by Viola Grace
He laughed, and they headed for the door.
She was never going to be able to meet the security guards’ gazes again. Corianne had included some toys, clips, a small whip, and the toys were all high-tech enough to require detailed inspection.
She was sure her face was going to remain crimson for the rest of her life as they walked to the parkade. “That was mortifying.”
He wrapped an arm around her. “It was supposed to be.”
“I didn’t buy those toys, and she didn’t buy them when I was there.”
“I know. She thought it would be funny. So did I. It was.”
“Mid-exam, I realized that Jacob had to check all that stuff in. So, now, two security guards I can’t talk to.”
“Don’t worry. I am sure they have seen worse.” He mused. “I can’t think of when.”
“You are not helping.”
He grinned and tucked her parcels into his vehicle. He settled her in the passenger seat, kissed her softly, and said, “You need to stop taking yourself so seriously.”
She stared at her boss, who had suddenly gone from a stick in the mud to a creature of whimsy. “What happened to you?”
He grinned and stroked her cheek before closing the door and getting into his driver’s seat, buckling up. “You did, Arcady, and changes have occurred and are occurring. The evolution isn’t complete, but you will be surprised by the end result. I believe it will be a comfortable mix.”
She sat and watched him as he drove them to the other part of downtown and his building with the security and the restaurant and her lovers. Change was hard, and it had taken over her life.
Chapter Nineteen
Corianne apologized profusely for the embarrassment, saying that it had seemed like an amusing-enough joke at the time. “I am sorry, bunny. You look really upset.”
She sniffled. “I like the security officers at work, and they don’t get all weird around me, and now, I think that is going to stop.”
Corianne held her close and stroked her hair. “I know, bunny. Sorry again. It was a mean trick.” Corianne glared at Krizt.
Krizt blinked in surprise. “I thought it was just some fun.”
“I don’t have many folks I can just talk to. They were just nice to me in the morning.”
Corianne stroked her, and Arcady was very careful to not let her hurt expression slip. She had thought it was funny as well, but she didn’t like practical jokes and wasn’t going to let this continue.
Tycho arrived, and he looked at her. “Who hurt our bunny?”
Corianne pointed; Arcady had to quash her laughter hard. Krizt suddenly looked embarrassed and awkward. He finally apologized. “I am sorry, Arcady. I didn’t know that it would affect you so strongly.”
She hugged Tycho and eventually was sitting next to Krizt again.
He leaned in and whispered, “Well, played.”
She shrugged and kept eating. “Thank you.”
He chuckled, and the other two stared at her. “Oh. Shit.”
Corianne looked at her. “You manipulated me?”
“I was really upset, really offended, and really hurt. It just didn’t last as long as you thought it did. And I do hate it when folks I thought of as friends suddenly look at me like I am edible.”
Krizt said, “They won’t do that. You aren’t their kind.”
She blinked. “If they say one off-colour thing tomorrow or give me any kind of look, I am going to start rejecting your dates for a week. You will be on a timeout.”
“He won’t like that.”
“Then, he can be annoyed at you. You screwed it up for him. I am sure the headache that will arise will remind you that I adapt to a lot, so I don’t want my social interactions tampered with.”
Tycho blinked and nodded. “Ah, right. They can be important.”
“For example, if one of the lab assistants tries to make a move on me because I am putting out for Krizt. If Krizt isn’t there to call for help, getting security to take me seriously becomes more difficult. If you depict me as a sex kitten, that is how they file me, and that is when getting assistance becomes difficult.”
Krizt looked at her and knew exactly who she was thinking about. “I have made an error in judgment, and I deserve the punishment meted out.”
“The punishment happens if anything happens to me, or I get any snide remarks from the elves.”
Tycho nodded. “That is fair. You can’t risk her ability to get effective assistance.”
Corianne nodded. “Yeah.”
Krizt wrapped his arms around her. “If there is any backlash, I will take my punishment.”
The other two nodded.
Krizt chuckled. “Soon, you will be able to defend yourself in those situations.”
“Goody.”
Tycho cocked his head. “You don’t wish to be able to defend yourself?”
“I wish not to be attacked in the first place. When I am on the street, I don’t want to be the scared bunny, I just want to be me, but that looks like I am going to have to be changing the definition.”
Corianne smiled softly. “You are infinitely adaptable. It is what makes you precious.”
“Yeah, but my logic has to keep up with my adaptability.” She grimaced. “Sometimes, it takes a few days.”
They left the restaurant without taunting the other diners and headed up to Krizt’s. Their night was slow, satisfying, and they had all taken time to kiss the tiny, pink implant marks and warm her from the inside out.
“Your charge is holding wonderfully, Arcady. Who’s a clever bunny?” Krizt’s voice was soft and encouraging, but she was in no mood.
She gave him a dark look as Corianne fed from her breast, her fingers locked in the banker’s hair for encouragement, and her leg draped around the other woman’s back. When Corianne lifted her head and licked her lips, she murmured, “I don’t interrupt you, Krizt.”
Krizt sighed. “You are right. I am feeling rather needy today. I had to be away from her for a few minutes, and it hurt.”
Tycho rolled up on his elbow while Corianne sealed the area where the punctures were. “How do you think we feel? We are separated from her most of the day.”
“I want you guys to let me wander around on my own. It isn’t that dangerous as long as my embedded trackers are functioning, and we know that they are.”
Krizt growled, and his hands were flexing. When Corianne moved aside, he pulled Arcady against him.
“I don’t want you out there on your own, Arcady. The last time you were, you were nearly killed.”
She looked up at him and sighed. “I was a designated whore and kidnapped by a group that preyed on women of that occupation. It is hardly likely to happen twice.”
“I would feel better if one of us were with you.”
She curled against him. “Are you trying to drive me insane? Is that it? Because that is what will happen. I am not a pet; I am not a child. I lived my life and managed to stay alive and uninjured until that night. It isn’t like I am going to strip naked and go wandering down the street, and speaking of naked...” She turned to Corianne. “What the hell were you thinking, selling my images like that?”
Corianne shrugged. “I make people money by seeking out all opportunities. That was an opportunity at no expense to yourself, as was the work with Z-Tech. Krizt will not let them put anything into you that he has not approved, so you are safe there, and now your financials are nice and healthy. There are more opportunities for you as well, but I can run them past you if you would like. The helpless look in your eyes would give quite the boost to sales at a bondage gear outfitter.”
Arcady blinked. “No. Nononononono.” She sighed. “It is one thing to feel this way when you are around me and holding me, but another to do it for posters and online ads. The lingerie is going to be hard enough to get past. I have not been out in public much, and I don’t want to deal with other people.”
“Fine, but I still want you to do the underwear shoot. Z-Tech
is paying a lot of money to get you photographed in your panties. Hopefully with your wings.”
Krizt chuckled. “They should manifest in a few days, once her brain knows how to use the tech.”
“Good. Once they are out and under her control, she can do the shoot, and then, the tech world will be rocked, and Z-Tech’s stock will rise considerably.”
Arcady now understood. “I am so dense. Of course, that is what it is about. Money.”
Krizt shook his head. “No. Exposure. If we can make folks think of the actives as something desirable, it lances some of the fear that groups like Humans First promote.”
“So, we are trying to make ourselves desirable?”
“You are desirable, and Z-Tech is showing off that your body can become more than it was with the implants. The peculiarity of your physiology to accept anything is part of it. There are governments out there working their actives to death. Others simply putting them to death. We are trying to impart value to their actives... via advertising. Salat is drawing his partner as a comic character and selling t-shirts for charities; Tirra is now an angelic poster girl advertising jewellery for Gorith’s family business and the BDC.”
She sighed. “So, where are the guys in all this?”
Krizt grinned. “If your wings sprout, I will have Salat draw you, wings and all, and I will stand with you, all beasted out.”
Arcady looked up at him. “Really? Promise?”
“Promise.”
Tycho chuckled. “I wouldn’t mind being on a tee with you.”
Corianne cocked her head. “I don’t wear many tees, but I would love the image of you on a poster. I would put it over my bed.”
Tycho grinned. “I wouldn’t mind lining my locker with a poster of you, though Ryma might steal it or, at least, lick it.”
Arcady winced.
Corianne stroked Arcady’s hip. “I think that you need to give her a chance. She first encountered you after we had been playing. Of course, she was hungry, and she didn’t know how you like things done.”
“How do I like things done?”
Corianne kissed her shoulder. “You want us to pay attention, to let you lead us into dominating, and then, you let us do as we will, and the short dance gets your engine going. Once that happens, you taste amazing.”
“So, you want me for aroused blood?” She chuckled.
Tycho added. “Normal you taste good, but aroused you tastes like heaven, and if we can get in on the orgasm... nothing like it in the world.”
She was embarrassed and hid her face against Krizt’s chest. It was not the wisest place to hide, but it was well-defended.
Krizt whispered, “He’s not wrong, and he has really been around.”
Tycho snorted. “It isn’t my fault that my work takes me around the world, and in the past, women have been appreciative.” He snorted. “If weepy. I don’t like the crying.”
Arcady sighed. “They don’t know what they are missing.”
Corianne was flipped to the side with a yelp and a laugh as Tycho cuddled up against Arcady’s back and began to kiss her neck. Krizt chuckled and moved a hand between her thighs, and they were off again.
Arcady was flat on her stomach, and Corianne was pressing soft kisses down her spine. They were all sated, and this was Corianne’s version of doodling. She loved contact, soft touches, and light sighs.
Arcady checked the time. “Well, you are all very fucking efficient. I even have ten hours before I have to get ready for work. Luxury.”
Krizt came in with a cup of herbal tea, and he sipped at it. He handed Arcady a bottle of water. “So, Corinne, what would you suggest as a pattern of silver icons on her skin. I have been thinking cherry blossoms, but they would be too busy.”
Corianne nodded. “I know some folks who could assist in the design, but they would have to see her to work something up.” She chuckled. “Krizt mentioned them earlier.”
Arcady groaned. “Salat and Khytten.”
Krizt growled. “I don’t know if I want her naked in front of Salat.”
She snorted. “He won’t fit anyway. And can’t he just use a scan like he and Torenne are doing for the vambraces and greaves?”
Corianne chuckled. “And yet, they sent an invitation to you.”
“I didn’t get an invitation.”
“Salat sent it via me. Khytten is trying to touch base with as many unmasked escorts as possible. She is going strength in numbers.”
Corianne kissed her shoulder. “Think about it. If we end up in Aksalla, you might have a friend for weekend outings... after she has her triplets.”
Arcady chuckled. “I have associates; I don’t have friends.”
Krizt frowned. “We are your friends.”
She chuckled. “I can’t really see bowling with you or sewing a quilt or mocking children at Halloween because you are scarier.”
Corianne smiled against her skin and licked her softly. “We are not so scary.”
“No, you are the most adorably cuddly, pointy people that I know.”
“Yes, but you are pointy as well.”
“True, but I am a scared bunny, and you are all mean wolves and a hungry kitty.”
She looked at Corianne. “You are one of the wolves.”
She smiled with her fangs bared. The guys started to argue over who was the giant pussy, so Arcady stole Krizt’s tea and started to nod off five minutes later when the guys had decided that she was mocking them. They had just turned to assert their dominance when she fell into a deep and dreamless sleep. That was strong tea.
Waking was not what Arcady was up for. Insistent hands eased her out of sleep, but she was so very tired. Coffee. She smelled coffee with cream and a lashing of sugar. She sat up and held out her hands for the cup. Her eyelids wouldn’t open. Large, careful hands put the cup in her grip and guided it to her mouth.
After a few sips, she opened her tired eyes. “Morning.”
Krizt’s blue features were close and very concerned. “You drank my tea.”
“That stuff has an effect.”
“For me, it is a mild drowsiness. You went over like a clubbed mule.”
“Have you ever seen a mule?”
“Fine. Someone tipped over a bunny.”
She snorted and finished her coffee. “I have to get dressed to work. For work. For the Z-place.”
“You are going to stay home, and Corianne will check in on you around noon. You are getting the free time you want.” He grumbled. “Did you do that on purpose?”
She looked at his silver horns and blue skin. “You’re pretty.”
He snorted. “Right, sleep it off, and call Corianne when you feel mobile.”
She nodded and set the empty coffee cup down on the bedside table. She crawled back into bed and flopped into the huge and empty space. “Tycho off saving the world?”
“Yes, his aircraft arrived half an hour ago.”
“Mm, kay.” She looked at him with sleepy eyes. “Did you know the bed smells like all of us? Where do you get such a huge bed? Were you always hoping for a foursome? Or I suppose it is just a menage plus since neither of you is getting near Corianne.”
He snorted. “Go to sleep.”
She smiled, and the blinds came down, and she slept.
She woke up after ten and stretched. Another cup of coffee, a leisurely shower with a dozen heads spraying her from all sides, and she was ready to face her day in one of the new outfits that Corianne had brought. The thigh-high stockings were a fun touch, and the dark green wrap dress made her eyes look super purple. She had just finished arranging her hair when the elevator arrived, and she walked out to meet a smiling Corianne.
“You look well-rested. You really threw a wrench into our plans last night. We wanted to toy with you until midnight, but you cut off the fun hours early.”
Arcady smiled. “I am a spoilsport. Everyone always says so. I seriously just thought it was like one of those human teas that makes you drowsy.”
; “Your drinking problem is a source of amusement.” Corianne stepped forward. “Now, where is my hello kiss?”
“I am wearing lipstick.”
“I know. I had them match our shades. No mean feat.”
“Oh, in that case...” She moved in close and kissed Corianne until hands got involved, and there was gasping, and thighs started to rub against thighs.
When Corianne broke the kiss, she said, “You need breakfast.”
“Where?”
“Klauz’s.”
She was confused. “He does breakfast?”
“He will today. We are family now, and Krizt can see you clearly through his eye, so... we are expected.”
“So, I am alone with eyes everywhere.”
“Precisely. So, we are going to head out shopping today. Wherever you like.”
Arcady paused. “I want some new earrings. Silver with sapphires and a hint of topaz.”
“Not ruby and garnet with some rose quartz or a pink diamond?”
She chuckled. “First things first. I might have a large bank balance now, but that can disappear in an instant. I don’t want to overtax my spending. Plus, I have never taken a sick day before, so I am not sure what the procedure is.”
“Well, you were unexpectedly sedated, so Krizt will have filed your absence as work-related, and tomorrow, you go back as usual. There should be no effect on your paycheque.”
“Oh. Okay. Do you think Klauz will make me a carafe of coffee?”
Corianne chuckled as they headed to the elevator. “He would be a fool to do otherwise. He will know what you need.”
The door to the restaurant opened, and they stepped into the entryway. One of the servers doing prep called out, “They are here, chef!”
Klauz came out and smiled. “Since we are doing prep, would you care to sit at the chef’s table? It will make things easier for me.”
Arcady nodded. “Please. I don’t mind things being busy.”
“Good because this is a wild Tuesday.”
He led them to a small table with a white cloth, and he kissed Arcady’s forehead. “Krizt told me you dosed yourself last night.”