Love's Masquerade

by Radclyffe

  “I never used to think about the future much before this. Now it seems to be all I think about.”

  “You’ve got to give yourself some time, too.”

  Auden sighed. “I’m trying.”

  “I think you’re doing great. I’m so proud of you.” Gayle made a conscious effort to lighten the conversation. “So, when are you heading up to New York?”

  “The convention officially starts on Friday. Destiny is going to have a booth, and I plan on going up Thursday to make sure everything is in order.”

  “Are you staying with Hays?”

  “Hays isn’t going.”

  “What?”

  Auden shook her head, grinning. “Rune Dyre is going to be there, though.”

  “Oh my God. That’s like—big news.”

  “Believe me, I know. Rune—Hays—announced it on her website three days ago, and the e-mail response has been astonishing. I think a lot of people are coming because she’s going to be there.”

  “You jealous?”

  “A little,” Auden admitted. “I’m not even used to the fact that we’re...together yet, and I’m definitely not ready to share her. Still, her personal appearance is good marketing. She’s going to do a book signing, even though her published books aren’t Palmer’s. But it’s a great opportunity to push the release of Dark Passions, and I think I’ve talked her into doing a reading.”

  “Holy God! If she reads anything from that, you’re going to have to put a bodyguard on your hotel room door.”

  “I suggested that we stay in separate rooms.” Auden looked troubled. “It’s a business trip, and the first time that Rune will be making a public appearance. I just thought it would be better.”

  “Is she okay with that?”

  “I think so. It just seemed better for Rune to be Rune and not confuse the issue.”

  “Who’s confused? Haydon Palmer is this gorgeous young publisher and Rune Dyre is probably the sexiest, most romantic lesbian author on the planet—with the exception of Thane Cutlass, of course—and you’re sleeping with both of them. It’s perfectly clear to me.”

  “That’s kind of how I think of it, too,” Auden agreed, smiling. “Now I need to shower, change, and meet one of them at the office.”

  “Actually, I’ve got an author of my own upstairs who needs some tending.”

  “That’s right. You’re in that ‘can’t get out of bed’ stage, too. You have to tell me all about that next time we get together.” Auden stood, her expression affectionate. “Things okay there, though?”

  “If they were any better, I’d run screaming.” Gayle grinned sheepishly. “She’s too good to be true.”

  “No, she’s just what you deserve. If I don’t catch up with you again in the next few days, I’ll see you in New York.”

  Gayle stood as well and put an arm around her friend’s shoulders. “You can count on it. And until then, don’t do anything except enjoy her.”

  *

  When Gayle let herself into the apartment, Thane was still at the computer. Quietly, Gayle headed for the kitchen and another cup of coffee. She stopped at the sound of the voice behind her.

  “I missed you.”

  Gayle’s heart swelled. Turning, she raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? I thought you were working.”

  “I was. But I was thinking about you.”

  “Oh.” For a moment, Gayle wasn’t certain what to say. She wasn’t exactly sure what the ground rules were, or where the boundaries lay. She adored Thane’s fiction, but it was Teddy she was sleeping with. She wasn’t entirely certain if Thane Cutlass’s writing was part of their new relationship.

  “What?” Thane noted the small line that creased the smooth skin between Gayle’s brows. Worriedly, she asked, “Does it bother you that I was working during our time together?”

  “No, of course not. I think your work is amazing. I’m really happy that you were able to do it here. It’s just...”

  “What?” Thane rose and crossed the room. Leaning close, she rested her hands on Gayle’s hips.

  Gayle sighed and shrugged shyly. “I’m curious.”

  “Ah.” Thane kissed her. “Wanna read it?”

  “Oh, yeah. Big time.” She hesitated. “You sure you don’t mind?”

  “Gayle, babe, I’m a writer. I want everyone to read what I write.” Laughing, Thane took Gayle’s hand and led the way to the computer. Then she sat and patted her lap. “Sit here and have a look.”

  Private Pleasures – Innocence Abounds

  It’s not what you think. I’m innocent. I swear.

  At least, a minute ago, I was. We started out naked together, turning about each other in the warm spray—fighting over who would get the shampoo first. I hadn’t intended anything—really—I just wanted to run my soapy hands over your body, to wash your back. Ten seconds ago, even, I was innocent. Then...I reached around you for the bath gel and our bodies collided.

  Now, maybe I’m not so innocent.

  Thane was very still, her cheek pressed against Gayle’s breast, her eyes closed. She could hear Gayle’s heart beating. In her mind, she saw the words she had written and waited for judgment.

  Absently, Gayle stroked Thane’s arm as she read, settling her hips more comfortably between Thane’s spread legs, one arm around her lover’s shoulder, toying with her hair. With the other hand, she scrolled.

  Our skin touches lightly, belly to belly, thigh to thigh, the silken hair between our legs blending gently in the warm streams of water coursing over our bodies. When I slip my arms around you to reach your back, our breasts meet. My nipples, instantly erect, slide over yours, sending pulsating shocks of pleasure straight down my spine. The flickering contact teases me, starts a tingling between my legs, but the fleeting pressure on the aching tips of my breasts is not hard enough, not long enough, for what I need.

  Gayle’s nipples tightened and the muscles in her thighs clenched. She was very aware of Thane’s mouth a breath away from her skin. She threaded her fingers into Thane’s hair more tightly and unconsciously pressed her breast against her lover’s face.

  I secret a hand between us, find your nipple and squeeze—once, twice—before circling your breasts with my soapy fingers. The soft weight of you in my palm is an invitation to feast. My mouth is watering. Lifting both breasts so the warm cascade rinses the soap away, I bend my head, lick the clear drops from the tight, hard tips, and drink your passion.

  You close your eyes and grasp my hips, pulling me tighter. Moaning, you push a muscled thigh between mine, arching your back as my teeth claim flesh. We reach for one another at the same time; I find your clitoris just as you touch mine. You stroke...

  “I don’t think I can read this with you so close to me,” Gayle said, her voice husky and low. “It’s wonderful, but all I can feel is you.”

  Eyes closed, Thane nuzzled a nipple, found it hard and tight, and sucked on it through the soft, worn flannel. “Too late. Keep going.”

  Struggling to focus, Gayle tried to follow the words.

  You stroke me steadily as I roll the length of you lightly between my thumb and finger. Legs spread, hips pushing slowly forward, our soft sighs mingle. We mirror one another’s movements, speeding up, pressing harder—each bringing the other closer with every stroke, moaning now on trembling legs. I search for your lips, clinging to you, and our mouths meet, tongues joining, sucking hard on swollen lips. I’m so hard now...

  Gayle moaned and fumbled for Thane’s hand, drawing it beneath the waistband of her sweatpants, pushing it between her thighs. “Feel what you’ve done to me.”

  Very lightly, Thane ran a single finger over Gayle’s clitoris. Gayle gave a strangled cry and pressed her own hand over Thane’s. “Oh, don’t stop.”

  With her free hand, Thane opened a button on the flannel shirt, then two, then drew a nipple between her lips. Her mouth to Gayle’s breast, Thane whispered, “Don’t come until the end.”

  I’m circling my hips on your hand—it feels...<
br />
  “So good.”

  ...I can’t bear it. You turn me away from the stream of water, kneeling quickly, both hands opening me for your lips. I’m so full, so hard, so close to exploding—so ready to come. Your tongue presses into me, warm and sweet...

  “Oh, yes, right there. Yes. That’s so good.”

  ...pulling the pleasure from me on a flood of arousal. My back is against the shower wall as you lean into me, sweeping your tongue up the length of my clitoris...

  “I’ll come if you keep touching me there.”

  ...making my head light and my stomach twist. I can feel you moving against my leg, wet and hard, and you make me want...

  “Oh baby, I want...”

  ...to come. You are rocking against me as you suck me now, both of us moaning.

  “I’m so close, so close now.”

  Your fingers are inside me, your lips tugging at my clitoris...

  “I need to come. I need...”

  ...your tongue working me back and forth. I’m going to come soon. I won’t come until you say—but oh, God—I need to. Tell me when I can come, tell me when...

  “I’m coming...coming...”

  ...soon, soon, please tell me, tell me, tell me...

  “Oh God, Teddy...please, hold me.”

  “I’m right here. I won’t let go.”

  Gayle clung to Thane, pressed her face to Thane’s neck, trembling and shivering. “Oh, Jesus. I can’t believe you.”

  “What?” Thane whispered, smoothing Gayle’s hair, kissing her temple gently. “What, babe?”

  “Everything,” Gayle said with a sigh, overcome with the pleasant torpor. “You are so fucking talented, and so beautiful, and so...good.”

  “I guess you liked it, huh?” Thane chuckled, supremely satisfied.

  “Nah, not really.” Gayle bit Thane’s ear weakly. “But I would like to try reenacting that shower scene.”

  “Now there’s an idea.”

  “Is that by any chance what you had in mind when you let me read that?” Gayle met Thane’s gaze and arched a brow. “Hmm?”

  “Who, me?” Thane smiled, her eyes dancing. “No way. I’m innocent.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Hays woke early even though they hadn’t set the alarm. It was a little before seven, Friday morning. She gently fondled Auden’s hair, letting the silken strands slide slowly through her fingers. She thought, as she lay in the utter stillness, feeling Auden’s heart beat against her chest and sensing her own answering rhythm, that this might be the finest moment of her life. When a breath of warmth against her neck became a kiss, she knew that the woman curled in her arms was awake.

  “Good morning.”

  “Mmm,” Auden sighed, stretching indolently, nestling closer to Hays. “God, you feel incredible.”

  “Yeah, I do.” Smiling, Hays turned her head on the pillow and kissed the corner of Auden’s mouth. She smiled again when Auden gave a small, satisfied moan. Steadfastly, Hays ignored the faint pounding behind her eyes. Headache. It had been lingering just beyond the edges of her awareness for several days. It hadn’t made itself completely known until last night. She’d felt it first when they’d reached the hotel after a full day at work and the usual aggravating drive to New York City. When they’d made love, the pleasure had nearly been eclipsed by the escalating pain deep in her skull—almost, but not quite. Nothing could obliterate the joy of being with Auden.

  “You ready for today?” Auden shifted until she was lying on top of Hays, her head propped on one hand, one leg between Hays’s. The room was brightening quickly. Hays looked so beautiful, with her dark hair framing her face and a smile lifting one corner of her wide, full mouth. As always happened when Auden looked at her lover, her heart gave a small jump.

  “Sure,” Hays replied. “I can handle two hours of social interaction.”

  “It’ll be more than two hours,” Auden pointed out. She ran her finger along the edge of Hays’s jaw, then tapped her chin affectionately. “An hour signing this morning, then one this afternoon. And you’re not going to be able to just disappear in between. Rune is popular. She has devoted fans. They want to meet her.”

  “Anything anyone needs to know about me is right there in my books,” Hays insisted. “You know—art for art’s sake, uncontaminated by the artist’s presence.”

  “That’s a point we could argue forever. Art historians certainly would disagree, I imagine.” Auden leaned down and kissed the small frown on the enticing lips. “But I can tell you this. Public appearances are appreciated by readers, and it’s a way of saying thank you to them for their support.”

  “Yeah, I know that,” Hays grumbled good-naturedly. “Which is the real reason I agreed to come. Other than it makes Liz happy, and she’s so hard to deal with when she’s cranky.”

  Auden laughed. “Well, yes. We can’t ignore the fact that it helps sales.”

  “At least I’m sharing a table with Thane. She can entertain everyone.”

  “She is unbelievably charming,” Auden agreed.

  “Hey—watch it.”

  “Ah,” Auden crooned, fitting herself still closer to the curves and planes of Hays’s body. “You have nothing to worry about. Ever.”

  Hays caught the back of Auden’s head in her hand and pulled her down, kissing her with unexpected fierceness. She slid her other hand to the hollow at the base of Auden’s spine, holding her firmly as she pressed her leg more tightly between Auden’s thighs. Auden moaned softly and Hays felt herself grow hard against Auden’s skin. As they explored one another’s mouths, small teasing touches became hungry thrusts, and Hays’s desire stirred urgently. Along with the rising arousal, her headache unexpectedly ratcheted up a notch, and she bit back a gasp of surprise.

  “You make me so excited so quickly,” Auden murmured when Hays broke the kiss. She rocked her hips, her lids heavy with desire. “Do we have time?”

  “Time enough.” Hays read the need in her lover’s eyes. No amount of discomfort could distract her from this moment. Auden was wet against her leg and breathing heavily, hips rolling insistently. “I love how you get—so passionate, so ready.”

  “You...” Auden arched her back, moving in short hard jerks now. “You do this...to me.” She gave a small cry and grew still, her body rigid. “I have to stop. It’s...too much.”

  “No, keep going.” Hays’s voice was hoarse, her vision wavering with the pain. “I want to see you come.”

  Auden bit her lip, her stomach muscles quivering as she fought the need to orgasm. “It’s all right?”

  “It’s wonderful.” Hays brought her hands to Auden’s breasts, cradling them as she grasped her nipples. “Just watch my face. See how you please me.”

  Auden braced herself with her hands on either side of Hays’ shoulders and stared into the gold- and silver-shot depths of her lover’s eyes. She wasn’t aware of moving, of moaning, of twisting beneath the tormenting fingers that drove her ever higher. All she knew was Hays—her tenderness, her patience, her passion. The steady pressure on her nipples merged with the pounding pulse of blood between her thighs and the first ripples of orgasm whispered along her spine. “Oh!”

  “Yes.” Hays’s heart beat frantically and she was faintly dizzy, but all she cared about was the beauty of watching Auden approach her climax. I love you.

  In the final instant as her muscles clenched, then shattered, Auden closed her eyes, the image of Hays’s face, alight with love, emblazed on her soul. Still coming, she collapsed into Hays’s waiting arms and held on tightly.

  “Thank you,” Hays murmured, treasuring the gift.

  “I feel...” Auden struggled to catch her breath and tried again. “I feel a little selfish.”

  Hays pushed the damp hair back from Auden’s face and kissed her. “Oh, no, darling. You’ve given me something so special.” She drew a long breath, pulling Auden even closer. “You’ve given me your trust.”

  “I love you, Hays. I’d give you anything.”
Auden slid a hand down Hays’s belly, but Hays stopped her with a gentle grip on her wrist. Auden tensed at the unexpected restraint. “What?”

  “Can I take a rain check?” The headache had turned brutal, and Hays knew the nausea was coming next.

  Auden half sat up, her expression questioning. “Yeah?”

  “I’m a tiny bit preoccupied.” Hays managed a grin. “Thinking about the convention.”

  “Ah. Rune’s debut.” Auden laughed and stroked Hays’s face. “Sure. I’ll collect from you tonight.” She leaned over, kissed Hays’s breast once, then bounded from bed. “Let’s shower and get dressed, and I’ll treat you to breakfast.”

  Hays nodded. “You go ahead. I’ll be right there.”

  When Auden disappeared into the bathroom, Hays switched on the bedside light and sat on the edge of the bed. She examined her arms and looked down at her thighs, her heart plummeting. There were bruises where Auden had pressed her hands when they’d made love the night before. Bruises that shouldn’t be there, not so soon. Oh, sweet Auden. I am so sorry.

  *

  “Here’s my card,” Auden said to the middle-aged woman in the windbreaker and jeans. “It sounds like a great story line. Send me the manuscript when you have it ready, and I’d be happy to take a look at it.”

  “Great. Thanks!”

  As the woman turned away, Gayle edged through the small group of people until she reached Auden’s side. “Hey. How’s it going?”

  “Terrific. This is so much fun. I’ve been talking to writers, other publishers, artists, and of course, readers. It’s amazing.” Auden took in her best friend at a glance. As usual, Gayle looked hot in skin-tight hip-hugger jeans and a painted-on black top that stopped somewhere in the vicinity of her navel. When she stretched, Auden glimpsed a hint of gold against her slightly darker skin. “Hey,” she said, lifting the bottom edge of Gayle’s top. “What have we here?”