Gi hit the button again, forcing the doors open. She grabbed Taren’s hand and pulled her out of the elevator as she walked towards the front doors of Rapture. The early morning sun assaulted them as Gi headed towards her car, still holding Taren’s hand. She deposited her in the passenger seat and stepped around to the driver’s side.
***
Taren felt like Vickie Vail, riding with Batman through Gotham at breakneck speed as Gi careened through the streets of Chicago without saying a word. They finally came to a stop alongside the curb in front of a three-story greystone building. When she got out, Taren looked around; noticing the same style of old, greystone architecture lined both sides of the road with a few oak trees here and there. From looking at real estate with Ken, Taren could tell this was a very affluent neighborhood, rich with old money.
“Where are we?” Taren asked.
“Does it matter?” Gi answered as she grabbed her hand and headed up the small set of stairs with wrought iron railing.
They came to a stop in front of the corner unit on the end. Gi unlocked the door, and stepped inside, inputting the alarm code. Then, she motioned for Taren to come inside.
The foyer had beautiful marbled tile, which contrasted nicely against the cherry wood floors of the formal living room next to it. A couple of chairs sat near the large bay window, with two more chairs and a couch in front of the fireplace. A beautiful, crème colored rug adorned the floor. The back of the living room had a staircase that led upstairs, and opened into a formal dining room with a long, chocolate brown table sitting on a thick, oriental rug with neutral colors that matched the furniture and walls.
She didn’t have time to say anything as Gi led her up to the third floor, which opened into a hallway. She tried to look around at the artwork and pictures on the walls, but was shuffled through double doors at the entrance of the large master bedroom.
A massive, black sleigh-bed with attached nightstands sat along the far wall. A chaise lounge and a pair of matching chairs were near the fireplace on the opposite side of the room, and a large flat screen TV hung over the fireplace.
Gi pulled Taren towards her, kissing her softly at first as she moved her further into the room. Taren kicked off her heels and let her bare feet sink into the luxurious crème carpet.
All thoughts of her surroundings left Taren’s head as Gi’s mouth moved from her lips, across her jaw and down her neck. She stretched her head back, allowing Gi to trace her tongue in a delicate path, followed by gentle kisses.
Taren gasped when Gi spun her around, keeping the smaller woman in her arms as she brushed her long locks to the side, continuing the soft, teasing kisses on the base of her neck. Taren breathed heavily as she leaned against the warm, solid body behind her.
Gi moved her arms up, caressing Taren’s small, perky breasts before releasing the buttons of her blouse one at a time; all without removing her lips from the tender area she knew drove Taren wild. As soon as her shirt was free, Gi pulled it loose, draping it over the chair with her jacket. Taren spun around and grabbed a handful of Gi’s short hair, pulling her into a hard kiss.
The rest of their clothes were shed as they traded frantic kisses, biting and suckling each other’s lips and tongue. Gi watched as Taren climbed onto the high bed, sitting up on her knees in the middle.
“Come here,” Taren murmured with a husky voice.
Gi obliged, and their bodies came together. She pushed Taren to her back and moved on top of her, running her mouth over every inch of the delicate skin around Taren’s flat stomach. She dipped lower, sliding her tongue through the wet, hairless folds at the apex of her thighs.
“Yes,” Taren moaned, biting her lip as she watched Gi’s mouth move over her.
Gi pulled away and moved back up Taren’s slender body. Taren rolled Gi to her back and straddled her. Lust-filled blue eyes gazed up at her as Taren’s hands moved to her breasts.
Taren grabbed Gi’s hands, falling forward and planting them above her head as she rocked her crotch against the woman under her. Gi reveled in the feeling of Taren’s soft, wavy locks cascading over her chest as Taren kissed her way down. She ran her hand through them and lifted her hips to meet Taren’s mouth.
“Oh, tesoro,” she called out as Taren’s tongue circled her clit and entered her over and over.
Taren grinded against her and Gi’s thighs shuddered as she entered her with two fingers, feeling the thick wetness coat her mouth and hand while continuing the aggressive strokes with her tongue. Gi’s body gave way, tightening around her as she climaxed.
“Too soon, baby,” Taren growled, raising her eyes to Gi’s. She continued moving in and out of her.
Gi gasped breathlessly and pushed herself down, pulling Taren’s fingers out of her and sliding the woman over her mouth in a swift motion. Taren planted her thighs firmly on either side of Gi’s head as Gi’s mouth devoured her.
“Oh, my God!” she swooned, barely able to hold herself up as she rocked back and forth.
Gi rolled her to the side before she could climax. Taren tried to object, but Gi slid two fingers deep inside her and kissed her passionately. Their wet mouths moved together, tasting each other. Taren lifted her hips against the fingers working in and out, harder and harder. Their hot, sweaty bodies slid together.
“Fuck me, Gi,” Taren moaned as she kissed her.
Gi pulled her mouth free, moving down to lick her nipples and suck her breasts. Taren threw her head back, enjoying the sensations running through her body.
Gi slowed her fingers when she felt Taren begin to tighten, holding them deep inside as she climaxed. She finally pulled free and rolled away.
Taren watched her get off the bed and start to pull her clothes back on, before getting up and doing the same. She stepped into the beautiful, Italian tile bathroom, looking in the mirror at the reflection of the large garden tub and glass enclosed shower.
Gi walked up to the sink next to her, washing her hands as well.
“This is your house, isn’t it?” Taren asked, looking at her in the mirror.
Gi turned off the water and reached for the hand towel below. “We need to get back,” she sighed.
“You don’t have to be so insensitive,” Taren said as she dried her hands and turned around.
Gi pushed her back against the sink, looking directly into her eyes. “This is a purely sexual thing, no pillow talk. That’s what you want, isn’t it?” When Taren didn’t answer, she walked away.
On her way back downstairs, Taren got a better look at the house. She took a brief peek at the kitchen on the second floor, which had stark white cabinets on top, light grey lower cabinets, stainless appliances, white and gray marbled counter tops, and medium-shaded, hardwood floors. The entire floor had antique crown molding and wide archways with modern décor. Taren felt like she’d stepped into a real estate magazine.
Gi was leaning against the back of the sofa in the formal living room with her arms crossed and her eyebrow raised. Taren stayed quiet as she walked past her and out the front door.
***
Nothing was said as they drove back across town. Taren didn’t like this distant, emotionless side of Gi. She’d never seen her so guarded. It was almost scary and completely uncharacteristic for the woman she used to love. As the buildings and streets passed by, Taren began to think about what she’d done. Leaving with Gi that morning hadn’t felt like a mistake. Not at all. She’d felt almost carefree. But now, she felt dirty. She looked over at the woman next to her, wanting so desperately to talk to her, but Gi was right. The connection between them was physical. Taren wondered: would the emptiness she felt inside be enough for her to let the past go…let Gi go? Or would she come for more when she craved the connection only Gi could give her?
Taren’s thoughts vanished like smoke when the Audi pulled into Rapture’s parking lot and rolled to a stop near the front door.
“Aren’t you coming in?” Taren asked.
<
br /> “No. I have to go deal with the fire inspector at GR,” Gi answered.
“I thought the new sprinklers were in already.”
“They are, but he’s being a dick about something else now. I had a voicemail from Sergio.”
“Okay,” Taren said, not sure what else to say.
“Let me when you want to get away from the office again.” Gi winked.
Taren nodded and got out of the car. She stood to the side, watching the black sports car speed off as her mind raced. What are you doing to me, Gi? Why can’t I let you go?
Chapter 18
Over the next few days, Taren couldn’t get Gi and their encounter out of her head. Why had Gi taken her home? To her bed? Why not a hotel, or even the couch for that matter?
When Monday rolled around, Taren couldn’t take it any longer. She walked into Gi’s office and closed the door.
“Hi,” Gi said with a questioning look on her face.
“Can we get out of here?”
Gi shrugged and grinned. “Let’s go.”
***
When they arrived in front of the corner greystone, Taren pulled up alongside the curb behind Gi’s car and got out.
“I didn’t exactly mean here,” she said.
“If not here, then where? A hotel? Your place perhaps?” Gi questioned, unlocking the door.
Taren walked inside and waited for Gi to close the door. “I wasn’t referring to sex.”
“What do you want to do? Talk?” Gi shook her head, stepping closer. “You said it yourself, nothing personal.”
“Damn it, Gi!” Taren growled. “I don’t like you like this.”
“Like what? A piece of ass on the side? That is what I am, isn’t it?”
“I don’t know what you are!” Taren shook her head. “I can’t…” She sighed, “I can’t stop wanting you.”
Gi moved closer, backing her up against the wall with a searing kiss that left them both breathless. Taren wrapped her arms around Gi’s shoulders, welcoming the demanding kiss, before Gi leaned down, running her hand up under Taren’s skirt, between her legs. Taren moved against her, urging her further. Clothes were peeled away as they moved along the walls, finally ending up on the edge of the stairs, as they frantically brought each other to climax, oblivious to their uncomfortable surroundings.
***
The next morning, Taren woke up with her back and shoulder blades aching. She stretched her tense muscles in the hot shower and did a little yoga before getting ready for work.
“Where did you get those bruises on your back?” Ken asked, coming up behind her and kissing the marks.
Taren froze.
He’d just returned from one of his morning runs and was rushing around to take a shower and get to work.
“I got hit by a door,” she lied. Oh, my God. A door? She shook her head realizing she and Gi had never made it off the first floor, or really off the floor at all, during their tryst the day before. They spent most of the two hours tangled together on the stairs and then on the fancy rug in the living room.
“How did that happen?”
“It’s my own fault. I was standing in front of the receiving door downstairs when someone came through with a delivery of liquor. I’m fine.”
“Wow. Did it knock you down?”
“No. The door just slammed my back. It’s fine. I need to get going or I’m going to be late. We have a meeting this morning.” She kissed him and finished dressing as he got into the shower.
***
Taren was standing in the hallway, talking to Gi’s assistant when Uncle Bruno, Sergio, and Mario stepped off the elevator with Gi. She winced, trying to keep her smile as Uncle Bruno put his hand in the middle of her back when he passed by. Sergio smiled politely and Mario stopped to whisper in her ear, as they made their way into Gi’s office.
“Are you okay?” Gi asked, noticing the expression on her face.
“My back’s bruised,” she whispered.
Gi furrowed her brow, then slowly straightened it as images of the previous afternoon filled her head. “How bad is it?”
“Ken noticed a couple of spots.”
Gi rolled her eyes. “What did Mario say to you?” she asked, changing the subject.
“He keeps trying to get me to do with him what I’m doing with you.”
“That fucking weasel!” Gi hissed.
“What?” Uncle Bruno said, turning towards the doorway where Gi and Taren were talking.
“Nothing,” Gi answered, walking into the room and taking a seat in one of the chairs opposite the couch her family was sitting on.
Taren sat in the chair next to her.
“So, we’re officially a week away from the grand opening. How are the new hires working out?” Gi asked, looking at Sergio.
“Great,” he replied.
“Marketing?”
“We have ads running in all of the major entertainment booklets, flyers up at all of the country clubs, and we sent out a press release,” Sergio added.
“I think we’re ready,” Uncle Bruno grinned.
“Now that the fire marshal is off our ass, we should pass the final inspection tomorrow. My assistant sent out the invitations for the VIP party the night before the opening. So far, twenty of them have responded with a plus one, and I think maybe ten will be alone.”
“How many did you send out?” Sergio asked.
“Fifty total, which would put us at a hundred, plus all of us. The capacity is 300, so we’ll be good,” Gi answered. “Mario, get with the catering company to make sure we don’t need to do anything beforehand. The last thing we need is a food issue. Also, I know the supply orders came in a week ago, but what about the order we placed for VIP night?”
“We got the cigars yesterday and the liquor should be in Monday at the latest,” he replied.
“Keep me updated. I’m sure some guests won’t want whiskey, so we need to make sure we get that order.” Gi looked at her notebook. “Sergio, make sure Taren gets the invoices for all of the advertising. She needs to update the budget before she can bring the new establishment live in the system.”
“I’ll get it to you today,” he said in Taren’s direction.
“Thanks,” she nodded.
“Uncle Bruno, make sure everything is polished to a mirrored shine. If that cleaning crew isn’t good enough, get another one in there. Besides that, I think we’re looking good. I’ll be there in the morning to meet Inspector Dickhead. He should be in a good mood after our meeting last week.”
“Sounds good,” Uncle Bruno laughed.
As everyone moved to leave, Mario stepped over to Taren again. Gi watched him wrap his arm around her waist. Taren smiled politely before walking towards her own office.
“Sergio,” Gi called down the hall, waving him back to her.
“Yeah,” he said, telling his dad to go on.
“You better get Mario off Taren and onto something else. If he puts his hands on her again, I’m going to rip his dick off and feed it to him,” she growled.
Sergio shook his head. “He’s young and dumb.”
“That’s not my problem. I agreed to let Uncle Bruno in on my business, but Mario wasn’t part of the deal. My hiring him…that was just me being nice. I don’t feel so nice anymore.”
“I’ll get him in line. Pop doesn’t need to know he’s being stupid.”
Gi shrugged.
“Is there something with you and Taren?”
“I didn’t put that rock on her finger,” Gi replied.
“I know that…but—”
“Taren is an employee. I’ll not have any of my employees sexually harassed. That’s all you need to be concerned about.”
Sergio nodded. “I’ll get it taken care of.”
Gi waited for him to walk away, before stepping into Taren’s office.
“How bad is your back? Let me see it.”
“I’m fine, and sinc
e when are you compassionate? I thought it was just sex.” Taren pinned her with a stare.
“Fine.” Gi threw her hands up. “I can’t get anything right with you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“First, you say nothing personal. Then, I’m too crass. Now, we’re drawing a line in the sand again.” Gi shook her head. “Send up a flare or smoke signal when you want me again,” she huffed.
“Gi…you know it’s not like that.” Taren moved closer, placing her hand on Gi’s cheek. “You and I…we have so much more than history between us.” She shook her head and sighed. “It’s complicated.”
“Anyway, I didn’t mean to put you on the spot. I actually came in here to tell you Mario won’t be propositioning you anymore. And if he does, I want to know about it right away.”
“What did you do?” Taren asked cautiously.
“Nothing.”
“Uh huh,” Taren laughed.
“Lunch today?” Gi winked.
“No.” Taren said. “I have too much to do around here. You know you actually pay me to work here, right?”
“I’ll be busy tomorrow with GR.”
“What about Friday?”
Gi thought for a second, mentally going through her calendar. “Friday works for me. Let’s just meet at the house, say one o’clock?”
“It’s a date.” Taren grinned.
As soon as Gi walked out of the room, Taren flopped down in her desk chair and put her head in her hands. “So much for getting Gi out of your system. Now, you’re planning hook-ups with her,” she said to herself.
***
After dinner, Taren relaxed on the couch in front of the TV. Ken handed her a glass of wine when he walked in, sitting down next to her.
“My mother keeps asking if we’ve set a date.” He smiled, patting her thigh.
“I hadn’t thought much about it,” she said honestly. “My mind has been going in a hundred directions lately.”
“I thought taking this new job would alleviate some of your stress,” he said. “I don’t think you’ve slept a full night in two months.”
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