room with purpose and grabbed the mop bucket. Curiosity ate at her though as she returned to work completely distracted by all she'd seen. She had already admitted to her sister that she was attracted to Jeff, but could it be that he was actually interested in her too? Had he been thinking of her when he joined that site?

Filling the mop bucket with water, she sighed, shaking her head again. No... he just has a thing for pink haired porn stars. A lot of guys did and there were a lot prettier girls out there earning millions more than her. Surely Jeff could have any one of them that he wanted; he was successful, handsome, kind... damn near the closest she'd seen to the perfect guy since her ex; at least for a girl like her. He was just shy; that's all.

But still... a maid site? That seemed to be pretty convincing evidence that she had to at least have been on his mind. 'Okay, Hayley, pull yourself together,' she added soap to the bucket, finally breaking down in a girlish giggle. She couldn't deny it any longer; the evidence was right there staring her in the face. There was no doubt that to some degree, he had been thinking about her the night before. For her, the evidence proved the attraction between them was mutual. While completely lost in thought of the possibilities, the mop bucket started overflowing onto the floor, pulling her back to the present.

________

"I can't believe this! They rejected me." Ellen shouted at her sister as they approached their rusty old Honda hatchback. She plopped into the passenger seat, throwing her bag in the back and slamming the door shut. Then she let out such a foul string of vulgarity, Hayley blushed wondering how her sweet younger sister had ever learned such words. Once she had gotten her frustration out she leaned forward, rubbing her temples with her fingers, "I can’t afford to move away, Hayley. Staying with you is the only way I can survive. I am going to have to give up my dreams of going to University. I’ll get a regular job and help out with the bills… I promise."

Resting her hand on her sister's shoulder to calm her down, Hayley felt the same anxiety building in her stomach. "You just can't give up," she replied, trying to sound resolute as she did all she could to force her voice to stay calm. "Not yet." There was no point in both of them going off the deep end; Ellen was usually hot-headed enough for the both of them anyway. "According to my research on Jeff's computer yesterday, there are still other options we can try and you can study here, with me."

Turning to look at her sister like she had two heads and green skin, Ellen was quickly losing her nerve, tears growing with each passing second. "Other options?" She thrust her arms out toward the immigration office situated only a stone's throw away. "I can’t afford the fees. I have no choice," she shook her head. "I'm out of time, Hayley. You’ve always looked after me but you’re not my legal guardian. You can’t make me older or speed up the process. I have no other option." Like a faucet being turned on, the tears began to fall in full form as Ellen buried her face in her hands.

Hayley sat quietly, rubbing her hand along her sister's back trying to sooth her. This just couldn't be the end; she wouldn't let it be. Her mind swept over all that she had learned about applications online the day before. "I will adopt you. In the meantime maybe we can get you... a bursary? Or maybe a sponsor…" even as the words left her lips, she knew the answer.

"Those take months to process," Ellen shook her head, sniffling in her tears. "Besides, I just don’t have it in me. You’re the talented one."

“You’re more intelligent than you think! You can do this. You just need a rich boyfriend…”

“A sugar daddy? Ha! I can’t even get my own boyfriend without stealing yours. Who’s going to want me?”

Hayley sighed, knowing of only one real option they had left. With only two short weeks to go, it was a long shot but... as far as she could find this was their only shot. "Listen Ellen. There is one other option." Her sister looked up at her and with a deep breath she continued, "You could get married before the deadline, become someone else’s legal guardian, someone who ties you here," she bit her bottom lip. The words alone sounded crazy.

"Married?" Ellen slowly raised her head, her mouth hanging open. "Just who the hell am I supposed to marry?" She shook her head defiantly, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You’re crazy! Two weeks isn't enough time to even find someone, much less get married. What kind of a complete stranger would do that?"

"What if he wasn't a stranger though?" Hayley's gut was twisting with nerves, her own teary eyes starting to overflow. She just couldn't let her little sister be sent away, all alone; they only had each other after all. "What if we found someone we know to help us out?"

Ellen opened her mouth for an instant rebuttal but held short, contemplating the possibilities. "We don’t know anyone!" she finally shook her head.

But there was someone else that had come into Hayley's mind; the only man who was ever on her mind these days. He also happened to be the only single guy she knew with a heart sweet enough to actually help them out... maybe. "My boss, Jeff. He..." she paused. Sweet compliments, better pay than she deserved with a flexible work schedule, and even the use of his personal computer anytime she wanted was one thing; but agreeing to marry her sister just for legal papers? "He might do it. Maybe."

"Your boss?" Ellen blinked her eyes in disbelief. "How could I possibly...? I don't even know the guy! Besides, he probably doesn't even like women anyway," she twisted her lips back and forth, thinking. "It's not like he's actually made any advances on you, right?"

"Oh, I'm pretty sure he likes women," Hayley couldn't help but laugh, drying her tears as she recalled the explicit adult website she'd accidentally seen. "I think he's just really shy, even more than me. Besides, it's only for the papers so you can stay; not like it'll be a real marriage or anything."

Ellen raised her eyebrows curiously. "You can't honestly think he's going to get married and not expect... you know, some kind of... marital rights. You're not that naive, I hope?" She suddenly snapped her fingers as if having an epiphany. "That's it! You should marry him," she nearly jumped from her seat. "You know him well... and you already have a crush on him anyway. You can just request me legally as a dependent afterward. That's what Maria did a few months back."

"Me?" The blush on Hayley's cheeks couldn't have been redder. "I... No. I can't get married," she shook her head. "You know I have my own aspirations," she shrugged.

"Hayley the television presenter? You’re just a maid!" Ellen threw her hands in the air. "This guy is rich! You won't even need a career."

Hayley started chuckling, losing herself a little to the fantasy. "He's not that rich really. Compared to us he is but..." she shook her head, grinning from ear to ear at the thought of being someone that special in Jeff's life. With a sigh, she came back to her senses. "Besides, requesting a sister as a dependant isn't as easy as a parent or child. It could take years to process and we don't have time for that."

Reality hit Ellen in the face, slinking her back into her seat as she crossed her arms with a huff. "So... I guess... we try your insane plan. It looks like I have no choice other than to marry your nerdy boss." She looked like she had just eaten something completely sour. "Are you sure you'll be okay with that?" She put her hand on her sister's shoulder. "Like I said, I know you have a crush on him and I know… I know last time I slept with someone you were in love with… it almost destroyed us."

Silence filled the car for a moment as Hayley slowly started blushing again, thoughts taking form. "This is different... it's not like you'll actually be married to him. I could..." she bit her bottom lip, "accept it… you know… If he wants his... marital rights..." she shrugged, a sheepish grin across her face.

It took but a few seconds for Ellen to fully register what her sister was proposing. Then she actually brightened up into a full real smile. "That's just crazy enough to actually work," she shook her head with a hearty laugh.

Hayley started the car. "We at least have to ask, Ellen. Jeff's probably our only chance..." she looked back at her sister with all sincerity.

Ellen shook her head defiantly. "I don’t even know if I like the guy!" Her fist slammed down on her knee. "Alright; I'll do it. I'll even fuck him if I have to... as long as it means we get to stay together. So how do we convince him to marry me in less than two weeks?"

________

"Give me that gorgeous pussy," I growled, my hand stroking my hardened rod along to the rhythmic slapping of bare skin on my screen. Another maid from my new favourite website had sold her clothes and now her body to her boss; the camera catching all their animalistic action from down below.

"Oh yes... oh shit Hayley!" escaped through my gritted teeth as the guy's balls slapped her exposed swollen clit repeatedly, making her whimper loudly with each thrust. He had her bent over the recently made bed while holding a tight fist of her long pink hair like reins on a horse as he rode her. My member was red from my heavy hand, the head a deepening purple as I worked my way ever closer to the inevitable edge while staring at the girl's plump pussy lips frothing in her cream, fully swallowing the lucky employer's oversized rod over and again.

"Chirp... chirp!" my phone suddenly went off, marking a received message and pulling me momentarily out of my fantasy. A little put off, I decided to ignore it. After all, it was probably just another text from work or something like that; I never received texts from anyone important.

Trying to get back in the mood I skipped the movie forward several minutes to the next scene where I found the maid riding on top and leaning back with her arms out behind her. Her pussy was stretched wide around the invading cock, her clit hard and exposed while her small chocolate-tipped breasts bounced up and down frantically as she rode the porn actor's prick into ecstasy. "Hell yeah! Ride me baby!" her man cheered her on, but she was moaning away and had her eyes closed, as if nearing her own climax. With enthusiasm I resumed jerking wildly, trying to time myself to cum right along with her. We were both so damn close! Suddenly my phone chirped again, distracting me entirely from my goal and making me pause the movie.

"Hi Jeff, it’s Hayley =)" came the first text I read while sitting on the edge of the bed, my red swollen member throbbing and pointing straight into the air. "Do you have a minute to talk?" was the second. I was truly caught between a rock and a hard place; Hayley had never texted me on a Thursday night before. And right now anyone else in the world I would have ignored entirely... but as it came from her, I just couldn't help myself.

"I will always make time to talk with you, beautiful," I wrote back, my head swimming from a lack of blood flow to the brain. I had never been so brazen with my flirts before but I wasn't exactly thinking with the right head at the moment anyway, my hand still sliding along the shaft, keeping it rigid. The moment's silence made me doubt my message, starting a recant to claim it as just a joke so she wouldn't get angry. In fact, I had composed a long apology and was just about to send it when her reply came back.

"Oh thank you, my handsome boss ;)" came the heart-stopping reply; reference to my being handsome by the prettiest and sexiest woman I knew instantly made me throb even harder than before. "Is it possible I could stay and work late tomorrow? They are pushing you ever so hard at work and I would like to cook you dinner again." I inhaled deeply, my hand squeezing the shaft as my heart skipped a beat. I couldn't believe my own eyes; twice I had to read the message to be sure when another came just as I finished. "I would really like to spend time with you. =)"

Subconsciously I started stroking again while reading the messages over and over, picturing her before me, moving her sexy body like a lap dance just for me. Somewhere in the back of my mind I knew she didn't mean it the flirtatious way I was taking it; I was just far too worked up to be thinking straight. I deleted everything I'd been about to say and instead wrote, "I love spending time with you too. Truth is I wish I could see more of you!"

Setting down the phone, I leaned back on my bed, closing my eyes and once more picturing Hayley in my mind. The edge was so near; all I needed was a little push but the phone chirped once more. "You are so sweet Jeff." Immediately following was a second, "What is the part you want to see more of? My face or my body?" followed by a third "hahahaha."

Even in my delirious condition I could tell she was actually flirting with me, outwardly and openly. I couldn't believe it, a million things running through my mind of why and what to reply but she didn't even give me a chance. "It’s more likely that you would probably want to see my sister. She is younger and even more pretty than I am. All the guys want her =P"

I shook my head quickly as if she could see me. "That's impossible. No one is prettier than you." Just as soon as I hit send, my hand went back to stroking my rod. I wasn't quite on the verge anymore, but just the idea of flirting with Hayley directly kept me very worked up.

"Ellen is intrigued by my handsome boss. She wants to see a picture of you but I can't find you on any social media platform." My eyes were wide to her reply. "Ok. I admit. I want to see a picture of you too. Would you send me one?" she added. I was getting more light-headed by the second just reading the texts over and over, unsure of what to do. She actually wanted a picture? Of me? Seriously? Well, she was the one asking for it after all.

"Only if you send me one of you too." I stood up excited at the prospect of finally having a picture of her then suddenly decided to add, "a picture of both you and your sister." I was curious to see how the latter compared to the hottest woman I knew. Scrounging around the room for a decent looking shirt, I must have pulled every shirt I owned out of my closet until I found something that, I felt at least, made me look not entirely horrible.

"Ok =)" I threw on the shirt and fixed my hair in the mirror, quickly holding up the phone like I had seen others do selfies before and snapped the photo. With a quick check to make sure my nude manhood wasn't in the photo, I sent it to her before I lost all the nerve to do so. "Wow!" she replied almost instantly. "I like that VERY much. Ellen likes you too BTW. She says you really ARE a handsome man!"

Quickly I tossed the shirt aside once more, jumping on the bed and laying back, my phone in my left hand and the resuming rhythmic stroke in my right. I couldn't possibly fathom why she was acting this way with me but it was turning out to be one of the best nights of my life. "I’d like to see both of you some time." I typed one-handed, not bothering to spell-check and never breaking rhythm.

It seemed like an eternity and thoughts of the college pranks I was subjected to by the girls I had liked years ago played in my head, making me doubt whether Hayley and her sister were really just laughing about my patheticness at their house. She wouldn't do that to me, right? She couldn't be that mean... not to me, I was sure of it. I hoped.

Finally, after an agonising several minutes, my phone chirped again and my jaw dropped open, my manhood twitching uncontrollably, suddenly leaking at the tip. Hayley was cheek-to-cheek with a near twin, her blue eyes seducing the camera as she smiled while her sister had her big sexy lips puckered in an exaggerated kiss, her neck extended forward just a bit. Their shoulders were bare, a single spaghetti strap fallen off Hayley's right shoulder, the left hidden behind her sister who wore a black halter top that held a deep sexy valley of cleavage easily seen at the bottom of the picture. Her breasts were definitely fuller than Hayley's; more attention-grabbing though not so exaggerated as to be a turn off either.

"OMG!" was my first reply, letting go of myself before I went completely over the edge. "Wow! I love that picture."

"I told you she is prettier than me," Hayley replied and I'll admit I had to look back at the photo another time. Ellen, as she had called her sister earlier, was definitely a gorgeous woman... sexy as hell! But between them, honestly, Hayley still beat her.

"Your sister is amazingly gorgeous, I admit." My hands trembled over the phone's keyboard as I wrote. Under normal circumstances there was no way in hell I would have the courage to ever say this but she had been openly flirting with me from the beginning of the conversation. "I still say you're the prettiest woman I know. Ellen's a very close second."

Any second I just knew this was all going to come crashing down on me; I was going to say something that went too far and mess it up but I just couldn't help myself. "Thank you =) You've made Ellen very jealous and me very happy," came her reply. I started typing but she quickly sent another. "She says you didn't look properly at her tits. Hers are bigger."

Was she kidding me right now? Seriously? Of course I had noticed her boobs... my manhood was twitching and throbbing just looking at that picture. Still, if they wanted to call my attention to their tits, who was I to stop them? "Yes, the picture is hard to compare." I didn't honestly expect them to do anything more than laugh; that was the whole point.

The phone became eerily quiet for several minutes and my panic button started to go off. That was it! I had passed the unspoken line and she was pissed at me now. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that," I quickly wrote then erased, thinking twice, and finally writing it again. Just when I was going to hit send, my phone chirped in reply.

Without touching myself at all, I instantly felt the rushing surge of orgasm burst through my body and explode onto my bed immediately upon viewing the photo. Both women wore only their bras, bent way over in front of the camera where only their mouths could be seen. Hayley held the camera with one hand, the other holding her strapless bra in place. Her sister did likewise, crossing her two wrists and pulling the material back a little to fully show off her amazing round cleavage. Hayley's was a bit smaller and not quite so rounded though it was hard to tell as she squished them under her arm. Still, a tan line was clearly evident just above the bra's cups. It was by far the sexiest picture I had ever received in my life.

"I hope you enjoy the picture Jeff ;) I will see you tomorrow after work." I laughed at the irony of the message. Did she know I was just fantasising about her? It certainly sounded that way though it was probably just in my head from being worked up for so long. Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that she knew; somehow, she knew. "Good night Jeff. Love Hayley and Ellen x."

________

"Nothing overly romantic," I told the florist. "Just something that says 'I think you're an amazing woman and appreciate everything you do for me.'." I pulled a few notes from my wallet as the florist passed me the small bouquet. "They're for my housekeeper."

"She's a lucky woman," the florist smiled, giving me back the change.

"Not half as lucky as I am to have her." I was pretty confident the flirting of the night before had been just a fluke; surely Hayley had come to her good senses by now. Part of my brain said they were just playing or had been drinking. By now she was probably a bit upset at me for somehow conning her into sending that risque picture which meant a little gift would come in handy in setting things right between us again. On the other hand, if by some miracle she had actually meant what she said, then the bouquet might be my ticket to a first date... if I could just work up the nerve to ask her. I swear the drive home felt like an eternity, my heart stopping with every red light.

"Hayley?" I called up the stairs as I closed the garage door behind me. With the bouquet in hand, my mind raced as to how I might give it to her without coming across as awkwardly desperate. Would she start yelling at me the moment she saw me? Latinas were known to be feisty, after all. Would she actually be pleased to see me? Would she even like the flowers? Just as I was about to head up the stairs, I heard the hiss of steam off to my left calling my attention.

I poked my head into the large open room across from the garage entrance that was used mostly for laundry. "Hayl-whoa!" instantly I fell back against the door frame, my free hand grasping for a hold. Nothing could have prepared me for the sight I suddenly beheld.

Hayley was busy ironing clothes, her head bobbing along to the music in her headphones and completely oblivious to my presence. To my utter amazement, her entire body from the waist up was nude save for a white bra with black fine-lined flower embroidery along the cups' edges. She wore a short pair of jean-shorts as well completing the sexy ensemble that blew my mind. I could even see the tan line I'd noticed in the picture the night before.

The guilt of watching her as she cheerfully danced to the music gnawed at my conscience. I knew it was wrong to just stay quiet and enjoy the view. Still, the number of women whom I'd ever seen in their underwear in my entire lifetime could be counted on one hand and still have a couple of fingers left over, even now including Hayley and her sister. Wrong or not, I couldn't tear myself away; I was mesmerised just watching her.

She ironed two of my shirts and a couple pairs of boxers before the song must have finished. Glancing up at me, her eyes looking directly at mine, she caught me red-handed ogling her bra-covered body. Panicked, I immediately held up the flowers to her, hoping to soften the blow of discovery with the gift. Her cheeks went deep red, her hand covering her mouth as her eyes grew wide. "Flowers?"

The iron nearly tipped over as she raced the short distance toward me, taking the flowers in one hand while wrapping her other arm around my neck. I flinched expecting to receive a slap or some other admonishment but instead she pulled me down to her height, giving me another of those cheek-kisses that made my heart rate soar. Instinctively I wrapped an arm around her just to keep from tipping over, feeling the soft bare skin of her waist on my hand and pushing my heart rate to even more dangerous levels. "You are so sweet, Jeff."

Bewildered, I watched her as she stepped back, bringing the flowers to her nose with excitement and closing her eyes. She was all smiles, lost in the aroma and feel of the petals on her cheeks. Did she honestly not realise that she was only wearing a bra? I had to say something; it was the only decent thing to do. "Hayley? You do realise you're in your underwear, right?"

She was dreamy-eyed, looking up at me with an ear-to-ear grin. "I love flowers, Jeff. My favourite... favourite. Oh, thank you!" She made a big show of inhaling the scent like it was sending her on a direct flight to heaven.

"Your uhm..." I pointed at her chest. "You're flashing your bra at me right now." She looked confused, holding the flowers away from her and looking down, exposing that sexy coned cleavage from an even closer point of view.

"What’s wrong? You don’t like my bra?" she exaggerated a pout, adjusting the cups and making an evident show of jiggling her breasts enticingly under the material. "I think it’s pretty."

Clearing my throat, I stumbled for words while my soldier quickly woke up. "I uh... yeah, uhm..." I swallowed hard which made her start giggling, twisting her shoulders back and forth while she smiled at me, her head cocked to the side. "It's uh... beautiful on you. I just didn't, you know... expect to see it."

Her angelic innocent smile turned mischievous; her lips pursed. "Last night you saw me in my bra," she shrugged, shaking her head. "Anyway, my shirt has sauce on it from making dinner so I put it in the wash. I hope that’s OK?." She strolled past me, her hand gently caressing my chest and slowly sliding across to my arm while she held the bouquet in her other arm like a small child. My eyes followed her every movement like a dumbfounded idiot, unable to break free from her charm. Hers followed mine in turn, her head and finally her body turning all the way until she reached the stairs.

"Are you... sure you don't want to borrow one of mine?" I swallowed hard again, mentally praying she'd deny my gentleman's offer. She stopped with one foot on the stairs, her hand on the wall as she looked back at me over her shoulder. "I mean, I don't want you to feel... uncomfortable."

"No worries," she bit her bottom lip as she smiled. "I feel very comfortable around you," she transferred the flowers to her other arm, holding out her hand to me like she expected me to grab it. "Unless you want me to wear a shirt?" Her smile grew even larger as I took her hand, marveling in the feel of her soft fingers once more. "Come on," she pulled me up the stairs, holding my hand behind her, letting it gently bounce off her ass with each step we climbed. "I made fettucine with shrimp for you tonight. I hope you like it."

The entire time she served the dinner, I couldn't take my eyes off her for even a second. I wanted to memorise that gorgeous figure forever; burn it into my memory. She looked over at me several times, seeing me watch her every move, giggling and blushing like a schoolgirl before finally turning back toward the food.

When the plates were ready, she set hers down first and then stepped around the table to give me mine. "I made it especially for you," she emphasised with sweetness as she set the plate down on the table, bending over a lot further than was actually necessary. Her hands between her knees, her face was only inches from mine as I was treated to a direct yet fleeting view of her coned cleavage and the previously hidden tan-less treasures further down. "Or can I interest you in something else?"

Almost instantly her long hair fell from around her body and hid the view, forcing my eyes back up to hers. She was smiling ear-to-ear, her eyes telling me that she knew perfectly well what she... and I had just done. "Oh..." she stood up, clapping her hands together. I was sure I was busted. "The wine," she stated instead as if she had forgotten. A flurry of movement and a few moments later she had two glasses and a bottle. Bending over the same way once more to fill my glass, she broke down into her beautiful flirty laugh.

"So are you done driving me crazy with your teasing yet?" If I had still doubted the flirting from the night before, her actions since I had arrived home made it perfectly clear what her thoughts were. I was on top of the world because somehow it seemed I actually had a real chance with this gorgeous woman... the girl of my dreams. Somehow I hadn't blown it and more amazingly she actually seemed to be enjoying it! I raised my glass to her in a toast as she finished and took her seat.

She raised her glass as well and shrugged. "I do not know what you mean," she shook her head slowly with a pretentious grin. "What teasing?"

I studied her gorgeous blue eyes closely for a few moments while I took a sip, unable to ascertain whether she was serious or just continuing the tease even more. It was really tough to tell. Due to her learning the language still, I figured it was a safe bet that she honestly didn't know what it meant though. "Teasing me is like... you know, showing me your boobs," I put my hand out as if indicating the evidence. "Driving me crazy with your sexiness."

She gasped in extreme exaggeration, her jaw dropping open while she put her hands over her half-naked chest in feigned protest. "I would never do such a thing..." she turned her head up and away from me, shaking her hair down her back in an obvious act of pretense to ignore me. All I could do was laugh.

For several moments we ate in silence, our eyes connecting at moments, my gaze drifting down to her cleavage quite often when she wasn't paying as close attention. So many times I wanted to say something to her, to tell her just how I felt about her, just how gorgeous she was to me. I started to several times but my brain just shut down and the words wouldn't come making me sound more like I was grunting while I ate.

Finally, Hayley was the one to speak first. "Jeff?" She started to look nervous, biting her bottom lip as she looked at me. "Do you want to see them?"

"See them?" I took my last bite and put my fork down, pushing the empty plate away fully satisfied. "What do you mean?"

"My breasts..." she slowly moved her hands behind her back, her body trembling in her nerves, reaching up as if to unclasp her bra. "I will show you them if..." her eyes were pleading as she looked at me, "you promise to listen. I have a favour to ask of you. A very serious one."

"Wait, what?" I held up my hands. This was a porn set-up I'd enjoyed many times but... it was an instant turn-off now with the woman I loved. The last thing I wanted was for her to do something like that because she felt blackmailed into it. I stopped her quickly and tried to explain. "You don't have to show me anything just so I'll listen to you," I reached across the table, holding out my hand and hoping that she'd take it. "I mean, don't get me wrong," I chuckled as she hesitantly put her hands in mine, leaving her bra in place. "I'd absolutely love to see them... I admit... I've dreamed about it but," I squeezed her fingers a bit, "not like that. I care for you and I promise I'll listen to anything you have to say; no bribes needed."

She blushed and laughed, lowering her head. "It's just..." she chewed on her bottom lip again. I could even feel her hands shaking in mine. "...it is a really big favour that I'm going to ask of you."

I stood up from the table, holding her hands up so she'd follow suit. "Let's go to the living room and talk seriously then," I guided her to the couch before she could even say no. "Now what's this all about?" I nodded at her. "Is this the real reason I found you shirtless today? Just so that I'd listen to you?"

Hayley rocked back and forth on the couch, chuckling shyly as she looked away. Looking back at me, she took a big breath and then started waving her hand in front of her face like she was very hot. Suddenly I realized her eyes were watering too, tears slipping down her cheeks. "Jeff... I don’y know how to ask this," she grabbed my hands and held them tightly.

"Hayley," my heart was breaking in two to see her tears. "Whatever it is," I caressed her cheek gently with the back of my fingers, "I'll help you. I swear; whatever you need. I'm here for you."

Between the falling tears, a thin smile formed and a hint of hope spread along her face. "You are the only hope we have," she shook her head. "Jeff..." she exhaled heavily, "in two weeks my sister is going to have to give up her dreams of a degree and a career… she may have to move away to study and I will have to go with her to support her… unless," she cringed, the hope fading from her eyes. "Well, unless I can make a legal claim to keep her with me… I could make her my dependent… adopt her; those take time. Maybe, instead, I could marry her off to someone close."

I sat motionless for several seconds, not even my eyes blinking as I slowly registered what she said. "Wait… So you have to leave," I nodded slowly, "unless your sister gets married?" I scratched my head, shocked and trying to come to grips with the concept. "...and you are asking me to..."

The tears were sliding down her cheeks even faster than before. "You are the only chance we have," she shook her head. Quickly she grabbed my hands again, pleading... begging. "Jeff, I promise... I will do anything you ask of me for all my life..."

"You mean... if I marry your sister?" My hands were sweating at just the thought of it. Me? Get married?

She nodded in return, putting her hands slowly behind her back. "Anything you want of me, Jeff. Just please... keep us together… a family. Marry my sister. Save her so she stays here… so I can stay here too. Please? I will do anything…"

Before I realised what she was doing this time her bra was unclasped and she crossed her arms over her chest, pulling the bra-straps slowly down on both sides. The cups leaned off her breasts, her sexy tan-less skin bared before my eyes, the faint edges of her pink areolas in my view. Unable to believe what she was doing, my body lustfully begged for her to finish while my heart broke to see her feel so obligated in helping her sister.

I grabbed her arms just below the straps, stopping her advance and gently pushed them back into place on her shoulders. Her teary eyes flooded like I had just rejected her; like I had told her I didn't want her, which couldn't have been farther from the truth. "I told you... you don't have to bribe me," I shook my head trying to explain, feeling guilty I had let her even get that far. "I care about you; this isn't a question of sex here." No matter how much I was enjoying the amazing sight of her beautiful tits, I didn't want it like this. If she was going to show me, it had to be because she honestly wanted to. "Besides, if I marry Ellen, she and I would have to be… together. I have feelings for you, Hayley, not your sister."

"Jeff, do you want to be with me?"

"I'm sure you know I do! But, if I make that sort of commitment to your sister… what if… she wants to... you know, be intimate?"

Hayley started blushing, her head lowering. "The marriage is for convenience only but... if you prefer her, yes, you could be intimate with her…" she shrugged. "Last night you said I was your preference. So... I hope..." she raised her head once more, her watery eyes gazing into mine as she sighed heavily through a sniffle, the tears continuing to fall.

"The truth is, Jeff... I want you. If you take Ellen to be your wife it is right you should both have sex together. I would understand. It's the price I would have to pay. But I want you…  and my sister knows this."

"It sounds complicated, Hayley."

"It is. But it's the truth. I want to be with you..." she grabbed my hands, leaning into her words. "...for many months now I've kept my distance… tried to be professional. I like you a lot... but I'm shy. You're older and you wouldn't be interested in me." I let go of one hand, gently wiping away her tears from her cheeks as she spoke. Her head leaned into my hand, rubbing her soft cheek against my palm. "But now… now, I think maybe you like me, too. I could easily fall in love with a man like you. So… Give us a chance? Becoming part of my family will be the chance we need... this could be a good thing?" Slowly she looked away from me. "If you say no..." she shook her head, "I will have to leave. Our chance will be over. My sister is everything. She is my only family now."

My mind was spinning wildly. Honestly, I had been prepared that she would ask for money and I would have gladly given it to her, or maybe a place to stay for a few weeks. Getting married was the last thing I had ever expected. Still, it wasn't like I had any other likely romantic prospects. Besides, there was no way I was going to let her leave… not now. I'd be completely devastated if I lost her. The clinching fact was, of course, that few men ever were so lucky to have a wife or girlfriend as gorgeous and sexy as Hayley - or Ellen - and here I was being given my pick of the two. Naturally, the pick for me was easy; I'd already made my choice.

"Don't worry, Hayley. I'm not letting you get away from me, I want us to have our chance," I brought her hands to my lips and kissed them softly. "I'll help you. It wouldn't be a real marriage anyway. Most of my friends and colleagues have already been married and divorced! When do you want me to plan on uhm... getting married?"

Her face lit up like a light bulb being turned on, the happiness glowing off her skin. "Really? Jeff, oh thank you!" Before I knew what happened, she lunged at me, wrapping her arms around my neck and pressing her lips tight against mine. It was our first kiss; the moment feeling like electricity coursing through our bodies and instinct taking over as we sort of melted into each other.

While it may have started off as innocent and spur of the moment, neither of us could resist it any more now that we were there. For the first few minutes our lips danced over each other, our bodies leaning in the awkward position. Without breaking the embrace for even a second, she scooted closer to me, setting her bottom on my lap and immediately causing a major stir in my groin.

Our lips sliding and slipping in awkward yet savory inexperience, she wrapped herself closer to me still, her arms hugging my neck harder, pulling my face into her and her chest against mine with growing intensity. Suddenly she parted her lips even more, turning her head to the side as I felt her tongue hesitantly make its way into my mouth, touching the tip of my tongue. Following her lead, I took the hint, joining in her sexy game of tongues while holding tight around her bare waist.

Eyes still closed, she guided one of my hands up her bare body, stopping my fingers just at the curvature of her breast. It was like a game, she was setting me up for the next move and I decided a little boldness couldn't hurt given the circumstances. Inching my fingers up along her skin, she chuckled into our kiss, pushing her chest down such that my fingers quickly encompassed her round bosom entirely.

She was soft and warm as my palm cupped her left breast, her rapidly beating heart tingled through my touch. Her erect nipple felt quite long poking into my grasp; I rolled it around in my hand like a marble as I massaged her warm intimate flesh. She moaned into our kiss, pushing her chest a little harder against my hand. I was hard as a rock, throbbing painfully in my pants, wanting more than anything to look at the gorgeous skin she was baring for me and touch that sweet hard nipple with my tongue. Any hint that I gave of breaking our embrace though, brought more pressure from her arms around my neck to keep us fully intact.

"Thank you, Jeff," she whispered through a pant, finally breaking the kiss and clasping her bra back in place before I could even get in a good peek."We can't afford to wait. Tomorrow we should go to the registrar and sort out all the paperwork that needs to be in place." Her underwear back in place, she rested her forehead against mine, our noses only an inch apart. 

She sensed my lust for her. My heavy breathing. My straining manhood against the fabric of my pants. My disappointment as she disengaged from our physical connection.

"I promise you, Jeff... I give you all you desire," she giggled, her smile growing wide. "My heart, my body... after tomorrow, you tell me what you want and I will give it to you," she brought her hands to my cheeks, pressing our lips together in another kiss, though more hurried and less passionate than the first. "I even clean the house naked if you want. Just..." she shook her head quickly, standing up and leaving me with a very hard erection, "right now I have to tell my sister and get her ready. We have to find the papers and everything."

She smiled at me, putting her lips to her fingers and then touching mine. "I think maybe, we are falling in love," her eyes were teary again though she was definitely happy. "I promise I will be here when you wake up in the morning," she bolted for the door.

"Hayley..." I called after her quickly, trying to stand up though the extreme erection in my pants made it difficult. "Hayley, wait!" She stopped at the top of the door and looked back at me, her expression excited and very emotional. I wanted to say a million things, but all that came to my mouth was the obvious. "You realise you're still just in your bra? Are you planning to drive home like that?" Looking down quite surprised, she squealed in embarrassment, covering her mouth and her chest while laughing.

"Fuck me! I almost forgot! Is it okay if I borrow your shirt after all? My top is wet in the washing machine," she headed downstairs before I could even answer though of course I agreed. Just like that, quick as a flash, she ran back and out the front door. "Good night, Jeff."

"Good night, Hayley," I chuckled to myself since she couldn't hear me. I plopped back on the couch and leaned back to look up at the ceiling. I ran my fingers through my hair, completely unable to believe what had just happened and tried to make sense of it all. First of all, I had just made out with the girl of my dreams... and then agreed to marry her sister. Slowly I shook my head, unable to believe it wasn't all just a fantastic dream. I was actually getting married... tomorrow! Tomorrow? Even more... Hayley was going to be... well, my mistress I guess. Anyway... she said that she loved me! I laughed out loud at the whole thing; I wasn't even married yet and I was already planning on cheating on my soon-to-be wife with her own sister. The strangest part being... that was the whole plan.

The whole plan... my smile slowly faded, doubt filling my mind as I recalled how Hayley was so willing to show her body to me just so I would accept her proposal. Were her expressed feelings just part of that plan too? Was the entire night just a ploy so that I would accept no matter what? Was I just being played? Analyzing the evening closely in my head, I suddenly realized something. "Did she just say... she'd clean the house naked if I wanted?"

Putting two and two together, I ran for my computer, quickly opening my browser history. I had always used incognito mode when I browsed so there shouldn't have been any references to any compromising website at all. Not entirely surprised, I found a single link on Wednesday and several instances on Friday like she had gone back to it multiple times. I obviously hadn't been careful enough and she'd found out about what I'd been watching online. "So that's why she was only wearing a bra when I got home." Realisation dawned.

I had been played. I was just a puppet and she was using me. But was that such a bad thing if I got what I wanted from this arrangement? I felt the disappointment fade but I still felt more than a little confused. I headed to bed and closed my eyes. Tomorrow… I would make sense of it all tomorrow.

On one hand, Hayley was now mine and unless she suddenly backed out of the deal, we were going to be together no matter what. She even seemed to be into my maid fantasy... maybe. My conscience nagged at me though. Was I now just an obligation to her? Was she becoming no more than the porn stars on a website, selling her body to me as a means to an end? No... she was more than that. She said that she had liked me for months... that she was just shy. I knew first hand just how rough shyness could be... but was it real?

"Jeff..." a soft female voice sung softly in my ears, stretching my name out in sweet song. It was one of those wonderfully lucid dreams that felt so real... so tangible I swear I could actually feel her gentle fingers caressing my forehead and then my cheek. Then her soft lips started kissing my neck, my jaw, my chin and finally working her way up to my lips.

Knowing that it was just a fanciful dream, I let go my normal shyness and embraced my desires with boldness, returning the gentle kiss of my fair maiden with the confidence of a bawdy knight, my fingers playing through the waves of her pink hair as I pulled her close to me in a tight embrace. Her mystical, sweet smell drove me absolutely crazy, a primal mix of heartfelt love and carnal lust swelling in my chest and groin; oh, that I should never awaken lest I lose such a precious moment…

"Good morning, Jeff," Hayley giggled as I moaned my regret of our parting lips, everything going fuzzy as my mind transitioned from a dream state to consciousness. Slowly opening my eyes, I was pained by the bright morning light, yet also was met with the face of an angel still inches above me. Her sparkling blue eyes gazed into mine; her gorgeous smile instantly pulling on my heart. Her pink, shiny hair cascaded to one side, shading all but a sliver of the morning light from the window and creating a tunnel view between us, like we were the only ones in the entire world at that moment. A silver heart with a little red stone in the center dangled delicately from her right ear, a simple white flower adorning her divine hair.

"I think I've died and gone to heaven," I whispered, the boldness of my subconscious still hanging on momentarily as I caressed her cheek with my fingers, still clinging to some part of my mind that refused to believe this was real. "Because there's an angel floating above me right now." Though surely even angels weren't this breath-takingly beautiful; she was more like a goddess to me.

Her gaze adoring, she blushed with her smile, nuzzling the palm of my hand and giving it a soft kiss. "If your intention is for me to fall in love with you... it's too late, Jeff," she leaned forward, embracing my lips with hers once more. "I have fallen already," she giggled, then stood up to grab a tray from my nearby desk. My eyes were drawn to her swaying hips and bare, naturally tanned, sexy legs as she moved, the pleats of her gray dress only coming to mid-thigh, just long enough to cover her alluring backside as she bent over.

"I've brought you breakfast in bed; it's a big day for us." With a groan at getting my groggy body moving, I pushed myself up into a sitting position, the covers falling away from my nude chest as I eagerly accepted my morning surprise. Her eyes immediately roamed my naked torso as she set the tray over my legs, making no effort to hide her sheepish grin. Becoming self-conscious, I pulled the covers over my not-so-toned chest, but she stopped me with her hand, pulling them back down so that I was bared once more. "You are too handsome to hide from me," she chuckled, running her fingertips over my chest and finally circling around one small nipple. My manhood swelled along with the nipple at her touch.

"Keep doing that and I'm going to do it back to you," I teasingly whispered, shivering at the tingling sensation. Her grin turned mischievous as she dragged her fingernails softly across my chest, switching to the other nipple as if to call me on my bluff. "I uhm..." I cleared my throat, the lustful excitement swelling below the comforter from her soft caress above. "Last night... you know..." I swallowed hard, my mind losing the direction I had focused on all night. My gaze honed in on the v-neckline of her gray dress, a silver heart pendant matching her earring pointing like an arrow straight down to her cleavage as my mind drifted further toward an overwhelming desire for my gorgeous tormentor.

"Last night?" she lifted her finger from my chest, giggling again as she made a sensual show of chewing on its tip. "Do you remember last night, Jeff?" Her laughter was like music to my ears but also gave me a moment to try and redirect toward my previous thoughts. As much as I would love to continue our game, we had a lot to discuss before going forward with her plan.

"I uh... couldn't really sleep so I..." again I swallowed hard, my eyes getting lost in hers. "...ended up doing some research about getting married ... you know... online." Immediately her hands dropped to her lap and her smile faded, a worried expression taking its place. I sighed heavily, regretting that I had to stay so serious at that precise moment; she had been in such a playful mood. "Turns out this isn't going to be as easy as we thought."

She bit her lip nervously, "Jeff, are you having second thoughts? Is there a problem?" her hand balled into a fist, covering her mouth as if she awaited the worst news possible.

"No, we can still do it but," I stabbed a few eggs and potatoes with my fork, trying to allow myself to fully calm down so I could focus on the conversation we had to have. I had planned it out all night well into the wee hours of the morning, but now I just lost track of my talking points from the arousing way she woke me up. I took a moment to close my eyes and chew the delicious breakfast she'd cooked as I mentally reorganized the list of everything we had to cover to sort out all the particulars. There was just too much at stake for all of us with less than a two-week deadline. "There's a lot to do first, though. One thing... the court house isn't even open until Monday so we couldn't have had the wedding today, anyway."

A wave of relief came through her sigh, her eyes momentarily closing as the beautiful smile hesitantly returned. "So you still agree to marry Ellen... on Monday, yes?"

"Sort of," I bobbed my head in a so-so manner. "Monday at lunch time, I'll go get the marriage license for us... but I found out there's a 72-hour mandatory wait-period between getting the license and actually having the ceremony." I paused to give her a moment, making sure she was following me well enough.

Doing calculations in her head, her finger counted the days in mid-air. "So Thursday… we have to wait until Thursday for the wedding?" she raised her eyebrows, hopeful and nervous.

"Yeah," I nodded. "Now for Ellen's age... turns out she will need permission from her family according to the website," my hands spoke along with the words, one jumping the other a few inches as if visual clues might help her better comprehend the idea. They probably weren't needed, though.

She shook her head, "Our parents are not going to be able to help." Her eyes started to water as she put everything together. "I'm her guardian. Is this an issue? Is there enough time to sort this out?"

Hope was quickly fading, tears welling in her eyes. "No, no... don't worry, my angel," I added, lifting her chin to look back at me as the compliment flowed naturally before I could even think twice about it. "I've already made... and paid for the appointment on the automatic system last night. We go a week from Monday; just a few days after the wedding. We'll have plenty of time as long as we prepare well enough."

Teary eyes accompanied the biggest smile I'd ever seen as a sobbing chuckle escaped her lips. "Oh, Jeff... you fixed everything." She cocked her head to the side, her hair sliding down over one shoulder. "You are the most wonderful-est man ever," her hand covered her mouth as she looked like she was about to cry, but now out of pure joy.

I'll admit I was feeling pretty good about myself, but I couldn't stop just yet. There were still more pressing matters to address. "Now hold on," I held up my hand to stop her before she got too carried away. "We still need to line up another witness to go with us on Thursday," I held out my hand indicating her. "I figured you would be one... but we need another."

Hayley nodded quickly. "That's easy; Ellen has friends at the salon where she works. Maybe one can help?"

"Alright. And now for the last thing..." I swallowed hard, unsure how I was actually going to say this. I'd been thinking about it all night, contemplating whether it was actually necessary or just due to my overwhelming desires to be near her... to see her as often as possible. I still swore it was required due to the heavy risk we were taking, but would she agree? Would Ellen agree? "Listen to me closely, Hayley," I took her hands in mine. "You understand that what we are about to do is… taboo… even illegal."

She looked at me like I was being ridiculous, shaking her head in complete disbelief. "No, Jeff... it's a marriage. How is it possible that it could be illegal?" She shrugged, bewildered, "people fall in love all the time, people have affairs all the time, people get married... all the time."

"Actually..." I continued, cringing at the very words, "we'll be committing marriage fraud, not to mention that it's nothing more than an arranged marriage. Is she still a teenager? I'm a lot older. People will have suspicions for sure!" I'd never even been ticketed for speeding in my entire life, having always chosen the slow and safe route. In fact, the night before I had nearly decided to tell Hayley I just couldn't go through with it. I had practiced saying those words, that I knew would break her heart, to the gorgeous picture on my phone... until I had finally realised, looking at her there, that I was willing to do anything in the world for the love of that beautiful woman; even commit to sham marriage to someone I hadn't even met.

"Look... Ellen and I are getting married for the sole intention of her legal standing," I continued, my hands emphasizing my point. "This is a big deal! If we're found out... that's a prison sentence." Her eyes went wide, her jaw dropping as she shook her head slowly. "So you've got to understand... and Ellen does too, that everyone... and I DO mean everyone... has to completely believe that Ellen and I are a truly happily married couple. Absolutely nobody can even think otherwise."

My emphasised words ran through her mind; it was like I could see the wheels turning as she contemplated them thoroughly. Though the minutes passed in awkward silence, I appreciated that she was taking this as seriously as I did. We all had to be on board or the plan just wouldn't work. Finally, she nodded solemnly, "Okay, Jeff... yes. I understand... I will explain it to my sister too," she shook her head and forced a smile. "I promise... all the world will see that this marriage is very real."

"That also means that she... and you..." I paused, taking a big breath for the real moment of truth. One last time, I told myself it was absolutely necessary. "Well, both of you will have to come and live with me... or nobody is going to believe us."

Her head shot up in a flash, her eyes growing wide as she blinked several times. "Jeff? You want... me to live here… with you and my sister?" Her face brightened several shades, a smile growing from ear to ear.

"Actually, I require it," I nodded. "Both of you have to come or..." I shook my head, hoping that she really was as excited as she seemed to be. "Well, I can't agree to go through with this unless you do. I am doing all of this… for you, Hayley. Because I want to be with you. I want you in my life. I want you to be more than just my sister-in-law."

She was completely obvious in her attempts to hide her excitement about the idea. "I did not expect this," she nodded overly enthusiastically. "But I understand... and I agree. It would definitely be for the better," she started looking around my room as if seeing it for the first time with new eyes. "Oh, Jeff..." she shook her head and looked back at me with adoring eyes, "You are the sweetest man I've ever known..." her face beamed in joy. "I used to dream of living in a beautiful house like this..." she looked back at me, grabbing my hands and holding them close to her chest. "To live with... and love the most perfect man. I will keep the house perfect, Jeff. Always... I promise."

"I want you close to me, Hayley. I hope your sister understands."

Her hands were suddenly on my cheeks and our lips embraced in a passion-filled kiss as our tongues began the dance of lovers. Just as suddenly, she parted, looking off as if a thought had grabbed hold of her. "I must tell my sister everything," she jumped up, grabbing her phone quickly from the desk nearby and started dialing.

I couldn't help laughing. "Are you sure we can't at least finish our kiss first? I was enjoying that."

She bit her bottom lip, shaking her hand like she was quite nervous. "I'm so sorry, Jeff," she pleaded. "You don't understand. Ellen works at the hair salon..." she put the phone up to her ear. "They love to gossip," she raised her eyebrows curiously, "so, maybe she needs to tell them some story to make it all believable." She walked for the door, focused on her task but stopped abruptly at the doorway, looking back at me. With a sweet smile and an enticing rolling wave of her fingers, she blew me a kiss.

As she left, I laid my head back against the wall with a sigh. I had actually done it; Hayley was going to come live with me... and her sexy sister too. What more could I possibly ask for? Coming home from work to two hot, sexy women... one that I was married to, the other that I was in love with. Okay... I admit it was going to be complicated... but it sure beat coming home to an empty house. Besides, Hayley was in love with me, too... she had said it twice now and that's all that really mattered to me at that moment.

Still, I'd never actually met her sister yet, my fiancée now, I guess. If she was anything like Hayley, this was going to be amazing. All I'd seen of her was a small photo of her nice big cleavage on my phone, though. Thinking back now, that's why they'd done that in the first place, wasn't it? They weren't just being playful, but testing me to see if I was actually interested in them. They'd already planned to have me marry Ellen and were just feeling me out before popping the question. Part of me felt played, falling for their routine like a naive young schoolboy falling for a prank, that I was just a means to an end for them, but I pushed that idea down and tried to ignore it.

________

Hayley was at the kitchen sink when I found her after my shower. She was scrubbing a pan from the morning meal, her hips swaying back and forth with her efforts, her dress flowing in response like a sexy hypnotic metronome. As I watched her from the doorway to the dining room, I lost myself to her hypnosis completely. "My God... she's beautiful."

I was just about to call her attention when a sudden thought came over me, recalling how she had taken the initiative to wake me in such a tender way that morning. Could I be so bold as well? Would she appreciate it as much as I had? We were supposedly building a relationship after all, so I decided to take the chance at spontaneity.

Quiet as a mouse, I slowly approached her, enjoying more than a momentary glance at that gorgeous ass I had fantasized about so often. Finally, I slid my hands along her waist from behind, interlocking my fingers at her stomach and pulled her close. She inhaled deeply at my touch, a little squeak as she jumped, but just as quickly her hands covered mine and she leaned back against my body, resting her head on my chest.

"You scared me... but… I like it when you touch me," I heard her whisper as I lowered my nose to nuzzle her hair right behind the white flower she wore, becoming intoxicated by the very smell of her. She must have assumed I had other intentions though, her hand pulling her hair to one side, completely baring her sexy neck and cocking her head so I had free access to it.

In all honesty, I hadn't actually thought that far ahead. My imagination had been limited to just the surprise embrace, but even with my limited experiences, I could see what she was hinting at. I molded myself into her exotic flesh as she relaxed completely into my body. "Mmmm," she moaned, marveling in the sensations as I began kissing along her neck slowly toward her ear. She was whispering something I couldn't hear, words that I wish I could understand as they sounded so sexy, her head moving slowly around as she gently guided my lips up from the base of her neck to her ear. She moaned her pleasure and pressed her ass hard against my crotch as I took her earlobe between my lips, gently brushing it with my teeth.

I was embarrassed at first, knowing she could easily feel my growing hardness. Her hips rocked against my erection, making me lose all self-consciousness as I continued to kiss and nibble her neck and ear. She was driving me beyond simply being turned on; I was losing myself in her as I began a soft caress of her midsection with my hands. Hayley had her head back on my shoulder, looking toward the ceiling, her eyes closed in bliss with a slight tremble, her breathing deep and labored as she moaned her pleasures into my name while I trailed my lips along her jaw. I couldn't help myself anymore and let my hands roam boldly further, brushing against the curves of her breasts as my hunger for her progressed to even greater heights.

Suddenly, she pushed me away just enough to spin around in my arms to face me. "Oh, Jeff... You make me so hot…," her big, blue eyes looked up at me with seductive innocence, begging in that silent gaze that I would love her forever just like that moment. My hands pulled her back to me at the small of her back beneath her long, flowing hair as she slowly closed her eyes and pushed up on her toes. She wrapped her arms around my neck, our lips finding each other in a continuance of the warm passion our bodies shared as we pressed hard, one against the other, once more.

"Ouch... my toes hurt," she suddenly broke our embrace after several minutes of heavy petting, laughing as she dropped back down and wiggled each foot in turn. I assumed our moment was over, already lasting a lot longer than I had ever hoped for. Before I realised what was happening, though, she pushed and guided me backwards, making me fall into a dining room chair. She then pushed my knees together, giggling as she hiked up the back of her dress and gave me a glancing view of her hips and upper thighs before straddling my legs, sitting on my lap. "Much better," that mischievous grin of hers crossed her lips as she wrapped her arms around me once again, continuing our make out session with fervor, as if we'd never stopped.

She was driving me nuts, my penis was aching and throbbing in my jeans as she ground her beautiful body against mine. Her breasts pressed rhythmically on my chest in her breathing, our bodies melding closer and closer as if we were trying to force ourselves into becoming just one person. After the initial euphoria wore off, I regained a bit of my boldness. My fingers ran along her back; one hand venturing upward, playing along the clasp of her bra strap through her dress; the other downward, inching in progressive circles toward her succulent ass.

"Don't be shy, Jeff... I want you to touch me," she insisted with a husky whisper from her laboured breathing, reaching behind her to hold the pleats of the dress up with one hand before continuing our labial embrace. I was too turned on to even be shocked, both hands diving under her dress like a child in a toy store, palming her gorgeous ass cheeks that I had dreamed of so often. My fingers kneading her bare flesh as I rubbed her ass and pulled her ever closer to me, delightfully tickled that I hadn't detected any fabric under her dress. "You're not wearing panties today," I chuckled, my mind going crazy with the idea of her feminine nudity so close to me under that dress.

"You wish! I'm actually wearing a thong," she giggled, correcting me, the fiery heat between her legs still warming my erection as she scooted about as if trying to make me feel the scant cloth through my own boxers and pants, sitting nearly on top of it. "I've seen you watch me on your lunch breaks while I work," she whispered, kissing the corners of my mouth and slowly rocking her body back and forth. "For weeks I've been wearing a thong... and tight pants or skirt," her kisses moved along my jaw, getting closer to my ear. "I hoped that maybe you would like it… if I drew your attention to me," she whispered seductively right into my ear before coming back around to face me directly, her lip exaggeratedly pouting. "...but you were always so professional."

Instincts and hormones were taking over my body, my hips pressing my rigidity up against her, desiring all our clothing to just go away. "From the first day...," I attacked her neck with my lips, "I hired you..." her head moved to give me access, her breathing becoming deeper and stronger, "you've had..." I gave her small pecks between each word, "all my attention... beautiful."

She was trembling, shivering... her hands suddenly leaving my neck, fiddling near the button of my jeans. My body tensed in anticipation, my breath held tight as I thought she might actually touch my cock. I was nervous about it, what she'd think of me, what she'd say... yet pleading she would actually do it. Instead, once my pants were loosened, she pulled my shirt out from being tucked in, unbuttoned the bottom two and ran her fingers up my chest under it. That touch, along with her continued constant rocking along the length of my erection and her panted breathing, nearly made me lose myself right there as I suddenly inhaled with delirious desire.

I followed her lead, sliding my hands under her dress and up her back, feeling the thin band of her thong along the way. My intention was to find the clasp of her bra and unhook it, but I just couldn't get past the black belt around her waist. She was chuckling in short breaths, helping me out by unhooking the belt herself and letting it slide to the floor when suddenly her phone started vibrating, ringing with some modern song from the other room.

"Ooh," she pouted adorably. "Ellen! Of course she has to call right now," she sighed, reluctantly ending our make-out session by standing up. She did give me a quick kiss before hurrying out of the room to retrieve her phone. Her dress fell back into place, though with her belt still left on the floor it did flip up a lot more, only granting me a slight glimpse of her thonged ass crack that I was just dying to see and touch more of.

Eyes trailing her all the way into the living room, my member ached uncomfortably in my now much too tight jeans. Just as she was out of sight, I stood up and stuck a hand down my unclasped pants to adjust myself to a slightly more comfortable angle before following her into the other room like a lovesick puppy dog. She was on the phone talking a million words a minute, smiling at me from ear to ear when she saw me appear. I sat down on the couch where I could enjoy listening to her sing-song voice and allow my eyes to devour the view of her sexy body with a raving hunger to do far more than just look. All I could think about was getting my hands and lips back on her wonderfully smooth skin as soon as possible.

"We need to leave, we are going to pick up my sister from the salon," she sauntered toward me after hanging up the phone, her eyes meeting mine then roaming down my body to fixate on the trapped bulge in my jeans. My adjustment must have actually made it more noticeable. I could nearly feel her stare on me, and her grin growing wider.

My instinct was to hide from embarrassment, but I forced myself to lean back on the couch instead, enjoying the idea of her wanting me as much I wanted her. "You said 'WE should leave to pick her up'?"

"Yes..." she nodded, her eyes not leaving my body for a second. She bit her bottom lip while her breathing labored. "We will need to leave right now," she finally lifted her eyes to meet mine, "or it will be too late... for me." She giggled and held out her hand.

I took it, looking up at her and contemplating the possibilities of just pulling her back down on top of me. She was obviously as worked up as I was... maybe even more so; she probably wouldn't resist me even for a second if I did. Her eyes gazed back into mine, her mind seemingly thinking the same thing. But she'd just talked to her sister and obviously explained what I'd told her earlier. With a long drawn out breath, I pulled myself up instead; she was right, we needed to go now or we might not get there on time. Ellen was taking time off after her morning shift to meet us... to meet me... for a long lunch, and keeping a woman waiting wasn't a good way to start off a relationship, much less a marriage... even if it was only a fake one.

________

Ellen sat at her station, her foot bouncing nervously on the footrest of her styling chair as she stared at the clock on the wall. The minutes had seemed to stop entirely; even the seconds trudged by like time was on the verge of standing still. If they didn't get there soon, she was going to go crazy... yet the very idea of their arrival had her heart beating so hard, she could barely breathe.

How the hell had she gotten into this disaster? She had known her sister had a crush on Jeff when she agreed to the plan, but after hearing her talk about him on the phone, that girlish excitement in her voice as she explained how they were going to live with him, there was no doubt in Ellen's mind that her sister was completely in love with him now. She should have realised it earlier, her sexually prude sister actually agreeing to take a photo in her bra to send to this guy on Thursday night. Hell, the signs had been there for months now that she thought about it. Ever since Hayley had come home all excited from work two months ago and begged to go on a shopping spree together. She had bought sexy underwear and yoga pants!

Even still, it would have been easy enough to accept marrying her sister's new boyfriend if it were just a simple piece of paper. That had been the plan anyway; just go down to the courthouse and sign, then on to University to complete the required paperwork. Life goes on for everyone; simple as that.

Now things were changing... and once again, Ellen was wrapped up in the middle of her sister's relationship, a position she had sworn never to repeat. Hayley had taken so long to move on, to pick up the pieces of her heart after her fall out with her one time fiance, Joseph. Worse still, she had destroyed that relationship by getting caught fucking him. Ellen just couldn't ruin this for her... not again. But exactly how was she to prove to the world that she was supposedly in love with Jeff Computer-guy and not her older sister? She didn't even know his last name… her name to be!

Well, it was either go through with it or be seperated, probably forever from her only remaining family member. If they got caught it could mean a prison sentence for them both, according to her sister. Maybe going into the big wide world alone wasn't such a bad idea after all? Hayley could just marry Jeff herself and, after a few years, request her as a dependent like so many other families had done. Immediately she shook her head, knowing full well that wasn't a real possibility. Her sister was unconditional in her love for her; she'd follow Ellen anywhere and probably resent it. No… that just wasn't an option at all... and so Ellen couldn't even consider it for herself either.

So just how was she supposed to prove to the world that she loved this guy? She didn't even know how to love... not that mushy, tender love that Hayley was always going on about anyway. For Hayley, showing the world she was in love with a guy she'd never slept with was easy. After all, she'd fallen madly in love with her ex years before they were engaged to be married, saving her precious virginity for their wedding night and nearly losing her would-be husband in the process. She was always preaching to Ellen that sex should be an expression of love between two people, a result of that love. What the fuck!

Ellen had always been more realistic. She knew a girl could never love a guy until she knew if they were truly compatible. That's how she'd been in love the one and only time in her life. He was the right guy... at completely the wrong time, but no other man had ever compared to him, before or since. Still, it broke her heart every single time she had to look her sister in the eye afterward, swearing to herself that was the very last time.

Her sister's impending marriage had been saved before it even began, all thanks to Ellen stepping in her sister's place to keep her man around until the wedding night. Hayley had been so hung up on her own romantic fantasies that she was completely clueless about his wandering eye and manly needs. It was just sex after all... at the time, only a means to an end to keep her sister naively happy. She had never counted on him being so good, making her orgasm four and five mind-numbing times a night, soaking the sheets of her bed as she forcefully squirted all over his amazing cock every time they were together for the entire illicit three-year affair. No other man had ever come close to making her feel that way... or to making her completely explode like that. Hayley just didn't understand; that's how love was made in the real world... two compatible people creating it through amazing sex.

Crossing her legs and squeezing her thighs together, the memories of her illicit affair getting to her, Ellen looked around the salon at her friends who were going about their business, cutting hair, sweeping the floor, and just chatting about their pathetic problems amongst themselves. They didn't know what real problems were, not like she did.

"They should be here by now," she whispered to herself, annoyed at having to just wait, looking back toward the front door and finally down at her phone, pulling up the selfie of Jeff that her sister had sent her. Honestly, he seemed like a fairly decent guy... better than most the jerks she'd dated, both before and after Joseph. Besides, he was rich, successful, and had a big house and nice car according to Hayley's descriptions. Given all that... she could easily see herself being picked up by him at a nightclub... older guy or not. Sure he was a computer nerd; she just loved to tease Hayley about her nerdy tastes, but truth be told she could honestly see why Hayley was so attracted to him. Take away the glasses, scruff up the hair a little and get him a decent shirt... he could be handsome... and definitely fuckable if the size of his hands were any indication.

Ellen shook her head, trying to push those inappropriate thoughts straight out of her head. She couldn't even go there. He was Hayley's guy now and it didn't matter if he was going to be her fake husband or not, she was not going to hurt her sister again... even if Hayley never knew the full truth about her and Joseph. She thought they had only slept together the once - More like one hundred times! Over the years they were careful to keep their sex a secret. If only she hadn’t come home early to find me riding him. As interesting as Jeff might be… Ellen would not fuck him. It would devastate her sister. But… she would be married to him after all... maybe...

No... once more she shook her head, standing up quickly as if the chair had put the ideas into her mind. Her sister had said she'd have to kiss him in public due to the circumstances... and there would have to be some flirting or no one would believe them, especially anyone who knew just how flirtatious Ellen tended to be. She could start with that... maybe it'd be enough to convince the assholes in the office. The first test would be right there in the salon once they arrived though; proving their relationship to her friends, one of whom was needed as a witness on Thursday. Apparently, that had been Hayley's idea.

Suddenly the front door bell jingled, calling her attention from her thoughts as her sister walked through followed by a handsome, tall, guy with light brown hair and sexy blue eyes. He was dressed to the hilt with an exquisitely well-fit, gray, two-button suit, a plaid handkerchief adorning his left breast-pocket and a white-dotted navy-blue tie down his front held in place by a gorgeous gold tie-bar. His jacket was left open, her sister's touch she was sure, his light-blue button shirt fitting his slim masculine form perfectly. Ellen gasped, her mouth hanging open as she looked at him in utter disbelief. He looked sharp... and completely gorgeous! Even his glasses looked sexy on him, nothing nerdy about him but a distinguished gentleman look that made her downright weak in the knees.

"Damn, he's tall," Ellen visually absorbed the tower of a man she was soon to marry, her breathing labored and short. "And sexy as hell..." she mumbled to herself, her grin growing from ear to ear. He stood a whole head taller than her sister, commanding the room with a manly presence. At least, he was commanding her attention entirely.

So that's Jeff? She felt bad for teasing her sister about him; Hayley had every reason to be in love with this guy. Hell, Ellen could see herself totally falling for him... just one night in bed with a gorgeous man like that and she'd be smitten for life. Damn! Maybe this marriage business wasn't going to be so bad after all... or more likely, this was going to be a complete sexual hell. After all, her hormones were already going wild, a sensation of the like she'd only experienced one other time in her life. "Damn, karma is a fucking bitch!" she muttered into her hand that still covered her mouth.

Hayley looked at her, silently nodding toward Jeff. It was show time.

________

To say I felt out of place would be the understatement of the year. My pulse raced, my hands trembled and I just knew I was going to trip over my own two feet as we walked into the salon filled with gossiping women of all ages. Older ladies and even young girls; they were chattering and laughing amongst themselves, most loudly over the noise of hair dryers and each other. It was like a disjointed chorus, hairdressers and their clients alike joining in. Hayley had convinced me to wear a suit, the only one I owned that was usually reserved for Easter Sundays and business conventions. First impressions were everything she had said, though within moments of arriving, every eye in the place was suddenly turned and went silent. Everyone was gawking at me in my monkey suit like some extra-terrestrial wandering aimlessly into their private establishment.

Subconsciously I stepped closer to Hayley, hoping her presence would be explanation enough as to why I was there and perhaps even for the strange attire; at least it helped me feel a little less vulnerable, standing around the front with one hand in my pants pocket. The salon's chatter quickly started back up again, only now I was sure they were talking about me instead of whatever other gossip they had been bantering about. I only heard a few words so I couldn't be sure, but I did hear Hayley's name mentioned quite often, both from people in their own conversations and from several of the women who greeted her from their stations. Feeling their eyes digging into me, but understanding nothing of what they said, I scanned the room for the whole reason we were there, hoping to get this over with as quickly as possible. Hayley had already found her and I followed; she was walking up from the far corner, her full lips smiling, her eyes beaming brightly as she looked right at me. Her pretty face, and her large... assets were unmistakable from the picture... or from being Hayley's sister.

They were clearly sisters from how similar their facial structure was, the same button-like nose and plump, kissable lips. In fact, they could have been twins except for their eyes; Ellen's were a markedly lighter shade of blue. She was very nearly a slightly younger replica of the gorgeous woman I was in love with. Her skin was pale, almost white, maybe Hayley's was little darker from some extra time in the sun, but the more I looked at them as they grew close and started to talk, I could also see the differences.

Ellen's makeup was bolder, brighter lipstick and eyeshadow, more eye-catching, her lashes longer and darker while her earrings were larger, more gaudy. Ellen was just a little shorter than her sister as well, at least two inches... maybe three, her smaller height pronouncing her fuller breasts all the more. Her waist was a little smaller too... or her hips a little wider, not sure which, but either way creating more curves. Her fitted sleeveless white top showed off her bare belly-button that was pierced with a dangling silver chain while a peach-colored A-line mini competed for the attention to her sexy toned legs. Her hair was straight and blonde with highlighted silvery strands dusted throughout two platted, tight ponytails, long enough to still fall down beyond her shoulders and sway enticingly with each approaching step as they came to talk with me. So this was the woman I am supposed to marry? Damn!

"Good morning, Jeff," Ellen smiled, apprehensively putting her hand on my forearm, her long well-manicured fingernails sliding slowly along my sleeve. She hesitated, glancing quickly at the women nearest us; the stylist and her client both still noisily gossiping while watching our exchange like we were a soap opera unfolding before their eyes. Suddenly she slipped between Hayley and me, her ample breasts pressed into me at the base of my ribs as she put an arm around my waist, the other upon my chest under the chest-pocket of my jacket. She looked up at me, those big gorgeous pale blue eyes expectant and nervous. Wow, she sure was short... and amazingly sexy!

My head was spinning... my heart pounding so loud I could hear it in my ears as I forced a smile back at her. Hayley had briefed me on the way over about the plan at the salon; I just couldn't believe what they actually expected me to do... though it did make sense. After all, we needed one of those stylists to serve as a witness for our wedding later that week, so we had to start convincing people immediately. There wasn't time for a slow build-up.

I swallowed hard, losing any confidence I had the instant she touched me. I just knew that I didn't actually have the nerve to pull this off. "How..." my voice cracked and I quickly coughed to cover it up. "How are you, Ellen..." I had realised halfway through her name that I sounded more like I was reading a book out loud than in love with her and tried to compensate for it. "...baby," I added as an awkward afterthought.

She broke into a genuine ear-to-ear grin, her cheeks beaming as her eyes completely lit up. "Ellen-baby?" Damn, her accent was sexy, too! Different from Hayley's suaver voice... but just as sexy. "I like Ellen-baby... happy to see you... my lover." Our exchange caught a few more ears in the salon, each station in turn looking back to see what exactly was going on now that it had gotten interesting. I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her a bit closer, knowing full well what I had to do though my entire body was shaking as her warm body melded into me. She looked nervous too, chewing on her bottom lip like her sister often did, her eyes telling on her as she raised her hand up to my neck in anticipation of the show we were about to give.

The joyous chatter in the salon stopped again as they watched, all eyes on us as I bent over... way over since she was so much shorter... to kiss this sexy woman whom I had just met, my fiancée. Our lips grew closer and the chorus began in unison all around, women cheering in giggles, whoops and hollers like young schoolgirls on a playground as one of their own kissed the cute boy at school for the very first time. If they only knew the truth! It made both of us laugh nervously, our mouths only inches away as we hesitated a brief second to follow through until Ellen suddenly pulled me down into her with sheer brute force by my lapels.

I was totally out of my league with Ellen, the suave, slow, tender kisses I'd shared with Hayley being all I really had to go on in years. Though a few years younger her sister was a sexual temptress, though, clearly a skilled and passionate ball of fire. She guided our sliding and slipping lips with the simple motion of her head like an expert until I easily fell into my role. My stomach churned with nerves; I'd never had an audience before and I felt every eye on us, but more importantly, I knew Hayley was watching too. I'm sure my performance was rather lackluster, hardly convincing at all, but Ellen was a good enough actress for the both of us. She really controlled the whole thing, our tongues dancing to a heavenly waltz by her lead, her body meshing and pressing into mine as one of her hands reached around to squeeze my ass as if we'd been lovers for years.

"Okay... okay..." Hayley finally interjected before Ellen took things further, her leg starting to inch up mine as she really got into the spirit of making out with me. "Hey you're in a public place... get a room you two," she laughed forcibly, eyeing her sister as we separated. She shrugged her shoulders, giving some excuse or explanation to the cheering crowd that seemed to say "I just can't take them anywhere," holding her arms out like she had completely given up on us. All at once, several women started clamoring at Hayley and Ellen both, obviously asking a hundred questions, though not a single one did I understand. I did hear them both say my name a few times though.

"You're how old?" a short, elderly woman suddenly grabbed my arm, looking me over like I was a pure fraud, a con-man of hearts. "How did you make..." she pulled Ellen closer, her arm wrapped around her bare shoulders like a protective mother over a small, innocent child, "...my Ellen want to marry you? What did you do to her, tall man? What did you promise her?"

Completely bewildered, I had no idea how to reply, falling back a step from her verbal attack. Obviously we couldn't even mention the truth, but what exactly was I supposed to say? I could feel my breath growing short as I desperately searched for something, running my hand over my gel-styled hair.

Fortunately, I didn't have to respond. A dark-skinned woman with short curly hair and a few upper-arm tattoos responded to her instead, pushing her way into the group of women surrounding me. I just wish I understood what she said, especially when all the women started laughing as she nudged Ellen toward me, the latter quickly wrapping her arms around my waist as she blushed a deep red.

"You sweet talked her into your bedroom, I bet?" the woman turned to me, finally saying the first words I could follow. I also blushed, hesitantly putting my arm around Ellen as she hugged me closely. "I know what she likes. You're just her type. I think this," she grabbed my free hand, caressing it slowly in her fingers like a gypsy palm-reader, "played a part. Ellen likes the big, strong hands like these," she winked at me, met by a resounding chorus of giggles and laughter. Many of the women added their own comments like "very sexy!" and "I bet he's a stallion!" while Hayley tried her best to hide her laughter behind her hand.

Several minutes of this went on as the women slowly drifted back into their private conversations and continued with their beauty care. A few hugs from some of the staff and patrons went around as it appeared they were congratulating Ellen on the engagement, all the while glancing back at me. Sometimes I wasn't sure of their feelings. Some seemed to approve, as if I were a possession of social prestige to own like a fancy car or a big yacht, while to some I was a pharia, a thief seducing and stealing away their loved one. A cradle snatcher or worse, I couldn't really be sure.

Things finally settled down and I saw Hayley finish talking with a young woman off to the side; maybe a potential candidate to be the second witness, I presumed. She had been the one who called me 'sexy' so I liked her already. We headed for the door, Ellen walking arm in arm with me for good show while Hayley held onto my other arm, though not so intimately. With confidence in my stride, a lot more than when I had walked in, and perhaps a little touch of swagger in each step, I held my head high as we left the salon. The women of the salon called out behind me, "Bye, Jeff," and for the first time in my life, it sure felt good to be me!

________

Looking up longingly from the driveway toward the lit second-story window to where she knew Jeff's bedroom was, Hayley sighed heavily. It was getting quite late, the sun had already set, and the street lights had already been on for some time. She had been in no hurry to leave all afternoon even after spending so many hours working there during the week. Not only was it her job to take care of it, something she did with pride, but the house was already starting to feel more like home than her small duplex ever had. And Jeff, with his handsome presence, gentle heart, and warm, loving smile, just made it perfect.

She had stalled, using every excuse she could invent to hold off from leaving, hoping that perhaps he might invite her to stay the night. After all, she would be living there soon anyway, right? Why not start immediately? Hayley chuckled, knowing all too well it wasn't really fair to send her sister home to finish all the packing alone, but maybe they could have explored their newly developing relationship a little deeper... or perhaps a lot deeper... if she had stayed. After that sensual episode of kissing him in the kitchen earlier that day, and then seeing him dressed so finely, so smart and professional in that handsome suit, her body was simply yearning for his touch, begging for his attention. If her sister hadn't made a scene of needing help with packing, she was sure she'd be in his bed right now, doing...

No... it was for the best that she went home for now. Things were moving too fast and she knew she needed to calm down. The cool evening air was clearing her head and letting her think straight again. There was a lot of work to do and there wasn't much time to finish as they had all agreed during their lunch date that moving into his place would have to happen tomorrow; there was simply no other time more readily available before the wedding.

Besides, she hadn't taken birth-control in years and being alone with Jeff now, she knew there was no way she could trust herself. She wanted him, desired him, needed him... more than she'd ever wanted anyone before, even more than Joseph. Jeff was so sensual, so soft and loving in his touch, so sweet and attentive to her, like she was the absolute center of his world and she loved every minute of it. If he had decided to strip her clothes off right there in the kitchen that morning, she wouldn't have stopped him and gone right ahead and made mad, passionate love to him. Now she realised that was just being foolish, feeling like a highschooler with a crush. Being single and without a date for so long, Jeff didn't have any condoms in his drawers; she hadn't really intended on snooping, but since she was already doing his housekeeping, it was one of the things she'd noticed. And the possibility of getting pregnant by the man who was going to marry her sister, all while trying to convince the authorities that her sister's relationship was real, sounded like a crazy soap opera plot line. She couldn't be that irresponsible, but just thinking about it was getting her panties wet again already. This was what Ellen had alluded to in their arguments regarding her ex. Yes… she would need to see a doctor for a prescription to get on birth control fast! 

"So are we going, Hayley?" Ellen asked, leaning over and waving a hand in front of her sister's daydreaming eyes. "Maybe I should drive tonight."

Hayley sighed once more, subconsciously squeezing her thighs together. Turning to her sister, she gave her a forced smile as she started the car. "No, I'm fine," she insisted, backing the car out of the driveway. "Let's get home so we can pack; there's not much time."

"Well, you know... if you hadn't been taking your sweet time about leaving," Ellen laughed, shaking her head, "we'd be there and probably done already."

"You weren't exactly running out the front door, either, Ellen," Hayley raised her eyebrows at her sister curiously as she put the car in drive and headed out of the middle-class neighborhood. "So what... you finally realise that nerdy guys aren't that bad after all?" She couldn't help but chuckle, having noticed that look in her sister's eyes all afternoon. It was that same wanting look she always had when she really liked something, or someone.

Ellen covered her eyes with her hands, laughing hard and blushing terribly. "Ok... ok... I admit it," she shook her head. "You were totally right about him," she wiped a tear of laughter from her eye, looking back at her sister. "My God, Hayley... he's fucking amazing! Sexy as hell, especially in that suit... and since he's willing to go this far for us, he really seems like a great guy too." She couldn't stop smiling, her eyes lost in thought as she gazed back at Hayley. "How did you ever resist him for so long... and why the hell didn't you snag him?"

Unsure what to say, Hayley half-shrugged uneasily as she turned onto the main road. "I really didn't think he was all that into me, to be honest," she explained. "He was always so shy... never said anything to me about it, but..." she stopped at a red light, turning to her sister. "Well, remember that day we went shopping all around the mall a couple of months back... you remember, for the yoga pants?" Ellen nodded, "I had totally caught him staring at my butt earlier that day," Hayley giggled, "and I realised that I... I really wanted to keep him looking at me."

Ellen burst out laughing as they continued down the road. Hayley paused a moment, then added, as if staking her verbal claim on him, "Jeff loves to watch me, whether I'm vacuuming, washing dishes, mopping, anything really. Whenever he's with me at the house, he just can't seem to keep his eyes off me..." Was it really such an exaggeration? She had actually caught him often enough, after all... like that last Monday when she was vacuuming under the bed. "What's really cute is he tries to hide it," she tittered. "Sometimes I even wiggle my butt at him on purpose."

"You're so bad..." Ellen nudged her sister's arm. "but I bet he enjoys that! You have a great ass!" she laughed heartily before adding, "Almost as nice as mine!" Hayley rolled her eyes at her sister's boast, but didn't respond with more than a laugh as she turned the car into their neighborhood on the older, lower-class eastern side of town. She knew it was true, though. Ellen had always beat her in everything. Bigger bust, better curves, a prettier face, a nicer butt, and she wasn't nearly as shy about flaunting it either. She had the guys just falling at her feet for years.

"So did it work?" Ellen broke the short silence of her silly jealous thoughts. "Are you two a thing now?" Then to emphasize her meaning, she leaned close into Hayley's shoulder, trying not to laugh, "Did you finally get laid last night?"

She didn't answer at first, twisting her lips back and forth. She was unsure what to confess exactly as they neared the duplex; she wanted to convince her sister that Jeff was completely hers, but had Jeff ever actually said they were together? Well, he'd showed his interest in her body for sure, but was it just that? Perhaps that was the only reason why he had gone along with this whole crazy plan to begin with. "Oh, we're definitely a couple," she nodded with a little extra enthusiasm, more to calm her own doubt than that of her sister as she shut the car off in their driveway. "The way he looks at me... How he touches me... The way he kisses me... He drives me completely crazy!" She grabbed her sister's hand and brought it up over her bosom to her heart. "See how my heart races just thinking about him?"

"I'm so happy for you, Hayley," Ellen used her hand on her sister to pull her into a hug. "You deserve him, and you deserve to be happy." It was true, and about time she had someone in her life. Letting go, she quickly gathered her things, opening the car door to head into their shared unit before stopping to say, "I have to admit it's just a shame, though."

"A shame for what exactly?" Hayley raised her head from gathering her own things as well, suddenly alarmed.

"That I get to marry him," Ellen said smugly like she had stolen Jeff from her. Hayley felt a little upset, but then she saw the teasing look on her sister's face. Ellen was already headed toward the front door as she turned around, walking backwards and giggling. "And that he doesn't have a twin brother!"

________

Hayley leaned her head back as she relaxed in the tiny tub of her apartment around midnight. Ellen had already gone to bed exhausted, but Hayley decided she needed to have some time to herself. She tucked her hair in a loose bun and just let the warm water caress her tired flesh; doing its job of massaging out all her small aches and pains from her almost frantic packing spree that lasted several hours. It hadn't really taken long to finish given their small living space and meager possessions, not to mention they had already been packing for weeks in preparation of finding a new place when the lease ran out. Jeff's request that they live at his house couldn't have come at a better time.

Before she worked for Jeff, she made barely enough to pay for her food and rent, and after the devastating end to her relationship with Joseph things were hard. She forgave Ellen, of course, and she moved into her small apartment with just a small suitcase. Ellen had moved in with her three months later, but even then there was only so much stuff you could squeeze into such a small space in that much time. Now that the chores were done, she was free to just relax in the water... and think about Jeff.

Unconsciously at first, she let her hands roam over her lithe, supple body, letting the hot water work its magic on her. Gentle waves created from her breathing splashed upon her breasts, the soothing water coursing down her skin in tiny streams, caressing suavely along its way. It collected over her perky, feminine curves, the larger droplets leisurely dripping off the ends of her prominent, brown nipples which gradually hardened with each pass of her hand.

Her thoughts had returned to that morning, replaying like a steamy movie in her mind as she closed her eyes, picturing Jeff's sexy, bare chest before her. She heard his teasing words about touching her nipples if she didn't stop her playful torturing of him. Her fingers slowly encircled one erect nipple, then the other, both tightening in arousal and causing a pleasurable tremble to shiver through her body. Her thighs tensed together, aching to feel his touch again. Oh, if only she could feel his soft, big hands at that very moment.

Her palms cupped each breast in turn, recalling his sensual touch and trying to forget that her own small hands were not in fact his. Eyes still closed, she rolled her hard nipple around just as Jeff had done. "Oh... Jeff," she cooed and inhaled deeply, thrusting her chest out while pressing her sensitive flesh deep into her palms, letting herself go as she shook with passionate craving.

Opening her eyes, she looked down over her wet breasts, wondering what Jeff would think of her the first time he saw her naked. It was going to happen soon, the only question was when. She knew he liked to watch her as she worked; he was definitely a visual guy given the evidence of that maid website she'd found. Would he like her better, though? And would she still interest him when there was nothing left to the imagination? Were her breasts big enough for his likes... or perhaps her nipples were too long for his tastes? She had always been a bit self-conscious about them, though her nipples were her favourite part of her body, even if they did often become embarrassing when she didn't wear a thick enough bra.

With her thumb and index fingers encircling each areola, a bit swollen and puffy by her arousal, she gently squeezed, pinching her nipples at their thick base. Fully taut and erect, they were as long as her finger was wide, the gentle nipping pressure felt so good as it sent out blissful waves of pleasure through her whole body. Her eyes rolled back as she let her hands go, rhythmically pulling them up and out, just far enough to cause a hint of tender pain. Then she switched to slowly rolling and twisting them between her fingers before releasing again, allowing the breasts to bounce back to their naturally perky, conical shape.

If only Jeff were there at that moment, she longed to feel his lips suckling her breast, his tongue teasing at her nips; she was already feeling so good that she'd likely orgasm right now if he did it just right. To her, breast suckling was intensely sensual, and if he was half as good at that as he was with his kisses... She once fooled around with Joseph and he had made her cum by just sucking her tits, although he usually paid very little attention to her breasts, often complaining of their smaller size. Jeff seemed different though, claiming to actually dream of seeing her petite, bare chest like she was truly special, and he got all flustered just upon seeing her in a bra. He had really seemed to enjoy touching and caressing her, too, as though he were more interested in giving her pleasure than receiving his own which was a big and welcome change to what she was used to.

Her eyes evaluated her whole body once more. Would he still think her beautiful after seeing everything, or was she simply not enough? Would her allure remain even when he knew her intimately, or was it perhaps the thrill of adventure and conquest that drove him? Her legs parted under the water, the short, coarse, black hairs of her womanly muff churning in the water's movement, catching her eye as it hid most of her womanhood from view. She usually kept it trimmed and given that soon Jeff would be seeing her there, it was definitely time for another trim.

After the water cooled, she stood up and got out of the tub, drying her body off but leaving her pubic hair damp. Joseph always complained about her bush when they shared intimate moments. It was one of the reasons why she wasn’t ready to fuck him; he never seemed to really appreciate her body. She didn’t realise at the time that he preferred Ellen’s bare vulva. She didn’t realise that she had pushed him away and into the arms of her sister… between the legs of her sister. This time it would be different. She really wanted to make a good first impression on Jeff, and she didn't want to disappoint him. Given the circumstances, she was also competing with those ‘maids’ on the internet as well as her own sister for his attention, at least on some level. Sure, she was the only one he would be kissing and touching, but it wouldn't hurt to make sure he was satisfied enough not to stray. Even if he was getting married to someone else, it was for her sake he was even going through with this after all.

But what exactly did he like, sexually speaking? Should she trim it or just shave it off completely? While searching out the shaving cream, a couple of brand new razors and some scissors, her mind went over the one thing she felt confident would keep his attention. The girls on his website had all been shaved bare, at least all the ones she'd seen. Though she'd never considered doing it before watching that first video, the idea really appealed to her. Was that what he liked? Would that make him enjoy the view of her even more seeing her on hands and knees, her legs spread open while pretending to clean the floor as he got an eyeful of her bare, vulnerable, wet pussy, shaved clean and smooth? She shuddered, inhaling with nervous excitement at the thought of actually playing out that fantasy with him.

She spread out two towels; one on the edge of the tub, the other on the floor beneath her. Though she was focused and determined, her hands trembled at the thought of actually shaving... down there... completely bald. Would she look as sexy as those girls on the website, at least to Jeff's eyes? Would she look ridiculous when it was done, like some prepubescent child perhaps? She pushed the idea from her mind, focusing solely on the task at hand. If he watched those videos, it had to be that he liked that look and, besides, it would grow back on its own if he didn't.

Using the scissors, she trimmed as close as she dared get to her intimate skin, holding her breath at moments to keep from shaking her hands. An ample covering of cream and a few meticulously slow sweeps of the razor had the remaining short hairs completely disappearing. Strips of bare skin came into view with each careful pass along the grain. It was the strangest sensation seeing her vulva completely exposed, bare as the day she was born, but it felt oddly sexy, too. Her hand caressed along the skin, but it wasn't nearly as smooth as it first appeared so she applied a second covering of cream and used a fresh razor, this time going against the grain and carefully scraping every small nook of her delicate feminine folds.

Finally she finished and applied a bit of aloe vera, marveling in the new feeling of her own sexy smoothness and the heightened sensitivity at even her own touch. "I did it..." she exhaled deeply, a tremble flowing through her as her cool, cream-covered fingers inspected the completed job. "Just for you, Jeff."

She hadn't planned on anything more, but each slow pass of her fingers along her freshly shaved skin felt like pure heaven, shooting a warmth through her body that she simply couldn't stop, especially after being so worked up throughout the day with Jeff. Circling her mound, she inched ever closer to her still moist slit, closing her eyes and tilting her head back. She gasped as her middle finger finally slid right down the middle, applying a little pressure and just barely parting her tight lips. Curling the finger ever so slightly, she moved torturously slow on the way back up, sliding between the sensitive, wet folds and stopping just before she reached her swelling clit.

"Mmmm," she moaned slightly and leaned her free hand against the wall behind her. With the added support she lifted one leg up to open wider, her hips shifting to meet her touch more directly. "Ohh... Jeff," she whimpered between short breaths, her mouth opening a little more as her index finger joined the self-pleasure, slipping through the crevice of her womanly folds. Both fingers cradling her pearl on either side as they curled down deeper now, barely brushing against the entrance to her wet vaginal opening, her hips rocking forward instinctively pushing them just inside before pulling them back up to provide more direct pressure on her sensitive button.

The orgasmic sensations were just building up and she was sure she was going to cum in just a few more moments right as a knock at the door took her by surprise. "Hayley?" her sister's voice called out, freezing her in a moment of panic until she remembered she had locked it. "I need to use the bathroom, Hayley!"

"Sorry!" she half-shouted, half-whispered as she jumped from the tub and frantically tried to cover up what she'd done. She wiped the fallen hairs from the towel into the little covered trash can along with the razors, tossing the other items haphazardly under the sink. She then wrapped herself in the towel she had been sitting on and finally opened the door. "Sorry," she smiled, stepping aside for her sister, trying really hard not to blush and give herself away. "I fell asleep in the tub." Ellen chuckled and shook her head, preparing herself to use the toilet which Hayley took as her cue to leave, closing the door behind her and quietly dashing to the privacy of her room.

Feeling like a teenager with a crush, she locked her door and tossing the towel aside, then found her phone and flopped back onto the bed. The heart-pounding excitement and terror of almost getting caught, along with a sense of daring freedom in her freshly shaved nudity, she pulled up the photo of Jeff on her phone and resumed what she had left unfinished in the bathroom. Her hand slid softly down her parted thighs, brushing her fingertips along the tender skin, trying to imagine it was his hand instead. She gazed into his eyes from the picture, and an interesting idea came over her just as her finger once more found her slick, wet folds. The idea made her nervous and excited; a little surprised by the very boldness of it, but just the thought was making her wetter by the second. She just had to hear his voice.

"Jeff? You are awake?" she typed slowly with one hand, the other still sliding two fingers in a 'v' to either side of her clit. "Maybe I could call you?" She laid the phone aside and leaned her head back on her pillow, pushing up with her legs to roll her hips along to the movement of her hand. "Jeff..." she whispered, her free hand grabbing her breast and squeezing it just enough.

The phone suddenly started its ringtone, a song she had chosen a few weeks back just for Jeff's number. Relaxing back into the bed, she couldn't stop smiling as she thought of those sweet, sensual kisses they'd shared... her wish had come true and so much more wonderful than she'd ever dreamed possible. "Hi, Jeff," her voice held all the excitement of her heart.

"Hey, Hayley..." he sounded really excited, too, "...my angel. I was just thinking of you." She squeezed her thighs together, loving the sound of his accent that she found so sexy. He was thinking of her in the same way at the same time? Was he maybe doing the same thing? Had he been looking at her picture? Was he just as naked as she was, his penis standing up, rock hard in his slowly stroking hand, laying back on his bed as he talked to her? She could just feel her pussy tingling, the thought driving her crazy.

"I am thinking of you, too," she tried to sound a little extra sweet to offset just how already worked up she was as she continued to slowly caress her clit with her free hand. If she didn't go slowly she was sure she would cum too quickly. "I was reminiscing… our time together in the kitchen this morning… your lips on mine… I’ve been thinking of you a lot tonight." Her fingers slid further down, dipping between her inner folds, pressing into her velvety entrance as she bit her lower lip to keep the sudden inhale quiet. "I wish my sister hadn't called."

He chuckled, sounding nervous on his end. "I've been uhm... remembering those kisses quite a lot, too, actually." He sighed heavily. "I can't wait to kiss you again. Too bad you couldn't stay a little longer today... or maybe all night."

Her toes curling, her body squirming, her middle finger slid inside her up to the first knuckle, forcing her eyes closed from the intense pleasure. Her head strained back onto the pillow while she held the phone pressed painfully tight to her ear. "Oh, Jeff... you should have said something," her voice was low and raspy, exhaling just loud enough that he heard. "I didn’t want to leave at all," she whispered. Her finger slipped back out of her slit, now thoroughly soaked and slippery, and returned to gently circling all around her very hard nub. She cocked up her shoulder and leaned the phone between it and her ear while straining to spread her thighs open as wide as she could. With her free second hand she pulled her womanly skin tight, receding the hood to fully uncover her clit as she rubbed it back and forth with her wet finger, harder now with her quickly building desperation.

"I wanted to ask you," he whispered back in a deep, sultry voice. "...but your sister… I know you had to pack," he paused, inhaling like he was nervous... really nervous. "Truth is, Hayley... I always want you around me... I’ve felt like that for months now. Every moment of the day I'd have you with me if I could be that selfish."

His words were so sweet and deep, her heart was literally melting, tears of joy swelling in her eyes. So maybe it wasn't just her body he wanted. Maybe he...? Oh... why did she leave his house? She could be in his loving arms right now... naked and on the verge as she was... making sweet love to him all night long. "I want always to be..." she inhaled sharply, her hips jerking involuntarily as her fingers constantly rubbed her clit with ever increasing speed, over the top and then around the sides, back to the top. "...around you, Jeff. Always… when I can… when it’s appropriate." It was becoming really difficult to concentrate on speaking, but his sexy voice... his sweet words, his presence on the phone with her was quickly sending her over the edge.

"Are you okay?" he sounded worried and she blushed, realising he had heard her reaction. She knew she should stop; she was playing on dangerous ground and he'd probably hear more if she didn't. It was already all she could do to keep from breathing deeply into the phone, panting as she quickly approached that point of no return. Part of her wanted him to know, as embarrassing as that would be. She wanted him to know just how she felt about him, that she was touching herself, thinking of him... fantasising about making love with him.

"I'm fine," she exhaled, her breathing extremely labored. She held her breath long enough to get it under control a little so she could speak. "Just... I am uhm... very excited to think of us… together… to kiss you... to imagine you touching me again." Every few seconds her body was jerking, stomach contracting, hips jumping, and eyes clenching shut as small waves coursed through her body. She was so close now it was almost painful. "I wish you were here right now," she whispered, her mind slipping off into that delirious state as her body started losing control.

"Hayley... I uhm..." his voice sounded shaky, nervous, but yet still so sexy. "I just... I want to tell you..." he was so adorable, swallowing hard, having difficulty to say whatever it was he wanted her to know; she just really hoped he said it soon, before... "Hayley, my angel... I'm completely in love with you."

She inhaled deeply as her entire body just exploded upon hearing those wonderful words of his, electricity pulsing through her very core, flowing out from her pussy and spreading outward to every finger and toe at the speed of light. Her thighs clenched shut while her stomach muscles contracted, curling her up into a ball. Then she spasmed back and her hips jumped off the bed, pushing higher into the air. Her toes curled as her thighs squeezed tightly around her hand, pressing it onto her vagina and rapidly drenching her fingers. Her mouth wrenched open in heavenly agony, squealing out a powerful mix of pure ecstasy and loving delight.

The room was spinning... or was that just her head? Everything was sideways and she felt like at any moment she was going to fall from her bed. It was probably one of the most intense orgasms she'd ever experienced in her life and she was still riding it out when she heard Jeff's voice, distant from the phone that had slid away from her thrashing. "Hayley? Are you okay? What happened? Did I... maybe I shouldn't have told you that... I'm so sorry... I’ve ruined everything." He was worried... just how sweet and adorable could he possibly be?

Trying to steady her hand and make it work she snatched it back up and brought it to her ear. "No..." she whimpered, trying to speak but no other words would come to her. She was crying in pure happiness, her heart beating wildly in euphoria, her body shaking from her orgasm. He was actually in love with her... it was real! Oh, fucking hell, it was all real! "Oh, Jeff... I love you, too..." She was breathing hard, trying to focus on the world coming back to her. "I always did… I always will. I am uhm..." what could she possibly say about her reaction? He had just given her the biggest orgasm of her life when he had told her that? "I was just so excited to hear those words," she panted heavily, "because... I’ve fallen in love with you," she laughed and cried into the phone at the same time.

He chuckled, the sound of pure relief from his end. "I love you, too, angel. I believe that I started falling for you the day we met and that's the God's honest truth; I can't wait to see you tomorrow morning."

"Awww," her smile was so wide it hurt as she nodded like he could actually see her. "I can't wait for that, too." It was the most amazing feeling to finally know that her love was not in vain. "Tomorrow night, I will be with you... at your house, with or without your fiancés consent. I will be with you always." If she had any say in the matter, tomorrow they would be together and every single day afterward for the rest of her life. Tomorrow, she was going to make sure he was well prepared, too. Inappropriate or not. "In fact, I am going to sleep now... so I can see you faster," she giggled, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "Goodnight, Jeff... my love."

"Okay... sweet dreams, my angel," he said and then the line clicked off. She continued to hold the phone, not even bother plugging it in, just held it to her heaving bosom as it was an extension of him as she drifted off to sleep.

________

The middle-class houses of the northwest side of town slowly disappeared behind me; the older, deteriorated homes, duplexes and businesses of the older eastern side gradually taking their place. Soon metal bars appeared on the windows and graffiti painted the walls with murals of modern artwork proclaiming undying love or scandalous slander to unknown recipients in the area. There was even a giant phone number, impossible to miss, advertising blowjobs with a huge, cartoon phallus that made me blush upon seeing it.

My stomach was in knots as my GPS guided me closer to her place, clearly due to being overly anxious to see Hayley again. I couldn't wait to hold her once more in my arms; to kiss her as passionately as I had the day before. For hours up until the phone call she had requested and even several hours afterward, I had been looking at her picture on my phone, admiring her gorgeous smile and trying to comprehend just how such a beautiful woman could possibly be in love with me. For a brief moment, I had pulled up the maid website as well, but it no longer held as much interest. They paled in comparison to her, and she was all I could think about; all I truly desired was Hayley, my pink haired angel.

Well, mostly all I could think of was her. I refused to admit it, even to myself, but my eyes often ventured to look at Ellen in the picture as well, those gorgeous blue eyes, those succulent, kissable lips and those seductive pert breasts. Hayley was absolutely gorgeous, the girl of my dreams, but Ellen was just downright sexy! A base part of me... that part I simply refused to acknowledge in my conscious mind... was just as excited to see her that morning as I was her older sister. I rationolised in my head that this was right - afterall she was my fiancé, it was right that I should be attracted to her.

The GPS beeped indicating that I had reached my destination as I pulled up in front of an old duplex, "So this must be the place?" I muttered to myself as I looked at the decrepit building, unbelieving that anyone would even live here. The driveway was so broken it looked more like gravel than concrete. The windows looked rotten and the door looked like it had been busted into on more than one occasion. The grass didn't appear to have been cut in weeks leaving tall weeds, thistles, and wild flowers growing up along the calamitous structure.

Hesitantly, I walked to the front door, only trusting that I was actually in the right place from recognizing her clunker of a car in the driveway. My heart ached seeing the conditions that these two beautiful women had been living in. I knew they didn't have much money; two adults trying to live on the money I was paying Hayley must be tough, even with whatever Ellen brought in from her part-time hours at the salon. Still, if I had known for all these months they had been living like this... I shook my head.

It was only the extreme circumstances that had brought us together. Two overly-shy people, falling for each other and too nervous to say a word of it, forced into finally confessing out of pure necessity. Well, I wasn't exactly forced but still, I never would have told her without... I shuddered to think how long it might have taken us to finally get together, if ever, had Ellen not been in such dire need.

"It’s Jeff!" Ellen's voice sang through the small unit when I knocked, "Hurry up!" I had the impression that my presence had just been announced, especially when I heard Hayley's high-pitched excitement calling in return. Absolutely nothing could have wiped the huge grin off my face at that precise moment; such a gorgeous woman actually excited to see me... in fact, both sisters sounded excited that I was there.

Moments later, Ellen opened the door, smiling brightly at me as she stepped aside to invite me in. "Good morning, Jeff," I looked down to her short height, smiling to answer back, but my mouth forgot how to work as my jaw dropped to the floor. Her bright pink spaghetti-strap top greeted me with a perfect view from my height down her deep, feminine valley with more sexy cleavage than I'd ever seen in real life so close before me. I must have stared for a few seconds, noticeably long enough for her to notice, too. "Ellen", she said with a giggle pointing to her face.

"Ellen..." I guiltily cleared my throat, snapping my eyes back up to hers with embarrassment, "Good morning!." She chuckled, her lips pursed mischievously as her cheeks beamed radiantly with a knowing look in her eyes that I was so busted. The strange thing was, she didn't seem to mind, the grin on her lips spreading wide as if I had just given her quite the compliment. Reaching up with her hand, she pulled me down to her and gave me one of those cheek-kisses. I had first experienced them with Hayley, a custom that I was really beginning to enjoy as she pressed her lightly-clothed breasts hard against my chest from the awkward angle.

Hayley came around the corner just as we parted, wearing a black pair of those sexy, tight yoga pants she so often did while cleaning my house and a similar light-gray spaghetti-strap top, though hers wasn't as tight, nor did it show nearly as much cleavage as her sister's. Still, she was gorgeous and as sexy as ever baring her shoulders with her hair pulled back in a high plaited ponytail. It was my favorite look on her, the typical working outfit she would wear these last couple of months. Still, somehow now she just looked even more amazing to me than ever. It had to be how wide her smile was and how her cheeks almost glowed as she looked at me.

"Hi, Jeff..." she sauntered toward me, raising her arms toward my shoulders, "mi amor." She reached her head up to kiss me as if that had been our ritual every time we'd seen each other, as if we'd always been in love. After my revelation of feelings the prior night I expected to be nervous around her, or her around me, but there was no hesitancy or question about it on either side. It came completely naturally for us as she turned her head, our lips embracing while my hands fell to her waist. Her tongue slipped into my mouth, playing with mine as her body meshed ever closer to me. She trembled in my arms and my need to hold her close to me grew. And I could feel it in her as well, a desperation to feel my touch... to feel my love.

By the time we parted, Ellen had disappeared, obviously giving us some privacy given the sound of rummaging boxes coming from the other room. "So what's the plan for today?" I asked, still holding her in my arms, her hands resting on my chest as she gazed up at me.

"The plan?" she raised her eyebrows innocently. Her eyes sparkled as she gazed into mine, her cheeks glowing with pure joy. "You mean, I can’t just kiss you right here all day?" I laughed as she stuck out her bottom lip, batting her eyes sweetly with an adorable pout. I felt like I would cross oceans and mountains just to give her anything she asked at that moment, but all I could do was give a goofy grin in return.

She sighed heavily and turned around to look at the upheaved room, boxes piled in all the corners. She turned in my arms and started directing me to take a few of them out to my SUV so I let her go to get started, figuring we definitely had a good bit of work ahead of us. But before I could move to grab the first box she grabbed my wrist, pulling my arm around her waist again, pressing my body into hers from behind. She must have suddenly felt my hardness pushing between her cheeks; I sure did! Quickly looking back over her shoulder at me, blushing and giggling, her ass wiggling against me. "I see you are happy to see me too."

Embarrassed that I had probably started to get hard gazing at her sister, I tried to pull away but she wouldn't let me, grabbing to hold my arms tightly around her. "You can’t leave yet," she continued her giggle, leaning her head back on my chest, "I like this too much." I knew we had to get to work, but she was being so adorably stubborn and I was getting really turned on.

Two could play at that game I figured, and she wouldn't stop me based on my experience the day before, so I forced my hands up her body toward her breasts. Her grip on them wouldn't let me go, laughing and giggling as she playfully resisted me. I tried tickling her and wiggling out of her grip when suddenly I switched directions on her, pushing down and catching her completely off-guard. One hand broke free and slid downward between her legs, making her inhale deeply and her body tensed up immediately as her head threw back against my shoulder.

"Oh..." she whimpered, shaking her head frantically, "no, no, no..." she tried to pull my hand away and finding herself unable to, finally squirmed out of my grip to look at me at arm's length. I started to apologise profusely as I realised I'd crossed the line and claim that we were only playing, afraid that she was turning angry at me. But she was blushing and still smiling as she laughed, her thighs held together tightly as her hands covered her crotch. "You shouldn’t start that now," she bit her bottom lip as she shook her head. "I wouldn’t be able to stop myself and we would never get the work done... Oh, and your fiancés is in the next room."

My eyebrows raised curiously, "So... that's the only reason you stopped me?" I chuckled nervously and somehow she blushed an even deeper shade of red in reply. Staring me in the eye, she brought a finger to her lips, the tip held between her teeth as she slowly nodded. God... she could be so insanely sexy!

Her eyes were similarly roaming up and down my body, her smile growing ever bigger and she started to giggle like she was really embarrassed. "Did you… did you buy uhm..." still nibbling on her finger and now twisting her shoulders back and forth, her other hand gave short, rapid points of her index finger toward my lower body like an endearing child shyly asking for a cookie, "...rubbers." She giggled again, her cheeks going red.

"Rubbers?" I repeated, my puzzlement showing. Then she pantomimed two fingers up and made a ring over them with the fingers of her other hand, then moved them down and suddenly she made perfect sense. "Condoms! You mean condoms?" I chuckled, a bit embarrassed at saying it aloud and yet even more excited that she was the one actually bringing it up. "For when we..." I pointed my finger back and forth between the thumb and forefinger of my other hand and she smiled from ear-to-ear in her own embarrassment, nodding slowly once more.

I should have thought of that, but was so excited by the sheer concept of falling in love that the physical reality of it never crossed my mind. We were both quiet for a moment, letting the reality sink in. She was still twisting her shoulders back and forth, turning her head to the side like she was contemplating saying something until it seemed she had come to a conclusion. Approaching me, she laid her hand on my chest once more and pushed up on her tiptoes, bringing her hand to her mouth up to my ear. "I am not on the pill and Ellen has the bed… for when we move to your house today," she whispered softly. Resting back on her heels, her eyes gazing up at me, batting adorably with her pouting lip returning. "I hope you don’t make me sleep on your couch." As of that moment, if there had ever been a doubt of my love for her in my heart, my need for her, or my pure desire... it was completely gone now. Like a fish in the sea, I was totally caught hook, line, and sinker!

________

The move would take a few trips but, apparently, it had been Ellen's suggestion for Hayley to stay behind at my house... our house, after the first load of boxes and suitcases had been dropped off. She knew the house better than anyone and one of us needed to prepare the extra bedroom for the arrival of the single bed and begin putting things away. Hayley protested in a stubborn discussion with her sister that went too fast to follow, but in the end, she reluctantly agreed that it made sense. We only needed my SUV to bring the rest of their stuff back and Ellen could help me with lifting the bed.

Just as I was about to head down the stairs, Ellen just ahead walking to the front door, Hayley caught hold of my hand and turned me toward her. "Jeff..." she looked up at me, her eyes showing a bit of anxiety. She went to say something a couple of times, her eyes darting toward her sister and then back at me. Finally, she held back whatever it was and just gave me a sweet smile, putting her hand on my cheek. "I love you... but be careful." I returned with a gentle kiss on her lips, one that she prolonged, both her hands caressing my cheeks until Ellen finally grabbed my hand from behind, laughing and pulling me down the stairs.

She tapped her wrist insistently before adding what sounded like a whispered war of words with her sister, then opened the front door. Hayley waved from the top of the steps as we headed out the door. So that's what it's like to have a woman kiss me goodbye when I'm off to work in the morning? If it was anything like that, I could get used to it real quick!

Getting in the front seat, Ellen put on her seatbelt and leaned on the armrest toward me, smiling warmly... I'd say almost flirtatiously given how the seatbelt pressed against her bosom, making the tightness of her pink top even more pronounced. For my part, though I had just left behind the woman I love in my house, I couldn't exactly stop my male hormones from taking in my passenger's busty display only inches away from me. She leaned over toward me, either clueless of her effect on me or she was just a big tease, and I was starting to suspect it was the latter. "Let’s go fast!" she pointed at the road with a hearty laugh that caused those strained chest pillows to bounce so heavenly, then sat back straight in her seat and adjusting her neckline in a fruitless attempt to cover herself.

The first half of the trip back over to the duplex was quiet... actually awkward between us. We shared a lot of smiles and Ellen would look at me occasionally like she wanted to say something, but then she'd just start giggling again. I knew she was younger, almost too young but she had a confidence beyond any of us. Her energy was contagious. Without sharing a word she was making me laugh with her. I wanted to talk with her, to get to know this mysterious, beautiful woman who I was supposed to marry soon, but I wasn't sure just how she'd understand. "So, Ellen, how long have you been doing hair?" I turned toward her when a red-light stopped me on the east side of town, deciding to give it a shot.

"Hair?" she raised her eyebrows curiously, her hands stroking the silvery-pink strands beside her neck. "You like... my hair?"

A bit flustered by the misunderstanding I decided to go along with it. As long as we were communicating about something, it was better than nothing. We would be found out for sure if we didn't start learning some way of talking together soon. "Well... actually, yes. I do like your hair. It's blonde and beautiful..."

Her lips grew in a huge smile at the mention of the last word which I guess she understood. "Thank you, Jeff," she interrupted before I could continue, leaning on the armrest again, her chin resting on her hand. "I think... you’re... beautiful," she laughed, distracting me entirely with her jiggling, womanly sexiness, a golden cross around her neck swinging back and forth like a tantalizing pendulum across the base of her firm breasts. "Sorry... I always do Hayley’s hair for her Instagram followers. It is harder to do your own. I thought you might prefer hers," she continued laughing, her cheeks blushing in embarrassment. Only when the car behind me blew its horn did I finally look away, realising the light had already turned green.

"You do amazing work. Hayley’s hair always looks perfect and… so pink!” I chuckled, embarrassed.

“Thanks, you’re too kind. She likes it, but I know men prefer blondes,” She looked at me with her pale blue eyes through her eyelashes, holding her stare for far too long.

“Then I’m privileged to be sharing the ride with a real blonde.” I laughed, trying to break the tension.

“How do you know I’m a real blonde?” Ellen teased.

“I… err… don’t…” I said nervously.

“Would you like to find out?” She smiled a crooked smile and I suddenly couldn’t tell if she was joking or not. “I’m sorry Jeff, I don’t mean to be such a tease.”

“You don’t need to apologise, Ellen. It’s my fault,” I tried to concentrate on the road, “I just wanted to make small talk and you have a pretty voice." That was an understatement; her voice was just plain hypnotic, but I didn't expect her to understand my compliment anyway. Immediately my thoughts returned to Hayley left behind in the house, a bit of guilt on my conscience at finding myself so attracted to her sister. Did that mean I wasn't actually in love with her as much as I thought I was? Was I just the worst man ever because of it?

I glanced back at Ellen who was now sitting upright in her chair again, one bare leg bent so her foot rested on the edge of her seat as she looked out the window at the passing buildings. No... any man with a pulse couldn't help but be attracted to her. I couldn't be blamed for that, and it didn't change how I felt for Hayley either. Besides, Ellen and I had to eventually pretend to the world that we were a real couple and in love, and the fact that she was damn sexy as hell would definitely help.

It was already late afternoon when we finally arrived back at the duplex. I started backing into the driveway and I saw Ellen twist around towards me to watch where I was going as well. What she didn't see was her shirt pulling tighter across her chest, the material sliding down a little further on one side. Little indentions of her nipples had formed in the thinly stretched material. I was floored until suddenly I heard the scraping noise of a bush on the metal exterior of my SUV. I cursed and quickly threw the SUV into drive again.

What was wrong with me? I had a gorgeous woman back at home who was anxiously awaiting my arrival... she had even said she wanted to make love and sleep in my bed with me tonight! Why couldn't I keep control of myself around her sister? They were just breasts, for crying out loud! Every woman had them and I'd seen enough in porn. I glanced back at her while she unbuckled her seatbelt as though to convince myself they were no big deal. Okay, so maybe they were more... well, more than most women had, I conceded, shrugging as I opened the door.

Chastising myself while checking the scratches from the bush, it dawned on me what my real problem was. I just needed to have sex, plain and simple. It had been too long since I had been with a real woman and internet porn only goes so far; surely my body was just reacting naturally. What was it now, five years... ten since Melanie had broken my heart in college? She wasn't even very exciting in bed compared to the stories I'd read online, but still, she was my one and only sexual experience so far.

So it was no wonder my focus was so easily swayed by Ellen at the moment; once Hayley and I were together the first time... physically and emotionally intimate with each other in pure love making... that would calm my hormones down, right? Until then, I'd just have to try to ignore Ellen... and those gorgeous toned legs as I stared at her walking away from me... and that sexy, peachy ass being hugged by tight, little shorts which followed every succulent curve as she climbed the steps to her front door. Dammit! My erection throbbed in my jeans as I watched her walk. Damn... I needed to buy those condoms on the way home!

For about fifteen minutes I was able to focus entirely on the task at hand, my erection subsiding as my mind went about working. That and only seeing her as the two of us passed each other while taking boxes out to my SUV. Soon enough, though I'm not sure if it was my subconscious intention or not, I found myself arriving just as Ellen was bending over into the back, stretching to set the boxes on top of each other. Her gorgeous ass stuck out like a model of feminine perfection, her tight shorts raising on her cheeks, exposing the bottoms of her sweet flesh as she struggled with the boxes within. All I could do was wait until she finished... watching her move like a dumbfounded idiot, my erection returning instantly and even harder than before.

We continued this pattern for the remaining boxes in the house, taking another twenty minutes or so to finish. Ellen was either dancing along to a Spanish rhythm in her head or she had caught on to my sly plan, wiggling her hips back and forth in an enticing tease just about the time I would arrive with my hands full. After a while, I barely even bothered to hide the fact that I was staring at her ass, enjoying how tightly her mini-shorts hugged her curves from behind. Was that even a hint of her feminine treasure between her legs that I was seeing? It looked like her shorts had wedged themselves between her lips, the outlines faintly visible, but it could easily have only been my imagination on complete overdrive.

The last boxes in hand, I was really getting into her teasing wiggle and starting to second guess my previous decisions. Was I really confident that Hayley was the sister that I wanted? After all, I was going to marry Ellen; this gorgeous woman before me was about to be my legal wife in four days... I would have every reasonable right to sexually enjoy her gorgeous body and make her mine. And, given the way she had teased me, it didn't seem like she would be put off by the idea either. That way we wouldn't even have to lie about the marriage...

No! I shook my head, turning away from her and setting down the boxes. Then I walked briskly inside while taking long, deep breaths, feeling ashamed of my own thoughts. Hayley had told me it would only be sex with Ellen and that's all I was seeing her for at that moment, a sexual object meant solely for my animalistic needs. That wasn't real; with Hayley we had a connection of hearts, shared feelings of love between us. That's what I wanted... that's what I longed for, a love that would last a lifetime. I could see that possibility with Hayley; it wasn't just about the sex, and once Hayley and I made love, surely my growing desire for Ellen would simply go away. I just knew it would.

As much as possible, I completely avoided looking at Ellen the rest of the time we finished loading. She helped me lift the bed to the roof of the SUV, standing inside an open door to barely reach the top and I tied it down on both sides firmly with bungee cords. Ellen was constantly by my side, helping everywhere she could, holding things tight and putting a grand effort into her part so we could finish quickly. She was a hard worker, I had to give her that.

Finally, with everything ready to go, I took a last walk through their unit, making sure all that was left behind were the furniture and decorations that Hayley had told me should stay. Under the bathroom sink I found a few odd personal hygiene items which I threw into a bag and tossed in the back of my SUV. Once I was in, Ellen leaned over to smile at me once more like she had when we first left the house, but I refused to look at her again like I had been, fearful of what treasons my mind would commit if I did.

"Jeff?" out of my peripheral, I could make out that her smile was turning quite concerned by my cold reactions, but still I refused to look at her. "Jeff..." she insisted, waving a hand in front of my face. I sighed heavily and I shook my head, knowing it was of no use. I couldn't be rude to her; she didn't deserve that at all. Besides, she was just too playfully sweet, so I looked back at her and smiled.

"Ready to go home, Ellen?" I focused solely on her eyes, not letting my view go anywhere else. Don't look down... don't look down, I repeated in my mind. Damn, why did she have to have such gorgeous eyes? I smiled even bigger, probably looking quite silly, but I had to pretend there was absolutely nothing wrong at all. As I started the vehicle, she smiled back at me, a relief visually spreading over her.

"I think..." she leaned a little closer, her hand resting on my shoulder, "you’re mad at me." She shook her head and stuck out her bottom lip like Hayley had done earlier, her eyes drooping sadly like a puppy dog being left home alone. Oh, my God! Please don't do this to me...

"No, I'm not mad at you, Ellen," I shifted into drive, purposefully looking away but she immediately put her hand over mine and forcefully shifted it back into park.

She leaned even closer, her face getting dangerously near mine. I could smell her sweet perfume, stronger than Hayley's... a sexier, more aggressive smell. It was driving me wild. "You’re not mad?" she shook her head, touching her fingertip to her pursed lips, "...thn kiss me better." I laughed uneasily, hiding my trembling hand by running it through my hair, using the excuse to look away from her. Kissing her was the last thing I wanted to do... well, actually, it was exactly what I wanted to do, more than anything at that moment, but it was the last thing I should be doing. "No kiss for your fiancé?" she shook her head, grabbing my jaw and forcibly turning me toward her as she pouted again, "hmmm, you are mad at me."

I inhaled deeply, confused on what I should do. It was just a kiss, after all, no big deal, right? I had kissed her in the salon and Hayley had even insisted that I do it. Was it really any different now? It wasn't like I was going to strip her naked and fuck her right there in the car... not that the fantasy hadn't crossed my mind, maybe more than once... damn, she was driving me crazy! Still, I couldn't exactly let her believe I was mad at her for some stupid reason. She hadn't done anything wrong... well, she had been teasing me, but I was the pervert who just couldn't stop ogling her sexy body. That wasn't really her fault.

Breathing deep once more, I resigned myself to it and leaned forward, our lips came together in just a quick peck before she sat back in her seat, laughing playfully and put her seatbelt on. "Goood. Now we should go. Hayley wants us home," she pointed ahead and put her hand over mine again as if to shift the vehicle into drive. "But… We will have time together soon… as husband and wife. I will need more than a kiss! Go, Jeff..." Cracking up laughing with my mind a jumbled mess, I put the SUV into drive.

Her mentioning of Hayley brought my thoughts back to her immediately and then the request she had made of me. Making love to her was exactly what I needed... and maybe she needed it, too. Maybe that's why she had mentioned it instead of waiting on me to say something first. She had seemed so adorably shy about it, yet she had made it quite clear what she wanted. The very next pharmacy I saw, I pulled in.

"We’re stopping?" Ellen looked puzzled at me.

"I need to pick something up... for Hayley," I didn't even consider whether she would understand me, shutting off the engine in a hurry. To my embarrassed horror, Ellen started to get out of the SUV as well. "No," I nearly shouted at her, holding up my hand to stop her. "You need to stay..." I used my hands to point inside the vehicle, "...with the bed," and then toward the roof. After a moment she understood, smiling and laughing, but most importantly, returning to her seat. There was just no way I could get up the courage to buy condoms with her beside me. I was going to be embarrassed enough as it was.

Walking around the store aimlessly, I waited until no one was in line up front. Back in college, Melanie always had a large supply, probably because she was a lot more sexually experienced than I was, so having never bought any myself before I grabbed a couple of random boxes of condoms. Being unsure which had what purpose and not wanting to take the time to figure it out at that moment, I headed to the cashier. I refused to look him in the eye either as I paid, taking my bag with a snappy "Thanks," and leaving out the door just as quickly as I could.

Opening the backdoor to my SUV, I set the bag down inside, but by the time I had sat in the driver's seat again, Ellen had grabbed it before I could stop her and was quite interested in its contents. "Oh, Hayley will be very happy..." she laughed, digging through my recent purchases, holding the boxes up one at a time as if to inspect them. Then, nudging my arm teasingly, she added, "Or... are these intended for me?", she bit her bottom lip and wiggled her eyebrows at me very exaggeratedly, her eyes peeking between my legs as if my manhood were on full display for her. “I prefer not to use them.” She cracked up laughing and I faked laughing along, out of pure embarrassment as I snatched the bag back from her, blushing a deep, dark red. I threw it in the back again and started up the engine.

________

By the time they had finished bringing everything inside, setting up her bed and unpacking most of the boxes, Ellen was exhausted. Thankfully, Hayley had thought to cook up a quick dinner while they were out, already playing the happy housewife that she seemed born to do. She'd greeted Jeff with an enthusiastic and passionate kiss as well as a warm, delicious dinner upon their arrival. They ate and enjoyed each other's company with mostly harmless small talk, though Ellen had been tempted to tease her sister about the bag full of prophylactics Jeff had bought, but instead held her tongue. Then they returned to the unpacking work, and her great meal gave them the energy to get done before sunset.

"Let's watch a movie together?" Hayley suggested first to her sister before wordlessly communicating with Jeff. Ellen truly admired her for that ability, wishing she had learned a little more in school and was growing more determined by the minute to try even harder to better herself. After all, she had a real motive now that she'd lacked before, that is if she ever wanted to talk directly with Jeff, her soon-to-be husband, in a more open manner.

Several minutes later after a lot of back and forth between her and her sister, Hayley translating the choices and ideas constantly as Jeff said he didn't care, they jointly decided to share a romantic comedy. Jeff set up the TV, before taking his place at one end of the couch, Hayley immediately claiming her rightful place snuggled up next to him, curling her legs under her body and resting her head on his chest. With a blissful sigh, she draped her arm across his body as he wrapped his around her waist.

Ellen sat in the nearby chair, her bare legs draped over the edge, leaving space for the new lovebirds to cuddle freely. Though the movie was predictably cute, she wasn't all that interested in it, preferring instead to just watch them out of the corner of her eye. Hayley was slowly drifting to sleep while lying on his chest, like he was a giant teddy bear that kept her warm and safe. She looked so peaceful there, so blissfully happy that Ellen couldn't help but smile widely. They truly did make a beautiful couple... and she couldn't be happier for her sister.

Her gaze drifted from the two of them to just Jeff after a while, her eyes roaming his masculine body from head to toe. After several long minutes, she let out a heavy sigh. Hayley was definitely lucky... damn lucky. Jeff had turned out to be surprisingly amazing; she had known he was rich and had a nice house, one that she now got to live in which was awesome on its own account. What she hadn't counted on was him being attractive, funny, sweet and just plain enjoyable to be around.

Ellen had always liked to flirt, many times to a fault, thoroughly enjoying the attention that it brought her. The thrill of a little exhibition excited her, but recently she had to hold back, being careful not to go too far. On more than one occasion, when out with friends, there had been a few close calls, guys taking her actions as invitations to more than just looking and trying to force themselves on her. After one such incident ended with her screaming for help and the guy getting thrown out of the bar by a bouncer, she had avoided all flirting for quite some time to be on the safe side, feeling like a chastised Catholic school girl surrounded constantly by nuns.

But there was something about Jeff that made her feel comfortable when he was near, like some kind of connection was shared between them. It had been fun, no... absolutely thrilling, to flirt with and tease him throughout the day, seeing that look of surprise and attraction in his eyes. The whole time she knew in her heart that she was perfectly safe, that he'd never hurt her or take advantage of her and so she could enjoy being herself freely.

After all, he was doing such an enormous favour for her and had requested nothing in return. He was in a position to demand anything he wanted from them... anything he wanted from her. If he had so desired, he could have demanded her to be his sexual slave, stripped her of any dignity she might have held onto and she wouldn't have had much of a choice in the matter, but no. Jeff had simply fallen in love with her sister and he seemed willing to do anything for her, even marry her younger sister. Was it really so bad to pay his kindness back with a little thrill here and there? There was no doubt he was attracted to her, or more truthfully that they shared a mutual attraction, which was a really good thing since they had to prove to everyone outside the house that they were the ones in love and besides, it would surely make the sex for Hayley all the better in the end if he was a little riled up throughout the day.

Still, his sweet, gentle, caring nature made part of her silently wish it was her that he had fallen in love with instead. Not that she'd ever wish to take away that sweet, peaceful smile from Hayley's lips as she now slept soundly on his chest, of course. Her thoughts returned to that kiss in the salon, the sudden shock that had rocked her body when she first felt their lips touch. Though she had been dying of nerves at first, kissing a complete stranger in front of the people she worked with, it suddenly became all too easy to pretend to really be the perfect couple to her friends with him. It was like he pulled at her heart the moment she saw him.

Which brought another thought to her mind. Given the circumstances they were in, Hayley was already kind of sharing him with her. They were expected to kiss and flirt while out in public; it was all part of the plan to make it believable. So would it really be so bad to have his arm wrapped around her while inside the house as well? Maybe even have her head laying on his chest and sleeping soundly by his side along with her sister? Maybe we could share a bed, and Hayley could watch as man and wife became one?

Ellen chuckled at the thought, knowing that wasn't really fair to Hayley. She imagined that she must have felt something similar when they were in the salon, desiring to kiss him and show everyone just how she felt about him, but couldn't. Besides, if Ellen had that chance, she wouldn't exactly be sleeping right now like her sister was. Instead, she knew she'd hint that they escape to his bedroom and maybe use one of those condoms he just bought and it was about time! From seeing his reactions to her teasing earlier, that bulge growing in his jeans when she pressed her tits out at him, she'd gotten a pretty good idea that the size of his manhood had to be... impressive.

Then it dawned on her, that's what Hayley was doing, just pretending to be asleep and biding her time until they could be alone so she could enjoy him. How could she be so blind? Of course, she was in their way right now, preventing Jeff and her sister from the alone time they wanted. The whole movie request had just been a polite way of including her in his home. Personally, if the tables were turned, she'd have just told Hayley flat out that they were going to fuck like animals, but Hayley would never be that direct. It'd be just like her to wait all night until she went to bed on her own accord before finally accompanying him to the bedroom they were going to share.

"Jeff," Ellen stood up, suddenly feeling bad for being in their way. "I’m so tired… I’m going to head to bed," she pointed to her room, but before leaving, decided to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. When his eyes looked straight down her shirt as her cleavage hung freely in his view, that thrill from earlier suddenly returned and a mischievous smile crossed her lips. For the first time that day, it had been a true accident, but as she looked at him blushing, both of them knew he had looked, and since she stayed there a moment longer, that she had enjoyed seeing a swollen nipple or two. Damn, living in the same house with him was going to be a lot of fun! "Thank you..." she stood up and waved her hand around the room trying to get her point across to him, "for everything."

"...happy... you’re here," was all she heard of his reply, but got the gist of what he was telling her. "Good night, Ellen."

She started to walk away, then suddenly remembered one last thing. Didn't they need to be together to get the marriage license tomorrow? Wouldn't it seem odd if only one showed up at the courthouse? Besides, it would be nice to spend a little time with him out of the house where he was hers, if only in pretense. Maybe she could have an excuse to kiss him properly without Hayley being upset. But how was she supposed to tell him what she wanted without waking Hayley? "I want to go... with you... tomorrow? Please?" She whispered. Damn, she hated not being able to speak her thoughts more directly.

"Of course...12:30... the courthouse?" Ellen nodded with a smile. Like lovers trying not to wake their children… At least they could communicate; she gave herself that much. She bent over to give him another kiss on the cheek, this time modestly covering her chest as she did before turning to her bedroom. She couldn't be too obvious about it after all.

"Good night, Jeff," she closed the door behind her and stripped off her clothing, settling into her bed completely nude for the first time in as long as she could remember. She'd stayed modest for so long with her sister around that she usually slept in a nightshirt. For several minutes she curiously listened for movement in the hallway. How long would they wait before running off to the bedroom together? Were they waiting for her to fall asleep first? Why was it taking them so long? If it was her she'd have him naked on the sofa and riding his hard cock into heaven at that very moment.

Her hand reached down, softly touching her slightly damp slit, tilting her head back into her pillow as she thought about it. Was Hayley actually sucking him off right now out there on the couch? Did she even know how to give a proper blowjob? She was always so proper and reserved, she couldn't even imagine her doing it, much less ever let him cum in her mouth Ellen knew her way around a cock and figured she could definitely make him see stars if she were even given the chance.

But surely her sister couldn't be that bad at it; he'd seemed to get hard at the drop of a hat, so any minute now and they'd be sneaking past her door, stripping their clothes off along the way in a fit of built up passion... or maybe their groans and grunts would come from the living room as Hayley mounted him right then and there. She stopped touching herself and just waited... straining to listen and anxiously waiting... but still there was no sound but the faint murmur of the movie still playing on the television. If she didn’t fuck Jeff soon… history was destined to repeat itself. If Hayley wasn’t going to give him the pleasures of sex, then maybe she should? Afterall, there is nothing wrong with intercourse between a husband and wife.

The tell tale noises of two bodies joined in carnal lust were not present. Hayley would lose Jeff if she didn’t give herself to him. She listened in the darkness, making sure there was nothing going on and resolved to check the condom packet in the morning. No sounds, no sex. She listened intently in the dark for at least half an hour and held off touching herself until she was sure. She knew what she would have to do, she surmised, as she strummed her swollen clitoris. If Hayley wasn’t going to give him what he needed then, to keep them all together, she would give herself to him gladly.

She teased her inner lips open, the warm flesh slick and swollen. Slowly she pushed two fingers inside, then drew them out again, sliding them up between her lips and over her throbbing clit. Rubbing herself in small circles, she let her eyes drift closed and imagined Jeff naked. With thoughts of being bent over his computer desk playing in her head, Ellen stuffed her fingers back inside her wet little hole, fingering herself hard and fast. Her free hand covering her mouth to stifle the moans as an orgasm washed through her young body. Finally the long day caught up with her and she fell fast asleep.

________

"What? Really, Jeff? You're getting married?" my boss said with a strange brooding voice after I broke the news to him. Slowly David Brown leaned back in his tall, black office chair and crossed his hands behind his head. His voice was boisterous as ever, making me cringe as he said it, certain the entire IT department had just heard the announcement. I had hoped to keep it rather quiet as gossip like this had a way of flying through the office within minutes and could easily get out of hand. Jumping up quickly, I closed his office door to keep the rest of our conversation private. "Congratulations, Jeff!" he leaned forward offering his hand out.

"Thanks," I said. trying to sound optimistic as I shook it before taking my seat in front of his large mahogany desk. "So anyway... that's why I need Thursday afternoon and next Monday off... if that's okay with you." He nodded along, his hands returning behind his head, a big grin growing on his lips. "Also, I might be a few minutes late getting back from lunch today. We have to pick up the marriage license from the courthouse," I shrugged. "I'm not really sure how long that will take."

"That won't be a problem... You're one of my hardest working programmers after all," he leaned forward and jotted down a few quick notes, no doubt for reporting my absences to Human Resources. "Wow... so you’re finally getting married..." he shook his head as if in disbelief. "I guess I didn't realise you were even seeing someone." His pen started tapping the desk, a little, annoying habit he had that always made me want to yank the pen from his hand during our morning planning meetings. "So why didn't you bring her to the company picnic last month? You know how important family is to the owners. They love family involvement in the company. We all could've met her..." his lips twisted to the side, looking away from me for a moment. "It is a her... isn't it?"

"Of course, she's a woman!" Nervous and a bit perturbed at the insinuation, I pushed my glasses up my nose, stalling for a moment to think. "I'm not gay, David..." my mind added that I just didn't know her a month ago while a million thoughts jumbled about, each one more uncertain than the last. How exactly was I supposed to reply to this? To make matters worse, David wasn't just my boss. I also considered him a friend of sorts, the two of us working in adjoining cubicles for years before he got the promotion to manager. Lying to his face really stung; I never liked to lie, especially to my friends, but in this case I didn't have any other choice. "She was uhm... out of town that week," I looked away from him, down at my hands fiddling in my lap. "So you know... I couldn't."

"Hmmm," he sat back again, this time rubbing his chin between his index finger and thumb. My right knee started bouncing nervously. Was I completely blowing it? Surely I must be the worst poker player in the world; of course he'll see right through me. "So do you at least have a picture of this lucky girl?"

I quickly pulled out my phone, bringing up the first picture they had sent me, thankful that I had asked Hayley for one of them both last week. Turning the phone to show him, I nearly pointed at the wrong sister before correcting myself at the last moment, my finger landing between the two of them. "That's her," I smiled widely with a tinge of pride. Fake marriage or not, Ellen was definitely the kind of woman that a guy like me could be proud of showing off; any guy would be proud for that matter. "That's my Ellen on the right."

"Holy shit!" he abruptly grabbed my phone, pulling it a little closer, his eyes growing wide. "You mean the one with the blonde hair? Hey, that’s Hayley on the left. I follow her on instagram! She’s hot!" I scowled at him, killing him instantly with daggers in my eyes as I yanked my phone away. He just laughed heartily and held up his hands in total surrender, "Sorry, Jeff... No harm, no foul... you know me," he shook his head back and forth slowly, "but damn, you’re marrying Hayley’s sister!" He held out his fist and I reluctantly gave him the bump to let him off the hook.

Looking longingly back at the photo myself, my eyes lingered on Hayley for a brief moment and then darted between both sisters. "Yeah, she's definitely pretty special alright," I looked back up at him, a part of me wishing I could boast a bit of the truth; after all, both of those gorgeous women were mine... in a way. How many guys could actually claim something like that?

He nodded toward my phone, "So I wonder why her sister isn’t on Insta. She's easily as pretty as Hayley but looks young." Chuckling, he returned his hands behind his head once again. "Hayley is amazing. I have always imagined that pink haired hottie naked! Maybe you can talk to your wife and put in a good word for me with her sister?"

My gut twisted and churned at the idea of him picturing Hayley that way. "Oh, er... I couldn’t do that," I shook my head defiantly. "She's got a man and uhm," I cleared my throat, "I hear he's super jealous... besides, she's crazy in love with him." I exaggerated a frown as if to prove my point, "Not gonna happen, buddy." In other words, don't even think about it; she's mine!

Snapping his fingers, he nodded. "Ah shit. The pretty ones are always taken," he turned toward his computer as if it were nothing, typing a few things onto the screen. "Well, I'm happy for you, Jeff." he hit a few last keys with emphasis and turned back to me. "Tell you what," he nodded. "Bring her by after lunch today so we can all meet her," he pointed toward the door behind me, "and I'll set it up with HR so you can have admin leave from Thursday through Monday," he shrugged with a friendly grin.

"Seriously?" my mood instantly changed for the better. At one point in my life, all I cared about was being at work, in front of my computer and getting things done. Hayley coming into my life had changed all that so that now I only wanted to be with her; she was literally all I could think about. Okay, I admit that the entire morning Ellen hadn't been far from my mind either, but surely that was because I was talking about her so much. It had absolutely nothing to do with the sexy playfulness that she had around me all weekend... yeah, right! Still, five days off to spend with her... Hayley, I mean... well both of them really, was going to be amazing. I scooched forward in my chair, offering out my hand again for another shake. "That's awesome, David! Thank you so much."

"Hey! Don't mention it," he shook my hand firmly. "Won't come out of your vacation time either... my wedding present for a friend." He typed in a few more words onto the screen and sent out whatever email he had been creating. "So where are you taking her on the honeymoon anyway?" Suddenly, I froze stiff, my heart instantly beating so loud I could hear it in my ears. I hadn't even thought of that, of course people would expect that. "That's what you needed the Monday off for, right?"

"Uh... yeah," I nodded quickly, my hands rubbing back and forth nervously between my knees. Where did people even go on honeymoons? What would be considered a normal place to go? I'd heard of Europe or Tahiti, but I only had a three-day weekend, well now four and the wedding day thanks to David's gift, but still it couldn't be a place too far away. "You know..." I shrugged, shaking my head then saying the first thing that came to mind, "Disney World... Orlando."

He chuckled, nodding his head in approval and I let out a small, hidden sigh of relief that he had bought it. "That's my man! Great choice..." he leaned forward like he was about to share a secret, "make sure to take her on that Small World ride," his fingers made an OK sign, "...chicks think it’s really romantic," he started laughing again. Looking to either side as if someone could possibly be over-hearing him, he added, "I personally made out with more than one complete stranger on that ride before."

I laughed along with him, knowing full well that David would totally do something like that. He was well-known in the company to be a firm believer of the non-committal one-night stand. Office grapevines claimed at least a few ladies up in Accounting had even taken him up on that offer, too. "Will do, David," standing up, I was getting ready to leave the office. "And thanks. I really appreciate the admin time off."

"Don't forget," he pointed at me sternly. "Bring her by after lunch so the team and the owners can meet her. I'll get everything pushed through for you..." he started typing again into his computer and then held short. "Oh, and talk with HR about changing your paperwork, too. You'll want to adjust your tax forms and get her on your insurance ASAP, I'm sure." I gave him a thumbs up and a smile then left the office.

________

Sitting in my vehicle just outside the county courthouse, I waited for Ellen to arrive, turning my neck this way and that, trying to work out the stiff cricks from sleeping most of the night on the couch. Hayley had fallen asleep on my chest, her arm draped across my body, my hands softly caressing her hair until the movie had ended. She just looked so peaceful there, so beautiful - like an angel sleeping on a cloud - I didn't have the heart to wake her or even move more than a few inches all night long. I had just sat there for hours, caressing her silky hair and simply enjoying being so close to her. It was really such a marvelous feeling, being overwhelmed with love for her, that I was perfectly content. At some point in the middle of the night I had fallen asleep, but not by choice. I could have stayed there in that perfect moment forever.

In the early hours of morning she had finally awoken me and we both moved groggily to my bed. Much like a dream, I vaguely remembered her undressing, but my eyes were heavy and closed for a brief second. Then, like magic, she was dressed in a silky, purple nightgown that I wished I could have enjoyed, but I was just too tired. She helped me into some pajama pants that I didn't realise I owned, my mind too far gone to even be embarrassed by her seeing me in just my boxers for that brief moment. As I thought about it with more clarity while sitting there in the SUV, I realised she did seem to take her sweet time in pulling the pants up my legs but, then again, that could have just been in my imagination.

Next thing I knew, she was waking me up with the smell of a cup of rich, Colombian roast coffee, her gorgeous, loving smile and her perky nipples poking out like sexy, little headlights under the thin, draping fabric of her nightgown. Drinking my coffee in the bed, I enjoyed the flavour like never before as she sat with me, her hand caressing my leg through the comforter, ensuring that my morning erection would absolutely refuse to fade. Even as I had tried to hide it, twisting my hips to the side a bit, I was pretty sure she kept glancing down at the tent I was creating, trying to hide the smile from her lips. Every giggle she made, every little movement of her body as she caressed me, was like pure magic as I gazed at her in complete awe, my manhood throbbing achingly. "I love you, my angel," were the first words I had actually spoken that morning.

After that she left me so I could take a long, warm shower which was followed by a homemade breakfast and topped off with a deep, passionate kiss that included my hands rubbing her bare ass cheeks under the nighty. She had sent me off to work with the words, "I love you, Jeff... hurry home for me. My sister has college tonight." She had blushed and giggled, rolling her fingers in a wave goodbye ever so enticingly as I walked out the door, my mind already dreaming about five o'clock.

The heat from the beating sun brought me back to my current predicament, waiting outside the courthouse for my future wife to arrive. The SUV was getting unbearably hot, or perhaps it was just me getting all worked up from the memories. Either way, I was just about to get out and go wait inside when Hayley's old car suddenly pulled up beside mine and Ellen stepped out of the driver's side. Every thought I had in my mind suddenly went blank, my jaw dropping open as I watched her walk toward me. Her royal-blue, off-the-shoulders dress, with a hemline not quite reaching her mid-thigh, contoured her gorgeous curves and sexy sway perfectly. She had an off-white sash around her small waist, tied into a bow on the left side, and her hair fell straight, held by a similar off-white ribbon of some kind, leaving only a few silvery-pink strands flowing over her bare shoulders.

"You look stunningly beautiful," I greeted her, getting out of my vehicle, making sure to include that last word as I knew she at least understood that one. "Wow," my head shook slowly, making a big to-do of looking her over from head to toe with absolute admiration as she approached. I didn't know her all that well yet, after only two days, but I'd already figured out that she definitely liked to be visually appreciated. And there was quite a bit worthy of appreciation, too!

When she reached me, her head tilted back and her hands grasped at my shirt as she beamed a bright smile from ear to ear, her pale blue eyes gazing up into mine. "You think I’m beautiful? I just want to make my husband happy," she giggled.

"Oh, I'm very happy to see you," I laughed and she followed suit, reaching up with her hand to my neck. I bent forward to receive the cheek-kiss that I was getting quite used to, but to my complete surprise she twisted and pressed her full lips suddenly against mine, her other hand quickly wrapping around my neck to hold me into her surprise kiss, and then her tongue parted my shocked lips.

I was feeling more than a bit guilty at being so intimate with my girlfriend's sister, and even more so for enjoying it much more than I knew I should. I silenced my panic by reasoning that it was only for show, its purpose nothing more than to convince anyone who saw us in the parking lot that we were truly in love. Thinking quickly to play along, I put my hands on her waist, pulling her even closer to me like lovers would do. Certain at first it would only be for a moment, just long enough to look believably real, somewhere along the way I lost myself entirely to making out with her. Her lips danced over mine with what felt like true passion, her mouth actually making love to mine, her tongue invading the furthest reaches as she pulled me ever closer.

Her head turned one way and then the other, and I followed her every move, the swelling in my slacks that had started from the memories of Hayley became a full-on erection, poking and pressing into Ellen's stomach while her full breasts were crushed against my ribs. Her whole body pushed against mine, making me stumble back against the hood of my SUV and no doubt feeling every inch of my intimate hardened manhood's length grind up against her body in what could only be described as a lustful need. Damn, she was good! Even I was starting to be convinced that she was into me.

For just a moment she broke our embrace, her eyes piercing straight into mine, her breathing heavy and labored as she looked up at me. I had this sudden feeling like she wanted more. Like she was about to jump up into my arms or push me back into the SUV, her gaze holding secrets that just perhaps she wasn't entirely faking all this, or maybe she had just let it get out of hand more than she planned. I was breathing heavy as well, entirely tempted by her, wishing this were real, confused by my thoughts and feelings. Memories of the day before and how I'd let my eyes devour her body instantly returned.

Whatever she was thinking, she started to pull me back toward her, but I had the good sense to put my hands up and stop her. Faking love to get married was one thing, but I couldn't let this continue. 'I love Hayley' I scolded myself in my head. But, damn this sexy girl knew how to press my buttons! Taking a deep breath, I knew I couldn't trust myself right now. I was so worked up that there was no telling what I might do if we continued and I wasn't entirely convinced she would even stop me.

Ellen looked hurt and confused when I stopped her so I tried to explain, taking a moment to gather up some words that she might understand. How could I possibly tell her that we didn't need to do this? I'd only known her two days and besides, this was all supposed to be just for show.

Instead of saying what I really was thinking I just said,"We don't have much time." Then I pointed at my empty wrist as if I were wearing a watch and then toward the courthouse. Everything else could wait. Just getting this over with had to be the safer route. "We need to go get the marriage license," I insisted, hoping she'd go along with it.

Thankfully she started giggling and laughing as she backed away, her cheeks turning red as she buried her face in her hands and shook her head. Had she forgotten why we were there? Had she actually gotten that carried away in the moment? "Sorry, we will have plenty of time after we’re married." she said and forcibly wrapped her arm in mine, pulling me close to her side and then indicated that I should lead the way.

A few steps toward the building, she stopped suddenly and held up a single finger like she had just remembered something. "Fuck!" she walked back to her car as quick as her high-heels would let her, hips swaying all the more by the quick yet short, awkward steps. Opening the door, she bent over like she was rummaging around inside for something. Her dress instantly rode up her legs, threatening to expose her amazing, succulent ass right there in the parking lot at any moment. I inhaled deep, biting my bottom lip painfully as my eyes nearly popped out of my head. It was all I could do not to lose it right then and there just watching her rear end wiggle. Damn, she was hot!

She bent one leg and then the other until finally she found whatever she was searching for. Closing her door, she adjusted her dress back into place, pulling the skirt down her hips and smoothing out the wrinkles before walking quickly in small steps back to me, nearly tripping once on a crack in the pavement along the way. With a huge, adorable grin, she waved a document in her hand toward me. I assumed it must have been a birth certificate or something but didn't ask as she wrapped her arm through mine once more and we continued towards the building. To be honest, I was thankful she couldn't walk very fast in those high-heels; I was having a lot of difficulty walking at that moment also.

"Marriage licenses..." I started to ask the front receptionist when my voice cracked. Ellen, looking up at me in surprise, her hand covering her mouth as she chuckled. Trying to regain my composure I finished, "...please?" We were given the directions and followed them, Ellen slowly lowering her grip on my arm until soon we were holding hands, our fingers naturally interlocking. At first I was surprised at this more intimate display but, just as quickly, realised that she was only playing her part to perfection. After all, we were supposed to be the perfect couple, madly in love, and thus looking to get married. Sometimes, though, it didn't feel like we were faking it; after all, we were getting married for real, no matter the reason.

"We need to get a marriage license, please," I said to the clerk once we reached the right place, this time around I sounded at least a bit more confident, as if Ellen's hand in mine was somehow instilling a great sense of calmness in me. It was like she was saying 'we're in this together; we are a team.' As if on cue, she squeezed my hand in hers, looking up and smiling at me as I looked back at her while the woman behind the counter turned to get some paperwork. Damn, she was such an amazing woman.

"Driver's license and birth certificate for each of you," the woman commanded of us in typical government monotone, holding her hand out while not even looking up at us. I pulled my documents out of my back pocket and Ellen, upon seeing what I was doing, set her purse on the counter and dug through it for her license with one hand, the other never letting go of me for even a second. "You are aware there's a 72-hour waiting period, right?" I swear the woman's voice never wavered from that single stale tone even once.

"Yes, we know," I assured her, then added, "We'd like to go ahead and make an appointment for a ceremony on Thursday, please." The woman skimmed through my papers like she hadn't even paid attention to what I said and set them aside, examining Ellen's as well.

"This document isn’t valid, it hasn’t been verified, it’s just a copy," she groaned. Even if it was annoyed, it was the first time she actually sounded almost human, breaking from her memorized script and monotone voice and I wondered if this was the first time she had done so all day. "I’ll need to see your fiancé’s birth certificate," she passed all the documents back across the counter, clearly through with helping us and sounding like she'd be glad when we left her alone. "You'll have to make another appointment."

At first I froze, completely unsure of what I should do. Ellen was on such a tight timeline that we just couldn't leave empty-handed. If we didn't get this license today... I shook my head, looking at her and she gazed back, her eyebrows raising like she was concerned and didn't understand what was happening. What could I possibly tell her? How could I make her understand what this woman was telling me without blowing our cover entirely. How could I tell Hayley? I shook my head, Ellen's eyes growing deep with concern and a touch of fear. No... that wasn't going to happen. I wouldn't let it! I was going to marry this gorgeous woman on Thursday and that was final.

"Ma'am, with all due respect," I turned back to her, speaking sternly and yet somehow held my complete calm, fearing that if I lost it the world would come crashing down. Ellen's hand squeezed mine tightly as if knowing that whatever was happening had something to do with her. "I know for a fact that you don't actually keep copies of the birth certificates that are used in requesting marriage licenses," my free hand made a fist on the counter, thumping down gently. The woman leaned back, now actually looking at my face for the first time. She looked a little intimidated and I smiled at that, pressing on, "It even says so right there on the website so that means, all you really need is proof of the name matching her ID, and that the date of birth and the location of birth match so you can properly fill out your paperwork."

I leaned forward, letting go of Ellen's hand while shaking my head slowly. Opening the birth certificate, I held it where both the government employee and I could see it. Looking at it closely, it wasn't really that hard to figure out either. "See..." I pointed to a line toward the top, "her full name is Ellen Isabel McArthur," in the back of my mind I was thinking how pretty her name sounded on my lips, but unfortunately I didn't have time at the moment to dwell on it. "Here... I'm pretty sure that it says where she was born," then I skimmed down a little more and found a date written out in numbers, "on February seventeenth, twenty... "

I paused and the woman used it to snatch the paper from me and spun around in her chair. She called an assistant and left to confer with her for a moment. "You're only eighteen years old?" I asked Ellen quietly, noticing our sixteen-year age difference and wondering just how old Hayley was, too. Ellen just looked at me with a smile, shrugging.

An older and, thankfully, more approachable woman, who I assumed to be the assistant, arrived and looked over the birth certificate and finally nodded her head in agreement. The monotone woman finally turned back toward us, took back the rest of the documents once more and began copying data onto a triplicate form as if nothing at all had happened. Once she was done, she returned our original documents to us.

"There’s just the fee... and I need both your signatures here," she pointed to an 'x' on the page she laid out before us and then another, "and here." While she was swiping my credit card we both signed as indicated. "Would you like the ceremony on Thursday morning at 10am or in the afternoon at 2pm?" I chose the afternoon, thanked the woman for her help, ignoring her earlier refusal to do so, and we walked away with our papers in hand. Ellen was beaming at me as we walked, so happy she seemed like she'd be skipping for joy if her heels actually allowed her.

"Let’s head home and tell Hayley at once," Ellen stated while standing between the two vehicles, her hands resting gently on my arms. Her head was tilted back once more and she looked like she was hoping I'd kiss her again. Fighting between the urge of giving in and not, I suddenly remembered what David had said.

"Actually, no," I answered and scratched the back of my head. How exactly was I going to explain this one to her? "I uhm... need you," I took her hands in mine, "...to come with me," I brought her hands up to my chest, "...come to my work for a little while." The look on her face was classically adorable. She seemed to like what I was doing, but she probably didn't have a clue what I was saying, being completely lost in the momentous moment.

"You... and me," my mind searched frantically for what I might say to clarify it simpler. "...my office... uhm, to meet my…" It was like a light-bulb going off, her face brightening up immediately as she nodded enthusiastically. She held up her finger as she had before and turned around to open her door. As she bent over to rummage around in her car for something again, this time I purposefully looked away for the first few seconds, but the pure temptation still got the better of me in the end. I couldn't stop from looking back down at her ass while she was bent over but the sexy view didn't last as she stood up again, locked her doors, and then walked around to the passenger side of my SUV. "I can just drop you off at Uni after work," I said to myself and shrugged as we both got in.

________

Her heart had been racing all morning since Ellen had first awoken, but now it was soaring through the heavens, pounding so hard she could feel each beat in her chest. She was getting married! Though they had spoken of it for several days now, the reality of it was finally sinking in as she looked at the papers lying in her lap. Out of the three forms, she focused on her signature and Jeff's. She was actually getting married... and to the most amazing guy ever! Hayley had no idea just how much of a man he really was.

Gazing over at Jeff driving beside her, she couldn't hold back the smile that covered her face or the tears from swelling in her eyes. Her heart was so full at that moment; full of admiration, of gratitude, of appreciation, of... dare she even think that word? Surely it was just the elated emotions of the moment, but never in her life had she felt this way toward any person, any guy before. Could this be that amazing feeling Hayley had preached to her about all those times?

Jeff had really done it... he'd actually carried through with his promise, even fought for it when that horrid lady had tried to stop him with whatever had happened, she still wasn't sure, but it didn't matter. Ellen clutched the papers against her chest, holding them dearly as if they were the keys to the mythical city of gold, closing her eyes as the tears overflowed and slid down her cheeks. She hadn't understood what the courthouse clerk had said, but when the documents were passed back without the license, she was certain that was the end of all hope for her to stay with her sister. Any other guy would have just copped out and shrugged it off saying he tried and now you're on your own. Then again, any other guy would probably have never even gone this far to begin with.

But Jeff wasn't like any other guy she'd ever known in her life; he had defended her and stood up for her to make this dream happen no matter what, never once losing his head or backing down. He had been bold and determined, even a little forceful and intimidating with the clerk, yet somehow still managed to keep his voice kind and calm the entire time. He had been absolutely wonderful! It was almost as if marrying her were as important to him as... no, she sighed heavily, wiping the flowing tears with the back of her fingers as she came back to reality. No matter what her heart might wish at that moment, she knew Jeff did all this because he was in love with her sister, not with her.

Ellen gazed over at him again as he drove, shaking her head slowly in disbelief that such a perfect man could even exist, much less be so dedicated to helping her, even putting himself in harm's way if they were to fail. His heart had to be made of pure gold; he was her hero, her knight in shining armor like she had dreamed of as a little girl come to sweep her away to a far-off magical castle. Dammit, why couldn't they have met first? If only he had just fallen in love with her, everything would have been wonderful! He was just so damn... perfect! There really was no better word. Maybe if she had joined her sister in the cleaning business instead. If she had, then maybe she'd have been the one he loved. Of course, he was clearly attracted to her; the way he looked at her while they were moving and the tent in his pants he couldn't hide told her that much. Hell, she'd even be willing to share him with her sister if he ever did love her. His heart was so big, surely he would be capable of truly loving them both…

She had checked the packet of condoms. They were still sealed. Hayley’s chast attitude to sex was going to be her undoing. Here was a man clearly in his prime and needing the touch of a woman. If Hayley couldn’t perform for him then she would have to. It was her duty as his fiancé… as his wife. She would need to because no both she and Hayley needed him. If Jeff wasn’t rewarded and satisfied… everything would fall apart. She watched him as he confidently wove his way through the traffic and felt her nipples tingle and her panties moisten.

Her lips hurt from smiling so wide as the tears continued to leak from her eyes. "Thank you, Jeff," she took his right hand in hers since he was steering with his left and tried desperately to find the words. "You..." her hand made circles in the air as she bit her bottom lip, trying to speak and say that he was the most wonderful, amazing, sexy, adorable, generous, sweet-hearted man she'd ever met... if only she knew how to say any of those things, she'd tell him in a heartbeat, but all she could do was sniffle and use her extremely limited vocabulary. "You are a... beautiful man." Perhaps her eyes could say the rest as she gazed longingly at him.

He stopped at a red light and turned toward her, his eyes meeting hers, the back of his hand caressing her cheek as he smiled warmly, endearingly, while catching a falling tear on his finger. "You're welcome," she understood that much, but though he continued speaking with that deep, sultry voice of his, she didn't get another word more out of it. At the end, though, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it gently, melting her heart into a total puddle. She wanted so badly to kiss him passionately as they had in the parking lot, to feel his arms around her as he did with Hayley, to show him her loving adoration that she was feeling at that moment, but the light turned green and he just continued driving.

"...my office block," he pulled into a large parking lot before a huge multi-story building and got out. Hurriedly, Ellen touched up her make-up in the mirror, fixing the small lines where her tears had smudged her mascara. Her husband-to-be opened the door for her and waited patiently; on top of it all, he was a perfect gentleman, too. Dammit! He just had to stop being so damn perfect... or well... she wouldn't be held responsible for her actions!

A moment later she finished, took his extended hand, and got out looking up in awe at the tall, majestic building that must have been one of the highlights of the city's skyline and then back at him. He smiled proudly, holding out his arm for her to take his elbow. She opted instead to hold his hand, once more intimately interlocking their fingers together and cuddling against his arm as they walked inside. They were in public after all and though it might be a bit selfish of her to think so, outside the house he was completely her man and she had the right to show the world truly how in love with him she really was, even though she knew he only thought of it as an act.

It all became a bit of a blur as she was passed around from desk to desk and introduced to so many people. All seemed genuinely happy to meet her. She knew how to make the men jealous and the women envious and she used every trick in the book to be the model girlfriend… no, wife-to-be of the most eligible and attractive man in the building. 

Jeff, her handsome fiancé finally ushered her into his office where he left her for a short while as he spoke with his boss. He looked a little sleazy but alright, she supposed. She surveyed his work room, no exterior windows, but a shuttered blind on the one facing down the office corridor. She smiled to herself as she sauntered over and pulled the blind closed. Then she headed for his desk and sat on the edge, waiting for her husband-to-be. 

He wasn't long. He stepped inside, closed the door behind him and exhaled. She smiled as his eyes met hers and felt proud to be a part of his world. She felt like she really was the love of his life and he was fast becoming hers. Then she realised the truth of it… Jeff was Hayley's boyfriend. But just as Joseph had been, Ellen knew she would have to step up to keep him. Hayley seemed scared of showing her sexuality. Ellen relished in projecting hers.

"I have a few things I need to take care of before my boss will let me go. Make yourself comfortable, Ellen. Is there anything I can get you?"

"No thank you Jeff, I have everything I need right here." She sent him a smoldering look, pushed her tits together and watched him gulp. "You do what you need to do and I'll…. I'll be your personal secretary. Do you have any appointments this afternoon?"

"None at all. This will take me about an hour then we can see Hayley."

“Don’t forget you need to take me to the Campus.”

Jeff nodded, settled into his office chair and logged into his computer. He began typing away as she watched on in awe. This was it. Her opportunity. The desk had an open front and drawers on either side. She swiftly dropped down to her knees and slotted into the space between the drawers.

“Ellen, what are you doing?” Jeff whispered.

“Hayley wished that I gave you a present… from her… from us both.” Ellen smiled up at him between his open thighs and she hoped he would be in the mood to be sucked off. She really wanted to feel his big cock sliding between her lips and crowding into her mouth, she wanted to taste and feel the texture of the cum that he would squirt onto her tongue. 

“I know my sister. I know she loves you but when it comes to… being with a man… she can be impossible. I know you. I know you love Hayley very much… but you have needs… that she doesn’t understand.” She paused, watching the emotions flash across his face. His confusion began to fade but he still looked conflicted. Jeff gawped down at her, as she sat expectantly beneath his desk. Ellen smiled her mischievous smile as she ran her fingers through her blonde hair. 

"What… do you mean?"

“I have needs too. I like you, Jeff. A lot. I want you and I want to thank you. From both of us. Afterall, we are betrothed.” As she spoke, she rolled his swivel chair backward and to the side and turned it so he was sitting in it facing her. Jeff also slid forward on the seat with his legs spread. Fully aware of what Ellen meant, time seemed to stand still but she knew that his cock was hard and available to her that afternoon, if she wanted it.

She smiled happily at his obvious invitation. "You deserve to be rewarded," Ellen responded, scuffing out of her shoes and kneeling on the floor between his legs.

Ellen started by running her hands up his thighs. God, they felt great! Hard, muscular and manly. She then carefully began unbuttoning the bottom of his shirt and pulling it aside. She eagerly reached up to unbuckle his belt and unfasten his pants and started to pull them down. He raised his ass from the chair to help her, and she tugged them all the way off and laid them out neatly on the floor. His boxer shorts were removed the same way, leaving him naked below the waist, and seated on the edge of his chair with his legs spread and stretched in front of him. In anticipation of what his fiancé would momentarily be doing for it, Jeff's cock was erect, and sticking up in the air. Ellen looked at it lustfully. It was long and thick and would delightfully fill her mouth, just the way she liked and everything she had dreamed of.

Before that could happen, though, Ellen got herself comfortable, unbuttoning her blouse and revealing her bra. Her breasts were ample, possibly her best feature, and she intended to use them to her advantage. 

“Do you want to see my titties?" she sexily asked as she finished unbuttoning the front of her blouse and slipping it off her shoulders.

Ellen reached behind and unclipped the bra pulling the straps off her shoulders and her titties. Many tits droop down when released but Ellen's breasts and nipples stuck straight out like a teenagers with no sag at all looking fresh and new like a virgin. While not overly large they were an inviting handful to press, mold and squeeze like putty. Jeff’s mouth hung open.

They were pure white with eraser sized pinkish-brown nipples surrounded by lighter brown areolas filled with sebaceous glands that enhanced their beauty. She wondered how large he could make her nipples with sucking and pulling at them but her nipples were very sensitive, and she would play with them while sucking the cock that awaited her, until she was wet between her legs. When her pussy was ready, she would moisten her fingers with that slippery wetness and caress her clit until she climaxed. It would be a long time before her orgasm would claim her. She knew how to take it slow and make her blow job last a long and immensely pleasurable time.

When she was ready, Ellen moved closer, to be between Jeff's legs and held his erect cock in one hand. She brushed a few strands of her blond hair from her face and wordlessly raised her face above his lap and lowered her mouth until she could reach out and lick the velvety head. Slowly, moving her tongue in a spiral, she lowered her face until she was licking under the ridge. After reaching that point, Ellen happily closed her lips around the head of the stiff cock, letting her tongue work its way downward and caress the shaft while she looked up adoringly at the man who was letting her suck him off.

That man, of course, was enjoying her fellatio every bit as much as Ellen was, maybe more. She was so similar to her sister, but her mouth was talented, and she could tell despite his conflictions he very much enjoyed being sucked off by her. The best part was what her lips and tongue and the whole inside of her mouth did, but he also liked the way she enjoyed it so much, and the way she looked up at him while his cock was sliding all the way in and out of her mouth.

“I’m in love with your sister…” Jeff breathed.

“I know.” Ellen replied between mouthfuls, and smiled as she felt his hips begin to piston. He was no longer in control and this was the moment she loved during sex; when her man was so completely into her that his body had taken over, giving into his illicit needs.

Ellen started sucking on his incredible erection. She loved the feel of it gliding between her widely spread lips, all the way until the tip pressed against the back of her throat. Using a trick she had learned on the internet, Ellen adjusted the angle of her head, opened her throat and took his long cock all the way inside her mouth, until Jeff's pubic hair was tickling her lips. She left it there for a few seconds, massaging the head with her throat muscles and caressing the shaft with her tongue, before raising her face again. She did not remove her mouth from around his cock, but kept the head between her lips and licked it. After a few seconds of this, she slowly lowered her head again, until her throat was stuffed once more and her lips were being tickled.

The sensation of deep-throating a man and having his big, thick cock cram her mouth full was more arousing to Ellen than anything else he might do. While her right hand stayed on her fiancés crotch, her left hand went to her erect nipples to start tweaking them, moving from one to another. In seconds, the connection between them and her clit was established, and currents of pleasure flowed through the triangle. A few drops of fluid started forming in her pussy, not enough for her to leave her nipples and play with her clit, but enough to give herself a warm, erotic feeling. With even greater enthusiasm, she continued sucking Jeff's cock.

He was deriving immense pleasure too. His ass squirmed on the seat and his hands gripped and released the padded arms of his chair. He looked down again and saw Ellen's pretty blue eyes looking up at him, and he watched her head slowly bobbing up and down, and his cock going in and out of her warm, wet giver of pleasure. It was giving plenty of that to him. Her mouth squeezed his shaft with the perfect pressure and her tongue laved the entire length of his cock as it went in and out, and licked the head at the end of every stroke, while she held it between her lips. To add to his sensory pleasures, he could hear Ellen murmuring happily around his cock, and smell the fresh juices that he knew were starting to trickle from her pussy. Jeff really loved being sucked off!

But not any more than she loved doing it. Holding the stiff cock as deeply in her mouth as it would go, Ellen hiked up her short skirt, tucked her thumbs into the elastic of her panties, and pushed them down over her ass and hips, until the waistband was around the middle of her thighs. Her pussy was dripping wet by that time, and she was able to dip her right hand into the juices and place her clit between the index and middle finger. Ellen was too engorged and sensitive there to touch herself directly, but by squeezing her clit gently between folds of her pussy lips, she was able to start stroking herself. In seconds, the movement of her fingers was at the same slow tempo as the bobbing of her head as her mouth engulfed and released Jeff's cock.

She continued like that for almost a half an hour, but Ellen's mouth wasn't the only place where she enjoyed the presence of a stiff cock. After one stroke, she raised her head all the way, removing the object of her lust from between her lips, kissing it, and holding it in her fingers while she smiled at him around it. He knew what was about to happen and smiled back at her. Ellen rubbed the hard shaft back and forth against one of her breasts, especially caressing it with her rigidly erect nipple. She was elated to hear Jeff moaning blissfully at the different sensation she was giving him, and moved his cock to rub it against the other of the small twins.

The three-sided connection between her nipples and her clit was re-established when Ellen moved his cock back and forth from one breast to the other. The fingers of Ellen's right hand continued moving up and down on her clit while her breasts massaged the hard shaft. She could feel her climax building, but wanted her husband-to-be to cum first, filling her mouth with his semen, before its presence and her agile fingers brought her to an orgasm.

Jeff writhed on his chair and sighed and moaned from the exquisite pleasure Ellen was giving him. He reveled in the sensations of the soft skin of her breasts and the diamond hardness of her nipple, and the contrast between those two sensations and that he had received from her warm, wet mouth. His climax was building also, but he knew she would know when it was close, and she would take his cock back into her mouth so he would cum there. He would not need to tell her he was about to cum, but she already knew he would anyway, just out of courtesy.

The stiff shaft she was rubbing against her body started to throb, and Ellen knew he was close to cumming. Once again, she engulfed it in her mouth but this time she used shorter strokes and did not take the head down her throat. She wanted to make sure that when he ejaculated, it would be onto her tongue, so she would be able to savour its taste and enjoy its texture before swallowing the viscous fluid. Her lips were tighter too, and she stroked harder and faster with them while the fingers fondling her clit kept pace with her mouth.

"Fuck! Ellen…Uh! Uhhh!" Jeff moaned blissfully. The volcano of pleasure that had been building up inside him erupted, and he started to ejaculate into the mouth that had brought him to that splendid circumstance.

The first gush of cum covered Ellen's tongue, and she briefly stopped sucking in order to derive the most pleasure from it. It was delicious and, after relishing the taste, she swirled the semen around in her mouth, reveling in its texture, before swallowing it, and letting it slide down her throat. While her mouth was active, her fingers were even busier, thrusting up and down on her clit, and sending swirls of joy reverberating through her body.

Ellen knew Jeff was not through cumming, and she resumed sucking his cock, her lips clamped tightly on the shaft so none of his juice could dribble out of her mouth. Her tongue was rewarded with another spurt of semen, which was just as delectable as the first one had been, and felt just as good to the inside of her mouth and her throat when she finally swallowed it. Not being willing to settle for just two tastes of his cum, Ellen resumed sucking his cock. Her diligence reaped benefits, as Jeff moaned aloud and spurted again into her mouth. This gift of his juices received the same treatment as the others had, and gave her the same joy.

Ellen's fingers had not paused, nor did they do so after she swallowed the third jet of his sticky seed. They continued rapidly stroking, and she could feel her orgasm building higher and getting nearer, intensified by the delicious treat Jeff's cock had given to her mouth. She continued sucking and, when no more ejaculate was forthcoming, went after the cum that she knew was still inside Jeff's long cock. While the fingers of one hand pumped furiously on her pussy, Ellen removed the still-hard organ from her mouth and held it in her hand to lick everything off the head and the shaft, being especially careful to get whatever was hiding under the ridge.

After cleaning off the outside, Ellen placed her thumb in front of Jeff's scrotum and her fingers on the upper surface of his cock. Slowly, she brought that hand toward her face, her tongue catching the cum that was squeezed out. She continued until her thumb was right at the slit and her fingers were squeezing the head. Whatever had oozed out onto her tongue was treated the same as the rest of his semen had been, and delighted Ellen as much. Not wanting to waste any of it, her tongue laved the entire cock again, followed by licking her lips to get anything that might otherwise have been wasted.

The pleasure of sucking off her soon to be husband, combined with the gushers of semen he fed to her and what her fingers were doing for her clit brought Ellen over the top. She cried out ecstatically as she started cumming, and toppled slowly onto her back. Her fingers continued their labour of love, while she thrashed about on the carpet, crooning happily in the throes of her climax. Abruptly, the muscles in her body spasmed, evoking a shout of joy. Completely lacking in coyness, Ellen lay on her back, smiling, her eyes closed and her hand still resting on her pussy. 

“You are a real blonde…” Jeff panted.

She didn't care that he saw what she had at the apex of her legs, because he had been the one responsible for her orgasm.

After a few minutes they regained their strength from their respective climaxes, and knew he would have to get back to work. Ellen helped him with his pants and shorts and, while he was putting them on, pulled her panties back up. The cotton garment quickly soaked up the juice from her pussy, but that didn't bother Ellen. She would be able to smell its aroma all day and be reminded of the great time she had just experienced. With her panties in place, she refastened and adjusted her other clothing, including her shoes. It was time for him to get back to work so she could tell her sister everything… well, almost everything.

"Will there be anything else, Jeff," she asked.

"No, Ellen. Thank you very much."

“From Hayley,” she breathed heavily, “but also with thanks… from me. Was I good?”

“You were amazing…” but guilt was plastered all over his face.

“Jeff, I will satisfy you when Hayley can’t. This is for her… for all of us. This is our arrangement and my sister doesn’t need to know.” She looked at him as her words sunk in. “I am going to be your wife. A wife has duties and this is my duty to both you and my sister.”

Ellen wiped her mouth and rose up to sit in an empty office chair.

“You have a beautiful cock. I am a very lucky girl.” Her pale blue eyes sparkled and he turned his attention back to his computer. 

________

Hayley looked herself over in the dresser's mirror as she adjusted her little black dress to show just the right amount of cleavage. "If only they were a little bigger," she mumbled to herself, pulling the material down as far as she could and trying to squeeze her breasts together a bit to form a deeper valley, but they kept plopping back to their natural resting place after only a moment. "A little more like Ellen's perhaps," she sighed, trying again, but once more upon letting go, her breasts fell back into their naturally braless position, the dress' material draping over her now semi-erect nipples from being stimulated gliding over the silky material. From the look on Jeff's face earlier that morning, he definitely enjoyed how she looked without her bra on so she had opted to go without since she was really hoping to get his attention that evening.

Content that the dress was as good an option as she was going to find in her limited wardrobe, hugging her curves and emphasising her legs just right, she went about hanging the other garments back in the closet. Nearly every possible combination had been tried on as she searched for the perfect look before he got home from work. Everything had to be perfect; the house was clean and everything neatly ordered, dinner cooking in the oven, wine chilling in the fridge, and... She squeezed her thighs together, feeling the uncomfortable squish in her tingling loins. She already was eagerly ready to receive him as well, but that would have to wait for several more hours now.

Moving the vacuum cleaner aside momentarily to reach the rest of her clothes strewn out on the queen-sized bed they now shared, she started giggling, embarrassed with herself by what she had planned out. A select few of the daily chores hadn't actually been completed yet, like the vacuuming under his bed and the dusting in the living room, being left aside on purpose just in case she actually worked up the nerve to have him watch her work with the way she was dressed. That was the whole point of wearing the dress after all; she had wanted to so bad, had even purchased the silky, string-tied, black thong she now wore for that sole purpose as it was part of the whole fantasy, but when it came right down to it, she was so nervous. Could she actually go through with any of it?

She knew that Ellen would have if she had the chance with him. Hell, she probably already had been flaunting her assets at him at some point when they were alone. That would be just like her and the way she'd gone on and on that morning about seeing Jeff at the courthouse, pretending she had just spent three hours getting ready for just that brief little interview, Hayley knew she was probably vying for his attention, even if it was unwittingly. After all, the way she had kissed Jeff at the salon, almost attacking him, how she had looked at him all day Saturday and insisted on going alone with him to the duplex on Sunday and, then, when Hayley had offered to go to the courthouse, her sister had made some ridiculous excuse as to why she shouldn't. It was pretty obvious to her that Ellen was extremely attracted to her boyfriend, even if she couldn't bring herself to admit it.

Still, there wasn't much Hayley could really do about it; unfortunately they had to kiss and flirt and look like a couple in love or she could possibly lose them both to prison if their lie were ever found out. It was truly a confusing dilemma where, on one hand, wishing her sister would just stay out of the way for her and Jeff to be happy together but, on the other hand, hoping they could get along well enough that their marriage was believable so there would be no danger to either of them. Given the circumstances they were in, though, she didn't like it one bit, she understood that she had to give him up to her sister in public; it was part of the plan they had all agreed to. It was their arrangement. She just wished that she could trust Ellen to actually play by the rules and not try to steal him away entirely. He had professed his love to her and, as long as he truly did love her, she would force herself to be happy no matter what circumstances they were in. And maybe with this dress and what they were going to finally do tonight, she'd be sure to keep him hers, no matter what he did with Ellen.

Her thoughts back to her plans for Jeff tonight had her body's desires for him growing ever stronger. She lifted her dress, toying with the tiny strings that held the suave, triangular patch in place over her shaved womanhood. To be honest, she was torn between feeling sexy and a little ridiculous, the tiny fabric being so much smaller than anything she'd ever dared wear before. It was hardly there at all, some of the parts she had shaved a couple of days ago not even covered, making her feel naked and completely vulnerable, yet just imagining Jeff looking at her like that made her whole body tremble in nervous anticipation. She wanted him so bad, to feel his loving embrace around her body, his sensual kisses on her neck and lips, and his touch on her... intimate areas. He wasn't even home yet and she was already getting sopping wet just thinking about him.

"Maybe I should just go naked under the dress?" she asked her reflection in the mirror, pushing her panties down by the knots to her knees while holding the dress up, blushing at the very thought of it. That would definitely surprise him for sure, bending over to vacuum when she supposedly hadn't noticed him home yet, her bare, shaved pussy for him to see. She laughed out loud, pulling her panties back up quickly and letting the dress fall back into place, feeling silly and a little slutty at even thinking it. Going without a bra was bad enough. Still, looking over her shoulder at the floor beside the bed, she could easily imagine Jeff standing right where she was, looking at her... wanting her... getting turned on by her. She inhaled deeply, her eyes closing as her body shivered, her nipples growing tautly erect under the smooth material.

What would he do if he did find her like that? How much would he actually be turned on by it? Would he drop his pants and start stroking himself while watching her like the guys did in those maid videos? Maybe he'd start playing with her wet slit using his fingers or maybe even his tongue? Her entire body was now trembling, forcing her to sit down on the bed before her legs completely gave out beneath her. Never before had she felt what that was like or had even imagined it until seeing the women on the website wriggling about and crying out in pure ecstasy with the guy's head nuzzled between their legs. They had orgasms that looked harder than she had ever known was possible and with Jeff's sensual style of kissing, that just had to be amazing.

But was Jeff into that? Was that something guys only did on porn videos or did real guys like doing that too? Maybe he'd think it was gross like she had for so many years? Joseph had once brought it up but she had absolutely refused, disgusted by the very idea of it. Truth be told, it still made her a little squeamish, but so many women on the internet seemed to really like it... In fact, if Jeff were willing to at least give it a try some time, she'd be up to trying out a few other things with him, as well.

The guys in those videos were really into girls sucking their dicks, and while she'd flatly refused to do that for Joseph, now she found herself considering it if Jeff asked her to. There was a first time for everything and those slutty girls sure seemed to enjoy doing it just as much, but could she actually do it? What would it taste like? Would it hurt her mouth? Would she have to let him cum in her open, waiting tongue like the girls on the website? If she did, what would that taste like?

Suddenly she broke down laughing heartily, falling back onto the bed blushing and squealing loudly, covering her eyes with her hands and kicking her legs up and down on the bed at her own embarrassment. What had come over her? She was as excited as a schoolgirl half her age going out on her first date with a boy. Watching those erotic maid videos sure had changed her point of view about sex! Never would she have even considered being so pervertedly adventurous, much less actually planning on doing them, yet now... She grabbed a pillow, burying her face into it to muffle her squealing loud excitement once again.

After several minutes she caught her breath and forced herself to calm down, trying to think about the reality of it all. It was one thing to only fantasize and dream about pure sexual debauchery with Jeff, but another entirely to actually do it, and the last thing she wanted now was to disappoint him. She sat up on the bed, her legs crossed under her, pondering about when the time would come would she be able go through with any of this? Or was it just a girlish fantasy in her mind, brought on by watching too many maid porn videos of late? Her whole life had been a reality where she was timid, shy, and nervous, even while she was married! Hayley always tried to do the right thing, but she knew now she'd been woefully unprepared for Joseph in bedroom skills. Now, even years later, it had been so difficult to even tell Jeff that she wanted him to buy condoms; would she ever be able to tell him what she truly wanted in sex without giving into her anxious nerves and simply reverting back to the same old Hayley?

Her mind suddenly flashed to memories of Joseph, wondering if that was why he had strayed from her. Those were the rumors she'd heard about, anyway; though, she'd only ever caught him that one time. But if he had, maybe it was because she was boring in bed. Or maybe her body was just not exciting enough or he had simply not really loved her as much as she had once thought. Would that ever happen with Jeff?

"No!" she said aloud firmly to herself shaking her head with conviction. She swore that would never happen again, whether or not it ever really did happen the first time. No matter how embarrassing, gross or silly she might think something was, if Jeff asked it of her then she'd do her best to oblige him. She would do it because she loved him and trusted him and she knew that he loved her. Sure, Ellen might be the one marrying him and they'd end up kissing and flirting and who knows how far her sister might try to take it when she wasn't around, but Hayley would always be the one he truly loved in his heart and made love to every night... Starting tonight and hopefully for the rest of their lives. She just hoped Ellen hadn’t got her long fingernails into him first.

Determined with her newfound resolve and still quite a bit worked up thinking about sex, Hayley jumped off the bed and sat herself down at the computer, pulling up the Maid website. If she was going to venture outside her comfort zone, at least to try it once, she needed some inspiration and a teacher. Putting in Jeff's username and password that she had memorized from visiting the site quite often on Friday and even Sunday when Jeff was back at the duplex... and even already twice earlier that morning after Ellen had left, with her heart pumping fast, she searched the videos for the parts where the girl was giving a blowjob to her new master, especially the ones that had really tight closeups. It was time to learn all she could about pleasing a man with her mouth.

________

Dropping Ellen off back at her car on the way home, I watched her as she got in and drove off to her evening class, sighing in both relief and a little disappointment. The day together at my office had been magical and yet torturous at the same time. It was hard not to get swept up into the wedding fever with my many coworkers congratulating us, making a scene over her charm, her sweetness and, of course, her beauty, not to mention remarking just how cute of a couple we made together. We had kissed so many times throughout the day to people's encouragement and applause that everything was starting to feel a little too surreal and I didn't doubt for a second that Ellen was feeling it too. Her kisses were too passionate, the hand-holding was too constant, the smiles too big, and her sparkling eyes too sparkling. After a while it just felt so natural to hold and kiss her that I had to sternly remind myself this was just an act.

Then, in the relative seclusion of my office, with blind down she slipped under my desk. I was frozen, shocked and too stunned to do anything but watch her mischevious smile form. No… this couldn’t be happening. I remembered every moment, as if it were etched into my brain to permanently remind me.

“Hayley wished that I gave you a present… from her… from us both.” A present… from Hayley? Ellen smiled up at me between my open thighs. “I know my sister. I know she loves you but when it comes to… being with a man… she can be impossible. I know you. I know you love Hayley very much… but you have needs… that she doesn’t understand.” 

It was true, I supposed. Ellen was hot, no man could deny her… but I loved Hayley. Surely Ellen must love and respect her sister too? Hayley wouldn’t have agreed to this… would she?

"What… do you mean?"

“I have needs to0. I like you, Jeff. A lot. I want you and I want to thank you. From both of us. Afterall, we are betrothed.” As she spoke, she rolled my office chair backward and to the side and turned it so that I was sitting facing her. I found myself involuntarily opening my legs wider, fully aware of what Ellen meant, time seemed to stand still. My heart stopped. Anyone could come into the office. Did Hayley really want this for him… from her sister?

"You deserve to be rewarded," Ellen responded, scuffing out of her shoes and kneeling on the floor between his legs. I watched in silence as she unbuckled my belt and slid down my pants, swiftly followed by my boxers. 

The blonde bombshell reached up and took my cock in her soft hand and began stroking it. Ellen ran her fingers up and down my hardening penis. She continued to stroke my cock as she moved her other hand to my balls. Ashamed but feeling I had no choice, I let Ellen move her face to my throbbing member. Her silky tongue tentatively emerged from between her soft lips. Then, ever so slowly, her tongue touched the underside of my cock. Unsure of herself, she licked cautiously at my hard shaft, then her lips caressed my cock. She licked my cock from its head to its root and back to its head. Still sobbing, she opened her mouth wide and moved her lips to my cock. She sucked my cock into her warm, welcoming mouth. Ellen’s soft, perfectly painted red lips closed around my thick cock. My cock began to grow as her tongue moved along the shaft. She moved her head back and forth, sucking as much of my growing shaft into her throat.

Her moist, watery mouth covered my cock shaft with hot saliva. My mushroom shaped head grew larger and more resilient with each passing second. The rhythmic sucking and milking of her soft velvety mouth made my cock grow harder. I began moving my hips back and forth as she swallowed more of my cock into her warm mouth.

As she continued to suck my cock, she slid her hand onto her chest and explored her breasts. As she sucked my cock, I watched, opened mouthed as her fingers traced her tit. I watched her nipples harden beneath the fabric and she immediately rubbed and kneaded them. My wife-to-be sucked harder, driven by her hands on her tits, pursing her lips tightly around my thick cock.

Ellen paused and looked at my needy erection then returned her mouth onto it. She licked and kissed the underside from the base of my cock to its head as she continued to massage her magnificent breasts. When her lips returned to the head of my cock, there were drops of pre-cum oozing out. She licked around my slit, scooping my pre-cum into her mouth with her tongue and swallowing it. Her lips hungrily engulfed my hard-on once again.

I found I was thrusting into her pretty face and the blowjob Ellen was giving me was beginning to affect her subconsciously too. Her nipples were hard and erect, her bra was unclasped exposing her titties. She was really getting into it. Soft murmurs were escaping from within her every now and then as she continued to torment her aroused nipples. I was looking down on her, watching my cock slide in and out of the young, soon to be married, eighteen year old’s mouth. I watched her head bob back and forth as her lips held my cockshaft tightly and her tongue flicked madly at the sensitive underside of my manhood. I knew she was getting into it, she was really enjoying sucking me off.

She seemed to be an experienced cocksucker and had no trouble swallowing more than half of my thick cock. She continually alternated between sucking near the head and kissing and licking further down from mid cock to the base where her hand was gently stroking and milking my shaft. Still stroking my cock with her hand she moved her mouth over to my cum filled balls and licked them. She sucked one of my balls into her mouth as I groaned.

Her tongue and lips worked to devour one cum filled ball, then switched to the other. When she thought she had sucked on my balls long enough, she kissed and licked each one gently before returning her mouth to my cock. I looked down at her and watched my cock slide in and out of her mouth. As she felt up her tit, she moaned, and I realised her free hand was now in her panties.

Ellen could feel my cock getting bigger and hotter. Her eyes looked up at me as she feverishly sucked on my cock. I began fucking her mouth faster and faster. On each pump, I pushed more and more of my cock into her throat. Her moist tender lips grasped tighter and tighter around my glistening prick as her warm wet mouth took more and more of my thick shaft.

Within moments she had my entire shaft buried in her mouth, her nose resting on my pubic hair. I held her head steady and pumped my entire cockshaft rapidly in and out of her mouth. I fucked her accepting mouth for several minutes, burying my cock deep in her throat.

Ellen’s fingers were now hard at work between her thighs, her mouth filled completely with the thick, mass of my cock. Her tongue licked and flicked along the underside of my shaft as I reamed it in and out of her throat. I grabbed her head by her long blonde hair and held her head as she bobbed back and forth along my member. I wondered if her panties were soaked with her juices. 

As her fingers worked their way up and down her slit her legs involuntarily spread. For the first time I could see all of her beautiful pussy. A tight blonde triangle of fur pointed to her slit, which was starting to spread and expose her vulva. As her pussy continued to drip she began to trace small circles around her clit, making sure not to touch it directly. Her left hand wass massaging the nipple of her left tit, in a sporadically gentle to rough motion, sometimes squeezing, sometimes massaging. She was totally in her own little world now. Her left hand trails its way down between her tits making its way to her splayed pussy. It was too much for me!

"Fuck! Ellen…Uh! Uhhh!" I gasped as I felt my balls swell in anticipation of exploding with a heavy load of sticky cum.

Ellen sucked harder as she instinctively murmured, “mmmmmmmmm.” I sensed that any second now it would be over. Only a few seconds more I thought just as Ellen’s lovely young lips tightly pursed around my pulsating cock, greedily slurping my cock, trying to milk my cum from me. My body holding back the inevitable. My hands grabbed her head and I shoved her hungrily cock-sucking mouth down hard onto my jerking cock. I exploded in her mouth as I spurted three or four large loads of my spunk into her mouth.

Her right hand was now fingering her clit lightly as her left hand was tracing up and down her slit, teasing her pussy lips. I could see her vulva beginning to become engorged as she continued to tease her clit and her pussy lips. As her slit involuntarily spread open in hope of more attention, her right index finger earnestly rubbed her now fully erect clit. At the same time her left index finger was alternately tracing up and down her soaked pussy lips and inserting it into her hot hole. Her pulsing pussy was trying to grip her elusive finger as it darted in and out of her now steaming pussy.

Ellen continued sucking greedily on my cock as I emptied every drop down her throat. She tried to lick every bit of my cum from the throbbing head of my cock. She tried to swallow it all, but some slipped from her lips.

She took the finger of her left hand that had just been buried deep in her wet pussy and began licking it off and sucking on it. Now her right index finger was frigging the side of her clitoral hood giving her sensitive clit the attention she desperately wanted to give it, yet decreasing the friction of direct contact with her clit. I could see how much her excitement had increased as her hips moved up and down in rhythm with the fingering of her hole. I could see the almost pained look on her face as she got closer to her peak. Her hips began to shake and the wetness from her pussy began streaming down to the office floor.

The whole room smelled so wonderfully of her pussy. I drank in the heavenly smell. As she got closer and closer to her orgasm her hips began to shake and buck uncontrollably and she was breathing very shallow and fast. She looked so fucking cute! Her pussy walls were beginning to contract around her fingers. Her whole body shuddered for a couple minutes as she arched her back to meet her probing fingers. Her body tensed, her orgasm taking control of her body. As she continued to shudder in ecstasy she sighed and she collapsed on the bed fulfilled and relaxed as her pussy continued it pulsing. Completely lacking in coyness, Ellen lay on her back, smiling, her eyes closed and her hand still resting on her pussy. 

“You are a real blonde…” I panted.

She smiled up at me, like she had won some great prize. I suddenly felt shamed. After a few minutes we regained our strength from our respective climaxes, and I knew I would have to get back to work. Ellen helped me with my pants and shorts and, and while I was putting them on, she pulled her panties back up. The cotton garment quickly soaked up the juice from her pussy, but that didn't seem to bother her. 

I sat back in complete disbelief as to what had just happened, barely hearing the words Ellen spoke.

“Remember… that was from Hayley,” she breathed heavily, “but also with thanks… from me. Was I good?”

“You were amazing…” but the guilt I felt consumed me.

“Jeff, I will satisfy you when Hayley can’t. This is for her… for all of us. This is our arrangement and my sister doesn’t need to know.” She stared into my eyes as her words sunk in. “I am going to be your wife. A wife has duties and this is my duty to both you and my sister.”

Ellen wiped her mouth and rose up to sit in an empty office chair. Maybe this was how it was going to be? Could I be in love with Hayley and make love to her sister… my wife?

“You have a beautiful cock. I am a very lucky girl.” Her pale blue eyes sparkled and I turned my attention back to my computer screen in horror at what I had just done. Anyone could have walked in! I supposed the office staff would have simply assumed something intimate was transpiring behind the closed blinds anyway. It wasn’t the first time the gossips had pondered what exactly went on behind closed doors. 

If Hayley knew about this or not, I knew I had to keep it between Ellen and myself as she had suggested. I knew I would willingly uphold ‘Our Arrangement’ for all our sakes. It turns out a man really will do anything for the woman he loves. I loved Hayley with every fiber of my being. 

Ellen flirted with me outrageously for the rest of the afternoon. With the IT department, owners, and even many of the other employees in the building thoroughly convinced about us, I returned to my job in earnest. Ellen at one point opened the blind and nonchalantly sat on my lap. My office neighbours kept looking over every few minutes and she seemed to have done her best to make them not only convinced of our relationship, but thoroughly jealous of my seemingly good fortunes with such a knockout blonde girl. As I logged off after about an hour she broke into a fit of giggles.

To be honest, it had been disturbingly comfortable with her gorgeous, featherweight body sitting atop of me as she watched me work with fascination, every few minutes leaning forward and looking at me directly. Her delicate fingers would brush a strand of hair from my forehead or she'd leave a kiss on my cheek, lips, ear, or even neck. The entire time I was trying desperately to focus on work and not think about the throbbing erection in my boxers that I'm pretty sure she felt, her bottom wiggling every few minutes almost as if she were purposefully trying to keep me hard and on the edge for the last hour of the day.

I sat in my car seat, and buckled up. I watched Ellen disappear from sight in her old car and restarted my SUV. My mind wandered back to the comments a few people had made - that she wasn't wearing an engagement ring and asking if we'd picked out our wedding bands yet. As I pulled out of the parking lot and headed home, I decided we'd definitely have to go shopping or that might raise too many questions in the future. So as to be fair to Hayley, I was also thinking to buy her a ring as well, something that would remind her every day just how much I loved her, even if I couldn't tell anyone else in the world. 

Maybe Hayley could even go with us this time so I wouldn't feel so guilty... or perhaps that would just make it worse. Having her there to watch me convince the people around us that I was in love with her sister instead of her, kissing and touching her, instead... No... If it was hard on me, I could only imagine how difficult it must be for her to watch from the outside.

My life was complicated… but I seemed ready to accept whatever it had in store.

________

"Hayley?" I called up the stairs, "Where are you?" I heard the oven door close and a metal pan being set down on the stove and was soon greeted at the top of the stairs with a sudden excited embrace. Her two delicate arms pleasantly gripped around my neck and two soft, warm lips were instantly smothering mine. Startled a bit, I nearly fell back down the stairs, taking her with me, but caught myself against the wall. Once I was steady, my hands went straight to her ass as we kissed, my favorite place to grab. She was already pushed up on her tiptoes, so with just a bit of a lift, I had her off the ground and carried her toward the living room.

"I missed you today," she finally broke off our embrace when her legs felt the couch behind her. Sitting on the edge, she pulled me down to sit next to her, then quickly swung one leg over mine to straddle me with a knee on either side. Leaning forward to continue making out, she stopped as if something had caught her eye. She ran her fingers along my neck, raising her eyebrows curiously. "Hmmm, so Ellen went to work with you today..." she crossed her arms over her chest, "after getting the marriage license?"

Cringing sheepishly as if I'd been caught red-handed, I replied, "Yeah, my boss wanted to meet her before he approved some time off for me." I smiled widely, caressing her cheek in my hand, thinking she'd nuzzle it as she always had before. Instead, she just twisted her lips back and forth and looked at me, her eyes piercing like she was quite upset. "I get to spend five whole days at home with you, angel... Thursday through Monday with no work to go to; isn't that great?"

"To spend with me?" I started to get nervous from her angry gaze, "or with Ellen?" My hands started to shake, my heart racing, my mind convinced I had really messed up this time. Perhaps I should have called her first and let her know the plan? Maybe I should have found a way not to take Ellen with me? I only did it to be convincing at the office like we planned, it's not like... well, yes, I did enjoy the blow job, but still. If I could be showing Hayley off to the world as my girlfriend, of course I would have in a heartbeat.

I stuttered in answer, but Hayley cut me off, trying to hide a growing smirk as she did. "I think she must have done good job convincing everyone at work." Her smirk broke into a wide grin and I finally realised she was just playing with me. Exhaling deeply, my nerves still a little on end, I started chuckling while she laughed.

"Yeah, they're all pretty convinced now," I nodded and she leaned a little closer to me, licking her finger and wiping my neck. "They're giving me the time off to go on a honeymoon to Disney World. Well, supposedly. That's where I said we're going."

"Disney World?" she giggled, "Maybe, you should just take me... and leave Ellen at home." She laughed holding up her fingers, a bit of red colouring on their tips. "And next time my sister is trying to convince people, clean off her lipstick before you come home to me," she pursed her lips, pretending to be mad. Looking in her eyes, I thought I could see a hint of truth to that even though she now acted like it was just a joke. I returned a sheepish grin, mentally noting that things with Ellen clearly had to calm down before I really did screw things up with Hayley. "I know what happens between you and Ellen... but I don't want to be reminded of it."

I apologised and gave her a soft, brief kiss to show her I meant it and, after a few more moments of awkward silence between us, she seemed to push it off and returned her arms around my neck, looking straight into my eyes and turning on that seductive gaze she had before she'd noticed what must have been Ellen's lipstick on my collar. "Now is the time for you to convince me..." she scooted a little closer, setting her bottom directly on my legs, "who do you really love?"

My hands wrapped around her waist and I pulled her closer, her head a little higher than mine in this position, raised up on her knees and leaning against me. Her smaller breasts rested against my chest and my head tipped back over the couch to look up at the beauty of her face as it hovered above me. She was putting on a good spirit about it, but I could see that she was honestly nervous about losing me to her sister under the circumstances. I'd noted again that I'd have to be a lot more careful around Ellen from now on. Looking straight into her eyes as she gazed down at me, our noses nearly touching, I spoke as sincerely as I knew how. "I swear to you, Hayley, you're the one I'm in love with; the only woman I want."

She caressed the tip of my nose with hers, her hair falling to either side like a blanket hiding us from the world. Suppressing a giggle which made her blush even more than normal, her eyes never left mine even once, "You still need to convince me."

Hesitating a brief moment, unsure what exactly she was hinting at, I slowly slid one hand down from her waist to her ass while I reached my other to the back of her head. I pulled her lips down to mine, opening my lips to softly caress hers and, for the first time, I was the one who started parting her lips with my tongue. Meanwhile, my fingers on her rear inched up under the tight, silky material of her dress to squeeze her bare cheek. Like a child in a playground, I indulged myself in groping her sweet ass, pulling her even harder against me while making love to her mouth with my probing tongue. I'd learned that from Ellen, but I wasn't exactly going to admit to that.

After several long minutes of passionately making out, she pushed away from me, her hands on the back of the couch to hold her head away. "It was a good try," she whispered, her eyes opening slowly as she grinned widely, "but still I am not convinced it’s true." When I tried to kiss her again, she resisted my pulls, keeping her lips just out of reach. Instead she arched her back and pressed her cleavage up toward my face. The dress was already pulled tight, pushing up her prominent bosom with her nipples noticeably poking through and a clear showing of her tan line over her almost exposed chest. Clearly I was now seeing much more than she ever let out in public.

She gazed at me as if her eyes were speaking her thoughts, her desires. I knew she was shy so perhaps she was just trying to get me to act without her having to say what she wanted me to do. My right hand left her ass and slowly traveled up her back, making her shiver as she kept her eyes locked on mine. Upon reaching her bare shoulder, my hand slowly pushed the thin shoulder strap of her dress down her arm while leaning in and kissing her neck on the opposite side.

Pulling her fine pink hair to the side and tilting her head to give me space, she pulled her elbow through the strap once I had reached that far, confirming to me I was on the right track. Knowing her breast was now bare, I was simply dying to see it, but I didn't want to break the tender moment we were building so, instead, I slowly trailed my kisses along her jawline and around to the front of her neck to switch sides. I let that hand caress back down her spine to return to her ass as the other hand came down her neck and over to the opposite shoulder.

"Mmmm," she moaned as my lips suckled on her earlobe while my hand began pushing her dress down that arm and, once it was free, down to her waist. Kissing back down her neck and along her bare shoulder, she leaned back as I moved slowly downward and brought my hands back to join in grasping my goal. I soon felt the curving, soft skin of her breast and lifted the two orbs up to my lips, leaving a trail of little kisses all over the tops of her soft, curvy flesh. My kisses worked in arcs back and forth, closing slowly in on her coveted peaks. Finally, my chin brushed a nipple and she inhaled sharply, throwing her head back in pleasure.

"Please, Jeff," her voice was raspy, speaking under her breath as she pleaded, "More..." I indulged her with my own desires eager to taste her, opening my mouth and drawing the entire length of her nipple between my puckered lips with my tongue, a little surprised by its full extent. Once I had it firmly in my mouth, I gently began suckling upon it like I would a piece of candy while my tongue flicked its sensitive end over and over. "Oh, Jeff..." her body suddenly quivered, her hand pulled tight on the back of my head, crushing her breast harder against me. I opened my mouth wider, trying to encompass as much of her flesh as I could, taking the whole areola in my gaping maw and ran wet circles along its edges. After bathing the entirety of it with my tongue, I closed tight on her nipple and began suckling once again, this time much harder, as if I were trying to actually extract milk from her breast.

The whole time my manhood ached, desperately trying to stand, but was trapped within my shorts and pinned down under her now writhing body. As painful as it was, I ignored it, focusing solely on her pleasure as I moved to begin coddling and groping her other breast. Her nipple called to my blind fingers like a magnet to metal, and soon I was playing and rolling the erect bud between my fingertips while my tongue enjoyed a slippery, erotic dance across her cleavage until it took over stimulating her hard, erect nipple. "Ohhh… ahhh…," she moaned as the shaking of her body grew with intensity. Rhythmically her chest was now thrusting out to meet me as she sensuously danced upon my lap. "Yes… oh yes," her words muttered through desperate breaths while her hips ground down upon my legs and pinched my cock.

I'd always known nipples were erotic for women, my college girlfriend had always enjoyed it as a build up to sex all those years ago, but I was quite surprised just how much this was affecting Hayley. I loved how enraptured she was from just my fingers and tongue on her breasts, putting her in a state of such obvious sexual bliss, I decided to take things another step and add a little more to her sensations. Still suckling and playing with her breasts with one hand and my mouth, I let my other hand return to caressing her ass slowly in circles, then slid it down the cleft of her rear, closing in on the rising heat between her legs as far as I could reach around.

Suddenly she rose up on her knees, holding my head to follow her breast while she scooted back along my legs a few inches. My hand around her ass returned to her hip as she pulled away, but then, to my surprise, she pulled it around to her front and placed it directly against her silky, flimsy material at her crotch. It was warm and damp from her aroused intimate zone and my heart beat faster being so close to her most intimate treasure that she was clearly giving me permission to explore. "Oh, my love…" she bent her head closer to my ear, whispering, begging, her breathing heavy and labored. "Touch me... please," her legs spread apart just a little further as her hand laid on my cock between us, slowly sliding up and down its length through my slacks.

Feeling her soft fingers on my manhood through my clothes, I eagerly returned the favour with pleasure, massaging her moist pussy through her tiny panties, teasing at the edges of the fabric. My fingertips felt her soft folds give way under the thin material to the pressure of my short to-and-fro motions. She let go of my head and I soon felt both her hands fiddling on the zipper of my slacks. Once the fly was down, I sucked in to let her unbuckle my belt and pop the button of my trousers. A moment later her hand was sliding in towards my attentive soldier through the flap of my boxers, slowly running along my length with her soft, delicate fingers.

Too worked up now to think calmly anymore, I sucked down hard on her nipple as my tongue rapidly flicked the erect tip. Through her panties, my fingers parted her womanly lips and focused my massaging pressure on her clit above her warm, heavenly opening. "Ohh... Jeff," she trembled and her body shook, her hand seized up and she squeezed brutally hard on my cock, but now I didn't let up and I focused all the suction I could around just her nipple. "Fuck... yesss...", her brisk words of arousal turned into a muffled squeal that came in short spurts and a rising pitch as she quivered against my fingers, thrashing her head frantically from side to side. I don't remember ever having seen my ex react so violently in our sexplay so I couldn't really be sure, but she sure seemed like she was about to…

Suddenly her head lurched forward as she collapsed upon me. I heard her inhaling deeply in my ear as she pushed her face into my neck with her knees closed tight and squeezed my legs. She hugged me through the intense erratic spasms of her orgasm holding her shaking body against mine while still giving my shaft a painful yet erotic squeeze in her hand. I throbbed excitedly, yet wincing at her nails which dug into my sensitive flesh and that alone actually kept me from going over the edge right there with her. Still, it was a magical moment for me, holding her close as she rode out her pleasure in my lap.

Breathing deeply, I just held her like that for several minutes. Slowly she let up the pressure on my cock, and came too by nuzzling her nose up my neck. "I love you, Jeff," she whispered, sitting up again and pulling her hand from my slacks, allowing me for the first time to have a proper view of her bare breasts. They were small and coned, pointed toward the tips, her areolas dark pink and swollen, about the size of a half-dollar coin and perfectly puffy as if to say 'Jeff's mouth goes here.' Her nipples were thick and still tautly erect, and angled slightly upward on the curve of her breast, amazingly nearly an inch in length. Glistening wet from my saliva, they were making my mouth water, as if calling out for me to continue sucking on them immediately. Her marked tan line outlined her breasts, following her contours like a stringless bikini top that enhanced the darker color of her nipples. "Do you like them, my love?" her voice quivered in her nerves as she bit her bottom lip, bringing her hands up to cup herself. "Are they good enough?"

Tearing my gaze away to look up at her eyes, my smile grew from ear to ear like a dazed fool. I was still throbbing so there probably was a lack of blood flow in my head at the moment as I formulated some way to express just how truly wonderful they were and how much I'd enjoyed playing with them in my mouth.. "They're gorgeous," I shook my head slowly, "even better than I had ever imagined." Her cheeks blushed as she smiled and giggled in embarrassment, looking absolutely adorable; I just had to keep her blushing. "These have got to be the best looking pair of titties in the world."

She broke down into a hearty laugh, playfully slapped my arm, but her cheeks were beaming brightly. "You’re so sweet, but you’re also a liar. They are too small, my sisters tits are magnificent, and my..." she brought one finger up to an erect nipple,"they get so big when I’m… aroused. Do they look too long?" her eyebrows were raised like she was so nervous I might be disappointed in her.

"Are you kidding?" I brought my hands up to cup both her breasts once more, filling my palms with her sexiness, my thumb and index finger encircling those deliciously gorgeous areolas. "Your nipples are the best part; sexy as hell... and perfect for sucking on," she laughed and I slowly closed my fingers around both nipples, causing her to inhale deeply as her whole body shook. "They're really sensitive, huh?" She gazed into my eyes and nodded slowly, her smile still beaming brightly.

"I loved it when you played with them," she said in a near whisper, biting her bottom lip and then adopted a tone that sounded a lot like a little girl whining adorably to her daddy as she leaned forward, resting her head on my shoulder, "...but now you’ve made my panties all wet," she playfully slapped my stomach, "...and cold. It’s your fault."

"Take them off then," I couldn't resist from boldly suggesting looking down at her endearingly pouting lips. Then I waggled my eyebrows at her and added, "Maybe I can get you even wetter and find some way to warm you up."

She smiled slowly as her hand slid down my stomach and back over my erection that had only slightly subsided by now. "Do you buy uhm..." she blushed as her fingers wrapped around my manhood through my slacks, "the things I asked for?"

"You mean condoms?" I laughed, a mix of embarrassment and excitement, my cock twitching in her hand at the thought of us going further, causing her to giggle. "They're in a bag, hidden in the bedroom." Turning to look toward the hallway for a moment as if she were contemplating something, she then stood up and pulled her dress back on properly up her body, hiding her beautiful treasures to my great disappointment. Had I just made a mistake by not having the condoms with me? Had I completely ruined the moment just then? Her clothes back in place, she turned about and held a hand out for me to take it, her cheeks beaming brightly, her eyes sparkling.

Hand in hand I was instantly walking down the hallway to my... our bedroom in a dreamlike state, my hand in hers bouncing off her swaying hip with each step, my other hand holding my unzipped slacks to keep them from falling around my knees. The realisation of what we were about to do anxiously played through my mind as the gravity of it suddenly hit me. I was really about to make love to the woman of my dreams! But would I be good enough for her in bed? It had been so long for me and I was so worked up right now, surely I couldn't last but a few minutes. Was she going to be disappointed in me if I came too fast? Somehow I just knew that I was about to ruin everything, yet still I couldn't resist being excited.

Reaching our bedroom doorway, she suddenly turned around, her hands laying on my chest. I could feel the tremble in her hands, her eyes a mixture of excitement and nerves. "Jeff, I..." she gazed into my eyes, hers full of love, of trust, of desire. "I love you so much," she chewed her bottom lip for a second before adding, "...please be gentle with me. It has been a very long time," a nervous smile grew on her lips. "I want you... I want to make love with you," the trembling in her arms grew stronger, "but I am very nervous."

Immediately my fears and doubts went out the window, only pure love for her remaining. It was like there was suddenly no pressure, no need to be the casanova... she just wanted me to love her, and that I knew how to do that easily. "It's been a long time for me too," I dropped my pants to the floor, wrapping her in both my arms. "I love you, Hayley," was all I could say and then showed her as I brought my head down to hers. Our lips gently met, my eyes closing as her body melted into me. Using my feet to step out of my trousers quite clumsily, making her giggle in mid-kiss, we then instinctively danced our way toward the bed. We took slow steps despite our passion and made it without tripping over each other's feet. Once there I cradled her down, still keeping her lips pressed to mine in our loving kiss, allowing our bodies to fall slowly onto it as if time were standing still at that moment.

With her laying helpless, vulnerable, yet adorable below me, I held my weight off of her upon my propped elbows beside her head. I planted kisses on her neck as I'd well learned she enjoyed while I leaned one arm down, shaking a bit from my own weight and excitement, to pull the skirt of her dress up to her waist. She wiggled her hips to help and then my hand was exploring and massaging her hip and belly before once more finding the tiny triangle of fabric of her string panties. Now having the opportunity to really control the action, I trailed kisses from her lips and neck down her body, pulling both shoulder straps down to free those gorgeous breasts once more, my body gliding along hers. My heart racing a hundred miles a minute, I tried to keep my anxiety in check and go slow, making sure she felt my honest love for her in every little touch and kiss I gave her. Each nipple received more than a few moments or more suckling, bringing them both back to their rock hard states as she moaned and whimpered, but I moved on to my new goal further down her amazing body.

Though she was trying to grab hold of me so I wouldn't leave her bosom, I finally slid free and off of her entirely at the end of the bed. She leaned up to look questioningly down at me as I spread open her knees and knelt between her dangling legs, and her expression changed to surprise as my hands started caressing back up her inner thighs. Her black, silky thong with a dark, damp spot down the middle, was right before my eyes and I think she understood what I was planning to do next. Leaning up on her elbows to excitedly watch, my fingers passed her groin and went to her hips, tracing along the edge of the garment. Once I reached the small knot of string tied at each side, I gently pulled, slowly releasing the knot of the thin threads that held her sexy covering in place. Her legs trembled as much as my hands, but nothing was going to stop us now. The knots vanished and then the only thing holding the thing up were my hands. Hesitantly she arched her back, lifting her bottom up from the bed, and I gently pulled the whole thing down and away, discarding it to the floor. I realised I hadn't been breathing so I gasped for air as I finally got my first view of her breathtakingly bare vulva suddenly on display before my eyes.

Unlike her sister, she was shaved completely which was a pleasant surprise given how shy she seemed about sex. It made my cock suddenly twitch upon seeing her most intimate part so shamelessly on display for me, causing my tip to push out through the open flap of my boxers. The colour of her vulva was a couple of shades darker than her hair as it approached her puffy, womanly lips, still tightly closed to guard her inner secrets. The colour difference was emphasized even more by how much paler her surrounding skin was from the marked bikini-shaped tan line that stretched up her pelvis. She had just a hint of her pink inner lips running down the middle of her slit as I looked closer, and I could smell her sweet womanly scent pulling me in for more. I was completely mesmerised just staring at her; not only was it the most gorgeous pussy I'd ever seen, but also the first shaved pussy I'd ever seen in person. I was lost simply admiring the epic beauty of nature's most worshipped creation.

Looking down at me taking in the contours of her womanhood, she gave a half-giggle as she tried to close her legs a bit out of embarrassment, but I was positioned perfectly between her knees so she couldn't. My mouth watered with desire burning inside me to just dive in and taste her, to part those soft, succulent lips and explore her moist cavern with my tongue. I'd watched so many videos on pussy-eating techniques over the years, even read a number of articles about how to do it right, especially after my ex had complained about how poorly I'd done it the one and only time I ever had tried it in the past. Looking at her glistening pussy inches from my face, I was dying to have another opportunity and I figured it would give my cock a chance to calm down a bit too. "Is it okay for you?" her voice trembled, likely nervous from my extended silence while staring at her intimate region. "Do you not like how I look, Jeff?"

In answer, I gave her an ear-to-ear smile and surrendered to my wanting, suddenly laying my flat tongue on her womanly lips and causing her to gasp. "Oh, oh..." she was startled by my quick action, closing her legs around my head and her hand went to my hair as if to push me back. In response, I grabbed up under her knees and pried her legs open as my tongue licked her slit from bottom to top and then back down. "Oh shit!" she almost screamed and her body quivered as she lost all ability to resist. Her head fell back onto the bed and she clutched at a handful of the sheets behind her. She threw her legs up and out, so I just pushed them up farther, tipping up her hips to accept my oral invasion as I continued with torturously slow up and down licks. "Oh fuck!" the pink haired sister hissed and she sounded like I must be doing it right. I really hoped I was doing it well enough, but just continued to slather her cleft with my savory strokes.

Assuming from her continued excited exclamations that she was enjoying what I was doing and not looking to stop me any time soon, I settled into a more comfortable position. I placed her knees over my shoulders and took a firm grasp of her hips to gently pull the sexy buffet closer to me at the edge of the bed. I hadn't known what to expect given my limited cunnilingus experience, but she tasted far better than anything I had ever dreamed of! It was an addictive taste that I could truly enjoy for hours on end. After I was comfortable, I decided to reach up both hands to her breasts and found she was short enough that I could play with both her sexy bits at the same time. I tweaked and rolled her nipples between my fingers while nuzzling and licking up one side of her slit and down the other. Then, finally, I plunged my tongue right between her lips, teasing at the inner edges of her wet vaginal entrance.

Her short, panting breaths along with her groin pushing on my chin and cheeks, driving me a little into her, gave me an idea that this really felt good for her. "My love..." she called out loudly, her voice guttural and lustful. She rolled about as she breathed deeply, then one of her hands grabbed the back of my head and pulled at my hair as she thrust her hips into my face, as if she was trying to get even more of my tongue into her. "I lo... love you... fuck yes… Jeff," she gasped trying to speak to me along with her gentle hip movements. Her pussy was ineffectively fucking my penetrating tongue, but I couldn't compete with her needs with it being so weak and malleable. Still, I was enjoying it and I let her lead for a few moments, doing my best at trying to keep it rigid and lick her inner wall, going for that G-spot I'd so often heard of, as she desperately worked at pushing me a little further inside.

After a few moments, she changed directions and switched to gyrations instead, letting me rest and I took over with my tongue. I slid out of her and up her slit between her lips, sucking each one in turn into my mouth and bathing it with my tongue. She pushed herself back up on her elbows again to look down at me as my eyes gazed back up at her while my mouth took pure pleasure on working up her pussy. She bit her bottom lip as she breathed so loud through her nose, I could hear each labored breath. "Jeff... I... you’re..." I finally ran my tongue to the top of her slit, grazing just the very bottom of her clit and she gasped, throwing herself back onto the bed, squealing, legs trembling around me. "Oh fuuuuuck!" she almost sounded like she was crying now which made me stop and look up at her to make sure I hadn't hurt her.

Her head peeked down, eyes wide open and wet with tears, but she wasn't in pain. More like she was seeing stars flashing before her eyes as she looked back at me, shaking her head, pleading with me. "Please, don't st... don’t stop now, Jeff," she panted and with one hand she pushed my head back down directly over her clit. Quickly I brought one hand off her nipple and brought it in to gently pull apart her pussy folds and the skin back from her clit. From my video studies and her reaction I knew just what to do next. Up one side and down the other, I made circles around her hot, exposed little nub, careful not to go directly onto it just yet. Her legs started shaking and her other hand immediately grabbed her free breast, squeezing far more than I ever would have thought comfortable for her.

"Jeff... I... Jeff," her belly started little spasms, her hips jerking every few seconds and I could feel the heat and wetness growing quickly against my lips and especially on my chin. "I... I’m going... to orgasm," she panted and I latched around her exposed clit, sucking it into my lips much like I had her nipple earlier, wagging my tongue back and forth as fast as I could along the tip. Her hips started bucking in short, rapid succession and I could feel her back slowly arching from my hand still on her breast just before a loud cry shot from her mouth, "Jeff!"

It was unmistakable the moment her orgasm hit, grasping at sheets and pillows behind her frantically, her legs wrapping around my head, her hips rose off the bed, smashing her pelvis against my mouth as she lost all control. Her sopping pussy convulsed out a few spurts of warm liquid that hit my chin and neck as she screamed something incoherent with blissful agony.

Slowly she came down from it, her hips falling back down to the bed and her hands gently pushing me away from her sensitive groin as her eyes still fluttered with aftershocks while she breathed quite heavily. I took the moment after disengaging from her to let her rest and stand to search out the bag of condoms in the bottom drawer of my dresser; I figured it didn't matter now if I didn't last long, but at least going down on her had distracted me from my own needs for a while so I wasn't as on edge as I had been before coming in the bedroom. She probably couldn't handle much more anyway, even if she was up to continuing. Still, there was one box that claimed to be 'ribbed for her pleasure' while also using some kind of man-delay lubricant to keep guys from shooting off too quickly, or so the packaging claimed. "Are you ready, Hayley?" I turned to her, opening the box and grabbing one out before returning it to the drawer. I was ready to simply yank my boxers to the floor, throw on the condom, and jump her right now.

Managing to push herself up onto her elbows, she looked up at me, her eyes wide as she slowly started to laugh. "I... I don't know..." she shook her head, "I never had... one of those that big before." Her hand went between her legs, slowly rubbing her intimates like she was tender.

That made me feel great, but I really didn't know how to respond. "So you had an orgasm, huh?" I laughed teasingly as she looked back at me, biting her bottom lip and blushing. "I couldn't really tell," continuing the playful banter as I made a show of wiping her pussy juices from my chin and neck. "I take it you liked it. So are you convinced that I love you now?"

Breaking down into an embarrassed laugh, she nodded quite enthusiastically. Then she pushed herself back to lay on the bed fully, getting her head a pillow and in the process wiggling out of her dress completely before kicking it off to the floor with one foot. Now lying with spread open legs, her lips parting naturally open and sexy, she was simply and eagerly welcoming me to take her. "I want you to orgasm too," she was looking me in the eye with her seductive smile, curling one single finger as if she needed to urge me on. "I think I’m ready now. Make love to me."

There was no way I could hold back for another moment so I unceremoniously pulled off my shirt and yanked my boxers to the floor. Tearing open the condom package I heard her coo, "Ohh," and I looked back to see her eyes staring directly at my swollen manhood begging once more for release. I was no longer at the breaking point, but had a small bead of precum that had leaked out at the tip from the earlier sexual excitement of the evening. Not wasting any time, I quickly rolled the condom into place before turning on her like a tiger after its prey as I eagerly prowled onto the bed. She smiled and pulled me right over her, my hands planted on either side of her head, our eyes gazing into each other's.

"Please, after all this time I don't want to wait," she murmured. "I just want you inside me. I want you to fuck me," she whispered, reaching up and caressing my cheek softly with her hand. “I want to look into your eyes when you... cum inside me," one of her hands reached for my bare ass and pulled me down onto her, while the other grabbed my plastic wrapped twitching rod and guided it to her heavenly opening. Looking directly into those gorgeous blue eyes, I slowly pushed my cock inside, her mouth gasping as she felt me enter. Even through the numbing latex sheath, I could feel how wet she was from her orgasm. There wasn't much resistance, but she was extremely tight too; the warmth of her body enveloping my cock with her heavenly, velvety softness, never looking away from her eyes which widened further with each inch of my length that I slowly pushed inside her.

"Are you okay, angel?" I asked about halfway in after her eyes rolled back in her head and stopped moving to make sure she was alright when her eyes clenched closed, looking almost like she was in pain. I'd never considered myself a big guy but... perhaps for her, I was. "Am I hurting you?"

She chuckled, sending the vibrations all the way through her body down to the warm wonderland that was swallowing my cock and I inhaled deeply from the vibrating sensation. "No, no, no," she whispered and shook her head, her eyes opening and gazing lovingly back into mine. "I’m in heaven," she brought both her hands up to my cheeks, "...and I when I open my eyes I see a handsome man-angel who hovers above me… and fills me with his love." She pulled me down for a kiss, her hips trying to move me around inside her so I started a slow pumping of my shaft in and out of her gently before continuing to thrust in the rest of the way. 

I cupped one of her breasts and lowered my mouth to the nipple and took it in between my lips and sucked on it gently. I felt her shiver with excitement. I pulled my mouth away from her breast and looked up at her. Her eyes were closed and her head thrown back.

I put my lips to hers and began giving her a long open-mouthed kiss and she responded by shoving her tongue halfway down my throat. Then I returned to sucking her breasts again, moving from one to the other. I could feel her wet vagina surrounding me and she moaned sweetly. As I sucked her breasts, I put a finger in her pussy and used my thumb to play with her clit.

I pulled my rigid cock from her welcoming love tunnel and the next time that I moved up to kiss her mouth, I guided my cock toward her pussy lips and rubbed the head against her opening. She jumped when she felt it, but she didn’t stop me, so I slowly pushed my cock into her until it was about halfway in her pussy. 

I looked down at her beautiful, lithe body, and then, putting my hands under her curvy little bottom, lifted her slightly, and moved my cockhead to her entrance. She reached her hand underneath it, and shuddering, held my cock towards her as I pushed it against her parting lips. For a moment they resisted my cockhead but then it pushed through her small opening, and slowly down the tightness of her soft wet channel.

“Oh Hayley, you’ve got the nicest pussy I’ve ever been in,” I said, pausing to enjoy the feeling. Her tight little pussy was pulsing and squeezing at me. I looked down into her face to see she was biting her lips and she had a wild look in her eyes. Suddenly, she wrapped her legs around my waist and her feet spurred my ass forward. I began to stroke in and out, keeping a nice steady pace.

Hayley cried out as my penis thrust up against the bottom of her vagina, and began rocking herself against me making small sighs and moans as my throbbing cock slid up and down the exquisite length of her clinging pussy walls. I was vaguely aware of her fingernails lightly tracing patterns up and down my back, and then moving down to my backside to hold me to her as tightly as she could.

I moved in and out, sometimes deep, sometimes shallow, feeling the different shapes and surfaces inside Hayley's gripping vagina as it rubbed up and down along the length of my swollen penis. In the shadows, as I left and reentered her again and again, I watched her beautiful face, her closed eyes and lashes, and the small, ecstatic smile that played across her parted, quivering lips. And I marveled that it was for me.

My excitement was building quickly, and beneath me I could feel Hayley squirming as she appeared to orgasm. Her body shook, and her tightening pussy spasmed around my cock as she writhed and moaned. 

"Orgasm for me, Jeff," she whispered as our lips parted, opening her eyes to stare into mine one more. "Cum inside me, I'm yours now."

After being so worked up the last few days with my pink haired girl without a release and then hearing her sexy talk, I just couldn't keep the slow pace any longer. Her tight pussy loving on my cock, swallowing it to the base was just too much for me, even despite the muted feeling from the condom. Picking up speed, I focused on her eyes like she requested, driving in and out of her hot pussy, my head was spinning well beyond the point of being delirious. I drove my full length hard inside her, making her gasp as I pounded the tip of my penis, driving deep against the entrance to her womb and the world around us disappeared. Even the sounds of the bed creaking in response to each rapid, desperate thrust were gone to me. Only Hayley and I existed, joined as one in intimacy, living in the eyes of the other. Every thrust I gave her, burying my cock into her heavenly depths, was like a confirmation of my love for her; every whimper she moaned in receiving me, a reply of her love for me.

Surely, if it weren't for the delaying cream inside the condom, I'd have exploded within seconds of entering her. As it was, I was teetering on the edge, no longer thinking, just feeling the swelling of my cock inside her, harder than it had ever been before in my life. It was like the entire day had been building me up to this exact moment. "I love you, angel," I panted, looking away from her eyes for a brief moment to look down and see my condom-covered cock disappearing inside her as I pistoned my shaft in and out with a burning need to explode. She immediately raised my chin, demanding my gaze so that we would be visually connected again. "I love everything about you, angel," I could feel that point of no return boiling in my balls as they slapped against her ass. She curled her back and raised her knees to curl up in my arms, angling her pussy more direct for me as her rhythmic whimpers grew into short squeals and I drove inside her ever deeper and harder. Then I felt her feet on my ass from her legs wrapping around me, pulling her hips up in her own thrusts to meet mine with still greater need as her eyes held a firm grasp on me.

"Oh, Jeff..." her mouth opened like she was about to say something else, but her pained orgasmic expression took over once more as I suddenly felt her vaginal muscles clamping hard with rhythmic spasms around the entire length my cock, her stomach clenching hard, raising her head off the bed as she her nails dug into my arms as she tried to pull me down into her while still trying to keep her focus on my eyes. Feeling her tight canal cumming all around me, her pussy grasping at my rod to stay inside and spill my seed into her, as well as, seeing the expression plainly in her eyes, on her face, in her body, was just too much. 

She dug her fingers into my backside, and my turgid cock could hold its excitement no longer. The sperm rushed up my shaft, and my penis tightened into a spreading orgasm that I felt right down to my feet. My cum began rocketing out of its swollen tip, and in shivering uncontrolled spurts, it rushed desperate to impregnate Hayley's body.

I uttered a deep growl and pushed hard to bottom out inside her, explosions of emotion like fireworks blowing up inside my every extremity as my body shook uncontrollably from head to toe, coloured spots coming over my eyes as I lost all focus and control. My cock pulsed and contracted, the heat of my semen burned through my manhood as I felt it jet out hard and coat my swollen cockhead as it filled the condom in shot after powerful shot. I felt so good, I wanted to cry with finally achieving the release that my body had been begging for since I had first woken up that morning and, honestly, every morning since I'd met this woman of my dreams.

She held me tightly to her, jerking and sighing as she felt my pulsating cock unloading my sperm in shuddering squirts into her. She moaned as she came again, wrapping her arms more tightly around me. As our breathing began to slowly subside, she sighed. "Don't leave me. Stay inside me." 

Her orgasmic massaging of my full length continued through my entire duration, renewing in vigour and strength halfway through as she suddenly squealed my name again. Once my eyes were able to open again, I looked down at my sweating and beautiful goddess for only an instant before doubling forward and latching my lips onto hers in a frantic kiss of shared passion.

Both of us entirely spent, our bodies coming down from the natural high, she fell back onto the bed beneath me and I collapsed onto my elbows, my arms shaking as I tried to hold myself up so as not to crush her. I didn't want to move even a muscle, exhausted, every bit of my energy sapped by my explosive orgasm, but I forced myself to roll off of her quickly to prevent hurting her or have any condom accidents and slumped onto the bed beside her. She slowly scooted next to me, moving like she was as drained as I was, but needing to snuggle her nude body against mine and laid her head on my heaving chest. Proud of my lovemaking skills, I wrapped my arm around her, marveling in the natural feel of her body against me as she sighed contentedly.

"I love you, Jeff," she spoke softly, sweetly, her hand caressing my chest. Breathing deeply as we both stared into the abyss of each other's gaze, strangely she suddenly started laughing and I had to look down at her to see what was so funny. "Now I wish that I convinced you to make love to me months ago," she blushed. "That was... amazing; all of it," she inhaled deeply. "You make me feel so... complete."

I was feeling on top of the world, as if I could do no wrong; not only had I made love to the girl of my dreams, but she was completely satisfied by me too. It was the best feeling ever! "Well, in that case, I'll suck your nipples and eat your pussy every single night before making mad passionate love to you," though my body ached as I did, I couldn't help from laughing. "I'll just have a helping of your pussy for dinner every night. That's perfectly fine by me; I can live forever on just loving you."

"My pussy for dinner?" she giggled and then suddenly sat up as if she had remembered something, her eyes shooting open, her mouth dropping as she gasped. "The dinner... Oh, I completely forgot!," she groaned as she pushed herself out of bed, her succulent nude ass pointing right at me as she searched around on the floor for her dress. Bending over to retrieve it, the heaven between her legs smiling back at me, I couldn't help but admire the gorgeous view though I was too spent to even get a reaction out of my manhood at the moment.

"Do you want to try again… without a condom?" she asked.

"No," I replied, making her eyes widen. “I have to be careful. If you and I have a baby together, it will be because it's what we both want to do—not because we got turned on and couldn't control ourselves."

"I—I think you love Ellen," she stammered.

Her eyes immediately widened in fear, but I smiled and kissed her. "I love you, Hayley. But I need to do the right thing by your sister," I whispered. "We're smart people," I added, getting up to get that condom. "I'm sure we'll figure it out."

I was glad that condom didn't break. The way Hayley wrapped her legs around me and held me to her, I would never have been able to pull out. I loved everything about this experience; the way she kissed me, the way her hard nipples welcomed my mouth, the way her wet pussy welcomed me and nursed that big load of cum from my nuts. Afterward, the look of gratitude on her face bothered me. I couldn't help but feel that I had taken advantage of her.

I carefully tied off the full condom and dropped it in the wastebasket. I slid back into the bed and squeezed her to me tightly. We kissed some more before I looked into her eyes.

"Hayley, you don't think I just took advantage of you, do you?" I asked. "I mean, after you opened up to me and shared all that—I feel like maybe I shouldn't have had sex with you. At least, not now I'm marrying your sister—"

She cut me off with a passionate kiss. "Shut up," she said playfully as she stood by the bed. She sighed and pulled me onto my side facing her, rubbing her hand over my chest. "It was perfect, Jeff. If you had walked out that door I wouldn't have blamed you, but it would have been devastating. If you hadn't put on the condom, I would have feared the repercussions. You are always such a gentleman. So, no, I don't think you took advantage of me at all. You gave me exactly what I wanted, but now… dinner."

"Good," I sighed, leaning forward to kiss her again before I slipped my legs out of bed and sat on the edge of the mattress.

As she fixed her hair we heard the front door to the house opening and Ellen's voice called out, announcing her arrival home from class. Like a flash, Hayley was at the bedroom door, closing it behind her but first sticking her head back inside at me. "Hurry and dress for the dinner, lover," she giggled, "if Ellen sees you naked I may have to stop her from raping you!" She looked down the hallway for a second and then back in at me, raising her skirt quickly, flashing her gorgeous pussy. Then she brought her hand to her lips and blew a kiss at me before letting her skirt fall back into place. "I love you. With all my heart and soul."

I heard her footsteps fade as she ran down the stairs toward her sister… then they both squealed in delight.

"You got laid!" were the only coherent words I heard. Smiling, I rose from my bed, breathed in the scent of Hayley's sex and began to dress to join my lover and bride-to-be. 

"We are smart people," I repeated, buttoning up my shirt. "I'm sure we'll figure it out."

[montrealmadison]

eighteen to nine

hey y'all! you know that part of being eighteen where you just want to be a baby for five more minutes? well. this is a fic about that. featuring zimbits outsider pov (from their kid!), all the hurt/comforty vibes, and seriously so much fluff. (background zimbits, 3k, oneshot)

Ellie's first strike is that Dad doesn't even look surprised to see her out of bed. He just looks over from whatever he's doing on his laptop, smiles a little, and says, “Hey, peanut.”

“Hey.” She squishes the carpet between her toes. It was cream-colored once, but Puck and Pie have made it kind of gray. Maybe they'll get a new one once she's gone. “Whatcha doin’?”

Dad sighs. “Work stuff.” He turns the screen toward her so she can see: a stock photo of a smiling chef in a white coat that's cleaner than any she's ever seen him come home in, and above that the words Proper Handling of Dairy Products. It all looks very... corporate. "Gotta get re-certified so I don't—"

“Ew,” Ellie interrupts, in her flattest Valley Girl accent, and Dad laughs.

“Same. Well, lucky me, 'cause the perfect distraction just wandered right in.” He closes his laptop and sets it on the nightstand. “You okay? Thought you were sleeping.”

She shrugs as nonchalantly as she can manage, watches his eyebrows lift. Strike two. “I was trying to, but... um... can I—?”

Thankfully Dad gets it, because his eyes go soft and he pats the bed next to him. “Sure thing.”

read on ao3

[lavenderbexlatte]

day 3: mirror sex

stray kids 1.5k words gender neutral reader insert Reader x Bang Chan NSFW

🖤 warnings: undernegotiated kink, implied consent, themes of negative body image🖤

🎂 happy bang chan day~

kinktober masterlist

connect with me! / masterlist

Truly, these are the dangers of not pre-booking a place to stay.

Last-minute travel isn't usually your thing, but an unexpectedly long weekend means that there's finally time in your favorite guy's backbreaking schedule for a little getaway.

But last-minute travel, with no hotel booked, means love motels.

They're not as creepy as they sound, not usually dirty or weird. Inexpensive, yes, and usually a little older than the resorts and boutiques that most people prefer. They get a bad rap just because of the connotations, but like, people have sex in all kinds of hotels.

You think it's kind of cool, honestly. Homey, in a weird way.

The person at the front desk is a nice older lady, and she doesn't even blink as she asks if the two of you have any plans this weekend.

"Plans outside the room, I mean."

She winks. She's not subtle, but it's sweet.

And now, in the elevator, Chan is looking around in unmasked horror. Taking in the garish burgundy interior, the thinly-veiled adverts for sex workers taped to the walls.

"It's not that bad," you say.

"It'll be fine for two nights," Chan replies, sounding as if he doesn't believe that at all. "Anyway, we're only sleeping here. We'll have stuff to do."

"Oh, come on. We might as well put the place to its intended use."

Chan scoffs, as if the idea of using the sex motel for sex is ridiculous.

"As long as the room's clean, that's all I care about," you continue. "It's a hotel. Whatever."

"Whatever," Chan agrees tentatively.

He's still lying to himself, but he does relax a little.

When you get to your floor, things are extremely normal. Nondescript hotel decor, the faint smell of carpet cleaning solution and lemon furniture polish. Cleaner than other places you've stayed for far more money, honestly.

The room itself is at the end of the hall, which you like, for the privacy, even though there are only five or six rooms on the floor.

You let yourself into the room, and it's as clean and fresh as the rest of the hall. Again, about as good as it gets in terms of a cheap hotel.

"See?" you say.

Chan looks at you, clearly unimpressed.

"What? It's clean. I'll check for bedbugs, but other than that..."

He points upward.

There is a giant mirror stuck to the ceiling above the bed, but nowhere is perfect.

"Even that's clean," you joke.

The surface of the glass is spotless, no fingerprints and not even any dust that you can see from down here. Chan still looks unhappy. Cleanliness is obviously not his concern.

"Don't be a downer," you say.

"Why do people like that?" he grumbles.

You've set your bag down on the armchair in the corner of the room, rifling through it for your toiletries to set out in the bathroom, but you humor him without looking. "Like what?"

"The mirrors."

"In the room?" you glance at him. "Isn't that, like, the sex motel cliche? The heart shaped bed, the red lights, the mirrors?"

This room only has one of the above. Pretty tame.

"It just means you have to - I mean, you can already see your partner, why would you need-"

"You're really thinking about this," you interrupt.

He is. He really is, standing beside the bed and staring up at his own reflection pensively.

"It's so you can see yourself," you add, walking past with your armload of cosmetics.

From in the bathroom, you hear his answer, still pouty.

"Why would I wanna do that?"

Oh, here we go.

"Some people get off on it," you say.

He scoffs a laugh, humorless. You're being generous by not calling him out, here, because he's being self-deprecating. You hate that.

"I'm gonna terrify myself in the middle of the night," he says.

That might be true. He's a little bit of a scaredy-cat. But that's beside the point.

"That's not your actual problem, though," you reply, as you come back into the room proper.

He shrugs.

"Haven't you ever been curious?" you ask.

"About what I look like?" he shoots back, glancing back up at the mirror. "Done. Wow."

"I mean during."

Immediately, like flipping a switch, his ears flame pink. "Not really."

"No? Never?"

He looks at you pointedly. He knows what you're doing. You're not subtle, so that's fine.

"We should find out," you say, grinning.

It's a challenge, now.

Your gorgeous, gorgeous boy hates how he looks. That's common knowledge for anyone who's tried to get him to take a photo together, or shop for clothes, or compliment him on a new haircut. Most of your mutual friends just ignore it. But sometimes you just can't stand it.

He would never be the type to want to see himself in the mirror in the throes of passion, uninhibited. Which is exactly why he needs to give it a try.

"How easy do you think I am?" he accuses, correctly.

"I dunno." Instead of bothering him more, you flop down onto the bed yourself, feet still on the floor, staring up at your reflection. "You tell me."

The bait is laid, and like always, his insatiable ass can't help it. You two haven't had proper alone time in what feels like forever. He nudges between your knees, standing over you as you lay there on your back. You already like the look of the scene in the mirror, the way that his reflected form looms, the way it makes you look small.

"You know," Chan says, "We could put this place to its intended use."

You grin at your own words recycled. Great minds and all that.

"What an idea."

"Just an idea," he assures you.

He drops onto his knees, nudging you up the mattress to make room for himself.

You almost lose track of your own plan, once he kisses you. Hands roam, clothes are lost, the ease and comfort of something you've done so many times. For a while, it's just an encounter like all the others. His hands that know you, his warmth and presence and attention.

And then you remember, suddenly, once you're nude and he is too, and he's asking you how you want it.

"You on your back," you say, trying not to smile at your own ingeniousness and reveal the plan.

"You got it, baby."

He flips over, and he's settled fully into the pillows with you halfway onto his lap before he looks up. He looks up at the ceiling, and he realizes.

"Wait-"

"Gotcha," you smirk, settling fully on top of him.

He could very easily just knock you over and change things up, or he could ask you to stop, and of course, you would. But he doesn't. He just flushes, red again down his ears, his neck, and he covers his face with his hands.

"That's not gonna work," you say, peeling his fingers away from his eyes.

"I can't believe you tricked me," he says pitifully.

"I did no such thing," you reply. "But now that we're here, why don't we play a game?"

"Something tells me I won't like this game."

"Here's the rules," you say.

You pause long enough to rise onto your knees, to seek out his length - desperately hard, revealing that you haven't freaked him out too badly - and line him up.

"I'm gonna make us feel good. And you...have to look."

Chan pouts, putting his full lips to good use. "I'd rather look at you. Don't you want me to look at you?"

He punctuates it by running his hands up your back, hips to shoulder blades, soothing attention from gentle fingertips.

"I think you should look at yourself," you tell him.

"But-"

"Actually, no. I think you have to look at yourself," you decide.

He peeks upward. His flush deepens.

You're not sure why he doesn't like what he sees. From where you are, it's stunning. His slim body lines, the sharp cut of his face and his dark eyes against the bleached-white hotel sheets. Distractibly, biteably pink and embarrassed.

"If you don't look at yourself," you add, dropping your hips just enough so that he can feel you, "I'll stop."

He looks overdramatically betrayed, like a dog when you take their toy away to throw it. It's cute enough that you reach down to squeeze his face in your hand.

"That's the game," you say.

"Fine."

His voice is an embarrassed squeak, but that's consent, baby. You trust him enough to know that although he hates losing, he's not going to yes you to death if things are actually feeling uncool.

Permission granted, and his eyes dutifully trained on the ceiling, you ease yourself down onto his waiting length.

Curiously, once you're seated and he's swearing through his teeth, you tilt your head up to look at yourself, too. The angle isn't as good to see you, but you've got the gist of it. Your spread thighs, your arched back, the little bit of motion as you grind on top of him.

Nice.

"Don't we look good?" you ask, sweet as can be.

He nods against the pillow. "You look-"

"Not me," you tut. "You're not supposed to be looking at me."

Chan swears. You wait.

"I...I look..."

After a second, he swallows, and squeezes his eyes shut.

Pity.

You pull back up onto your knees. His wet cock slips free.

"I told you the rules. Keep looking at you."

[anonymusbosch]

Local Car Washed For The First Time In Nearly Two Years

After over a year of neglect and several months of gridlock in local government over budget allocations for the matter, anonymusbosch's car's interior was washed today. Asked for comment on what finally allowed the council to come to agreement on this desperately-needed measure, Bosch responded, "Well, it's been overdue for a while, but the recent exposure of nearly the entire interior to urushiol increased the urgency of finding a fix. The health of our constituents is a top priority for the council." (Urushiol is the oil found in poison oak and poison ivy and can cause itching and burning lesions upon contact; the oils can remain on fabrics for weeks.)

Given that this vehicle is primarily used for transporting heavy and bulky objects and for transporting personnel who have come in contact with poison oak, why was the matter not addressed sooner? A spokesperson for Bosch responded, "Frankly, we haven't had the equipment to deal with this, and we've never seen an urushiol dermatitis incident in the time we've had this car. We've been attributing that to better precautionary measures about second- and third-hand exposure. With the recent outbreak, we've been able to justify to the county treasurer the bond measure used to finance the remediation project."

An aide at the councilmember's office provided further detail. "When we originally proposed a remediation project, the cost estimate was nearly $200 for a full interior detailing. That wasn't something our local taxpayers were prepared to support and frankly thinking about spending $200 for someone to clean our car made us nauseous. At the same time, we don't have a wet-dry vacuum, so we weren't prepared to lead a remediation project ourselves. Thankfully we were tipped off to a more cost-effective option that has saved our taxpayers over $150."

A source who asked to remain unnamed listed the total dollar amount spent as "like 45 bucks" and said that "but like ten whole dollars went into the vacuum at a gas station because this fucker had straight up gravel all over the car. Completely irresponsible." The source added, "And they didn't even get all the sand out. Next time they might as well turn the car upside down and shake it." Eyewitnesses corroborated the source's price estimates, saying that a spot cleaner could be rented at the local Safeway for $29.99 for four hours and that the councilmember had been spotted loitering near the customer service desk there earlier today.

"We're happy to report that the councilmember has the financial considerations of the district's residents close at heart," said Bosch's spokesperson when asked for comment on the vacuum expenditure. "While the vacuuming portion of the remediation project went slightly over budget, we recouped an additional $12.99 by opting for laundry detergent instead of buying an entire container of carpet cleaner. We take these matters seriously."

An independent auditor who assessed the results of the remediation effort said that the car's interior was "not perfect, but, like, not narsty. There was gunk in all the corners and there isn't gunk now, or there's less gunk, and there also isn't a thin layer of sediment on everything either." The auditor noted that previous violations, like "a piece of tape that had been on the steering wheel for literally three years" and "four-month-old parking receipts" had been removed. "The urushiol was the highest priority, but it is also nice to see some of the lower-priority code violations addressed here as well," the auditor said.

When asked about whether the council would make vehicle cleanings a part of its standard services to the county or include them as a line item in next year's budget, Bosch replied, "Let's focus on the victories here. This was a collaborative effort that took several months of negotiations. I'd love to see support for it across the council, but I don't want to overpromise and underdeliver." Our reporter reminded Bosch that some cities support vehicle cleanings on a yearly or even quarterly basis. Maybe, like, just using the gas station vacuum once in a while? Bosch declined to comment. The Times also asked Bosch's office if the momentum from this victory for public health and transportation might be used to fix the apartment's bike storage rack or to schedule an appointment to replace the worn and thinning tires. "Our office has no further comment at this time," an aide replied. "And shut up about the tires. We'll get around to it."

After what it's taken to clean the interior, one can only hope.

[slippinmickeys]

This is for @medicatedmaniac who asked for a Ficlet set in the Proof of Life Universe: “Proof of Life my beloved - maybe the leadup to the Pulitzer prize being awarded? Maybe the night of and their in their hotel room getting ready to go to the ceremony? Or they get a letter about being nominated in the mail and maybe have mixed feelings on the nomination?”

1. She gets caught as she stands on the threshold of the hotel room, déjà vu suddenly overlaying her vision like a slide into a projector. The window is in the same place. The desk. The carpet is the same, though cleaner. If she closed her eyes she would hear a spat of gunfire. She does not close her eyes.

“Scully?” says Mulder from behind her with a gentle hand on her upper back.

She has stayed in hotel rooms since being held hostage in Africa, but this one…this one has a layout so similar to the one in which she was held that her amygdala takes over her higher functions. For a moment. One moment. Then she swallows and forces herself to breathe again. Forces herself to calm.

“Jesus fucking Christ,” Mulder whispers. He has come up more closely behind her, is looking over her shoulder into the room.

He is the only other person in the world who would get it, and does.

In a moment, the bags he was holding hit the floor and he brushes past her, marches into the room with purpose, directly to the desk, where he picks up the telephone receiver.

“I’m getting us a different room,” he says.

Scully swallows thickly and finally does close her eyes, breathing deeply through her nose. She does not hear gunfire. They are an ocean away from that place.

“Wait,” she says, then moves into the room herself. Stands in the center and takes a slow turn. Mulder, still standing at the desk, still holding the phone receiver in his hand, watches her.

She turns to him calmly, and, she thinks, with dignity.

“Before you call,” she says, “take my picture.”

“Take your-”

“Take my picture,” she says. “In front of the window.”

Mulder slowly lowers the phone. Glances at her. Glances at the window. She doesn’t have to explain what she means. He understands immediately.

“A journey of a thousand days,” he husks.

Scully nods. “The light,” she goes on, “is perfect.”

2. Africa again, but far east of the jungle mountains and lowlands besieged by war, they are now in the shadows of Kilimanjaro, the savannah stretching before them as paper unfurls from a scroll.

Scully is here for six months, the resident doctor in a rural hospital built and supplied by a Canadian charity. She treats diseases long dead in the First World west, urges the women to collect water from the new well six miles away rather than the river that is only two.

She has a local guide and contact who works for the charity, a lanky Maasai man who goes by the Christian name of James. He wears ropes of delicate and colorful beads and a lion's tooth on a cord around his neck. Under his red tunic he wears a white Hanes wifebeater and sandals made of old tires. He is missing a tooth on the side of his smile, which he is also always wearing.

“Good morning, Doctor,” he says in his friendly accent when she emerges from the clinic door to see if there is anyone waiting for treatment.

“Jambo!” Scully says at a volume and enthusiasm which makes her uncomfortable. She would rather a quiet hello and nod, but the culture she is living in necessitates jovial greetings at all times.

James is leaning against a post just beyond clinic porch and holding a spear which means he was likely out in the bush.

“Have you seen Mulder?” she asks.

“Yes,” he says. “He got a call. He asked me to come and get you.”

At this, Scully raises her eyes. Cell phone reception is spotty here at best. She hasn’t bothered to carry her phone with her in weeks. Mulder always has his out in the field, but the clinic is in a dead zone and there’s really no point.

James pulls his own cell phone out of a pouch that’s looped around his waist. He presses a button and hands it to her.

“Scully?” says a tinny voice punctuated by static. She puts the phone to her ear.

“Mulder?”

“Scully,” Mulder says. “Call Benjamin and Savato, tell them we have to leave early.” He explains his statement in a rush and Scully is dumbfounded when she silently hands the phone back to James.

He nods at her and steps back respectfully. When she’s halfway through the door of the clinic, she comes back to herself and spins around.

“James!” She calls out. “How does your phone work here?”

James smiles widely, showing the gap in his mouth.

“Magic,” he says.

3. The day is sullen; gray and without cheer. Outside the window, the rain comes down in a defenestrating assault.

In the bright doorway of the bathroom — they have a top floor suite — Mulder stands, struggling with the knot of a bow tie.

“Monkey suit,” he says, a little whiny.

Scully smiles and walks up to him, the silk sheath dress she’s wearing whispering as she moves. She’s not wearing heels yet and has to tilt her head back to look up at him.

“It’s only for an evening,” she says, reaching up and taking over the knotting. “And if the big mucks at Columbia hear you complaining, they might take back your award.”

Mulder lifts his chin to give her more room to work. After a moment she feels his warm hands settle on her waist.

“There,” she says, straightening his bow tie. His hands stay where they are.

“Does it feel weird?” He asks her quietly. “To be here? For this?”

She pulls a stray hair — hers — from his white sleeve.

“A little,” she says.

4. “…for fairly obvious reasons, the areas of arts of scholarly arenas live close to my heart and lived experience. Over these two decades, so much has changed in our world. And we all know those changes have had huge impacts on journalism, the arts and scholarship. But three things have remained true. One, is that we value these roles of journalism, the arts and scholarship, and that has remained central to a good life. Personally, socially and politically. The second is that good and talented people continue to join these professions. And the third is that the Pulitzer Prizes annually provide the world with the occasion like tonight, to honor and celebrate these critically important areas of human endeavor, and the people who perform at the highest levels in them…”

The speaker continues to drone on. Scully pushes the remainder of her short rib around on her plate. Mulder has barely touched his fish.

The picture of Scully standing in the window of room 1055 at the Hilton has been projected on a giant screen behind the podium for the last several minutes, and Scully can feel the eyes of the gathered assemblage flitting to her on a near constant basis.

They’re probably thinking of her trauma, of her experience, and they have most certainly read the stories that were breathlessly published about her and Mulder. Most of them have seen up close and personal the ravages of war and upheaval. There are several journalists she knows here, acquaintances she left behind when she resigned from CNN. Most of them approached before the ceremony and politely inquired about her, her health, what she was up to now. Many with a sad, pitying look on their faces.

She sets down her fork and turns the wedding ring around in circles on her finger. She doesn’t feel pity when she looks at that picture. The look on that woman’s face displays nothing but courage, and the eye behind the camera nothing but love.

When Mulder heads up to the stage a moment later to be handed the certificate he won, the applause that spreads through the room is thunderous. His eyes never once leave hers.

5. The lobby of the auditorium is thick with people and humidity, joyous voices rising up over the static of tires sloshing over rainy streets just beyond the front doors. They’ve been back in the States for a week, but Scully still isn’t used to the crowds. The noise.

From behind her, Mulder touches the bare skin of her shoulder. He’s just returned from the coat check and holds up the red wool coat she’d had to buy at Nordstrom two days before. She puts her arms through the silken sleeves.

All around them winners and colleagues and friends are making plans to go out and celebrate their accomplishments. One man in a charcoal suit has a bottle of Veuve in his hand that he swiped off of one of the tables. Several people have invited them to join them.

Mulder tips his head to whisper in her ear.

“We can slip out right now when no one’s looking,” he says.

She doesn’t even wait to answer, using her small stature to slip in between several people and out into the cold damp.

They’ve been provided a town car and driver for the evening, but it’s too hard to find him in the chaos outside the auditorium, so they hail a cab instead. Once they’re on their way back to their hotel, Mulder pulls the certificate out from under his coat where it was sheltered from the rain and looks at it.

“I’m starving,” he says to the piece of paper.

“You barely ate,” Scully points out.

“I was nervous,” he explains.

Scully takes the certificate gently from his hands and looks at it. The gold foil. The calligraphy.

“If we call in a room service order now, it should be to our room by the time we get out of the shower,” she says.

“God I love you,” Mulder says reverently.

They gorge themsevles on cheeseburgers and truffle fries, and, on a whim, a bottle of champagne (Mumm’s rather than Veuve, as, Mulder points out, he isn’t about to spend his prize money on booze) as they sit around in fluffy white robes with HBO on mute on the big TV in the corner.

On the desktop, under their room key, sits the Pulitzer certificate.

“That’s as much yours as it is mine,” Mulder finally says to her, nodding towards it.

“Yes,” she agrees, and sets a half full glass of bubbles on the bedside table. She reaches for the terry cloth tie of his robe.

Later, it’s all soft sighs on soft sheets and Mulder fills her with himself until they become each other.

[trivialbob]

My city has a biennial "Curbside Cleanup" event in April. People can set out large items for a special trash collection. We put things out starting on a Thursday. They are collected by trash haulers on Saturday.

In the days leading up to the collection people ("scavengers" we call them) drive slowly through the neighborhoods looking for scap metal or items that are perfectly usable. It's kind of fun to watch the procession of beat up pickup trucks, U-haul trailers, and small cars with stuff tied to the roof.

Sheila and I sometimes host a watch party in the driveway. This year her brother grilled his Billy Burgers (amazing smash burgers) for all of us while we drank beer and waived at the drivers.

This year I got rid of an office chair, a couch, an ottoman, a usable vacuum cleaner (I left a sign on it stating that it worked), and a broken carpet shampooer. All but the couch were taken by people before the city came by on Saturday.

One year I put out a different couch and ended up helping a guy load it into his van. He didn't look poor. I asked what he was going to do with the couch. Perhaps it would go in the basement for the kids to use while gaming and eating chips?

"I own some rental properties. I like finding usable furniture to put in them." I got rid of something I'd replaced with a new couch, he got a couch for free. Nice how that works out because the couch didn't (yet) make it to the landfill.

Something inevitably seen on every block are office chairs set of for collection. Two years ago I put one out at the curb. Two years before that was another one. This year my current chair's "leather" was cracked. The latch or gear that can be set to not allow rocking or reclining sometimes worked. More than once I'd lean back and exclaim "oh shit" as I fell backwards. My neck and shoulders were starting to hurt when I worked.

That's no way to live.

This afternoon I went to a business that sells professional office furniture. The showroom is open to the public. A guy asked me some questions about how I sit, where I keep my keyboard, and so on.

He showed me two not inexpensive chairs. I loved the first one I sat in. I did try the other one. Then he said I could look around the used furniture showroom. I saw some decent, heavy-duty chairs there, but that first one I sat in, the new one, was perfect for me so that's what I bought. It will pay for itself because I won't be buying Target/Costco/Staples office chairs every other year.

My desk right now is from Ikea. It's held up okay, maybe 6/10 in how much I like it. New desks at today's store were very sturdy and high quality.

And expensive.

But I saw some used desks that had a few dings or scratches that cost lest than my Ikea desk. They looked like they'd last a lifetime. I wish I'd shopped here earlier.

[sirowsky]

--Meeting Expectations--

Alright, we're off! Today's the big day and this is the first of the six stories that I'll be posting. I won't beg and plead for people to reblog or comment, but I really would appreciate it, as this is my attempt to celebrate myself, on this one crappy day of the year.

This is the one story that's based on a prompt, by the fabulous @bilibiche You asked for Whiskey, and that's what you got!

Rating: Mature Warnings: Not much, but perhaps a little self-doubt and self-image issues? Jack "Whiskey" Daniels x female reader, established relationship. Word Count: 580 Author’s Masterlist

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   “Oh, come on now, doll. You look positively scrumptious,” Jack drawls as his eyes shamelessly roam over your features.

   He looks hungry enough to mean it, but you’re still unsure about the dress. It’s a damned celebrity wedding, there’s gonna be paparazzi in every bush, and professional photographers inside both the church and the venue.    Looking good to the man who still thinks you’re gorgeous even when you’re wearing worn old sweats and you’re covered in dirt from tending to the horses and haven’t brushed your hair in a week, isn’t filling you with confidence at all.

   “I don’t wanna look edible, I wanna look respectable and elegant,” you shoot back, but that just prompts him to rise to his feet, approaching you with pure honey diluting the already smooth chocolate of his eyes.

   “Sweetheart, if looking only the way that the rest of the world expects you to look is what matters to you, then by all means, go change.    But I, for one, would much rather see you look like you, and be comfortable all night, than torture yourself in clothes that’ll make you feel disconnected and shallow.”

   Crap. He always knows exactly what to say to break down your defences.    And of course, he’s right as well. You are thinking only of not embarrassing yourself in front of the world press and hundreds of influential rich people, not about what you actually want or feel good about.

   The dress that you’re wearing is quite tough. Deep green with sections of creamy white and green leather, discreet contrast stitching in bright yellow and small lace detailing here and there, also in green.    When you’d tried it on at the store, it had felt so right on you, perfect for your figure and your personality, and when you’d taken it out earlier that morning while you were trying to decide what to wear, it had instantly spoken to you.

   You have other dresses, simpler and with cleaner lines, almost business-like in their restraint, as well as real red-carpet pieces that would certainly not be sneered at even by the most high-browed snob.    But those aren’t appropriate for a wedding, and they’re also just… not you.    You sigh heavily and step over to the far side of the closet where your shoes are stacked.

   “Don’t you dare pick heels, now, sugar,” he warns, knowing how much you hate wearing high heels, since you spend your days in boots or sneakers while working outside.

   You pick a pair of flat white ballerina style shoes, slip them on and then stare poignantly at your husband for a verdict, to which he simply smiles and nods his agreement from where he’s standing at the foot-end of the king-sized bed.

   “Perfect. We’re gonna be the hottest couple at the wedding,” he purrs, and you can’t help but smile.

   “Well, you’re certainly hot enough,” you hum, eyeing him up and down appreciatively, to which he proudly puffs up his chest.

   “Only next to you, darlin’. Only ever next to you.”

   “Oh, aren’t you full of praise today,” you say while playfully bumping your hip against his as you pass him on your way to the bedroom door.

   It makes him huff a laugh and before you know it, he’s caught up to you and has his hands on your waist, whispering in your ear, now with honey in his voice too.

   “What else is there to say? I just love you that much.”

THE END

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Thank you for reading and helping me celebrate! I wish you a wonderful day <3

Tagging a few people who I think might wanna read these stories: @startrekkingaroundasgard @deadhumourist @tintinn16 @suttonspuds @tanzthompson @shsoba05 @f0rever15elf @justnat15 @lowlights @dornish-queen @radiowallet @spishsstuff @harriedandharassed @i-love-movies @tiffanypooh @chaoticfestninja @insomniamamma

[starandcloud]

Eternally His

Word Count: 893

Mainlist

Metal Family Mainlist

Dee hummed softly as he laid sprawled out on the warm comforting blanket, he knew they were freshly washed and knew even more that his partner would have his head. But the freshly washed blanket smelled just like them, it smelled like safety and warmth and love. It smelled like you.

“Dee, baby, I just washed that.” You muttered out as you watched your boyfriend bunch up your blanket and shove his head into the pillow he had made of it, giving you a shrug as he inhaled the scent deeper into his lung. Making you roll your eyes and drop the laundry basket onto the ground with a huff, he did this every time you washed them. You swore you were going to kill him. You calmly folded your clothes sitting on the floor as you did, putting them on the stool next to you. Dee’s eyes followed you as your shirt rose up off your legs as you stretched to put the clothes up there, a stupid smile on his face as he watched you do basic house work. He knew it was basic things that needed to be done, but you made them look so endearing. The way your fingers gripped the fabric of the shirts that used to be his, now permanently at your house and belonging to yours, and folded the cloth so easily and set them on the fur carpet that you vacuumed. He knew it was cleaner than that too, he had watched you scrub it outside the day before with a scrub brush and dish soap. He knew you were paranoid about germs, he would’ve found it annoying how you were so anxious about every little dust speck but he found it almost adorable. Especially when you’d huff and ask to sit on his shoulders when you couldn’t quite reach a spot, he has practically engraved how you would grip his hair with one hand and clean with the other into his mind. Just because you looked so sweet doing it, so docile and cute. You were perfect. His affectionate thoughts were broken by the sound of something spraying, he hadn’t even noticed you getting up. His eyes lazily trailed over to where you stood, in your volleyball shorts and his t-shirt, spraying his cologne onto a shirt. “Is that mine babe?” He asked, already knowing the answer, but he needed to see that shy little smile and the way you avoided looking at him whenever he asked something like that. He needed it almost as much as he needed food.

“Yeah,” you whispered out as a coy little smile crossed your lips and you gently set the cologne bottle down, “it reminds me of you…”

You spoke in such a hushed and soft tone that it made his heart flutter and his cheeks heat up. That stupid smile returning to his face as you carefully put a hanger into the shirt and hung it up, making sure that it was in it’s proper place before shutting your closet. Dee’s eyes followed you as you put your clothes away before you sat next to him, your hand resting on the small of his back. Making his body melt into your bed as he closed his eyes. Your warm and affectionate gaze on him not going over his head as you slowly leaned down and kissed his head.

“I’m gonna make dinner, my parents are out tonight, do you want anything specific baby?”

It was a simple question, so very simple, but the way you said it made his brain blank and fritz up like an old tv as he hummed gently. Knowing it wasn’t really an answer as your hand started to rub up and down his back in soft ovals as you patiently waited for an answer.

“Whatever is fine darling, I’ll eat whatever you cook”

Dee muttered out as he felt your hand leave his back and start to gently detangle his hair tie from his hair. Usually he would’ve yelled or slammed the hand away, but you were so gentle and sweet with how you gently coaxed his curls from their restraints. By the time the hair tie was out, Dee was drifting off to sleep. You kissed his head again with a soft laugh as you reached up and pulled a throw blanket off the shelf above your bed, you stood up and flicked it over his body. Watching as it fell over his body covered his hair, which you gently pulled out from under the blanket. Knowing how bad the static would mess with his hair. Leaning down you pressed a final kiss to his head and flicked your lamp light off, “sleep well sweetheart. I’ll wake you when dinner is done,” you whispered out before quietly backing away and leaving your bedroom. Shutting the door behind you as your fingers gently grasped at the necklace chain around your neck, where your promise ring laid. A soft smile on your face as you gently lifted it to your lips and pressed a kiss to it, an eternal promise to him. Well… almost eternal, it was just a little ring but you already had the sketch work for a real ring. You needed him like you needed oxygen, you needed him for eternity. You were, and alway have been, eternally his.

Tags: @alixoop @spriinglockedd

[ctrlchar]

Hello! I've seen your HCs and I absolutely love the fact that you write for Kyuma, too!

Since you made a Karube and Chishiya NSFW alphabet one, would it be possible to make one for Kyuma too? Although, I'm also a bit curious how the SFW alphabet HCs would look like for Kyuma.

Thank you for your time! I love your writing!

Thank you!! I absolutely love writing for Kyuma. And I was actually just thinking about writing a sfw alphabet for Kyuma 🫶

Kyuma NSFW alphabet

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

He’s not like gonna over do it but he will make sure you are okay and will hold you close after. He’s not really one to talk much during or after but he will ask if you’re okay and if there’s anything he can get you

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

On himself he doesn’t have a specific body part but he definitely loves his voice. He loves how smooth is voice is and the fact that he can sing well. And also the fact that he can tell you so many things, ranging from sweet nothings to telling you how pretty you look choking on his cock

On his partner is definitely their tits,he loves sucking on them when in missionary as well as leaving dark hickeys on them

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

This man will come ANYWHERE and I mean anywhere.

Face,stomach,tits,ass,back if you can name it he can cum on it but his personal favorite is either your tits or your stomach but it really just depends on what position you’re in

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

Since he’ll be back stage getting ready to preform and you’ll be in the audience (assuming you attended the show) sometimes he’ll just get himself off before he goes on stage into the bathroom thinking about you

there’s been a few times where he hasn’t had time to do this so he’s went on stage with a noticeable hard on

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

A little more then average, I think he 100% gets bitches but he’s very specific as to who he fucks.

Doesn’t search anything up that he doesn’t know unless it’s obviously dangerous. He would much rather try it out and see where things go

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

This man loves 69. He enjoys giving and receiving so this position is perfect for him

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

He’s not serious but he won’t go out of his way to make any jokes. But if something funny does happen he’s not gonna be like a statue, he’ll let out a little laugh

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

Keeps himself cleanly shaven

Not a speck of hair on his lower region,he prefers this because he thinks it makes himself look sharper/cleaner

He naturally grows a happy trail but he keeps it shaved

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

He knows when to be intimate as well as how but he also knows when to just say ‘fuck intimacy’ and do whatever he wants. On special occasions he will make the bedroom much more romantic but he’ll make sure to take you out on a date first before getting into the sexual aspect

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Doesn’t do it that often,just usually before his shows if you’re not around

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

praise, he loves telling you how pretty/handsome you look and how amazing your doing. There’s nothing more in this world that he loves more then telling you how much he loves you and how good you’re being for him

Choking- Although he wouldn’t degrade you he would definitely be down to choke you,especially in missionary or reverse cow girl

Hairpulling-He wouldn’t want you to yank at his hair but tangling your fingers in his hair and pulling it a little while he’s going down on you really gets him going

Marking-Please leave hickeys all over this man’s neck and chest,or better yet scratches on his back

Food-All he wants is for you to give him head while he has whipped cream on his cock

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

Doesn’t have one,he’ll settle for anything as long as there’s enough time and you guys won’t get caught

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

He goes absolutely feral when you wear revealing clothes,he won’t show it but he loves it nonetheless. Especially when you’re wearing clothes that really show off your tits

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

He would never degrade you,he thinks you are equal to him and would never do anything to make you feel otherwise…but with a lot of convincing and reassuring he will do it

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

He’s pretty good at giving. And he doesn’t have a preference as to giving or receiving;he likes both equally

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

His personal preference is slow and sensual,he wants to take his time with you so you get the most pleasure. But on the rare chance he’s mad he will fuck you simply to get himself off

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

As said above he likes to take his time with you but he’s also down for a quick fuck in the bathroom or something

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

He’s always down to try anything once because if either of you don’t like it then he’ll just not do it again. He’s fine with taking risks as well since he is a nudist and people see him naked. His only concern is that he doesn’t want people seeing YOU naked

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

About 3 rounds,how long depends on how fast/rough he goes

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

He doesn’t own any for himself but the thought has crossed his mind one or two times. The only time he’ll get toys for you is if you ask because he thinks knows he can get you off himself

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

He’s not going to go out of his way to tease you but if he’s extra needy then sometimes he’ll whisper things into your ear

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

If he’s being more submissive in bed he is definitely much more louder then if he’s dominant,but he will be so loud if you pull his hair no matter if he’s on top or bottom

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

He’s a switch,but most of the time he’s a soft dom but every once in a while he loves receiving. There’s something about just sitting there while you use him that really gets him going

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

It’s about 5.5-6.0’ and about average width and length although I think he is slightly more long then he is wide

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Doesn’t have that high of a sex drive,he usually only has sex 2-3 times a week. Since he’s a nudist he’s learned how to control his body therefore he knows how to handle not having sex all the time

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

He stays up for about 10 minutes, usually just to make sure you are okay before he’s out like a light

[muzzlemouths]

please leave the light on when you go

quick character/canon study of Sun and his possible reaction to the daycare remaining closed for some time

Sun centric [no y/n] // Wordcount: 1,340

In the very beginning, desolation was a black swan in a lake of possibilities. A fluke of unfavorable variety. Something rare and startling and bitter, it went down the throat like sticky syrup and tasted of things worse to come.

The first occurrence was easiest to swallow. A morning which became afternoon and fell steeply into the night, bereft of children and left empty, an aching stomach that lacked any laughter. No warning was given. No one told him or taught him to expect the isolation.

They offered no reason to anticipate a change so sharp. The schedule wasn’t altered, it did not wipe itself clean. The screens grew static like sand in an hourglass that in itself had frozen still, unchanging, unmoving, the words ultimately becoming meaningless.

The Daycare opened from the inside - lights, music, every toy in its place - a cold body with a still beating heart. Outside the doors, something shifted, a new normal that formed outside his line of sight. Left unaware, he performed as normal and uttered not one complaint. Perhaps they were closed for a holiday. It may be that they simply forgot to let him know. Sun cleaned until ammonia wore away at his fingers and licked at the paint, resolving to prepare a Daycare worth returning to.

The second day was a bigger bite than the first. Harder to swallow. Once again, the lights brightened with morning and the voice of a familiar tune welcomed all. Outside, the sky’s blue became blush, the afternoon yawned beneath his nose. Sun waited at the center, fingers intertwined and wrists locked together at the waist. He dared not look away from the door - he couldn’t bring himself to. Hours came and went, the Daycare closed. But never opened.

The third day week is hardest of all. The jungle gyms shine, the carpets like new, every toy and puzzle and puppet put away and then put away again. Sticks of glue line themselves like a perfect marching band, construction paper sleeps soundly in bins beneath the shadows of shelves and pompoms and pipe cleaners hide away between books. He loses time in the shuffle, making items dance in different formations, fitting pieces of a puzzle together in hopes that the final picture will be something recognizable.

There’s plenty of time to hone his craft. Sun breaks in a new box of crayons and learns to draw flowers, placing importance in every petal. He isn’t good at it. Not the first time, or the fifth, or the hundredth. He grows to hate the act of it, his wires twisting together as pigment breaks across paper. Flowers smell like wax. His warm rays grow nothing but their concept - the very creativity it takes to conceive them. The imagination.

Sun grows to hate that, too.

But hate is a strong word, and he doesn’t hate anything - not really - it’s only the closest thing to sour. This loneliness tastes like warheads. It bites back.

He lacks focus; hours become hollow and days lose their meaning. A month passes, then two, then six. The paint on Sun’s hands all but peels away, faced with abuse at the touch of bleach and shine on the hour every hour. His battery drains, and he forgets to doesn’t have time to sees no priority in charging it. The damage wears on him needlessly. He allows it to consume him, granting it access to the chasm swallowing him piece by piece in frail hopes that it might act as a bridge to the answer.

This solitude no longer weighs on his tongue like it used to. It isn’t cough syrup, sticky and bitter, it’s just a pill. It goes down without a fight because he has none left to him. Its aftertaste washes over him with the fangs of a dull knife, and he runs pliant to the wounds.

Theories and reasons bleed together like whitenoise on a screen. Eventually he runs out of questions to ask and starts pointing fingers. The daycare is closed for maintenance. The daycare is closed for a special event. The daycare is closed because it isn’t - clean enough - organized enough - bright enough - loud enough - fun - happy - exciting - enough - it isn’t enough. Nothing he does is enough.

Eventually he must rest. It isn’t a request, but a demand, a battery that bleeds out as its host stands by watching. It pleads through rusting parts and a slower frame, a cry of WARNING, WARNING, WARNING that barrages his screen until he is blinded and left with no other choice. It is four in the afternoon, the middle of a shift, but he can’t afford to wait another minute.

So he sets the last of his sights on the entrance doors and locks his knees at the joint. It’s only for a moment, he promises aloud. A short nap. A few minutes, maybe an hour at most. Enough to silence his mechanisms so he can go back to tuning them out. He’ll wake to the first creak of wood or sneeze or greeting, surely. He won’t miss it.

The light behind his eyes softens until it’s nothing at all. The whir of inner fans slows to a stop, electricity lapsing into eventual silence.

The music continues without him.

Instinct wakes him when a fly gets inside. It’s a tiny thing with a voice just loud enough to fill the room. Sun catches it by the wing before the remainder of his system boots up properly and disposes of it, cleanly and wordlessly, clear-eyed, and mostly back to his senses once more.

A glance at the clock tells him it’s four in the afternoon.

A second glance tells him the clock has broken.

His systems are fuzzy, the accuracy of his knowledge unknown. It tells him a time, and then another, moving forwards and backwards and standing still. The date is all zeros and awaiting an input. His awareness feel buried beneath electric snow. Nothing that Parts and Services can’t fix, but he hasn’t seen the inside of that room in quite some time, now. He wonders if it still looks the same. He wonders why he always hated their help (and attention) to begin with.

The room greets him with its same familiar sight, but there’s a stillness in the air that is new and cloying. It comes through the vents and stirs against the walls of his chest. An error message flashes across the screen, its wording corroded and illegible. Another appears as he reaches out for the jungle gyms and slides a finger across the metal, coming back with something gray and soft.

But that can’t be right.

He tests another, and then the slide, and then the netting. His hands come back dirty each time. He wipes them on his pants, and then sees it. The dust on his arms. On his wrists. On his shoulders and his head.

There’s no way of knowing how many times it’s been four in the afternoon.

He works long into the night to return the place to its usual spick an’ span. His knee joints creak, his elbows groan, his frame digs sharply into twisted wires and loosening screws. He tries not to think about it.

When he’s finished - The jungle gyms shine, the carpets like new, every toy and puzzle and puppet put away and then put away again - Sun retrieves a piece of paper and a box of crayons, and he draws a flower.

There’s nothing else to do, it seems, and maybe he’s become content with that answer. Losing himself won’t solve anything, and a frown will only upset the kids.

His knees tuck awkwardly beneath the length of this table, smaller than the rest but in perfect view of the entrance. He glances towards the two doors once a minute, and behind him, to the slide, every other minute. Time moves by the length of his pictures. Flowers bloom in piles.

Maybe today, Sun promises himself.

He pulls an extra chair out from the table just in case.

[doberbutts]

It bothers me so much when people give up so quickly on their secondhand dogs because it's very possible that whatever the issue is is simply resolved by time but the dog gets returned within a week or two instead of worked with and no one wants to be patient.

Phoebe shat in her crate or on my floor (or both) every single day for three weeks. Turns out she was deficient in vitamin b12 and her liver was Very Angry because she had a horde of hookworms partying in her intestines. Fixing these problems made the behavior go away.

Was it frustrating to come home every day to a shitsplosion and have to bathe the dog, sanitize the crate, scrub the carpet, and then effectively set off a nuclear bomb of cleaning chemicals in my bathtub to prevent the spread? YES. But I knew there had to be a medical reason for it, and there WAS, and now the problem is (mostly) resolved and I haven't needed to scrub the crate down for a week and a half.

If I'd've given up and returned her within a week, she still might be sick.

It just. Really bothers me. I understand being frustrated with something. I threatened to return Sushi when we hit 10 months old and she was still occasionally pissing on the floor. But now Sushi's 2.5 years old and the behavior doesn't exist anymore. Tater hated Sushi for a solid like 6 months and refused to accept her as part of the household. Creed was constantly hurting me (by accident) to the point where my boss at work pulled me aside and asked if someone was beating me at home AND I debated returning him due to dog aggression in adolescence. Tiki was sick. Skoll had something deeply wrong with him. Fae caught giardia and then it took months to get rid of.

Just. Dogs aren't perfect. They have flaws. Sometimes you have to, you know, actually put in work to fix those flaws.

This isn't a dig at responsible rehoming- sometimes the best thing you can do for an animal is give it to someone else. As said, this is more frustration seeing people get a dog and then like a week later going "actually this [admittedly annoying but ultimately fixable thing] is unacceptable I don't want the dog anymore". You think I liked working for 8 hours and then coming home to clean up biohazardous zoonotic and contagious disease dog shit for at minimum an hour or two every day??? You think I enjoyed going through an entire pack of paper towels as well as two bottles of pet odor/stain cleaner per week??? That's just the ugly parts of owning a dog.

[mommyofkittens]

A Court of Fallen Heroes: Chapter 9- The Third One

𓆩✴𓆪

Author's POV:

          Venom...  A chilled shadow crept through his sweat-soaked hair, whispering velvety in his ear. Azriel turned his weary gaze to the obsidian weapons, hanging at the guard's hips. Their equally dark armor, probably made of the same cursed material, glowed faintly as they passed any candles or windows. The moon watched over him like a stern mother, hoping for the best for her son.

          Faebane... Another companion spoke directly into his mind, snaking quickly down his searing spine. He subconsciously thanked her for the icy path she left on his clammy skin, cooling him enough to allow his mind to think more clearly.

          It had been more than twenty hours since he had eaten or had ten minutes of deep, uninterrupted sleep. He was used to these episodes of insomnia, he knew where his limits were and he knew how to help his body survive exhaustion, but with the hunger gnawing at his stomach he could hardly cope. 

          He was so getting a vacation after he went back to the Night Court. 

          Azriel stumbled to keep up with the guards escorting him from the gate. They were a head shorter than him, and perhaps those bulky armors hindered them in every way. Still, they were probably cleaner than his Illyrian skins, which seemed to mold over the film of sweat that had formed underneath. Azriel refrained from wrinkling his nose. He hated feeling stinky.

          As he considered the color mismatch between the exceptionally clean burgundy carpet and the brown velvet curtains, he also noticed the way the mosaic on the windows and ceiling changed as they moved through different areas of the palace. It smelled nauseatingly of burning incense, sage, and something rotten and damp. Azriel searched until he reached the corners of the marble floors, where he noticed the musty flowers they tried to hide.

          There was death inside the palace.

           Azriel thought about the list of dangers he had made up in his head that would prevent him from getting out of the royal court alive if he had to escape. Not even his wings would help him, as they would be the first target of all the trained archers in the outer court.

          He didn't have to turn around to count the scars that stretched like a mosaic along the hard Illyrian membrane, the way the brown was patched with dark red spots, aerodynamically weaker than the rest of the healthy tissue. He could still feel some of them, running deep into the marrow, like a ghostly rash that constantly reminded him of past nefarious circumstances. It sounded like he was adding another five hundred centuries to the ones he already had. Azriel knew that torn ligaments and sword wounds could heal too tightly and viciously, restricting certain movements. All of this ached during training, or in his prematurely short hours of sleep, even when it rained, thanks to changes in barometric pressure. He knew with frightening accuracy how, for whom, and when he got al those scars. He liked to keep track of everything, it was in his nature.

          Azriel felt his wings a few pounds heavier, and he fought to keep his tired shoulders straight so as not to drag his bony tips across the marble floor. He wouldn't have minded scratching at the perfection of this palace, but to the Illyrians it was a sign of weakness he would not allow.

          Turning his gaze back to the glass, he saw them again, shining under the crescent moon. Four pairs of towers surrounded the main hall of the palace, and as far as he could tell, the archers were only mounted in the outer towers, relying more on being useful over a longer radius. In the smaller towers, huge bells lay black as night, no natural light reflecting in the darkness of the material. In Azriel's mind, the worst-case scenario emerged. He imagined that the sound it produced would be loud enough to overwhelm the delicate hearing of a fae, loud enough that any danger in the vicinity would be killed in seconds by guards on the walls armed with sharp spears, swords, and daggers.

          And he hadn't seen their magic system yet.

           These were just a few of the small details that made Azriel sit as stiff as a bow and as still as a river, ready to turn at any moment. He was pleased with himself, his plan had worked. It had been easier than he had expected, setting himself up as a target in front of the bridge and allowing himself to be escorted by six guards into the heart of the palace, relying perhaps too much on the fact that those in charge had been tipped off by the winged man haunting the surrounding villages. His ego seemed a bit bruised, considering the small number of guards around him.

          He counted the curves and doors that stretched from side to side, analyzed the thick glass and the type of fastenings in the walls, and made sure that all the ropes tied to the ceiling were there to support the heavy chandeliers and not for some who-knows-what trap. He was sure his shadows would have warned him of any imminent danger, but now they were just as vigilant, listening, watching, like hunting dogs.

         Azriel knew the rules: he was to be presented to an emergency council unless they had time to raise another king to the throne. He had everything ready, the letter from Rhysand was his ticket in, but the problem was how to escape and how to find the so-called Comet Woman. He hoped no one else knew about her, knew what she could become. If someone found out in the meantime, things could get very, very problematic. It meant he wouldn't be coming home with his hands clean. 

          The man knew she lived here for the past month, retracing all her steps by the scent of amber that lingered in the atmosphere. There were certain areas so much more concentrated, so much more filled with her presence, so tangible that Azriel could almost see her faded face, as if he were standing behind a curtain in which he could just make out her outline. The shadows had led him to a wooden threshold with a barely legible sign carved with the simple word 'Potions'. Azriel caught the humor and almost snorted: the one he sought was indeed a sorcerer, which was why it had been so easy for her to slip past their protection, to sneak into the house when he slept so soundly, to haunt him for weeks.

          He wouldn't have left without her, after getting so close that he could feel her brittle bones crumbling under his strong fingers. If he played his cards right, like a true diplomat and not a thirsty assassin, he could walk out of the wolf's mouth with his head still on his shoulders and the great trophy won.

          He paused for a few seconds in front of a polished wooden door, surrounded by ancient phrases carved into the holster. There was a brief exchange of glances between the man to his right and the guard in the hallway. He allowed himself to roll his stiff neck. He had been in the palace for more than ten minutes and still no sound, no servant, no Fae of any rank. What was everyone doing? 

          " Raise your arms! " The man to his left commands as he rests his hand on the scabbard of his sword, his eyes quickly scanning Azriel's body. " Remove your cloak and slowly present your weapons. "

           Azriel made no gesture as he nimbly unbuttoned the gold button that held his traveling cloak, then removed his knives and swords from his armor and placed them according to size on the low table by the door.

          A guard comes too close for Azriel's liking, counting the equipment in the torchlight. He lifts his eye shield over his head, revealing tawny irises and the smell of sour wine. " Are you planning an uprising? You brought an arsenal. ''

          '' No. '' Azriel said casually, rearranging the crooked line of daggers with a finger, '' I just can't sleep without them. ''

          The guard gave him a puzzled look, sensing Azriel's wry humor, then shook his head and put the torch away. He hoped there was no spell inside that would block his access to the other realm, where he had left allof  his most important tools, undetectable and ready to use at a moment's notice. The colleague, who smelled of cheap wine, took his hand off the sword and pulled on his gloves, then began to search Azriel's body. 

          ''Don't touch my wings,'' he warned them coldly, watching their slow movements closely.

          The individual paused for a second, trying to decide whether or not to take the mountain of a man in front of him seriously, then seemed to make the right decision and carefully circled the base of his wings on his back. He was aware that his life was not important enough to be judged by the royal court if the famous Shadowsinger decided to break his neck with his bare hands. Besides, there was his reputation: no one wanted to mess with the fragile nerves of a torturer. 

           The Shadowsinger didn't take his fierce gaze away from the guard's curious hands. In fact, he was annoyed that they were hovering too long over places he certainly did not want to be touched, but he could not afford to lose control when he was so close to fulfilling his plan. No one could test his iron patience. He could feel his skin soaking with sweat and dust as it ate away at his equipment. He hadn't had a hot bath in days and craved the feeling of cleanliness. And this touchy-feely examination was making it worse.

          After making sure he didn't bring in a butter knife to slit the throats of the entire council, the door was opened and Azriel stepped through, this time accompanied by only two of the six guards. 

          He paused for a moment to take in the new scenery. Surely he had entered the gilded palace street, where the king's closest allies made their home, judging by the imperial colors of bright red, the spotless view and, of course, the lack of musty odors. Gold chandeliers and scented candles were screwed into the marble walls, along with dozens of paintings of portraits and battle scenes. 

          A couple of women, the first Azriel had seen in the fifteen minutes he had been in the palace, emerged from a side room and did not shy away from looking at him from head to toe. Azriel refrained from rolling his eyes, content to look straight ahead without giving them any meaning. The ladies whispered to each other long enough for him to realize that he was the subject of the discussion, more specifically his tights and something about his waist. Even though Azriel was more than used to female attention, even male attention, that didn't mean he wanted it from everyone and everywhere.

          Still, he threw a bone to the dogs and bowed his head like a courtier, eyeing the ladies like a predator disguised under the skin of a gentleman. Oh my, how the perfume of the hallway had changed to something sweeter, more... enticing. Azriel's lips curled just a little as a loud giggle escaped them, enchanted by his attention. 

          Azriel doesn't get to take a few steps before an all-too-familiar smell hits his senses hard: nutmeg and... burning coals. Azriel sighs deeply and prays to the Mother that he won't find what he already expected to find somewhere nearby. His instincts rarely failed him. Maybe he'd finally found the reason to end this male's existence after the meeting of the High Lords months ago. His discovery would only add fuel to an already smoldering fire that could reignite any second back in Prythian, And possibly make Azriel's job a little more difficult if this redhead started sticking his nose into his affairs.

          The muffled voices seemed to contradict each other just after the left turn where the smell of fresh food came from. There were many more people on this side of the palace, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to locate the source. The scent, which could only have come from a fae, given how strong it was, began to intertwine with something softer, barely tangible, as if this person had no personality or will of their own. It had a subtle hue, barely discernible, like plants and leaves. No, not just the kind you grow everywhere, but the ones that love dry summers and cool winters, a plant that only the most special person in the world would know how to plant and grow for him. Saffron, he concluded, a plant that lives in the mountains and that for him meant freedom, however temporary.

          He didn't dare close his eyes to block out the memories. Every moment of weakness was just another knife between his shoulder blades. Azriel gritted his teeth and pushed every thought away. He subtly sniffed the bittersweet scent that took him to the same place where those sunken voices could be heard.

          The first guard stopped in front of him as he rounded the corner, probably slightly startled by the image he saw in the next corridor. Azriel stepped cautiously, his eyes taking in every detail of the stained glass until he came to a familiar clump of red hair. He couldn't help but sigh.

          An awkward moment of silence fell over all the participants. Azriel felt the urge to hit someone, especially the one who was now standing there nonchalantly, as if he had done nothing wrong.

          '' Well, I see Rhysand has sent his brutes out to play. '' His words, laced with mocking humour, did him no good as Azriel tried hard not to step on his throat again. '' What wind blows you here, Shadowsinger? ''

          The raven-haired man didn't respond to his challenge at first, watching the intimate scene unfold before them: an insultingly small body trapped between Vanserra's tall frame and the marble sculpture of a naked fairy. The woman struggled to cover her face with the red mask he knew all palace servants wore for some reason, then pulled the folds of her dress tighter, waiting for the awkward moment to pass. In his mind, he guessed the reason they were forced to wear that uniform. It was easier not to know who was disappearing, it was easier to kill someone who was lost in a landscape where a thousand others looked the same. It was easier to get murdered.

          '' Are you all right, girl? '' Azriel deliberately ignored Eris, any conversation with this traitor would only end in blood and not otherwise. 

          The woman didn't answer, didn't even look at him, as if she hadn't heard him at all. He was slightly offended by the lack of response, but overlooked it as she was probably on edge from whatever magic Vanserra had put on her.

          One of the guards approached the maid menacingly, ready to strike. " Our guest gives you permission to speak by engaging you in conversation and you dare not answer? You disgusting human! "

          Eris jumps up to stand between the guard and the woman, smiling sardonically. " She can't speak, Draegan cut out her tongue. "

          " Of course King Draegan cut out her tongue if she doesn't know when and how to use it! " The other man shouts from behind his mask.

          " Calm down! There's no need to throw a tantrum because a woman rejects you. " Azriel intervenes, freeing himself from captivity. " I think I can find my way from here. "

          " I don't think is wise... "

          " You're not here to think, you're here to guard, and I'm inoffensive. Lord Vanserra can vouch for that. " Azriel intensifies his look, turning his back to the guards. " And I left my entire arsenal by the doors, remember? "

          " I'll take care of him, don't worry. " Eris grunted, crossing his hands over his green tunic. " Men like him are as harmless as a bear: they don't bite unless you find their lair. "

          The men nodded sceptically and turned back. He felt Eris stiffen beside him, as if he'd been waiting for someone to catch him cheating at cards.

          " Let the girl go. " Azriel spoke grimly, not turning to look at them. " She shouldn't be here. "

          " She's where she's supposed to be. " Eris replied dryly, already irritated by Azriel's tendency to twist his words, then left a theatrical kiss on the woman's cheek.

          The girl seems to push him away for a second, then pulls her hand back, hiding it between the thick folds of her black dress.

        " I don't think you're where you're supposed to be. " Azriel didn't seem to want to back down, so he turned his full attention to the Heir of the Autumn Court, irritated by his idiotic answers.

          " True. " Eris admitted, covering the woman almost completely. " But I could say the same about you. King Draegan is waiting for both of us in the dining hall. "

         " Oh, you already share a bond with these criminals. " The man concluded, nodding slightly. " You still haven't told me why you're here. " 

          " Go, little human, I'll find you later. " Vanserra hugged her too lovingly, resting his huge palm on the woman's small face.

          A violent feeling ran through Azriel as he watched these gestures: fear, fear for this woman who didn't know what she was getting into, who was always in danger of being crushed by Eris or someone else from this cruel continent. A fragile human once again caught between the fingers of a fae. These stories caused a sick feeling of anxiety in his stomach, not because he cared, but because he knew history was about to repeat itself. He watched her short legs move hastily to the servant's door, avoiding eye contact with the fae around her, trying her best to pass unnoticed. Azriel was almost nervous for her. 

          Don't be clumsy. Don't be loud. Leave as soon as you can. I'll pay you ten times your salary if you just leave. Azriel sang in his head, but it was in vain, she couldn't hear him and he couldn't do much more for now.

          " Do you hear me? " Eris's voice grows a little louder, but something else catches Azriel's attention.

          The woman stops suddenly, eyes wide with shock as if she had seen someone naked, and looks around in confusion. Azriel frowns, Eris' words flying past him. She turns slightly toward them, and for a brief moment Azriel can finally see her troubled eyes: round as a full moon and fiery as a burning sun, but their color was what set them apart - gray, like an inviting sea that hides treacherous dangers. 

          Then she disappeared, like a ghost between the walls. 

          A few moments later, he realized that his shadows had become silent, resting, waiting, as if they were hoping, and then vanished from his surroundings completely. It seemed bizarre to Azriel, and he felt lonelier than he would have liked.

         " What are you doing here, Eris? "

         " Same as you - business. I know you're not here for pleasure or anything, you won't find a happy place here. " Eris Vanserra seemed to slap him as he gave him a tight smile. Azriel stiffened his mental, emotional and psychic shields and the shadows reappeared. " I want to know more about Hybern. They are weak and few. I want to have an advantage when the time comes. "

          " Just say you're here to spy on them and cut the crap. " Azriel strode after Eris, who knew the palace corridors disturbingly well. " Except I still wouldn't believe anything that came out of your mouth. "

          " I don't need you to believe me or the approval of the Night Court. This isn't about the Morrigan anymore. " Eris turned abruptly, almost bumping into Azriel who was behind him. " Another war is coming, something worse is happening right now, and I want to know how we can win. If we can. "

          Azriel's alarm rang in his ears. Did Eris know more about the Fallen Star than he was letting on?

          " Hybern was our enemy months ago, don't tell me you want to have them as allies. It's like trusting a rabid animal. " Azriel stopped him with a gloved hand before they stepped through another huge door. " They are the reason more than half of our armies have been destroyed. "

          He wanted to say a few more words to Eris, but that was a discussion he would have another time, in a much more secluded place and under more permissible circumstances, where he could use acts of physical violence. He couldn't ask him enough questions to find out what he knew, or if he knew anything.

          " I'm aware of that, but they don't have the Cauldron to do that kind of damage again. Anyway, this is not the place to discuss the matter in detail. Give me more time before you turn me in. "

          He didn't want Rhysand to find out that Eris was here, actively betraying everyone. He couldn't do that, it was a luxury he couldn't afford.

          " This new king, Draegan. He knows something we do not. He may have an advantage we do not. Let me find out what it is. "

          As another pair of huge doors opened before their eyes, Azriel suddenly felt tired. A huge table lay before him, decorated with plates and glasses far too full for his taste. Oriental flavors and far too much food awaited him, and the servants - both women and men - moved around in disturbing circles of clattering, chattering, and chopping.

          Dozens of pairs of eyes turned to them, hidden in that semi-obscure atmosphere of burning candles and the barely audible strains of a violin. Azriel wanted to turn around and leave, he didn't have the energy to go through all that was about to come, but he had no other choice. 

          " Sometimes I hate it too. " Eris whispered, with the same smile that now seemed forced, and started to walk to the only two empty seats that were too close to the already occupied one at the end of the table. The big chair that actually mattered.

          Azriel couldn't really see him, the king, hiding behind all this charade of music and dimmed lights and fae. But he could feel the sudden change in the air around him, too heavy to breathe and full of something evil. His shadows circled his vital points like a vise, shielding him as best as they could.

          " Glad to hear it. " Azriel spits back at Eris and turns away, unfazed by the reproachful looks.

          Azriel noticed the ladies from the hallway, watching him with lustful glances and scandalous promises. The creatures already seated at the table, all different kinds of fae, smiled at them all knowingly, bowed their glasses to them like hyenas tempting their prey. Indecent dresses, precious stones, tunics sewn with gold and silver thread, violinists with handcuffs on their feet and pianists with bandaged fingers. An unpleasant and painful sight. Someone proposed a toast and silence fell over the room. The two suddenly stopped, side by side, as if they had been caught sneaking into the banquet.

          " My dear friends and advisors... Tonight I'd like to introduce two special guests. Two soldiers who are willing to present their offers of peace for our kingdom, offers that I intend to accept. " A dark-haired man with square features rose from the imperial chair at the end of the table and gestured for them to sit beside him.

           Draegan... The brave shadow crawled through his hair, sitting on his head like a crown of darkness.

          Azriel takes a deep breath. How stupid of him to think that the Night Court would try to win a place next to those abominations of faes. He hated talking to men of high rank. They were far too full of themselves, they spoke coded most of the time, and the part that really drove him crazy was their facade. Far too much politeness, far too many fake smiles, and duplicitous opinions. He was too old for all the political games, but tonight he had to get into his role.

         " So you're here to make peace with these? " Azriel whispered so quietly that only Eris could hear, and began to push himself toward the red velvet chair. " They slaughtered our people. "

          " You slaughter people for fun. At least I'm productive. "

          " I hope your productivity kills you. " Azriel almost pointed his sharp canines at Eris, but refrained at the last moment. "And I hope it kills you before you leave this place. "

          Azriel walks to the farthest place from the so-called king. This man seemed unfit for such a title: too young, too vulgar, and too innovative for a land deeply rooted in tradition.

          " At least you're here with me and I won't feel alone in my dying moments. " Eris smiled jockingly and bowed his head.

          " I am more than happy to find you in such a festive mood, King Draegan. " Azriel bowed very slightly, as if any bowing would cause him terrible knee pain. " May all the year be as prosperous as you are at this moment. "

          A muscle twitches in Draegan's face. If he had made it this far without anyone standing between him and the throne, he had convinced his people that he would be a trustworthy leader. Who knows what means of persuasion he had actually used.

           Draegan smiled knowingly and gestured for Eris to take a seat at the table. " May all your blades be at hand when you need them the most. " A wry smile almost crept across Azriel's face. The game started earlier than expected.

         " You have no idea how pleased I am to have not one, but two emissaries from Prythian at my table. " The man smiled, showing his straight teeth, and poured the red wine into the golden cups himself. " You must be Azriel, the trustworthy and last of his kind Shadowsinger. I've heard enough about you and... your loyal companions. "

          " All wounds heal. " Someone from the table interjected, raising his cup. " May this meeting heal us all. "

          " Indeed, Lord Charon. " Vanserra agreed with the former, older participant, then turned back to watch Draegan.

          His shadows swirled around Azriel's neck, stirred by the ease with which the king spoke about them. The Shadowsinger eyed the speaker, noting his many medals and muscular frame. In return, Lord Charon gave him a compassionate smile, toothy and wide, showing all the wrinkles on his round face. 

          By the Mother, Eris Vanserra seduced half the court of Hybern.

          " After hearing so much about my business, I find it hard to believe that you are very excited about my unannounced arrival. " Azriel replied monotonously, placing a gloved hand on his crystal goblet. His boldest shadow jumped from his forearms and surrounded the glass.

          " No poison. " Draegan announced displeasedly, drawing his dark gaze to the dark tongue of shadow circling the freshly poured wine. " This is no way to greet your guests. "

          Safe...

          The Shadowsinger turned his head cautiously, looking for some food on the table, which was barely holding together due to the numerous dishes. Did the people outside the palace have as many goods as those inside?

         " What determined your unannounced visit? " Draegan leaned back and gestured for the others to continue their conversation. " I must admit, I was intrigued by the rumors. "

         Azriel knew that though they all seemed to be deep in their own discussions of land, property, and business, their hungry ears were tuned to the three of them, their senses were intoxicated by his ominous presence, and every fleeting corner of their eyes was focused on him.

          " My High Lord and High Lady wish to send you a letter - of peace. " Azriel rolled out the words as sweetly as possible and handed him the envelope marked with the royal court seal.

          " So many offers. " The king chuckled lightly, but didn't open the envelope. " Why didn't they come themselves? "

          Among the many candles melting on the tablecloth, he caught the glances of the diners around him. He noticed the cautious way they had begun to behave: eating in silence, wearing straight smiles and speaking in hushed tones. Some glanced at him out of the corners of their eyes, while others dared to admire him fully, allowing Azriel to sniff their disgusting fear.

          " Well, it's no secret that everyone is rebuilding their kingdoms after the devastating war. Politics and people can't wait, their homes are ruined and laws are old and terrible, they don't apply anymore. So they're doing their best to solve these problems. "

          " What about Velaris? The Hidden Treasure, is it as destroyed as the rest of the Night Court? " A question flies across the table, raising the hairs on Azriel's neck.

          " Who determines what people can live there? It's unfair for some to get the chance to stay safe and happy and other innocent lives to pay the price of not being lucky enough.  " Lord Charon throws the hardest question at Azriel,

          Azriel bites back an angry reply. These people were talking about innocent lives when they were killing dozens every day, not to mention that bitch, Amarantha, their own, worse than all of them.

          " Like I said, the laws are old, the city is as old as the law. Everything needs to be rebuilt. Everyone needs a chance to survive, to be happy, to be safe. The Night Court is working hard to rebuild everything from the ground. "

          Vanserra almost spits his food on the table, trying to hold back a laugh. " Let's not dig up the graves. Both continents made mistakes. The Night Court is working hard. " Eris backs Azriel up only to speak under his breath, using the music so only the winged male can hear. " That's why the Night Court is divided into the one of Nightmares and the one made for Dreamers. "

          Icy rage fills Azriel's veins, and it takes everything he has not to stab Eris with a real butter knife found on the table. He knew that the way people were allowed to live in Velaris was a flawed system, as were the Illyrian camps and the way women were treated there. But his words on these matters meant next to nothing if no one actually listened to his or Cassian's opinions.

          " Everyone needs a second chance, I think. " Draegan interjects as he raises his goblet to his mouth. " It's better to have friends, not enemies. I'd like to visit this place once. If I'm allowed, of course. "

           The Shadowsinger only nods, drinking heavily from that shitty wine, hoping to calm his stretched nerves. 

         " To what occasion do we dedicate this meal, Draegan? " Eris began as he eagerly carved a piece of lemon-glazed lamb, trying to ease the tension around the table.

         Azriel plunged his fork into a well-browned potato, passing through numerous spicy condiments. He'd forgotten the etiquette of high society, so he'd forgotten how polite it was to actually take food, not just look at it. He sniffed the piece of vegetable lightly, guessing pepper and something resembling turmeric, a spice grown exclusively in the Montessere. He popped the potato into his mouth and enjoyed the burst of flavor.

          He was starving, but he couldn't afford to eat everything on the table. If there was the slightest chance of being poisoned, at least the vegetables would have been digested faster and everything would have been disposed of even faster.

          The king laughed. Azriel cringed. " Well, aside from celebrating new bonds... Remember I told you today that someone broke into my room? "

          Azriel raised an eyebrow and looked at the man at the head of the table. He was glad the topic of conversation had changed. Shadows continued to swirl around him, clinging to his thighs and forearms, seemingly ready to draw his daggers at any moment.

          Draegan's golden crown decorated with rubies sat on his head full of brown curls. The burgundy tunic he wore and the shadows cast on his face by the candles seemed to send him into a realm of madness.

            There was a sudden movement as the guards closed the doors and the diners began to stir, startled by the turn of events.

          Eris stopped eating and resigned himself to look around, stunned and dumbfounded. More guards appeared from behind the stone columns holding up the balcony above, pointing crossbows at everyone's head.

          Azriel, though stiff, leans back in his chair, like a deadly weapon latently waiting to be used. He knew from the moment he walked inside that something would go wrong, that someone would die tonight. Maybe that's why he felt this urge to save the servant, this pity for her.

          A few screams rang out in the high room as the guards ruthlessly grabbed the maids who were bringing wine and food to the table and ordered them in a line down the hall. The silver trays tumbled to the floor with a dizzying high-pitched clatter, the cups now empty, and the red wine that had once filled them quickly spread everywhere, soaking the carpets and seeping through the cracks in the marble.

          " Dear participants, I don't want to give you a bad first impression, but I despise stealing. You see, one of those whores came into my room looking for something. " Draegan rose from his velvet chair and took a few steps toward the women, who were trembling. " You stole from me. "

           Suddenly, he slapped the first servant in line so hard that the silly hat she was wearing flew off her head, revealing her aged, white hair. The woman was off balance for a second, stunned by the powerful blow, but did not react. Her legs had turned to jelly and she was now hovering above the floor in a half genuflection, so the guard behind her tightened his grip on her forearms, forced to support her.

          The armored man behind her was as cold as this entire palace. Azriel felt no hint of guilt emanating from him, not even reproach, not even pleasure. Azriel quickly realized that there was something different about the guards here: the material of the armor was covered in onyx from head to toe, a trick to keep the Daemati out of their minds, but also to keep the smells they gave off from being detected.

          The Shadowsinger clenches his fists under his chair. " Shouldn't Your Highness solve your problem somewhere private? ". Azriel tries to ease the tension and give these women a chance to get as far away from the palace as possible tonight, but he doubted they would make it out alive. He looked at the burgundy stain of drink that was now all over the place and horror gripped him, there was really nothing he could do to stop the next events from unfolding.

          He couldn't do much without losing his own credibility. His mission was at stake, to find the Fallen Star, and that was more important than anything else at the moment. Once again, he felt like a child trapped in a dungeon.

          " Or perhaps more diplomatically, given the presence of our new guest? " Eris also jumped to Azriel's aid, standing up as if to climb out of his chair.

          Azriel watched where Vanserra tended to peer from time to time, as if hoping to find an escape hatch for the person in question. Glancing carefully over all the participants in this atrocity, he sensed that something was off: there was a disturbing sense of calm among them, but who could be so.... detached?

          " Don't you dare tell me how to run my kingdom! " Draegan's head turned like a whip on their table, his pointed gaze raised in accusation. " I have been nothing but kind, and everyone seems eager to step over me! "

           For a second, he would have thought the king was the calm one, but he smelled like a sewer on a hot day, as if his irritation was boiling up all the hatred inside him. Vanserra hid his panic all too well, but his eyes usually spoke louder than his smart mouth, so all he could feel were smoldering coals, red as burning lava. Azriel put a gloved finger to his lips and calculated again. The participants at the table, though technically accustomed to such excursions, were as frightened as lambs at the sight of a wolf for the first time, sweat and mischief dripping from every pore.

          Oh, that was it. Azriel tapped his forefinger against his lower lip in satisfaction. A devastating storm of sea-blue smoke was about to drown Draegan and drag him into the deepest oceans.

          " Please, my king... " The first woman wriggled, palms outstretched and rosy cheeks pleading for mercy. " I would never do such a thing. I have children to feed. I wouldn't dare. "

          " Charon, bring me her eldest child. " Draegan ordered grimly, without a second thought. " Lock them both in the dungeon, without food or water. I will give you further instructions. "

          The woman wailed uncontrollably, falling to her knees and soaking the king's leather shoes with her salty tears. The guard could not restrain her, but Draegan did, sending her into a deep sleep with a boot in her jaw.

          Eris closed her eyes at the breaking sound and took a deep breath. Azriel didn't allow himself to close them anymore, he needed enough hate to annihilate them all at the first opportunity.

          He noticed the reason for Eris's panic as she stood one woman away from what was now a pile of flesh on the ground. Curiously, he rolled his eyes restlessly over the six women until he reached the third in line. She now shifted her gaze, keeping her head in the ground as if trying to burn a hole in the thick marble and get underneath. He studied her for a long moment, never taking his eyes off her reactions. Her heartbeat was so tightly controlled that neither the scent of fear, nor stress came from her. Azriel was slightly impressed. This woman could control herself very well, but he could see through her, the way her wrists were tense, the way her thick eyebrows were raised to her forehead, the agony she went through to keep her steamy eyes from rising, how difficult it was for her to control herself.

          Azriel's eyebrows rose slightly. This was where that dangerous, deaf, wild oasis of calm came from. She looked as if she knew what everyone's next move would be, waiting for the inevitable to happen and free her from her torment. Could she be the woman he was looking for?

          Azriel rested his elbows on the table and kept his eyes on her. A helpless, small woman, without courage, without the strength to save the situation, too slow to save herself, too timid, too weak. Disappointing, he thought, he expected more from a myth.

          " What were you looking for? Sex? " Draegan clung to the second with all his might and began to fondle her breasts thirstily. " You wanted to have fun with me? You see brothers, the news that I have a big dick sends these ladies into a frenzy, looking for trouble. "

          Azriel was deeply disgusted, and so was Eris, who took a generous sip of wine without taking his eyes off the third maid. A bond formed between the two as the woman raised her head briefly, generously giving him permission to be calm, as if everything was under control. The Shadowsinger almost snorted. It was as if he could hear those burning coals eagerly leaping from the fire, waiting to be summoned.

          If Eris wanted to start a second war here and now, he had every reason to do so. And the worst part was that Azriel would help him, no matter what. Faes like that just cast a shadow on the ground for nothing.

          The rest of the guests begin to laugh, making indecent jokes that seem to feed Draegan's ego.

         " Be in my room after dinner. " Draegan made a show of whispering something in her ear, loud enough to be humiliating to the second girl, who was shivering like she was getting hypothermia by the second. " And bring the blonde, Aoife. She'll teach you what I like. "

          Tears as bitter as the first woman's began to wet her burgundy mask. Azriel was beginning to feel he couldn't take it anymore, but something caught his attention. The third lifted her head fully and glared at Draegan with the most venomous gaze. It looked as if she wanted to tear the sky in two above the new king's head. So this Aoife was special for her and wanted revenge for whatever she had done to her friend.

          When the king finally reached her, he was met by those gray, icy, murderous eyes. He stumbled over his words, as if he'd actually hit a wall of ice, and stared at her for a few seconds, as if he couldn't believe what the madwoman in front of him had just done. There was a silent conversation between them that lasted so long that even the roar from the table stopped to watch.

        Eris swallowed dryly and covered his mouth with a hand. Azriel could swear he was trembling with impatience. Obviously he had warned her about her behavior.

        Draegan tilts his head to the side, intrigued by her bold gesture. " You have pretty eyes. You should be more careful if you want to keep them. " He spoke after a moment, aggressively grabbing her jaw and bending her head enough to leave a wet kiss on her mask. " You're next tomorrow night. "

          Vanserra looked lividly at her, at that disgusting stain of saliva on her mask. His agitation vanished, as if Draegan had poured water over the smoldering coals. She looked back at him with blank eyes and nodded slightly. She could handle it.

          There will be no tomorrow night, Azriel suspected, either Eris will do something that will cost him his head, or this woman will do something that will burn the palace to the ground. Or maybe both. He was running out of time.

         When Draegan moved on to the next woman, the third one no longer looked down, but stared at Azriel with her huge eyes. Azriel held her gaze for a long time until Draegan pulled a necklace from the fourth woman's pocket. None of the three looked at the stunning discovery. It did not shock any of them. 

          Eris dropped his head, tired of watching the next bloody minutes unfold among them. Guilt was written everywhere: on Vanserra's face, on Azriel's actions, in the eyes of the third servant, even on these damned walls. They all watched as that innocent woman was mercilessly killed for something she didn't do.

          Another burden to carry, another soul wasted. No one was going to notice, they all looked the same after all. That cursed uniform... But Azriel knew immediately that the third woman was the one who stole from Draegan's room. And that Eris Vanserra was her accomplice.