Playing House

by Genevieve Ash

  “Max, you have trained yourself well. You seem to be able to manage everything alone.” Bel wanted to keep the bitterness from her tone but she was just too tired. Tired of the words, tired of the heartache and tired of the emptiness that filled her. She wished she would explode into a million tiny pieces. Float out into the universe and only have little moments of joy or despair. Then she would never have to feel the hopelessness she felt at this very moment.

  * * * *

  By the time they had got home they were exhausted from keeping up the front. Bel made some bacon and aged Cheddar omelettes along with a fruit salad and they ate in their pyjamas.

  Trudging up the stairs to bed, Bel wished she wasn’t quite so tired, but her body was giving out. They crammed every moment they could into their time together and it usually took her twice as long to recover. They climbed under the covers one last time. The pale light from the crack in the bathroom door cast a soft glow, allowing them to see one another in the stillness.

  Max kissed her and leant back to stroke the hair from her face. Bel smiled at him and pulled him back into her arms. He covered her with his body and kissed her neck. Tenderly, he trailed his lips over her shoulder and down to her breasts. Bel might be tired, but she was never that tired and her body rose to meet his kiss. He suckled at first one, then the other nipple, scraping his teeth along the peaks. Bel moaned and pressed her hips up higher to make contact with all of him. She needed to be close. So close, that nothing could come between them. She ached to have him inside her and without delay he pushed into her ready channel. The fullness of him moving within her was more than a physical pleasure. It was the feeling of completeness that Bel cherished. Now, at this moment, she knew all she needed to know—the man she loved loved her in return.

  Max moved slowly. Making love with him was even more intense than any of their wild sexual escapades. The feelings were easy—natural and right. They moved together effortlessly, their pleasure leading them to a place where it was only the two of them as one. Bel felt her release moving towards the edge and she moaned softly, as the feelings grew brighter and brighter. She felt the heat, she saw the light and she burned with the fire. Max clutched her closer and filled her with his seed. She let his love consume her.

  Max rolled beside her and Bel squirmed into his lap. Her body jerked with aftershocks. Max buried his face in her hair. He slid a finger over her clit and began stroking slowly.

  “Max, what are you doing?”

  “Once is never enough for you, baby.”

  “You have to stop,” she protested weakly.

  “No, I’m not going to stop.” He continued circling the sensitive nub.

  “Do you know what’s going to happen if you don’t stop?” she breathed, as the feelings started to spiral out of control.

  “What’s going to happen?” he asked, smiling at her.

  “Ohh, I’m going to come.”

  “That’s good. Come for me, Bel.”

  “No, I can’t.” Her cry was tinged with fear.

  “Oh, I think you can. It’s okay.” His voice was gentle and comforting.

  “Oh, feels so good. Please—don’t stop.”

  “I ‘m not going to stop.”

  Bel panicked—she felt so good, what if he stopped? She was so close.

  “Please, Max, oh, please don’t stop. Oh God.” Bel moved against his hand, pressing her mound tightly against his fingers.

  “It’s okay, baby. I’m not ever going to stop. I don’t ever want to stop.”

  Bel felt all her worry and sadness head straight to the glowing ball of pleasure in her core, stretching her beyond her limits until she exploded. The orgasm was deep and pure and it filled her right back up with joy and peace. Pulling Max on top of her still shuddering body, she held him close and slept peacefully in his arms.

  * * * *

  Morning came too soon and they dodged and darted in the bathroom, avoiding eye contact as they readied to leave for the station. Bel tried to keep the tears at bay. She didn’t want his last image of her to include puffy eyes and a mottled tear-stained face. He kissed her deeply as he buckled her into the car and they made the short drive to the station in silence. Standing on the platform, Bel rocked on her heels as she stared at the ground. She knew he didn’t like long tearful goodbyes, but she really struggled to hold it together.

  “Oh shit, I have the car park ticket in my pocket. I will be right back. I don’t want to get a fine.”

  “No, don’t go. I want you to be here when…”

  “I’ll be right back, I promise.” Max pulled his hand from hers and headed back to the car park. Bel was alternating between panicking that he wouldn’t make it back in time and feeling relief that maybe it would be easier if he didn’t.

  The train rumbled as it came down the rails, the concrete vibrating beneath her feet. She held her breath, waiting for the mournful sound—the sound that haunted her day after day back home as the trains sounded their whistle in the night. She liked to think they carried her love to Max as they headed into empty darkness. The whistle cut through the foggy morning air, not quite as mournful as the trains back home, but it pierced her heart just the same. The train barrelled towards her now and she drew in a deep breath. It wouldn’t be easier, it would never be easy. She needed him here beside her. She couldn’t do it alone. She turned to gather her bags and found Max standing behind her. She saw his eyes darting from her stare as he tried to hide his emotion. They stood like that for a long moment as the tears ran down Bel’s cheeks. She couldn’t make her legs move.

  Max leant down and kissed her tenderly and Bel fought back a sob. “Get on the train, my love.”

  “Max, I…can’t.”

  “Yes you can. Get on the train.” He wheeled her luggage through the open doors and placed it on the rack inside. He reached for her hand and pulled her forwards into the train.

  “Max,” she cried, searching his eyes. He looked at her and sighed, kissing her mouth sweetly.

  “What am I going to do with you?” he said with a sigh full of resignation.

  “I have a few suggestions…” she suggested wickedly.

  “Bel, you’re such a dirty girl.”

  “I know, but that’s one of the many things you love about me.”

  “True, but when we’re married we won’t be able to have sex all day long for a week at a time like we do now.”

  “Oh well, then, forget it— Did you say married?”

  “Yes, I guess I did,” he said, a bit surprised. “When you get tired of my snoring and belching, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  “That’s what earplugs were made for.” The tinkle of her laughter couldn’t hide the rumble of the engine gearing up to depart. Bel reached her arms around his neck and kissed him in front of everyone. He would have to get used to that, because she couldn’t keep her hands off him.

  “Get off the train, Max, I need to get home. I have a wedding to plan!”

  Max stepped from the train. He shook his head, but his smile was broad and genuine.

  “Bel,” he called over the roar of the engine, “do you think you could wait until I actually propose?”

  “Details, Max, details.” Bel blew him a kiss and the doors of the train snapped shut. Like a corny movie, she held her palm to the window, watching him walk beside the train as it slipped from the station. She thought of the couple she had seen saying goodbye at the station last week and suddenly growing older didn’t seem so frightening. Blending their lives would be a challenge, without a doubt, but it was a challenge she was up for. Pulling her phone out of her purse, she searched the web white pages and pressed send. “Hello, I am planning a wedding and would like next year’s availability for the castle chapel…”

  Also available from Total-E-Bound Publishing:

  Going Dutch

  Genevieve Ash

  Excerpt

  Chapter One

  Leather collar and cuffs in hand, Michael hesitated before adding them t
o his suitcase. He might not need them. Just in case, he reasoned. The trip to Amsterdam was an unexpected surprise and the chance to meet Cassandra again more than he could have hoped for. They had requested that he speak at the conference a few months ago and he had declined. Needing a break from his hectic schedule, he had given in at the last minute and decided to go. After all, it would be good for business. Sex sold. It was always about the sex. Besides, it was a much-needed tax write-off.

  The eclectic group comprised of scientists, metaphysicists and physicians. The IOU or Institute of the Unknown touted some respected educators as part of their team as well. He might even learn something. The group had expressed interest in the unique form of erotic hypnosis he had developed and had requested a live demonstration. Usually, these groups turned out to be a little extreme in their views and he was hoping against hope that they weren’t a bunch of quacks and perverts.

  There were sceptics who laughed off his visualisation technique as an urban myth, but those who had experienced the fantasy knew the truth. A few of his current partners might even be attending as spectators. He knew they were hoping for more than he had to give and, in his line of work, it was difficult not to mix business with pleasure.

  Cassandra paced nervously from her closet to the bed and back again. She had travelled extensively, but had never had this much trouble trying to pack before. Amsterdam was a place she had never been to and she was looking forward to visiting somewhere new. It was the conference that had her nerves on edge.

  Forget the fact that she was flying halfway around the world to stay with a man she had only met once before. That didn’t bother her at all. Their relationship, albeit unusual, required complete trust and Cassandra had no fear in that regard. What good would it do her to have doubts anyway? He was thousands of miles away and had a full life of his own. Never one to believe in hypnosis, Cassandra had been sceptical when she had found the file on an erotic writer’s site. It wasn’t really hypnosis, she had told herself as his sweet rich voice whispered in her ear. Just a story, nothing more. As she’d listened, the pressure had begun to build inside her. She’d tried desperately to fight it with reason. A successful attorney, she didn’t often win cases based on a hunch and she cross-examined herself to no avail. It had been a losing battle when the flood had gushed forth and she’d come at his command.

  Ever inquisitive, she had thought it prudent to contact him to ask a few questions. Her inquisition had turned into a flurry of emails and phone calls. It was not long before her reason had left for good and in its place remained a relationship that filled her with wonder. However, the thought of performing in front of a large group unnerved her, to say the least. Could she go through with it? Spread her legs and writhe in front of a group of strangers. What if, at the last minute, she changed her mind? Cassandra wondered why he had chosen her. Surely there were other partners who would jump at this chance. Others who were younger, prettier, more adventurous. But he had chosen her and she knew why. He owned her and he knew she was powerless to resist his commands. What would he expect? Would he want to touch her? Kiss her? Fuck her? Sex was such an integral part of Amsterdam it would be exciting to be there with him. Of course, if she were being honest, she knew it would not matter where they were, as long as they were together. Shaking off her worries, she finished packing.

  “What does one wear at a sex conference?” she wondered aloud. Trying to go with a tastefully seductive theme, she hesitated before tossing in the leather corset at the last minute. Just in case, she reasoned.

  * * * *

  The noise from the jet’s engines buzzed in Michael’s ears, distracting him from the notes he needed to work on. His mind wandered as he stared out at the bright sky through the murky oval window. Would she be happy to see him? Would she still want him? Closing his eyes, he let his mind drift back to their brief and only meeting. The details of their rendezvous were blurry, but the sensations were not. He could feel the softness of her skin beneath his fingers. Taste her sweet lips as they pressed tenderly against his. He remembered the way her body had trembled with desire as he’d held her and the way she had shuddered in his arms as he’d brought her to climax over and over again. Ah, but that had been in an airport lounge between flights, the excitement getting the best of them. What would happen if they were alone with nothing but time before them? Her emotions certainly seemed genuine. Her desire so intense, her need so great, he had to believe. As the plane touched down on the runway, Michael shifted uncomfortably as his erection pushed at his now too-tight jeans.

  Grateful for the earlier connection, he wondered if he should have called to warn her of his imminent arrival. He thought she might be napping and really didn’t want to wake her. Perhaps he would just slip quietly in beside her and wait for morning. Yeah, right! he thought. His need welled up powerfully and he was worried he might just explode in the taxi. A hot shower and a nap would set him straight. Then maybe he had a chance of controlling his lust. He debated waiting until after the live demonstration was over. It might wreak havoc with her brain if she had real memories competing with the ‘voice’. Yes, they would wait, he must remember.

  * * * *

  The hotel was sleek and modern. Cassandra found the lobby a little too cool and edgy for her tastes. She’d been travelling for two days and wanted nothing more than a hot bath and a long nap. She would welcome the quiet time to prepare for his late arrival. The room did little to soothe her, its clean, stark lines accenting the edge of her nerves. She unpacked right away, wishing she had brought something a little more comfortable to sleep in. Opening the bottle of Cabernet from the welcome basket, she poured herself a glass before heading to the black granite and glass bathroom. The shower was big enough for six and had nozzles coming out of the walls from every angle. The bidet appeared almost unrecognisable, its eclectic shape practically defeating the purpose, but the bath made up for all of the rest of it. It was perched on a platform and surrounded by mirrors, the large rectangle wide and deep. The steam rising from the lavender-scented water created a warm fragrant mist and the bubbles sizzled as they floated on the hot water.

  Carefully stepping into the tub, Cassandra shivered, one foot on the cold tiles, the other in the scalding water, causing an intense contrast of sensations. Her body felt alive with need as she thought about finally being with Michael. She looked up and caught sight of her naked form in the surrounding mirrors. Nowhere to hide in here, she thought, laughing to herself. She lifted her small breasts, pushing them together while turning slightly to see if her full bottom was, well, still quite as full. Not much she could do about it now. Shaking her head, she slowly lowered herself into the hot bath, sighing as her head rested against the cool granite.

  * * * *

  Evening had settled in contentedly and the room loomed dark before Michael as he entered. He set his bag down and began to undress, laying his clothes neatly on a nearby chair. He carefully pushed open the bathroom door. The flickering candlelight reflected off the mirrors, illuminating Cassandra’s sleeping form. Her long hair was piled on top of her head with wisps of curls surrounding her heated face and neck. Mounds and mounds of scented bubbles hid the rest of her delicious shape. His breath caught in his throat as he saw her there. She was even more beautiful than he had remembered. He knew there was something important that he was supposed to do, but suddenly he couldn’t think straight. As he moved quietly towards the tub, his cock curved upward, filling with his hot lust.

  She heard his footfalls, but her eyes wouldn’t open. The water, a little too warm, had lulled her into a quasi-sleep. She was relaxed and peaceful. Feeling the splash as he stepped into the tub, she forced her eyes open and whimpered as she saw him standing before her. How she had waited for this moment, longed for him to be beside her. Her need rose to the surface as he lowered himself into the water. Her eyes drifted to rest on his jutting cock. When she met his gaze once more, there was no need for words. They had always had words, but what they needed now wa
s the unadulterated power of touch.

  He moved slowly, sliding his body alongside hers. Reaching underneath her back, he pulled her close and tenderly caressed her cheek He groaned deeply as he leaned in to kiss her parted lips. Tenderness was quickly forgotten as the passion rose inside them. He plunged his tongue deeply inside her mouth, pushing hard and urgent. His cock pressed against her thigh, grinding against the slippery, wet skin. Moaning, she wrapped her arms around his back and pulled him tightly against her.

  “My beautiful Cassandra, to finally hold you in my arms is so…blissful.” His whisper was husky in her ear.

  “Michael, oh please, Michael, touch me,” was all she could manage in response. The emotions swirling through her were intense and she didn’t trust her words right now.

  He grabbed her breast, squeezing it hard as he reached down to cup her soft bottom with his other hand. He pressed deeper with his tongue. Her thighs were wound tightly around his leg, urging him closer. He lifted her hips, pushing her closer to the smooth muscle of his thigh, rubbing it against her clit. Pushing two fingers inside her, he stroked, using them as leverage to slide her hips back and forth along the hard muscles of his leg. The soft panting of her breath mingled with her moans as he pushed against the inside of her and the outside of him. He kissed her neck, licking, biting and sucking. He circled her ear with the tip of his tongue and she shivered. As he nibbled his way from her ear to her shoulder, her body jerked and he pushed a third finger into her. Pumping her hips, she arched her back and the water splashed with her desperate movements. The walls of her cunt closed around his fingers and she groaned as her gushing flood became lost in the water of the bath.